Boston - June 20, 2007

Snap, Crackle, Popover

Ula Cafe Opens

Walk a block in this town, and you’ll trip over a doughnut. But when it comes to popovers — those air-filled, puffy muffins — Boston’s just a big, glazed hole.

Until, that is, you waddle over to the newly opened Ula Cafe at The Brewery in Jamaica Plain.

The smart little spot inside the former Haffenreffer Brewery has kept some of the original industrial vibe, with steel I beams painted red and exposed brick walls, but still feels cozy with wooden banquettes and stunning works by local photographers on display.

Besides popovers, the cafe serves up healthy sandwiches and baked goodies. And they use local ingredients, like tofu made by fellow Brewery resident 21st Century Foods, MEM loose leaf teas from Somerville, and coffee from Rhode Island’s New Harvest Coffee Roasters, whenever available.

There’s also outdoor seating, but get there early to snag a seat — along with one of those popovers. They’re baked fresh each morning, and once they’re gone, that’s it.

Just one more of life’s little sureties: You snooze, you lose.

Ula Cafe, 284 Amory Street, Jamaica Plain (617-524-7890 or ulacafe.com).