Fuel

On a recent afternoon stop at Fuel, I watched a carrot meet a grisly end. About to fulfill its destiny as an ingredient in one of the brand-new café's superb smoothies ($3.35 to $3.95), the carrot was dropped into a loud, evil-sounding juicer, and all that came out the other end was a few tablespoons of orange fluid. I've never felt so bad for a vegetable.

Recently opened in the Kenmore Square spot once occupied by Li'l Peach, then by Mort's Coffehouse, Fuel is a trendy-looking neighborhood joint with a collection of chessboards, comfy couches, and books. The sandwiches and wraps ($4.95 to $5.95) are good, with fillings varying from smoked turkey to egg salad, but the best reason to fuel up here is the range of excellent beverages and baked goods. The bagels, muffins, and scones (.95 to $1.50) are crispy on the outside and soft, even gooey, inside. (My favorite was the cinnamon scone.) The mochaccino ($2.43) was a perfect blend of coffee and mocha, and while I've never been a big fan of smoothies, I enjoyed Fuel's fruit and dessert varieties. Try the "Holy Cow!" with an almond add-in.

Fuel, 636 Beacon Street (in Kenmore Square), is open daily from 7 a.m. to midnight. Call 266-0011.

-- Theresa Regli