Short orders

How people develop and refine their habits is anyone's guess. But after a while, we all become predictable, standing in the same spot on the train each morning (doorway), making coffee the moment we get to work (8:50 a.m.), and rotating the same handful of lunch take out spots. Here's a place to add to the mix: New Saigon Sandwich, where you'll discover that the boxes of three fat fresh shrimp spring rolls are only $3, and combined with a milky bubble tea ($2.50), it's a cheap, filling meal. Over time, this, too, will become a habit. You'll finish the bubble tea before you get back to the office, develop a technique for extracting the tapioca pearls from the bottom of the cup, then eat the spring rolls, clean up, and start the countdown to the end of the day. Pretty pathetic, but at least the food's good. New Saigon Sandwich, 696 Washington St., 617-542-6296. -- LEIGH BELANGER

At West on Centre, there is no beef in the burger, but there is cheese. The dish is a thick patty of ground lamb stuffed with creamy goat cheese, a combination of full flavors, and a clever way to keep the meat moist. Sandwiched between halves of a light brioche roll and served with crisp hand-cut fries, this stuffed lamb burger ($10) is best with simple accompaniments: a beer and a ball game. West on Centre, 1732 Centre St., West Roxbury, 617-323-4199. -- JILL SANTOPIETRO

The Wenham Tea House has been offering tea and lunch since the late 19th century, and was a little the worse for wear. Emma Roberts, owner of Capers Catering and a Wenham resident, took over the restaurant operations in the spring. Seeking to find a balance between tradition and modern tastes, Roberts introduced a new menu that includes a cheese souffle ($14.75). It's made with an assertive aged Vermont cheddar, with a little bite of Parmesan. When it arrives at the table, it isn't super pouffed. On the side is a ham and mustard scone sandwich, and a house slaw made from julienned carrots and Granny Smith apples. You can also buy souffles to go in china ramekins (two for $13.50). On a good day, you could have a souffle for lunch in the tea room, another for dinner in your own kitchen. The Exchange at Wenham Tea House, 4 Monument St., Wenham; 978-468-1398, or go to wenhamteahouse.com. -- LISE STERN

Basic black just hit the produce stands. Black Velvet apricots are perfectly round and uniform, with orange flesh, a velvety black skin, and a touch of fuzziness (this was described in the original 1989 patent as "typical apricot pubescence"). Neither acidic, like plums sometimes are, nor cloying, like some apricots, Black Velvets are delectable and intensely appealing. These sensual beauties (about $1 each) are grown by Kingsburg Orchards in California. Be prepared to eat more than one at a time, even with this price tag. Available at Donelan's Supermarkets and Whole Foods Markets. -- RACHEL TRAVERS