The owners of Manan Bakery might be Armenian, but the exotic (and familiar) treats at this small west-side shop come from all over the world: French pastries and breads, traditional American cakes and several variations of Mediterranean baklava, just to name a few. Try something new and reap the rewards.

That’s what I did, and it’s called chaabiet. For someone who grew up eating ultra-rich, super-sweet slabs of grandma’s baklava, this phyllo-encrusted dessert was a welcome alternative. A thin strip of custard cream with a slight almond essence is enclosed in multiple layers of phyllo, including a mound of toasty phyllo shreds. It’s topped with some chopped pistachios and served warm. Odd and indulgent, it left a serious impression.

Manan Bakery 6620 W. Flamingo Road #4, 733-4000. Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.