Vic B. asks: Where can I get a dog-shaped pan to make a dog-shaped cake?

Dear Vic B.: You don't specify what kind of dog, so I surmise it's for some other reason than the obvious--a doggie birthday party. Because if it were, wouldn't you want a specific breed? If you had a party for a miniature poodle, for example, you couldn't use a pan for a mastiff, because the cake might eat the birthday dog.

When my friend Mike Epstein (@mikepstein) heard a vague rumor about dim sum being served at Aqueduct Racetrack, rather than guffaw he grabbed 10 friends this past Saturday and headed out on the A train. [Update: Epstein's rumor came from Aaron Sugiura (@aaronaaron123) -- credit where credit is due!]

Hot cross bun at Amy's Bread

Dear Howard F.: Hot cross buns are an English pastry associated with Good Friday. Actually, some are like bread rolls, while others are more like muffins or even cupcakes in texture and taste. What they have in common is candied fruit inside, and a plus sign (+) of white powdered-sugar frosting on top. Additionally, many are flavored with cinnamom, making them a cousin of Cinnabon.

Tanya T asks: I'm just hearing about Brooklyn restaurant week. Can you give me some recommendations maybe a little off the beaten track that won't be mobbed?

Loop_oh/Flickr

When you need kosher and gourmet

Dear Rachel: New York City offers several kosher restaurants, plus a great selection of vegetarian eateries that would also fit the bill. Here are some spots to check out.

Colin F. asks: I'm a fan of hot Italian heros, those big sloppy sandwiches with meatballs, sausages, and veal cutlets in them topped with melted cheese. But I've been wondering for a long time, what happened to the parmesan cheese? They're all called "parm," right? But all they have is mozzarella. What happened to the "parm" part?

Rusty Sheriff/Flickr

Sing for your supper!

Dear Rebecca: Karaoke and good food always make for an entertaining time, though most of the karaoke spots that I've been to have less than stellar food, if they serve grub at all. But New York abounds with karaoke spots, many of which have great restaurants nearby that make for good birthday celebration spots.

Taco trucks serving fundamental southern Mexican antojitos have thankfully become commonplace in neighborhoods like the East Village, Williamsburg, and Chelsea, fulfilling a need for cheap, nutritious, and delicious meals and snacks. But which dish to pick? Herewith, Fork in the Road's appraisal -- after a year of eating in these trucks -- of which is the best value. Our current favorite vendors are the two El Idolo trucks, one at Eighth Avenue and West 14th Street, the other on Sixth Avenue south of Waverly.

Samantha G. asks: Hey! I love northern Chinese food. I grew up with a wonderful northern/Cantonese dim-sum-style restaurant in Rockville, Maryland. I was wondering if there is anything similar in NYC? Thanks!

Ssalonso/Flickr

Dear Sharon: I had actually been under the same impression, but the law is a little bit more complicated than that. It doesn't pertain to whether the restaurant serves food or not, but it's based on the eatery's overall seating capacity.