For 10 years, Kennedy Rosario saved money from his job at a Washington Heights bakery to start one himself. Finally he got that chance and he has opened Rosario Respoteria Pizza on Ogden Avenue in Highbridge.

So far, people are raving at Rosario's wide selection of delicious treats, with his cheesecakes winning particularly fond attention. Rosario makes it all fresh in the ovens at his bakery at 967 Ogden Avenue, from cherry and apple turnovers to cupcakes to Dominican cakes to, of course, bread.

"I noticed in this area, there is no bakery here," Rosario said one recent weekday afternoon. "And people wanted a bakery. Everybody's happy for this."

Amarilis Ortiz agreed.

"It's important for this area," she said as she picked up a cookie. "And the taste is very good."

Deborah West works just up the street from the new bakery and said she has become a regular.

"I enjoy the cheesecake - it's always fresh," West said. "I look forward to the cheesecake."

Rosario also prepares sandwiches and fresh coffee. The bakery is open daily 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.