Best of Boston 2009

SINGULAR SENSATIONS

DESTINATION FOR A SUNDAY BACCHANAL: STELLA

Brunch here means towering bloody marys and impudently strong mimosas, which, when paired with the thumping playlist, can turn early birds into party animals. 1525 Washington St., Boston, 617-247-7747, bostonstella.com.

PLACE TO FORGET YOU’RE AN UPTIGHT YANKEE: HUNGRY MOTHER

Nothing knocks the starch out of a New Englander like boiled Virginia peanuts, grits with ham and cheese, and—ah, yes—16-year-old bourbon. 233 Cardinal Medeiros Ave., Cambridge, 617-499-0090, hungrymothercambridge.com.

REASON TO SPILL ON THAT OUTFIT YOU NEVER LIKED ANYWAY: PERSEPHONE

Dribbling during dinner provides the perfect excuse to troll the designer threads (tops by Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair, dresses by McQ) at in-house boutique Achilles. 283 Summer St., Boston, 617-695-2257, achilles-project.com.

PIT STOP FOR VEGAN FOOD WITH ATTITUDE: RAWBERT’S ORGANIC CAFE

This cozy eatery is worth the drive for flavor-packed nacho platters, portobello-and-walnut "meetballs," and raw apple and pecan pies (you’ll never miss the oven). 294 Cabot St., Beverly, 978-922-0004, organicgardencafe.com.

URBAN STAND-IN FOR A COUNTRY STORE: CITY FEED & SUPPLY

At the flagship of this farmstand/gourmet grocery, load up on homey staples like cardamom-ginger gelato and organic ramps while listening to the locals jawboning over fair-trade French roast. 672 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-524-1700, cityfeedandsupply.com.

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