Willow Jazz Club
Known to jazz addicts simply as the Willow, this club is inelegant, tiny, and out-of-the-way, yet accessible to big- and small-name musicians alike. jazz was born in dumps like this one, and it still seems to love to hang out here. 699 Broadway, Somerville, MA .
Lynda Connolly
Without her, Secretary of Space Michael J. Connolly would be an even bigger joke than he is. "I've heard of separate beds," said one panelist, "but separate planets?"
Jasper's
You may not think it's a seafood restaurant, but about 75 percent of the menu items come from the sea. Furthermore, the quality is unbeatable and no one prepares it better than Jasper White. 240 Commercial Street, Boston, MA .
Division Sixteen
Also one of the best food bargains in town. 955 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Foodie's Urban Market
One-stop shopping (truffle oil, seaweed) for your dinner party. 1421 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118-2009, foodies-urban-market.com.
Louis
One of the largest selections of fine fabrics and tasteful, but stylish garments to be found anywhere. 470 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Bigelow
For those with a serious green thumb and those who wish to acquire one. Northborough, MA
George Gendron, <em>Inc.</em> magazine
His publication is one of the national-magazine success stories of the decade.
Tatsukichi-Boston
One of the best arguments for waterfront gentrification we've come across. 189 State St., Boston, MA .
Bloomingdale's
Good source of designer anythings, and one of the first greater Boston stores to hire a personal shopper for men. Chestnut Hill Mall, Chestnut Hill, MA .
Another Cheers bar
Which isn't stopping Bull & Finch Pub owner Tom Kershaw from opening one in Faneuil Hall Marketplace.
WCVB
WCVB-TV, Channel 5's Chronicle turned 20, the (and one of the last remaining) quality news magazine that is locally produced.
Callahan's
Huge crowds, huge steaks. Huge drinks, too, to sustain one through the wait. 100 Needham St., Newton, MA .
Felicia McCarren and David Vanderburgh in Lisa McMahon's Two and One at Radcliffe. Simply moving.