WHDH
WHDH-TV, Channel 7, whose Jeff Derderian was slapped in the face on camera by an alleged sex offender's girlfriend while he was trying to interview her, and whose Mike Macklin—once reportedly charged with assault in an incident involving his girlfriend (the charges were later dropped)—was told on camera by an alleged priest sex victim: "We all have our problems."
Tom Menino
"Most of those homicides were inside buildings."—Tom Menino finding the silver lining in the rise in Boston's murder rate. "I did those two years when I was very young, very young."—Menino inexplicably defending in term in junior college. "Our intelligent unit is working with federal officials."—Menino showing concern about potential terrorist attacks in Boston.
AMC Theatres Fenway 13
Big screens, sharp sound, stadium seating. The AMC Fenway, once again, gets top billing. And here's why: We like our popcorn popping out of its box in Sony Dynamic Digital Sound. We prefer to recline way back in club-car-like seats. And we insist on plenty of parking. Hollywood cinema may lack substance, but at least you can treat yourself to star service in the theater. 401 Park Dr., Boston, MA fandango.com/regalfenwaystadium1326rpx_aaovd/theaterpage.
Cru
Our favorite time of day to plant ourselves at Cru’s breezy dockside bar is during that sweet spot of around 2 or 3 in the afternoon. After a hot day on the sand, that’s the perfect time to cool off with a Cru-cumber (its famous cucumber martini) and, when hunger strikes — as it always does — the best lobster roll around, served buttery hot or refreshingly cold. One Straight Wharf, Nantucket, MA 02554, crunantucket.com.
Wheel Happy
Not to be punny, but we’re wheelie happy this consistently lauded bike shop is there for all of our two-wheeled needs. A full-service retail, rental, and repair operation, it showcases brands like Liv (specifically designed for women) and Brooklyn Bicycle Co. (specifically designed for hipsters), all in tip-top shape. Rentals include a helmet, lock, basket, and map — which comes in handy after the staffers tell you all about their favorite places to bike on the island. 8 S. Water St., Edgartown, MA 02539, wheelhappybicycles.com.
Beacon Hill Instant Shoe Repair
A Ukrainian immigrant who picked up the trade from his father, a cobbler in Odessa, Vadim Kotlyar knows his way around a pair of shoes — as evidenced by the work he did on our favorite pair of boots, brought back to life with a new heel and a lot of love. Bonus points for the lightning-fast turnaround (a few days for most jobs). 126 Bowdoin St., Boston, MA 02108, beaconhillshoerepair.com.
Harvard Book Store
It’s easy to lose track of time among the stacks and carefully arranged displays at this Cambridge classic, where paper- backs and hardcovers covering everything from travel to true crime entice at every turn. And now, thanks to an assist from new part-owner John Henry — who began investing in the shop late last year — the store’s next chapter will include renovations and a website revamp for easier browsing. That’s a win in our book. 1256 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, harvard.com.
Myers + Chang
The secret to Myers + Chang’s extended reign of relevancy is its unflappable execution. Among the topline findings of our 14-year investigation: The pork dumplings’ flat-side burnish comes out mahogany-dark; tea-perfumed ribs arrive sporkably tender; and wok-charred carrots show up lubed to the nines with pudding-like blobs of salty miso butter. Every. Damn. Time. 1145 Washington St., South End, MA 02118, myersandchang.com.
Mike's Pastry
You can spot Mike’s signature string-wrapped cannoli boxes in the hands of practically every tourist, and that’s exactly why some of our crabbier natives don’t give the place its rightful due. Honestly, though, the cannolis deserve all of the attention they get, with a crackly-crunchy shell overstuffed with dense, sweet-and-cheesy ricotta. Just one bite reminds us why out-of-towners — and yes, plenty of locals, too — will always line up for them on Hanover Street. Multiple locations, mikespastry.com.
Bodega
This Best of Boston Hall of Famer clearly wears the crown for cool streetwear and footwear, but with the opening of its Los Angeles sibling this past year, the brand’s influence has officially gone bicoastal. The new Bodega may draw in A-listers such as Jamie Foxx, Maya Rudolph, and Cameron Diaz, but thankfully, the buzziest lifestyle launches from Adidas, Nike, and Karhu are still happening right here in our own backyard. 6 Clearway St., Boston, MA bdgastore.com.
Jean Therapy
Its stock of denim is unrivaled: 7 for All Mankind, Kasil, 1921, we could go on—and on—but we don't want to turn the rest of this write-up into a laundry list. Suffice it to say Jean Therapy has a fit for every man, with honest opinions about what he's lacking (in our case, a butt) and how best to deal with it. The only other place where the art of accentuating the positive is so consistently taught is the shrink's office. 524 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, jean-therapy.com.
Henry Bear's Park
The best toy stores have irresistible playthings and eye-popping colors, which is why Henry Bear's Park in Cambridge is our winner. From dress-up dolls to Go Fish!, this educational outlet has an impressive slew of books including ones by local authors who pop in for the Saturday morning reading series. Toys include blocks and stuffed animals for infants and outdoor games and science kits for toddlers and big kids up to age 12. 361 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA henrybear.com.
Kelly Nezat
After Kelly worked his magic, we felt more like we'd had a session of physical therapy than a massage. Using a technique called Strain/Counterstrain, he gently unknotted the rock collection in our shoulders. A doctoral candidate interning at Beth Israel's Mind-Body Medical Institute, Kelly knows his anatomy. 28 Arlington St., Boston, MA .
Rachel Klein, Om
Any chef who can transform a Harvard Square music store into a destination for cutting-edge cuisine is really cooking. (Forgive uswe had to write more than 300 of these things.) Oms Rachel F. Klein, who arrived this winter from New York via Providence, rejects the usual steak and salmon for fresh, inventive dishes that are both conventional and pleasing to the palate. Our favorite, if we have to pick just one: the Okinawa squashstuffed ravioli served with wood-grilled olives in a spicy Thai broth. 92 Winthrop St., Cambridge, MA 2155, omrestaurant.com.
The Upper Crust
With toppings this terrific, it's hard to limit yourself to just one slice. The Slightly Pesto—white pizza splashed with pesto, garlic, and diced tomatoes—is our fave, but thin, chewy crusts beneath fresh ingredients such as seafood or Italian sausage, and local monikers like the MGH (spinach, broccoli, and feta), make any slice at the Upper Crust a cut above. 20 Charles St., Boston, MA theuppercrustpizzeria.com.