Massachusetts Department of Revenue
"It's okay to hold the mayonnaise or mustard but not the meals tax," warned the DOR when temporarily closing down that Boston landmark and gastronomic nightmare, Buzzy's Fabulous Roast Beef. Who said bureaucrats don't have a sense of humor?
Davio's Riviera Cafe at the Royal Sonesta Hotel
A spectacular view of the Charles River and the Boston skyline, free appetizers during the week from 5 to 6:30 p.m., and live reggae on Thursday evenings. 5 Cambridge Parkway, Cambridge, MA .
La Española Restaurant
Dominican food, made by Cubans. Also wins best refugee hangout award, edging out the Rendezvous (Vietnamese) in Cambridge and Bangkok Cuisine (Thai) in Boston. 405 Center St., Jamaica Plain, MA .
Northwest Orient
On those rare occasions when the line isn't on strike, the Boston-Minneapolis run may feature shrimp salad, filet mignon, and a complimentary split of Mateus. MA
Gyuhama of Japan
This subterranean oasis is the only place in Boston that satisfies our craving for great sushi as well as our need for a real Tokyo sushi bar. 827 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Polkadog Bakery
Your dogs and cats will go crazy — or might even sit still — for the dried, locally caught cod skins, chicken jerky, and many other delicacies from Polkadog. It makes sense, when you consider the treats are handmade in small batches right here in Boston from locally sourced ingredients. Multiple locations. polkadog.com.
Chickadee
How a swish Mediterranean-inspired restaurant ended up with the best fried chicken in Boston is a mystery to solve later. For now, we’re too fixated on the ultra-crunchy, golden-brown skin and moist, piping-hot meat, as well as the refined spins on cookout sides: say, scoops of mashed celeriac-walnut skordalia. 21 Drydock Ave., Seaport, MA 02210, chickadeerestaurant.com.
Papercuts J.P.
Browsing in this shop feels less like shopping and more like snooping though a stylish friend’s library—if said friend happened to stock the city’s best collection of art monographs, emerging authors, and stories penned by kids at 826 Boston, that is. 5 Green St., Boston, MA 02130, papercutsjp.com.
Rimowa
Made of aluminum or lightweight poly-carbonate, the stylish suitcases from this German luggage maker, which opened its first shop in Boston last year, are built to stand up to turbulence, tight connections, and the TSA—and look good while doing it. 12 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, rimowa.com.
J.P. Licks
It seems too creamy, too thick, and too rich to be fat-free—but somehow J.P.'s does it. Its chocolate-chip-cookie yogurt is even better than licking mom's batter off the spoon. It's no wonder this chain flourishes throughout the Boston area. 353 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Cafe Promenade at the Colonnade Hotel
How is it that this sparkling little dining room goes virtually unnoticed by the native population? The menu is remarkably inventive (the spinach salad with warm duck confit is terrific) and the presentation is impeccable. Not to mention the prices, which make this the best hotel lunch bargain in Boston. 120 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA .
Rosexpress
Romance is available at your very fingertips. Just call Rosexpress, a new outfit that delivers a dozen roses, with superlong stems and huge blossoms, anywhere in downtown Boston for only $29.99. Warning: the price goes up on Valentine's Day, but it's still less than the extortion that takes place at other shops around town. 125 B St., Boston, MA .
Oishii
Bragging rights for best sushi in the western suburbs (or all of the greater Boston area, for that matter) may just have to be laid permanently at this tiny spot. Tender, delicate hamachi, hard-to-find otoro (fatty tuna belly), and succulent eel are just a few of the ingredients the sushi chefs here craft into an unforgettable experience. 612 Hammond St., Chestnut Hill, MA oishiiboston.com.
Rubyhorse
Rubyhorse's recent album Rise does not "sparkle" like their single, but it's to catch these Irish rockers (who are Cork-to-Boston transplants) in the act. The band, which jammed on Conan O'Brien's show in the spring, tears up the stage with high-stamina riffs that would wear out the Energizer Bunny.
Keith Lockhart
The new 35-year-old conductor of the Boston Pops has entered the stage on in-line skates and at another time seated on an elephant. He has also jumped out of a birthday cake and appeared before his audience suspended in a space suit over the orchestra. What's next?