The Studio
Formerly the Nail Studio, this salon has an intimate atmosphere and good-quality service, giving owner Tom Green a devoted clientele. Try the hot protein treatment. 164 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
The Sweet Life Café
Once you and your sweetheart have strolled the beach and sailed at sunset, your next romantic rendezvous should be dinner at the Sweet Life Café. This upscale eatery serves fresh fare such as chévre ravioli in curry sauce and roasted halibut with eggplant purée. Don't miss dessert—the blueberry— brown butter tart is divine—in the candlelit garden. 63 Circuit Ave., Oak Bluffs, MA sweetlifemv.com.
Sekali
You have to act fast to catch Sekali: The immensely popular pop-up tends to sell out quickly, thanks to its flavor-packed lineup of Malaysian cuisine, a rarity in Boston. The menu’s always changing, but watch for dishes like pulut panggang (glutinous rice wrapped in a banana leaf, grilled, and stuffed with savory mixes such as rendang, pork floss, and braised anchovies) and jars of sweet kaya jam, courtesy of chef Derrick Teh, a Pagu and Momi Nonmi alum who hails from Borneo. sekali.boston.
Rebecca's Bakery
The perfect brownie is the simplest of pleasures. Chocolate frosting, chocolate chips, walnuts, and so forth are wonderful and delicious additions, but brownie heaven is found in that space between fudge and cake. There should be a firm, even crunchy surface and a chewy-chocolate inside. Rebecca's Bakery (not to be confused with Rebecca's Cafe) has the rich brownie nailed, unadorned and unaided. 70 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Onyva
This Newbury newcomer offers an innovative membership plan that includes one de-matting treatment to start and then two deep cleanings and unlimited brush-and-go quick visits, nail trimmings, and teeth cleanings every month. 171 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, onyvadogspa.com.
The Artists Foundation
Director Dan Corrigan does a great job. 110 Broad St., Boston, MA .
The two statues of former mayor James Michael Curley in Dock Square, near Quincy Market. Brilliant touch.
Paul Tucker, professor, University of Massachusetts, Boston
The Jerry McGuire of the local arts scene, Tucker has been showing us the Monet for the last decade, organizing three spectacular exhibitions for the Museum of Fine Arts—and radically enhancing our appreciation of Boston's favorite French Impressionist. Tucker is also an inspiring teacher.
Anything by Blue Potato Installations, a window-display company owned and operated by Kristin Lauer
Lauer picks through junkyards to create the thought-provoking , often humorous window displays at Jasmine and Sola, in Harvard Square, and at North Beach Leather in Copley Place (among other stores). She gets an E for effort and an A for adventurousness.
The Kendall Band chimes
You make the music, and it makes waiting for the train a harmonious experience. Kendall Square T Station, Cambridge, MA .
Olio
Yes, the industrial-chic look is still in—and no one nails the aesthetic better than Olio, an early-20th-century theater turned 6,000-square-foot event space. 43 Main St., Peabody, MA 01960, oliopeabody.com.
Danuta Rak, Bella Santé
Call her the nail whisperer: Having notched 20 years on Newbury, Rak can tame even the scraggliest, most ill-behaved digits into a groomed and gleaming set. 38 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Hamill Gallery of African Art
This is the place to go for sculptures, masks, textiles, beadwork and jewelry. The prices can be high, but layways are accepted. 2164 Washington Street, Roxbury, MA .
The Frank Stella lectures at Harvard
Stella served as a reminder that art is made by artists.
The Artists Foundation
Creative programs and financial support. 110 Broad St., Boston, MA .