Gin Soon Chu
Boston's best-kept secret works on Tremont Street in Chinatown. His name is Gin Soon Chu, but he is known in the area only as sifu (teacher). Sifu is one of two living disciples of the Yang Tai Chi line. Martial artists from all over the world come here to study with the grand master, who is said to be wiser than an owl and stronger than a bear. 324 Tremont St., Boston, MA .
Nick Penna Jr., Salon Capri
One part science, five parts high art, hair coloring is a sensitive subject to most women. And while a good color job looks as if it happened naturally, few (if any) natural heads of hair are as richly colored and perfectly flattering as those doctored up by Nick Penna Jr. Young, laid-back, and highly decorated for his styling prowess, Penna highlights and infuses tresses with subtly natural yet lustrous shades of color. Just ask any of his devoted clients—that is, if you can get them to tell. 31 Lincoln St., Newton, MA saloncapri.com.
Grettacole
Beauty may be only skin deep, but the relaxing effect of a day at Grettacole goes so much deeper. A true spa-goer's spa, Grettacole is staffed by an army of masseuses, aestheticians, and nail technicians—every last one a perfectionist—who can fix a nail as perfectly as they can clean your pores or buff your skin to a high shine. The spa offers not only top-of-the-line services, but also excellent salon and spa products from Kérastase, Bumble & bumble, and Trish McEvoy. 95 Central St., Wellesley, MA grettacole.com.
Johnny's Luncheonette
Long a local favorite, brunch at Johnny's is worth the wait on the weekends—especially with kids in tow. The boisterous atmosphere, child-friendly menu, and vibrant retro décor would be worth a stop even without the incredible food. Our favorites: the outstanding crunchy French toast, generously sized omelets, and Johnny's porridge, a creamy concoction topped with dried cranberries. Prompt service—and, if you still have room, the frappes—ensure that no one leaves unsatisfied. 30 Langley Rd., Newton Centre, MA johnnysluncheonette.com.
Euro Design Jewelry
Does anyone care about workmanship anymore? The congenial Russian husband and wife who own Euro Design do, and it shows in the intricate, graceful jewelry they create. They preside over a cadre of cases gleaming with ethereal diamond bracelets and ruby necklaces so delicate they seem to float on the neck. Much of the jewelry—designed and crafted on the premises—is custom-made for clients, so if that one perfect, lustrous pearl brooch wrapped in sapphire streams is still looming in your imagination, your search ends here. 1298F Worcester Rd., Natick, MA eurodesignjewelry.net.
Tennesse's
By the time the meaty ribs and chicken served up here come off the smoker, they've been slow-cooked for as much as 14 hours over apple, hickory, and cherry woods. Add the tangy homemade sauces, and you can see why Tennessee's is running out of room on the wall of its strip-mall locale for the list of barbecue cookoffs it's already won. Well, here's one more. 341 Cochituate Rd., Framingham, MA tennesseesbbq.com.
Regal Fenway Stadium 13
We don't expect too much from big cinema chains—just Jujube-free upholstery and a "no zombies" hiring policy. Generally speaking, moviegoers here are upstanding citizens who bus their own seats after the show. And while the Web has almost obliterated human-based transactions, this theater's help desk is still populated by one of us. 201 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 2215, regmovies.com.
The Bristol Lounge
The Four Seasons' lounge caters to both sorts of solo patrons: those who find themselves alone, and those who wish to be left alone. The skilled barkeeps are the city's quickest studies of stag drinkers, able to gauge whether you're up for a chat, a snack, or a stiff drink and silence. And the Bristol's cozy appointments make it perfectly suited to parties of one. 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Sage
Some nights just call for a simple dinner served in a cozy dining room where the service is relaxed and the food is just like mama used to make. That's the essence of an evening at Sage, chef (and North End native) Anthony Susi's American-Italian bistro. No matter that the wait for one of the eight tables is often long: Susi's handmade gnocchi and pastas are heaven-sent, with melt-in-your-mouth textures and impeccable use of fresh seasonal ingredients. 69 Prince St., Boston, MA .
Washington Square Tavern
Here's a tavern in the truest—and best—sense of the world: a homey magnet for folks from many walks of life, with good comfort food and plenty of drink. The Washington Square hits all the right marks on all the scales: high on quality and atmosphere, but low on pretense. Hang at the long wooden bar or the communal tables to chat with everyone from pierced college kids to nuclear families, or slide into one of the dark corner booths with your better half for a dinner for two. 714 Washington St., Washington Square, Brookline, MA washingtonsquaretavern.com.
Chopping Block
Neighborhood characters and bleary-eyed medical students meet beneath a permanent haze of smoke at this rough-at-edges Mission Hill haunt, where everyone seems to know everyone else's name. On one recent evening, we heard a debate about the roots of genocide in the Mexican-American War overlapping with speculation about the most recent tabloid child abduction. Topping it off, a panhandler was scamming change in the men's room. Now, if that doesn't say "dive"...? 724 Huntington Ave., Mission Hill, MA .
Grill 23 & Bar
When it comes to the steak-house experience, Grill 23 has it all—a cavernous men's clubby atmosphere, impeccable service, the kind of bar where one is apt to imbibe too many martinis, and, of course, great steaks. Non-carnivores need not despair: The grilled swordfish is superb and the kitchen turns out a terrific paella. Sommelier Alicia Towns expertly helps you navigate a first-rate wine list. 161 Berkeley St., Boston, MA .
Emma's Pizza
Perhaps it's a misnomer to call it gourmet. After all, what's more traditionally Italian than a thin, crispy crust; fresh herbs and vegetables; smoky sausage; and fine cheeses? Then again, pizzerias in Rome aren't likely to plunk goat cheese or their barbecued chicken on pizza, not to mention dried cranberries, walnuts, roasted sweet potatoes, or Gorgonzola. If you're lucky, you'll grab one of Emma's five counter seats. If you're smart, you'll call ahead for takeout. 370 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Armani Cafe
Kill two birds with one stone: Armani Cafe —at the Prime Viewing Central between Fairfield and Exeter — is not only the best place to see other people, it's the best place to be seen in all your sartorial splendor. Required accouterments: cell phone, beeper, head-to-toe black Eurowear, and the Beemer double-parked nearby so all can see you coming and going. The pricey, trendy, yet tasty fare satiates cravings while you watch the creatures of Newbury stroll by. 214 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Sintra
The farther southeast you go in Massachusetts, the more Portuguese influence you'll find in the food. No one explores the genre quite as inventively as chef Brian Jenkins at Sintra. Drawing on Mediterranean flavors (as well as the coastal bounty at hand), he turns out punchy, unforgettable dishes like fisherman's stew with fennel, orange, and potatoes in saffron-tomato broth; mussels with chorizo and garlic toast in spicy tomato sauce; and grilled salmon with ratatouille and Sardinian couscous. 906 Washington St., Braintree, MA 2184, sintrarestaurant.com.