Chuck Bass Jean Pierre Salon
A scissoring from Bass doesn't come cheap (expect to drop a C-note on a session), but you'll finally get what you need in a haircut, as opposed to those one-size-fits-all quickies available elsewhere. Bass first scrupulously studies your hair, then delivers a cut that complements your face and frame, and your head's idiosyncratic contours. In short, he makes sure it's all working seamlessly and, dare we say, suavely. 116 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, chuckbass.com.
David Carlson
The longtime head instructor at the Boston Sailing Center, Carlson—a sailor since age 6—knows the Charles and the harbor inside and out, and has novices jibing and tacking like old hands after just two weekends of instruction. Free advice: "One of the biggest mistakes people make is to overtrim the sails—the boat tends to heel over or stall out. It's more efficient to keep the boat flat, and let the foils on the rudder do their work." Boston Sailing Center, 54 Lewis Wharf, Boston, MA 2110, .
Westport Rivers Vineyard's Sparkling Wines
Vintners Bob and Carol Russell often refer to themselves as farmers rather than winemakers, though they produce a national and international award-winning series of methode Champenoise sparkling wines. These are bottled testimony to their efforts and ethos—the Russells' business is a family one (sons Bill and Bob make the wine and manage the vineyard respectively) devoted to preserving Massachusetts farmland and producing a superior product. If it's good enough for the White House (the sparkling wines were served at the Governor's Dinner 2000), then it is welcome on our table. 417 Hixbridge Road, Westport, MA westportrivers.com.
Henrietta's Table
Where else but in the sunny confines of this Charles Hotel restaurant could you expect to find such a large collection of Nobel Prize-winners huddled under one roof? Breakfasting regularly at Henrietta's Table are MIT and Harvard professors noshing side-by-side with dotcommers and other high-level business executives. Why do they come here? The dining room is easygoing, the waiters are friendly without being obsequious, and the fare, from omelets and country bacon to fresh fruit smoothies, is fresh, healthy, and reasonably priced. 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA henriettastable.com.
Taqueria La Mexicana
Don't let the hairnets scare you: This Union Square joint is the closest you'll find to authentic Tex-Mex in Boston. It even saved one of our friends from moving back to the land of the Rio Grande. The red peppers and zucchini used for the veggie burros are grilled to a juicy crispness while you watch. Don't miss the fabulous homemade corn tortillas! 247 Washington Street, Somerville, MA cantinalamexicana.com.
L'Espalier
Chef Frank McClelland's celebrated dining room offers not one, but two extravagant tasting options. There's the "Seasonal Degustation"—a six-course meal headlined by dishes like Hudson Valley foie gras (take that, California!) with angelica and oatmeal-nut tuile, or lamb alongside roasted figs and caramelized fennel, both featuring ingredients sourced from the chef's own Essex farm. Not lavish enough for you? Then choose the $200 "Chef's Tasting Journey," and you'll be treated to an hours-long repast replete with caviar and truffles. 774 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2199, lespalier.com.
Sam's at Louis
We've been known, on those perfect 72-degree days, to work an "emergency" business lunch at Sam's into our schedule. Neither Newbury Street's sidewalk cafés nor Cambridge's funky hidden patios can match the scenic respite from the daily grind that this Seaport gem delivers. And considering the crowds on the huge, sun-drenched deck—noshing on polished yet unfussy fare (like the tomato-marmalade BLT)—it seems we're not the only ones who've caught on. 60 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 2110, samsatlouis.com.
Gary Croteau, Salon Mario Russo
"Do you want to stand out from the crowd or do you want to blend in?" asks Croteau. But don't fret that Croteau will cut your locks into an impossible-to-recreate 'do. His M.O. is all about keeping hair fresh, modern, and manageable. And for those who prefer a one-stop shopping experience, he's equally adept at color. Louis Boston, 234 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA mariorusso.com.
Dillon's Russian Steam Bath
The only drawback is that men get to take advantage of this blissful oasis six days a week while women must condense their restorative needs into a single day (Monday). Male or female, you will feel pleasantly noodle-like when you emerge from this no-nonsense, old-fashioned bath house. One note of caution: This is not some fancy chrome-and-etched-glass spa, so leave your attitude out at Canyon Ranch. 77 Chestnut St., Chelsea, MA .
Eastern Standard
Every evening, somewhere around midnight, a magical—if vaguely treacherous—moment occurs in Boston. High up onto the back bar of one of the city's most beloved restaurants clambers an employee who, teetering precariously, writes the late-night specials onto a gargantuan mirror. The items differ—flatiron steak with bérnaise, or maybe a Cubano with house spicy mustard—but what remains constant is the anticipation generated, and the rush of orders that inevitably follows. 528 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, easternstandardboston.com.
Yasu
Nothing sinks the heart of a Korean food aficionado more than seeing steamed broccoli as one of the panchan side dishes of a restaurant's every meal. That won't happen at Yasu, where the kimchi and all variations thereof are abundant and flavorful. Order up beef to grill at the tabl—the kalbi and bulgogi are juicy and tender—plus a hearty, spicy tofu stew to go with it, and your palate will want for nothing. 1366 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2446, yasuboston.com.
Jerry Remy's Sports Bar and Grill
Back during the NCAA basketball tournament, we spent an afternoon at the Remy's near Fenway. It almost broke our head. It wasn't just that there were a zillion TVs, but that the two biggest ones over the bar were 11 feet long. (That's, like, two Dustin Pedroias!) With an exceptional beer list and more-than-good-enough food, there's no place better to spend NFL Sunday, college football Saturday, or, really, any day. 1265 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2215, jerryremys.com.
The Regal Beagle
The Beagle opened its doors in Coolidge Corner last November to considerable enthusiasm—it is, after all, one of only a few finer-dining destinations in a sea of casual ethnic joints. But the tiny gastropub quickly proved it had the culinary know-how to back up the buzz, rewarding loyal patrons with comfort food like Gorgonzola-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates; tender lamb chops with pomegranate syrup; and scallops with summer-corn risotto and pancetta, all served in an atmosphere that feels cozy and chic. 308 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2446, thebeaglebrookline.com.
Tony Maws, Craigie On Main
Reality-show appearances? Nope. Cookbooks? Not yet. Restaurants? Just one. In the era of the celebrity chef, Tony Maws is the rare example of a guy who just wants to cook. On any given day at Craigie on Main, you'll likely spot the award-winning chef garnishing plates, checking up on his staff, and running food to tables, much to the delight of his customers. 653 Main St., Cambridge, MA 2139, craigieonmain.com.
May's Cake House
The problem with most birthday cakes is that the better they look— all flowers and scrolls— the worse they taste. May, bless her heart, has solved the dilemma. She compliments her delicate batters with light mousses and whipped creams, then trims with finely sliced fruits. The cakes she creates are beautiful and delicious. And you can afford one— even after the ticket you'll probably get for double-parking on the south edge of Chinatown. 223 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA .