David Godine Press
In a world of quickie books and runaway cost-cutting, Godine remains one of the few houses with a commitment to uncompromised quality. 51 Sleeper St., Boston, MA .
Al Halliday and the Hurricanes
Dynamic and powerful. The Hurricanes' "I Can See Forever in Your Eyes" may be the year's best single cut by a local group.
Barneys New York
Whether in pursuit of the perfect burger or a potential mate, we men typically thrill to the chase. But hunting for just-right cuff links? Oh, no. No, no. The quickest way to kill off our inner Bond, in fact, is to trudge from store to store, questing after the highly specific accessories that live seemingly only in our imagination: the cool diver watch with grosgrain strap, aviators that don't evoke dissolute rock star. While certain things at other local stores quicken our pulse (e.g., the socks at Drinkwater's), for all-out adrenaline rush it's Barneys: walls full of man bags, rows upon rows of pocket squares, belt racks that go on for days. We're in, we're out, mission accomplished. 100 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 2116, barneys.com.
Taberna de Haro and Tasca (Tie)
Even if the food at Taberna were lousy (and it most certainly isn't), you'd be too relaxed to care. From the decor to the gracious service to the fruity sangria that arrives in a big ceramic pitcher, this little tapas place lowers your blood pressure, just as an authentic Spanish taberna would. Raise it again with the veal sausage, or try the spinach, sauteed with pine nuts and raisins, or hot dishes (like garlic shrimp) that arrive sizzling in clay pots. The dishes are designed for sharing, and it's a good thing because the novel tastes are conversation starters. | Add candlelight playing off of whimsical wall frescoes and cozy tables spaced a healthy distance from one another and you've got Tasca, where that international language starts to spill from your lips (and we don't mean Esperanto). Oh, and the food is fantastic—Spanish tapas like gambas al ajillo (sizzling shrimp in garlic), jamon Serrano (Spanish cured ham with extra virgin olive oil), and tortillas (traditional Spanish potato-and-onion omelets). 999 Beacon Street; 1612 Commonwealth Ave., Brookline; Boston, MA .
Lauren Genatossio, Sarra
Lauren Genatossio knew exactly how to bring our brows to a fuller, more natural place, meticulously tweezing each individual hair to sculpt our arches to perfection. We left with homework (don't tweeze anything, start brushing upward to train the hair to grow properly) and a transformed look that earned compliments for weeks. 840 Summer St., South Boston, MA 02127, sarrastudios.com.
Picco
Upgrade your pizza delivery with one of these showstoppers, cooked well-done with bubbly crusts. For dessert, the brownie sundae is nothing short of divine. 513 Tremont St., South End, MA 2116, piccorestaurant.com.
Castle Island
Tour the historical Fort Independence, take a stroll around picturesque Pleasure Bay, or just grab a bench and watch the planes overhead—the options are endless. bostonharborwalk.com.
Blue Dragon
You know a restaurant does a mean carryout business when you can order your fully loaded lobster bánh mì via an online form. 324 A St., Fort Point/Waterfront, MA 2210, ming.com/blue-dragon.htm.
Paul Pierce
Paul Pierce, for leading that historic comeback only to miss two free throws that might have iced the series with 1.1 seconds left in game four.
Walter Lopez, of Walter on Lewis Wharf
More than just a beauty treatment. Loquacious Walter works on the inside as well as the outside of your head . . . and slowly. At $20 a shot, he's cheaper than a shrink. MA
Cathryn Moskow
If she's good enough for the aching legs and feet of the Boston Ballet, Moskow can surely handle the knot in your shoulders from hunching over a computer keyboard.
John de Jong
Besides the fact that he's very good, he makes house calls. You can't even get a people doctor to do that. Boston Mobile Veterinary Clinic, Boston, MA .
The Chocolate Bar at the Hotel Meridien
If you are really good your whole life, when you die you go to a place very much like the Chocolate Bar at Le Meridien. 250 Franklin St., Boston, MA .
Sex on the Beach
Sweet and smooth, with a memorable kick. Everyone makes it differently, but most local bars pour vodka, Peachtree schnapps, cranberry juice, and orange juice.
The Bleachers at Fenway Park
The bleachers at Fenway Park are ideal. No one will notice you, or, if they notice—care, and the sights, the sounds and the smells will give your supercharged senses plenty to play with. Boston, MA