Bricco Panetteria
This basement-level bakery is part of Frank DePasquale's North End culinary empire, and yet somehow everything about it screams old-world charm. From the tiny space, bakers churn out umami-rich olive-studded loaves and prosciutto-stuffed baguettes that are served at DePasquale's restaurants and, if you're lucky, with your next plate of home-cooked pasta. 241 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, briccopanetteria.com.
Chilacates
For his tacos, tortas, and tostadas, owner Socrates Abreu fills house-made corn tortillas and telera bread with ingredients so fresh he didn't even bother to install a freezer in either of his two locations. An array of protein options—from tangy pineapple-marinated al pastor to chipotle-flecked chicken tinga—keep us, and seemingly all of J.P., digging in on the reg. 658 Centre St., Jamaica Plain; 224 Amory St., Jamaica Plain; 617-522-6000, chilacates.mx. 658 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, chilacates.mx.
Waypoint
It takes bold, nuanced drinks to stand up to bold, nuanced food. And at Waypoint, bar manager Seth Freidus's complex cocktails are a pitch-perfect match for chef Michael Scelfo's lush, coastal cuisine. While the 18-bottle-deep absinthe program is the bar's signature, there's innovation throughout, from nori-infused tequila to the house-made Swedish punsch mixed with squid-ink mezcal in "The Kraken" cocktail. 1030 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, waypointharvard.com.
SRV
In the sea of noteworthy Italian restaurants that have opened recently (Benedetto, Bar Mezzana, Mida), small-plates-focused SRV edges out the competition with its umami-rich one-bite cicchetti and bold pasta dishes made with house-milled flour, from garganelli with 'nduja-carrot sugo to strozzapreti with sausage and salsa verde. And thanks to the upgraded dessert program created by new pastry chef Meghan Thompson, the South End hot spot has only gotten better since it clinched this title last year. 569 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA 02118, srvboston.com.
Foundation Lounge
"Pickup bar" may evoke images of oily, used-car guys with thatches of chest hair bursting from half-buttoned shirts, but you won't find much of that here. With its mood lighting, sleek furniture, and slinky hip-house music, this Kenmore Square spot promises a sophisticated setting for meeting new people and sharing a drink (or whatever else you might manage to broker). Hotel Commonwealth, 500 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Bella Bridesmaid
Say so long to tired taffeta and stale silk — all the gowns at this airy boutique are fresh, modern, and completely customizable. Look for styles from LulaKate, Monique Lhuillier, and Lela Rose, plus all the accessories you need to enhance them (Nelle clutches, Kendra Scott jewelry). With eager-to-please staffers happy to help with measurements and color, length, and fabric specifications, you (and your girls) will be ready to make a commitment in no time. 85 Newbury St., Suite B, Boston, MA bellabridesmaid.com.
Gus & Ruby Letterpress
Romantic milestones and favorite songs help inform Samantha Finigan and Whitney Swaffield's custom suites, all printed on an antique Chandler & Price press. Design elements might include barn doors that open to reveal a tri-fold invitation to a farm wedding, or die-cut pennants and a nautical-chart envelope liner for a seaside affair—anything that helps tell your special tale. 29 Congress St., Portsmouth, NH gusandruby.com.
Janie Haas Events
It's the thoughtful details that make weddings so unforgettable. But who has time to sweat the small stuff? Leave it to Janie Haas. A 36-year industry veteran, Haas will coordinate vendors, secure rentals, review contracts, and make sure everything is picture-perfect for your walk down the aisle. She and her planners will give you plenty of face and phone time, making the whole process stress-free and—dare we say it?—fun. 125 Coachmans Ln., North Andover, MA janiehaasevents.com.
Long's Jewelers
Finding a life partner takes patience, persistence, and considerable luck. Finding the right ring should not. The army of jewelers at Long's assesses your preferences before working with you to compare styles by Scott Kay, Memoire, Ritani, and the store's own brand. No matter if you're in the market for a blinding rock or subdued sparkler, the store will have something suitably special. After all that time spent looking for the right one, this search, mercifully, can be a cinch. 100 Summer St., Boston, MA 2110, longsjewelers.com.
Bryan Rafanelli
If the words "wedding coordinator" call to mind a shrieking, melodramatic worrywart, think again. In the calm, confident hands of Rafanelli and his efficient crew, weddings seem all but effortless. Rafanelli molds wedding dreams into reality, based on the clients' own ideas, personalities, and tastes. From the elegant invitations and arrays of gorgeously fresh bouquets to every last perfectly placed fork (all four types of them), Rafanelli whisks away the stress of the event. 142 Berkeley St., Boston, MA rafanellievents.com.
Vows Bridal Outlet
Upgrade the honeymoon, put the foie gras back on the menu, and order more Cristal. Vows just freed up thousands from your wedding budget, thanks to its ever-revolving selection of first-rate designer markdowns. The shop is a low-pressure, low-cost treasure trove of dresses. Best of all, weekday visits are by appointment only, so you can rifle through the crisp Badgley Mischkas, flowing Vera Wangs, and silky Richard Tylers in peace. 334 Watertown St., Newton, MA bridepower.com.
Roger Plourde, James Joseph Salon
Roger Plourde gives humanity what nature didn't, from born-with-it blond highlights to look-at-me strawberry luster. Sure, he's up on the latest color trends and can certainly let fly if you want that. But foremost, Plourde works to give you exactly what you ask for and does so with that rarest of qualities: good taste. And, as the ultimate kicker to your fresh color, he happens to also be a superb stylist. 30 Newbury St., Boston, MA jamesjosephsalon.com.
Zayna Gold, Boston Body
When Zayna Gold tells you to do a pushup, you do it. You do it because she's an expert in forging top-condition bodies, because she's always at the cutting edge of new fitness moves and methods and because her devotion to you breeds your devotion to her. With more than 15 years of Pilates experience, hundreds of devoted clients, and multiple feather in her professional cap (including an appointment as trainer for Self magazine's 2002 fitness challenge), Gold has reached near-celebrity status. 364 Boylston St., Boston, MA bostonbody.com.
Maria Rodriguez, Salon Mario Russo
A manicure by Maria Rodriguez is, hands down, a tour de force. Her perfectionist's eye to detail (from clipping and buffing to lengthy hand massages) is impeccable, her conversation keeps the process interesting, and her easygoing demeanor makes the often-impossible task of choosing the perfect color a cinch. She takes the extra time to make sure nails are dry, offers pointers on how to sustain manicures, and sees to it that every singer, by the time leaves her table, feels positively regal. 9 Newbury St., Boston, MA mariorusso.com.
Mark Bensky
Searching for real estate is as much fun as a bad case of hives. Mark Bensky of Hunneman's Back Bay office is like a dose of hydrocortisone. Kind, funny, very professional, and ever-patient, Mark will help you see that the adorable garden flat you've set your heart (and collateral) on is actually a resort hotel for vermin. Call him first. Hunneman/Caldwell Banker, 227 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA .