Glen Cunningham, Sadhana Yoga
We’ve loved Glen Cunningham’s classes for the better part of a decade, and on good days, his instruction helps us remember why we hit our mats. (On bad days, a few of his signature words of wisdom certainly don’t hurt.) Cunningham’s style is soothing, his pace is precise, and, unlike most instructors, he encourages a bit of creative interpretation in the poses. 15 Worcester St., Boston, MA 2118, sadhanastudios.com.
Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q
Texas smoke versus Memphis rub, vinegar tang versus peppery heat—barbecue debates will likely rage until kingdom come (and straight on into the sweet hereafter). This year our returning champion silenced at least one point of contention—which of its two outlets is better—by debuting a central, honking-big smoker (reportedly New England's largest) that turns out uniformly succulent sliced brisket, pulled pork, and an array of other regional specialties for both Blue Ribbon locations, as well as its booming catering business. 1375 Washington St., West Newton, MA blueribbonbbq.com.
Oleana
We were worried when we heard they were making over our beloved patio at Oleana. After all, it's the drooping wisteria, fragrant herbs, and sparkling white lights that create the transporting backdrop for Ana Sortun's distinctive eastern Mediterranean fare. But we're glad to report the revamped oasis is better than ever, with more trees and more-manicured gardens, plus a new glassed-in porch that offers welcome refuge if you forget to bring a sweater on a cool night. 134 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA oleanarestaurant.com.
Oleana
Nobody satisfies our wanderlust quite like Ana Sortun, whose still-vital Cambridge classic spreads itself around the Levant, taking a few key regional flavors with it wherever it goes. Sesame-forward tahini, for instance, is stuffed into Armenian topik, spiced pockets of potato hummus; used to sauce spinach falafel with beet tzatziki; and combined with lemon in a broth for cooking parchment-wrapped halibut. The signature Baked Alaska dessert, meanwhile, always brings us back home. 134 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 02139, oleanarestaurant.com.
Tafari Wraps
Our hair is an important part of who we are. No one understands that better than Tafari founder Imani McFarlane. Celebrating the culture of the African diaspora, her gorgeous silk and Ankara head wraps (to say nothing of the sharp headbands and scrunchies) promise to protect, nourish, and beautify. McFarlane also offers tutorials and personalized consultations, so everyone can learn the art of head-wrapping. tafariwraps.com.
Sault
When Philip Saul said he intended to celebrate the New England gent's wardrobe with the opening of Sault, it seemed a somewhat lofty goal; after all, the region is known more for jerseys and button-downs than high-end men's fashion. Six years later, he has proven to naysayers that Boston boys do, in fact, appreciate good style. They appreciate the South End shop's selection of classic Grayers sweaters and Penfield outerwear. They appreciate the Jack Spade bags and the occasional vintage accessory. And the rest of us appreciate our guys' newly spiffy style. 577 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, saultne.com.
Bird by Bird
Gingham rompers? Sailor suits? Excuse our spit-up, Mom and Dad, but you need to check yourselves: That stuff's strictly for the outta-towners. We urban babes need something with a bit more attitude, like tees paying homage to Bruce Lee and Frank Sinatra, along with slick Pluie Pluie rain gear and funky kicks by See Kai Run. And if we absolutely must submit to the affront of being swaddled, please let it be in a simple slate-gray blanket from Toby + Rei, not some friggin' Disneyfied nightmare. A shopping excursion to Bird by Bird should do the trick. Hand us that crayon—we'll draw you a map. 1361 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 2139, .
Wild Goose Chase
We know: It's better to give than to receive. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Frankly, we beg to differ. But when we have to do the buying, we make our first stop Wild Goose Chase, whose owners, Irene Chang and Bob Kelly, embrace the age-old mantra and strive to make gift-giving fun. With a stock of Infinity jewelry boxes, Ashleigh Manor picture frames, Patrick Meyer sugar spoons, and Stephen Dixon rings, the boutique has no shortage of appropriate presents for anniversaries, apologies, and every event in between. 1355 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2446, thewildgoosechase.com.
SBI
True, it's in a shopping mall, or at least the closest thing Harvard Square has to a shopping mall. And it's part of a bigger chain. But it's still one of those photo stores where the staff loves to talk about cameras, and the prices are some of the best around. A standard Minolta flash that costs more than $100 around the corner sells here for $75. After buying the flash, our agent asked for an expensive gizmo to connect it to his light meter. "Oh no," said the salesguy. "You don't need it. We use the same light meter in the studio I work at and I'm sure you don't need it." 57 JFK Street, Harvard Square Galeria, Cambridge, MA .
Christina's
Partisans know Christina's does weird very, very well. Honey-lavender? Refreshing. Kaffir lime? Luscious. What truly sets it apart, however, is its finesse with more-familiar flavors, like coffee, pistachio, even vanilla—not to mention a frozen chocolate mousse that's better, and cheaper, than any we've found on a restaurant dessert menu. Our favorite scoop, peanut butter chip, is so thick and creamy you half want to eat it with a knife and fork, though in the end the standard cone does the job nicely. 1225 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 2139, christinasicecream.com.
Salon Capri
Salon Capri conquered the suburbs decades ago, so we wondered if its recent move to Newbury Street would feel like a minivan parking in a row of Porsches. But the sleek new space with floor-to-ceiling windows is a stunner, and so were we after a visit. We loved the massage chairs during the shampoo, and the shoulder-straightening weights (similar to an X-ray bib) to prevent lopsided cuts. And when we were handed a mimosa and serenaded by a jazz trio (Saturdays only) during our trim, we nearly shouted, "Welcome to the neighborhood." 11 Newbury St., Boston, MA saloncapri.com.
The New England Soup Factory
Next time you're sick and Mom offers to bring over some chicken noodle soup, ask her if she can swing by Brookline instead. Even the best grandmother can't beat a selection that changes daily and includes mouthwatering, innovative tastes such as artichoke bisque, chilled melon, roasted red pepper and corn chowder, and pureed portobella mushroom. All are thick, delicious, if slightly pricey ($4.25 for 12 ounces, but worth it). The only disappointment is the clam chowder, which runs a little too sweet for our panel of experts. 2-4 Brookline Place, Brookline, MA .
Legit Activewear
Yeah, we know it’s been three years since lockdown, but we’re not looking to get out of our athleisure any time soon. And thanks to Legit’s stylish selection, we don’t have to: From floral statement sweatshirts by Essentiel Antwerp to edgy, wear-with-everything tanks by Cotton Citizen, we trust owner Jen Schneiderman’s taste for what’s on-trend. Plus, we’re digging her new lifestyle collection with equally spunky accessories for the home (see: Pretti.Cool’s “Garbage Collection” milk jug vase). 33 Boylston St., Ste. 3350, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, legitactivewear.com.
Bobby Uzdavinis
Had I been waiting too long? (Five minutes.) Would I like help with the door? (Yes, since I had armloads of groceries.) What kind of music would I like to hear? (Blessed silence.) All that, plus he loves his job, his cab company — "it's like a big family— and he even idled at the curb until I was safely inside my apartment building. Either this is the happiest cabbie alive, or everyone should be on whatever medication he's taking. Town Taxi, .
Southern Proper
Our beef-boiling Yankee town has come a long way with its southern cuisine. But North Carolina native Jason Cheek goes beyond the conventional canon, rattling off the sort of nuanced, modern riffs they’re rocking right this second in Charleston and Atlanta. Think: whole grilled trout nestled in stewed fregula. Short-rib meatloaf dolled up with bone marrow and bracing piperade. And a tea-brined, thyme-scented fried chicken—craggy and orange-rust in color—we can’t stop clucking about. 600 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA southernproperboston.com.