Tres Gatos
The brunch at this record shop/tapas bar caters to savory seekers—and hangover chasers. Here the "put an egg on it" philosophy reigns supreme, evidenced by dinner-menu staples like the lamb bocadillo, which gets the morning-after huevos treatment come brunch. While you're waiting for your table (there will be a wait), browse the back bookshop for fiction, art books, vinyl, and a broad collection of food magazines that will surely whet your appetite. 470 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, tresgatosjp.com.
Mandarin Oriental
Close your eyes and imagine the sound of a gentle waterfall as you stroll into the Mandarin. A staffer discreetly delivers a hot towel and a cup of tea. The warm vitality pool beckons, as does the quartz-crystal steam room. You sprawl upon a chaise in the relaxation lounge, blanket and strawberry water at the ready. All of this before your hot stone massage commences. Are you relaxed yet? 776 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199, mandarinoriental.com.
New Balance Boston Landing
Located next to New Balance's global headquarters in Brighton, this flagship store has all the apparel you need to run, golf, and hit the tennis courts in style. Boasting a huge selection of clothing and accessories—not to mention a station for making your own custom kicks—the store features a mini factory apparatus where you can watch pairs come together right before your eyes. You'll also find pieces from the brand's all-American J.Crew capsule collection. 140 Guest St., Brighton, MA 02135, newbalance.com.
Fini Concierge
Need to grab groceries for your next dinner party? Set up a last-minute car inspection? Don't sweat it—just call Fini Concierge, a small firm that helps busy people all over Massachusetts find the assistance they need. Choose from the _ la carte service list, or opt for a monthly membership—either way, Fini will get it all done, leaving you free to tackle the next 50 things on your mile-long to-do list. 665 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02215, finiconcierge.com.
Timmy Quirk, I Soci Salon
The Newbury veteran combines a metalhead exterior with an endearing madcap streak. He'll regale you with tales from a recent ski weekend; he'll require a few 'namaste's to calm himself after hearing about your brutal heat-styling addiction; he'll expound on the importance of 'hair condoms' (a.k.a. leave-in conditioners). And in between, he'll casually give you a precision cut that 'frees your hair to do what it's been dying to do.' 8 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Violet Mkhitaryan, Violet Skin
After three decades in the business, spa owner Mkhitaryan has developed a rare power: the ability to make the most uncomfortable of beauty rituals a bit less so, and with pristine results. Whether it's your first time or your 50th—and whether it's a standard cleanup or something "a little more expensive"—the motherly aesthetician gets the job done with speed, all the while chattering on amiably in a way more commonly associated with less compromising activities. Boutique, 257 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Jake Tedaldi
Making house calls in a black Hummer (license plate: 'ANIMAL') roomy enough to house a small petting zoo, Dr. Tedaldi pulls up to his patients' homes with examining table, medical kit, and biscuit bribes at the ready. Believe us: Never having to haul out the carrier or spike the water with sedatives makes annual checkups and shots almost pleasant. vetcall.com.
G Spa
Ever wonder how Brahmin blondes maintain their flaxen hair? It isn't nature they have to thank: They frequent G Spa, where veteran stylist Jeffrey Lyle works his magic. Tucked into a tiny two-chair area, Lyle confers with his trainees—'she's a 6 mixed with 11 and 13'—to customize your ideal color. His easy attitude and careful attention to detail (he pens directions on your take-home products) give clients cause to call him both an artiste and a friend. 35 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, gspa.biz.
Dirk Diegel, Vidal Sassoon
It takes time for a hairstylist to earn your trust—time that is measured in inch-long increments. Dirk Diegel instantly inspires confidence with his careful, studied, and razor-sharp cutting skills. Trained at Vidal Sassoon in Germany (which explains the accent and stoicism), he's a master at improving the texture, consistency, and shape of your strands. Short, long, curly, or straight locks—Diegel takes on the most challenging head cases and comes out a cut above. 14 Newbury St., Boston, MA sassoon.com.
Allston Car Wash
At $16.95 a pop, and less than 30 minutes from start to finish, vehicular makeovers of this sort could turn into a weekly tradition. The speedy but conscientious staff wipes down and vacuums your car's interior (including under the floor mats), then sends the car through the automatic wash. A meticulous hand-drying leaves your vehicle looking like new. 434 Cambridge St., Allston, MA allstoncarwash.com.
Anna's Taqueria
Sick of hearing the yammering of burrito snobs putting down the local variety? Take them to Anna's and shove one of these foil-wrapped fat boys in their mouths. Chances are, they'll change their minds. Anna's got the whole thing down: the rice, the frijoles, refritos, the guacamole, and the salsa are just like your mother used to make — that is, if your mother happened to be born south of the border. 1412 Beacon St., Brookline, MA .
Parish Cafe
This bistro doesn't dub its sandwich selection "The Great Ones" for nothing. Some of the city's best chefs have contributed recipes for lavishly layered concoctions sure to make your mouth water. Steer clear of the calzone, and instead sink your teeth into the Capital Grille's Smoked Salmon on brioche, the Pudding Portobello with onion marmalade, or Norma's Zuni Roll with cranberry chipotle. The latter ensures you'll never look at a turkey sandwich the same way again. 361 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Modern Pastry Shop
Cannoli should never be filled until you enter the bakery and say, "Four cannoli, please." At which point the white-smocked helper at Modern will slip into the back of the shop, return with four freshly filled pastries, give them a light dusting of powdered sugar, and warp them in one of those classic boxes tied with red-and-white string. 257 Hanover St., Boston, MA .
Rangoli
The prized entree at this southern Indian restaurant is called dosa—a huge crunchy crepe stuffed with rice, lentils, and your choice of meat. But that doesn't mean you should neglect the dahi bhala (lentil balls and yogurt) or the tomato-coconut shorba (soup). The chef works with a cunning palette of tart and sweet flavors guaranteed to tickled your buds. 129 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA .
India Palace
The staff at India Palace is so friendly the locals and the waiters are on a first-name basis. But it's the food that keeps people coming back—delicately spiced tandooris, coriander-infused tomato soup, and the tandoor-baked naan. The ($6.95!) lunch buffet is like a trip to Hindi heaven. By the time you're nibbling your fennel seeds, you're already planning your return trip. 23 Union Square, Somerville, MA indiapalacesomerville.info.