Coolidge Corner Theater
Very intelligent recycling of cults and classics in an attractive movie house. 290 Harvard St., Brookline, MA .
The Book Case
Bring in your used books and get cash or credit on their fine, wide selection. 42 Church St., Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA .
Rue Sherwood Landscape Design
From design conception and development to installation, Sherwood will work with you to transform a mere garden into a thriving outdoor extension of your home. Ipswich, MA ruesherwood.com.
Jimy Williams, Red Sox
Management gives him a lineup of bat guano (including four second basemen); he gives us guacamole.
Oilily
It's bright and in-your-face, and it has a sense of humor. Kids love the funky designs and parents appreciate the wash and wear. 31 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Neil Dale
He carefully matches his approach to repairing your objets d'art to the amount you can spend. 621 Main Street, Waltham, MA .
The Diet Center
A gimmick-free approach that will help you lose weight without losing your mind. One-on-one attention and real food. All locations, .
Edwards
The chain where you bring your own bags and boxes, among other antifrills.
Charley's Eating and Drinking Saloon
A side of some of the best fries in town. The chefs will cook it to your taste. Bartley's Burger Cottage in Cambridge runs a close second. Boston, MA
The Bay Tower Room
Surrounded by the swankiest view in town, your companion won't notice the unexciting food until the second time around. 60 State St., Boston, MA .
Grill 23 & Bar
Used to be the lobby of the Salada Tea Building. Now it's a fine, though expensive, steak house. 161 Berkeley St., Boston, MA .
Brattle Square
Jugglers, street singers, storytellers, and musicians. All now competing for your attention with the construction of the MBTA's Red Line extension. Cambridge, MA
Car Talk
WBUR. Tom and Ray Magliozzi (aka Click and Clack, the Tappet Brothers) are a latter-day Bob and Ray, especially for those of us who can't tell our crankshafts from our dipsticks.
Harvard Business School
Our female correspondent reports that Robert Redford would go unnoticed on the campus of Harvard's Business School. (Anyone having knowledge of our correspondent's whereabouts is requested to contact The Editors.) Cambridge, MA
Monica's Mercato & Salumeria
Generously sized and threaded with feather-light layers of mortadella, Genoa salami, prosciutto di Parma, provolone, and the requisite pickled accessories, Monica's Italian sub won both our hearts and our stomachs. 130 Salem St., Boston, MA 02109, monicasboston.com.