Petsi Pies
Only the most flavorful morsels of perfectly ripe, sweet fruits make the cut for Renee McLeod's blueberry, mixed berry, and tart cherry crumb desserts. We're pie-eyed with love. 285 Beacon Street, Somerville, MA 2143, .
(Tie) Jose Conseco and Marion Butts
Jose couldn't run 90 feet without pulling a muscle, Marion couldn't run 90 yards on 20 carries given an armed escort and a jetpack. Lock for '96 and '97: Dominique Wilkins.
Cafe Sushi
This haven for transcendent sushi is nestled in a strip-mall-style building on Mass. Ave. We're most fond of the creatively dressed, impeccably fresh nigiri, ordered á la carte. 1105 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA cafesushicambridge.com.
Cottonwood Cafe
Ask bartender Kevin Shannon for an Ultimate Margarita ($6.95) with Cointreau. It's a tart, smooth, and potent libation with Patron Silver Tequila, fresh lemon and lime juice, and a splash of sugar, water, and Triple Sec. 222 Berkeley St., Boston, MA .
Borromeo
One of the hottest classical acts in the country, the Borromeo Quintet is in residence at the New England Conservatory this year. Keep a close watch for local show times—these international performers are in high demand.
<em>Importance of Being Earnest</em>
The deliciously tart Importance of Being Earnest at Lowell's Merrimack Repertory Theatre; and the epic staging of Robert Penn Warren's All the King's Men at the Trinity Repertory Company, in Providence.
ZuZu
In most bars, the jukebox is an afterthought: Someone installs random tracks, sticks it in the corner, and lets 'Freebird' drone on. But ZuZu's bartender Jon Marko takes his jukebox seriously, filling the 100 slots with a personal collection of CDs that range from Supergrass and Dusty Springfield to the Everly Brothers and Sonic Youth and reflect the bar's tatooed cocktail set's tastes. Oh, and despite the cheeky 'No Refunds' sign, at ZuZu, there's no pay for play. 474 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2139, zuzubar.com.
Harry Sinden's axing of Fred Creighton at a time when the Bruins had the third-best record in the National Hockey League
Hack, hack.
Mitt Romney
Mitt Romney's taking the Republican gubernatorial nomination away from acting Governor Jane Swift before the race even started.
Laurie Beechman
For her showstopping number, "Memory," in Cats, at the Shubert Theatre, and for her act at the Bradford Cabaret on late weekend evenings.
The $1 Trips Around Boston Harbor (Bay State Cruises and Boston Harbor Cruises)
Don't eat the hot dogs, but sea breezes will cool you off and clear your mind.
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.
Newbury Tailoring Co.
Here, talented staffers act like whatever garment you bring them is the most beautiful they’ve ever seen—and yet somehow they manage to make it even more beautiful, whether they’re hemming jeans or mending a torn handbag. 324B Newbury St., Boston, MA newburytailors.com.
American Provisions
With as many as 80 varieties of small-batch fromage available, this Southie shop is small on space but big on nutty, pungent flavor. Staffers are ready with recommendations and armed with anecdotes about the herd of Vermont goats that produced your selected wheel, making this a destination for turophiles citywide. 613 E. Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127, americanprovisions.com.
Twelve Chairs
Miggy Mason and Roisin Giese founded their home design store with a clear objective: Whenever possible, collect items that are made locally and sustainably. In their lofty space, the duo has created an urban dreamland that's equal parts industrial, romantic, and ethical. 319 A St., Boston, MA 2210, twelvechairsboston.com.