Renae Connolly, Benedetto
Renae Connolly's desserts are such exquisite works of refinement and balance, we've come to think of her as a real-life Sugar Plum Fairy. Whether you indulge in a wedge of classic torta al limon jazzed up with a bright-pink prickly-pear gel stencil on the plate, or a rustic elderflower granita elegantly surrounded by a sugar lace toile, its sweetness cut with tart poached rhubarb and bright basil meringue, the finale to your Italian feast will be on point. One Bennett St., Cambridge, MA 02138, benedettocambridge.com.
The New School of Music
In one room, you might find tots trying to vocally or physically interpret instrumental sounds as part of the school's popular Dalcroze Eurhythmics program; in another, grade schoolers might be exploring the cultural roots of playground songs. Once they're hooked, sign them up for group or private lessons on instruments ranging from the piano to the didgeridoo. 25 Lowell St., Cambridge, MA 02138, newschoolofmusic.org.
Pini Swissa
Pini Swissa identified our hair dilemma immediately—lose the bulk around the crown that grows in bushy after a week, he advised. This is the man who styles Tom Brady, after all, so he should know. A close fade on the side nicely transitioned into a fuller top that looks great when styled with a bit of product, or parted and slicked for formal occasions. No one mistook us for Mr. Ba¼ndchen afterward, but we did receive a few long glances while strolling down Newbury Street. 18 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, piniswissa.com.
Todd Maul, Cafe Artscience
Imagine a boozy amuse-bouche of scotch, inhaled as a plume of smoke. Or a mai tai that actually grows stronger thanks to rum-soaked banana leaves lining the walls of your tiki glass. Armed with gadgets like a centrifuge and Le Whaf, an invention that turns liquids into vapors, Todd Maul has created a cocktail program that’s as much kitchen chemistry as it is adult playground. 650 E. Kendall St., Cambridge, MA 02142, cafeartscience.com.
Noel McKinnon, Makeup 2 Die 4
Brides call Noel McKinnon the "wedding whisperer," a nod to her cucumber-cool poise. Armed with a silky southern accent, individual lashes, and airbrush foundation, she creates flawless looks in a soothing atmosphere—which makes sense considering she's worked with everyone from Miss Universe Olivia Culpo to comedian Amy Poehler. makeup2die4.com.
E6 Apothecary
Makeup maniacs need go no further than E6. The store has most of the buzz-worthy lines in stock, including Shu Uemura, Molton Brown, Tarte, Watosa, Biotherm, and Three Custom Color Specialists. What's more, the intimate, refreshingly low-pressure atmosphere allows you to sample the products without being attacked by overzealous salespeople—a welcome alternative to more traditional makeup counters. 167 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Newbury Comics
Great variety (imports, independents, jazz, classical, rock, soundtracks) isn't enough. Low prices (new discs as low as $9.99) aren't enough. Even a knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful staff isn't enough. Because every devotee of Newbury Comics knows that, on top of all of the above, it's the store's own distinct culture—a loud, high-energy setting in which you never quite know whom you're going to meet—that makes it more than the sum of its parts. Harvard Square, 36 JFK St., Cambridge, MA newburycomics.com.
Bukowski Tavern
A great pub is measured not only by its pints, but also by the quality of the food it offers to absorb all that booze. Bukowksi's, for its part, offers plenty of delicious ways to fortify yourself for the myriad varieties of stellar frosty brews it pours. The burgers are large and messy, just as they should be. And the array of "barfly food"—the White-Trash Cheese Dip, a rib-sticking plate of barbecued chicken tenders—is sure to sate late-night appetites. 50 Dalton St., Boston, MA .
Shubie's
Shubie's gets the nod this year for upping the ante in the cheese department, where scores of familiar and rarely seen varieties pack the cases: Cowgirl Creamery's Mount Tam, Jasper Hill's Constant Bliss, and more. The selection changes frequently, depending on what cheese expert Doug Shube discovers, which means even those who stop by to raid the store's mouthwatering takeout section or shelves of expertly chosen wines inevitably drift back to the cheese counter to see what's new. 16 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, MA 1945, .
Ecoluxe
At long last, a dry cleaner that cares about you and your clothes. Ecoluxe has banished the chemicals commonly found in garden-variety dry cleaning (linked with a handful of harmful effects), as well as a pile of other dirty laundry: nonchalant service, for example, and depressing surroundings. Owner Shelly Mars has instead created attractive, environmentally friendly storefronts with remarkable personal service and excellent cleaning and pressing. For those too harried to make the trek to Brookline, Mars offers delivery to Newton, Wellesley, Milton, Cambridge, and parts of Boston. 1018 Beacon St., Brookline, MA .
Sconset Café
Hidden away on the eastern end of the island, the Sconset Café isn't fancy and serves no alcohol (has a BYOB setup), but it's got one of the best little menus around. Entrées change often, and depending on the season might include salmon in saffron-tomato fish broth with ;ciabatta or grilled chicken with garlic and scallion mashed potatoes. If you're fortunate, the knockout lemon tart with homemade lime cream will be available. You'd be wise to order it, even if you think you're stuffed. Post Office Sq., Siasconset, MA 2564, sconsetcafe.com.
Figs
Part of the original English (as in Todd English) restaurant empire, Figs in Charlestown still serves delicious thin-crusted pies with simple toppings, innovative salads laced with blue cheese and toasted walnuts, and rich and warming plates of handmade pastas to the upwardly mobile. Rarely can you get such homecooked flavor or feeling in a restaurant. And with such earthly prices, the question really becomes, Why not eat here every night? 67 Main St., Charlestown, MA cheftoddenglish.com.
Winston Flowers & Garden
Winston's Newton store feels more like a mom-and-pop shop than the Boston area florist's biggest location. The mind-boggling array of blooms on offer includes roses, hydrangeas, peonies, calla lilies, and arty, twisted sea grass. And the resourceful, creative staffers will be eager to help you, once you're done staring slack-jawed at the symphony of colors. 11 Florence St., Newton, MA winstonflowers.com.
Bergamot
This warm, elegant Somerville bistro was cleverly designed to suit both neighborhood residents and those who travel for a celebratory meal—a nice balance that can be attributed in part to wine director Kai Gagnon's skill in choosing wines for both crowds. His bottle list is lengthy and varied—a veritable tour through Europe—but there are also nearly two-dozen by-the-glass options for those with commitment issues. Most important? The knowledgeable servers to guide you to the perfect selection. 118 Beacon St., Somerville, MA 2143, bergamotrestaurant.com.
The Comedy Studio
Few comedy clubs these days are actually dedicated to the craft—which makes this Harvard Square studio a rare gem. Not only does it fill seats six nights a week with a variety of acts, it also devotes time to nurturing up-and-coming cutups and runs a sought-after comedian-in-residence program. And because it's located above the Hong Kong, you can get your laughs with a side of greasy-good Peking ravioli and a scorpion bowl. 1238 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA thecomedystudio.com.