Bangkok Blue
This sophisticated new eatery across from Copley Square serves traditional Thai dishes with an exotic flair. Dishes such as Pad Thai, Satay Tom Yum, and a warm Gado Gado salad are complemented by scrumptious peanut, curry, and Pik Pow sauces. beverages such as Thai Iced Tea and Coffee are a perfect summer accompaniment to the meal. 651 Boylston Street, Boston, MA .
Gelateria
Italians, it has been said, do everything with style. And gelato is certainly no exception. At Gelateria in the North End, the Italian pop music, sleek chrome-and-wood interior, and—ahem—total hottie behind the counter had us aflutter even before we sampled the tangy blood orange, refreshing grapefruit, and nonbitter chocolate. 272 Hanover St., Boston, MA 2113, .
James's Gate Restaurant & Pub
The best pubs purvey mysterious dark corners, crackling fires, and Guinness. But James's Gate is a cut above the rest, with high-grade bar food that almost makes the selection of 20 draft beers a secondary glory. Almost. Anytime's fine for the country-pub ambiance and neighborhood craic. 5-11 McBride St., Jamaica Plain, MA .
The Boston Women's Heritage Trail
Walking tour flyer available at the Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau information booth, 147 Tremont Street, on Boston Common. If you don't know who Margaret Fuller, Myrna Vasquez, Melnea Cass, and Amy Beach were, you had better take the tour.
The Milky Way Lounge & Lanes
Forget "cosmic bowling"—whatever that is. Instead, check out the Milky Way Lounge & Lanes in Jamaica Plain, where in addition to candlepin bowling, hot local bands and DJs take the stage several nights a week, and frosty beer and wine keep everyone quenched. 403 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA .
The Mighty Charge
The Mighty Charge believes in music with a message—its debut CD, released in January, is titled Save the World. This seven-piece Marley influenced reggae band is fronted by Jamaican-born George Eccles, who shares the front stage with the exotic Mica Williams, a Massachusetts native.
Harborlights Pavilion
Boston hasn't had an outdoor concert venue since Concerts on the Common was canned. Now there's Harborlights, a dramatic open-air structure whose graceful tented peaks overlook the harbor, with sailboats, cruise ships, and the cityscape as a backdrop. Perfect for a summer night in the city.
Lotus Development Corporation's
In February, Lotus president Jim Manzi and other top officers dumped more than 250,000 shares of the Cambridge software company. In March, Lotus announced that its hot new product was running behind schedule and that the man in charge of developing the company's hot new products had been forced to resign.
Chica
For years, island style was defined by Lilly Pulitzer's pastels and preppy products, and a woman was hard-pressed to find anything edgier. Today the tide is turning with Chica, a style-savvy clothing and accessories shop. The owners keep current by stocking the shelves with Yoana Baraschi beaded cocktail dresses, Johnny Was embroidered tops, and a chic shoe selection. 12A N. Water St., Edgartown, MA .
St. Botolph Restaurant, Key West, Commonwelath Brewing Company, Bnu
St. Botolph: But sit in the bar. Key West: Sip your Cornoa beer in South Florida deco-dence. Commonwealth Brewing Company: A draft of pale ale will cool you down after sweltering out a game. Bnu: The Italian dishes in this small restaurant might make you miss the curtain. 99 St. Botolph St.; 645 Beacon St.; 85 Merrimack St.; 123 Stuart St., Boston, MA .
Quadrum
When the bride seems too special for a diamond standard solitaire, check out the rings at this wonderful shop. Sleek contemporary designs by Niessing; bold rings with semi-previous stones and innovative settings by Barbara Heinrich; and ornate baroque bands by Nathan Levy make picking just one ring harder than negotiating a prenup. 127 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Neil Morris Fragrances
Having had way too many perfume bottles misted in our direction over the years, we relish fragrance designer Neil Morris's sanctuary of a studio, the very antithesis of department-store counters. Choose from his signature collection, or relax while he blends a custom scent based on your favorite memories. 221 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA neilmorrisfragrances.com.
Serenella
From cropped cashmere sweaters by Lucien Pellat Finet, to beaded cardigans and tanks from designers like Anna Molinari, Blumarine, and Pucci, to great basics by Petit Bateau, this jewel-box boutique has something to top off every bottom. 134 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Globe Corner Bookstore
This is the place to satisfy literary wanderlust, from Boston to Bangladesh to Beijing. Seating makes longer browsing more comfy. And the staff doesn't seem to mind, even when you pull out a pad and take notes on hotel and restaurant phone numbers. Now, if they'd just install a phone for making the reservations. 500 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Emporio Armani
For one-stop shopping with or without your significant other, Emporio Armani can dress you from head to toe, including accessories. From jeans to beaded gowns and tuxedos, sunglasses and shoes, this store has it all. As a bonus, the cafe next door will revive you when the shopping gets tough. 210-214 Newbury St., Boston, MA .