Tasca Spanish Tapas Restaurant
Far from the hubbub of the North End and the glitz of Back Bay, Brighton's Tasca has found its way into the affections of couples seeking quiet, affordable romance. First daters will like the pitchers of potent sangria, while couples celebrating anniversaries can coo over shared salt cod croquettes or shrimp with sizzling garlic. Snag a table in the back, where you can feed each other forkfuls of paella in private. 1612 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA tascarestaurant.com.
Rani Indian Bistro
Rani is a study in contrasts. The spicy pinch of lamb vindaloo meets the sugary melt of mango chutney, and the taste of sour curry is followed by the sweet nectar of a rose lassi. No taste bud is ignored at Coolidge Corner's hottest new bistro. The atmosphere is airy and pleasant, with authentic décor to match the authentic Hyderabadi cuisine. And the service is as steady as the stream of locals coming through the door. 1353 Beacon St., Brookline, MA ranibistro.com.
Matt Murphy's Pub
We're constantly amazed at the lack of authentic Irish cuisine in this most Irish of cities—and constantly grateful for the fare at this Brookline expat oasis. We're talking steaming fish and chips accompanied by spicy homemade ketchup and shepherd's pie with stewed lamb. Come early, since nightly jazz and rock bands and a contentious trivia night draw crowds. 14 Harvard St., Brookline, MA mattmurphyspub.com.
Uni
O Ya may have the most incomparable raw-fish dinner in town, but the reality of its special-occasion status is that we tend to reserve it for exactly that: a special occasion. Chef Ken Oringer's sashimi bar, Uni, on the other hand, presents haute touches with such nonchalance that we feel no guilt about stopping in on a Tuesday night for a cilantro-and-cumin-laced plate of tuna tataki with foie gras and strawberries, or for slivers of firm, fresh Japanese octopus in tangy soy, ginger, and hot oil. Which we do happily, and often. 370 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, unisashimibar.com.
Toro
Tweaking tradition here and there (as anyone who's had the hamburguesas de Kobe can attest), Ken Oringer's tapas joint is nonetheless an exemplar of the form. The bistec de faldilla a la plancha, a tender skirt steak served with red onion marmalade and Cabrales blue cheese butter, is a must; the cured ham, a staple in any Spanish restaurant, far outshines other local jams in quality. With such fabulous food and amiable service, Toro gets the balance of spicy and soothing precisely right. 1704 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, toro-restaurant.com.
The <em>Globe</em>'s assault on <em>Herald</em> reporter Beverly Ford
The Globe's assault on Herald reporter Beverly Ford, which claimed wrongly that she had made up an interview in the Reverend Accelyne Williams case. Globe reporter Tom Mashberg defended Ford, became persona non grata at his paper, and left shortly after the incident. Meanwhile, you can read Mike Barnicle regularly in the Globe.
Rio Grande Cafe
No pansy drinks, these. The Rio features big, honkin' 'ritas shaken into those pint glasses most bars reserve for ales. But while size does matter, a perfect margarita is in the mixing. Here, the base is a perfectly tangy blend of lime and lemon juices tweaked with a helping of lime pulp. Take your pick of either Suaza or Jose Cuervo (the house is made with Gold Suaza) to suit your taste. Purists beware, though, of some of the gussied-up 'ritas on the menu: Chambord and Cuervo really shouldn't be mixed in the same glass. 12 School St., Marblehead, MA .
Les Zygomates
When Cossack soldiers, roaming the streets of occupied Paris in 1815, wanted drinks in a hurry, they'd snap, "Bistro, bistro!" (quick, quick). Given the circumstances, you can be sure the help hustled. These days, fast service is still expected in a bistro—that and good old French-style home cooking. Les Zygomates has the food, the service, and a great bar. 129 South St., Boston, MA .
Joey's
Herren of Steve's Ice Cream has won this award. But Steve has sold Steve's to Joey Crugnale, who owns Joey's. And Joey is putting a bit more effort into Joey's than he is into Steve's (also, the lines at Joey's are shorter). Very smooth and light ice cream (Joey says he uses a "fast-whip" process). A make-your-own sundae bar, and chocolate-cinnamon-raisin to boot. 1161 Broadway, Somerville, MA .
Claire Caso
Clever Claire managed to hold down a full-time city job as an aide to City Counselor John Kerrigan (her $300-a-week salary nicely supplemented her husband's hefty paycheck from the federal government), run a smooth household, raise eight lovely children, and even pick up a little extra money taking care of the neighbor's kids. If she had showed up at City Hall every now and then, her talent as a housewife would probably have gone unacclaimed.
Thos. Moser Cabinetmakers
No, it's not flashy. And yes, the lines are reminiscent of a bygone era. But don't confuse traditional with passé. Thos. Moser's handmade black cherry furniture, with its customized accents and craftsmanship, never looks dated. Plus, all the store's wares (dining tables, armoires, sleigh beds) come with lifetime guarantees—something any home has room for. 19 Arlington St., Boston, MA 2116, thomasmoser.com.
(tie) Dave D'Alessandro and Sumner Redstone
John Hancock CEO Dave D'Alessandro had the company help promote his book, Brand Warfare: 10 Rules for Building the Killer Brand. Meanwhile, Newton's Sumner Redstone's book, A Passion to Win, was published by the Simon & Schuster division of his Viacom company, prompting S & S publisher David Rosenthal to joke that the promotional efforts would comprise nothing less than "a passion to keep our jobs."
Cisco Brewers
With a brewery, distillery, and winery all surrounding one chill courtyard, this is the perfect place to while away a few afternoon hours on the Grey Lady. Sip a Summer of Lager, slurp oysters (if you're lucky enough to catch the occasional raw bar), and play cornhole, all set to live tunes played by local musicians. Bonus: It's located off the new Hummock Pond Road bike path, so you can safely coast there and back to town. 5 Bartlett Farm Rd., Nantucket, MA ciscobrewers.com.
Salt House Inn
This is P-town's first boutique hotel, new this spring, and already we're smitten. Each of its rooms, snug and brilliant white, has plush bedding, nautical curiosities hung on the walls, and unique touches we love. WiFi and parking are gratis, as are the homemade breakfasts (try the strawberry-waffle trifle). The owners have big-city hospitality bona fides, but here their concept is relaxed beach chic. 6 Conwell St., Provincetown, MA salthouseinn.com.
Sesuit Harbor Cafe
Some of the fun that comes from visiting the Sesuit Harbor Cafe is just knowing where to find it (hint: it's the buoy-covered shack next to the Dennis Yacht Club, past rows of boats stacked in the marina). The menu is vast, with breakfast staples, a raw bar, and baked goods, but it's the perfectly fried clam bellies that we love best. 357 Sesuit Neck Rd., Dennis, MA sesuitharbor-cafe.com.