MiniLuxe
MiniLuxe garners raves for its devotion to hygiene (technicians sterilize tools in the same machines used by surgeons and dentists), but the three-year-old chain takes its perfectionism a step further: The salon is immaculately clean, sleek, and decorated with gorgeous displays of high-end beauty products. Best of all, the manicures are the most detail-oriented in town. As far as technicians go, we're still partial to last year's pedicure winner, the ultrasweet Shayna Shirazi at the Newbury outpost—but everyone we encountered was pleasant and thorough. Bonus: Prices are only a few bucks more than at those blinking-neon-light nail salons—and polish colors are always on-trend. Try the new OPI Axxium gel polish, which lasts two blissfully chip-free weeks. 296 Newbury St, Boston, MA 2116, miniluxe.com.
Louis Boston
Louis Boston is fast becoming the Tom Hanks of one-stop shopping. In a category with increasingly stiff competition, Louis returns year after year to win the prize, thanks to its superior selection, variety, and (okay, occasionally snooty) service. Where else can you find the perfect pair of shoes, killer dress, and new lipstick while having your nails done—all in one afternoon? Men can find a full range of suits, casual wear, shoes, and even tuxes, all ready to be tailored at a moment's notice. With Debi Greenburg mixing cutting-edge designers from Dries van Noten to Anait Bian with tried-and-true labels like Prada, the competition doesn't stand a chance. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA louisboston.com.
Artu
Artu's sandwiches are big, bold, and meaty. The roast lamb is overflowing with succulent, thinly slices meat, enough for two meals. The fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, and prosciutto is an ideal blend of tastes and textures. 6 Prince St., Boston, MA .
Nick Penna Jr., Salon Capri
One part science, five parts high art, hair coloring is a sensitive subject to most women. And while a good color job looks as if it happened naturally, few (if any) natural heads of hair are as richly colored and perfectly flattering as those doctored up by Nick Penna Jr. Young, laid-back, and highly decorated for his styling prowess, Penna highlights and infuses tresses with subtly natural yet lustrous shades of color. Just ask any of his devoted clients—that is, if you can get them to tell. 31 Lincoln St., Newton, MA saloncapri.com.
Yaz
His mail goes to Florida, but his eminence stays with us.
Concepts
Part art gallery, part theater, the new kid on the first block of Newbury Street is the go-to place for some of the world’s best streetwear, not to mention the ultimate in experiential retail (see: the DJ booth and on-site café). Expect an eclectic selection of sneakers, apparel, and accessories for men and women spread across three floors, from edgy Japanese brands such as A Bathing Ape and VisVim to haute labels like Balmain and Alexander McQueen. Just be sure to follow Concepts on Instagram for updates, as lines are often out the door thanks to frequent drops of exclusive merch. 18 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, cncpts.com.
Enid Goldsmith
Goldsmith runs the Models Group, an arm of the ART agency, so she knows what she's doing. And she uses her own products. 129 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
11/23/84
Doug Flutie enters the realm of legend with his Hail Mary pass to Gerard Phelan against Miami in the Orange Bowl.
Apley's, Sheraton-Boston Hotel
David Woodward may hail from England, but his cooking is representative of the finest contemporary continental cuisine. 39 Dalton St., Boston, MA .
Lunch at the Museum Café, Museum of Fine Arts
Quiet. Soothing. A casual walk through the Japanese garden does more for you than three sessions with a shrink. The food is delightful. The iced tea is the greatest. And the pictures on the walls ain't bad. 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA .
L'Arte Di Cucinare/Michele Topor
Visit the butcher, the baker, the ravioli maker on a four-hour tour of the insider's North End led by an expert in Italian culinary arts. Learn to recognize the best olive oil, pasta, balsamic vinegar, and grappa as you taste your way down Hanover and Salem streets, then toast your newfound expertise at a grand finale at one of the North End's best trattorias. 6 Charter Street, Boston, MA .
Lalibela
Ethiopian cuisine. Haile Selassie lives! 333 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA .
Frank Xavier, L'Elegance Art et Coiffure
He had it all—his own salon on Newbury Street, even his own line of hair-care products (which are still on offer here)—and gave it up so he could spend more time doing what he loves best: cutting hair. And cut hair Xavier does, with an infallible eye, a practiced wrist, and an obvious love for his craft. He's an expert at deciphering the confused notions men sometimes offer up when asked what they want and transforming them into the most modern of styles without being condescending. Even better, while he snips, he entertains with tales gleaned from 30 years on Newbury. 105 Newbury St., Boston, MA .