Douzo
Where to go when you're craving fantastic raw creations on a burned-out budget: Douzo, near Back Bay Station, which serves up little sushi treasures that are every bit as pristine (if a tad less transcendent) as those at the city's big-price bars. The loungey space is hopping on weekends, but don't let that distract from the kitchen's deft flavor-texture balancing act, as displayed in the torched toro maki wrapped with asparagus and paper-thin raw jalapeño. 131 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA 2116, douzosushi.com.
Fin
The romance started with a rich local-oyster-and-bacon chowder with chive and truffle oil. Then came the scallops with oyster mushrooms, asparagus, pancetta, pea shoots, and chive béarnaise, and then the organic beef special with ramps and shiitakes. By the time the heavenly macademia-nut-and-coconut tart showed up, we knew for certain that this homey new spot from Brewster Fish House alum Martha Kane would be more than just a one-night stand. 800 Main St., Dennis, MA 2638, fincapecod.com.
French Memories
As if life on picturesque Duxbury Harbor wasn't sweet enough, French Memories steps in with a cadre of top-notch carbs to up the ante. On hand are tiny petits fours and crunchy baguettes that would hold their own anywhere along the Seine. But the standouts are the truly irresistible almond croissants. Their crispy, buttery layers and dense, nutty filling condense into one cakelike bite. 459 Washington St., Duxbury, MA frenchmemories.com.
Flat Top Johnny's
We have a limited selection of pool halls in the area, which means that come the weekend, Flat Top Johnny's can get absolutely overwhelmed. Weeknights are a better bet: It's easy to grab a table with a few friends, order some craft beers, and shoot pool all night long. Bored of billiards? Switch to darts or pinball. One Kendall Sq., Cambridge, MA flattopjohnnys.com.
Celeste Oliva
Name a major motion picture filmed in the Hub in the past decade, and chances are you saw Celeste Oliva in it. But she's also a stage veteran who this year shone in the Lyric Stage's production of David Henry Hwang's satirical play, Chinglish. Acting with a graceful mix of strength and poignant vulnerability, Oliva stole every scene in her role as the provincial bureaucrat Xi Yan.
Esperia Grill
Building the perfect gyro is a Herculean task. The pita must be warm and soft. The meat must be flavorful and tender. But the real key is the sauce holding it all together, the tzatziki. This is where so many good gyros go bad. At Esperia, the classic Greek cucumber-yogurt sauce is just the right combination of creamy and tart, making it the perfect complement to the juicy chicken or pork. 344 Washington St., Brighton, MA 2135, esperiagrill.com.
Brian Mercury, Harvest
We tend to approach modernist desserts with caution—though striking, can an elaborate plate of gel, fruit leather, and crumble actually taste good? In the hands of Harvest’s Brian Mercury, the answer is yes. That’s because his confections are built around something satisfying—like the zingy Key-lime tart anchoring passion-fruit gel and pickled kumquats, or the rich Taza-chocolate crémeux garnished with brown-sugar granola and sea salt that the chef harvests himself on the New England coastline. 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 2138, harvestcambridge.com.
Henrietta's Table
The Goldilocks Principle is perfectly apt when applied to early-morning eats: Go too big and you’re ready for a nap before 10 a.m., go too small and you’ll be hungry within the hour. Henrietta’s gets it just right, balancing out hearty staples like red flannel hash with lighter fare like smoothies and fresh-baked pumpkin bread. One Bennett St., Cambridge, MA 2138, henriettastable.com.
Island Creek Oysters Duxbury Retail Store
For those who like their bivalves fresh off the boat (literally), the new retail arm of the Island Creek Oysters empire is a must-try. Stocked with a rotating selection of seafood (look for razor clams, Nantucket Bay scallops, whelks, and, of course, the famous IC oyster), the tiny shop has fast become a favorite for local shellfish aficionados. 296 Parks St., Duxbury, MA 2332, islandcreekoysters.com.
North Shore Dog
Parting with a furry friend pre-vacation is such sweet sorrow. But book your pup a stay at this 7,000-plus-square-foot boarding-and-daycare facility, and you can rest assured that he’ll sleep tight after romping for hours in one of four supervised, climate-controlled rooms where dogs, from teacup Chihuahuas to mastiffs, are grouped by play style and size. Walks and Blue Buffalo food are available at no extra charge, and Web cams allow globe-trotting owners to keep tabs on their pets throughout the day. 139 Endicott St., Danvers, MA 1923, nsdog.com.
Glen Cunningham, Sadhana Yoga
We’ve loved Glen Cunningham’s classes for the better part of a decade, and on good days, his instruction helps us remember why we hit our mats. (On bad days, a few of his signature words of wisdom certainly don’t hurt.) Cunningham’s style is soothing, his pace is precise, and, unlike most instructors, he encourages a bit of creative interpretation in the poses. 15 Worcester St., Boston, MA 2118, sadhanastudios.com.
Vera Wang
A single designer is hardly right for every bride, but top-notch service, from first fitting to final alteration, is on every betrothed's wish list. This couture retailer stocks gowns that are dreamy, feminine, and exactly what we want for the big day. With more styles in-house than online and more-than-accomodating consultants, the hardest part will be choosing among satin, tulle, and silk. 73 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, verawangboston.com.
Mandarin Oriental, Boston
With several high-end hotels peppered across the city, Boston is becoming a crowded field for event space. But due in part to its can’t-be-beat location in the heart of the Back Bay, this recently renovated ballroom is a win for the party circuit. The main venue hosts some 600 people, the hotel staff make valet parking a cinch, and you can always sneak downstairs to check out chef Gordon Ramsay’s exclusive Boston outpost, one of the hottest spots in town. 776 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199, mandarinoriental.com.
The Coast Café
Purveyors of proper American soul food are scant in Boston, so we’re grateful that after a brief hiatus, this Cambridge takeout star is again serving up some of the crispiest, juiciest fried chicken in the city. That’s hardly all: Barbecued pork ribs, fried catfish, hefty sides (of collard greens, candied yams, and mac ’n’ cheese), and old-timey desserts (like sweet-potato pie and coconut wonder bars) should all be a part of your next beachside picnic or casual home supper. 233 River St., Cambridge, MA 02139, coastsoulcafe.com.
Fit Revolution
In an era when there’s a boutique fitness studio for every day of the week and personality type, local mini chain Fit Revolution manages to offer one-stop sweating without the feel of a bland big-box club. Sure, there’s the latest equipment for gym rats and the now-standard hyper-luxe locker rooms. But there’s also boot camp, indoor cycling, yoga, barre, boxing, and personal trainers at the ready. Owner Michelle O’Connor even offers a program for would-be fit kids. Multiple locations. 23 Concord St., North Reading, MA 01864, fit-rev.com.