<em>The Makropulos Case</em> Conducted by Sarah Caldwell, Performed by the Opera Company of Boston
On the heels of Caldwell's triumphant production of Turandot, the Markropulos Case, featuring the splendid soprano Anja Silja, brought home the point that Caldwell was back.
Artsmart
Life's little necessities—from CD racks to toothbrush olders—artfully wrought, along with terrific accessories for the home, in two tantalizing shops. 272 Congress Street, Boston, MA .
Next Move Theatre
Happily, producing director Steven Warnick seems to have stabilized his company in its downtown home. 1 Boylston Pl., Boston, MA .
The team of dolphins that Boston attorney Robert Rines hopes to use to photograph the Loch Ness monster.
Machu Picchu Charcoal Chicken and Grill
Order a quarter, half, or whole charcoal-roasted chicken, smothered in spices and paired with tacu tacu (rice and beans). 25 Union Sq., Union Square, MA 2143, machuchicken.com.
Looney Tunes
Relocated from its former home on Boylston Street, Looney Tunes remains as packed with vinyl—and as busy slinging it—as ever.
Walker's Riding Apparel
More than twenty styles of boots, plain old Levi's, and a whole lot more no-nonsense outdoor clothing. 292 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Frank and Pete's Shoe Repair
An old-fashioned shop with polish—literally. When they do sole and heel work, they polish your shoes at no extra charge. 239 Faneuil Street, Brighton, MA .
Roche-Bobois
Home chic from the traditional to the avant-garde, including a notable selection of streamlined European pieces. 133 Lewis Wharf, Boston, MA .
Harry's Bar
Far enough out of town so you won't get caught. Close enough to get home for dinner. Sheraton Rolling Green, North Andover, MA .
Seoul Soulongtang
Signature seollongtang beef soup is the heavenly house special that keeps this Allston eatery humming. The dish is presented with Dickensian austerity—chalk-white broth hiding slices of boiled brisket and slippery vermicelli—but once you season your bowl with the supplied sea salt, scallions, properly fermented banchan, and exceptionally good (tender, chewy, clumpy) steamed rice, it’s one of the most soul-satisfying meals around. As for the bulgogi and bibimbap? Things of beauty, both. 1245 Commonwealth Ave., Allston, MA seoulsoulongtang.com.
Toscanini
There are plenty of Boston ice cream shops worthy of caloric indulgence, but none as enticing as this one. The selection may not be the biggest in town, but it's varied enough for even the pickiest of palates, with about a dozen incredibly smooth and rich flavors including Hydrox cookie, Vienna Finger, burnt caramel, and ginger-snap molasses. The real draw, though, is the super-light texture, which especially comes through in the richly flavored nocciola (hazelnut) and Belgian chocolate varieties. 899 Main St., Cambridge, MA tosci.com.
Flat Top Johnny's
Fast Eddie Felson wouldn't have set foot in most of the upscale pool halls that have replaced the smoky hustler haunts of old. He might have made an exception for Flat Top Johnny's, though. Unlike the rest of its ilk, this Kendall Square hangout is one classy joint that's neither a meat market nor an amusement park. At once understated and regal, the place features clean red felt, good cheap beer, and regulars who actually know how to play a game of nine ball. 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA flattopjohnnys.com.
Toro
Here, crusty pan con tomate and aioli-smothered tortilla española mingle with refreshingly less-traditional small plates such as roasted bone marrow with radish-citrus salad and oxtail marmalade (pictured). It's precisely this mix that has helped the tapas spot develop a cult following over the years—one that we suspect will expand south when chef-owners Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette bring their creative fare to a Toro outpost in Manhattan this fall. 1704 Washington St., Boston, MA toro-restaurant.com.
F1 Boston
Forget Schwarzenegger films, mini golf, and laser tag. Once you've felt your own adrenaline spike through you from one mere inch above the ground at Braintree's indoor "Formula 1"-style kart-racing complex, just about everything else seems lame. NASCAR lovers, take note: This is, by any standards, a luxury establishment, with conference rooms, cafés and lounges, billiards, and exhibitions. 290 Wood Rd., Braintree, MA f1boston.com.