Dan Rea, Channel 4
Yes, his interview with Dan Quayle was a paradigm of powder-puffery. No matter. He's still one of the few TV reporters who break stores instead of eating newspaper smoke.
Terry Ann Knopf, <em>Patriot Ledger</em>
Acerbic, and willing to take what she dishes out. When she guest-hosted "People Are Talking," one of her regular targets, Nancy Merrill, filled Knopf's newspaper slot and trashed her.
Ian Menzies, the <em>Globe</em>
Smart, cares about the city, avoids hyperbole. Worth listening to. Edges out the Herald's Peter Lucas, who's written one too many pro-Bellotti pieces.
Lookout Farm
It's a farm stand, gelateria, you-pick-farm, and zoo, all rolled into one. The homemade fruit gelati—dairy and fat-free—is superb, and kids will love the emus, bison, and wild boar, as well as the chickens, sheep, and goats. 89 Pleasant Street, Natick, MA .
Marty's Liquors
Thousands (yes, thousands!) of bottles to choose from and several hundred beers. If you're stuck for a selection or need advice, look for wine buyer Tom Schmeisser. He's one of New England's most knowledgeable oenophiles. 675 Washington St., Newtonville, MA .
Brian's
Serious chocoholics, take note: one of these confections can make your day. Wonderfully chocolaty, moist and chewy, they're nirvana for brownie lovers. Also available at Starbucks and Coffee Connection shops. 8 Elm St., Brookline, MA .
Boston Sailing Center
Small fleet, but select (all more than twenty feet, including a twenty-seven-foot catamaran). Expensive compared with community boating, but director Dave Franzel is considered one of the top instructors in New England. 54 Lewis Wharf, Boston, MA .
Chuck Kraemer, WCVB Channel 5
Kraemer is one of the few TV "news" people who seem interested in conveying information, not image. His "Consider This" feature on the nightly news is a welcome relief from the cheesy razzmatazz that passes for social commentary on the tube. MA
Marilyn Salenger, Channel 7
She may not be the most beautiful woman in Boston, but she is undoubtedly one of the sexiest. Since she came onto the air, 34 percent of the male viewers have taken their TV sets to bed. MA
The Institute of Contemporary Art
A gleaming temple of artistic achievement, the ICA is filled with modern masterpieces. And your wedding can be one of them. Between the harbor views and the large-scale works adorning the gallery’s walls, visual splendor abounds—as do options for using the space, which includes a waterfront plaza, a light-flooded lobby, and a roomy theater. 25 Harbor Shore Dr., Boston, MA 02210, icaboston.org.
Forêt Design Studio
As floral trends evolve, no one has answered the call for nature-inspired and greenery-infused arrangements like Rose Mattos and Erin Heath. From a windswept delphinium archway to a cascading bohemian-style bouquet, their organic pieces seem sculpted, not just assembled. In fact, you could say they take on a beautiful life of their own. foretdesignstudio.com.
Silvertone
DTX's dining landscape may be changing, but stalwart Silvertone remains one of Boston's most dependable industry hangouts. Find comfort-food bliss in the form of Cajun chicken tacos, bacon mac ’n’ cheese, and garlicky steak tips. 69 Bromfield St., Boston, MA 02108, silvertonedowntown.com.
B & G Oysters
An order of the fried Ipswich clams comprises two heaping piles—one of plump bivalves, and the other of twice-cooked, almost caramelized French fries. Follow our lead and generously dunk both in the house-made, lemon-aioli-based tartar sauce. 550 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02116, bandgoysters.com.
Nobnocket Boutique Inn
Annabelle and Simon Hunton worked hard to maintain the integrity of their 1908 Arts and Crafts manor when transforming it into the seven-room Nobnocket Boutique Inn, but that doesn't mean they've skimped on the plush amenities: Expect loaner bikes for exploring, croquet (naturally), and one of the island's finest breakfasts, best taken on the veranda. 60 Mount Aldworth Rd., Vineyard Haven, MA 2568, nobnocket.com.
Cakes to Remember
Visually and gastronomically gorgeous, Ellen Bartlett's cakes come in the classic tiered style or in any shape that piques your fancy. Choose from dozens of flavors and myriad fillings and frostings. The lemon-zest cake filled with fresh raspberry-butter cream is one of the best reasons we can think of to say I do. 248 Cypress St., Brookline, MA .