Rialto
Like a Verdian lothario, this town's upscale Italian has a knack for breaking hearts. Leave a place transported by its pillowy gnocchi, and you can bet your Bolognese it'll be dense as lead when you go back for more. Spending more while testing this category than for French and Steakhouse combined, we mourned the fall of every contender, with consistency issues (Bina), new-project distraction (Dante), service glitches (Sorellina), and failure to inspire (everyone else). Sorry for the lame valentine, Rialto, but we've got baggage. Just say your roast duck will remain tender and your stellar pastas will stay true, and we'll break this serial-monogamy habit once and for all. 1 Bennett St., Cambridge, MA 2138, rialto-restaurant.com.
Laurel Elliott, Vidal Sassoon Hair Salon
The words "natural" and "hair color" rarely occur in the same sentence. That is, unless you're talking about the work of color artist Laurel Elliott, who is herself something of a natural wonder. Clients lucky enough to snag an hour with Elliott at Vidal Sassoon leave with hair that shines, shimmers, and is undeniably real. Brunettes grow richer with chocolate single processes, while blondes are brought back to that elusive sun-kissed color of their childhoods. Elliott's talents run much deeper than boosting the wattage of ordinary locks. She's also an expert at correcting the damage done by lesser colorists. What's more, this pint-sized prodigy, a J.Lo look-alike with the style to match, couldn't be sweeter or more understanding to the follicly distressed. Which makes us wonder what we ever did without her. 14 Newbury St., 4th floor, Boston, MA .
Vows Bridal Outlet
Just because you've bypassed the high-end bridal boutiques doesn't mean you don't want to be fussed over when making the biggest decision of your wedding (besides the groom, of course). Enter Vows Bridal Outlet. With an attentive staff offering as much help and advice as you want, this store manages to make its customers feel they're at a posh boutique—until they see the prices. Designer gowns by the likes of Vera Wang, Amsale, and Caroline Herrera (to name but a few) are drastically marked down. Zip one on, strike a pose on the mirror-surrounded pedestal, let a saleswoman place a matching veil in your hair, and try not to gloat over it with your friends who paid retail. 334 Watertown St., Newton, MA bridepower.com.
Seven Moving
Upgrading to a new neighborhood or swapping your city digs for a spot in the ’burbs? The efficient team at Seven—armed with protective stretch film, blankets, and pads—makes sure the least stressful part of your move is actually moving things. sevenmoving.com.
Hamilton Children's Center
This adjunct to a full-time day-care center will take care of your healthy child when your regular arrangements fall through. It's bright, clean, fun and $50 a day. (Preregistration is required). 39 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA .
Party Favors
The pastel delights from Party Favors may take you back to your first-grade birthday, but the moist cake and fluffy buttercream frosting will satisfy your more mature inner gourmet. 1356 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2446, partyfavorsbrookline.com.
Janet Warren
Going to the year's big posh bash and don't know what to do with your hair? Pile it on. On top of your head, that is. You'll walk out with sleek cheekbones on display and limp locks tucked away. Ecocentrix, 30 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Windsor Button Stores
When you've lost your buttons or the buckle on your trenchcoat, Windsor is still the best place to look for a replacement. The selection of buttons, thread, trims, and other sewing supplies is staggering. 35 Temple Place, Boston, MA .
Party Express!
A word to bosses of the nineties: if you can't give your staff raises, let them eat cake. This outfit will deliver a party—including balloons, noisemakers, napkins, and a scrumptious golden or chocolate cake—to your office doorstep. 8 Park Plaza, Room 174, Boston, MA .
Mirabelle
Ona cold winter's day, when the city crowds wear at your nerves and your psyche cries out for stillness, slip into this serene cafe and order a lemon scone and a "pot of hot chocolate." 85 Newbury Street, Boston, MA .
The Freedom Trail
Boston's three-mile walk through America's history. Start at the kiosk near the Park Street subway station. Don't miss the USS Constitution, the Old State House, and the Paul Revere House.
<em>Common-wealth</em>
Common-wealth copped five Sigma Delta Chi awards this year—not bad for an eighty-page, four-color magazine that grew out of a four-page newsletter. Just think what we should expect from the Globe. Boston University, Boston, MA .
Arteriors
When your project calls for more than a coat of paint, Arteriors dials up the drama. Whether you envision a metallic-infused ceiling finish or a custom mural in your playroom, the Natick-based business comes prepared with designer paints and plenty of know-how. 45 Lakeview Ave., Natick, MA arteriors.net.
Joanne Langione Dance Center
A star among dance schools for four decades, Joanne Langione raised the bar even higher last year by opening a 10,000-square-foot facility complete with four modern studios. Many alums have gone on to careers in professional dance companies. 38 Border St., Newton, MA 02465, jldancecenter.com.
Simco's
There's no seating at this Mattapan institution, so after ordering at the window, be prepared to tear into your thin, footlong dog—slathered with chili, onions, and mustard and wedged into a hot, buttered-then-griddled bun—right there on the street (or, if you have the self-restraint, back in your car). 1509 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan, MA .