Sekali
You have to act fast to catch Sekali: The immensely popular pop-up tends to sell out quickly, thanks to its flavor-packed lineup of Malaysian cuisine, a rarity in Boston. The menu’s always changing, but watch for dishes like pulut panggang (glutinous rice wrapped in a banana leaf, grilled, and stuffed with savory mixes such as rendang, pork floss, and braised anchovies) and jars of sweet kaya jam, courtesy of chef Derrick Teh, a Pagu and Momi Nonmi alum who hails from Borneo. sekali.boston.
Esperia Grill
Its name nods to twilight, but may the sun never set on Esperia Grill. The Greek-family-run spot is pure old-school Boston, an inconspicuous place where the cash register constantly ka-chings! with sales of sweet, honeyed baklava, and where anyone seeking real-deal Hellenic home-cookery can hunch over tender lamb kebabs and baked shanks — or generous bowls of bright and creamy avgolemono — while the city outside fades into soft focus. Let it wait. 344 Washington St., Brighton, MA 02135, esperiagrill.net.
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.
Dee Steffen Chinn, Fool's Errand, Sweet Cheeks, Tiger Mama
As sweets guru for Tiffani Faison’s restaurant empire, Steffen Chinn’s versatility stuns—from down-home desserts to elaborate, whimsical platings. bighearthospitality.com.
Mother Juice
Mother Juice's creative concoctions—may we recommend the "Sweet Chard 'O' Mine," with sweet potato, apple, chard, and spinach?—do the body and the taste buds good. Bonus points for craveable healthy treats such as overnight oats piled with SunButter, granola, fresh berries, and coconut flakes. Multiple locations. 625 W. Kendall St., Cambridge, MA 02142, motherjuiceboston.com.
Moore Massage
It was hard to find a bad massage—if indeed there is such a thing—in this year's bunch. Natalie at Unique Verve put us quite pleasantly to sleep. Samantha at the Mandarin Oriental soothed our muscles (if, at $200-plus, not so much our fiscal conscience). In the end, though, this previous Best Of champ prevailed—despite attempting to defer credit to his mentor, Keith Stiles, who joined Moore Massage this year. Stiles might have been, in Moore's words, "the man who taught me everything," but in this case, student knows best. Moore's consistently thorough handiwork reversed our laptop shoulder and boosted our energy for days. We're convinced he even cured us of cellulite. You heard us. 575 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Cambridge Arts River Festival
This annual extravaganza isn't just about seeing contemporary work—it's about immersing yourself in it. Along with musical, dance, and theater acts, you'll find a poetry tent, huge wild-animal puppets, and beatbox workshops. In other words, sweet, sweet sensory overload. cambridgema.gov/arts/programs/riverfestival.
Chris' Texas BBQ
Purists might be put off by the fact that there's pizza on the menu, but it's impossible to argue with the down-and-dirty authenticity of Chris' barbecue sauce. This place would be right at home on a Memphis side street, from the friendliness of the staff to the offbeat customers who wander in now and then. Try the Dallas-sized plate of meaty, flavorful ribs, or the heaping pulled-pork sandwich. Both ooze in a sauce that is at turns sweet and spicy, changing subtly with each bite. There are traditional side dishes such as collard greens and cole slaw, but the sweet potatoes drowned in maple syrup are a must. 1370 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA .
New Shanghai Restaurant
Sure, you'll find General Gau's chicken, lo mein, fried rice, and other Chinatown favorites on New Shanghai's endless menu, but it's unexpected details like a decent wine list, polished flatware, and cloth napery that sets this restaurant apart. Not to mention chef C. K. Sau's dexterous and bold food, from spicy noodles laced with shredded pork and pickled cabbage, to strips of eggplant sautéed in garlic sauce. Sau's true talent lies in his seafood preparations, particularly the crispy whole fish in a tangy, spicy sauce, and scallops adorned with a black peppercorn glaze. Feeling bold? Try the braised fish head, a surprisingly subtle and soothing casserole that, despite its name, is delicious—and, once eaten, gives you bragging rights. 21 Hudson St., Boston, MA newshanghairestaurant.com.
Maggie Kesler, The Sports Club/LA Splash Spa
You don't have to belong to the Sports Club/LA to experience the stress-relieving, muscle-soothing magic of a massage by Maggie Kesler at the health club's on-site Splash Spa. Of course, after an hour or so having each and every tense muscle manipulated into relaxation (Kesler's technique combines a therapeutic blend of traditional Swedish strokes with pressure-point work and shiatsu), and a few minutes in the oversized steam and sauna rooms, you might find yourself signing up for a membership—or at least another massage appointment. Kesler has a way of leaving clients' previously aching muscles rejuvenated, restored, and ready for action, whether that's a heart-taxing spinning class or simply the long drive home. 4 Avery St., Boston, MA .
Alchemy
The weekend brunch at this tapas-style bistro is a little sweet, a little savory, and deeply satisfying (think: blueberry pancakes with a side of thick-cut bacon, spinach-and-sweet-potato frittata, short-rib tacos, and pan-seared sea scallops). It's the perfect way to spend a lazy late morning on the North Shore. 3 Duncan St., Gloucester, MA 1930, alchemybistro.com.
Dirt Merchants
At a time when well-deserving Boston bands are being dropped by major labels left and right, Dirt Merchants is about to have a second major label release on Sony's Epic. Winners of the 1994 WBCN Rock 'n' Roll Rumble, this quintet is fronted by vocalist/guitarist Maria Christopher, whose sweet and sultry voice caught the attention of Entertainment Weekly and Billboardmagazines. Last year, Sony/Epic rereleased the band's first CD, Scarified,which has been compared to such disparate bands as Sonic Youth, the Cowboy Junkies, and Pink Floyd.
Modern Pastry
In business for more than 70 years, this North End landmark continues to offer a delicious dose of Old World baking charm. With its velvety truffles, homey thumbprint cookies, and decadent rum-soaked sponge cakes layered with chocolate mousse and thick ganache frosting, it's no wonder the lines are forever spilling out of the shop and onto Hanover Street. 257 Hanover St., Boston, MA 2113, modernpastry.com.
Flour Bakery + Cafe
You can't call yourself a Bostonian until you've whiled away a Sunday morning nibbling a sticky bun at Flour. Regulars know to arrive early, before the hopeful hordes of sugar babies queue up for owner Joanne Chang's homemade Oreo cookies and berry bread pudding. Daily specials keep the counter lineup feeling fresh and for those after-dinner cravings, the South End location sells sweets until 9 p.m. 1595 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, flourbakery.com.
Clear Flour Bread
You see the customers patiently waiting outside this off-the-beaten-path Brookline bakery on rainy weekend mornings, and you think, Surely the baguettes can't bethatgood. They are, actually, but here's betting it's the chock-full-of-fruit flaky tarts, addictive sticky buns, decadent brownies, and no-messing-around chocolate brioche that regulars consider worth getting soaked for. 178 Thorndike St., Brookline, MA clearflourbread.com.