<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.
A tie. Ed Siegel, <em>Boston Globe</em>, Terry Ann Knopf, <em>Patriot Ledger</em>
Intelligent, creative, and—above all—useful, Siegel's stuff would be great even if you didn't compare it with the trip churned out by his predecessor, the windy Jack Thomas. As for Knopf, she's Boston's own, and for insider stuff on the local stations there's not a soul who can top her.
John Bosa of Boston College and Reggie Lewis of Norhteastern University
Bosa, the Eagles' defensive end, was a first-round draft choice of the Miami Dolphins. Lewis, the Huskie forward, will be wearing the green for the Celtics.
Deidre "Dee Dee" Gallagher, listings editor of the Boston Phoenix
Given the choice between an evening with Redford or Yaz, her pleasure would be "Batter's up!"
Mayoral candidate Joe Tierney's suggestion that Boston abolish its school committee.
Hmmm.
Diane White, the<em>Boston Globe</em> and Laura Shapiro, the<em>Real Paper</em>
White and Shapiro are engaging writers with refreshing viewpoints. MA
The Stux Galleries' Enthusiastic Reception in New York for Opening a Branch There
The accolades to the avant-garde representative of Boston's hottest young artists is a solid indication of Boston's growing importance on the national arts scene.
Xerxes
Boston's favorite mezzo-soprano, sing in Boston Lyric Opera's delightful production of Handle's comic opera. The singing—and the staging by director Stephen Wadsworth—were spectacular.
Mario Russo
It's smaller, quieter, and more discreet than the flagship at 9 Newbury. All of which works to the benefit of the other Mario Russo salon, tucked away on Louis Boston's third floor. Like Russo himself, who spends Wednesdays here, the close-knit team is as welcoming (even accepting walk-ins if there's down time) as it is talented: Scalp massages, for instance, are of the same top quality as the highlights. It should be noted that some of Boston's most particularly coiffed locks—including celebrity chef Ken Oringer's perfectly messy mop—are maintained here. Louis Boston, 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 2116, mariorusso.com.
Cliff Notez
He’s the mind behind Boston Answering, the local counterpoint to Boston Calling; winner for Best New Artist at the Boston Music Awards last year; and a general force to be reckoned with. Cliff Notez is also a great artist with a great debut album, When the Sidewalk Ends—a flowing suite layered with ghostly pianos, soulful backing vocals, and thoughtful lyrics about struggling to thrive in Boston. Whatever else he is, he is not to be missed. cliffnotez.com.
Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovosky & Popeo
The Boston law firm had the brass to file suit against the city on behalf of the noxious Cablevision of Boston, even though the firm is earning an excess of $100,000 a year as the city's bond counsel, not to mention its fees for representing the city in a suit against Boston Gas.
Gallery Kayafas
Owner Arlette Kayafas's gallery represents a broad cross-section of Boston art. There are works from established local icons—Jules Aarons's photos of the old West End, First Night founder Clara Wainwright's quilts. But Gallery Kayafas has come into its own as the place to see new queer visual art in Boston from Boston, with artists such as Jess Dugan, Caleb Cole, and A. B. Miner grappling with the fast-shifting politics and emotions of today as they shape the landscape of the future. 450 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, gallerykayafas.com.
The Barking Crab
Boston's dearth of waterfront watering holes is slowly being remedied by development in South Boston—Sam's at Louis, Whiskey Priest. But a weathered old friend is still the darling in this category. The Barking Crab is a funky, coastal-style clam shack and the perfect place to sip Sam Adams and soak up the sunshine and salt air. Dress in your weekend worst: T-shirt, tattered jeans, flip-flops. The relaxed vibe provides a welcome escape from the rules of the city. 88 Sleeper St., South Boston, MA 2210, barkingcrab.com.
International Bicycle Center
IBC mechanics are so thorough in teaching you to fix your bike, you may never need to go back to their Boston or Newton shops. But go back you will, if not for a new ride, then for parts, accessories, and clothing by brands such as Trek, Giordana, Nike, and Pearl Izumi. The store also organizes group rides along scenic city routes, plugging new pedalers into Boston's bike-loving community. 88 Brighton Ave., Allston, MA 2134, internationalbike.com.