Rubin's
Boston's not a great deli town, though. 500 Harvard St., Brookline, MA .
A three-way tie. House Speaker George Keverian, Boston mayor Ray Flynn, and Senate president Billy Bulger.
Keverian for getting the Duke's wormy 1988 budget and the universal-health-care package through the legislature in time for the Democratic convention. Flynn for the wisdom he showed in announcing he was not running for governor—even if he had to announce it twice and even though he'll probably change his mind. And Bulger "for getting away with it yet again," said one admiring panelist.
Colin Davis conducting the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Tippett's <em>The Mask of Time</em> at Symphony Hall
It may have been his curtain call.
The Boston showing of "A New World Masterpieces of American Painting, 1760-1910" at the Museum of Fine Arts.
Passim
Not merely the best folk club in Boston—or New England or the East—but very possibly the world. Passim has broken in dozens of greats, gives breaks to would-be greats, and accounts for much of Boston's reputation as a folk mecca. 47 Palmer St., Cambridge, MA .
Channel 7's inexplicable decision to cut loose popular anchor (and former of Boston winner) Kim Carrigan
28 Degrees
With Boston's bona fide gay bars going the way of BostonNow, it's getting tough for the feyer sex to pick up a stiff drink and a well-blended man in the same place. Fortunately, local lounges are filling the void. While the South End's 28 Degrees isn't technically a gay venue, the camp-spiked cocktails (like the Ima Gimlet), Sunday drag shows, and fabulously fierce, male-dominated weeknight crowd (weekends get a smidge touristy) make labels obsolete. If a gay night out simply isn't the same without the worn décor and cocktails served in plastic, both Fritz and the Eagle are a mere two blocks away. 1 Appleton St., Boston, MA 2116, 28degres-boston.com.
Green Dragon Tavern
Picking Boston's best Irish pub is a little like picking the loveliest clover in County Kildare. Still, the Green Dragon manages to stand out from its many worthy rivals. Set on a cobblestone street by Faneuil Hall, this 350-year-old pub once played host to Paul Revere and the Sons of Liberty, and now rallies a bustling after-work crowd that comes for well-poured pints of stout, excellent fish and chips, live entertainment seven nights a week, and one mean Boston cream pie. Slainte! 11 Marshall St., Boston, MA somerspubs.com.
E.P. Levine
A no-frills used-camera store on the fringes of Boston's photo district, Levine's is a collector's Toyland. Wend your way through the mounds of merchandise scattered on the floor, or climb the 15-foot shelves randomly piled with used goodies. Amidst the chaos you're likely to find the best used photo-equipment in Boston. If you're looking for something specific, it might be a good idea to call in advance. Boston Marine Industrial Park, 23 Dry Dock Avenue, South Boston, MA .
Tom Menino
"Most of those homicides were inside buildings."—Tom Menino finding the silver lining in the rise in Boston's murder rate. "I did those two years when I was very young, very young."—Menino inexplicably defending in term in junior college. "Our intelligent unit is working with federal officials."—Menino showing concern about potential terrorist attacks in Boston.
Bill Rodgers's third consecutive Boston Marathon victory, despite the uncertainty of the Olympic walkout.
Laura Young, who retired from dancing last May after 25 years with the Boston Ballet
Always graceful, always strong. Young was the tantrum-proof center of the Boston Ballet. She will remain as director of the Boston Ballet II and the Summer Dance Program.
Mr. Sid
In the 21st century, Boston's been getting used to the idea of dynasties, what with the Red Sox winning two World Series championships and the Patriots a trio of Super Bowls. Mr. Sid has similarly dominated its field: Since 2000 the family-owned men's clothing mainstay has taken the hardware every year this Best of Boston category has been judged. Add that streak to its continued strong performance in custom fitting (with seven in-house tailors), selection (running from Agave to Zegna), and amenities (free cocktails enjoyed before vast flat-screens), and it's clear why men are still walking out of Mr. Sid looking like winners. 1211 Centre St., Newton Centre, MA 2459, mrsid.com.
Anthony Spinazzola Dinner
With food from Boston's top 30 restaurants and more than 10 wineries. Uh... we think we remember it was the best.
Commonwealth Brewing Company
Try Boston's Best Burton Bitter. 138 Portland St., Boston, MA .