The Boston Public Library System
Look what money can do: all the branches are open again, the librarians don't snap at you anymore, and the books are in their proper places on the shelves.
Boston Sailing Center
We had one complaint from a year ago about the Sailing Center. But after checking it out, we found it didn't hold any water. 54 Lewis Wharf, Boston, MA .
School Volunteers for Boston
A bright light in the otherwise dismal gloom of our public-school system.
The Bar, Ritz-Carlton, Boston
Something about the way the light from the fireplace hits this wood-paneled room sharpens the taste buds. And something about the cushy, tapestry-covered seating relaxes the senses. The unfettered view of the Public Garden and the unapologetically clubby setting, complete with hunting paintings—it all adds up nicely. But the real old-school gem, the real relaxation, is in the icy gin martini, perfectly blended and balanced, and served smooth with zero burn. Ritz-Carlton, Boston, 15 Arlington St., Boston, MA .
Boston Speed Dog
Crummy roadside location? Check. Severely limited menu? Check. The most ridiculously good hot dogs you'll ever stuff in your hungry maw? Double check. Marinated in apple cider, Boston Speed dogs are grilled, then topped with anything from chili sauce to cranberry relish. A smart slash down the middle of the dog helps condiments stay put, and the hearty Portuguese roll sops up all the tasty juices. 43 Newmarket Sq., Roxbury, MA 2118, bostonsuperdog.com.
Michelle Caruso, <em>Boston Herald</em>
Inheritor of Brian Mooney's mantle as the town's most tenacious investigator, Caruso was the first to begin unraveling the Mary Beth Lenane story, and was all alone on the poisoning of two children in a Roxbury foster home. When you think of Caruso, the word unrelenting comes to mind.
Alex Beam, <em>Boston Globe</em>
The Howie Carr of high finance is the perfect antidote to the Globe's dreary business coverage and a much-needed lance in the backside of Boston's puffed-up business community.
Charles Pierce, <em>Boston Herald</em>
He has become the most consistently engaging and entertaining sports columnist in any Boston paper.
Political Staff, <em>Boston Herald</em>
The paper's Sunday "Pols and Politics" column—a breezy, biting collection of one-liners, tidbits, and anecdotes culled from the annals of the state's number-one spectator sport—is a must-read for political junkies.
George Kimball, <em>Boston Herald</em>
When he's on his game, he's as good as they come. This year he was on his game.
Jack Driscoll, <em>Boston Globe</em>
Because everybody seems so comfy cozy in the newsroom these days.
John Powers, <em>Boston Globe</em>
Although he seems to be abandoning the beat.
John Robinson, <em>Boston Globe</em>
Acerbic, witty. His trashing of the Jason's anniversary party is memorable.
Greg Dawson, <em>Boston Herald</em>
A fine addition to the media scene.