Chez Henri
"French with a Cuban twist" is how chef/owner Paul O'Connell describes his Cambridge eatery. We say twist away, especially if that means more Cuban sandwiches (pork three ways, cornichon cheese and vegetables grilled into a melty, crunchy, stick-to-your-ribs meal), conch fritters, and chorizo sausage with scallion mashed potatoes. Chez Henri's small, narrow bar fills quickly with local neighborhood intelligentsia, who'd rather play a pick-up game of backgammon than watch "Must See TV." On any given night, a regular cast of characters informally gathers to socialize or quietly enjoy a periodista—just one of the notorious Chez Henry speciality drinks. For all the casual camaraderie in the bar, the dining room beckons with floor-to-ceiling windows that remind diners of Paris. It's in here that the menu gets more serious, with thoughtful nods to the French classics ad tasty inventive offerings like duck tamales. Note: You simply can't beat the steak frites anywhere in town. 1 Shepard Street, Cambridge, MA chezhenri.com.
Sportello
At chef Barbara Lynch’s Italian eatery, gloriously fatty rillettes come on thick-sliced crostini, gnocchi is coated in silken mushroom ragu, and a new aperitivo bar awaits for post-work negronis. 348 Congress St., Boston, MA sportelloboston.com.
Omni Parker House
Invented at the Omni Parker House back in the days when men wore top hats and no one had heard of hydrogenated fats, this custard-filled, chocolate-topped sponge cake is the 19th century at its most decadent. 60 School St., Boston, MA omnihotels.com.
Urban Outfitters
Parents might not approve, but for the young at heart, Urban Outfitters in Back Bay and in Cambridge stock an everchanging selection of cooler-than-thou, street-credible clothing, shoes, and accessories. 361 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Rio Bahia
Direct from the land of the lambada, handcrafted brass, beads, crystal, stone and silver baubles—all at department-store prices. Even a few skimpy bathing suits, if you dare. 470 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Robert Gerard, St. Cloud
A better mixologist than Gerard would be hard to find. But what distinguishes him is the way he makes his three-sided bar feel like an old friend's living room. 557 Tremont Street, Boston, MA .
Union Oyster House
Oysters on the half shell at the Union Oyster House, 41 Union St., Boston. Straight from the Cape, fresh daily. Stay at the raw bar ($2.95 for six); upstairs they cost more. 41 Union St., Boston, MA .
the Ritz Hotel
Until recently the Ritz had no competition in the Great Martini Race. Now the Cafe Vendome has come up with its own Superdrink, which could be rough competition. Boston, MA
Jonathan Hall
Jonathan Hall's reporting of Jackie O's deathwatch in New York. Hall told viewers that Ted Kennedy had two pots on the same boiler that night; the health-care legislation and Jackie's impending death. Class.
Tom McVie
Rather than promoting him to head the Bruins, Harry Sinden had a toady fire loyal foot soldier Tom McVie. While Sinden vacationed in Florida. Now, that's class.
Throat Culture
When this funky band performs, many items are forcibly ejected form the prop-laden stage—among them pineapples, bananas, pinatas, and even a rubber raft (for crowd surfing).
The Arlington Capital Theater
You won't pay more than four buckaroonis to see a movie in this cute cinema house, and the snack bar offers espresso, ice cream, and frozen yogurt. For similar reasons, check out the nearby Regent Cinema. 204 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA .
Marais
Go ahead, just try to say something here that doesn't come out sounding a little more important than it is. The secret's in the long bar and the bistro-saloon atmosphere. 116 Boylston Street, Boston, MA .
<em>Animal Crackers</em>, Huntington Theater Company
Bet you thought we were going to say Les Misérables. Well, Animal Crackers had better sets and better music. It made far more sense, and it was a lot more fun.
Lauren Friel, Rebel Rebel
The best sommeliers are storytellers, curating distinct points of view. Enter Friel, whose buzzy bar pairs exclusively natural-made wines with a social-justice sensibility. One Bow Market Way, Somerville, MA rebelrebelsomerville.com.