Artu
Artu's sandwiches are big, bold, and meaty. The roast lamb is overflowing with succulent, thinly slices meat, enough for two meals. The fresh mozzarella, tomato, basil, and prosciutto is an ideal blend of tastes and textures. 6 Prince St., Boston, MA .
The Savant Project
Overflowing with medical students, young families, and the occasional wayward group of museum gawkers, Mission Hill wasn't the type of place that exuded "hot spot." Until, that is, the Savant Project came along last fall. Taking up residence near Brigham Circle in the former Solstice Café space, the newcomer began pumping out an unexpectedly happening vibe with its graffiti-inspired murals and DJs spinning cool beats. The Latin-Asian fusion cuisine provides additional spice, and the scene (fueled by Negronimeisters and other cheeky concoctions from mixologist Clif Travers) throbs with life, as the TV overhead screens dorky-cool films like Tron and Labyrinth. 1625 Tremont St., Boston, MA 2120, thesavantproject.com.
Ari Neuman, Sway Aveda Spa
If you’re paying someone to pour hot wax on a (ahem) sensitive body part, wouldn’t it be great if that person had medical experience in addition to beauty expertise? Ari Neuman not only knows a ton about skin care, but she also used to work as a surgical assistant in the OBGYN department at Beth Israel—she has the bedside manner and attention to detail of a medical professional, too, making a typically awkward experience more bearable and—dare we say?—almost relaxing. 485 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215, swayspa.com.
Larry Fidalgo, Fidalgo Floors
The scene of the crime is that newly purchased, splendid Victorian house whose floors are battered by years of abuse and besmirched with coats of deck paint. Enter Larry Fidalgo and company—and 24 hours later, stunning pine planks gleam from beneath a coat of crystal-clear polyurethane. Not only does Fidalgo refinish soft- and hardwood floors, but he installs them, as well. Among his clients are the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Restoration Society of Charlestown. Which isn't a bad way to finish. Somerville, MA
Paradise Rock Club
Avalon is dead; long live the 'Dise. As Lansdowne Street is being tamed for Red Sox fans, Comm. Ave. continues to keep it real, thanks in large part to this 30-year mainstay. The Paradise has gotten even better lately, as it picks up its defunct rival's slack, and now consistently puts together the Hub's best lineup of musical acts. Not only does it book bands to thrill hipsters young (Ladytron, the Go! Team) and less so (X, the B-52's), but its two-level layout also allows audiences their choice of getting dirty down in the pit or enjoying the show from the relative calm of the balcony. 969 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, .
Alexis Bittar
Finding that perfect piece of jewelry is kind of like finding a soul mate: You want it to be the ideal everyday companion, but also give you a boost when needed. Thankfully, we’ve fallen head over heels for Alexis Bittar’s trove of baubles, displayed like museum pieces in the elegant Newbury Street store. The brand’s irreverent cool-girl knack for design translates to trendy Lucite cuffs, edgy spiked ear climbers, and statement necklaces that work just as well for a client meeting as they do for a night on the town. 130 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, alexisbittar.com.
The Federalist
Twenty-something sommelier Christian Vassilev has built Fed owner Paul Roiff's cellar into a veritable wine museum. You'd be hard-pressed to find so many Cheateau Latour, Margaux, and Monton-Rothschild wines in one place in the country. And that's just Bordeaux! The wine list spans the globe, and includes both boutique bottles from small producers and well-known crowd pleasers alike. In keeping with the restaurant's luxe ambiance, the list isn't value-minded; it is an education for wine lovers in every other respect. Fifteen Beacon, 15 Beacon Street, Boston, MA .
The Savant Project
Overflowing with medical students, young families, and the occasional wayward group of museum gawkers, Mission Hill wasn't the type of place that exuded "hot spot." Until, that is, the Savant Project came along last fall. Taking up residence near Brigham Circle in the former Solstice Café space, the newcomer began pumping out an unexpectedly happening vibe with its graffiti-inspired murals and DJs spinning cool beats. The Latin-Asian fusion cuisine provides additional spice, and the scene (fueled by Negronimeisters and other cheeky concoctions from mixologist Clif Travers) throbs with life, as the TV overhead screens dorky-cool films like Tron and Labyrinth. 1625 Tremont St., Boston, MA 2115, .
Artist & Craftsman Supply
There are plenty of glitzy art stores around town, chock-full of intimidating expert-only items. But, sadly, not all of us are born Picassos or Pollocks, and we need our questions answered with more than an eye roll and a sigh of ennui. That's why we shop at Artist & Craftsman Supply for everything from linseed oil to fabric paint to graphite. The space is funky yet polished, and the smart, comforting staff helps us out every time. Stop in and you might soon be well on your way to becoming art's next big thing. 580 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2139, artistcraftsman.com.
Bud's Goods & Provisions
It feels like home walking into Bud’s Goods in Watertown, and that’s just what was intended. The theme of the dispensary’s third and latest location is home, after all, bringing the customer on a journey from the store’s porch (ID check) through the pantry (edibles, anyone?) and ending in the grand room for checkout. But it’s the library that lures us in, with charming New England tchotchkes on curated shelves and undulating brass pendants spotlighting the custom-built display case filled with high-quality flower. The selection stuns, too, from classic pre-rolls to hazelnut espresso bonbons and grapefruit rosemary tonic. Worcester, Abington, and Watertown, budsgoods.com.
Nick Penna Jr., Salon Capri
One part science, five parts high art, hair coloring is a sensitive subject to most women. And while a good color job looks as if it happened naturally, few (if any) natural heads of hair are as richly colored and perfectly flattering as those doctored up by Nick Penna Jr. Young, laid-back, and highly decorated for his styling prowess, Penna highlights and infuses tresses with subtly natural yet lustrous shades of color. Just ask any of his devoted clients—that is, if you can get them to tell. 31 Lincoln St., Newton, MA saloncapri.com.
Spice
Pittsfield, once derided as the underarm of the Berkshires, has made a turnaround in recent years, thanks in part to its revitalized North Street. The hippest on the block is the much-hyped contemporary American eatery Spice. The place is at its liveliest after the dinner rush, when the band packs up and an energetic young crowd assembles in the roomy backlit bar for sipping and mingling. 297 North St., Pittsfield, MA .
Alma Nove
Technically speaking, Alma Nove is a restaurant. But why quibble? There are only so many places where you can sit outside next to a giant fire pit, sip a well-crafted cocktail, and look out over the bay—and this Wahlberg-family-owned spot is one of them. If you just can't miss the Sox game, head inside. The bar is long and armed with two 50-inch TVs. 22 Shipyard Dr., Hingham, MA almanovehingham.com.
Flat Top Johnny's
There are some places where you feel cooler just by walking in. Such is the case with this funky pool hall, which sets the right mood with red-felt tables, an alternative-music soundtrack and Roy Lichtenstein-esque mural on one wall. The crowd seems to consist of Cambridge's hipper denizens who have taken time off from the art studio or recording hall to rack a few. It's a fresh change from the meat-market pool halls downtown. The only downside: Pool tables here are a bit close for comfort—though depending on who's at the next table, that's not necessarily a bad thing. One Kendall Square, Building 200, Cambridge, MA flattopjohnnys.com.
Winsor Dim Sum House & Bar
The beauty of this dim sum spot's new Quincy location is in the extensive, sharply executed menu: In addition to traditional cart service, diners can order dishes via checklist, which means the char siu-stuffed bao are fluffier, the wok-fried radish cakes are crisper, and the pea pod stems—prone to wilting and sogginess at lesser restaurants—still retain their vibrant color and delicate crunch. Bonus points for a full bar. 706 Hancock St., Quincy, MA 02170, winsordimsum.com.