Colonial Drug
A no-nonscents approach to fragrance. Just the best selection in town, if not the atmosphere, maybe the universe—you get the idea. Lipsticks and sniffing instructions are part of the bargain. 49 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA .
Passim
A surviving gem of the old Harvard Square, Passim draws acts like Suzanne Vega, Jackson Browne, and Jimmy Buffet, as well as the best local talent. 47 Palmer St., Cambridge, MA .
Bow & Arrow Pub
There is no pretension at the Bow & Arrow, but there are pool tables, dart boards, inexpensive drinks, and a laid-back mix of locals and the more down-to-earth student crowd. 1 Bow St., Cambridge, MA .
Hearst's Celebration of Its Acquisition of Channel 5
The part cost $300,000 and included Itzhak Perlman and the Pops. Revere-bowl party favors, and enough champagne to float Symphony Hall.
The Boston Shaker
The Boston Shaker has everything the imbibing sophisticate needs to equip his or her bar cart, from handblown tiki mugs to specialty ingredients like lavender bitters.
69 Holland St., Somerville, MA 02144, thebostonshaker.com.Brick & Mortar
Don’t be alarmed by the lack of signage: Finding this hidden gem is the hardest part. Ordering is easy, whether you’re in the mood for apricot-habanero chicken wings, a fried oyster po’ boy, or one of the juiciest cheeseburgers around. 567 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, brickmortarltd.com.
E. Philip Levine
We polled all the photographers we know, and their choice was unanimous. Levine's has a full line of new and used equipment for camera freaks. Ask for Paul Artz. He knows everything. 23 Drydock Avenue, Boston, MA .
Kam Lung Bakery
We like the intriguing array of baked goods rarely seen in American shops—the steamed rice dumpling filled with onions, pork, and dried shrimp or the sweet mixed-nut tart. And for timid western palates: the coconut butter roll. 77 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA .
Stephanie's on Newbury
Great salads, delicious entrees, and terrific desserts make this our favorite stop on the way home from work when the day's been a dud and only a Chinese chicken salad and a Tarte Tatin will make it better. 190 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Ace of Cups Teashop and Bakery
A funky yet civilized place to sink into an overstuffed chair and enjoy a pot of tea and a light meal. Make reservations for the formal British-style afternoon tea, replete with scones, clotted cream, cakes, tarts, and finger sandwiches. 220 Washington St., Brookline Village, MA .
Cardinal Bernard Law
Faced with accusations of priests molesting boys, Cardinal Law said his resignation wouldn't be "part of the solution" and that he wanted the archdiocese "to become a model for how this issue should be handled."
Snyder's
Snyder's, 601 Washington St., has more canteens than the armed forces of Poland. If it hired a few more salesman, it would immediately become the ninth-ranked army in the world. The choice of knowledgeable campers. 601 Washington St., Boston, MA .
Richman's Zipper Hospital
These good doctors will repair or replace zippers on just about anything, from luggage and clothing to tents, sleeping bags, golf carts, and boat and convertible tops. They fix umbrellas, too. 318 Harvard Street (The Arcade), Brookline, MA .
Westin Hotel
Three different bars (two as part of restaurants), each with something to recommend it. Copley Place, Boston, MA .