David's
Chef Stephen Lancaster serves up imaginative food with accents from Asia, the Mediterranean, and his native Scotland. Bridget, his wife, is the talented pastry chef. The dining room is one of the city's most intimate and theatrical, and the wait staff can hustle if you must make that 8 p.m. curtain. 123 Stewart St., Boston, MA .
Kathleen Turning
Mrs. Robinson is one of the sexiest characters in Tinseltown history, hands down. But while The Graduate's opening was highly anticipated, Kathleen Turning's disrobing in the Broadway-bound play left us feeling cold and clammy. This version of seduction felt as awkward as adolescence.
Constitution Marina
Dock your boat, park your dinghy at no extra charge, fish for striped bass around the corner, and best of all, swim in Constitution Marina's new outdoor pool. One added perk that makes this the best deal in town—free parking for boat-owners. 28 Constitution Road, Charlestown, MA .
Marjorie Clapprood
Her Sunday cable talk show, Clapprood Live, featured Marjorie flirting with Jack Kevorkian. In a surreal interview, Clapprood praised Mr. Sleepy's choice in ties and promised to find him some female companionship. Maybe Der Silber was the sane one after all.
Matt Murphy’s Pub
If the sophisticated dark wood paneling didn’t already clue you in, one look at the backlit bar—showcasing a fine selection of whiskeys and excellent draft beers—reveals that this is a pub for the refined Irish drinker. Drop in on Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m. for completely free, no-strings-attached oysters. 14 Harvard St., Brookline Village , MA 02445, .
Allie Tuminelli Esthetics & Lash Extensions
Finally, a lash enthusiast who also cares about your eyes. While applying lashes one at a time, Allie Tuminelli insists on taking breaks to let your peepers rest. During the downtime, you’ll examine her work together, letting her add as needed. The result: fuller lashes, with less discomfort. 551 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, vegavitality.com.
Brookline Arts Center
Brookline Arts Center remains one of the most forward-thinking schools around. Popular offerings include comic-book classes for grade schoolers, a jewelry course for teens, and anything taught by engaging studio coordinator Léonie Little-Lex. Before and during longer classes, kids can shake their sillies on the adjacent playground. 86 Monmouth St., Brookline, MA 02446, brooklineartscenter.com.
Table & Tulip
Owner Andrea Halliday and her team create pieces ranging from fragrant, fresh strung garlands to mossy terrariums with carefully perched succulents. Simple and modern or baroque and traditional, Table & Tulip's arrangements come packaged in a range of beautiful vessels—or you can bring in one of your own for an even more personal touch. 461 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 02118, tableandtulip.com.
James Hook + Co.
There's only one decision you need to make at this waterfront institution: regular roll ($16) or large ($19)? After that, pull up a chair and tuck into the sturdy bun overflowing with fresh lobster, heavy on the tail meat and tossed with just enough mayo. 15-17 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 02210, jameshooklobster.com.
The Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists
Housed in an 1872 mansion, the NCAAA is one of the region's largest depositories of art from the African diaspora. The biggest draw is the replica burial chamber of the sixth-century B.C. Nubian King Aspelta, rescued from a Sudanese dam project. 300 Walnut Ave., Boston, MA 02119, ncaaa.org.
West Bridge
The egg in a jar is one of Boston's most-talked-about dishes, and for good reason. But don't let that overshadow West Bridge's many other offerings—rather, grab a spot at the bar, befriend the knowledgable bartenders, and let them guide you through a small-plate odyssey. 1 Kendall Sq., Cambridge, MA 02139, westbridgerestaurant.com.
Liquid Art House
The MFA may be a world-class marvel, but not for a nightcap. At gallery/restaurant Liquid Art House, striking visuals—starting with an enormous, scorpionlike Murano chandelier—complement boundary-pushing cocktails at the circular marble bar in the center of the art-bedecked atrium. Drink one or two. Or three. Say, were those paintings always so blurry? 100 Arlington St., Boston, MA 02116, liquidarthouse.com.
Barry’s Bootcamp
This is the most intense workout we’ve unearthed. The only sound louder than the whir of treadmills was our panting as we sprinted on a 12 percent incline for one minute straight. Barry’s will leave you sweating, shaking, and planning your next masochistic workout. 30 Chauncy St., Boston, MA 02111, barrysbootcamp.com.
Down Under School of Yoga
In a saturated yoga market, studios have two routes to survival: They can push flashy classes and retail, or they can elevate the basics to an art form. The latter's what you'll find at Down Under, where Patricia Walden, one of America's foremost Iyengar yoga practitioners, is on the faculty. Multiple locations. 1054 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02446, downunderyoga.com.
Milicent Armstrong, Artemis Design Co.
Very few people look at a rug and see a great pair of shoes. Milicent Armstrong is one of them. Made from intricate, colorful kilims sourced from Turkish bazaars, her smoking slippers and loafers are casual enough for a weekend stroll and fancy enough for a groomsman. 119 Braintree St., Allston, MA 02134, artemisdesignco.com.