Penang
This refreshing addition to Chinatown has lots of blond wood, modern lighting, and great food. Start with the Penang Poh Piah (steamed spring roll) or Crispy Pork Intestines (you might enjoy this one more if you order in Malaysian). Vegetarian entrees—especially the bean curd—are terrific, as are the varied seafood selections. Late hours are a plus. 685-691 Washington St., Boston, MA .
The Bristol Lounge
Stripped down to its raw form, a martini is just a stiff belt of gin, which any jamoke can pull off a no-name bottle in an alley. So how to judge? Presentation and accouterments. The white-jacketed waiter at the plushy-not-stuffy Bristol pours each traditional martini tableside from its own chilled shaker with not one, not two, but three meaty olives. Utterly civilized. Keep in mind, while the martini is traditional, the $9 price tag is a tad nouveau. Four Seasons Hotel, 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Figs
If you're ready to venture beyond traditional-red-sauce-and-mozzarella pizzas, Figs stands ready to offer some of the most innovative pies around. Try the famous Fig and Prosciutto, or the Portobello, with its al dente mushrooms, caramelized onions, and roasted tomatoes. And you don't even have to go to Charlestown anymore to score one. 67 Main St., Charlestown, MA .
Finagle A Bagel
At last, a treat we can enjoy without guilt. Finagle bagels have very little fat and most varieties have no cholesterol, and they are still fabulous. Of course, they're even better topped with one of the shop's cream-cheese spreads. Our sources say President Clinton orders up a batch of cinnamon raisin every time he's in town. Copley Square, MA .
Morrissey and Sons Electric
After finding an honest mechanic, nothing seems to cause the average citizen as much angst as signing up a trustworthy electrician. Led by owner Jim Morrissey, the talented problem-solvers at Morrissey and Sons put that anxiety to rest with their mastery of projects large and small, and plenty of clear advice. It usually takes clients one job with the firm to decide they've discovered an electrician for life. 84 Summer St., Stoneham, MA 2180, .
The Antipasti Martinia
Take 3 sprigs of fresh rosemary, 1 fennel stalk with leaves, 6 sun-dried tomatoes, 2 garlic cloves, 8 black Italian olives, 1 dry hot red Italian pepper, 1 small red and 1 small yellow sweet pepper, and infuse for one day in two quarts of Finlandia vodka. V-8 never tasted like this. Trattoria Il Panino Restaurant, 295 Franklin St., Boston, MA .
Bella Bridesmaids
Tucked away on the fourth floor of an unmarked brick building, the Boston location of this national franchise can be easy to miss from the street. But passing it over would be a mistake: Not only does Bella carry gowns from the likes of Hayley Paige and Jenny Yoo, the shop's personable stylists make choosing one a breeze, offering helpful tips on everything from the most figure-flattering cuts to stress-free ordering. 715 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116, bellabridesmaids.com.
EverybodyFights
Picture a boxing gym. If you're imagining a stark room with a ring and fluorescent lighting, you've clearly never been to EverybodyFights. George Foreman III's upscale boxing haven turns the stereotype on its head with boutique-inspired classes, spa-grade locker rooms, and a serious sound system. 15 Channel Center St., Boston, 857-250-4140; One Federal St., Boston, 857-990-3108; everybodyfights.com. 15 Channel Center St., Boston, MA 02210, everybodyfights.com.
Rigby & Peller
With “five for $25” underwear specials and hundreds of shapeless T-shirt bras at the big-box stores, it’s easy to settle into complacency when it comes to lingerie. The local outpost of London brand Rigby & Peller, however, will make you reconsider those dowdy undergarments. With cup sizes ranging from A to K and stylists intent on helping you find that perfect fit, it’ll be hard to leave with just one new bra (or lacy teddy, or silk PJ set). Copley Place, 100 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02116, rigbyandpeller.com.
Ricardo Rodriguez, Coldwell Banker
This Realtor about town markets some of the city’s most exclusive properties, primarily in the South End. One key project is the Lucas, a condo conversion at the former German Trinity Catholic Church site. His listings are glam, and so is he: Rodriguez has also been a creative director for fashion designer Daniela Corte. But he’s refreshingly down to earth, too—the rare real estate agent who feels less like a salesperson and more like an old pal. 137 Newbury St., Boston, 02116, ricardoboston.com.
Shepard
A stock of syrups, infusions, and other mixology gimmicks is unnecessary when your way with the classics is so sound. Such is the case at Shepard, where bar manager Nic Mansur mixes one mean Manhattan, among other elegant, restrained cocktails. Factor in the Francophile wine list and eclectic array of apéritifs, and you’ll want to spend the entire evening at the bar, away from the dining room din. One Shepard St., Cambridge, MA 02138, shepardcooks.com.
Centre Street Café
Executive chef Brian Rae credits his pasta-making prowess to his Italian family, not to mention one Jody Adams, of Rialto fame. That expertise shows in every al dente ribbon of malfade slicked with lemon oil; in every tender nub of rigatoni swimming in pork-sausage ragu; and in every strata of lasagna shellacked with brown-butter balsamic sauce. Go on, get the full order. 669A Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, centrestreetcafejp.com.
Giulia
This lovable Porter Square trattoria specializes in subtlety, right down to its dim lighting, intimate ambiance, and exposed-brick walls. The straightforward dishes—delicate house-made gelato and hand-rolled pastas with simple sauces, almost all available with a dusting of shaved truffles—are best accompanied by one of the restaurant’s dozens of regional wines. 1682 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, giuliarestaurant.com.
Lana Barakat, December Thieves
At her SoWa and Charles Street boutiques, Barakat cultivates independent artisans with unique backstories and connects them with customers on her social-media pages. It feels like one big happy family, and Barakat's approachable demeanor and fawning customer service—she'll gamely bring goods to you if you're double-parked, for instance—feel almost motherly. (Multiple locations.) 524 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118, decemberthieves.com.
Amy Bailey, Townhouse Beauty Bar
Want the secret to fabulous lashes? You’ll find it at Townhouse Beauty Bar, where lash guru Amy Bailey has been perfecting the art of sultry eyes for more than 15 years. What makes Bailey’s method unique is her custom approach, which involves meticulously selecting lashes with the perfect curl and length to give each client a natural but voluminous look. The result? No one will know your secret except you and Bailey. 28 Charles St., Boston, MA 02122, townhousebeautybar.com.