Muqueca
The fact that every Boston Brazilian joint has earned its fame doling out all-you-can-eat portions of meat left us wondering: How do those girls in Rio look so hot in their thongs? Then we discovered Muqueca, where even our most carnivorous friends fell for the single servings of spicy dishes, including the traditional seafood stew for which the restaurant is named. It's so good we guarantee you'll bring back your very lean booty for more. 1008 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 2139, muquecarestaurant.com.
The Baseball Tavern
A reverential silence descends on this spartan tap room whenever the Sox play. The patrons and bartenders alike are true fans, and their passions are readily apparent on the slew of television sets aimed at every nook and corner. If you don't have a ticket for a home game, this is the closest you can get to Fenway (literally—the ballpark is across the street). Little wonder it's also become a regular stop for visiting players. This loyalist stronghold wears its lack of pretense on a Red Sox sleeve. 1306 Boylston St., Boston, MA thebaseballtavern.com.
Oak Bar
There could be a raging nor'easter outside, but inside this legend in the Fairmont Copley Plaza, it's always 70 degrees, with the sun setting over the Indian Ocean and the whack of a distant cricket wicket audible over the veldt. Every detail here speaks civilization—from the golden elephant heads holding up the bar rail to the crisp service of the gold-vested bartenders. The generous martinis, on the other hand, whisper pure decadence. 138 St. James Ave., Boston, MA oaklongbarkitchen.com.
Frank Roop
There are two schools of interior design: "shop and arrange," or the completely custom approach. Those of us capable of selecting a sofa have little interest in the former and a profound respect for the latter, especially in the case of designer Frank Roop. His every surface, piece of furniture, and window treatment showcases an artist's ingenuity with color, texture, and craftsmanship. In other words, Roop's homes are entirely bespoke, and thus defy imitation. 224 Clarendon St., Boston, MA frankroop.com.
Kelly's Underground Dog Grooming
Between the cooing and the teeny-tiny hair bows, dog grooming is a silly affair. At least to the dogs, who honestly don't care about being clean, and would much rather spend their time making new friends. At Kelly's, everyone wins: The pups are washed and trimmed and, unlike at many groomers', permitted to run around and socialize if they have the proper manners. Which means they come home clean, happy, and, most important, totally tuckered out. 248B W. Newton St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Newbury Tailoring Company
When the Rivas brothers relocated down the street to 91 Newbury, their patrons followed. Their tailoring team can take in or let out (not that any of your clothes ever need that) whatever you put in their deft hands, from dandy Etro suits to a pair of Sacred Blues—and they'll even keep the much coveted original hem. As the waiting area's armoire overflowing with comic book action figures suggests, when holding a needle and thread, these guys have unlimited superpowers. 91 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
TC's Lounge
(IN MEMORIAM) This place was notorious for many reasons: dirty floors; a weird sign hanging from the ceiling advertising an "Oxycontin shot"; the fun-house women's room (don't ask); and the sale of infant-wear emblazoned with the words "Future Customer." In other words, TC's was a truly wonderful place—until it burned down in March. We have high hopes that after its planned resurrection, it will be "better" than ever. Boston, MA 2115,
Grettaluxe
This petite boutique is on the cutting edge, with designs from Michael Kors and DSquared2 to Miu Miu and Chloé, all lovingly handpicked at the Milan, Paris, and New York showrooms by trendsetting owner Gretchen Monahan. The accessories, those holy grails of fashion, range from Marc Jacobs handbags to shoes by Jimmy Choo and Sigerson Morrison. The scrupulously chosen inventory includes only the most flattering, stylish, and feminine of pieces—meaning shoppers need only put themselves in Monahan's capable hands to look utterly fantastic. 94 Central St., Wellesley, MA .
Winston Flowers
An orchid among daisies, Winston Flowers has all but cornered the market west of Boston. Whether you're after luscious greens, blazing blossoms, or aromatic herbs, the colors and intricate designs here are irresistible. And with the freshest stems in town, it's no wonder Winston's blossoms hold their perfect petals higher than your average posy. 31 Central St. at Rte. 9, Wellesley, Newton, MA winstonflowers.com.
Winston Flowers
The only thing more beautiful than the vibrant, fresh flowers at any of this local chain's locations are the spectacular arrangements, which are delivered with care, in-state or out. Count on Winston's designers to create the perfect arrangement for any occasion, and count on the flowers to be fresh: All are shipped from their sources overnight and inspected before being arranged. Winston will take orders online (winstonflowers.com) and by phone, but garden lovers shouldn't pass up a visit to the stores, which also stock ceramics for the home, garden accessories, and furniture. 31 Central St., Wellesley, MA winstonflowers.com/Locations/Wellesley.
Lawn at the Museum of Transportation
A little outdoor lunch in order? Your best bet is the secluded hilltop field next to the Museum of Transportation. This public plot has all the grass and trees to spread out on, but lacks the crowds that the Esplanade is known for. Pick a warm weekend day, stretch out on the lush lawn with a basket of goodies, and take in all the kites filling the sky. You'll come home invigorated. 15 Newton Street, Brookline, MA .
Winston Flowers & Garden
Yard work becomes a whole lot more like play time after a visit to Winston's sprawling garden center, where three greenhouses shelter rows of ferns, ficus, and other hard-to-kill plants. Seeds, fertilizers, potted flora, and walls and walls of reference books make for a retail experience sure to satisfy wizened landscaping pros, as well as novice green thumbs seeking advice on how to nurture their seedlings into window boxes that will be the envy of the neighborhood. 11 Florence St., Newton, MA winstonflowers.com.
Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery
Cranberries, for sure. Apples? Most certainly. But who would have thought a state with such a sun-challenged climate could produce a credible array of wines? Westport's offerings are not only credible, they'd hold their own against the California big boys. The Westport "Sparklers"—the Blanc de Blancs, Imperial Sec, and Brut Cuvee RJR—are especially fine. 417 Hixbridge Road, Westport, MA .
Riverway/Jamaicaway/Jamaica Pond
The continuous path alongside the Riverway and the Jamaicaway is so quiet and scenic it's hard to believe the city lies just beyond the trees. As the path winds across Route 9, it grows even more picturesque, veering through the woods for a few short stretches before ending at Jamaica Pond. A loop around the pond with the local dog walkers and baby strollers adds a mile and a half to the run, and the whole uncrowded trip offers a welcome reprieve from drivers, bladers, and bicyclists. MA
Coelho Contracting
In slightly less than a decade in business, Emanuel Coelho's firm has painted hundreds of houses around Boston. The secret of its success boils down to that magical combination rarely seen in contractors: top-quality workmanship—backed by a five-year, no-chip warranty—and a rate that leaves clients with a little extra cash for other home-improvement projects. 14 William St., Medford, MA 2155, .