Mistral
Perhaps the reason Mistral's service is so superior is because the majority of the staff have been on board since the place opened 10 years ago. Or maybe it's that the menu hasn't changed all that much, which means servers not only know every ingredient in the wild mushroom risotto by heart, but can hold forth on its individual virtues as well. Whatever it is, the service is reliably attentive yet subtle, ensuring that a night out here always goes smoothly. 223 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA mistralbistro.com.
Arthur and Pat’s
This brunch spot got Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler’s vote for " best food in the whole wide world" (he presented A & P’s with the title and a platinum-record plaque several years ago), and now it has our stamp of approval as well. Having trouble deciding among the eggs Benedict with homemade pastrami, chocolate waffles with white chocolate crème anglaise, and the " Joey K" (smoked salmon atop a scallion-potato pancake with poached eggs)? Order all three, then nap all afternoon. 239 Ocean St., Marshfield, MA 2050, .
Royal Jewelers
Don’t know the first thing about carats and clarity? Head to Royal Jewelers, where experienced staffers (the shop’s been in the same family since 1948) are ready to hold your hand through every step of the ring-selection process. For a sparkler as unique as your soon-to-be bride, ask about the store’s customizable Royal Crown Collection. 58 Main St., Andover, MA 1810, royaljewelers.com.
Trina's Starlite Lounge
The whole point of brunch is that it's an excuse for indulgence. So why not inject a dash of naughtiness and have it on a weekday? We're talking about industry brunch on Mondays at Starlite, where calling in sick is rewarded with a pile of biscuits and gravy, or the brunch burger (crowned with a fried egg). The crowd, mostly restaurant types shaking off the prior night's last call, won't bat an eye at your request for a second butter-maple bourbon with a chocolate-covered bacon slice. 3 Beacon St., Somerville, MA 2143, trinastarlitelounge.com.
Kashmir
It's not exactly off the beaten path, but don't hold that against this Newbury Street establishment. The menu packs in polished regional specialties like lentil-based dal makhani, as well as favorites like the ubiquitous butter chicken. The only downside to a meal on the patio is the view of the shopping crowds, but Kashmir's mellow atmospher—and the hearty potato-stuffed naan—are worth elbowing aside a few tourists. 279 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, kashmirrestaurant.com.
Au Soleil Catering
If God is indeed in the details, Au Soleil must be nigh holy. The operation gets every last request right, and often adds a few flourishes of its own. That might mean having bartenders shake up pitch-perfect cocktails to order. Or creating entrées that play up your favorite ingredients, or that reflect the seasonal bounty at chef-owner Frank McClelland's Apple Street Farm. Whatever occasion you're having catered, you can count on the eats being divine. 148 Hampden St., Boston, MA 2119, ausoleilcatering.com.
S&I to Go
Notwithstanding the beef tendon fire pot at Montien (still the hottest soup around, in both senses of the word), this unassuming Allston 12-seater is your first-class ticket to Bangkok. The Thai-language menu is filled with enough mild-mannered fare to sate even the most uninitiated of palates, while devotees can delight in rare finds like crispy double-fried catfish laced with whole sprigs of fresh peppercorns and volcanic som tums flavored with raw salted crab. 168a Brighton Ave., Allston, MA 2134, .
Volante Farm
It's no Star Market, which is precisely what makes buying produce from Volante Farm so much fun. All the green stuff (lettuce, cukes, beans) is grown in the fields behind the stand, ensuring freshness and seasonality. Other offerings are all made locally including fresh bread and candy. There's also a midsized greenhouse, with rows of colorful herbs, annuals, and perennials to take home. 829 Central Avenue, Needham, MA volantefarms.com.
Hi-Rise Bread Company
Baked right on the premises with organic whole wheat, rye, and corn flours, Hi-Rise bread does a body good. In addition to more than a dozen breads offered on the menu, different specialty breads take turns haring the spotlight as bread of the day, seven days a week. The cell-phone-free environment, which is strictly enforced, ensures a wondrous, relaxing visit. Ingredients necessary: a good book, a cup of java, and a slice of some cinnamon-raising bread. 208 Concord Avenue, Cambridge, MA hi-risebread.com.
Formaggio Kitchen
Not everyone appreciates the olfactory assault that is Formaggio. In fact, we frequently have to check our companions at the curb before heading in to sample this place's runny gobs of poisses and Robiola. True fans of the stinky stuff, however, will be blown away by the shop's countless whole wheels of raw-milk cheddars, marbled blues, and crumbly Parmigianos, aged and tended in Formaggio's own custom-built cheese cave. 244 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, formaggiokitchen.com.
Vetcall
Anyone who's ever tried to cram a hissing cat or a yelping dog into a pet carrier knows that a trip to the vet is the worst day of your furry friend's year. So spare everyone the ordeal and ring up Vetcall's Jake Tedaldi, a Harvard- and Tufts-trained DVM who'll examine Fluffy in your home and take care of vaccines on the spot. 304 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2115, vetcall.com.
Cooperative Dog
After suffering through trainers who merely barked advice (our ears are still ringing), we were overjoyed to discover owner Vera Wilkinson's quiet expertise. Certified both as a dog-behavior consultant and professional dog trainer—and armed with more than a decade of experienc—Wilkinson begins by watching you interact with Fido at home. Only then does she offer suggestions. She takes her time, and you and your dog will end up the better for it. 1786 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2445, cooperativedog.com.
Equinox Fitness
In the year since the high-end New York chain opened a location in the Back Bay, Bostonians have been flocking to this ideal spa-gym hybrid. The sleek, inviting space holds not only the latest fitness equipment, but also studios for Pilates, cycling, and myriad yoga classes (pranavayu, vinyasa flow, anusara, and power). Inclined toward pampering? Avail yourself of the full range of massages, wraps, and facials. Afterward, the juice bar and free WiFi in the lounge help recharge body and mind. 131 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Emerge Spa and Salon
By now you've seen the articles proclaiming that men are (hold on to your footballs!) concerned with their hygiene and grooming. Yet at most spas, the premises still feel dominated by women, or at least by lots and lots of flowers. Not so at Emerge. Its Men's Club, flush with mahogany paneling and boasting a flat-screen TV, is cordoned off and populated by neatly kempt guys awaiting their facials, massages, waxings, and manicures. The only femininity here comes via the friendly staff. And that's something the male clientele doesn't seem to mind. 275 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, emergespasalon.com.
Tresses & the Day Spa
Finding a great island spa can be a tricky business, with descriptions like "laid-back" actually translating to "remote location" and "untrained staff." At Tresses, the efficient stylists, aestheticians, and masseurs dole out high-quality treatments, letting guests keep their vacations free of any "I'm paying how much for this?!" vexation. Top picks include the detoxifying body wraps—all named for Nantucket beaches—and the post-surfing sports massage. It's not superfancy, but it's exactly what a resort-town retreat should be: therapeutic and relaxing. 117 Pleasant St., Nantucket, MA 2554, nantucketspa.com.