The Burgundy Foulard Silk Tie from Brooks Brothers
Store rep Bill Orlandi says it's the only tie you'll ever need. The standard three-and-one-half-inch width will never go out of fashion.
Dance Umbrella
The Cambridge-based dance-presenting organization long ago secured the devotion of Mark Morris, who now rewards us all by performing here regularly. Morris is just one talent among many sheltered by this bumbershoot.
Willow Jazz Club
Known to jazz addicts simply as the Willow, this club is inelegant, tiny, and out-of-the-way, yet accessible to big- and small-name musicians alike. jazz was born in dumps like this one, and it still seems to love to hang out here. 699 Broadway, Somerville, MA .
Lynda Connolly
Without her, Secretary of Space Michael J. Connolly would be an even bigger joke than he is. "I've heard of separate beds," said one panelist, "but separate planets?"
Jasper's
You may not think it's a seafood restaurant, but about 75 percent of the menu items come from the sea. Furthermore, the quality is unbeatable and no one prepares it better than Jasper White. 240 Commercial Street, Boston, MA .
Foodie's Urban Market
One-stop shopping (truffle oil, seaweed) for your dinner party. 1421 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118-2009, foodies-urban-market.com.
Louis
One of the largest selections of fine fabrics and tasteful, but stylish garments to be found anywhere. 470 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Bigelow
For those with a serious green thumb and those who wish to acquire one. Northborough, MA
George Gendron, <em>Inc.</em> magazine
His publication is one of the national-magazine success stories of the decade.
Tatsukichi-Boston
One of the best arguments for waterfront gentrification we've come across. 189 State St., Boston, MA .
Ribelle
One of the city’s hottest dining destinations does brunch right, with an outrageous sticky bun slathered with tangy cream cheese frosting and apple butter. 1665 Beacon St., Washington Square, MA 2445, ribellebkline.com.
Fairsted Kitchen
Drinking at this newcomer is like throwing one back in your grandmother’s foyer—if she served cocktails on draft and used vintage cordial glasses for shots, that is. 1704 Beacon St., Washington Square, MA 2445, fairstedkitchen.com.
Ten Tables J.P.
With a bar on one side and an intimate dining room on the other, Ten Tables J.P. has the neighborhood restaurant thing down pat. 597 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 2130, tentables.net.
Fun Food Snackery
Zero humdrum sundaes here. Dig into exotic shaved ice, crazy mounds of fruit, and Christina's ice cream, scooped by one sweet staff. 141 Brighton Ave., Allston, MA 2134, .
Michael Albor, the Loft
In the words of one $350-a-cut stylist (who thought the handiwork was his own), our Albor-made chestnut brown 'has never been better.' 207 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .