Alan Bilzerian
Economic downturn bedamned. This boutique is still standing tall, thanks to a rocking inventory that keeps the well-heeled masses coming. Find handmade Chelsea boots by Albert Fasciani, a one-of-a-kind Imp of the Perverse jacket with handpainted lining, and surface-dyed charcoal jeans from Boris Bidjan Saberi. 34 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, alanbilzerian.com.
Brady Brumfield, Roffi Salon & Day Spa
After quizzing you to establish expectations, Brady Brumfield will deliver a natural look that can be comfortably worn straight out of the chair—not one that starts awkward and takes several days to grow into. His attention to detail, from wash to product recommendations, adds a level of service seldom seen in run-of-the-mill chop shops. 134 Newbury St., Boston, MA roffisalon.com.
M. Miller
Fur upkeep is a specialized craft, one that the artisans at this multi-generation family shop take seriously. Older shearlings and minks are repaired with care and stored during the summer, keeping them in pristine condition. M. Miller also makes its own line of stunning skiwear. 519 Albany St., Boston, MA 2118, mmillerfur.com.
Jeffrey Lyle Salon
After one too many blowouts left us looking like a Dallas cast member, we were ready to throw in the (salon) towel. Then came Tim Robishaw at Jeffrey Lyle, who transformed our limp strands into "look at me" locks that lasted the entire weekend. 135 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Aldo Shoes
This Montreal-based store carries mostly moderately priced European imports. From pumps for women to rugged boots for men, there is something for every foot, but there's only one pair per size in most styles, so get there often. 180 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Boston Athletic Club
Boston doesn't yet have that one great health club, but in the meantime, BAC is the best thing in town. There are basketball, tennis, racquetball, and squash courts galore, not to mention the basics such as Nautilus and aerobics. It also offers cardio-boxing, golf, a hair salon, chiropractors, physical therapists, and massage therapists. 653 Summer St., Boston, MA .
Cambridge Racquet and Fintess Club
Play high-speed racquetball or share the Gravitron with your crush, who is probably competitively athletic and making good money at Lotus or one of the other high-tech companies in the neighborhood. Then schmooze in the Jacuzzi or share an intimate dinner at the club restaurant. 215 First St., Cambridge, MA .
Opticians 3
Whether your look is designer chic, fifties retro, or Elton John outre, this place can meet your specs. It's also one of only a few local sources for the popular Oliver Peoples line of antique-style frames. 755 Beacon Street, Newton Centre, MA .
Basil-Lime Gimlet, Via Matta
At a spot that has the feel of an Italian neighborhood trattoria (if said neighborhood were full of top-tax-bracket Italians, that is), this defining cocktail is appropriately light and socially lubricious, and sports a Mediterranean twist. Made of iced Ketel One shaken with fresh lime and garnished with shredded basil, it's like a burst of Tuscan sunshine. 79 Park Plaza, Boston, MA viamattarestaurant.com.
Rachel Miller Munzer, Hungry Mother
Hungry Mother has become one of the Hub's hottest tables not just for its smart take on Dixieland fare, but also for its southern hospitality. Credit the latter to Miller Munzer's knack for making patrons feel they're in their own private dining room, even when the place is packed (and heck, when isn't it?). 233 Cardinal Medeiros Ave., Cambridge, MA 2141, .
Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli, Craigie On Main
With a cocktail menu rooted in the classics and an obsession with quality ingredients matched only by that of his boss, Craigie on Main chef Tony Maws, this Eastern Standard alum performs quietly on a one-man stage. Trust us, he puts on a show you don't want to miss. 853 Main St., Cambridge, MA 2139, .
Vince Doria, <em>Boston Globe</em> Sports Editor
Another fine year. Just one question, Vince: What did you mean by the subhead on your Latin American baseball special section that read, "The hunger and desire of young Latins . . . make their future impact . . . even more ominous"? Too much chicken and rice in the clubhouses, perhaps?
Nicholas Tischler
If you can make your way through the supercool front-of-the-house impressarios, and manage to obtain one of the precious few tables in the back dining room, Nicholas Tischler's food will delight, amaze, and just plain satisfy. He's got a way with fish and is equally adept and meat and game dishes. Restaurant Zinc, 35 Stanhope St., Boston, MA .
Thompson's Chowder House
We know, we know. Two Ben Thompson joints in one B & W? Hard to believe, but this place gets our vote just because it dares to serve skate. And backs it up with the best chowder (the Gloucester version) in town. North Market Building, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA .
<em>Boston Globe</em>
The Globe again, for slashing not only the aforementioned book section, but also the Sunday Focus section in one of America's most cerebral cities, then promising to launch a new "ideas" section "when a more robust economy brings us better resources."