The Daily Catch Seaport
With a just creamy enough texture, generous potato chunks, meaty pieces of clam, and a house-made biscuit in place of the requisite oyster crackers, the Daily Catch's chowder is an exemplar of the form. 2 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 02210, dailycatch.com.
La Cancún
Cozy and welcoming, this authentic Mexican-Salvadoran restaurant has exceptional double-tortilla tacos. Be sure to try the lengua and pescado versions (and get them topped with house-made red chili). 192 Sumner St., Boston, MA 02128, lacancunrestaurant.com.
Cafénation
Finding a seat on the weekend can be nearly impossible, and given the offerings—fluffy made-to-order omelets, creamy iced lattes, melt-in-your-mouth sweet crêpes—it’s easy to see why. 380 Washington St., Boston, MA 02135, cafenation.com.
CCL HomeScapes
With more than 20 display kitchens in a 12,500-square-foot showroom, plus several in-house designers, CCL HomeScapes offers plenty of culinary inspiration and expertise for homeowners. Abington, MA capecodlumber.com/homescapes.
Sally Weston Associates
Sally Weston draws from New England's classic architectural tradition to design and renovate elegant houses for the South Shore's most glamorous homeowners. With Weston, no detail is overlooked. Hingham, MA sallyweston.com.
Newton Highlands Pet & Grooming
Remember Janeane Garofalo in The Truth About Cats and Dogs ? She has nothing on manager/groomer Jane Bruce, who brings out the couth in your kitties and mutts. 9 Woodward St., Newton, MA .
Anchovies
The chicken "parm" is terrific, the drinks are huge, the prices can't be beat, and the serving staff couldn't be friendlier. When Mary, the waitress, raps your salad dressing options, it's virtual poetry. 433 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA .
Small Planet Bar and Grill
Eclectic props and great people watching can keep you entertained if the date turns out to be a bore, and the excellent vegetable burgers can save the evening if your new friend turns out to be a vegetarian. 565 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Tavern on the Water
Opened eight months ago, the Tavern has great water views, outdoor dining, and outrageous sunset jazz and entertainment in the summer on Thursdays and Fridays. Come by car, water taxi, or sail over on your yacht. 1 Pier 6, Eighth St., Charlestown, MA .
Javier Berdecia at Daryl Christopher
When the occasion calls for more than your standard shower-comb-and-run hairstyle, Javier is the man to call. With a twist of the wrist and a spritz of spray, he'll turn that workaday do into something that will turn heads. 118 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Brookline Grooming and Pet Supplies
A full-service salon: skillful grooming, facilities for washing your dog yourself, supplies and food for sale, and a monthly newsletter to keep you in touch with the latest in doggy hair care. 146 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA .
The Gifted Buyer
Judith Rosenthal can save you time and money—no kidding. She's independent, unlike most personal shoppers, so she casts her net widely, hauling in the items of your choice, often at bargain prices.
Webster Home Engineering
Owner Alden Webster is a structural engineer by day, but at night and on weekends he provides the best emergency service around, as well as an impressive in-depth analysis of your home's system. 113 North St., Lexington, MA .
Gerald Sheetoo
A trained engineering technician, Sheetoo will help determine the stereo system that's right for you, based on a thorough analysis of your musical preferences, lifestyle, listening habits, and budget. 38 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA .
Wayland Golf Shop
For a great combination of price, quality, and service, this family-owned mecca is hard to beat. And you can try out your club selection on the course before you buy. Route 27, Wayland, MA .