The Book Case
A musty remnant of our literary tradition, a haven for mourners of an earlier age when books were read. And most of these were read. 42 Church St., Cambridge, MA .
Ma Dixon's
Southerners in our midst say that this rich confection of dark, sticky filling and crunchy pecan halves is the real McCoy. 457 Blue Hill Ave., Roxbury, MA .
Sweet Sis
Incredibly moist and fragrant was our consensus. And why is it that all of a sudden Newton has become a hotbed of culinary art? 1302 Washington St., West Newton, MA .
Stephanie's on Newbury
Great salads, delicious entrees, and terrific desserts make this our favorite stop on the way home from work when the day's been a dud and only a Chinese chicken salad and a Tarte Tatin will make it better. 190 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Rosie's Bakery
When a chocolate craving hits, there are few things in life more satisfying than one of Rosie's cookies. Sophisticated enough to feel adult; fudgy enough to make our inner child stop whining. 243 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA .
China Pavillion
Our food critic, Steven Raichlen, found the best stir-fried clams here a year ago. Now he swears by the little dumplings. We have to agree. 14 Hudson St., Boston, MA .
Ecoluxe
This nontoxic, organic dry cleaner is gentle on our clothes and the environment. One Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2445, .
School Volunteers for Boston
A bright light in the otherwise dismal gloom of our public-school system.
Barneys New York
Thanks, New York. Our little-town fashion blues are melting away. The Mall at Chestnut Hill, Newton, MA .
The Boston Conservatory Dance Theater's performance of septuagenarian Murray Louis's "Four Brubeck Pieces" showcased eight high-octane dancers careening—collaboratively and individually—through a mélange of moods with uncanny finesse.
Romping gave way to meditation gave way to irony gave way to exuberance at the breaking point.
Classes Offered by Sheryl Julian at the Kitchen
Of course, she comes recommended by our own restaurant critic, Steven Raichlen. And we're especially partial to his classes.
Kevin White
Exonerated by the office of the U.S. attorney. Was there ever a dodger so artful as our Kevin?
The New England Dinosaur Company's Move to New York
Director and choreographer Michael Mao's awful vanity company is taken to the big time. And out of our hair.
Folklorica
The idea of handcrafts is intriguing; the reality, often ho-hum. Folklorica, however, hones its edge with one-of-a-kind creations by big names (Alexis Bittar, Jane Diaz) and sharp local talent. 61 Union St., Newton Centre, Newton, MA 2459, .
James Perse
One of the best things about a day off is having the ability to choose comfort above all else. At the Boston outpost for this popular designer, sartorial-minded gents can find soft, well-fitting tees and premium cashmere track pants that won’t look embarrassing in the produce section. And if an invite comes your way that involves meeting people you know in public, you won’t have to sacrifice said comfort when you swap the sweats for cotton pants, a linen shirt, and crisp, retro-looking sneakers. 17 Arlington St., Boston, MA jamesperse.com.