Boston Children's Museum
This sprawling three-level temple of fun and learning has always been a place where tiny humans can go to play, touch, build, measure, and create. It’s also a place that’s constantly growing and evolving itself: After shutting down the beloved “Boston Black” exhibit this spring, it’s preparing to launch “You, Me, We”later this summer, exploring the concepts of bias, race, and belonging through a kid-friendly lens. Always kid-friendly, of course, is the gigantic climbing tower in the lobby for your budding Spider-Man (or Woman). 308 Congress St, Boston, MA 02210, bostonchildrensmuseum.org.
Boca Grande
All we can say is that we wish Boca Grande were next door to our offices. The chicken burrito can't be beat. 149 First St., Cambridge, MA .
High Society
There's a tendency toward New Wave here, but owner Mark Ostrovsky still managed to outfit several of our editors with dinner jackets for an evening. 273 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Rinaldi's Shoe Repair
Several shops rejected our ripped Ferragamo pump as unsalvageable, but the guys at Rinaldi's said, "We'll do a good job." And they did. 384 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Boyajian's Garlic Oil
The garlic-infused extra-virgin olive oil is our favorite, but we hear that cracked-black pepper and possibly mustard-seed oils are due in the fall. All locations, MA .
Caffe Bella
The people of Randolph probably deserve a great restaurant, but we would rather have Caffe Bella next door to our offices at Horticultural Hall. 19 Warren Street, Randolph, MA .
Body Sculpture
Owner Mary Brenda Cortell gets our nod for both her commitment to local artists and her good taste. 127 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Cheese Shop
And the consensus of our panel was that owner-manager Bill Barber is the most knowledgeable cheese man in the area. 29 Walden St., Concord, MA .
The Wholy Grain
The patio out front (and back!), freshly baked pastries, and satisfying sandwiches make this our go-to place to chill in the South End. 275 Shawmut Ave., South End, MA 2118, wholygrain.com.
WB56's Jon Keller
Yes, he's also our political columnist. But he wins because he has the sources and asks the toughest questions.
Kennedy
Our most powerful Catholic politician issued a statement condemning predatory priests but stopped short of urging Cardinal Bernard Law to step down.
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, theloftsalonanddayspa.com.
The Tam O'Shanter
In short, it rocks, so it has often earned a Best from us. If the Tam doesn't change its tune, we won't change ours. 1648 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA .
Nickelodeon
Also has the best concession stand. But with its sale to USA Cinema, we've got our fingers crossed about the Nick's future.
Dewing Schmid Kearns Architects + Planners
Balanced, elegant, smart—the architects at this firm understand the New England design vernacular better than anyone around. With their deep knowledge, they play with our region's dominant forms to create innovative and exciting spaces. Concord, MA dskap.com.