Henry Bear's Park
This locally grown stalwart earns our salute by appealing to kids and parents alike. Stocking time-honored brands like Alex, Gund, and Manhattan Toy at a variety of price points, Henry Bear's makes it that much easier to say yes to the child who just won't leave without a present. 25 White St., Boston, MA 2128, henrybear.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, .
Gérard Barbin, Sensing
Deputized by superchef Guy Martin to run swish French eatery Sensing, this young import has shown all the technique and discipline required by haute cuisine, along with more than a little invention. With Barbin folding more local seafood and cheeses into his repertoire, he's become our favorite French connection. 3 Battery Wharf, Boston, MA 2109, .
The Sunset Grill & Tap
Back when good beer selection meant both Bud and Miller Lite, these hopheads did their damnedest to broaden our horizons. A decade later, the bar stocks nearly 500 microbrews, including 110 on tap and three beer engines for those cask-conditioned ales. 130 Brighton Ave., Brighton, MA .
John Gertsen, No. 9 Park
Charm and meticulousness have earned this mixologist more than his fair share of props. But that's no reason to deny him this year's Best of Boston nod, especially as we anticipate his residence (and ours) at Drink, part of Barbara Lynch's coming gastronomic juggernaut in Fort Point Channel. 9 Park St., Boston, MA 2108, .
Thom Brown
They definitely got the funk. Thom Brown boasts the biggest selection in town from the hipper side of Kenneth Cole to platforms in all shapes and sizes. Here's where our boys find shoes that express their personality without getting too ridiculous. 331 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Coach
Coach is back on our radar with a new young designer turning out leather goods in shapes and colors never before associated with the conservative store. Look for its ergonomically shaped purses, wallets in lime green, and golf gloves in baby blue. Copley Place, Boston, MA .
Rosenfeld
Arguments over who makes the best challah can go on longer than Rosh Hashanah services. Our pick? Rosenfeld, where the loaf (pictured at left) is delightfully dense, moist, and balanced in its egginess and sweetness. If you can resist tearing it apart, slice it thick for sandwiches—it absorbs brisket juice like a beast. 1280 Centre St., Newton, MA 2459, .
Peter McNeeley
The Medford Hurricane managed to score a $700,000 payday with Mike Tyson without fighting anyone more dangerous than his mom, proving the old adage that crime doesn't pay but pigmentation does. Our prediction? Tyson in two. We recommend the plastic surgeons at Mass. General, Pete.
NewBridge Café
We ate pounds and pounds of steak tips this year on a deep dive into the history of this uniquely New England dish (see the May issue for more) — and found our favorites here, marinated in a sweet barbecue-style sauce and grilled to a perfect tenderness. Don’t forget the hot cherry peppers on the side. 650 Washington Ave., Chelsea, MA 02150, newbridgecafe.com.
Sesuit Harbor Cafe
We wait all year to dig into Sesuit Harbor’s lobster roll dripping with butter, crisp fried scallops with slaw, and mountains of succu- lent Barnstable Harbor littlenecks. But it’s not just the food that brings us back to this buoy-festooned clapboard shack—it’s the feeling we get after ordering from the takeout window and then unloading our fresh catch on a picnic table at water’s edge—the very definition of summer. 357 Sesuit Neck Rd., Dennis, MA 02638, sesuit-harbor-cafe.com.
Encore Boston Harbor
With travel outside the state still a gamble, we’re lucky to have this riverfront resort casino right in our backyard, providing top-notch dining options; gorgeous rooms with marble-tiled bathrooms; and, of course, a Vegas-worthy gaming floor to those in need of a break—preferably a lucky one. The one thing this place doesn’t roll the dice on? Guests’ well-being, with reopening plans developed in conjunction with public health experts. One Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, encorebostonharbor.com.
Date & Time
Elegant, modern ambiance and top-notch service define this aptly named jeweler, right down to the buttery lounge chairs (ideal for weary shopping companions) and soft lighting. Browse luxury timepieces and understated baubles from Messika and Pomellato, and be treated like a gem too: Our dented antique ring that cried out for resetting and embellishment was given the same care as a prized diamond. 5 Concord Rd., Sudbury, MA 01776, dateandtimema.com.
AR Nail Bar & Lounge
After a harrowing drive to our appointment in heavy rain, we felt the tension melting away the second we stepped foot inside this immaculate Somerville salon. The staff? Competent and courteous. The service? Insta-worthy, with exemplary shaping, flawless polish application, and a much-needed hand massage. But what really wowed us was the ambiance, with softly playing music, a trickling water feature near the pedicure chairs, and low lighting creating a relaxing environment for express services, trendy color dips, and gel-based full sets alike. 485 Revolution Dr., Somerville, MA 02145, arnailbarsomerville.com.
Brassica Kitchen + Café
In its playful, never-ending quest to give the people what they want, Brassica has worn a dizzying number of hats this year: breakfast nook, provisions kiosk, empanaderia, fish taverna. Along the way, we worried fantastic menu fixtures like Brassica’s hot, made-fresh-daily doughnuts might get overshadowed. Judging by how quickly they sell out, our fears were misplaced. 3710 Washington St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, brassicakitchen.com.