Monica's Mercato & Salumeria
Generously sized and threaded with feather-light layers of mortadella, Genoa salami, prosciutto di Parma, provolone, and the requisite pickled accessories, Monica's Italian sub won both our hearts and our stomachs. 130 Salem St., Boston, MA 02109, monicasboston.com.
Accurate Paving
Good ideas for the shape, grading, and surface of your driveway, plus timely and professional follow-through make Accurate the discriminating homeowner's choice for asphalt paving. 74 Acton Street, Watertown, MA .
Catch A Rising Star
Contrary to what its name suggests, this little fun house on the Charles seems to attract the bigger names in comedy, and possesses especially good taste in women comics. 30 John F. Kennedy St., Cambridge, MA .
The Legal Triumph of Billy Sullivan
Luckily, they found a jury of his peers: 10 people who think that they way to get rich is to invest in a rock and roll tour with Don King.
Persephone
Dribbling during dinner provides the perfect excuse to troll the designer threads (tops by Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair, dresses by McQ) at in-house boutique Achilles. 283 Summer St., Boston, MA 2210, achilles-project.com.
Punjabi Dhaba
On our first visit, a pair of regulars told us, completely unprompted, that we’d love this place. Why? Is it Mohan Singh’s meltingly tender, bone-in goat masala, accompanied by hubcap-size naan? The sitar-heavy soundtrack? Or the adrenaline-fueled open kitchen, where a cluster of cooks pile steaming vindaloos and curries onto metal trays? By the end of our meal, we’d answered that question: all of the above. 225 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 02139, punjabidhaba.co.
Boston Calling
Okay, so maybe this isn’t a surprising choice. But when a three-year-old music festival is already bringing the likes of Sia and Janelle Monáe to our fair town, we must tip our hats. The band choices are solid, and there’s actually enough space for food, fans, and giant Jenga. With a big move to Allston planned for next year, we can’t wait to see what Boston Calling will bring to the city next. bostoncalling.com.
I.D. Salon
We stumbled into this much-buzzed-about salon as the worst of our possible client selves—no appointment, unwashed hair under a ballcap, jittery with caffeine—and were frankly blown away. They graciously squeezed us in but never rushed things, first consulting, then checking and rechecking our cut so we'd look better than we had any right to. We walked in as the Hopeless Mess, but walked out the Devoted Fan. 241 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA 2481, .
Ini Spahiu, Salon Mario Russo
Spending time in Ini Spahiu’s chair feels just like catching up with an old friend — albeit one who knows her way around a set of foils. After a quick consultation to suss out our transformation goals, the longtime colorist got to work, whipping up and applying just the right formula while we chatted. And the results? Let’s just say our sun-starved locks, which Spahiu thoughtfully brightened with perfectly placed balayage highlights, have never looked better. 9 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, mariorusso.com.
Chauncey
We were one more Creed song away from slitting our wrists when Chauncey's self-titled debut—loaded with swerving melodies, bending rhythms, and emotional truths—revived our faith in rock 'n' roll. Not to mention in the Boston music scene.
Constantine "Gus" Hampers, husband of Republican candidate for state treasurer Joyce Hampers
Charged by the government with illegally importing endangered species—two ocelots and one mountain lion, found stuffed and mounted in the Hamperses' house last spring.
The Haven
Help yourself to a second pint of Scottish beer while you tuck into house-made lamb haggis and neeps at this laid-back pub. 2 Perkins St., Jamaica Plain, MA 2130, thehavenjp.com.
UBurger
We love following this local chainlet's build-it-your-way burger with the velvety frappe, offered in a handful of classic varieties like black-and-white, creamsicle, and malt. 16 North St., Boston, MA 2115, uburger.com.
Bloomingdale's
Enjoy the selection—from the classical quality of Baker to the stark modernism of Jay Spectre; and the style—the four separate showrooms show off the talents of the store's designers. the Mall at Chestnut Hill, Newton, MA .
The Cafe at Maison Robert
What can we say? The four-course prix-fixe dinner ($15), which changes every month, is unmatched for quality, style, creativity, and sensitivity to patrons. 45 School St., Boston, MA .