Iggy's Bread of the World
What does "Bread of the World" mean? For Iggy's, it translates into old-fashioned, naturally leavened, hearth-baked breads made from ingredients that have not been chemically treated in any way ("as close to the tree as possible") and available at a price "for all people." For the yeast-addicted, it means the yummiest bread in Boston, from country sourdough to brioche to the decadent orange chocolate cherry. If you can't make it to the retail store in Watertown, Iggy's breads can be found at various stores in Boston (Bread &Circus, Savenour's, select Star Markets) or ordered by mail. 250-4 Arlington St., Watertown, MA .
The Catered Affair
This culinary juggernaut is the in-house caterer for a slew of the city’s high-end venues, including the Boston Public Library, Harvard Art Museums, and the Boston Athenaeum (where it also runs a brand-new café open to the public). Which begs the question: If they trust the Catered Affair to handle their cuisine, shouldn’t you? The answer: Yes, you absolutely should. With the goal of creating unforgettable dining experiences, the team here can curate a personalized menu for your big day — think king-crab tostadas and broiled oysters with sea urchin and black lime — that looks as good as it tastes. thecateredaffair.com.
Kodomo
Guaranteed you will eye at least one article of clothing at Kodomo and wonder if there is any amount of tailoring that could make it adult size. The selection of apparel—think flowy striped jump suits for girls and oh-so-cool printed sweatshirts for boys—appeals to any age with relaxed, contemporary silhouettes and muted colors and patterns that feel more joyful than cutesy. Bonus: The shops' featured designers all practice ethical manufacturing. 579 Tremont St., Boston, 617-936-3808; 45 River St., Boston, 617-530-1140; kodomoboston.com. 579 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, kodomoboston.com.
Uni
Boston's sushi scene got an upgrade last year when Ken Oringer and Tony Messina expanded their tiny sashimi-only bar into a full-blown izakaya with new makimono and nigiri menus. Don't miss crazy-creative maki such as spicy tuna with aj_ amarillo and charred pineapple; salmon dotted with red curry; and a "White Castle burger" roll (exactly what it sounds like), available on occasion. More traditional nigiri—including the must-order fatty tuna dotted with uni powder and a nori reduction—pack just as much of a punch. 370 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02215, uni-boston.com.
Pembroke Country Club
Unlike many Boston-area public course, Pembroke gives attentive strokes to course condition. Though located only 30 minutes south of Boston, the narrow fairways with tall pines and bushes (beware of poison ivy) make you feel as if you're deep in the Berkshires. The secluded par 71 course makes you work at three long, challenging par 5s. Either pay by the round ($27 weekdays, $50 weekends) or purchase a membership. A bonus: Use the phone at the 9th tee to call in your order for a hot dog at the 10th. West Elm St., Pembroke, MA .
Franklin Cafe
Just because a restaurant's in the South End doesn't mean it's a South Ender's restaurant (ahem, Stephi's on Tremont). This place, however, is the real deal. The soul of Boston's now-crowded foodie enclave since opening 12 years ago, the Franklin fills with almost all regulars craving their specific comfort food—in our case, the garlic-grilled calamari and cornmeal-crusted catfish, with a glass of grüner, please!—every night of the week. And it doesn't hurt that the kitchen keeps on serving those calamari, and the rest of the menu, until 1:30 a.m. 278 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 2118, franklincafe.com.
Tom Mosser's <em>Celebrating Spencer</em>
Man’s best Boston Marathon friend, Spencer the golden retriever — who for years stood fast along the race route supporting runners — may be in doggie heaven after losing his battle with cancer in February, but his likeness lives on forever thanks to a Tom Mosser portrait commissioned by Spencer’s human Richard Powers. Exhibited this year just minutes from the race’s starting line, at the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, Celebrating Spencer shows the official marathon dog holding a Boston Strong banner — a dutiful inspiration to future generations of very good boys.
Zegna
Boston gents, take note: You’re no longer restricted to showing off your personality through socks and ties. After relocating to the Newbury Boston hotel last November, this luxury brand has even more space to display its sharp ready-to-wear suiting in wildly diverse patterns and fabrics, includ- ing cashmere blends and high-performance wool fibers. (And that’s not even counting the enormous array of custom options.) Make it a one-stop shopping experience and pick up polo shirts, joggers, and maybe even an Italian-made leather backpack while you’re there. 1 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, zegna.com.
Hairo
As blowout bars become as ubiquitous as Starbucks franchises, many have resorted to a formulaic styling process: wash, dry, and out the door. At Hairo, however, there’s no shuffling through a blow-dry assembly line: You’ll get a personalized ’do from a seasoned stylist, plus expert tips on which looks work best for your hair type. The best part? Your tamed tresses will last for days, with just the right amount of bounce. 163 Newbury St., Boston, 617-266-1199; 2 Winter Place, Boston, 617-231-7914. 163 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, myhairo.com.
Oishii
The name means "delicious," and the food delivers on the promise at this new addition to Boston's sushi scene. (Move over, Ginza.) Hidden away off Route 9 in Chestnut Hill, Oishii was opened by brother-in-law chefs Ting San and Kung San, both of whom trained at New York's raw fish temple, Nobu. On offer are generous portions of delectable fresh fish presented with great art and friendly service. Exclusivity is guaranteed: Oishii seats only 12. However, if you're willing to drive to Sudbury, it has already spawned a somewhat bigger branch. 612 Hammond Street, Chestnut Hill, MA oishiiboston.com/about-ch.html.
Cornerstone Books
With tarry-awhile touches like overstuffed chairs, a fireplace, and a wee café offering bites from nearby bakery A&J King, this handsome independent shop encourages people to lose themselves in books. It's also impressively devoted to luring them back out again, as Cornerstone regularly throws open its historic loft space for readings, live music performances, and club meet-ups (Boston's venerable Grub Street writing program recently established its North Shore base here). Part literary salon, part community living room, the store gives bookworms the space—and a gentle nudge—to be social animals as well. 45 Lafayette St., Salem, MA 1970, .
Jack Gantos
This year, Boston's literary world hit the jackpot with national success stories in local writers Erin Morgenstern and Jack Gantos. Morgenstern's fantastical debut novel about dueling magicians, The Night Circus, won raves (and a movie deal). But Gantos, a veteran author and former Emerson professor, soared to even greater heights when he won the Newbery Medal—the kid-lit version of the Best Picture Oscar—for his quirky, semi-autobiographical Dead End in Norvelt, about a boy growing up writing obituaries in an increasingly eerie town.
Flat Top Johnny's
Flat Top Johnny's runs the table. It's really no contest, considering most of Boston's pool halls are either shabby gin joints or cheesy meat markets. Flat Top's, by contrast, has a mellow punk vibe, a mix of Kendall Square professionals and Central Square rockers, and good tables. There are cool specials like Monday's nine-ball tournament and Tuesday's women's night. (God, even pool halls are going PC. Whatever happened to ladies' night?) The food's surprisingly good, and there's a beer for every palate and wallet—although we don't recommend drinking nine PBRs while playing your buddy for 20 bucks. One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA flattopjohnnys.com.
Esplanade
Every runner has his or her own personal preference for, say, the simplicity of a small loop around Jamaica Pond, or the solitude of the Somerville bike path. But only the Esplanade trail along the Charles has it all: spectacular views of the Boston skyline from the Cambridge side, Harvard and MIT from the Boston side, and the sailboats and rowing shells from either bank. Not to mention silhouettes of the many bridges. Marathoners-in-training opt for the entire 17-mile loop, but most popular is the three-mile circle between the Mass. Ave. and Longfellow bridges. Sure, it can get crowded, but look at it this way: The camaraderie—and competition—just may push you that much harder. MA
John Weiners
The Poet Laureate of Beacon Hill, the Oracle of Joy Street belongs in the ranks of Boston's most distinguished literati. His remarkable first book, The Hotel Wentley Poems (1959), made him an overnight star of the Beat generation. He hobnobbed with Ferlinghetti during San Francisco's late 1950's Poetry Renaissance, and was a longtime crony of the late Allen Ginsberg. Known as both Genius and Holy Mad Man, he inspired an entire generation of younger poets with his wit and delicate lyricism. This year, after more than a decade of silence, he published a splendid new collection, 707 Scott Street.