Lisa Hughes
WBZ-TV, Channel 4 anchor Lisa Hughes, for injecting some energy into the tired Boston TV market.
WBUR
The Boston University-based station has eclectic programming, informed deejay, and National Public Radio.
Safest area: Charlestown and East Boston. Most unsafe: Back Bay-South End and Roxbury.
Dairy Fresh Candies
Nothing fancy—just fireballs, Mexican Hats, Boston Baked Beans, and Gummi bears at fair prices. 57 Salem Street, Boston, MA .
Miracle of Science
Now, if only they could clone themselves all around Boston—that would be a real miracle of science. 321 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA .
Sally Ling's
While the Boston Waterfront location is fancier, the Newton outpost of Ling's gives better overall value. 10 Langley Rd., Newton, MA .
Cookies Cook'n
Especially the chocolate chip cookies, which edged out last year's champs from the Boston Chipyard. Meadow Glen Mall, Medford, MA .
Nina Nielsen
Nielsen brings Boston the most painterly painters, including New York abstractionist John Walker. 179 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
"Knocking Heads"
The Dance Collective's "Knocking Heads" program with choreography by Martha Armstrong Gray and Dawn Kramer. Lifting Boston dance to new heights.
Margaret Karg
If she's good enough for the women's Olympic swim team and the Boston Ballet, she can probably fix your Mac back. 26 Brighton Street, Suite 300, Belmont, MA .
Lithuanian Kitchen
Those in the know head to the South Boston Lithuanian Club's basement for hearty, authentic Eastern European fare. Alas, weekends only. 368 W. Broadway, Boston, MA 2127, .
Cafe Louis
Elegant and satisfying—just what we'd expect from a cafe in Louis, Boston. 234 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA .
Biba
Lydia Shire's uncanny ability to combine flavors and textures of foods from around the world is unparalleled in any restaurant in Boston. 272 Boylston Street, Boston, MA .