Jake's Que-4-U
If the original Bostonians made beans like these, Boston today would be the hippest city in the country. Indescribably delicious. Blue Hill Ave., Roxbury, MA .
John Dewar's and Company
Everything at Dewar's is the prime of prime. And if you ever need poussin in a pinch, this is the place to go. All the best chefs in Boston do. 753 Beacon St., Newton Center, MA .
Wingo
The Boston Herald goes bingo. And don't tell us you don't check your card every morning.
Penn and Teller, at the Colonial
The antimagic magicians. They get rid of the hoke and keep the wonder. By far, the best show in Boston last year.
Third Stage
The new album by the synthetic-rock group Boston was six years in the making and worth the wait.
The Custom House
Boston musician Fran Sheehan has put together an extensive, well-priced list at this North Shore establishment. 9 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, MA .
The Quarterdeck
Terrific view of Boston and the harbor. Not so terrific bar. 13 Eighth St., Charlestown, MA .
Larry Moulter for Paul Mooney
The new president of the Boston Garden has introduced courtesy, better food, and celebrity cachet to the old arena. Whoever expected to see U2 shooting baskets on the parquet floor?
The Falstaff Room
The Falstaff Room at the Sheraton Boston has a fountain spouting Bloody Marys and unlimited eggs, seafood, muffins and pastries. Open only on Sundays, it all goes down for only $4.25. Sheraton Hotel, Boston, MA .
Jake's Ribs
Great ribs in cold roast Boston? You bet. Just look for Kenton "Jake" Jacobs in the big orange trailer parked on Talbot Street every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night—until midnight or as long as the ribs last. about a quarter mile from Blue Hill Ave. on Talbot St., Roxbury, MA .
A Few Good Girls
Kids have so few good role models in the entertainment industry today. A Few Good Girls, a four-woman hip-hop dance group from Boston and Newton, is dedicated to dancing—and to promoting positive image.
The Discovery Series
Nationally acclaimed, this collaboration of the Dance Umbrella and the Boston Ballet brought the provocative works of three New York choreographers—Susan Marshall, Kenneth Rinker, and Jim Self—to the Shubert Theatre.
Brine's
Brine's in Cambridge and Boston is tops for skiing, tennis, squash, as well as most other high participation sports. Eastern Mountain Sports is favored for hiking and camping equipment. Cambridge, MA
Kate Zernike
Boston Globe reporter. She is putting some tabloid zip into the old broadsheet—no mean feat, considering her main turf is the normally staid education beat.