Flores Mantilla
Although a fixture on the floral scene for decades, Nancy Mantilla didn’t realize her dream of opening a Boston shop until 2017. But her reputation for dreamy arrangements preceded her. 595 Tremont St., Boston, MA floresmantilla.com.
The Cellar
There are plenty of great bars in Boston, but the Cellar has all the right ingredients: homey, mellow atmosphere; excellent music; an eclectic, friendly crowd; and good, inexpensive beer (Guinness $3). A solid, central meeting spot for students. 991 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Abduction from the Seraglio
Boston Baroque's concert production of the early Mozart opera featured no sets, no costumes, no dancing, no light shows—just splendid singing, ardent playing on original instruments, and great music.
Officer John Sacco, <em>South End News</em>
Sacco's lighthearted litany of crime and punishment is a Newgate Calendar for the South End. He's been at it for years—and he's still the best thing ever to happen to Boston Police public relations.
Donna Morrissey
Donna Morrissey's decision to leave a private public relations firm and take a job as spokeswoman for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston because, her father says, the archdiocese gig "was envisioned to be more of a 9-to-5 thing."
"Any way you measure it, Sabres' Peca is big"
For a story by Boston Globe sports correspondent Shira Springer on Michael Peca, the Buffalo Sabres otherwise diminutive center. And you wonder why they get uptight about women in the locker room.
Boyajian Caviar
There is no better source for caviar in Boston, but you can also depend on Boyajian for a slew of expensive treats, including a whole line of smoked delicacies, foie gras, and especially honeys. 33 Belmont St., Cambridge, MA .
Revolutionary Story Tour
Led by local experts, this Boston history refresher along the Freedom Trail will not only remind you of everything you learned (and forgot) in school, but also how lucky you are to call this city your own. One Washington Mall, Boston, MA 02108, therevolutionarystorytour.com.
John Dewar and Company
Recommended by Julia Child and practically every other chef in Boston, this is the place to purchase the tastiest tenderloin, the juiciest goose, and the finest pheasant in town. 753 Beacon St., Newton Centre, MA .
"A merger of equals"
The party line at both Fleet Financial and BankBoston, after their, ahem, consolidation. Some merger—most of the top slots went to the Fleet elite.
Hamersley's Bistro
Gordon and Fiona Hamersley pioneered the bistro-style restaurant in Boston. Many others have followed, but no one has topped them yet. 578 Tremont Street, Boston, MA .
Romagnoli's Table
Home of the new Italian cuisine in Boston. Actually, the location leaves a little (well, a lot) to be desired in terms of ambience. But the food more than compensates. North Market Bldg., Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA .
Johnnie Walton, Breakers Quarterback
Left the football staff of Elizabeth City College, in New Jersey, for Boston slot.
Polonaise
A nice attempt at bringing Polish cooking to Boston. And that's no joke. 384 Boylston St., Boston, MA .