Lumière
Michael Leviton never buries his ingredients in ego, as some other chefs occasionally do. He always steers clear of fabulizing food. At Lumière, the appetizers, entrées—buttery sautéed haddock, for example—and desserts are all to die for. A well-researched wine list, with both local favorites and hidden gems, completes the haute cuisine experience. 1293 Washington St., West Newton, MA lumiererestaurant.com.
Paradise Rock Club
This legendary live-music venue might be a quarter-century old, but its state-of-the-art sound system delivers crystal-clear beats and fuzz-free acoustic sets. Fans love being within mere feet of their favorite rock stars, and even though national acts such as the Flaming Lips and Jack Johnson sometimes swing through, the Paradise still promotes smalltime local bands looking for their big break. 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA crossroadspresents.com/paradise-rock-club.
Q Restaurant
Photo courtesy of Q Restaurant Chinatown is a cross-roads of cultures, and Q clearly understands the assignment: In one place, it offers people-pleasing Chinese classics like kung pao shrimp and scallops, a great Japanese sushi bar, and Mongolian-style hot-pot cooking. When we’re not around tables bubbling our own veggies, meats, and noodles in the peanut-y Malaysian satay broth, though, you’ll find us grabbing a lychee or ginger “Q-tini” at the bar, the perfect perch for a pre-theater cocktail. 660 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111, thequsa.com.
Bodega
JARED KUZIA. This Best of Boston Hall of Famer clearly wears the crown for cool streetwear and footwear, but with the opening of its Los Angeles sibling this past year, the brand’s influence has officially gone bicoastal. The new Bodega may draw in A-listers such as Jamie Foxx, Maya Rudolph, and Cameron Diaz, but thankfully, the buzziest lifestyle launches from Adidas, Nike, and Karhu are still happening right here in our own backyard. 6 Clearway St., Boston, MA bdgastore.com.
Neiman Marcus
When Oscar Wilde wrote that he could resist anything but temptation, he was clearly channeling a shoe fiend. More to the point, he had probably just been to Neiman Marcus, eyeing the silky Manolo mules, velvet Weitzman pumps, red leather Richard Tyler stilettos, strappy D&G sandals, and neon tangerine Mizrahi slides. Copley Place, Boston, MA neimanmarcus.com.
David Vendetti,
Aching for downward dog? Eager for a sun salutation? Stop by this frills-free Boylston Street studio. Yogi David Vendetti transforms himself from teacher to comedian to storyteller to motivator, all while delivering precise, clear instructions. His 90-minute classes cater to both beginners and advanced students. Every body leaves Back Bay Yoga in balance. 1112 Boylston St., Third Floor, Boston, MA backbayyoga.com.
Daryl Christopher
From the second your big toe hits the steamy peppermint, rosemary, and lavender foot bath to the final drop of clear topcoat, Daryl Christopher's signature pedicure is pure nirvana. The exfoliating scrubdown, filing, and alpha hydroxy acids (no medicinal scents here; these are squeezed from passion fruit) are deliciously invigorating. And the massage—noticeably longer and more intense than most—can be followed by a separate paraffin treatment that makes your tired, dry dogs as velvety soft as a baby's feet. 37 Newbury St., Boston, MA dchristopher.com.
Toscanini's
There's no tastier version of the New England staple than Toscanini's traditional vanilla malted frappe—not just in the Hub, but anywhere under the sun. Oh, and when it is under the sun, the dairy delight holds up superbly: Served in a clear plastic cup and plugged with a wide straw, the thick frozen shake stays that way until the very last slurp of homemade greatness. 899 Main St., Cambridge, MA 2139, tosci.com.
Mark Sardina
He's guided the East Boston Yankees and All-Stars to eighteen championships during the past eleven years with a humane style of managing that clearly pays off. Sardina founded the East Boston Athletic Association, coaches football in the off-season and T-ball (modified baseball for little kids) on weekends, and is a policeman, husband, and father of five (in his spare time). East Boston, MA
Morrissey and Sons Electric
After finding an honest mechanic, nothing seems to cause the average citizen as much angst as signing up a trustworthy electrician. Led by owner Jim Morrissey, the talented problem-solvers at Morrissey and Sons put that anxiety to rest with their mastery of projects large and small, and plenty of clear advice. It usually takes clients one job with the firm to decide they've discovered an electrician for life. 84 Summer St., Stoneham, MA 2180, .
EverybodyFights
Feeling the burn at EverybodyFights. / Courtesy of EverybodyFights Picture a boxing gym. If you're imagining a stark room with a ring and fluorescent lighting, you've clearly never been to EverybodyFights. George Foreman III's upscale boxing haven turns the stereotype on its head with boutique-inspired classes, spa-grade locker rooms, and a serious sound system. 15 Channel Center St., Boston, 857-250-4140; One Federal St., Boston, 857-990-3108; everybodyfights.com. 15 Channel Center St., Boston, MA 02210, everybodyfights.com.
Zendaya
Even in a city accustomed to A-listers, Zendaya’s time in Boston was the buzziest celebrity residency in years. All spring, fans chronicled her Tatte coffee dates with boyfriend Tom Holland, and roamed the Back Bay hoping to snag the season’s most valuable keepsake: a selfie with Spider-Man’s MJ herself. Zendaya clearly has great taste: She was spotted at Eastie’s beloved Angela’s Café not once, but twice.
The Laundry Room
Air-conditioned, with Muzak, plants, carpeting, magazines, color TV, director's chairs, vending machines (edibles and cleaning-supplies), three dozen new machines and a clean-up attendant. Boarders not permitted. West Main St., Hyannis, MA .
Onyva
This Newbury newcomer offers an innovative membership plan that includes one de-matting treatment to start and then two deep cleanings and unlimited brush-and-go quick visits, nail trimmings, and teeth cleanings every month. 171 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, onyvadogspa.com.
Skoah
Having endured all kinds of spa mumbo-jumbo and dubious beauty-boosting therapies ("And the final step is a blast of air from our oxygen machine...."), we began to wonder: Since when did facials become more about the experience than the result? Thank goodness Skoah has its priorities straight: At this Vancouver-based mini chain's first U.S. outpost, the service menu lists facial and only facial treatments. We like that the extractions are virtually painless and the treatment tables feature fluffy down comforters—but we love our crystal-clear and glowing skin. 641A Tremont St., Boston, MA 2118, skoah.com.