Dorfman Jewelers
The old-world charm of this boutique on the first block of Newbury Street harks back to a time when people dressed for dinner, casual Friday was something out of an Orwellian nightmare, and men really did spend a month's salary on trinkets for their wives. It's also a place where the collective gem knowledge of the staff goes way beyond the four Cs of diamonds. Its lines include Picchiotti for stones, DeVroomen for enamel jewelry, Tahitian and South Sea pearls, a Bulgari boutique, Patek Philippe watches, and Van Cleef & Arpels. 24 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Louis Boston
A double winner here. The four-story style mecca is the arbiter of quality men's fashion for both those who are looking to stand out from the crowd and those who are classic and cautious. You'll find Italian made-to-measure masters, standard faves like Ralph Lauren's purple label, and Louis' own line. Fashion-timid men may require some education— not to mention a platinum credit card— but Louis' staff are masters in the art of dressing. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA .
Gaslight
Over the past four years, Gaslight has proven it's more than just the restaurant du jour. It consistently turns out terrific takes on French classics in an authentically Parisian atmosphere. Crowds pack the dining room for dishes like the falling-apart duck confit with orange gastrique, and quite possibly the most sinful meat entrée Boston has ever seen—the bar steak, smothered in luscious cognac cream sauce and caramelized shallots. 560 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 2118, gaslight560.com.
Sports Club/LA
The Sports Club/LA isn't a gym—it's an experience. One that features 50 personal trainers, an Olympic-size swimming pool, four squash courts, an indoor basketball court, and 16,000 square feet of weight and cardio equipment. Fitness classes range from the classic (kickboxing, step aerobics) to the modern (BalleCore, Gyrokinesis); clients range from visiting rock stars to lithe locals. Included in the steep monthly memberships ($165-$265) are a nutritionist appointment and discounts at the on-premises Blu restaurant and Splash spa. 4 Avery St., Boston, MA 2111, thesportsclubla.com.
Winnetu Oceanside Resort on Martha's Vineyard
You may not have a Vineyard abode to call home, but a stay at this family-oriented hotel will make you feel like you own the place. Situated just steps from South Beach, Winnetu offers both kitchenette-equipped suites and weekly house rentals, including four new cottages outfitted with all the comforts of home. For those in the mood to eat out, the hotel's restaurant, Lure Grill, offers excellent seafood with a side of ocean views. And for the kids, there are basketball and tennis courts, day camps, and evening clambakes. 31 Dunes Road, Edgartown, MA 2539, winnetu.com.
Bristol Lounge
Life should always pause around 4 p.m. so people can revive themselves with a cup of tea. Besides this genteel refreshment (or coffee, if you must), the Four Seasons Hotel serves the traditional three-tiered silver trays of dainty crustless-cucumber-and-smoked-salmon sandwiches, scones with lemon-curd and Devonshire-cream, miniature fruit tarts, and tea bread. A pampering staff and exquisite views of the Public Garden provide almost more afternoon comfort than kindergarten naptime. Four Seasons Hotel, 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
New England Soup Factory
At least four different seasonal soups made form scratch every day, as well as chili, chowder, triple—strength chicken vegetable soup, and a range of appealing salads make this a popular destination among Brookline's lunch seekers. We loved the root vegetable for gloomy days, the chilled wild berry for sunny ones. A perfect takeout idea for dinner when packed to travel. And their Soup-o-Gram is just the ticket for friends who are under the weather. 2-4 Brookline Place, Brookline, MA .
Capone Foods
When it comes to pasta, Capone is the champ. Our favorite is lemon, but we wouldn't turn up our nose at wild mushroom, curry, or saffron to name just a few of the 25 flavors and four cuts which Capone's has available, most on a daily basis. What's more, the management has thoughtfully provided a chart to help you through the which-sauce-with-which-pasta maze. 14 Bow St., Somerville, MA .
Brewer's Fork
As much as we’ve enjoyed the silver lining that was takeout four-packs with our wood-fired pizza, nothing compares to a beer — fresh from the draft! — at the Brewer’s Fork bar. That’s because co-owner Michael Cooney brings craft-beer-world bona fides to this suds-and-pies joint, making it a place to find rarities — like an IPA from Bissell Brothers or sour beer from Jester King — from the buzziest breweries. 7 Moulton St., Charlestown, MA 02129, brewersfork.com.
S+H Construction
When it comes to upscale renovations, S + H Construction has been making its mark in the Greater Boston area for more than four decades. Clients appreciate the professionalism, personalized service, and cost efficiency that this residential construction firm brings to each project. But what they love even more is the craftsmanship: Whether dealing with an old home or a newer build, the company’s experienced staffers apply their in-depth knowledge and expertise to all of their work. shconstruction.com.
The Handel and Haydn Society
The august ensemble approaches its bicentennial season in peak shape, with an artistic director, Harry Christophers, who understands that early music should be not just "authentic" but also, you know, musical. With excellent guest conductors like Scott Metcalfe and Richard Egarr—and programming that last year ranged from Purcell’s The Indian Queen to Beethoven’s Seventh to Christmas music by four different Bachs—it’s not only the oldest continuously performing arts group in America, it’s also one of the best. handelandhaydn.org.
Long's Jewelers
A visit to any of our local high-end jewelers will render you an expert on the four Cs in no time. But on selection and service, Long's takes top honors, offering more than 500 styles in-store (from vintage-inspired numbers by Ritani to modern beauties by Furrer-Jacot) and guaranteeing that if a stone shakes loose long after you walk out the door, they'll fix it, gratis. 100 Summer St., Boston, MA 2110, longsjewelers.com.
The Coop
With independent bookstores (and even national chains) falling by the digital wayside, it's all the more impressive that this classic soldiers on. The four-story Harvard Square behemoth peddles both bestsellers and literary classics, as well as arcane treatises on history, philosophy, music, and science—precisely what you'd expect from a store founded by Crimson scholars in 1882. 1400 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2138, thecoop.com.
Hudson
Jill Goldberg's four-year-old shop perfectly captures the new Boston aesthetic: a charming balance of country chic (whitewashed woods, salvaged signs), old-money signifiers (vintage French settees), and a touch of modern chrome. Few homeowners can nail the upscale-casual look without a pro's help—Goldberg offers styling services, too—but a couple of well-placed items from Hudson are an excellent start. 12 Union Park St., Boston, MA 2118, hudsonboston.com.
Landry's Bicycles
Bike lanes are popping up everywhere, but two-wheeled travel is still the underdog in this town. Thankfully, Landry's is positioned to mainstream the biking lifestyle. The shop features a well-rounded selection of commuter, racing, and kids' models, and there are four convenient locations (critical when you're running on oatmeal rather than gas). Best of all, each Landry's store is staffed with cycling enthusiasts who'll happily shepherd you through decisions big (road bike? hybrid?) and small (U-lock or old-fashioned chain?). 890 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 2215, .