The Waltham-based Cabot Corporation has slashed and burned, selling off some of its western oil and gas reserves, paying greenmail to a menacing suitor, and refocusing on its chemical and northeastern energy business.
The numbers look better, and the firm is thinking of returning to downtown Boston, where all Cabots belong.
Anthony Yudis
Boston Globe real estate writer. Never met a real estate development he didn't like.
Taylor Made
A Motown band with infectious energy. Sizzling R &B brings sweet sweat to the dance floors of Boston.
Venus de Milo
Integration comes to Boston nightlife about 20 years later. Still, better late than never. 9 Lansdowne St., Boston, MA .
<em>Dido and Aeneas</em> by Mark Morris and the Monnaie Dance Group
This show scandalized Brussels, but it thrilled Boston, the only American city lucky enough to see Morris's dazzling performance.
Meritage
It should come as no surprise that the wine list at Meritage is outstanding. The entire concept of the restaurant is, after all, about pairing food and wine. After 15 years as executive chef of the dining rooms at the Boston Harbor Hotel and of its annual Boston Wine Festival, Daniel Bruce is now cooking for a wine-first audience. The menus at Meritage lead off not with first courses, but a selection of wine styles—sparkling, light, full-bodied, and so on—that are then paired with an appropriate dish. Such a system demands a wine list that's substantial, varied, and reasonably priced, and sommelier Jamie Moore has seen to it that this one is. Moore changes the 850-choice list every two weeks to make room for more bottles of special but recognizable Rhone varietals like Cline, Côtes d'Oakley, or rare gems such as an Aile d'Argent, Château Mouton Rothschild from Bordeaux, or the heaven-on-earth elixir 1990 Château d'Yquem Lur-Saluces, Sauternes. The informed servers want you to enjoy the wine as much as they clearly do, and manage to explain the options in plain English. Boston Harbor Hotel, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA meritagetherestaurant.com.
Corinne Schippert
Boston is the home to many extraordinary photographers, but even rivals sing the praises of Corinne Schippert. Her work is a delightful blend of artistry, elegance, and fun; she injects a sense of spontaneity into everything (even that often-stiff staple, the group portrait). One of the cameras she uses is panoramic—an option that provides an unexpected and adventurous perspective. 20 Coolidge Rd., Arlington, MA schippertmartin.com.
John Gertsen, No. 9 Park
Charm and meticulousness have earned this mixologist more than his fair share of props. But that's no reason to deny him this year's Best of Boston nod, especially as we anticipate his residence (and ours) at Drink, part of Barbara Lynch's coming gastronomic juggernaut in Fort Point Channel. 9 Park St., Boston, MA 2108, .
Alan Bilzerian
Believe it or not, there are some men and women in Boston who like edgy attire. Alan and Be Bilzerian have catered to the fashion visionaries for more than 20 years by showcasing the avant-garde designs of people like Olivier Theyskens, Comme des Garcons and Yohji Yamamoto. Thank Goodness. 34 Newbury Street, Boston, MA alanbilzerian.com.
Bock Travel Service
How many travel agents do you know who can claim to have sung with Edith Piaf? Alexander Bock, who did, knows Paris (and London and Rome and Bombay and Tokyo) better than most travel agents know Boston. Park Square Building, Boston, MA .
Tugboat Annie
This guitar-oriented quintet from Brighton has been compared to other Boston success stories such as the Pixies, the Lemonheads, and Buffalo Tom. Since its arrival in Beantown, it has released two full-length Cds: Superfriends, in 1995, and Wake Up and Disappear, this past spring, full of catchy, albeit moody, pop tunes.
Lori-Ann's Donut Shop
Famous in Charlestown for its tasty pastries, Lori-Ann's serves up a wide selection of the doughy goodies made on the premises daily. The shop is also a rare survivor: Fully two-thirds of the doughnut shops listed in Greater Boston have the pink double D on the marquee. Fred the baker, begone. 198 Bunker Hill St., Charlestown, MA .
Warren Tavern
Paul Revere called it his favorite watering hole. George Washington is said to have stopped by for a brewski. Since then, thousands of townies have lifted a pint to their memories. The oldest tavern in continuous operation in the city of Boston, this is the real prototype for Cheers. 2 Pleasant Street, Charlestown, MA .
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
"It's okay to hold the mayonnaise or mustard but not the meals tax," warned the DOR when temporarily closing down that Boston landmark and gastronomic nightmare, Buzzy's Fabulous Roast Beef. Who said bureaucrats don't have a sense of humor?
Josh Zakim vs. Bill Galvin
Insinuations of voter suppression. Mockery of the Boston City Council. When City Councilor Josh Zakim came for Secretary of State Bill Galvin’s job, neither pulled punches. The result? One hell of a race.