Bentonwood Bakery/Cafe
Stealing scones from the British is one of the best food capers we Yanks ever pulled off, and these are among the best we've ever tasted. 47 Langley Rd., Newton Centre, MA .
Fifth Avenue Limousine Service
Caters to corporate high rollers as well as rock stars. 484 Prospect St., Revere, MA .
Chef Lee's Famous Soul Food
From collard greens to pig's feet to fried chicken to sweet-potato pie, Chef Lee's offers a full menu of homey cooking. they cater, too. 1140 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester, MA .
Today's Bread, Ltd.
A neighborhood secret, already discovered by top caterers. Get here early, or it's gone. 701 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA .
Salumeria Italiana
There are many tasty reasons to visit Salumeria Italiana, foremost among them the gorgeous mixed-olive antipasto (dressed in oil, caper berries, sundried tomatoes, and garlic) that adorns the countertop. The olives that make up the antipasto, as well as a few others (Moroccan, Greek, French, and naturally Italian), are also available individually. 151 Richmond St., Boston, MA .
Constitution Marina Charters
Gorgeous boats, gracious hosts. They'll do the planning or let you do it yourself—catering, liquor, whatever. Variety of boat sizes, but we especially liked the 42-foot Bristol. 28 Constitution Rd., Charlestown, MA .
Alpha Omega
To some, time is commitment. To others, it's a luxury. Alpha Omega caters to both types with its selection of designer watches well worth locking on your wrist. Watch the minutes tick by on a solid gold Rolex, diamond-studded sparkling Ebel, or sturdy sterling-silver TAG Heuer. Good timing was never so easy. 1380 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Park
Park Restaurant This well-decorated, approachable spot caters to the Harvard crowd with a stellar late-night menu and dining areas that have a scholarly feel—"The Classroom" space, for example, features lounge chairs and shelves filled with books. What to Order: The meat pie of the day; patty melt. 59 JFK St., Cambridge, MA parkcambridge.com.
Kenzie Kids and K Girl
This is where all the best-dressed kids in school shop. One side of the store caters to wee ones with Little Giraffe onesies, Deux Par Deux dresses and jeans, Splendid tees, and Montclair jackets. The other side, meanwhile, features trendy designer looks (Chloe dresses, Armani jackets) for budding fashionistas in their tweens and teens. 200 Linden St., Wellesley, MA kenziekids.com.
Stephanie's on Newbury Street
This take on the classic chicken salad is blessedly light on the mayo and heavy on the chicken. Capers and fresh herbs add flavor to the oversize chunks of breast meat—no thighs darken this recipe. The servings are generous enough to sustain you through a whole afternoon of shopping. 190 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Il Casale
This converted firehouse now sports all the trappings of a rustic Italian ristorante, including thick wood tables, exposed brick, and soft lighting. And the food is just as appealing: Notable dishes include gnocchi enrobed in fontina cream sauce and walnut pesto, crisp arancini stuffed with scamorza, and Silician roast chicken doused in a tangy lemon-caper sauce. The genial servers, meanwhile, make every meal at this bustling Belmont restaurant memorable. 50 Leonard St., Belmont, MA 2478, ilcasalebelmont.com.
Camper Shoes
This international label caters to footloose folks with sandals and canvas kicks while delighting strait-laced types with leather loafers and refined cap-toes worthy of a suit. The possibilities are as varied as those at an upscale boutique; the atmosphere, far more laid-back. 133 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, camper.com.
Jully Michaud, Michaud Cosmetics
Michaud's been painting models' faces for more than a decade but recently opened a studio to cater to the masses. She's a plucker, not a waxer, and has raised the eyebrows of many a Bostonian. She'll also teach you how to maintain your brows between appointments. 297 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Brendan Behan Pub
Far too many of our Irish pubs cater to students, putting flat-screens on the walls and wings on the menu. Suddenly you're not in a pub at all, but some grotesque shamrock-themed sports bar. Here, there are no such transgressions. No LCDs. An extensive beer and whiskey list. This is what makes the Behan Irish. And this is why it beats them all. 378 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA 2130, .
Les Fleurs
Need beautiful blossoms on a budget? Or want to splurge on an awesome arrangement? Whatever you need, Les Fleurs will customize flawless floral bouquets for the occasion—without the snooty airs often put on at upscale shops. It caters to all events, from casual garden parties to elaborate black-tie shindigs. 354 N. Main St., Andover, MA lesfleurs.com.