Cold Water Flat
Okay, so Paul Janovitz of Cold Water Flat is the brother of Buffalo Tom's Bill Janovitz. There's no sibling rivalry going on here. Buffalo Tom may have captured MTV and My So-Called Life, but CWF's new CD on a major label and opening appearances on Belly's worldwide tour last spring have garnered the group more than its fair share of attention. Look for them on Conan this fall.
Michael Albor, The Loft Salon
Warm, natural, and beautifully blended—that’s the work of Michael Albor, a true color artist. Every time we emerge from his salon, we receive a slew of compliments from unlikely sources, though admirers often struggle to pin down exactly what’s different. Which is perfect, because whether you’re covering up the grays or just looking to enhance your chestnut locks, it’s important never to divulge beauty secrets. 253 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, theloftsalonboston.com.
Deuxave
When it comes to French food in this town, there’s a mode for every mood, whether you’re looking for a bistro-standard croque-monsieur or a meticulously plated, multicourse extravaganza. Deuxave’s wunderkind chef, Christopher Coombs, cherry-picks from both styles, deftly weaving what could be contradictory impulses—hearty (upgraded) French onion soup; the swoosh-heavy, haute-cuisine-styled "Duo of Pork & First of the Season Apricots" —into an improbably cohesive menu. 371 Commonweatlh Ave., Boston, MA 2115, deuxave.com.
Island Creek Oysters Duxbury Retail Store
For those who like their bivalves fresh off the boat (literally), the new retail arm of the Island Creek Oysters empire is a must-try. Stocked with a rotating selection of seafood (look for razor clams, Nantucket Bay scallops, whelks, and, of course, the famous IC oyster), the tiny shop has fast become a favorite for local shellfish aficionados. 296 Parks St., Duxbury, MA 2332, islandcreekoysters.com.
Cakes to Remember
This is the most important baked good you'll ever purchase. With that in mind, shop owner Ellen Bartlett has a simple philosophy: Every one of her confections should taste as heavenly as it looks. Flavor options like mocha-Frangelico infusion and strawberry-orange blossom, combined with Bartlett's exquisite floral and graphic designs, make for tiers of absolute joy. 248 Cypress St., Brookline, MA 2445, cakestoremember.biz.
Harbor Hotel Provincetown
Shady motor inns might be quintessential Cape Cod, but we don't have to like 'em. So we're thrilled to see the old Cape Inn reborn as the Harbor Hotel, with a mod new look and superb amenities. Spend all day dipping your toes in the pool, then wiggle them in the sand while sitting by the fire pit. 698 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA 2657, harborhotelptown.com.
New Jumbo Seafood
Last year a new owner added "New" to the name of this steadfastly excellent Chinatown joint. Happily, that appears to have been his only real change. The spicy salt calamari remains one of the city's best takes on tricky-to-cook squid. The XO sauce is still a house specialty, as are the dishes served in citrus-tinged Yu Hsiang sauce. And you will continue to find no fresher fish than the ones pulled from the large tanks that greet you at the door. 5 Hudson St., Boston, MA .
R.F. O'Sullivan & Son
It's the simplest tasks that often get botched worst—hence the surfeit of humble hamburgers served up dry, tough, and tasteless. The cooks at R. F. O'Sullivan are the most reliable we've found when it comes to doing justice to the iconic minced-meat sandwich. There's the soft bun, the gooey melted cheese, and, most important, the salty ground sirloin that oozes flavorful juices from the first, sloppy bite. It's a rare (and/or well-done) culinary feat. 282 Beacon St., Somerville, MA rf-osullivan.com.
Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q
Texas smoke versus Memphis rub, vinegar tang versus peppery heat—barbecue debates will likely rage until kingdom come (and straight on into the sweet hereafter). This year our returning champion silenced at least one point of contention—which of its two outlets is better—by debuting a central, honking-big smoker (reportedly New England's largest) that turns out uniformly succulent sliced brisket, pulled pork, and an array of other regional specialties for both Blue Ribbon locations, as well as its booming catering business. 1375 Washington St., West Newton, MA blueribbonbbq.com.
Oleana
Nobody satisfies our wanderlust quite like Ana Sortun, whose still-vital Cambridge classic spreads itself around the Levant, taking a few key regional flavors with it wherever it goes. Sesame-forward tahini, for instance, is stuffed into Armenian topik, spiced pockets of potato hummus; used to sauce spinach falafel with beet tzatziki; and combined with lemon in a broth for cooking parchment-wrapped halibut. The signature Baked Alaska dessert, meanwhile, always brings us back home. 134 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 02139, oleanarestaurant.com.
PKL
That “thunk” you’re hearing in every corner of Boston right now? That’s the sound of a movement. As the buzziest sport around gains steam, the team behind PKL has emerged as the city’s hippest pickleball entrepreneurs, first with a hit pop-up in Assembly, and next with a tricked-out indoor space in Southie, where you’ll find five pristine courts, lounge seating, an impressive cocktail list, and a staff of evangelists eager to get you hooked on the newly trendy pastime. 64 C St., Boston, MA 02127, playpkl.com.
Lily P's
Boston has plenty of places to find down-home platters of southern-style fried chicken, but lately, we can’t get enough of the chef-driven polish acclaimed toque Chris Parsons — previously known for upscale seafood — brings to the poultry at his newish, fit-for-franchising Cambridge outfit. Pressure-cooked to juicy perfection, the tender, buttermilk-brined meat has just the right crunch whether you devour it by the full bird or in a crispy sandwich topped with everything from black-pepper honey to spicy kimchi. 50 Binney St., Cambridge, MA 02142, lilypschicken.com.
Shannon McNally
Looking to embark on a spiritual wellness journey this summer? Let local reiki master Shannon McNally be your guide. Offering sessions at the newly opened Soma Yoga in the North End, the holistic wellness coach tackles everything from stress and anxiety to digestive and hormonal challenges. Whether you prefer your appointments in-person or virtual, you’ll leave feeling like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. 256 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, shannonmcnallywellness.com.
Thom Solo
Why should Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera be the only ones to sport Boston shoe designer Thom Solo’s rock-star creations? Go ahead and snag a pair of his blush lambskin wedge boots or sculptural reptilian stilettos. Not only will you tower over most mere mortals, but you’ll be wearing heels that consistently turn heads. thomsolo.com.
Allandale Farm
Big-box garden centers are famously hit-or-miss — a $40 flowering basket may look lush on one side, but spin it around, and it’s scraggly and brown. That’s never the case at this locally owned farm, which sells picture-perfect planters, vibrant perennials, fresh veggie starts, and heirloom seeds for the DIY gardener to sow at home. Bonus points for the on-site cows and chickens, which can turn a ho-hum errand with kids into a real adventure. 259 Allandale Rd., Brookline, MA 02467, allandalefarm.com.