Allston Car Wash
At $16.95 a pop, and less than 30 minutes from start to finish, vehicular makeovers of this sort could turn into a weekly tradition. The speedy but conscientious staff wipes down and vacuums your car's interior (including under the floor mats), then sends the car through the automatic wash. A meticulous hand-drying leaves your vehicle looking like new. 434 Cambridge St., Allston, MA allstoncarwash.com.
Allston Car Wash
When our test vehicle went in, it was encrusted with mud, pollen, tree buds, and bird droppings. When it came out, it looked like it had just rolled off the assembly line. These guys attack each car with painstaking indvidual attention, all for just $7.25 for an exterior wash ($6 with a fill-up at the adjacent pumps); they even shine the rear-view mirror. Here, "hand-dried" doesn't mean a halfhearted swipe with a dirty towel, either. There's usually a line, but the wait is worth it. 434 Cambridge Street, Allston, MA theirving.com.
Tammy Giuoag, Perfect Nail
Perfect Nail looks like a simply average nail-and-beauty emporium tucked into a street-level storefront behind the State House on Beacon Hill. Thank goodness appearances can be deceiving: Running the show here is Tammy Giuoag, the best eyebrow doctor in town. Tammy operates with a light touch, and shapes eyebrows according the the client's exact specifications. Her sense of proportion is right on the money, and she'll have you in and out of her salon in a flash. She's so good we almost hate to give her away. 45 Bowdoin Street, Boston, MA .
Tony Maws, Craigie On Main
Reality-show appearances? Nope. Cookbooks? Not yet. Restaurants? Just one. In the era of the celebrity chef, Tony Maws is the rare example of a guy who just wants to cook. On any given day at Craigie on Main, you'll likely spot the award-winning chef garnishing plates, checking up on his staff, and running food to tables, much to the delight of his customers. 653 Main St., Cambridge, MA 2139, craigieonmain.com.
Oleana
As cliche as it is to praise Middle Eastern food for its 'sensuality' or 'exoticism,' Oleana devotees are hard-pressed to describe the cuisine here without noting both. From the silky, butter-enriched hummus pure wrapped with basturma, an Armenian cured meat, to the melting short ribs glazed with tamarind, chef-owner Ana Sortun takes diners on a journey through the souks and spice markets that inspire her cooking. In a happy daze, they follow. 134 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 2139, oleanarestaurant.com.
May's Cake House
The problem with most birthday cakes is that the better they look— all flowers and scrolls— the worse they taste. May, bless her heart, has solved the dilemma. She compliments her delicate batters with light mousses and whipped creams, then trims with finely sliced fruits. The cakes she creates are beautiful and delicious. And you can afford one— even after the ticket you'll probably get for double-parking on the south edge of Chinatown. 223 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA .
House of Slam
In the beginning, there was House of Siam's Chicken with Basil, and it was the best. Subsequent visits introduced us to their pad thai, which gives Jae's a run for its money, and interesting seafood dishes such as Diamond Mine, consisting of sea scallops, bamboo shoots, and baby corn in a hot chili sauce. The food is consistently excellent: everything is very fresh and cooked to order, with most dishes leaning toward spicy but easily modified with a request. 542 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA .
Parish Cafe
This bistro doesn't dub its sandwich selection "The Great Ones" for nothing. Some of the city's best chefs have contributed recipes for lavishly layered concoctions sure to make your mouth water. Steer clear of the calzone, and instead sink your teeth into the Capital Grille's Smoked Salmon on brioche, the Pudding Portobello with onion marmalade, or Norma's Zuni Roll with cranberry chipotle. The latter ensures you'll never look at a turkey sandwich the same way again. 361 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Cremaldi's
This Italian specialty shop routinely stocks the finest and freshest selection of fresh pasta. Four or five daily flavors can be cut to order, and the freezer cases hold homemade tortellini filled with chicken, pesto, pumpkin, or roasted garlic, as well as a variety of sauces and oven-ready hors d'oeuvres. Also look for for the barrels of dry pasta in every shape and form, and don't miss the huge deli selection. 31 Putnam Ave., Cambridge, MA .
Oga's
Oga's is the kind of place that breeds fanatics: Die-hards go once a week, sometimes more. If the joint doesn't look like much at first, one bite of the spicy scallop with flying-fish roe, the Japanese red snapper sashimi, or the poke maki (white tuna with radish sprouts, onions, and shiso dressing) will tell you that's beside the point. The best—and only—view is the one of the artists at work behind the bar. 915 Worcester St., Natick, MA 1760, ogasnatick.com.
Galleria Umberto
Galleria Umberto's Sicilian pizza, like Scarlett Johansson, is a dish that needs no adornments. The family recipe relied on by the lunch-only establishment has changed little in more than 40 years: tangy tomato sauce, a savory blend of cheeses, and a thick crust, all prepared fresh daily. There are no toppings availabl—not even pepperoni—and the counter-service environs aren't much to look at. But then, every true star has its eccentricities. 289 Hanover St., Boston, MA 2113, .
Koreana
Seoul-food fans looking for a little say in how dinner turns out can't do better than Koreana, where tabletop barbecues offer patrons a hands-on experience. Grill-it-yourself pork and beef dishes create lively dinner conversation and are especially good slathered in a fragrant garlic or chili sauce. Those not down with DIY can choose from the delicious variety of fish cakes, sushi, and Korean faves like bi bim bop, spicy mixed vegetables served in traditional hot stone pots. 154 Prospect St., Cambridge, MA 2139, koreanabosotn.com.
Joe V's
It's been less than a year since this unassuming Italian bistro took over the spot once occupied by On the Park, and Joe V's has already shown that it can hold its own in a neighborhood crowded with great restaurants. The excellent food at reasonable prices ranges from thin-crust pizzas with a tangy, garlicky sauce, to confidently executed classics (lobster ravioli), while delicious brunch dishes (the South Beach omelet, with Egg Beaters, ham, and tomato) keep the locals dropping in all weekend long. 315 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA .
Alan Rouleau
Whether you want a knock-off of a Zegna suit (with fabric from the Italian Mill) or simply someone to shorten a hem, Rouleau and his team of master tailors can do the trick. His latest triumph: downsizing a tiny Dolce and Gabbana bustier for a client who couldn't resist a too-big one on sale. Look for new locations in the Back Bay (this fall) and the financial district (1996). 91 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Gino Ruotolo
Ruotolo's specialty is the permanent, and his price—starting at thirty-five dollars—makes it one of the better buys in town. Ruotolo is based in Cambridge at Gino-Parracchiere, 20 Holyoke St., and explains, "Before we do a permanent, we analyze the hair. Can it take a perm or not? We want to pass a good judgment, the most honest judgment. If the perm looks good, that's good for us." Gino-Parracchiere, 20 Holyoke St., Cambridge, MA .