Burnin' by Ray
Typically in large boot-camp classes, enlistees get very little attention or metrics to track progress. Not so at Burnin’ by Ray, where students can geek out on data measuring endurance level and body-fat percentage. A video broadcast system, meanwhile, allows instructors to help those who need it most while more-advanced participants do their thing. After class, everyone can reward their efforts at the juice bar. 157 Seaport Blvd., Boston, MA burninbyray.com.
Brooks Brothers
Books shorts have been known to last more than a decade, sometimes under the most stressful conditions. They come in stripes and the occasional plaid, but we prefer the blue oxford cloth because it's durable and doesn't look bad without trousers.
Boston Cooks
There are more than 1,000 titles in this small, packed store, and what you don't see they can always get. The emphasis is on New England books and authors. Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Boston, MA .
Artepicure
Armed with the diplomacy and precision that come only from years of European-training—and a tricked-out kitchen sporting the latest sous vide accoutrements—chef Mark DesLauriers helps novices and gourmets alike sidle up to the stove with confidence. New this year: couples’ cooking classes ($170 per duo) on Friday evenings. Woo that special someone over a meal of roast duck breast with warm shallot dressing, red-wine-braised duck leg and pan-seared foie gras with vegetables roasted in duck fat, and chocolate pot de crème. One Fitchburg St., Somerville, MA 2143, artepicure.com.
Charlie's Kitchen
Off-Harvard Square hangout, with the best burgers and brew in town. Stay downstairs; upstairs looks like a Combat Zone club. 10 Eliot St., Cambridge, MA .
The Blue Bunny
Once in a blue moon, you get a Blue Bunny. Cofounded by children's author-illustrator Peter H. Reynolds (The Dot, The North Star) five years ago, the magical little bookshop has grown into an area hub of reading and imagination. In scarcely more than 1,000 square feet it offers classic kids' books, young-adult novels (some for grownups, too), and lots of low-tech, high-fun games. But more than that, it provides a genuine springboard for creativity. There's always an art or writing workshop planned, and this spring the store launched a magazine created by and for youngsters called The Hutch—underscoring how rare this Bunny truly is. 577 High St., Dedham, MA 2026, .
T.T. the Bear's Place
Somewhere between a band's first roadie and their first rider, they play T.T.'s, a beer-soaked cranny in Central Square now in its third decade. For about 10 bucks a night, the club gets music geek nation on its feet with both established and rising acts from the East Coast (the Damnwells), the West Coast (the Thermals), and beyond (Denmark's Efterklang), along with local favorites like the Motion Sick and Faces on Film. Although it's true that Allston's Great Scott is increasingly booking tomorrow's Middle East and Paradise headliners today, for that pure ear-pounding, sweat-drenched, punch-drunk rock-club experience, the Bear remains the one to beat. 10 Brookline St., Cambridge, MA 2139, ttthebears.com.
Simply Aesthetic Specialties
It seems like practically everyone—from your tattoo guy to your vet—is wielding needles filled with muscle-paralyzing toxins. But while we may be obsessing over our deepening between-brow craters, the injection frenzy has made us just a tad wary of the whole business. Enter Julie Cahill-Hollingsworth, an MGH nurse practitioner, whose Copley Square office is a respite from the madness. With little fanfare, she administers a dose, billing by the unit, not by the procedure. In the past, she’s had an open schedule, which made it easy to book. But now the secret’s out. 535 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2116, sasskin.com.
Curious George & Friends
Founded with help from Curious George coauthor Margret Rey, this Harvard Square mainstay doesn't rest on pedigree. It livens up the calendar with frequent author signings, stays timely with additions like an "environmental awareness" section, and balances its bountiful classics with acclaimed new releases. And since sifting through thousands of titles for all reading levels can be daunting, the seasoned staffers are ready to help you locate, say, the perfect horse-themed series for your equine-obsessed nine-year-old niece. Though here's betting no assistance will be required to spot books and toys featuring a certain mischievous monkey. One JFK St., Cambridge, MA 2138, .
The Boston Shaker
Most men appreciate a stiff one (we're talking drinks, people). And most men enjoy impressing others with their knowledge of crafting a good stiff one (please). Adam Lantheaume's recently expanded cocktail-supply shop, in a new Davis Square location, is like a candy store for mixology connoisseurs. Books about cocktails, handstitched ice-crushing bags, shaker tins, glasses of all shapes and eras, and a vast selection of garnishes help stock every man's dream bar. And hard-to-find ingredients like gum syrup and maple bitters will have him drunk with joy. 69 Holland St., Somerville, MA 2144, thebostonshaker.com.
India Quality
Over the span of 40 years, owner Parmjit Singh has survived the gentrification of Kenmore Square, a surge in the number of competing South Asian restaurants, and a global pandemic. That India Quality is still standing as the city’s most beloved purveyor of Punjab-centered Indian cuisine is a testament to the restaurant’s incomparable pakoras; North Indian curries; smoky clay-oven-cooked meats; sultry, long-cooked vegetable and legume stews; and beautiful fresh breads — all accompanied by hospitable service. 484 Commonwealth Ave., Fenway/Kenmore, MA 02215, indiaquality.com.
Yale Appliance + Lighting
The location ain't Park Plaza chic, but kitchen-wise, this 20,000-square-foot space is virtually unbeatable. Inside, you'll find products including professional-quality Thermador and Viking ranges and glamorous wine refrigerators from Sub-Zero. The knowledgeable salespeople don't work on commission and will help you figure out what you really do and don't need for your kitchen and cooking style (which just might benefit from one of Yale's on-site cooking classes). 296 Freeport St., Dorchester, MA yaleappliance.com.
Olio
Yes, the industrial-chic look is still in—and no one nails the aesthetic better than Olio, an early-20th-century theater turned 6,000-square-foot event space. 43 Main St., Peabody, MA 01960, oliopeabody.com.
Yoshinoya
This Central Square institution has been providing the Boston Japanese (and other tofu freaks) with the ingredients for their home cooking for years. Yoshinoya's endless variety of fish, nori (edible seaweed), fresh fish, and all the snacks and sweets one could wish for make this the place to begin the preparations for any good Japanese meal. 36 Prospect St., Cambridge, MA .