Dr. Detail Car Wash
Most of us do very bad things in our cars, what with the speeding and the cussing and whatnot. Some of us also do very bad things to our cars, leaving them to suffer the indignity of coffee-stained dashes and trash-strewn floors. When the situation reaches the Good God, what is that smell? stage, it's time to pay a visit to Dr. Detail. At its three local mall-garage setups (bonus: shop while you wait) and flagship operation in Walpole (bonus: spot a Patriot), this auto aesthetician offers a decent hand-wash and vacuum for 30 bucks. But book a full detail, starting at about $160, and the guys will buff, shampoo, and vacuum away every last vestige of your sins. Consider it an exorcism, with new-car smell. Copley Place, Boston, MA 2116, drdetailcarwash.com.
Bank of Boston
A controversial choice, no matter how you cite it, considering the bank's relatively recent troubles with the law. Happily, Bank of Boston has since then kept its nose clean and its books in order. Despite some shaky Latin American paper on its ledgers, the bank reported a bracing 34 percent rise in profits this year. Moreover, our cockles were warmed by a number of neighborly gestures: those full-page Globe ads congratulating the coaches of our suddenly successful sports franchises, for instance. And the bank's sponsorship of M. L> Carr's "Say No to Drugs" campaign in area schools. Some would dismiss these as mere public relations gestures. Bleeding hearts that we are, however, we were moved. After all, second chances are what America is all about.
Dr. Detail Car Wash
Most of us do very bad things in our cars, what with the speeding and the cussing and whatnot. Some of us also do very bad things to our cars, leaving them to suffer the indignity of coffee-stained dashes and trash-strewn floors. When the situation reaches the Good God, what is that smell? stage, it's time to pay a visit to Dr. Detail. At its three local mall-garage setups (bonus: shop while you wait) and flagship operation in Walpole (bonus: spot a Patriot), this auto aesthetician offers a decent hand-wash and vacuum for 30 bucks. But book a full detail, starting at about $160, and the guys will buff, shampoo, and vacuum away every last vestige of your sins. Consider it an exorcism, with new-car smell. Copley Place, Boston, MA 2116, .
Chatham Bars Inn
Chatham Bars Inn Even if you don’t take advantage of the $50,000 (yes, you read that right) “Best-Ever Cape Escape” travel package offered at this iconic seaside resort, you’ll still feel like a million bucks when you book a stay here. Why? Well, let us count the ways. First, there’s the gorgeous private beach with cabanas. Then there’s the luxe accommodations, which range from ocean-view rooms in the historical Main Inn to shingle-style cottages, and the foodie-friendly dining experiences. Cap it all off with a sea-salt scrub at the sumptuous on-site spa, which comes with its own Zen-like pool area, and you’ll be counting the days until you can visit again. 297 Shore Rd., Chatham, MA 02633, chathambarsinn.com.
Kent Newton, Kent Newton Salon
The problem with getting an appointment at some vaunted salons isn't the star stylists themselves so much as the gate-keepers they have shooing away the unshampooed masses: "[Mr. Big Shot] isn't taking new clients at the moment," intoned multiple haughty receptionists during our research. We encountered no attitude, however, when we called Kent Newton Salon, and upon arrival we found chilled-out ambiance and meticulous craftsmanship. Partway through the session, the eponymous master — a former Mario Russo staffer — became so engrossed in precision-snipping one cowlick, we crossed our fingers that he didn't charge by the hour. (He doesn't.) For Kent himself, you will need to book a few weeks out, but it's the best cut we've had in years. And yes, he's taking new clients. 1315 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, kentnewtonsalon.com.
Blue Ginger
Though, as it happens, lots of perfectly useful words rhyme with his name, we decided against opening this item with an ode to Ming Tsai. Not that he hasn't earned it: Over the past 10 years, while hosting a TV show and writing books and designing cookware, this superchef has never let his attention stray from the Wellesley restaurant that first put him on the map. A dinner at Blue Ginger today is as dynamic as it was a decade ago; the trademark East-West flavor fusion as fresh and revelatory as ever. The only changes here are the kind we applaud, as Blue Ginger completed a gorgeous renovation this spring that nearly doubled its space and added private dining rooms, a walk-in lounge, and a (bargain-priced!) bar menu. 583 Washington St., 583 Washington St., MA 02482-6411, ming.com/blueginger.
The Kitchen Shelf
The Kitchen Shelf sells coobooks—and only cookbooks. It features a world-class selection of regional cookbooks, as well as a tasty vegetarian and healthful-cooking section, all sure to please professionals and home cooks alike. 1308 Beacon St., Brookline, MA .
Boomerangs
Whether you're in the mood to divest yourself of some previously enjoyed goods, or score a bargain on somebody else's, Boomerangs stands ready to help—and help others while doing it. This funky resale shop offers new and recycled merchandise: home furnishings, CDs, books, clothes, shoes, sporting goods, and collectibles, all at bargain prices, with the proceeds going to the AIDS Action Committee. We spotted an Yves St. Laurent men's suit for $24, an Escada wool crepe dress for $20, and a 31-piece set of Royal Doulton china for $30. Dependable Clenaers provides free dry-cleaning services (as well as dropoff facilities at each of its locations), so all clothing is fresh and clean. 80 Canal Street, Boston, MA .
Tutto Italiano
As if its gloriously stocked deli counter weren't enough, Tutto boasts a freezer full of home-cooked pasta sauces and soups. Maria and Marilena Locilento, wife and daughter of the owner, Angelo, will even slip you detailed cooking tips when they're working the counter. 1889 River St., Boston, MA 02136, tuttoit.com.
Indra Salon
Photograph courtesy of Indra Salon Cut, color, wax, polish, massage—this sleek hideaway can do it all, whether you’re looking for a simple blowout for your next dinner party or a full-on beauty transformation. Whatever services you select, you’ll be treated to a highly personalized experience that will leave you looking (and feeling) your very best. 8 Main St., Andover, MA 1810, indrasalon.com.
Joanna Howell-Giraud
While it might seem like a contradiction in terms, colored hair that doesn't look colored is precisely the effect of a coloring session with Joanna. She does not subscribe to the one-color look but prefers to mix a number of warm and cold highlights to create, even with the finest hair, a sense of vibrancy and vitality. Solus, 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Jeffrey Lyle Salon
Photograph by Keller + Keller After one too many blowouts left us looking like a Dallas cast member, we were ready to throw in the (salon) towel. Then came Tim Robishaw at Jeffrey Lyle, who transformed our limp strands into "look at me" locks that lasted the entire weekend. 135 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
The Charles Hotel
Perhaps the best answer to what defines the Cambridge experience, The Charles Hotel is the epitome of understated elegance. Sure, The Charles has all the amenities one would expect from a first-class hotel (health club, plush towels, in-room computer portals), but it also has a combination of "extras" that take it over the top in our book: the Regattabar (the best place to hear live jazz in town); incredibly private rooms (you'll have no idea you even have neighbors, the walls are so thick); and even a library form which patrons can check out anything from Iris Murdoch novels to cookbooks. For a real splurge, the presidential suite, which has been enjoyed by the likes of Barbra Streisand and Jane Fonda, is the way to go: With its own kitchen, baby grand piano, two bathrooms, and entertainment center, you'll never want to go home again. 1 Bennett Street, Cambridge, MA charleshotel.com.
Toro
Though the menu incorporates tot pleasers like a Kobe mini burger and glasses of eminently slurpable banana milk, Toro doesn't exactly break out the crayons and coloring books for its brunch service. For certain parents—specifically, those who secretly miss their carefree nights out at places like Toro—that's part of the charm. They get to enjoy a midday meal in an atmosphere that, if more laid-back than the frothy vibe that takes over the restaurant during the dinner shift, is pleasantly grownup. And so long as they get there shortly after the doors open at 10:30 a.m. (not a problem, thanks to the little early risers!), they'll likely be seated right away, sparing Junior the risk of suffering a class 5 meltdown while the family waits for a table. 1704 Washington St., Boston, MA 2118, toro-restaurant.com.
Boston Interiors
The problem with mega-furniture stores is that everything tends to look the same. Boston Interiors, however, offers such a wide variety that you actually can create that it-came-together-over-the-decades look in one shopping trip. Bonus: Most of the stock can be procured in custom fabrics and finishes. 31 Boylston St., Brookline Village, MA 2445, bostoninteriors.com.