Uniform
Not feeling up to excessive sartorial risk-taking? That doesn't make it okay to fall back into the Gap (you've come too far!). More moderately priced than Barneys, less alternative than Stel's, Uniform straddles practicality and panache with its tailored casualwear. The well-crafted separates from elusive brands like Original Penguin, Scotch & Soda, and Canterbury—plus work-hard, play-hard shoes from Gola and Tretorn—will outlast any chain-store buy, making the most of your wardrobe budget while averting death by boring button-down. 511 Tremont St., Boston, MA 2116, uniformboston.com.
Dr. Ramsey Alsarraf, The Newbury Center for Cosmetic Plastic Surgery
The Botox frenzy—you know, the one that has everyone and her mother running off to unwrinkle their brows with Botox injections—belies one important truth: The treatment may be easy, fast, and essentially risk-free, but that doesn't mean just anyone should inject it. It's still a medical procedure that requires expertise, safety, and finesse. Dr. Ramsey Alsarraf stands out on all of those fronts for his credentials (Harvard, Yale, a fellowship with the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and board certification); his integrity (if you don't need it, he'll tell you); and his finely tuned aesthetic sense (his work is known for being subtle and natural-looking). If you're going to do Botox, the last thing you should be worried about is whose hands you're in. And on that front, Alsarraf gives you fewer reasons to furrow your brow. 69 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
John. H. Finley, Eliot Professor of Greek Literature
Dr. Finley recently retired, but for more than 43 years he enthralled scores of appreciative undergraduates. Harvard, Cambridge, MA .
Dr. Joseph E. Murray, chief of plastic surgery at Children's and Peter Bent Brigham hospitals
Dr. Murray, a brilliant and dedicated surgeon, has devised many important new techniques. MA
Mary Benjamin's <em>Eight Minutes to Midnight: A Portrait of Dr. Helen Caldicott</em>
Finally, it caught on.
Deaconess Center for Nutritional Research
Dr. George Blackburn's protein-sparing regimen is the stuff diet empires are made of. And his is legit. You're EKG'd, profiled, nutritionally re-educated, and recycled, all on nine ounces of lean protein a day. You lose weight . . . as well as the will to live. MA
Jonathan Katz
Katz's deadpan delivery and bassett-hound face have made him a favorite with local audiences for years. Now national audiences are discovering him via his hit show on Comedy Central, Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist, which received a CableACE award in January.
The Wellness Atelier
Maybe you’re yearning for stronger nails, a boosted immune system, or more energy. Heck, maybe you’re just hungover. Whatever the case, Dr. Daniela Winston has a cure for you. As the founder of the Wellness Atelier, she offers a galaxy of make-you-healthy IV infusions, from the “Glow Up” (which packs in water-soluble vitamins and antioxidants that promote skin, hair, and nail health) to the “Hydration IV” (a saline infusion to restore hydration after workouts, viral illnesses, or long flights). 36 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, thewellnessatelier.com.
Henry Bear's Park
Put another gold star on the reward chart for this shop: In addition to the Lego sets and Melissa & Doug puzzles your kids demand, the shop stocks craft supplies, beginner's chemistry kits, and several types of terrariums. Even better, the book selection, ranging from board books to Dr. Seuss to Narnia, offers a story for any age. 17 White St., Cambridge, MA 02140, henrybear.com.
Aeronaut
In a town saturated with the same old prepackaged bar trivia, Aeronaut has perfected the art of the artisanal quiz. Every Tuesday night at this zany brew hall, local hosts read handcrafted questions on everything from famous drummers to authors who use pen names. Bring your own snacks or enjoy delivery pizza accompanied by an ice-cold glass of "Dr. Nandu," Aeronaut's oh-so-good IPA. And be sure to show up early—trivia night here fills up fast. 14 Tyler St., Somerville, MA 02143, aeronautbrewing.com.
Jake Tedaldi
Making house calls in a black Hummer (license plate: 'ANIMAL') roomy enough to house a small petting zoo, Dr. Tedaldi pulls up to his patients' homes with examining table, medical kit, and biscuit bribes at the ready. Believe us: Never having to haul out the carrier or spike the water with sedatives makes annual checkups and shots almost pleasant. vetcall.com.
Vizio Optic
Hey, four eyes: Glasses don't have to be unsightly. Vizio Optic optometrist and co-owner Dr. Galina Rabkin carries more than 1,000 pairs of rimless lenses, titanium frames, and bejeweled plastic specs from hundreds of brands like Bulgari, Prada, and Porsche. Chic prescription shades come from such giants as Mosley Tribes, Beausoleil, and Face Face. See for yourself: You'll look fantastic. 11 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2445, viziooptic.com.
Artifaktori
Not everyone who shops at vintage spots wants to resemble a '50s pinup gal—including us. We'd rather comb through the brilliantly stocked, sensibly priced racks at Artifaktori for cozy fisherman's sweaters, gently worn floral Dr. Martens, and beaded detachable collars. Yes, there are several ladylike frocks of yore to please those seeking retro looks, but they all say "fashion" rather than "costume." 22a College Ave., Somerville, MA 2144, artifaktori.com.
The Wellness Atelier
We’ve all had those nights — the ones where you wake up the next morning with a blinding headache and an appetite for nothing but saltines. Plan ahead, and next time you can roll right out of bed and into Dr. Daniela Winston’s Newbury Street studio for the cheekily named “About Last Night” IV, a hydrating treatment designed to lessen hangover symptoms. The concierge medicine practice also offers a variety of other nutritional IVs that infuse your body with the stuff it needs to not just survive but thrive. 36 Newbury St., 3rd Fl., Boston, MA 02116, thewellnessatelier.com.
Moody's Delicatessen & Provisions
To be clear, the word " delicatessen" in Moody’s moniker is not meant to imply eats of the kosher Jewish variety (though after a bite of the piled-high pastrami sandwich or peppery corned-beef version, you may be convinced otherwise). No, this Waltham destination sets out to celebrate every kind of animal protein, with the most astonishing breadth of fastidiously house-cured and smoked meats you’ll find anywhere in the area (all of which, of course, still pair perfectly with a side of house bagel chips and a can of Dr. Brown’s cream soda). 468 Moody St., Waltham, MA 2453, moodyswaltham.com.