Granite Links Golf Club
A public course with the ambiance of a private one? You'll find it at Granite Links, which boasts hilltop views of the city, three nine-hole courses, and a lighted driving range for those evenings when you just need to whack a bucket of balls after work. Plus, a clubhouse deck and above-par food make the 19th hole as welcoming as the first 18. Correction, June 26, 12 p.m.: In the July issue of Boston, "Golf" was misspelled in the business name. We regret the error. 100 Quarry Hills Dr., Quincy, MA 02169, granitelinksgolfclub.com.
Folklorica
The idea of handcrafts is intriguing; the reality, often ho-hum. Folklorica, however, hones its edge with one-of-a-kind creations by big names (Alexis Bittar, Jane Diaz) and sharp local talent. 61 Union St., Newton Centre, Newton, MA 2459, .
<em>The Price Is Right</em> New Hampshire Incident
The Internet got a major kick this year out of the plight of Marshfield’s Catherine Graham, whose grand prize on The Price Is Right was a glamorous vacation to … New Hampshire (not exactly the exotic Tahitian adventure she’d been hoping for). But to sweeten the pot, tons of local businesses stepped up to make her journey across state lines a special one, offering a bounty of gifts and hotel stays. As one local official put it, they didn’t want her to take her neighbor to the north for granite. Well done.
Radius
Yes, you'll want fries with—or without—that burger (Radius also took home the award for Best of Boston 2009 Burger). With one genius exception (minced fines herbes), chef Michael Schlow imposes none of his fancy French roots on these golden über-tubers. And thankfully, he's not stingy with the salt. 8 High St., Boston, MA 2110, radiusrestaurant.com.
Whole Heart Provisions
Take your pick: a Viet bowl from Whole Heart or chickpea socca from Forage. / Photo by Toan Trinh Whether your bowl is brimming with coconut-curry-drenched cauliflower or eggplant topped with crispy chickpeas, one thing is clear: This is a sad-salad-free zone. Whole Heart explores the playful side of plant-based eating, turning out swoon-inducing veggie fare that’s anything but rabbit food. Multiple locations. 487 Cambridge St., Allston, MA 02134, wholeheartprovisions.com.
Mida Newton
If you don’t want your pizza crust charred at Mida’s Newtonville outpost, you’ll have to request it. And that’s just the way it should be at this Italian-inspired hot spot, which churns out New Haven–style pies that are well done in more ways than one. Also well done? Chef Douglass Williams’s homemade pastas (think: mushroom pappardelle and tagliatelle with clams) and the light-and-lovely cocktail list, which plays well with a fresh, modern ambiance perfect for everything from weekend brunch with friends to date nights close to home. 261 Walnut St., Newton, MA 02460, midarestaurant.com.
Byron Dafoe
He's not the only reason the Bruins have climbed out of their 1997 hole. But he's the biggest one and damn near the goaltender in hockey.
Lucky's Lounge
A lounge used to be a place where you could mingle with strangers and tie one on at any time of day. Now it's usually just home to overdressed scenesters and overpriced drinks. But Lucky's is a throwback to the glory days. A speakeasy-style bar with dim lighting, vintage leather booths, and walls covered in Rat Pack photos, it's an ode to the three-martini lunch era. 355 Congress St., South Boston, MA 2210, luckyslounge.com.
Grettacole
Toss away those pore strips. You won't need them after a facial at Grettacole, where the expertly trained technicians steam, massage, and tone even the dullest of skin into dewy submission. Settle onto the cushy table in one of the dimly lit, blissfully quiet treatment rooms and doze off as your skin is transformed; the neck, shoulder, and hand massage is just one of the many perks. For an exercise in pure luxury, indulge yourself in a treatment using products from the Valmont line of rare, exquisite French lotions, toners, and masks. It all adds up to an addictive experience that may have you swearing off do-it-yourself home facials forever. Westin Hotel, Copley Place, Boston, MA grettacole.com.
MKS Design
Courtesy Photo A former pastry chef, MKS Design owner Adam Simha deftly marries form and function with his steely treasures, crafted from scratch for novice home cooks and local celebrity chefs like Jody Adams. Just tell him your culinary aspirations and material preferences, and he’ll deliver your one-of-a-kind gyuto, petty, boning, steak, or cimeter knives in six to eight months. mksknife.com.
Mitch Shechtman
A good trainer knows how to get people in killer shape. A great trainer is part fitness expert, part therapist, part motivational speaker, and—let's face it—part drill sergeant. Mitch Shechtman amalgamates all of the above, and adds to the mix a solid dose of humor that takes the edge off that grueling last set of squats. His understanding of just how hard to push clients physically and mentally is a sixth sense. None of which is particularly surprising when you consider that Shechtman is head trainer at BodyScapes, a fitness center dedicated solely to the notion that bodies benefit most from one-on-one time with an expert. Just as important, though, is Shechtman's other dedication: to make workouts tough but fun. One Huntington Ave., Boston, MA .
Coast Guard Beach
Thoreau once walked the 40 miles of the Cape's pristine eastern coast and wrote a whole book on the experience. JFK, also a fan, ensured that the shoreline and its marshes, freshwater ponds, and lighthouses were preserved for future generations. On the southern end of the protected strip sits Coast Guard Beach. With its rolling dunes and ever-shifting conditions—roaring one day, serene the next—it's a breathtaking place to stroll, lounge, picnic, or surf. Doane Road, Eastham, MA 2642, .
McLaughlin Custom Upholstered Furniture
Since its inception in 1889, this Everett mainstay has remained true to Old World techniques, fashioning new heirloom-quality pieces and reinvigorating antique ones with an appreciation for the craftsmanship of yore. McLaughlin’s master upholsterers hone their practice with every thoughtful cut and well-placed stitch, drawing from an extensive library of fabrics and leathers to give life to bespoke headboards, plump ottomans, high-backed wing chairs, and so much more. 1813 Revere Beach Parkway, Everett, MA mclaughlinupholstering.com.
Chuck Bass, Patrice Vinci Salon
Why do we love Chuck Bass? Let us count the reasons. For one, he comes in as early as 6 a.m. to accommodate busy schedules. Two, he works quickly and quietly. Most important, his talent for creating gorgeous textural haircuts — including on curly hair — is unmatched, having honed his craft throughout Boston and New York City. Whether you’re looking for a big makeover or a subtle upgrade to your signature style, you’ll always leave his chair happy. 91 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, chuckbass.com.
Baja Betty's
Pardon the pun, but this was one of the most hotly contested categories this year. Happily for burrito lovers, the city has several delicious options; sadly, only one can become the best. This Brookline newcomer, a spin-off of a cheerful little hole-in-the-wall in New York, specializes in the Tex-Mex variety: rice, beans, pico de gallo, and your choice of fillings, such as carne asada (marinated charbroiled steak), chili colorado (lean pork in a spicy guajillo-chili-pepper suace), or pollo (chicken in a red moule sauce)—all rolled in a fresh-flour tortilla. 3 Harvard Square, Brookline Village, MA .