F.H. Perry
Woman-owned and boasting a remarkably skilled team, F.H. Perry is a national leader in home construction and remodeling, entrusted by the region's best architects for builds with unprecedented attention to detail. Hopkinton, MA fhperry.com.
Fabrizio Construction
South Shore's architects appreciate Fabrizio's ability to turn intricate drawings into homes built to last for generations. The crew is equally adept at building from the ground up and renovating existing houses. Duxbury, MA fabrizioconstruction.com.
Health Gourmet
All-natural whole-wheat pasta with pesto (basil, Parmesan cheese, and nuts), or raclette (melted cheese over potatoes, with pickles) at the Health Gourmet, 175 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 175 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA .
Davio's
Those who like their men as rich as a well-marbled rib-eye frequent this wood-paneled, martini-soaked Italian steakhouse packed with Mad Men wannabes, both of the divorced and the, ahem, forgot-my-ring-at-home variety. 75 Arlington St., Boston, MA 2116, davios.com.
The Tannery
photo by Alex Lau Whether you're lacing up for work or a workout, the Tannery has your soles covered. The vast selection of footwear encompasses most makes—Clarks, Sperry, Converse—and models—wingtips, boat shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals. 711 Boylston St., Boston, MA thetannery.com.
Neptune Oyster
This North End gem trumps even North Shore clam shacks with its pristine, local whole-bellies; nonpareil crunch, courtesy of expert batter-frying; and exceptional tartar sauce. 63 Salem St., Boston, MA 2113, neptuneoyster.com.
Tacos El Charro
Owner "Pepe" Gutierrez recreates the dishes of his native Guadalajara. Superb sopes, tacos, tamales, enchiladas, and moles. No margaritas, but plenty of Mexican beers to keep you cool. 349 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA .
A Few Good Girls
Kids have so few good role models in the entertainment industry today. A Few Good Girls, a four-woman hip-hop dance group from Boston and Newton, is dedicated to dancing—and to promoting positive image.
Moody's Delicatessen & Provisions
Photograph by Trevor Reid Hold the James River barbecue sauce, American cheese, and extra mayo. Accented by horseradish crema, fontina, and onion marmalade, Moody's slow-cooked-beef sando may not be traditional, but it sure is tasty. 468 Moody St., Waltham, MA 02453, moodyswaltham.com.
Patch NYC
Designers Don Carney and John Ross thoughtfully fuse modern and vintage home accents and fashion accessories—which translates to Fornasetti candles, cheeky silkscreen pillows, and everything in between. 46 Waltham St., Boston, MA 02118, patchnyc.com.
Niche Urban Garden Supply
Photograph by Sarah Fisher Even if your home garden is a window box of salad greens, Niche is your local source for the seeds, planters, and garden tools that you’ll need to keep them thriving. 619 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, nicheboston.com.
Neptune Oyster
This North End gem trumps even North Shore clam shacks with its pristine, local whole-bellies; nonpareil crunch, courtesy of expert batter-frying; and exceptional tartar sauce. 63 Salem Street, Boston, MA 2113, neptuneoyster.com.
Grettaluxe
Chloe! Jimmy! Marc! The gang's all here. When choosing the clutches and everyday bags that fill her two shops, Gretchen Monahan shows a killer instinct for homing in on fashion's coolest kids. Westin Copley Place, Boston, MA grettaluxe.com.
John Havlicek's
So neat that is has been awarded the Better Homes & Garden Seal of Approval. Stacks of soap, piles of towels, and little bottles of Desinex all in a row. Taught Beth everything she knows. MA
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 .