Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
When it comes to outfitting our home, we want it all—high style, gorgeous fabrics, American-made pieces—at a fair price, of course. That's why we always make this Boston-area furniture chain our first stop. Whether we're placing a custom order or browsing higher-end brand knockoffs, we get the same white-glove service, without breaking the bank. 142 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 2116, mitchellgoldboston.com.
Odessa Instant Shoe Repair
Our poor, overloved clogs—not much left of the heel but a few pieces of chewed-up yellow foam. Bracing for a lecture on proper shoe care, we nervously carried them into Odessa. To our delight, the kindly proprietor lifted them up lovingly and assured us they would be fine. And a week later he delivered a perfectly handmade new heel for each, plus fresh soles and heels for several equally battered pairs of boots. 3 Center Plz., Boston, MA 2108, .
The Pooped Pooch
Hey, you—Human. I get that we can't be together all the time. But I have needs. When you're away, I still require cuddling and play time and the occasional "Who's a good boy?!"—not just someone to feed me and split. Heard of the Pooped Pooch? Those guys know how to treat us canines: from providing romps in their fenced-in park to spending quality time with us at home. 775 Columbia Rd., Dorchester, MA 2125, thepoopedpooch.com.
Emerge Spa and Salon
For those who go regularly to get buffed, the occasional cheap pedicure will do. For the rest of us, with our callused heels, blistered toes, and chipped polish, the Emerge deluxe pedicure functions like a foot intervention. First, anything unsightly gets whisked away by a chamomile scrub. Feet are then dunked in a paraffin treatment that softens even the toughest soles. Technicians are meticulous when grooming cuticles and perfecting polish application, leaving ample time for you to relax and marvel at the transformation of your digits. 275 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, emergespasalon.com.
Gentle Giant Moving Company
Anyone who's used inferior movers knows the torture of watching them slowly load a single box onto the truck. You won't need to stifle the urge to grab a handcart and goose the friendly Gentle Giant guys, who gather up as much as they can carry, unload, and literally sprint back for more. And that brawn doesn't come at the cost of finesse: Everything arrives at your new home unscathed. 29 Harding St., Somerville, MA 2116, gentlegiant.com.
Violet Skin Boutique
You don't have to worry about that,' says Shaw when we tell her we really need a therapeutic massage, not just a light shoulder rub. As she begins to press and knead, our concerns, and stress knots, melt away. Shaw's firm touch relaxes and revitalizes as she instinctively homes in on problem areas, leaving us free to daydream or doze. 257 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, violetskinboutique.com.
Saks Fifth Avenue
From edgy and sometimes garish brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Gianni Versace to the conservative Cole Haan and J.P. Tod's, Saks has the biggest selection for the man willing to lay down the dough for quality and style. The end of the season sales are the best time to save lots on those $325 Gucci loafers you've been seeing around the office. Prudential Center, Boston, MA .
Marching and Chowder
We wish we had thought of this—a take-home-dinner kiosk in the middle of South Station. You can peruse the daily updated online menu (marchingandchowder.com) from the comfort of your office, then pick up your meal on your way to catch the train. This year-old business offers soups, salads, gourmet-style comfort foods, low-fat and vegetarian options—even sushi. We think you'll like it; if you don't, they'll give you back your money. South Station, Boston, MA .
eat
It doesn't hurt that Julia Child was a regular at this homey, comfortable Union Square restaurant, but what really makes eat a great neighborhood joint is the way owner Charlie Robinson welcomes diners from the neighborhood and beyond as if they were coming to dinner in his own home. Chef Pete Sueltenfuss's cuisine extends the welcome with hearty flavors and simple technique, from diver scallops stew to club steak. 253 Washington St., Somerville, MA .
Perdix
Everything about this tiny store-front boîte makes you wish that you, too, had bought a fixer-upper in Jamaica Plain. Chef Tim Partridge's menu is the kind of food you'd cook at home if only you had more time, with basic but tempting dishes from roasted spring lamb with fingerling potatoes and watercress to simple seared sea scallops. 597 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA .
Redbones
Sentimental favorite Redbones has been challenged over the last few years by a whole herd of new barbecue joints. But there's no beating the heaping portions of Memphis-, Texas-, Arkansas-, and St. Louis-style Fred Flintstone-sized ribs, chicken, pulled pork, and beef brisket; the appetizers, like catfingers and buffalo shrimp; the seemingly infinite draft beer selection; and the hillbilly ambiance. Okay, so the service is more Boston than Baton Rouge. But it makes up in efficiency for what lacks in warmth. 55 Chester St., Davis Square, Somerville, MA redbones.com.
Blue Ribbon Bar-B-Q
Whether it's North Carolina pulled pork, Kansas City burnt ends, Texas sliced beef brisket, or Memphis dry-rubbed ribs, the key to Blue Ribbon's success is, like all great barbecue, slow cooking at low temperatures, in this case, over oak and hickory hardwood. Whichever style you prefer, it makes for incredibly tender 'cue with just the right smoky flavor. Good prices, great sides, but no real dining room. Sit on a stool by the counter, or take your bounty home. 905 Massachusetts Ave., Arlington, MA .
Rowes Wharf Restaurant at The Boston Harbor Hotel
Bring a hefty appetite and anyone you want to impress for the elegant decor and sensational harbor views at the most sumptuous buffet brunch in the city. For $42 a person, we're obviously not talking about hangover grease-fest. The upscale yet down-home fare includes anything and everything you could possibly be craving — including platters of lobster, mussels and clams; grilled rack of lamb; made-to-order omelets; seasonal fruits; and decadent desserts. No heartier way to break the fast. 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA .
Stephanie's on Newbury
photo by Alex Lau Hold the truffle oil, beer, prosciutto, peas, lobster, and other sacrilegious add-ins, please: Stephanie's old-school mac is just how we like it. Blended with cheddar, Romano, and Parmesan cheeses, baked with buttery bread crumbs on top, and served steaming with the perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio, this classic is best paired with a glass of crisp white wine at the bar. 190 Newbury St., Boston, MA stephaniesonnewbury.com.
Sportello
The gleaming, U-shaped bar here is your gateway to Barbara Lynch's homemade pastas (the tagliatelle with Bolognese is a perennial favorite) and sophisticated plates like whole-roasted trout with anchovies and olives. True, this casual trattoria can be pricey for a weeknight meal—especially when Drink, Lynch's downstairs bar, is tempting you with aprés-dinner cocktails—but the return on investment is reliably delicious. 348 Congress St., Boston, MA 2110, sportelloboston.com.