Cheryl Richards
Simply lining up the members of the bridal party by height is not Richards's style, which is more akin to photojournalism than traditional wedding photography. She captures every moment in dramatic black and white, from a miniature ring bearer playing peekaboo over a wing chair to a bride's quiet moment of contemplation. The resulting images might seem more at home in a gallery than on a coffee table. Maybe that's why Richards has flown as far away as Poland to document the special days of the rich and the famous—and why it's a good thing for Boston newlyweds that she spends most of her time on this side of the Atlantic. 247 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Dolly Bilzerian-Kelly
There's more to upscale salesmanship than strategically doled-out snootiness. In her 30 years at the ring-for-entry Alan Bilzerian boutique, Bilzerian-Kelly (Alan's sister) has developed a knack for divining what customers want and, better yet, what they need. She'll know, for instance, to break the news gently but firmly that, alas, that fabulous Alexander McQueen corset is not a good look for your untoned upper arms—but that you might give this Rick Owens tunic a try. Her unfailing candor doesn't crowd out her dry sense of humor, though, which can turn a quick shopping stop into a memorable event. 34 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Shreve, Crump & Low
Boston women who have their jewels (like they have their hats) probably got them from Shreve, Crump & Low. Holding down the corner of Arlington and Boylston streets since 1929 ("Shreve's" has actually been in business since 1796), it's still the place to go for a timeless strand of perfect pearls, a pear-shaped diamond pendant, a just-for-fun 18-carat-gold-link bracelet, or, for that matter, a tasteful set of commitment rings. Quality may never go out of style, but Shreve's is far more than just great-grandmère's jewelry store. 330 Boylston St., Boston, MA shrevecrumpandlow.com.
Brix Wine Shop
Brix is so different in look and concept from its competitors, people often mistake it for an expensive boutique. Don't be fooled: Co-owners Carri Wroblewski and Klaudia Mally have created a wonderful source for delicious everyday wines, with so many au courant varieties priced around $10.99, it's like a Target for oenophiles. Best of all, Brix procures special orders without demanding the purchase of a whole case, but rather just three bottles. That alone puts most of the other wine shops in this town to shame. 1248 Washington St., Boston, MA brixwineshop.com.
The Paramount
In a neighborhood where pearls and cufflinks are considered casual accessories, it's refreshing to find the unpretentious Paramount. Sure, bluebloods fill the restaurant, but the fare is deliciously unassuming. At night, the kitchen serves such favorites as delicate herb-infused pastas and tender burgers, while in the morning the home-style stacks of buttery blueberry pancakes and fluffy egg omeletes are de rigueur. Regulars pack this tiny place like congregants at church on Sunday (and trust us, you will need a prayer to get a table on busy nights), but after a taste, you'll be among the converted. 44 Charles St., Boston, MA paramountboston.com.
Fabric Place
Had there been a Fabric Place down the road from the von Trapp family, Maria could not only have outfitted those seven kids in patterns and colors more exciting than the bedroom drapes, but she could've consulted with an at-home decorator to replace the drapes themselves. Armed with "New England's largest selection of in-stock drapery and upholstery fabrics," as state in the brochure, the experienced, trained staff takes the fear out of decorating. There's a reason why Fabric Place has won kudos from us in years past: Its selection is unparalleled. Route 139, Randolph, MA .
La Provence
Those smug Concord so-and-sos. It's not enough they've got bragging rights on historic charm and sterling schools; they also get La Provence and its viands par excellence coming and going. Located opposite the commuter rail station, this longtime French bakery-café sees commuters off to work with spiraling golden croissants and buttery brioches, while in the evening it sends them home with herbes de Provence rotisserie chickens and tender salmon in champagne sauce. Top dessert pick? The jaw-droppingly rich gateau Concorde. Talk about having your cake! 105 Thoreau St., Concord, MA 1742, .
Pizzeria Regina, North End Branch
There's no shortage of great pizza in this town, but the place we always come back to is the original North End home of Pizzeria Regina. Ignore the outposts at Faneuil Hall and in the suburbs, and get in the (often long) line at the corner of Thacher and Endicott streets for a slice or two. The wait is worth it. First, the basics: a thin crust that's simultaneously crisp and chewy, slathered with tangy tomato sauce and cheese. Then there are traditional pizza house enhancements such as meatballs (juicy bursts of seasoned meat), sausage, or any fresh vegetables. Last, there's the homemade flavored olive oil—a secret mix we're pretty sure contains hot peppers, herbs, and garlic—meant to be doused liberally on every slice. 11 Thacher St., Boston, MA pizzeriaregina.com.
Formaggio Kitchen
Formaggio is the cheese shop that puts all others to shame. Whether it's a rustic sheep's milk cheese from Vermont or a bleu de Termignon made only by an old woman in France from her herd of nine cows, owner Ihsan Gurdai finds the world's best and rarest cheeses and brings them home to Boston. Shopping can be a slow process, since the staff spends a lot of time dispensing thinly sliced samples. There's a method to the madness: A customer who tastes the rich overtones of real Parmigiano-Reggiano from the red cows of Parma will never go back to the powdery stuff in the green can. 244 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA formaggiokitchen.com.
Nashoba Brook Bakery
A sandwich is only as good as the bread that holds it together, and this mini-chain (the other location is in Concord) takes the prize for bread that's a perfect canvas for inch-thick masterpieces. Sourdough, seven-grain, rye, rosemary garlic, and pepper jack are just some the bases for the savory curry chicken salad with pecans and grapes, or smoked turkey, avocado, and carrot sandwiches. As the well-trained staff will tell you, bread selections rotate according to the day of the week, so if you're hankering for a construction of ham, Swiss cheese, caramelized onion, and apple slices on olive bread, make sure to swing by on either a Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. At $5.50 each, these sandwiches could become a serious habit. 288 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA slowrise.com.
Casablanca
For more than 30 years, Casablanca restaurant has been the canteen of choice for Cambridge's smart set when they dine en masse. The reason for its success: An inviting bar with plenty of by-the-glass wine choices, an expertly prepared yet casual Mediterranean menu courtesy of chef Ana Sortun (don't miss creamy chick pea soup, the tangy short rib appetizer, or the filet of cod wrapped in bacon), and the whopping laughter of owner Sari Abul-Jubein providing the perfect soundtrack to the fun. Groups of any size are encouraged to make themselves right at home. 40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA casablanca-restaurant.com.
Club Café
This fairly upscale bar, club, and restaurant is still the staple of Boston's South End gay scene, despite its consistently overpriced food. Still, you don't come here to eat. You come to be seen, drink with friends, and flirt with the many single men and women who flock here, especially on Thursday nights. The crowded back room and video bar is where most of the action is (no, not that kind of action), and it's a great place to meet new people—or bump into exes you hoped you've never, ever see again. 209 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA clubcafe.com.
The Biltmore
With its shabby-chic dining room (mismatched old chairs, vintage ephemera), the Biltmore makes weekend mornings feel like brunch at Grandma's. An indulgent grandma, that is. Yours probably didn't serve Cap'n Crunch-coated French toast drizzled with warm vanilla icing, or whole-wheat flatbread topped with fresh mozzarella, local tomatoes, basil, pancetta, and sunny-side-up eggs. The sausage-infused biscuit "fritters" with house-made apple-butter dipping sauce, meanwhile, are hearty enough to inspire a post-meal nap. 1205 Chestnut St., Newton, MA 2464, thebiltmoregrill.com.
Swartz True Value
More than a century of know-how emanates from this suburban institution, founded by Michael Swartz's immigrant grandparents in 1890 and eventually passed down the line to him. While the old-time architecture was destroyed in a fire 38 years ago, the old-time 'real hardware' attitude hasn't changed (you'll be hard-pressed to find a teakettle here, for instance). Our local DIY expert reports that Swartz has 10 times the number of tools found at other stores, plus products that others dropped decades ago. Also earning high marks are the paint department's mix masters and, out back, a roomy parking lot for the load-it-up, haul-it-home contingent. 353 Watertown St., Newton, MA 2458, .
Trina's Starlite Lounge
Hipsters, locals, and industry folk mingle at this Inman hangout, where stiff drinks and retro vibes accompany seriously good late-night eats, cranked out by the kitchen staff till midnight on weekends. The crisp tots with rosemary-garlic aioli pair well with a Green Goblin (a neon mezcal-based tipple), as does the beefy Starlite chili with a side of cornbread—a butter-soaked masterpiece so good, you might as well order an extra slice to take home for breakfast. Correction, June 26, 11 a.m.: In the July issue of Boston, we misstated how late Trina's serves (midnight). We regret the error. 3 Beacon St., Somerville, MA 02143, trinastarlitelounge.com.