Body Sculpture
One-of-a-kind baubles from one-of-a-kind artists. 127 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Jugos
<a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-113438179/stock-photo-tropical-juices.html" target="_blank">Photo</a> via Shutterstock One of the first juiceries to open before Boston reached peak saturation, Jugos endures thanks to its immense selection of made-to-order juices, boosts, smoothies, acai bowls, and very tasty chia pudding. The Xochitl (“so-chill”)—a brew of kale, banana, dates, strawberries, and cashew milk—is one of the best green smoothies we’ve ever had. The lines confirm that we’re not the only ones who think so. 145 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA 02116, visitjugos.com.
Hops N Scotch
With 40 beers on tap, craft cocktails, and more than 100 scotches, bourbons, and whiskeys, Hops N Scotch will wet your whistle one way or another. Head upstairs on weekends for the live DJ, or grab a seat on one of the couches downstairs. 1306 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02446, hopsnscotchbar.com.
Nadine Krasnow, of Krasnow Real Estate
A one-woman office, she specializes in Newton properties, and does the job with warmth and gusto. To accommodate one busy client, she picked him up at his office during lunch hour and provided a picnic lunch to munch on as they prowled properties in Brookline. 381 Elliot St., Newton, MA .
Boston Links Golf Shop
Whether you're interested in a top-of-the-line steelhead, framed pictures of your favorite courses and players (the one of Arnie at St. Andrew's is priceless), or just a new shirt, Boston Links has the o fit. All of the top clubs are here, and you can try 'em out on its indoor range. You can even get a lesson from one of its on-staff pros. While you may find a better bargain at one of the discount outlets, you can't beat the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. 116 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA .
Michael Gee of the <em>Herald</em>
Nobody is having a great year, so we've been advised by one sports ace: In the valley of the blind give it to the one-eyed man.
The Diet Center
A gimmick-free approach that will help you lose weight without losing your mind. One-on-one attention and real food. All locations, .
Software Tool & Die, Boston On-Line, http://www.std.com/NE/boston.html
This Web page is maintained by Adam Gaffin and features links to restaurant reviews, entertainment guides, neighborhood information, and dozens of other categories.
Formaggio Kitchen's Saturday Barbecues
Some less enlightened staffers here at Boston magazine argued against this pick, citing its limited availability (Formaggio fires up its sidewalk grill once a week, and for only half the year) and the unforgivable snobbishness of awarding the title of best street food to a purveyor of $7 hot dogs. But proponents were unmoved, pointing out that said dogs weigh in at a juicy half pound. And that—like the house-made sausages and the pulled pork, chicken, and lamb—forms part of what just might be the Hub's most joyous eating experience. That status is owed largely to Formaggio's new grill-master, Kurt Gurdal, whose infectious enthusiasm will surely stand him in good stead through season's end, in mid-November. 244 Huron Ave., Cambridge, MA formaggiokitchen.com.
Release Well-Being Center
Photo by Joe St. Pierre Heated benches and cozy chairs by a fireplace. A well-appointed locker room with a eucalyptus steam room. Two kinds of saunas and two cold-plunge pools (one for the brave and one for the very brave). Hot tea and cool cucumber water on tap. One visit to this brand-new spa, and you’ll not only feel great, but you’ll want to come back for more. Good news: Release offers several membership options that can make frequent visits a breeze and save you money. Combine that with the wellness coaching and workshops, and you’re looking at a new you. 28 Arlington St., Boston, MA 02116, releasewellbeingcenter.com.
Sugar Magnolia's
Bacon fans and omelet groupies, take a knee: This one's for Pancake Nation. A Main Street storefront café that's more about warmth than polish, Sugar Magnolia's flips buttermilk and blueberry flapjacks as big as Paul Bunyan's mittens and just as thick. But it's the moist, delicately spicy carrot cake version—aided by a genius three-in-one spread of maple syrup, cream cheese, and butter—that verges on the stuff of legend. (Those who absolutely have to get their protein fix won't feel left out: Sugar Magnolia's has a worthy roster of egg-, meat-, and fish-based breakfasts, too.) 112 Main St., Gloucester, MA 1930, sugarmags.com.
Townhouse
You have to ask for a small Bloody Mary at the Townhouse to get one. The quality matches the quantity. It's one of the few spots in the area which uses garlic and horseradish.
B-Side Lounge
Take one part funky restaurant and one part festive bar scene. Sprinkle it with urban hipsters, geeky academics, and East Cambridge natives. Shake gently to the beat of Sinatra or maybe a little Esquivel. Chill to taste. 92 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA .
The Jotul stove, Warren Hardware & Radio Co.
Given the current expense of solar energy systems, this wood-burning import from Denmark is the most practical way to reduce one's heating bill. 8 Elm St., Braintree, MA .
Covet + Lou
Tina Burgos is that one effortlessly stylish friend we all envy—the one who has just the right outfit for every occasion and can mix patterns with aplomb. Her boutique and online shop, then, is just the place for indie finds you didn’t realize you needed: bright, simple coveralls from Ilana Kohn, handmade clogs from No. 6, even cheerful pineapple pins. Styles are unique without being over the top, and so is Burgos. Refreshing. 947 Great Plain Ave., Needham, MA 02492, covetandlou.com.