Bike Tours of Cambridge
Novice bikers tend to get intimidated by drivers around here—and for good reason. But the gratis Bike Tours of Cambridge—led by the Cambridge Bicycle Committee and escorted by police—will put worried minds at ease. And where else but the People's Republic would you find themed treks covering everything from string theory to public art?
House Speaker George Keverian
For giving the lie to Attorney General James Shannon's charge that members of Keverian's staff had tried to thwart the two-year investigation into alleged corruption in the Speaker's office.
House Speaker George Keverian's
Whose typical response to a political thwarting is to retire to his office for a good long sulk. Will someone please tell George to grow up and take his lumps like a big boy.
The Chef's Table at the Parker House
Executive chef Joseph Ribas reinstituted the century-old tradition this year. 60 School St., Boston, MA .
Anthony's Pier Four
It's a shame the food isn't as good. 140 Northern Ave., Boston, MA .
The Winery at the Pilot House
Lewis Wharf, on the waterfront in the summer. Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 15 Arlington St., Boston, on the Public Garden in the winter., Boston, MA .
Cambridge Boat House
The drinks aren't bad, either. Gerry's Landing Rd., Cambridge, MA .
Chef Chang's House
Where else can you get Peking duck without calling ahead? 1006 Beacon St., Brookline, MA .
Court House Fish Market
Never are fresh ingredients more crucial than when it comes to seafood. These friendly fish-mongers reel in customers with a vast assortment of finned favorites such as haddock, salmon, and swordfish, as well as giant lobsters (10-15 pounds), crabs (hard and soft shelled), and no fewer than five varieties of clams on any given day. Furthermore, if your recipe requires periwinkles, fresh sardines (those here taste nothing like those tiny, stinky, oil fish in a tin), or octopus, this is the place to go. 484 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA courthouseseafood.com.
Bangkok City; House of Siam
No doubt about it—the Tie Restaurant makes for a very bad pun. So sue us. The fact is we're torn between two establishments that offer grace, charm, goodwill, and friendliness in abundance—and good food. Take Bangkok City, back phoenixlike from the ashes after its 1998 fire, with new decor. We recommend the shrimp with three chilis, but the more adventurous among you might for the secret, superspicy Thai menu the restaurant offers to real Thais—and the rare Yank who has an asbestos-coated palate. (When you try it, you'll understand all too well why the place went up in flames.) | But House of Siam is equally enticing. Everything's fresh at this friendly South End fave, with its stylish decor: the tom ka gai (chicken coconut soup), spicy garlic shrimp, fabulous dumplings, spring rolls, and duck panang. Wonderfully attentive to detail, both in preparation and presentation (note the origami carrots), House of Siam also has a wine list that, while short, is well thought out and boasts fine values under $20, including a Guigal Cotes de Rhone at $19.25. 167 Massachusetts Avenue; 542 Columbus Ave., Boston, MA .
Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary
Courtesy of Mass Audubon Society/Flickr There are plenty of petting zoos around where you can go to toss a few pellets to the farm animals — but here, it’s more about learning how to care for and coexist with our four-legged friends. Wannabe farmers can wave hello to sheep, goats, pigs, cows — and sometimes their babies — in their pastures, and see how food is sustainably raised at the farm’s Learning Garden. And if your junior farmer is itching for more, go birding on the nature trails and play a game of seasonal wildlife-themed bingo while you’re at it. 208 S Great Rd, Lincoln, MA 1773, massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/drumlin-farm.
Redd's in Rozzie
We're tempted to call what Redd's does "home cooking," but given that this version of comfort food would require an apprenticeship at a southern barbecue joint, the ability to break down an entire pig, and a smoker in the backyard, we're not exactly talking about our home. Redd's nails everything, from the house-made pickle plate (try the pickled cabernet grapes) and apple mignonette-topped raw oysters to the just-about melt-in-your-mouth pulled-pork sandwich. If this is how you cook at home, we're coming over for dinner. 4257 Washington St., Roslindale, MA 2131, reddsinrozzie.com.
Bristol Lounge
Like early 19th-century vintage and all the glamor it entails, the Bristol Lounge is back. Actually, like the classic pearls and impeccably cut suits you'll find around its tables, the Bristol never really went away. But after losing this category last year to the Harvest, the Four Seasons' lounge and its burger have reclaimed their places in our hearts, and the reason why is simple: sweet beef that fills your mouth with so much flavor it's almost surreal. Toppings—from the thick and fruity slice of ripe tomato the specialty mustards and perfectly toasted bun—are first rate. Service is prompt and polite, and the setting is pure suave sophistication. Four Seasons Hotel, 200 Boylston St., Boston, MA fourseasons.com/boston/dining/the_bristol_lounge.