Wulf's Fish Market
We like to think of this Brookline mainstay as the ultimate neighborhood monger, one that demonstrates its openness to the community through its displays: Pristine whole black bass, local squid, and carefully portioned fillets of sole and salmon are all laid out on ice for close inspection rather than hidden behind panes of glass. Local chefs have taken notice of Wulf’s wares as well, and the shop is angling for a restaurant distribution license. In the meantime, we suggest throwing one of their signature halibut steaks on the grill for your next seafood feast. 407 Harvard St., Brookline, MA 2446, .
Zebra’s Bistro and Wine Bar
You won’t find any, ahem, exotic game on the menu at this Medfield gem—the theme is (perhaps wisely) limited to the décor. What you will find is beautifully crafted bistro fare from Brendan Pelley, an alum of Clio and Tryst who was recently a featured chef at New York’s famed James Beard House. The toque has a knack for coaxing intense flavor out of seemingly simple ingredients (see: the restaurant’s pan-roasted rosemary chicken with shatteringly crisp skin, and the unctuous ramp fried rice with a slow-poached farm egg), some of which come for the kitchen’s own garden. 21 North St., Medfield, MA 2052, zebrasbistro.com.
Luke Aaron
Photograph by Toan Trinh Crisp tailoring and dramatic silhouettes are the calling cards of this costume designer turned couturier, who continues to impress us every season with his sophisticated creations. Aaron’s devoted local following frequently stops by his lovely North End showroom seeking everyday separates and made-to-order gowns, but soon, we might have to share him: The rising star presented his spring/summer collection at the Soho House in New York last fall, and showed off his "I Do" designs at a trade show during New York Bridal Fashion Week. 38A Fleet St., Boston, MA 2109, lukeaaronboston.com.
Phoenix Landing
Discussions of Boston’s Irish pubs typically involve squirrely notions of authenticity. The problem is, no such thing exists, and most attempts ring about as true as some "Ireland-land" simulacrum at Epcot. So this year we decided to give the nod instead to the best pub, period, which just so happens to be Irish (a subtle but important distinction). The Phoenix Landing is like four bars in one: You can go for a quiet afternoon pint alone, brunch with the family, crack-of-dawn soccer broadcasts, or nighttime dancing to some of the best DJ talent around. 512 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2139, phoenixlandingbar.com.
Classes Offered by Sheryl Julian at the Kitchen
Of course, she comes recommended by our own restaurant critic, Steven Raichlen. And we're especially partial to his classes.
Quadrum
Listen up, boys. This is where we girls want you to buy our baubles. The Mall at Chestnut Hill, Newton Highlands, MA .
Body Sculpture
Owner Mary Brenda Cortell gets our nod for both her commitment to local artists and her good taste. 127 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
The Book Case
A musty remnant of our literary tradition, a haven for mourners of an earlier age when books were read. And most of these were read. 42 Church St., Cambridge, MA .
The Ritz Bar
You didn't know the bar served lunch? Good. Let it be our little secret. Ritz Carlton Hotel, 15 Arlington St., Boston, MA .
Claremont Cafe
So far, peach-and-almond has been our favorite, but even the plain version is amazingly light and delicious. 535 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA .
WB56's Jon Keller
Yes, he's also our political columnist. But he wins because he has the sources and asks the toughest questions.
Kevin White
Exonerated by the office of the U.S. attorney. Was there ever a dodger so artful as our Kevin?
The New England Dinosaur Company's Move to New York
Director and choreographer Michael Mao's awful vanity company is taken to the big time. And out of our hair.
Sweet Sis
Incredibly moist and fragrant was our consensus. And why is it that all of a sudden Newton has become a hotbed of culinary art? 1302 Washington St., West Newton, MA .
Rubin's Kosher Delicatessen
Where else for pastrami? And to our way of thinking, when you've found the pastrami, you've found the best deli. 500 Harvard St., Brookline, MA .