Ma Dixon's
Southerners in our midst say that this rich confection of dark, sticky filling and crunchy pecan halves is the real McCoy. 457 Blue Hill Ave., Roxbury, MA .
Cheese Shop
And the consensus of our panel was that owner-manager Bill Barber is the most knowledgeable cheese man in the area. 29 Walden St., Concord, MA .
The Wholy Grain
The patio out front (and back!), freshly baked pastries, and satisfying sandwiches make this our go-to place to chill in the South End. 275 Shawmut Ave., South End, MA 2118, wholygrain.com.
The Boston Conservatory Dance Theater's performance of septuagenarian Murray Louis's "Four Brubeck Pieces" showcased eight high-octane dancers careening—collaboratively and individually—through a mélange of moods with uncanny finesse.
Romping gave way to meditation gave way to irony gave way to exuberance at the breaking point.
Dr. Mark Russo
Drawing on acupuncture and other Far Eastern practices, this vet's approach may seem unorthodox. But Kitty no longer pees on our floors—and who can argue with that? Kingston Animal Hospital, 192 Main St., Kingston, MA .
Michael Albor, the Loft
In the words of one $350-a-cut stylist (who thought the handiwork was his own), our Albor-made chestnut brown 'has never been better.' 207 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
Rinaldi's Shoe Repair
Several shops rejected our ripped Ferragamo pump as unsalvageable, but the guys at Rinaldi's said, "We'll do a good job." And they did. 384 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Fresh
Nuts About Beauty, our favorite purveyor of natural body-care products and feel-good ephemera, has changed its name and moved to Newbury Street. 121 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
High Society
There's a tendency toward New Wave here, but owner Mark Ostrovsky still managed to outfit several of our editors with dinner jackets for an evening. 273 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Boyajian's Garlic Oil
The garlic-infused extra-virgin olive oil is our favorite, but we hear that cracked-black pepper and possibly mustard-seed oils are due in the fall. All locations, MA .
Caffe Bella
The people of Randolph probably deserve a great restaurant, but we would rather have Caffe Bella next door to our offices at Horticultural Hall. 19 Warren Street, Randolph, MA .
Boca Grande
All we can say is that we wish Boca Grande were next door to our offices. The chicken burrito can't be beat. 149 First St., Cambridge, MA .
The Tam O'Shanter
In short, it rocks, so it has often earned a Best from us. If the Tam doesn't change its tune, we won't change ours. 1648 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA .
Kennedy
Our most powerful Catholic politician issued a statement condemning predatory priests but stopped short of urging Cardinal Bernard Law to step down.
Nickelodeon
Also has the best concession stand. But with its sale to USA Cinema, we've got our fingers crossed about the Nick's future.