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, theloftsalonanddayspa.com.
Dewing Schmid Kearns Architects + Planners
Balanced, elegant, smart—the architects at this firm understand the New England design vernacular better than anyone around. With their deep knowledge, they play with our region's dominant forms to create innovative and exciting spaces. Concord, MA dskap.com.
Café Luna
Many moons after this café started earning long lines, we still love to start our mornings with hits like double-thick Belgian waffles with berry compote, and wondrous “surf and turf” Benedict with lobster and steak. 612 Main St., Cambridge, MA cafeluna-centralsq.com.
Roxbury International Film Festival
As New England’s largest celluloid celebration of people of color, this vibrant 10-day showcase highlights remarkable features, documentaries, and shorts that reflect the diversity in our community and around the world. Roxbury, MA roxfilmfest.com.
James at Solus
Our test of a good haircut: Will it grow out gracefully? In other words, can we get an extra week out of it without looking like outtakes from Headbangers' Ball? James's cuts make the grade. 115 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Sophia's Grotto
Tucked into a little courtyard behind Rozzie Square, this lovely Italian spot is one of our favorite places to while away a warm evening with a pitcher of sangria. What to Order: The antipasto; spicy mussels. 22 Birch St., Boston, MA sophiasgrotto.com.
Dan Duquette
Mercy, the suit wasn't here 10 minutes and the gonfalon was ours, by God. What are the Sox going to do for front-office help if somebody steals Peter Gammons's Rolodex?
Maverick Marketplace
Our favorite spot in this charming arcade-style mini mall is the Marketplace Café, where you can grab coffee and pastries to go—and return later for craft-beer tastings, brunch on the patio, and live music. 154 Maverick St., Boston, MA 02128, 154maverick.com.
Bread & Circus Whole Foods Markets
As with all of B&C's stock, the prices are a bit higher, but the quality is way higher. So is the variety, which rotates on some regularity. Our favorite: the monster green olives stuffed with cloves of garlic. Funky, but yummy. All locations, .
Avana Sushi
Photo by Jesse Burke It was while dining at a rickety card table at this tiny Chinatown spot that we learned to cast aside our fear of cheap sushi. Pro tip: Ask the chef what's freshest, and he'll guide you through the menu. 42 Beach St., Boston, MA avanasushi.com.
Rosie's Bakery
When a chocolate craving hits, there are few things in life more satisfying than one of Rosie's cookies. Sophisticated enough to feel adult; fudgy enough to make our inner child stop whining. 243 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA .
Panificadora "La Sisegoza"
There are trays of exotic sweets here, including our favorite, the guayaba empanada—a cream-cheese pastry filled with tangy homemade guava puree. We also like the rice pudding, perfect and creamy, sprinkled with cinnamon. 622 Hyde Park Avenue, Roslindale, MA .
Stephanie's on Newbury
Great salads, delicious entrees, and terrific desserts make this our favorite stop on the way home from work when the day's been a dud and only a Chinese chicken salad and a Tarte Tatin will make it better. 190 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
<em>Valparaiso</em> by Don DeLillo, A.R.T.
A surreal study of the spreading mediascape featured the most interviewed man in the world. Novelist DeLilo's second play said something true and haunting about how the national obsession with fame is corroding our souls.
The Wang Center's Young at Arts program
Its stated mission is to "inspire the imagination of children," but it makes adults wish they were back in school. Backstage workshops, art and essay contests, and exhibitions for Massachusetts students, plus workshops for teachers. Our state needs it.