Gérard Barbin, Sensing
Deputized by superchef Guy Martin to run swish French eatery Sensing, this young import has shown all the technique and discipline required by haute cuisine, along with more than a little invention. With Barbin folding more local seafood and cheeses into his repertoire, he's become our favorite French connection. 3 Battery Wharf, Boston, MA 2109, .
John Gertsen, No. 9 Park
Charm and meticulousness have earned this mixologist more than his fair share of props. But that's no reason to deny him this year's Best of Boston nod, especially as we anticipate his residence (and ours) at Drink, part of Barbara Lynch's coming gastronomic juggernaut in Fort Point Channel. 9 Park St., Boston, MA 2108, .
Didriks
The Accessories at Didriks This Cambridge shop has area exclusives on some of the finest dinnerware, flatware, and accessories available. We covet the minimalist stoneware from Heath Ceramics, as well as Match's pewter and porcelain collections. And then there's our most recent discovery: the rich jewel tones of Jars Tourron artisanal pottery, made by hand in southern France. 190 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA didriks.com.
Fresh
At Fresh—where shelves are sparse but gracefully arranged, and all the products are silky smooth and lusciously scented—quality reigns over quantity. Our favorite indulgence? The Brown Sugar Body Polish, a decadent exfoliant that leaves skin feeling smoother than a fine fondant. 121 Newbury St., Boston, MA fresh.com.
Sephora
We have only one rule when shopping at this cavernous cosmetics shop: Bring cash. How else to limit ourselves while stuffing our basket with lotions, powders, polishes, and liners? Oh, and there are the goodies tempting us from the bins near the checkout line... sephora.com.
Peter McNeeley
The Medford Hurricane managed to score a $700,000 payday with Mike Tyson without fighting anyone more dangerous than his mom, proving the old adage that crime doesn't pay but pigmentation does. Our prediction? Tyson in two. We recommend the plastic surgeons at Mass. General, Pete.
Calla Lily Caterers
With its whimsical presentation and extraordinary attention to detail, Calla Lilly reinvents hors d'oeuvres. You'll find the usual suspects (crab cakes and California rolls), but the twist is in the remoulades and dipping sauces. Portobella mushroom quesadillas, mini-popovers, and lobster cakes with citrus salsa are served on platters with exotic floral arrangements. 92 Krikland St., Cambridge, MA .
The Neighborhood
Do the math: $4.39 = orange juice, three eggs, home fries, fresh fruit or cream of wheat, toast, coffee and a plateful of pastries. All this served at no extra charge in the grapevine-canopied patio during the summer. Sometimes, though, the slow seatings make us want to sneak in our own table and chairs. 25 Bow St., Union Square, Somerville, MA .
NewBridge Cafe
Heaping piles of juicy tips, soaked in marinade, perfectly grilled and doused with the cafe's secret sauce make the NewBridge our favorite place for the pointy peaks. And not just steak, either; the turkey, pork, and lamb tips are bodaciously good. 650 Washington Ave., Chelsea, MA .
Grill 23 & Bar
Carnivores descend upon this old-boy's-club dining room to eat big portions, tell tall tales, and pay top dollar. While some of our more subdued purveyors complained of undue ambient noise, you can always request the quieter area beyond the bar. 161 Berkeley St., Boston, MA .
Edward M. Pickman Concert Hall
Dodging the line for Symphony Hall tickets, classical concertgoers in the know head for Cambridge's Edward M. Pickman Concert Hall and enjoy ethereal concerts courtesy of the Longy School of Music. The price of most tickets is music to our ears: free.
Paul Tucker, professor, University of Massachusetts, Boston
The Jerry McGuire of the local arts scene, Tucker has been showing us the Monet for the last decade, organizing three spectacular exhibitions for the Museum of Fine Arts—and radically enhancing our appreciation of Boston's favorite French Impressionist. Tucker is also an inspiring teacher.
Punch Bar
Points off for being a dark cavern in the corner of one of the city's ugliest hotels (the Back Bay Sheraton). But the cushy chairs and cozy nooks lend a decadent air to the art of cigaring. The selection is immense— 100 by our last count— and the bar staff is adept at guiding even novices to a satisfying stogie. Sheraton Boston Hotel & Towers, 39 Dalton St., Boston, MA .
Garden of Eden
With seven sumptuous sandwiches named after South End streets, you may have trouble choosing just one. Our favorite: The Union Park a stack of moist chicken breast, melted Swiss cheese, parsley, and mustard vinaigrette served on whole wheat pecan raisin bread. 577 Tremont St., Boston, MA .
Japonaise Bakery
Honestly, we don't know whether it has fewer calories than any other chocolate cake, but we can eat a dozen slices of this featherweight chocolate banana cake without feeling guilty. That's our definition of lite. 1020 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA .