Ken Oringer, Clio
Of the many honors chef Ken Oringer has won (a James Beard Award among them), this year's nod as one of People magazine's most eligible bachelors was perhaps the most high profile. Of course, the folks at People must know that it's not just his looks that make Oringer such a catch—it's also his talent and creativity as a chef. From foie gras to sashimi, Oringer executes the dishes at the elegant French Back Bay restaurant Clio with such precision, grace, and flavor, you'd think he'd invented the ingredients himself. Whether it's his signature tomato water martini (a refreshing predinner palate cleanser that tastes like summer in a glass), his delicate and beautifully flavored tuna tartare, or the savory roasted suckling pig, Oringer's cooking is, indeed, a study in seduction. Eliot Suite Hotel, 370A Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA cliorestaurant.com.
Wild Flower Designs
Beautiful arrangements of fresh and dried flowers, plenty of potted plants, and service with a smile. 227 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
<em>The Little Shop of Horrors</em>
In a lean year for big-time musicals, it was the only one with man-eating plants and lots of originality.
Photographer Clint Clemens's Christmas benefit for the Home for Little Wanderers at his Newbury Street studio.
Teatro
If dining is theater, then Teatro is the consummate Italian drama. Scene One: bold openers like over-the-top fresh antipasti and simple, but intensely flavored, steamed black mussels swimming in a smoky tomato and pesto sauce. Scene Two: The opus continues with such northern Italian minimasterpieces as fig-glazed duck legs atop a luscious mascarpone polenta, and a brightly flavored veal saltimbocca with prosciutto and creamed spinach. Studied performances by a fast and well-trained waitstaff, a superb list of Italian wines, and the fluid direction of Mistral's Jamie Mammano further elevate the staging. Then there's the set: the revamped former Galleria Italiana, electrified with a swanky, modern pale blue ceiling that arches over limestone walls and intricate terrazzo floors. All in all, a five-star production. 177 Tremont St., Boston, MA teatroboston.com.
Wally's Café
Nowhere else in this town are you more apt to find pink Izods and gangsta colors in such proximity. This joint, nestled between the gentrified South End and Roxbury and opened in 1947 by Joseph "Wally" Walcott, is a classic treasure. And nowhere else in New England will you find finer jazz in a venue with more soul. Bands gather in the corner of the bar each night—from national acts to aspiring stars still studying at Berklee. The music is played loud enough that you can hear every seductive note, but not too loud for conversation. Don't like jazz? Check out an Afro-Cuban band. If you don't find yourself tapping your foot, it's time to check your pulse. 427 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA wallycafe.com.
Chinatown Main Street Festival
LEONARDO MARCH For 16 years, Bostonians have been heralding summer’s arrival by mingling with vendors selling lucky bamboo plants, watching the lion dance, and noshing on curried fish balls. chinatownmainstreet.org.
The Laundry Room
Air-conditioned, with Muzak, plants, carpeting, magazines, color TV, director's chairs, vending machines (edibles and cleaning-supplies), three dozen new machines and a clean-up attendant. Boarders not permitted. West Main St., Hyannis, MA .
Whole Heart Provisions
This plant-based restaurant trio is meat-free—but that’s beside the point. With toppings like pickled cauliflower and miso-barbecue tofu, its green-and-grain bowls are light, bright, and soul-satisfying, even for carnivores. 487 Cambridge St., Allston, MA wholeheartprovisions.com.
Fishelon Florist
If it's green and grows, you'll probably find it here: an Eden of house plants and cut flowers. If they don't have what a customer is looking for, the owners are happy to special order it. 23 Charles St., Boston, MA .
Leblanc Jones Landscape Architects
Steep hillsides, storm-surge zones, and ill-placed parking areas are no problem for LeBlanc Jones, which relies on native plantings—not to mention a vast understanding of local terrain conditions—to create swoon-worthy gardens, terraces, and courtyards. Boston, MA leblancjones.com.
Arnold Aboretum
Looking for nature close to the city? Grab your walking shoes and head for the Arnold Arboretum. This "museum of living plants" provides you with 278 acres worth of walking, jogging, and birdwatching. But don't pack a lunch—picnicking is allowed only on Lilac Sunday. 125 Arborway, Jamaica Plain, MA .
Village Gardens
The village theme isn't an empty metaphor. Each of the Colonial-style buildings at Village Gardens has its specialty, from garden supplies to landscape consulting, dried and silk flowers and plants, and a live nursery in the middle. If it's in season, you'll find it here. 376 Washington St., Norwell, MA .
Bassil & McNichols
"Glo-cows debating nuclear power" cards available at Bassil & McNichols, Quincy Market. Plain white cards cut in the silhouette of nuclear power plants, with two little pink glowing cows in the foreground. Comes with a map showing all U.S. nuke facilities. Quality watermarked paper, $1.50 apiece. Quincy Market, Boston, MA .
Winston Flowers
For a simple bouquet of wildflowers or an intricate centerpiece for your wedding, Winston wins. It stocks everything from the freshest cut stems to topiaries and potted plants, and its various locations and delivery services add bonus points for convenience. 131 Newbury St., Boston, MA .