Editor's Favorites: Christine Liu

233 Cardinal Medeiros Ave, Cambridge, MA 02141 (map)

The owners manage to do everything right, from food to drink to service to design. The restaurant is chic yet cozy, fancified yet familiar, and enthralls all with its mysterious French-Southern mix of grits and catfish and to-DIE-for pickled beef tongue. One can pair a 40-ouncer of Miller High Life or a shimmering glassful of Oregon Pinor Noir with flawless fried oysters or sorghum ice cream. That alone--plus everything's downright deliciousness--makes it a sheer win.

321 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 (map)

A staple since my student-bumming days in Cambridge, Miracle never disappoints with its plates of massive burgers--especially the spicehead-satisfying Ronie, with its patty-integrated jalepenos and pepperjack cheese. Harissa-dressed potatoes? Yes, please! On almost every visit I espy fellow MIT alums noshing at the bar. No-frills, but somehow imbued with long-term nostalgic meaning.

528 Commonwealth Ave (Hotel Commonwealth), Boston, MA 02215 (map)

Jackson Cannon and his hardworking team all but turned Boston's cocktail-geeking expectations on their head. You're not just sipping history here, you're talking it with the barstaff. I've had entertaining lessons on Genever gin, local elderberry liquor and Brazilian cachaca. But it's best in the warmer months when the patio comes alive and one can calmly sip cava and oysters alongside the maelstrom of the Sox brigade.

10 Eliot St, Cambridge, MA 02138 (map)

Heading into the black-and-white-checkered world of jukebox tunes, cheap beverages and games on the telly is a great escape from the city's oft-tiring sheen. The food's delightfully greasy but perfunctory, the dusty-bottled full bar's a headscratcher (another beer, please), but it's the ideal spot to let one's hair down with a engaging cross-section of regulars.

280 Green St, Cambridge, MA 02139 (map)

Probably the first watering hole I adopted as my neighborhood hangout. Owner Dylan Black restlessly ensures everyone's comfort, and local chefs on their nights off and game-watching townies cohabitate without pretense at the lively bar. Unforgettable plates: Fried veal brain, buffalo chicken livers, deep-fried pig ears, rabbit ballotine, bacon'd baby Brussels sprouts. Unforgettable cocktails: Too many to mention.

853 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02139 (map)

Craigie Street Bistrot, the former incarnation, was where I had my college graduation dinner, so it already holds a special place in my heart. Chef/owner Tony Maws bestows such a comprehensive, optimistic, labor-intensive philosophy towards seasonal and local ingredients that everything on the menu proves worthwhile. Although the vibe is casual and neighborhoody, I still think the price point merits a special occasion, where splurging comes with great reward.

1102 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118 (map)

It's loud, confusing and just a bit peculiar-smelling, but this Chinese grocery store provides everything I need, with decent quality, at a decent price. Frozen dumplings and stuffed buns I can prep easily; a huge variety of fresh produce for a song; every type of noodle and sauce known to mankind; more than 10 types of Hello Kitty candy. Every visit scores a new can't-live-without discovery, like seasoned single-serving seaweed salad, or dried sugar-salt-chili mango.

513 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

I don't do takeout or delivery that often, but for those rare times, Picco's pizza is second to none. I knew it was unbeatable the first time I chomped on it and demanded to know who was responsible. The Neapolitan is a satisfying staple, or I opt for sausage and homemade ricotta when feeling fancy.

334 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115 (map)

Stepping down from the bustle of Newbury into Stel's is like finding yourself welcomed in the warm rec-room-meets-loft of a laid-back yet impeccably dressed friend. Owners Jon, Tina and Dave are gracious yet savvy, and the resident pooch Oonagh will steal your heart (when's she's not napping in her chair at the back). I lust over APC basics, Alexander Wang separates, Jen Kao everything, and LD Tuttle shoes.

800 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02199 (map)

Disclaimer: I used to work at the now-shuttered Newbury Street location and am still close with owner Betty Riaz, but it's natural to understand my infatuation as this independent boutique chain is a rare gem in Boston. I veer more towards the minimal Scandinavian collections--like Bruuns Bazaar, Baum und Pferdgarten and Lundgren & Windinge--and the few choice pieces I own, I wear almost constantly.

283 Summer St, Boston, MA 02110 (map)

Unfolding like an illuminated jewelry box from the 23rd century, the cascading displays of Achilles Project hold some of the most unique designers available here. It's the first place in Boston I spotted carrying CNC and Acne shoes, with gorgeous dresses from Opening Ceremony, Rachel Roy and Filippa K. Not cheap, but what price do you put on cult-brand beauty?

1731 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138 (map)

Wholly original, Abodeon mixes contemporary housewares design (from sinuous vases to perfectly balanced staplers), with vintage stuffs like Danish modern furniture, used LPs and retro martini shaker sets. Cool jewelry and can't-live-without kitchen gadgets, too. Check out the back corner with old-school music equipment. Owner Dale keeps the inventory fresh and inspiring; the coffee table of your dreams might just arrive tomorrow.

8 Newbury St Ste 3, Boston, MA 02116 (map)

Finding a hair salon on Newbury Street is like finding a needle in a needle factory; however, I lucked out with discovering stylist Giovanni at I Soci Salon. The place itself is gorgeous, with huge pane windows overlooking the street below, vital to keeping tabs of the struts of the sunglassed hoi-polloi. (Just kidding, but the view IS pretty.) I pretty much let Giovanni take the reins, and he someone makes magic of my mane every time. Our discussions of politics, the environment, and outlandish vacationing over my cup of tea and his noble shears make every appointment a treat.

250 Franklin St, Boston, MA 02110 (map)

The Langham strikes me as the understated luxury spot among the newer, larger trendier hotels that have sprung up of late. There's a lavish chocolate buffet every Saturday during the pastry season (there is one, right?), and the updated spa areas are notably sleek. I wouldn't mind hopping over to its other locations in Hong Kong or London--you know, during jet-setting season. Yeah ...

280 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115 (map)

I figure visitors who love art will either gravitate toward the MFA (classic) or the ICA (contemporary). However, the galleries within the estate of Isabella Stewart Gardner are a can't-miss haze of pure, crazy genius. It's small enough to tackle in an afternoon, but it's eccentric enough to engage one for hours. The flourishing indoors Italian courtyard draws you in; the story of Isabella's unorthodox life will draw you in closer.

700 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02117 (map)

Not sure if it counts as a tourist destination, but it's pointed out on a Duck Tour, so why not? Also, the elaborate facade and the historical fact that it's the country's first large free municipal library adds to the allure. Looming, never-ending soundless rooms for study (all hooked up with free Wi-Fi for members) make for the perfect urban refuge. Interesting film series in the basement theater and rotating art exhibits liven up what's already a pretty fantastic public resource.