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TEH DIG'S GUIDE 4 GUD SPRIN DININ

CHEESE BURGER | RIVER GODS | $10

The décor at River Gods rules, and so does their cheezburger. I would estimate that, in my decade-or-so of going to Cambridgeport's lovely little pub, I have probably had 70 of said cheezburgers. With nothing but a pinch of salt, the hand-packed patty looms large in the bun like a flying saucer from Texas. My mom taught me to cut burgers like this in half first. Between the caramelized onion and the snappy red onion, a thick cut of tomato sits like a pancake on a bunny's head. As I squoosh the cheezburger down to eat it, the bottom bun sops up the juices nicely. Perfectly melted American cheese (is there any other kind of cheese?) is placed atop the Angus beef like a mortar board on an undergrad. With a touch (or mega-dunk) of their delicious garlic aioli, I'm all set. And the 71st cheezburger is cooked-to-order just like I like it, and just like the many that came before—perfectly. [DD]

[125 River St., Cambridge. 617.576.1881. rivergodsonline.com]

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Andala Coffee House [286 Franklin St., Central Sq., Cambridge. 617.945.2212] This Palestinian coffee shop is another option that out-classes the competition. The coffee is rich, the snacks are amazing (try the gorgeously composed hummus plate) and the servers are gracious and attentive. In the spring, you can sit and puff shisha on their outdoor patio.

Basta Pasta Trattoria [319 Western Ave., Cambridge. 617.576.6672. bastapastacambridge.com] The location is small, but the taste is big! Lauded as "authentic Northern Italian," Basta Pasta offers homemade pasta and sauce, huge portions perfect for sharing and entrées priced at $10. There are also panini sandwiches, pizza and ... yes, an 8-ounce sirloin burger. Fresh ingredients and a friendly staff don't hurt, either.

Coast Café [233 River St., Cambridge. 617.354.7644. coastsoulcafe.com] This soul food menu looks so good, it makes a vegetarian drool. Their fried chicken, barbeque ribs and catfish are famous, as is the complimentary cornbread at every table. There's nothing like eating food this good on a warm sunny day.

STEAM BEER BURGER | SUNSET GRILL & TAP | $6.68

Allston's Sunset Grill is most famous for its obscenely huge beer selection—12 menu pages are devoted to bottles and tap choices alone. But the Steam Beer Burger, the crown jewel of its burger selection, is the granddaddy of them all. The patty itself is big, beefy, juicy, and most importantly, handmade. None of that pre-fab meat hockey puck-style stuff. Gooey cheese and a thick deli-style dill pickle slice round out the traditional lettuce, tomato and onion trifecta, as do some of the best sweet potato fries I've had in years. But the bun? The bread is a little too soft to handle that kind of load, and while tasty, disintegrates easily. With a different bread choice (or even just five minutes of toasting), this already awesome burger could be truly sublime. Just make sure you complete the experience with one of the Sunset's signature beer floats. That's right: beer. And ice cream. Together. Who said reaching Nirvana was tough? [DL]

[130 Brighton Ave., Allston. 617.254.1331. allstonsfinest.com]

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Café Brazil [421 Cambridge St., Allston. 617.789.5980. cafebrazilrestaurant.com] Because seriously, when was the last time you had Brazilian food? (Brazilians, please don't answer that.) The menu is decidedly meat-heavy, so it might not be a great choice if you're veggie. But for the rest of us, it's a dream come true. Plus, there's often a live guitarist playing traditional tunes during dinner—perfect for impressing your date.

Privus [165 Brighton Ave., Allston. 617.787.7483. privuslounge.com] Step things up a notch. This swanky newcomer bears Japanese fusion to the fore, appearing more like a space-age lounge than mere sushi bar.

Saray [1098 Comm. Ave., Boston. 617.383.6651] At one of greater Boston's few Turkish restaurants, start out with conventional hummus and kebab dishes if you feel like dipping your toe in the water, or jump right in with lamb shanks or Lahana Dolma, a traditional stuffed cabbage roll.

COSTELLO BURGER | COSTELLO'S TAVERN | $8.95

Costello's is the type of pub that not only lists the kitchen's daily specials, but the games they¹ll be televising (on any one of their nine TVs, a lot given the place's space) that week as well. Their signature burger is reputed to be one of the best in all its blue cheese and bacon glory. And, overall, I'd have to concur with its reputation. Mine arrives and its crumbly, melted cheese (not dressing!) and crisply fried bacon toppings are a delight to behold. The patty looks a little lost on the large, though toasted, bun, and my guess is you have to specify that you want the onion, lettuce and tomato accompaniment, since mine came naked. Ordered medium, the grilled goodness is a little dry and overdone, lacking in the juices department, but flavorful nonetheless. Next time, I'll order on the rarer side and be assertive about my veggies, because there's definitely going to be a next time. [LD]

[723 Centre St., Jamaica Plain. 617.522.9263. costellostavern.tripod.com]

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Bukhara [701 Centre St., Jamaica Plain. 617.522.2195. bukharabistro.com] For Indian in JP, folks usually turn to this bistro located smack-dab in the center of the Centre Street strip. The staff is always friendly, and the lunch buffet will pack your gullet so full, you'll surely fall asleep at your desk. The saag paneer is sick.

Galway House [720 Centre St., Jamaica Plain. 617.524.9677] You might not think of this place when it comes to fine cuisine—you shouldn't. Think pub food, think dinner-sized portions, think old-school. Filled with regulars who still complain about the smoking ban, the Galway House is precisely what you expect: cheap drinks and lots o' grub.

Tacos El Charro [349 Centre St., Jamaica Plain. 617.983.9275] Further down Centre Street is this much-loved, authentic Mexican restaurant that's reasonably priced and uncommonly delicious. The staff is quite friendly as they pile on the fresh ingredients and even fresher smiles. Take special notice of the carne asada or al pastor. Delicioso.

RONIE BURGER | MIRACLE OF SCIENCE BAR & GRILL | $8.75

I still remember the first time I came to Miracle of Science to dine. "The burgers are awesome," my friend insisted, and because I was infatuated (with him, not necessarily with beefy buns—oh, wait ... ), off we went. Although it harkened the first cozy moment with both him and the Ronie Burger, it's certainly clear which relationship has proved faithful throughout the years. Ah, Ronie, you've been so good to me. You appeal to my demands for spice, with jalapeño peppers mixed in with the well-seasoned ground beef and a rich, zingy slice of pepperjack cheese on top. The lettuce and tomato come plentiful and fresh, accompanied with fancy home-fried potatoes and a crisp lil' pickle that disappears in sour-crunchy bites. The compound effect with the oven-toasted bun makes for a joyous homecoming. Even those times when you're almost too much for me, I can't help but finish you off. Same time next week, Ronie? [CL]

[321 Mass. Ave., Central Sq., Cambridge. 617.868.2866]

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The Blue Room [1 Kendall Sq., Cambridge. 617.494.9034. theblueroom.net] Worth a trek through biotech land, no less for its gorgeous plates (think braised-lamb duck-confit wild-boar cassoulet) and cult-celebrated Sunday brunch. Chat with the suit-and-ties while plowing through a slice of tongue and oxtail terrine. Seasoned bartender Reggie makes the bar a lively treat, especially with his smashing 5-Star Sidecar.

Cinderella's [901 Main St., Central Sq., Cambridge. 617.576.0280] Eats and cheap does not have to mean disgusting and greasy. Cinderella's has been a longtime student-friendly staple with their addictive garlic bread and wicked wings. Their diverse pie selection is also worth praising, whether you're a carnivore, herbivore or just feeling daring—like eggs and peas on the Brazilian pizza.

Mary Chung [460 Mass. Ave., Central Sq., Cambridge. 617.864.1991] This bare-bones, yet cozy, cash-only spot serves some of Cambridge's best Chinese comfort food, like Ma Po tofu brimming with ground pork and chili oil or a steaming bowl of Szechuan beef soup noodles. Dive into dim sum on weekends, as well as some choice MIT student watching.

SHARP CHEDDAR STUFFED BURGER | THE SAVANT PROJECT | $10

The mere concept of a cheese-stuffed burger seems to defy all that is true and noble about a cheezburger. There's a classic formula, amirite? Ground meat with cheese melted on top, all wedged in a bun. It seemed so simple, until this sandwich decided to mess with topological expectations. At the Savant Project, the stuffed burger makes you rethink things you previously took for granted. Munching through a thick flattened ball of Angus topped with crisped Applewood bacon (along with lettuce and single tomato slice if you please), one discovers a cheezy soul melted within the meat; not so much a sizable wad but more of a ghostly cheese essence. As you contemplate this further, a side of excellent house-cut mixed potato-and-sweet-potato fries makes for tasty musing fodder. An upscaled burger available at dinner stuffs aged blue cheese in the beef with a patty-topper of house-made fried onion rings. All this status quo rockage makes us thirsty—I can has beer? [CL]

[1625 Tremont St., Mission Hill, Boston. 617.566.5958. thesavantproject.com]

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Café Italia [748 Huntington Ave., Mission Hill, Boston. 617.232.7353. cafeitaliaexpress.com] This relatively new eatery (from the owner of Eastie's Caffe Italia) serves from the heart at a modest locale. For a rewarding lunch, the sandwiches deliver—house meatballs with provolone and basil, or pulled chicken and spinach with bacon and feta. Plus, awesome dinner entrées—mmm, chicken Saltimbocca—under $15.

Flann O'Brien's Pub [1619 Tremont St., Mission Hill, Boston. 617.566.7744. flanns.com] Three words: daily $5 specials. At this townies-mingle-with-coeds Irish pub (festooned with portraits of famed Irish writers and a healthy fandom of U2), catch the game or shoot some pool in the company of fish and chips, steak tips and plenty of cheap beer. Psst: bangers and mash for those unshakable cravings. Jukebox!

The Squealing Pig [134 Smith St., Mission Hill, Boston. 617.566.6651] With a Kobe burger for under $12 and an epic beer selection, the Squealing Pig is an ideal dining-out locale for the classy yet economically conservative. Everything on the menu is under $14, colliding an impressive selection of eats: fish tacos, leek and squash pizza, and the phenomenal invention that is a Mars Bars Toastie.

CAPE CODDER | R. F. O'SULLIVAN & SON | $8.25

A local institution when it comes to burgers, O'Sullivan's creations are known for being high-stacked towers of beef and toppings (they don't press the meat flat on the grill to cook), and their locale is known for its packed atmosphere during typical evening/weekend rush hours. I order the Cape Codder (one of over two dozen burger variations), which is served with melted swiss and avocado—in addition to onion, lettuce and tomato, of course. And with a choice of to-die-for onion rings or thick-cut potato wedges for sides, I know I'm certainly not going home hungry. The burger comes well-proportioned to its bun, given the surprisingly tall order, and the swiss is definitely a unique complement to the avocado (read: guacamole). Though it's a little unevenly cooked, I've had medium-ordered fare from O'Sullivan's that drips its own juices like crazy, too. I'd turn to this Somerville spot for their cheezy, beefy goodness any day. [LD]

[282 Beacon St., Somerville. 617.492.7773. rf-osullivan.com]

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Dali Restaurant & Tapas Bar [415 Washington St., Somerville 617.661.3254. dalirestaurant.com] One of the original, if not THE original tapas bars in the greater Boston area, Dali is, simply put, a great restaurant. Famous for their sangria as well as their small dishes, this is a nice place for quiet evenings with that someone special. Cozy up to a table, take in the din and dim lights and get down to it, one plate at a time.

The Thirsty Scholar Pub [70 Beacon St., Somerville 617.497.2294. thirstyscholarpub.com] Depending on who you talk to, this is a great place to enjoy an authentic 20-ounce pint of Guinness, settle in for a bowl of Scholar mussels or watch UEFA matches early on weekends on the plethora of flatscreens. They all apply. And as a haven for the Harvard set, it's also bookish and incredibly friendly.

Zoe's [289 Beacon St., Somerville. 617.864.6265] As Yelpers correctly point out, this place is not exactly known for its ambiance, but that's hardly the point here. With Zoe's Chinese food you get no frills, no spills and undercover thrills. Resist your typical General Gau's chicken order and be rewarded instead by what they do best—traditional fare like lamb with cumin or dan dan noodles with minced pork.

S.O.B. BURGER | HARD ROCK CAFÉ | $15

At first glance, you might not think the Hard Rock Café would be the place to have one serious burger. After all, it is a rock & roll institution first and foremost, and consistency from one location to the next can be tricky with an international brand that isn't fast food. However, not only do they dedicate an entire menu page to their signature burger series—including the Garlic Spinach Burger, HRC Veggie Burger and The Big Blue Burger—but they also use only certified Angus beef in every last one of their hand-formed patties. Within this treasure trove of burger-heaven lies one 'mother of a burger: the S.O.B. Topped with Monterey Jack cheese and a chipotle pepper puree, then layered with guacamole and grilled onions and surrounded by a soft, toasted bun, this mega-burger is much more than just the 10-ounce meat-treat itself. If the side of half-and-half onion rings and French fries (upon request and highly recommended) doesn't finally bring you to your knees, the feeling of pure hedonistic guilt will. [JL]

[22-24 Clinton St., Boston. 617.424.ROCK. hardrock.com]

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Al's State Street Café [110 State St., Boston. 617.720.5555. alsstatestreetcafe.com] Al's is an experience for the uninitiated. Hit it noontime on any weekday, and you¹re likely to get hustled by the upbeat staff and ravenous regulars. They have fantastic subs (try their signature one) for short money, made to order at a frenzied pace.

Sel de la Terre [255 State St., Boston. 617.720.1300. seldelaterre.com] The waterfront location befits the clientele at Sel. Drawn to the ideal spot for a drink, State Street financiers fill up the bar after work, but swanky Sel's isn't just reserved for the suited. The gourmet southern French cuisine and stylish atmosphere make this a great place to bring your friends from out of town or a first date.

Wagamama [Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, Boston. 617.742.9242. wagamama.us] Sinus-clearing "chicken chili men" studs a menu where noodles are served any way you can imagine them—ramen, teppan, kare. This year-old London transplant treats tourists and the business class alike in a cafeteria setting that's nothing like what you experienced in grammar school. Try their edamame served warm and seasoned right.

VEGGIE BURGER | THE PUBLICK HOUSE | $8.75

When it comes to veggie burgers, there's a dizzying variety out there; dry oaty patties, mushy veggie slurries and your standard rubbery fare. The Publick House version is a rare honest treat; you can see the vegetables it was made from when you bite into it—carrots, peas, zucchini. It's crisp on the outside, soft on the inside and tastes inexplicably smoky. True to the Belgian theme that goes beyond the pub food norm, this thing is clearly house-made, not pulled from a package. The patty outlasts its soft bulky roll (which gets a bit soggy with ketchup), making for a messy final bite. Tomatoes, lettuce and onion are served on the side—you can pick your poison—along with a pickle. You get a generous, gooey portion of cheese, your choice of cheddar, gorgonzola or swiss. If you elect to go with fries instead of salad, you'll enjoy thick crunchy slabs of well-done (and well done!) Yukon golds. [CB]

[1648 Beacon St., Washington Sq., Brookline. 617.277.2880]

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Khao Sarn [250 Harvard St., Coolidge Corner, Brookline. 617.566.7200] Sarn is a sit-down, delicious Thai destination with pleasant and prompt service. While their pad thai is tasty, push your comfort zone with some of their atypical signature dishes (think curried tiger shrimp with lychees, red peppers and asparagus), and you won't be disappointed.

Tasca [1610 Comm. Ave., Brighton. 617.730.8002. tascarestaurant.com] A Spanish tapas restaurant where their tortilla española and sangria come highly touted—a win-win for the Mediterranean-minded. Every Sunday, they offer a prix-fixe three-course feast for the famished, and regulars in the know sign up for their email list that offers killer coupons.

Washington Square Tavern [714 Washington St., Washington Sq., Brookline. 617.232.8989. washingtonsquaretavern.com] This low-key Brookline bar offers up an in-demand dinner menu. Open at 5pm every day and offering brunch on Sunday, the WST has an extensive wine list, creative cuisine and library-esque décor. They don't do reservations or takeout, but it's an eat-in experience worth the wait.

THE SCHLOW BURGER | RADIUS | $17

The menu may simply call this the Radius Signature Burger, but for those familiar with the man behind the plan, it's the Schlow Burger, named after chef and co-owner Michael Schlow. Recently anointed the Best Burger in America at the South Beach Wine and Food Show, this incredible gem is unlike any burger I've ever had. Purchased locally from Savenor's, the hand-formed patty of ground chuck is slow-cooked to excellence and then lightly seasoned with just "salt, pepper and little extra virgin olive oil," according to executive chef Patrick Connolly. With a gorgeously aged Vermont cheddar topping, covered in mild horseradish spread and surrounded by a homemade milk roll, this burger is as close to perfection as you can get. The requested "medium" was dead-on and the simple, yet stylish, side order of fries served in a toy-like copper kettle, created an almost museum-worthy appearance. At $17, this may be one of the most expensive burgers in town, but without a doubt, worth every last penny. [JL]

[8 High St., Downtown, Boston. 617.426.1234. radiusrestaurant.com]

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Chacarero [101 Arch St., Downtown, Boston. 617.367.1167. chacarero.com] From its humble beginnings as a sandwich pushcart, the Chacarero empire recently expanded to a second, sit-down service available, location on Arch Street. The original sit-down location on Province Street still draws long lunchtime lines of hungry Bostonians looking for the deliciously unique combination of homemade bread, muenster cheese, green beans, avocado spread and grilled meats.

Kingston Station [25 Kingston St., Downtown, Boston. 617.482.6282. kingstonstation.com] Centrally located between Downtown Crossing, Chinatown and the Financial District, this subway station-themed café serves both killer cocktails and bistro fare every day but Sunday. Be sure to check out one of the best late-night menus available in town, including the death-defying gruyère-smothered truffle frites.

Sakurabana [57 Broad St., Downtown, Boston. 617.542.4311. sakurabanaonline.com] Need solid, fast sushi in the Financial District? Cravings for pork katsu, tempura udon or seaweed salad? What about a full bar and TVs to catch a day-game at lunch? Sakurabana delivers deliciously.

STUNT DBL CHEESEBURGER | UBURGER | $5.95

The cafeteria-style seating at Uburger is indicative of their killer cheezburgers: no frills. The Stunt DBL is wrapped in foil to preserve the warmth; it comes out piping hot. Well-cooked but still juicy, there are two thick slices of pepperjack cheese set symmetrically between the double moist patties. What makes it "stunt" are the two types of peppers put on top, both jalapeños and banana peppers. I love me some banana peppers. With one bite, they crunch, indicating a certain level of freshness, and the char-grilled taste offsets whatever spiciness the peppers might cause. Banana peppers have a zesty zing other peppers do not, and these are the some of the zingiest peppers I've ever had. The soft bun smushes into a form-fitting sheath, caressing the cheezburger and spooning the beef, while a little brown mustard complements all the zip therein. [DD]

[636 Beacon St., Kenmore Sq., Boston. 617.536.0448. uburgerboston.com]

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Audubon Circle [838 Beacon St., Fenway, Boston. 617.421.1910] Known more for its yupster crowd and ambiance than its food, Audubon Circle (just a few steps from Kenmore Square) has a menu to remember. The Asian slaw, pressed sandwiches and hamburgers all get a big fat thumbs up. Oh, they also have pitchers of beer, perfect for sharing about the anchoring central table.

Eastern Standard [528 Comm. Ave., Hotel Commonwealth, Kenmore Sq., Boston. 617.532.9100. easternstandardboston.com] Despite its fancy-shmancy interior and high-falutin' food, the whole experience at this kitchen is quite down-to-earth. For sure, the only place in the vicinity of Fenway Park that serves things like rabbit terrine, roasted bone marrow and frisée aux lardons—and features some of the best bartending skills in Boston. How about them apples, Popeye's?

Popeye's [21 Brookline Ave., Kenmore Sq., Boston. 617.236.7272. popeyes.com] Laugh if you must, but nothing beats the biscuits, Cajun mashed potatoes and nummy chicken from this Southern chain. Dive into their rib-stickin' sides like red beans and rice or Cajun-battered fries (spicy!), or take a 16-piece meal to go. But don't ever, ever forget the biscuits.

I was introduced to Kevin Healy as one who loves freshly ground beef to the extent that he'll eat it raw, straight from grinder to mouth. "I don't know if I can legally recommend that, but it's the freshest taste you can ever get." O RLY? "The texture's great, smells fresh." He continues, "It tastes like you didn't cook all the flavor out of it." A little laugh follows that bit.

Originally from Philadelphia, Healy's finishing up his political communications degree at Emerson. Meanwhile, he's also busy burning the bacon grease as a carnivore's aficionado, perfecting the art of finessing flesh in the kitchen and beyond, and providing his services as professional meat whisperer at a zealously earth-friendly yet corporate supermarket that-shan't-be-named. I figured he's a sizable brain to pick on the art of ground beef.

He definitely recommends that burger fiends invest in a grinder—"just buy chuck steak or chuck roast, it's real cheap"—which will pay itself off all grill season. It doesn't really matter what the original cut is, but it's worth scoring antibiotic-free, hormone-free, vegetarian-fed beef, especially for fans of rare cooking. "You can definitely taste all the garbage [industrial beef producers] put in there.

"Make sure you have enough fat content—it's the number one problem that people have," stresses Healy. He believes 85-percent lean is a good benchmark, about the proportion of using straight chuck. With something too lean, patties can turn out unsatisfyingly dry. "I like a real juicy burger," pronounces Healy, his hands instinctively making squeezing motions as he says this.

"You can have fun with burgers, experimenting with different meats," Healy encourages. "Cut the beef with pork or veal ..." He then goes on to a favorite meatastic construction of his, involving braising a shank (he's fond of the lamb variety) and shredding the meat off the bone. It's then reformed into plump patties with a bit of egg and breadcrumbs, just enough to hold the monumental mess together. "It's a meatloaf, meatball, kind of thing," he explains.

Carpaccio, naturally, is a favorite food, but he remarks, "You don't really find raw meats around town, but I enjoy it." May the seas of steak tartare start bleeding ... now.

Anyone remember Heavyweight Brewing out of Ocean Township, New Jersey? Man, we miss that brewery, especially their famous Perkuno's Hammer; that Imperial Porter inspired by the strong Baltic Porters of the 18th century had its fair share of fans. In fact, after Heavyweight closed its doors, Ron Barchet and Bill Covaleski of Victory Brewing Company in Downingtown, Penn., decided that they missed the beer so damn much they invited former Heavyweight owner and brewer Tom Baker to brew a Baltic Porter inspired by his original recipe and the experiences that they had enjoying Perkuno's Hammer. Thus came Victory Baltic Thunder.

Speaking of recipes, Baker has included Roman beans in the mash tun—a vessel used to steep grains to extract sugars. Yes, beans. However, due to costs, Victory opted to use black-eyed peas. Why? Complexity, we guess. And despite being called a Porter (and ale), Baltic Porters employ a lager yeast strain, ferment at a higher temperature (like an ale) and are subject to cool maturation (like a lager).

Confused? Let's just taste it then.

The Taste

Dark brown, nearly black in color. Smallish head, though the tan lacing does have some decent retention qualities to it. Ripe blackberries, licorice root, soft charcoal and a very faint smokiness from the roasted grain make up the aroma. Just as smooth as it is creamy—and it is pretty damn smooth—with a full malt jacket. A malt bomb is not saying enough; thick layers of sweetness and roasted character unfold. Suggestions of chocolate mousse, black cherry juice, toasted bread and hints of charcoal and mild-roast coffee show off the complexities. Alcohol comes off as a bit hidden with a small warming quality in the end. Hop bitterness and flavor both come in modestly, and really only help to keep some balance. Finishes a little chocolaty; slight mocha, sweet.

Final Thoughts

Even though Baltic Thunder has been available for a little while now, you can definitely find it in 22-ounce bomber bottles (around $6) and limited draft. It's delicious, by the way. Very rich with pleasing malt complexities. Look to this beer for pairings with desserts, or even as a night cap. 8.5 percent alcohol by volume.

FOR MORE INFO: VICTORYBEER.COM

FOR MORE BEER EDUCATION: BEERADVOCATE.COM

RESPECT BEER.

A bleedingly fresh strawberry-rhubarb crisp prepared by pastry chef and baker Lesli Turock showcases locally grown seasonal produce these days at Haley House Bakery Café. Saddle up with a mugful of Equal Exchange coffee or hot cocoa, and you'll be doing your small—yet palpable—part to support Haley House's nonprofit multi-service advocacy in aiding members of Boston's low-income and underemployed community.

Much of the produce served in the café (physically and also in their thriving catering business) comes from Haley House's sustainable Noonday Farm, located in Winchendon Springs, Mass., as well as The Food Project in Roxbury and Dorchester. In addition to supplying the café, food from Noonday also goes to their 40-years-and-running South End soup kitchen and various food banks. "Haley House purchased the land 20 years ago and has been running it as an organic farm ever since," says bakery director Bing Broderick.

In addition to delicious food—"basically, it's a healthier twist on classic Southern fare" with vegan options consistently available—and events like tapas open-mic Thursdays hosted by independent radio producer and cultural warrior Nina LaNegra, there's a lot more sustenance under the surface. "We run a training program for people who are in transition—out of jail, not able to get a job," Broderick says. "Everything we do here right now is really working to sustain this. Anybody buying a cup of coffee helps to support our presence here and our training program."

Their South End outpost (an abridged version of the Roxbury café) had undergone a hiatus, but has once again resumed its purveying of soups and baked goods to the downtown crowd. "It has been very much open for the last two months," happily confirms Broderick.

Whether you're catering a party or hankering for a jerk chicken grilled cheese sandwich (yes, it is as good as it sounds), each bite works as a helpful step forward.

[Haley House Bakery Café, 12 Dade St., Dudley Sq., Roxbury. 617.445.0900 and 23 Dartmouth St., South End, Boston. 617.236.8132. haleyhouse.org]

Every day can reek of Earth Day with Kiehl's recently launched Superbly Restorative collection. These Argan oil-based skin savers are hydrating godsends and are 100 percent fairly traded, come in PRC (post-consumer recycled) packaging and are perfect if you don't like wearing perfume but still want to smell good enough to be, well, smelled. Available in three forms of slathering (lotion, oil, salve), there is a moisturizer consistency for everyone.

The oil is from the Atlas Mountain region in Morocco, where the Targanine Cooperative works to preserve the surrounding Argan forest. This community of Berber women harvests the Argan nuts for both their edible oil and health benefits. Aside from planting new trees for the forest's preservation, these ladies are also promoting women's literacy, gaining healthcare access, securing educational rights and boosting their financial standing.

The oil used for these skin rejuvenating potions is super rich in fatty acids, which means it helps promote and strengthen skin's elasticity, tone and smooth-as-a-newborn's-butt factor. Plus, it gives your epidermis a nice radiant glow without looking like you dumped Astroglide all over yourself. The oil has a lemony patchouli aroma, the salve has a light lemon scent and the lotion (my favorite) smells like fresh oranges with a twist of sandalwood.

The cost ain't cheap—but if my mother taught me anything, it's to treat your skin and the environment right. A 6.8-ounce bottle of the Superbly Restorative Body Lotion is $35, while 4.2 ounces of the Superbly Restorative Dry Oil (which can also be used in your hair) is $30. The Superbly Restorative Skin Salve is $25 for a 1.4-ounce tub and makes a classy on-the-go substitute for the pedestrian pocket-sized Vaseline.

[Kiehl's, 112 Newbury St., Boston. 617.247.1777. kiehls.com]

There are a lot of mysterious rumors surrounding wine. Here are a few and why they are completely preposterous.

NICE LEGS = HIGH QUALITY

While this might be true for models or strippers, the legs—streaks left on the inside of the glass by the wine—have little to do with the overall quality. Depending on your country of origin, they can be referred to as "legs," "tears" or "church windows" and denote surface tension between alcohol and water in the wine, but little else.

YOU SHOULD SMELL THE CORK

If you smell the cork in a restaurant, you'll just get a huge whiff of wine-soaked tree bark and 'look like a chode. The old ritual of being shown the cork allows the diner to verify that the producer's name matches both the cork and bottle. Sketchy restaurants have been known to rip off diners by replacing the labels on cheap bottles with more expensive ones and conning diners. The cork move keeps the establishment honest and proves you're getting the wine you ordered.

WINE WITH A SCREW CAP SUCKS

This could not be further from the truth, as most wine from Australia and New Zealand are now closed with screw caps. Many US wineries are also making the change, including Bonny Doon and PlumpJack. The only major concern is whether screw-capped wines will hold up after decades in the cellar. This is of little concern to the majority of us, since we'll often twist the top off mere hours after the purchase.

"RESERVE" MEANS IT'S BETTER

Ever notice how Miller, Budweiser and Coors all claim to be the best beer on the planet? Yeah, that's called marketing, and the multi-billion dollar wine industry isn't ashamed to do a little self-promotion, either. While tossing around words like "Reserve" or "Vintners Blend" has no official meaning, the governments of most European countries have set up actual designation systems with very strict naming criteria in order to ensure quality. However, because they are European, most of the laws are obscenely complicated and change from region to region. To start, look for an official government declaration like the French AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) or German QbA (Qualitätswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete).

SULFITES GIVE YOU A HEADACHE

Sulfites are naturally produced during the fermentation process (turning sugar to booze), but they are also added to prolong the life of the wine. While many people blame sulfites for their headaches, there may be other factors. The FDA estimates that only 1 percent of people have sulfite sensitivity; plus, sulfites are prevalent in other foods such as dried fruits, baked goods, pizza dough and cheeses. Unless you get a "pizza hangover," we can rule this out. It isn't exactly known what causes these "red wine headaches," but fellow culprits include tannins, histamines and drunkenness.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: THESECONDGLASS.COM

What did you like most about the aquarium?

I like the fish.

Yeah, there's a lot of fish in there! What was your favorite fish?

The Puffer Fish. I saw it puff up.

How about the turtles?

I think they're pretty.

What's your favorite animal in the world?

Horses.

You got something at the store.

It's a seahorse, because I like horses.

Does it have a name?

Boston. Like Boston Aquarium, yeah!

What color is Boston?

Pink.

Is pink your favorite color?

Yeah.