Brian Maher
You can come to him or he'll come to you—so there goes your "I'm too busy to work out today" excuse. And with Maher's tailored-to-you workouts and solid diet and nutrition know-how, you may even—gasp!—look forward to your gym time. 1429 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, phillypersonaltraining.com/.
Kheli French at Le Pink Champu
When a Vera Wang model needs an updo, a Victoria's Secret catwalker requires blowing-out, or Lil' Kim, Anita Baker, Selita Ebanks or Lauryn Hill needs natural-looking extensions, a splash of color or an amazing cut, they come to Kheli (or Kheli comes to them). No wonder: From her salon's two-year-old Manayunk location, she modestly works magic on any kind of hair that walks through the door. That is, when she's back from Fashion Week. 4205 Main Street, Philadelphia, PA 19127, styleseat.com/lepinkchampusalon.
Everything but Water
Don't go near a Caribbean ocean, Shore house or backyard pool without coming here first. Plaza at King of Prussia, 160 North Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406, everythingbutwater.com/.
Circles
Yes, they won "Best New Thai" last year. And they're still the best. Nothing else even comes close. 1514 Tasker Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145, circlesthai.com/.
Devil's Den
All drafts are half-price during happy hour and Great Lakes proves good things do come from Cleveland. 1148 South 11th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, devilsdenphilly.com/.
Hardena
The chafing dishes at this cigar-box-sized buffet are the closest you can come to Java without leaving the 215. 1754 South Hicks Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145, hardenas.com.
Curve Conscious
This resale spot with an ever-changing inventory is a wish come true: Imagine the cutest plus looks from every store in the mall, sold for a fraction of full price. 2719 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19130, curveconsciousphilly.com.
Resurrection Ale House
Seasons change, plates change, but there are always thoughtful dishes coming out of this tiny and impressive kitchen. 2425 Grays Ferry Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19146, resurrectionalehouse.com.
Bait & Switch
The owners here have the discipline not to meddle. That pile of shrimp, the fish tacos and the fish and chips come just as the Fish Gods intended them to be: simple. 2537 East Somerset Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134, thebestseafood.com.
Old Italian at Uncle Oogie’s
Simple, straightforward, perfected — this is pan pizza that doesn’t come with an agenda. No one wants to think too much about dinner on a weekday night anyway. Multiple locations. uncleoogies.com/.
Empanada Mama
They’ve got the great traditional spiced-beef-filled pastries, but come here for more surprising varieties, like cheesesteak, spinach and artichoke dip, or Mexican street corn. 21 Donaldson Street, Doylestown, PA 18901, yoemama.com.
Terakawa Ramen
Loyalists go for the noodle soups, but you should get to know this spot for the dumplings, too particularly the addictive tempura-fried shrimp shumai, which come hot and crispy. 204 North 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, terakawaramenphilly.com/.
Philadelphia Sports Network
This mega-network of every-team-sport-under-the-sun is to would-be ballers what karaoke is to American Idol wannabes, making childhood dreams come true one goal at a time. See website for locations, 00000, philadelphiasportsnetwork.com/.
Nature's Gallery
The prettiest bunches we've seen of late come from chief designer, Gabriella Nemati, who artfully arranges unusual offerings (succulents, lilacs, parrot tulips, even feathers) with a peerless eye for color and form. 2124 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, naturesgalleryflorist.net.
Pinot Boutique
Come here for Riedel decanters for your snooty oenophile uncle, handpainted glasses for Mom and her gal pals, and a posh picnic basket stocked with stemware for you (because outdoor drinking need not be limited to tailgating at the Linc). 227 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106, pinotboutique.com.