The dramatic ambience and fashionista crowd at Mantra almost overshadows the stunning French-Indian fusion cuisine served up my chef Thomas John but his classic culinary instincts and clever use of spices ultimately prevails at this fine-dining must where Boston’s Downtown Crossing and Theatre District intersect. The décor is breathtaking. This former bank from the 1800s has been transformed into an avant-garde masterpiece with its Italian marble walls and floors, halogen lights and saffron-colored silk drapery that makes seem like an experiential journey of the senses. Chain mail curtains and stepped tables evoke multiple rooms in the Beaux-Arts marble hall of the Old Colony Bank. Tip: Gentlemen, the urinals are disguised as ice machines. Ladies, your privacy is secure: the glass is one-way.

Italian small plates and no bottles of wine over $26 make this Ladder District restaurant a favorite for lunch and dinner. Set away from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Crossing on Temple Place, Ivy is a sharp restaurant with the appeal of prices in the everyday range.

Feathers and leathers, buttons and bows, line the aisles of this odds-and-ends warehouse. You'll find exotic sequined fringe and peacock-feather trim alongside beads, boas, and bridal kitsch. The yarn section is both larger and cheaper than Harvard Square's knitters depot, Woolcott's. One full wall is filled with cases of buttons, from 12¢ (plastic) to $20 (jeweled). Don't overlook the giant box of button miscellany by the door (25¢/button, $5/boxful). 10% student discount with ID. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Since 1936, Windsor Button has been providing consumers in the Boston area with an outstanding selection of quality buttons, sewing and craft notions. They carry the largest assortment of buttons in the northeast, including selections from all over the world. Our extensive line of notions ranges from basic to specialty items. We have added a full yarn department including basic to novelty yarn, as well as knitting needles, books, patterns, and accessories.

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“Sizzling fajitas and frosty margaritas” are the order of the day at this funky, laid-back hangout. It's not the most authentic taco joint, but portions are large and prices are reasonable (fajitas $7-12, large order of tequila wings $10, and chili $3-4). The bar stocks 18 different kinds of tequila—need we say more? Margaritas $4+, pitchers $10+. Best of all, should the José Cuervo bring out your artistic impulses, feel free to doodle on the tables and walls (crayons provided). Entrees $7-13. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

As comically old-school as it may be, Locke-Ober invariably delivers on its biggest promise: a wildly decadent, scotch-and-cigar-laden immersion in all things traditionally New England—and Harvard, of course. This restaurant's ancient leather chairs, pheasant prints, sprawling chandeliers, and heavy panelled walls once watched only the wealthiest of men. Now, as our waiter lamented, the dining room is open to ladies, though “it is not designed for it.” The spookily stiff waiters invisibly deliver dishes from a menu leaning heavily toward expensive meats and seafood, from appetizers such as the divine Jonah crab cakes ($14) all the way through the entrees (tasty, fatty sirloin; $36) and sickeningly rich and delicious desserts. For the pyromaniacs among us, ample opportunities exist to have various dishes flambéed (read: lit on fire) tableside. For good reason, the Hasty Pudding Theatricals still bring their Man of the Year here annually. For a bit of Boston history in your belly, order a "Ward 8." This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard.

I have to give the nod to El Triunfo for best west-coast style Burritos in Boston, but Herrera's is very good and whenever I'm in the area for lunch its my first choice. Their hours are limited, but for workday lunches it's a great option. Service is always pleasant and speedy.

Max & Dylans is located in the Downtown Crossing location as the Old West Street Grille and has been opened by Brad Dalbeck and Chris Damian, the owners of Scollay Square in Beacon Hill and Tavern on the Water in Charlestown, and is named after their two sons. Their vision is for a cool, hip, and trendy eatery and watering hole with a laid back vibe, great cocktails and good food. The space is decorated with large black and white photographs, intimate bar tables, and a large mirrored bar. Dancing optional. Zagat-Rated.

There are so many shoe stores in downtown crossing. I must say I do like this one. I like their large selection of sneakers. I like the unpushy sales people. I like the layout of the store.

Michele Richard Kennedy has been pursuing her career in New York City where she has enjoyed considerable success with her popular whimsical style. She continues to satirize “High Society” from the bedroom to the boardroom. Many of her caricatures and paintings of her “Joie De Vie” & “La Femme Fatale” series are presently being featured in Intermezzo Magazine. Many of her published works are as state-of the art Giclee prints and can be viewed on this web site. All of Michele’s Giclee prints are personally signed and numbered.