It exists, I know it's possible but still somehow this seems an oxymoron to most. Yet in a haze of disbelief I implore you to venture here. Like a modern-day Alice in Wonderland. Vegan ice cream can be your white rabbit. The atmosphere, in reality, is less than fairy-tale like. Imagine if your dentist's office and an ice cream parlor had a child. Yes, that is the interior and service factor at Wheeler's. Sterile, bare bones and slightly cold. The goods, however, delivered fairly well and warmly. The dessert is creamy and satisfying. No need for anything more than a small, if you're looking for a quick, refreshing treat. If I am in the 'hood, I would like to sample more of their extensive flavor list...who knew one could conjure up so much creativity sans the usual ingredients. The alcohol-inspired flavors are very very good. Also selling vegan salads and sandwiches.

Located near Boston Symphony Orchestraand Northeastern University, this Vietnamese restaurant is a great value, in an easy location, without any fuss. They do delivery, take-out, and have seating both at tables and a small bar. They do get full on Symphony nights, as well as when there's a popular show at the Huntington Theatre, so there may sometimes be a wait, although generally you can snag a table most times of the day. They offer tasty lunch specials for $7 or $8, with meat or tofu, veggies, and rice, and an extra $2 gets you soup, salad, and an appetizer as well. Main dishes include some of the best pad thai around, pho noodle soups, noodle dishes like the spicy drunken noodle, make-your-own fresh rolls, and a variety of meat and seafood plates. For dessert, green tea ice cream, or mangoes and sticky rice, are the best bet. Also try the creamy Thai iced tea, or a glass of wine with dinner. The staff is easy-going, keeps water glasses full, and never rushes customers out of a table, even when they're busy. The Phoenix says... "Curl your hands around a hot bowl of tom yum noodle soup ($7.95). This classic Thai hot-and-sour chili-flaked soup is full of baby mushrooms, fresh green scallions, chunks of chicken, shrimp, and tender tomatoes with a hint of lime juice. Impossible to finish in one sitting? Yes. Impossible to fight the urge to try? You bet."

This Prudential Mall location is open 7 days a week from 10 am until 10 pm during the week and 11 pm on the weekends.

Mary Baker Eddy founded the Church of Christ, Scientist (aka, the religion of Christian Science) which holds education as a basic tenant. This library building is a testament to this remarkable women. It includes exhibits, a shop, the Mapparium, Quotes Cafe and in the library both Reference and Research Rooms. The Mapparium is a must-see for any visitor (or resident). A stained glass globe of the world - it's truly a wonder to behold. It's also fun to see how the world has changed since it was created. You need to buy a timed ticket for entry. The Quotes Cafe is a little-known spot - quiet and with really good food. The "Hall of Ideas" is really amazing, digital projected quotes on all sorts of topics move around the floor, walls and fountain. To visit Mapparium and the upstairs exhibits there is a $6.00 admission fee ($4 for seniors/youth/students). But the Hall, shop and cafe can be accessed by anyone for free. Stop in on your next walk down Massachusetts Avenue. Hours:

• Exhibits and Shop Tuesday-Sunday 10am to 4pm
• Last Mapparium Show at 3:40pm
• Quotes café Monday-Friday 8am to 3pm. Breakfast, lunch, coffee, dessert: soup, salad, sandwiches, pizza, paninis, entrees, daily specials
• Reference Room Tuesday-Saturday 10am to 4pm, closed Sunday, Monday, and holidays
• Research Room Tuesday-Friday 10am to 4pm, open first Saturday of each month, by appointment only*

Although it may not look like it from the outside, great Persian food awaits. Open the door and take in the smell of roasted meats and fresh pita, all at good prices. Close to Northeastern University, New England Conservatory, Wentworth Inst of Technology#, and many other schools, it's a college student favorite. Boston Shawarma was voted best of Boston for Middle Eastern food--the award is very much deserved. They are clear that they offer halal, or permissible under Islam, meats. The menu includes shawarma, kabob, kibby, and soujok sandwiches for carnivores, veggie sandwiches with fillings like falafel and stuffed grape leaves, fresh salads, delicious spinach or meat pies, traditional pastries like balawa and mighli (spicy rice pudding), and some of the best hummus in the area. Dinner plates are also available, which come with pita, rice, salad, tahini sauce,and hummus on the side of kabobs, grape leaves, and other items. Tabbouli and baba ghanoush are also mouthwatering. There are inside tables, and to-go is also popular. The men behind the counter are some of the most pleasant workers in the area, and always have a smile for customers. They'll cater events for private events or at schools, and also deliver.