Tasting Counter
Unsurprisingly, this 20-seat setup tucked inside a Somerville warehouse excels at the format for which it’s named. Chef Peter Ungár continually catches us off-guard with ingenious touches prepared inches away—think: pads of mackerel brined in fermented daikon broth and crowned with turnip kimchi and herbs from the restaurant’s living wall. Also unexpected: the recent launch of TC Market (a line of house-made condiments), not to mention news that an à la carte Counter will land at a local food hall this year. 14 Tyler St. , Somerville, MA tastingcounter.com.
For Now
If you’re a budding small brand, how do you get your products into the public’s hands when you can’t afford Boston’s high rents? Connect with For Now, a shop that acts as a revolving showcase for indie labels, with about a dozen lines—from soaps to shoes—displayed at any given time. 68 Seaport Blvd., Boston, MA itsfornow.com.
Mandarin Oriental, Boston
Ah, to kick back with a strawberry-infused water in the Mandarin’s lounge again. After months of quarantine cooking, cleaning, and homeschooling, the Himalayan-salt-stone massages and hydrating body wraps at this 16,000-square-foot temple to relaxation promise to be even more restorative—especially if they’re in one of three new treatment rooms the hotel is unveiling as part of its multimillion-dollar renovation. 776 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199, mandarinoriental.com/boston.
C-Zone Entertainment
The DJs at C-Zone Entertainment have spun records for Clint Eastwood, Lady Gaga, and the Red Sox, and they’ll drop the bass at your wedding, too. Armed with your curated “play” and “do not play” lists, these music mixers will seamlessly transition from your favorite soulful ballads to Grandma-approved party hits (and maybe a few Cardi B songs in between). And with a number of skilled DJs to choose from, you can be sure that you’ll find someone in tune with your musical taste. czonemusic.com.
Patricia Guiggey, G2O Spa + Salon
As a member of the baby-fine-hair tribe, Patricia Guiggey understands what ladies with thick tresses do not: the desire to casually toss abundant locks over a shoulder or assemble a messy bun without seeing scalp. Armed with the tools of her trade, she’ll give you the chance to experience what a full head of hair looks like, whether you opt to invest in cold-fusion bonds or test the waters with tape-ins. 33 Exeter St., Boston, MA 02116, g2ospasalon.com.
Tavi de la Rosa
Rare is the makeup artist who can shake you out of your routine with a single application of blush and eyeshadow. Tavi de la Rosa, who mans the Sisley counter at Neiman Marcus part-time and preps Boston's style icons, can suss out your look in minutes. For us, that meant smoky eyes, flawless foundation, and near-nude lips, plus a few false-eyelash applications for extra zing.
Hotel Commonwealth
With floor-to-ceiling windows and a string-lit terrace showcasing Green Monster vistas, Hotel Commonwealth’s new event space hits it out of the park. Part of the hotel’s recent $50 million makeover, the just-built wing is now the perfect spot for both Sox fans and culinary-minded couples to celebrate their love: The catering menu features dishes inspired by on-site hot spots Eastern Standard and Island Creek Oyster Bar. 500 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA hotelcommonwealth.com.
Skoah
Skoah’s short but sweet facial menu promises customizable “sweat-free skin-care workouts” powerful enough to whip even the most problematic skin types into shape. Case in point: The “Fitskin” facial, a 45-minute treatment that includes an exfoliating mask, hydrating lotions, and an ultra-relaxing hand-and-arm massage, will leave even the most blemish-prone skin looking bright and healthy. 641A Tremont St., Boston, 857-350-4930; 33 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, 617-383-5185. 641A Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, skoah.com.
Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
Harbor views and cool summer breezes augment a listening experience that provides access to big-name acts (the coming months will bring Slayer and Diana Ross) without the hassle of stadium seating. A shifting naming-rights situation may make it hard to keep track of what to call this outdoor music emporium, but it's long been one of the best reasons to visit the Seaport. 290 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 02210, .
Bricco Panetteria
This basement-level bakery is part of Frank DePasquale's North End culinary empire, and yet somehow everything about it screams old-world charm. From the tiny space, bakers churn out umami-rich olive-studded loaves and prosciutto-stuffed baguettes that are served at DePasquale's restaurants and, if you're lucky, with your next plate of home-cooked pasta. 241 Hanover St., Boston, MA 02113, briccopanetteria.com.
Sofra Bakery and Café
Imagine a flakier, more buttery version of a Pop-Tart, stuffed with finely chopped pistachios and blackberries. A chocolate-hazelnut baklava that is fudgy, not cloyingly sweet. A densely textured yet delicate almond-rose cake. Ana Sortun and Maura Kilpatrick draw on inspiration from the Middle East, Turkey, and Greece to create their café's sweets, and the result is otherworldly. One Belmont St, Cambridge, MA 02138, sofrabakery.com.
Cakes to Remember
Simple white cakes showered with sugar-frosted rose petals, hexagonal cakes trimmed in maroon diamonds, and Taj Mahal-shaped cakes—there isn't a customized design or flavor that Ellen Bartlett at Cakes to Remember can't (or won't) make. Using only the highest order of ingredients and working with couples through each step of the tasting, refinement, and selecting processes, she acts as much as confidante and consultant as confectioner. 238 Cypress St., Brookline, MA cakestoremember.biz.
Pour Le Corps
Gives new meaning to feel the burn. Electrolysis is never a pleasant part of the grooming ritual, but this salon makes it easier with a relaxing ambience (and topical anesthetics). Your once-hirsute patch of skin may be tingling, but that's an improvement over the pain of more violent treatments. Since this delicate process takes time, it's especially comforting to find a competent, confidence-inspiring, and compassionate set of technicians. 224 Clarendon St., Suite 21, Boston, MA .
City Sports
The urban athlete is a creature who takes many forms. Thankfully, in these parts there are half a dozen City Sports locations to clothe and equip them, no matter their athletic proclivity. Though the local chain keeps everything from outerwear to footwear on hand, it avoids the warehouse feel that cripples many a labyrinthine sporting-goods retailer. And the cheery employees who patrol the aisles know that chief among the things you're looking for is a quick return to the game. 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 2138, citysports.com.
Long's Jewelers
If the accessories you keep in heavy rotation include a diamond-studded Leslie Greene bracelet, cultured Mikimoto pearls, and an arty Casa Gi ring, chances are you're a Long's customer. This branch of the esteemed local chain stocks more than 50 diamond, fashion, and bridal brands, as well as a collection of exclusive estate and vintage pieces. Flashy not your thing? Pick up a sleek timepiece by top-tier watchmakers like Cartier or Baume & Mercier. 250 Granite Ave, Braintree, MA 2184, longsjewelers.com.