Salt Boutique
Owner Jennifer Devlin opened the first location of coastal-chic Salt Boutique on her home island of Nantucket in 2015, but as of 2020 modish mainlanders can browse beloved brands including Agolde, Citizens of Humanity, and Peony yearround in her Wellesley shop. Although one look at Salt’s fashion-forward floral dresses and bold-colored bikinis, and you might just find yourself beach-bound anyway. 72 Central St., Wellesley, MA 02482, saltnantucket.com.
The <em>Globe</em>'s fawning 2,000-word Page One interview with unemployed First Husband Chuck Hunt
in which he dramatically recounted how he always wanted to become a dairy farmer.
Just Add Cooking
There are an endless number of meal kits on the market, but only one that taps into New England’s creative culinary minds. From bangers and mash from New England Charcuterie’s Joshua Smith to black-bean burgers from Grafton Group culinary director Mark Goldberg, Just Add Cooking’s recipes (made with locally produced veggies and proteins) are so simple that even the most frazzled home chef won’t mess them up. MA justaddcooking.com.
Boston Ballet Ball
If you’re on the gala circuit, you know that the similar guest lists can make it feel like one big night on repeat. But this year, with a vivacious crowd (perhaps thanks to first-time co-chairs Charles Carignan and Michael Cerruti), the Boston Ballet Ball stood out—particularly for its stunning preview of Full on Forsythe, by legendary choreographer William Forsythe, a whole month ahead of its opening at the Opera House. How’s that for a night to remember? bostonballet.org.
The Boston Shaker
This Davis Square establishment holds all the accoutrements you need to make one killer cocktail (or six). Swizzle sticks? More than you could swizzle in a lifetime. Recipe books? Your options rival Barnes & Noble. Shark-shaped tiki mugs? Also available in whale variety. And don’t forget about the lauded bitters tasting bar, from which staffers are more than happy to provide samples. Happy drinking, indeed. 69 Holland St., Somerville, MA thebostonshaker.com.
B&G Oysters
Maybe it's the two dozen varieties of oysters talking, but we've fallen hard for B&G. Barbara Lynch's imaginative takes on the standards—a lobster roll lined with bacon, Portuguese clam stew accented with pork belly—pair seamlessly with an ever changing menu of flounced-up yellowfin, sole, perch, and halibut. Wash it all down with one of 40 wines on offer and you, too, will feel a wave of affection coming on. 550 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 2116, bandgoysters.com.
Toscanini's
The one downside to ordering at Toscanini's is trying to choose from flavors like the obscenely rich B3 (brown butter, brownie, and brown sugar); tangy, creamy goat cheese-brownie; and exotic Earl Grey. It's enough to give you brain freeze. The best remedy we know is to get 'em all in a massive cup, douse the whole thing in a river of hot fudge, and dig in. 899 Main St., Cambridge, MA 2139, tosci.com.
Bruno Nicolazzo, Auburndale Plumbing and Heating
We can hardly believe Nicolazzo responds to a 24-hour answering service, appears for emergency work at almost any time (with assistants), and does excellent work. He's even plumber to the stars; that is, he's doing the work on the home of rock singer Ric Ocasek of the Cars. "I remodel old bathrooms and kitchens," the affable Nicolazzo told us, "but not new ones. No challenge. But I will repair them." And for a reasonable price. Newton, MA
Union Street Inn
A hotel is only as good as its amenities, and Union Street owners Ken and Deborah Withrow provide just about every one you can think of: Frette sheets and plush Matouk robes; wood-burning fireplaces; a made-to-order breakfast in the morning; and fudgy homemade brownies in the afternoon. Luxe but not stuffy, it's a cozy spot that feels like home. 7 Union St., Nantucket, MA 2554, unioninn.com.
Tiffany Von
No one encapsulates the “fine art” photography style of atmospheric, painterly perfection better than Tiffany Von Noronha. Although she’s been cultivating national clientele with weddings in far-off destinations and appearances in Martha Stewart Weddings, the Boston-based virtuoso is still right at home in the Hub’s finest indoor and outdoor venues — effortlessly capturing moments and details in romantic, unposed shots you’ll want to hang on your wall forever. tiffanyvon.com.
KitchenVisions
If your design dreams are lacking inspiration, one peek at this Natick firm’s sophisticated kitchen projects should do the trick. You’ll find cocktail hour–ready bar areas, oversize islands for prepping and entertaining, mahogany pantries with storage galore, and majestic marble backsplashes — all of which, combined with the team’s thoughtful layout decisions, come together to make the heart of your home anything but cookie-cutter. kitchenvisions.com.
Systems Design & Integration
Whether texting, shopping, or trying out the newest dating app, you’re already living your life in a series of button taps. Why not invite that kind of efficiency into your humble abode? These West Roxbury–based pros can hook you up with all sorts of time-saving technology, seamlessly wiring your home to do everything from enable your alarm system and lower your shades at night to adjust the lighting in your kitchen while you cook. 5230 Washington St., West Roxbury, MA sdiboston.com.
Barleymalt & Vine
Quality ingredients, a full line of equipment, and expert (if sometimes grumpy) advice have made BM&V the preferred training ground for hordes of thirsty home-brewers. A tiny commercial brewery and a winery specializing in mead will open sometime next year. 26 Elliot St., Newton, MA .
Hi Rise Bread Co.
One step inside this Cambridge bakery and you know you're in a serious place for serious bread. Half of the shop is an open baking area where workers mix, cut, shape, and bake loaves in an oven the size of a station wagon. A heady, yeasty aroma wafts through the air. Owner René Becker uses handmilled wheat for his classic whole-wheat loaves, and rye and corn breads. The daily specials are equally alluring: walnut- or olive-studded rounds, sesame and sunflower seed-coated ficelle, potato boules, or cheddar-pepper loaves. The extra care and craftsmanship comes at a slightly higher price than at many other bakeries, but after one bite, you'll happily hand over your cash. 208 Concord Ave., Cambridge, MA hi-risebread.com.