Fabrizio Construction
South Shore's architects appreciate Fabrizio's ability to turn intricate drawings into homes built to last for generations. The crew is equally adept at building from the ground up and renovating existing houses. Duxbury, MA fabrizioconstruction.com.
Health Gourmet
All-natural whole-wheat pasta with pesto (basil, Parmesan cheese, and nuts), or raclette (melted cheese over potatoes, with pickles) at the Health Gourmet, 175 Massachusetts Ave., Boston. 175 Massachusetts Ave., Boston, MA .
Davio's
Those who like their men as rich as a well-marbled rib-eye frequent this wood-paneled, martini-soaked Italian steakhouse packed with Mad Men wannabes, both of the divorced and the, ahem, forgot-my-ring-at-home variety. 75 Arlington St., Boston, MA 2116, davios.com.
The Tannery
Whether you're lacing up for work or a workout, the Tannery has your soles covered. The vast selection of footwear encompasses most makes—Clarks, Sperry, Converse—and models—wingtips, boat shoes, boots, sneakers, sandals. 711 Boylston St., Boston, MA thetannery.com.
Neptune Oyster
This North End gem trumps even North Shore clam shacks with its pristine, local whole-bellies; nonpareil crunch, courtesy of expert batter-frying; and exceptional tartar sauce. 63 Salem St., Boston, MA 2113, neptuneoyster.com.
Tacos El Charro
Owner "Pepe" Gutierrez recreates the dishes of his native Guadalajara. Superb sopes, tacos, tamales, enchiladas, and moles. No margaritas, but plenty of Mexican beers to keep you cool. 349 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA .
A Few Good Girls
Kids have so few good role models in the entertainment industry today. A Few Good Girls, a four-woman hip-hop dance group from Boston and Newton, is dedicated to dancing—and to promoting positive image.
Moody's Delicatessen & Provisions
Hold the James River barbecue sauce, American cheese, and extra mayo. Accented by horseradish crema, fontina, and onion marmalade, Moody's slow-cooked-beef sando may not be traditional, but it sure is tasty. 468 Moody St., Waltham, MA 02453, moodyswaltham.com.
Patch NYC
Designers Don Carney and John Ross thoughtfully fuse modern and vintage home accents and fashion accessories—which translates to Fornasetti candles, cheeky silkscreen pillows, and everything in between. 46 Waltham St., Boston, MA 02118, patchnyc.com.
Glamsquad
It may feel safe to visit a salon now, but that doesn’t mean it’s always convenient. That’s why we’re grateful to have Glamsquad in our backyard: Serving busy beauty buffs throughout Boston since setting up shop here in 2018, the New York–based company’s services include top-notch blowouts, makeup application, and — as of summer 2020 — haircuts, all executed from the comfort of home. Book an appointment through the website or app for your next pampering sesh, and watch as a seasoned stylist deftly transforms your look in any indoor or outdoor location you choose. glamsquad.com.
Honeycomb Creamery
Former Union Square Donuts kitchen manager Kristen Rummel and her husband, Rory Hanlon, started churning up batches of ice cream for deliveries and pop-ups in 2015. Now their new Cambridge brick-and-mortar dishes out even more of those sweet, fluffy scoops, made with milk and cream from Mapleline Farm in Hadley. Seasonal flavors like Meyer lemon-ginger and cookie-laden alfajores make it tough to choose just one, which is why we usually opt for Honeycomb's ice cream flight—a four-flavor assortment sprinkled with waffle-cone chips. 1702 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, honeycombcreamery.com.
Bondir
Ambiance is in the eye of the beholder: One man’s intimate mood-lit heaven is another’s cramped low-lit hell. But once in a blue moon an eatery comes along that approaches capital-R Romantic in an unalienable, across-the-board way. The flames flickering in Bondir’s brick fireplace help set the mood, as do the fresh flowers and exquisite farm-to-table masterpieces emerging from the kitchen. But it’s the warm hospitality that seals the deal, conjuring up memories of a magical honeymoon meal of the past—or a premonition of those yet to come. 279A Broadway, Cambridge, MA 2139, bondircambridge.com.
Martha's Stone Soup
Fans of time travel should start peering out the car window halfway down the dirt road to this 18th-century tavern. Upon entering, keep eyes low and to the right (avoiding the buzzkill modern kitchen), and sit at one of the communal tables facing the weathered walls. Exquisitely done cassoulet and pan-roasted seafood perpetuate the historic vibe—if you can ignore the nouvelle complexity of the sauces—while riffs on Asian cuisine tempt those diners keeping it current. The emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, of course, transcends both eras. 517 Old Sandwich Rd., Plymouth, MA 2360, .
Matsu
What’s in the window? That’s the question on Charles Street these days as in-the-know fashionistas stroll by to see what ethereal outfit will swath the mannequin in Matsu’s front display window. One week it may be a white chiffon duster, ecru tutu, and silk tank, while another it could be a multi-tiered tulle dress and sterling pendant. Once inside, the offerings at this jewel box of a boutique — where pulsating music and burning incense seduce the senses — are even more tempting, from handpainted Umit Unal denim to frilly frocks from Louiza Babouryan. Be sure to check out owner Dava Muramatsu’s jewelry collection — and prepare to be enchanted. 76 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, davamuramatsu.com.
Niche Urban Garden Supply
Even if your home garden is a window box of salad greens, Niche is your local source for the seeds, planters, and garden tools that you’ll need to keep them thriving. 619 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, nicheboston.com.