Get Konnected!
There would be a lot more strangers in Boston without this multicultural networking group, which aims to remind business leaders of all backgrounds that our economy is a web, stronger when we work together. Run by public relations maven Colette Phillips, the organization has long linked a diverse range of professionals through job listings, a digital magazine, and high-profile events honoring influential people of color. Now it’s doing so through webinars about how small businesses can survive the pandemic, mentoring sessions with senior execs, and more—all online for everyone to take part in. getkonnected.com.
Maricruz Hairstyles
Entrusting someone with the most photographed hairstyle of your life is no small decision—unless, of course, that someone is Maricruz Polito. With years of experience behind every tendril she curls, pins, or spritzes into place, the savvy stylist doesn’t just create memorable ’dos for clients preparing to walk down the aisle. Polito—who recently debuted a shiny new studio in Waltham—brings peace of mind to brides looking for a stress-free (and decidedly elegant) wedding day. 681 Main St., Waltham, MA 02451, maricruzhairstyles.com.
Fête Collection
Receiving a wedding invitation in the mail is always exciting. But when your guests open the envelope and discover, say, a custom illustration of your venue or a folding card with the weekend’s agenda, it’ll be even more so. Along with personalized invitation suites, these Southie-based stationery savants can dream up vellum menus, playful cocktail cards, and foilstamped napkins. And if you don’t have the time (or the calligraphy skills) to address the envelopes yourself, they’ll make sure each one is signed, sealed, and delivered. shopfete.com.
Veiled in Motion
Who better to capture your wedding day than a couple of lovebirds themselves? The husband-and-wife team behind Veiled in Motion, Mark and Valery DerHovanessian, incorporate candid glimpses, toast highlights, and breathtaking drone footage to create a film that transports you back to the precious sights and sounds of your big day. Whether you choose New England nuptials or, when it’s safe to travel again, a destination elopement, the Boston-based pros will have you reliving those first married moments with the press of “play.” veiledinmotion.com.
Double-Pork Ramen, Yume Wo Katare
We miss waiting for hot bowlfuls of garlicky, pork-fat-drenched noodle soup at this intimate eatery, where the camaraderie in line is part of the fun. 1923 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02140, souskasa.com.
Charred Avocado Nigiri, Café Sushi
Precise applications of lemon, salt, truffle oil, and fire-breathing blowtorch yield a showstopper too delicate for takeout travel. 1105 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138, cafesushicambridge.com.
Quail Kebobs, Oleana
Ana Sortun’s elegantly boned-out game-bird skewers taste best in the urban paradise of Oleana’s gorgeous garden. 134 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 02139, oleanarestaurant.com.
“Royal Chocolate Cake for Two, Kween,” Orfano
The indulgence is available in sensible slices for the social-distancing era, but you can’t top the hedonistic joy of double-teaming an entire cake with a close friend. 1391 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02215, orfanoboston.com.
Kobe Cap Steak, Grill 23 & Bar
We’re jonesing for the primal pleasures of a deep-charred steak crust that doesn’t involve sweating bullets over a home grill. 161 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116, grill23.com.
Race Point Beach
Who needs dinner and a show when you can simply spread out a picnic blanket on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and watch the sky turn vibrant shades of red and orange? The sunset is beautiful anywhere along the expansive shoreline, which can be accessed by foot, bike, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, permitted over-sand vehicle. Only the dolphins that swim nearby could make the view even more breathtaking. Provincetown, MA 02657, nps.gov/caco/planyourvisit/race-point-beach.htm.
Linens on the Hill
When’s the last time you upgraded your linen closet? If you can’t remember, it might be time to pay a visit to this high-end textile haven. Owner Lynne Wolverton’s stacks of locally made Matouk bedding, elegant Sferra tablecloths, and soft Yves Delorme bath towels (a godsend for rough, over-washed hands) make staying cozy at home as easy as wash, dry, and repeat. 52 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, linensonthehill.com.
Entertainment Specialists
You’d be hard-pressed to find a local planner or vendor who hasn’t heard of (or worked with) this talented team of DJs. Led by Mike Amado, an industry vet who’s spun records for A-listers including Patriots legend Tedy Bruschi and Gladys Knight, these savvy artists consistently earn high marks for their ability to create mixes that keep the energy high (and guests on their feet) all night long. entertainmentspecialists.com.
Cusser's
During COVID, expanded hours and new sidewalk seating helped us rediscover the revelatory lobster rolls at Cusser’s, the street-level takeout window chef Carolyn Johnson built into the side of Mooncusser Fish House and Moon Bar. Red-wine butter sauce dresses juicy meat on the decadent hot version; tantalizing tarragon mayo, meanwhile, is used for the heavenly cold one. Either way, the perfectly griddled potato bun is a curbside craving all on its own. 304 Stuart St., Boston, MA 02116, cussersboston.com.
Andrew Brady, Field & Vine
If you’ve been lucky enough to discover chef/co-owner Andrew Brady’s secret garden of vibrantly flavored, veggie-heavy cookery, hidden behind an unmarked green door in a Union Square alley, you know he’s a star who deserves more exposure. Exuding cool, mellow confidence in the kitchen, Brady makes the most of seasonal bounties: Marinated purple beets are gorgeously plated on a green bed of ramp yogurt; mint-flecked mussels escabeche sing on sourdough brushed with curry aioli. In a wide field of talent, he’s growing in the right direction—and thriving. 9 Sanborn Ct., Somerville, MA 02143, fieldandvinesomerville.com.
Off Their Plate
Frontline healthcare workers are overwhelmed during the COVID-19 pandemic—that’s why Harvard Medical student Natalie Guo came up with the idea for Off Their Plate, a program that cooks meals for hospital staffers and gets laid-off restaurant employees back on the job. Since launching locally with partners Tracy Chang (chef-owner of Pagu) and star restaurateur Ken Oringer, the initiative has raised $6 million, fed thousands across nine cities, and partnered with World Central Kitchen, celebrity chef-philanthropist José Andrés’s global nonprofit. Sounds like a pretty full plate, actually. offtheirplate.org.