Season to Taste
Season to Taste’s creative farm-to-table menus make a big impact at wedding receptions without creating a big carbon footprint. Chef-owner Robert Harris is passionate about sustainability in catering, showcasing the season’s bounty in ever-creative ways: take his summer heirloom-tomato bar, which offers six or seven varieties prepared to order with mozzarella, basil purée, balsamic-cider reduction, and crusty bread. Staffers will even deliver leftover food to a homeless shelter upon request, making sure absolutely nothing goes to waste. 2447 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2140, seasontotastecatering.com.
Redbones
Trust us: Don't take your Redbones carryout on the T. At best, your bag of slow-smoked, spice-rubbed, damn-tasty barbecue will have fellow passengers growling like wild beasts; at worst, you've got a mob scene on your hands. Better to get delivery, or just pull up a seat at this noisy, vibrant wannabe roadhouse and dig right into the succulent meats (standouts: pulled pork, all four styles of ribs) and can-I-get-a-witness versions of corn pudding, potato salad, and other southern trimmings. 55 Chester St., Somerville, MA 2144, redbones.com.
Season to Taste
This full-service company can handle everything from bar mitzvahs to barbecues to prepared dinners for families of four. And while the menus have plenty to swoon over—passed apps like mini latkes with smoked salmon and chive crema, or entrées like fig-glazed lamb sirloin—it's what goes on behind the scenes that captured our heart. Started by East Coast Grill and Evoo alum Robert Harris, Season to Taste is one of the greenest companies around, delivering drop-off meals by bike, sourcing primo ingredients from New England farms and stores, and composting to reduce waste. If anyone can make a feast for 100 feel virtuous, it's them. 2447 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 2140, seasontotastecatering.com.
B & G Oysters
Anatomy of a Winner: Here in Boston, it's tough to stand out in a veritable ocean of chowdah. Here's how Barbara Lynch's oyster bar shows up the competition. 1. Flaky puff pastry "oyster crackers" are coated with sweet paprika and cayenne pepper for a buttery crunch and a bit of heat. 2. Thick bacon lardons add smokiness and bite. 3. A heavy distribution of meaty top-neck clams give the soup the requisite brine and chew. 4. Clam juice and white wine cut the richness of the butter and heavy cream. 5. A swoosh of black pepper and a sprinkling of chives add additional flavor and make for a beautiful bowl. 550 Tremont St., Boston, MA bandgoysters.com.
Strip-T's
Watertown has the most exciting cuisine in town? At a place called, for better or worse, Strip-T's? Actually, it's true. After leaving New York's famed Momofuku Ssam Bar last spring, chef Tim Maslow transformed his father's sleepy sandwich shop into a culinary bright spot—without messing with the name. By day, there are inventive sandwiches with fillings like fried cauliflower and lamb shoulder. By night, Maslow combines his powerful techniques with bold flavors, dishing out seared-pork-and-provolone sausage and buttermilk-fried chicken with dirty rice to his astounded guests. 93 School St., Watertown, MA 2472, stripts.com.
Jeffrey Dauksevich, Umi Salon
A consultation with Umi's often-brusque owner is no glib chatfest. ('How do you feel? How do you want to feel?' It's a bit like going to your shrink.) The brave should still book an appointment, though, knowing they'll walk out looking like a million bucks—which makes the $350 they just dropped a comparative bargain. Dauksevich, who gives each client at least an hour in his chair, doesn't follow fads; instead, he works off hair texture, face shape, and personality to craft current, highly individual styles. Start saving up those pennies now. 75 Newbury St., Boston, MA 2116, .
LuxeBeautique
Paying someone just to hand you towels (Mariah) or perfume your path with gardenia (J.Lo) is a bit whoa!crazy. Still, Hollywood divas, with their creamy complexion and velvety skin, are testament to the very real benefits of an aesthetics entourage. Rent your own at Luxe-Beautique: Intimate at a mere 1,000 square feet, it's packed with both swag-bag exclusives (Becca and Jelly Pong Pong makeup, Malie Kauai skin care) and expertise in using them. Can't choose among facials, massages, body bronzing, and makeup? Accede to your inner A-lister and go for all four, in—what else?—the signature Red Carpet Treatment. 222 Humphrey St., Swampscott, MA 1907, .
Indra Salon
Greeted by strains of club music and stylistas sporting wild chunks of hair color, the Indra newcomer may fear she's crashing a too-hip party. But this decade-old Aveda salon is a pro at putting clients at ease, be it with a neck rub or glass of wine. Consequently, it has a lot of them: thirtysomethings, dads with kids in tow, prep schoolers, mothers-in-law. There are 30-plus snippers on staff, so odds are good someone here will "get" your hair (we adore Jennifer Traverso, a bona fide curl whisperer), and with a senior stylist's cut starting at just $55, you won't pay dearly for that wisdom. 7 Elm St., Andover, MA 1810, indrasalon.com.
Zebee Voss, An Island Touch
Zebee Voss has had her hands on most of the island. Ask stressed-out carpenters, lifeguards, and moms if they know her, and they'll wince before sagely nodding yes. Ross's so-deep-they're-almost-torturous tissue massages (no pointless 'fluff and buffs' here, she says) leave clients weak and exhausted—and then, a day later, completely revived. Three peaceful treatment rooms and the promise of a pain-free back help overcome the spa's faintly mood-killing location above a Vineyard Haven doctor's office. 364 State Rd., Vineyard Haven, MA 2568, anislandtouch.com.
LuxCouture
Time was, Sari Brown's designer handbag mecca LuxCouture displayed its wallet-emptying wares only on its website. That all changed last fall with the opening of her temporary showroom, where at last devotees could actually put their hands on that Michael Teperson stingray clutch or Velvetine hobo—stroking the luxurious leather, trying on a style in the mirror or begging a fellow bag addict to model it for them (seriously, it happens). Now, with the opening of a bigger, permanent LuxCouture store in Newton Highlands this month, we're bracing for epic contact highs. 21 Lincoln St., Newton Highlands, MA 2461, .
Peter Mark
While the Metrosexual dithered over exfoliants and the GQ Dandy sweated his tie width, a new male animal was emerging from the sartorial ooze. Or so declared the Times of London this spring, coining the term 'Nouveau Lad' to describe he who embraces the 'stealth-smart' of eye-catching, long-lasting sportswear. Funny—he sounds an awful lot like Peter Mark Guy to us. Everything at this five-year-old outpost suits his knock-around handsomeness, from sturdy Agave tees and jeans to color-splashed Robert Graham button-downs and funky but functional Triple Five Soul hoodies. 10 Market Sq., Newburyport, MA 1950, .
Bodega
By now, everyone knows what lurks behind the Snapple machine inside Bodega's convenience store-cum-sneaker depot. But a gimmick lasts only so long. Two years in, this cleverly hidden retailer still outruns the competition with an authoritative array of old-school and limited-edition trainers, like Nike's Claw Money Blazers and metallic Converse low-tops, mixed with graphic tees and printed hoodies, many by local artists. All of which serves to convert budding enthusiasts into sneaker fiends, and make Snapple Diet Peach Tea drinkers of more than a few. 6 Clearway St., Boston, MA 2115, shop.bdgastore.com.
Olivia Rose Children's Boutique
Scientists theorize that cute babies have had an evolutional leg up, as our Stone Age ancestors were less likely to abandon them. Modern-day parents are obviously far more civilized—but all the same, one could argue that Olivia Rose owner Gloria Peotrowski does give her tiny customers an edge. Her racks of darling yet functional clothing and accessories—including tees from California brand Le Top, colorful leggings by Mulberribush, and jumpers by Sweet Potatoes (tagged with product names like 'You're My Pumpkin Pie')—make their wearers so adorable, they'll be able to get away with anything. 1945 Ocean St., Marshfield, MA 2050, oliviarosechildrensboutique.com.
L. J. Peretti Co.
This shockingly well-stocked tobacconist is less smoke shop than historic landmark. Family operated since 1870, it's been at its Park Square location since 1938, when customers including Bing Crosby and Prime Minister Ramsey McDonald bought their tobacco here. The store hasn't changed much since then, and, with its Old World clutter, it's a treasure haven from both modernity and draconian new smoking bans. In addition to a voluminous arsenal of cigars, the Peretti family sells humidors, house-blended pipe tobacco, and hand-carved pipes. 2 1/2 Park Square, Boston, MA ljperetti.com.
Dress Rehearsal
A visit to a consignment store should feel like a romp through a fashionista's closet, not a garage sale free-for-all. Dress Rehearsal has all the goods and none of the riffraff. From Chanel suits and Louis Vuitton bags to BCBG shoes and Diesel jeans, the eclectic but posh selection of women's clothing can keep any wardrobe fresh. It may not be the largest Newbury Street store of its kind, but quality beats quantity when it comes to designer duds. Plus, the staff is easygoing when you want to browse, but quick to offer an opinion on how to bring together an outfit should you ask. 252 Newbury St., Boston, MA .