The Boston Company's plunge
The thriving Brahmin bank fell from grace after the suicide of one executive and the resignation of another lifted the curtain on a $30-million accounting error. The firm jettisoned CEO James von Germeten in January, the public relations wound bled for weeks, and the bright star in the Shearson Lehman Hutton empire lost its luster.
Winston Flowers
There are plenty of ready-made arrangements at this luxe chain's Wellesley location, but if you desire something one-of-a-kind, the talented in-store designers will whip up a stunner to fit any occasion. There's also an impressive assortment of versatile vessels and generous selection of perennials, flowering trees, and pothos plants. 31 Central St., Wellesley, MA 2481, winstonflowers.com.
Sultan's Kitchen
Why single out what is already probably Boston's only Turkish restaurant? Because there are some who work downtown and still haven't had one of their kebab sandwiches for lunch. Give 'em a shot: only your breath will suffer. 72 Broad St., Boston, MA .
The Premier Restaurant
The Premier Restaurant, 1130 Washington St., Roxbury, remains this city's premier Jewish deli. One taste of its cabbage soup, kasha varnishkes or corned beef sandwiches (with Russian dressing and coleslaw) and Yassar Arafat would enlist in the JDL. 1130 Washington St., Roxbury, MA .
Cambridge Center Rooftop Garden
One of the city's most breathtaking green spaces is located atop a weary hunk of concrete in Kendall Square. Walk into a nondescript parking garage, ride the elevator to the top floor, and you'll discover the Cambridge Center Rooftop Garden, an oasis of landscaped flora. Cambridge, MA 2142,
The park (and garage) at Post Office Square
Two signs of relief. One: Post Office Square no longer resembles an overturned canister of Tinker Toys, as it did during the long construction period. Two: The New park, which tops seven layers of subterannean garage space, feels as if it's been there forever.
Hilton's Tent City
This equipment emporium, which moved from the West End to Central this year, stocks all the camping gear, boots, backpacks, and tents you need for your next rugged hike in the White Mountains. Including one remnant of the original location: a wall of trail maps and postcards. 565 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02114, hiltonstentcity.com.
Ramler Park
There’s more than one park in Fenway. Tucked away at the end of Peterborough Street is this diligently manicured slice of urban paradise, where lush vines coil around the pergola and rose bushes put on a colorful show in spring and early summer. 130 Peterborough St., Boston, MA 02215, friendsoframlerpark.org.
Follain
Tara Foley wants you to stop cleaning your face with dirty products. That’s the mission, at least, behind her one-stop skin-care shop, Follain, which bars parabens, formaldehyde, coal tar, and other potentially dangerous chemicals from its expertly selected lineup of beauty items. In fact, the company rigorously researches and tests every deodorant and soap it carries independently before releasing it onto shelves. Now that’s what we call beautiful. Multiple locations. 65 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, shopfollain.com.
Jill Rosenwald
We’d be able to spot Jill Rosenwald’s cheerful pieces from a mile away, and that’s exactly what we love about them. Instantly recognizable by their bold colors and thoughtful patterns, Rosenwald’s one-of-a-kind bowls, vases, trays, and planters—handmade in Fort Point but sold in shops throughout the country—redefine "signature style." 369 Congress St., Boston, MA 02210, jillrosenwald.com.
Toro
Can any Spanish restaurant topple Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette’s always-buzzing tapas spot in the South End? Answer: not this year. The playlist and meticulously curated by-the-glass sherry list still keep the party going well into the night, nearly every night. But it’s the seafood-packed paella, pressed uni sandwiches with miso butter, and beloved grilled corn that continue to make this a true Boston institution—one that’s been imported to Bangkok and Dubai in recent years. 1704 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118, toro-restaurant.com.
Moona
The flavors of the Arabic pantry shine in the vibrant dishes sent out of chef de cuisine Rory Lee’s small open kitchen, from the fatteh with yogurt, dill, and shiitake mushrooms to the shareable, deeply charred grilled fish shingled with sweet lemons and swimming in peppery harissa. One of the best parts of a meal here, however, doesn’t cost a penny: the za’atar bread with sweet orange-blossom butter that comes compliments of the house. 243 Hampshire St., Cambridge, MA 02139, moonarestaurant.com.
Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
Don’t worry, this isn’t your middle schooler’s violin recital: Rising from the insuppressible enthusiasm of maestro Benjamin Zander—who founded the (senior) Boston Philharmonic Orchestra 40 years ago—this ensemble of fantastically talented 12- to 21-year-olds delivers exactly what you want from a night at the orchestra: to be blown away. Whether playing the notoriously difficult Mahler (one of the maestro’s specialties) or another canonical composer, they deliver youthful energy and just a touch of wonder. bostonphil.org.
Adamas Fine Jewelry
The engagement rings on the second floor of his Newton shop are certainly gasp-worthy (you’ll swoon over brilliant-cut sparklers, halo settings, and pavé-diamond-encrusted split bands), but Adamas Fine Jewelry co-owner and master craftsman Anto Aboyan thrives on one-of-a-kind creativity. If your ideas aren’t set in stone, he can help you build a ring from scratch, hand-casting your custom design into an instant heirloom at his on-site workshop. 22 Lincoln St., Newton, MA adamasfinejewelry.com.
Gather Here
No idea what a blanket stitch or an embroidery hoop looks like? No matter—all it takes is one visit to this Inman Square shop to envision yourself hunkered down on the couch with a pair of knitting needles. The well-organized space is stocked with fabric and yarn in a rainbow of hues, embroidery kits, and sewing patterns aplenty. And if you need a little hands-on guidance before getting started, simply book a private lesson or a group class in the shop’s studio. 1343 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA gatherhereonline.com.