Political consultant Ed Jesser
Defending his $1,000-a-month contract with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), Jesser, an unpaid adviser to Mayor Tom Menino, insisted that he had never lobbied the mayor on behalf of the Authority. Asked about Jesser's duties in regard to the mayor, however, MCCA director Franny Joyce was quoted as saying, "I hope he's whispering in his ear good things about the Authority."
Life Time Chestnut Hill
Do you still believe managing three gym memberships is the holy grail of wellness? Time to realign those chakras. Sprawled across two floors with an impressive 129,000 square feet, this athletic mecca offers, well, pretty much everything: world-class cycle, yoga, Pilates, and barre; top-notch exercise machines; and a lavish spa where postworkout massages are the norm. It has families covered, too, with babysitting services and even fitness classes for the bigger kids. 300 Boylston St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, my.lifetime.life.
Mamaleh's
Now that it ships nationwide “nosh” packages such as the Dorm Fridge Deli — a packed-on-ice splay of superlative pastrami, corned beef, potato salad, and more — Mamaleh’s moves that much closer to being Boston’s more-youthful answer to Katz’s Delicatessen in New York. Meaning: the place you remember whether you live here forever or a semester, and turn to whenever you need a taste of fresh-challah-, pickled-kraut-, and spicy-mustard-scented home. Multiple Locations, mamalehs.com.
Styled by Gilda
If the last time you spent money on real clothes (not, ahem, yoga pants) was February 2020, it may be time to call in a professional — namely, personal stylist Gilda Miranda. The shopping pro offers everything from brief virtual consultations to a complete “wardrobe rehab process” that includes a closet edit, a shopping trip, and an at-home styling sesh, all with an eye toward what works best for your style and body type. styledbygilda.com.
Cynthia Britt Custom Jewelry
If you're investing in a three-months'-income heirloom, you want to work with someone who understands your vision—and your budget. Cynthia Pischdotchian ditched an engineering career to pursue her bejeweled dreams and bring precision to a timeless art form. Today she works out of a Gothically appointed Newbury Street studio, designing one-of-a-kind jewelry both modern and art deco-inspired. She'll also repurpose existing pieces, transforming Grandmother's diamond clip-ons into your newest wardrobe staple. 45 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, cynthiabritt.com.
Demiche Beauté
Want a classic chignon with loose tendrils? Or how about soft waves that’ll hold their shape from ceremony to reception? Demiche’s team of stylists specializes in elegant, swept-back looks that perfectly frame and highlight your features. And with a flair for constructing braided bridesmaid styles, Demiche has your A-team covered, too. 7 Lincoln St., Wakefield, MA 01880, demiche.com.
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site
From the Emerald Necklace to Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted’s iconic work can be viewed close to home and all over the country. But did you know you can also sneak a peek at the place where the "father of landscape architecture" dreamed up his stunning designs right here in Brookline? Step inside his green-and-red Colonial to get a prime view of Olmsted’s offices, drafting tables, and the original machinery he used for making blueprints. 99 Warren St., Brookline, MA 02445, nps.gov/frla.
The Publick House
The selection of coveted craft brews has long been the main attraction here. But it’s a good thing that dry, fruity Belgian-style ales—the backbone of owner David Ciccolo’s beer list—also pair so well with food: New chef Joe Cooke has upped the ante on the Publick House’s culinary program big time, sourcing whole pigs and sustainable seafood for menu upgrades such as house-cured bacon and frequently changing crudo. 1648 Beacon St., Brookline, MA publickhousebrookline.com.
M.F. Dulock
This neighborhood meat market specializes in ethically sourced, hormone-free meats—all raised on pasture within 250 miles of Somerville—and nose-to-tail butchery. That means you’ll see hard-to-find proteins such as livers and blushing lamb’s hearts, along with house-made sausages, pork cutlets, chicken, and slabs of brisket. Want to try them all? Subscribe to M.F. Dulock’s meat club and take home new cuts every month. 201A Highland Ave., Somerville, MA mfdulock.com.
Salt & Grove
What happens when an adventure-seeking photographer and a florist with an eye for design join forces? They create a charming boutique filled with small-batch wares, cheeky greeting cards, and locally made confections that make every day sweeter. In addition to stocking their shop with covetable home goods and gifts (leather-wrapped salad spoons, adorable baby onesies), pals Sarah Landry and Katie Rocheford have been spreading “good vibes” during the pandemic with their oh-so-popular flower and balloon bars. Bring on the celebrations, please. 10 Pleasant St., Newburyport, MA 01950, saltandgrove.com.
The Boston Shaker
Those hoping to impress long-awaited houseguests with perfectly stirred martinis or mai-tai-filled ceramic tiki mugs need only visit this cozy boutique. With inventory ranging from highball glasses and stainless steel bar spoons to absinthe fountains and jugs shaped like shark heads, the shop’s whimsical wares are perfect for getting the party started — no matter your tastes or how many people you’re hosting. 69 Holland St., Somerville, MA 02144, thebostonshaker.com.
Frugal Bookstore
Looking to bolster your collection of anti-racist literature and books about the Black experience? This Nubian Square mainstay has you covered. But what makes owners Leonard and Clarrissa Egerton’s shop an irreplaceable part of Boston’s literary scene is its role as a hub for book groups and social gatherings where both authors and readers of color can feel welcome and be celebrated. Bostonians across the city are vowing to finally listen to Black voices—Frugal has been amplifying them for 12 years and counting. 57 Warren St., Roxbury, MA 02119, frugalbookstore.net.
Monumental Market
Where can you score a bold yet balanced cup of coffee, mouthwatering pastries, and the perfect background tunes for sipping your java back at home? This quick-stop shop, which represents the collaborative entrepreneurship that is the future of Boston’s food world: Baker Kelsey Munger and bean roaster Javier Amador-Peña met at a farmers’ market, opened Monumental together, and tapped local Light of Day Records to stock the space with new and (cheap!) vintage vinyls. Blueberry muffins, cold brew, and David Bowie — yes, please. 36 South St., Jamaica Plain, MA 02130, monumentalmarket.com.
Museum of Fine Arts
On the strength of its individual exhibits alone—notably the vast Goya retrospective and Shinique Smith's exuberant showcase—the Museum of Fine Arts is a formidable contender for best museum. But when you consider the institution's past year as a whole, it's a hands-down winner. Diverse offerings revealed a commitment to pushing boundaries. Performance art was regularly integrated into the museum's hallowed gallery spaces; it maintained a consistently edgy and eclectic film program; and then, as a capper, it launched its first-ever mobile app as artwork. 465 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, mfa.org.
Fresh
When Lev Glazman and Alina Roytberg launched their Boston-based apothecary, they personally wrapped and labeled soaps by hand. More than 20 years later, the Fresh name is synonymous with natural ingredients such as sugar, honey, lotus, and soy (we can’t get enough of the black-tea face masks and hydrating rosewater serums). Amiable staffers spend time with each customer doling out expert product recommendations and samples to treat all manner of epidermal woes, from dry skin to fine lines. 121 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, fresh.com.