Urban Axes
Feeling tense? Make your way to Urban Axes, where resident “axperts” will lead you in throwing honest-to-God weapons at a wall. Stress relief just got edgier. urbanaxes.com.
Capers Catering
After nearly three decades in the biz, Capers knows how to whip up one hell of a spread. And with a “farm-to-fork” philosophy, it’s a safe bet your meal will be totally fresh, too. 21 Emerson Street, Stoneham, Massachusetts 02180, caperscatering.com.
Ashmont Cycles
Count on owner Jack Pelletier and his team to help you find a ride that fits your needs (new or used, hybrid or mountain, Fuji or Linus), as well as accessories like helmets and gloves. ashmontcycles.com.
Jill Lepore
Hamilton taught us there’s a fierce appetite—not to mention need—for well-told stories of American history, and few writers bring our country’s saga to life like Lepore. She tackled both our past and present with her 2018 epic These Truths and, more recently, her brief look at rising nationalism in the U.S., The Case for the Nation—each so good they don’t even need a soundtrack. history.fas.harvard.edu/people/jill-lepore.
Patch NYC
Need a one-of-a-kind present for a house-warming or dinner party? Step into designers Don Carney and John Ross’s funky shop for vibrant throw pillows, fragrant soaps, and more. 46 Waltham St., Boston, MA patchnyc.com.
Colonial Shoe Repair
Favorite boots need a little TLC? These experts can quickly reheel, resole, or reinforce your kicks—sometimes even on the same day. They’re also honest enough to let you know when it’s time to retire them altogether. 101 Summer St., Boston, MA colonialshoerepair.com.
Mother Juice
Mother Juice’s liquid diet is as tasty as it is virtuous, designed to satisfy cravings at just the right time (we’re particularly thankful for the hearty and sweet “Cashew Mylk” right before bed). The local chainlet will even deliver its freshly made elixirs to your door daily. 291 Newbury St., Boston, MA motherjuice.com.
M.Flynn
Sisters Megan and Moria Flynn have transformed old brooches into cool lockets and necklaces into eye-catching earrings. And if you’re looking for something completely bespoke, the jewelers will happily create an entirely new piece limited only by your (and their) imagination. 40 Waltham St., Boston, MA mflynnjewelry.com.
Blunch
We hesitate to draw more attention to this morning-to-midday sandwich shop, given the competition for seats. But we must evangelize the epic “eggwiches,” frittata-style patties with choose-your-own toppings such as fire-roasted peppers and fried shallots. 59 E. Springfield St., Boston, MA eatblunch.com.
Celeste
The ceviche is always stellar at this pint-size Peruvian spot, thanks to a vibrant marinade of leche de tigre (“tiger’s milk”) that’s a whole different animal from the limey bell-pepper water everyone else plies. Temper the punishing bursts of ají-chili fire with bites of cold sweet potato and an egg-white-velveted pisco sour before moving on to the kitchen’s creamy shredded-hen stew. “Celeste” means “heavenly,” and after sampling the menu here, we’d hardly disagree. 21 Bow St., Somerville, MA celesteunionsquare.com.
Boston Ballet Ball
If you’re on the gala circuit, you know that the similar guest lists can make it feel like one big night on repeat. But this year, with a vivacious crowd (perhaps thanks to first-time co-chairs Charles Carignan and Michael Cerruti), the Boston Ballet Ball stood out—particularly for its stunning preview of Full on Forsythe, by legendary choreographer William Forsythe, a whole month ahead of its opening at the Opera House. How’s that for a night to remember? bostonballet.org.
Yolqueria
Whatever your mark of a great brunch is—gooey cinnamon rolls, killer libations, or an outstanding eggs Benny—this Commercial Street gem delivers. With a background in sourcing organic ingredients for Whole Foods, chef-owner Brandon Quesnell brings the same fresh-and-local commitment to Yolqueria’s menu. The food is worth the wait and the patio is worthy of a cocktail. Paloma picantes and cowboy carnitas, anyone? yolqueria.com.
Yellow Door Taqueria
The ingredient combos here are a bit, shall we say, extra: On one recent visit, campechano tacos, a street-food staple, featured Tecate-beer-marinated steak; chorizo, red corn, and bacon hash; cranberry-onion jam; herb goat cheese; and toasted pepitas. Yet the flavors don’t fight, they play—and how!—when loaded onto delicately doughy, house-made tortillas. 2297 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA yellowdoortaqueria.com.
The Salty Pig
Chef Michael Bergin certainly whips up a mean pâté en croute and beautifully brined ham, but it’s not just Salty’s eponymous porkers that elevate the almost entirely house-made charcuterie. Bergin knows his way around other animals, including chicken (don’t miss the liver terrine with Madeira gelée!). The meats are perfect for pairing with a top-notch selection of funky cheeses. 130 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA thesaltypig.com.
The Proprietors
Flavor and creativity go hand in hand at this island eatery, where dishes such as mushroom-pâté-slathered focaccia and cheesy fried-green tomatoes set the tone for the most innovative brunch menu in town. Top it off with one or two of the Proprietors’ signature drinks (a sparkling rosé cocktail with vodka, passion fruit, and vanilla, perhaps?), and start your Sunday Funday off right. proprietorsnantucket.com.