Best of Boston

2017 Best Chef, General Excellence

Michael Scelfo, Waypoint and Alden & Harlow

Just when we thought Michael Scelfo couldn’t top his first venture, Alden & Harlow, last year he opened Waypoint, an of-the-moment spin on New England coastal cuisine where brash flavors (smoke, salt, and plenty of umami) buck up against luxe ingredients to dazzling effect. And Scelfo’s bold empire will only continue to grow: The chef recently announced that he’s opening a third Harvard Square concept, Longfellow.

1030 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, 617-864-2300, waypointharvard.com; 40 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-864-2100, aldenharlow.com.

1030 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, 617-864-2300, waypointharvard.com