The People Who Gave Us Hope
If we could dream up a 2020 all-star squad of heroes, champions, and advocates, it would look a lot like this: Community organizer Gladys Vega (1) of the Chelsea Collaborative, who has spent the past two decades fighting for social justice but swiveled her focus to feeding 11,000 residents each week as the coronavirus ravaged her city. Public health advocate and Harvard professor of epidemiology Marc Lipsitch (2) would also make the team, in no small part due to his consistent and clear message, whether speaking to us in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, or the Boston Globe: Never underestimate COVID-19. Our best city politician is Julia Mejia (3), the first immigrant and Latina on the Boston City Council, who fought back against racist harassment after taking office in early 2020. She has also worked to improve bilingual communications in Boston and even made a series of TikTok videos with her daughter to liven up the mood at City Hall during the early days of the pandemic. Ibram X. Kendi (4), meanwhile, is the man of the hour and our hope for humanity. A bestselling author, the 2019 Guggenheim Fellow recently became a history professor and the founding director of the Boston University Center for Antiracist Research, where he’ll lead many of the country’s brightest minds to solve problems of racial inequity. His books, including How to Be an Antiracist, are already required reading among those in the know around town. As for the best social justice advocate in Boston? That’s Monica Cannon-Grant (5), a Roxbury mother of six children who rallied tens of thousands of residents to Franklin Park to peacefully protest police brutality. She also runs a victim-assistance program that supports men, women, and children of color through her organization Violence in Boston. And though he’s best known for his moves on the court, Celtics star Jaylen Brown (6) is our clear choice for celebrity ambassador—he’s peacefully protested, regularly speaks about race in America, and was honored at the State House this year for his charity work with children. We’re proud to have him on our home team.
West Bridge
The egg in a jar is one of Boston's most-talked-about dishes, and for good reason. But don't let that overshadow West Bridge's many other offerings—rather, grab a spot at the bar, befriend the knowledgable bartenders, and let them guide you through a small-plate odyssey. 1 Kendall Sq., Cambridge, MA 02139, westbridgerestaurant.com.
Long's Jewelers
Diamonds are forever, and the same can be said of this family-owned store. (It opened back when Boston's baseball team was called the Red Caps.) Long's especially shines when it comes to service; Tag Heuer watches, luminous Mikimoto pearls, and diamond rings are all covered by a lifetime trade-in policy. 60A South Ave., Burlington, MA 1803, longsjewelers.com.
LaMontagne Gallery
The new South Boston, recently referred to as "SoBo" by the New York Times, may eventually earn such a sobriquet around town thanks to relative upstarts like LaMontagne Gallery. Since 2007 the gallery has introduced a wide range of contemporary artists to the Boston scene, garnering regional and national attention for its exhibitions. 555 E. 2nd St., South Boston, MA lamontagnegallery.com.
Governor Weld
Best: Senate president William Bulger. Says he's "intrigued" by the job of UMass president. Even Better: Boston University president John Silber. Said he was "intrigued" by the job of Boston school superintendent. Absolute Best: Governor Weld. Believed to be "intrigued" by just about any job other than the one he was reelected to.
Steve Kurkjian, the <em>Globe</em>
Head of the Spotlight Team, he's one of the best investigators in journalism. Boston's lucky to have him.
Frank's
Great working-class food in one of Boston's last great working-class suburb. 300 Beacon St., Somerville, MA .
Romagnoli's Table
One of the Marketplace's best, in a North Shore waterfront location that doesn't yet have Boston's crowds. East India Square Mall, Salem, MA .
Parish Cafe
With sandwiches created by Boston's best chefs (Jasper White, Lydia Shire, Jody Adams), how can you go wrong? 361 Boylston Street, Boston, MA .
Clio
Now starting its third year, plush and stately Clio has clearly made its mark on Boston's culinary landscape, mixing a refined and elegant atmosphere with chef Ken Oringer's Asian-influenced cuisine married to the finest in French culinary techniques. Clio's velveteen banquettes, its luxurious spacing between tables, and its fine service make for as sophisticated a dining experience as you'll find in Boston. As for the food, Oringer has been known to take seafood beloved by the Japanese—the sea urchin for example—and give it the French treatment. Among his standout dishes have been a memorable swordfish au poivre with lentils and shallots, and a garlic-rubbed chicken with a fabulous crispy skin. Perfect for an intimate evening or a night on the town with a group of friends. 370 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Ben's Café, Maison Robert
One of the city's earliest rehab projects (Maison Robert used to be Boston's City Hall), its location is elegant, its food French. 45 School St., Boston, MA .
Seamark Seafood & Cocktails
Michael Schlow’s burger at the now-closed Radius showed Boston what’s possible between buns — and now it’s back again at his new Encore Boston Harbor endeavor. The juicy patty is a well-built reminder of the pinnacle of the craft, topped with sharp cheddar, crispy onion strings, and zingy horseradish sauce. 1 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, seamarkencore.com.
Silvertone
DTX's dining landscape may be changing, but stalwart Silvertone remains one of Boston's most dependable industry hangouts. Find comfort-food bliss in the form of Cajun chicken tacos, bacon mac ’n’ cheese, and garlicky steak tips. 69 Bromfield St., Boston, MA 02108, silvertonedowntown.com.
Flock
Breezy and bohemian, this South End boutique stocks a creative collection of hairpieces and fringed cross-body bags. Look for jewelry set to star in the latest layering trends and sought-after Turkish kilim flats and bags by Boston's Artemis Design Co. Really, all that's missing is your Coachella ticket. 274 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 02118, flockboston.com.
The Gallows
The Gallows inspired Boston's potato craze with its poutine topped with ricotta curds and rich gravy. The classic will always remain so, but we're also fans of the "Out of Control" variety, with topping combos ranging from Philly cheesesteak to escargot. 1395 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118, thegallowsboston.com.