Uni Sashimi Bar
photo by Alex Lau The Japanese noodle soup has become the star of menus all over town in recent years, but no restaurant has captured the magic quite like Ken Oringer's Back Bay sashimi spot, which serves up steaming bowls of noodles every Friday and Saturday after 11 p.m. The umami-rich broth is so good, in fact, that we sometimes find ourselves drinking it straight from the bowl (when no one is looking, of course). 370 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA unisashimibar.com.
Leon & Co.
Some women regard the perfect haircut as the answer to every ill. It melts away pounds, increases IQ, and does your taxes. In reality, it does something almost as tough: It makes you—the real you—simply look your absolute best. Enter Leon de Magistris, salon sculptor-cum-scientist, and his team of experts. Their cuts are exercises in beauty and precision, flattering and natural while also classic and modern—and unlike so many Stepford Wives-type styles, carefully varied to flatter the face. 84 Leonard St., Belmont, MA leonandco.com.
Verrill Farm
There are as many farm stands west of the city as there are historic battle sites. But, sadly, most are just glorified supermarkets. For a real honest-to-goodness country produce market, head to Verrill Farm in Concord, where you can actually see the veggies popping out of the ground. They even cook up and package country fare for takeout in their own kitchen. You can also pick your own berries, jump on a hay ride, and tap your foot along with the banjo band, along with other seasonal events. 11 Wheeler Rd., Concord, MA verrillfarm.com.
MFA Friday evenings, 5:30p.m.-9:30p.m.
This event has understandably garnered plenty of press—it's the perfect combination of art, music, wine, and singles ranging in age from 20 to 50. While some patrons can't tell the difference between a deKooning and a Degas, the crowd is friendly and warm. Favorite line heard here: "Normally, I only approach women who look approachable and are smiling. You fit neither criteria, but I just had to talk to you." 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA mfa.org.
Alma Nove
Technically speaking, Alma Nove is a restaurant. But why quibble? There are only so many places where you can sit outside next to a giant fire pit, sip a well-crafted cocktail, and look out over the bay—and this Wahlberg-family-owned spot is one of them. If you just can't miss the Sox game, head inside. The bar is long and armed with two 50-inch TVs. 22 Shipyard Dr., Hingham, MA almanovehingham.com.
The Scarlet Oak Tavern
With its classically elegant dining room and steak-and-seafood-packed menu, the Scarlet Oak plays the part of a swanky suburban establishment. But don't expect the usual tepid filet mignon and gluey mashed potatoes. Every dish, from the spicy tuna tartare and perfectly cooked rib-eye to the oven-fired blue-crab-and-sharp-cheddar dip, is meticulously prepared and delicious. 1217 Main St., Hingham, MA 2043, scarletoaktavern.com.
Maxime Salon
Nothing disappoints like a colorist who listens to your needs, then executes an entirely different shade. Swear off such nasty surprises by enlisting Ronit Enos to help your hair. Her expert team does an exhaustive preprocess consultation with every client before creating intricate highlights and lustrous glazes. The only surprise here is a pleasant one: how natural your hair looks afterward. 124 Washington St., Norwell, MA maximesalon.com.
Tremont Ale
A classic pale ale—vaguely sweet, distinctly hopped, and tinged a deep shade of copper—this is the flagship brew of tiny Atlantic Coast Brewing, more commonly known as Tremont Brewery, in Charlestown. The really cool part? After years as a tap-only product, Tremont is finally, thankfully, in bottles available at finer packies everywhere. For a by-the-pint-only treat, look for Tremont's cask-conditioned best bitter of IPA, stocked in small batches at select bars such as Doyle's in Jamaica Plain.
Toast
Like its drinks, Toast's female clientele is a blend of strong and smooth. Those looking for action grind on the dance floor. When the pulsing Madonna and Michael Jackson soundtrack puts the kibosh on conversation, seasoned regulars and experimental newcomers retreat to intimate banquettes for quiet chats. Though the sultry brick-walled lounge offers nightly themes like goth and '80s, it's during Friday's 'Dyke Night' that things really get down and girly. 70 Union Square, Somerville, MA 2143, toastlounge.com.
Paradise Rock Club
This legendary live-music venue might be a quarter-century old, but its state-of-the-art sound system delivers crystal-clear beats and fuzz-free acoustic sets. Fans love being within mere feet of their favorite rock stars, and even though national acts such as the Flaming Lips and Jack Johnson sometimes swing through, the Paradise still promotes smalltime local bands looking for their big break. 967 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA crossroadspresents.com/paradise-rock-club.
GlenPharmer Distillery
You might not need a chemistry degree to run a distillery, but it sure helps. Case in point: GlenPharmer, a project by wife-and-husband duo Beth and Patrick Downing, professional pharmacists who first met as chemistry lab partners in college. Head to their shimmering space by a brook in Franklin to sip “grain-to-glass” goodies — including craft gin, cranberry vodka (fittingly named Bog), and dark rum with just the right dose of spice — alongside a menu of tasty bites. 860 W. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038, glenpharmer.com.
Castanet
The 2023 buzz phrase “quiet luxury” — a.k.a. high fashion without the flashy logos — might as well be the slogan for this shop, which for seven years has been a treasure trove of previously loved designer finds on Newbury Street. Owner Cassie Knight takes pride in her carefully curated and extremely selective merchandise: Scoop up a sleek Brunello Cucinelli ensemble or an Alexander McQueen dress that looks like a million bucks but doesn’t scream it. 175 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, shopcastanet.com.
The Ski Monster
The crew at this shop have a simple philosophy: If they love it, it’s in stock. If they don’t, it’s not. And they certainly know their stuff, having field-tested the selection of skis, ski boots, and snowboards on slopes in New England and out West. Let them talk you through all of the options during an unrushed personal appointment — then get ready to shred. 60 Canal St., Boston, MA 02114, theskimonster.com.
Feast & Fettle
Work, school, soccer practice, dance, repeat: When life gets too busy to spend time in the kitchen, Feast & Fettle is there with fully cooked, locally sourced, restaurant-quality meals. Born from a chef’s desire to nourish busy families, the service caters to all needs and appetites with flexible delivery plans, allergy-conscious options, and kid-friendly menus. Bonus points for an eco-friendly delivery model that leaves customers with zero (yes, zero) waste thanks to reusable delivery containers. feastandfettle.com.
Ini Spahiu, Salon Mario Russo
Spending time in Ini Spahiu’s chair feels just like catching up with an old friend — albeit one who knows her way around a set of foils. After a quick consultation to suss out our transformation goals, the longtime colorist got to work, whipping up and applying just the right formula while we chatted. And the results? Let’s just say our sun-starved locks, which Spahiu thoughtfully brightened with perfectly placed balayage highlights, have never looked better. 9 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, mariorusso.com.