Opticians 3
Two things make an optical shop great: a wide selection of frames, and an attentive staff. All three locations of Opticians 3 offer both. Designer frames range from classic Giorgio Armani to modern Prada to funky Jean-Paul Gaultier. The staff knows its inventory well and can help you find something that fits you perfectly. Few bargains here, but hey, this is your face we're talking about! The Mall at Chestnut Hill, Chestnut Hill, MA opticians3.com.
Louis Boston
Determined to strike out against the WASP uniform of rumpled khakis, polo shirts, and sensible shoes, Debi Greenberg and dad Murray Pearlstein have revolutionized the way Bostonians dress. Their modern approach to fashion eschews mainstream labels for smaller, innovative designers, earning Louis Boston an international reputation as the store to watch—and copy. This store has the goods. And for your entertainment, deejays spin on the ground level Saturday afternoons. Does it get any cooler? Not in Boston. 234 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA louisboston.com.
Louis Boston
Murray Pearlstein established what is nationally and internationally regarded as the ne plus ultra of fashion speciality stores. Now his daughter, Debra Pearlstein Greenberg, is at the helm, and her mandate is to gently push her customers forward into the next millennium without losing sight of the fact that style often transcends fashion. But the store has always been about buying beautiful clothes of the finest quality and the importance of looking legitimate but amazing—in other words, standing out in a quiet way that's both modern and forward. 234 Berkeley St., Boston, MA .
Ashmont Grill
A stone's throw from the revamped Ashmont T station, this modern bistro features chef-owner Chris Douglass's American culinary stylings, two patios, a creative cocktail menu, and pastry chef Clare Garland's epic desserts (like the inimitable carrot cake). In all, more than enough to keep 'em coming back for more. 555 Talbot Ave, Dorchester, MA 2124, ashmontgrill.com.
The Dan'l Webster Inn
Four-poster beds. High-speed Internet. Full-service spa. This Sandwich inn, a blend of old-fashioned atmosphere and modern creature comforts, has 'em all. If you can pry yourself from your room's private whirlpool and heated bathroom tiles, indulge in cranberry wraps, marine eyelifts, and PermaSound facials at the on-site spa. Feeling hungry? Stop in the fine-dining Conservatory for a meal of fresh seafood paired with award-winning wine. 149 Main St., Sandwich, MA danlwebsterinn.com.
The Opera House
Since it reopened with The Lion King last year, the restored Opera House hasn't drawn the most inspiring of productions. But it does look great. The 2,600-seat theater is a jewel from the dying days of vaudeville, and it gleams with the sort of Beaux Arts gilt that ought to shame more-modern buildings: chandeliers, murals, even period-style urinals. Now if we could only get some shows to match . . . 539 Washington St., Boston, MA bostonoperahouseonline.com.
Lively Kids
Ditch the frilly frocks and sailor suits for onesies with attitude at this two-story Newburyport boutique, where newborn getups come adorned with sayings like "iPood" and "Miso Cute." The eco-friendly wares for children under six give modern parents plenty to love upstairs, while downstairs, trendy tween styles from Ella Moss and Splendid keep older kids satisfied. Engaging staffers on both levels, meanwhile, are adept at working with tots and adults alike. 15 State St., Newburyport, MA 1950, livelykid.com.
Penang
This refreshing addition to Chinatown has lots of blond wood, modern lighting, and great food. Start with the Penang Poh Piah (steamed spring roll) or Crispy Pork Intestines (you might enjoy this one more if you order in Malaysian). Vegetarian entrees—especially the bean curd—are terrific, as are the varied seafood selections. Late hours are a plus. 685-691 Washington St., Boston, MA .
Wilson Farm
Whether you crave fresh bell peppers or a fat little Christmas tree strapped to your car with a smile, Wilson Farm satisfies. It's pastoral—think fall hay mazes and an unspoiled barnyard area with roving animals—but modern enough for the harried shopper: To-go items, including chicken potpie and strawberry shortcake, have salvaged many a dinner. Maybe that's because Alsatian chef Raymond Ost—you might remember him from Sandrine's Bistro—heads up the farm store's kitchen. 10 Pleasant St., Lexington, MA 2421, wilsonfarm.com.
Mimosa
After years spent creating the tight, modern arrangements favored by couples of the early aughts, Teresa Fung’s style pendulum recently swung back to the “wild, organic, tangled” look she’d been spotting at West Coast weddings. Embracing this more-relaxed philosophy, Fung now creates ambrosial, textural bouquets and centerpieces that look like they were plucked straight out of the garden. 64 Plympton St., Boston, MA mimosastyle.com.
C. K. Pearl
Patrick Shea, son of the couple behind Essex icon Shea's Riverside, has New England seafood in his blood. So much so, in fact, that he decided to open his own riverfront restaurant, C. K. Pearl, right next door to his parents' joint. Now in its second year, the younger Shea's spot offers a more modern but no less delicious take on the local haul with live music, $1 oyster nights, and a lobster sandwich that rivals Dad's. 112 Main St., Essex, MA 01929, ckpearl.com.
Frank Vocals
You know you’ve made it when your song has soundtracked not one but two TV shows. The embodiment of modern-day R & B, Frank Vocals’s delicate, sexy croon can now be heard on an episode of the Starz series BMF, as well as Power Book II: Ghost. No surprise when you consider the lyrical vulnernability and pure romance of his 2020 EP Cure. frankvocals.com.
Deuxave
Frenchie food is all the rage again, folks, so here's a primer for restaurateurs mulling a Gallic dalliance. Start with a cellar full of undersung Rhônes and Burgundies, plus Bordeaux with a little age. You'll want sophisticated riffs on Parisian pastry-craft—a raspberry-rose tart with lemony sablés Bretons should do. Kind service. A comfy dining room. Oh, yeah...and gently modernized masterpieces like duck confit with brilliant-bright swooshes of rhubarb purée. Come to think of it, that sounds exactly like the Franco-magic you'll find at Chris Coombs's Deuxave. 371 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02118, deuxave.com.
Montage
At some point, modern Europhiles have to make a choice: either move to Milan or buy furniture from Montage. Showcasing factory-direct B&B Italia and Moroso pieces (along with molto other imports ending in vowels), this Back Bay retailer corners the market on continental cool. Don't have an interior designer? Montage staffers will evaluate your pad and make savvy recommendations. Be warned, though: With the euro kicking the dollar's butt, Italian style doesn't come cheap, so you'll need to leave your budget at the door. 75 Arlington St., Boston, MA 2116, montageweb.com.
Our Fathers
Not to imply Bostonians are some beleaguered, deli-deprived populace for whom stellar pastrami has forever been but a shimmering, fat-dappled mirage—or that the heavenly hand-cut stuff Our Fathers plies in Allston is some kind of smoky, cardamom-crusted godsend. We’re flat-out stating it. Besides the Katz’s-rivaling cured beef, the takeout arm of this modern Jewish restaurant from the Franklin Café crew sells reliably stellar sandwiches, smoked fish, and other cold cuts by the pound. In other words, the stuff deli dreams are made of. 197 N. Harvard St., Allston, MA 02134, ourfathersboston.com.