The Official Rock Song of Massachusetts
One, two, three, four, five, six! That’s not only the opening countdown of Natick native Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers’ 1976 classic “Roadrunner,” it’s also the number of times state lawmakers have tried to pass legislation making Richman’s ode to Route 128 night-driving “the official rock song of the Commonwealth.” Ten years since former Boston Mayor Marty Walsh introduced the first fail bills in 2013, Natick Representative David Linsky filed another one in February. Maybe the sixth time is the charm? Radio on!
Teatro
If dining is theater, then Teatro is the consummate Italian drama. Scene One: bold openers like over-the-top fresh antipasti and simple, but intensely flavored, steamed black mussels swimming in a smoky tomato and pesto sauce. Scene Two: The opus continues with such northern Italian minimasterpieces as fig-glazed duck legs atop a luscious mascarpone polenta, and a brightly flavored veal saltimbocca with prosciutto and creamed spinach. Studied performances by a fast and well-trained waitstaff, a superb list of Italian wines, and the fluid direction of Mistral's Jamie Mammano further elevate the staging. Then there's the set: the revamped former Galleria Italiana, electrified with a swanky, modern pale blue ceiling that arches over limestone walls and intricate terrazzo floors. All in all, a five-star production. 177 Tremont St., Boston, MA teatroboston.com.
Stars
Push through the porthole-windowed door, and you'll swear you've walked into the design equivalent of that old "Sprockets" routine from Saturday Night Live. Everything here is in ridiculous conflict: Stately black tiles cover the floor and lower half of the walls, while bright and modernistic yellow paint finishes the job. The mirror above the starkly modern circular water basin (it really is a basin) is wedged into the corner, breaking your reflection into a surreal, fun-house. And the aural struggle between the television in the corner and the radio speaker in the ceiling is kind of funny: imagine Marvin Gaye doing play-by-play for a Red Sox game. But as men's rooms go, this one wins for being as conversation-inducing as that aforementioned German talk-show skit. 393 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA .
Jinx Cahill
When Star wanted to know how Joan Kennedy lost 20 pounds, the tabloid called Jinx. Thirty-nine years old, Jinx herself used to weigh 40 pounds more than her current 110, and now keeps herself (and her clients) trim with an exercise regimen that combines yoga, modern dance, ballet, and "Marine Corps training exercises." "They flow from one to another," she explains. "It's not just physical fitness that my students get out of this, it's a self-identification. I love the people who come in here. Some of them have become so advanced, so fit, that i wonder what's left for them after me. The Israeli army?" Boston, MA
Fifty-Three South
Don't let the trendy name fool you: Fifty-three South is far more nouvelle than nouveau. That's not to say this fetching bistro, opened at the site of the former Seasons restaurant, doesn't have a classic strain. Candles light the tables, dried flowers warm up the walls, and the delicate menu caresses the palate. Starters such as tender scallops paired with silky cauliflower cream are downright delectable, and the melt-in-your-mouth short ribs are plump with deep-flavored sweet and smoky meat. Main courses—the seafood stew of cod, crab claws, shrimp, potatoes, and fruity tomatoes, all swimming in a full-on saffron broth—are well-orchestrated balancing acts of texture and flavor. Factor in incredibly attentive service and a well-edited wine list, and you've got a bistro that defines modern classic. 124 Washington Street (Route 153), Norwell, MA .
Koo de Kir
Seems that lately almost every home accessories shop is big on minimalism—in presentation and selection, anyway. (Price is another matter.) Shoppers who are tired of wandering through spartan stores with items and price tags that belong in the Museum of Modern Art can take refuge at Koo de Kir, where the stock is fresh and edgy, yet approachable in both style and cost. Phonetically named for the French phrase coup de coeur, which means "a strike to the heart," Koo endears itself to those searching for such stylish, of-the-moment accents as magnetic spice racks and sheepskin runners. Need help getting your dwelling up to speed? Take advantage of Koo's free design consultations, at the able hands of the store's interior designers. 34 Charles St., Boston, MA koodekir.com.
Twinkle Star
Hey, we have no quibbles with Winnie the Pooh's red belly shirt or Corduroy's hobo-chic overalls. Our storybook buds have long proven they can work the one-piece look. Kids need more head-to-toe options, though. To outfit your own little character, look to Twinkle Star. Recently relocated to Porter Square from Somerville, this boutique covering infants to age seven now features a broader mix of big names (Le Top, Zutano) and love-at-first-sight labels (Beary Basics, Revo Baby) than the hipster-kid boutiques you'll find in the Back Bay. Twinkle Star's prices are friendlier, too. Owners (and parents of three) Kerri and Lucas Friedlaender have an eye for eco-friendly wares, like Kicky Pants' silky bamboo separates, and modern colors. Cambridge, MA 2140,
Crane & Co. Paper Makers
Most people don't give stationery a second thought. Then they get engaged and suddenly need an expert opinion on a forest's worth of papers—invitations, save-the-date cards, programs, thank-you notes. Dalton-based Crane, manufacturer of the most classic and elegant wedding stationery collections on the finest-quality paper, makes sense of it all. For tastes that veer toward the modern, there's a newer line of invites that don't follow the classic models. An experienced staff helps you find exactly the right paper and style to fit your budget, and even occasionally eschews tradition by letting you in on a little secret: You don't need that expensive second envelope nowadays. (Our saleswoman whispered that it was used to keep the invitation clean back when mail was carried on horseback.) Prudential Center, Boston, MA crane.com.
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
"It's okay to hold the mayonnaise or mustard but not the meals tax," warned the DOR when temporarily closing down that Boston landmark and gastronomic nightmare, Buzzy's Fabulous Roast Beef. Who said bureaucrats don't have a sense of humor?
Marjorie Clapprood
Her Sunday cable talk show, Clapprood Live, featured Marjorie flirting with Jack Kevorkian. In a surreal interview, Clapprood praised Mr. Sleepy's choice in ties and promised to find him some female companionship. Maybe Der Silber was the sane one after all.
Velvet Ribbon
The neighborhood's lone beacon of designer chic, Nicole Pham's boutique offers moderately priced styles by Poleci, Shin Choi, Susana Monaco, et al. 1620 Beacon St. Suite 1, Brookline, MA 2446, .
Cot'n Kidz
Somehow, the two moms who own this store have managed to stock it full of environmentally correct clothes (natural fibers and cloth diaper systems) that are bright, attractive, and moderately priced. 331 Watertown St., Nonantum, MA .
Merengue
Not even the drizzliest, dreariest New England day can cast a pall at Merengue, a Dominican institution saturated with the color and warmth of a Caribbean sunset. Surrounded by walls and ceilings painted pink, sky blue, yellow, green, and vermilion, diners tuck into seafood and meat vibrant with garlic, Creole spices, and other signature island flavors. Sure bets for newcomers include the mashed plantains filled with shredded chicken or pork—dumplings la the D.R.—and creamy shakes showcasing tropical fruits like mango and guava. Further brightening the scene are co-owner Héctor Pina's genial presence and frequent visits by high-wattage Red Sox clientele. 160 Blue Hill Ave., Boston, MA 2119, merenguerestaurant.com.
Aldo Shoes
This Montreal-based store carries mostly moderately priced European imports. From pumps for women to rugged boots for men, there is something for every foot, but there's only one pair per size in most styles, so get there often. 180 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Neiman Marcus
From slinky little slip dresses at moderate prices to outrageously extravagant—and expensive—couture gowns with French pedigrees, Neiman's solves the problem of nothing to wear. The real challenge? Finding an occasion grand enough for the dresses. 5 Copley Place, Boston, MA .