Rachel Sundet, State Park
Photograph by Webb Chappell One of our favorite pastimes has been a movie at the Kendall chased by a chilled espresso martini and one of Rachel Sundet's home-style desserts at Hungry Mother's bar. Sadly, the restaurant will be closing July 3, but until the team opens its new concept in the same space, you can enjoy Sundet's grasshopper panna cotta, Funfetti layer cake, and "chocolate-covered snacky goodness" at Hungry Mother's sister restaurant, State Park. 1 Kendall Sq., Cambridge, MA 02141, statepark.is.
Avenue Victor Hugo Bookshop
The Avenue Victor Hugo Bookshop is still unpacking from its move up the block. Even so, there's a comfortable slovenliness in the remaining unopened boxes, a librarian's jumble that reminds you not to hurry past that sleeping treasure on the untouched shelf. Classics, history, 1950s sci-fi magazines—the aisles are silent feasts, and the selection is for gluttons. A self-described "outpost of civilization," perhaps the store is better dubbed the Black Hole of Newbury Street, because once you walk in, it's almost impossible to extract yourself. 353 Newbury St., Boston, MA .
Al Giordano, the <em>Boston Phoenix</em>
Don't take Giordano to the racetrack. In one year, he has championed the campaigns of Rosaria Salerno for mayor, Janet Jeghelian for Senate, and Joe Kennedy for governor. Let's hope Al doesn't pick the Patriots in the AFC East.
Tasting Counter
Considering how chained we’ve been to Zoom during workdays, a meal kit that includes a “virtual interactive dining experience” has to be really, really good to get us in front of a laptop on weekends. Exhibit A: TC@Home, Saturday-night livestreams that guide us through unboxing everything we need to prepare and artfully plate courses of the same haute cuisine — say, dry-aged duck with fermented autumn olive — served at chef Peter Ungár’s innovative fine-dining restaurant. Our rating? Two thumbs-up emojis. 14 Tyler St., Somerville, MA 02143, tastingcounter.com.
ADT Security Systems
They've wired museums, including the Smithsonian. And they'll do free home-security analyses. 11 North Ave., Burlington, MA .
Reggie Macamaux, Rollins Protective Services
Rollins is, of course, a nationwide outfit; you wouldn't want a fly-by-night local protecting your home, would you? Macamaux's been with the firm for three years, and as the greater Boston branch manager, he supervises eight others. He's high on the wireless alarm system these days, a device that hooks into a central station manned 24 hours a day. "We have 'preventive' maintenance checks, 24-hour service, and 24-hour communications with the wireless," he boasts. It's not cheap—$1,900 to $2,400, depending upon the number of doors, windows, and other vulnerable areas—but it's sure a good night's sleep. Burlington, MA
Mandarin Oriental, Boston
With several high-end hotels peppered across the city, Boston is becoming a crowded field for event space. But due in part to its can’t-be-beat location in the heart of the Back Bay, this recently renovated ballroom is a win for the party circuit. The main venue hosts some 600 people, the hotel staff make valet parking a cinch, and you can always sneak downstairs to check out chef Gordon Ramsay’s exclusive Boston outpost, one of the hottest spots in town. 776 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02199, mandarinoriental.com.
Kevin Cradock Builders
Hailing from Jamaica Plain, Kevin Cradock grew up finding inspiration in his neighborhood’s historical architecture, and his admiration for carpentry and traditional craftsmanship is a large part of his company’s foundation (in fact, he even designs his own cabinetry, furniture, and millwork). The firm, which recently marked its 25th year in business, collaborates with a host of local architects and designers to ensure each project is distinctive and long-lasting. 1476 River St., Boston, MA 02136, cradockbuilders.com.
Yoshinoya
This Central Square institution has been providing the Boston Japanese (and other tofu freaks) with the ingredients for their home cooking for years. Yoshinoya's endless variety of fish, nori (edible seaweed), fresh fish, and all the snacks and sweets one could wish for make this the place to begin the preparations for any good Japanese meal. 36 Prospect St., Cambridge, MA .
George Wright Golf Club
This Donald Ross-designed course is tucked deep in the heart of Hyde Park. Once you're there, you'll find a challenging Depression-era par-70 layout that calls for patience: The two par fives are reachable in two shots only for the longer hitters, while the par fours vary from the very long (the 450-yard #10) to the very short (the 313-yard #2). Holes 8 through 10 can make or break a good round. Expect a good test of all facets of your game, in addition to some considerable time waiting to tee off. This is city golf, after all. 420 West St., Hyde Park, MA .
Simcha
Adrien Shemtov/Yemenite fried chicken Ari Shemtov’s Israeli-fusion menu is full of gems such as deep-fried feta, chickpea poutine with brisket, and couscous arancini, but it pays to time your contactless pickup order to one of the chef ’s weekly specials (don’t miss the Wednesday-night barbecue package complete with ribs, chicken wings, and a whole smoked snapper). That’s not the only way Shemtov is feeding the community in these tough times: The restaurant also offers a food-share program that provides a “one-size-fits-all” box of provisions at restaurant cost. 370 S. Main St., Sharon, MA 02067, simcharestaurant.com.
December Thieves
Ever feel like you can’t find everything you need to complete your outfit in just one shop? Never fear: Lana Bakarat’s accessories empire spans two storefronts just blocks apart in Beacon Hill. Her collection includes graphic silk scarves from the French label Année, silver-leather open-toed booties from the Berlin brand Trippen, and cowhide clutches handmade in Oregon. And if you get home and realize you still need one last piece to put it all together, click over to her new online store. 51 and 88 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114, decemberthieves.com.
South End Formaggio
Here's one neighborhood shop that wins big on several fronts. Hardcore foodies drool over its petite but unparalleled stock of spreads, produce, and exotic cheeses. Culinary novices appreciate such hard-to-find items as mini-Turkish plums, wild asparagus, and "capers in salt from the Islands of Salinas," thanks to the detailed descriptions that accompany them. Even grifters (the avid samplers and snitchers in all of us) find solace here in the many free tasting plates so generously left about. Don't cook? Take home a helping of duck breast or one of the other carryout dishes. 268 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA southendformaggio.com.
Jumbo Seafood Restaurant
On any given night you'll find some of the city's top chefs here after work with chopsticks waving. The eight water tanks filled with live seafood make fish and shellfish obvious choices. Crispy calamari with jalapeño peppers go down like popcorn. And whole fish in a sweet and spicy sauce may cause you to look left, then right, then lick the plate if no one's looking. They're all stellar examples of fresh and delicious Hong Kong-style cuisine, but the kitchen also soars with pork chops, garlic-laden fresh pea tendrils, and eggplant. Added bonus: Jumbo stays open into the wee hours of the morning. 5 Hudson St., Boston, MA jumboseafoodrestaurant.net.
Claudiane Philippe
Contributed photo UX designer, Maggie fashion model, and influencer extraordinaire, Claudiane Philippe is one busy gal:The 30-year-old Waltham native creates content for not one but three Instagram accounts: @cphilipp, a lifestyle blog; @itsclaudiane, focusing on all things beauty; and @nailthecocktail, highlighting Boston’s best cocktails. She’s also bringing awareness to social justice. To wit: To celebrate Black beauty, she posted a different look each day in honor of Black History Month, and throughout the pandemic, she named each of the DIY drinks on her cocktail blog after a person of color who died at the hands of police. Call it style with a whole lot of substance.