Mercury Bar
Where you'll find one of the hottest bar scenes in town and Steve Johnson, one of the hottest new chefs. The extensive tapas menu shows influences from around the world. We adore the Vietnamese Spring Rolls, the Stilton and Figs, and especially the Grilled Portuguese Sardines with Chunky Fennel Vinaigrette. 116 Boylston St., Boston, MA .
Lunette Optic
Photograph by Karin Dailey There’s nothing worse than having to go to one place for an eye exam and another for a cool pair of frames. That’s why we love Lunette, which offers comprehensive vision evals and an exclusive lineup of high-end glasses and shades all in one place. Not only do owners Ted Mogtader and Michelle Rahimian stock the largest selection of Chanel sunglasses in Boston, but they also carry hard-to-find brands such as Kuboraum — a fave of celebs like Oprah and Lady Gaga — as well as their own Mora collection, produced in Italy and Japan. And with six locations (including two new ones opening this summer in the Mandarin Oriental and Harvard Square), it’s easier than ever to find the perfect pair. Multiple locations, lunetteoptic.com.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Whether required for stalking an ex, masking last night's excesses, or just plain blocking the sun, sunglasses are a very personal accessory—they're the shades on the windows to one's soul, after all. Eyewear emporium Robert Marc gets top marks for its sleek styles, but the one-brand situation leaves something to be desired. And while the high-to-low price spectrum at Solstice is laudable, it can't compare to Saks, where choices abound for men and women of seemingly all tastes and budgets: Museum-rare Chloé, Valentinos, and Cavallis reign among hundreds of frames from Prada, Dior, and Oliver Peoples, and even Marc by Marc Jacobs pairs that can be had for less than $100. 800 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2118, saksfifthavenue.com.
Daedalus
If you don't mind a crowd, head to the rooftop bar for one of the best outdoor drinking scenes the city has to offer. Prefer something a touch tamer? Step inside or head downstairs. That's the beauty of drinking at Daedalus—two different bars in one building. 45 1/2 Mount Auburn St., Cambridge, MA 02138, .
The 'Quin House
Photo by Jenna Ohnemus-Peffley Looking for business and creative professionals with eclectic experiences and abilities who are passionate about the arts, innovation, philanthropy, and more? All inside a gorgeous and historic Commonwealth Avenue mansion that showcases one of the city’s finest art collections? Then you have the makings to become a member of the ’Quin House, the jaw-dropping achievement of Sandy and Paul Edgerley, who brought the former Algonquin Club back to life several years ago with a deep commitment to building community in Boston. With a new tequila bar coming soon, the ’Quin remains the members-only place to see old friends and make new ones. 217 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA 02116, thequinhouse.com.
Mantra
It's no wonder Food & Wine magazine chose Thomas John as one of the country's 10 best chefs this year. His sophisticated Indian-accented French cuisine has made Mantra such a destination that it's spawned its own cult following. Creations such as grilled lamb loin with saffron coconut sauce or spice-crusted halibut are so delicate and flavorful, they're swoon-inducing. Conveniently, Mantra's 20-foot wooden hookah den is the perfect retreat after indulging in the addictive cuisine. That's where Mantra devotees congregate to sample strawberry-, apple-, and grape-flavored tobacco hookahs and titter about the one-way mirrors in the futuristic downstairs bathrooms. 52 Temple Place, Boston, MA mantrarestaurant.com.
Ed Owens
When Ed's father, Henry, started the business in 1927, his equipment consisted of one horse and one buggy. Today, the list reads: seven vans, four trailer trucks, two pickups, two cranes, and a thirty-thousand-square-foot warehouse. Affiliated with Global Van Lines, Owens Movers (129 Sherman St., Cambridge, 876-8390) will handle everything from moving large companies (Prudential and Gillette have been moving their customers) to moving pianos (a specialty). "Even so," Ed Owens says, "we're a small, union firm, basically a father-and-son operation. We're honest with folks. We have more to lose, and everything to gain." Owens Movers, 129 Sherman St., Cambridge, MA 617-876-8390.
Revere Beach Reservation
Born from the civic altruism that also created the Emerald Necklace, Revere Beach was the first public beach in America, and thanks to a centennial restoration that began in 1996, it's again one of the best. The bathhouses might still be funky and the surrounding apartment buildings can be eyesores, but the bandstand is spiffed up, and the sand and water are clean, making the nearly three-mile crescent lapped by the Atlantic one of New England's most beautiful beaches. If it were in Rio, there would be a song about it. Where else can you watch 747s set down like giant birds as you do the backstroke, or forgo your summer potboiler to read the tattoos on passerby? If Revere is the people's beach, then power to the people. Revere Beach Boulevard, Revere, MA .
Vows Bridal Outlet
Dress shopping can bring out the Bridezilla in any woman; Vows is the place to go for the ones who want to spend less than a manicured arm and a high-heeled leg. The showroom is constantly stocked with hundreds of exquisite gowns from dozens of designer labels (yes, girls, that means Tyler, Wang, and Hjelm) at often less than half the original prices. The young, thoughtful, and well-informed staff gives its attentive service to one customer at a time, making the dress-shopping experience not only less expensive, but infinitely less stressful. 334 Watertown St., Newtown, MA bridepower.com.
Saltie Girl
One of the first restaurants to bring the concept of high-end tinned fish to our shores, this cheerful spot also excels in seafood of the uncooked variety. Opt for a dozen South Bays, or go all in with cobia, razor clams, and one of three varieties of sea urchin. There's no shortage of fish in these waters. 281 Dartmouth St., Boston, MA 02116, saltiegirl.com.
Kenzie Kids and K Girl
This is where all the best-dressed kids in school shop. One side of the store caters to wee ones with Little Giraffe onesies, Deux Par Deux dresses and jeans, Splendid tees, and Montclair jackets. The other side, meanwhile, features trendy designer looks (Chloe dresses, Armani jackets) for budding fashionistas in their tweens and teens. 200 Linden St., Wellesley, MA kenziekids.com.
Olfactory NYC
courtesy photo (perfume) If you’ve ever spent hours sniffing countless fragrances, fruitless in your attempt to find one that’s just right, Olfactory will be your savior. Inside this new perfume lovers’ paradise, “scentologists” will help you select one of a dozen core scents to combine with complementary notes of your choosing (think a vanilla-cedarwood base with peach notes) to create a fragrance suited to your exact desires. It’s like an über-luxurious compounding pharmacy, but for perfume. 133 Newbury St., Boston , MA 02116, olfactorynyc.com.
Styled by Gilda
Allie Dowd When you’re ready to ditch the old you, Gilda Miranda stands ready to build the closet of your dreams. The Boston-based stylist can maximize what you already own with virtual consultations and in-person closet editing, or spice up your wardrobe with great new pieces during one-on-one shopping trips. Whatever you choose, it’ll be an investment in yourself totally worth making. styledbygilda.com.
Encore Boston Harbor
Encore Boston Harbor With travel outside the state still a gamble, we’re lucky to have this riverfront resort casino right in our backyard, providing top-notch dining options; gorgeous rooms with marble-tiled bathrooms; and, of course, a Vegas-worthy gaming floor to those in need of a break—preferably a lucky one. The one thing this place doesn’t roll the dice on? Guests’ well-being, with reopening plans developed in conjunction with public health experts. One Broadway, Everett, MA 02149, encorebostonharbor.com.
The Village Market
It opened a year ago to give Roslindale residents a more convenient place to shop. But no one expected the excellent service, friendliness, and variety—and no one dreamed this neighborhood market would steadily siphon customers from the chains. It really shouldn't be surprising: If you could get an abundance of fresh produce, health foods, baked goods, sushi, prepared foods, and all the staples you need, wouldn't you avoid the chainstore bustle? 30 Corinth St., Roslindale Village, MA .