O Ya
Some say Tim and Nancy Cushman's first restaurant hasn't changed much in the decade since it opened, and they're right: Night after night, sushi chefs labor over the same truffle-oil-finished hamachi with banana pepper and gold-leaf-kissed onsen eggs that they served years ago. But the funky-meets-refined izakaya is still our go-to for blowout bites of toro, foie, and Wagyu, not to mention above-and-beyond service (did you know that you can request stain remover at the host stand?). Happy 10th birthday, O Ya—here's to many more years of unbridled decadence. 9 East St., Boston, MA 02111, o-ya.restaurant.
Get Konnected!
There would be a lot more strangers in Boston without this multicultural networking group, which aims to remind business leaders of all backgrounds that our economy is a web, stronger when we work together. Run by public relations maven Colette Phillips, the organization has long linked a diverse range of professionals through job listings, a digital magazine, and high-profile events honoring influential people of color. Now it’s doing so through webinars about how small businesses can survive the pandemic, mentoring sessions with senior execs, and more—all online for everyone to take part in. getkonnected.com.
Sault New England
With so much that’s changed over the past year, it’s reassuring to know that we can still rely on this institution to keep our closets stocked with broken-in tees, khaki shorts, soft button-downs, and other classic styles. Owner Philip Saul is known for his precise vision and impeccable taste in menswear, but he should also be applauded for navigating the pandemic by offering curbside pickup and re-upping the store’s e-commerce presence so his loyal customers could nail that effortless New England style effortlessly. 577 Tremont St., Boston, MA 02118, saultne.com.
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.
Leila Garczynski, Exhale
When testing this category, one might expect things to get a little uncomfortable. But unsanitary? Thanks, but no thanks! (In truth, some of the most pain-free waxes weve ever had were disqualified because of sketchy hygieneas in, double-dipping wax from a communal pot.) Luckily, just when we were contemplating letting our bikini line go rogue, we met Exhale pro Garczynski. In addition to the fact that she creates a fresh container of wax for each customer, shes quick and thorough, and any ingrown hairs worst enemy. 28 Arlington St., Boston, MA 2116, .
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental
We resisted loving the Spa at the Mandarin. One, it's a chain. Two, it's in a hotel. But our opposition began to waver as soon as we hit the locker rooms, presented here as immaculate, fully stocked, beautifully designed 'guest lounges.' Then there were the one-of-a-kind amenities—a crystal steam room that evokes Space Mountain (in a good way), a Vichy shower with color therapy—and a full menu of excellent pedis, massages, and body treatments. Factor in a staff so exquisitely attentive we almost forgot we were not, in fact, itinerant European royals, and, needless to say, we surrendered. 776 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2199, mandarinoriental.com.
Salon Mario Russo
Even if this nationally lauded salon relied only on the coifing talents of Russo himself, it could top our list. But with the same perfectionist style and daring he brings to a haircut, Russo has assembled a powerhouse of crackerjack stylists. There's master colorist John Brosnan. Experts like Corey Henderson and Michael Casey (who just grabbed a Best of New York for his work as head colorist at Oribe salon) shuttle regularly between Manhattan and Newbury Street. Then there are the smaller (but no less appreciated) perks, like terrific manicures from Maria Rodrigues, and the best head massages known to man. 9 Newbury St., Boston, MA mariorusso.com.
A Matter of Face
Don't fret the closure of Shu Uemura's beloved Newbury Street boutique (our former fave). Just head for A Matter of Face in the North End. Unlike some bigger cosmetics chains—where selection is vast, but service is often lacking—owner and makeup artist Paula Tierney is hands-on, helping shoppers choose colors and formulations from a stellar lineup of hard-to-find brands like Julie Hewett and Paula Dorf. Consultations on skin health by experts from Darphin, Caudalie, and others will help you maintain a smooth complexion—the perfect canvas for those playful cosmetics. 425 Hanover St., Boston, MA 2113, amatterofface.com.
Riccardi
Buying within a clothing genre whose designers seem to delight in tweaking our dysmorphic tendencies has left us feeling broke, fat, and alone on more than one occasion. But at Riccardi, no body is left behind. With original denim-obsessed hipster Riccardo Dallai Sr. at the helm, brands show up here before the kids (not to mention the department stores) even know to lust after them, and the dozen-plus lines in stockcult favorites like Nineteen48, Nudie, Ksubi, and Superfinecater to thin, thick, petite, pear-shaped, stick-straight, and overly self-critical alike. 116 Newbury St, Boston, MA 2116, riccardiboston.com.
The Tannery
Despite recent hubbub over Salem's retail revival, the miles-walked-to-treasures-found ratio at the Tannery—an old leather mill packed with more than 40 shops and services—remains the most enticing on the North Shore. It boasts two previous Best of Boston winners, Shanti Salon and luxe homegoods shop Wishbasket, as well as two of our favorite kinds of independents: bookstore (Jabberwocky Books) and toy store (Eureka). Summer has the added lure of the local farmers' market; during the holidays, the Tannery has a lock on one-stop gift shopping. 75 Water St., Newburyport, MA 1950, tannerymarketplace.com.
City Sports
It has what a good sporting store should—which is to say, everything—but what sets City Sports apart is customer satisfaction. When we asked a sales associate which kind of catcher's mitt our nephew would need for his first season of Little League, we were impressed by the quick, unfazed response: He doesn't need a catcher's mitt. Better to get him a normal, cheaper glove. Kids that age don't throw hard anyway. If we'd actually had a nephew (some liberties were taken with the truth for research purposes), that's exactly what we would have done. 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, MA 2138, citysports.com.
Bird by Bird
Gingham rompers? Sailor suits? Excuse our spit-up, Mom and Dad, but you need to check yourselves: That stuff's strictly for the outta-towners. We urban babes need something with a bit more attitude, like tees paying homage to Bruce Lee and Frank Sinatra, along with slick Pluie Pluie rain gear and funky kicks by See Kai Run. And if we absolutely must submit to the affront of being swaddled, please let it be in a simple slate-gray blanket from Toby + Rei, not some friggin' Disneyfied nightmare. A shopping excursion to Bird by Bird should do the trick. Hand us that crayon—we'll draw you a map. 1361 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 2139, .
Olivia Rose Children's Boutique
Scientists theorize that cute babies have had an evolutional leg up, as our Stone Age ancestors were less likely to abandon them. Modern-day parents are obviously far more civilized—but all the same, one could argue that Olivia Rose owner Gloria Peotrowski does give her tiny customers an edge. Her racks of darling yet functional clothing and accessories—including tees from California brand Le Top, colorful leggings by Mulberribush, and jumpers by Sweet Potatoes (tagged with product names like 'You're My Pumpkin Pie')—make their wearers so adorable, they'll be able to get away with anything. 1945 Ocean St., Marshfield, MA 2050, oliviarosechildrensboutique.com.
Wild Goose Chase
We know: It's better to give than to receive. Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Frankly, we beg to differ. But when we have to do the buying, we make our first stop Wild Goose Chase, whose owners, Irene Chang and Bob Kelly, embrace the age-old mantra and strive to make gift-giving fun. With a stock of Infinity jewelry boxes, Ashleigh Manor picture frames, Patrick Meyer sugar spoons, and Stephen Dixon rings, the boutique has no shortage of appropriate presents for anniversaries, apologies, and every event in between. 1355 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 2446, thewildgoosechase.com.
James Joseph Salon
Gushing is not usually our style, but in the case of William George's smart Newbury Street salon, we can't help but go on. Men and women alike will feel comfortable here, because each stylist establishes trust before attempting any 'do. The unintimidating decor is part of the appeal: blond wood floors, exposed brick walls, and brushed steel furniture provide a pleasing backdrop. Plus, the price range for various services, $16-$175 (haircuts $30-$60), is reasonable, which means that you can and should come often for some low-key pampering. 168 Newbury Street, Boston, MA jamesjosephsalon.com.