Fugakyu
This giant temple to raw fish may look like a Zen sanctuary, but don't expect any peace or quiet. Between the circular sushi bar's clamor and the bustle of waitresses trying to keep up with the relentless demand for maki, it's difficult to meditate on the menu, let alone anything else. But then the reason for all this fuss arrives at your table: shining piles of pliant, deep ruby mahuro sashimi, briny and sweet abalone, luscious and firm yellowtail maki, and buttery, sweet toro. The exotic and artistically rendered fish here is unrivaled in the city—but even that, like the rest of Fugakyu, is more mind-blowing than mind-clearing. 1280 Beacon St., Brookline, MA fugakyu.net.
Green Home Solutions
Increasingly popular in commercial projects, green renovations are still relatively rare for private homes, which is odd, considering they cut utility costs, boost resale value, and, oh yeah, help keep the planet from dying. With more than 25 years' experience under his belt, Paul Marquis is doing his part to change that, as he takes homeowners through the entire project—from recommending eco-conscious architects and contractors to finding landfill alternatives for construction materials—with a thoroughness that any home consultant, green or otherwise, should aspire to. P.O. Box 164, Arlington, MA .
Gift at the Gardner
Unveiled as part of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum's new wing in January, this shop's jewelry, housewares, books, and children's items are crafted by artists from all over the world. Plans are also in the works to sell prints of artworks. 280 Fenway, Boston, MA 2115, gardnermuseum.org.
Constitution Marina Charters
Gorgeous boats, gracious hosts. They'll do the planning or let you do it yourself—catering, liquor, whatever. Variety of boat sizes, but we especially liked the 42-foot Bristol. 28 Constitution Rd., Charlestown, MA .
Bump
This tucked-away kaleidoscope of a boutique takes mommy chic seriously. Owner Patricia Marks-Martinovich sells richly patterned Diane von Furstenberg dresses and trim Chaiken pants, and seeks out new and hard to find lines such as La Robe Bleue and HommeMummy. No wonder the bulging belly is the new black. 45 River St., Boston, MA 2124, bumpshoppe.com.
Barbara Lynch, Barbara Lynch Gruppo
Not content merely to launch the city's best new restaurant and upscale bar while keeping No. 9 Park, B&G Oysters, and the Butcher Shop running on all cylinders, Lynch is now planning a fine-dining concept in Fort Point. Her ambition, like her excellence, knows no bounds. barbaralynch.com.
Crossing Main
This small boutique proves that bigger isn't always better. Its meticulously culled collection of women's wear is a perfect mix of contemporary and traditional. Even the classics have a modern twist. There's also a good selection of toile pants, exquisite seasonal jackets, silver jewelry, Prada wallets, and Anya Hindmarch leather handbags. 5 Main St., Hingham, MA crossingmain.com.
Vox Populi
In this den of preppy testosterone, the open floor plan encourages circulating (the better to scope prospects), the pop soundtrack doesn't drown out conversation (the better to initiate small talk), and the martini menu is 20 varieties long (the better to loosen your inhibitions). 755 Boylston St., Boston, MA 2116, voxboston.com.
Shubie's
Planning a gourmet summer picnic? Head to Shubie's and shop for crème fraîche, mountain Gorgonzola, and handcrafted baguettes, as well as salmon steaks and rosemary lamb chops. Its wine store has bottles from around the globe (and free Friday tastings). Pack up the cooler and enjoy. 16 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, MA shubies.com.
Blue Dry Goods
The menswear shop of your yacht-club dreams exists in Concord Center (naturally), where you’ll find all the gear necessary for a Nantucket weekend or a day on the links—from little boys’ blazers to cuff links to a massive selection of Vineyard Vines pants and coats. 16 Walden St., Concord, MA 01742, bluedrygoods.com.
Sekali
Whenever Sekali announces preorders on Instagram, the food sells out faster than plane tickets for post-vaccine vacations. Why? Because Borneo-born chef Derrick Teh’s transportive, modern Malaysian-inspired recipes are world-class — from the jars of sweet and creamy coconut-milk jam he home-delivered during the pandemic to the plates of richly spiced short-rib rendang available for pickup during his restaurant pop-ups. He doesn’t have his own brick-and-mortar (yet!), but with talent like this, he’ll go far no matter what the future holds. instagram.com/sekaliboston.
The Rooftop Pool at the Colonnade Hotel
Preen under the sunlit umbrellas, lounge with an icy, rum-laced banana mama, and watch the Portofino-meets-Prudential scene unfold. The Colonnade's rooftop pool itself may not be much bigger than your average backyard version, but its entertainment factor is larger than life. Besides, where else can city dwellers count Speedos, nosh on croque monsieur, and watch as a gigantic steel plank is hoisted to the top of an abutting building site—all while floating on their backs? Be warned: Sybaritic city escapes don't come cheap. Nonmembers pay a $22 entrance fee ($27 on Fridays). 120 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA colonnadehotel.com/roof_top_pool.
Jay Gordon, Oliver Mak, and Dan Natola, Bodega
Photograph by PJ Couture Drawing on their unmatched knowledge of urban art and fashion, the owners of this hidden sneaker boutique have quietly amassed a collection of über-hip pieces from up-and-coming streetwear designers around the world. Think: colorblocked windbreakers from the Dutch artist Parra and striped denim pants from Grind London. 6 Clearway St., Boston, MA 02115, shop.bdgastore.com.
Tile Showcase
Planning a back splash in your kitchen? A mosaic in your bathroom? Tiling your entryway or looking for flagstones for your patio? The selection might be overwhelming, but the consultants are adept at navigating you through the many lines such as Country Floors, Grazia, Emil Ceramica, and Tagina. They'll also help answer any design questions. 1 Design Center Place, Boston, MA .
Vapor
The owners of Chaps were so excited about last summer's renovation that they gave their club a new name. Reincarnated as Vapor, the space has a new floor plan, a beefed-up sound system, and an amplified light show. Already the high-energy dance hall is a hot scene, complete with Manhattan deejays on the weekends. 100 Warrenton Street, Boston, MA .