John Lam’s Favorite Things
Photograph by Jared Leeds
If you follow dance at all, chances are you’ve seen John Lam perform. Since landing at the Boston Ballet in 2003—by way of Canada’s National Ballet School—he’s glissaded and pliéd in everything from Don Quixote to A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Although the Marin County, California, native still calls Sausalito his favorite city in the world, Lam has embraced the East Coast, especially the South End, where he lives with his husband, real estate and redevelopment lawyer John Ruggieri; their six-month-old son, Giovanni; two cocker spaniels; and a Chihuahua. Here, the one-time Oberon shares some of his personal bests.
PURVEYORS
Flowers: Lotus Designs is a true gem in the South End.
Baked Goods: Flour.
Meat and Produce: Foodie’s Urban Market.
Cheese: Anything truffle-infused from Formaggio Kitchen is the way to go.
Ice Cream: Picco.
Linens: Bloomingdale’s for great quality, and Hudson for special purchases.
Glasses: Simon Pearce has the best handmade glassware. I love it.
Jeans: AllSaints, G-Star Raw, and Topman are my go-tos.
Sporting Equipment: City Sports. Lululemon is also a great place to get your yoga on.
Furniture: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. These two boys truly are making a great brand and name for themselves.
Stationery: Richard Cobb,of Winsor Cobb Design, has created timeless, fun, and gorgeous custom stationery for me.
SERVICE PROS
Cleaner: French Cleaners.
Tailor: Rodolfo’s Tailoring.
Dog Walker: D’Tails Pet Boutique for daily walking, and Urban Hound Hotel for exceptional boarding and care.
DIVERSIONS
Composer: Philip Glass. I love the quick tempos and scores that he creates.
Style Icons: Tom Ford and Alexander McQueen, hands down.
New England Getaways: Woodstock, Vermont, and Ogunquit, Maine.
Favorite City in the World: Sausalito, in my home county.
City that Makes You Glad to Come Home to Boston: Raleigh, North Carolina. Sorry.
THE LAST…
Concert You Saw: Donna Summer and, before that, Lady Gaga.
TV Series You Followed: The New Normal and Modern Family.
Splurge that Was Worth It: Shrimp cocktail and steaks at Abe & Louie’s.
MUST-HAVES
Beauty Products: Aveda “All-Sensitive” moisturizer and Fresh soy face cleanser.
Jewelry: My Harry Winston wedding band and David Yurman black diamond cross necklace.
Everyday Uniform: Jeans, sneakers, and a nice shirt.
Fragrance: Tom Ford Beauty’s “Lavender Palm.”
Drink Order, Alcoholic: Amaretto sour.
Drink Order, Non-Alcoholic: Cranberry and soda with a wedge of lime, or bubble tea.
iPhone App: Instagram.
Gadgets: A bone stimulator and the Game Ready machine.
Takeout Food: Sunrise Chinese is incredible late at night.
Sneakers: I’m a Nike fan.
Go-To Recipe: Mom’s egg rolls. They take forever to make, but they’re so worth it.
Necessary Extravagances: Goyard accessories with custom handpainted stripes or initials and a vintage Rolex.
HIDDEN GEMS
Green Spaces: Peters Parkand Worcester Square.
Club: Somerset Club.
Restaurants: Orinoco or the Daily Catch.
Spot for Cocktails: Stella, when I occasionally order one.
Photograph by Bruce Peterson. Styling by Jenny Wilson/Anchor Artists.
1. Lotus Designs 2. Formaggio Kitchen 3. Hudson 4. Simon Pearce 5. D’Tails Pet Boutique 6. Tom Ford Beauty’s “Lavender Palm” 7. Nike 8. Goyard accessories with custom handpainted stripes or initials.
