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History Lesson

Stuff Boston — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:00:00 GMT

We don't mean to be greedy, but as excited as we are about the 140 types of beer that we can sip at Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale (50 Temple Place, Boston), the new gastropub slated to pour its first pint on December 7, we'd really like them to add one more: then they could match the 141-year history of the downtown address, a four-story building placed on the National Register of Historic Places that once functioned as a women's corset store and was one of the few nearby structures to survive Boston's Great Fire of 1872. The new restaurant under chef Mark Cina (who serves up rabbit, quail, cod and one yummy-sounding burger) does incorporate plenty of its history: old iron safes, train tracks from the construction of the Park Street T station, and railings from the original Filene's mezzanine find new life as décor. Lighting comes from antique City of Boston lamplights, and fixtures of blown glass and tungsten wire pay tribute to Thomas Edison's reputed work in the neighborhood. Then there are other curiosities, like a towering 30-foot-long carved mahogany bar, a turn-of-the-century church pew, and an ornate one-chair shoe-shine stand. Finally, we're abuzz about the Friday Club, a speakeasy-style members-only subterranean space hidden down a dark alley off Winter Place. Though initially billing it as a "gentlemen-only" club, Stoddard's has since clarified that founding clubbers are entitled to invite new members of either sex to enjoy the zinc bar, private dining area, and antique photos of bare-knuckle boxing. TKO!

Peace on Earth at Aunt Sadie's

Stuff Boston — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Despite the inevitable insanity that comes with trying to squeeze in holiday shopping amid a 24/7 lifestyle in the Hub, it's important that we refocus our harried minds and enjoy the season in its intended spirit of reflection, charity, and goodwill (deep breath ... exhale ...). That's why we love the peacenik-in-a-pear-tree aesthetic at Aunt Sadie's (18 Union Park Street, Boston, 617.357.7117), where you'll now find pieces from designer Colby Foster, like this large peace sign door wreath ($399). Composed of dozens of smaller silver glass bulbs, the dazzling door decoration will remind you, and your holiday party guests, to check inner Grinches at the threshold (bonus: no pine needle clean-up!). But if you don't want to blow your whole bonus, you can also trim your tree with Foster's glittery silver peace sign ornaments ($6 each), which wouldn't have looked out of place in the swinging '70s. So the next time you're preparing to shove your stiletto heel into another shopper's back during a tense moment at the mall or choking on car exhaust and road rage on your way out of a parking garage, add an extra digit to your middle finger - and flip the peace sign instead.

Glam, Bam, Thank You Ma'am

Stuff Boston — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

There's no W in the word "overexposed," but don't think we're unaware of that fact that there's been plenty of ink devoted to the hot new Theater District hotel's rooms, restaurant, bar, décor - heck, just about everything about it. But you'll have to indulge us one last chance to sing the spot's praises before we wean ourselves off, as W The Store (100 Stuart Street, Boston, 617.310.6768) is one super-chic, expertly edited boutique that hits all the right notes. It's also a gorgeous showroom for the newly launched Global Glam, a limited-edition designer collection available exclusively at W stores. The hotel chain has partnered with a slew of international designers, who have created gorgeous fashion pieces inspired by five newly opened W locations: South Beach, Hong Kong, Istanbul, New York City - Downtown, and Santiago. That final city's "Neon Garden" capsule collection provides uplifting pops of color with pieces like the Floral Cluster Necklace by Lenora Dame ($184). Featuring enamel flowers of brightly dyed jade and peridot blooming across a 16-inch chain, the necklace sold out within days of the W Boston's opening, but we're promised the hot handmade accessory will be back right about the time you read this. That's also when the store should be receiving the "White Waves" NYC capsule's Jeweled Clutch by Adia Kibur ($150), a crystal-adorned rectangular clutch that gleams like a downtown disco ball. Shine on, glamazons.

Lucky Charms

Stuff Boston — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

Ladies, here's the secret Victoria doesn't want you to know: by the time you're stripped to your skivvies, only you - and not the average red-blooded American male - is concerned with the lingerie you're wearing. But we're certain that even his bedroom eyes will widen with ... ahem, admiration ... if you stop by Looc (12 Union Park Street, Boston, 617.357.5333) at the start of December. That's when the South End boutique becomes Boston's exclusive carrier of Amulette, a collection of sensual, romantic lingerie created by Colombian designer Johanna Isaac. But besides the gorgeous (and affordable, ranging from $30 to $150) pieces themselves, you'll both appreciate the sweet surprise inside: contained inside each label is a small wearable amulet for the owner. Past collections have included cherry blossoms, hearts, and feathers, but the charms inside Looc's collection will bear the shape of an elephant. Designer Isaac says the elephant symbolizes good luck and "strengthens love and faithfulness between couples." It's worth pointing out that in some cultures the elephant is also a symbol of fertility, which may or may not be what you and your significant other have in mind when you make use of these sexy numbers (so practice safe shopping, if necessary). But whatever meaning you ascribe to its trinkets, there's no doubt that Amulette is both chic and charming.

One If By Handbag

Stuff Boston — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

"The British are coming! The British are coming! And this time, they're carrying adorable little purses!" Okay, that's not the warning cry most Bostonians learned on their elementary-school field trips, but please allow us some historical revision as we celebrate the new arrival of Jocasi handbags at Persona (flagship store at The Shops at the Hotel Commonwealth, 504 Comm Ave, Boston, 617.266.3003; additional locations at the Taj Boston, Ritz Carlton, and Colonnade), which will serve as the exclusive U.S. outpost for the London-based bag and belt designer. There are cute quilted leather clutches and distressed styles with straps or chains, and most feature the brand's trademark "Union Jack boutique buckle," a bulky moon-shaped crescent capturing that other red, white, and blue subtly in brass. You can spot that on one of our favorites, the Miss City bag ($245), though we also love the version that replaces the buckle with a silver snake clasp. But among all the styles, probably the most dramatic is the one with a loud leopard-print backdrop setting off a screaming-red patent-leather Union Jack ($110). Come by land, come by sea, come however you like - just come over to our place afterwards so we can borrow your bag.

Tales of the City

Stuff Boston — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:00 GMT

The Hub is a city that holds dear the homegrown: we take pride in everything local, from our sports teams to our schools, our politicians to even, on occasion, our criminals. But with all due deference to a certain infamous Whitey, local color doesn't come any darker than in Boston Noir, a new anthology of short stories hitting shelves this month. The collection brings together 11 authors who craft their own unique noir thrillers, each set within a different neighborhood: the streets of Roxbury, Cambridge, and South Boston, the suburbs of Watertown and North Quincy, and even the waters of Boston Harbor are all mined for mystery. The collection is helmed by editor and contributor Dennis Lehane, the award-winning Dorchester native behind Mystic River, and represents the latest in publisher Akashic Books' city-hopping Noir series. They kicked off the concept with Brooklyn Noir back in 2004, and have since churned out 30 tomes spanning everywhere from Detroit to Dublin, Manhattan to Miami. A launch party for Boston Noir just closed out last week's first-ever Boston Book Festival, but upcoming author appearances will also be held on Thursday, November 5, at 7:30 p.m. at Back Pages Books (289 Moody Street, Waltham, 781.209.0631); Thursday, November 12, at 7 p.m. at Newtonville Books (296 Walnut Street, Newton, 617.244.6619); and Thursday, December 10, at 7 p.m. at Brookline Booksmith (279 Harvard Street, Brookline, 617.566.6660). So no matter what 'hood you call home, there's a story waiting for you.

Baggage Claim

Stuff Boston — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

In just a few weeks, it will be time to start thinking about holiday travel plans - and, more importantly, about where we can find fashionable adjustable waistlines to accommodate the Thanksgiving turkeys, Christmas hams, and New Year's champagne binge drinking that are sure to be part of the itinerary. Okay, maintaining a consistent size during the holidays isn't getting any easier, but at least now we have some super-chic luggage from Mandarina Duck to contain both our planned outfit changes and the inevitable yet unforeseen "I can't get the zipper up!" tragedies. Newly added at Passport (43 Brattle Street, Cambridge, 617.576.0900), Mandarina's latest line, DROP, features smoothly contoured pieces made of recyclable "PC Plus" polycarbonate that renders these wheeled trolley suitcases lightweight, waterproof, and elastically impact resistant (whether you return with bulges on your thighs, however, is between you, your willpower, and your aunt's holiday buffet). The bags ($310 for the 20-inch size, $380 for the 24-inch) are also temperature proof, presumably to help you transport souvenir chocolates and fruit cakes between climes, and more practical items can be locked away in any number of nifty compartments designed for laptops, shoes, toiletries, and whatnot. But most importantly, this contemporary luggage line is as attractive as it is functional, available at Passport in navy and gray now, with limited-edition silver and white slated to arrive by Thanksgiving. For that, we're grateful. Now pass us another helping of casserole from the table ... and those sweatpants from the zippered pouch.

Baker Baker

Stuff Boston — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

The bun is almost out of the oven at 201 Newbury Street, where none other than (pregnant pause) beloved London clothier Ted Baker is slated to open its first New England location in mid-to-late October. Falling into the space previously occupied by Gap, the store's interior is inspired by a Mad Hatter tea-party motif: think a checkerboard floor, topiary tea pots, glass top hats used as ceiling lights, and a check-out desk assembled from stacked tea cups. Ted Baker (should the uninitiated need a primer) takes the high-end approach to similar kinds of simple, casual-chic wardrobe staples, but adding spiffy formalwear as icing on a stylish cake. Thumbing through the successful UK brand's Fall 2009 collection, we see the reliable range of achingly dapper menswear (layering hooded tops under smart, sharp blazers is a hot seasonal approach) and women's knits and scarves so cozy they scream for accessorizing with a warm apple cider. The opening quickly follows the recent debut of the designer's new line, Born by Ted Baker, a super-casual men's collection of T-shirts and street wear complemented by a daily updated "lifestyle" website of cross-pond music news. However Baker makes it over here, by land or by sea, we look forward to this next fashion revolution.

Food and Lodging

Stuff Boston — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

The opening of two glam new hotels already has much of Boston drooling, but we're particularly salivating over the prospect of sinking our teeth into their accompanying restaurants. Opening on November 19 at the Ames (1 Court Street, Boston) is Seth Greenberg's Woodward, a two-floor "modern-day tavern" outfitted with both Victorian-inspired details and modern flourish, a juxtaposition that's characteristic of the Ames's overall design approach. Woodward will serve breakfast, lunch, and signature dinner items like rock shrimp with olives, cod loin, and short rib pot roast, all designed for sharing with dinner mates. And your merry gang will probably want to toss back a glass (or growler!) of an exclusive brew, the Woodward Ale, while those preferring a cocktail may find theirs garnished with a variety of fruits (cherries, figs, peaches) pickled in a Woodward signature brine. Moving from Ames to (almost) Z, the W Boston (100 Stuart Street, Boston) is opening on October 29 along with its restaurant Market, a venture from acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The globe-spanning French restaurateur actually began the stateside portion of his culinary career in Boston back in the 1980s, and he returns now with a menu of French-, Asian-, and Italian-inspired dishes divided into categories of Simply Raw, Fish, Meat, and a Market tasting menu. It's all served amid dramatic décor meant to evoke "the ocean rim and land's end." We predict stomachs so full that we'll need to check in after the check.

Midi of the Road

Stuff Boston — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

When Excelsior closed its doors earlier this year, Boston foodies lost a treasured high-end gem — and some prime real estate, a Boylston Street spot overlooking the Public Garden, lost an appetizing tenant. No more! In late October, the doors will swing open at Bistro du Midi (272 Boylston Street, Boston), which will be serving French Provençal cuisine under executive chef Robert Sisca, former sous chef at NYC’s Le Bernardin, an upscale spot considered one of the Big Apple’s juiciest bites. But New York isn’t the only outside locale exerting influence on this cosmopolitan culinary destination: Bistro du Midi is a partnership between Excelsior’s former owner, Boston’s Himmel Hospitality Group, and the London-based MARC Group, owner of several swank restaurants in the UK and US. And not only will the cuisine be complemented by artwork from France’s Midi region, but they’re even importing a Provençal pizza oven to fire up some authentic pissaladière (a style of southern French pizza). Expect a street-level bar serving food and drink from lunch through late night and an upstairs Garden-view dining room with wooden beams, Venetian plastered walls, and a fireplace, as well as two smaller rooms for private noshing. We’re promised “approachable, moderate” price points, but just as exciting is the spot’s outdoor patio, which is coming in the spring. It all sounds delish, so we’re happy to welcome Excelsior’s francophone inheritor with open arms and a big French kiss.

Buffalo Style

Stuff Boston — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Imagine if the barter system caught on, and goods and services could always be purchased via even exchange (you know, in the wholesome, non-prostitution kind of way). Well, there’s a new option for those of us who need to refresh our wardrobe on a nonexistent budget: Buffalo Exchange (238 Elm Street, Somerville, 617.629.5383) is opening in Davis Square in early October as the first New England location of the “recycled fashion” retailer with 37 stores nationwide. Here’s how it works: bring your unwanted clothes to the store, and they’ll sift through them for pieces that retain some fashionable fabulousness. This isn’t some unselective thrift store, so don’t bother bringing the stained, ripped T-shirt from your first junior-high concert. Rather than littering landfills, unwanted clothes can be donated to charity (or just go back home to re-pollute your closet). But for the clothes that the Exchange deems keepers, they’ll offer you cold cash or an even higher value of store credit, which you can use to shop the racks for your neighbors’ cast-off duds of the designer, vintage, and other desirable varieties that you may actually be interested in wearing. Plus, you can support various local charities by taking part in the store’s Tokens for Bags program: forego a shopping bag, and your eco-friendly act will earn you a token representing five cents that the Exchange will donate to a charity of your choice. And why not? They’re already doing wonders for the Help! I Need New Threads Now! Foundation.

A Rare Gem

Stuff Boston — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:00:00 GMT

It’s happened before: you hit a party, you’re dressed to the nines, you’re feeling good about your seemingly unique choice in attention-grabbing accessories — say, a dazzling necklace turning heads and beaming rays of high-wattage style into everyone else’s eyes — and then It Happens. Some [rhymes with witch] across the room is spotted with the same piece around her neck, and your chic stock plummets to recession-era lows. It’s sad but true how often supposedly “one of a kind” looks seem to get replicated (by poor, sad wannabes who don’t look anywhere near as good as you do, of course!). So we take a certain solace in knowing that Dress (221 Newbury Street, Boston, 617.424.7125) is currently the exclusive carrier in Massachusetts of hand-crafted Winifred Grace jewelry. The newly added collection by the Chicago-based designer features dramatic swooping chain necklaces of sterling silver and Swarovski crystal clusters, bracelets dripping with crystal rhinestone and topaz like ornate fringe, and crystal pendant earrings that … did we mention there’s a lot of crystal? All the better to reflect your truly individual look. Scope the entire selection at winifredgrace.com, and then flash over to Newbury Street before someone else tries to steal your luminous style.

Get nailed: Minx nails at MiniLuxe

Stuff Boston — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Ladies, don’t lie: sometimes you just have to fake it. We completely understand what it’s like when you want to achieve something the natural way but, at the end of the day, everything’s just too boring and humdrum to make your toes really curl with ecstasy. So if you’re sick of the same old options for your nails (wait, what did you think we were talking about?), you’ll be excited to know that MiniLuxe (296 Newbury Street, Boston, 857.362.7444 and 792 Beacon Street, Newton Centre, 617.332.9200) has added the vibrant line of Minx nails for manis ($50) and pedis ($65). If you haven’t spotted these colorful claws yet, they’re basically an alternative to polish and acrylic — flexible films applied over the nail using a heat-and-pressure technique that takes less than 30 minutes and should yield nails that last two weeks without chipping or fading. But what really stands out about the Minx line is the wild range of colors and patterns available for these digit decals: think fishnet, paisley, pink leopard, plaid, camouflage … the list goes on. Be careful how you rock them, because nails this bold can look either super diva or sadly déclassé. But if you’re someone who can manage to pull off faking it, you’ll have a set of hands (or feet) worthy of a standing ovation.

Homecoming dress: Sally Tseng at Crush Boutique

Stuff Boston — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:00:00 GMT

We hate to irritate old wounds, but Boston Fashion Week is an occasion that has a way of reawakening those persistent (and tired) cooler-than-thou debates about New York and Boston’s respective merits (we hope we don’t have to tell you where we fall on the issue). If we may present the latest evidence on our side, witness Exhibit A: new pieces by Brookline-raised designer Sally Tseng that are just being added to the racks at Crush Boutique (131 Charles Street, Boston, 617.720.0010). Sure, she’s been sleeping with the enemy as an NYC gal ever since she first left the Hub to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology, but we’ll forgive Tseng, especially now that she’s given us the Beau Blazer ($368), a champagne-colored cotton-blend blazer with a tuxedo cut that’s feminized by a soft, almost metallic shimmer. For a flirty look, Crush is carrying the designer’s Edie Dress ($244), an adorable belted cap-sleeved frock that’s perfect for fall frolicking. Both are fabulous examples of Tseng’s knack for harnessing a sense of gamine-style femininity in her tailoring, not to mention indisputable evidence that our local heroes can create inspired output no matter what urban enclave they presently call home.

TV Dinner: The Regal Beagle

Stuff Boston — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Is television the true opiate of the masses? Swing by either of Boston’s Cheers locations on any given night, and you’re bound to see at least a few wide-eyed, grinning tourists intoxicated by the allure of tossing back brews in the spot made famous in their favorite prime-time memories. That their interest can sustain two separate spots nearly two decades years after Cheers rang its last call proves one thing when it comes to TV fans: if you build it, they will come. Now fans of another ’80s hit will have their chance to eat, drink, reminisce, and quiz one other on episode synopses at the The Regal Beagle (308 Harvard Street, Brookline), a new restaurant named for the favorite haunt of the Three’s Company gang. Slated to open the first week of October in the space formerly occupied by sushi joint Blue Ocean, the Beagle is brought to us by the same team behind Church (69 Kilmarnock Street, Boston, 617.236.7600) and is designed as a cozy neighborhood hangout serving a similar style of creative comfort food and cocktails. Co-owner Chris Tocchio says there will retro-inspired décor that pays homage to the restaurant’s mass-media inspiration, but The Regal Beagle isn’t looking to simply be a tricked-out replica. Regardless, we’re a little excited that Sam, Diane, and Norm can welcome Jack, Chrissy, and Janet to the neighborhood. Here’s hoping Mr. Roper doesn’t find out we have new tenants in town.