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MyBoston

BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

The Science of Beauty

Dr. Anna Petropoulos

BOSTON IN BLOOM THE MARATHON DAFFODILS CAN IT BE GLUTEN FREE?

FACCIA A FACCIA

Frank Stella , Then Came a Fire and Burnt the Stick , Color lithograph, linocut and screenprint with hand-coloring and collage, 1984. Property from the Estate of a Back Bay, Boston Collector. Estimate $10,000–15,000. Auction May 1, 2025 in New York.

10 The Science of Beauty

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS, marries art, beauty and science at the Center for Classic Beauty.

14 Boston in Bloom

The Marathon Daffodils nonprofit places thousands of daffodils around Boston during the annual race as a tribute to the city’s strength.

COLUMNS

4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Nurturing Connection

6 LOCAL PULSE Community Calendar

8 LOCAL TASTES Faccia a Faccia

18 ARTFUL ARCHITECTURE Shining Like a Diamond

20 MODERN ETIQUETTE To Text or Not to Text?

22 FIVE BEST Brunches

26 LOCAL SOCIAL MyBoston launch party and more!

30 MY SUNDAY Drew Oliveira

32 PHOTO OP Boston Strong COVER

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS Photograph by Ben Flythe

hNURTURING CONNECTION

HAVING NOW LIVED in Boston for four full seasons, I know that April is a game changer because everything suddenly comes alive. As a gardening and outdoor enthusiast, I am thrilled that I can enjoy the amazing blooms of magnolias in Back Bay and any bulbs popping through the soil, as well as the thousands of daffodils that are placed around the city by volunteers to celebrate the Boston Marathon. Boston is very beautiful in April and as close to Europe as it can be. Sitting at the cafés

and talking with people is one of the joys of spring. Luckily for me, it’s also one of the best tools for a local magazine publisher because it offers the opportunity to connect with the people— neighbors, business owners, artists and community leaders—who make our neighborhoods unique. In a world that feels increasingly digital, these in-person moments remind us of the value of real connections. The next time you see me out and about, don’t hesitate to say hello or come have a cappuccino with me. I am always eager to hear what’s happening, what you like about your corner of the city, and how we can keep making this magazine a reflection of the amazing community we all share. Thank you for the incredible feedback and support during the first six months of our hyperlocal publication. Your enthusiasm and engagement make all the difference!

With gratitude,

Renata Coker Publisher, MyBoston

www.mybostonmag.com @mybostonmag

Publisher Renata Coker

Renata.Coker@mybostonmag.com

Editor Celina Colby editor@mybostonmag.com

Contributing

Writer

Yelena Nicolle Salvador

Lead Photographer

Ben Flythe

Creative Director

Kijoo Kim

Advisory Board

Collin Bray

Robert Dimmick

Leigh Harrington

Lisa Mulman

Sharin Schober

David Sharff

Cindy Sullivan

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman

Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

VP, Group Publisher, Regional

Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy

Maria Regan

VP, Director of Digital Media

Nigel Edelshain

Art Director

Rosemary O´Connell

Associate Editor

Sophia Carlisle

Advertising Services Director

Jacquelynn Fischer

Operations Director

Catherine Rosario

Production Designer

Chris Ferrante

Print Production Manager

Fern Meshulam

Circulation Manager

Kathy Wenzler

Advertising Production Associate

Griff Dowden

MyBoston magazine is published by Wainscot Media. Serving residents of Boston, the magazine is distributed monthly via U.S. mail. Articles and advertisements contained herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publishers. Copyright 2025 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Community CALENDAR

Spring is here! Celebrate the long days, blooming flowers and return of Boston spring and summer sports with these events, concerts and exhibitions happening in Back Bay and Beacon Hill.

EVENTS

Apr. 2-30

WednesdaysSundays

TITANIC:

The Artifact Exhibition

Receive a replica boarding pass and explore the Titanic in this immersive exhibition featuring a full-scale recreation of the famous ship. The Castle at Park Plaza, 130 Columbus Ave., 800-943-4327.

Apr. 2-30

Wednesdays

Kundalini Yoga

Learn fun poses, mindful meditations, chanting and deep breathing exercises at this yoga class in the beautiful Arlington Street Church. Arlington Street Church, 351 Boylston St., 617-536-7050.

Apr. 4

SoWa First Friday

On the first Friday of every month, the artist studios at SoWa stay open late and open to the public so you can peruse artist studios and meet the makers themselves. The SoWa Vintage Market is also open during this time. SoWa, 450 Harrison Ave., 857-378-4449.

Apr. 4

Opening Day at Fenway Park

The start of baseball season in Boston kicks off with an afternoon home game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Go, Sox! Fenway Park, 4 Jersey St., 877-733-7699.

Apr. 4, 11, 25

Free Fridays at Trinity Organ Concert

Almost every Friday at 12:15 p.m., Trinity Church hosts an organ concert. Admission is free, although a donation is encouraged. Different organists are highlighted each week. 206 Clarendon St., 617-536-0944.

Apr. 4-27

The Great Reveal

This probing dramedy takes place at a gender reveal party, where a pair of newlyweds navigate family dynamics, their own relationship, and different outlooks on gender identity. Lyric Stage, 140 Clarendon St., 617-585-5678.

Apr. 5

What Makes It Great? with Rob Kapilow: The Songs of Simon & Garfunkel

Rob Kapilow will explore the legacy, performances and composition technique of Simon & Garfunkel in this installment of his performance series What Makes It Great? NEC’s Jordan Hall, 30 Gainsborough St., 617-585-1260.

Above: Rob Kapilow will explore the prowess of Simon & Garfunkel in a live performance.

Photograph by Peter Schaaf

Apr. 9

Entrepreneur Networking:

Coffee and Conversation

Stop in for a strong brew and a casual networking meetup with local entrepreneurs including the library Entrepreneur in Residence, Rob Williams. Boston Public Library Central Branch, 700 Boylston St., 617-859-2129.

Apr. 13

The Happily-Ever-After Book Club

Reads... STEM Romances

On the second Sunday of every month, this book club gathers for tea and literary conversation. It’s a bring-your-own book style, where everyone talks about a different book they’ve read in the chosen genre. April’s genre is STEM romance. Boston Public Library Central Branch, 700 Boylston St., 617-859-2129.

Apr. 19

The Swan Boats Return to the Boston Public Garden

It’s hard to beat the classic Boston experience of riding a swan boat around the lagoon at the Boston Public Garden. And it’s only $4.75 a ride.

4 Charles St., 617-522-1966.

Apr. 21

The Boston Marathon

Celebrate the 129th Boston Marathon by cheering on runners along the route. The finish line across from the Boston Public Library is a particularly popular spot to watch the race. Copley Square.

Apr. 23

April Alors... Conversation Club

Members of the French Library can gather to practice their French language skills over wine and cheese during this casual meetup. Only French will be spoken during this event. French Library, 53 Marlborough St., 617-912-0400.

Apr. 24

Marcelline Mandeng Nken: Rush Hour

This installation, performance and artist talk center on “Rush Hour,” a visual and languagebased installation by artist Marcelline Mandeng Nken that unfolds inside the setting of a moving train. Goethe-Institut Boston, 170 Beacon St., 617-893-5498.

Apr. 24-27

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

The incomparable Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will return to Boston for its annual performance. See several moving works including the classic “Revelations.” Boch Center Wang Theatre, 270 Tremont St., 617-482-9393.

Apr. 26

Nadia Washington Quartet

Nadia Washington’s work fuses genres, pulling melodies and techniques from jazz, gospel, folk, world and rock and roll. Her Celebrity Series debut is co-sponsored by Ágora Cultural Architects. Arlington Street Church, 351 Boylston St., 617-536-7050.

Apr. 27

29th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade of Boston

This yearly celebration of Greek Independence Day includes a lively parade marching down Boylston Street and ending at the Boston Common. Begins at the corner of Boylston Street and Exeter Street at 1 p.m.

Left: Participate in the 29th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade of Boston later this month. Photograph by Graham Goudeau

Top: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Boston for its annual performance.

Photograph by Paul Kolnik

Right: Watch the 129th Boston Marathon from the finish line in Copley Square.

Photograph courtesy of the Boston Athletic Association

CAN IT BE GLUTEN FREE?

James Beard Award-winning chef Ken Oringer perfected gluten-free dining after his daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease.

BY CELINA COLBY

JAMES BEARD Award-winning chef Ken Oringer has built a reputation for blending global flavors in his upscale restaurants. He’s finessed the perfect Japanese bite at Uni, built a dreamy menu of Spanish tapas at Toro and redefined fusion at Little Donkey. But in Back Bay, he’s conquered new territory: gluten-free Italian cuisine.

Faccia a Faccia opened on Newbury Street in 2022, and its signature isn’t a specific dish or a unique flavor approach—it’s a celiac-safe pasta kitchen that crafts gluten-free pasta daily. For Oringer, the battle against gluten is personal.

“My daughter, Verveine, was diagnosed with Celiac in early 2020 at the age of 10,” he says. “After her diagnosis, I was able to understand the challenges and limitations of having celiac firsthand and I wanted to create a restaurant where not only my daughter but all our gluten-free guests can feel safe.”

Beyond the pasta kitchen, there’s separate storage for the gluten-free items, and the main fryer in the kitchen is always gluten-free as well. It can be difficult for restaurants to serve celiac diners because cross-

contamination is hard to avoid in a busy kitchen. Faccia a Faccia was designed from the beginning to keep gluten and gluten-free dishes apart, allowing a level of culinary safety that’s hard to find elsewhere.

The menu is rooted in coastal Italian dishes but with a fun spin. One of the crowd favorites is a trio of gluten-free mozzarella sticks topped with hefty dollops of caviar. Other popular orders are the squid ink trottole with uni, the grandma bread infused with tomato and pine nut basil pesto, and the baked Sorrentina dessert, similar to a baked Alaska.

Oringer doesn’t take himself or his menu too seriously. On the restaurant’s social media page, he posts humorous videos exploring the joys of Costco and trying to interpret Gen Z slang.

DON’T MISS DOWNSTAIRS

Celiac-safe dining isn’t the only pleasant surprise at Faccia a Faccia. Underneath the restaurant, diners in the know will find a speakeasy-style natural wine bar called Bar Pallino. Oringer and his managing partner, Jodie Battles, visited and loved many such bars in Europe and wanted to bring a

Banner, among others.

similar intimate space to Boston.

“Our goal was to create an aperitivo bar vibe with cool music where people would want to hang out all night,” says Oringer. Mission accomplished. While sampling natural wines and cocktails, diners can listen to vinyl curated by the bar staff and enjoy fun snacks. The bar has become a hub for neighborhood regulars who stop by to try weekly specials and sample unusual pours.

“Faccia is the perfect balance between elevated and casual,” says Oringer. “It is accessible to both people just walking down Newbury, looking for a quick bite, and our Back Bay neighbors, who come and hang at our bar on a weekly basis.”

Celina Colby has been covering the food and beverage scene in Boston for over a decade, with bylines in Eater Boston and The Bay State

Faccia a Faccia serves up coastal Italian cuisine that’s safe for gluten-free diners.

Photographs by Brooke Elmore

Photographs by Elizabeth Cecil

THE SCIENCE OF D Beauty

Photograph by Ben Flythe

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS, marries art, beauty and science at the Center for Classic Beauty.

BY MYBOSTON STAFF

DDR. ANNA PETROPOULOS is of Greek heritage and grew up in Africa and Germany. That rich cultural heritage permeates the office she designed for the Center for Classic Beauty on Commonwealth Avenue. Elegant, classic statuary and art decorate the chic black-and-white space.

Dr. Petropoulos recalls how her mother raised her to be very aware of aesthetics. She studied ballet, observed Hellenistic artworks on regular museum visits and participated in modeling competitions. Sophisticated dress and polite manners were taught to her alongside math and science.

“That’s why my center is called Center for Classic Beauty,” says Dr. Petropoulos. “I know to stay true to all those principles of keeping classic proportions, to keep people beautiful in their own natural way.”

Dr. Petropoulos designed the interior of the Center for Classic Beauty herself. As a nod to her Greek heritage, she included classical art and statuary.

As Medical Director of the New England Facial and Cosmetic Surgery Center and a facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Petropoulos has found a calling that merges her love of beauty and her love of science. She uses her meticulous medical training and natural visual instincts to turn back the clock, returning her patients to their youthful selves and improving their health and wellness.

A HARVARD FELLOWSHIP

Education and academia are important to Dr. Petropoulos. As a young student, she didn’t want to leave any subject out of her education, so she insisted on taking 14 O-Level courses (most students take only seven to 10), receiving straight A’s in all. After completing medical school in Germany, she came to Boston to round out her education at Harvard, where she completed her residency and fellowship in head and neck surgery and facial plastic surgery. These educational distinctions are important when choosing a clinician, Dr. Petropoulos says. Service providers need only brief training to legally administer

Botox and other similar cosmetic treatments. But a physician who has been trained specifically in head and neck surgery and facial plastic surgery has a deep understanding of pertinent muscular and neuronal anatomy and how each treatment will impact a person. The result is more sophisticated and natural. Part of the reason behind Dr. Petropoulos’s success is her second plastics fellowship in Ottawa, Canada. At the time, injectables like Botox and fillers had not yet entered the United States, but Canadian practitioners were well versed in the technology. Dr. Petropoulos brought all that knowledge back to Boston and quickly became known for her natural techniques. Today, Petropoulos works with many medical aesthetic manufacturers to consult on their products and processes.

COLLABORATIVE TREATMENT

When patients first visit the Center for Classic Beauty, they meet with Lisa Barnard, the patient coordinator, who takes an infrared photographic analysis

Above: The team at the Center for Classic Beauty makes sure patients are well informed about their treatments. Left, top to bottom: Dr. Petropoulos reviews results with a patient; Nurse Genie Alexander prepares a treatment; Chief Medical Aesthetician Jeanine Oteri has 23 years of experience.

of their face and educates them about treatments offered at the center. The patient then meets with Dr. Petropoulos who performs a thorough examination of their face and neck. The patient and Dr. Petropoulos discuss the needs and best next steps and make decisions about a treatment plan together.

“Even though I’m a surgeon, I truly prefer to use noninvasive methodologies and treatments first, if the patient is a good candidate for those treatments, to avoid the downtime, risk and cost of surgery whenever possible,” says Dr. Petropoulos. “That’s how I can go to bed at night with a good conscience.”

The Center for Classic Beauty has 17 different top-of-the-line pieces of technological equipment that can be used for noninvasive procedures. In many cases, those treatments will solve the patient’s problem without the need for surgery.

Dr. Petropoulos says her training and skill set as both a surgeon and a noninvasive practitioner allow her to make informed choices with her patients on both ends of the spectrum, rather than offering only one option.

Some of the most common treatments at the center are baby Botox, neuromodulators and radiofrequency (RF) treatments as a preventive measure against wrinkles. The center also has laser, serum and injection treatments to restore hair and stimulate hair growth for both men and women.

IMPROVING HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Although aesthetics and the desire for a more youthful countenance are motivating factors for many patients, Dr. Petropoulos’s treatments are also used to improve health and wellness. CoolSculpting, a process that freezes and removes fat cells in specific areas, is used to assist with targeted weight loss that can start patients off on the right foot toward a healthier, more active lifestyle. Dr. Petropoulos often pairs

that treatment with the EMSculpt NEO machine, which stimulates muscle contractions to build muscle quickly. It can give patients the benefit of 30,000 crunches in just 30 minutes, no sweaty sit-ups required.

The Emsella, Thermiva and Morpheus V treatments are often used for female sexual health, rejuvenating areas of the body that experience dryness, pain or other symptoms due to menopause or medical conditions.

Whether patients come in to resolve pain, work on hair regrowth or smooth fine lines on their face, Dr. Petropoulos is enthusiastic to assist. “This profession is a marriage of the arts and the sciences, and it also allows me to bond with my patients and make them happy,” she says. “It’s so rewarding to see smiles everywhere. With our staff and our patients, we’re like one big family.”

Dr. Petropoulos (center) and her team at the Center for Classic Beauty

Boston in Bloom

The Marathon Daffodils nonprofit places thousands of daffodils around Boston during the annual race as a tribute to the city’s strength.

BY CELINA COLBY

tTHERE ARE MANY SIGNS that Marathon Monday is approaching. Scaffolding goes up in Copley Square, race jackets can be seen on every athlete in town, and there’s an electric excitement running through the city. But since 2013, there’s an even more tangible sign of the coming race: dozens of daffodils lining the marathon route bringing bright pops of yellow to Boston and beyond.

Though the flowers may look effortless, it takes a huge group of volunteers and many hours to pull the project off. Diane Valle, an avid local urban horticulturist, launched

the Marathon Daffodils nonprofit after the tragic marathon bombing in 2013 that left the city traumatized.

“We all felt like we wanted to go back, but it was very uncertain,” says Valle. “I decided that we should do something to welcome people back, and so I came up with this idea to plant daffodils along the route.”

That first year in 2014, Valle and a crew of volunteers placed more than 100,000 daffodils along the 26.2-mile route from Hopkinton to Boston. Now, the tradition continues every year, not only on the marathon route but with potted daffodils all around Boston—from Charles Street

in Beacon Hill to Martins Park in the Seaport and Suffolk Downs in East Boston— welcoming visitors and encouraging runners.

“Boston at that time of year can be kind of gray and kind of brown,” says Valle. “So the blooming daffodils are really a very good way to lift people’s spirits and to honor the spirit of Boston Strong.”

A LABOR OF LOVE

It’s quite a journey for the flowers to end up in Copley Square. As bulbs they’re

purchased from growers in the Netherlands and then grown to bloom by Olson’s Greenhouses in Raynham. It’s a botanical balancing act to make sure the flowers are in full bloom exactly on Marathon Monday. The effort is truly powered by the hundreds of volunteers and donors who collaborate to pull off this massive feat every year. Volunteers bring trucks to transport the potted flowers, place them along the route and facilitate dispersing the daffodils around the city. Many organizations are involved,

Opposite page and above: Volunteers from The Garden Club of the Back Bay help distribute daffodils around the neighborhood.

Photographs by Stephanie Fletcher

Right: After the race, the Boston Public Library distributes daffodils to all 26 of its branches.

Photographs by Sara Komorowski, Boston Public Library

including Ropes & Gray, which has a team working on the project every year, and the Boston Public Library, which disperses flowers to all of its 26 branches.

After the marathon, volunteers from organizations including The Garden Club of the Back Bay and many others transport the daffodils from the marathon route to the Esplanade, where they’re planted alongside the Charles River. As perennials, the daffodils rebloom annually. Every year, with the addition of new daffodils, the Esplanade becomes even brighter and more joyful.

“Some of the runners tell me that when they’re training during the spring along the river, they see the daffodils poking their little heads up. They’re getting stronger and the flowers are getting stronger, and they know it’s almost marathon time,” says Valle. “So it’s a really nice match of nature and spirit.”

In addition to representing strength and community here in the city, the daffodils are one of the first signs of spring in Boston. As they peek their heads out of mostly frozen ground, it’s a reminder that hope springs eternal.

FROM STREET TO SCREEN

The story of the daffodils was inspiring enough to jump from the streets of Boston onto the big screen. “Path of the Daff,” directed by Massachusetts native and National Geographic producer of “Wicked Tuna” Michael Piscitelli, and produced by Michael Piscitelli, Matthew Piscitelli and Clive Olson, explores the aftermath of the bombing through the journey of the daffodils to Boston every year.

“I saw these daffodils as living creatures in the sense that they were symbolic of the people who lived in Boston,” says Michael Piscitelli. “They are very strong. They’re very hardy. You hurt them, they come back even better than before.”

Including interviews with survivors of the bombing and participants in the daffodil project, as well as archival footage of that fateful day, the film is a love letter to Boston and the strength displayed by the city’s residents and the flowers that represent them.

The documentary can be streamed on Amazon Prime, Roku and Apple TV.

Community members can participate in the Boston Strong Marathon Daffodils project by reaching out to Valle through marathondaffodils.org and by enjoying the beautiful blooms while cheering on one of Boston’s biggest sporting events.

“The marathon is not only professional marathoners, it’s many, many people who raise money for nonprofits to do good,” says Valle.

“So it’s one of the days that I know I’m grateful to be a Bostonian, and we celebrate it with people from all over the world.”

Celina Colby has been writing about culture, art and community in Boston for more than 10 years.

From bulb to bloom: Daffodils decorate Marathon Sports on Boylston Street.

Photographs by Michael Piscitelli

SHINING LIKE A DIAMOND

The Arlington Street Church is home to the world’s largest collection of single-themed Tiffany stained-glass windows.

ONE OF BACK BAY’S hidden gems comes in an unexpected package. The 150-year old Arlington Street Church is home to the world’s largest collection of Tiffany stained-glass windows depicting one theme, making it a place of worship for churchgoers and art lovers alike.

The 16 Tiffany windows inside the church depict the life of Jesus Christ as well as scenes from the beatitudes— blessings spoken by Christ in the Gospel of Matthew.

Most people associate the Tiffany name with the Tiffany and Co. jewelry store famous for its glittering engagement rings and artist collaborations. But Louis Tiffany, son of the Tiffany and Co. founder, Charles, created his own business in the 1890s called Tiffany Studios.

Louis was a trained oil painter, but he found there was more financial success to be had in the making of stained glass. His roots as a painter come through in the meticulous details of the Arlington Street Church windows. One example of this detail is in a window depicting The Madonna of The Flowers. If viewers get close enough, they can see a tiny embroidered edge on the Madonna’s garments. This kind of detail was rare in stained glass, especially in a church, where works are meant to be viewed from afar during worship.

Many of the windows were paid for by congregation members, so a tour reveals as much about the church’s history as it does about the stained glass.

For $5 per person, anyone can visit the Arlington Street Church for a self-guided tour of the windows with the help of a detailed brochure. Visiting hours are generally Monday through Friday between 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. through the church office on Boylston Street. Of course, the church’s congregation and events take precedence.

For more information, visit www.croma.org.

Opposite Page: The Message of the Angel to the Shepherds, 1900, Arlington Street Church Photograph: www.flickr.com/photos/clairity/

To Text or NOT TO TEXT?

BY ROBERT B. DIMMICK, ETIQUETTEER

Etiquetteer, also known as Robert B. Dimmick, has been writing about Perfect Propriety since 2001 at etiquetteer.com. He is also affiliated with the Gibson House Museum.

WE GO TO RESTAURANTS not just for the cuisine, but for conversation and celebration of time with friends. Using our phones, or watching others use theirs, is nowhere near the top of the list. That’s why some restaurants have a no-phone policy, and why more should. Just about anything you can do with a phone is sure to take away from a beautiful restaurant experience. So why not just turn it off and put it away? A phone’s proper place is never on the table. If you have a bag, keep it there. If you don’t, use a pocket. Gentlemen, this is where a jacket can come in handy.

For dining out, here are a few tips for almost every phone situation:

• Sometimes phone conversations are unavoidable. If it’s necessary to take a call, leave the table at once and move to the lobby so you don’t disturb others.

• Texting at the table is rude; it shows that you’d rather not be with the people you’re with. Unless it’s urgent (for instance, someone who’s late to the restaurant), resist.

• Etiquetteer thinks of people who just love to take pictures

of their food as the Supperazzi. This is relatively harmless, until it takes up too much time looking for the best angle and rearranging everything on the table. Accept that your photos may not make it into Ina Garten’s next cookbook and start eating before your food gets cold. Your dinner companions will thank you.

• It’s not unreasonable to want to get a group shot of your dinner companions, but do so in a way that you aren’t inconveniencing or photographing other diners. They could end up photobombing you with resentment. Your photo op might be better in the lobby.

• If someone at a nearby table is having an intrusive phone conversation, direct an icy glare at them or mention it to your server. (And if you do the latter, be sure to tip extra well.) And with that, bon appétit!

Have a burning modern-day etiquette question you need answered?

Email it to editor@ mybostonmag.com.

Back Bay’s resident etiquette expert weighs in on whether phones are acceptable at the dinner table.

BRUNCHES

Krasi brings Greek flavors to Boston tables with dishes like this tiropita (left), a buttered pastry made with layers of phyllo dough, and trahanas, a grain and yogurt mixture topped with an egg.

Photographs courtesy of Krasi

Turn breakfast from a serviceable morning fuel-up to a lavish spread enjoyed with friends at these great brunch spots in the neighborhood.

BY YELENA NICOLLE SALVADOR

FLOWERS ARE beginning to color the streets and windowsills of establishments in Beacon Hill and Back Bay. Now that spring has arrived and longer days have settled on the city, Boston is blooming with more life.

These five local establishments will brighten your days throughout National Brunch Month with great meals, fresh ingredients and seasonal flavors.

CAFÉ SAUVAGE

This French bistro in Back Bay will transport you to a green, tropical oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. While you grab a seat at one of Café Sauvage’s velvety green booths, you can enjoy a meal that combines the tastes of France and Africa. From Yassa chicken on a crunchy baguette to a duck eggs Benedict with a caraway hollandaise sauce, the cuisine at this restaurant mirrors the fusion of cultures of the married owners, Anaïs and Antoine Lambert.

COBBLESTONES

This woman-owned café in Beacon Hill serves up hefty sandwich classics with a twist, like a BLT with turkey and pesto aioli on warm focaccia and a mouthwatering meatlover’s sandwich filled with cheese, salami, capicola and ham. You’ll love Cobblestones’ colorful salads and bowls and their homey soups, too. This cozy comfort serves up a bright atmosphere with local art, lots of sunlight and tasty baked goods. Sometimes, you can even say hello

to the owner, Boston native Jennifer Gallagher.

FOLIO

From the minds behind the Courtyard Tea Room and the Map Room Lounge in the Boston Public Library, Folio is the newest addition to The Catered Affair’s repertoire of sophisticated eats in stunning buildings around Boston. Located in the Boston Athenaeum, this restaurant serves tapas-style Mediterranean and French fare with cocktails inspired by literature. You’ll love the attention to detail, from the bookshelf wallpaper and Athenaeum artwork reproductions to the intimate setting that allows you to see the chefs prepare your meal.

KRASI

You don’t need to travel far to experience the flavors and cultures of Greece at this establishment by the Xenia Hospitality Group (its other culinary concepts include Hecate, Bar Vlaha and Kaia). At Krasi, you will be treated like family with the establishment’s practice

of philoxenia, the ancient Greek concept of hospitality. At this chic establishment, savor flavors that are paired with different textures: baklava granola with fig jam, tzatziki dip with a slightly crispy pita and more. A meal isn’t complete without a taste of the restaurant’s Greek sparkling wine or a cocktail with its Greek olive vodka.

ROCHAMBEAU

Brunch isn’t just reserved for weekends. At Rochambeau, you can enjoy brunch every day of the week. Executive chef Phil Lewis has brought his culinary expertise to blend fun flare with French cuisine at this sleek restaurant in the heart of Back Bay. Indulge in dishes like escargot, lemon ricotta pancakes, Marseilles-style mussels and duck confit hash. Pair your meal with a glass of bubbly or a well-crafted nonalcoholic cocktail.

Yelena Nicolle Salvador is a lover of words and community connection through food, art and culture, especially in Boston.

Rochambeau serves brunch every day starting at 10 a.m. Photographs courtesy of Rochambeau

INSIDE A UNIQUE MARKET

What to expect from the real estate market in Back Bay and Beacon Hill this spring

Q&A WITH LARA SHUQOM

AS THE SPRING real estate market blooms in Boston, Principal of The Collective Lara Shuqom shares her insights for buyers and sellers. Shuqom is a Back Bay resident, serves on the Board of Directors for the Neighborhood Association of Back Bay, and leads the Harvard Club of Boston Real Estate Group.

When will the local real estate markets wake up from the winter?

Properties that did not sell in the fall are often pulled off the market and relisted in the spring. However, a substantial number of properties continue to trade off-market in Back Bay and Beacon Hill. Sales activity in the city is not as seasonally based as the suburbs, where school calendars are a key factor. We tend to see markets heat up with new inventory from March through May.

What do you predict for this year’s spring market?

I’m expecting a robust spring market in Back Bay and Beacon Hill that will start later in March due to the snow we received. We will continue seeing buyers scoop up buildings in both neighborhoods with the intention of converting them back to single-family homes. We’ll also see record-

high asking prices for fully renovated and designer showstopping properties.

What advice do you have for folks looking to buy and sell in the neighborhood this spring?

Start the conversation with your broker now. Listing before Memorial Day will help maximize buyer interest. If you’re looking to purchase, work with a top broker who is plugged into your desired markets to advise you on off-market inventory and buyer activity in your specific price band.

What makes Back Bay and Beacon Hill such a great place to live or invest in real estate?

Back Bay and Beacon Hill are two of Boston’s most prized neighborhoods and consistently rank among the city’s most expensive and stable real estate markets. Both neighborhoods feature the best-preserved examples of 19th-century residential architecture in the country, thanks to the efforts and advocacy of residents and architectural preservationists. Owning a piece of history that continues to appreciate year over year is an excellent investment.

Lara Shuqom is principal of The Collective, a top-producing boutique real estate team providing individuals, families, organizations and investors with strong, ethical, discreet, sophisticated and solutions-oriented real estate advice. Follow Lara on Instagram @larasellsboston or contact her at 678-549-5357 and Lara@Compass.com.

Photograph by Kelly Davidson

For over 30 years, Sonsie has been the place to see and be seen on Newbury Street.

As the seasons change, our French doors swing open to the sidewalk, inviting you to dine al fresco and soak in the energy of spring.

Our outdoor patio is the perfect spot to sip Boston’s best martinis, savor an eclectic brick-oven pizza, and indulge in delicious international cuisine.

With an atmosphere that evolves from bright and lively days to intimate, classic nights, Sonsie is where every moment is worth celebrating.

LAUNCH PARTY MyBoston

MYBOSTON HOSTED its official launch party on February 5 at Doyle Auctioneers & Appraisers! The evening event brought many Back Bay and Beacon Hill community members together to celebrate the new hyperlocal magazine, now six issues in.

Publisher of MyBoston Renata Coker and CEO of Wainscot Media Mark Dowden both spoke with enthusiasm about the magazine and the Boston community. Guests enjoyed live music by the Lenka Molcanyiova Band, wine from Urban Grape, and small bites from Cobblestones, FoodSaucy and Sonsie.

Top left: MyBoston publisher Renata Coker poses

Above top: The Lenka Molcanyiova Band performed live during the party.

Above bottom: Laura and Bob Cousineau, who were featured in the February issue, dance to the live music.

with the February issue.

Bottom left: Local artist Sharin Schober poses with interior designer Dane Austin.

Photographs by Ben Flythe

WINTER WALK

WOMEN’S LUNCH PLACE (WLP) gathered over a hundred supporters for this year’s Winter Walk. Team WLP trekked two miles through freshly fallen snow in solidarity with unsheltered people in Greater Boston. Learn more about how to get involved with WLP at womenslunchplace.org.

CHOCOLATE, CHEESE AND WINE

THE FRENCH LIBRARY provides a rich cultural experience, offering a diverse range of events, French language courses, an extensive collection of books and an exceptional Gastronomy & Wine program. In collaboration with M. Cacao, the library hosted an unforgettable evening featuring a tasting of cheese-infused chocolates, paired seamlessly with fine wines.

At the heart of this event was M. Cacao’s unique approach to chocolate-making, led by French master pastry chef Delphin Gomes and former Texas engineer Michael Nichols. Their partnership blends the artistry of French culinary tradition with innovative techniques, using only the finest ingredients to craft chocolate masterpieces that push the flavor boundaries.

Event attendees enjoyed unique pairings of cheeseinfused chocolates and fine wines.

Photographs courtesy of the French Library

Community members gathered for the two-mile walk to benefit Women’s Lunch Place.

Photographs courtesy of Women’s Lunch Place

FEBRUARY HOME SALES

Back Bay and Beacon Hill

Brought to you by Lara Shuqom, Principal of The Collective

The accuracy of the statistical data in this table is not guaranteed by MyBoston magazine. The listings broadly represent the local real estate market rather than the listings of any single agent or agency. MLSP in condo and single-family sales in Beacon Hill and Back Bay from 2.1.25-2.28.25.

Dear Back Bay and

Beacon Hill Neighbor,

In this issue, I share my Spring market real estate insights in the Ask the Expert editorial spotlighting our two neighborhoods.

I hope you enjoy this exclusive intel. If you would like to strategically leverage spring market momentum, I welcome the conversation.

Sincerely, Lara

LARA SHUQOM

DREW OLIVEIRA

The Beacon Hill resident walks us through his typical Sunday in the neighborhood.

LILLY AND I HAVE lived in Beacon Hill for eight years. While no two Sundays are quite alike, here’s a composite of my best Sunday habits in our corner of Boston.

A serendipitous visit to Animal Rescue League of Boston in 2022 guaranteed that most days in our apartment begin with our dog, Matka, invoking her morning visit to the Public Garden. At the park, she greets Mike and Carlos on the garden’s grounds crew and enjoys the occasional standoff with a duck. I only hear about the walk secondhand; as a Sunday snoozer and the breakfast czar, I usually get straight to dicing sausage and scrambling eggs. We enjoy listening to local radio, and Albert O’s show on 91.9FM WUMB is our Sunday morning soundtrack.

Late morning on weekends, I like to play rackets, a fast and furious game that claims to be the granddaddy of squash.

There are only 36 courts worldwide, and 8 courts in North America. Back Bay is lucky enough to have one of them. On Sundays, the court is usually busy with bouts of singles and rounds of doubles.

For lunch I give the glory to the French dip sandwich at The Sevens on Charles Street. It is a formidable sandwich on the right day. Lilly and I often meet friends there for hands of rummy and rounds of Guinness.

Lately, we’ve been enjoying concerts and recitals at New England Conservatory of Music. Ending the weekend in Jordan Hall listening to the next generation of musical talent perform is a truly first-class experience.

The evening dog walk is my responsibility, and there ends my day: up and down the hill watching the gas lamps flicker and the sky fade from blue to black. Boston is a wonderful place to call home. I hope you enjoy it too.

Top left: Concerts at NEC’s Jordan Hall are a favorite weekend pastime of Drew and Lilly.

Top right: Drew and Lilly have lived in Beacon Hill for eight years.

Bottom right: Boston is home to one of only eight rackets courts in North America.

Photographs by Drew Oliveira

Drew Oliveira and his wife, Lilly Beck, have lived in Boston for more than 10 years. Lilly is a Capital Markets Recruiter at CBRE. Drew is founder and principal of Two Louis, a boutique marketing and strategic communications agency specializing in distinctive, independently owned hotels and resorts. Matka loves wading in the Charles River and enjoys treats from Charles Street Supply.

Boston Strong

THE BOSTON MARATHON is the world’s oldest annual marathon and one of the most prestigious road-racing events globally. It’s also a beloved local tradition in which Bostonians celebrate the city’s pride and resilience. The marathon finish line is right here in Back Bay, and residents gather to cheer on the runners next to the Boston Public Library.

Have a great image for Photo Op? Submit your high-resolution shot to editor@mybostonmag.com.

Runners from the 2024 marathon cross the finish line in Copley Square Photograph by Kevin Morris.

THE ONLY BAD THING ABOUT WORKING WITH PETER IS THAT YOU’LL MISS HIM AFTER THE DEAL CLOSES.

Imagine working with an agent who can anticipate your every need, someone who knows the inside and out, who can make your listing you almost don’t want to sell it, and ﬁnd you home that meets needs you didn’t even know That’s Peter Hill. Smart, savvy, experienced Peter’s commitment to his clients is legendary. he’s meeting the painter and plumber when or sourcing vendors from his endless vetted connections and professionals, Peter has

Call (or text!) Peter at (508) 353-9721, or email him at peter@mgsgrouprealestate.com.

THE ONLY BAD THING ABOUT WORKING WITH PETER IS THAT YOU’LL MISS HIM AFTER THE DEAL CLOSES.

Imagine working with an agent who can anticipate your every need, someone who knows the business inside and out, who can make your listing look so good you almost don’t want to sell it, and ﬁnd you a new home that meets needs you didn’t even know you had. That’s Peter Hill. Smart, savvy, experienced and friendly, Peter’s commitment to his clients is legendary. Whether he’s meeting the painter and plumber when you can’t, or sourcing vendors from his endless vetted list of connections and professionals, Peter has your back during every step of the real estate process. Of course, what else would you expect from someone who is part of the award-winning MGS Group Real Estate family that offers next-level service?

If you’re ready to buy or sell in Boston or Brookline, Peter’s ready to help, and help and help, long after you’re done working together. That means you can always call him for anything you need. In fact, why not call him right now at (508) 353-9721.

Imagine working with an agent who your every need, someone who knows inside and out, who can make your you almost don’t want to sell it, and home that meets needs you didn’t That’s Peter Hill. Smart, savvy, experienced Peter’s commitment to his clients he’s meeting the painter and plumber or sourcing vendors from his endless connections and professionals, Peter during every step of the real estate what else would you expect from of the award-winning MGS Group that offers next-level service?

If you’re ready to buy or sell in Boston Peter’s ready to help, and help and you’re done working together. That can always call him for anything