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I admit it. I, a veteran spa-goer, was more than a little nervous about the treatment I had just booked. In my defense, the treatment involved dozens of tiny needles and some of them were to be inserted in my scalp. So yes, I was nervous. I went to Lotus Mind + Body in Needham wanting something different - so I booked the Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, which is billed as a natural alternative to Botox. There was no need for my fears; in fact, the treatment was wonderful. It was luxurious and pampering, and it left me with a profound sense of well-being. Isn't that how you should feel after a day at the spa? This place really is something different - its Asian spa rituals are so authentic and the staff pays so much attention to the little details that you really do feel like if you're at an exotic resort instead of a suburban day spa. Rose petals strewn about the treatment room, a relaxing waiting area and deliciously scented (Frangipani is my new favorite scent!) products by Jamu and Eminence make the most of the precious hours you will spend here. TIP: Every treatment room has its own shower - so indulge in the scented oils without fearing for your wardrobe.
781.455.6887 Lotus Mind + Body Spa, Needham written by Roxanna Sarmiento on August 3, 2007
I love chocolate, so it wasn't surprising that I would love this place. What is surprising is that I've found myself returning long after I'd written this review. This place is now on my regular list, and Eunice and her husband (the owners) are embarrassingly aware of my chocolate addicition. Bread and Chocolate is the perfect little neighborhood bakery. It is filled with adorable European style treats like mini mousses and little opera cakes as well as tasty American-style cupcakes. As the name suggests, most of the baked goods are chocolate-based, making even the smallest treat a true indulgence. Even the hot chocolate is decadent! In addition to the sweet treats, they serve sophisiticated little sandwiches (I recommend the curried chicken on ciabatta) making it a perfect place to grab a bite with a friend. I took one of their signature cakes, the Chocolate Raspberry Torte, to a dinner party and it was a resounding success, managing to be both satisfying and light enough that most guests took second helpings. In fact, I've decided that this will be "my" signature hostess gift from now on. Let other guests bear wine, I will bring cake!
Bread and Chocolate Bakery Cafe, Newtonville written by Roxanna Sarmiento on March 16, 2007
Children are a fact of life, even in the city. Maybe friends of yours have announced their big news, or you are the lucky one expecting a little bundle of your own. Or maybe you're like me and expecting your second baby and suddenly martini bars aren't nearly as interesting as double strollers. It happens. And it's a great excuse to check out some toys! This time around, I'm going straight to one of my favorite toy stores in town. Magic Beans, owned by the husband-and-wife team of Eli and Sheri Gurock, is hands down the best place I've found to buy strollers. Did you know that they let you take their strollers out for test drives? Yes! You can take the strollers you've spent hours researching online out in the real world - down the bumpy sidewalks of Coolidge Corner and into the narrow aisles of a pharmacy. Or you can see what it's like to navigate a coffee shop with that SUV of a stroller you've been considering (can you handle it?). In fact, when I was test-driving strollers they even told me where I could find a particularly treacherous patch of sidewalk so I could test for myself if air-filled tires make a difference. If you are still overwhelmed by the sheer variety of strollers available, they have stroller matchmakers that will patiently answer all your questions. No more guessing! In addition to their stroller service, Magic Beans has a great selection of toys - from classics to unexpected imports - and all the baby gear you could want. Diaper bags, nursing equipment, trucks, dolls and puzzles all share space in this busy store. It's a colorful childhood fantasy come to life. TIP: They have a blog! Spilling The Beans is a fun mix of information on the latest toys and views on issues that affect new parents. Magic Beans Magic Beans, Brookline written by Roxanna Sarmiento on February 12, 2007
Yes folks, you can get real barbecue just minutes from the Mass Pike rather than having to trek south of the Mason-Dixon line. Real barbecue - not wimpy grilled meats. Real fall-off-the-bone North Carolina pulled pork and Memphis dry-rubbed ribs. Real friendly service and huge portions. The place is small (read: plan on takeout) but there is no chance that you will miss it. You can smell the delicious aroma of slow-cooked meats for blocks and the lines are usually long - but trust me, the place is well worth it. If pork isn't your thing, how about some barbecue chicken, Key Lime pie(!), or some of their mysterious Potlikker? I've yet to ask them what's in it, but I'm sure if you ask nicely they'll tell you. Vegetarians should probably avoid this place. But for the rest of us, it's an easy trip for some authentic southern food. Blue Ribbon Barbecue, West Newton written by Roxanna Sarmiento on January 19, 2007
(Once, when I lived in Florida, a friend from Boston brought me six cannoli when she came to visit merely to show off. It worked. Mike's was one of the few classic Boston places I remembered when I moved here, and the first food establishment I visited.) I never go there when I need a couple of quiet hours with a cup of coffee and a pastry - no, Mike's is hectic and they keep the line moving as quickly as they can. If it is your first time time there, don't be put off by the long queues - the counter service is efficient, which means that you have to know what you want before your turn is up. But don't worry, most people are here for the cannoli, and that should also be your choice if this is your first time here. While I insist you have a cannoli I do recommend that you order some other Italian goodies to go - biscotti or torrone, perhaps? Or maybe you are interested in sampling one of their 50 varieties of cookies? Or maybe you are amused by the adorable marzipan watermelon slices? Whatever you choose, you'll be able to take it home in one of their famous white and blue boxes - and you'll fit right in with the masses on Hanover Street proudly toting their pastry boxes by the blue and white string.
Mike's Pastry, North End written by Roxanna Sarmiento on December 5, 2006
You won't find the usual trendy styles here. Come with an open mind and get ready to explore. Stil 199 Boylston Street Stil, Various Locations written by Roxanna Sarmiento on October 16, 2006
They carry Blue Cult jeans and cute shoes and all the other things you would expect in a trendy shop - but what I like about the place is that the staff is so helpful - even if you try to lie and say that you are "just looking" - they will somehow point you in the right direction. It's fun to see what things they carry that you never knew you needed. Many of Christina's designs give a playful twist to local favorites. If you are looking for a gift that says "Boston" - and says it with style - check out her T-Shirts; they have images of fifties movie stars casually lounging at local landmarks and are just the thing when a Red Sox shirt simply won't do. I was struck by the shirt that shows Audrey Hepburn at Fenway Park. Do you think that if she ever went to Fenway Park in her little black dress she would have dined on pretzels and beer like the rest of us? Christina Defalco Christina Defalco, North End written by Roxanna Sarmiento on September 23, 2006
This is my kind of store. Everything is gorgeous - the calligraphy on the labels, the fluffy white towels, the large crystal and brass chandelier hanging over a stone sink - everything inspires you to treat yourself right. As I took it all in, a friendly employee led me to the sink and invited me to try their Body Scrubs. She opened each glass container and let me take in the delicious aroma until I made my selection (Tropic). As promised, it made my hands very soft and the delicate scent lingered pleasantly on my skin. I think I'm in love. I love the Bath Sea Salts with real rose petals. I love the champagne-scented Aroma diffuser. The Bath Milk made me want to bathe like Cleopatra. Nothing is too extravagant, except for the prices. Considering the obvious quality and the attention to detail, I think that the prices are very competitive. Sabon is all about the little details. The products, packaged in clear glass to showcase their beautiful colors, are artfully displayed in dark wood shelves. You are invited to smell, touch, feel for yourself how good natural skincare and home care products can be. Who knew all-natural products would be so decadent? Sabon Sabon, Back Bay written by Roxanna Sarmiento on August 23, 2006
The main dining room is set up in front of a dramatically lit open kitchen. The kitchen is set far enough from the dining area that it is not too distracting. We loved watching the staff in action, and I personally marvelled at how they could cook so quickly while keeping the counters spotless. My investigative snooping was interrupted by our waiter who brought us our drinks along with a special little treat to enjoy while we waited for our food. The menu is unconventional; instead of being divided into the usual categories (i.e. appetizers and entrees) it's set up by ingredients, with each brother creating an entire dish around an ingredient (say, artichokes). It takes some time to navigate the menu because of the unorthodox layout; thankfully, our waiter was an excellent guide and helped us figure out that appetizers were printed in red and entrees in black. We had to be fair to the brothers so one of us ordered from David's selections and the other person from Bob's. We were both pleased with our meals, and declared the contest a tie. Sibling Rivalry Sibling Rivalry, South End written by Roxanna Sarmiento on August 8, 2006
To sit inside or outside? That is the question. Armani Cafe has one of the liveliest outdoor patios on Newbury Street. You can't miss the white umbrellas shading the clientele as they linger over drinks and simple trattoria fare. The patio is always crowded because this place is eternally popular with Boston's European and Latin American student population. You'll overhear snippets of conversations in various languages - if this is something that bothers you, this is not the place for you. The world loves italian food, and on Saturday afternoons it is easy to believe that all of it is at the Armani Cafe's patio. Inside, the atmosphere is less scenester and more Old World with leather booths, mosaic floors and a full bar. We usually choose to sit inside and enjoy the view of Newbury Street from the large window while eating our food in the elegant and comfortable room. Most of the items on the menu are modern takes on traditional Italian favorites - even picky eaters will find something to eat here - most dishes are light and full of quality ingredients. Don't be put off by the high-fashion name, we found service to be competent and friendly. In fact, they happily heated a jar of baby food and offered a glass of milk when we brought our baby one evening. If you are a danger with a credit card, you may want to limit your drinking - there is easy access from the bar to the Armani store next door. Don't say I didn't warn you. Armani Cafe Armani Cafe, Back Bay written by Roxanna Sarmiento on August 2, 2006
Of course, there are plenty of woven baskets and pink polos to be found, but there are also some unique shops that will inspire you. Parchment (11 Washington Street) is a cute little stationery store filled with pretty notebooks that will inspire you to get started on writing your memoirs. Grasshoppers (5 Washington Street) has the little things that you never knew you needed - I found myself buying a fabric cell phone cover, the kind of precious thing I would never purchase in the city. Ladybird Lingerie may be the most unexpected shop of all - their collection of classy lingerie includes decidedly non-conservative brands like Aubade and Princesse Tam Tam. Sexy! The sky's the limit when it comes to dining, but there are places that won't bust your budget. The Lobster Trap has some of the freshest lobster I've ever tasted. We went to The Brotherhood of Thieves based on its name alone - and we weren't dissapointed when we found a busy tavern and restaurant that serves absolutely delicious food. But my favorite Nantucket delicacy has to be the Iced Lemon cookies from the Nantucket Cookie Company - fresh from the oven and deliciously refreshing. Give this island the opportunity to charm you. I bet you will love it, even if your name's not Bunny. Nantucket Island written by Roxanna Sarmiento on July 24, 2006
At first, Gelateria seems to fit in with Hanover Street's old-school vibe - there's a small selection of gelato available from a street window and patrons sit outside on the stoops enjoying their treats. It looks like a typical North End street scene. But step inside and the place is a sleek candy-colored wonderland - light and refreshingly sweet. It's all about fun, with a color changing wall, glass shelves, and mini flat screen TVs above the few tables inside. While the decor is modern, they make all the gelato in-house using traditional methods. They promise to make 50 flavors everyday but I was too distracted by the selection to bother to count. Instead, I ordered a scoop each of Zuppa Inglese and Bacci, while my husband ordered lemon. The Bacci was dissapointing - I expected more chocolate. But the Zuppa Inglese was perfect! Custardy with pink candied fruit pieces, very sweet and very much like the stuff you get in Italy. The lemon was also a nice surprise, it was sweet and refreshing where I expect it to be tart. We decided against staying inside and instead took our gelato out for a walk. Strolling the historic streets, overhearing snippets of Italian, while enjoying a simple treat made for a perfect summer afternoon escape. Gelateria Gelateria, North End written by Roxanna Sarmiento on July 19, 2006
Every neighborhood deserves a place like this. Service is specially efficient once you get to know the menu - the most popular dishes are always available to take away (try the chicken salad with grapes). If you prefer to eat at the cafe, just select your meal at the counter and find a table, preferably near the big windows overlooking Lincoln Street. The staff will heat up the food for you and take it to your table. The seating area feels like a chic little bistro, so no one will blame you if you decide to stay and let the staff do all the work for you. Baker's Best is know for their baked goods, be sure to leave room for a Linzer cookie or decadent chocolate brownie. I can personally recommend their lemon bars - they're silky smooth perfection! TIP: Are you truly clueless in the kitchen? Never fear! Their website has detailed heating instructions for every one of their menu items. Baker's Best Baker's Best, Newton Highlands written by Roxanna Sarmiento on July 10, 2006
Boston has been called the most European of American cities because of places like the Beacon Hill Bistro. I love coming here for Sunday brunch in preparation for an afternoon of window shopping in the Back Bay. The large windows overlooking vibrant Charles Street let in plenty of light at this friendly and sophisticated spot in Boston's historic Beacon Hill. The narrow room manages to feel roomy and cozy at the same time. There's a fully stocked bar so you can drink a Bellini as you wait for your poached eggs or smoked salmon salad. The menu is unfussy and has something to please almost any palate. The staff is friendly and the patrons are an energetic mix of students, Beacon Hill Brahmin, hipsters, and families. This is the type of place that inspires conversation, and you are as likely to spot a couple holding hands across the table as you are to chat up the international students at the table next to you. After your meal it's a beautiful stroll down the cobblestone streets of Beacon Hill, through the Public Garden to the action on Newbury Street - not a bad way to begin a fabulous Sunday. Beacon Hill Bistro Beacon Hill Bistro, Beacon Hill written by Roxanna Sarmiento on July 2, 2006
If this all sounds too good to be true, I have something else to tell you - they also have clothes for the boys. Now you can shop for yourself and pick up a little something for the man in your life. Because you're selfless like that. Whim, Back Bay written by Roxanna Sarmiento on June 22, 2006
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