The new restaurants, shops and exhibits we’re loving this month
You’ll find the “World’s Most-Pinned Wedding Dress” at the new Grace Loves Lace bridal boutique.
SHOP
The search is over for Boston brides who have been on the hunt to find Pinterest’s “World’s Most-Pinned Wedding Dress.” Grace Loves Lace (graceloveslace.com), the Australian bridal brand behind the boho-inspired silhouette that was pinned over 2.5 million times, has a new showroom in Fort Point. Megan Ziems founded the direct-to-consumer label in 2010 to offer contemporary designs handmade from sustainably sourced fabrics at more affordable prices to modern brides. In addition to the famous Lumi gown, shop lace-covered confections in figure-skimming styles like the two-piece Behati, long-sleeved Vita and the mermaid-inspired Clo Pearl.
A selection of starters from Bar Enza.
DINE
James Beard Award-winning chef and Belmont native Mark Ladner makes a splashy return to his hometown with the opening of Bar Enza (bar-enza.com). His neo-trattoria concept, a collaboration with food-and-entertainment collective Lyons Group located in the Charles Hotel, serves up a spirited Italian experience centered around locally sourced ingredients, imported goods and classic cocktails. Request a seat on the outdoor patio and settle in for the enviable antipasti station, thoughtful bread program and Ladner’s famous Hundred Layer Lasagna. “I grew up just outside of Harvard Square and remember when the Charles Hotel opened. Over the past nearly 40 years, this building has become an iconic cornerstone of the Square. It’s a privilege to be able to cook in this gorgeous, sun-drenched corner space.”
Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s “LOVE IS CALLING” is now on view at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston
SEE
From Instagram to arts institutions, famed international artist Yayoi Kusama’s work is instantly recognizable. Her immersive Infinity Mirror Rooms series envelops visitors in a three-dimensional world of mirrors, lights and objects. While many of her works are part of traveling exhibitions, the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston (icaboston.org) holds one in its permanent collection. Now reopened and on view as part of The Worlds We Make: Selections from the ICA Collection through 2022, “LOVE IS CALLING” is the largest of Kusama’s existing Infinity Mirror Rooms. In this meditation on the idea of infinity, Kusama explores the notion of togetherness. Love is calling, and we are answering.
The new Hero boot from outerwear brand Mackage
SHOP
When Montreal-based outerwear brand Mackage (mackage.com) opened at the Prudential Center last fall, Bostonians rejoiced. New Englanders know there is no such thing as too many places to shop for stylish parkas. This year, the sustainably minded brand added footwear to its collection with the new Hero boot. The unisex, shearling-lined winter boot features handmade construction and weatherproof materials, even tested to withstand minus 13 F (minus 25 C) forecasts. Every style is water-repellent and crafted from quality leather and smart textiles.
Karma Asian Fusion is home to the largest Japanese whisky selection in Massachusetts PHOTO COURTESY OF: KARMA ASIAN FUSION, BURLINGTON
DINE
The third time may be the charm, but chef-restaurateur Iverson Guo is finding major success with his fourth concept, Burlington’s Karma Asian Fusion (burlington. karmaasianfusion.com). Touted as the only restaurant in Massachusetts where you can find top-shelf Japanese whisky, Guo’s menu focuses on Japanese dishes and Asian flavors dashed with French and Peruvian elements. The impressive menu offers a range of traditional tastes and creative maki and Karma sushi specials studded with high-end ingredients like uni, caviar and black truffles. For a truly unforgettable experience, let Guo and his team select their favorite fare with the six- or 15-course omakase. On Friday and Saturday evenings, a DJ brings a nightlife vibe to Karma.
The Maserati M20, available at the new Boston Motorsports Maserati.
DRIVE
Long known as the premier place to purchase luxury automobiles of all kinds, Boston Motorsports is now home to New England’s newest Maserati dealership. Opened this fall, Boston Motorsports Maserati (bostonmotorsportsmaserati.com) invites guests to custom order sedans, SUVs and sports cars from the legendary Italian automaker. Maserati’s new MC20 is at the top of many holiday lists this year. The model’s sleek two-door silhouette offers four bespoke driving modes, fully digitized interiors and an engine that goes from 0 to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of 202 mph. The M20’s butterflywing doors ensure that every arrival is a grand entrance.
SIP
Oktoberfest may be over, but beer gardens are more popular than ever. The W Boston (marriott.com) is putting a decidedly upscale spin on the concept thanks to a new partnership with Dorchester Brewing Company. For starters, the new street-level destination is indoors for the season. A new 10-tap draft system with Belgian control faucets guarantees a perfect pour for DB Co’s signature brews, ciders, seltzers and sours, all of which pair perfectly with Oktoberfest fare like brats, pretzels with beer-infused cheese and braised beef sliders. Hotel guests can even sample sips in their suites, with curated DB Co flights.
Photography by: Hope Allison; Maria DeNapoli; Courtesy of Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston; Courtesy of Mackage; Courtesy of Karma Asian Fusion, Burlington; Courtesy of Boston Motorsports Maserati
