MyBoston - Back Bay Beacon Hill: March 2026

MyBoston

BACK BAY & BEACON HILL

AN ART-FILLED CUSTOM INTERIOR DESIGNED BY TREVOR FULMER

CONCIERGE MEDICINE MEETS HOLISTIC HEALTH

FEATURES

16 On Pointe

Lia Cirio looks back on more than 20 years with Boston Ballet.

20 To Your Health!

Dr. Jay Luthar and his team are bringing a holistic approach to concierge medicine in a new Back Bay practice that considers the whole patient.

24 A Gallery of Their Own Interior designer Trevor Fulmer recounts the pleasure of designing a Back Bay brownstone where art and memory live side by side.

COLUMNS

6 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Fresh Perspective

8 LOCAL PULSE Community Calendar

12 LOCAL TASTES

Columbus Hospitality Group

28 5 BEST Spring Style Finds

30 LOCAL TREASURE Trinity Church

34 ASK THE EXPERT Selecting a Good Knife

36 LOCAL SOCIAL Community Gatherings

40 MY SUNDAY Greta Cunniff

COVER

Lia Cirio, Principal Dancer, Boston Ballet. Photograph: Oleg Bolotov.

Styling: Tara West. Clothes and Jewelry: Courtesy of Matsu. Hair and MakeUp: Dahab Nazmy, Stilisti Salon

Photographed at Boston Ballet

WINTER EXPERIENCE

iFRESH PERSPECTIVE

I ALWAYS LOOK AT March as a new start, and this year is no exception. After an unusually long and cold winter, the cheerful green of our cover reflects our collective desire for renewal—of energy, perspective, and the way we care for ourselves and one another.

Our cover features Lia Cirio, who has been a Boston Ballet principal dancer for more than 20 years. Her tremendous dedication reflects her discipline, resilience, and grace. In our second feature story, we meet the team at Lutanen Health, a concierge medicine practice focused on long-term vitality. Finally, talented interior designer Trevor Fulmer shares the story of his design for a Back Bay brownstone that is clean, timeless, and full of art.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to gather with our partners this month at an upcoming magazine event, where we will

announce our Cover of the Year Winner for 2025! Follow us @MyBostonmag social media for updates and visit us online at www.mybostonmag.com.

We are proud to spotlight our neighbors, local heroes, and community leaders whose stories motivate us to grow, connect, and elevate everyday life. Thank you to our readers, contributors, and local businesses for making this magazine possible and, as always, see you in the neighborhood.

Renata Coker Publisher, MyBoston

www.mybostonmag.com @mybostonmag

MyBoston

Publisher

Renata Coker

Renata.Coker@mybostonmag.com

Editor and Photographer

Claire Vail

editor@mybostonmag.com

Writers

Trevor Fulmer

Leigh Harrington

Tara West

Lead Photographer

Oleg Bolotov

Advisory Board

Collin Bray

Leigh Harrington

John Michael Kennedy

Lisa Mulman

Sharin Schober

David Sharff

Cindy Sullivan

WAINSCOT MEDIA

Chairman

Carroll V. Dowden

President and CEO

Mark Dowden

SVP, Group Publisher

Thomas Flannery

VP, Content Strategy

Maria Regan

VP, Director of Digital Media

Nigel Edelshain

Creative Director

Kijoo Kim

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

Community CALENDAR

March may be halfway between winter and spring, but this transformative time offers plenty to see and do. The city comes alive for St. Patrick’s Day, the 37th Boston Wine & Food Festival, and live music, art exhibitions, author talks, and other events happening in Back Bay, Beacon Hill and beyond.

March 3

Boston Public Library Copley Square: 826 Boston Writing Workshop for Kids

A writing workshop aimed at kids 6 to 12. An expert-led workshop that encourages kids to brainstorm the elements of a good story and build a main character, setting, and problem together. Kids will then write a group story where each student gets to write their own unique ending and have their stories published. 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. 700 Boylston St., Boston Public Central Library in Copley Square.

March

12

Red Room: Gretchen Parlato Berklee Ensemble

Known for her rhythmic elegance, Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Parlato has released several acclaimed albums, and has performed worldwide at venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center. In this concert she leads the Gretchen Parlato Berklee Ensemble. Matthew Stevens, associate professor in the Ensemble Department, selected the students performing with Parlato and rehearsed them in preparation for the concert. 7 p.m., Red Room at Café 939, 939 Boylston St. Call 617-747-2261 or email boxoffice@berklee.edu for information.

Beginning March 15, visit the Museum of Fine Arts for the “Framing Nature: Gardens and Imagination” exhibit.

March 15

South Boston St. Patrick’s Day/Evacuation Day Parade Grab a spot along Broadway near the T station in South Boston to watch the parade, which begins at the Broadway T Station, South Boston, and ends at Andrew Square. 11:30 a.m.

March 15

Museum of Fine Arts: Framing Nature: Gardens and Imagination

Immerse yourself in the beauty of blooms! View favorites and previously unseen masterpieces that explore the garden as a metaphor for creativity and imagination. Works range from wall-sized Renaissance tapestries to intricately detailed Chinese scrolls to modern and contemporary prints. Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave.

Boston Wine & Food Festival

The 37th Boston Wine & Food Festival at the Boston Harbor Hotel offers an exciting lineup of brand-new thematic wine dinners and spirit tastings, galas, and master classes. The festival offers something for everyone, from the curious to the collector, and runs through March 28. www.bostonharborhotel.com

March 5, 4 p.m.

Rioja Spanish Pop-Up with Bodegas

Martinez Lacuesta

The wines of Lacuesta reveal the region’s intricate mosaic of soils, elevations, and microclimates. This event highlights Rioja’s evolution beyond tradition. Guests will enjoy a guided tasting paired with a small plate by Chef David as Estate Director Oscar Alvarez Gárate shares stories of the growers and parcels behind each bottle.

March 7, 4 p.m.

Mezcal Master Class

A guided exploration of agave traditions, from field to glass. This immersive session covers wild vs. cultivated agave, roasting

and fermentation techniques, and the nuances of small-batch distillation, culminating in a curated tasting.

March 12, 6 p.m.

Women and Cocktails

Join Boston cocktail and bartending legends Misty Kalkofen and Kitty Amann as they celebrate all things cocktails paired with bites by Chef Chelsea Fedor.

March 13, 7 p.m.

Tour Cote D’or Burgundy Dinner

Immerse yourself in the richness of the Côte d’Or as we savor aged bottlings and explore the charming villages that give these wines their character.

March 19, 6 p.m.

Wines of Loire with Couly-Dutheil of Chinon

Join Philippe Verrier of Couly-Dutheil for a lively Loire Valley pop-up tasting celebrating the elegance and heritage of Chinon and explore the limestone-rich terroir that has defined the region since 1921.

March 28, 4 p.m.

Champagne and Sake Master Class

Join wine and sake specialist Manny Gonzales for an exploration of growing regions, production techniques, classification styles, food pairings, and new bubbly available in the United States.

March 19

Rediscovering African American Composer Edmond Dédé

Born in New Orleans in 1827 as a free person of color, Edmund Dédé became an accomplished classical musician, conducting orchestras and composing nearly 150 works, including a four-act French grand opera titled Morgiane ou le Sultan d’Ispahan. But the opera was never performed in his lifetime. In the 20th century, librarian Andrea Cawelti uncovered the handwritten score in the archives of Harvard University, sparking an international effort to bring this forgotten masterpiece to the stage. Join Cawelti and French filmmaker Marguerite de Bourgoing for a presentation about the remarkable journey of Morgaine, from its discovery to live performances in 2025, and hear musical excerpts of the work from the newly released audio by Opera Lafayette. Author talk followed by Q&A, with light refreshments to follow.

From 6. to 8 p.m. at the French Library, 53 Marlborough St. $18 for non-members.

March 17

The French Library: “Ru” by Charles-Olivier Michaud (Cine-Club)

Discover “Ru,” the acclaimed film adaptation of Kim Thúy’s international bestseller. Set against Quebec’s striking winter landscapes, the film traces the journey of a young Vietnamese refugee as she navigates exile, resilience, and the search for belonging in a new world. 7 to 9 p.m. The French Library, 53 Marlborough St.

March 19, 20, 21, 22

Boston Symphony Orchestra: Tchaikovsky’s “Manfred” and Schumann’s Piano Concerto with Yunchan Lim

Award winning pianist Yunchan Lim returns to Symphony Hall to play Robert Schumann’s lyrical piano concerto. Tchaikovsky wrote his “Manfred” based on Lord Byron’s verse play of the same name about a nobleman traveling in the Alps in search of meaning. Boston Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave. Call 617-266-1492 for tickets.

March 26, 27, 28

Boston Symphony Orchestra: Dvorak Symphony No. 9 and Excerpts from “Nixon in China” with Renee Fleming

Join opera luminaries Thomas Hampson and Renee Fleming for selections from John Adams’ “Nixon in China,” a composition that redefined the genre by dealing with recent world events. Dvorak’s New World symphony, which was composed while he was living in the U.S., blends Bohemian soul with American spirit. Boston Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave. Call 617-266-1492 for tickets.

March 30

Berklee Performance Center: Richard Bona Meets Berklee Grammy Award–winning bassist, composer, and vocalist Richard Bona is famous for his soaring vocals and charismatic stage. His music blends the rich musical traditions of his native Cameroon with a variety of jazz, pop, and world influences. In this concert, Bona joins an ensemble of top Berklee students and faculty under the direction of faculty member Paola Munda, creating an immersive evening that bridges continents and musical styles. 8 p.m., Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave. For information, call 617-747-2261 or email boxoffice@berklee.edu.

FEBRUARY 26 - MARCH 26,2026 OPENING EVENT FEB 26, 6-9 PM

Distinguished Service

Sales and Marketing Director Lisa Flores has dedicated the past 24 years to shaping Boston’s opportunities for fine dining, with exquisite results.

BY CLAIRE VAIL

IMPORTANT CLIENTS are coming to town, and you need to impress them with a no-fail dining experience. Your kid just got into Harvard Law, and you want to celebrate in a rarefied atmosphere. It’s your partner’s birthday, and they fancy a feast.

Chances are good that at least one of Columbus Hospitality Group’s (CHG) restaurants, which include Mistral, Sorellina, Ostra, and Moo, are on your list. Quietly elegant, with standout cuisine, impeccable service and understated décor, these are establishments for grown-ups, and anyone who aspires to be one. They attract a loyal patron base of diners who prefer an old-school approach to fine dining—serious, but not stuffy.

Lisa Flores, CHG’s Director of Sales and Marketing, says consistency is cornerstone of success.

“Once, at Mistral, we changed some longstanding menu items, and we heard quite a lot about that from our regular patrons,” she remembers. “Our diners don’t want change for the sake of novelty. They don’t want anything flashy or trendy. They want a highquality experience every time, which is what we aim to deliver.”

A TALENT FOR QUICK THINKING

Flores grew up in San Antonio and had planned to go to college in Texas, but she applied to Boston University on a whim—and was accepted. By accident, she arrived a few days too early to move into her dorm. It was 1998.

“I was completely alone, a small(ish)-town girl in a big city, and I got a big-city welcome,” she recalls. “The cab driver dumped me and my luggage off at the address at BU, where

everything was closed. I did finally manage to convince an administrator to let me into the dorms, so I didn’t have to sleep on the streets.”

It was Flores’ first lesson in managing a tricky situation on her feet. She would soon discover she had a knack for making things go smoothly.

In 2001, while still in college, she landed a job as a hostess at Mistral, and quicly came to admire restaurant’s exacting standards. “Everyone was so professional,” she says. “The food was incredible, and the service was polished. San Antonio didn’t have restaurants of that caliber. There was a lot to learn, and the staff and the managers were excellent mentors.”

GAINING SKILLS—AND CONFIDENCE

After graduating from BU, she worked her way up the CHG hierarchy,

becoming Reservations Manager and later Special Events Manager. In that role, she implemented strategies that improved the reservation system and staff training for events. Not infrequently, she found that being in a position of authority could be challenging for a woman.

“If I was standing near any tall man, guests would assume he was the director,” she says. “I had to learn to assert myself. It took time and coaching. Eventually it kicked in, and once it did, I became very confident.”

In 2008, a promotion to Director of Sales and Marketing meant oversight of marketing campaigns, media relations, and branding for CHG’s ambitious expansion plans, including partnerships with the Inn

at St. Botolph and XV Beacon Hotel. She continued to run Special Events, managing private functions and restaurant buyouts for all of CHG’s restaurants.

She describes some of the techniques for making guests feel welcome. “If they’ve dined with us before, we remember how they like their steak cooked, the vintage they drink, and similar details. It’s those seemingly small touches that add up to everything.”

For the past 24 and a half years, Flores has worked at perfecting her role and has enjoyed the satisfaction of being able to shape the business in positive ways. She is particularly proud of her staff, who she commends for meeting the group’s

high expectations.

“I am ever the proud mom,” she says. “When there’s a birthday, promotion, wedding, or similar milestone, I like to gather the team to celebrate the individual. My favorite occasions are birthdays. I decorate the person’s desk with balloons, confetti, and banners. My staff tells me that walking into the office and seeing all the decorations at their desk is always their favorite part of the day.”

GIVING BACK

Flores has also returned to her alma mater as an adjunct professor. She finds joy in sharing her expertise in food and beverage management with a new generation of hospitality professionals.

She also finds time to teach classes in American etiquette to first generation immigrants.

The restaurant business is full of long hours and hard work, and no one understands this better than Flores, who has worked in nearly every role since she was a student. Boston—and CHG—have been home to her for two decades now, but her warm Southern upbringing still shines through.

“Hospitality is about taking good care of guests, community, and vendors,” she says. “We also take excellent care of the staff and of each other. We’re like family. Nothing is more important than that.”

A fresh season begins at home.

On Pointe

Lia Cirio looks back on more than 20 years with Boston Ballet.

BY CLAIRE VAIL

LLIA CIRIO’S PARENTS say she came out of the womb dancing.

“I was always moving around,” she recalls. “I had the little tutu pajamas and all that stuff. But my core childhood memory is going to ‘The Nutcracker.’ All I wanted was to be Clara.”

Cirio is Clara. She’s also Princess Aurora from “The Sleeping Beauty,” Odette from “Swan Lake,” Nikiya from “La Bayadère,” and all the roles she has danced and portrayed over the course of 22 years as one of Boston Ballet’s principal dancers. On stage she soars, but today she’s herself, in gray workout gear, lounging in a chair in the Ballet’s long-established South End digs on Clarendon Street. She is a coiled spring of mental and physical self-discipline, hard on herself but full of praise for others—direct, sincere, and vulnerable.

She took tap, jazz, and ballet lessons from a tender age. One day a teacher requested a meeting with her mother to discuss her obvious

talent. “I couldn’t hear what they were saying,” she remembers. “They looked so serious. I was like, what’s going on? Am I in trouble?”

Soon Cirio was training every day after school, a star in the making. By age 14, the next big step was Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, a proving ground for principal dancers around the world, run by the formidable Marcia Dale-Weary, a legend in the profession.

“She was very old fashioned,” says Cirio. “We couldn’t wear a lot of makeup. We couldn’t wear our little necklaces. She didn’t like short skirts. You were discouraged from getting a tan. Looking back, perhaps it wasn’t the best mentally, but she trained me to work my tail off.”

DRIVEN TO DANCE

The school was two hours away in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, so Cirio’s parents relocated, and homeschooled the children. Their

father, who worked in Philadelphia, saw them only on weekends. Cirio had a strict regimen. Schoolwork in the morning, then dancing all day, every day, from 2 to 8 p.m. She missed out on typical American high school rites of passage like the prom but found camaraderie with her fellow dancers.

While Cirio was advancing through ballet’s forbidding ranks, her younger brother Jeffrey— another major talent—was pirouetting in her footsteps.

“He was a prodigy right away,” says Cirio. “I think I am kind of his inspiration for starting dance, but I sometimes feel like he surpassed me in the way that he has developed into the artist and technician he is today. I adore the way he dances—it’s incredible.”

Ciro’s youngest brother showed promise, too, but choose not to pursue it.

“He likes to say he retired at twelve,” she says with a laugh. “He was the best of us all.”

JOINING BOSTON BALLET

At 16, Ciro successfully auditioned for Boston Ballet, prompting another move for the whole family to Massachusetts, since she wasn’t old enough to live on her own as an adult. Seven years later, she was promoted to principal dancer, a meteoric rise for someone so young.

In 2009, she took some time off when her boyfriend at the time was shot, but not killed, outside her apartment. The crisis prompted her to explore new vistas, and she left ballet for contemporary dance, traveling and performing internationally for a year before returning to Boston Ballet, and resuming her role. Her brother Jeffrey also became a dancer with the company but left for the American Ballet Theatre in 2015, then became a principal dancer at the English National Ballet. He returned to the Boston Ballet in 2022.

Cirio has performed the lead role in more than 100 ballets. She has many classical favorites, but two stand out: Nakia from “La Bayadère,” which was Cirio’s first full-length classical ballet after being promoted to principal, and Aurora from “The Sleeping Beauty,” considered one of most technically challenging roles in ballet. Act One’s Rose Adagio, in which Princess Aurora is wooed by her many suitors, requires the dancer to balance en pointe on one leg throughout the scene, while exuding the joy of a 16-year-old girl at the epicenter of her world.

“The first time I did that role, it was so daunting that I let the steps defeat me. I thought, I hate this role. But then the second time around, I feel like I conquered her in the best way possible and now I can enjoy dancing Aurora. I’ve done that role three or four times now and I love it,” she says.

“A lot of ballerinas just break

down crying because you’re so drained from the emotions and how much hard work you put in for one or two shows. Even if it’s like a happy ballet, like “The Sleeping Beauty,” I’ve definitely cried during bows, because of an ‘I did it’ kind of thing.”

Ballet demands grace and poise, but also enormous physical strength, which requires a daily training regimen. There’s no room for slackers. Boston Ballet’s dancers are strongly encouraged to attend a daily 90-minute class at 9:45 a.m. Advances in nutrition and the science of physical fitness leave today’s athletes no room for error. Cirio cycles, does yoga, and works

“AFTER”

Lia Cirio’s choreography takes center stage in her ballet “After,” which returns to the Citizens Opera House May 7 to 17, 2026, as part of Boston Ballet’s Spring Experience. For tickets, contact the box office at 617-695-6955.

with the Ballet’s physical therapists to stay in Olympic shape.

REACHING FOR PERFECTION

“With classical ballet, you’re always striving to be perfect and you’re never going to get that,” she says. “And I love that challenge. But then with the modern contemporary things, you get to be you, yourself, and kind of break the boundaries of classical ballet and experience new things. And that’s really interesting and fun.”

In 2015, Cirio and her brother Jeffrey created the Cirio Collective, a collaboration with other dancers and artists. Since they’re free of any institutional restrictions, the group is an ideal place for experimentation and self-expression. Cirio Collective performs in Massachusetts, New York, and select spots around the globe.

In 2018, Boston Ballet’s Artistic Director Mikko Nissinen started the ChoreograpHER Initiative, with the goal of featuring the work of female choreographers. He encouraged Cirio to begin arranging her own pieces.

“I always thought I was happy just being the muse, but Mikko said, ‘just

try it.’ And I did. A five-minute piece turned into a 10-minute piece. And I was hooked.”

Because it was composed during the pandemic, when dancers had to work alone or go to studios in small pods, Cirio titled her piece “Chaptered in Fragments.”

“After the pandemic, I had my work performed on the main stage for the first time,” she explains. “I created this piece in a span of two years, in chapters. And my cast and I, we just felt like we all had changed in that whole process as people and as dancers. I altered certain things in the piece to reflect those changes. It was really cool.”

Such a long tenure is remarkable for any dancer, and Cirio has much to reflect on. “I’m looking at the end of my career. Not quite yet, but it’s on the horizon,” she says quietly.

She still has one role that she aspires to, and that’s Juliet. Boston Ballet’s 2025 season included the iconic Prokofiev ballet based on Shakespeare’s tale of star-crossed lovers, but Cirio wasn’t cast.

“I have experienced a lot of

heartbreak in my life, while I was growing into myself. And ‘Romeo and Juliet’ has always been my dream ballet. Juliet is the one role I’ve been reaching for that I might not get, and it’s really sad. But that happens in a lot of people’s careers, having disappointments. It’s how you grow from them that matters.”

BEYOND DANCING

Still passionately focused on her performances, Cirio is also enjoying training the next generation of dancers and expanding her role as a choreographer.

It’s not only dance she teaches. Ciro, who is half Filipino, remembers a time when the ideal look for ballerinas was pale, as white as snow. It’s different now, she says. She recently married another dancer in the company, and on her recent honeymoon in Mexico, she relaxed and picked up a bit of a tan.

“I love being that dancer that young brown girls can look up to. Growing up, I didn’t really have that someone. I’m happy that I got to pave that path a little bit. And that’s where we need to stay—in a beautiful, colorful place.”

TO YOUR Health!

Dr. Jay Luthar and his team are bringing a holistic approach to concierge medicine in a new Back Bay practice that considers the whole patient.

JBY CLAIRE VAIL

JAY LUTHAR, MD, RECALLS the moment he decided to go into medicine. He was 15, on a flight with his family to New Mexico for a vacation when a passenger collapsed. A flight attendant asked if a doctor was on board. There was. Dr. Luthar’s mother, Anshu Luthar, a family physician, sprang into action.

The man was cold, sweaty, and unresponsive, and the plane’s medical kit had only a few rudimentary diagnostic tools. Dr. Luthar had to think fast and rely on her gut. Was it a heart attack, pulmonary embolism, or something else? With the worried crew and passengers looking on, she used a glucometer to determine the fainter had dangerously low blood glucose, and gave him an intramuscular injection of dextrose, which kept him awake until they could land and get him to the hospital.

“She saved his life,” says Dr. Luthar. “I was so proud of her. I thought, ‘I want to do this, too. I

want to be able to help people in this way.’”

Like his mother, Dr. Luthar was interested in primary care, a track in high demand, but one that fewer doctors are pursuing these days. Between 2012 and 2020, medical schools reported that only one in five residents entered primary care, as opposed in one in three in prior years). They’re also leaving the job. In 2021, 117,000 primary care doctors left the specialty. Burnout is a huge factor. According to physician surveys conducted between 2018 and now, the average primary care doctor is responsible for 2,000 to 3,000 patients and sees between 20 to 30 patients a day. Fewer doctors, a large patient panel and an aging population mean that people are ill, often seriously so, before they receive care.

After his residency, Dr. Luthar worked as a primary care physician at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and provided one-hour patient

consults at the Benson-Henry Institute of Mind Body Medicine. Like many of his peers, he felt the patient load was just too large to provide the level of care that met his personal standard.

“I had a one-time, one-hour visit with the patient,” says Dr. Luthar. “My primary care was supposed to be longitudinal, but because there were so many patients, it was difficult to get in to see me. There were months-long wait lists.”

A DIFFERENT KIND OF CARE

Many doctors and patients are flocking to private concierge practices, in which doctors see fewer patients, but charge those patients an extra fee. Over the last five years, concierge practices grew by 83%, according to Harvard Medical School.

Like many of his peers, Dr. Luthar moved to concierge medicine, working for a local practice for a few years. The patient load improved, but the focus wasn’t on preventive care. “You got an appointment faster, and that visit might last longer, but it was the same reactive model—patients go to the doctor after they’re already sick,” he says.

Dr. Luthar wanted the opportunity to apply the latest advances in medicine to prevent health problems before they happened. “We’re

uncovering a lot of the fundamentals of the biology of aging and seeing how that intersects with chronic disease. It’s becoming clear that there are powerful, almost drug-like effects on the body when we do consistent things like exercising or eating well.”

In 2024, Dr. founded his own concierge practice dedicated to treating the whole patient, based around his training in integrative medicine and academic longevity science. Together, he and his wife, Sara Rantanen, created the concept of Lutanen Health. “Lutanen” is a symbolic mingling of their last names.

LAUNCHING LUTANEN HEALTH

Their team is a small but impressive group of professionals with complementary skills. Ratanen, who worked for a tech startup, is head of operations. Dr. Julia Loewenthal is an internist and geriatrician who teaches at Harvard Medical School.

Rachel Grosklags, a registered nurse with a background and interest in functional health and nutrition, is experienced in mindful movement and meditation. Director of Business Development Charlene Tierney, a veteran of the luxury health and wellness space, most recently worked at the exclusive Canyon Ranch spa. Kaylee LeCavalier is a doctor of physical therapy and leads the Human Performance Laboratory. Lutanen has plans to expand its staff in 2026.

In March, Dr. Luthar and his team opened a 3,000 square-foot space at 607 Boylston St. in Back Bay. The office contains a medical wing, which has a handful of exam rooms for minor procedures, and a fitness wing, which has spaces for physical therapy, recovery, and yoga.

Patient wellness and comfort are

the reason for everything at Lutanen Health, including interior design. Their lobby has natural light, plush swivel chairs, warm wood tones, and a display of jazz album covers. An almost undetectable nature soundtrack helps lower blood pressure, as does the presence of Moona, the team’s hypoallergenic labradoodle, who greets patients with warm eyes and a soft, gentle paw.

Dr. Luthar points out that concierge medicine isn’t just for people who are elderly or ill. Nor is it exclusively for the wealthy. Lutanen’s annual membership fee begins at $15,000 a year, in the mid-range of Back Bay pricing. There’s a fitnessonly membership option for those who aren’t interested in the medical side.

‘It’s for anybody who wants more of a partnership with their physician; a physician who can help them get ahead of chronic diseases through proactive and preventative care.”

Dr. Luthar’s practice is built around a holistic approach to medicine that factors in every aspect of a person’s being. “We take a very deep dive into who this person is from childhood, not just medically,” he says. “We ask what’s important to them as a human being. What’s the purpose of being healthy? Is it to be able to lift their grandkids when they’re older, to have those

extra quality years? Then, within that framework, we can take time to understand their risk factors.”

Armed with an intimate knowledge of the patient’s personal and family medical histories, their goals, and their lifestyle, plus the trust built through quality dialogue between doctor and patient, Dr. Luthar and his colleagues can effectively guide patients toward making smart choices that will keep them healthier, longer.

A LONG, HEALTHY LIFE

“People are living longer these days, but living longer doesn’t necessarily mean living well,” says Dr. Luthar. “Oftentimes, you have another decade of life thanks to medications, but you’re very, debilitated, suffering, and frail. And frailty is in many ways preventable. We can’t always stop diseases from happening, but we can certainly mitigate a lot of the negative impacts.”

A good diet is essential for health, and in videos on his website, Dr. Luthar extols the virtues of clean eating, but he says other factors are just as important. Minimizing stress, sleeping well, staying physically active, and pursuing in-person (not just online) social connections are all critical to staying well.

Loneliness, says Dr. Luthar, is a serious problem, especially for

older adults. He describes an isolated older patient who was experiencing depression.“Most doctors treat depression with pills, and that can help,” he says. “But I started thinking, what’s her social situation? Could we help plug her into a community organization? Those aren’t the things your typical doctor is going to be thinking about, but it’s all in the context of who this person is,” he says.

“I think of what we do at Lutanen Health as similar to how a private wealth manager helps people with their finances. If you invest some time and energy into good habits, these effects compound over time. Then, when you’re older, you have a buffer, a lot of physiological reserve to draw upon to weather chronic disease, acute illnesses, and functional decline. We’re partnering with people and working with them to help achieve their goals, but in the context of cutting-edge science and medicine and their health.”

The team members freely express their joy to be working in a place where making people healthy and happy is the priority. That’s why they wanted to work in healthcare and wellness in the first place, they explain.

Dr. Luthar echoes their sentiment: “If we clinicians are less rushed, that allows us to create this container, this safe healing space for the patients to be seen and heard. If we’re in balance, that helps us keep our patients in balance, too.”

A Gallery of Their Own

Interior designer Trevor Fulmer recounts the pleasure of designing a Back Bay brownstone where art and memory live side by side.

BY MYBOSTON STAFF

w“WE WANT OUR HOME to be like an art gallery where we can reflect on our past travels and experiences.”

Such was the vision Trevor Fulmer’s recent clients—a cultured, designsavvy couple in their 70s—laid out in their first meeting. For Fulmer, an award-winning interior designer with seven years of experience working in Boston and greater New England, it was an intriguing challenge, unlike any he’d encountered before.

The couple, who’d met in Boston during college, had spent more than thirty years in the Peace Corps together traveling across Asia. They had collected artwork, furniture, and cultural artifacts from every chapter of their lives there. Their treasures include hand-painted gold screens, pottery, vintage vases, and a remarkable range of paintings and drawings.

Fulmer’s goal was to thoughtfully incorporate these pieces within the architecture so that the home itself became a gallery but remained a comfortable, liveable space.

Built in the 1870s, the 1,750 square foot Marlborough Street brownstone needed to tell the story of two lives well lived. The home carried all the charm and intricacy of its era, along with the challenges of narrow rooms, segmented layouts, and limited natural light.

From the beginning, the clients

requested a neutral palette. White rugs, cream upholstery, and tonal wallcovering became the backdrop. For Fulmer, whose design studio was branded around use of contrast and texture, this project offered an opportunity to explore restraint. The simple palette allowed Fulmer and his design team to focus on light, form, and proportion.

A FOCUS ON LIGHT

Light became the guiding principle. Brownstones rarely offer abundant daylight, so every beam mattered. Fulmer refined the lighting plan to highlight each piece of art, ensuring that every fixture and placement allowed the collection to shine.

“The result was a space that felt creatively calm and contemplative, where the clients felt at peace,” explains Fulmer. “Once we created that space, we added furnishings that continued that sense of balance.”

An unexpected tonal cheetah pattern carpet from Landry and Arcari, custom cut to the shape of the room, brightens the living room, softens outdoor noise, and anchors the seating area. A Gregorius Pineo sofa upholstered in Lee Jofa mohair brings sculptural curves with its gentle scooped arm and traditional silhouette.

A classic Isamu Noguchi coffee table introduces a midcentury

ABOUT TREVOR FULMER DESIGN

Fulmer Design is known for creating modern, livable interiors that merge artful composition with timeless comfort. Fulmer’s work extends into product design, including Natural Principles, a distinctive collection of printed grass cloth wallcoverings and wool and silk floor coverings inspired by the shapes found in nature, and Foundations, a contemporary rug collection in partnership with Landry and Arcari. These collections, like his interiors, reveal a love of customization and craftsmanship. Learn more at www. trevorfulmerdesign.com.

rest of the home. This office allows the clients to work while surrounded by the pieces that define their story.

CREATING COHESION

Traditional interior details and classic millwork restore the home’s connection to its nineteenth century origins. Silk wallcoverings by Phillip Jeffries, antique brass hardware, and graceful drapery add texture, depth, and warmth. Each decision was deliberate, contributing to a reflective and cohesive atmosphere.

One of the home’s most memorable vignettes appears just inside the entryway. Two paintings by Yuji Hiratsuka greet visitors and set the tone for the rest of the home. Over the sofa, a hand-painted centuries old Chinese silk screen from the late Edo period reflects light from the window, its golden surface softly glowing throughout the day.

The palette of whites and creams creates continuity from one room to the next. Materials provide depth where color is secondary. Linen, silk, and wood each offer a subtle shift in tone.

from the start, but according to Fulmer, it took on deeper meaning once the project was complete.

moment, while an acrylic side table— custom designed by Fulmer himself— adds a touch of modern clarity.

In the primary bedroom, a ceiling fixture from Calger Lighting casts a soft, diffused glow that frames the room. Bedding from Frette adds a layer of luxury. Sheer drapery introduces a sense of formality, a zebra print rug brings a playful contrast, and a vintage hand-carved Chinese chair grounds the space with cultural history and character.

One of the bedrooms was transformed into a custom office space. The built-in millwork provides ample storage and display for books, artwork, and collected objects. Painted in a rich cream semi-gloss finish and detailed with brass hardware, the cabinetry echoes the palette of the

“Our goal was to let the art and the architecture have a conversation,” says Fulmer. “Every decision came down to what would honor the client’s collection and the story behind it. When design is personal, it becomes timeless.”

Fulmer Design Studio’s tagline, “Your home is the backdrop to your life’s story,” resonated with the clients

“They were thrilled to see their treasures proudly displayed, each piece telling its own story,” says Fulmer. “They let us know we didn’t just design a home for them; we designed a home for their art and their history. Every space became a place to admire and reflect.”

The completed brownstone stands as a portrait of its owners—not only a place to live but a living memory. It honors their past while celebrating the life they continue to build.

SPRING STYLE FINDS

Spring is in the air, and we have curated a few must-have items to help you enjoy the city in style.

BY TARA WEST

Photographs by Brad Bahner

A COLORFUL BAG FROM CUYANA

Effortlessly stylish and generously sized, Cuyana bags are capacious while still feeling refined. A hidden zipper is a thoughtful, functional touch, making them as practical as they are chic. They come in five bold colors, but my personal favorites are the butter yellow tote and the bright orange pouch, the latter being a perfect travel companion.

Where to find: Cuyana, 112 Newbury St., Back Bay

THREE SKINCARE ESSENTIALS

Spring calls for a refreshed approach to skincare—lighter, brighter, and deeply revitalizing. Three items from Trinny London stand out for achieving luminous, plump skin just in time for summer. Begin with the Enzyme Balm Cleanser to gently melt away impurities, follow with the Find Your Balance BHA Exfoliant to refine texture and clarify, and finish with Bounce Back Peptide to nourish, smooth, and rejuvenate the skin. The result? A complexion that looks effortlessly fresh and radiant.

Where to find: Trinny London, 115 Newbury St., Unit L, Back Bay

BACK IN BLOOM

This floral maxi dress from Remy on Charles Street in Beacon Hill is the perfect look for spring. The flattering belt adds just the right amount of waist definition, while the cap sleeves give this classic maxi a modern twist. Have a little fun and add an extra pop of color with an orange heel. This is the kind of dress you’ll definitely find yourself wearing on repeat.

Where to Find:

Remy Creations, 96 Charles St., Beacon Hill

BOSTON-FRIENDLY FOOTWEAR

Whether it’s a classic sneaker with a contemporary edge or a loafer with a sleek update, Concepts on Newbury Street offers some of the newest and coolest footwear in Boston. The leather Maison Margiela sneaker transitions effortlessly from day to night, while this loafer with Adidas traction is equally chic and comfortable.

Where to find: Concepts, 18 Newbury St., Back Bay

THE IT ACCESSORY

The brooch is officially back, and Cynthia Britt’s latest creation proves why. Crafted in white gold and diamonds, this beautiful, majestic pin features an airy, sculptural form that feels both substantial and effortlessly elegant.

Where to Find: Cynthia Britt Custom Jewelry, 45 Newbury St., Suite 305, Back Bay

Tara West is an award-winning fashion stylist, lifestyle blogger, podcast co-host, and on-air style expert who has been featured in InStyle, People, and The Wall Street Journal, and was named Boston Magazine’s 2023 Best Personal Stylist. Visit www.tarawestfashion.com or follow @tarawestfashion.

Trinity Church: WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED

Boston’s most photographed landmark hides stories of parishioners whose devotion shaped its beauty.

BY LEIGH HARRINGTON

ANCHORED IN Copley Square, Trinity Church is impossible to overlook. Every Bostonian has likely stepped inside its Episcopal hall—if not for worship, then to marvel at its architectural and artistic splendor.

Like its enigmatic former rector, Phillips Brooks, Trinity makes no secret of its showpieces: John La Farge’s luminous stained glass and sweeping mural, and H.H. Richardson’s signature Romanesque design. Yet for all its fame, this beloved landmark and local treasure still keeps a few secrets hidden in plain sight. Let’s dig in.

EMBROIDERED MEMORIAL KNEELERS

For nearly four decades, Trinity Church’s needlepoint guild has carried on an age-old Episcopal tradition—one that traces back to the Medieval Church of England. Peek into the center pews of the nave, and you’ll spot the hand-stitched kneelers tucked in the footwells, each one created to honor milestones in the lives of parishioners. Every cushion tells a story: family histories, artistic styles, small motifs, even snippets of poetry woven into the fabric. Guild members, friends, and anyone with the patience and passion for it are welcome to take part in crafting these quiet tributes of faith and art.

MARGARET REDMOND’S WINDOW

In the latter half of the 19th century, Margaret Redmond defied the expectations of her time and forged a career as a working artist. She trained at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Harvard’s School of Architecture, the Art Students League in New York, and the Académie Colarossi in Paris. But what connects her to Trinity Church? Redmond studied under some of the era’s great stained-glass masters—John La Farge, among them, later followed by Charles J. Connick. Like La Farge, she left her mark at Trinity with five windows of her own design. Her work, however, leans toward the medieval: rich jewel tones, flashes of scarlet, and biblical scenes rendered with quiet intensity. Enter through Trinity’s main door and look to the first stained-glass window on the left, better known as The Cary Memorial Window. Fellow female artist Georgina Shelton Cary commissioned it of Redmond, and you’ll recognize it instantly—the

way it shimmers and glows, no matter the weather outside.

DEXTER TABLET

From the nave, step into the North Transept—the right arm of Trinity’s cross-shaped plan—and you’ll find a wall tablet honoring George Minot Dexter, a senior warden of the church in the 1860s. A tablet may not sound thrilling, but the man it commemorates certainly was. Before Trinity stood in Copley Square, it occupied a church on Summer Street in Downtown Crossing. As warden, Dexter was the one who discovered and called Phillips Brooks to be Trinity’s rector. When the Summer Street building was lost in the Great Fire of 1872, Dexter personally saw to it that the remains in its crypt were carefully relocated to Mount Auburn Cemetery—only to pass away himself later that year. His tablet bears an inscription written by fellow parishioner Robert C. Winthrop, the statesman who once served in both the U.S. House and Senate.

JANUARY HOME SALES

Back Bay and Beacon Hill

KNIVES OUT

When it comes to cutlery, Jennifer and Jim Hill are the sharpest tools in the drawer. They own Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill, the largest fine cutlery retailer in New England. Selecting a good knife can be daunting. The Hills are here to point you in the right direction.

BY MYBOSTON STAFF

How do you know if a knife is good quality?

Forged knives are generally considered higher quality than stamped knives. Forged knives are shaped from heated steel, resulting in better balance, strength and long-term durability, while stamped knives are cut from a flat sheet of knife steel and tend to be lighter and more economical. Within forged knives, there is also a wide range of steel types and constructions, from traditional German-style steel to layered and patterned Damascus steels, each offering different benefits in terms of hardness, edge retention, and maintenance. We encourage customers to handle knives, ask questions and compare options in person.

What are some of the best knife brands (and from which countries)?

We currently carry approximately 18 knife brands, all of them trusted, highquality brands. Rather than naming a single “best” brand, we believe the best knife is the one that fits your cooking style, feels right in your hand and meets your kitchen needs. Country of origin, blade shape, handle design and steel type all play a role—but personal comfort, cost and intended use matter most.

What’s your personal favorite knife brand?

As mentioned, a knife is a very personal choice. That said, the current top design is Ryda from Sweden. Their unique handle design delivers exceptional balance, and their use of Damascus patterned steel provides a comparably harder edge with striking beauty and durable performance.

How many knives do you really need, and what should you expect to spend?

Most home cooks only need three knives: a chef’s knife, a paring or utility knife, and a bread knife. These

cover nearly all everyday kitchen tasks. You can expect to spend around $150 on a quality chef’s knife, with paring or utility knives and bread knives typically costing less. Focusing on these essentials allows you to invest in better performance without overbuying.

Jennifer and Jim Hill own Blackstone’s of Beacon Hill, a kitchen, home, and gift store. Visit them at 40 Charles St. or online at www.blackstonesboston.com, and follow them on social media @blackstonesboston.

MyBoston Magazine Turns One!

IN NOVEMBER, MyBoston Publisher Renata Coker, Editor Claire Vail, photographers, writers, and advertising partners gathered at the new location of Doyle’s Auction House in the Vendome building to celebrate a full year in business. Thank you to private chef Food Saucy, Sushi by Bosso, Royce Chocolate, and Bauer Wines for elevating the experience and delighting our guests.

GRETA CUNNIFF

The owner and founder of Beacon Hill boutique East Coast Ivy, Greta Cunniff, loves spending her days off with her husband, Chris, and their two dogs, Luna and Ivy.

A FEW SUNDAYS AGO, I started my morning with a walk through Foxboro with my husband, Chris, and our two pups, Luna and Ivy. It was the perfect way to ease into the day before heading into the city to refresh the decor at East Coast Ivy Boutique. We were officially saying goodbye to fall and welcoming winter, which meant bringing back some customer favorites—especially our beloved Nutcracker.

We brought both dogs with us since Ivy has seen the new store, but Luna hasn’t been in since our original Charles Street location. She used to come with me all the time, so having them both there felt extra special.

Before starting decorations, Chris and I walked over to Blank Street for my favorite Iced Vanilla Daydream

latte, then headed to Cobblestones for breakfast. Their bacon, egg, and cheese on a grilled bagel is unbeatable—we crave it constantly.

SAVORING LITTLE MOMENTS

After finishing the winter decor, we wandered around Beacon Hill, enjoying the quiet Sunday energy and the charm of the neighborhood.

In the afternoon, we explored Rug Road’s new location right next to East Coast Ivy and then made a stop at Paws on Charles to reward the girls with treats for being such good pups all day. Our last city errand was Trader Joe’s for our weekly groceries. I love a Sunday fridge restock to start the week feeling fresh and organized.

We ended the night back at home, where Chris made his chicken parm with vodka sauce, one of my absolute favorites. After dinner we made a fire and watched some football. It was the

Above: A home-cooked meal caps the day Bottom left: Grabbing breakfast from Cobblestones

perfect cozy moment to wrap up such a full day.

I’m endlessly grateful to live near a beautiful city filled with independently owned shops, restaurants, and genuinely kind people. Days like this remind me how lucky I am to build a life and business here.

Greta Cunniff owns and operates East Coast Ivy Boutique, located at 126 Charles St. She is very involved in the neighborhood and has been a board member of the Beacon Hill Business Association for several years.

The season of new beginnings might just have you considering buying or selling. The process can be a walk in the Public Garden when you work with Peter Hill. See Peter has an extensive background as an agent, an impressive and vetted list of helpful resources, and a masterful knowledge of both Beacon Hill and Back Bay. And as part of MGS Group Real Estate, he works with 12 of the best agents in the city who all have one another’s back.

The season of new beginnings might just have you considering buying or selling. The process can be a walk in the Public Garden when you work with Peter Hill. See Peter has an extensive background as an agent, an impressive and vetted list of helpful resources, and a masterful knowledge of both Beacon Hill and Back Bay. And as part of MGS Group Real Estate, he works with 12 of the best agents in the city who all have one another’s back.

The season of new beginnings might just have you considering buying or selling. The process can be a walk in the Public Garden when you work with Peter Hill. See Peter has an extensive background as an agent, an impressive and vetted list of helpful resources, and a masterful knowledge of both Beacon Hill and Back Bay. And as part of MGS Group Real Estate, he works with 12 of the best agents in the city who all have one another’s back.

With his warm personality and attentive client service, you’ll find Peter’s as refreshing as the first flowers of spring. To reach him, just call (508) 353-9721.

With his warm personality and attentive client service, you’ll find Peter’s as refreshing as the first flowers of spring. To reach him, just call (508) 353-9721.

With his warm personality and attentive client service, you’ll find Peter’s as refreshing as the first flowers of spring. To reach him, just call (508) 353-9721.