MyBoston - Back Bay & Beacon Hill: February 2026

Collin Bray

Townhomes & Brownstones

Clients Voted "Most Likely to Succeed, Selling Real Estate"

Back Bay & Beacon Hill

Clients Voted "Best Teammate, Bricks to Cobblestone"

FEATURES

14 Besties in Business

MyBoston sits down with the dynamic duos—women who are both close friends and business partners—who own three of Beacon Hill’s most popular boutiques.

18 Love, Lyrik

Lyrik, the new-ish complex at the end of Newbury Street, aims to craft a creative and innovative space that unites Back Bay and the Fenway.

COLUMNS

4 PUBLISHER’S NOTE Celebrating Friendship

6 LOCAL PULSE Community Calendar

12 LOCAL TASTES Omakase at Uni

22 5 BEST Private Chefs

26 Q&A Memoirist Christine Chamberlain

30 LOCAL SOCIAL Community Gatherings

32 PHOTO OP Stage Beauty

COVER

Sitting: Meredith Amenkhienan, wearing a sweater and pants from Crush Boutique and a camisole from Forty Winks. Standing: Rachel Wentworth, wearing a long coat provided by Dress Boston and a dress from Forty Winks

Photograph: Oleg Bolotov

Styling: Tara West

Hair: Kayla G. Nowell, Stilisti Salon

Makeup: Taynara Paiva, Stilisti Salon Photographed at Forty Winks

CELEBRATING FRIENDSHIP

fFEBRUARY FEELS LIKE the right moment to celebrate the kind of friendship that grows slowly, lasts decades, and quietly shapes our neighborhoods.

In this issue, we shine a light on friendships rooted in childhood and carried into adulthood, partnerships forged long before business plans existed. Along Charles Street, familiar faces and beloved storefronts tell stories of

trust, loyalty, and shared history, and we share those stories in our cover feature, “Besties in Business.” These are the small businesses we return to again and again— because they feel like home.

We also turn our attention to Back Bay, where Lyric continues to evolve, welcoming new businesses and unveiling the striking new Double Heart sculpture. This thoughtful transformation is adding fresh energy and beauty to the western edge of Newbury Street, reminding us how intentional design and public art can bring a community closer.

As always, we remain committed to sharing honest, thoughtful stories that reflect the creativity and connections around us. We are grateful to our partners and advertisers. Your support makes each issue of MyBoston possible.

Don’t forget to check out our new website and our social media posts! Wishing you a fabulous February—stay positive, stay active, and surround yourself with friends, family, and love. And as always, see you in the neighborhood.

With gratitude,

Renata Coker Publisher, MyBoston

www.mybostonmag.com @mybostonmag

Publisher

Renata Coker

Renata.Coker@mybostonmag.com

Editor and Photographer

Claire Vail editor@mybostonmag.com

Writers

Julia Badders

Krystal Clarke

Lead Photographer

Oleg Bolotov

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

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

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 2026 by Wainscot Media LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Community CALENDAR

It’s the year of the horse according to the Chinese zodiac, and the city is in for an exciting ride. There is plenty to see and do—check out these exhibitions, author talks, concerts and other events happening in Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and beyond.

February 1-28

Ice Skating on Boston Common’s Frog Pond

From mid-November to mid-March, members of the community and visitors from all over the world share their enjoyment of the Frog Pond skating rink. Whether you are a first-time skater or an aspiring Olympian, Frog Pond enables you to take pleasure in ice skating. Frog Pond offers public ice skating, skate rentals, skate sharpening, the Skating Academy Learn to Skate program, rink rentals, birthday parties, college nights, and even wedding proposal packages.

February 1-28

Museum of Fine Arts: Divine Color: Hindu Prints from Modern Bengal

When Indian artists working in 19thcentury Calcutta were introduced to lithography, they used it to express religious themes and depicted the pantheon of Hindu gods, creating colorful and imaginative prints that Indians from all walks of life could afford to buy and place in home shrines. This exhibition—the firstever of its kind in the United States— showcases over 100 of these images and explores their influence on Indian art, culture, and society. Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave.

February 3-28

Boston Public Library Copley Square: Still Here: A Journey of Public Art in Boston

Take in an exhibition featuring the imaginative work that was produced during the 2024-2025 Teen Photography Collective program at the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston. In collaboration with the Boston Research

Center, a digital community history partnership between Boston Public Library and Northeastern University Library, members of the Photography Collective explored public art throughout Boston’s neighborhoods. 700 Boylston St.

February

5

Berklee Performance Center: 40th Annual Berklee International Folk Festival Featuring Arooj Aftab

The Berklee Annual International Folk Festival, directed by Christiane Karam and Vessela Stoyanova, unites Berklee’s vibrant community of students, faculty, and alumni in a compelling celebration of global musical traditions and crosscultural performance. This milestone 40th anniversary edition will feature Grammy Award–winning alumna Arooj Aftab and her band, the acclaimed Pletenitsa Balkan Choir, and an array of distinguished guest artists from around the globe. 8 p.m., Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave. Call 617-747-2261 or email boxoffice@ berklee.edu for information.

February 6

Chamber Orchestra of Boston: Four Seasons of Tango

Experience Vivaldi’s famous seasoninspired concertos as interpreted by Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla, who has penned some of the world’s most famous tangos. This fiery reimagining of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is played by talented young violinist Alina Kobialka. The program includes several select tangos in addition to the main event. 7:30 p.m. at First Church, 66 Marlborough St.

CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE HORSE

The Chinese New Year officially begins on February 17, 2026, and Boston will celebrate with events throughout the city. Below are a few highlights.

February 11-16

Chinese New Year Pop-Up Flower Market

Shop for fresh flowers, New Year-related decorative items, and gifts. 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., China Trade Center, 2 Boylston St.

February 12

Berklee Performance Center: Chinese New Year Concert

Immerse yourself in the rich sounds of Chinese music, from pop songs to traditional folk tunes to classical works, alongside the beauty of traditional Chinese dance. Berklee students will perform original and new arrangements on instruments such as the erhu, guzheng, pipa, and dizi. 8 p.m., Berklee Performance Center, 136 Massachusetts Ave.

February 19

Museum of Fine Arts: Lunar New Year

Celebrate the Lunar New Year by exploring Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese art from the Museum of Fine Arts’ vast collection. Starting at 5 p.m., Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave.

March 1

Chinatown Community Lion Dance Parade and Chinatown Main Street Cultural Village

Join the festivities and experience the vibrant Lion Dance parade through the streets of Boston’s iconic Chinatown. 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., China Trade Center, 2 Boylston St.

SONSIE

Fall in Love at Sonsie

A Back Bay staple for Valentine’s Day.

Celebrate with an intimate evening of exceptional cuisine and timeless ambiance. Enjoy our à la carte menu alongside thoughtfully crafted Valentine’s specials.

Valentine’s Highlights:

Steak Tartare • Pan Seared Monkfish

Kurobuta Pork Chop Tomahawk Strawberry Short Cake

 Newbury Street

Reservations Recommended

327 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02115

617-351-2500

sonsieboston.com

 sonsieboston

Book your event: bostonsbestevents.com/venues/sonsie

FINE DINING GUIDE

ROCHAMBEAU

Valentine’s Day at Rochambeau

Celebrate L’Amour in the heart of Back Bay. This Valentine’s Day, Rochambeau invites you to an evening of refined French-inspired cuisine, expertly crafted cocktails, and an atmosphere made for romance.

Plus — Galentine’s Day Jazz Brunch Sunday the 15th | Live jazz, brunch, and bubbles with your favorite girls.

 Rochambeau

Reservations Recommended

Day or night, let the patio set the scene.

900 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02115

617-247-0400

rochambeauboston.com  rochambeaubos

Book your event: bostonsbestevents.com/venues/ rochambeau

Valentine’s Day at Scampo

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a dining experience crafted by James Beard Award–winning chef Lydia Shire.

Set inside the iconic Liberty Hotel, Scampo offers an evening where bold Italian inspiration, thoughtful technique, and romance come together effortlessly. An unforgettable night, designed to be shared.

 Scampo

Reservations Encouraged

215 Charles St., Boston, MA 02114

617-536-2100

scampoboston.com

 scampoboston

Book your event: bostonsbestevents.com/venues/scampo

February 19 through May 10

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: Persona—Photography and the Re-Imagined Self

Ranging from playful to political, this photography exhibition explores concepts of self. These images transcend time, gender, and other conventions and challenge the viewer to examine their ideas around persona. This exhibition is presented alongside two other exhibitions—Picturing Isabella and Jamie Diamond: Monstra Te Esse Matreum, 2026. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 25 Evans Way.

February

21

Elements of Victorian Mourning with Etiquetteer

Join your host Robert Dimmick, aka The Etiquetteer, for a conversation about 19thcentury mourning traditions amid the period splendor of The Gibson House, a historic house from 1860 where the Gibson family lived for three generations. The Gibson House, 137 Beacon St.

February 22

Boston Conservatory Orchestra: Crossing the Threshold

The Boston Conservatory Orchestra will be joined by acclaimed pianist, composer, and “From the Top” host Peter Dugan to present

the educational premiere of a new piano concerto written by Dugan and his brother Leonardo and commissioned by Boston Conservatory and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. The performance will feature three graduating conductors as they progress from Boston Conservatory’s conducting studio to iconic Symphony Hall. Students Julian Dürr, Christine Le, and Simon Sadikovič will conduct works by American composers George Gershwin and Howard Hanson, and by Russian composers Alexander Borodin and Igor Stravinsky. 3 p.m., Symphony Hall, 301 Massachusetts Ave.

February 22

Goethe Institut: Beethoven Plus The Lydian String Quartet, in collaboration with the Goethe-Institut Boston, will present the complete string quartets of Ludwig van Beethoven in a series of eight concerts over two years, culminating with the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death in Spring 2027. Each concert will present two Beethoven quartets framing contemporary works that demonstrate Beethoven’s lasting influence and provide new context for listening and understanding these canonical works in today’s world. 3 p.m., Goethe Institut, 170 Beacon St.

February 26

Colonial Society of Massachusetts: Free Lecture

Kirsten E. Wood, Professor of History at Florida International University, will speak on “Accommodating the Republic: Taverns and Citizenship in the Early United States.” Colonial Society of Massachusetts, 87 Mount Vernon St.

Omakase AT UNI

Uni’s creative, continentally influenced omakase experience stays true to the traditional Japanese notion of surprising and delighting diners.

BY CLAIRE VAIL

OMAKASE IS AN exquisite dining concept that dates to Japan’s Edo period, and the culinary expression of a culture that excels at refinement. A curated, multi-course feast served over the space of a few hours, omakase generally features the best quality meat and fish available, prepared with painstaking precision and artistic flair. The Japanese word “omakase”

literally means “I leave it to you to decide what’s best.” In this case, it’s the chef the diner is trusting to create an unforgettable meal that surprises and delights. It’s a quality-over-quantity experience, a gastronomic journey in which ideally each dish builds taste upon taste. If you love fine food, and appreciate the delicate flavors of topquality raw fish, omakase is for you.

In Boston and Cambridge, you can find many dozens of omakase menus, ranging from modest to decadent in both quality and price. In its purest form, omakase is intimate dining experience that creates a dialogue between chef and diner, sometimes even if there’s no shared language or spoken words. Often diners will sit at a small sushi counter consisting of a few coveted seats, watching the chef prepare each dish, while the chef notes their reactions, sometimes adjusting ingredients or dishes accordingly. Other omakase meals involve searing meat and fish on portable stoves in front of the diner, emphasizing the freshness of the raw ingredients.

Uni, under the direction of Owner and Executive Chef Ken Oringer and Executive Chef David Bazirgan, offers omakase menus that both surprise and delight, a desirable feature of traditional Japanese omakase, while carrying on Oringer’s reputation for pushing boundaries.

Uni began as a sashimi bar in the lounge of Clio in 2002, Oringer’s legendary restaurant famous for exotic ingredients, cutting edge culinary techniques and showy presentation. After Clio closed in

2016, Oringer expanded Uni into the space and focused on creative riffs on Japanese cuisine, with fresh seafood from Tokyo’s Tsukiji market and local fare sourced from around New England.

OMAKASE WITH A TWIST

Curated by Chef Bazirgan and sushi chef Tsuyoshi “Take” Takeishi, omakase at Uni features unique and interesting detours from minimalist Japanese fare. Lei’s dishes are eclectic, imaginative, and cosmopolitan, with French and Italian influences rounding out the experience. Uni’s daily tasting menu has twelve courses that consist mainly of fish, including

two excellent courses of nigiri, fresh cuts of salmon, yellowtail, and other fish over vinegared sushi rice. There’s a good deal of spice and fruit in each dish, an approach that may put off purists, but those who appreciate bold tastes will enjoy Bazirgan’s creations.

The experience begins with the signature “Maine Uni spoon,” a bright concoction of quail egg yolk, Kristal caviar, and citrusy yuzu, followed by a fresh Bay scallop transformed by the tropical notes of quince. Delicate baby carrots are bathed in a sauce made from lime and goji berries. Next, amberjack with apple miso, lemon and ginger kickstarts the tastebuds. Bridging the menu between fish and

meat courses is a sumptuous parfait of Foie Gras with green strawberry and red currant, with toasted triangles of milk bread to sop it up.

The meat dishes are on point. Wakayama Pork Cheek—prized for its tenderness—is flavored with red curry, maitake, and pepita. Savory duck breast is sweetened by grape, honey, and hazelnut miso. Seared A5 Wagyu sirloin melts, as it should, in the mouth.

PROFESSIONAL PAIRINGS

To complement Bazirgan’s cuisine, Uni’s sake sommelier Akira Sherman has curated an excellent array of sakes from prefectures all over Japan, in addition to domestic and European wines, and has interesting things to say about each one. If you are indulging in Uni’s omakase, include the beverage pairing—it’s a gorgeous selection by a knowledgeable and accomplished sommelier.

Uni’s service is professional, warm, and slightly faster paced than most omakase meals, thanks to the restaurant’s popularity. There’s no dress code, though the general vibe is affluent, even if dressed down, and the restaurant is connected to the swanky, upscale boutique Eliot Hotel, whose guests dine there regularly.

Omakase at Uni is an extravagant adventure for the senses, in pyrotechnic Oringer style. It’s great for dates and special occasions, but seductive enough to keep you coming back any night of the week.

Besties in Business

MyBoston sits down with the dynamic duos— women who are both close friends and business partners—who own three of Beacon Hill’s most popular boutiques.

BY CLAIRE VAIL

TTHEY SAY IF YOU WANT to ruin a friendship, go into business together. But they haven’t met the owners of Forty Winks, Dress Boston, and Crush Boutique, three of Beacon Hill’s most elegant boutiques. Remarkably, all these stores were founded and are still owned by women who bonded early in life.

FORTY WINKS

Beacon Hill’s only lingerie store celebrates its first anniversary next month, but its owners,

Meredith Amenkhienan and Rachel Wentworth, have long aspired to bring their brand to Boston’s toniest neighborhood.

Amenkhienan and Wentworth met in 2007 when they worked behind the counter at Harvard Square’s Mint Julep, where they noted an interesting pattern. Customers were always asking where they could buy strapless bras to go under the glam party frocks.

Intrigued, the two friends explored Boston’s retail market for

undergarments. Victoria’s Secret sold sex appeal over comfort in the form of stiff push-up bras with mountains of padding. Department store lingerie sections had small, depressing selections, with no one to assist.

“Women hate bra shopping! We started thinking, ‘wow, we could do this better—a lot better!’” says Wentworth.

Still in their 20s, the women wrote an extensive business plan for a lingerie store and looked for retail space in Harvard Square. At first, no one took them seriously. But with help from family and some unselfish mentoring from Mint Julep’s two female founders, Forty Winks launched in 2010.

Bras are their number one seller, though Forty Winks has a variety of lingerie. They carry 90 bra sizes, which is more than most women know exist, with cup sizes from A to L and bands from 30 to 44. They have over 50 brands from all over the world and a generous range of styles.

Selling intimates is a delicate business, they explain, and a bespoke

touch is the only way to do it right.

“You can’t just stick customers in a dressing room with a bunch of bras and say, ‘Let me know how it works out.’ You have to get different sizes, help them adjust bands, evaluate the fit, gauge their reaction to the bra,” says Amenkhienan.

Wentworth adds, “You also have to give honest feedback that is gentle and takes into consideration people’s comfort levels around being half-naked in a fitting room with a stranger.”

This personal approach has attracted many loyal customers who want bras that match their specific lifestyle, career, or aesthetic preference. Some hate lace, while others have an aversion to underwire.

Amenkhienan describes fitting an opera singer who couldn’t tolerate a band that restricted her ability to expand her rib cage.

Even after almost 20 years in business together, the partners say disagreements are rare.

“We communicate really well,” says Wentworth. “We always check in with one another. It’s so good to have a sounding board.”

The two are delighted to be celebrating their first-year anniversary in a neighborhood they love.

“Beacon Hill is a great fit for us,” says Wentworth. “We have lots of friends here, and we are so happy to be part of the community.”

Forty Winks | 53 Charles St.

DRESS BOSTON

Martha Hilfinger Pickett and Jane Schlueter, the owners and founders of Dress Boston, Charles Street’s goto boutique for luxury clothing and accessories, first locked eyes on the playground in fourth grade in Manchester, New Hampshire.

“Martha was new and a little shy. I just walked up to her and started talking to her,” said Schlueter.

The two became fast friends, poring over fashion magazines and playing sports on the same teams through

elementary and high school. After college, they backpacked through Europe together. On the trip, they began to dream out loud about the idea of running their own clothing boutique.

Six years later, after a few jobs and a stint in Chicago, in 2005 they opened Dress Boston on Newbury Street, where they earned a reputation as sellers of elegant, timeless brands. In 2013, they moved to a space inside the Meeting House on Charles Street, and in late 2025, they doubled in size when they moved to their current location at 62 Charles.

Schlueter says, “Our goal was

to offer exquisite clothing lines that you couldn’t find here, like Vanessa Bruno and Nili Lotan. We introduced those lines to Boston. Today they’re big names, but we’ve had those brands for twenty years.”

Like Beacon Hill, Dress Boston exudes quiet luxury. Pickett and Schlueter curate wardrobe staples—well-made clothing and accessories that promise to remain fashionable for years. The store’s racks feature luxe knits, refined outerwear, and glamorous but understated occasion dresses. Also on display are enviable handbags, shoes, and an array of fine jewelry.

The two women credit each other, along with a natural division of work, for keeping the business running smoothly.

“Jane is smart, hardworking, dedicated, and has lots of big ideas. And she’s very fashionable, as you can see,” says Pickett, laughing and gesturing to her partner’s tailored denim dress.

Schlueter nods. “Martha is an innovative and genuinely caring person. We collaborate on everything.”

Their expanded space will allow them to double the amount of merchandise they can offer shoppers, which brings them joy.

“You have to constantly evolve to survive in this business. We have been around for 20 years, but we don’t have stagnant ways of thinking. We are always excited about bringing something new to our Boston customers,” explains Schlueter. “And we are very grateful to the Beacon Hill community for their support.”

Dress Boston | 62 Charles St.

CRUSH BOUTIQUE

Crush Boutique owners Rebecca Hall and Laura Ayers vividly recall the day they met in September 1995.

“We were in eighth grade, in Mr. Lang’s homeroom class. Laura looked so stylish in her J. Crew outfit and her Rachel haircut,” says Hall. “I knew I was going to be friends with this girl.”

The two stayed in close contact through college and fantasized about opening their own store while on shopping excursions. The dream became a reality in 2007 when they opened Crush Boutique, a stylish shop in a garden-level space at 131 Charles St. that became the go-to dress and accessory shop for scores of local fashionistas. In 2012, they opened a second location on Newbury Street.

Three years later, the duo opened a new store on Charles Street called Whitney + Winston, a boutique that sells children’s clothing and gifts, named for Ayers’s corgi and Hall’s oldest daughter.

Both describe Crush Boutique’s aesthetic as sophisticated with a

hint of whimsy. The clothes cater to a variety of situations and styles, from sedate to super glam. There are structured jeans, thick angora sweaters in baby blue and lavender, sleek silk bias-cut gowns, and look-atme cocktail party dresses.

“We carry brands that are flirty, but there’s plenty of timeless stuff in the mix,” says Hall. “And a range of price points. We want boutique shopping to be as affordable as we can make it.”

When the pandemic hit retail businesses hard, the duo pivoted to selling pajamas and upscale leisure clothing online. Around that time, they closed their Newbury Street location to focus on reopening the

Beacon Hill store in a much larger street-level space at 138 Charles.

“The biggest lesson we’ve learned is that you need to be malleable. If you can’t change, you won’t survive in this business,” says Ayers.

The two say they never had a conversation about who would do what. It just fell into place naturally.

“Good business partners need to know how the other person really works on all levels,” says Ayers. “I feel like we can read each other. Rebecca is very organized and has a great eye. She has a lot of energy.”

As for Hall’s perspective, she says of Ayers, “Laura executes the tasks that require deep focus. She’s calm, collected, and easy to be around.

She’s the calm, and I’m the storm.”

The two support each other and their fellow Beacon Hill business owners in demonstrable ways. When Dress Boston opened its new space in 2025, Hall and Ayers sent them a bouquet of dahlias to celebrate.

Hall and Ayers are delighted that so many of their customers have become friends, who routinely consult the women on outfits for a succession of major life milestones.

“We have had the privilege of dressing some clients for their prom, then their first date, then their rehearsal dinner, and now are dressing their babies!”

Crush Boutique | 138 Charles St. Whitney + Winston | 113 Charles St.

Love, Lyrik

Lyrik, the new-ish complex at the end of Newbury Street, aims to craft a creative and innovative space that unites Back Bay and the Fenway.

BY JULIA BADDERS

LLYRIK, THE BUILDING complex at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Newbury Street, is a new shape on the Boston skyline, and a different kind of destination for the neighborhoods—namely, Back Bay and the Fenway—that it connects.

Lyrik is what’s known as a mixed-use complex, a space that combines corporate office space and retail, with the intention of

now common in cities like Boston and in densely populated suburbs. The demand is largely driven by the needs of post-pandemic workers who expect workplace environments to offer more than just office space. Jones Lang LaSalle, a global real estate and investment management firm, projected these properties to comprise 30 percent of national office inventory by 2040, a nearly tenfold increase from the current four percent.

creating a place where employees of the companies in the complex and neighborhood residents can mix and relax. Such mixed-use buildings have been a popular trend for decades, and Boston features several similar projects, such as the Fenway Triangle in the Fenway and The Hub on Causeway in the West End, with plans for further developments of their kind. Live-work-play destinations are

Located at 400 Newbury St. and 1001 Boylston St., Lyrik has over 35,000 square feet of retail and dining space and 45,000 square feet of office space. It currently houses CarGurus’ global headquarters, The LEGO Group’s North American headquarters, and hotel citizenM’s 399-key, all-electric skyrise.

The real estate development firm behind Lyrik is Samuels & Associates, and their complex is the culmination of inventive engineering and community collaboration that has simultaneously revitalized the Back Bay neighborhood, elevated its infrastructure, and improved pedestrian- and bike-friendly commuting.

MAKING USE OF AIRSPACE

The milestone project, conceptualized in 2010 and completed in 2023, is Boston’s first air rights project in over 40 years—a form of construction that permits use of the space above existing infrastructure. Lyrik is built on foundation and support walls and bridged across two MBTA tracks and eight lanes of the Massachusetts Turnpike. Multiple levels of collaboration with the city, state, and residents were required to realize the architects’ vision during the challenges the Covid-19 pandemic presented.

The public-private partnerships represented by

the project include MassDOT (Department of Transportation), which evaluated proposals to redevelop the site; the City of Boston, which assessed the master plan and building proposals; and MassDOT/ Federal Highway, a key collaborator in improving the pedestrian experience. A transparent dialogue among many agencies and individuals helped guide the decisionmaking throughout.

Its construction as an air rights development had its own unique challenges. More than 150 pieces (520 tons) of steel and precast concrete planks were inlaid across the

GAETANO PESCE’S DOUBLE HEART

New on Boston’s public arts scene is Gaetano Pesce’s Double Heart, a striking sculpture rising from the second level of Lyrik’s open-air plaza. Bold yet minimalist, the design is an emblem of love.

Nearly 30 feet tall, the illuminated fiberglass and resin sculpture is prominently featured on the sunset deck, visible to pedestrians, drivers along the Massachusetts Turnpike, and visitors to Lyrik. From every vantage point, Double Heart radiates the spirit of love and creativity that propels Lyrik’s diverse programming.

Pesce is a world-renowned artist, celebrated for his experimentation with materials and ability to blur the boundaries between art, design, and architecture. His sculpture Double Heart glows as a universal symbol of love, connection, and shared humanity.

Notably, Double Heart was Pesce’s final public project prior to his death in 2024 and is his only permanent sculpture in the United States.

“From the very beginning, we envisioned Lyrik as a civic gateway — a place that welcomes people into Boston and reflects the city’s character,” says Steve Samuels, founder and chairman of Samuels & Associates. “Gaetano Pesce’s Double Heart is the perfect embodiment of that vision: bold, optimistic, and deeply human.”

Lyrik is Samuels & Associates’ love letter to Boston, and Pesce’s Double Heart is the kiss that seals it.

Massachusetts Turnpike, requiring masked workers to stop traffic in 12-minute intervals to lay the groundwork that would later become Lyrik. The two-year development was ambitious, but the partners were persistent, and the result is an impressive accomplishment that has transformed a barren stretch of Massachusetts Avenue and Boylston Street into a lively community center.

Steve Samuels, founder and chairman of Samuels & Associates, has been the driving force behind much of the development in the Fenway neighborhood, but he counts Lyrik as one of his highest achievements and a true representation of the firm’s principles: placemaking, community engagement, and positive street-level experiences, according to Brianne Gump, Senior Marketing Manager at Samuels & Associates.

The project has improved aspects of public transit, making changes to areas that haven’t been touched since the 1960s. Most notably, the development has optimized the previously hazardous intersection by widening the turnpike on-ramp and constructing a protected sidewalk and bike lane, as well as new bus and Green Line stops, which connect via Massachusetts Avenue to the civic plaza.

Gump says of Lyrik and its stakeholder collaboration, “I think Lyrik will be the blueprint for what people set to achieve both in Boston and beyond, and I think it’s shown what’s possible when a public and private partnership comes together and everyone is at the table with the same goal.”

A FOCUS ON COMMUNITY

Lyrik’s “crown jewel,” according to the Samuels & Associates team, is the publicly accessible, open-air plaza designed by architecture firm Elkus Manfredi, which exemplifies the community collaboration this project represents. The building’s original design was a single structure,

but upon hearing feedback from residents and their fervor for the city skyline and sunset, plans were redesigned to preserve the western view. The plaza, constructed on two levels, connects the skyrise pillars with a landscaped deck where residents can experience the sunset views in a thoughtfully designed space.

Anchoring the plaza is an array of diverse national and local restaurants and retail establishments that elevate the stay-work-live project into a lively destination. In addition to electric-car maker Rivian, acclaimed signature dining experiences— including CHICHA San Chen Tea House, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, and local favorites George Howell Coffee and Pink Carrot—have rolled out openings throughout 2025. Openings will continue in 2026 with the debuts of Avra and Rosa y Marigold. With limited retail space left available, Lyrik will soon be at full capacity with intentionally curated tastemakers.

Celebrating Creativity

Lyrik aims to be a creative space, and its name is inspired by its artistic neighbors, including Berklee College of Music and The Boston Pops, the area’s many artistic legacies, and the

city’s history as a hub of innovation. Lyrik offers programming designed to welcome all to the space, from live music and public art to welcoming seating and stunning sunset views.

“When Samuels & Associates looks at how we are spending our time and our money, that’s where we want to be spending it: providing experiences for people that enrich the neighborhood,” says Gump.

Lyrik’s programming is widely diverse and always free, increasing accessibility for locals and tourists to participate in the arts and culture that flourishes in Back Bay. Prior programming has included a popular watercolor painting class, a children’s music class, and vinyl deejays, among others.

Gump notes, “People are coming here because they feel a part of it and want to be integrated into the fabric, which I think is really unique; especially that we can be welcoming to those who are immediate neighbors, but also to people who are out of town.”

Julia Badders writes about culture and people for MyBoston Magazine and other publications.

PRIVATE Chefs

Boston’s private chefs bring gourmet dining to the city’s most intimate tables—those at home.

BY KRYSTAL CLARKE

IN CITIES LIKE New York and Miami, private chefs are everywhere. They move easily between restaurant kitchens, private homes, pop-ups, yachts and temporary dining rooms. The industry is visible and understood. Booking a chef for a dinner party or celebration doesn’t feel novel. Private dining doesn’t replace restaurants. It’s simply another way people choose to eat.

Boston hasn’t quite caught up. Not because the talent isn’t here, but because the infrastructure never fully formed. This has long been a restaurant town, built on reservations and brick-and-

mortar institutions. Dining out is the default. Dining in, at this level, is still something many are only beginning to imagine.

That’s just starting to change as Boston’s diners look for experiences that feel more personal. The appeal is obvious: no crowded rooms, no rushed seatings, no menus built for volume. Instead, there’s time, space, and intention. The meal bends to the people at the table, not the other way around. Intimacy at the table isn’t limited to romance or to couples, even on Valentine’s Day. It happens any time

people sit down to eat together, whether they’re partners, friends, or strangers. People talk about what they’re tasting, what they’re feeling. Food becomes the common language.

So far, there are only a handful of chefs working full-time in this space in Boston, each operating independently and carving out a distinct approach. Some focus on wellness-driven cooking. Others lean into social, high-energy gatherings. Some bring restaurantlevel precision into private homes. Let’s meet a few.

PERSONAL CHEFS BOSTON BY CHEF KRISTEN HARLACH

Chef Kristen Harlach understands how people actually gather. Long before the table is set, guests drift into the kitchen, tasting and lingering. Her approach leans into that instinct. Known for grazingstyle experiences, Harlach builds generous, visually striking spreads meant to be shared. The food invites movement. Guests circle, return for another bite, and settle in. The kitchen becomes the center of the night. For Valentine’s Day, that can ease the pressure. Couples, friends, and mixed groups gather without the structure of courses, letting the evening unfold naturally. “Everyone

ends up in the kitchen anyway,” Harlach says. “So why not make it the eating experience?”

To book: www.personalchefsboston.com

FOODSAUCY BY

CHEF KRYSTAL CLARKE

Chef Krystal Clarke’s approach to private dining leans formal, but never stiff. Under FoodSaucy, her dinners are built around structure, pacing and intention. For Valentine’s Day, Clarke leans into sensual pairings and romantic foods chosen as much for how they feel as how they taste. Rich sauces, soft textures, contrast on the plate, and thoughtful wine pairings encourage guests to linger. The experience is fully inclusive. Themed tablescapes, fresh flowers, and carefully considered details set the tone before the first course arrives, allowing guests to step into the evening without thinking about logistics. FoodSaucy lives in the space between fine dining and home cooking, where technique meets warmth and a well-set table becomes the reason people stay a little longer.

To book: www.foodsaucy.com

CHEF STYLE BOSTON BY

CHEF JASON JERNIGAN

Chef Jason Jernigan doesn’t cook for quiet rooms. His work under Chef Style Boston is built for movement, noise, and the kind of energy that fills a space once people stop checking their phones and give themselves over to the night. The food comes out bold and colorful, meant to be shared,

passed, eaten standing or seated. Music is usually playing. The room loosens up. For Valentine’s Day, this style works especially well for groups. Intimacy shows up through laughter and proximity, not silence. Chef Style Boston is a reminder that connection doesn’t always come from candlelight and restraint. Sometimes it comes from a full table and a night that runs long.

To book: www.chefstyleboston.com

FERN COOKS BY

CHEF FERNANDA TAPIA

Chef Fernanda Tapia brings a healthforward approach to private dining, shaped by Latin-inspired flavors and a respect for holistic ingredients. She favors relaxed entertaining: generous cheese and charcuterie spreads, small plates designed for sharing, dishes meant to be enjoyed slowly. The Latin influence isn’t loud, but it comes through in her technique and plates that arrive bright and full of life. For couples or small groups looking for a Valentine’s dinner that feels grounding and unfussy, Fern Cooks offers a refreshing alternative to traditional fine dining.

To book: www.ferncooks.com

QUEEN OF THE PANTRY BY

CHEF YVETTE TAYLOR

Chef Yvette Taylor cooks with a sense of history. Under Queen of the Pantry, her private dining work is rooted in memory, tradition, and food meant to be shared without explanation. Drawing from Southern

and Caribbean influences, her menus feel generous and grounding. Dishes arrive family-style, passed across the table, inviting conversation and connection. For Valentine’s Day, that approach translates into comfort-driven intimacy. Less about spectacle, more about warmth. Romance, here, comes from being well-fed and fully present. Queen of the Pantry is a reminder that some of the most meaningful meals are the ones that feel familiar, even the first time you sit down.

To book: www.queenofthepantry.com

Krystal Clarke is a Michelin-trained chef and founder of FoodSaucy, a private chef service known for bringing bold, globe-traveled flavors to intimate dinners, retreats and hightouch events across Boston.

DECEMBER HOME SALES

Back Bay and Beacon Hill

Memoir AND MEANING

For writer Christine Chamberlain, telling the life stories of others is both a personal passion and a successful business.

BY CLAIRE VAIL

INTERVIEW WITH CHRISTINE CHAMBERLAIN

CHRISTINE CHAMBERLAIN has been creating memoirs for a wide variety of clients for close to 30 years. She recently sat down with MyBoston to discuss her approach to writing and interviewing, and to share her observations on documenting the moments that make up a person’s life. She works in partnership with two other writers, Judith and Bill Joyce, and a book designer.

What made you interested in writing?

I started writing when I graduated from college. I was 20. While I was living overseas—Bahrain, Fiji and England—I interviewed interesting people from different cultures and wrote up the interviews for local and international publications. In the process, I discovered that writing was what I really loved to do. I went to England for quite a long time, then I came back to America, and I just kept going. I’ve been writing books since 1996.

How did you start writing books?

In the mid-1990s, I was widowed and at a real loose end. I had come back to Maine, and I needed something to do. I remember my college roommate from Wellesley wisely saying, “You need to work.”

She was right. I did what I knew how to do. I went around town talking to people. I would talk to sailors and lobstermen; teachers and people running local non-profits. I’d talk with people who were starting small businesses. At first, I put together memoirs for free, then people began to call me, and my business took off.

Does your approach to books vary with each client?

They differ in many ways. Material can be presented in the first person, or it could be a thirdperson narrative, which can be more flexible because there is opportunity for commentary as well as reflection. You can have a book heavy on pictures, with longer captions, or a book based on a collection of letters. Books can be

different shapes, sizes, and lengths. Each one is individual, and we take a lot of time to make them that way.

You mentioned that most books are completed within a year.

Yes. Business histories can take a little longer. Companies are more complex and often involve a greater cast of characters. We might interview the client him or herself, as well as the spouse, siblings, and friends.

Why are most people commissioning these projects?

I think many people yearn at some point to better understand their life and to consider how their life has been valuable. I believe that a heartfelt history is a tremendous gift to young people. I don’t think it’s a question of vanity. I always

look on this process as a gift. I have collaborated on quite a few histories with cancer patients. One woman who was suffering from terminal cancer said she wanted her husband to go on and be happy in life because she loved him, but she simply couldn’t say it in person. Instead, she voiced her wishes on the tape, and I played it for him later. The availability of the audio tapes in perpetuity is part of the gift—the ability to hear the voices of loved ones, perhaps of grandparents children never knew, is invaluable.

Do you write about family businesses as well as individuals?

Half our work involves family businesses. I enjoy those projects very much. I just wrote a history about a family’s experience

of closing their business after four generations. I write about large extended families, where they talk about the roles of the family members in the business and in life. Sometimes I focus on a sole entrepreneur.

Do you have a technique for getting people to open up and tell you something they might otherwise be hesitant to share?

I listen to what people say, and my questions come out of that. People talk about what they want to talk about. I don’t care about the order of events; I don’t necessarily open with, “Where were you born and what was your home like?” Some people don’t want to talk about their early life. They might want to talk about their work life instead. I have a woman now who wants to discuss her work in the civil rights movement. We let the client lead the way. We spend a lot of time with people, and we are very

discreet. We often take people out to dinner to talk. If someone tells me something and they really don’t want it out there, that’s fine, but I find that eventually people want to talk about difficult things. There is a positive way to couch most things—addiction issues, failed businesses, marriages that didn’t work. Almost everybody knows what that feels like.

Can you tell me one of the more interesting projects you have worked on, one of the more interesting figures?

Working with people who have cancer, often terminal, is a powerful experience. I wrote a two-volume history of an extensive art collection for a family who lives in Palm Beach. I also wrote a history of rowing at Dartmouth, which went back to the beginning of the sport at the college in the 1800s. I’m currently working on a history of Victor Kiam, who once owned the Remington Corporation and the Patriots. I am about to publish a book in England on female inventors commissioned by a client in London who is interested in what allows some people to “see around the corner.”

How do people find you?

Well, I’ve been working for about 30 years, so a large proportion of the people I work with now come to me through referrals from clients or encounters with people I’m interviewing for books. Inquiries also come in through our website, www. Camden Writers.com

Have you written your own book?

No, I haven’t, and that’s because I don’t have a single relative. But friends have asked me, my stepdaughter has asked me, my godchildren have asked me, so I might. I have some interesting stories, I have to say, from my time overseas— almost a decade in the Middle East in the ’70s, for example. I haven’t quite decided about that yet, but I just might do it.

Newbury Cup Day

ON NOVEMBER 20, Boston celebrated the fifth annual Newbury Cup Day, officially proclaimed by the mayor’s office and honored by the governor for the organization’s growing impact across the city. Founded by Shannon Pastuszak, The Newbury Cup honors nonprofit organizations that uplift our community. The event brings together members who each contribute $1,000 for an afternoon tea at The Newbury Hotel, where one charity is selected to receive 100% of the proceeds. This year’s theme was women’s health, and the winner was Winter Walk, which provides healthcare services for unhoused women. Learn more at www.thenewburycup.org.

Photographs by Cheryl Richards

HARVEST Festival

THE HARVEST FESTIVAL & Auction fundraiser kicked off the holiday season in Back Bay in November. A capacity crowd celebrated and supported the advocacy work of the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay (NABB) and Women’s Lunch Place, a day shelter for women in need on Newbury Street. Friends and neighbors feasted on delicious appetizers and dinner as they bid on a wide array of exciting auction items. Treble Threat, the Berklee College of Music’s all-women a cappella group, entertained the animated crowd. NABB and Women’s Lunch Place are grateful for the support and generosity of the event’s sponsors, auction donors, and attendees.

by Claire Vail

STAGE BEAUTY

BOSTON’S STUNNING Colonial Theatre opened more than a century ago, on December 20, 1900, with a sold-out performance of “Ben-Hur” that featured eight real horses galloping on stage for the chariot race. After being purchased by Emerson College, the theater reopened in July 2018 with a production of the musical “Moulin Rouge!” based on the Baz Luhrmann film. It’s still a thriving venue, and you can attend a play or concert there, or admire its restored historic opulence on a behind-the-scenes tour.

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

Clients adore Peter Hill.

Clients adore Peter Hill.

And hey, what’s not to love? He has extensive real estate experience and elevates personal client service to a new level. He’s like an almanac of both Beacon Hill and Back Bay, and he has a warm and easy-going personality that makes a real estate journey as fun as it is successful. And as part of the team at MGS Group Real Estate, 12 top agents have his back.

And hey, what’s not to love? He has extensive real estate experience and elevates personal client service to a new level. He’s like an almanac of both Beacon Hill and Back Bay, and he has a warm and easy-going personality that makes a real estate journey as fun as it is successful. And as part of the team at MGS Group Real Estate, 12 top agents have his back.

So, if you’re looking to downsize or upsize, you’ve found your partner. In real estate, because sadly he’s already happily married. (But you can still call him at (508) 353-9721.)

So, if you’re looking to downsize or upsize, you’ve found your partner. In real estate, because sadly he’s already happily married. (But you can still call him at (508) 353-9721.)