Hacin + Heard | December 2023
The beginning of December means we have a new edition of Hacin + Heard to share! Our team has weighed in on what they’re currently watching, listening to, reading, and more this month and we hope you find these recommendations (for both in and outside of Boston) helpful and inspiring!
LOOK
Fashioned by Sargent is an amazing new exhibit I had the opportunity to view during the last ‘MFA Late Nites’ where the museum stays open until 2am with live music, food, wine, and so many interesting people. This exhibit features garments worn by the models, or ‘sitters’, in many of John Singer Sargent’s famous paintings. One of the most interesting parts of the exhibit was the additional text on the walls that offered an alternate, contemporary interpretation of many of the portraits and garments. [Sophie Mailhot]
READ
Kerry Washington’s new memoir, Thicker Than Water, gives insight into her life as a successful actress, provides behind-the-scenes Scandal moments, and also invites the reader into a recently-discovered family secret that she’s still processing today. She speaks of her experiences and emotions incredibly gracefully and the book is both entertaining and inspiring, especially for Olivia Pope fans. [Katie Dayton]
SHOP
Sky Candle Co. is a very cute small business that opened recently! The company is named after the founder’s dog Sky and 10% of all profits go to a local animal rescue. They sell hand-poured candles, diffusers, and room mists, but the coolest part is that you can make reservations for their candle bar where you make your own custom signature scent. I’m definitely going to do this with family soon and it would also be a fun option for a private event!
[Srishti Goyal]
Michele Mercaldo Jewelry features designs that are hand-fabricated in the heart of the South End. Her approach echoes the one that we share with our own clients – collaborating with them to understand their individual style, producing something both contemporary and timeless. Additionally, Michele utilizes her space as an art gallery to feature the work of other artists alongside her own, making for a truly inspirational destination.
[Matthew Woodward]
Since opening in 2004, Angela Ligouri, the founder of Studio Carta in Chestnut Hill, has worked directly with Italian manufacturers to source exclusive collections of fine ribbons, papergoods and accessories. Her shop and studio is a hub for local designers, makers and crafters to host tradeshows, events, and workshops throughout the year.
[Christine Rankin]
WATCH
If the state of the world is getting you down, please let me recommend a temporary escape in the form of the movie Theater Camp, streaming on Hulu. This satirical mockumentary about a group of eccentric theater camp counselors and their talented and spotlight obsessed campers will bring you so much laughter and joy. The style is low-tech and dry with Christopher Guest/Best in Show vibes. If you love musical theater, this is right up your alley, but even if you don’t you’ll find a lot of humor and heart. For me, it became an instant comedy classic. [Aimee Epstein Norton]
EXPLORE
The Lovin’ Spoonfuls Ultimate Tailgate Party is the non-profit’s annual fundraiser, hosted this year by Andrew Zimmerman. The event raised more than $400,000 to support food recovery and hunger relief this year at the SoWa Power Station. This signature tasting-style event brought together 25+ of the area’s best restaurants and bars, including friends of Hacin like Joanne Chang and Colin Lynch. Be sure to check out the event in 2024 if you missed it this year! [Matthew Arnold]
LISTEN
If you’re looking for a belly laugh on your morning commute into work, SmartLess could be the podcast for you. Hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, the show is an hour-long, improvised conversation between the three hosts and one mystery guest. There are some real interview-style questions thrown in, but mostly it’s just genuine banter and joking around that is a real joy to listen to. Some favorite episodes of mine have been with Neil Degrasse Tyson, Ryan Reynolds, and Maya Rudolph. [Madeline Wright]
Roadrunner is an entertainment venue located in the New Balance complex in Brighton. Being a new venue size for Boston, it has allowed more nationally touring acts to make a stop here and the space is simple, yet well designed- there’s not a bad seat in the house. The room is very well-tuned which makes it easy to hear the music from the floor, mezzanine, or while at the bar. They also designed the restrooms in an innovative way that reduce lines. [Matt Arnold]
EAT
Sarma is a cozy Mediterranean tapas restaurant located on Pearl Street in Somerville. The food, cocktails, atmosphere and staff are all incredible. The restaurant is highly recommended and definitely worth the wait, even if you can’t get a reservation for a table- it’s normally pretty easy to get a seat at the bar as a walk-in. [Vanessa Tamanini]
Le Cou Cou is one of Roman and Williams Guild’s famously designed restaurants, featuring beautiful murals… and a menu to match. Led by Chef Daniel Rose who ran several succesful restaurants in Paris before opening Le Cou Cou as his first US venture, the food is inspired by French fine dining and focuses on seasonal ingredients with no set menu.
[Sophie Mailhot]
Eastern Standard, one of Boston’s most beloved bar/restaurants, re-opened in October at its new location at 775 Beacon Street. As Fenway residents for many years, my husband and I were early patrons of the original Eastern Standard, having some of our first dates there back in 2006. The new ES has the same neighborhood charm and hospitality as the original, but with an elevated new look.”
[Kim Boutwell]