Haute Secrets Boston: Joe Shortsleeve & Diane McNamara

Joe Shortsleeve and Diane McNamara have been household names in Boston for decades. He is best known for his work as a TV anchor on WBZ TV and McNamara for her work as an entertainment and lifestyle publicist.

Their talents have now come together on The Shortsleeve & Mac Show on WMEX (1510 AM) radio in Boston where they discuss everything from politics to fashion and everything in between with celebrities, athletes and politicians.

Photo Credit:Diane McNamara

We caught up with them recently to find out what they love most about Boston.

Where were you born: Joe: Elmira, New York; Diane: Geneva, NY in the Finger Lakes – just a few towns over from Joe’s hometown of Elmira.

How long in Boston: Joe: since age 4; Diane: Off and on for almost 30 years

Neighborhood: Joe: Raised in Newton; Diane: West Roxbury

Occupation: Joe: Former WBZ TV anchor / Radio Talk Show Host; Diane: President of Fire it Up, PR & Radio Talk Show Host

Favorite Restaurant: Joe: Basil, Medfield Mass; Diane: Davio’s for a night out & West on Centre to hang with friends

Best Sushi: Joe: no thanks; Diane: Why would I want to eat raw fish??

Best Italian: Joe: North End; Diane: Davio’s of course!  But if I’m North End bound it’s Terramia or Lucca

Best dessert: Joe: Hot fudge/vanilla ice cream; Diane: I order a bunch of Wicked Good Cupcakes when I know company is coming.  If I’m jonesing for one right away, I’ll drive to their Faneuil Hall store for a Salted Caramel cupcake.

Best place for a romantic date: Joe: Cape Cod; Diane: Romantic date?  Surely you jest!  I think I remember these! There’s nothing sexier in a man than sense of humor so I’d have to say comedy – my favorite is the Improv Asylum in the North End.

Best Sunday brunch: Joe: The Pru; Diane: My couch, a coddled egg, the Sunday news shows.  If I HAD to go out – it would be Rox Diner in West Roxbury or Newtonville.  Unbelievable stuffed French toast and farm-fresh everything.

Best place for a power business meeting: Joe: Marina Bay; Diane: Boston Harbor Hotel or UMass Club

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend?  Joe: Four Seasons; Diane: I’d rather they stay at my house! Although, hotels have their perks…I love a B&B. The Green Turtle Floating B&B on Boston Harbor in Charlestown is so unique with incredible views.

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Joe: Legacy Place, Dedham; Diane: I just ask my fashionista friend Peggy Rose to take me shopping and follow her blindly.  If I need a red-carpet dress I have Boston designer Denise Hajjar on speed dial. Culinary shop?  Bacco’s Wine & Cheese on St. James.  The swankiest artisanal food you’ll find in Boston.

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches:  Diane: Empire Loan!  I love antique charms and old watches.  You can find incredible jewelry and estate pieces. It’s definitely a best-kept-secret.  Well…it was.

Best Spa: Diane: Noelle Salon in Malden, MA for her crown temporary hair extensions (I’ve lost count how many celebs are wearing these) and Lord’s & Lady’s for facials (ask for Lorraine)

Favorite Charity Event: Joe: Children’s Hospital; Diane: HANDS DOWN “The Matt Light Celebrity Shoot Out”.   You can shoot pistols, rifles & muskets then try archery, fly fishing, off-roading.  Bands, comedy, Capital Grille and loads of celebrities mingling with folks.  Top off the night with the best fireworks I’ve ever seen.

Favorite Cultural Event: Joe: First Night; Diane: This is my version of ‘cultural’. Every year my friends Maria Shaw & Joe Lawson host an overnight paranormal investigation at Lizzie Borden’s house.  It is so much fun!  Check them out at www.mariashaw.com

Favorite Cultural Institution: Joe: JFK Museum; Diane: New England Genealogical Society on Newbury Street.  If you haven’t traced your family roots yet, they can get you started – and once you do, you’re hooked.

Best Steakhouse: Joe: The Coach Grille Wayland; Diane: Abe & Louie’s  (the bread basket is even better than the steak).

Best Pizza: Joe: Royal Pizza, Medfield, MA; Diane: Pizzeria Regina but only at the original North End locale.

Best Lunch: Joe: Marina Bay; Diane: The lobster club sandwich at Pinehills Golf Club in Plymouth

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Joe: Kingsbury, Medfield MA; Diane: YMCA – anywhere.  It’s an incredible value and you’re supporting your community.

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Diane: My friend Richard Morse – driver to the stars & all around good guy.  If I can’t book him, I’ll take an Uber.

Best Museum/Exhibit: Joe: Museum of Science; Diane: I love the Paul Revere House and then right next door is Paul’s cousin’s house the Pierce/Hichborn House.  So humbling to think of the Patriots that crossed those thresholds.

Describe Boston in three words: Joe: Small big city; Diane: Don’t Drive Here OR Fierce, Loyal, Beautiful

Favorite historic/legendary place to see or explore:  Joe: State House; Diane: The Fairbanks House in Dedham, Massachusetts was built between 1637 and 1641 making it the oldest surviving timber-frame house in North America. Watch your head when you walk through it – folks were much shorter then!  A few times a year they have historical recreations too.

All-around favorite spot in Boston: Joe: North End; Diane: The Arboretum in Jamaica Plain when the lilacs are out (May 8^th is Lilac Sunday).

Best Aspect of Boston: Joe: Harbor; Diane: I love how unabashedly proud we are to be Bostonians. We might fight over parking spots or politics – but if an outsider takes us on, you gotta come through all of us.