Being raised in an Italian family certainly has its perks. Just ask Dante de Magistris, who got his initial culinary start at home before moving on to work in some of Boston’s most legendary kitchens, including Café Louis, The Federalist and Pignoli alongside some of the best local names in the restaurant industry, including Michael Schlow, Lydia Shire, Eric Brennan and Susan Regis.

Admit it – it’s no fun traveling without your furry companion. Even when you are away on vacation, if you are like us, you constantly worry about your pet. Some hotels realize how important your dog is to your family so they not only allow them to stay with you, but have rolled out a variety of amenities to ensure your pet has a comfortable visit. Here’s a look at our top five favorites in Boston:

Boston’s food scene has been taking off in recent years thanks to an influx of talented chefs, but the city has been on the foodie scene for decades due to its landmark restaurants. Here’s a look at the top five most historic restaurants in Boston.

Tucked away behind a small nondescript storefront in tony Wellesley is David Becker’s latest concept – Juniper. Best known for his standout Needham restaurant, Sweet Basil, his latest endeavor dabbles with Mediterranean fare that will take you on an unforgettable culinary journey.

From Boston, Dedham and Natick to Nantucket and beyond (think Bethesda, Maryland), Kathy Sidell’s collection of Met Restaurants have made a name for themselves with her specialty menu of comfort fare.

When Mario Russo, owner of Mario Russo Salons (on Newbury Street and a second location opening in the spring in the Fan Pier), opened his two-story Newbury Street salon 25 years ago, he changed the way hair cuts were done in Boston.

It’s time to plan your great escape now that the holiday gatherings have almost come to an official end. To kick start a healthier regimen, we recommend a booking a stay at a spa retreat for some detoxification, relaxation and rejuvenation. Here are our picks for some of the hautest after holiday spa retreats in Massachusetts.

Carla Gomes knows what it takes to make a restaurant in Boston stand out. After all, the North End native has been doing just that since she first opened Terramia in 1993 giving Bostonians an authentic taste of Italy.

Red Sox season may be officially over, but exciting things are happening near Fenway Park. Just last week, Hotel Commonwealth unveiled its new wing that has doubled the hotel’s original size