This newly opened Apple computer shop boasts a three-floor glass storefront topped with a six-foot illuminated Apple logo. What is most innovative about this Apple retail outlet is the third floor--a green friendly space, capped by a massive skylight and a panoramic view of the Prudential Center. The roof also sports a grass garden where employees can periodically sit and chat.

Be it for a power breakfast, long and leisurely lunch, or night on the town for dinner, Asana in the new Mandarin Oriental, Boston, can offer American and Asian fusion cuisine for all of the above. Stocked with a special cheese cavern and extensive wine list, Asana also offers an exclusive Chef's table for 8 in the kitchen that allows the diners to watch Executive chef Nicolas Boutin at work.

Luxury Italian linen purveyor Frette extends its long legacy to Boston, officially opening the doors of its flagship New England shop in October. Frette, offering bath towels, bed linens, robes and home accessories, is located at the base of the The Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The stunning 2,776 square feet of showroom space extends the brand's 150-year-old legacy of high-end warmth and refinement. Designed by Randall A. Ridless, the showroom features walnut flooring, thickly textured carpeting and natural stone elements to offset polished plaster and lacquered walls.

This upscale, chic bar attached to the The Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Their drink, wine list and bar is expensive. A bottle of Duval Leroy goes for $75 and a Martini around $13. Definitely not a hipster hangout for youngsters but a hot spot for professionals looking for a luxurious evening out.

Looking for over-the-top opulence with Asian-inspired elegence? You're in luck. Featuring 148 guestrooms and suites that span over 14 floors, the new Mandarin Oriental officially opened its doors on Oct. 6, 2008 with a ceremony officiated by Mayor Thomas M. Menino. The rooms are designed with custom furnishings in golden-hued, exotic wood coupled with lush silk. While extravagant in both price and amenities, the rooms boast a to-die-for view of the Back Bay. The hotel's in-house restaurant Asana offers breakfast, lunch and dinner dining from an inspired menu by executive chef Nicolas Boutin. Sporting panoramic views of Boylston Street, the restaurant's offerings include a combination of American and authentic Asian-inspired cuisine. The Boylston street urban landscape is shared by the adjacent M Bar & Lounge.

PLEASE NOTE: L'Espalier moved to its new home on the second floor of the Mandarin Oriental on Boylston Street.

UPDATE: L'Espalier opened its doors at 774 Boylston Street for dinner at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12.
Fearlessly led by Frank McClelland, one of the top 25 chefs in the nation according to Food and Wine, L'Espalier is as good as it gets. And it gets good. Ascend the narrow staircase into the first of L'Espalier's 2 classically-decorated dining rooms (get a table in the more modern upper dining room if you can) and prepare yourself for high-class French food, catering to no less than serious eaters with serious finances; this is one place that'll get you psyched for Parents Weekend. The menu is a standard three-course prix-fixe for $75: spanning a wealth of tastes, from foie gras to Hawaiian red snapper to grilled lamb, the seasonal selection is substantially varied and guaranteed to delight every palate (course if that isn't enough, there's always the 6-course Degustation Menu for $95; $135 and up with paired wines). But perhaps the best thing L'Espalier has to offer: their special events, like “cheese Tuesdays,” a 4-course dinner with matching wines and a grand cheese sampler, all led by the restaurant's top cheese and wine meisters for a bargain $55. This section contains information from Harvard Student Agencies' Unofficial Guide to Life at Harvard. Afternoon tea: There are two tea service choices offered: 'Make Way For The Ducklings' ($27) - your choice of tea plus a selection of petit fours and pastries - and 'Red Riding Hood's Basket' ($36), which adds tea sandwiches and canapes. For 15 dollars further, a glass of fine champagne can be served with either. Vegetarian substitutions can be requested. The tea choice is a typical 8 or so varieties and your cup is refilled from teapots carried by the staff rather than leaving them on your table. The accompanying food includes lobster salad, cucumber and cream cheese sandwich, strawberry terrine and the classic L'Espalier swan.

Recently relocated from its small Newbury Street location to the Prudential Center, this Best of Boston winner sells designer-worthy clothing. The location is larger than the original Newbury Street location and carries all that you need to be dressed to the nines. It's hipster fashion ... with an edge. Owner Betty Riaz supports local designers like Stephanie Doucette, a UMASS grad and former bartender at the rock club Paradise, who recently launched a spring line of dresses and jackets under the Doucette Duvall moniker.

Replacing Armani Cafe, Zara is a women's and men's fashion store that officially opened its doors in March 2008. Specializing in European-style clothing and footwear, the new Zara store on Newbury Street is basically an upscale H&M. Famous for its flagship stores in Montreal, Italy and NYC (see the YouTube video below for more info), the Back Bay store has three levels (two floors dedicated to women's clothing, one for men with a stylish kids section on the second floor).

Recently opened in early June 2008, the funky jeans made popular by Fergie's "My Hump" song are now on their way to Newbury. The jeans are characterized by the distinctive back-pockets (most designer jean buffs know jeans by the design on the back pocket) and the outter seam twisting forward to the front of the pant. The jeans flatter most figures- letting you have curves in all the right places. The jeans will cost you a heafty $150 and up. Apart from the well known jeans, the store will carry men, women and children's clothing lines, sportswear, headware, and handbags.

With a mix of smaller jewelry and handbag designers Rapt Boutique is a refreshing addition to Newbury Street. Many of their items are handmade and unique - great for gifts for others or yourself! We are pleased to announce the launch of rapt boutique's online store!!
Visit www.raptboutique.com and click on ‘shop now' to get started.
Enter coupon code sparkle at checkout to receive 20% off your first online purchase!