Duffy Design Group has won Best of Boston four times for Interior Design Excellence. Dennis Duffy is the Principal of Duffy Design Group, an interior design firm which is known for its inspiring interiors. The firm has won numerous awards and has been published both locally and nationally. The firm offers its expertise and unique vision to residential clients and consistently partners with architects, developers and builders. Whether the project is a sleek residence overlooking a city skyline, a contemporary boutique hotel or a sprawling country manor, Duffy Design Group designs intuitively - carefully determining the best solution for each client. For more information please visit www.duffydesigngroup.com.

Tucked into Shawmut Ave. right next to the South End Buttery lies Hudson, an interior designer's dream. You will find no boring and stuffy patterns or furniture here. Only eclectic pieces that call to mind an elegant, comfortable, and relaxed feel. The young, fun, and friendly employees are eager to help you find your way through the shop's fragrant candles, fluffy pillow, and funky furniture pieces to find exactly what you are looking for.

Don't forget that our pooches can have a discerning pallete too. Every dog also deserves to be pampered. How many times did you hit the spa this year? Come on... Sparky deserves a gourmet biscuit and a big bone. Head on down to the Polka Dog Bakery where you have your pick of treats like bow wow brownies and power barks. They also carry a variety of pet apparel and toys. Open 7 days a week.

The primary mission of The South End Business Alliance (SEBA) is to organize and unify the voice of businesses in the South End; to encourage an economic climate where business may function and flourish; to represent the members and act as their voice in working with other individuals, organizations and governmental authorities; and to sponsor positive projects for the education and benefit of the business community. SEBA also promotes these objectives: to improve the social and physical condition of the South End while preserving its diversity and those social and physical characteristics of positive value to the area,; to foster good communications between the local businesses and the residents of the South End; and to enhance the image of the South End businesses through philanthropic outreach and contributions to South End charitable organizations.

Hamersley's Bistro is a four star French inspired restaurant in the South End. Hamersley's features one of Boston's first open kitchens, allows you to see the chef, Gordon Hamersley, while he cooks your dinner. The design of Mistral is both elegant and casual, resonating with the ambiance of Provence as arched floor to ceiling windows drench the room with light. Hamersley's prides themselves on fresh, never dull ingredients and impeccable customer service(the majority of the waitstaff have been with Hamersley's Bistro for years). Select menu items include "Halibut and Clam Roast with Bacon Braised Greens, Big White Beans and Black Trumpet Mushrooms-$29," "Grilled Beef Rib-Eye with Garlic, Marrow Bone and “Bistro” Potatoes and Red Wine Sauce-$36," and "Maple Brioche Bread Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream and Walnut Praline-$9."

The recent addition of Rocca to the growing list of top-tier restaurants in the SOWA region of the South End was highly lauded when it opened in Spring 2007. Italian food inspired by the Riviera, this hotspot is not only a fabulous meal with a creative twist, but it also boasts a great bar scene. Rocca's menu is mid-range prices with a fairly expensive wine list. The best way to describe Rocca? Italian-style tapas. Rocca specializes in small portions and a collection of Italian-style tastes like fresh raviolis, gnocchi and the artichoke "taste" dish. There's a rustic water wheel sculpture made out of metal for outdoor diners which punctuates the restaurant's already stunning red-and-silver ambience. Also, Rocca boasts ample free parking which is a definite plus for Boston-area foodies. Check out Rocca's blog HERE.

Mangia Neapolitan Pizza is located in Brookline, MA and the South End. This South End location is on Columbus Ave. Mangia is known for their whole wheat pizza crust, as well as very fresh(and sometimes organic) veggies. which makes you feel like you are actually eating healthy pizza! Mangia has delivery for a $1.50 charge. Mangia is open at 4pm on Monday through Friday and 12pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Snug and intimate, inexpensive and delicious. That is what Orinoco serves up daily besides tasty South American fare and delicious native drinks. This South End eatery opened with enthusiasm a few years ago and has been so well received that they are soon opening an Orinoco in Brookline Village as well. With prices under $10, this place is a great addition to the ever increasing prices in the South End. Closed on Mondays.

Toro is a tapas restaurant in the South End opened by celebrity chef Ken Oringer. Voted Best of Boston for tapas, this quaint Spanish nook has a variety of seafood and charcuterie to choose from as well as sparkling cava and sangria to wash it all down with. There are many choices to choose from. You won't be bored if you like to eat. Tony Maws recommends this place.

Feel chic but never awkward at posh Union Bar and Grille. This South End eatery never fails in offering you not only a gorgeous meal (albeit sometimes $), but a chance to get some good people watching in as well. The sleek and modern surroundings are the perfect backdrop to the creative menu and festive drink list. Go ahead, lose yourself in a fruity martini. Don't miss their inexpensive brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Be part of the chic and overtired crowd that comes pouring in late morning in dire need of a cup of coffee, or better yet, a strong bloody mary. October Special: 5 year Anniversary Celebration all month Join the bartenders at Union Bar and Grille all through the month of October for specialty cocktails for $5 and complimentary nibbles between 5:30-7pm