For the unattached, the most annoying five words in the English language have to be “Why are you still single?” Sometimes the short answer is “Because I have a life,” as these eminently eligible locals prove. As our annual Valentine’s gift to you, we once again set out to identify a bevy of accomplished, interesting, attractive singles, any of whom you’d be proud to take home to Mom and Dad. Digging deep into our networks and tapping readers for suggestions, we picked a crop of corkers, grilled them for info and gathered them for a photo shoot at the romantically lit Red Lantern. Check out behind-the-scenes video here, and read on to meet The Improper Bostonian’s Most Eligible Bachelors and Bachelorettes, Class of 2017. And happy Valentine’s Day!
Sous-chef at The Smoke Shop
Head start: I started cooking when I was 6 or 7 years old with my mom in her restaurant in the Dominican Republic, and since then, I’ve never really wanted to do anything else with my life.
Out of the kitchen: I go to the gym every day. I love to paint and make sculptures with found objects. I work on my car and other people’s cars, and I read constantly. I also like to play baseball, basketball and football.
Best feature: For some reason, girls really like my eyelashes.
Celebrity crush: Liz Gonzales from Football Fix on CSN. Hi Liz!
Craziest thing he’s done for love: I once moved in with a girl after dating for two weeks. That didn’t turn out so well.
Deal breaker: Materialism. I drive a nice car and have a good job, but those are not the things that define me. If I go on a date with someone and they start asking about the things I may or may not own or how much money I make, I would probably excuse myself to go to the bathroom and not come back.
Proudest moment: My family once lived with me for a year. I was very proud that I was able to do that for them and be someone they could count on.
His idea of romance: I dream of someday taking the woman I love to the Dominican Republic and showing her where I spent part of my childhood and the beaches I love.
Seduction dish: The dish isn’t as important as the process. When I invite a girl over for dinner, I cook everything in front of her and talk to her while I’m cooking. The process is the seduction. The food is just a bonus.
BBQ chefs do it______________: Slow and low.
Hearts to Follow
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern | Jan. 27, 2017
For the unattached, the most annoying five words in the English language have to be “Why are you still single?” Sometimes the short answer is “Because I have a life,” as these eminently eligible locals prove. As our annual Valentine’s gift to you, we once again set out to identify a bevy of accomplished, interesting, attractive singles, any of whom you’d be proud to take home to Mom and Dad. Digging deep into our networks and tapping readers for suggestions, we picked a crop of corkers, grilled them for info and gathered them for a photo shoot at the romantically lit Red Lantern. Check out behind-the-scenes video here, and read on to meet The Improper Bostonian’s Most Eligible Bachelors and Bachelorettes, Class of 2017. And happy Valentine’s Day!
Falco Rodriguez, 28
Sous-chef at The Smoke Shop
Head start: I started cooking when I was 6 or 7 years old with my mom in her restaurant in the Dominican Republic, and since then, I’ve never really wanted to do anything else with my life.
Out of the kitchen: I go to the gym every day. I love to paint and make sculptures with found objects. I work on my car and other people’s cars, and I read constantly. I also like to play baseball, basketball and football.
Best feature: For some reason, girls really like my eyelashes.
Celebrity crush: Liz Gonzales from Football Fix on CSN. Hi Liz!
Craziest thing he’s done for love: I once moved in with a girl after dating for two weeks. That didn’t turn out so well.
Deal breaker: Materialism. I drive a nice car and have a good job, but those are not the things that define me. If I go on a date with someone and they start asking about the things I may or may not own or how much money I make, I would probably excuse myself to go to the bathroom and not come back.
Proudest moment: My family once lived with me for a year. I was very proud that I was able to do that for them and be someone they could count on.
His idea of romance: I dream of someday taking the woman I love to the Dominican Republic and showing her where I spent part of my childhood and the beaches I love.
Seduction dish: The dish isn’t as important as the process. When I invite a girl over for dinner, I cook everything in front of her and talk to her while I’m cooking. The process is the seduction. The food is just a bonus.
BBQ chefs do it______________: Slow and low.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern
Laura Elkman, 28
Sales manager at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse
Provenance: I’m from Philly and grew up in South Florida, but always had a home in Nantucket. I had no ties to Boston, except flying through Logan Airport to get to Nantucket my entire life. I was only supposed to be here for college, and 2017 will be my 10th year here. I love when people find out I’m not from here. They are shocked. I guess I’ve turned into a Bostonian.
On her inner Martha Stewart: I love DIY projects. It’s fun hosting personal or work events and making the centerpieces and customized gifts.
Superpower: I’m really good at ordering delivery and am a professional Amazon Primer.
Best feature: My eyes! They change between yellow and green—true cat eyes. But I’m a dog lover.
Deal breaker: Smoking cigarettes. You smell, and so does the cologne you’re trying to cover up the smell with. Bye.
Ideal first date: Eat! Being in the restaurant industry, I can instantly tell the type of guy you are by the place you want to go and what you order. I like to make them order for me, too, so I can see what kind of girl they think I am. Hint: Don’t order me a salad.
Proudest achievement: Becoming a level-one sommelier. But who wouldn’t want to be a professional wine drinker?
If she were a wine varietal, she’d be: Definitely a red wine, warm and inviting…like a good merlot. Or a cabernet sauvignon, because they only get better with age. But if I had to pick one, it would be a pinot noir: always a crowd-pleaser, elegant yet unique.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern
Joseph Morrow, 24
Boston Bruins defenseman
On telling people he’s a professional athlete: More commonly, I introduce myself as a farmer. I grew up on a farm outside Edmonton, in the middle of nowhere.
Good deeds: I’ve had the opportunity to visit a lot of children’s hospitals, and I’ve had the chance to teach kids how to skate and play hockey. I feel like the charitable involvement trumps any awards and honors I’ve ever gotten.
In the off-season: I love anything outdoors. I love to spend time in British Columbia, wake-surfing, dirt biking or just getting lost in the woods. I like guns and anything with an engine, but don’t stereotype me for being a basic guy based on that (even though, weirdly enough, I’d also throw chopping wood into the category of hobbies). I also enjoy playing the guitar and piano—and am good enough now that it’s not annoying.
Special skills: Successfully working the land. I’ve always had a fascination for the progression of nature.
Physical trait in a potential date that drives him crazy (in a good way): Eyes are legitimately my favorite trait in someone, hands down.
First-date deal breaker: Someone who sits on their phone. I’d like to think I’m more interesting than your phone.
Worst trait: Unmatchably stubborn.
Role models: My mother and father are coming up on their 40th anniversary and still happier than ever. You just don’t see that anymore.
Hockey players do it______________: Right the first time.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern
Ben Uyeda, 38
Architect, designer and entrepreneur
Career trajectory: In 2006, I founded ZeroEnergy Design, an architecture firm that specializes in ecologically conscious housing. Then in 2008, I founded FreeGreen, a web-based media company that distributes green home designs over the internet. And in 2013, I launched HomeMade Modern, a creative agency that distributes instructional design content over the internet and generates revenue by creating product-integrated content. Its simple, affordable furniture projects have been built on six continents, and my first book, HomeMade Modern, was published in 2015.
In his downtime: Lately, I’ve been trying to expand my hobbies to include things like cooking and gardening. I have a small blueberry plantation growing on my roof and an indoor robotic garden that can grow vegetables all year round, with a combination of automatic irrigation and LED lighting systems.
Craziest thing he’s done for love: In my early 20s, when I was living in Florence, Italy, I climbed the outside of a three-story building to leave a flower and a note on my girlfriend’s balcony.
Deal breaker: A lack of empathy.
Worst traits: Forgetful, a little absent-minded, and I don’t always have a good work/life balance.
Proudest achievement: Neither of my parents went to college, and I didn’t start college until I was 21, but I was an Ivy League professor before I turned 28.
Favorite design: I really enjoy living in an apartment building that I designed and developed, and the spiral staircase in my loft is pretty cool.
Architects do it______________: With creativity and precision.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern
Amber Voner, 30
Hair and makeup designer for theater and film
Why she loves her job: Nothing is more rewarding than seeing an actor look into the mirror and watch as they morph into another world, another person, into their character.
Life imitates art: I change my style quite often. I look at clothing and hair as a way to express myself without speaking, so I’ve had people I know walk past me on the street because my hair or clothing was different from the last time they saw me. I like to transform.
In her spare time, she’s into: Horticulture. I’m currently propagating pathos and jade plant babies. I’m also into meditation, herbal remedies and journaling.
Special skills: I have an eye for detail and an inventive mind. When I enter a room, I can’t help but redesign it in my head.
Best feature: My ability to listen to people.
Celebrity crush: Sojourner Truth.
Physical trait in a potential date that drives her crazy (in a good way): Hands, especially if they’re used to make things.
Deal breaker: The absence of passion, particularly in your career. If you’re not head over heels in love with what you do, we won’t relate.
Full disclosure: I’m a workhorse: Time is precious, and I don’t have a lot of it free. I respect time that others give me, and I expect that respect in return.
Most romantic place: My kitchen. Cooking for you means I like you.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern
Amma Marfo, 30
Speaker and consultant
By day: I travel to work with students on leadership training, cultivating creativity and group development. I’m also a freelance writer for educational publications and more cultural and entertainment-based sites. And I’m the co-host of The Imposters, a podcast on creativity.
By night: I took sketch writing at Improv Asylum, and I’m planning to try my hand at stand-up this summer. I’m also an avid reader and can most easily be found at the main library, Trident Booksellers & Cafe, Brookline Booksmith or Harvard Book Store events.
Charity of choice: I volunteer with the Greater Boston Food Bank.
Superpower: I can find a GIF to express my feelings at a moment’s notice.
Craziest thing she’s done for love: Despite having a deep dislike for most things horror, I went to Halloween Horror Nights with a guy. The outing was a dud, and I spent the whole night anxious as people jumped out at me.
Worst trait: I’m working hard to be better with dates and times, setting reminders on my phone, leaving myself notes. Working from home, I lose track of time a lot. I’ll be better at this in 2017, fingers crossed.
Proudest achievement: I wrote two books in 2014 and 2015. They were huge undertakings, and I’m so proud of how they turned out and how they were received.
Seduction dish: Crème brûlée: light, sweet and requires an attentive eye and mind to get it right.
Favorite sport: Hockey to watch, surfing and running to do.
Her personality in a nutshell: Equal parts nerd and class clown.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern
Jen Royle, 42
Private chef
On her CV: I reported on the Yankees for seven years and was a national MLB reporter for two. I wanted some NFL experience, so I covered the Baltimore Ravens for two seasons. Then I moved home to Boston and became a radio host on WEEI and a reporter for The Boston Herald covering the Red Sox, Bruins and Celtics.
On her shelf: I won an Emmy in 2008 as a New York Yankees reporter.
Career curveball: In 2014, I decided to follow my other dream and go to culinary school. My goal was to work for Mario Batali at Babbo, and I did. But my main goal was always to work for myself, so I’m currently the chef/owner of Dare to Taste.
Must love dogs: My two bulldogs, Truman and Polly, are my world.
Turn-on: Tattoos.
Deal breaker: Somebody who doesn’t text back or respond in a considerate amount of time. Somebody who leaves me guessing. I don’t have time for that kind of crap.
Drama quotient: I have zero crazy in me.
Proudest moment: Boxing in Haymakers for Hope. Boxing for exercise is great—I get in the ring with my trainer every chance I get—but getting in the ring for an actual fight is a whole other beast. Not to mention, I raised almost $10,000 for cancer research.
Her idea of romance: I hate flowers and despise chocolate. Save your money. Just be considerate. It’s not that difficult.
Motto: Life is only as complicated as you make it. As they said in Bull Durham, “Don’t think. Just throw.”
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern
Paul Craig, 28
Soloist with Boston Ballet
Proudest achievement: Becoming a professional ballet dancer, and/or being able to cross just one eye.
Away from the ballet: I love the outdoors. In Northern Michigan, I grew up in the Manistee National Forest, camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, swimming and snowmobiling. I don’t have a lot of free time, but when I do, I try to enjoy it outside. The Arboretum in Jamaica Plain especially reminds me of home.
His other creative outlet: I’m a huge music junkie and have very eclectic tastes. I like blues, classic rock, rock, funk, hip-hop. I’ve also been playing guitar since I was 12. It keeps me sane.
Celebrity crush: Salma Hayek, ever since I was little. She came to see a show at Boston Ballet once, and I met her.
Physical trait in a potential date that drives him crazy (in a good way): I’ve gotta say long hair, or at least hair that’s let down. I’m surrounded by beautiful ballerinas all day, but their hair is always up in a bun.
Ideal first date: Lots of talking. Whether it’s dinner, a drink or a long walk around the city, I enjoy learning how she thinks.
Does a woman need to be as graceful as a ballerina to interest him? Absolutely not. Sometimes the least graceful acts are the most endearing.
Reply to people who assume he’s gay because he’s a ballet dancer: I’ve always said that I’ve got it made. The ratio of straight women to straight men is definitely in my favor. People are always gonna assume stuff. And you know what assuming does…
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern
Hannah Blount, 30
Jewelry designer
Paging Norman Rockwell: I was born and raised on Nantucket with my six siblings. My dad is a commercial fisherman, and my mom is a seamstress. It was as nostalgic a childhood as you could imagine.
Head start: At 6 years old, I started making jewelry, and I never stopped. I studied metalsmithing at UMass Dartmouth and now have a jewelry company in the South End.
Good deeds: My work with Rosie’s Place is particularly special to me. Last year, I debuted a permanent piece in one of my collections to benefit their guests. I also introduced a limited-edition piece last year with 100 percent of proceeds benefiting the ACLU.
Special skills: Baking is my love language. Growing up, Mama B’s cookies, Russian tea cakes and generations-old shortbread recipes were how we celebrated holidays and spoiled each other. Using the cookbook written and illustrated by my sisters, I’ve refined my favorite recipes to spoil my neighbors and staff.
Craziest thing she’s done for love: Moved to Boston. Don’t regret that one bit.
Deal breaker: If he’s not a dog person.
Ideal first date: Go out for Ethiopian food. Nothing breaks the ice better than eating with your fingers.
Favorite gemstone: Turquoise, particularly from the Kingman, Arizona, mine. I love knowing where the turquoise I use comes from and who’s mining it. It’s also my favorite color.
Her other creative outlet: While jewelry is my greatest form of expression, my addiction to tattoos is another medium I use to tell my story. I have six and hope to be covered one day.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern
Rhonda Lee, 54
Founder of sales agency Mac + Lee
Provenance: Born in Arizona, I grew up in Maine and spent all my summers in Acadia. I brought my daughter up on the New Hampshire seacoast, and I toyed with Portsmouth or Boston when she went to college. What a great choice I made with Boston.
Hobbies: When I’m not building my business, mentoring students or brainstorming with early-stage companies, I spend any spare time with family, friends and my new love Sophie (a mini-goldendoodle). Having grown up in Maine, I love anything to do with being outside. I love day trips: flying up the coast of Maine in a small plane, taking the ferry to P-Town or sailing in Marblehead with good friends. And then there’s my obsession with live music—I like almost anything.
Superpower: Always seeing the best in others. Everyone has a story.
Deal breaker: Bad hygiene.
Worst trait: I hate to admit it, but I’m almost always 10 minutes late. Even my puppy sits and waits for me.
Celebrity crush: I’d have to say a blend of Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin (a big hunk of laughter) and Lenny Kravitz because he just gets under my skin.
Turn-ons: I’m a sucker for a great voice, intelligence and wit.
Proudest achievement: My 26-year-old daughter, Sarah Veilleux! After that, owning a successful business for 18 years and the recent launch of my new business, AcknowledgeHer.
How she’d do on Shark Tank: How’d you know this is a goal of mine? I’d knock ’em dead.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern
David Ballin, 34
Team head at Puma
Provenance: I was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and my childhood was divided between my mom’s home in Boston and my father’s in the suburbs of Atlanta.
Proudest achievement: I turned my passion for sneakers and fashion in general into a career.
What’s in a title? I’m “Team Head: Regional Creation Center—Key Accounts.” My primary responsibility is to lead the team tasked with product strategy, product creation and assortment planning for our key accounts.
Special skills: I do like to cook. I grew up in Jamaican culture, where men are taught how to cook. It’s called learning how to “run a boat.”
He’s got game: I was captain of my college basketball team my senior year at Stonehill College. I’m still an avid basketball player. I play two or three times a week, schedule permitting.
Turn-on: Dancing. If a girl moves well to music, it’s a huge turn-on.
Turn-off: Smell. If I don’t like her perfume or lotion, it can be a huge turn-off.
Worst trait: I can be stubborn.
Deal breaker: Hating…I despise people who hate everything, or shoot down ideas for no reason, without offering any alternative solutions.
Celebrity crush: Jourdan Dunn.
Favorite place he’s traveled to: Ibiza.
Seduction dish: Chicken “Mike-sala” (my uncle’s take on chicken marsala).
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern
Eliza Shirazi, 25
Founder of Kick It By Eliza
Career trajectory: I founded my own fitness brand and class, Kick It By Eliza, in college. I graduated in 2013 and immediately moved to Boston to work at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Kick It was a side gig but eventually took over my days, nights and all the in-betweens. I’m now sponsored by New Balance, a part of the EveryBodyFights team and running the Pop-Up Kick It Studio and Kick It events. The plan is to use all this momentum to grow nationally in 2017.
Food for thought: I come from a big Middle Eastern family that is obsessed with food. My mom has her own catering business, and my dad and brother own a food distributor, while my sister-in-law owns Crema Cafe in Harvard Square. I can’t claim to be the best at cooking food, but I’m pretty good at eating it. I love helping out in the kitchen, trying new restaurants and dabbling in my own creations.
Special skills: My signature jump kick, which you might see in pictures, usually only takes one try!
Celebrity crush: Lenny Kravitz. The dude’s got mega soul and swag…not to mention, he’s Jewish enough to please my parents. Eliza Kravitz? Are you kidding? My mom would be kvelling.
Physical trait that drives her crazy: If a guy had better hair than me—game over, let’s get married. (And also, may I ask what products are you using?)
First-date agenda: Have dessert of some kind. I like to have my cake and eat it too, and maybe even the dessert off of the other people’s table as well.
Embarrassing trait: I break out in a goofy dance when I’m nervous.
Most romantic place in the world: I have such a sweet spot for Provincetown. What’s more romantic than being in a place where love is the religion?
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern
Albert Feldman, 25
Health care analyst
Career trajectory: The past year, I worked as a finance operations analyst for a large health system, producing daily reports that enhanced the operations of the hospital. This year, I’ll be joining a health care startup in Cambridge, to work to improve health care delivery at a higher level.
Awards and honors: At Boston College, I was inducted into the Alpha Sigma Nu honor society, and I graduated magna cum laude.
Fitness regimen: I’m an active member at Barry’s Bootcamp.
Kitchen cred: I’ve learned to cook Filipino and Jewish dishes from my bi-cultural background. Despite being a vegetarian, I’m an expert at pork adobo and matzo ball soup.
Best feature: My dimple when I smile.
Celebrity crush: Chris Evans.
First-date agenda: Try a new restaurant or go somewhere I haven’t been to in a while. Or we can go to Toro and get my all my usual dishes and drinks.
Physical trait in a potential date that drives him crazy (in a good way): Facial hair. Always.
Deal breaker: If you tell me you’ve never laughed out loud at Modern Family.
Guilty admission: I’m always busy. I really don’t know how to relax, even when I’m on vacation. But that doesn’t keep me from constantly traveling.
Seduction dish: Endless oysters. Or the spicy broccoli side at Boston Chops.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Makeup: Mariolga Pantazopoulos; Shot on location at Red Lantern
Heather McGrath, 34
Photographer
Career change part 1: I couldn’t stand sitting at a desk all day as a graphic designer, because I’m so athletic, so I started my photography career and I’ve been self-employed ever since.
Career change part 2: I’m moving more into filmmaking. I finished my first feature-length film last year, and I’m about to start a new documentary.
Causes: I participated in an art auction to benefit Standing Rock, and I’ve long admired and contributed to the Surfrider Foundation.
Off the clock, she likes: Cycling, jumping off cliffs into the raging sea on a hot day, surfing, climbing, swimming and catching a last-minute flight to a foreign country with no itinerary or plans. I love getting off the plane and letting the adventure unfold.
Best features: My derriere and my right hook.
Physical trait in a potential date that drives her crazy (in a good way): I’m a sucker for strong jawlines and long hair with a beard.
On a first date, she likes to: Be surprised. I’m a spontaneous person, so a man without a plan is my kind of date. My favorite first date so far was camping in the desert near the Salton Sea—we shot guns, skated on a pool and rode dirt bikes.
Seduction dish: I can cook the best filet mignon you’ve ever had.
Subject she’d most like to photograph: Björk. And I’m dying to go to Mongolia to photograph the Dukha tribe.
Parting shot: My therapist told me I would make a great therapist.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern
Adam Tessier, 33
Head of interpretation at the Museum of Fine Arts
Beg your pardon? “Head of interpretation” is really tough to explain to a stranger in a loud bar. It has nothing to do with translating languages, although I speak French and, to a lesser extent, Swahili. In a nutshell, I’m a behind-the-scenes storyteller, working with curators to shape the narrative of each gallery.
Fun fact: The little texts we write that go next to the art have won national awards.
In his downtime: Lots of books and trips to see art and architecture nearby and farther afield. I go to the gym (almost) every day. I troll used bookstores and hang out in coffee shops. And Sundays are for football—I’m a big Pats fan—and cooking for family and friends.
Special skills: I clean up at trivia. My job requires me to know a little bit about pretty much everything, so I’m a real wellspring of incidental knowledge.
Celebrity crushes: Frank Ocean and the novelist Marlon James.
Craziest thing he’s done for love: A dude once made me a mixed CD of his favorite songs, all of them by Dave Matthews Band. Here’s the crazy part: I actually listened to it.
Deal breaker: CrossFit obsession. The term “double unders” sends me running. The “lifestyle CrossFitters” give off a real Peoples Temple vibe.
Most romantic place in the world: Boston, obviously. All these meandering streets, in springtime, the dewy cobblestones reflecting the light cast by ye olde gas-lamp-style streetlights and the moon.
Favorite piece at the MFA: Hands down, Degas’ double portrait of his sister Thérèse and her husband Edmondo Morbilli. It gives me chills.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern
Adam Lewis, 52
Photographer
Citizen of the world: I was born in Boston, raised in Newton and had the good fortune to live in New Orleans, Los Angeles and Kyushu, Japan.
Career milestone: During the course of my career, I’ve photographed well over 1 million people.
Charity of choice: I support Seeds of Peace, an organization designed to cultivate and inspire young adults from international areas of conflict to grow into political leaders.
Hobbies: I completed a 200-hour yoga alliance program in 2015 and plan to complete a yin yoga certification this year. And I was voted president of my Toastmasters chapter.
Special skills: I can make a mean pumpkin chia pancake. And I make my own sauerkraut and deodorant, but I swear I’m not a hippie.
Craziest thing he’s done for love: Drove three-plus hours, each way, four times a week, to see a girlfriend.
Ideal first date: Practice yoga together. That way, we see each other as we really are. Followed by drinks at Bastille Kitchen, downstairs, in front of the fire, in the winter.
Worst trait: Still quoting Caddyshack.
Most romantic place in the world: Mount Aso in summer, Kumamoto, Japan. Imagine sitting in a hot spring tub outside, at a Japanese ryokan, taking in green-covered mountains. Just spectacular.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern
Suzanne Chapnick, 42
Rheumatologist
Charities of choice: In recent years, I’ve volunteered with Combined Jewish Philanthropies, the Anti-Defamation League and the Jewish Community Relations Council. I’m currently a participant in CJP’s Women’s Philanthropy.
Other good deeds: I’ve had the opportunity to travel to places like Cuba, Ukraine and Israel to bring supplies and donations or participate in community projects. One of my favorites was rebuilding fences and playgrounds at a New Orleans school devastated by Katrina.
Fitness regimen: I consider myself a yogi; I’m going on a yoga/Pilates retreat to Guatemala in a few weeks. I’ve also become a big fan of Soul Cycle. I take boxing classes, and I have a mean right hook. I try to hike as often as I can, especially in Colorado, and I’ve hiked the less traveled Inca trails in Peru, the Andes in Ecuador and Munros in Scotland.
Superpower: I pride myself on my ability to find the perfect gift.
Celebrity crush: A young Paul Newman with Jake Gyllenhaal and Bradley Cooper as close seconds.
Craziest thing she’s done for love: I wouldn’t call it crazy, but it was definitely a leap of faith. I moved to a different state for love. I also tasted alligator.
Bedside manner: At work, I’m compassionate and kind, but I’m very direct with my patients. I want them to be active participants in discussions and decisions about their medical care.
Dietary restrictions: I have not eaten red meat since I was 17.
Dirty little secrets: If I could be in a bikini 24/7, I would. After a glass of wine, I might break into dance. And I love the snooze button.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern
Priscilla Kwong, 30
Event and wedding planner
Charities of choice: I work with a lot of amazing nonprofits: Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton, Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Melanoma Foundation of New England, to name a few. I also recently joined a group called Boston Cares, which caters to volunteer opportunities in Greater Boston.
You might be surprised to know: I really enjoy rock climbing—belay, on! Brooklyn Boulders in Somerville, Rock Spot and Boston Rock are my favorites, but I plan on trying others in 2017.
Other passions: I have a membership to all the museums in the city, and I use them all regularly. In the summer, you can find me at Harborwalk Sounds at the ICA, because I love listening to live music. But when I need to get out of Boston, I go all out. I just returned from a trip to Taiwan and Japan.
Special skills: I’m conversant in Mandarin, and if you need a taxi or to order food in Korean, I’ve got your back. I can also create gorgeous floral arrangements.
Celebrity crush: Daniel Sunjata. Google him. He’s a hottie!
Deal breaker: Someone who doesn’t believe in equality for all races, religion and sexualities.
Favorite event she’s planned: I recently planned a beautiful Indian wedding at the Taj Boston. I really enjoyed learning about her cultural traditions and the ceremony rituals. My favorite was the talambralu, where the bride and groom shower one another with rice mixed with saffron and turmeric, signifying happiness and prosperity in their marriage.
Soft spot: Even though I’ve planned many weddings, I’m the first to cry when I see the bride walking down the aisle. It never gets old.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike; Hair and makeup: Kashmir and Victoria Millsap of Viselli Salon; Shot on location at Red Lantern
Dan Sandberg, 37
Middle school teacher and bartender at Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar
Smooth talker: While I was at Northeastern, I studied abroad in Sydney during the 2000 Olympics and managed to talk my way into a paid internship with NBC. I talked my way into my first restaurant job. Eventually, I found my way behind the bar and found my niche. I’m currently at Loco in South Boston and on Nantucket at Cru in the summers.
On teaching tweens: The kids at that age are awesome to work with. They’re still excited (usually) to learn. They’re still figuring out who they are. I feel like the content I teach them is secondary to me helping them to make good decisions and be good to each other and themselves.
On skills his two gigs share: I had to deal with a particularly challenging bar guest one night, and after, the couple sitting next to him said, “You must be a teacher or something too, right?” I asked how they knew, and they said, “That guy knew he was in trouble, but you were respectful and very clearly in control.”
Awards and accolades: One of my nieces tells me I’m her favorite uncle, and she doesn’t like too many people, so that’s a big honor. I’ve also been recognized by students as their most influential teacher a few times and nominated for the district’s teacher of the year.
Best feature: Physically, I guess my butt. It’s just kind of out there! I remember leaving a crowded restaurant once, and I knocked a bunched of glasses on the floor with it.
Craziest thing he’s done for love: I sang karaoke for a girl I really liked in college. One of the conditions was that she pick the song. It was the Indigo Girls’ “Closer to Fine.” It was ugly.
Physical trait in a potential date that drives him crazy (in a good way): Big, expressive eyes. And a killer smile that is used often.
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