"INSIDER" SMALL BUSINESSES AT THE STREET

We can always spot a Winston Flowers’ arrangement with their exquisite blooms, tasteful designs, and flowers that look just picked. For decades, Winston’s has been the gold standard for flower arrangements, and after learning about their professional practices, it’s easy to understand why. Its buyers search the globe for the finest quality, longest-lasting flowers and then purchase blooms directly from growers, with many varieties developed exclusively for Winstons. Whether grown locally or flown in from all over the world on commercial passenger airplanes, flowers are picked just days before they’re added to arrangements—ensuring they’re fresh and long-lasting. And Winston’s elite designers continually reimagine new designs, so offerings are always evolving and expanding. Winston’s has just opened a stunning new shop on The Street, stocked with flower arrangements, grab and go bouquets, houseplants, and sweet little gifts like botanical candles.

You know that favorite t-shirt, sweater, pair of jeans or joggers—the ones that we pull out of our closet over and over because they fit perfectly, look effortlessly chic, and makes us feel like our best selves? Well, imagine a whole store filled with exactly that type of clothing. That’s WHEAT. WHEAT sells its own small batch, private label line along with a curated mix of luxury brands known for comfy-chic clothes, including Nilli Lotan, Frank & Eilleen, AGOLDE and Zimmermann. WHEAT’s everyday essentials—like short and long-sleeve tees—are made in California from sustainable, buttery-soft modal cotton and they’re cut to flatter. The shop is a local destination for fans of its luxury clothing lines which can’t be found in other local stores. In addition to clothing for both women and men, WHEAT sells accessories and select, tasteful lifestyle products and giftables like beauty products, perfume, candles and homegoods.

If our dog could pick a favorite store, paws down it would be Polkadog Bakery. Here there’s every kind of quality dog treat imaginable—crunchy cod skins, chewy chicken strips, vegan peanut butter nuggets, odor-free bully sticks—and that’s just for starters. Many of them are handmade in Polkadog’s kitchen on Boston’s Fish Pier, with single or limited local ingredients and no preservatives. The most popular part of this pet boutique? Its massive treat bar which is like a penny candy store for canines. Here we can pick one of those, one of those, and one of those, and we’ll have a very happy doggo. Polkadog also carries dog toys, a selection of dog food and accessories like collars, leashes, and pet shampoo. Of course, dogs are welcome and always leave with a snack “on the house.”

For those of us looking to elevate our style by adding some flair to our wardrobe, Onyx is now open at The Street. This boutique curates clothing and accessories that are far from ordinary, yet eminently wearable for every day, work, and special events. Its American and European luxury brands like Staud, DÔEN, Closed, Natalie Martin, and Soeur have steadfast followings and, in Newton, can only be found at Onyx. Combing through Onyx’s racks we discovered one standout after another that could easily become our new favorites. And if we’re not quite sure which outfits best flatter our bodies or showcase our personal style, Onyx’s talented staff is ready to help!

We’ve seen The Half Cookie’s outrageous cookies and specialty coffees covered in the Globe, on the news, TikTok and YouTube. This bakery specializes in oversized, stuffed, literally jaw-dropping cookies and creative coffee drinks. Entrepreneur-owner Danielle Velez regularly introduces new menu items, and half the fun is sampling her over-the-top creative flavors. Lately, their Cookie Butter Smores Cookie and Honey Bear Latte are drawing looooong lines. Located near Star Market with indoor and outdoor seating.

Eyespot’s goals are the same as ours—make sure our eyes are healthy, our eyewear is comfortable and stylish, and that we’ve never seen better. We’ve never, ever, seen so many out-of-the-ordinary eyewear frames as there are at Eyespot. It’s no surprise this eyewear boutique is a destination for local celebs, professional athletes, and those searching for fashion-forward frames. Its staff travels around the world, selecting frames from independent designers based on quality, style, and wearability, and then brings these global luxury brands back to Chestnut Hill. For eye health, doctors at Eyespot use leading edge technology to examine our eye health and corrective lens needs, diagnosing and treating conditions from dry eyes to other ocular diseases. Its doctors also have extensive experience fitting specialty, medically necessary contact lenses.

One of the best restaurants in the world—Boston’s o ya--has a sister restaurant, Bianca, at The Street. Owned by James Beard award-winning chef Tim Cushman and his wife and restaurateur Nancy, Bianca boasts one of the most eclectic menus in the greater Boston area. From wood-fired fare like pizza, salmon, and rotisserie chicken, to sushi, and inspired kid’s meals, Bianca has everyone’s faves. Their comfy California-chic dining room, lush tropical patio, and huge wrap-around bar make every visit feel like a mini vacation—even if it’s just a weekend brunch or post-golf cocktail. And for those of us who love a party, Bianca hosts fun events or can cater ours.