Another trendy and cutting edge restaurant to add to the hot, hot, hot South End dining scene. Along with sophisticated designer lofts and apartments, Banq is opening in the beautifully renovated Penny Saving Bank. Decor is made up of undulating layers of sand colored wood that flow across the ceiling like a soft wave. The restaurant is like the inside of a prehistoric whales body, as depicted by a minimalist Japanese architect. Very chic, spacious, loud and almost anonymous; it could be a spot in midtown Manhattan. You're likely to spend probably 10 minutes staring around at how interesting the space is. Little plants at the tables are a nice added touch that don't get in the way of your food. Which, by the way, is impressive in an Iron Chef sort of way. If you have friends visiting from NYC or London or Tokyo, bring them to Banq to show them that 'lil ole Boston IS a cutting edge Metropolitan city.

The recently opened full-service dining area boasts a warm, cavernous appeal (including a working fireplace, a boulder-like wall that serves as a tactile homage to the elements and an upscale ambiance downstairs with windows peeking out to a rock garden that actually feels like you're dining in a cave) and a stylish, but cramped, space upstairs. The moderately-priced menu boasts a few comfort-food staples like their winning parmesan-garlic fries with chipotle aioli. The fries have a tasty, crunchy coating and score points with its creative cone-style presentation. The South End Buttery's menu has several stellar pasta dishes including its penne with pumpkin seed pesto and serves up some killer braised beef short ribs with parsnip puree that literally melt in your mouth. The vibe is cozy. Perfect for a first date or an intimate gathering of friends. As far as the upstairs cafe area, it's delicious, but small. Kind to children, but no high chairs for this South End local hangout. There is a cafe that serves everything from coffee to cupcakes, quiches to tuna melts.

Kent Newton cut his teeth at the Mario Russo salon and brings his expertise to his own South End shop where he specializes in cut and coloring. Open: Tuesday 10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. Wednesday 10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M. Thursday 11:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M. Friday 11:00 A.M. - 8:00 P.M. Saturday 10:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.

Gaslight is the highly anticipated new french culinary addition to the SOWA region of the South End. Loud and lively, the Gaslight is always hopping and filled with the beautiful and trendy of Boston's dining scene. The food is classic french bistro, small portions that are full of flavor.

House of Siam just opened up a second, smaller restaurant in the old Thai Village. The 35-seat South End haunt serves up saucy Thai faves like drunken chicken and pineapple fried rice.

Officially opening its doors on Tuesday, March 10, owner Stephanie Sokolove's second eatery, Stephi's on Tremont, is a smaller, 65-seat version of the tourist-inclined Newbury Street mainstay. Think of it as Stephanie's younger sister. Popular dishes from its older Newbury Street sibling will be served at Stephi's, including its tasty mac 'n' cheese coupled with the hot spot's famous entree salads. Stephi's chef Corey Comeau also plans to serve up a few comfort food faves including a rich lobster shepherd's pie and a killer selection of paninis. The decor at Stephi's on Tremont rivals its posh-yet-cozy neighbors like the revamped South End Buttery and stunning BanQ. Sokolove's new digs boast a chandelier, a marble wall, a staircase in the middle of the room and a U-shape bar with a TV. Like its Newbury Street big sis, the Tremont Street locale will boast al fresco dining in the warmer months which, based on is location, guarantees that it will be a great place to see and be seen in the South End.

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.

This place has the buzz. Situated in the South End, with the atmosphere of an artist's studio, you feel as if you're attending a great dinner party. Relax and take in the sounds of jazz and sip on a martini or a glass of wine. The food is fabulously yummy with fare from Moroccan to Italian, making any craving satisfied here. The best thing about this place, other than its funky vibe and hip atmosphere? It's open late. Get your food on until 2am, nightly. The Beehive will be hosting a Santa Christmas Brunch on Sat. Dec. 20th from 11:30am-3pm. There will be carol singers and photos with Santa. Families are welcome!