After the longest, darkest, rainiest spring in memory (and I certainly can’t complain given the extremely devastating weather in other parts of the country), the sun has finally come out in Boston. And celebrations abound. In recent weeks, I have attended a number of openings — including the seasonal opening of The Yard at the Liberty Hotel and the official opening of the Aragosta Bar + Bistro at the Fairmont Battery Wharf where, among a crowd of local glitterati, I sampled dishes created by Chef David Daniels. While I didn’t win the raffle for a day with Chef Daniels aboard a lobster boat followed by a specially prepared menu at the hotel, I did briefly meet the chef as he accepted kudos from the crowd. In my opinion, Chef Daniels is breathing new life into an exceptional but previously under-appreciated waterfront dining venue. Stay tuned for new reports. I also managed to skip away with my husband, Kevin, to celebrate my birthday at 41° North in Newport, RI. Despite the fact that Newport is only a 95-minute drive from my home, I rarely make the trek. It’s one of those one-way-in-one-way-out places that I appreciate when I’m there, but I hate even thinking about traffic getting there and back. 41° North may change my opinion. Built where the venerable Christie’s, the go-to bar during Newport’s America’s Cup, once stood, the hotel, restaurant and marina pay homage to history by making the most of a prime waterfront setting. The expansive waterfront deck was empty the night Kevin and I dined one story up — and inside — at The Grille. Despite the unseasonably chilly evening, the sunset was remarkable. While we savored dishes prepared by Chef Kim Lambrechts in the cozy dining room with wrap-around sliding doors, we fantasized about returning on a summer evening to enjoy the ambience at sea level. We’ll be back. — Lisa Matte, editor in chief