Jan 6, 2008

Hop the train to Hingham chic and cuisineBy Jaci ConroyBoston.com

Hingham – Since Greenbush rail service got rolling from Hingham this fall, residents have had easy access to Boston. Yet the reverse commute is also possible. City dwellers should consider hopping the train to this South Shore town that is much more than just a sleepy suburb.

These days, downtown is buzzing. Chic upscale boutiques located in antique storefronts offer clothing, accessories, and home decor, and stylishly designed restaurants entice diners with cutting edge cuisine. Hingham Square is a pedestrian’s paradise, now that all the railroad construction is done.

“It really was a nightmare,” says Patty Libby, owner of Square Cafe, about the building of the underground railroad tunnel that disrupted business downtown for the better part of three years. Business owners experienced disrupted phone service, power outages, shaking buildings, loud noises, not to mention traffic congestion and parking problems. “But we all survived and now it’s really good here.” On the menu of Libby’s establishment, you’ll find New American cuisine with an Asian flair. Dishes include miso citrus marinated black cod, red curry shrimp and vegetables, and ancho chili and brown sugar braised short ribs.

A couple of blocks away, shoppers have their pick of modern wares. Crossing Main carries trendy women’s sportswear and high-end business attire, as well as special-occasion dresses and wraps by designers including Vera Wang, Nanette Lepore, and Michael Kors. The boutique’s owner, Sue Payne, opened Crossing Main . . . for shoes across the street last fall so shoppers would be able to get the “whole look.” In the tiny treasure trove, you’ll find Stuart Weitzman and Kate Spade shoes, along with handbags and jewelry artfully displayed.

On South Street, Zuzu’s Sisters showcases a delightful assortment of gifts and accessories for the home. In addition to Pine Cone Hill linens and Dash and Albert rugs, the eclectic stock includes handcrafted belts, bags, and jewelry in vibrant shades along with luxurious bath products and plush animals for the little ones. Many gift-givers head here not only for the selection of goods but also for the way shop owners Tricia Russ and Robin Aborn beautifully wrap items.

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