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 He’s a Shoe Guy
“To keep rawhide lace on a boat shoe from coming untied, soak them in salt water while they are tied, and let dry,” Darin says. “They won’t come untied for a while after that.” Good stuff to know; after all, “Shoes make the man ...” One Random Hobby
“I collect mint tins, like Altoids,” Darin says. “I have several hundred different ones and have been collecting for the past nine years. I actually stopped seeking them out a few years ago. I just don’t have the storage space anymore — or the sweet tooth.” Home Boy
The modern, vintage, and retro housewares, clothing, and knick-knacks at Abodeon make a design nut like Darin’s head spin. “I picked up some great pieces there: Aalto vases, a MOMA Nautilus lamp, bent-plywood tables,” he says. The inventory is constantly changing, but the one-of-a-kind nature of the real finds at Abodeon means that today’s must-have could be tomorrow’s should’ve-had. “I missed out on a used Noguchi table,” Darin says. “I should have bought it!” Abodeon Shaken, Stirred And Very Dirty
Steak or no steak, when Darin’s at the Capital Grille, he’s more often than not enjoying one of their classic cocktails. “I love the dirty martinis at the Capital Grille,” he says. The Capital Grille Blues, Pure and Simple
When Darin’s looking for high-end denim, he hits G-Star Raw on Newbury Street. Based in the Netherlands, G-Star makes a jeans lover’s jean, plain and simple. “I love G-Star Raw,” Darin says. G-Star Raw On Time, In Style
In a world full of Rolexes (and Rolex knockoffs ... you know who you are), sometimes a guy just wants to go his own way. Thanks to his wife, and to venerable Italian watchmaker Panerai, Darin does just that, and in style. “It’s a giant Panerai Luminor my wife was kind enough to buy me as an engagement gift four years ago,” he says. “It’s classic, but stands out among the sea of Rolexes.” Hack Off at Hac Sa
When Darin travels to China to check out shoe factories, he knows exactly where to stay. Considered the finest hotel in Macau as well as one of the best in Asia, the Westin Resort Macau is built on the side of a mountain overlooking nearby Hac Sa Beach. An 18-hole golf course is set on top of the hill above the hotel, giving players and guests a breathtaking view of the South China Sea. The Westin Resort Macau Macho Man Meals
Darin’s dream dinner may be meat and potatoes, but you won’t find him hunched over a hungry-man TV dinner. He lets his inner carnivore loose at the Capital Grille for top-notch meat and potatoes. “Always the same thing,” Darin says. “I stick to what I like: dirty Belvedere martini, iceberg wedge salad, filet mignon medium rare, and potatoes au gratin, followed by berries and cream or flourless chocolate cake.” The Capital Grille The Natick Triangle
Joan and Ed Sanderson have been serving three squares a day at their deli, Joan & Ed’s, for more than 30 years, first at Shopper’s World in Framingham, and since 1994 in Natick’s Golden Triangle. It’s real-deal, old-school mom-and-pop comfort food served with a smile. Darin’s lunchtime choice? “Always the same meal: matzo-ball soup, and the Latke No. 1 special: extra-lean brisket, and a latke on a bulkie roll,” he says. Joan & Ed's Deli Low Risk Breakie
Darin’s a guy who sticks with what he likes. So for breakfast every Friday, he’s in line at Café Fresh Bagels in Framingham. “Freshly-made bagels and the owner is so friendly,” Darin says. “He always has ‘the usual’ ready for me: toasted salt bagel with light butter, and an iced coffee: milk, no sugar.” Café Fresh Bagels |
Sneaker Freak
Sneakers. Kicks. Cleats. There are lots of words for the rubber ones, but only a few winners. Puma, and Air Force Ones are closet staples, but if Darin Hager has his way, Heyday will soon be tricking up everyone’s feet. Darin is boldly going where few entrepreneurs dare to tread-staking a claim in the $11 billion sneaker field. |
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