The intent of the city of Boston to develop a planning study for Stuart Street took another step forward last week, when the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) closed the bidding process for selecting a consultant team, receiving six bids by companies interested in aiding the process.

According to Jessica Shumaker, a spokesperson for the BRA, BRA officials will interview the six bidders, possibly in cooperation with a six-member citizens advisory group, before the bid is awarded.

“The intent is to have the six bidders meet with us before we determine who will be awarded the bid,” said Shumaker, hopefully by September.

The BRA’s request for proposal (RFP) asked for consultant teams that have experience in urban design, planning, historic preservation, transportation, market and financial feasibility and development. The consultant budget for the study is $100,000. The six consultant teams bidding for the job include: Icon, Chan Krieger Seinowitz, Add Inc., Cecil Group, Utile and Goody Clancy.

Shumaker also said that the advisory group members have not been finalized as yet, but the group will include mayoral appointees nominated from the communities abutting Stuart Street, including community members from the Ellis Neighborhood Association, Bay Village Neighborhood Association, Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay and business members from the Back Bay Association and South End Business Association..

According to a release from the BRA, the purpose of the study is to examine potential development opportunities, identify and define height, density and use guidelines and develop scenarios for future development in the area. The study will also integrate a 3-D computer model of the area to evaluate impacts.

The newly installed traffic signals and pedestrian walk lights at the corners of Newbury and Arlington streets are up and running and, after a little tinkering, should offer a safer way to cross the street without causing a traffic jam.

During their first week of operation, the lights were set on a push button system, meaning if a pedestrian didn’t hit the button requesting a walk signal, they would not get one. Pedestrians have 20 seconds to cross either street — from the Garden to the Taj, or the Taj to Burberry, according to Jim Gillooly, deputy commissioner for the Boston Transportation Department.

But after hearing some complaints to the Back Bay Sun, Gillooly checked out the corner himself and decided that the traffic flow warranted an automatic cycle for the busier parts of the day.

Now, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. the signal turns automatically every 100 seconds. After hours, pedestrians will need to hit the walk button to activate the switch. Hitting the walk button also seemed to be causing some problems. One Newbury Street retailer said he couldn’t get the light to change when he tried to walk home at night. Gillooly confirmed that one of the pedestrian buttons was not working properly because of a loose wire but said it has subsequently been fixed and “is working fine.”

The 100-second wait is a long time for pedestrians, who have been observed jaywalking at the new light when traffic permits, but Gillooly said the timing of the lights has been coordinated with adjacent signals along Arlington Street. “When you are trying to run traffic along any corridor, you don’t want to jump cycles from one intersection to the next,” he said. “You are trying to run in tandem and move things along in an orderly fashion.”

Gillooly also said the traffic coming off Storrow Drive onto Arlington needs to be taken into consideration. “If there is an awful lot of traffic [on Arlington Street] people would cut down other side streets,” he said. “We want [the lights] to work as if a conductor is leading the symphony rather than random instruments showing up and playing their own tune.”

It’s summertime, and to make the living a little bit easier, we recommend sipping a refreshing cocktail or two at one of the Back Bay’s hot spots. We’ve checked in with restaurants around town to see what the cool people are drinking to stay cool as the temperatures rise.

Drink: The Will McDonough Peach Sangria
What’s in it: Peach nectar, white wine, sliced fruit
Where you can get it: Sonsie, 327 Newbury Street

General Manager Mark Grezlak says that this fresh and fruity drink is featured on Sonsie’s Guest Cocktail List, and the recipe was concocted with input from its namesake, Tom Brady go-to guy McDonough.

“It’s what Will starts his night with,” says Grezlak. “It’s the only drink at Sonsie we serve with a little umbrella, but everyone has been ordering them.”

Drink: La Poire
What’s in it: Ciroc Vodka, Mathilde Poire (a pear liquor) and pear puree shaken over ice, served straight up. It is topped with a champagne float and garnished with an oven dried pear slice.
Where you can get it: Stephanie’s on Newbury, 190 Newbury Street

This cocktail is pretty as a picture, served in a martini glass with the dried pear.

“The impressive presentation with the dried pear -- it always gets a lot of looks and ‘ooh what’s that?’ People love that,” says General Manager Leo Fonseca.

Fonseca says the drink is popular in the summer because it is light and refreshing, with a blend of tart pear and sweet champagne.

“It also packs a punch, so for those that want ‘martini power’ without the taste of straight gin or vodka -- this is the cocktail,” he says.

Drink: Mojito Margarita
What’s in it: A blend of mojito and margarita, made with Milagro Silver Tequila, served on the rocks with fresh mint
Where you can get it: Cactus Club, 939 Boylston Street

Manager Mike Thiffault says this was a special last summer and proved so popular that they’ve now put it on the full menu.

“It’s just a nice, refreshing summer drink,” he says.

Cactus Club gets plenty of business in the summer, as many Bostonians argue that there’s no better way to spend a warm evening than sipping a frozen, fruity drink on the patio while people watching. Thiffault says another popular drink this summer has been the Pomegranate Margarita, served on the rocks.

Drink: 50 Carat Martini
What’s in it: Ciroc Snap Frost Vodka, Chambord, formula 50 vitaminwater, white cranberry juice, champagne
Where you can get it: Vox Populi, 755 Boylston Street

formula 50 is the vitaminwater flavor partly owned by rapper 50 Cent, so this drink has a little bit of street cred. You also can rationalize that this cocktail is good for you, packing at least a few of the vitamins found in the trendy vitaminwater drinks into the vodka concoction. It looks good too, taking on the pretty purple hue of formula 50.

“It’s smooth, fresh and not too sweet – a great summer drink,” says bartender Alexa Malkasian.

Drink: Pop Culture
What’s in it: Strawberry vodka, Bacardi Coco, cranberry, pineapple – mixed and served in a Pop Rocks-rimmed martini glass
Where you can get it: Match, 94 Massachusetts Avenue

This unique cocktail has been a consistent crowd pleaser at Match.

“It’s our most popular drink, and great in the summer,” says Assistant Manager Anne Biehle.

Just like you may remember from your childhood, the Pop Rocks explode in your mouth on contact. And even better, that explosion is followed by kick of vodka and rum, a recipe that guarantees hot fun in the summertime.

The Back Bay is home to some of the city’s most elegant restaurants, best shopping and most memorable sights. Who better to share their recommendations on what is new and what is not to be missed then the professionals who make a living answering these types of questions – the Back Bay’s best concierges? Following are recommendations from three concierges whose job it is to share insiders’ tips and love doing it.

“Sometimes I just can’t believe how lucky I am to live and work in this great city,” says Taj Boston’s Kelly Giblin.

Sean Comeau, concierge at The Fairmont Copley Plaza, two years of experience

1 - What's your favorite restaurant in the Back Bay to recommend to those looking for a special evening?

Comeau has been sending guests at The Fairmont Copley Plaza over to Sasso, the new sister restaurant of Lucca, the successful North End eatery.

“It’s a relatively new place over on Huntington,” says Comeau. “The wine list is fantastic.”

2 - What's a hidden gem for shopping for unique gifts in the Back Bay?

“Many people don’t realize we have our own designer-in-residence here at The Fairmont Copley Plaza, Denise Hajjar,” says Comeau.

The designer has her own clothing and accessories line and has dressed Hollywood stars such as Desperate Housewives’ Brenda Strong, The Sopranos’ Vincent Curatola and Falcon Crest’s Lorenzo Lamas.

3 - What's a Back Bay sight worth seeing that's not in your tourist books?

According to Comeau, many people overlook the Mapparium, the three-story stained-glass globe on display at the Mary Baker Eddy Library. The enormous world map was created in 1935 and has not been updated since, giving visitors an interesting perspective on geographic and political history.

4 - Where do you suggest guests go in the Back Bay to satisfy their sweet tooths?

Comeau says you can’t go wrong at Finale, the “desserterie” located at the Park Plaza where the focus is on what comes after dinner, including Manjari Mousse, Apricot Cinnamon Delight, and more. Comeau also recommends a trip to Sugar Heaven, a store entirely devoted to candy on Newbury Street that is sure to cause cavities. All the favorites from your childhood are there, like Fun Dip, as are newer rarities, like pomegranate-flavored Jelly Belly jellybeans.

5 - What's the best thing to do in the Back Bay that doesn't cost a penny?

Comeau recommends the Boston Public Library, especially the changing exhibitions. Currently, visitors can view “Miniature Books: 4,000 Years of Tiny Treasures” and “United We Will Win: World War II Posters of Victory.”

“The lobby is beautiful, the courtyard is great, and none of it costs a penny,” Comeau says.

Frank Gallagher, concierge at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel and Towers, seven years of experience

1 - What's your favorite restaurant in the Back Bay to recommend to those looking for a special evening?

Gallagher says he always recommends Todd English’s Bonfire, conveniently located in the Park Plaza hotel. The celebrity chef’s steakhouse features grilling traditions from around the world in an opulent setting. For guests who want to venture outside the hotel, his current recommendation is Bouchée, the Newbury Street “urban brasserie” that opened last fall.

2 - What's a hidden gem for shopping for unique gifts in the Back Bay?

“By far, my favorite gift to recommend is the tradition of Shreve, Crump & Low’s Gurgling Cod,” says Gallagher.

Shreve, Crump and Low has been a Boston tradition in jewelry since 1796, and the iconic and thoroughly original Gurgling Cod fish-shaped jugs symbolize New England’s ties to the fishing industry and to the water in general. The flagship Shreve, Crump & Low store has been located at the corner of Boylston and Berkeley Streets since 1872 and recently underwent a major renovation.

3 - What's a Back Bay sight worth seeing that's not in your tourist books?

Gallagher advises tourists – and residents alike – to appreciate the history of Copley Square and take note of the various monuments and plaques there.

“Copley is not just a wonderful mall,” he says.

A bronze statue of American portraitist John Singleton Copley by sculptor Lewis Cohen is located on the northern side of the square. The finish line of the Boston Marathon is noted by a marker near the Public Library. And the bronze Tortoise and Hare statue by Make Way for Ducklings sculptor Nancy Shön is another tribute to the runners who have participated in the marathon.

4 - Where do you suggest guests go in the Back Bay to satisfy their sweet tooths?

Like Comeau, Gallagher also suggests folks visit Finale for amazing desserts and Sugar Heaven for sweets of all kinds. If that doesn’t do the trick, he recommends Teuscher Chocolate of Switzerland, located next to Sugar Heaven on Newbury Street.

5 - What's the best thing to do in the Back Bay that doesn't cost a penny?

Gallagher is also a fan of the Boston Public Library and all it has to offer in addition to the books. Spectacular murals by John Singer Sargent are displayed on the third floor, a quiet and peaceful interior courtyard is a haven for visitors, and the main staircase in the entrance hall is guarded by two lions by Louis St. Gaudens. Art and architecture tours are given by library volunteers on a regular basis.

“It’s not only one of America’s first public library systems, but an architectural wonder,” he says.

Kelly Giblin, concierge at Taj Boston, two years of experience

1 - What's your favorite restaurant in the Back Bay to recommend to those looking for a special evening?

Giblin recommends Excelsior, the much-lauded Boylston Street spot with romantic tables overlooking the Public Garden. She loves the food and wine there, as well as the atmosphere.

“I love the duality of the space – you enter into a trendy lounge and go upstairs to the elegant and intimate restaurant,” says Giblin.

2 - What's a hidden gem for shopping for unique gifts in the Back Bay?

Giblin, a fitness fan, recommends the lululemon athletics showroom on Boylston Street for truly unique gifts. lululemon athletics is a Vancouver-based yoga-inspired athletic apparel company, and its 1,100-square-foot Back Bay showroom is open to the public for shopping for limited hours. The clothing’s unique organic fabrics and flattering lines look as good as they feel.

She also suggests that those looking for a memorable gift try Diptyque. This French fragrance company’s shop on Boylston Street is one of only two in the country, with the other located in San Francisco.

“I can’t get enough of their rose-scented candles,” says Giblin. “They’re all over my house.”

3 - What's a Back Bay sight worth seeing that's not in your tourist books?

Giblin could not speak highly enough about the Vose Galleries, the oldest family-owned gallery in the United States. Now in the hands of the sixth generation of the Vose family, the gallery’s home is a five-floor Newbury Street brownstone. Vose Galleries specializes in 18th, 19th and early 20th century American realist paintings and works on paper, and since 2001 the gallery has also cultivated a contemporary division. Exhibitions change frequently, as does the inventory.

“It is so great to walk into the gallery and out of the hubbub of Newbury Street,” says Giblin.

4 - Where do you suggest guests go in the Back Bay to satisfy their sweet tooths?

Giblin also recommends Sugar Heaven, saying she is a kid at heart. She also heads to J.P. Licks on Newbury Street for homemade ice cream in flavors such as Coconut Almond Chip, Cappuccino Crunch and Cow Trax. The Boston-based ice cream shop has been scooping up tasty treats since 1981.

5 - What's the best thing to do in the Back Bay that doesn't cost a penny?

Giblin’s vote for the Boston Public Library makes it the unanimous choice. She particularly loves the inner courtyard, and often eats her lunch there.

“I love packing a lunch and sitting in the courtyard. You feel like you’re in a different part of the world; it has an almost European feel,” she says.

Giblin recommends a walk that follows in her frequent footsteps --walking from the Public Library, down the Commonwealth Avenue Mall and finishing at the Public Garden.

Be bold about Storrow Drive

There is confusion among those who are participating on the Storrow Drive tunnel committee. Having spent hours considering various options for redesigning the crumbling portion of the road and tunnel, committee members are stymied. They have learned that at least one seasoned engineer believes that replacing the tunnel in its current configuration will be more expensive and time consuming than the consultants have estimated. It’s unclear at this point whether that is true, but it has shaken the committee’s confidence.

They have learned there may be disagreement between Mass Highway, which will build the road, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation, which owns it and plans it, about the standards used to build the road. There is also talk that DCR’s consultants have not given it their best in planning options other than rehabilitating the current tunnel.

Committee members are frustrated that after seven months of meetings in which they learned about the effects of four options and all of the versions of those options, the best they can do is to stick with the current configuration.

The committee is being too cautious. We urge them to consider the benefits of rash ideas. Rash ideas sometimes bring wonderful results. It’s worth a risk.

There’s a long history in this city of rash ideas. And they’ve paid off.

Consider the outcome if, in the 1980s, Fred Salvucci and his allies had said, “This plan for burying the Central Artery is too expensive and too disruptive to push for. We’re going to rebuild what is there.”

Not only would we have missed the chance to bring back Boston’s beauty, we also would have been unable to install the high-tech infrastructure and upgraded utilities that now lie underground throughout the downtown. And, unlike the dire predictions, we had neither a traffic nor an economic meltdown.

Consider what traffic would have been like in this city if our 19th-and early 20th-century forbears had continued to rely on the horse and buggy and those newfangled automobiles instead of building an underground transit system that works well more than 100 years later.

Consider what Boston would have looked like if, in the 1840s, civic leaders had said, “Let’s not fill in the Back Bay. We’re having too much of a fight about it. It costs too much,and will be too messy to haul in all that dirt and gravel from Needham.”

Consider what we would have missed if Bulfinch’s contemporaries had said, “We have enough land on Beacon Hill. We won’t fill in the river along what will become Charles Street.”

Consider where we would be if John Winthrop and his band of colonists had said, “It’s too dangerous, costly and risky to cross the Atlantic, establish a town and then a nation.”

There is regret among the Storrow Drive committee members, as they well recognize, because they are not dreaming big enough. They are letting the MBTA and the Mass Pike get away with a lack of involvement with the planning.

They are letting DCR off the hook by not requiring this agency to include the Bowker Overpass and the Charles River bridges, all but one of which need rebuilding, in the planning. The whole area needs a complete redo.

It takes a respected leader or two and a vision to make this happen. Many of the committee members have the respect and the brains to become that kind of leader and put forth a vision.

But time is running short. If we’re going to fix a mistake and transform a part of the city that needs it desperately, we have to begin soon. We urge committee members to be bold — to imitate their forbears in transforming this provincial capital, more felicitous in which to live than any other American city, into something even better.