Friday, May 28, 2010

Jerry Remy's Sports Bar and Grill Opening in the Seaport District

It looks like a former Boston Red Sox player and current broadcaster for the team is going to have his name on a third restaurant in Boston.

According to the Boston Herald, a new Jerry Remy's Sports Bar and Grill is coming to Liberty Wharf in the Seaport District, and it will be another partnership with the Cronin Group, which is behind other dining spots including Atlantic Beer Garden, Whiskey Priest, and the Boston Beer Garden. Currently, there are two other Jerry Remy's Sports Bar and Grill locations in Boston, including one that opened on Boylston Street near Fenway Park this spring, and another that is at Logan Airport (Terminal C) in East Boston.

Based on the menus at the other two locations, the new Jerry Remy's Sports Bar and Grill along the waterfront will feature American fare and comfort food, including soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and BBQ dishes.

The Herald article mentions that the new restaurant will have 5,000 square feet of space and a capacity of 200, including waterfront patio seating. It looks like the new Jerry Remy's Sports Bar and Grill will open toward the end of the year.

[March 14, 2011 update: The new Jerry Remy's Sports Bar and Grill at Liberty Wharf is now open.]

Liberty Wharf is located at the intersection of Northern Avenue and D Street, just east of the World Trade Center.

For more information on the opening of Jerry Remy's Sports Bar and Grill in the Seaport District of Boston, please go to the Boston Herald link below.

Second Jerry Remy’s set for waterfront

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Gemma in Arlington Is Moving, Expanding

A small Italian dining spot in Arlington that features pizza, pasta, and sandwiches is getting ready to expand into a full-service restaurant with beer and wine.

According to the restaurant's website--and based on emails from the restaurant iteself--Gemma, which is located at Broadway Plaza in the center of town, is going to be moving into a larger space next door. The new space, which was recently vacated by Krazy Karry's Backyard Grill, is bigger than Gemma's current space, which will be held onto and eventually used for something else, according to the restaurant.

Currently, the main business for Gemma is takeout and delivery due to the lack of seating, but with the new space, it appears that the place will become more of a dine-in restaurant. Their existing catering business will continue.

[August 6 update: According to an article in the Arlington Advocate, Gemma could be open in its new location as early as mid-August, but it might be closer to September before it happens.]

[October 8 update: An article this week in the Arlington Advocate indicates that Gemma has moved into the new spot at 319 Broadway and are now serving both lunch and dinner. The article mentions that Gemma is currently waiting for a full liquor license.]

The current address for Gemma is 315 Broadway, Arlington, MA, 02474. The address of the new space next door is 319 Broadway.

More information on the upcoming expansion of Gemma can be found at the link below. (Note: This is a PDF file.)

http://gemmaitalian.com/Gemma_Annoucement.pdf

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Thursday, May 27, 2010

News Elsewhere: In-N-Out Burger Moves East, But Not Far Enough

A chain of fast-food burger places that has only had locations in the southwestern part of the United States is opening its first restaurant outside of the area, though it will be nowhere near the Boston area or New England.

According to the SideDish section of Dallas-based D Magazine, In-N-Out Burger will be opening in Firewheel Town Center in Garland, which is a city just northeast of Dallas. Until now, the restaurant chain has limited its locations to California (where it is based), Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, with the most restaurants in California (about 200).

For years, rumors have been circulating about In-N-Out Burger coming to the Northeast, but nothing has ever been substantiated. This does appear to be a big step in the expansion of the chain to other parts of the country, however, so stay tuned....

The website for In-N-Out Burger can be found at: http://www.in-n-out.com/

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Journeyman Opening in Somerville

A new restaurant featuring locally-sourced foods is going to be opening in Somerville, possibly as early as next month.

According to the restaurant's website, Journeyman will open its doors early this summer in the heart of Union Square, and will offer set menu options of 3, 5 or 7 courses along with available wine pairings. Seasonal beers will also be offered, including some from regional breweries.

A possible opening date of June 16 has been posted on their site, though it does not appear that this is written in stone. Journeyman's Facebook page mentions that the restaurant will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

[September 9 update: According to their website Journeyman will be opening for dinner on Wednesday, September 15 (dinner will be served Wednesday through Sunday). The restaurant will start serving lunch (Saturdays only) on Saturday, September 25.]

The address for this soon-to open restaurant in the Union Square section of Somerville will be: Journeyman, 9 Sanborn Court, Somerville, MA, 02143. Their website can be found at: http://www.journeymanrestaurant.com/

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Sea Dog Pub Opening in Hull

A Maine-based microbrewery is expanding its small chain of restaurants into the Boston area this summer. According to a post on the Wicked Local blog, Sea Dog Brewing Company is going to be opening a Sea Dog Pub at the Sunset Marina in Hull. This will be the fourth of its kind to open, with the other locations all being in Maine (Bangor, Topsham, and South Portland).

Based on the menu posted on the Sea Dog website, it looks like the upcoming Sea Dog Pub in Hull will feature pub grub, seafood, and American classics, with possible menu items being chicken wings, nachos, chili, lobster bisque, fried clams, chicken parmesan, crab-stuffed haddock, seafood paella, New York sirloin, pulled pork sliders, burgers, cheesesteak, pastrami, and shrimp rolls. The Wicked Local article also states that the new location will have at least six Sea Dog beers on tap, though they will be brought in from Maine, rather than being brewed within the restaurant itself.

Wicked Local mentions that the Sea Dog Pub in Hull is looking to open on June 9. [June 28 update: The Sea Dog Pub in Hull is now open.]

The address for the Sunset Bay Marina, which is where the Sea Dog Pub is located, is: Sunset Bay Marina, 2 A Street, Hull, MA, 02045. This is on the west side of Hull, less than a quarter mile from Nantasket Avenue.

For more information on the opening of the Sea Dog Pub in Hull, please go to the Wicked Local link below.

Maine's Sea Dog Brewing expands into Massachusetts with South Shore spot

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Jackson's Kitchen Opening in Lexington

A new eatery is coming to East Lexington, and it looks like it may be featuring comfort food.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site, Jackson's Kitchen is going to open on Mass. Ave. next to the fish market Carey's Catch by the Arlington border. The poster mentioned that Jackson's Kitchen appears to be a place to get comfort food and prepared meals.

[June 24 update: A poster on Chowhound mentions that Jackson's Kitchen is now open for business. According to the poster, the place features salads, sandwiches, burgers, and some dinner options, and it is apparently a takeout place only with no seating. The hours appear to be 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM six days a week (closed Sundays).]

The address for this dining spot in East Lexington is: Jackson's Kitchen, 50 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420.

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Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Comella's Opening in East Arlington

An Italian food retailer and caterer with five locations in the Boston area is getting ready to open a sixth spot, this one being in East Arlington.

According to an Arlington Patch article, Comella's will be opening on Mass. Ave. in the space where Monroe Salt Works used to be for more than 10 years until closing last month. Known for their freshly made takeout items and pre-made meals, Comella's features such items as ravioli, lasagna, stuffed shells, gnocchi, Italian meat loaf, chicken alfredo, veal parmigiana, shrimp scampi, and "family messes," or mystery dishes. Food items at Comella's are sold in individual portions as well as half-buckets (3-4 people) and full buckets (6-8 people).

Comella's currently has locations in Brookline, Concord, Wellesley, West Newton, and West Roxbury.

[January 4, 2011 update: According to posters on both Chowhound and Yelp, the new Comella's in East Arlington is now open.]

The address for this new Italian food retailer in East Arlington is: Comella's Homemade Italian Foods, 202 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474. Their website can be found at: http://www.comellasrestaurants.com/

Thanks to a poster on the Chowhound site for reminding us of Comella's coming to Arlington.

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Sugar Baking Company and Restaurant Opening in Roslindale

The owner of a sandwich shop and a bakery in West Roxbury is working with the owner of a West Roxbury diner to open a new restaurant and bakery in Roslindale.

According to the West Roxbury Transcript and Wicked Local, Sugar Baking Company and Restaurant is going to be opening where A. Boschetto Bakery used to be on Washington Street along the northern edge of Roslindale Village. (A. Boschetto Bakery bad been in business for nearly 60 years before closing last fall.) The article mentions that the owner of the Real Deal on Centre Street in West Roxbury and Sugar Bakery, which is attached to the Real Deal, is teaming up with the owner of the Rox Diner (formerly Auntie B's), which is across the street from both businesses, to open up Sugar Baking Company and Restaurant.

Sugar Baking Company and Restaurant, which could be open by September, will offer breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. It appears that items from the commercial bakery will be included on the menu, according to the article.

[January 28, 2011 update: A phone call placed to Sugar Baking Company and Restaurant indicates that it is now open for business. (Thanks to tablecritic.com for helping us find this out.)]

The address for this new restaurant and bakery in Roslindale is: Sugar Baking Company and Restaurant, 4172 Washington Street, Roslindale, MA, 02131.

Thanks to Universal Hub for bringing this to our attention.

For more information on the opening of Sugar Baking Company and Restaurant, please go to the West Roxbury Transcript/Wicked Local link below.

Rox Diner + Sugar Bakery = Sugar Baking Company and Restaurant!

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Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Chefs in Shorts Coming to Boston on June 25, 2010

A barbecue-based culinary event is coming to Boston next month, and it will feature some of Boston's best-known chefs.

An email received from Regan Communications Group mentions that the 13th annual Chefs in Shorts will be held at Seaport Boston on Friday, June 25 at Seaport Boston. This outdoor barbecue will include such chefs as Greg Griffie (606 Congress), Jay Silva (Bambara), Evan Percoco (BOKX 109 American Prime), Jason Santos (Gargoyles), Nicholas Dixon (Lucky's Lounge), Todd Winer (Metropolitan Club), Carla and Christina Pallotta (nebo), Jackie Kelly (Remy's Sports Bar and Grill), Mark Cina (Stoddard's Fine Food and Ale), Marie-Claude Mendy (Teranga), Mark Goldberg (Woodward), and many others.

Tickets to Chefs in Shorts, which goes from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, cost $60, with complimentary beer, wine, and tastings included. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank.

For more information on the 13th annual Chefs in Shorts event, please go to the web page below.

http://www.seaportboston.com/Event/Chefs-in-Shorts.aspx

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Giuseppe's Ristorante and Piano Bar Opening in Gloucester

A new Italian dining spot is coming to Gloucester, moving into the space where an American restaurant and bar had been.

According to the restaurant's website, Giuseppe's Ristorante and Piano Bar will be opening on Main Street in the historic Blackburn Building where Elliott's at the Blackburn resided. Giuseppe's looks to feature such dishes as fried artichoke hearts, antipasto, pizza, Italian subs, penne alla vodka, lasagna, seafood fra diavolo, lobster ravioli, and chicken marsala.

The people behind Giuseppe's Ristorante and Piano Bar are also connected with Giuseppe's Pizzeria and Ristorante in Meredith, NH.

The address for this new restaurant in Gloucester is: Giuseppe's Ristorante and Piano Bar, 2 Main Street, Gloucester, MA, 01930. The website is at: http://www.giuseppesma.com/

Thanks to GoodMorningGloucester for letting us know about this upcoming spot.

[July 1 update: According to GoodMorningGloucester, Giuseppe's Ristorante and Piano Bar is now open.]

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Smith and Wollensky Is Opening Along the Boston Waterfront

It looks like a chain of high-end steakhouses is opening a new location along Boston's waterfront.

According to Mayor Thomas M. Menino, who was mentioned in a Boston Globe article on retail resurgence in Boston, Smith & Wollensky is checking out Atlantic Wharf as a place to open a new outlet of their restaurant. Currently, Smith & Wollensky has one other location in Boston, at 101 Arlington Street in an historic building that is known to many as "The Castle."

Atlantic Wharf is a mixed-use residential, retail, and office development wedged between the Rose Kennedy Greenway and Fort Point Channel by Congress Street, about a block north of South Station. The redeveloped building sits on what used to be called Russia Wharf.

[September 23, 2011 update: According to Adam's Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog, Smith & Wollensky's is now open at Atlantic Wharf.]

Monday, May 24, 2010

Results of Twitter Fried Clam Poll

Our latest Twitter poll is now complete, with this one centering around fried clams in the Boston area (and slightly beyond!). The previous polls we have taken include an onion ring poll (Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage in Cambridge won), a hot dog poll (Spike's Junkyard Dogs), a pizza poll (Santarpio's in East Boston), a burger poll (Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage), and a lobster roll poll (Neptune Oysters in the North End). The results of our fried clam poll are as follows:

1) JT Farnham's, Essex (17%)
2) The Clam Box, Ipswich (14%)
3) Neptune Oysters, Boston (10%)
4) Harry's, Westborough (7%)

Many other dining spots were picked in the Twitter fried clam poll as well, including Bob Lobster (Newbury), Caswell's Seafood (Weymouth), Choate Bridge Pub (Ipswich), The Clam Box (Quincy), Dube's (Salem), Davy's Locker (New Bedford), Hayward's (Lynn), Ipswich Clambake Company (Ipswich), Kelly's Landing (South Boston), No Name Restaurant (Boston), Park Lunch (Newburyport), Petey's (Rye, NH), Red Wing Diner (Foxborough), Sea Swirl (Mystic, CT), and Woodman's (Essex).

Thanks to everyone who has voted in our Twitter polls. We will try to get another poll going in the next couple of weeks, so keep checking back on our Twitter page at http://twitter.com/hiddenboston.

Latest Review: Roast Beef Roundup in Woburn

photo of Roast Beef Roundup in Woburn, MAThe latest review on the Boston's Hidden Restaurants Web site is for Roast Beef Roundup, a roast beef joint in Woburn. Located in the northern part of the city (just north of Route 128), Roast Beef Roundup is a little dining spot in a strip mall on Route 38 that is easy to miss. In addition to several roast beef options, the restaurant also serves hamburgers, chicken wings, pizza, calzones, fried seafood, and subs. To read more about Roast Beef Roundup in Woburn, please click on the link above.

Taste of the World Coming to Boston, June 10, 2010

A culinary event that benefits a program helping inner city students is coming to Boston in early June, and a number of local restaurants that feature various ethnic cuisines will be participating. Taste of the World will be held at the City Year Building on Columbus Avenue on Thursday, June 10, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and will include culinary samplings from dining spots such as The Burren in Somerville, Danish Pastry House in Medford, Estragon Tapas Bar in the South End, Jacob Wirth in the Theatre District, Mumbai Chopstix in the Back Bay, and several others. A silent auction will also be held.

Proceeds from Taste of the World will benefit Hostelling International USA's Cultural Kitchen program, which helps inner-city students learn about culture and conflict-resolution by way of cooking.

Tickets to the event cost $60.

For more information on Taste of the World, please go to the link below.

http://tasteoftheworld.eventbrite.com/

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Andale Express to Open at the Rose Kennedy Greenway

It looks like a Mexican quick-food restaurant in the Financial District of Boston is going to be opening a second location nearby. Andale, which is at 125 Summer Street (just west of the Rose Kennedy Greenway and South Station), is soon going to have a sister restaurant called Andale Express, which will be located at the Rose Kennedy Greenway in front of the New England Aquarium. According to the owner of the restaurant, Andale Express could be open sometime around June 7.

Based on the menu at the High Street Andale, the new Andale Express may have such items as enchiladas, burritos, and quesadillas, as well as soup and nachos.

Andale first opened in the Financial District in late 2003, bringing to the area a place to get authentic Mexican food to go. Both Andale and the soon-to-open Andale Express are connected with Zocalo, a pair of full-service restaurants with locations in Arlington, and soon, the Back Bay of Boston (their Brighton location recently closed).

The website for Andale can be found at: http://www.andaleboston.com/

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Bin28 Wine Bar to Open in Andover

It appears that a new dining spot is going to be opening in Andover, possibly as early as next month.

According to a job post on the Craigslist site, Bin28 is looking to open in mid to late June, bringing to the town a restaurant and wine bar that will be focusing on tapas (small plates). An article in the Andover Townsman mentions that Bin28 will be moving into the first floor of the Musgrove Building in Elm Square, which is in the heart of Andover Center. An earlier Townsman article had stated that the restaurant will be taking over the space where Beauty & Main used to be (they are now located in a new space on nearby Post Office Avenue).

The Townsman also mentions that the husband-and-wife team behind Bin28 had previously managed the restaurant and bar at the Andover Inn on Chapel Avenue, just south of the town center.

The address for this new restaurant and wine bar coming to Andover will be: Bin28, Two Elm Square, Andover, MA, 01810.

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Montebello Ristorante Italiano in Malden Has Closed Its Doors

An Italian restaurant in Malden that opened less than a year ago has shut its doors. According to its website, Montebello Ristorante Italiano on Florence Street is no longer in operation, and, according to one of our readers, last Sunday was their last night for business.

Montebello was a casual restaurant that offered customers a mix of Northern Italian and Southern Italian fare. The dining spot first opened last September, with a chef from Artichokes (which was in the space before Montebello) and a chef from Donacesca in Sudbury running the place.

The address for Montebello Ristorante Italiano was 2 Florence Street in downtown Malden.

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Saturday, May 22, 2010

Zocalo Cocina Mexicana to Reopen in the Back Bay

A Mexican restaurant in Brighton that recently closed will soon be open once again, though at a new location in another section of Boston. According to the restaurant's website, Zocalo Cocina Mexicana is going to be opening somewhere in the Back Bay in early June. A note on the Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page from the owner of the restaurant mentions that the new spot should be open on June 4, though the restaurant's website says June 1.

The space on Commonwealth Avenue in Brighton that has been vacated by Zocalo will soon be taken over by a new French bistro called Chez Jacky, with a possible opening before the end of this month. The people behind Chez Jacky also run Petit Robert Bistro in the South End, Kenmore Square, and Needham.

[May 24 update: A message from the owner of the restaurant indicates the address of the new Zocalo will apparently be 35 Stanhope Street, which is where Stix Restaurant and Lounge currently resides.]

[June 10 update: A May 25 post on the Grub Street Boston site mentioned that Zocalo's moving into the Stix space wasn't definite because no contracts had been signed, but on June 7, EveryBlock Boston showed a license for withdrawal by Stix as well as a license issued for Zocalo at Stix's address, so it now appears likely that Zocalo will indeed be moving to 35 Stanhope Street in the Back Bay.]

[June 13 update: Zocalo is now open at 35 Stanhope Street in the Back Bay, with 50 seats in the dining room, 80 seats in the patio, and more 25 seats in a private room.]

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Friday, May 21, 2010

Sports Depot in Allston Closing; Regina's Taking Its Place

A sports bar in Allston that has been in existence for more than 20 years is shutting its doors soon, and a popular local pizza chain is going to be moving into the space.

According to the Boston Herald, the Sports Depot on Cambridge Street will be closing down as soon as a liquor license transfer goes through, and in its place will be a new location of Pizzeria Regina, which could be opening sometime in September, the Herald says.

The Sports Depot first opened in the latter part of 1988 and has since been rated best sports bar in Boston by many publications and websites, including the Phantom Gourmet and Men's Health Magazine, according to the bar's website. Known in part for its tremendous number of TVs for watching sporting events, The Sports Depot also has featured pub grub and classic American fare along with beer, wine, and liquor.

the Boston Herald mentions that this will be the 21st Regina's to open in New England, with all of the locations being in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The new one that is coming to Allston may have a capacity of more than 300 and will have 7,000 square feet of space. The original Pizzeria Regina is located on Thacher Street in the North End of Boston and is considered by many to have the best pizza in the city.'

[June 25 update: According to both a poster on Yelp and one of our spotters in Allston, the Sports Depot is now closed.]

[October 27 update: According to Boston.com, the new Regina's in Allston opens today.]

The address for the Sports Depot (and the upcoming Regina's) is 353 Cambridge Street, Allston, MA, 02134.

For more information on the closing of the Sports Depot--and the opening of Pizzeria Regina--please go to the Boston Herald link below.

It's game over for Sports Depot

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Canteen Opening in Cambridge

A new breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot is opening between Harvard Square and Central Square, and it looks to be a cafe-style eatery that focuses on healthy dishes using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.

According to the Thrillist Boston site, Canteen is going to be having a soft opening on Mass. Ave. tomorrow (Saturday, May 22), though we are still trying to find out when their grand opening will be. Based on the menu on the Canteen website, the restaurant will focus partly on gourmet sandwiches, but they will also be offering daily entree specials such as chicken and waffles, roasted port loin, and pan-seared Barramundi. Freshly made soups and salads will also be available, including coconut curry chicken soup and a skirt steak salad. Breakfast items include brioche French toast, raspberry jam blintzes, and Belgian malted waffles.

One of the two people behind Canteen is also the owner of La Creperie, which is located about three blocks west of the new restaurant on Mass. Ave.

The address for this new cafe in Cambridge is: Canteen, 983 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The phone number is (617) 547-5477. And the website can be found at: http://gocanteen.com/

For more information on Canteen, please go to the Thrillist Boston link below.

Canteen: Slow food comes to Cambridge

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The Raven's Nest Opens in Walpole

A new Irish restaurant and pub has just opened in Walpole, moving into the space where another pub had been until closing about a year and a half ago.

A Twitter message from Keith Ferguson of the Walpole Times confirmed that The Raven's Nest opened on Route 1A in Walpole Center yesterday, taking over the storefront where The Paddock used to be. An article in the Walpole Times/Wicked Local Walpole and a post on the blog of VistingNewEngland.com mention that The Raven's Nest is owned by the same people behind The Mad Raven on Main Street in Waltham, with the Times indicating that the menu will have a mix of traditional and contemporary Irish fare. The Times also says that the restaurant and pub updated the space substantially, raising the ceiling, knocking down the wall in the middle, and adding a fireplace in the back.

The address for this new Irish restaurant and pub in Walpole is: The Raven's Nest, 998 Main Street (Route 1A), Walpole, MA 02081.

For more information on the opening of The Raven's Nest in Walpole, please go to the Walpole Times/Wicked Local Walpole and VistingNewEngland.com links below.

[Walpole Times/Wicked Local Walpole ]
Raven's Nest opening soon in Walpole center

[VistingNewEngland.com blog]
Mad Raven Pub and Restaurant In Waltham, Mass., to Open Raven's Nest in Walpole, Mass.

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Papagayo Mexican Kitchen and Bar Is Opening at Fort Point

[Ed note: This article was edited in October, mainly because the name of the restaurant will apparently be Papagayo Mexican Kitchen and Bar, not Papa Gallo's as had been originally planned.]

An upscale Mexican restaurant appears to be coming to the Fort Point district of Boston.

According to Universal Hub, Papagayo Mexican Kitchen and Bar is looking to open on Summer Street (about a block east of Fort Point Channel), bringing to the neighborhood a higher end dining spot and lounge that, according to a job posting on the Craigslist site, will feature tapas-style plates and more than 100 types of tequila.

Last week's Universal Hub post mentions that a liquor license for Papagayo Mexican Kitchen and Bar had not been granted at the time of the writing, and that the eatery does not have a lease yet. The Craigslist post, however, shows that the restaurant is currently hiring.

A post by Boston-based food writer MC Slim JB on the Chowhound site indicates that Papagayo Mexican Kitchen and Bar will be owned by the Legendary Restaurant Group, which is also behind Scollay Square on the edge of Beacon Hill, Max and Dylan's in Downtown Crossing and Charlestown, and Tavern on the Water, also in Charlestown.

If all goes as planned, the address for this new Mexican restaurant in the Fort Point neighborhood of Boston is: Papagayo Mexican Kitchen and Bar, 283 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02210.

For more information on the opening of Papagayo Mexican Kitchen and Bar, please go to the Universal Hub link below.

Is the Seaport ready for a New York style hip trendy Mexican restaurant?

[July 23 update: According to an article in the Boston Herald, Legendary Restaurant Group is still planning on opening a Mexican restaurant on Summer street in the Fort Point district, but it looks like it won't be the high-end spot they had in mind. The Herald mentions that the new restaurant may be more of a neighborhood dining spot instead, at least in part because another upscale Mexican restaurant is in the works for the nearby Liberty Wharf area. As to the name of this new eatery in Fort Point, it is not known whether they will keep the Pappa Gallo's name or not. We will post an update as soon as we get more information (Ed note: See note above--the restaurant will apparently be called Papagayo Mexican Kitchen and Bar).]

[November 17 update: According to UrbanDaddy, Papagayo Mexican Kitchen and Bar opened for lunch today.]

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Thursday, May 20, 2010

Latest Review: Antique Table in Lynn

photo of Antique Table, Lynn, MAThe latest review on the Boston's Hidden Restaurants Web site is for an Italian restaurant in Lynn called Antique Table. Located on a mostly residential street by the Swampscott line, Antique Table is a charming, cozy spot with a nook to the right, a main dining area in the middle, and a small bar to the left. Antique Table features mostly Southern Italian dishes, with a number of pasta dishes offered, as well as veal, chicken, beef, and seafood. To read more about Antique Table in Lynn, please click on the link above.

Jake's Dixie Roadhouse in Waltham Is Closing

Waltham's "Restaurant Row" is about to lose one of its dining spots, as a BBQ joint on Moody Street is closing at the end of the month.

According to The Daily News Tribune, Jake's Dixie Roadhouse will be shutting its doors for good on May 31 after being in business for 10 years. The restaurant is closing due to family health issues. [May 31 update: A phone call to Jake's has confirmed that today is indeed their last day in business.]

Jake's has gotten high praise for its barbecue over the years, including the Phantom Gourmet rating the place the best barbecue joint in New England, and Boston Citysearch awarding it best barbecue three years in a row, according to the article. Some of the items on the menu at Jake's include chili, gumbo, fried chicken livers, baby back ribs, catfish bites, chicken fried steak, pulled pork, brisket, and Kansas City burnt ends.

The Daily News Tribune mentions that the space that Jake's currently occupies may continue to be a restaurant, though no other details are known at the time (the owner of the restaurant says that Jake's has indeed been sold).

The address for the soon-to-close Jake's is: Jake's Dixie Roadhouse, 220 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, 02453.

For more information on the closing of Jake's, please go to the Daily News Tribune link below.

End of the road for roadhouse

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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Great American Food and Music Fest Coming to Foxborough, June 26, 2010

A culinary and music event is coming to Foxborough next month and will include restaurants and food purveyors from around the country (including three in New England), as well as some celebrity chefs. The Great American Food and Music Fest will be held on June 26, 2010, at Gillette Stadium, starting at 12:00 noon and lasting until 10:30 PM, with the All Star Sandwich Bar in Cambridge, Turtle Alley in Gloucester, and the Maine Diner in Wells, ME, representing the region. In addition, Ace of Cakes star Duff Goldman, television host and writer Paula Deen, Top Chef host Tom Colicchio, and restaurant owners and TV hosts Pat and Gina Neely will be at the event. Music will be provided by a number of acts, including local band The Stompers.

Tickets to The Great American Food and Music Fest are $32.50 for general admission until May 21, at which point they will cost $42.50 (they will be $52.50 on the day of the event).

This is one of two Great American Food and Music Fest events being held this year, with the other one coming to the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, on June 13.

for more information on The Great American Food and Music Fest, please go to the website below:

http://www.greatamericanfoodandmusicfest.com/

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Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Margaritas Is Opening at Station Landing in Medford

A local chain of Mexican restaurants continues to expand, as it will soon be opening a new location in Medford.

According to a job posting on the restaurant chain's website, Margaritas Mexican Restaurant is planning to open at Station Landing in June, making this the fifth location in the Boston area (the other four are in Lexington, Revere, Waltham, and Weymouth). The new Margaritas will join several other dining spots that call this mixed-use development their home, including Kelly's Roast Beef, Pizzeria Regina, and Yoki.

[July 7 update: A phone call placed to the restaurant has confirmed that Margaritas is now open in Medford.]

[July 21 update: An email sent to us by Fishman Public Relations, Inc indicates that Margaritas in Medford will be having a grand opening celebration on Monday, July 26, including a ribbon cutting and an appearance by the mayor of Medford. Festivities will include raffles, giveaways, and prizes, with 5 percent of all lounge sales being donated to the Portal of Hope, a nonprofit organization that provides services to people affected by domestic violence.]

New Hampshire-based Margaritas currently has 20 locations in New England, including 4 in Massachusetts, 9 in New Hampshire, 2 in Connecticut, and 5 in Maine. The restaurant chain features a mixture of traditional Mexican and Mexican-American fare in a family-friendly environment.

The address for this soon-to-open restaurant in Medford will be: Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, 75 Station Landing, Medford, MA, 02155. The restaurant chain's website can be found at: http://www.margs.com/

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Foundry Is Coming to Davis Square, Somerville

A new restaurant, lounge, and theater is coming to the Davis Square neighborhood of Somerville, moving into the space vacated by a home goods store.

Based on information from one poster on our Twitter page and another on the Chowhound site, a sign is up at the old Bowl & Board location on Elm Street for Foundry, which, according to Grub Street Boston, is going to be an American brasserie with a speakeasy lounge and a theater that will handle everything from comedy shows to music to children's theater. Foundry, which will be run by the same person behind The Independent and Precinct Bar (both in Somerville's Union Square), is expected to feature a raw bar, more than 30 beers on tap, and 100 bottles of wine from which to choose.

[July 22 update: Based on a job post on Craigslist, Foundry is planning on opening later this summer. Their website is currently under construction, but according to the restaurant's Twitter page, the site should be up soon.]

[September 3 update: According to a Facebook post from the Executive Chef of the restaurant, Foundry will be opening on Monday, September 6.]

The address for this upcoming restaurant, lounge, and theater will be: Foundry, 255 Elm Street, Somerville, MA, 02144. The website will be at: http://foundrydavis.com/

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Monday, May 17, 2010

Cafe Polonia Opening in Salem

It looks like a Polish restaurant in South Boston may soon be opening a second location on the North Shore.

According to both a poster on Chowhound and another on Yelp, Cafe Polonia is looking to open a new, bigger place in Salem. The poster on Chowhound, who happens to be Boston food writer MC Slim JB, mentions that the upcoming Cafe Polonia will be located on Washington Street next to the Upper Crust Pizzeria, which is a short distance south of Essex Street in the heart of the downtown area. MC Slim JB also states that the restaurant may be open sometime this summer.

[August 27 update: According to the SalemArchives Twitter page, the new Cafe Polonia in Salem may be opening on September 8, and the exact address will be 118 Washington Street. Thanks to North Shore Dish for bringing this to our attention.]

[October 1 update: According to their Twitter page, the new Cafe Polonia in Salem is going to be opening next Wednesday (October 6).]

The original Cafe Polonia, which is located on Dorchester Avenue just outside of Andrew Square in South Boston, features a variety of Polish and East European fare, including beet soup, pierogi, Hungarian goulash, crepes, potato pancakes, and kielbasa.

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Primebar Grill to Open in Wayland

A new restaurant and bar is coming to Wayland, moving into the space recently vacated by an Italian dining spot.

Based on information given on a number of online job posts (including one on the Craigslist site), Primebar Grill is going to be opening on Boston Post Road (Route 20), replacing Luigi's Italian Grille, which closed last week. It appears that Primebar Grill will be an upscale restaurant, possibly with American fare, though we are still waiting to see a menu for the place.

The now-closed Luigi's in Wayland had been part of a local restaurant group that is behind such eateries as Grassfields in Waltham, Danvers, and Andover, Jimmy's Steer House in Arlington and Saugus, and Cafe Luigi in Bedford. Several sources have mentioned that the new restaurant moving into the old Luigi's spot in Wayland might be connected with this group, but the job posts state that Primebar Grill will be privately owned and operated. (We will try to find more information on Primebar Grill over the coming days.)

The address for this upcoming dining spot in Wayland will be: Primebar Grill, 131 Boston Post Road, Wayland, MA, 01778. The website will be at: http://primebarwayland.com/

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Olecito Opening Near Brookline Village

It looks like after months of waiting, a Mexican restaurant with locations in Cambridge and Boston may be opening near Brookline Village as early as today.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site as well as several posters on Twitter, Olecito is opening at the corner of Cypress Street and Washington Street between Brookline Village and Washington Square. Olecito is moving into the space where T-Rex Taqueria used to be until closing about a year ago.

An inexpensive and casual restaurant that features tacos and tortas, Olecito currently has locations on Springfield Street in the Inman Square section of Cambridge and Commonwealth Avenue at the BU campus in Boston.

The address for this new dining spot in Brookline is: Olecito, 6 Cypress Street, Brookline, MA, 02445.

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Friday, May 14, 2010

Tasty Burger Is Opening in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

It looks like a new burger place is going to be opening in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston.

Based on information from a business license post on the EveryBlock Boston site, Tasty Burger is looking to open on Boylston Street (at the Yawkey Way/Jersey Street intersection), about one block south of Fenway Park. No further information has been made to the public yet, but we are working on finding out more and will post updates as we get them.

[July 16 update: According to BostonChefs.com, Tasty Burger is looking to open sometime in the middle of August, and the people behind the place are the same folks behind the Franklin Cafe in the South End. The post on BostonChefs.com also mentions that the menu will include burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, fries, onion rings, milkshakes, and slushies, as well as beer and wine.]

[September 1 update: According to UrbanDaddy, Tasty Burger is planning on opening over the upcoming Labor Day weekend, with a possible opening on Sunday, September 5.]

The address for this new burger place in Boston's Fenway neighborhood is: Tasty Burger, 1301-05 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215.

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Thursday, May 13, 2010

Typhoon Asian Bistro and Lounge Opening in Hingham

An Asian restaurant is coming to Hingham this summer, moving into a new residential, business, and commercial complex along the coast of this South Shore town.

According to the Hingham Journal and Wicked Local, Typhoon Asian Bistro and Lounge will be opening at The Launch at Hingham Shipyard, a mixed-use community that is just off Route 3A near the Weymouth border. The article mentions that the restaurant will feature a variety of Asian fare, including sushi, and it will also have an outdoor patio. The person behind Typhoon Asian Bistro also owns Typhoon Restaurant on Boylston Street in the Back Bay (between Exeter and Fairfield Streets).

Based on a post on the Launch at Hingham Shipyard Facebook page, it looks like Typhoon Asian Bistro and Lounge will open later this summer. [August 2 update: According to the Facebook page of The Launch at Hingham Shipyard, Typhoon Asian Bistro and Lounge is now open for business.]

More and more shops and dining spots continue to open at The Launch at Hingham Shipyard these days, with Alma Nove and Hingham Beer Works being a couple of restaurants soon coming to the development. [Update: Alma Nove is now open.]

The address for this new Asian restaurant in Hingham is: Typhoon Asian Bistro and Lounge, 25 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA, 02043.

For more information on the opening of Typhoon Asian Bistro and Lounge in Hingham, please go to the Hingham Journal/Wicked Local link below.

Shipyard Typhoon Asian bistro set to open soon

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Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Ava Cucina Opening in Cohasset

A new Italian restaurant is coming to Cohasset, opening in a space in the center of town where another dining spot had been for a number of years.

According to an article in the Cohasset Mariner and Wicked Local, Ava Cucina is looking to open on Ripley Street in Cohasset Village, replacing Bernard's, a now-closed restaurant and bar that featured Mediterranean and New American fare. The article mentions that Ava Cucina will focus on reasonably priced Italian dishes, with most items being under $20. (Pizza will be included on the menu.) The restaurant will be owned by a husband and wife team, with the wife formerly working at the nearby Red Lion Inn, according to an earlier Cohasset Mariner/Wicked Local article.

[June 11 update: According to The Cohasset Mariner and Wicked Local, Ava Cucina is opening this Sunday, June 13.]

The address for this new restaurant in Cohasset is: Ava Cucina, 107 Ripley Road, Cohasset, MA, 02025. The phone number is (781) 383-8300.

For more information on Ava Cucina, please go to the Cohasset Mariner/Wicked Local links below.

New Italian restaurant to open in Cohasset

New restaurant for Bernard's space

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5 Corners Kitchen Opens in Marblehead

A new restaurant opens in Marblehead today, and the person behind it comes from a couple of higher-end restaurants in Boston.

According to North Shore Dish, 5 Corners Kitchen opens its doors tonight on School Street in the center of town, where Ladycake Bakery used to be. The chef and owner of the new dining spot used to be a chef at Aquitaine in Boston, and he also worked at Bisto du Midi across from the Public Garden. The article in the North Shore Dish site mentions that 5 Corners Kitchen will be a moderately-priced spot with simple dishes made using locally-sourced foods. Prices for entrees will be under $20, and a small wine list will also be featured at the restaurant.

North Shore Dish says that 5 Corners Kitchen will be open for dinner and a weekend brunch for now, but the restaurant may start opening for lunch at some point.

The address for this new restaurant in Marblehead is: 5 Corners Kitchen, 2 School Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945. Their Facebook page can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marblehead-MA/5-corners-kitchen/371295872934

For more information on the opening of 5 Corners Kitchen in Marblehead, please go to the North Shore Dish link below.


5 Corners Kitchen: Former Aquitaine Chef Shares His Vision for New Marblehead Eatery


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Tuesday, May 11, 2010

b.good Is Opening in Hingham

A local chain of burger places continues to expand, opening a new location in Hingham sometime this summer.

According to their Twitter page, b.good is going to open in the Derby Street Shoppes, making this the second location south of Boston (the other being at Legacy Place in Dedham). Based on a map on the Derby Street Shoppes website, it looks like the new b.good will be on the same side of the shopping center as Whole Foods and Rustic Kitchen (heading toward Burton's Grill and Barnes and Noble).

b.good has been expanding the Boston area of late, recently opening on Mass. Ave. in the Back Bay as well as in Legacy Place. In addition to these spots, a new b.good is coming to downtown Boston (255 Washington Street) sometime this summer. Other locations include two more in the Back Bay (Newbury Street and Dartmouth Street), one in Brookline (Harvard Street), and one in the Harvard Square section of Cambridge (Dunster Street).

[June 24 update: According to Grub Street Boston, the new b.good in Hingham is now open for business.]

The address for the new b.good in Hingham is: b.good, 94 Derby Street, Hingham, MA, 02043. The website for the b.good chain is at: http://www.bgood.com/

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Five Places to Go to for Steak Tips in the Boston Area

While not exclusively a New England food, steak tips do seem to be more popular in this part of the country than in many other regions. And the Boston area has no shortage of restaurants and bars that serve excellent tips. So what are the best of the best? Well, it is certainly up for debate, but here are five spots that are up there among our favorites for steak tips (in no particular order):

1) NewBridge Cafe, Chelsea: A local townie joint near the Everett line that is considered by many to have the best steak tips in the entire Boston area, the NewBridge Cafe has what we think is the best marinade of them all. A well-hidden secret (though many claim to have the recipe), the NewBridge marinade has a sweet and rich flavor that greatly enhances the taste of the tips. One warning: The restaurant can get very crowded on weekend nights, so go early or hit it on a weekday. Address: NewBridge Cafe, 650 Washington Avenue, Chelsea, MA, 02150. The phone number is (617) 884-0134.

2) Cronin's Publick House, Quincy: When a restaurant and bar has the web address "steaktips.com," you can probably come to the conclusion that the tips will at least be half-decent there. And they are more than half-decent at Cronin's, a small watering hole near the old shipyard in a mostly residential part of Quincy. While the marinade might not quite match that of the NewBridge Cafe, it is very good, and the quality of the meat is up there with the best. Cronin's also has other great items, including an outstanding Cajun chicken soup, which is a nice starter before moving onto the tips or some of their other meals. Address: Cronin's Publick House, 23 DesMoines Road, Quincy, MA, 02169. The phone number is (617) 786-9804.

3) Sadie's Saloon and Eatery, Waltham: A rather sketchy-looking place just off of Moody Street (which is commonly known as "Restaurant Row"), Sadie's has an old-school working-class feel to it, and the food certainly reflects this. Most of the dishes here come under the "pub grub" heading, including their delicious steak tips that have a fairly mild, yet flavorful marinade. And for those who tend to avoid red meat, the turkey tips at Sadie's are decent enough, while the pork tips are out of this world, with a terrific Ah-So style sauce used for the marinade. Address: Sadie's Saloon and Eatery, 5 Pine Street, Waltham, MA, 02453. The phone number is (781) 893-5555.

4) Salem Wood Cafe, Malden: Considered by some to be equal to the nearby NewBridge Cafe in quality, the steak tips at this neighborhood Italian-American restaurant and bar between Malden Center and the Maplewood section of the city are certainly top notch. The tips themselves seem to match the quality of those at the NewBridge, and the tangy marinade comes very close as well. And for those who aren't in the mood for tips, the menu at the Salem Wood features a variety of chicken, veal, and pasta dishes. Address: Salem Wood Cafe, 385 Salem Street, Malden, MA, 02148. The phone number is (781) 324-4488.

5) 99 Restaurants (various locations): Huh? The 99? Could this be a mistake? No, and here's why--the broiled steak tips at this local chain of family-friendly restaurants are outstanding, mainly because of the marinade they use, which is easily among the best you'll taste in the Boston area. And if you like, you can get your tips mixed with sauteed peppers, onions, and mushrooms at the 99, though purists may not want to go this route. The rest of the food at the 99 can be hit-or-miss, but the tips are perhaps the best item on their menu.

If you have any favorite places for steak tips, please post comments below or let us know on either our Facebook Fan Page or our Twitter Page, thanks! [Note: Thanks to Rich O for helping out with this post.]

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