Kelly's Landing in South Boston Has Closed

A local seafood spot in South Boston that first opened more than 80 years ago has closed.

According to The Boston Herald, Kelly's Landing on L Street shut its doors over the weekend, as the owner has decided to retire. Kelly's Landing first opened on the South Boston waterfront in 1927, remaining in its location in the City Point section of the neighborhood until 1974. It reopened in 2004 on nearby L Street (and was renamed The Original Kelly's Landing), featuring such items as clam chowder, fried seafood, chicken wings, burgers, steak tips, chicken parmigiana, and pot roast.

The address for this now-closed South Boston dining spot was: The Original Kelly's Landing, 81 L Street, South Boston, MA, 02127.

For more information on the closing of The Original Kelly's Landing, please go to the Boston Herald link below.

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1292300

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Vox Populi in the Back Bay of Boston Is Closing

It looks like a trendy Back Bay restaurant and bar is soon going to be closing its doors.

According to the Boston Herald, Vox Populi on Boylston Street is planning to shut down sometime around the beginning of 2011. The article mentions that the space where the eatery has been for about 10 years may be taken over by the group behind Noche in the South End, The Tap in Faneuil Hall, and The Federal in Beacon Hill. [December 23 update: It appears that Vox Populi is now closed. A poster on Chowhound mentioned that there is paper over the windows and the OpenTable site is no longer taking reservations for the place.]

Vox Populi has featured mostly New American and classic American fare over the years, including such items as truffle frites, Maine diver scallops, New York sirloin, lobster ravioli, pulled pork sandwiches, and pan roasted fingerling potatoes. An extensive drink menu has featured beer, wine, martinis, and more.

The address for this soon-to-close restaurant and bar in the Back Bay is: Vox Populi, 755 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

For more information on the closing of Vox Populi, please go to the Boston Herald link below.

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1292300

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Weathervane Seafood Restaurant in Plymouth Has Closed

A seafood restaurant in Plymouth that was part of a small chain of New England eateries has closed its doors.

According to Wicked Local Plymouth, the Weathervane Seafood Restaurant at 6 Town Wharf shut down on Monday after being in business for approximately 12 years. The article mentions that the Chief Operating Officer of Weathervane cited economic conditions as a reason for its closing.

Based in Maine, the Weathervane Seafood Restaurant chain has most of their locations in that state and in New Hampshire, as well as one remaining spot in Massachusetts (Leominster). The restaurants feature an array of seafood dishes, as well as classic American fare including burgers, chicken, steaks, and pasta.

For more information on the closing of Weathervane Seafood Restaurant in Plymouth, please go to the Wicked Local Plymouth link below.

Weathervane restaurant on waterfront closes

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Pop-Up Restaurant Coming to Boston's South End, November 12-13, 2010

A two-night "pop-up" restaurant is on its way to the South End of Boston, and two familiar names within the Boston restaurant scene are behind it.

According to the Fork Lift blog of The Boston Herald, chef Will Gilson of Garden at the Cellar in Cambridge and event organizer and well-known Twitter figure Aaron Cohen of Eat Boston are setting up a two-night pop-up dining spot on Friday, November 12 and Saturday, November 13 within Mohr & McPherson, a showroom on Harrison Avenue that features antiques and home furnishings from around the world. Diners will be treated to a five-course meal prepared by the Garden at the Cellar chef, including such dishes as truffle and pistachio sausage with parsnip puree and turnips, roasted squash soup with brown butter, cod wrapped in speck with thyme-infused potatoes and romesco sauce, and more. Hor'dourves will start being served at 7:00 PM each night, with seating and service starting at 7:30 PM.

Dinner tickets cost $60 (plus a $4.29 processing fee), with the price including tax and gratuity. $5 parking is available at the event.

The address for Mohr & McPherson is 460 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118. The phone number is (617) 210-7900.

For more information on this pop-up restaurant, please go to The Boston Herald and Eventbrite links below.

[Boston Herald]
Boston’s First Pop-Up Restaurant - Exclusive Offer for Fork Lift Readers

[Eventbrite]
Eat at Mohr + McPherson

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Bosphorus Mediterranean Restaurant to Open in Inman Square, Cambridge

It looks like a new Turkish restaurant is going to be opening in the Inman Square section of Cambridge.

According to a License Commission General Hearing posted on the City of Cambridge website from this past spring, Bosphorus Mediterranean Restaurant is planning to open on Cambridge Street, about a block east of the Prospect Street intersection. A recent job posting within the Craigslist site mentions that the restaurant is expecting to open in early December, and it will feature Turkish cuisine.

The meeting notes from the City of Cambridge site indicate that Bosphorus Mediterranean Restaurant will likely have a capacity of just under 150 and that it might be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week, though this has not been confirmed as of yet.

[January 14, 2011 update: According to Jessie (aka @Tubgoddess) from www.how2heroes.com, Bosphorus is planning to open on Sunday (January 17).]

The address for this upcoming dining spot in Inman Square will be: Bosphorus Mediterranean Restaurant, 1164 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

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Remick's Opening in Quincy, Replacing Finian's Restaurant

Yet another new restaurant is coming to Quincy, and this one will be replacing a dining spot that has been in the downtown area for more than 25 years.

According to The Patriot Ledger, Remick's is going to be opening at the corner of Hancock Street and School Street at the southern edge of Quincy Center, moving into the space where Finian's Restaurant has been since 1983. The article states that Remick's takes its name from a long-closed department store that had been in Quincy Center for many years. The new restaurant will have a capacity of 156, according to the Patriot Ledger.

Finian's Restaurant has been a popular family-friendly neighborhood spot over the years, featuring American classics and comfort food such as French onion soup, chicken cordon bleu, sirloin steak, turkey dinner, and macaroni and cheese. The eatery has also offered a wide array of mixed drinks as well as beer and wine. Our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) has featured Finian's with the review being found below:

http://www.hiddenboston.com/Finians.html

There doesn't appear to be a specific opening date for Remick's at this time; as soon as we find out more information on the restaurant, we will post an update here.

[December 23 update: According to a poster on Chowhound, Finian's is now closed, and a sign for Remick's is in the window.]

[January 14, 2011 update: According to The Boston Globe, chef Marc Orfaly of Pigalle and Marco in Boston is one of three people the upcoming Remick's restaurant in Quincy Center. The new spot will feature an eclectic mix of American and international fare, with such items as fried chicken, Korean short ribs, and pad Thai. Remick's should be open within the next month or so, according to The Globe.]

[March 23, 2011 update: According to UrbanDaddy, Remick's will have a soft opening for the public tomorrow and Friday (March 24 and 25). Please note that the menu tomorrow (Thursday) will be very limited.]

The address for this new dining spot in Quincy Center is: Remick's, 1657 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02169.

For more information on Remick's, please go to the Patriot Ledger link below.

Remick's, Wild Willy's among new restaurants approved in Quincy

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Texas Saloon Opening in Former Bad Abbots Space in Quincy

It looks like a country and western-themed restaurant and bar may be opening as soon as this week in Quincy Center, moving into the space where an Irish pub used to be.

According to The Patriot Ledger, Texas Saloon is going to open on Hancock Street in the heart of the downtown area where Bad Abbots had resided for a number of years until closing recently. Based on the restaurant's Facebook page, it appears that Texas Saloon looks to be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and entertainment will include live bands and music played by DJs.

[October 29 update: According to their Facebook page, Texas Saloon opens tonight.]

The address for this new restaurant and bar in Quincy Center is: Texas Saloon,1546 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02169. Their website is at: http://www.texassaloonquincy.com/

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Wild Willy's Burgers Is Opening in Quincy

A small local chain of burger places is going to be opening its first location south of Boston.

According to the Patriot Ledger, Wild Willy's Burgers is planning to open on Washington Street in Quincy, a short distance west of the Fore River Bridge and the old Quincy Shipyard site. This will be the seventh Wild Willy's to open in New England, with other locations being in Needham, Watertown, Worcester, South Portland, ME, York, ME, and Rochester, NH.

Wild Willy's features angus beef burgers that are made daily and come with such toppings as roasted green chiles from New Mexico, Bermuda onions, and guacamole. The restaurant chain also offers bison burgers, steak sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, chili, handcut fries, and frappes.

The Patriot Ledger mentions that the new Wild Willy's in Quincy may be open by next spring.

[August 1, 2011 update: According to both a poster on the Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page and posters on Yelp, Wild Willy's is now open in Quincy.]

The address for this upcoming burger place in Quincy will be: Wild Willy's Burgers, 588 Washington Street, Quincy, MA, 02169. The website for the chain is: http://www.wildwillysburgers.com/

For more information on Wild Willy's coming to Quincy, please go to the Patrit Ledger link below.

Remick's, Wild Willy's among new restaurants approved in Quincy

Thanks to a poster on Chowhound for bringing this to our attention.

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2010 Boston Vegetarian Food Festival to Be Held October 30-31

A food event focusing on vegetarian fare returns to Boston later this month.

According to the Boston Vegetarian Society's website, the 15th Annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival will be held on Saturday, October 30, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and on Sunday, October 31, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. As with the previous festivals, a number of vegetarian natural food providers will be on hand, as well as educational exhibitors and national speakers. Free food samples will be available at the event, and cooking demonstrations will be given by chefs.

The Boston Vegetarian Food Festival will be free of charge, and free parking will be available.

The address for the event is: Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02120.

For more information on the 2010 Boston Vegetarian Food Festival, please go to the Boston Vegetarian Society link below.

http://www.bostonveg.org/

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Roxtoberfest 2010 Coming to Roxbury This Week

A neighborhood dining event is coming to the Roxbury section of Boston this week, celebrating the heritage of the area with a variety of cuisines offered.

According to the Discover Roxbury website, Roxtoberfest will be held from today through Sunday (October 31) with a number of area restaurants participating. The website mentions that meal deals from participating dining spots can be "unlocked" by wearing a Roxtoberfest t-shirt that can be bought online. Some of the participating restaurants include Darryl's Corner Bar and Kitchen, Haley House Bakery Cafe, Millennium Restaurant, The Mission Bar & Grill, The Savant Project, Star Fish, and others.

T-shirts for the Roxtoberfest event cost $20 apiece.

For more information on the 2010 Roxtoberfest, please go to the Discover Roxbury link below.

http://www.discoverroxbury.org/

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The 2010 Flavors of Fall Is Coming to The Charles Hotel in Cambridge on November 8

A fundraising food event returns to Harvard Square in Cambridge in early November, with a number of area restaurants participating.

According to the Boston Chefs site, the 7th Annual Flavors of Fall will be held at Regattabar in The Charles Hotel on Monday, November 8 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Included in the event will be a variety of foods offered from nearby restaurants as well as beer, wine, ice cream, and more. Participating dining spots include Bergamot, The Blue Room, EVOO, Garden at the Cellar, Harvest, Henrietta's Table, Hungry Mother, Rialto, The Russell House Tavern, Sandrine's, and Upstairs on the Square. Entertainment will also be offered, with the Rollo Tomasi Quartet playing jazz music at the event.

Tickets for the 2010 Flavors of Fall cost $65 per person and include food as well as beer and wine tastings. Proceeds from the event go to Community Art Center, a non-profit group based in Cambridge.

The Charles Hotel is located at 1 Bennett Street, just south of Brattle Square.

For more information on this event, please go to the Boston Chefs link below.

http://bostonchefs.com/static/events/flavors/2010/

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North of the Border Mexican Grill Is Opening in West Roxbury

It looks like a new Mexican restaurant is planning on opening in West Roxbury.

According to the EveryBlock Boston site, North of the Border Mexican Grill has received a business license to open on Washington Street, just east of the Dedham border. This is one of a few new eateries coming to this section of Boston, as Universal Hub has indicated (via a photo) that Sticky Rice Cafe is looking to open on Centre Street where The King used to be, and based on a post from The Dedham Patch, a new spot called Porter Cafe is also planning on opening along Centre Street.

[February 6, 2011 update: According to Universal Hub, North of the Border is now open, and it appears that the new dining spot is featuring Central American and South American dishes along with Mexican fare.]

The address for this new dining spot is: North of the Border Mexican Grill, 5272 Washington Street, West Roxbury, MA, 02132.

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Cheeseboy Opens at Boston's South Station

A takeout restaurant featuring a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches is now open in one of the busiest corners of Boston.

According to The Boston Globe, Cheeseboy opened yesterday within the South Station concourse on Atlantic Avenue at the edge of the Financial District. Based on the menu on the dining spot's website, the new place offers commuters (and others) custom-made grilled cheese sandwiches in addition to three signature sandwiches (a classic, a cheddar cheese sandwich with rye bread, and a "healthy melt" with multigrain bread and light Swiss cheese). The custom sandwiches at Cheeseboy allow diners to choose from four types of bread, five types of cheese, four meat toppings, and seven veggie options. In addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, the restaurant also features soups, snacks, desserts, soda, and coffee.

The Globe article mentions that a pilot Cheeseboy restaurant opened in Milford, Ct, last fall.

The address for this new takeout restaurant at South Station is: Cheeseboy, 720 Atlantic Avenue (South Station Train Concourse), Boston, MA, 02110. The phone number is (617) 737-4600. And their website can be found at: http://cheeseboy.com/

For more information on the opening of Cheeseboy in Boston, please go to the Boston Globe link below.

Comfort food at South Station: grilled cheese

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Savin Bar and Kitchen Opening in Dorchester

In August, we had reported that the former C.F. Donovan's space in the Savin Hill section of Dorchester had been bought by the people behind McKenna's Cafe, which is across the street. At the time, the planned restaurant to be opened there had no name, but now a name has finally been given to the place.

According to a job post on Craigslist, Savin Bar and Kitchen is going to be opening on Savin Hill Avenue where C.F. Donovan's had been until closing about a year ago. Earlier we had mentioned that the upcoming eatery looks to be a modern and trendy place, and the people behind the restaurant are hoping that it will draw a mix of locals from the Savin Hill neighborhood as well as diners from other parts of the Boston area.

McKenna's Cafe, which is within sight of the spot where Savin Bar and Kitchen will be, is a neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot that our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) has reviewed. A review of that restaurant can be found here:

http://www.hiddenboston.com/Mckennas.html

Based on the Craigslist post, expect an early 2011 opening for Savin Bar and Kitchen.

[March 14, 2011 update: According to the Thrillist site, Savin Bar and Kitchen is planning on opening today.]

The address for this new restaurant and bar in Dorchester is: Savin Bar and Kitchen, 112 Savin Hill Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02125.

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Guy Fieri's Diners Drive-Ins and Dives Is Featuring Rino's in East Boston Tonight (October 25, 2010)

Food Network host Guy Fieri recently came to the Boston area (and Maine), and an Italian restaurant in East Boston that he visited will be featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" tonight.

According to the Food Network's website, Rino's Place on Saratoga Street will be one of three restaurants shown in tonight's episode, which airs at 10:00 PM and is titled "Made to Order." The blurb within the Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives section of the Food Network site mentions that the lobster ravioli at Rino's will be looked at, with other dishes at this neighborhood spot undoubtedly being tried as well.

Our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) has featured Rino's Place as a little-known Italian restaurant worth checking out. A link to the review can be found here:

http://www.hiddenboston.com/Rinos.html

Other eateries featured on tonight's show include The Blue Door Pub in St. Paul, MN, and the Bay Way Diner in Linden, NJ.

The address for Rino's is: Rino's Place, 258 Saratoga Street, East Boston, MA 02128. The phone number is (617) 567-7412.

For more on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" (as well as the Food Network in general), please go to the following link:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/index.html

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Dave & Buster's Might Be Opening in Burlington

Several months after announcing it may be opening its first Massachusetts location on the South Shore, a Texas-based chain of restaurants and video game arcades is looking at a second spot north of Boston.

According to Boston.com, Dave & Buster's is planning to open a new location in Burlington, just east of the Route 128/3 intersection and within sight of the Burlington Mall. The article states that the proposed complex, if approved by the Burlington Planning Board, would move into the space on the Middlesex Turnpike where Burlington Dodge used to be. It appears that discussions on the planned opening of the 660-seat Dave & Buster's will start sometime in November.

Late last year, Dave & Buster's began to look at the former Circuit City site in Braintree as a spot to open its first restaurant and arcade center in the state, but it took several meetings with the Braintree Planning Board before finally gaining approval for the complex a few weeks ago. Currently, the only Dave & Buster's location in New England is at Providence Place in Providence, RI.

If approved, the address for Dave & Buster's in Burlington will be: Dave & Buster's, 90 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA, 01803.

For more information on the possible opening of Dave & Buster's in Burlington, please go to the Boston.com link below.

Dave & Buster's getting closer to Burlington reality

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Boston Magazine Taste Event Coming November 1, 2010

A local magazine that features articles on all aspects of Boston living is getting ready to host a food and drink event featuring chefs from a number of area restaurants.

According to their blog, Boston Magazine's Taste event will be held on Monday, November 1 at One Marina Park Drive on the Boston waterfront. Chefs from such restaurants as Asana, Clink, Finale, Harvest, L'Espalier, Menton, Neptune Oyster, O Ya, Rocca, Petit Robert Bistro, Sam's at Louis Boston, Tremont 647, and many more will have stations at the event where folks can sample food and drink while enjoying the views from the 13th floor of the building. The event, which helps support the Greater Boston Food Bank, goes from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for VIP guests) and costs $95 ($150 for VIP tickets).

Please note that Boston Magazine Taste is a 21+ event.

For more information on the 2010 Boston Magazine Taste event, please go to the link below.

http://www.bostonmagazine.com/taste/index.html

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Limey's Pub Opens in Framingham

There aren't too many English pubs in the Boston area, but folks who like chip butties and other dishes popular in Britain now have a place to go in the MetroWest region.

According to the Northborough-Southborough Villager and Wicked Local, Limey's Pub is now open on Concord Street in the downtown section of Framingham, taking over the space where the Chinese restaurant Sampan used to be. The article mentions that Limey's Pub features a mix of British fare and classic American comfort food, including the aforementioned chip butty (basically a French fry or "chips" sandwich), shepherd's pie, fish and chips, a fish wrap, nachos, and chicken wings. The pub also has 10 beers on tap, including Guinness, Newcastle Brown Ale, and Smithwick's. Entertainment includes darts, a beanbag toss game, and live music.

The address for this new restaurant and pub in Framingham is: Limey's Pub, 101 Concord Street, Framingham, MA, 01702.

For more information on Limey's Pub, please go to the Northborough-Southborough Villager/Wicked Local link below.

Spitz: A Limey twist for downtown Framingham

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Great Taste Diner Opening in Somerville

A new diner will be opening in Somerville, replacing another diner that recently closed.

According to the Somerville Patch, Great Taste Diner is planning to open on Beacon Street (between Porter and Inman Squares in Cambridge), moving into the space where Danny's Diner had been. The article mentions that the new diner will have a similar menu to Danny's Diner, but will include some Peruvian influences. Breakfast will be served throughout the day at the new spot, and there will be lunch specials offered daily. We are not yet sure if Great Taste Diner will be open for dinner; as soon as we find out, we will post an update here. [December 6 update: According to a poster on the Chowhound site, Great Taste Diner is now open.]

The address for this new diner in Somerville is: Great Taste Diner, 300 Beacon Street, Somerville, MA, 02143.

For more information on the upcoming opening of Great Taste Diner, please go to the Somerville Patch link below.

New Peruvian-American Diner Coming to Beacon St.

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True Bistro Opening in Teele Square, Somerville

A new restaurant is getting ready to open in the Teele Square section of Somerville, and it is moving into the space where a cafe closed a few months ago.

According to the Somerville Scout, True Cafe will be opening on Broadway where the Teele Square Cafe used to be until shutting its doors this past June. The article mentions that the new 29-seat eatery will feature vegan dishes as well as beer and wine. The restaurant's website shows the menu including such items as an arugula salad, portobello mushroom panini, Green curry with tofu, black bean and plantain torte, ravioli filled with red chard and house nut cheese, and coconut cream pie.

True Cafe will be open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, and it looks like it will also have a weekend brunch.

[November 7 update: According to the restaurant's website, True Bistro will open its doors on Tuesday, November 9. Thanks to a poster on the Chowhound site for bringing this to our attention.]

The address for this new vegan restaurant in Teele Square is: True Bistro, 1153 Broadway, Somerville, MA, 02144. The phone number is (617) 627-9000. And the website for the restaurant is at: http://www.truebistroboston.com/

For more information on the opening of True Bistro, please go to the Somerville Scout link below.

Going Upscale Vegan in Teele Square

Thanks to whatsgoodBOSTON on Twitter for bringing this to our attention.

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Salem Fall Restaurant Week 2010 to Be Held November 7-11

Another restaurant week is coming to the North Shore, with this one being held in Salem.

According to the Salem Chamber of Commerce, Salem Fall Restaurant Week 2010 is going to be held from Sunday, November 7 to Thursday, November 11, with participating dining spots offering two-course prix-fixe dinners for $15, or three-course prix-fixe dinners for $25 (not including drinks). Restaurants that are participating include 62 Restaurant and Wine Bar, Capt's Waterfront Grill & Club, Grapevine Restaurant, The Lyceum, Nathaniel's at the Hawthorne Hotel, Rockafellas, Seaport Cafe, and many others.

This is the second restaurant week in Salem this year (the Salem Spring Restaurant Week took place in mid-April).

For more information on Salem Fall Restaurant Week 2010, please go to the Salem Chamber of Commerce link below.

http://salem-chamber.org/

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Beijing Star in Waltham Is Being Replaced by MuLan Restaurant

A Chinese restaurant in Waltham has closed for renovations, and when it reopens, it will have a different name--and one that indicates it may be a completely new dining spot connected to another restaurant in Cambridge.

According to its Twitter page, Beijing Star is currently closed, and the new name on the Twitter page is that of MuLan Restaurant. A post on the Zagat site indicates that the place may have changed hands, so it is possible that the folks behind Beijing Star are no longer involved. Also, there is currently a dining spot called MuLan on 228 Broadway in the Kendall Square section of Cambridge, so it may be that this will be a second location of that restaurant--once we find out more on this, we will post an update here. [Ed note: This has been confirmed.]

Beijing Star was in business for a number of years on Main Street in Waltham, and was known in part for its "pink menu," which featured traditional Chinese dishes. The restaurant also offered a dim sum menu.

[March 30, 2011 update: According to their Twitter page, the new MuLan in Waltham is now open. Thanks to a Chowhound poster for bringing this to our attention.]

The address for the now-closed Beijing Star (and new MuLan Restaurant) is 835 Main Street, Waltham MA, 02451.

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Fresh Pond Seafood Opening in Arlington

A fish market that closed in the Fresh Pond section of Cambridge a few years ago is going to be reopening in Arlington.

According to the mintycustom blog as well as posters on Chowhound, Fresh Pond Seafood is opening on Summer Street near the Mill Street intersection, taking over the space that has been a produce market as well as a car leasing place. Fresh Pond Seafood had been located on the Fresh Pond Parkway in Cambridge for about three decades until closing late in 2006. The fish store was known for items such as fresh lobster, steamers, haddock, tuna, salmon, and more, as well as some produce. A 2008 article from the Boston Business Journal mentions that the old Fresh Pond Seafood in Cambridge was a place frequented by Julia Child.

[June 23, 2011 update: According to their Facebook page, the new Fresh Pond Seafood in Arlington is now open.]

The address for this new fish market and takeout place is: Fresh Pond Seafood, 75 Summer Street (Route 2A), Arlington, MA, 02474.

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2010 Cape Ann Restaurant Week Is This Week (October 17-22)

Another restaurant week has begun in Eastern Massachusetts, with this one being on the North Shore.

According to The Cape Ann Beacon and Wicked Local, the 2010 Cape Ann Restaurant Week began this past Sunday (October 17) and will last through this coming Friday (October 22). A total of 16 dining spots are participating this year, including Alchemy, The Azorean and The Dog Bar in Gloucester, Bistro 127 and The Fish Shack in Rockport, Periwinkles and The Windward Grille in Essex, and Cala's and The Landing in Manchester.

Restaurants participating in Cape Ann Restaurant Week are featuring three-course prix fixe menus for $25 (not including drinks). Regular menus are also available.

For more information on the 2010 Cape Ann Restaurant Week (including a complete list of participating restaurants), please go to the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce link below.

http://www.capeannchamber.com/

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UPDATE: Geoffrey's Cafe in Roslindale Will Reopen After All

[Ed note: This story has been updated as of October 19, as it turns out that Geoffrey's Cafe in Roslindale will be reopening.]

An eclectic restaurant in the Roslindale section of Boston that closed its doors shortly after opening a new location in Boston's Back Bay is apparently going to be opening back up.

Earlier information from one of the owner's Facebook page mentioned that Geoffrey's Cafe on Washington Street was no longer in business, but according to Devra First of the Boston Globe and Universal Hub, Geoffrey's will be reopening in Roslindale after all, under new management. Universal Hub mentions that the owner of the Spring Street Cafe in West Roxbury will be running the Roslindale location, which opens up for business tomorrow.

The address for the Roslindale location of Geoffrey's Cafe is: Geoffrey's Cafe, 4257 Washington Street, Roslindale, MA, 02131. The address for the new location in the Back Bay is: Geoffrey's Cafe, 142 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

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No. 9 Park, Il Capriccio Make OpenTable's 2010 Diners' Choice Awards List for Best Italian Restaurants

A popular online restaurant reservations provider has come out with its 2010 Diners' Choice awards for best Italian restaurants, and two Boston-area dining spots are on the list.

According to MarketWatch, No. 9 Park on Park Street in the Beacon Hill section of Boston and Il Capriccio on Main Street in Waltham made the list of the 50 best Italian eateries in the United States, based on reviews by OpenTable's diners. The list of the 50 winning Italian restaurants comes from more than seven million reviews for more than 12,000 restaurants throughout the country between October 2009 and September 2010, according to the article.

In addition to No. 9 Park and Il Capriccio, one other New England restaurant made the list as well--Primo in Rockland, ME. Three dining spots in New York City were also included--Del Posto in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, Marea in Midtown West, and Scalini Fedeli in Tribeca.

For a complete list of the Italian restaurants chosen by OpenTable's diners, please go to the MarketWatch link below:

OpenTable Diners Reveal Their Top Fifty Italian Restaurants Across the U.S.

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Margaritas Mexican Restaurant Opening in Framingham

A rapidly-growing local chain of Mexican dining spots is getting ready to open yet another location in the Boston area, and this one will be coming to MetroWest.

According to a job posting on Craigslist, Margaritas Mexican Restaurant is looking to open in Framingham on November 9, moving into the space on Route 30 where Naked Fish used to be until closing this past summer. This will be the sixth location of Margaritas to open in the Greater Boston area, with other locations being in Lexington, Medford, Revere, Waltham, and Weymouth. [November 19 update: According to the restaurant chain's website, the new Margaritas in Framingham is now open.]

Margaritas, which is based in New Hampshire, is a family-friendly chain of casual restaurants that features both Mexican-American and traditional Mexican cuisine. In addition to locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, Margaritas can also be found in Connecticut and Maine.

The address for this new Mexican restaurant in Framingham is: Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, 725 Cochituate Road (Route 30), Framingham, MA, 01701. The restaurant chain's website is at: http://www.margs.com/

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Red Lantern Opening in Boston's Back Bay

A new Asian restaurant is opening in the Back Bay of Boston, and the people behind it happen to own several other dining spots and nightclubs, including one in downtown Boston and another on the South Shore.

According to The Boston Globe, Red Lantern is looking to open on Stanhope Street sometime during the winter. The new eatery will move into the space where a location of Bertucci's used to be until closing a couple of years ago. The Globe mentions that Red Lantern will be run by the group behind Tosca in Hingham, as well as three spots at Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut (the group also runs The Estate, which is a dance club on Boylston Place--also known as The Alley--in downtown Boston). An article in Grub Street Boston states that the restaurant will feature sushi and cocktails, and looks to be a stylized theme spot.

[April 27, 2011 update: According to The Boston Herald, Red Lantern is planning to open in late May. The Herald mentions that the new restaurant will be an upscale pan-Asian spot with sushi (as mentioned by Grub Street above), dumplings, and a wok station, as well as inventive Chinese entrees. And as indicated by The Boston Globe above, Kevin Long of Tosca in Hingham is the person behind the new restaurant.]

[June 8 update: According to their Facebook fan club page, the Red Lantern plans to open today.]

The address for this new restaurant is: Red Lantern, 43 Stanhope Street (between Clarendon and Berkeley), Boston, MA, 02116.

For more information on Red Lantern, please go to the Boston Globe and Grub Street Boston links below.

[Boston Globe]
Light the Red Lantern

[Grub Street Boston]
Big Theme-y Asian Restaurant Headed to Back Bay

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Wegmans Market Is Opening in Northborough

A supermarket that has been hoping to open in Westwood for awhile is now planning to bring a store to Northborough.

According to the Progressive Grocer, Wegmans is looking to open at the upcoming Northborough Crossing, which will be located at the intersections of Route 9 and 20 in this Metrowest town. The article mentions that the new Wegmans, which will be the first to open in New England, may also contain a restaurant within it. Both the market and the development could be open by next fall.

While Wegmans has also been trying to open a market in Westwood for more than two years, the Westwood Station development has been stalled for awhile now, and it is not known when, or if, the market (and the development) might be built. The Progressive Grocer article does state that the company is looking to open several more Wegmans in Massachusetts over the coming years.

Wegmans first started out as a fruit and vegetable company in Rochester, NY, during World War I. The supermarket chain has slowly expanded, with about 75 locations open today in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Their website can be found at: http://www.wegmans.com/

[October 11, 2011 update: According to their Facebook page, the new Wegmans in Northborough is opening on Sunday, October 16.]

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Darul Kabab Opening in Former Banjo's Space in Cambridge

A halal restaurant is going to be opening in North Cambridge, moving into the space where a roast beef place used to be.

According to the Cantabrigia blog, Darul Kabab is planning on opening at the corner of Massachusetts Avenue and Walden Street (just west of Porter Square), replacing the short-lived Banjo's Roast Beef, which closed a few months ago. The blog entry mentions that the new eatery will focus on Bangladeshi, Indian, and Pakistani fare, with curry, kabob, and rice dishes offered.

A License Commission General Hearing note on the City of Cambridge website indicates that Darul Kabab is planning to have seating for 37, and that it will be open for lunch and dinner, with hours being 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Sundays.

[December 28 update: According to a poster on the Chowhound site, Darul Kabab is now open.]

The address for this new restaurant in North Cambridge is: Darul Kabab, 2072 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140.

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News Elsewhere: New York's Tavern on the Green to Become Visitors Center, Food Court

It looks like the space where a popular high-end restaurant in Manhattan's Central Park used to be will become something quite a bit different.

According to The Boston Globe, the former Tavern on the Green space will become a visitors center and food court. The article mentions that items such chili sesame noodle salad, Turkish tacos, and Chinese dumplings will be available at the food court, which will be in the space where Tavern on the Green's Crystal Room used to be. According to the Globe, the official unveiling of the new spot is planned for today.

Tavern on the Green was a landmark dining spot that first opened in the mid-1930s, eventually becoming the highest grossing dining spot in the country. The restaurant closed this past winter, and there had been talk of another eatery moving into the space, but plans for that apparently fell through.

The former Tavern on the Green space is located along the western edge of Central Park near W 66th Street and just east of Lincoln Center.

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Peony Restaurant Planning to Open in Norwood Center

It looks like a new Chinese restaurant may be opening in Norwood Center over the coming months.

According to the Norwood Transcript and Bulletin and Wicked Local, Peony recently received a common victualer's license to open on Washington Street in the heart of Norwood's downtown area, and the person behind the dining spot now needs to have renovations done to the space before it can open. The article mentions that Peony will feature Chinese fare, and the owner is apparently focusing on it being a place to get healthy dishes.

The address for this upcoming Chinese restaurant in Norwood will be: Peony, 654 Washington Street, Norwood, MA, 02062.

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Telegraph Hill Kitchen and Bar Opens in South Boston

A new restaurant and pub has just opened in the Andrew Square section of South Boston.

According to their website, Telegraph Hill Kitchen & Bar is now open on Dorchester Street, just east of the Old Colony Avenue intersection in the space where Mullins Tavern used to be. Based on photos posted onto their Facebook page, it appears that Telegraph Hill Kitchen & Bar has a mix of bar seating and high top bar tables, along with a jukebox and a number of TVs along the walls. The Thrillist and Yelp sites mention that the restaurant features such dishes as a Caesar salad, burgers, macaroni and cheese with prosciutto, battered cod, and po' boys, as well as more than 30 beer options.

The Facebook page for Telegraph Hill Kitchen & Bar indicates that it will be open for both lunch and dinner.

The address for this new restaurant and bar in the Andrew Square section of South Boston is: Telegraph Hill Kitchen & Bar, 289 Dorchester Street, Boston, MA, 02127. Their website can be found at: http://www.telegraphhillboston.com/

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KO Catering and Pies Opening in South Boston

A takeout spot and food truck featuring Australian fare is going to be opening in South Boston, moving into the space where a recently-closed restaurant had been.

According to their Twitter page, KO Catering and Pies will open on A Street (just north of W Broadway) in the spot where St. Alphonzo's Kitchen used to be until closing over the summer. The Twitter page mentions that KO Catering and Pies will be a "takeaway shop" offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu will feature such items as meat pies, veggie pies, sausage rolls, chickpea salads, spicy shrimp, and lemon slice.

A note from KO Catering and Pies mentions that the food truck will be mobile, and it will be launched once the retail shop opens.

[October 26 update: According to the restaurant's Twitter page, KO Catering and Pies is now open for business.]

The address for this new takeout spot in South Boston is: KO Catering and Pies, 87 A Street, South Boston, MA, 02127. Their Twitter page can be found at: http://twitter.com/KOCatering_Pies

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Quaker Steak and Lube May Be Coming to Boston, Other New England Cities

A small chain of casual family restaurants that specializes in chicken wings may be coming to New England, including a possible location in Boston.

According to syracuse.com, Quaker Steak & Lube is looking to open several locations in New England, with Portland, ME, being the most likely candidate at this point. The article mentions that other locations of the chain might be opening in Boston, Springfield, Providence, RI, Manchester, NH, and Hartford, CT.

Quaker Steak & Lube, which is based in Sharon, PA, features classic American fare, including wings, soft pretzels, onion rings, burgers, steaks, and baby back ribs. The chain currently has approzimately 40 locations open, with most of them being in Pennsylvania and Ohio.

For more information on the possible opening of Quaker Steak & Lube in Boston and other New England cities, please go to the syracuse.com link below.

Syracuse company to open Quaker Steak and Lube restaurants in New York and New England

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Results of Twitter Meatball Poll

Our latest Twitter poll is now complete, with this poll focusing on the best meatballs in the Boston area. Our previous polls have included a sushi poll (Douzo in the Back Bay won), a cupcake poll (Sweet Cupcakes in the Back Bay and Harvard Square), a steak and cheese poll (Carl's in Waltham), an ice cream poll (Richardson's in Middleton), a roast beef poll (Nick's Famous Roast Beef in Beverly), a chicken wing poll (Buff's Pub in Newton), a macaroni and cheese poll (Fat Cat in Quincy), a fried clam poll (JT Farnham's in Essex), an onion ring poll (Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage in Cambridge), 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). Below is the winner of the Twitter meatball poll:

1) Comella's, various locations (64%)

A few other restaurants were picked in the Twitter meatball poll, including Cardullo's (Cambridge), Craigie on Main (Cambridge), Porcini's (Watertown), and Tavolo (Dorchester).

Thanks to those who have voted in our Twitter polls. We will start another poll soon, so keep checking back on our Twitter page at http://twitter.com/hiddenboston.

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Cakes Bakery and Cafe Opening in Arlington

A cafe in Milton that features sandwiches, baked goods, and coffee is going to be opening a new shop in Arlington.

According to the Arlington Patch, Cakes Bakery and Cafe is planning to open on Mass. Ave. (just west of the center of town) in the space where Sweet Sue's Cafe used to be before closing a little more than a year ago. The article indicates that the new spot will likely be similar to the original Cakes Bakery and Cafe on Eliot Street in Milton, with a brief article in the Arlington Advocate stating that menu items will include breakfast sandwiches, scones, cupcakes, soups, stews, wraps, and pot pies. The Advocate also mentions that a catering menu will be available as well.

Cakes Bakery and Cafe may be open by Halloween, according to the Arlington Advocate article. [November 16 update: According to their Facebook page, the new Cakes Bakery and Cafe in Arlington is now open.]

The address for this new eatery in Arlington is: Cakes Bakery and Cafe, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476. The website for the Milton location can be found at: http://cakesmilton.com/

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Blackstrap BBQ Opening in Winthrop

It looks like a new barbecue joint is getting ready to open just north of Boston.

According to their Facebook page, Blackstrap BBQ will soon be opening on Woodside Avenue in the center of Winthrop. A poster on Chowhound states that it will be moving into the space where Moonstruck Cafe used to be (Moonstruck Cafe is apparently moving into another storefront in Winthrop Center). The Chowhound poster mentions that Blackstrap BBQ looks to be opening later this month.

Once it opens for business, Blackstrap BBQ's hours will be 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Tuesday through Thursday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Sundays.

[November 3 update: According to their Facebook page, Blackstrap BBQ is now open.]

The address for this new barbecue place in Winthrop is: Blackstrap BBQ, 47 A Woodside Avenue, Winthrop, MA, 02152. Their Facebook page can be found at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Winthrop-MA/BS-BBQ/128113320566880

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Ivy Restaurant in Boston Closes Its Doors

A casual upscale cafe in downtown Boston owned by a group that recently went into Chapter 11 Bankruptcy has apparently served its last meal.

According to a voicemail message recorded by Ivy Restaurant, the Temple Place eatery has shut its doors after being in business for nearly five years. Ivy was owned by the Ivy Restaurant Group, which also runs Stoddard's Fine Food and Ale, and which filed for bankruptcy over the summer. A recent article posted here mentioned that only Ivy Restaurant was affected by the reorganization, and a check on Stoddard's indicates that it remains open, at least for now.

The address for this now-closed dining spot was: Ivy Restaurant, 49 Temple Place, Boston, MA, 02111. Stoddard's is located on the same street, with its address being 48 Temple Place.

Thanks to several posters on the Twitter site for initially bringing this to our attention.

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News Elsewhere: USA Today Includes a Northampton Restaurant Among Its 51 Great Burger Joints

USA Today recently came out with a list of 51 great burger joints across the United States, and a restaurant in Northampton has been included within the list.

According to the article, Local Burger and Fries is the newspaper's pick for the state of Massachusetts, citing the grass-fed beef and locally source vegetables used for the hamburgers. USA Today also mentions the sweet potato fries served at the dining spot, which is located on Route 9 along the eastern edge of the downtown area.

In addition to hamburgers, Local Burger and Fries also offers turkey burgers, veggie burgers, portobello burgers, hot dogs, wings, French fries, onion rings, and milkshakes. The restaurant has a children's menu as well.

Other New England restaurants making USA Today's list of burger joints include Ted's in Meriden, CT; Fat Boy Drive In in Brunswick, ME; The Barley House in Concord, NH; Stanley's Famous Hamburgers in Providence, RI; and The Farmhouse Tap & Grill in Burlington, VT.

The address for Local Burger and Fries is: Local Burger and Fries, 16 Main Street, Northampton, MA, 01060. The phone number is (413) 586-5857. And their website can be found at: http://www.localnorthampton.com/

For a complete list of burger joints that make the list, please go to the following link:

51 great burger joints across the USA

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Grezzo May Be Reopening in Boston's North End

While not a done deal by any means, there is a chance that a now-closed vegan restaurant in Boston's North End may be reopening, though with a slightly different theme.

According to Universal Hub, the owner of Grezzo on Prince Street is thinking of possibly opening the restaurant once again, though if it does reopen, it will focus on "natural food" rather than raw food. The article mentions that the owner of Grezzo is also considering selling the restaurant as a second option. The Boston Licensing Board is going to give her a month to decide on which option to take.

Grezzo first opened in early 2008, featuring vegan dishes such as seaweed salad, maki rolls, falafel wraps, and veggie burgers. A second location in Newburyport opened about a year ago, but closed this past spring when the North End location also shut down.

If it does reopen, the address for Grezzo will be: Grezzo, 69 Prince Street, Boston, MA, 02113.

For more information on the possible reopening of Grezzo, please go to the Universal Hub link below.

Shuttered raw-food restaurant in the North End could reopen - but with cooked food this time

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Harpers Ferry in Allston Is Closing; Brighton Music Hall to Take Its Place

A well-known nightclub in Allston that has featured live music for 40 years is getting ready to close its doors.

According to The Boston Herald, Harpers Ferry on Brighton Avenue has lost its lease and will be closing at the end of October, with Halloween being its last day in business. The Herald mentioned that over the past few months, the club had been working on trying to find a way to remain open but ultimately was unable to do so.

[October 13 update: According to the Boston Globe, the people behind The Paradise on Comm. Ave. are looking to open a new music club that will be called the Brighton Music Hall. The article says that if all goes as planned, the new club could be open by the middle of December. Thanks to the Twitter pages of Boston Emissions and BostonTweet for bringing this to our attention.]

[January 13, 2011, update: BostonTweet mentions on his Twitter page that the Brighton Music Hall will be opening tomorrow (Friday, January 14).]

Harpers Ferry has been a popular entertainment spot since opening in 1970, featuring local, regional, and national acts, including blues, rock, soul, jazz, and hip-hop bands.

The address for this nightclub in Allston was: Harpers Ferry, 158 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. The phone number is (617) 254-9743. And the website can be found at: http://www.harpersferryboston.com/

For more information on the closing of Harpers Ferry, please go to the Boston Herald link below.

Iconic Allston club Harpers Ferry to close

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