Friday, May 31, 2013

Highlights for the Week Ending May 31, 2013

A few more stories and articles centering on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including an Asian dining spot opening in the South End, a popular restaurant guide including two dishes from Boston-area eateries among its favorites of 2013 (so far), and an ice cream cafe opening a second location in Somerville. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included an updated review of a restaurant and bar in Quincy, a question about long-closed dining spots that are missed, and some updates to the dive bar photo gallery.

Below are links to these and other items from the past week:

Boston Restaurant Talk

Food and Wine Magazine Picks Monica Glass (Clio, Uni) as One of the Best New Pastry Chefs of 2013

Roka to Open in Boston's South End

Zagat Includes Items from Steel and Rye, TR Street Foods Among Best Dishes in 2013 (So Far)

J.P. Licks to Open in Somerville's Assembly Row

Earls Kitchen + Bar Coming to Somerville's Assembly Row

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

Updated Review: Cronin's Publick House in Quincy, MA

New Photo: Saffron Chicken from Kabab and Tandoor in Waltham, MA

Question: Which Long-Closed Restaurants Do You Miss the Most?

Updated Dive Bar Photo Gallery

New Photo: Guinness Stout from Napper Tandy's in Roslindale, MA


6th Annual Strawberry Dessert Festival to Be Held in June

A festival that focuses on strawberries is returning to the region in June.

Beginning on June 7, the 6th Annual Strawberry Dessert Festival will be held in the Boston area and elsewhere in Massachusetts, with restaurants, cafes and markets across the area offering strawberry-themed desserts to help benefit Mass Farmers Markets. Some of the spots that will be participating include A Tavola in Winchester, Flora in Arlington, Haley House Bakery Cafe in Roxbury, Highland Kitchen in Somerville, Sofra Bakery & Cafe in Cambridge, and many others.

If you would like to get more information on the 2013 Strawberry Dessert Festival, please go to the following link:

http://www.massfarmersmarkets.org/?ShowPage=FMFMCUSTOM2.aspx


Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl Coming to Boston's City Hall Plaza, June 4-6, 2013

An event that focuses on ice cream--and raises money for a good cause--returns to Boston once again in June.

From Tuesday, June 4 through Thursday, June 6, the 31st annual Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl will take place at City Hall Plaza, with the event going from noon to 8:00 PM each day. The all-you-can eat festival will include ice cream, frozen yogurt, and sorbet from a variety of vendors, with flavors such as coffee almond fudge, mint chocolate chip, peaches and cream, double fudge brownie, and many others offered.

Tickets to the Scooper Bowl (which is rain or shine) cost $10 for ages 10 and above, $5 for ages 3-9, and no charge for children under 3. All proceeds will go to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

For more information on the 2013 Jimmy Fund Scooper Bowl, please go to the link below:

http://www.scooperbowl.org/faf/home/


Thursday, May 30, 2013

Food and Wine Magazine Picks Monica Glass (Clio, Uni) as One of the Best New Pastry Chefs of 2013

A popular magazine has come out with its picks for best new pastry chefs of 2013, and a Boston chef has made the list.

According to their website, Food & Wine Magazine has picked Monica Glass of Clio and Uni Sashimi Bar as one of five best new pastry chefs, saying that her "French-inflected desserts are exquisitely balanced," with each plate containing "several components that show just the right amount of restraint." The list also includes one other pastry chef in the Northeast--Bob Truitt of Ai Fiori, an Italian eatery in Manhattan.

Monica Glass grew up in the Philadelphia area, working in both Philly and New York before coming to Boston. According to a post on StarChefs.com, one of the dining spots she worked at in New York was Le Bernardin, which is owned by Eric Ripert and is considered one of the best restaurants in the country.

Clio and Uni are both located within the Eliot Hotel at 370 Commonwealth Avenue in the Back Bay. The website for the hotel (with links to the restaurants) can be found at http://www.eliothotel.com/

To see the complete list from Food & Wine Magazine, please go to the following link:

Best New Pastry Chefs 2013


Update: The Owners of Lineage and 28 Degrees Are NOT Opening a New Restaurant in Wayland

[Ed note: This article was updated on May 31 to reflect the fact that this restaurant will not be opening after all.]

Yesterday, we reported that it was looking like the owners of two upscale Boston-area restaurants were teaming up to open a new spot in Wayland. Now we have learned that this won't be happening.

An article in the The Wayland Town Crier that mentioned Carl Christian of 28 Degrees in Boston's South End and Jeremy Sewall of Lineage in Brookline planning to open a new eatery in the former Finnerty's Country Squire space turns out to be an old post, though it had somehow entered Google news yesterday as a new story. We apologize for the error. (Sewall is also involved with Eastern Standard, The Hawthorne, and Island Creek Oyster Bar in Kenmore Square, along with the upcoming Row 34 in Fort Point.)


Comella's Is Opening in Melrose

A local group of Italian food retailers and caterers continues to expand through the Boston area, with a new location coming to a northern suburb of the city.

The Melrose Free Press is reporting that Comella's is going to be opening in Melrose, with the eatery moving into a section of the TD Bank building on Main Street. It looks like the 22-seat dining spot could be open early this summer, depending on how construction goes.

[September 28 update: According to a Facebook post from the restaurant, the new Comella's in Melrose is now open.]

Comella's, which features such items as gnocchi, ravioli, chicken parmigiana, and other Italian dishes, can be found in a number of other communities in the local area, including Arlington, Belmont, Chestnut Hill, Concord, Marblehead, Natick, Needham, Wellesley, West Newton, and West Roxbury. [Ed note: According to a recent Twitter post, the Concord location on Walden Street has closed but will be reopening at a new location on Main Street around the end of the summer.]

The address for this new restaurant in Melrose is: Comella's, 478 Main Street, Melrose, MA, 02176. Their website is at: http://www.comellasrestaurants.com/


Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Salem Wood Cafe in Malden Has Closed

An old-school restaurant and bar in Malden that our sister site has featured as a hidden gem has closed its doors.

According to one of our followers on Facebook, the Salem Wood Cafe is no longer in business, with the place apparently closing sometime over the winter. The Salem Street eating and drinking establishment was a neighborhood spot that featured a mix of Italian and American fare--including chicken parmigiana, ravioli, lasagna, sausage, steak tips, and turkey tips--while also having the feel of a dive bar. The Boston's Hidden Restaurants site reviewed the Salem Wood Cafe, focusing in part on the aforementioned steak tips, which were very close in quality to the nearby Newbridge Cafe in Chelsea (which is often considered to be the best place in the Boston area for tips). The review for the Salem Wood can be found below:

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

The address for this now-closed restaurant and bar in Malden was: Salem Wood Cafe, 385 Salem Street, Malden, MA, 02148.


Roka Is Opening in Boston's South End

A new Pan-Asian restaurant is coming to a section of the South End that currently doesn't have many dining options.

A post on the Soka Studio website indicates that Roka is planning to open by the corner of Mass. Ave. and Albany Street, with the exact address indicating that it could be on the ground floor of the Crosstown Building, which is a part of the Boston Medical Center campus. According to the blurb, the new 7,000-square-foot eatery will be an upscale dining spot with a sushi bar, takeout service, private dining room, and a bar area. It is not yet known when Roka might be opening.

[July 11 update: A new job post on the Craigslist site shows that Roka is currently hiring, so it may be opening soon, though an exact date has not been given as of yet.]

[September 30 update: An email from UrbanDaddy mentions that Roka opens today.]

The address for this new Asian restaurant in the South End is: Roka, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118.


Zagat Includes Items from Steel and Rye, TR Street Foods Among Best Dishes in 2013 (So Far)

Zagat has just come out with its picks for "The 14 Best Things We've Eaten This Year (So Far)," and dishes from two Boston-area restaurants were included on the list.

In the article/slideshow that was posted this week, Zagat mentions the potted Hudson Valley foie gras from Steel & Rye in Milton and the porchetta sandwich from TR Street Foods (which is part of Tavern Road) in Fort Point as being two of the best dishes of the year up to this point. The article says that "Chris Parsons has put together a foodie's delight" for the former, with "just enough of the housemade brioche to slather this delicious mixture in," while stating that "the newish take-out venture...is worth the trip" for the latter, mentioning that "the pickled fennel was a nice foil for the tender pork and the grainy mustard provided a spicy kick."

Other items that were mentioned by Zagat include the guacamole at ABC Cocina in New York and the donuts at Beiler's in Philadelphia.

For a complete listing of Zagat's picks for the best things they've eaten so far in 2013, please go to the following link:

The 14 Best Things We've Eaten This Year (So Far)


Turner's Seafood Is Opening in Salem

Earlier this month we reported that a modern American bistro in Salem had closed, and now we have learned that the folks behind a pair of seafood restaurants north of Boston plan to open a third location in its space.

The Salem Patch is reporting that Turner's Seafood has gotten approval this week from the city to open in the space where 43 Church had been (and before that, The Lyceum). Based on the Melrose and Gloucester locations of Turner's, expect to see such items as clam chowder, baked stuffed shrimp, calamari, grilled swordfish, boiled lobster, and pasta with seafood at the new outlet. It looks like the new Turner's could be opening in September.

[November 20 update: The Salem News states that the new Turner's Seafood has opened.]

The address for this new seafood spot in Salem is: Turner's Seafood, 43 Church Street, Salem, MA, 01970. Their website can be found at http://www.turners-seafood.com/

Thanks to North Shore Dish for bringing this to our attention (via the Twitter site).

[Earlier Article]
43 Church in Salem Has Closed


Tuesday, May 28, 2013

J.P. Licks Is Opening in Somerville's Assembly Row

Last spring we mentioned that an ice cream cafe may be opening a location in a new complex in Somerville. Now we have learned that this will indeed be happening.

According to a post from the Assembly Row Facebook page, J.P. Licks is going to open within the mixed-used development, which is being built by Route 93 in the Assembly Square section of the city. The new ice cream shop will be one of a number of eating and drinking places coming to Assembly Row, including a restaurant from the Legal Sea Foods group, Papagayo, and Earls Kitchen + Bar (Burger Dive is already open there).

[May 2, 2014 update: Eater Boston mentions (via the ice cream shop's Facebook page) that the new J.P. Licks at Assembly Row is now open.

In addition to another Somerville location (Davis Square), locations of J.P. Licks can be found in the Back Bay of Boston, Beacon Hill, Mission Hill, Cambridge's Harvard Square, Coolidge Corner in Brookline, West Roxbury, Newton Centre, Wellesley, and Dedham. Its website is at http://www.jplicks.com/


Earls Kitchen + Bar Is Opening at Somerville's Assembly Row

A small Canadian chain of restaurants is going to be opening a new location in a new complex in Somerville.

According to a post at citybizlist.com, Earls Kitchen and Bar will open within Assembly Row, which is a mixed-used development just off Route 93 in the Assembly Square section of the city. The upcoming eatery, whose headquarters are in Vancouver, will feature mostly American cuisine, with soups, salads, burgers, wings, pizza, pastas, seafood, ribs, steaks, and chicken being on the menu.

[August 22, 2014 update: A release sent this week says that Earls Kitchen and Bar opens at Assembly Row on September 12.]

Other dining spots are coming to Assembly Row as well, including Legal on the Mystic, Papagayo [now open], and others (Burger Dive is already open within the development).

The website for Earls can be found at http://www.earls.ca/


Friday, May 24, 2013

Highlights for the Week Ending May 24, 2013

Several more stories and articles focusing on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a clam shack coming to a former restroom on the North Shore, a well-known name disappearing from the local dining scene, and a new restaurant coming to the South Boston waterfront. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included a new review of an Indian restaurant in Waltham, a photo of pancakes from a breakfast place in Quincy, and a blog review of a Worcester beer bar.

Below are links to these and other items from the past week:

Boston Restaurant Talk

Clam Shack Coming to Former Restroom Site at Salem Willows

Brigham's Restaurants to Disappear; Will Be Renamed with New Ice Cream Suppliers

The Briar Group to Open a Restaurant within District Hall on the South Boston Waterfront

Ward 8 Restaurant and Bar to Open in Boston's North End

Warehouse Bar and Grille to Open in Boston's Financial District

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

New Review: Kabab and Tandoor in Waltham, MA

New Photo: Blueberry Pancakes from McKay's Breakfast and Lunch in Quincy, MA

Question: Favorite Fried Clams in New England?

New Blog Review: Armsby Abbey in Worcester, MA

New Photo: Aloo Bondas from Kabab and Tandoor in Waltham, MA


Root Is Opening in Allston

A new spot is coming to the space in Allston where a vegan pizza restaurant had been, and the place will apparently feature different kinds of juices.

Eater Boston is reporting that Root is going to be opening on Cambridge Street, moving into the former Peace o' Pie spot which closed this winter after being in business for a bit more than three years. The article mentions that Root will be a "plant-inspired" dining spot and juicery, and it will likely be open for both lunch and dinner. Based on its Facebook page and website, expect to see such food items as salads and sandwiches.

[July 1 update: A new article from Eater Boston mentions that Root is opening on July 9.]

The address for this new eatery in Allston is: Root, 487 Cambridge Street, Allston, MA, 02134. Its website can be found at http://rootboston.com/

Thanks to one of our readers for initially bringing this place to our attention.


Clam Shack Coming to Former Restroom Site at Salem Willows

A few years ago, we reported that a restaurant was being proposed for the space where an old restroom had been in Salem. Now we have learned that plans are back on track for this to happen, though it will be a different kind of eatery from what was originally thought.

The Salem News is reporting that a new dining spot with outdoor seating and takeout will be opening at Salem Willows, taking over the former restroom/bathhouse site there. The restaurant, which will tentatively be called Clam Shack, will offer steamers, fried clams, steamers, lobster dinners, and lobster salad sandwiches, according to the article. It is possible that the place could be opening this summer, though it might not be ready until next summer, depending on the permit process and renovations that will be needed.

Originally, it looked like a barbecue place might be going into the Salem Willows site, but that apparently fell through.

Another restaurant opened in a former restroom last fall--the Earl of Sandwich, which is located on Boston Common.

Thanks to North End Dish for bringing this to our attention.

[Earlier Article]
Barbecue Joint Proposed for Former Restroom at Salem Willows


Boloco in Medford Has Closed

A couple of years ago, we reported that a local chain of restaurants was considering the possibility of closing one of its locations. Now we have learned that the shop has indeed shuttered.

According to a post on its Facebook page, the Medford location of Boloco is no longer in business, having apparently closed sometime this month. The note states that "our lease was up a while ago and we kept renewing it monthly, but the time had finally come." It appears that all other Boloco locations will remain open.

The Boloco chain focuses on burritos, with other items offered including salads, wraps, smoothies, and shakes. Locations can be found in Boston (several), Brighton, Cambridge, Natick, Wellesley, Warwick, RI, Concord, NH, Hanover, NH, Burlington, VT, Bethesda, MD, and Washington, DC.

The address for the now-closed Boloco in Medford was: Boloco, 340 Boston Avenue, Medford, MA, 02155. The website for the chain is at http://boloco.com/

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

[Earlier Article]
Boloco Might Be Closing Its Medford Location


Brigham's Restaurants Disappearing, Being Renamed with New Ice Cream Suppliers

A local restaurant and ice cream chain that has been in existence for a very long time will soon be no more, though its frozen treats will still be available.

According to an article in the Arlington Advocate, all remaining locations of Brigham's will be losing their brand name and they are now in the process of finding new suppliers of ice cream, with the changes apparently occurring between now and June. The article mentions that HP Hood of Lynnfield (which purchased Brigham's several years ago) has decided to stop selling its ice cream in bulk quantities, which is the reason that the restaurant locations will shutter. The Brigham's products will still be sold in convenience stores and supermarkets, according to the Advocate.

The article says that the Brigham's location in Quincy will become The Ice Cream Parlour and is planning to sell products from the Sugar Maple Creamery, while the Hingham location will become Patti's Place and is looking to sell Gifford's ice cream. The Arlington location does not yet have a new name, though the owners are hoping to sell Richie's Slush there, while the North Andover location is now called Fari's Diner (thanks to one of our readers for this last bit of information).

[July 17 update: The Boston Globe states that the end is near for the Brigham's shops, as only two remain open (Hingham has officially been replaced by Patti's Place) and they will switch over to new shops once their supplies of Brigham's ice cream run out (final deliveries to the shops are planned for later this month). As mentioned earlier, the Quincy location will be called The Ice Cream Parlour, while the Arlington location, which will sell Sugar Maple Creamery products, still does not have a name.]

Brigham's first started out in 1914 with a shop in the Post Office Square section of Boston. After decades of expansion throughout the area, the chain filed for bankruptcy in 2009 and ended up closing all but a handful of locations.


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Zoup! in Boston's Government Center Has Closed

A Michigan-based group of quick-casual restaurants that feature soup has closed its sole Boston location, though it appears that the company may be looking to open another one in the area at some point.

According to a Twitter post sent yesterday, Zoup! in Government Center has shut its doors, citing the fact that "the owner had health issues." The post does mention that "[they] hope to be back to the area soon!"

In addition to soup, the Zoup! franchises also offer salads and sandwiches along with baked goods and beverages. Locations can be found in a handful of states and in Ontario, with the only remaining New England store being in Glastonbury, CT.

The address for this now-closed eatery in Government Center was: Zoup!, 3 Center Plaza, Boston, MA, 02108. The website for Zoup! can be found at http://www.zoup.com/


The Briar Group to Open a New Restaurant (Gather) and Cafe (Brew) at District Hall on the South Boston Waterfront

[Ed note: This article was updated on September 18 and 23 to reflect the addition of new information given, including the fact that this will be two places, not one.]

A new restaurant and a new cafe are coming to an upcoming public innovation center on the South Boston waterfront, and the folks behind them also run a number of other dining and drinking spots in the local area.

The City of Boston website reports that The Briar Group is opening something new at District Hall, which will be located on Northern Avenue in the Seaport District/Innovation District. The one-story building, which is currently under construction and will be "the world's first free-standing public innovation center," will have 12,000 square feet of space, with 3,000 square feet dedicated to a restaurant and test kitchen that will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It appears that the Briar Group is hoping for an opening sometime this fall. (The District Hall building itself is looking to open in mid-June.)

[September 18 and September 23 updates: A post from Eater Boston indicates (via Craigslist) that the new cafe will be called "Brew," and that it will serve breakfast, lunch, and (an early) dinner with beer, wine, and cocktails offered. A newer post from Craigslist also says that a modern American restaurant and bar called "Gather" will be opening adjacent to District Hall, with this also being from the Briar Group.]

[October 15 update: Eater Boston states that Brew is now open.]

[October 15 update #2: Another article from Eater Boston says that Gather opens on Thursday (October 17).]

The Briar Group, which is based in Brighton, operates Solas, The Green Briar, O'Connor's, Anthem, Ned Devine's, City Table, City Bar, and The Harp. Their website is at http://www.briar-group.com/

The address for this upcoming restaurant and cafe (as well as District Hall) is 75 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210.

Thanks to The Boston Herald for bringing this to our attention.


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Ward 8 Restaurant and Bar Is Opening in Boston's North End

A new restaurant is on its way to the North End of Boston, and it will be moving into the space recently vacated by another dining spot, which is moving a short distance south.

NorthEndWaterfront.com is reporting that Ward 8 is going to be opening on North Washington Street in the former Nebo spot (Nebo has a new space at Atlantic Wharf), with the article mentioning that the owner of the eatery is Nicholas Frattaroli, whose family is behind Ducali, Filippo, and Lucia. Expect a summer opening for Ward 8 Restaurant and Bar.

[November 25 update: Eater Boston mentions that Ward 8 is opening a week from today (Monday, December 2), with the focus of the place being "American brasserie meets comfort food." The eating and drinking spot will have seating for 75 in the dining area and another 32 in the bar section, according to EB. ]

The address for this new restaurant in the North End is: Ward 8 Restaurant and Bar, 90 N Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02114.

Thanks to the Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog for bringing this to our attention.


Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Warehouse Bar and Grille Is Opening in Boston's Financial District

A new restaurant and bar is on its way to downtown Boston, and it looks like it will be one part gastropub, one part sports bar.

The Boston Globe is reporting that Warehouse Bar & Grille is planning to open on Broad Street in the city's Financial District, with the restaurant's Facebook page indicating that it is moving into the space where Knoll Office Furniture used to be. The new spot will have seating for a bit over 100 people, and it is looking to  "bridge the gap between sports bars and upscale eateries by providing a warm, casual, and stylish space." The person behind Warehouse Bar & Grille is Cliff Dever, who comes from the nearby Battery Park Bar & Lounge on Batterymarch Street, while Nathaniel Durost (formerly of Stephanie's on Newbury) will be in charge of the kitchen.

Expect a mid-August opening for Warehouse Bar & Grille, according to the Globe.

[September 11 update: A Facebook post from Cliff Dever indicates that Warehouse Bar & Grille is planning to open this weekend.]

[September 16 update: It looks like Warehouse Bar & Grille was open for friends and family only over the weekend, but according to a new Facebook post from the restaurant, the place will apparently be closed today with an official opening coming tomorrow.]

The address for this new restaurant and bar in the Financial District is: Warehouse Bar & Grille, 40 Broad Street, Boston, MA, 02109. Its website can be found at http://www.thewarehouseboston.com/ while its Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/warehouseboston


Update: Chez Henri in Cambridge Has NOT Been Sold

Last month we heard that a French-Cuban restaurant in Cambridge had been sold, and that it would have a new name and some other changes. Now we have learned that this isn't necessarily true, though it could happen at some point in the future.

BostonChefs.com mentions that Chez Henri on Shepard Street has not actually been sold and it remains open for the foreseeable future, though owner Paul O'Connell says that he is "entertaining some possibilities for change." In April, it was reported that Greg Reeves (the executive chef at Green Street in the city's Central Square neighborhood) had purchased the eatery, and that he would give the spot a new name and tweak the menu to include steak dishes. Now it appears that this will not be happening--at least not for now.

Chez Henri, which first opened nearly 20 years ago, is known in part for its Cuban sandwiches.

The address for this restaurant in Cambridge is: Chez Henri, 1 Shepard Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website can be found at http://chezhenri.com/

[Earlier Article]
Chez Henri in Cambridge Sold to Green Street Owner; Will Have New Name


Monday, May 20, 2013

Finch Opens within The Boxer Hotel in Boston's West End

A new restaurant--and hotel--opens today near the TD Garden in Boston's West End neighborhood.

An email sent to us indicates that Finch is opening within The Boxer, a boutique hotel on Merrimac Street that moves into the city's Flatiron Building which was built more than 100 years ago. The new hotel restaurant features American fare with a "modern New England twist," with the menus within their website showing such items as pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, soups, salads, kettle chips, flatbreads, burgers, and lobster macaroni and cheese, along with an array of cocktails.

Eater Boston mentions that Finch opens at 5:00 PM today.

The address for this new hotel restaurant in the West End is: Finch, 107 Merrimac Street, Boston, MA, 02114. Their website can be found at http://theboxerboston.com/dining/


Highlights for the Week Ending May 17, 2013

A few more stories and articles centering on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a new dining spot possibly opening in the former Tavern on the Water space, a combination pizza restaurant/bowling alley in Somerville expanding, and a community brewer and pub being planned for Newton. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included an updated review of a restaurant and bar in Bridgewater, a photo of a hot dog from a burger place in Cambridge, and a question about boneless buffalo tenders.

Below are links to these and other items from the past week:

Boston Restaurant Talk

Cambridge Brewing Company to Produce a Beer in Honor of Police Officer Sean Collier

A New Restaurant May Be Coming to the Former Tavern on the Water Space in Charlestown

Flatbread Company in Somerville's Davis Square to Expand

All for One to Help Raise Money for The One Fund Boston

Hopster's Brew and Boards to Open in Newton Corner

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

Updated Review: Emma's Pub and Pizza in Bridgewater, MA

New Photo: Hot Dog from Flat Patties in Cambridge, MA

Question: Who Has the Best Boneless Tenders in the Boston Area?

Blog Review: Napper Tandy's in Roslindale, MA

New Photo: Glazed Apple Dumpling from Phantom Farms in Cumberland, RI


Taste of Faneuil Hall Coming to Boston, May 23, 2013

A brand new "taste" event is coming to downtown Boston this week, and it will be raising money for a good cause.

On Thursday, May 23, the first-ever Taste of Faneuil Hall will be held from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Ned Devine's and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace Rotunda, with a number of dining spots participating, including Anthem, Boston Chowda Co., Durgin-Park, Hard Rock Cafe, Mija Cantina and Tequila Bar, Regina's, Stadium Sports Bar and Grill, Sterlings, and several others. The event will also feature a "tap takeover," with beer options from various craft breweries offered, and live entertainment will come from local band Dalton and the Sheriffs.

Tickets for the Taste of Faneuil Hall cost $10, with all proceeds going to the Boston Children's Hospital in honor of Jane Richards and all of the children who were injured in the Boston Marathon attack last month. For more information on this event--including where to buy tickets--please go to the link below:

http://tasteoffh.eventbrite.com


Amelia's Taqueria Is Opening in Allston

A brand new Mexican restaurant is on its way to Allston, moving into the space where a couple of other dining spots had been over the past year or so.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site (and confirmed by the City of Boston website), Amelia's Taqueria will be opening on Brighton Avenue, taking over the spot where Grill Station had briefly been, and before that, India Dhaba. Currently there is little information on the restaurant other than the fact that the Chowhound poster says a sign is up for the place and the windows are papered over, so keep checking back for updates.

[May 21 update: A Twitter post from @annafelloff indicates that Amelia's Taqueria is now open.]

[May 22 update: A new Twitpic post from @annafelloff shows the menu for Amelia's Taqueria, with items including salads, tacos, burritos, tortas, nachos, and quesadillas. Fillings include chicken, pork, beef, and vegetables, with salsa options ranging from mild to hot.]

The address for this new Mexican eatery in Allston is: Amelia's Taqueria, 180 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134.


Friday, May 17, 2013

Annapurna in Cambridge Becomes Third Eye

A Cambridge restaurant that featured foods from several Asian countries has morphed into a new spot with a new name.

Eater Boston is reporting that Annapurna on Mass. Ave. (just west of Porter Square) is now Third Eye, with the menu apparently changing from one that included Afghan, Tibetan, Indian, and Nepalese fare to one that includes only Indian and Nepalese now. Before Annapurna opened, another similar spot called Ali Baba resided in the space, with that restaurant being featured on our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) a number of years back.

The address for this restaurant in North Cambridge is: Third Eye, 2088 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140.

Thanks to a poster on the Chowhound site for initially bringing this to our (and Eater Boston's) attention.


Lizzy's Restaurant and Pub in East Cambridge Is Reopening

An East Cambridge restaurant and pub that closed earlier this year is apparently going to be opening its doors once again.

Eater Boston is reporting Lizzy's restaurant and pub on Cambridge Street is planning to open back up in the next few weeks with "shorter hours and a scaled-down menu." The eating and drinking establishment, which focused on a mix of classic American and New American fare, had shuttered in January after being in business for a bit more than a year. [Note: This spot is not connected with Lizzy's Ice Cream on Church Street in the Harvard Square section of the city.]

As soon as we have more details on the new incarnation of Lizzy's restaurant and pub, we will post an update here.

[May 22 update: According to a poster on the Chowhound site (and confirmed by the restaurant's Facebook page), Lizzy's is now open once again. The poster says that the menu is apparently smaller and "more focused," with a strong emphasis on cocktails.]

The address for this East Cambridge spot is: Lizzy's, 635 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141. Its Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lizzys/210064552376777

[Earlier Article]
Lizzy's Restaurant and Pub in East Cambridge Has Closed


Cambridge Brewing Company to Produce a Beer in Honor of Police Officer Sean Collier

A brewery in the Kendall Square section of Cambridge is planning to come out with a beer that honors an MIT police officer who was allegedly killed at the hands of the Boston Marathon bombers.

The Boston Globe is reporting that the Cambridge Brewing Company is going to produce a beer called Collier Stout, naming the brew after Sean Collier, who was slain on the university's campus a few days after the attack at the marathon. The article states that the Irish-style stout will likely be available in the middle of June, with proceeds going to the Jimmy Fund, which has created a fund to honor Collier. Expect approximately 2,000 pints to be produced by the brewery.

[June 13 update: Thrillist states that Collier Stout will debut at 5:00 PM today, with the Cambridge Brewing Company saying in a Facebook post that the limited-production beer will probably be available for at least a week. the post also mentions that the beer will only be offered on tap at CBC, and that "all profits from the sale of this beer will be donated to the Jimmy Fund, which has established a memorial fund in Collier’s honor."]

Rocky Mountain Brewery in Colorado Springs, CO, will also release a version of Collier Stout as well, according to the Globe.

The address for the Cambridge Brewing Company (which also has a brewpub) is 1 Kendall Square #100, Cambridge, MA, 02139. Its website can be found at http://www.cambrew.com/


Thursday, May 16, 2013

Pennypackers Food Truck to Open a Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant in Somerville

We recently reported about a couple of Boston-area food trucks deciding to open brick-and-mortar restaurants, and now we have learned that yet another truck will soon have a permanent spot as well.

According to a post on its Facebook page, the people behind the Pennypackers Food Truck will be opening a brick-and-mortar eatery in Somerville, with the city's Zoning Board of Appeals approving their plans to open a restaurant in the Magoun Square section of the city. The post indicates that the new spot could be open sometime this summer.

[August 26 update: Eater Boston mentions that the new restaurant from the Pennypackers folks will be at 514C Medford Street, and it could be opening in early to mid-September.]

[September 17 update: It appears that the new brick-and-mortar restaurant from the Pennypackers folks may be close to opening, as a new job post on the Craigslist site indicates that they are now looking for workers there.]

[October 1 update: Eater Boston states that the new Pennypackers restaurant in Somerville will be opening this Saturday (October 5).]

Roxy's Grilled Cheese and Mei Mei are also opening permanent dining spots, with Roxy's being in Allston and Mei Mei's being in the Audubon Circle section of Boston.

Pennypackers, which debuted its truck in the summer of 2011, offers soups, salads, and sandwiches, and the owners now have two trucks--one stationed by the Marine Industrial Park in South Boston, and the other by Boston University. Their website can be found at http://www.pennypackersfoodtruck.com/


The Meat House in Brookline Is Closing

A New England-based chain of butcher shops had decided to close one of its Boston-area locations.

According to a post on its Facebook page, The Meat House in Brookline is shutting down on June 2 after being in business for nearly three years. The store, which is located on Beacon Street in Coolidge Corner, is one of four in the area, with others being in Arlington, Beverly, Chelmsford, and North Andover. It appears that these shops will remain open, based on the Facebook post.

The Meat House opened its first store in Portsmouth, NH, in 2003 and now has locations in 10 states, including in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York. The shops sell a variety of goods, including meat, cheese, wine, marinades, produce, baked goods, and prepared meals.

The address for this soon-to-close butcher shop in Brookline is: The Meat House, 1285 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for the company can be found at: http://www.themeathouse.com/

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


Stadium Sports Bar and Grill in Waltham Becomes Playmakers Bar and Grill

A sports bar with four locations in the Boston area is now back down to three, as its location in the western suburbs of Boston was sold and is now a new spot.

A check on the Stadium Sports Bar and Grill website earlier today indicated that the Waltham location was no longer shown on the site, and the group of eating and drinking spots has indeed confirmed that the Moody Street bar has been sold and is now called Playmakers Bar and Grill. A note on the Stadium's Facebook page shows that the team at the Waltham location continues to work at Playmakers, and that it is basically a change in ownership.

The Stadium Sports Bar and Grill first opened in Waltham in the winter of 2012, taking over the space where Robert's Restaurant and Bar had been. The three remaining locations in downtown Boston, South Boston, and Quincy remain open.

The address for the now-closed Stadium Sports Bar and Grill (and now-open Playmakers Bar and Grill) is 342 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, 02453. The website for the remaining Stadium locations is at http://www.stadiumbars.com/ while the Facebook page for Playmakers can be found at https://www.facebook.com/PlaymakersWaltham


Craft Beer Cellar New England Annex Coming to Winchester

The folks behind a specialty beer store in Belmont are going to be opening another outlet a few miles north, and this one will focus exclusively on regional brews.

According to its website and Facebook page, Craft Beer Cellar is bringing a New England Annex to Winchester, with the store selling only beers made in New England. A note on the Facebook page of the annex indicates that the new shop could be open by June 1, though they are "still in the planning, construction, and build-out stages."

[July 1 update: The Winchester Patch states that Craft Beer Cellar New England Annex opens today.]

The original Craft Beer Cellar first opened on Leonard Street in Belmont Center in the fall of 2010, with the focus being on craft beers from small, independent breweries in New England and beyond. There had been talk of another location coming to Needham, but that appears to be on hold, at least for now.

The address for this new beer store in Winchester is: Craft Beer Cellar New England Annex, 18 Thompson Street, Winchester, MA, 01890. The website for the original Craft Beer Cellar is at http://nocrapbeer.com/craftbeercellar/ma/belmont/ while the Facebook page for the annex can be found at https://www.facebook.com/craftbeercellarneannex


Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Woman Interviews for Job at Gyu-Kaku in Brookline, Allegedly Walks Off with Laptop and Smartphone

A person who was interviewing for a job at a new Japanese restaurant in Brookline allegedly left the place with a computer and smartphone that wasn't hers.

The Brookline TAB is reporting that a 26-year-old woman from Boston who came to Gyu-Kaku on Beacon Street to apply for a job apparently stole an Apple laptop and an iPhone from one of the restaurant's employees while she was there, though she was tracked down and arrested because she left her name and phone number on the job application. According to the article, a police officer attempted to reach her by phone several times after the alleged theft before letting her know that she would need to show up at the police station. The woman allegedly called back and said she did not want to go to the station for fear of being arrested and she also said she refused to surrender. She was then arrested while at an event in Boston and was charged with larceny.

The computer and smartphone remain missing, according to the TAB.


Splash Ultra Lounge in Boston to Become Bliss

A trendy lounge that featured a roofdeck, billiards, and late-night dining is apparently going to undergo a name change.

According to a post on owner Frank DePasquale's Facebook page, it looks like plans are in the works for the Splash Ultra Lounge space on Kneeland Street to become a new spot, as the person behind DePasquale Ventures says "Splash lounge is simply a memory Bliss event facility will soon open." Splash made the news last fall when it was forced to close due to overcrowding and serving alcohol to minors, according to an article in the Boston Globe.

No other information has been given on Bliss, so keep checking back for updates.

[June 19 update: Universal Hub is reporting that Splash has reopened (with UH also saying that it had been closed due to a burst water pipe), though the club is indeed looking to change its name to Bliss. According to the post, the Boston Licensing Board will decide tomorrow on the proposed name change, with "no major changes" being made to the space.]

[July 1 update: Based on its website, (http://www.bliss-boston.com/) it looks like Splash is now officially known as Bliss.]

DePasquale Ventures is behind such dining spots as Bricco, Mare, Quattro, Trattoria Il Panino, and Umbria Prime. Its website can be found at http://www.depasqualeventures.com/

The address for Splash (and the upcoming Bliss) is 150 Kneeland Street, Boston, MA, 02111.


Tu Y Yo in Needham Has Closed

A pair of Boston-area Mexican restaurants is back down to just one, as its location in the western suburbs of Boston has shuttered.

According to one of our readers (and confirmed by a second source), Tu Y Yo has closed its Needham restaurant after being in business for approximately four years. The Chestnut Street eatery apparently shut down very recently, though it is not known when its last day of business was. It appears that the original Somerville location remains open.

Somerville's Tu Y Yo is a dining spot that our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) has featured as a place to go in the Davis Square/Powderhouse Circle area for authentic Mexican fare. A review of the place can be found at the following link:

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

The address for the now-closed location of Tu Y Yo in Needham was: Tu Y Yo, 66 Chestnut Street, Needham, MA, 02492.


Update: Pier 6 Is Coming to the Former Tavern on the Water Space in Charlestown

[Ed note: This article was updated on June 11 to reflect new information received.]

A new dining spot may be coming to the waterside space where a popular restaurant and bar closed last fall.

The Charlestown Patch is reporting that Charles Larner, who owns Mija Cantina and Tequila Bar at Faneuil Hall in Boston, is looking to open a new place in Charlestown where Tavern on the Water had been. The article says that Larner had a meeting earlier this week with the Charlestown Neighborhood Council's Basic Services Committee to talk about a liquor license transfer--which the committee decided to support--though some local residents are apparently voicing concerns about Larner working with Martin Oliner, who owns the property. (A hearing had been held late last year to discuss the condition of Piers 6 and 8, both of which Oliner owns.) If the plans are ultimately approved and the permitting process works out, the new spot--which might be called Pier 6 and would serve seafood and American fare--could be open by this summer, though a fall opening is more likely.

[June 11 update: Patrick M. of the Server Not Servant blog has confirmed that the new restaurant will indeed be called Pier 6 and that a liquor license for the place was successfully transferred as of late last week. Patrick also says that Greg Reeves (formerly executive chef at Green Street in Cambridge) is going to be the executive chef at the new spot. It appears that Pier 6 could be open sometime in late July.]

[July 8 update: Pier 6 now has a Facebook page, which can be found at https://www.facebook.com/Pier6Boston. The Facebook page mentions that the eatery will include an upscale menu that focuses on "fresh seafood, local ingredients, & New England fare."]

[August 23 update: UrbanDaddy states that Pier 6 might be soft-opening this weekend. (Check back for more updates.)]

[August 24 update: Pier 6 has indeed opened.]

The address for this new restaurant is 1 8th Street #6, Charlestown, MA, 02129.

Thanks to the Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog for bringing this to our attention.

[Earlier Article]
Tavern on the Water in Charlestown Has Closed