Monday, September 30, 2013

Highlights for the Week Ending September 27, 2013

Several more stories and articles focusing on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a popular food show on TV being taken off the air, a "cat" cafe possibly coming to the city, and a chicken place opening a second location. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included a new review of a pizza place in Braintree, a photo of a Greek dish from a restaurant at an airport, and an updated review of an eating and drinking spot in Hough's Neck.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

TV Diner to Be Taken Off the Air by NECN

A Cat Cafe Could Be Coming to Boston

Zagat Includes Regina's Giambotta Pizza in Its "50 States, 50 Pizzas" Feature

Paul Pierce Ponders the Possibility of Opening a Restaurant/Bar in Boston

Ken's Kickin' Chicken Has Opened a New Store in Lynn

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

New Review: Rosie's Sub and Pizza Shop in Braintree, MA

Photo: Pork Chop from The Naumkeag Ordinary in Salem, MA

New Blog Entry: A Reminder About the Boston Restaurant Talk Blog

Updated Review: Louis in Quincy, MA

Photo: Stuffed Grape Leaves from Taso's Euro-Cafe in Norwood, MA


RJ Gourmet in East Cambridge Has Closed

A coffee bar in East Cambridge has closed after being in business for about a year and a half.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site (and confirmed by its Facebook page), RJ Gourmet on Cambridge Street has shuttered, saying on its page that it decided not to renew its lease. The coffeehouse first opened in February of 2012, offering coffee, tea, espresso, pastries, chocolate, and more, with direct-trade coffee and locally-sourced goods featured.

It appears that the last day for RJ Gourmet was last Thursday.

The address for this now-closed coffee bar in East Cambridge was: RJ Gourmet, 441 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141.


Hardee's to Return to the Northeast, with Plans Including Locations in Massachusetts

A hamburger chain that left the Northeast a number of years ago is now poised to make a return, with locations planned for four states in the region, including Massachusetts.

The Boston Business Journal is reporting (via Business Wire) that Hardee's is looking to open 200 branches in the area, with openings coming to New Jersey and New York, followed by Massachusetts and Connecticut. Hardee's used to have locations in the Northeast, but all of them were shuttered by the 1990s.

Hardee's is currently a subsidiary of California-based CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., which also owns, operates, and franchises locations of the Carl's Jr. chain. The website for Hardee's can be found at http://www.hardees.com/

Expect to see the Hardee's outlets opening in the region over the next 12 to 18 months.


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve More Dishes for College Students in the Boston Area]



The Rumor Mill: Is Piccola Venezia in Boston's North End Closing? (And Is Modern Pastry Moving In?)

It appears that an Italian restaurant in Boston's North End may be closing soon, and it also looks like a popular pastry shop next door could be moving into its space, though we are still waiting for complete confirmation on both of these.

According to a poster on the Facebook site who appears to be one of the folks behind the restaurant, Piccola Venezia at 263 Hanover Street is getting ready to close, with Saturday, October 5 being the closing date--and an earlier post from last week also says that the dining spot is "selling the building to the owners [of] Modern Pastry and they are moving the bakery over to where the restaurant is." The original date of the apparent closing had been Wednesday, October 2, but this date was changed late last week.

We are still waiting to hear back from Modern Pastry (which is at 257 Hanover Street) on the possible move mentioned--and are still looking to confirm with Piccola Venezia on its closing--but for now, it appears that both the closing of the restaurant and the moving of the pastry shop could be more than just a rumor. If you know anything more about this, please leave a comment here, thanks.

(Thanks to a reader for letting us know about this.)


Friday, September 27, 2013

Pinkberry Is Opening in Lynnfield

A chain of frozen yogurt shops is opening yet another store in the Boston area, with this one coming to a new retail center north of the city.

On Thursday, October 3 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Pinkberry will be "swirling" free yogurt for customers at its upcoming shop at MarketStreet Lynnfield, with its official opening apparently coming on Friday, October 4. The new Pinkberry will join a number of other eating and drinking establishments within the complex, including Boloco, Davio's, The Grove Boutique and Cafe, and the Yard House (Fugakyu, Kings, Legal C Bar, Otto Pizza, and Wagamama will also be opening there). Currently, other locations of Pinkberry can be found in Boston, Braintree, Cambridge, Chestnut Hill, Hingham, North Beverly, Somerville, and Wellesley. The website for the chain is at http://www.pinkberry.com/

MarketStreet Lynnfield is located near the intersection of Routes 128/95 and Walnut Street.


2013 Taste of Jamaica Plain to Be Held in...West Roxbury

An annual culinary event in Jamaica Plain is returning once again, but this year it won't actually be coming to JP--it will apparently be held in another Boston neighborhood this year.

The Jamaica Plain Gazette is reporting that the 2013 Taste of Jamaica Plain will be held somewhere in West Roxbury on November 21 because its usual venue--Cedars Hall at Our Lady of the Cedars of Lebanon Church on Rockwood Street--will be undergoing renovations. The folks behind the annual tasting event are "feverishly trying to find another spot" right now, so stay tuned for updates.

[November 20 update: West Roxbury Main Streets posted on the Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page that the 2013 Taste of Jamaica Plain will be held at the Elks Lodge at 1 Morrell Street in West Roxbury, with the event taking place tomorrow (as mentioned earlier).]

Thanks to Universal Hub for bringing this to our attention.


Thursday, September 26, 2013

TV Diner to Be Taken Off the Air by NECN

A popular restaurant review show on NECN is going to be leaving the airwaves.

According to a source earlier this evening, TV Diner is being canceled, with a Boston Globe article confirming this. The Globe says that a big shakeup is currently taking place at NECN, with the station apparently moving toward more of a news and weather-based format with less emphasis on lifestyle shows.

[September 30 update: It appears that TV Diner might not be quite done yet, as one post on its Facebook page from Friday says to "enjoy our last handful of show" while another from yesterday says that the show is going off the air "eventually. everything is up in the air" and a third post from today says in answer to the questions "How many more new episodes before the show ends? Will there be a finale wrap up episode?" "don't know yet. i will let you know as soon as i find out."]

TV Diner started out more than a decade ago, with Billy Costa of Kiss 108 at the helm from the start; Jenny Johnson joined the weekly food show a few years later.


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

A Cat Cafe Could Be Coming to Boston

[Ed note: This article was updated on September 24 to reflect the fact that the cafe would be home to rescue cats, not cats brought in by patrons. Apologies for the confusion, and thanks to @RichardPF for bringing this to our attention.]

If all goes as planned, Boston could become home to a new cafe, but not just any cafe--this one would come with cats (and would be a place for folks to have a bite to eat and/or a drink).

Universal Hub is reporting (via a Twitter post) that a young entrepreneur is looking to open a "cat cafe" somewhere in the city, with the hope being to have it up and running by the end of the year. These types of cafes apparently originate in Japan, where customers enjoy food and drink in the company of rescue cats from shelters. According to an article in the Restaurant Hub blog of The Boston Globe, there is the hurdle of getting the Board of Health to agree to this, so stay tuned...

For more information on a possible cat cafe coming to Boston, please go to the link below:

http://catcafedream.tumblr.com/

[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve More Dishes for College Students in the Boston Area]



A Taste of Swampscott to Take Place October 13, 2013

A culinary event is on its way to the North Shore in October, and a number of restaurants will be taking part in it.

According to its website, A Taste of Swampscott will be held on Sunday, October 13 starting at 1:30 PM. In addition to dining spots offering food samples, the third annual Taste event will feature a raffle and a silent auction, and eateries such as Bianco's, Caffe Paolina, Comella's, Lincoln's Landing, Paradiso Ristorante, Tony Lena's, Yan's China Bistro, and others will be participating.

Tickets to the 2013 Taste of Swampscott cost $15 in advance (and for students and senior citizens) and $20 at the door. For more information, please go to the link below:

http://www.atasteofswampscott.org/


The Grove Boutique and Cafe Has Opened in Lynnfield

A unique type of cafe has come to an new open-air retail center north of Boston.

According to a post on Facebook, the folks behind The Grove Boutique and Cafe in Manchester-by-the-Sea have opened a new location at MarketStreet Lynnfield, with the new spot selling everything from fashions and accessories to coffee, tea, juices, smoothies, and desserts. The combination boutique/cafe joins other eating and drinking spots at the new complex, including Boloco, Davio's, and the Yard House, as well as upcoming places such as Fugakyu, Kings, Legal C Bar, Otto Pizza, and Wagamama.

MarketStreet Lynnfield can be found near the intersection of Routes 128/95 and Walnut Street.

The website for The Grove Boutique and Cafe is at http://thegrovema.com/


Craft Beer Cellar Is Opening in Braintree

The folks behind two specialty beer stores in Belmont and Winchester--and soon several others in New England--have announced yet another new shop on the way, with this one opening in a suburb south of Boston.

According to a post on its website, Craft Beer Cellar is planning to open in Braintree, moving into the space on Commercial Street in the East Braintree/Weymouth landing area where a hair salon used to be. This is one of a few new Craft Beer Cellar locations coming to the region, with others in the works for Newton, Westford, Waterbury, VT, and possibly Portsmouth, NH, and Portland, ME (a Needham location had also been in the works as well, but that may have fallen through).

A note on its Facebook page indicates that the new Craft Beer Cellar in Braintree might be opening in the middle of November.

[October 31 update: A post on its Facebook page indicates that Craft Beer Cellar is one step closer to opening in Braintree, as it has received a license to sell alcohol from the town's licensing board.]

[November 21 update: According to a new post on its Facebook page, the Craft Beer Cellar in Braintree is now open .]

The address for this upcoming beer store in East Braintree/Weymouth Landing is: Craft Beer Cellar, 28 Commercial Street, Braintree, MA, 02184. The website for the shops is at https://craftbeercellar.com/


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve More Dishes for College Students in the Boston Area]



Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Dunkin' Donuts Branch Shown in "Good Will Hunting" to Remain Open After All

Last week we reported that a local branch of Dunkin' Donuts that was shown in the movie "Good Will Hunting" was going to be shutting its doors. Now we have learned that the shop will stay open after all.

A new article from The Harvard Crimson says the branch of the donut chain that is located at the corner of Mass. Avenue and Bow Street in Cambridge's Harvard Square will continue to operate (along with Baskin-Robbins, which is in the same space), and that the "closing" signs were removed earlier today. It appears that the lease, which expired in 2012 and was to be resold, is now apparently back with the donut and ice cream shops once again.

The store was shown in a scene from the 1997 movie where Matt Damon uttered the now-famous line, "How do you like them apples?"

The Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin-Robbins outlet can be found at 1 Bow Street on the eastern edge of Harvard Square.

Thanks to Universal Hub for bringing this to our attention.

[Earlier Article]
Dunkin' Donuts Branch That Was Shown in "Good Will Hunting" Is Closing


Zagat Includes Regina's Giambotta Pizza in Its "50 States, 50 Pizzas" Feature

Zagat is celebrating Pizza Week with a list of top pies in each state, and a landmark Boston restaurant has been included in the list.

According to the new slideshow from Zagat, Regina Pizzeria in the North End has been picked among the 50, with the guide stating that "it's the brick oven that keeps the crust crispy" and "with Sinatra on the jukebox, beers served by the pitcher, and pies like The Giambotta (pepperoni, housemade Regina sausage, salami, mushrooms, peppers, onions and mozzarella cheese), Boston has a little slice of Italy right in its city." Other places in New England that were picked by Zagat include Frank Pepe in New Haven, CT (white clam pie), Micucci's Italian Grocer in Portland, ME (Sicilian slab), 900 Degrees in Manchester, NH (the Bella Cosa), Via Via in Newport, RI (chicken bacon and ranch pie), and Positive Pie in Hardwick, Montpelier, and Plainfield, VT (Salsiccia).

The original Regina's is located at 11 Thacher Street. (A number of other outlets can be found in Boston and the suburbs as well as in other parts of New England.)

For a complete listing of pizzas picked by Zagat, please go to the link below:

50 States, 50 Pizzas


New York Mart Opens in Quincy

A new Asian supermarket has opened in Quincy, taking over the space where a couple of other Asian grocery stores had been.

According to a Chowhound poster, New York Mart has opened at the former Thuan Dat site--it had previously been a Super 88 as well--in the Wollaston section of the city, though the temporary sign at the store apparently says "New York Marts" and there appears to be some confusion as to whether it is actually called "New York Mart" or "New York Marts" (see note below). It is also not known for certain if this market is connected to the New York Mart chain that can be found in New York City and other parts of the country; as soon as we find out more information, we will post an update here. (The Alternative Press says that there are approximately 10 such markets in the United States and calls it "New York Marts.")

The address for this new Asian grocery store in Quincy is: New York Mart, 733 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02170.


Charlie Sarkis' Last Two Massachusetts Restaurants to Close

The person behind a number of Massachusetts restaurants is getting ready to close his final two eateries in the state.

The Patriot Ledger is reporting that Charlie Sarkis of the Sarkis Restaurant Group (which had previously been called the Back Bay Restaurant Group) will close Joe's American Bar and Grill and Papa Razzi in Hanover sometime in December, leaving his group with only two remaining eateries--a Joe's and a Papa Razzi in Short Hills, NJ. Sarkis founded such restaurants as Joe's, Papa Razzi, Abe & Louie's, Charley's, Atlantic Fish Company, J.C. Hillary's, and others, but most of these spots have either closed or been sold, with the Tavistock Group and Newport Harbor Corp. purchasing a number of the restaurant locations from the Back Bay Restaurant Group over the past couple of years. [Ed note: Locations of Joe's and Papa Razzi in Massachusetts that are owned by the Tavistock Group will remain open, along with Abe & Louie's, Atlantic Fish, and Coach Grill.]

[October 17 update: An update to the Patriot Ledger article indicates that Joe's American Bar and Grill and Papa Razzi in Hanover will actually be closing this Saturday (October 19) rather than in December, as had been previously mentioned.]

The Back Bay Restaurant Group first started out in the 1960s.

The address for Joe's American Bar and Grill and Papa Razzi in Hanover is 2087 Washington Street, Hanover, MA, 02339.


Monday, September 23, 2013

Highlights for the Week Ending September 20, 2013

A few more stories and articles centering on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a local food editor and newspaper gaining national recognition once again, a barbecue joint coming to Burlington, and a brewpub possibly opening in Somerville. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included an updated review of a restaurant in Allston, a new chat on road trip-worthy dining spots in New England, and a photo of a donut from a country store in the heart of apple country.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

Sheryl Julian, Boston Globe Take Second Place in Best Newspaper Food Coverage Once Again

Sher-A-Punjab to Open in Cognac Bistro Space in Brookline

Slow Bones to Open in Burlington

Keurig to Open a Retail Shop in Burlington

World of Beer May Be Out, Beer Works May Be In (or Maybe Not) for Somerville's Davis Square

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

Updated Review: Shanghai Gate in Allston, MA

Photo: Dan Dan Noodles from China King in Boston, MA

New Chat: Road Trip-Worthy Restaurants in New England

Blog Review: The Naumkeag Ordinary in Salem, MA

Photo: Cake Donut from Westward Orchards in Harvard, MA


Tornado Restaurant and Lounge Is Opening in Malden

A new restaurant is on its way to Malden, and it looks like it will be featuring small plates.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site, Tornado Restaurant and Lounge is going to be opening on Florence Street, taking over the space where Guadalajara Mexican Grill and Bar had been, and before it, Montebello Ristorante Italiano and Artichokes. The website for the new dining spot says that it will offer Asian-inspired tapas, though no other information is given about the place on its site.

It is not known what the background of the name "Tornado" might be, though it could refer to the high school sports teams in Malden, which are named the Golden Tornadoes.

[November 4 update: A note sent to us from the place mentions that Tornado Restaurant and Lounge soft-opens today, while its website now shows a menu that includes such items as tomato-lemongrass soup, fish tacos, oysters Rockefeller, seared avocados, pretzel sandwiches, salmon crudo, pan-seared duck breast, and aged sirloin.]

The address for this new spot in Malden is: Tornado Restaurant and Lounge, 2 Florence Street, Malden, MA, 02146. Its website will be at http://www.tornadorestaurantandlounge.com/


Paul Pierce Ponders the Possibility of Opening a Restaurant/Bar in Boston

Paul Pierce may be gone from the Boston Celtics, but he could be back at some point--possibly as the owner of a restaurant and/or bar.

The Boston Globe is reporting that the former Celtics star (now with the Brooklyn Nets) says he would like to stay connected with Boston after his playing days are over, possibly opening a sports bar in the area. Pierce mentions that he "None of the former Celtic great players have come and done that....You see the Don Shula restaurant, the Michael Jordan restaurant, and Magic [Johnson] got the theaters in LA." He goes on to say that "I am going to still have relationships here. I'm always going to come to this city. Every year, when I'm done, I'm going to have a reason to come here."

Pierce was a forward for the Celtics, playing for the team from 1998 until 2013 (he was traded to the Nets in July).


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve More Dishes for College Students in the Boston Area]



Ken's Kickin' Chicken Has Opened a New Store in Lynn

A North Shore spot that features chicken pot pies has opened a second shop a few miles south of the original.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site (and confirmed via Facebook), Ken's Kickin' Chicken on North Street in Salem now has a new store in Lynn, with the Maple Street shop apparently opening over the weekend. Based on the menu at the original Ken's, it appears that the new outlet will offer a variety of chicken pies as well as soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, sides, and more.

The address for this new shop in Lynn is: Ken's Kickin' Chicken, 252 Maple Street, Lynn, MA, 01904. Its website can be found at http://kenskickinchicken.net/


Akai Ryu Shabu and Sushi Is Opening in Cambridge's Porter Square

It looks like a new Asian restaurant is on its way to one of the busiest sections of Cambridge.

According to a License Commission General Hearing page on the city's website, a place called Red Dragon & Sushi is requesting a common victualer license for a space in Porter Square, with the proposed dining spot having a seating capacity of 200 and lunch and dinner service seven days a week. Based on the notice, it appears that the new restaurant will not be serving alcohol.

[September 24 update: Eater Boston mentions (via the Arizona Corporate Commission) that the person behind this upcoming eatery also runs a takeout place in Laveen, AZ, called Red Dragon Express.]

[November 22 update: A new License Commission General Hearing page from the City of Cambridge's website indicates that a name change is in the works for the restaurant, with the new name being "Akai Ryu Shabu & Sushi."]

[June 19, 2014 update: A new post from Eater Boston indicates that Akai Ryu is now open, with the restaurant offering shabu-shabu, sushi, and more.]

The building that this new restaurant is moving into is One Porter Square, which is where a location of Uno Chicago Grill used to be--and which is where a branch of Potbelly Sandwich Shop currently resides.

The address for this new eatery in Cambridge is One Porter Square, Cambridge, MA, 02140.


Sunday, September 22, 2013

Sal's Pizza at Boston University Has Closed

A local chain of pizza places that has been expanding through the Boston area over the past several years has closed one of its locations within the city.

According to a post on Twitter from @sportsgirlkat, Sal's Pizza on Commonwealth Avenue by Boston University has shuttered, with a check on the Sal's website confirming that it has indeed closed down (the site refers customers to shops on Brookline Avenue in the Fenway and Tremont Street in downtown Boston). The BU location first opened its doors in the fall of 2010.

There are currently more than 20 locations of Sal's Pizza in Massachusetts, with others being found in New Hampshire, Arizona, and California.

The address for this now-closed pizza shop by BU was: Sal's Pizza, 714 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for the chain is at http://www.sals-pizza.com/


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve More Dishes for College Students in the Boston Area]



Friday, September 20, 2013

Arthur's Pastry Shop West Is Opening in West Medford

The folks behind an Italian pastry shop that has been in business for several decades are getting ready to open a second store not too far away.

A post on its Facebook page mentions that Arthur's Pastry Shop West is opening on High Street in West Medford tomorrow, joining its original location on Main Street in South Medford. Arthur's is known in part for its cannoli (which have house-made shells, according a Chowhound poster) along with a variety of cakes, pies, cookies, and pastries. The original Arthur's first opened approximately 40 years ago. and has roots all the way back to the 1920s in Boston's North End.

The address for this new pastry shop in West Medford is: Arthur's Pastry Shop West, 509 High Street, Medford, MA, 02155. The website for the original Arthur's can be found at http://www.arthurspastry.com/


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve More Dishes for College Students in the Boston Area]



Dunkin' Donuts Branch That Was Shown in "Good Will Hunting" Is Closing

A Boston-area branch of Dunkin' Donuts that was shown in an award-winning film from the 1990s is going to be closing.

The Harvard Crimson is reporting that the donut shop at the corner of Mass. Avenue and Bow Street in Harvard that was seen in "Good Will Hunting" is planning to close next week, with the owner of the franchise looking for a new location. The store--which also houses a Baskin-Robbins--was used in a scene from the 1997 movie where Matt Damon (as Will Hunting) plastered the phone number of a woman he met on the window and yelled "How do you like them apples?" (The woman being Skylar, who was played by Minnie Driver.)

The soon-to-close Dunkin' Donuts/Baskin-Robbins outlet is located at 1 Bow Street, which is just east of the heart of the square.

Thanks to Eater Boston for bringing this to our attention (via BostInno).


Sheryl Julian, Boston Globe Take Second Place in Best Newspaper Food Coverage Once Again

The Association of Food Journalists has announced its 2013 winners, and once again it includes a Boston newspaper and its food editor.

According to a post on the Eater site, Sheryl Julian and The Boston Globe were awarded second place for Best Newspaper Food Coverage above 200,000 circulation by the Association of Food Journalists (AFJ), which makes this the second year in a row that Julian and the Globe food section have been given that honor. And as was the case last year, the San Francisco Chronicle was awarded first place.

Sheryl Julian has written and edited several food-based books, including "The Way We Cook" and "The New Boston Globe Cookbook." She also trained at the Cordon Bleu schools in Paris and London.

More information on the awards can be found at the link below:

http://afjonline.com/2013awards-home.cfm

The Boston Globe food section is at http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/


Thursday, September 19, 2013

Update: Shan-A-Punjab Is Opening in the Cognac Bistro Space in Brookline

[Ed note: This article was updated on December 2 to reflect a slight name change for the new spot--plus confirmation that it has opened.]

Last week we reported that a French bistro in Brookline was getting ready to close, and now we have learned that the folks behind an Indian dining spot in Quincy are going to be opening a second location in the soon-to-be-vacated space.

Eater Boston is reporting (via the Brookline TAB) that Sher-A-Punjab is planning to open a new restaurant where Cognac Bistro currently resides, with the latter restaurant possibly closing as early as the end of business hours Sunday, though apparently no later than the end of this month. Once it opens, expect the spot to offer both classic and modern Indian fare, with the eatery being open for lunch and dinner daily.

[September 23 update: A Chowhound poster confirms that yesterday was indeed the last day for Cognac Bistro.]

[December 2 update: According to a new Chowhound post, the new restaurant in Brookline from the people behind Sher-A-Punjab in Quincy is now open, and the name is apparently a bit different from the original; it is called Shan-A-Punjab.]

Sher-A-Punjab first opened on Hancock Street in Quincy Center in March of 2012, taking over the former Blue22 Bar and Grille space.

The address for Cognac Bistro (and the upcoming restaurant from the Sher-A-Punjab folks) is 455 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.

[Earlier Articles]
Cognac Bistro in Brookline Is Up for Sale
Sher-A-Punjab Opens in Quincy


Taste Dedham to Be Held at Moseley's, October 24, 2013

A culinary event is returning to Dedham once again this fall, and as always, a number of area restaurants will be taking part in it.

On Thursday, October 24, Taste Dedham will take place at Moseley's on Bridge Street, with the fundraiser going from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. This year, 30 restaurants will be participating, and there will also be a silent auction, a raffle, and a celebrity cook-off between Vinny Marino of The Brickhouse Cafe and Joe Musto of Vincenzo's Italian Deli. Some of the dining spots that will be at Taste Dedham include Al Wadi, Aquitaine Dedham, Brickhouse Cafe, Genki Ya, Halfway Cafe, Isabella Restaurant, Met Bar & Grill, Summer Shack, Village Manor, Yard House, and more.

Tickets to the 2013 Taste Dedham are $30 per person in advance ($35 at the door), with proceeds benefiting various programs and services that the Dedham Rotary Club supports. For more information on this event, please go to the following link:

http://www.dedhamrotary.com/


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve More Dishes for College Students in the Boston Area]



Wednesday, September 18, 2013

SlowBones Is Opening in Burlington

It looks like a new barbecue joint is on its way to the Boston area, with this one opening north of the city.

According to a picture sent to us by @Lin_Dolin via Twitter, SlowBones Modern BBQ is planning to open in Burlington, with a page on the Town of Burlington website indicating that the restaurant will be located on Mall Road just east of the Middlesex Turnpike. Very little information on SlowBones can be found at this point in time other than Dodge Lead Center mentioning that the eatery will apparently have about 1,600 square feet of space.

As soon as we have more information on this place, we will post an update here.

[October 8 update: SlowBones is currently hiring, according to another picture sent by @Lin_Dolin; also, the website for SlowBones is showing what will be on the menu there, with items including pulled pork, brisket, St. Louis ribs, wings, shrimp burgers, sweet potato pie, and macaroni and cheese.]

[October 15 update: The Boston Business Journal mentions that the person behind SlowBones is Boston Market co-founder Steven "Kip" Kolow.]

[October 31 update: According to @Lin_Dolin, it looks like it may be another two weeks or so before SlowBones will open, based on a call made to the restaurant. Also, more information has been posted by Linear Retail, which says it is moving into the former D'Angelo space and will be a quick-casual spot that offers dishes made using "fresh, quality ingredients."]

[November 19 update: SlowBones has not yet opened in Burlington, but more news has come out about the place, including The Boston Globe stating that Kip Kolow has plans to go national with the BBQ spot. An email sent to us from CBH Communications seems to confirm this, as they are saying that the restaurant will indeed be expanding to other parts of the country, with California apparently being next.]

[November 19 update #2: Foodservice East is reporting that there could end up being an estimated eight to ten locations of SlowBones in the Boston area at some point.]

[December 4 update: A new Facebook post from SlowBones indicates that it is opening today.]

The address for this new BBQ joint in Burlington is: SlowBones, 80 Mall Road, Burlington, MA, 01803. Its website is at http://slowbonesbbq.com/


Keurig Is Opening a Retail Shop in Burlington

A local subsidiary of a Vermont-based coffee company is going to be opening its very first retail shop, and it will be located in a northern suburb of Boston.

The Boston Business Journal is reporting (via Business Wire) that Green Mountain Coffee Roasters is planning to open a Keurig store at the Burlington Mall, with the shop offering a complete line of brewers, beverages (including K-cup options), and accessories, and onsite demonstrations will also be offered as well. The Reading-based Keurig could open other retail outlets as well, though it might depend on how well the pilot store in Burlington does, according to the BBJ.

It looks like the Keurig shop may be opening in November.

[November 9 update: Boston.com states that the Keurig shop at the Burlington Mall is now open.]

The website for Green Mountain Coffee Roasters (which is headquartered in Waterbury, VT) is at http://www.greenmountaincoffee.com/ while Keurig's site can be found at http://www.keurig.com/


Tuesday, September 17, 2013

World of Beer May Be Out, Beer Works May Be In (or Maybe Not) for Somerville's Davis Square

Earlier this year we reported that a Florida-based chain of beer bars had been looking to possibly open a location in Somerville's Davis Square. Those plans may have fallen through, with a local group of restaurants and breweries now hoping to open in the space, though not without some resistance.

The Somerville Patch is reporting that the Elm Street space where World of Beer had been checking out is now being looked at by the folks behind Beer Works, but a couple of city aldermen have expressed concern about the proposal and a neighborhood meeting may now be in the works on September 23. The article mentions that Alderman At-Large John Connolly says "instead of a dining destination, Davis Square would be a drinking destination," and that "we're not Lansdowne Street," while Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz states that she "would like to see some retail" in the space.

Beer Works currently has locations in Boston (North Station and Fenway), Framingham, Hingham, Lowell, and Salem.

The space in question is at 240 Elm Street in Davis Square.

Thanks to Eater Boston for bringing this to our attention.

[Earlier Article]
World of Beer Is Looking to Come to Somerville's Davis Square


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve More Dishes for College Students in the Boston Area]



Monday, September 16, 2013

Highlights for the Week Ending September 13, 2013

Several more stories and articles focusing on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a wood-fired pizza spot possibly coming to downtown Boston, a Nantucket restaurant bringing a second location to the Back Bay, and a partial building collapse in Somerville closing two dining spots for at least awhile. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included a new review of a dining spot in Chinatown, a donut from a place in Somerville's Union Square, and some updates to the dive bar photo gallery.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

Strada 45 May Be Coming to Downtown Boston

Chopps to Open in Burlington

Lola 41 Is Coming to Boston's Back Bay

Storefront of Zoe's and Mixtura in Somerville Collapses

Kaya Restaurant in Cambridge Has Closed; May Be Replaced by Hotel with Same Name

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

New Review: China King in Boston, MA

Photo: Cherry Hibiscus Donut from Union Square Donuts in Somerville, MA

Updated Dive Bar Photo Gallery

Updated Review: Kelleher's in Roslindale, MA

Photo: Pork Buns from China King in Boston, MA


Friday, September 13, 2013

Yogurtland Is Opening in Boston's Back Bay

A California-based frozen yogurt chain that has opened its first three Boston-area shops over the past few months is going to be opening a fourth, with this one being located in the Back Bay.

Eater Boston is reporting that Yogurtland is planning to open on Newbury Street (between Gloucester Street and Hereford Street), joining other shops in Brookline, Cambridge, and Newton Centre. Based on the other locations, expect the new Back Bay store to be a self-service frozen yogurt place with flavors such as birthday cupcake batter, cinnamon graham cracker, blueberry tart, chocolate milkshake, mango, green tea, and pumpkin pie.

[October 4 update: An email sent this morning indicates that the new Yogurtland in the Back Bay is now open.]

The address for this new frozen yogurt shop in the Back Bay is: Yogurtland, 294 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02115. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.yogurt-land.com/


MAST' Restaurant and Drinkery Is Coming to Downtown Boston

[Ed note: This article was updated on January 28, 2014 to reflect new information given, including a new name for the place.]

It looks like a new restaurant is on its way to Boston, opening in a luxury development in the Downtown Crossing section of the city.

Universal Hub is reporting that John DeSimone of the Muscle Maker Grill chain is hoping to open a place that is tentatively named Strada 45 on Province Street, with the eatery planning to have a wood-fired oven within the space and alcohol available. The Boston Licensing Board will have a hearing on the proposed dining spot next week.

Muscle Maker Grill was first established in 1995 and focuses on healthy alternatives to traditional fast food. Its website can be found at http://www.musclemakergrill.com/

[January 28, 2014 update: Eater Boston states (with some information coming from a Zagat article) that the new restaurant (and "drinkery") coming to Province Street will now be called MAST', and it will be "a modern take on authentic, Neapolitan street food...drawing from Southern Italian, Spanish, and Greek Fare, but with a twist of Old World, European influenced Bostonia." The dining and drinking spot, which has room for 120 seats inside and another 30 on an outdoor patio, is planning to open this spring, with John DeSimone still behind it, along with partners Marco Caputo, and Anthony DePinto (TV personality Taniya Nayak will be designing the space).]

[October 20, 2014 update: A Facebook post from MAST' indicates that it is apparently on the verge of opening, as it had a friends and family night over the weekend and is spending this week getting ready to officially open.]

[October 21, 2014 update: A press release sent last night indicates that MAST' will open its doors on Saturday.]

The address for this upcoming restaurant in downtown Boston is 45 Province Street, Boston, MA, 02108.


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve More Dishes for College Students in the Boston Area]



Chopps Is Opening in Burlington

A new steakhouse is coming to a hotel in a northern suburb of Boston, and it looks like a chef at a high-end Boston restaurant is involved with it.

Based on a couple of Facebook posts this week, Chopps is going to be opening within the Marriott in Burlington, with Chef Daniel Bruce of Meritage at the Boston Harbor Hotel currently looking for a chef for the spot (Sous Chef Justin Mosher of Meritage also posted a similar update, mentioning that the restaurant will indeed be at the Marriott hotel). The Marriott is currently home to another high-end eatery called Summer Winter, though it is not yet known whether Chopps will be a second restaurant at the hotel or replacing Summer Winter; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

Chef Bruce is also the founder of the Boston Wine Festival.

[September 13 update: A note from Chef Bruce confirms that Chopps will be replacing Summer Winter.]

[September 16 update: A comment on the Restaurant Hub blog of The Boston Globe that is apparently from Chef Bruce mentions that he is "not personally opening, but...consulting with the group [he works] for, (Pyramid Hotel Group) an American steak house restaurant in Burlington."]

[October 1 update: A bit more information on Chopps--according to a recent job posting on the Craigslist site, the new restaurant is part of an extensive renovation of the Marriott, with Chopps featuring "creative appetizers, prime and choice grass fed beef and local seafood." Also, as implied earlier, Chef Bruce is going to be the consulting chef.]

[February 27, 2014 update: An email sent today indicates that Chopps is now open, with its exact name being "Chopps American Bar and Grill." The menu includes such items as delmonico steak, Block Island swordfish chops, char-seared yellowfin tuna, crispy pork belly, and more.]

The address for this new steakhouse in Burlington is: Chopps, 1 Burlington Mall Road, Burlington, MA, 01803.


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve More Dishes for College Students in the Boston Area]



Thursday, September 12, 2013

Kate's Table Is Opening in Hingham

It looks like a new takeout spot and catering business is on its way to the South Shore.

According to a job post on the Craigslist site, Kate's Table is planning to open sometime this month in Hingham, with the high-end shop including catering as well as prepared foods for lunch and dinner such as salads and sandwiches (artisan breads, sweet treats, and more will be offered as well). An earlier Hingham Patch article mentions that the catering end of the business will include private services for dinner parties, weddings, graduations, and more.

The owners of Kate's Table are two sisters--Kate Driscoll Papaleoni and Kelly Driscoll Griffin--who have much experience in the culinary world, with Kate working at such places as B&G Oysters, Icarus, and Truc, and Kelly most recently being the Director of Catering & Events at Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy, according to the website for Kate's Table.

[September 17 update: According to its website, Kate's Table may be opening tomorrow.]

[September 19 update: It appears that Kate's Table may not have opened after all, though its website says September 18 for its grand opening--more to come ASAP.]

[September 20 update: Based on posts within its Facebook page, Kate's Table is indeed open.]

The address for this new spot in Hingham is: Kate's Table, 99 South Street, Hingham, MA, 02043. Its website is at http://katestable.com/


Bonefish Grill Is Opening in Burlington

A Florida-based chain that features seafood is getting ready to open what could be its first Boston-area location.

According to a job post on the Craigslist site, Bonefish Grill is currently hiring for their upcoming outlet at Wayside Commons in Burlington. It is possible that this will be the chain's first outlet in the area, depending on the progress of its upcoming location in Waltham.

[October 3 update: An email sent yesterday indicates that the new Bonefish Grill in Burlington will be opening on Monday, November 11, and this will indeed be the first location in the Boston area, as the Waltham location does not seem to be opening anytime soon at this point.]

[November 19 update: Bonefish Grill has opened in Burlington.]

Bonefish Grill features a variety of seafood items, including shrimp tacos, fish burgers, calamari, grilled rainbow trout, Maryland crab cakes, and grouper, and the menu also has non-seafood items such as chicken and steak. Their website can be found at http://www.bonefishgrill.com/

Wayside Commons is at 2 Wayside Road, Burlington, MA, 01803.

[Earlier Article]
Bonefish Grille, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Seasons 52 May Be Coming to Burlington's Wayside Commons


Causeway Is Moving Into the Former Penalty Box Space in Boston

It looks like a new restaurant and bar may be opening near Boston's North Station, taking over the space where a dive bar used to be.

According to an earlier Licensing Board PDF page on the City of Boston website, a spot that is may be called Causeway is planning to open at the former Penalty Box site on Causeway Street. There is currently very little information on the upcoming place, so keep checking back for updates. (Thanks to @ConciergeBoston for initially bringing this to our attention.)

[March 6, 2014 update: Eater Boston is reporting that the name of the place is tentatively going to be "Causeway BBQ," and that a tipster tells them the "kitchen manager/pit boss" will be a familiar name to local barbecue lovers. It looks like Causeway BBQ could be opening in late April or early May.]

[March 7, 2014 update: PigTrip says that the person behind Causeway BBQ (or possible "The Causeway," as PigTrip calls it) is Ruben Garza, who used to be the pit man at Blue Ribbon BBQ in West Newton and was more recently a manager at the Arlington location of the restaurant. The post also says that while "it may not be strictly or solely a barbecue joint," it will have a smoker.]

[July 27, 2014 update: Eater Boston mentions that Causeway had a very limited soft opening on Friday, with the restaurant's Facebook page stating that its full opening menu will be offered starting Wednesday (July 30).]

The address for this new dining and drinking spot near North Station is 65 Causeway Street, Boston, MA, 02114.


Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Justine's Table in Wellesley Is Now Justine's Grill

A restaurant west of Boston that opened last fall has made a minor name change--and it appears that its menu will undergo some changes as well.

According to a post on its Facebook page, Justine's Table in Wellesley is now called Justine's Grill, with the Route 9 dining spot stating that it is "revamping [its] menu with some tasty new dishes...grilled dishes to be exact!" The note goes on to say that it is the "same great restaurant with just a few upgrades!" (It looks like the folks behind Justine's Grill will be making an announcement as to what will be on the new menu soon.)

Justine's Table first opened its doors in November of 2012, featuring a mix of regional food and seasonal American fare.

The address for this newly-named spot in Wellesley is: Justine's Grill, 978 Worcester Street, Wellesley, MA, 02482. Its website is at http://www.justinestablewellesley.com/