Thursday, October 31, 2013

Broadway Diner in Arlington Has Closed

A diner in a northwest suburb of Boston has closed after being in business for a bit less than seven years.

A check on the restaurant yesterday confirmed that the Broadway Diner in Arlington is no longer in business, as its windows are papered over and there is a sign out front saying that the building is "available." The diner's Facebook page confirms its closure, with a note on October 19 saying that "It's almost that time when we have to say good bye." There have been rumors going around over the past several months that the Broadway Diner could possibly move to another location, but no indication of this has been given on its Facebook page.

The Broadway Diner first opened in early 2007, replacing a Middle Eastern eatery called the Olive Branch. Years ago, the space was home to a Dairy Queen as well.

The address for this now-closed diner in Arlington was: Broadway Diner, 117 Broadway, Arlington, MA, 02474.


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Comfort Food Items from Boston-Area Restaurants]



Wednesday, October 30, 2013

The Merchant Is Opening in Downtown Boston

It looks like a brand new restaurant is on its way to downtown Boston.

According to a post within the restaurant jobs section of the BostonChefs.com site, The Merchant is going to be opening on Franklin Street, with the 200-seat dining and drinking spot being an "American Brasserie" with a raw bar, two private dining rooms, and a 40-foot bar with 36 beers on tap, a "creative" wine list, and craft cocktails. The post from BostonChefs.com says that the kitchen will be headed by Matthew Foley, who was formerly a Sous Chef at Craigie on Main in Cambridge. Based on a page from the City of Boston website, it looks like The Merchant may have received its liquor license from the now-closed Pigalle, a French restaurant in the Theatre District that owner Marc Orfaly closed earlier this year to reportedly make way for a new concept at some point.

Expect The Merchant to open sometime in December.

[February 24, 2014 update: The Merchant has not yet opened, but based on a new post within the Craigslist site, it appears very close, as the post says that it plans to open at the end of this month.]

[March 2, 2014 update: According to its Facebook page, The Merchant is now open.]

The address for this new spot in downtown Boston is: The Merchant, 60 Franklin Street, Boston, MA, 02110.


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Comfort Food Items from Boston-Area Restaurants]



A Sweeter Life (A Dessert Fundraiser) Returns to Haley House Bakery Cafe in Roxbury, November 3, 2013

A dessert event is returning to a non-profit restaurant in Roxbury's Dudley Square this weekend, and once again, several area chefs will be participating.

According to the restaurant's website, A Sweeter Life: A Dessert Fundraiser is going to take place at the Haley House Bakery Cafe on Dade Street on Sunday, November 3 starting at 3:00 PM. Included will be dessert tastings from local chefs such as Joanne Chang (Flour Bakery), Maura Kilpatrick (Sofra), Kristina Lawson (Tatte), Amanda Masson (Davio's), Christina Mercado (Finale), Lee Napoli (Chocolee Chocolate and Bread + Butter), and the Haley House folks.

Tickets to A Sweeter Life cost $45 each ($100 for early admission at 2:00 PM, which includes a pre-reception with the chefs), with proceeds helping support Haley House's Transitional Employment Program. For more information, please go to the link below:

http://haleyhouse.org/ASweeterLife


Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Life Alive Plans to Open "Several" More Restaurants

Last month we reported that a local group of cafes that features healthy, organic food was making plans to open a fourth location. Now we have learned that even more outlets could be in the works as well at some point.

According to a new job post on the Craigslist site, Life Alive in Lowell, Cambridge, and Salem "will be opening several more in the coming years," including what may be a second location in Cambridge in the summer of 2014 (as mentioned in the earlier article). It is not yet known where other upcoming locations of Life Alive may be opening; as soon as we find out, we will post an update here.

Life Alive offers a variety of vegetarian, vegan, raw, gluten-free, and macrobiotic foods. Its website can be found at http://www.lifealive.com/

[Earlier Article]
Life Alive Planning to Open Second Location in Cambridge


Boston Bagel Company Is Opening in South Boston

It looks like a new bagel shop is getting ready to open in South Boston.

According to a post on its Facebook page, Boston Bagel Company may be opening within the next week on East Broadway, as they were "in the test kitchen making final preparations on the menu" over the weekend. Once it opens, expect to see a variety of bagels offered as well as salads, breakfast sandwiches, specialty sandwiches, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.

[November 12 update: According to its Facebook page, Boston Bagel Company is now open.]

The folks behind Boston Bagel Company also run YoBerry on Dorchester Street in Southie.

The address for this new bagel place in South Boston is: Boston Bagel Company, 753 East Broadway, Boston, MA, 02127. Its website can be found at http://bostonbagelcompany.com/

Thanks to @UniversalHub for bringing this to our attention.


Monday, October 28, 2013

Patisserie on Newbury Opens in Boston's Back Bay

[Ed note: This article was edited on October 29 to reflect a correction to the address. Thanks to @BostonZest for letting us know about this.]

The person behind a crepe spot in the Back Bay of Boston has just opened a specialty market and bakery.

Eater Boston is reporting that the owner of The Creperie on Newbury Street (between Fairfield Street and Gloucester Street) now has a new place called Patisserie on Newbury, which @BostonZest says is at the same site (the Newbury Guest House). A check on the Patisserie website indicates that the shop sells breads, cheeses, pate, and pastries, with EB mentioning that croissants, tarts, cakes, freshly-made sandwiches, and coffee are available.

The Creperie first opened in December of 2011.

The exact address number for Patisserie on Newbury hasn't been confirmed yet, but it is around 259-263 Newbury Street; its website can be found at http://patisserieonnewbury.com/


Highlights for the Week Ending October 25, 2013

Several more stories and articles focusing on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a temporary restaurant possibly going into the space vacated by a landmark eatery, an Irish pub in downtown Boston being replaced by another eating and drinking spot, and an iconic restaurant in Cambridge making the announcement that it is closing. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included a new review from an Asian spot north of Boston, more reader restaurant posts, and a photo of a funny roadside sign at a Vermont distillery.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

Nick Varano's Famous Deli in Boston's North End to Be Replaced by a Nail Salon

Temporary Restaurant May Go into Former Anthony's Pier 4 Space

Highball Lounge to Open within the Nine Zero Hotel in Downtown Boston

Kitty O'Shea's in Boston's Financial District to Be Replaced by Bostonia Public House

UpStairs on the Square in Cambridge Is Closing

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

New Review: 3 Country Bistro in Woburn, MA

More Reader Posts of Restaurants Visited

New Blog Entry: Reviews of a Couple More Vermont Restaurants

Photo: Indonesian Fried Rice from 3 Country Bistro in Woburn, MA

Photo: Roadside Sign at Smugglers' Notch Distillery in Jeffersonville, VT


Grendel's Den in Cambridge's Harvard Square to Remain Open

Last week we reported that a landmark restaurant in the Harvard Square section of Cambridge decided to close its doors at the end of the year due to the landlord selling the building. Now we have learned that another dining and drinking spot in the building will be staying put, putting any rumors to rest about its future.

Cambridge Day is reporting that Grendel's Den on Winthrop Street will remain open, unlike its neighbor UpStairs on the Square, which will shutter forever after a grand finale celebration on New Year's Eve. The article says that the restaurant has a lease that apparently goes through 2017, with owner Kari Kuelzer saying that they have no plans to leave for the foreseeable future.

Grendel's Den first opened in 1971, while UpStairs on the Square opened in 1982 as UpStairs at the Pudding.

The address for Grendel's Den is 89 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website is at http://www.grendelsden.com/

[Earlier Article]
UpStairs on the Square in Cambridge Is Closing


Dave and Buster's Is Opening in Woburn

A chain of restaurants and video game arcades is going to be opening a second location in the Boston area, with this one being north of the city.

The Woburn Advocate is reporting that Dave & Buster's is planning to open in Woburn, with the Mishawum Road spot having nearly 50,000 square feet of space, seating for more than 800 diners, a sports bar, and 200 games. Once it opens, the new entertainment complex will join another location that opened in Braintree in late 2011.

Dave & Buster's restaurants mostly feature traditional American fare and comfort food dishes, while the arcade areas are geared a bit more toward adults than children, with Dream Raiders, Dark Escape, Temple Run, and more available.

Expect the new Dave & Buster's to open in late 2014, according to the article.

[April 9, 2015 update: A new article in the Woburn Advocate mentions that Dave and Buster's opens its Woburn location on May 26.]

The address for this new restaurant and video game spot is: Dave & Buster's, 275 Mishawum Rd Woburn, MA 01801. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.daveandbusters.com/


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Comfort Food Items from Boston-Area Restaurants]



Friday, October 25, 2013

Damnation Alley Distillery Has Opened in Belmont

A small-batch distillery has opened in a suburb of Boston that, until fairly recently, was not known for selling alcohol of any kind.

According to its website, Damnation Alley Distillery is now open in Belmont, featuring locally-crafted vodkas and whiskeys using grains, produce, fruits, and herbs from Massachusetts farms. The Brighton Street distillery has a retail store, with hours being 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Fridays, 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Saturdays, and 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sundays.

The address for this distillery in Belmont is: Damnation Alley Distillery, 7 Brighton Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. Its website can be found at http://www.damnationalleydistillery.com/

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


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Comfort Food Items from Boston-Area Restaurants]



Gregg Gale of Boston Super Dog Has Passed Away

Sad news to report this morning--the owner of Boston Super Dog has passed away.

A post on the food truck's Facebook page this morning says that "The owner and chef of Boston Super Dog, [Gregg] Gale, has passed away unexpectedly this morning." No other details were given.

Boston Super Dog had formerly been known as Speed's Famous Hot Dog Wagon, with its home being in the Newmarket Square section of Boston, though it can also be found on Stuart Street and at various festivals and food truck sites. Its website is at http://www.bostonsuperdog.com/

Thanks to Hub Food Trucks for bringing this to our attention.


Thursday, October 24, 2013

Farmer in the Dell Is Opening in Walpole

A new restaurant is coming to Walpole, and it will be replacing a bakery that closed awhile back.

The Walpole Times is reporting that Farmer in the Dell is going to be opening in the former Butter Cafe and Bakery space, with the new eatery being a farm-to-table spot that plans to offer soups, sandwiches, and desserts via counter service at lunch and prix-fixe menus and food events at dinner. The article says that the three owners of the new dining spot moved here from different parts of the country, with their skills being in Asian cuisine, Italian fare, and baked goods and pastries. Expect Farmer in the Dell to open sometime in early December.

[January 6. 2014 update: A new article in The Walpole Times states that Farmer in the Dell has opened. (It appears that it opened over the weekend.)]

Butter Cafe and Bakery closed this past summer.

The address for this new farm-to-table restaurant in Walpole is: Farmer in the Dell, 935 East Street, Walpole, MA, 02081.


Nick Varano's Famous Deli in Boston's North End to Be Replaced by a Nail Salon

A sandwich place in the North End of Boston that was supposed to change into a new dining spot is now going to be a nail salon.

According to a Twitter post from ConciergeBoston (and confirmed by NorthEndWaterfront.com), the space where Nick Varano's Famous Deli on Cross Street had been has a sign out front that says "Amy Nails & Spa Coming Soon." This past winter it had appeared that the deli from the local restaurateur was going to reopen with a new name and a new menu--along with an updated interior--but it looks like those plans have now fallen through.

Nick Varano also runs Strega Waterfront at Fan Pier on the waterfront, Strega North End, and Strega Prime in Woburn as well as Nico in the North End.

The address for the now-closed Nick Varano's Famous Deli (and upcoming nail salon) is 66 Cross Street, Boston, MA, 02113.

[Earlier Article]
Nick Varano's Famous Deli in Boston's North End to Change Its Name, Menu


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Comfort Food Items from Boston-Area Restaurants]



Weylu's Space in Saugus Sold; Commercial Real Estate Could Be Built at the Site

The site of one of the Boston area's most iconic restaurants has been sold, and new development could be coming to the space, though it is not yet known what will happen to the landmark building.

An article from the Boston Business Journal late last month reports that the former Weylu's space on Route 1 in Saugus was sold for $4 million, with a new article from the Saugus Advertiser saying that the new owner might merge the site with 30 acres located next to it (which is in Revere) and build commercial real estate. The Advertiser article states that there is no word as of yet on whether or not the now-vacant Weylu's building--which is more than 60,000 square feet in size--would be torn down.

Weylu's first opened in the late 1980s and stayed in business for approximately ten years before shuttering. The BBJ mentions that the space became East Manor, then Jin Asian Cuisine, before the space became permanently vacant a few years ago.

The address for the Weylu's space is 20 Bennett Highway, Saugus, MA, 01906.


Temporary Restaurant May Go into Former Anthony's Pier 4 Space

This summer, we reported that a landmark restaurant on the Boston waterfront was going to be closing after 50 years in business. Well, the restaurant did shut down, but now we have learned that a new dining spot could take over the space, at least for awhile.

The Boston Herald is reporting that the developers of the new mixed-use project coming to the site where Anthony's Pier 4 had resided are considering bringing a temporary restaurant into the space while the development is being worked on. The article says that the complex will include three buildings, with the first one--an apartment tower--currently being built, but the second and third buildings are still two or three years away, so a dining spot could go into the Anthony's space for the time being. The developers are currently in talks with folks who may be interested in the space, though no names have been given.

If a temporary restaurant does come to the space where Anthony's had been, it would apparently open in the spring of 2014, according to the Herald.

Anthony's Pier 4 closed at the end of business hours on July 31.

The address for the former Anthony's site is 140 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210.

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

[Earlier Articles]
A Final Farewell to Anthony's Pier 4 in Boston [Photos]
Anthony's Pier 4 Gets Ready to Close; Reopening in New Space Remains a Possibility


Wednesday, October 23, 2013

News Elsewhere: Ben and Jerry's Debuts Scotchy Scotch Scotch Ice Cream

A Vermont-based ice cream company has a brand new flavor, and its name should be familiar to more than a few filmgoers.

According to an article in the Huffington Post, Ben & Jerry's has unveiled "Scotchy Scotch Scotch" ice cream, with the name being a nod toward the character Ron Burgundy in the upcoming sequel to Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, which is called  Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues and will be in theaters this December. In the original movie from 2004, Will Ferrell's character had a number of well-known lines, including the classic "I love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch," and now Ben & Jerry's will be honoring that line with its new ice cream, which consists of butterscotch ice cream with butterscotch swirls.

The website for Ben & Jerry's can be found at http://www.benjerry.com/


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Comfort Food Items from Boston-Area Restaurants]



Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Ikura Sushi Is Opening in Boston's Back Bay

A new sushi spot is opening in the Back Bay of Boston.

UrbanDaddy is reporting that Ikura opens on Newbury Street this Thursday, with the tiny eatery featuring sushi that is blowtorched tableside and more than 100 maki options, as well as beer and sake. The article also mentions that the former sushi chef of the New England Patriots is at the new restaurant.

The address for this new sushi place in the Back Bay is: Ikura, 254 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116.


Highball Lounge Is Opening within the Nine Zero Hotel in Downtown Boston

It looks like a new bar is on its way to downtown Boston, and it will be located inside a boutique hotel.

According to its Twitter page, the Highball Lounge will be a "laid back vintage cocktail lounge" with beer and craft cocktails that will reside in the Nine Zero Hotel on Tremont Street. It is not yet known when the bar will open, but it was apparently having cocktail training last week and a Twitter post from the place mentions that it will be "coming soon."

[November 19 update: A post on its Twitter page indicates that the Highball Lounge is opening tomorrow.]

The Nine Zero Hotel first opened in Boston about a decade ago.

The address for the Highball Lounge is 90 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02108. Its website is at http://www.highballboston.com/ while its Twitter page is at https://twitter.com/HighballLounge


A Taste of Arlington to Be Held October 22, 2013

A culinary event returns to a northwest suburb of Boston tonight, and as always, a number of eateries will be taking part in the event.

According to the chamber of commerce site, A Taste of Arlington will be held at the town hall on Mass. Ave. this evening from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, with 20 different restaurants and food purveyors offering samplings of food, and local breweries and wineries offering drink options. A few of the dining spots that will be at the event include Blue Ribbon BBQ, Flatbread Company, Flora, La Posada, Punjab, and Tango.

Tickets to the 2013 Taste of Arlington cost $50 each and can be ordered via the link below:

http://www.arlcc.org/taste/


La Catrina Fonda Mexicana Opens in Brighton

A new Mexican restaurant has just opened in the Allston/Brighton section of Boston.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site, La Catrina Fonda Mexicana is now open near the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Washington Street, with the eatery offering a variety of burritos, quesadillas, tortas, enchiladas, tostadas, tacos, and more (a "Mexican hot dog" is also on the menu as well). The Boston Globe had first mentioned this place back in October of 2012, when it was initially seeking permits to open.

The address for this new restaurant in Brighton is: La Catrina Fonda Mexicana, 1620 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02135. Its website can be found at http://lacatrinaboston.com/


Felipe's Taqueria in Cambridge's Harvard Square Is Moving to Former Bertucci's Space

A nearly decade-old Mexican restaurant in Cambridge's Harvard Square is moving to a bigger location nearby, taking over the space where a branch of a local chain of Italian dining spots had been.

The Harvard Crimson is reporting that Felipe's Taqueria is going to be relocating from The Garage on Mt. Auburn Street to the former Bertucci's location on Brattle Street (Bertucci's closed in August), with the move possibly being complete in February of 2014. The article says that the new space is more than twice the size of the space where Felipe's currently resides, and that in addition to the expanded seating, the restaurant plans to expand its menu as well and will start serving alcohol.

[January 9, 2014 update: Cambridge Day mentions that Felipe's is planning to make the move around March 31-April 1, with the new location possibly opening on Brattle Street April 1.]

[March 30, 2014 update: A note on its website indicates that Felipe's will be setting up shop at Flat Patties--which is at 33 Brattle Street--until they are able to move into their new home on Brattle in May.]

[November 5, 2014 update: Felipe's has not yet moved into its new home, but Eater Boston says that it appears to be very close, with a targeted date of November 21. EB also says that their new home will have three floors of space--including a roof deck--and a patio.]

[December 17, 2014 update: According to a source, Felipe's is now open in its new Harvard Square location.]

Felipe's is taking a path similar to former (and future) neighbor Flat Patties, with the burger place moving from The Garage to Brattle Street back in the spring of 2010.

In addition to its Cambridge restaurant, Felipe's also has two locations in New Orleans.

The address for the relocated Felipe's Taqueria is 21 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website can be found at http://felipestaqueria.com/harvardsq/

[Earlier Article]
Bertucci's in Cambridge's Harvard Square Is Closing


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Comfort Food Items from Boston-Area Restaurants]



Monday, October 21, 2013

News Elsewhere: Arrows Restaurant in Ogunquit, ME Is Up for Sale

An award-winning restaurant in Southern Maine is for sale, as the owners have decided to focus more on their other dining spot--as well as an upcoming restaurant that is coming to Boston.

The Portland Press Herald is reporting that Arrows Restaurant in Ogunquit has been put up for sale, with owners Mark Gaier and Clark Frasier hoping that the new owner(s) will keep the Arrows name (though that is not a requirement of the deal) and open it in time for the 2014 season. The article says that Gaier and Frasier will be concentrating on their other Ogunquit eatery--MC Perkins Cove--along with MC Medici Ristorante & Bar, which plans to open in Boston's Seaport District in February of 2014 [Ed note: MC Medici is now open]. Arrows had a 25th anniversary celebration in late September, closing down for the 2013 season a week later, according to the Press Herald.

Gaier and Frasier are James Beard Award winners, with Arrows receiving countless accolades over the years, including from Gourmet Magazine and Bon Appetit.

[October 24 update: Seacoast Online mentions that there may be "other MC-brand restaurants" on the way from Gaier and Frasier, though no specific spots have been confirmed as of yet.]

[July 2, 2014 update: A new article from the Portland Press Herald states that the Arrows property is still up for sale, and that the asking price has dropped from $1.2 million to $995,000.]

The address for Arrows is 41 Berwick Road, Ogunquit, ME, 03907.

[Earlier Article]
MC Medici Ristorante and Bar to Replace 606 Congress in Boston's Seaport District


Highlights for the Week Ending October 18, 2013

A few more stories and articles centering on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a Davis Square eatery closing, a local restaurateur planning to open a new restaurant in the North End space where a longtime spot just closed, and a local group of ice cream cafes opening yet another spot. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included a pasta slideshow for National Pasta Day, a list of restaurant closings and openings for October (so far), and a photo of a cookie from a 24-hour bakery in the North End of Boston.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

Martsa on Elm in Somerville's Davis Square Has Closed; Status Unknown

Yuengling Beer Plans to Return to Massachusetts

Frank DePasquale Purchases Ida's Space in Boston's North End; New Restaurant Proposed for the Site

J.P. Licks Opens at MarketStreet Lynnfield

Cupcake City Coming to Newtonville

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

Twelve Pasta Dishes for National Pasta Day

Photo: Steak and Cheese from Johnson's Drive-In in Groton, MA

Restaurant Closings and Openings for October, 2013 (So Far)

Photo: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie from Bova's in Boston, MA

Photo: Fish and Chips from Cobie's in Brewster, MA


Violette Bakers to Have Grand Opening of Retail Shop in Cambridge on October 26

A Cambridge-based business that sells gluten-free goods at local farmers markets is getting ready to have a grand opening for its new retail space.

On Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Violette Bakers will be having its grand opening at 1001 Mass. Ave., with tastings, door prizes, and music included. The store actually had a soft opening late this summer with very limited hours, but it now appears ready to open full time, with four or five indoor tables and a few outdoor tables when the weather is good. Expect to see a variety of baked goods at the new spot, as well as organic coffee and tea.

It looks like the hours for Violette Bakers will be  8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Wednesday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays, and 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Sundays.

The website for Violette Bakers can be found at http://violettegf.com/


Zenna Noodle Bar in Brookline Has Closed

It looks like an Asian fusion restaurant in one of the busiest sections of Brookline has closed.

A Twitter post from Leah Mennies of Boston Magazine seems to confirm what several of our readers have been saying over the past few days, that Zenna Noodle Bar in Coolidge Corner has shuttered. The post from Leah includes a link to a picture showing a sign out front that says "For Lease: Available Immediately."

Zeena Noodle Bar focused mainly on Thai and Vietnamese foods, with the menu including a variety of noodle dishes and noodle soups. Our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) gave a review of Zenna Noodle Bar last year, with the review being at the link below:

http://www.hiddenboston.com/blogentries/zenna-noodles-0912.html

The address for this now-closed Asian restaurant in Coolidge Corner was: Zenna Noodle Bar, 1374 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.


Kitty O'Shea's in Boston's Financial District to Be Replaced by Bostonia Public House

An Irish pub in the heart of downtown Boston is closing, with a new pub moving into the space.

According to a PDF file from the Boston Licensing Board, Kitty O'Shea's on State Street in the Financial District is petitioning to transfer its liquor license to a new spot called the Bostonia Public House, which will be at the same address. Currently, there is very little information on the new pub, other than the fact that the manager is John Fitzgerald and the name of the company behind it is Clover Ventures.

Kitty O'Shea's is part of a group of Irish pubs that includes locations in Paris and Brussels; the first location of Kitty's opened in Dublin in the early 1980s.

[October 31 update: According to a number of posts on the pub's Facebook page, Kitty O'Shea's is now closed.]

[January 10, 2014 update: Eater Boston states that Bostonia Public House is planning to open in February, with the spot being "a new casually upscale dining and social space" that is "cheeky and sophisticated."]

[March 11, 2014 update: The Restaurant Hub blog of The Boston Globe indicates that Bostonia Public House is now hoping to open in early April, and that the chef will be Kyle Ketchum of the now-closed Woodward at Ames in Boston.]

[April 14, 2014 update: Eater Boston mentions that Bostonia Public House opens this Thursday (April 17).]

[April 17, 2014 update: A Facebook post from the restaurant indicates that Bostonia Public House opens at 4:00 PM today.]

The address for Kitty O'Shea's (and the upcoming Bostonia Public House) is 131 State Street, Boston, MA, 02109.


UPDATE: Lord Hobo in Cambridge to Remain in Hands of Owner Daniel Lanigan; License Pledge Only to Christopher Schlesinger

[Ed note: This article was edited on October 21 to reflect new information given. Apologies for any confusion this may have caused.]

Earlier it was reported that Lord Hobo in Cambridge might be taken over by restaurateur Christopher Schlesinger. It has now been learned that the License Commission General Hearing page on the City of Cambridge website's note about Daniel Lanigan of Lord Hobo on Hampshire Street applying "to pledge [the restaurant's all alcoholic beverages] license to Christopher Schlesinger" is a simple pledge of said license rather than a transfer, with the pledge acting as collateral (Schlesinger owns the building in which Lord Hobo is housed). We have also been told that nothing will be changing at Lord Hobo.

Last month, the Brewbound site had reported that Lanigan was "making a career change," with his plans being to open a 150,000-square-foot contract brewery on the North Shore called Paragraph 11 Brewing.

Lord Hobo first opened in November of 2009, replacing the B-Side Lounge.

The address for Lord Hobo is 92 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, and its website is at: http://lordhobo.com/


Imari Fusion Restaurant in Winchester Has Closed

It looks like an Asian fusion restaurant in a northern suburb of Boston has closed.

According to a couple of our readers as well as a poster on Yelp, Imari Fusion Restaurant in Winchester is shuttered, with Richard A. of The Passionate Foodie confirming that it is indeed no longer in business. (In addition, a phone call placed to the restaurant shows that the number is out of service.) The Thompson Street dining spot, which was hidden away in a little courtyard on the edge of the center of town, offered a variety of Thai, Japanese, and Korean dishes, including sushi options.

Our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) had featured Imari Fusion as a little-known place to go for Asian fare; the review can be found at the link below:

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

Imari had formerly been known as It Rains Fishes.

The address for this now-closed restaurant in Winchester was: Imari Fusion Restaurant, 14 Thompson Street, Winchester, MA, 01890.


Sunday, October 20, 2013

UpStairs on the Square in Cambridge Is Closing

Yet another landmark Boston-area restaurant is going to be closing, with this one being in one of the busiest sections of Cambridge.

According to a post on its website, UpStairs on the Square on Winthrop Street will be shutting its doors forever on New Year's Eve after more than 30 years in business, with The Restaurant Hub blog of The Boston Globe stating that the reason for its closure is due to the landlord selling the building. The website post mentions that the New American dining spot in Harvard Square will have a "grand finale" celebration that night, with early and late seatings as well as live music and dancing.

UpStairs on the Square first opened in 1982 on Holyoke Street, where it was originally called UpStairs at the Pudding. The Boston Business Journal mentions that it moved to its present home on Winthrop Street approximately 11 years ago.

Other well-known Boston-area eateries have closed over the past few months, including Anthony's Pier 4 along the waterfront and the Hilltop Steak House in Saugus.

The address for UpStairs on the Square is 91 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.


Friday, October 18, 2013

Whisk Will Be in the North End Until the End of the Year; No Confirmation on Permanent Spot

[Ed note: This article was edited on October 20 to reflect new information given.]

On Friday, we had reported that Whisk, a pop-up spot in the North End that features a chef's tasting menu, was planning to change over to a permanent "modern Italian restaurant." We have since learned that the Twitter post from the Hanover Street place that included this information (and which has since been removed) had a wording error in it and the only thing that has been confirmed is the fact that the pop-up will be in place until December 31.

If we hear anything about Whisk bringing a permanent restaurant to the space--or anywhere else in the area--we will post an update, but for now, Whisk will be on Hanover Street until the end of the year and after that, there is no definitive news.

[November 20 update: Eater Boston reports that Whisk's last day at its Hanover Street location will indeed be December 31, but it sounds like the owners are close to securing a deal on a new space, which EB says will apparently be "semi-permanent."].

Whisk took over the former Volle Nolle space in August.

The address for Whisk (and its upcoming permanent restaurant) is 351 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113. And the website for Whisk is at http://www.whiskboston.com/


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Comfort Food Items from Boston-Area Restaurants]



Thursday, October 17, 2013

Fritz in Boston's South End Is Closing; Trophy Room to Take Its Place

A gay bar in the South End of Boston is closing its doors, and it looks like a new dining and drinking spot will be replacing it.

According to an article from the BosGuy site, Fritz on Chandler Street is shutting down at the end of the year, with the owner of the Chandler Inn (in which the bar is housed) turning the space into what appears to be a restaurant and bar that will "make it more welcoming to the entire neighborhood." A Facebook post from Fritz is not really clear about whether this is more of a renovation of Fritz or a complete changeover to a brand new spot, as it says that "Starting the first week of January, Fritz will be closing for just a few short months for a much needed full renovation (well, let’s face it kids, it has been 30 years) and we will be reopening again in the early Spring. New, bigger and better than before."

[January 10, 2014 update: Bay Windows is reporting that Fritz will close for renovations either this Sunday or Monday (the article says "Sunday January 13"--Sunday is actually January 12), and that it will reopen in the spring as Trophy Room, a modern American pub that will continue to be a place that is welcoming to the gay community in the neighborhood. (Thanks to @HeyRatty for bringing this update to our attention.)]

[March 25, 2014 update: Zagat gives a bit more information on Trophy Room--it will have seating for 82, with 20 more sidewalk seats being a possibility as well, while the cuisine will be "international" with both French and southern influences. Drinks will include local craft beers on tap, along with American and European wines as well as an "accessible" cocktail menu. Expect to see a mid-April opening for Trophy Room.]

[April 23 update: A new article from BosGuy says that Trophy Room soft-opens today, with the official opening apparently being tomorrow (Friday, April 25).]

The address for Fritz/Trophy Room is 26 Chandler Street, Boston, MA, 02116. Its website is at http://www.fritzboston.com/


Martsa on Elm in Somerville's Davis Square Has Closed; Status Unknown

A Tibetan restaurant in one of Somerville's busiest neighborhoods has closed, and it it not known whether it will reopen or become a new dining spot.

A poster on the Davis Square Live Journal page mentions that Martsa on Elm in Davis Square is shuttered, with a sign out front saying that it will reopen under new management. The restaurant, which first opened approximately ten years ago, featured a variety of Tibetan, Nepalese, and Himalayan dishes, including curried lentil soup, baked Tibetan-style bread, momos, potato patties, sliced beef with green chili peppers, spicy creamy chicken, and curried potatoes.

The address for Martsa on Elm is 233 Elm Street, Somerville, MA, 02144.


Wasabi Restaurant in Braintree Has Closed

One of two Boston-area locations of a Japanese restaurant that featured sushi on a conveyor belt has closed after being in business for a bit more than a year.

According to one of our readers, Wasabi at the South Shore Plaza in Braintree has shuttered, with the spot apparently closing sometime last week. (Its closing has been confirmed by the plaza.) The eatery first opened at the plaza in the early fall of 2012, with the place having a conveyor belt system that allowed diners to pick and choose various types of sushi, sashimi, and nigiri.

The Virginia-based Wasabi also has a restaurant at the Natick Mall, as well as three other locations in Virginia, Florida, and Texas.

The address for this now-closed Japanese spot at the South Shore Plaza was: Wasabi, 250 Granite Street, Braintree, MA, 02184. The website for the Wasabi restaurants can be found at http://www.wasabisushi.com/


Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Yuengling Beer to Return to Massachusetts

It looks like America's oldest brewery is coming back to Massachusetts.

According to a post in Banker & Tradesman, Yuengling is currently finalizing plans to return to the state early next year a couple of decades after leaving the market. The article says that the Pennsylvania-based brewer could end up building a brewery in the state depending on the amount of demand, though bringing its beers in from existing plants is also a possibility as well. Currently, Yuengling cannot be found anywhere in New England, though it is available in New York.

[December 10 update: A Facebook post from the Craft Brewers Guild indicates that Yuengling is coming to Boston (and presumably Massachusetts) in March of 2014; in addition, a Twitter post from Yuengling says that "we're on our way. Stay tuned for updates about timing and shipments."]

[February 12, 2014 update: The Boston Herald states that Yuengling will return to Massachusetts on March 3, with the beer being available in restaurants, bars, and package stores.]

[February 27, 2014 update: Yuengling is still on track to arrive in stores on March 3, but it actually arrived early at restaurants and bars throughout the area, with this past Monday apparently being its first day here.]

Yuengling, which is headquartered in Pottsville, PA, first started out in 1829 and is now one of the largest brewing companies in the United States. Its most popular beer is its lager, though the company also offers porter, black and tan, ale, light beers, and a premium beer. The website for Yuengling can be found at http://www.yuengling.com/


Update: New Restaurant to Open in former Ida's Space in Boston's North End

[Ed note: This article was updated on January 9, 2014 and April 17, 2014 to reflect information given for the new restaurant.]

Yesterday we reported that a restaurant in Boston's North End had closed after being in business for more than 60 years. Now we have learned that the person behind a number of local eating and drinking places is planning to open a new dining spot in the now-vacant space.

According to an article in NorthEndWaterfront.com, Frank DePasquale of DePasquale Ventures has bought the space on Mechanic Street where Ida's had been, and is seeking a transfer of its Malt and Wine License, asking for an addition of Cordials, and proposing an expansion that would include a seasonal patio with 48 seats. No name has been given for the eatery as of yet, and it is not known when it might open, so keep checking back for updates as we get them.

[January 9, 2014 update: A Licensing Board hearing page within the City of Boston website indicates that the name of the new restaurant moving into the former Ida's space will tentatively be Aqua Seafood and Grill. This confirms what Eater Boston had mentioned yesterday, though there is some confusion as to whether the name might be "Aqua" or "Acqua." (It looks like the new eatery could be opening sometime in mid-spring.)]

[April 17, 2014 update: The  Boston Herald states that the new restaurant moving into Ida's space is planning to open sometime in June, though the article says that the dining spot does not have a name, indicating perhaps that Aqua/Acqua Seafood and Grill may have been a working name only.]

Frank DePasquale owns such spots as Bliss, Bricco, Mare, Quattro, Trattoria Il Panino, and Umbria Prime. The DePasquale Ventures website is at http://www.depasqualeventures.com/

The address for the now-closed Ida's (and the new spot) is 3 Mechanic Street, Boston, MA, 02113.

Thanks to Patrick M. of the Server Not Servant blog for bringing this to our attention.

[Earlier Article]
Ida's Restaurant in the North End of Boston Has Closed


J.P. Licks Opens at MarketStreet Lynnfield

A local group of ice cream cafes has just opened another shop, with this one being north of Boston.

A Facebook post from MarketStreet Lynnfield indicates that J.P. Licks is now open in the new open-air retail center located near the intersection of Routes 128/95 and Walnut Street. The ice cream shop joins a number of other eating and drinking places at MarketStreet Lynnfield, including Boloco, Davio's, The Grove Boutique and Cafe, Legal C Bar, Pinkberry, and the Yard House. (Fugakyu, Kings, Otto Pizza, and Wagamama will also be opening there soon.)

Other locations of J.P. Licks can be found in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Dedham, Newton, Somerville, Wellesley, and West Roxbury. Its website is at http://www.jplicks.com/


Cupcake City Coming to Newtonville

It looks like a cupcake shop north of Boston is going to be opening a second location, with this one being west of the city.

According to a Twitter post from @brandnewwatch (and confirmed by Village 14), Cupcake City in Reading is planning to open another branch in the former Jin Mi Oriental Food Company space in the Newtonville section of Newton. Village 14 hadn't been able to confirm that the two Cupcake City locations are related, but based on the sign shown in the window of the Newtonville space, this is indeed a second location of the Reading shop.

[October 31 update: According to its website, the new Cupcake City in Newtonville will have its grand opening this Saturday (November 2).]

The address for this upcoming cupcake shop in Newtonville is: Cupcake City, 313 Walnut Street, Newton, MA, 02461. The website for the Reading location can be found at http://www.cupcakecityreading.com/


[New article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Comfort Food Items from Boston-Area Restaurants]



Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Highlights for the Week Ending October 11, 2013

Several more stories and articles focusing on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a landmark restaurant on Route 1 closing, a burger and beer spot moving into a former jail, and an Italian eatery in the North End shutting down. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included a new review of an eclectic cafe in Dorchester, updates to the dive bar gallery, and a photo of a beef dish from a Chinese restaurant in Allston.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

Friendly Toast Restaurants Sold; New Owners May Eventually Open Additional Locations

Confirmed: Hilltop Steak House in Saugus Is Closing October 20

A&B Salem to Replace Great Escape

Legal Sea Foods Owner Likely Opening New Restaurant in Former Olives Space in Charlestown

Update: Piccola Venezia in Boston's North End Has Closed; Modern Pastry Is Moving In

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

New Review: Dot 2 Dot Cafe in Dorchester, MA

Photo: Pastichio from Taso's Euro-Cafe in Norwood, MA

Newsletter for the Fall of 2013

Updated Dive Bar Photo Gallery

Photo: Beef with Green Peppers from Shanghai Gate in Allston, MA