Thursday, July 31, 2014

Dovetail Sake Brewery Is Coming to Waltham

A new brewery is on its way to the Boston area, and this will be the first brewery of its kind in Massachusetts.

Boston Magazine is reporting that Todd Bellomy and Daniel Krupp are planning to open Dovetail Sake in Waltham, with the brewery being in a warehouse where they will have 1,000 square feet of space to produce two styles of sake--a nigori and a junmai-shu. The article says that the Dovetail products should be available in stores sometime this winter, and that Bellomy and Krupp are actually looking to move the business into a larger space at some point in 2015 where they plan to have tours and tastings.

Bellomy used to be a brewer at Boston Beer Company and has also trained at sake breweries in Japan, while Krupp is a Level One graduate of the Sake Professional course with sake expert John Gauntner.


InBoston Is Opening a New Location Near Symphony Hall

A restaurant in Boston's Downtown Crossing that features Korean food with Mexican influences will soon have a second location, with this one being near Symphony Hall.

Eater Boston is reporting that InBoston is planning to open on Mass. Ave., taking over the space where Bombay Cafe had been. Based on its original location on Bedford Street, expect the new eatery to have such items as Korean fried chicken (wings, drums, and strips), K-tacos (spicy chicken or bulgogi in corn tortillas), and rice bowls (also with spicy chicken or bulgogi). There is no word on when the new location of InBoston might open, so keep checking back for updates.

[September 2 update: According to a Twitter post from Drew Starr, the new InBoston is now open on Mass. Ave. One note: A response from food writer MC Slim JB indicates that this location is not serving K-tacos at this point in time, though it does have tofu soup, which is not offered at the original on Bedford Street.]

The address for this new restaurant near Symphony Hall is: InBoston, 175 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115.


The Castlebar in Brighton Is Closing

Yet another neighborhood watering hole/dive bar in Boston is closing its doors.

An email sent to us indicates that The Castlebar in the Oak Square section of Brighton is shutting down tomorrow, with a phone called placed to the Washington Street bar confirming that it is indeed closing (it appears that a private party will be taking place there tomorrow). It is not yet known why the bar is closing, nor is it known what might be going into the space; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

The Castlebar has been known mainly as an Irish pub that is a local hangout, with a full bar (no food), darts, a jukebox, TVs, and sports memorabilia throughout.

A number of dive bars and neighborhood joints have closed in Boston over the past few years, including Hogan's Run and Joey's in Brighton, Aces High, Kiley's, and the Quencher Tavern in South Boston, Daisy Buchanan's and TC's Lounge in the Back Bay, and Upstairs Downstairs in Dorchester.

The address for this soon-to-close bar in Brighton's Oak Square neighborhood is: The Castlebar, 575 Washington Street, Brighton, MA, 02135.


Deal Reached on Bill That Would Create 75 New Liquor Licenses for Boston Neighborhoods

It looks like Boston--and specifically, neighborhoods of Boston--could have more places to get a drink in the future.

BostInno is reporting that a House and Senate committee has agreed on a bill that would add 75 liquor licenses to be used in "main street districts" of the city, or places such as Roslindale Village, Fields Corner, Dudley Square, Upham's Corner, the center of Jamaica Plain, Allston Village, and a number of other spots throughout the city. The article says that one stipulation is that any license issued to a restaurant or bar would not be allowed to be transferred to another neighborhood of the city.

Universal Hub also mentions that the bill would allow new licenses to be issued not only in main street districts, but also in urban renewal areas, empowerment zones and municipal harbor plan areas, which means that an area such as the South Boston waterfront would be included, since it is considered a municipal harbor plan area.

[August 14 update: According to a Twitter post from @BostonMagazine, Governor Patrick has signed the Economic Redevelopment Bill that includes the addition of 75 liquor licenses for the city.]


Hilltop Steak House Property in Saugus Remains Up for Sale; No Takers Yet

More than nine months after closing its doors, a landmark restaurant on Route 1 in Saugus is still up for sale, with the property having no takers as of yet.

The Boston Globe mentions that the site of the former Hilltop Steak House remains locked up and off limits, with its parking lot chained off and "no trespassing" signs displayed in the windows of the 70,000-square-foot structure. The article says that the property is still on the market, and can only be set up for commercial uses, such as another restaurant, a hotel, a retail shop, etc., with mixed-use zoning (a residential and retail complex, for instance) not being allowed under the current zoning rules. The property is assessed at $8.2 million, according to the Globe.

The Hilltop Steak House closed in October of 2013 after being in business for more than 50 years. Its butcher shop in Weymouth remains in operation.

The address for the former Hilltop Steak House property is 855 Broadway (Route 1), Saugus, MA, 01906.


Is Luke's Lobster Coming to Boston?

It looks like a New York-based group of lobster shacks that gets its lobsters from Maine could be coming to Boston, though it probably wouldn't be happening right away.

An article in the Portland Press Herald mentions that Luke's Lobster is looking to expand, with plans to open two new locations in New York this year and three to five new spots annually over the course of the next five years. The article mentions that owner Luke Holden and his partners see the possibility of eventually having up to 40 locations of the lobster shack (there are 13 locations currently) and that Holden is eyeing an expansion beyond New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC, possibly opening in cities such as Boston and Chicago.

Former lobsterman and Maine resident Luke Holden--along with his father Jeff Holden and business partner Ben Conniff--established Luke's Lobster in New York's East Village in 2009.

The website for the group of lobster shacks can be found at http://www.lukeslobster.com/


Smashburger Is Opening in Medford

A Colorado-based chain of quick-casual burger restaurants is going to be opening a second location in the Greater Boston area, with this one being just north of the city.

The Medford Transcript is reporting that Smashburger is planning to open a shop in Medford, moving into a space within the Fellsway Plaza on Route 28. Once it opens, the new burger place will join another location in the Sherwood Plaza on Route 9 in Natick, which opened in December of 2013. The article says that several other locations of Smashburger may be coming to Massachusetts as well; as reported here earlier, one had been proposed for Cambridge's Central Square, but this one appears to have fallen through, at least for now.

Smashburger, which is based in Denver, first started out in 2007, featuring meatball-shaped patties that are "smashed" on the grill, helping to caramelize the beef and lock in the juices.

It looks like the Medford location of Smashburger may be opening in the second quarter of 2015, according to the Transcript.

[October 30, 2015 update: According to a job post within the Craigslist site, the new Smashburger in Medford now plans to open in early December. Once it does open, this will be the third location of the chain to open in the Greater Boston area, as a second one opened earlier this year in Westwood.]

[November 18, 2015 update: A new article from The Medford Transcript states that Smashburger opens in Medford on December 9.]

The address for this new dining spot in Medford is: Smashburger, 760 Fellsway, Medford, MA, 02155. The website for the chain can be found at http://smashburger.com/


Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Union Square Donuts Wine and Donut Brunch to Be Held at the Boston Wine School, August 2, 2014

An event that features an unlikely food/drink pairing is coming to Boston this weekend.

UrbanDaddy mentions that the Union Square Donuts Wine & Donut Brunch will take place at the Boston Wine School on Saturday, August 2, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, with the event being a tasting workshop that pairs--you guessed it--wine and donuts. Tickets to the event cost $50 each and can be purchased through the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/donut-wine-pairing-with-union-square-donuts-all-for-wine-wine-for-all-tickets-12193692663

The Boston Wine School is located on Commonwealth Avenue in Allston, just east of Allston Street and a few blocks west of Harvard Avenue.

Union Square Donuts, which resides in Somerville's Union Square neighborhood, has more information on this event here.


Fresh Food Generation Food Truck Is Coming to Boston

Another food truck is on its way to Boston, and this one will focus on bringing healthy and affordable meals to folks in low-income sections of the city.

Eater Boston is reporting that Fresh Food Generation is going to be hitting the road soon; once it does, it will tend to go to neighborhoods such as Dorchester, Mattapan, and Roxbury, offering reasonably-priced food items such as salads and rice bowls with African, Caribbean, and Latin American influences, and using locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients. It is not known exactly when the truck will be officially on the streets of Boston, but the company behind it is involved in the catering of events, including at The Dorchester Community Co-Op's Fresh Fridays, which takes place at the Mather Elementary School on Parish Street between the Savin Hill and Fields Corner sections of Dorchester.

The website for Fresh Food Generation can be found at http://freshfoodgeneration.org/ with its Facebook page being at https://www.facebook.com/FreshFoodGeneration


Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Kaki Lima Indonesian Restaurant May Open in the Boston Area

It looks like the couple behind a catering company that features Indonesian food may be opening a restaurant somewhere in the Boston area.

Eater Boston is reporting that Kaki Lima is planning to open a dining spot in the "near future," though no location or date has been given as of yet. The article mentions that they will be having pop-up dinners in August at KO Pies and East Boston Kitchen, both of which are in the Jeffries Point section of Eastie.

The article mentions that Kaki Lima features Indonesian street food items along with Indonesian Fusion cuisine.

More information on Kaki Lima can be found at https://www.kitchensurfing.com/kakilima as well as their Facebook page, which is at https://www.facebook.com/kakilimaboston, and their Instagram page at http://instagram.com/kakilimaboston


Pepe's Pizza to Open in The Fireplace Space in Brookline's Washington Square

A few months ago, we reported that a famous New Haven pizzeria was planning to open somewhere in the Boston area. Now we have confirmed a rumor that we had heard earlier from @commsensesports--that it will move into the Brookline space where another restaurant currently resides.

A press release sent this morning indicates that Pepe's Pizza will open on Beacon Street in Washington Square, taking over the space where The Fireplace has been for 13 years. This will be the first location of the pizzeria to open in the Boston area, with other locations all being in Connecticut, including New Haven (where it first started out in 1925), Danbury, Fairfield, Manchester, Mohegan Sun, and West Hartford.

The release says that chef/owner Jim Solomon will close The Fireplace at the end of the year and will focus on his catering operation.

The address for The Fireplace (and upcoming Pepe's) is 1634 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.

[July 30 update: An article from Eater Boston states that the new location of Pepe's in Brookline will have a coal-fired oven (which, as EB points out, is "absolutely essential" when it comes to Pepe's pizzas), and that it plans to open in the summer of 2015.]

[Earlier Article]
Pepe's Pizza Is Coming to Boston


Brigham's in Arlington Heights Remains Open (for Now)

Last year, we reported that all of the Brigham's retail shops would be losing their brand name because they would no longer be able to sell Brigham's ice cream. The former Brigham's stores now have new names and ice cream suppliers, though we have recently learned that there is one remaining holdout.

According to several sources, the Brigham's shop in Arlington Heights remains open, with a Facebook page for the shop called "Brighams Ice-cream Last-One Left" coming to our attention recently as well. One source mentioned an article in the Boston Business Journal from several weeks back that explains what is going on; the article states that this location of Brigham's has been given more time to change its name by parent company Hood (which is based in Lynnfield) due to the costs that are involved in the changeover. No specific date has been given on the change, and it is not known what the shop will ultimately be called; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

The address for Brigham's in Arlington Heights is 1328 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476. The website for the company can be found at http://www.brighams.com/

[Earlier Article]
Brigham's Restaurants Disappearing, Being Renamed with New Ice Cream Suppliers


Tatte Bakery and Cafe Is Opening in Cafe Vanille Space in Boston's Beacon Hill

The Beacon Hill location of a French bakery and pastry shop is closing, with another local group of bakeries and cafes moving in.

An article in the Beacon Hill Times from several weeks back confirms some recent chatter on Twitter (including a post from @eastiestrong), that Cafe Vanille on Charles Street is shutting its doors and being replaced by a location of Tatte Bakery and Cafe. It appears that the locations of Cafe Vanille in Chestnut Hill and Duxbury will remain in operation, with the article saying that the lease on their Beacon Hill shop had expired.

Once it opens, the new location of Tatte will join four others, including their original one in Brookline and three others in Cambridge.

[January 21, 2015 update: Eater Boston mentions that the new location of Tatte in Boston's Beacon Hill is planning to open in late February.]

[March 2, 2015 update: According to a post from the Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog, the new Beacon Hill location of Tatte opens tomorrow (Tuesday, March 3).]

Cafe Vanille first opened its Beacon Hill location in 1999.

The address for the new location of Tatte is 70 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114.


Monday, July 28, 2014

Highlights for the Week Ending July 25, 2014

A few more stories and articles centering on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a decades-old roast beef joint shutting down to make way for condos, a Todd English spot closing for renovations, and a well-known chef and restaurateur joining up with a pair of popular dining and drinking spots. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included a new review of a Venezuelan restaurant in Brookline, a photo of lasagna from a cafeteria-style eatery in Woburn, and an updated review of a tiny restaurant in the Inman Square section of Cambridge.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

Liberty Bell Roast Beef in South Boston Is Closing

Joey's in Brighton Is Closing

Figs in Boston's Beacon Hill Has Closed for Renovations

Plans for The Painted Burro to Open in Boston's Downtown Crossing Have Apparently Fallen Through

Brian Poe Buying Equity Stake in Bukowski Tavern Locations; Menu Changes on the Way

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

New Review: Orinoco in Brookline, MA

Photo: Lasagna from The Restaurant in Woburn, MA

Updated Review: City Girl Cafe in Cambridge, MA

Photo: Fried Flounder from Louis in Quincy, MA

Photo: Feta and Cheddar Burger from O'Sullivan's in Somerville, MA


Mac's Deli Is Opening in Brighton; Nonno's Pizza Is Opening near North Station

[Ed note: This article was updated on August 12 to reflect new information given.]

It looks like a person who worked at a popular restaurant in the Fenway section of Boston will be opening not one, but two new dining spots in the city.

Eater Boston is reporting that Eric Gava (former general manager of Citizen Public House on Boylston Street) is planning to open Mac's Deli in the Oak Square neighborhood of Brighton as well as another eatery in the North Station area of Boston. Based on an Instagram photo, it appears that the Oak Square spot will be at 572 Washington Street while the one near North Station will move into the West End Pizza space at 252 Friend Street.

The Instagram post mentions that the Brighton spot is "weeks away" while the North Station deli should open in about 45 days.

[August 12 update: The Boston Globe states that Mac's Deli in Brighton plans to open next week while the spot near North Station--which will be called Nonno's  Pizza, not Mac's Deli, as had previously been reported--will be opening in September.]

[September 25 update: Eater Boston says that Mac's Deli in Brighton is now open.]

[November 25 update: A new article from Eater Boston mentions that Nonno's Pizza is now open as well.]


Not Your Average Joe's to Open in Waltham and Westwood; Headquarters Moving to Milton

A small local chain of restaurants is going to be expanding, with two new spots in the works--and its headquarters will be moving closer to Boston as well.

The Patriot Ledger is reporting that Not Your Average Joe's is planning to open locations in both Waltham and Westwood sometime next year, with this being part of an expansion plan that could include the opening of three to five new restaurants per year. (A location in Nashua, NH, will open later this year as well.) In addition, CEO Stephen Silverstein is going to be moving the chain's offices from Middleboro to Milton, with the move taking place in October.

Not Your Average Joe's, which first started out in 1994 with a restaurant in Dartmouth, MA, currently has 20 locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. Its website can be found at http://www.notyouraveragejoes.com/

[July 19, 2015 update: According to the chain's website, the new location of Not Your Average Joe's at 56 Market Place Drive in Waltham (just off Route 117 next to Route 128) will open in August, while the website for University Station in Westwood says that the outlet there will open sometime this fall.]

[August 6, 2015 update: A Twitter post from @FoodserviceEast indicates that the new Not Your Average Joe's in Waltham will open on August 24.]

[December 4, 2015 update: According to a Craigslist job post, Not Your Average Joe's will open its Westwood location in January.]


Friday, July 25, 2014

Liberty Bell Roast Beef in South Boston Is Closing

It looks like a decades-old roast beef joint is closing to make way for a new condo development.

A poster on the Chowhound site mentions that Liberty Bell in South Boston is apparently closing its doors tomorrow (Saturday, July 26), while a Boston Magazine article from last week indicates that the structure on W Broadway will be leveled, with a 33-unit condominium project that will include parking and a new restaurant planned for the space. (The project was approved earlier this month by the Boston Redevelopment Authority.)

The Liberty Bell first opened in Southie in 1979, offering roast beef, seafood, grill items, and more. Other locations of the eatery can be found in the Greater Boston area, including in Billerica, Melrose, and Stoneham.

The address for this soon-to-close roast beef joint in South Boston is: Liberty Bell, 170 W Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127.


Lee's Burger Place Is Opening in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

A burger spot in Newton Centre is going to be opening a new location in one of the busiest sections of Brookline.

A note (and photo) sent by BostonTweet indicates that Lee's Burger Place is opening on Beacon Street in Coolidge Corner, with the address indicating that it is taking over the space where a location of Naked Pizza had been until closing in the summer of 2013. It is not yet known whether this is a second location of Lee's or a move from its space on Sumner Street in Newton Centre; as soon as we find out, we will post an update here.

[July 25 update: Eater Boston mentions that this is an expansion rather than a move, so there will ultimately be two locations of Lee's--one in Newton Centre and one in Brookline's Coolidge Corner. (The new location in Brookline is expected to open in October.)]

[December 9 update: A new post from Eater Boston indicates that Lee's Burger Place is now open in Brookline.]

Lee's Burger Place first opened in Newton in the fall of 2009, moving into the space where another burger spot (Flippin' Burgers) had once been.

The address for this new burger restaurant in Coolidge Corner is: Lee's Burger Place, 1331 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.


Thursday, July 24, 2014

Panelli's Pizza and Parm Is Opening in Brookline

A new pizza and sandwich spot is on its way to Brookline.

The Brookline TAB is reporting that Panelli's Pizza & Parm is going to be opening on Harvard Street (between Coolidge Corner and the Allston border), moving into the space where Ozzie's Pizza & Cafe had been. The article says that owner David Iknaian plans to focus on pizza and sandwiches, and one town selectman at a recent meeting looking into the eatery said of the sample menu, "I find some of your pizzas fascinating," including one that has four farm fresh eggs on top. (No other options for toppings were mentioned.)

It appears that Panelli's Pizza & Parm could be opening sometime in September, according to the TAB.

[November 21 update: UrbanDaddy mentions that Panelli's Pizza & Parm soft-opens on Sunday, with its grand opening taking place a week from today (Friday, November 28).]

[December 2 update: Boston Magazine confirms that Panelli's Pizza & Parm has opened, with the article saying that the new spot is getting its mozzarella cheese from Fiore di Nonno in Somerville and its bacon, pork, and sausage from Joshua Smith at Moody's in Waltham (in addition, its ciabatta rolls come from Iggy's). The post also says that Panelli's features "mammoth New York-style slices."]

The address for this new dining spot in Brookline is: Panelli's Pizza & Parm, 415 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.


Shanghai Jade Is Opening in the Former Zenna Noodle Bar Space in Brookline

A new Chinese restaurant is on its way to Brookline, moving into the space where an Asian fusion bar used to be.

The Brookline TAB is reporting that Shanghai Jade is planning to open on Beacon Street in the Coolidge Corner neighborhood, taking over the former Zenna Noodle Bar site (Zenna closed last fall). The article says that the new eatery will have seating for 40 plus an additional six seats outside during the warmer months, and it also mentions that the restaurant will not have a bar.

There does not appear to be a specific opening date for Shanghai Jade, though it does have clearance from the town to open, as the Brookline Board of Selectmen approved its application earlier this week.

[October 6 update: A poster on the Chowhound site mentions that Shanghai Jade is now open, and it features dim sum and noodle dishes.]

The address for this new Chinese restaurant in Coolidge Corner is: Shanghai Jade, 1374 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.


Joey's in Brighton Is Closing

A neighborhood watering hole in Brighton is closing this weekend after approximately 30 years in business.

Eater Boston is reporting that Joey's on Market Street is shutting down after business hours on Sunday, July 27, with a Facebook post from the bar saying "to come by and say Thank you Joey for being here for so long and making a place for us to come to that no matter how you were dressed or how you felt you could walk in, see a friendly face and the day or night would get that much better." One it closes, the liquor license may be going to the Dorchester, a restaurant coming to Neponset Avenue near Dorchester's Neponset Circle.

According to a page on the Manta site, Joey's has been in business since 1984.

The address for this soon-to-close bar in Brighton is: Joey's, 416 Market Street, Brighton, MA, 02135.


Update: Figs in Boston's Beacon Hill Reopens After Being Closed for Renovations

[Ed Note: This article was updated on August 3 to reflect the fact that the restaurant is open once again.]

It looks like a Beacon Hill dining spot owned by a celebrity chef and restaurateur has closed for at least awhile.

A Twitter post from yesterday indicates that Todd English's Figs on Charles Street is closed for renovations, with another poster on the site saying last week that the place was temporarily closed for renovations. (A check on the place by Cappy in Boston this morning indicates that the sign out front says "temporarily closed for renovations.") Calls to the establishment last night went unanswered (no voicemail) and there is no mention of the closure on the Figs website or Facebook page.

Other Todd English restaurants in Boston have closed permanently over the past several years, including Bonfire in Park Plaza, Kingfish Hall in Faneuil Hall, and Olives in Charlestown, and another spot on Charles Street had closed for what it said was renovations earlier this year, with Isabelle's Curly Cakes ultimately closing rather than being renovated. It is not yet known whether this is the case with the Beacon Hill location of Figs; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here. (The location of Figs on Main Street in Charlestown remains open.)

[July 25 update: According to a post on their Facebook page, Figs will apparently be reopening, with the message saying "Figs On Beacon Hill will be temporarily closed this week for a few days while we take care of some minor repairs. We'll be back in action in no time and we will keep you posted."]

[August 3 update: A poster on the Chowhound site mentions that Figs on Charles Street is open once again.]

The address for Figs in the Beacon Hill section of Boston is 42 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114.

Thanks to @PatrickMBoston of Maguire Promotions for initially bringing this to our attention.


Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Dorset Hall Is Opening in Dorchester

[Ed note: This article was updated on January 27, 2016 to reflect a name change, along with the fact that it is getting ready to open.]

It looks like a new restaurant is on its way to Dorchester.

Universal Hub is reporting that the owners of Shenanigan's on W Broadway in South Boston are planning to open a dining spot tentatively called the Dorchester, with the proposed restaurant on Neponset Avenue offering "basic American fare" for both lunch and dinner. The article indicates that the eatery would be moving into a space just north of Neponset Circle where a party-supply store had once been, in a neighborhood that is "on the cusp of revitalization." UH says that the Boston Licensing Board will make a decision tomorrow on whether to approve the proposal for the Dorchester.

[December 24 update: The Dorchester Reporter states that the development in which The Dorchester would be a part of has been approved by the Boston Redevelopment Authority board. (The article also says that the restaurant plans to have seating for 250 and parking across the street.)]

[January 27, 2016 update: A new article in the Dorchester Reporter mentions that the upcoming restaurant will be called Dorset Hall rather than The Dorchester, and that it plans to have a soft opening next week and a grand opening at an undisclosed date. The post also says that it will be housed in the ground floor of a residential development that should be completed in about 10 months.]

[February 16, 2016 update: Based on several Facebook posts (including one on the restaurant's Facebook page), Dorset Hall has soft-opened, with a couple of posts indicating that it will officially open later this week.]

[February 18, 2016 update: A Facebook post from yesterday indicates that Dorset Hall opens to the public today.]

The address for this new restaurant near Neponset Circle is 367 Neponset Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02122.


Plans for The Painted Burro to Open in Boston's Downtown Crossing Have Apparently Fallen Through

In the winter of 2013, we reported that the owner of a couple of restaurants in Somerville was going to be opening a second location of one of the eateries in the heart of downtown Boston. Now we have learned that this will apparently not be happening after all--at least not at the planned location.

According to multiple sources, plans for The Painted Burro to open at 35 Temple Place in Downtown Crossing have fallen through, with one of those sources (the Facebook page of The REAL Downtown Crossing, via a post) saying that it looks "dead in the water right now." A note sent to The Painted Burro last week has gone unanswered, and the Facebook page for the proposed restaurant mentions nothing about the place not opening, though the page has not been updated since April. It is not yet known whether another space in Boston (or elsewhere) is being looked at for The Painted Burro; if we hear anything, we will post an update here.

[December 11 update: A Licensing Board page within the City of Boston website indicates that a hearing will take place next week on the non-use of the license for The Painted Burro in Downtown Crossing, which never ended up opening.]

Joe Cassinelli is the owner of both the original Painted Burro and Pizzeria Posto in Somerville's Davis Square, and he is also behind the new Rosebud American Kitchen & Bar, which moves into the old Rosebud Diner space in the square.

[Earlier Article]
The Painted Burro to Open in Boston's Downtown Crossing


Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Cilantro Is Opening in Cambridge

It looks like a new restaurant may be on its way to the section of Cambridge between Harvard Square and Central Square.

According to a License Commission General Hearing page within the City of Cambridge website, Cilantro is seeking a Common Victualler License to open at 1105 Mass. Ave., which is home to several other businesses, including restaurants such as Zoe's and Dolphin. The post says that the proposed eatery would offer food and non-alcoholic drinks and would have seating for 64; it also looks like the dining spot may be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with proposed hours being 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM.

It is not known exactly which space Cilantro would go into, nor is it known what type of cuisine it will offer; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here. (The hearing will be taking place this evening.)

[December 1 update: Eater Boston states that Cilantro is now open, and it features Chinese cuisine (including a good amount of Chinese-American fare).]


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]



Koy to Open in UBurger Space in Boston's Faneuil Hall Area

It looks like a new Korean restaurant may be on its way to one of the busiest sections of Boston, and it appears to be moving into the space where a location of a burger spot has been.

According to a licensing board page within the City of Boston website, Koy is planning to open on North Street across from Faneuil Hall, with the proposed eatery seeking the liquor license of the now-closed Charley's Eating & Drinking Saloon in the Back Bay. (An earlier article here mentioned that a proposed South Boston restaurant called Republic had also been hoping for a liquor license transfer from Charley's back in May.) Based on the post within the licensing board page, it appears that Koy could be a Korean fusion spot, and the address given is the same as that of a location of UBurger. (A note was sent to UBurger yesterday, but it has not been answered as of yet.)

[July 25 update: Universal Hub mentions that Koy will indeed be replacing UBurger, and that the new restaurant will "meld Korean and western cuisine." The article also says that the people behind Koy will pay $425,000 for the liquor license.]

[August 18 update: According to @scottwholley, the Faneuil Hall location of UBurger is now closed.]

[December 4 update: Eater Boston says that Koy plans to open on Tuesday (December 9).]

The address for this proposed Korean restaurant by Faneuil Hall is: Koy, 16-18 North Street, Boston, MA, 02110.


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]



Monday, July 21, 2014

Highlights for the Week Ending July 18, 2014

Several more stories and articles focusing on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a popular North End pizza place possibly returning to its former home, a new bagel shop coming to Cambridge, and a French fries food truck on its way. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included an updated review of a Greek restaurant north of Boston, an updated list of restaurant closings and openings for July (so far), and a photo of a burger from an oceanside dining and drinking spot south of the city.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

Circle Pizza in Boston's North End Could Be Returning

Wahlburgers to Launch a Food Truck; East Coast Tour on the Way

Bagelsaurus Is Opening in Cambridge

Sal's Pizza in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood Has Closed; Food Truck May Be on the Way

Walloon's Pommes Frites Food Truck Coming to Boston

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

Updated Review: The Restaurant in Woburn, MA

Updated Review: Barefoot Bob's Beach Grill in Hull, MA

Restaurant Closings and Openings for July 2014 (So Far)

Photo: Burger from Barefoot Bob's Beach Grill in Hull, MA

Updated Review: Ashley's in Braintree, MA


Curry N Wok in North Cambridge Has Closed; New Concept on the Way

An Indo-Chinese restaurant in North Cambridge has shuttered, and it looks like a new spot will apparently be opening in its space.

A note sent from Rich O's Ravings indicates that Curry N Wok on Mass. Ave. is no longer in business, with the website for the eatery saying that "We are closed.Working on the new concept. We will update the opening date soon." Based on this note, it appears that the new concept may have the same owners, but this has not been 100% confirmed as of yet.

Curry N Wok first opened in November of 2013, replacing Copacabana, and before that, Garden of Eat-In Pizzeria and Good Food Cafe. The restaurant offered a mix of Indo-Chinese and Southern Indian fare.

The address for this now-closed restaurant in North Cambridge was: Curry N Wok, 2378 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02140.


Poe's Pub is Planning to Open in Boston's Downtown Crossing

It looks like a new restaurant and bar is on its way to the heart of Boston, and a familiar name is involved with it (and the name of the place itself may sound familiar as well).

The Boston Business Journal is reporting that Brian Poe is planning to open Poe's Pub somewhere in the Downtown Crossing area, and as is the case with other spots that he is a part of, he is partnering with restaurateur Gordon Wilcox. Poe is behind such places as the Rattlesnake in the Back Bay, the Tip Tap Room in Beacon Hill, and Estelle's in the South End, the latter of which was initially going to be a restaurant and bar called Poe's Chester Square Pub, or simply "Poe's Pub." Those plans fell through, with Estelle's eventually opening in the space instead in late 2012.

Very little is known about the upcoming Poe's Pub in Downtown Crossing at this point in time; as soon as we hear of any address, concept, and possible opening date, we will post an update here.


Brian Poe Buying Equity Stake in Bukowski Tavern Locations; Menu Changes on the Way

A familiar name within the Boston restaurant scene is going to be bringing some changes to a pair of popular dining and drinking spots in the area.

The Boston Business Journal is reporting that Brian Poe (Rattlesnake, Estelle's, Tip Tap Room) is buying an equity stake in Bukowski Tavern, which has locations in Cambridge's Inman Square and Boston's Back Bay. As mentioned here last week, the Inman Square location is closed while renovations are taking place, and it appears that Poe will be involved in that location first, followed by the Back Bay location soon after. Expect to see a more upscale menu at both spots, with exotic meats included along with a focus on burgers--though the "mug club" will remain in place.

Gordon Wilcox is the person behind both Bukowski Taverns along with several other restaurants, including the Rattlesnake, Estelle's, and the Tip Tap Room).

It looks like the Inman Square location of Bukowski could reopen (with menu changes in place) sometime this fall, while menu changes to the Back Bay location could happen by the end of the year, according to the BBJ.

Thanks to Drew Starr for bringing this to our attention.

[Earlier Article]
Bukowski Tavern in Cambridge's Inman Square Is Closed for Renovations; Reopening in the Fall


Friday, July 18, 2014

Circle Pizza in Boston's North End Could Be Returning

A long-closed iconic pizza place in the North End of Boston could be on its way back to the neighborhood.

The NorthEndWaterfront.com site is reporting that a proposal to bring back Circle Pizza to its old home at the corner of Hanover Street and Fleet Street has been given a unanimous vote of approval by the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC). The article says that the proposed pizzeria could have seating for 40 with closing hours of 11:00 PM on weekdays and 12:00 AM on weekends, and that it may offer beer, wine, and cordials with food. Joe Bono of Al Dente and Benevento's is one of the people behind the proposed eatery, which could get the Circle Pizza name back, depending on "pending negotiation with the former Circle Pizza owners," according to the article.

Circle Pizza was a popular neighborhood pizza spot that closed back in 2000, with a couple of flower shops subsequently moving into its space.

The address for this proposed pizzeria in the North End is 361 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113.


Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive -Ins, and Dives Is Featuring Blunch in Boston's South End Tonight

Tonight, Food Network host Guy Fieri will be featuring yet another Boston-area restaurant on his show "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives," with this one being a tiny breakfast and lunch spot in the city's South End neighborhood.

According to the Food Network's website, Blunch on East Springfield Street will be featured on a new episode of the show, which airs at 10:00 PM (EST). Based on the description of the episode, it looks like Fieri will be focusing on the meat and veggie panini options at the eatery, with the post calling it a "funky little sandwich shop." The Boston Globe gives more information on the episode, saying that the two sandwiches made for the Food Network host were The Bird (roast chicken with artichoke aioli) and The Provencal (goat cheese and a nut pesto).

A number of other restaurants in the Boston area have also been shown on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" in the past, including Mike's City Diner in Boston's South End, Rino's and Italian Express in East Boston, Greek Corner, Tupelo, and Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage in Cambridge, Boston Burger Company in Somerville, Cutty's in Brookline, and The Lobster Shanty in Salem.

More details on tonight's episode of Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" can be found at http://www.foodnetwork.com/shows/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/2000-series/stuffed-and-twisted.html

The address for Blunch is 59 East Springfield Street, Boston, MA, 02118. Its website is at http://www.eatblunch.com/


Five Guys Burgers and Fries to Open in Newton and Brockton

After a bit of a lull, a chain of burger places is expanding once again through the Greater Boston area, with at least two new locations on the way.

According to its website, Five Guys Burgers and Fries is planning to open in Newton and Brockton, with the Newton location coming to 215 Needham Street and the Brockton location coming to Westgate Drive. These will be the first new Five Guys to come to the region in awhile, with the last ones opening in Waltham and Boston (by Northeastern University) in 2013.

There don't appear to be specific opening dates for either the Newton or the Brockton location of the chain, with their website simply saying that both are "coming soon."

[August 15 update: The Brockton location of Five Guys is now open.]

November 18 update: According to a poster on the Chowhound site (and confirmed by the chain's Facebook page), the new location of Five Guys in Newton is now open, having apparently opened yesterday.]

The website for Five Guys can be found at http://www.fiveguys.com/

Thanks to a source for initially bringing this to our attention.


[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]



Thursday, July 17, 2014

Wahlburgers to Launch a Food Truck; East Coast Tour on the Way

The Wahlberg brothers are at it again, this time setting up a food truck that will be promoting the new season of their reality TV show.

According to an article in Boston Magazine, a "Wahlburgers on Wheels" truck will debut in Boston (between Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall) on July 26 from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with free burgers and tater tots available, along with games of cornhole and more. This is the first stop of an East Coast tour of the truck, which will promote Season Two of A&E's "Wahlburgers," a reality show that premieres on August 13.

Chef and restaurateur Paul Wahlberg and his celebrity brothers Mark and Donnie are behind the Wahlburgers restaurant in Hingham, with other locations coming to the Boston area as well, including in the Fenway section of the city and at MarketStreet Lynnfield.

The Twitter page for the Wahlburgers food truck can be found at https://twitter.com/WahlOnWheels


Mrs. Jones in Dorchester's Lower Mills Has Closed

[Ed Note: This article was updated on August 4 to reflect confirmation that the restaurant has indeed shut its doors.]

It looks like a Southern-style soul food eatery in Dorchester has closed.

Several checks on the restaurant over the past few weeks indicate that Mrs. Jones on Dorchester Avenue in Lower Mills is shuttered, with several sources in the area saying that it has indeed been dark and locked up over recent days. A phone call placed to the dining spot yesterday seems to indicate that this is likely a permanent closure, as their number is now disconnected.

[August 4 update: A note from the Facebook page of the Lower Mills Merchants Association confirms the closing of Mrs. Jones, as there is now a "For Sale" sign out front.]

Mrs. Jones was a restaurant that had been featured on our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) as a place to go for such items as cornbread, candied yams, black-eyed peas, deep-fried turkey and chicken, macaroni and cheese, brisket, and pork chops. The review can be found at the link below:

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

The address for this now-closed restaurant in Dorchester's Lower Mills was: Mrs. Jones, 2255 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02124.


Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Bagelsaurus Is Opening in Cambridge

The woman behind a "micro-bagel-bakery" that is located within a Brookline sandwich shop is going to be opening a shop of her own in Cambridge.

A License Commission General Hearing page within the City of Cambridge website indicates that Mary Ting Hyatt is planning to open Bagelsaurus on Mass. Ave. in the Porter Square section of the city. Based on the post, it looks like the shop will have seating for just under 20 and would tentatively be open from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday.

Hyatt currently sells her bagels within Cutty's on Washington Street in Brookline Village on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:00 AM until she runs out of bagels.

[August 5 update: Boston Magazine mentions that Bagelsaurus could be opening on October 1, and that Mary Ting is hoping she will be able to continue to supply bagels to customers at Cutty's in Brookline as well.]

[October 14 update: Bagelsaurus has not yet opened, but The Boston Globe states that it plans to soft-open on Sunday (October 19).]

[October 21 update: According to a picture sent from Rich O's Ravings, Bagelsaurus did not soft-open on Sunday, but does plan to open later this week.]

The website for Bagelsaurus can be found at http://bagelsaurus.com/


Bukowski Tavern in Cambridge's Inman Square Is Closed for Renovations; Will Reopen with a Revamped Menu

Earlier this year we reported that a restaurant and bar in Cambridge was looking into moving to a new space. It appears that this might not be happening after all, as the place has closed for the time being while it upgrades the place.

A Facebook post from Bukowski Tavern indicates that its Inman Square location is shuttered while it undergoes what appears to be major renovations. A few posts on their page say that it will reopen sometime this fall, though no specific date has been given as of yet. Back in January, it looked like Bukowski might move two blocks west, from 1279 Cambridge Street to 1343-1345 Cambridge Street, but this no longer appears to be in the works. The original Bukowski Tavern on Dalton Street in the Back Bay of Boston remains open for business.

[December 30 update: Eater Boston mentions that the renovated and reconcepted Bukowski Tavern in Inman Square may be opening as early as next week, and that (as mentioned here over the summer) Brian Poe is now involved with the place. According to EB, a few new items on the menu include poutine tater tots, kangaroo meatballs, alligator hot dogs, and camel burgers, and the article also says that the mug club will remain in place.]

[January 5, 2015 update: According to a Twitter post from Boston Globe food writer @kcbaskin, Bukowski Tavern will reopen in Cambridge tomorrow (Tuesday, January 6).]

The website for both Bukowski locations can be found at http://bukowskitavern.net/

[Earlier Article]
Bukowski Tavern in Cambridge's Inman Square Could Be Moving