Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Which Wich Is Opening at Somerville's Assembly Row

A chain of sandwich shops that is headquartered in Texas is going to be expanding into Massachusetts, and its first location will be within a new complex in Somerville.

Eater Boston is reporting (via Banker & Tradesman) that Which Wich plans to open at Assembly Row, with this being the first of what could be as many as 50 locations to come to the Greater Boston over the next few years. Once it opens (likely in early November), the new shop will offer sandwiches where diners have complete control over which ingredients are included.

[March 3, 2015 update: A new article from Eater Boston mentions that Which Wich is now open at Assembly Row.]

Currently, the Dallas-based Which Wich has more than 300 shops, with 250 more coming. Its website can be found at http://www.whichwich.com/


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



Taste of Jamaica Plain to Be Held at Our Lady of Lourdes Church Parish Hall, October 2, 2014

A culinary event that features the restaurants of Jamaica Plain (and other neighborhoods of Boston) is returning, and this year, it will actually be held in Jamaica Plain.

According to an article in the Jamaica Plain Gazette, the 2014 Taste of Jamaica Plain will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Church Parish Hall on Brookside Avenue on Thursday, October 2 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with the event including food samplings, live music, a silent auction, raffle, and children's activities. A few of the restaurants that are participating include Bella Luna, Bukhara, Dogwood Cafe, Grass Fed, Ula Cafe, Vee Vee, and Wok n Talk.

Last year, Taste of Jamaica Plain was held in West Roxbury because its usual venue was undergoing renovations at the time.

Ticket to the 2014 Taste of Jamaica Plain cost $40 ($15 for children and seniors), with proceeds helping support the social service agency ESAC. For more information on the event, please go to the following link:

http://www.esacboston.org/


Murray's Deli in Braintree Has Closed

A deli south of Boston that was known in part for its sandwiches and comfort food items has closed its doors.

According to a source, Murray's Deli in Braintree is no longer in operation, with the restaurant's phone being out of service and the place being locked up for at least several weeks now. The reason for its closure has not been 100% confirmed as of yet, nor is it known whether the eatery may open in a new spot; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

Murray's Deli was a dining spot on Elm Street in Braintree Center that our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) has featured as an under-the-radar place to get such items as corned beef sandwiches, turkey dinners, steak tips, and more. A review of Murray's can be found at the link below:

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

The address for this now-closed deli in Braintree was: Murray's Deli, 2 Elm Street, Braintree, MA, 02184.


Monday, September 29, 2014

Highlights for the Week Ending September 26, 2014

Several more stories and articles focusing on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a Chinese eatery coming to a town with few dining options, a downtown Boston restaurant with a celebrity chef behind it closing, and a decades-old market in Somerville getting ready to call it a day. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included an updated review of a drive-in spot northwest of Boston, a list of restaurants with fireplaces, and a photo of a classic bar pizza from a drinking spot south of the city.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

Dumpling Daughter to Open in Weston Center

The Aquitaine Group to Open a New Restaurant at MarketStreet Lynnfield

Blue Inc. in Boston Has Closed; Future in Doubt

Sessa's in Somerville's Davis Square to Close; Pepe Bocca to Replace It

Deluxe Depot Diner to Open in Framingham

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

Updated Review: Johnson's Drive-In in Groton, MA

Photo: Calamari from Millie's Kitchen in Winthrop, MA

List of Boston-Area Restaurants and Bars with Fireplaces

Photo: Bacon and Feta Pizza from Venus Cafe in Whitman, MA

Photo: Hot Dog from The Gaff in Waltham, MA


Sweet Tooth Closes Its Downtown Crossing Location

A bakery with two locations in Boston is back down to just one, as it has closed its shop in the heart of the downtown area.

Eater Boston is reporting that Sweet Tooth at The Corner Mall in Downtown Crossing is no longer in business, with a post on the store's Facebook page indicating that it shuttered "due to a lack of foot traffic, unsanitary conditions within the Corner mall, and an ongoing contentious relationship with the landlord." Its original shop on West Broadway in South Boston remains open, and its products can also be found at the Walgreens in Downtown Crossing.

The downtown location of Sweet Tooth first opened its doors last fall, offering such items as cakes, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, tarts, and pies.

The address for this now-closed bakery in Downtown Crossing was: Sweet Tooth, 417 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02108. Its website can be found at http://www.sweettoothboston.com/


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



Friday, September 26, 2014

Dumpling Daughter Is Opening in Weston Center

A new Chinese restaurant is coming to a western suburb of Boston that currently has very few dining options, and the person behind it has a connection to a well-known eatery from years ago.

Eater Boston is reporting (via the Weston Town Crier) that Nadia Spellman is planning to open Dumpling Daughter in Weston, with the self-serve and takeout restaurant moving into a space in the center of town where Campo de Fiori had been. Spellman's mother is Sally Ling, who opened Sally Ling's on the Boston waterfront with her family in the mid-1980s, then moving the place to Cambridge a few years later and finally moving it again to New Jersey before it closed for good a few years ago. (There had also been a branch of the restaurant in Newton.) Both EB and the Town Crier indicate that the menu at Dumpling Daughter will carry on the tradition of Sally Ling's dishes (and that Ling is Spellman's "number one consultant").

It is not yet known when Dumpling Daughter might open; as soon as we get more information on a possible opening date, we will post an update here.

[December 15 update: The Wayland Town Crier mentions that Dumpling Daughter is now open and that it features dumplings, soups, and sandwiches.]

The address for this new Chinese restaurant in Weston is: Dumpling Daughter, 37 Center Street, Weston, MA, 02493. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/dumplingdaughter


Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Update: Wahlburgers Expanding to Las Vegas; Major Expansion Plans Also Appear to Be in the Works

[Ed note: This article was updated on September 25 to reflect new information given, including some potentially big expansion plans for the restaurant.]

It looks like the Wahlberg brothers are making good on their plans to expand outside of the Boston area, with multiple restaurants on the way to the gambling capital of America.

According to a post within their website, Wahlburgers is going to be opening three locations of the eatery in Las Vegas, with the first one coming in early 2015 and the second and third restaurants opening within the next five years. This is part of an expansion that includes a new location planned for Brookline Avenue in Boston's Fenway and another at MarketStreet Lynnfield, along with at least one location opening soon in Toronto and others possibly coming to Philadelphia and Atlantic City.

[September 25 update: In an article in the Boston Business Journal, Wahlburgers CEO Rick Vanzura indicates that as many as 300 locations of Wahlburgers could be coming to the U.S. over the next 10+ years.]

Chef and restaurateur Paul Wahlberg and his celebrity brothers Mark and Donnie opened the original Wahlburgers at the Hingham Shipyard in the fall of 2011.


The Aquitaine Group to Open a New Restaurant at MarketStreet Lynnfield

An open-air retail center north of Boston is getting ready to expand, and one of its new businesses will be a restaurant from a local group.

According to a press release, The Aquitaine Group is planning to open a brand new dining and drinking concept at MarketStreet Lynnfield, with the restaurant coming to a 6,400-square-foot space that will have a large outdoor dining area. No name has been given for the eatery, which hopes to open in the summer of 2015.

The Aquitaine Group is behind such restaurants as Cinquecento, Aquitaine, Metropolis Cafe, Union Bar and Grille, and Gaslight--all of which are in Boston's South End--along with Aquitaine at The Street in Chestnut Hill and Aquitaine at Legacy Place in Dedham. Its website can be found at http://www.aquitainegroup.com/

MarketStreet Lynnfield is located just north of Route 128 off of Walnut Street.


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



Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Kung Fu Tea to Open in Brighton

A chain of Asian tea shops continues with its expansion plans into the Boston area, with a new location planned for Brighton.

According to a note (and picture) sent by GospelOfIHM, Kung Fu Tea is going to be opening on Beacon Street by Cleveland Circle, with the store moving into the space where Fruitee Yogurt has been. Once it opens, the new tea shop will join existing locations in Chinatown, by Symphony Hall, and in Allston and Malden. (Another shop is on its way to Somerville's Davis Square as well.)

Kung Fu Tea, which features such drinks as Kung Fu Bubble Milk Tea/Milk Green Tea, Red Wow Milk, Green Wow Milk, and Passionfruit Green Tea, has a number of locations across the country (with most being in New York City), along with business ventures in Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and China.

The address for this upcoming Asian tea shop in Cleveland Circle is: Kung Fu Tea, 1916B Beacon Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. The website for the chain can be found at http://kfteausa.com/


Monday, September 22, 2014

Highlights for the Week Ending September 19, 2014

A few more stories and articles centering on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including an oyster bar possibly coming to the Back Bay, a deal falling through that would have brought a famous pizzeria to Brookline, and the last of the Brigham's ice cream shops getting a new (but similar) name. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included a new review of a restaurant and bar in Quincy, a photo of a bar pizza from a well-known spot in Brockton, and a list of restaurant closings and openings for September (so far).

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

SELECT Oyster Bar Plans to Open in Boston's Back Bay

Halfway Cafe in Holbrook to Become Lucky Lou Lou's

Pepe's Pizza No Longer Coming to The Fireplace Space in Brookline; Deal Called Off

Brigham's in Arlington Heights to Become Digumm's

Monica's Mercato Pizzeria Rosticceria Is Opening in Boston's North End

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

New Review: Coop's Bar and Grille in Quincy, MA

Photo: Pizza from Cape Cod Cafe in Brockton, MA

Updated Review: Venus Cafe in Whitman, MA

Restaurant Closings and Openings for September, 2014 (So Far)

Photo: Onion Strings from Coop's Bar and Grille in Quincy, MA


Update: Blue Inc. in Boston Has Closed for Good; Broad Street Riot to Replace It

[Ed note: This article was updated on October 8 and 20 and then again on November 12 to reflect new information given.]

A restaurant in downtown Boston that is run by a well-known chef and restaurateur has shuttered for the time being, and the future of the place is unknown at this point in time, though it does not appear that it will be reopening in its present form.

A statement sent this afternoon indicates that Blue Inc. on Broad Street is closed temporarily "effective immediately," and that "details and concepts are still being finalized" with more info on the way as plans get ironed out. Chef Jason Santos, who opened the dining and drinking spot in July of 2011, can still be found at Abby Lane on Tremont Street in the Theatre District and Back Bay Harry's on Berkeley Street in the Back Bay, which remain open for business.

[October 8 update: Eater Boston gives more information (via Zagat) about Blue Inc., saying that a new concept is indeed on its way and that Jason Santos will not be a part of it--though other partners will be involved with the new restaurant. (Ed note: We were told what the name of the new dining spot shortly after we first received the scoop on this story, but are holding off on giving out the name for now.)]

[October 20 update: The Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog confirms (via a Licensing Board page) what we were told by the owner of the upcoming restaurant, that the new place will be called Broad Street Riot (which is named after a conflict that took place in 1837 in this section of downtown Boston). We have also been told by the owner what the restaurant's concept will be, but need to wait for approval before posting here.]

[November 12 update: DigBoston mentions that Broad Street Riot is opening to the public on Friday (November 14) and that it will be a "New England oyster bar and Atlantic coast cookery."]

In addition to his restaurants in Boston, Jason Santos is also known in part for his being on the Fox reality TV show Hell's Kitchen along with his position as executive chef of the now-closed Gargoyles on the Square in Somerville's Davis Square.

The address for Blue Inc. (and the upcoming Broad Street Riot) is 131 Broad Street, Boston, MA, 02110.


Pepe Bocca Is Replacing Sessa's in Somerville's Davis Square

An Italian market and delicatessen in one of the busiest sections of Somerville is closing after 35 years in business, though another food store is taking over its space.

According to a post within the Davis Square LiveJournal blog, Sessa's Cold Cuts and Italian Specialties in the Davis Square section of the city will be shutting down, as owner John Sessa has sold the spot to Giovanni Maione of La Campania in Waltham, who will open Pepe Bocca Italian Specialty Market in its place. It looks like the transition from the old shop to the new will take place over the next few weeks, with Pepe Bocca keeping the focus on it being an Italian deli and adding a few new touches, including fresh bread and other baked goods, a "line of Neapolitan street dishes," more options for prepared foods, and seating for 20 inside and another 10 outside during the warmer months.

[December 22 update: Eater Boston mentions (via Chowhound) that Pepe Bocca is now open.]

Sessa's Cold Cuts and Italian Specialties first opened its doors on Highland Avenue in 1979.

The address for Sessa's (and the new Pepe Bocca) is 414 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02144.


Deluxe Depot Diner Is Opening in Framingham

The people behind two Boston-area diners are going to be opening a third spot, and this one will be a bit further west of the city.

According to a post within the jobs section of the BostonChefs.com site, Deluxe Depot Diner is planning to open in the historic train station in the downtown section of Framingham, with an earlier article from the MetroWest Daily News mentioning that the 220-seat eatery on Waverly Street will feature breakfast all day (the BostonChefs.com post says it will also have a full bar). Once it opens, the Deluxe Depot Diner will join the Deluxe Town Diner, which is located in East Watertown, and the Deluxe Station Diner, a newer spot that resides in Newton Centre.

It is not yet known when the Deluxe Depot Diner will open; the MetroWest Daily News article from July said that it had been hoping to open last month--which at the time was a few months behind schedule. As soon as we get more information, we will post an update here.

[December 29 update: According to a post within The New England Travel and Vacation Gazette, the Deluxe Depot Diner is now open.]

The address for this upcoming restaurant in Framingham is: Deluxe Depot Diner, 417 Waverly Street, Framingham, MA, 01702.


Friday, September 19, 2014

Noodle Barn Opens in Jamaica Plain

A new Asian restaurant has opened in Jamaica Plain, moving into the space where a Thai spot used to be.

Eater Boston mentions that Noodle Barn is now open on Centre Street in the former Ban Chiang House space (Ban Chiang House back in March), with the restaurant offering a mix of Thai and Vietnamese fare. As reported earlier here, the people who own Pho & I on Huntington Avenue near Symphony Hall are also behind this eatery.

The address for this new restaurant in Jamaica Plain is: Noodle Barn, 707 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

[Earlier Article]
Ban Chiang House in Jamaica Plain Has Closed; New Restaurant to Move In


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



SELECT Oyster Bar Is Opening in Boston's Back Bay

A new restaurant is on its way to the Back Bay of Boston, and it appears that a chef at a well-known dining spot in the North End may be involved.

Eater Boston is reporting that SELECT Oyster Bar is planning to open, with a tipster for the site indicating that it will be coming to a space on Gloucester Street that two other proposed eateries--Ambrosia on Gloucester and Lola 41--had been looking at as well over the past year or so. According to EB, Michael Serpa of Neptune Oyster on Salem Street is one of the people behind the opening of SELECT Oyster Bar, along with Robert J. Weintraub.

Very little else is known about this restaurant at this point in time; as soon as we find out more information, we will post an update here.

[February 20, 2015 update: A new article from Eater Boston mentions that SELECT Oyster Bar is hoping to open sometime in the middle of March, and that it will be a seafood spot with a raw bar and "seafood-friendly wines" along with artisan spirits.]

[March 9, 2015 update: The Improper Bostonian mentions that SELECT Oyster Bar is still planning to open sometime this month.]

[April 1, 2015 update: According to an Instagram picture from the restaurant, SELECT Oyster Bar opens on Friday, April 3. (Thanks to one of our sources for bringing this to our attention.)]

The address for SELECT Oyster Bar will be 50 Gloucester Street, Boston, MA, 02115. Its Twitter page can be found at https://twitter.com/SELECTboston


Diner at McDonald's in Bridgewater Allegedly Throws Fish Sandwich at Employee with Seafood Allergy

A customer at a location of the McDonald's chain south of Boston reportedly struck an employee with a seafood item earlier this week, and the employee just happens to be allergic to seafood.

According to an article in Wicked Local East Bridgewater, a 67-year-old diner at the chain's shop in Bridgewater was "unhappy" with his order Wednesday evening and allegedly threw his Filet-O-Fish sandwich at an 18-year-old employee of the restaurant. A Bridgewater police lieutenant said that the employee was "uninjured" and did not need any kind of medical attention, and that the customer who threw the sandwich has been given a "no-trespass order" and cannot go back to the eatery.

The Bridgewater location of McDonald's is at 222 Broad Street (Route 18), a short distance north of the center of town.


Halfway Cafe in Holbrook to Become Lucky Lou Lou's

A location of a local group of family-friendly restaurants is getting a name change, though it will be under the same ownership.

According to an article in Wicked Local Holbrook, the Halfway Cafe on Route 37 in Holbrook is going to become Lucky Lou Lou's, with the people behind the Halfway Cafe continuing to run the new eatery. The article says that the dining spot remains open for the time being, though it will close for two or three weeks at some point when interior and exterior renovations begin. It is not known what kinds of changes--if any--might come to the menu at this point in time, so keep checking back for updates.

In the article, Wicked Local Holbrook asks Halfway Cafe President John Grasso where the name Lucky Lou Lou's comes from, with his response being "You don't want to know."

[December 5 update: A new post from Wicked Local Holbrook indicates that the town of Holbrook has approved the changeover from the Halfway Cafe to Lucky Lou Lou's.]

[September 26, 2015 update: Several sources confirm that Lucky Lou Lou's is now open in the former Halfway Cafe space in Holbrook.]

Other locations of the Halfway Cafe can be found in Canton, Dedham, Marlborough, Maynard, and Watertown.

The address for the Halfway Cafe (and Lucky Lou Lou's) is 200 S Franklin Street (Route 37), Holbrook, MA, 02343. The website for the Halfway Cafe is at  http://www.thehalfwaycafe.com/


Thursday, September 18, 2014

Pepe's Pizza No Longer Coming to The Fireplace Space in Brookline; Deal Called Off

In July, we reported that a famous New Haven pizzeria was planning to take over the space of another restaurant in Brookline. Now we have learned that this will not be happening after all.

According to a source, plans for Pepe's Pizza to open in The Fireplace space in Washington Square have fallen through, with Eater Boston confirming this; in the article (via a newsletter), Jim Solomon of The Fireplace says that "Ever since deciding to close the restaurant I have been overwhelmed with requests (some very emotional!) to remain open....I love serving the community in which I live and have decided to keep running my restaurant."

It is not known whether Pepe's will continue to look for a space in the Boston area; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

[September 18 update: The Boston Globe mentions that while Pepe's will indeed not be coming to The Fireplace space, Jim Solomon says that the pizzeria is planning on opening "several" locations in the Boston area and that they are in the process of looking for spaces.]

The address for The Fireplace is 1634 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.

[Earlier Article]
Pepe's Pizza to Open in The Fireplace Space in Brookline's Washington Square


Brigham's in Arlington Heights to Become Digumm's

It looks like the last of the Brigham's retail shops is finally getting ready to change its name, though the new name won't be all that different from the old name.

According to a source, the Brigham's location in Arlington Heights is going to be called Digumm's, with a rough picture of its logo shown to us this afternoon. It appears that the shop will continue to sell quarts of Brigham's ice cream, though it is not known what other brand(s) of ice cream they will be offering as well--though our source does say that they are also offering Richie's Slush.

All other Brigham's shops have closed or changed over to stores with new names and suppliers over the past few years, though the Brigham's products continue to be sold in convenience stores and supermarkets.

The address for Brigham's in Arlington Heights (and soon, Digumm's) is 1328 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476.

[Earlier Article]
Brigham's in Arlington Heights Remains Open (for Now)


Monica's Mercato Pizzeria Rosticceria Is Opening in Boston's North End

It looks like a new pizza shop is on its way to the North End of Boston.

Eater Boston is reporting that Monica's Mercato Pizzeria Rosticceria is going to be opening underneath its food shop on Salem Street (entrance via the alley around the corner), with a tipster for EB saying that it could be ready in two or three weeks. Once it opens, expect both slices and whole pies to be offered, and the pizzeria's hours should be the same as that of the market.

[November 17 update: A check with Monica's Mercato indicates that the pizzeria opens its doors today at 11:00 AM.]

Monica's Mercato is owned by the same people who are behind Vinoteca di Monica on Richmond Street and Trattoria di Monica on Prince Street.

The address for Monica's Mercato (and the pizzeria below) is 130 Salem Street, Boston, MA, 02113. Its website can be found at http://www.monicasboston.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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



Tasty Mo:Mo: Is Opening in Somerville

A new eatery is looking to open in Somerville, and the name of the place gives away what it will be serving.

Eater Boston is reporting that Tasty Mo:Mo: is planning on opening in Magoun Square, with the Medford Street dining spot offering momos, which are dumplings found in Tibet and Nepal; the restaurant's Facebook page also mentions that a Nepalese food plate with items such as rice, meat curry, vegetables, chutney, and lentils will be available as well. According to EB, Tasty Mo:Mo: will apparently be a takeout and catering spot at first, but it could become a dine-in restaurant at some point.

The Eater Boston article also says that Tasty Mo:Mo: will donate a dollar for every plate of momos sold to the Food for Education trust, which helps feed children in Nepal.

[March 31, 2015 update: A new article from Eater Boston mentions that Tasty Mo:Mo: will have its grand opening on Sunday (April 5).]

[April 6 update: According to a Facebook post from the restaurant, Tasty Mo:Mo: has soft-opened, with its official opening being tomorrow (Tuesday, April 7).]

The address for this new eatery in Magoun Square is: Tasty Mo:Mo:, 503B Medford Street, Somerville, MA, 02145. Its Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/tastymomo


Stuffed Sandwiches Food Truck Hits the Streets of Boston

A new food truck has come to Boston, and this one features a type of sandwich that is very well known in another city several hundred miles to the west.

Eater Boston is reporting (via Hub Food Trucks) that Stuffed Sandwiches is now up and running, with the truck currently stationed at both Clarendon Street in the Back Bay and Cleveland Circle in Brighton. The menu includes a Stuffed Fat Cat (double cheeseburger, fries, lettuce, tomato, mayo, ketchup), a Stuffed Nini (cheesesteak, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, fries, honey mustard sauce), a Stuffed Ramano (cheese steak, egg, pork roll, fries, lettuce, tomato, mayo, ketchup), and a Stuffed FRAT (chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, fries, BBQ sauce).

The stuffed sandwich is a popular food item in Pittsburgh, with a landmark restaurant there called Primanti Bros. offering them to diners since the 1930s. (A number of locations of the eatery can be found in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area today.)

The website for the Stuffed Sandwiches truck is at http://www.stuffedsandwiches.com/ while its Twitter page is at https://twitter.com/ssfoodtruck


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



Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Italian Restaurant Coming to the Watch Factory in Waltham

A new restaurant is on its way to a western suburb of Boston, and it will be located in an historic riverside structure.

The Eyes on Waltham blog is reporting that an Italian dining spot is looking to open within the Watch Factory in Waltham, with the plan being for the place to have a restaurant as well as a cafe with gelato and pastries, along with an outdoor deck right by the Charles River. The article indicates that there will be about 50 seats inside and another 30 outside and that the restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is not yet known when the eatery might open at this point in time.

The Watch Factory is a renovated complex by Prospect Street and Crescent Street (just west of Moody Street) that has nearly half a million square feet of residential, commercial, and office space. Its website can be found at http://www.walthamwatchfactory.com/

Thanks to @brandnewwatch for bringing this to our attention.


Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Tia's in Boston Planning to Open a Second-Floor Bar

A popular restaurant and bar on the Boston waterfront is apparently looking to expand upward.

The Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog is reporting (via NorthEndWaterfront.com) that Tia's on the Waterfront is planning to open a second-story bar, with the North End/Waterfront Residents' Association (NEWRA) hearing the proposal and hoping that the city of Boston gives it permission to have advisory role on the plans even though Tia's is technically not in the North End. Currently, there is little other information about this proposal; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

[October 9 update: A new post from NorthEndWaterfront.com mentions that Tia's plans include expanding into a two-story complex with an open-air deck on the second floor that could have a retractable roof so it can be open year round, along with a doubling of capacity to approximately 550.]

Tia's, which first opened more than 30 years ago, is known in part for its bustling outdoor bar area across from the water.

The address for Tia's is 200 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA, 02109. Its website can be found at http://www.tiaswaterfront.com/


Update: Pinkberry in Somerville's Davis Square Closes, to Be Replaced by Yumi

[ed note: This article was updated to reflect new information given, including confirmation of Pinkberry closing and info on the restaurant replacing it.]

A chain of frozen yogurt shops has closed one of its Boston-area locations.

According to a post in the Davis Square LiveJournal blog, Pinkberry in Somerville's Davis Square is shuttered apparently due to a ceiling collapse caused by flooding in an upstairs apartment. The post mentions (via Reddit) that the shop may be closed until the spring of 2015, though it is possible that it will never reopen, and a call placed to the Elm Street location of Pinkberry hints that this is the case, as its phone number is no longer in service. As soon as we find out more on the exact status of the shop, we will post an update here.

[January 2, 2015 update: A new entry in the Davis Square LiveJournal blog indicates (via a Twitter photo), that the Pinkberry shop on Elm Street is indeed be gone for good, as a sign saying "hot pot & sushi coming soon" has been put up in the window.]

[March 17, 2015 update: Eater Boston mentions (via a Somerville licensing commission page) that the new restaurant coming to Davis Square will be called Yumi.]

Pinkberry first opened in Davis Square in September of 2013.

The address for this now-closed frozen yogurt shop in Davis Square is: Pinkberry, 263 Elm Street, Somerville, MA, 02144. The website for the chain is at http://www.pinkberry.com/

Thanks to Eater Boston for bringing this to our attention.


Monday, September 15, 2014

Highlights for the Week Ending September 12, 2014

Several more stories and articles focusing on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including an Irish pub in Cambridge closing, a BBQ spot in Brighton getting ready to close, and a small chain of Japanese noodle houses opening a new location in Boston. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included an updated review of a breakfast place in Quincy, some restaurant reviews from our readers, and a photo of a veal dish from an Italian spot in Newton.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

New Restaurant Planned for the Locke-Ober Space in Boston's Downtown Crossing

Tommy Doyle's Pub in Cambridge's Kendall Square Has Closed

Smoken' Joe's BBQ and Blues in Brighton Is Closing

Wagamama to Open in Boston's Fort Point Neighborhood

Sherman Cafe in Somerville's Union Square Is Closing

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

Updated Review: McKay's Breakfast and Lunch in Quincy, MA

Photo: Strawberry Ice Cream from Kimball Farm Ice Cream in Carlisle, MA

Reader's Restaurant Posts for September, 2014 (So Far)

Photo: Veal Saltimbocca from Vecchia Roma in Newton, MA

Photo: Popcorn Chicken from the Mendon Drive-In in Mendon, MA


Oppa's Kitchen and Bar Opens in Malden

A new Korean restaurant has opened north of Boston, moving into the space where an Italian dining spot had been.

According to a Twitter post from @DuffyMalden, Oppa's Kitchen & Bar is now open on Pleasant Street, with a Chowhound poster mentioning that the eatery has taken over the former Massimo's space. (Massimo's has since moved to a new location in Wakefield.) Based on what the person on the Chowhound site says, Oppa's features such items as bibimbap, bulgogi, dolsot, galbi, kimchi, mandu, ramen, and teriyaki, along with sake and soju, and there appears to be "a 'Bar' focus" to the place.

The address for this new Korean dining spot in Malden is: Oppa's Kitchen & Bar, 157 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA, 02148.


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



Friday, September 12, 2014

Hotel Chocolat in Boston's Back Bay Is Closing

The Back Bay location of a high-end chocolatier is getting ready to call it a day.

UrbanDaddy is reporting that Hotel Chocolat on Newbury Street is closing within the next couple of weeks and is now selling everything for half price until it shuts its doors. Once it closes, the British-based company will no longer have any locations in the United States, as its other location in New York is no longer in business. (It is not known if any of its stores overseas will be closing.)

[September 22 update: The Boston Globe says that Hotel Chocolat plans to close its Back Bay store this Wednesday (September 24) or even earlier, depending on if they run out of products.]

[September 25 update: As indicated above, it appears that Hotel Chocolat in Boston is closed. (The Back Bay location is now gone from the main website.)]

The Boston location of Hotel Chocolat is known for its chocolates and chocolate drinks, as well as a now-closed chocolate bar where people could do tastings.

The address for this soon-to-close chocolatier in the Back Bay is: Hotel Chocolat, 141A Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the company can be found at http://www.hotelchocolat.com/uk/

Thanks to Eater Boston for bringing this to our attention.


Crudo Is Opening in Former Pulcinella Space in Boston's North End

It looks like a new Asian restaurant is on its way to the North End of Boston, taking over the space where a mozzarella bar had been.

NorthEndWaterfront.com is reporting that Sushi Rock LLC is planning to open a dining spot on Salem Street, with the eatery moving into the former Pulcinella Mozzarella Bar and Ristorante space (a note earlier today from ConciergeBoston confirmed that Pulcinella closed awhile back). It is not yet known for sure if the new restaurant will be called Sushi Rock or whether that's simply the business name of the applicant; as soon as we find out what it will be called, we will post an update here.

[September 23 update: It has still not been confirmed whether Sushi Rock will be the name of this dining spot, but more information will likely come out by tomorrow, as NorthEndWaterfront.com says that a meeting will take place this evening to discuss the restaurant's plans.]

[March 16, 2015 update: Eater Boston mentions that the new restaurant coming to the former Pulcinella space will be called Crudo, not Sushi Rock, though it will still be featuring sushi.]

[June 29, 2015 update: A new article from Eater Boston states that Crudo opens today at 5:00 PM.]

Pulcinella Mozzarella Bar and Ristorante first opened in the Salem Street space in August of 2012.

The address for this new Asian restaurant in the North End is 78-80 Salem Street, Boston, MA, 02113.


The Continental Drift Food Truck Plans to Come to Boston

Yet another food truck could be on the way to Boston, with this one featuring Paleo-based dishes.

Eater Boston is reporting that catering company Pangea Cuisines is looking to launch a food truck called The Continental Drift, with the truck offering the types of foods that were apparently eaten during the Paleolithic era. The article mentions that the people behind Pangea Cuisines are currently trying to get funding before The Continental Drift truck (which they already have) can become reality, with their crowdfunding campaign ending in early November.

The Paleo diet tends to include certain types of fruits and vegetables as well as meats, with grains, processed foods, dairy products, and other items generally avoided.

The website for Pangea Cuisines can be found at http://www.pangeacuisines.com/


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



Thursday, September 11, 2014

Keltic Krust in West Newton Has Closed

An Irish bakery in West Newton has closed its doors after more than 20 years in business.

Eater Boston is reporting that Keltic Krust on Washington Street is no longer in business, having shuttered at the end of August. According to the article (via the spot's Facebook page), the bakery-cafe plans "to carry on the Keltic Krust name in a new venture," while its space will be taken over by a gourmet food spot called Judith's Kitchen.

Keltic Krust offered such items as scones, soda bread, sausage rolls, jams, coffee, and more.

The address for the now-closed Keltic Krust (and upcoming Judith's Kitchen) is 1371 Washington Street, Newton, MA, 02465.


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



News Elsewhere: In-N-Out Burger Sets Up Pop-Up Shop in Toronto

A near-legendary burger chain that is based in California is making what appears to be its closest pass to the Boston area and the Northeast, though it is only a temporary setup--and it is still a long day trip from Boston.

Grub Street mentions that In-N-Out Burger has set up a pop-up shop in Toronto today, selling its burgers from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, or until the burgers run out. This isn't the first time that the chain has done such a setup, as an earlier post from canada.com states that pop-ups have come to such places as Auckland, London, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo,

Currently, the closest locations of permanent In-N-Out shops are in Texas, with others being in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah.

The website for In-N-Out Burger can be found at http://www.in-n-out.com/


New Restaurant Planned for the Locke-Ober Space in Boston's Downtown Crossing

It looks like a couple of people behind a restaurant in Boston's Back Bay are planning on opening a new dining spot within one of the city's most iconic spaces.

Universal Hub is reporting that Christopher Jamison and Mark Malatesta (who are involved with Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar on Dartmouth Street) are looking to open a restaurant in the former Locke-Ober space on Winter Place in Downtown Crossing. The article says that the plan would be to feature New American and international fare and keep the carved wooden bar along with the basement room (which would become a function room) and the back room (which would turn into a library bar), with live music being offered. The article mentions that the pair want to make the unnamed eatery a "first-class dining destination and supper club" but with a more modern menu that would include tapas.

Locke-Ober closed its doors for good in October of 2012 after being in business since 1875.

The address for this proposed restaurant is 3 Winter Place, Boston, MA, 02108.


Tommy Doyle's Pub in Cambridge's Kendall Square Has Closed

Late last year, we reported that an Irish pub in Cambridge had closed its doors. Now we have learned that another location of the pub within the city has shuttered as well.

A tip from @HeyRatty earlier this week led to confirmation from another source that Tommy Doyle’s in Kendall Square was closing for good, with a worker at the pub telling us that the place officially shut down last night. The closure of the pub follows a closing of its Harvard Square location in late December of 2013; it looks like other locations of the pub (which are under separate ownership) in Newton and Hyannis remain open.

 The address for this now-closed Irish pub in Kendall Square was: Tommy Doyle’s, 1 Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139.


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



Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Smoken' Joe's BBQ and Blues in Brighton Is Closing

Late last year, we reported that a BBQ spot in Brighton that features live music was temporarily closed and in danger of losing its home. The place ultimately reopened, but now we have learned that it will be closing for good later this month.

One of our readers let us know today that Smoken' Joe's BBQ & Blues is shutting down for good, with the restaurant's Facebook page saying the following in a note: "It is with tremendous sadness that Joe & Wendy announce the closing of Smoken' Joe's Barbeque & Blues as of September 23, 2014....We invite you to stop in between now and September 23rd to say goodbye and enjoy the food and music....Best wishes to all of our friends and supports and please don't forget to support the blues!"

[September 23 update: Smoken' Joe's BBQ & Blues confirms via a Facebook post that today is its last day in business, with the note saying "we have reached the end."]

The Facebook note mentions lost money from its shutdown last fall, health issues, and an ongoing conflict between the owners and the landlord as reasons for the closure.

The address for the soon-to-close Smoken' Joe's BBQ & Blues is 351 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02135.

[Earlier Article]
Smoken' Joe's in Brighton Reportedly Faces Possible Eviction


Pret a Manger to Open Yet Another Shop in Downtown Boston

A London-based chain of sandwich shops is going to be expanding further through Boston, with yet another location coming to the heart of the city.

The Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog is reporting that Pret a Manger is going to be opening a new shop at the corner of Washington Street and State Street, joining other nearby locations on Arch Street, Federal Street, and Franklin Street, along with two others on Boylston Street in the Back Bay. This past winter, we had reported that the chain was looking to open at least "a dozen" new outlets in Boston and Cambridge over the course of the next few years.

[October 15 update: An email sent indicates that the new Pret a Manger at the corner of Washington Street and State Street in downtown Boston is officially opening its doors this Friday (October 17).]

Pret a Manger, which first started out in 1986, offers a variety of sandwiches as well as soups, salads, baked goods, pastries, and pressed juices. Its website can be found at http://www.pret.com/us


Prospect in Cambridge's Central Square Faces an Uncertain Future Before Even Opening

Three years after we first reported on it, the opening of a new restaurant and nightclub in Cambridge now appears to be in doubt.

Cambridge Day states that construction on Prospect (also known as Prospect Lounge) in Central Square is more or less at a standstill, with the funds needed to open the Prospect Street place unable to be raised, and now the possibility exists of its alcohol, restaurant and entertainment license being taken away. The article says that attorney James Rafferty is currently talking with the landlord about possible options, and that a 60-day reprieve has been granted in order to allow Shulman to find partners or investors or someone to purchase the license, according to Cambridge Day.

Marc Shulman and Patty Chen, who are the owners of Prospect, were also behind a Mass. Ave. nightclub called All Asia Bar on the other side of Central Square which was forced to close to make way for redevelopment by MIT. The initial plans were to reopen the club as Valhalla on Prospect Street, though a name change to Prospect Lounge (or Prospect) was eventually made.

[Earlier Article]
All Asia Bar in Cambridge to Move, Change Its Name to Prospect Lounge