Friday, November 28, 2014

Caffe Nero to Open in Jamaica Plain

A chain of Italian-style coffee shops based in Europe is planning to open a second location in Boston, though not everyone is happy about it.

Eater Boston is reporting (via the Jamaica Plain News) that Caffe Nero has been given approval by the city to open on Centre Street in JP, joining another location in the city (and the first U.S. location) that opened in Downtown Crossing in May. There has been some opposition to the cafe coming to Jamaica Plain, with some residents saying that the neighborhood takes pride in its many independent businesses and is not keen on having an international chain move in. The chain has said that it will give hiring preferences to those who live in Jamaica Plain and has also agreed to other items in a "Good Community Business Agreement."

It is not yet known exactly when the new Caffe Nero will open in JP.

[January 5, 2015 update: According to a Twitter post from the chain, the Jamaica Plain location of Caffe Nero could be opening next Monday (January 12).]

[January 15, 2015 update: Eater Boston mentions that Caffe Nero is now open in Jamaica Plain.]

The address for this upcoming coffee shop is: Caffe Nero, 733 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.caffenero.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]



Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Muse Paintbar Is Opening at the Hingham Shipyard

It looks like the paint bar trend continues to be hot, with yet another one on the way to the Greater Boston area--and this one will be by the water.

The Hingham Journal is reporting that Muse Paintbar is planning to open a new location at the Hingham Shipyard off Route 3A, with the place looking to combine art instruction with food and drink offerings. The article says that in addition to painting, dining, and alcohol, Muse would also host events such as birthday parties, fundraisers, work events, and children's parties. If all goes as planned, expect to see the new art bar open as early as the middle of February.

[May 15, 2015 update: A new article from The Hingham Journal indicates that Muse is now open at the Hingham Shipyard.

Currently, locations of Muse can be found in Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, with one also coming to Patriot Place in Foxboro [ed note: now open].

The website for Muse Paintbar is at http://musepaintbar.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


Zagat Includes The Tap Trailhouse in Boston Among Its Picks for Hottest New Beer Bars in the U.S.

Zagat has just come out with its picks for the hottest new beer bars in America, and a recently revamped drinking spot in the heart of Boston has been included on the list.

According to a new slideshow from the restaurant review site, The Tap Trailhouse on Union Street near Faneuil Hall is one of 12 bars mentioned, with Zagat saying that it "tips its hat to the Colonial era, in decor as well as food and drink" and that "all 24 taps pour brews from the region." No other New England bars made the list, though a drinking spot in Brooklyn called Hops Hill was also included.

The Tap Trailhouse, which was formerly known simply as The Tap, reopened its doors in September.

For a complete listing of the top beer bars in the United States as picked by Zagat, please go to the following link:

12 Hottest New Beer Bars in the U.S.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Note: Please join the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook Group Page to get more info on dining spots and also chat with others about Boston-area restaurants.]



Tornado Restaurant and Lounge in Malden Has Closed

A dining and drinking spot north of Boston has closed its doors after being in business for just over a year.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site (and confirmed by the restaurant's website), Tornado Restaurant and Lounge in Malden is now shuttered, with a note on the site simply saying "Closed: Thank you everyone for all your support." The Florence Street eatery focused on Asian-inspired tapas, including such items as tomato-lemongrass soup, pork buns, fish tacos, oysters Rockefeller, seared avocados, and pan-seared duck breast. It first opened in November of 2013 in the space where Guadalajara Mexican Grill and Bar had once been.

The address for this now-closed dining spot in Malden was: Tornado Restaurant and Lounge, 2 Florence Street, Malden, MA, 02146.

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]



Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Antonio's Bacaro Plans to Open in Hyde Park

It looks like a new Italian restaurant is on its way to Hyde Park, and the people behind it may be familiar to some.

Universal Hub is reporting that Antonio's Bacaro is going to be opening on Fairmount Avenue, taking over the space where The Hyde had been until closing until May of 2013, and before that, Dottie's. The owners of the upcoming eatery are Sonia and Joseph Garufi, who also run Sophia's Grotto on Birch Street in Roslindale, and it appears that Antonio's Bacaro may have similar fare to that restaurant. It is not yet known when the new place might open; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

The address for this upcoming Italian restaurant in Hyde Park is: Antonio's Bacaro, 5 Fairmount Avenue, Boston, MA, 02136.

[June 1, 2016 update: Nearly a year and a half after first reporting on it, Antonio's Bacaro appears to have soft-opened, with one Twitter poster saying that the place is serving drinks and accepting cash only, while a post from the restaurant simply says that the bar is open.]

[Earlier Article]
The Hyde Restaurant in Hyde Park Has Closed

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]



Met Restaurant Group to Open Saltie Girl in Boston's Back Bay

The group behind several upscale restaurants in the Boston area is planning to open a brand new spot in one of the busiest parts of the city.

According to an article in BostInno, the Met Restaurant Group is opening a new restaurant concept on Dartmouth Street, with Met owner Kathy Sidell saying that the eatery will be like "nothing we have done thus far." The article mentions that if all goes as planned, expect to see the as-of-yet unnamed dining spot to open sometime in the spring of 2015.

[March 2, 2015 update: The Boston Globe reports that the new dining spot from the Met Restaurant Group will be called Saltie Girl and that it will be located next door to the Met on Dartmouth Street, taking over the Townhouse space (Townhouse has been used for private events). The article says that the restaurant--which is expected to open in July--will focus on seafood inspired by the foods of Barcelona.]

[April 15, 2016 update: It looks like Saltie Girl may finally be getting close to debuting in the Back Bay, as a Craigslist job post shows that it is now hiring bartenders and servers.]

Currently, the restaurant group runs Met locations in Boston's Back Bay, Dedham, Natick, and Nantucket, along with another in Bethesda, MD. (Ed note: The Metropolitan Club in Chestnut Hill has closed.)

The website for the Met Restaurant Group can be found at http://metrestaurantgroup.com/

[Earlier Article]
The Metropolitan Club in Chestnut Hill Is Closing

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]



After Setback Due to Fire, Kings to Open in Burlington in Early 2015

In April, we reported that an upcoming location of an entertainment facility was damaged in a fire that caused parts of the structure to collapse and forced firefighters from the building. Now it looks like the rebuilt place is getting closer to opening.

According to a post on its Facebook page, Kings is looking to open in Burlington in early 2015 and is currently hiring for the new location. The complex, which will include bowling, dining, and more, will be located at the new 3rd Ave Burlington, a retail area that will be in the middle of the Northwest Park development just north of the Burlington Mall.

[December 17 update: According to a Twitter post from @FoodserviceEast, the new Kings in Burlington opens on February 9.]

[February 9, 2015 update: According to posts from its Facebook page, the new Kings will not be opening today because of the weather, instead opening to the public on Thursday (February 12).]

Other locations of Kings in the local area can be found in Boston, Dedham, and Lynnfield. The Kings website is at http://kingsbowlamerica.com/

[Earlier Article]
Kings in Burlington Heavily Damaged by Fire; Will Rebuild

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]



Monday, November 24, 2014

Highlights for the Week Ending November 21, 2014

Several more stories and articles focusing on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a cigar bar possibly returning to Boston, a landmark restaurant being demolished, and a new burger spot remaining on track for the Back Bay. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included an updated review of a pizza place in the North End of Boston, a photo of an appetizer from a Thai eatery in Brookline, and an updated review of an Italian dining spot in Quincy.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

A Cigar Lounge Is Planning to Return to Boston

b.good to Open in Newton; Waterfront and Longwood Medical Area Locations Also in the Works

Christo's Building in Brockton Demolished

"Multiple" New Locations of Tasty Burger Are Apparently On the Way

Dalya's in Bedford Is Closing; Holi to Take Its Place

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

Updated Review: Galleria Umberto in Boston, MA

Photo: Curry Puffs from Dok Bua in Brookline, MA

American Fresh Taproom in Somerville, MA

Updated Review: Gennaro's Eatery in Quincy, MA

Photo: Pizza from Galleria Umberto in Boston, MA

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


A Cat Cafe May Come to South Boston in 2015

Last year we reported that a cat cafe could be on its way to Boston. Now we have learned that while it seems those plans have apparently not progressed, it is still possible that the city could see a cat cafe later next year.

Boston Magazine mentions that Amanda Davis, a Brown graduate student, has started a fundraising campaign to help open a cat cafe in South Boston called Le Chat Noir, with the goal being to raise $65,000 by January 21. The article says that the cafe would have a $5 cover charge and would feature a coffee bar out front with baked goods, tea, and lattes, while a separate room would be home to 10 cats. It appears that there will also be a limit of 10 customers within the cafe.) If all goes as planned, the cat cafe could be opening in November of 2015.

It is not yet known exactly where the cat cafe might be located; as soon as we find out more information, we will post an update here.

[Earlier Article]
A Cat Cafe Could Be Coming to Boston

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]



Stop Work Order Posted for Bistro 781 in Waltham

It looks like a freeze on work has been ordered for an upcoming restaurant in Waltham, though no other details are known at this point in time.

According to a source, a "Stop Work" order is posted out front at what would be the future home of Bistro 781 on Moody Street, with an earlier Twitter post confirming this. The Waltham Community site had mentioned (via the Downtown Waltham Partnership site) that Bistro 781 would be an upscale American bistro run by the previous owner of the former New Landing restaurant, which was also located on Moody Street. As soon as we find out the exact status of the dining spot, we will post an update here.

The space that Bistro 781 has been planning to move into was the home of New Mother India, which closed in September after being in business for more than 30 years.

The address for this space is 336 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, 02453.

[Earlier Post]
New Mother India in Waltham Has Closed

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Note: Please join the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook Group Page to get more info on dining spots and also chat with others about Boston-area restaurants.]



Sunday, November 23, 2014

La Motta's Italian Specialties Is Opening in Former Union Bar and Grille Space in Boston's South End

[Ed Note: This article was updated on July 7, 2015 to reflect a name given to the new restaurant, along with more information on the place.]

A well-known restaurant and bar in the South End of Boston is closing its doors, though the restaurant group that operates it will be opening a new spot within its space.

According to a post from BosGuy, Union Bar & Grille on Washington Street shuts down as of January 1, 2015, with the Aquitaine Group looking to replace it with a new dining spot that has a different name. The article says that the restaurant group is planning to open the as-of-yet unnamed place in April, though the person we talked to at Union Bar & Grille today indicated that it could be May rather than April.

Union Bar & Grille, which opened 11 years ago, has been known as a casual upscale dining and drinking spot that mainly features New American fare. Other places that are run by the Aquitaine Group include Cinquecento, Aquitaine, Metropolis Cafe, and Gaslight--all of which are in Boston's South End--as well as Aquitaine at The Street in Chestnut Hill and Aquitaine at Legacy Place in Dedham.

The address for Union Bar & Grille (and the new La Motta's) is 1357 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02118.

[July 7, 2015 update: Eater Boston mentions that the dining spot moving into the former Union Bar & Grille space will be called La Motta's Italian Specialties, and that it will be a casual Italian-American "Bronx-style" restaurant with a 12-seat bar and outdoor dining. (Expect a late summer opening.)]

[October 26, 2015 update: La Motta's has been in the middle of a soft opening over the past few days, with BosGuy stating that it plans to officially open tomorrow, though we are hearing that this is based on the outcome of a final inspection that may be taking place today.]

[October 27, 2015 update: Eater Boston confirms that La Motta's Italian Specialties opens its doors to the public today.]

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]



Update: Garden at the Cellar in Cambridge Has Closed

[Ed note: This article was updated on November 24 to reflect new information given.]

It looks like a popular neighborhood dining spot in Cambridge has shut its doors.

According to a note on its Facebook page, Garden at the Cellar on Mass. Ave. is closing, with the post indicating that the restaurant was unable to reach an agreement with the landlords on its lease. (According to the post, it is "the food side of The Cellar Food & Drinks' operations" that is shuttering, though we will try to get exact details over the coming days.) The note from Garden at the Cellar ends with "Thank you for your kind patronage over the past 8 years through both Chef Will & Chef Brandon's time owning the Garden."

[November 24 update: The Boston Business Journal mentions that Garden at the Cellar restaurant closed last Tuesday, and that it may have been due more to a liquor issue than rent, as the place went "eight years without earning a drop of revenue from its beer and wine list or its cocktail program," with the sales going to the landlord who runs The Cellar bar downstairs (which apparently remains open) and the adjacent Cellar Wine & Spirits. The article goes on to say that the landlord "paid the bartenders at Garden at the Cellar, supplied the liquids and reaped 100% of the revenue" and that the closure appears to stem from this partnership falling apart. The BBJ also says that one of their sources claims Garden at the Cellar owner Brandon Arms was escorted out by the police last Tuesday and that a former manager says Arms is not allowed to go back in to gather up the restaurant's property. Finally, it looks like the landlord could be trying to reopen the restaurant over the coming days, though it is not known if this will be able to actually happen.]

The address for Garden at the Cellar is 991 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website can be found at http://www.gardenatthecellar.com/home/

Thanks to food writer MC Slim JB for bringing this to our attention.

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]



Friday, November 21, 2014

Joshua's Deli in Boston's Financial District Raising Prices in Response to Minimum Wage Increases

The owner of a breakfast and lunch spot in the Financial District of Boston is apparently going to be raising the prices of its menu items because of the increases in the minimum wage that are on the way.

A Twitter photo sent today from @ConciergeBoston indicates a sign is now up at Joshua's Deli on Batterymarch Street that says the following:

"As most of you may know, our own special blend of lawmakers over on Beacon Hill approved a series of minimum wage increases going from $8/hr to $9/hr on January 1st, 2015, and finally ending January 1st 2017 at $11/hr. For my employees, this is kinda cool. As a business owner, this absolutely blows. Costly Labor just got more expensive. Unfortunately, laying off any one of my employees would ruin my business model, and the life of said employee. As such, I am forced to increase prices. The increase will cover the entire breadth of the wage increases, and help offset any price increase from my suppliers (they have all warned me about this happening)."

The note goes on to say that as of January 1, most lunch items will go up by $1.25, with other lunch items--and breakfast items--going up by $1.00, while drinks will remain at the same price.

The address for Joshua's Deli is 44 Batterymarch Street, Boston MA, 02109.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


A Cigar Lounge Is Planning to Return to Boston

It looks like a cigar bar is making plans to return to Boston, though it is not completely certain which now-closed cigar lounge it is.

According to a job post within the Craigslist site, a "grand opening of a New Cigar lounge" is happening, with the place currently looking for bartenders and cocktail servers for its "Grand Re-Opening in Boston, Ma." While there has been no confirmation as of yet on which place this might be, it is possible that it could be either Cigar Masters, which closed its Back Bay location on Boylston Street over the past winter, or Churchill's Lounge, a spot near Faneuil Hall that closed in early 2013. (The only remaining cigar bar in Boston is Stanza dei Sigari on Hanover Street in the North End.)

As soon as we find out who is behind the reopening of the cigar bar--and where it will be located--we will post an update here.

[November 28 update: According to one of our readers here (and confirmed by Craigslist), the "new" cigar lounge will be opening within Tangierino in Charlestown.]

[Earlier Article]
Cigar Masters in Boston's Back Bay Has Closed

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]



Thursday, November 20, 2014

b.good to Open in Newton; Waterfront and Longwood Medical Area Locations Also in the Works

A small local chain of restaurants that features "real" fast food continues to grow larger, with a new location getting ready to open west of Boston and two others possibly opening within the city itself.

The Boston Business Journal mentions that b.good is going to be opening a new shop on Needham Street in Newton and is also working on leases for locations along the South Boston Waterfront as well as somewhere in the Longwood Medical Area near the Brookline border. Once the Newton location opens--and assuming the two proposed Boston locations do--they will join a number of other shops in the area, including in Boston's Financial District, Downtown Crossing, the Back Bay (three), Harvard Square in Cambridge, Bedford, Burlington, Dedham, and Hingham.

[February 5, 2015 update: Eater Boston states that the Newton location of b.good is opening tomorrow, and its exact address is 71 Needham Street.]

The BBJ also says that the b.good chain has been shifting its focus from being seen mainly as a burger spot to one that offers a variety of healthy items (though burgers, fries, and shakes are still on the menu).

The website for the b.good chain is at: http://www.bgood.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Note: Please join the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook Group Page to get more info on dining spots and also chat with others about Boston-area restaurants.]



Bred Gourmet Is Opening in Former Mrs. Jones Space in Dorchester's Lower Mills

A new gourmet burger spot is coming to Dorchester, moving into the space where a Southern-style soul food eatery had been until closing this summer.

The Dorchester Reporter states that Bred Gourmet is looking to open on Dorchester Avenue in the Lower Mills neighborhood, taking over the former Mrs. Jones space. According to the article, owner Tambo Barrow plans to offer burgers, salads, and smoothes to a "health-conscious clientele" and that he wants to be seen as a "burger innovator." If all goes well, the new eatery could be opening by the middle of December.

[January 14, 2015 update: Eater Boston mentions (via the restaurant's Instagram page) that Bred Gourmet is planning to open today.]

[January 15, 2015 update: A new Instagram post from the restaurant confirms that Bred Gourmet is now open.]

The address for this new dining spot in Lower Mills is: Bred Gourmet, 2255 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02124.

[Earlier Article]
Mrs. Jones in Dorchester's Lower Mills Has Closed

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]



Christo's Building in Brockton Demolished

The building where a landmark restaurant had been for many years has officially vanished from the landscape.

The Enterprise is reporting that the old Christo's property on Crescent Street in Brockton was razed this week, with the plans being to build a new science center for Massasoit Community College in the space. Christo's closed its doors for good at the end of 2013 after being in business for nearly 50 years, though the family recently opened a new takeout spot nearby in Whitman called Christo's to Go! (Another new restaurant from the family could be in the works as well, though there have been no recent updates on this.)

 Christo's was a Greek and American dining spot that first opened back in 1964.

[Earlier Articles]
Christo's in Brockton Is Closing; Plans Underway for Takeout Spot, Smaller Restaurant
Christo's to Go! Is Opening in Whitman

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]



"Multiple" New Locations of Tasty Burger Are Apparently On the Way

The burger craze appears to be continuing in the Boston area, as it looks like the people behind several local burger restaurants are going to be opening some more locations.

Boston Magazine is reporting that David DuBois and his Franklin Restaurant Group are looking to open "multiple new locations of Tasty Burger" in early 2015, though no specific locations have been announced as of yet. As reported earlier, it looks like one location of the burger spot will be coming to Back Bay Station, with this one (and the others that are apparently coming) joining existing shops on Boylston Street in Boston's Fenway neighborhood, on JFK Street in Cambridge's Harvard Square, and at L Street and East 4th Street in South Boston.

The article mentions that DuBois--who is also behind the Franklin Cafe in the South End, South Boston (which closes soon), and Gloucester, along with The Citizen Public House and Oyster Bar in Fenway--will open a "Franklin-esque concept" somewhere in Boston.

The website for Tasty Burger can be found at http://www.tastyburger.com/

[Earlier Articles]
Tasty Burger to Open in Back Bay Station
Franklin Cafe in South Boston Is Closing; to Be Replaced by Moonshine 152

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Note: Please join the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook Group Page to get more info on dining spots and also chat with others about Boston-area restaurants.]



Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Clover's Newbury Street Location Appears to Be Back On

More than two years ago, we reported that the people behind a number of vegetarian food trucks and brick-and-mortar restaurants were planning to open a sidewalk cafe in Boston's Back Bay. Now after a long stretch with no news on the place, it appears that this might be happening after all.

According to several sources--including a new post from Eater Boston--a sign is now up for Clover on Newbury Street (by the Hynes MBTA station), and a job posting for the location is up for the site. It is still not known exactly when the 275-square-foot cafe might open; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

EB also mentions that a larger restaurant may be on the way to Boston as well, though there are no details on that spot as of yet.

The website for Clover can be found at http://www.cloverfoodlab.com/

[Earlier Article]
Clover Food Lab May Open a New Location on Newbury Street

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


Monday, November 17, 2014

Highlights for the Week Ending November 14, 2014

A few more stories and articles centering on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a Mexican restaurant in Allston opening a second location near Northeastern, the South Boston location of a popular comfort food spot closing, and a pie shop in Cambridge moving a short distance up the road. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included a new review of a Chinese restaurant and bar in Woburn, a photo of Boston cream pie from a bakery-cafe in Braintree, and a list of restaurant closings and openings for November, 2014 (so far).

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

Amelia's Taqueria Opens Near Northeastern University in Boston

Tossed Closes Its Prudential Center Shop in Boston's Back Bay

Franklin Cafe in South Boston Is Apparently Closing; May Be Replaced by Moonshine Kitchen

Volle Nolle in Boston's North End Is Closing

Petsi Pies Plans to Move to New Location in East Cambridge

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

New Review: Sichuan Garden II in Woburn, MA

Photo: Boston Cream Pie from Montilio's in Braintree, MA

Photo: Pad Se Ew from Dok Bua in Brookline, MA

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

Photo: Lacquered Duck from Sichuan Garden II in Woburn, MA

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


Dalya's in Bedford Is Closing; Holi to Take Its Place

An upscale Mediterranean restaurant northwest of Boston has decided to call it a day after being in business for 20 years.

According to a post on its Facebook page, the owners of Dalya's in Bedford are closing the restaurant, with the note indicating that one of the owners "wants to retire." The note goes on to say that an Indian dining spot called Holi will move into the North Road space, possibly at the beginning of February. (It looks like the last day for Dalya's will be December 20.)

The owners of Dalya's had also run the now-closed Le Bellecour in Lexington for 16 years before opening their current restaurant.

The address for the soon-to-close Dalya's (and upcoming Holi) is 20 North Road (Routes 4 and 225), Bedford, MA, 01730.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


Friday, November 14, 2014

Amelia's Taqueria Opens Near Northeastern University in Boston

A Mexican restaurant in Allston has just opened a second location in Boston, and this one should be popular with college students.

Eater Boston is reporting that Amelia's Taqueria has opened on Huntington Avenue near Northeastern University, joining its original location on Brighton Avenue. Based on the menu at the Allston location, expect to see such items as salads, burritos, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, tortas, and more at the new shop, with the place being open until 2:00 AM.

The original location of Amelia's Taqueria first opened in May of 2013, taking over the space where Grill Station had been, and before that, India Dhaba.

The address for this new restaurant near Northeastern is: Amelia's Taqueria, 309 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115. Its website can be found at http://ameliastaqueria.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


Thursday, November 13, 2014

Tossed Closes Its Prudential Center Shop in Boston's Back Bay

A small group of quick-casual dining spots that offers made-to-order salads has closed one of its Boston locations.

According to several sources this week, the Tossed branch at the Prudential Center in the Back Bay has shuttered, with this being confirmed by the chain this morning. The note from Tossed also says that the shop at One Post Office Square in the Financial District remains open and is doing catering/deliveries to the downtown area as well as the Back Bay and Cambridge. The website for the group of eateries does show that at least one new location may actually be on its way to Boston, but no other details are known at this point in time.

In addition to salads, the Florida-based Tossed chain features soups, sandwiches, smoothies, cookies, and more. Their website is at http://www.tossed.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]



Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Jimmy John's May Be Coming to Waltham

It looks like an Illinois-based chain of gourmet sandwich shops is continuing its expansion through the Boston area, with plans for a suburban location now being announced.

The Waltham News Tribune is reporting that Jimmy John's is looking to open in Waltham, moving into the space within a shopping complex on Winter Street where a location of Boloco had once been looking at (those plans fell through a couple of years ago). If all goes as planned and it does open in Waltham, the new Jimmy John's would join an existing location at the Flats on D apartment complex on D Street in South Boston as well as upcoming outlets on Park Drive in the Audubon Circle section of Boston, Beverly Street across from North Station, and Western Avenue in Allston-Brighton. [Ed note: All three of these are now open as of April 23, 2015.]

Jimmy John's first opened in Charleston, IL in 1983 and now has nearly 2,000 locations in the United States.

The address for this proposed sandwich shop in Waltham is 475 Winter Street, Waltham, MA, 02451. The website for the chain is at https://www.jimmyjohns.com/

[April 23, 2015 update: A new article in The Waltham News Tribune mentions that the proposed Jimmy John's in Waltham is one step closer to opening, as the city's Ordinance & Rules Committee approved of a special permit for the eatery. (It still needs to go to the full council for a final vote before the green light is given.)]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


Moonshine 152 to Replace Franklin Cafe in South Boston

[Ed note: This article was updated on November 19 to reflect confirmation of this news, though the new restaurant will have a slightly different name.]

It looks like the South Boston location of a group of award-winning restaurants is closing, and a new dining spot is moving in.

The Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog is reporting (via Boston Herald writer Donna Goodison) that the group behind the Franklin Cafe on Dorchester Avenue is petitioning the city of Boston to sell the business to a dining spot that would tentatively be called Moonshine Kitchen, which seems to correspond with a tip we heard in late October from a source within the restaurant industry. Our source mentioned that the prospective owner of the proposed Moonshine Kitchen is Asia Mei, who has been the chef at Sam's at Louis, a restaurant at Fan Pier on the Boston waterfront. (This appears to be confirmed by Bizapedia.) It looks like the other locations of the Franklin Cafe in the South End (their original location) and Gloucester will remain in business.

[November 19 update: The Boston Globe confirms that the Franklin Cafe in South Boston is indeed closing, and that Moonshine 152 (not Moonshine Kitchen) will take its place.]

[December 3 update: Boston Magazine states that Moonshine 152 plans to open sometime in January, and that the restaurant will feature New American fare along with a late-night menu that has Asian and Latin American influences.]

[December 31 update: According to a Facebook post from Asia Mei, the Franklin Cafe in South Boston closes at the end of business hours today.]

[February 19, 2015 update: According to a Twitter post from Boston Globe food writer @kcbaskin, Moonshine 152 opens tomorrow at 5:30 PM.]

The Franklin Cafe, which opened in the South End in 1996, Gloucester in 2000, and South Boston in 2008 has received countless awards over the years for its comfort food, late-night dining, and cocktails. Other restaurants under the same ownership include Tasty Burger and The Citizen Public House and Oyster Bar.

The address for the South Boston location of the Franklin Cafe (and Moonshine 152) is 152 Dorchester Avenue, South Boston, MA, 02127.

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Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Volle Nolle in Boston's North End Is Closing

A North End restaurant that closed for a few months in late 2013 before reopening earlier this year is closing once again, and it looks like this time its closure will be permanent.

Boston Magazine is reporting that Volle Nolle on Hanover Street is closing sometime in December, with chef Sebastian Martinez going to the upcoming Korean restaurant Koy on North Street near Faneuil Hall and owner Torri Crowell "definitely moving on." Volle Nolle first opened in 2006 as a sandwich shop until closing last last year, only to reopen in January as a revamped restaurant featuring small plates and wine once the the temporary pop-up spot Whisk moved out of the space.

[November 13 update: NorthEndWaterfront.com states that Volle Nolle is now "closed for the season," based on a notice out front. It is not known whether this is a temporary closure before it closes for good next month (see above) or whether they decided to shut down early; as soon as we get more information on the exact status of the place, we will post another update here.]

The address for Volle Nolle is 351 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113.

[Earlier Article]
Koy Plans to Open in UBurger Space in Boston's Faneuil Hall Area

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Monday, November 10, 2014

Highlights for the Week Ending November 7, 2014

Several more stories and articles focusing on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a now-closed iconic dining spot getting ready to be demolished, a food truck getting hit by a fire, and a restaurant and provisions shop coming to Brookline. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included an updated review of a pizza place in Concord, a photo of meat loaf from a restaurant and bar in Quincy, and a new slideshow on chocolate-based items in the region.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

Hilltop Steak House Property in Saugus Sold; Building to Be Demolished, Shopping Plaza and Restaurant to Be Built

The Goods JP in Jamaica Plain Temporarily Closed Due to Health Emergency

Rami's Food Truck Has Shut Down After a Fire; Rebuilding to Take Place

Tikki Masala Opens in Jamaica Plain

Project 202 Restaurant and Provisions Shop to Open in Brookline Village

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

Updated Review: New London Pizza in Concord, MA

Photo: Meat Loaf from Louis in Quincy, MA

New Slideshow: Twelve Chocolate-Based Items from Places in the Boston Area and Beyond

Updated Review: Rami's in Brookline, MA

Photo: Pizza from New London Pizza in Concord, MA

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Petsi Pies Moving to New Location in East Cambridge

[Ed note: This article was updated on November 14 to reflect confirmation that this is indeed a move.]

The person behind three bakeries in Cambridge and Somerville is opening a new location in East Cambridge.

Eater Boston is reporting (via the City of Cambridge) that Renee McLeod of Petsi Pies is planning to open a new location at 594 Cambridge Street in East Cambridge, which is only about three blocks east of another Petsi Pies at 441 Cambridge Street. It appears that this is a move, though this has not been confirmed as of yet; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.\

Other locations of Petsi Pies can currently be found on Beacon Street in Somerville and Putnam Street in Cambridge, though as mentioned in an earlier article, the Putnam Street location could be closing at some point to make way for a new location of Darwin's Ltd.

[November 14 update: Cambridge Day mentions that this is indeed a move, with Petsi Pies going from 441 Cambridge Street to 594 Cambridge Street; in addition, the article says that McLeod has also renewed a lease for its Putnam Street location, so the rumors about Darwin's taking over the space appear to be untrue.]

[January 22, 2015 update: Eater Boston states that Petsi Pies is now open in its new location on Cambridge Street.]

The website for Petsi Pies can be found at http://petsipies.com/

[Earlier Article]
Petsi Pies Is Opening in East Cambridge

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Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant and Cantina to Open in Watertown

A small group of Mexican restaurants continues to expand, with a new location coming to a space in Watertown where an Italian restaurant had been for more than 40 years until closing early last year.

According to one of our readers, a sign is now up for Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina on Main Street in the center of town, with a Facebook post from the group of dining spots confirming this--and indicating that it will be moving into the former Verona Restaurant space. (The Facebook post, which was put up in late September, had said that the new location of Ixtapa was slated to open in mid to late October.)

[June 15, 2015 update: The Watertown location of Ixtapa has not yet opened, and Eater Boston states that it now might not be opening until August.]

[September 9, 2015 update: A new article from Eater Boston says that Ixtapa is now open in Watertown.]

Ixtapa recently opened a new location in Acton as well, joining others in Groton, Lexington, Lunenburg, and Woburn.

The address for this Mexican restaurant in Watertown is: Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, 18 Mount Auburn Street, Watertown, MA, 02472.

[Earlier Article]
Verona Restaurant in Watertown Has Closed

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Friday, November 07, 2014

Hilltop Steak House Property in Saugus Sold; Building Being Demolished

The property in Saugus where a now-closed landmark restaurant used to be has been sold, and it looks like the structure may be replaced by new commercial development, though nothing has been written in stone as of yet.

The Saugus Advertiser is reporting that the former Hilltop Steak House on Route 1 was recently purchased by a developer, who is demolishing the iconic building and possibly putting in a new shopping plaza and restaurant at the site. The article says that if the plans go through, the standalone dining spot proposed for the space may be a 200-plus seat family-friendly restaurant that would likely have "some steak involved," with the famous neon cactus sign from the old Hilltop remaining in place.

[April 15, 2015 update: A new article from Wicked Local states that the Hilltop building is being town down within the next month, though the iconic cactus sign out front is slated to be saved. The post also says that the earlier agreement with the developer fell through and that the previous developer (or possibly its associates) is now apparently involved--and that no specific plans have been given for the space other than a mention that it could turn into some type of a mixed-use development.]

[April 27, 2015 update: According to a post from WCVB Boston, the Hilltop Steak House building was demolished today.]

[August 5, 2015 update: A new article in the Saugus Advertiser mentions that a mixed-use development is being planned for the former Hilltop site, though a standalone dining spot will not happen after all (any restaurant built would apparently be part of the mixed-use structure). The article also says that the iconic Hilltop sign may remain in place if it can be retrofitted with lighting that is more modern.]

The Hilltop Steak House closed in October of 2013 after more than 50 years in business; its Weymouth butcher shop is still in operation.

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

[Earlier Article]
Hilltop Steak House in Saugus Is Closing

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Thursday, November 06, 2014

The Goods JP in Jamaica Plain Temporarily Closed Due to Health Emergency

A restaurant in Jamaica Plain has closed for at least awhile due to apparent health problems for its chef and owner.

Eater Boston is reporting (via the dining spot's Facebook page) that The Goods JP on Centre Street is shuttered "for the next few months," as chef/owner Beth Troisi "deals with a health emergency." (No specifics have been given.) The eatery, which opened in October of 2013 in the former Slice O Pie space, features salads, appetizers, pizza, sandwiches, and more.

As soon as we find out if/when The Goods JP might reopen, we will post an update here.

[March 9, 2015 update: It appears that The Goods JP has closed for good, as multiple sources (including the commenter here) say that a new dining spot is now planning to open within the space.]

The address for The Goods JP is 378 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. Its website can be found at http://thegoodsjp.com/

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



Rami's Food Truck Has Shut Down After a Fire; Rebuilding to Take Place

A food truck from the people behind a brick-and-mortar restaurant in Brookline has shut down due to a fire after being up and running for a very brief time.

Eater Boston is reporting that the Rami's food truck was hit by a fire after being in operation for only a couple of days (October 28 and 29), with the owners saying that they are now "in the beginning process of rebuilding the food truck and hope to be open within the year." At this point in time, it is not known how the fire started.

In August, the glatt kosher restaurant Rami's--which is located on Harvard Street in Coolidge Corner--first announced that they would be starting up the new Rami's food truck.

The website for Rami's can be found at http://ramisboston.com/

[Earlier Article]
Rami's in Brookline Is Starting Up a Food Truck

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]



Wednesday, November 05, 2014

Anthony Bourdain's "Parts Unknown" Episode on Massachusetts Airs Sunday, November 9, 2014

A well-known chef, author, and television host returns to the area with a new episode of his Emmy-winning TV show, and it will be focusing on more than just food and drink.

According to a post on BDCwire, Anthony Bourdain will be taking the CNN show "Parts Unknown" to Massachusetts this Sunday at 9:00 PM (EST), focusing in part on his beginnings in the culinary world as a worker in various Provincetown restaurants. The episode will also be looking at Bourdain's past problems with drug addiction, with a preview video showing him in a meeting with the Recover Project, a program in Greenfield that helps people in recovery from substance abuse and alcoholism. The sneak peek of the show can be seen below:

Parts Unknown Massachusetts Sneak Peek

In the spring of 2011, Bourdain brought his now-ended "No Reservations" show to Boston, with the focus being on lesser-known neighborhood hangouts such as Rondo's Sub Shop, Murphy's Law, the Galley Diner, the now-closed Quencher Tavern, and the L Street Tavern in South Boston as well as . The Snack Bar (also closed) in Cambridge and the Eire Pub in Dorchester.

The website for "Parts Unknown" can be found at http://www.cnn.com/video/shows/anthony-bourdain-parts-unknown/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston