Friday, May 29, 2015

Hungry Mother in Cambridge's Kendall Square Is Closing

An award-winning restaurant in Cambridge is closing its doors.

This afternoon, a source told us that news about Hungry Mother in Kendall Square was apparently coming out, and Eater Boston has just confirmed (via the dining spot's website) that it is shutting down. The note says that owner Barry Maiden is leaving the restaurant to pursue other projects, with the rest of the team apparently opening a new eatery in the space; Maiden's other restaurant--State Park, which is also in Kendall Square--will remain in operation.

According to the note on the site, the last day for Hungry Mother is July 3.

The address for Hungry Mother is 233 Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02141.

[July 6 update: A new note on the now-closed Hungry Mother website confirms that the team (minus Barry Maiden) will indeed be opening a new concept in the space, and that anyone who has unused Hungry Mother gift cards can use them at State Park--and eventually at the new restaurant when it opens.]

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]



Shanghai Fresh to Take Over Picante Mexican Grill Space in Cambridge's Central Square

It looks like a new Chinese restaurant might be coming to the Central Square section of Cambridge--and it may be moving into the space where a Mexican eatery has been for nearly a quarter century.

According to a License Commission General Hearing page within the City of Cambridge website, Shanghai Fresh is seeking the wine and beer license currently held by Picante Mexican Grill on Mass. Ave., and although the note does not specifically say that the new spot would be at the same address, a similar listing on mypublicnotices.com does say in the premise description that the entrance and exit are on Mass. Ave. and that the only address given on both sites is the one for Picante. If the transfer is approved, Shanghai Fresh would possibly have seating for 45 inside and another 16 outside, with hours being 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM seven days a week.

Picante, which first opened in Central Square in the early 1990s, also had a second location in the Davis Square section of Somerville that is no longer in operation.

The address for Picante Mexican Grill (and the proposed Shanghai Fresh) is 735 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

[June 2 update: Eater Boston mentions that there is a connecton between Shanghai Fresh and the highly-rated Allston restaurant Shanghai Gate, as the name of the person behind both places is the same--along with the name of the business partner. Shanghai Gate gets high marks from some local food critics, and our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) has awarded it "Best Of" for Chinese food four out of the past ten years.]

[July 15 update: A phone call placed to Picante this morning indicates that its last day of business is tomorrow. (Thanks to a source for bringing this to our attention.)]

[February 1, 2016 update: A new article from Eater Boston states that Shanghai Fresh is now open, and that it is indeed the sister restaurant to Shanghi Gate in Allston (and it has a similar menu).]

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]



Jerry Remy's Sports Bar and Grill in Fall River Sold to Local Developers

Earlier this spring, we reported that the Fenway location of Jerry Remy's Sports Bar and Grill shut down, only to reopen under new ownership and management. Now we have learned that another location of the place has gone through a change at the top as well.

According to an article in The Herald News, two local developers have taken complete control of Jerry Remy's Sports Bar and Grill in Fall River, buying the place outright. The article says that the developers--Tony Cordeiro and Larry Couto--had owned 35 percent of the dining and drinking spot early on, though their ownership stake increased as the Boston company behind Jerry Remy's dealt with financial difficulties at some of its restaurants. It appears that while the Fall River location is now locally owned, it is being operated as a licensed partner with the other locations of Jerry Remy's.

The article says that now that the Fall River location is fully owned locally, it will now be "Fall River style," with chicken and steak Mozambique, clamboils, and chourico plates, along with various events such as cartoon nights and Wiffle Ball tournaments.

Jerry Remy's Sports Bar and Grill first opened in Fall River in October of 2012, joining others on Boylston Street in the Fenway and at Liberty Wharf in the Seaport District of the city.

The address for Jerry Remy's in Fall River is 1082 Davol Street, Fall River, MA, 02720. Its website can be found at http://jerryremys.com/fallriver/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


Lord Hobo Brew Pub Planning to Open at 2 Canal Park in Cambridge

It looks like a Cambridge beer bar may be opening a new location nearby, with this one being in a large building near the Charles River.

According to a License Commission General Hearing page within the City of Cambridge website, Daniel Lanigan of Lord Hobo on Hampshire Street is seeking a Common Victualer License for a new spot called Lord Hobo Brew Pub, which would be at 2 Canal Park by the corner of Cambridge Street and First Street (just north of the CambridgeSide Galleria). The notice says that the proposed place would have a capacity of 160 and would be open from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM seven days a week. One odd part of the hearing notice is that it says Lord Hobo Brew Pub would serve food and non-alcoholic beverages; it is presumed that alcoholic beverages will also be served, so this may be a mistake, or it is possible that the liquor license could be requested at a later date.

Lanigan, who opened the original Lord Hobo on Hampshire Street in November of 2009, is also opening a massive new brewery in Woburn; according to a Facebook note, it looks like the brewery will open sometime in June.

The website for Lord Hobo can be found at http://www.lordhobo.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Good Places to Get Beer in the Boston Area]



Shake-Up Coming to North End Restaurant Scene; Pompei, Mare, Il Panino Involved

Some big changes are on their way to the restaurant scene in Boston's North End, and one of the best-known restaurateurs in the city is behind it all.

The Boston Business Journal states that Frank DePasquale of DePasquale Ventures is making plans to shake up his growing restaurant empire, with upcoming changes including the closing of Caffe Pompei on Hanover Street in order to expand Trattoria il Panino, which is around the corner on Parmenter Street; moving Mare Oyster Bar from Richmond Street to Mechanic Street, where it will move into the space formerly occupied by Ida's; and opening a new Italian tapas place and wine bar called Sfizi, which will move into the space vacated by Mare.

Earlier this week, we had reported that DePasquale was looking to purchase the Caffe Pompei space, though at the time, it was not known what his plans were for the dining spot, which has been around for more than 50 years. We had also reported over the past two years that DePasquale had purchased the Ida's space and was looking to open a new restaurant there that would tentatively be called Aqua Seafood and Grill, though not it appears that those plans have been changes with the proposal to bring Mare to the space.

[June 2 update: According to post on his Facebook page, Frank DePasquale has officially purchased the Caffe Pompei space; he says it "will have a new face lift this January" and "for now I hope u will come to check out the new Trattoria Il Panino menu.]

The website for DePasquale Ventures--which is also behind Bricco, Gelateria, and Quattro--is at http://www.depasqualeventures.com/

[Earlier Articles]
DePasquale Ventures Planning to Purchase Caffe Pompei in Boston's North End
New Restaurant to Open in former Ida's Space in Boston's North End

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


Thursday, May 28, 2015

Plans Fall Through for a Cat Cafe to Come to Boston

It appears that plans for a cat cafe to come to Boston have fallen apart...again.

Last fall, we reported that Brown graduate student Amanda Davis started a fundraising campaign to open Le Chat Noir, which would possibly be coming to a location in South Boston. But it appears that those plans have followed the same path as another proposal for a cat cafe two years ago that ultimately fell through, as Eater Boston now mentions that Davis was only able to raise a small amount of her targeted amount and never heard back from the city of Boston about her plans. She is now offering refunds to those who donated, with another option being for her to donate the money to a cat-related charity.

Le Chat Noir had hoped to be a cafe that would feature a coffee bar out front with baked goods, tea, and lattes, while a separate room would be home to 10 cats.

[Earlier Article]
A Cat Cafe May Come to South Boston in 2015

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


Pizza Pie-er in South Boston Has Closed; Cambridge Location Apparently Changed to A+ Pizza & Grill

It looks like a gourmet pizza place in South Boston has closed its doors, and another location in Cambridge seems to have a new name.

According to one of our readers, Pizza Pie-er in South Boston has apparently shut down--and a call placed to the shop seems to confirm this, as the number has been disconnected. The Providence location of the pizzeria remain open, though it appears that the Cambridge location was sold last year (according to someone at the Providence location) and its name may have changed to A+ Pizza & Grill, based on an online check.

Pizza Pie-er first opened on Old Colony Avenue in Southie in October of 2012, taking over the space where Kiley's Tavern had been.

The address for this now-closed pizzeria in South Boston was 138 Old Colony Avenue, South Boston, MA, 02127. The website for the Providence location can be found at http://www.pizzapie-er.com/ while the website for A+ Pizza & Grill (which is at 187 Hampshire Street) is at both http://www.pizzapieermenu.com/ and http://www.apluspizza.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]



Winter Hill Brewing to Open in Somerville

After being without a brewery for well over 100 years, the city of Somerville may soon have a third brewing company on the way.

Eater Boston is reporting that a new brewery is looking to open on Broadway in the Winter Hill neighborhood, with the relatively small space (2,650 square feet) including a kitchen where small plates and sandwiches will be made for customers (coffee will be served in the morning as well). The article says that the beers will include a mix of year-round brews along with "experimental" beers that will be offered here and there.

Once it opens, the brewery will join Aeronaut Brewing Company, which opened last June on Tyler Street, and Somerville Brewing Company's Slumbrew, which opened last month on Ward Street (both breweries are near Union Square).

The address for this planned brewery in Winter Hill is 328 Broadway Somerville, MA, 02145. Its website can be found at http://indignantbrewing.com/

[August 28 update: DigBoston states that the upcoming brewery/brewpub has changed its name from what had tentatively been Indignant Brewing Company to Winter Hill Brewing, with the brewery's website saying that the name change took place because a Chicago brewery happens to have a beer named "Indignant." The DigBoston article also says that the cafe area will feature coffee from Counter Culture Coffee in Union Square, and that Winter Hill Brewing could be opening in November if all goes as planned.]

[March 28, 2016 update: Eater Boston mentions that the cafe part of Winter Hill Brewing is now open, though the rest of the brewery (including the taproom) is not ready just yet.]

[March 31, 2016 update: A new post from Eater Boston states that Winter Hill Brewing will fully open tomorrow (Friday, April 1) at 4:00 PM.]

[Earlier Articles]
Aeronaut Brewing Company to Launch in Somerville
Slumbrew Is Opening a Brewery and Taproom in Somerville

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


Ben Cotto Plans to Open in Former Circle Pizza Space in Boston's North End

Last summer, we reported that a pizzeria could be opening in the North End space where a long-closed pizza spot had once been, with the name possibly remaining the same. Now we have learned that these plans are indeed in the works, though the new eatery will have a different name.

According to a post from Universal Hub, the Boston Licensing Board is meeting today to decide whether to give the green light for Ben Cotto to open in the former Circle Pizza space on Hanover Street, and Warren Mustacchio--who is behind the spot--will also find out if he will be able to get a beer and wine license for the eatery. In July of 2014, an article here mentioned (via the NorthEndWaterfront.com site) that Mustacchio and Joe Bono of Al Dente and Benevento's were looking to open a pizzeria in the space, though at the time, they were negotiating with the former Circle Pizza owners, presumably to see if that name could be used for the proposed restaurant.

Circle Pizza had been in business for 50 years before closing and being replaced by a flower shop, which subsequently closed as well.

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

[Earlier Article]
Circle Pizza in Boston's North End Could Be Returning

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]



Checkers Drive-In to Open Up to 50 Restaurants in the Boston Area and Elsewhere in Massachusetts

Four years ago, we reported that a Florida-based chain of drive-thru burger spots was looking to expand into the Northeast. Now we have learned that they will indeed be coming, with a number of restaurants on the way to the region--including Boston.

The Boston Business Journal states that Checkers Drive-In Restaurants is planning to open between 5 and 10 outlets in the Greater Boston area in 2016, with a total of 40 to 50 locations in Massachusetts over what looks to be the next several years (they will open at a rate of 5 to 10 a year). Back in 2011, we had mentioned that the chain--which is headquartered in Tampa--was eyeing Brooklyn, Manhattan, Boston, and Providence, and at the time had only one shop in New England that has since closed (in Bristol, CT).

The BBJ says that Checkers also has a sister brand called Rally's, which has more than 50 locations in New York State, but none in New England.

The website for Checkers Drive-In Restaurants can be found at https://www.checkers.com/

[Earlier Article]
Checkers Drive-In Restaurants May Be Coming to the Boston Area

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten More Burgers from Restaurants in the Boston Area]



Wednesday, May 27, 2015

DePasquale Ventures Planning to Purchase Caffe Pompei in Boston's North End

A restaurant that has been in Boston's North End for more than 50 years appears to be on the verge of being purchased, and it is not known what might happen to the place.

The Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog is reporting (via NorthEndWaterfront.com) that Frank DePasquale of DePasquale Ventures is looking to buy Caffe Pompei on Hanover Street, with the plan being to transfer the beer and wine license to the now-closed Splash on Kneeland Street (note--Splash was supposed to be changed to Bliss, but that apparently fell through) and transfer Splash's all-alcoholic license to the Pompei space while retaining Pompei common victualler license.

While the blog post says that a new restaurant could be going into the Pompei space, there is no confirmation of this as of yet, nor is it known whether DePasquale will retain the Pompei name. (DePasquale Ventures is also behind such spots as Bricco, Gelateria, Mare, Quattro, and Trattoria Il Panino.)

Caffe Pompei first opened in 1962, according to a page within the YellowBot site.

The address for Caffe Pompei is 280 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Pasta Dishes from Restaurants in the Boston Area and Beyond]



El Potro Mexican Bar and Grill to Open in Malden

It looks like a pair of Mexican restaurants will soon be joined by a third spot.

Eater Boston is reporting (via a Twitter post from @DuffyMalden) that El Potro Mexican Bar and Grill is opening in Malden, with the upcoming Highland Avenue outlet joining others in Somerville's Union Square and Lowell. The Twitter post says that the Malden location will be the biggest of the three, and while no opening date has been set as of yet, EB mentions a hearing on the design of the restaurant's signage was held last week, so it could be getting fairly close to opening. (As soon as we find out when they plan to open, we will post an update here.)

In addition to Mexican fare, El Potro also offers a variety of Central American items from its extensive menu.

The address for this upcoming restaurant in Malden is: El Potro Mexican Bar and Grill, 160 Highland Avenue, Malden, MA, 02148. The website for El Potro can be found at http://elpotromexicangrill.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]



Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Highlights for the Week Ending May 22, 2015

A few more stories and articles centering on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including the people behind a series of pop-ups opening a restaurant in Somerville, the parent company of an iconic pizzeria going bankrupt, and a second location of a popular Boston oyster bar coming to the suburbs. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included an updated review of an Italian eatery in Malden, a photo of a bagel from a Brockton spot, and a question on cheap eats in the Boston area.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

Bread and Salt Team Plan to Open Juliet in Somerville's Union Square

Parent Company of Regina Pizzeria in Boston's North End Files for Bankruptcy

Nancy Batista-Caswell (Ceia and Brine in Newburyport) to Open Oak and Rowan in Boston's Fort Point

Island Creek Oyster Bar to Open in Burlington

Flat Black Coffee to Open on the Boston Waterfront

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

Updated Review: Pasta Market Cafe in Malden, MA

New Photo: Sesame Bagel from Back Bay Bagel Company in Brockton, MA

Question: Favorite Cheap Eats Places in the Boston Area?

New Photo: Pork and Chive Dumplings from Dumpling Daughter in Weston, MA

New Photo: Hot Dog Plate from Tony's Clam Shop in Quincy, MA

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


Esquire's 2015 Best Bars in America List Includes State Park in Cambridge, J.J. Foley's in Boston's South End

A popular men's magazine has come out with its top 25 picks for bars in America once again, and this year, it has included a couple of local spots--and one of the picks may mollify at least some bar lovers.

According to the new article posted on its site, Esquire Magazine has included State Park in Cambridge's Kendall square among its picks, and it has also included J.J. Foley's in Boston's South End. Last year, the magazine picked the downtown Boston location of Foley's, leading to some confusion among locals, since the East Berkeley Street location in the South End is seen by many as an iconic bar, while the Kingston Street bar, while popular, doesn't have the same recognition and was seen by some as being the "wrong" J.J. Foley's to pick for the list .

In addition to Foley's in downtown Boston, last year's Esquire list also included The Hawthorne in Kenmore Square.

To see the complete list of best bars in America for 2015, please go to the link below:

http://www.esquire.com/food-drink/bars/a35124/best-bars-in-america-2015/

[Earlier Article]
Esquire's Best Bars in America List Includes The Hawthorne, J.J. Foley's

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Good Places to Get Beer in the Boston Area]



Clover Food Lab to Open in Boston's Copley Square

The people behind a number of vegetarian food trucks and brick-and-mortar restaurants in the Boston area are planning to open yet another new spot, with this latest one slated for one of the busiest parts of the city.

According to an article in Cambridge Day, Clover Food Lab is looking to open a brick-and-mortar location in Copley Square, with the post also mentioning that its planned Newbury Street location in the Back Bay is still in the works as well. The post--which focuses on its new 24-hour shop in Cambridge's Central Square--also mentions that it is not out of the question that Harvard Square and/or Kendall Square could eventually see a 24-hour location as well, though it is not yet known if the Copley Square outlet would be open 24 hours.

As soon as we find out the exact location for the Copley Square location of Clover (and when it might be opening), we will post an update here.

Currently, brick-and-mortar locations of Clover can be found in Central Square, Inman Square, Harvard Square, and Kendall Square in Cambridge as well as in Brookline and Burlington, along with a number of Clover food trucks that are set up in various spots around the Boston area. The website for Clover is at http://www.cloverfoodlab.com/

Thanks to Universal Hub for initially bringing this to our attention.

[Earlier Articles]
Clover Food Lab Is Opening in Former Hi-Fi Pizza Space in Cambridge's Central Square
Clover Food Lab May Open a New Location on Newbury Street

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.]



Friday, May 22, 2015

Francesca's Kitchen in East Arlington Is Closing; Sugo Italian Kitchen to Replace It

A local favorite in the northwest suburbs of Boston is closing down, with another dining spot taking its place.

According to a note within the Arlington Advocate, Francesca's Kitchen in East Arlington is being replaced by a new restaurant called Sugo Italian Kitchen, with one of our sources saying that the owner of Francesca's has sold the business to an individual who will apparently open a dining spot that is similar. It is not known when Sugo will officially open in the Mass. Ave. space, though the article does say that town selectmen have already granted a food license to the new place.

[May 26 update: A note sent from Rich O's Ravings indicates that Francesca's Kitchen is now officially closed.]

[July 3 update: A new note within the Advocate indicates that Sugo Italian Kitchen (which the paper is now calling Sugo Cucina Italiana) is expected to open by July 10.]

Francesca's first opened approximately a decade ago, featuring a mix of authentic Italian, Italian-American, and comfort food items, with subs, pizza, eggplant parmigiana, turkey dinner, chicken marsala, shepherd's pie, seafood, and more being offered.

The address for Francesca's Kitchen (and the upcoming Sugo Italian Kitchen) is 162 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474.

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]



Bread and Salt Team Plan to Open Juliet in Somerville's Union Square

The people behind a series of Boston-area pop-up restaurants and culinary events are now planning to open a brick-and-mortar dining spot in one of the region's hottest neighborhoods.

Eater Boston is reporting that Josh Lewin and Katrina Jazayeri of Bread & Salt Hospitality will be opening a European-style cafe called Juliet in Somerville's Union Square, with the place taking over the former Sherman Cafe space on Washington Street. (Sherman Cafe closed in September after more than 10 years in business.) The article says that the new cafe will be more of a restaurant than a coffee shop, with full-service dining, counter seating, and takeout/grab-and-go all available, and the eatery will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

[February 26, 2016 update: A new article from Eater Boston mentions that Juliet opens this coming Monday (February 29).]

Lewin and Jazayeri's Bread & Salt concept has included a seven-month stretch at Wink & Nod in Boston's South End, along with a series of pop-ups and themed events.

The address for this upcoming restaurant in Union Square is: Juliet, 257 Washington Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its website is at http://www.julietsomerville.com/ while the website for Bread & Salt Hospitality can be found at http://www.breadandsalthospitality.com/

[Earlier Article]
Sherman Cafe in Somerville's Union Square Is Closing

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.]



Easy Pie in Braintree to Open Second Location in Revere

A pizzeria south of Boston that is also known for its burgers and subs is going to be opening a new location north of the city.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Easy Pie in Braintree is opening a second shop on the North Shore, with the plan being to open sometime in the late summer. A message sent from the dining spot indicates that they already have the space where they will open, and they will disclose the exact location once a bit more work on it is done.

Our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) has featured Easy Pie as a place to check out for its eclectic mix of pizzas, burgers, subs, and sides (including some unusual pizza topping combos and a "monster" tater tot). The review can be found at the following link:

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

The address for the Braintree location of Easy Pie is 1701 Washington Street, Braintree, MA, 02184. Its website is at http://www.easypie.net/

[September 24 update: The Revere Advocate shows that the new location of Easy Pie will be at 649 Squire Road (Route 60), which is just west of the Route 1 intersection and Showcase Cinema, and that the restaurant will offer alcohol as well as food.]

[July 27, 2017 update: More than two years after first announcing it, Easy Pie has still not opened in Revere, but a Eater Boston post mentions that it is now planning to open in the next few weeks--and it will have new menu items such as a Cubano pizza and a pizza that takes its inspiration from roast beef sandwiches found on the North Shore.]

[August 22, 2017 update: An update from Eater Boston states that Easy Pie opens its new location in Revere on September 5.]

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, May 21, 2015

2015 Boston Bacon and Beer Festival to Be Held at Fenway Park, June 20, 2015

A popular event that features two favorite food and drink items is returning to Boston once again, and this year, the event will be held at one of the city's truly iconic spots.

On Saturday, June 20, the sixth annual Boston Bacon and Beer Festival will take place in the concourse at Fenway Park, with the event going from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. As always, the festival is a fundraiser, this time raising money for Community Servings, Lovin' Spoonfuls, and The Red Sox Foundation. This year, guests will receive 16 tickets redeemable for 1.5-ounce beer samples, and they will also be able to buy certain beers after their use up their tickets. Tastings of bacon-based food items are unlimited until the participating dining spots run out, with a few of the restaurants at the event being Audubon, Brasserie 28, El Pelon, Lincoln Tavern & Restaurant, Night Market, Savvor, Shojo, Sweet Cheeks BBQ, Vee Vee, and West Bridge.

According to the event page, early bird "baller" tickets will go on sale tonight at 7:00 PM. (Regular ticket sales will be offered on May 27 at 10:00 AM.) For more information on the 2015 Boston Bacon and Beer Festival, please go to the link below:

http://www.wheretoeat.in/2015-boston-bacon-and-beer-festival/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


Parent Company of Regina Pizzeria in Boston's North End Files for Bankruptcy

The company that operates one of the best-known pizzerias in New England has filed for bankruptcy.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, Woburn-based Boston Restaurant Associates, Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection in federal court yesterday, with the plan being to reorganize and try to keep 12 or more of its 19 restaurants in operation. The Globe says that four "low-performing" dining spots that it runs will be closing, though it has not been mentioned which ones will be shutting down. [Update: According to a Twitter post from Boston Globe writer @DanielAdams86 (and confirmed by Regina's), the four locations that have permanently closed are Watertown, North Attleborough, Nashua, and Manchester; Adams says that all other locations will remain open.]

Boston Restaurant Associates runs a total of 17 locations of Regina's along with two locations of Polcari's in Saugus and Woburn, according to the Boston Globe. [Ed note: The Regina's locations in Allston and at Foxwoods in Connecticut are run by a different company and are not affected by the bankruptcy.]

Regina's, first started out in Boston's North End in 1926, is considered by some to have the best pizza in the Boston area--if not New England--at its flagship location on Thacher Street in the North End. Its website can be found at http://www.pizzeriaregina.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]



Short Path Distillery Is Opening in Everett

A brand new distillery is on its way to the Boston area.

According to its website, Short Path Distillery is opening its doors in Everett on June 27, featuring spirits that are made by "combining old-world distilling techniques with a new-world, chemistry-based approach to spirit development." The business, which will be located on Kelvin Street (north of the Revere Beach Parkway and near Night Shift Brewing), will offer rum and gin, with the former being "bold, rich and full-bodied" and the latter being a London dry-style that is light and crisp.

A number of other distilleries can now be found in and around Boston, including Bully Boy in Roxbury, Damnation Alley in Belmont, and GrandTen in South Boston.

The address for this new distillery in Everett is: Short Path Distillery, 71 Kelvin Street, Everett MA, 02149. Its website can be found at http://shortpathdistillery.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.]



Weymouth Board Revokes Pacini’s Licenses; Restaurant Was Operating without Town Approval

An Italian restaurant in Weymouth has lost its licenses, as it appears that it was operating without approval from the town.

The Weymouth News is reporting that Pacini's Italian Eatery on Washington Street has had its liquor and food service licenses revoked by the town because the dining spot, which was reportedly sold to new owners last year, was "effectively operating without a license," since any changes of ownership/management have to be approved by the licensing board, and this apparently never happened. The article says the previous owner of the dining spot indicated that the transferring process was started at some point in time but it "then stopped."

The new owners of Pacini's did not show up at a disciplinary hearing this week, and the director of municipal licenses and inspections says that the restaurant has been closed as of May 4 and has not been open since.

The address for Pacini's Italian Eatery was 824 Washington Street (Route 53), Weymouth, MA, 02189.

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]



Third Rail to Open in Former Roslindale Substation

In late 2012, we reported that a well-known Boston chef and restaurateur was planning to open a restaurant within an historic structure. Now we have learned a bit more about the spot.

Universal Hub confirms that Chris Douglass of the Ashmont Grill and Tavolo in Dorchester will be opening a dining spot in the former trolley substation at the southern edge of Roslindale Square, with the restaurant being called Third Rail. Construction has now begun on the space, and if all goes as planned, the dining spot could be open by the spring of 2016, according to UH.

The old substation building, which was built in 1911, is being turned into a mixed-use complex, with a location of Craft Beer Cellar also moving into the structure along with some residential units. A cafe and market had also been planned for the development, though it is not known if these are still in the works.

[Earlier Article]
Restaurant, Cafe, Produce Market Planned for Former Roslindale Substation

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Nancy Batista-Caswell (Ceia, Brine) to Open Oak + Rowan in Boston's Fort Point

The person behind two award-winning restaurants north of Boston is going to open a third spot, and this one will be within the city itself, opening in one of the city's hottest neighborhoods.

Forbes is reporting that Nancy Batista-Caswell of Ceia and Brine (both in Newburyport, and both part of the Caswell Restaurant Group) is planning to open Oak + Rowan in Boston's Fort Point area, with the eatery moving into a space on A Street across from Ming Tsai's Blue Dragon restaurant. It is not yet known what kind of place Oak + Rowan might be, though based on the fact that both Ceia and Brine are upscale spots (the former being a European bistro and the latter being a mercantile-style bar), it would appear that the new restaurant may be an upscale/high-end restaurant. (As soon as we find out more on Oak + Rowan, we will post an update here.)

[July 29 update: Eater Boston mentions that Oak + Rowan plans to open in early 2016, with the 5,000-square-foot restaurant featuring an "an array of crudos," a caviar program with both "classic and untraditional sets," and table-side liquor carts.]

[November 11, 2016 update: A message sent to us this morning indicates that Oak + Rowan hopes to open on Monday, November 14, if all goes well.]

Forbes calls Nancy Batista-Caswell a "rising star" on the local restaurant scene.

The address for this upcoming restaurant in Fort Point is: Oak + Rowan, 319 A Street, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for the Caswell Restaurant Group can be found at http://caswellrestaurants.com/

Thanks to a poster on the Chowhound site for initially 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]





Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Adam Richman's "Man Finds Food" to Feature Several Boston Dining Spots Tonight (May 20, 2015)

The host of a new Travel Channel show will be featuring several Boston-area restaurants on the show's latest episode, which airs tonight.

According to the network's website, Adam Richman's "Man Finds Food" will be taking a look at four dining spots in the region starting at 9:00 PM (EST), with the focus being on some of the "off-menu secrets" of the Boston area. Included in the episode guide of the show are Al's Deli at Wan's in Allston, KO Pies at the Shipyard in East Boston, Alive and Kicking Lobsters in Cambridge, and Bogie's Place at jm Curley in Downtown Crossing.

"Man Finds Food," which debuted last month, is one of several shows that Richman has hosted over the years, including his popular show "Man v. Food," which ran from 2008 to 2012; he has also been involved with "Man v. Food Nation" and "Adam Richman's Best Sandwich in America."

The website for "Man Finds Food" is at http://www.travelchannel.com/shows/man-finds-food

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten More Burgers from Restaurants in the Boston Area]



In-N-Out Burger Is *Not* Coming to the Boston Area (Despite What People Are Saying on Social Media)

Despite what you may have seen on social media over the past several days, a near-legendary burger chain is not coming to a suburb of Boston.

As mentioned in an article on boston.com, In-N-Out Burger is going to be opening in Medford, Oregon, but the Facebook post of a TV channel in that city did not make it completely clear as to which Medford it would be coming to, simply saying that "In-N-Out Burger has officially bought a building permit in Medford and has started breaking ground as of Monday." The post, which went up on May 7, has since been shared by more than 5,000 people--including many in the Boston area who mistakenly thought that it would be coming to Medford, MA--and the original post itself includes comments such as "East coast is going to love em," "Nice! I hope they put one in on the South Shore too," "Congrats, Mass.," "Welcome to the east coast," "hell yeah in n out burger has made it to Massachusetts," and "[come to] Middleton. Ma. Closer to cows."

For Bostonians who are interested in taking a lengthy road trip, the In-N-Out Burger in Medford, Oregon may be opening in September.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten More Burgers from Restaurants in the Boston Area]



Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Island Creek Oyster Bar to Open in Burlington

A popular seafood restaurant in Boston's Kenmore Square neighborhood is expanding, with a second location coming to an upcoming development in Burlington.

Boston Magazine is reporting that a new Island Creek Oyster Bar is going to open at a complex called The District, a 13-building development that is going to be a "walkable, urban-style destination with amenities." (No specific information has been given on the exact location of The District.) The article says that Jeremy Sewall of ICOB is behind the new spot, along with partners Skip Bennett, Shore Gregory, and Garrett Harker, and Jackson Cannon will be heading up the cocktail/bar program.

[May 20 update: According to several sources--including food/drinks writer @RichardPF--The District is actually a rebranding of New England Executive Park, which is located between the Burlington Mall and the Lahey Clinic just north of Route 128. Richard sent a few pages and blueprints, including a letter showing that Island Creek Oyster Bar will be located at the site of 1 and 3 New England Executive Park and it will have 8,500 square feet of space, seating for 268, and an outdoor patio during the warmer months.]

If all goes as planned, the new Island Creek Oyster Bar in Burlington should be open sometime next year.

[July 13 update: According to an article in the Burlington Union, Island Creek Oyster Bar has received a special permit to open at The District. (The post also says that it plans to open next summer.)]

[November 2, 2016 update: A new article in the Burlington Union indicates that Island Creek Oyster Bar opens in Burlington tomorrow (Thursday, November 3).]

The address for the original ICOB is 500 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for the restaurant can be found at http://islandcreekoysterbar.com/

Thanks to Eater Boston 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]



Highlights for the Week Ending May 15, 2015

Several more stories and articles focusing on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a Scottish-style sports bar coming to the Fenway, a new spot from a well-known restaurateur opening in Cambridge, and an iconic slush shop giving people a brief scare. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included an updated review of a bar in Quincy, a photo of steamed buns from a Chinese spot in Weston, and a question on fried clams in New England.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

Tilted Kilt Pub and Eatery to Open in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

Uno Due Go to Expand; Another Location Planned for Boston

Waypoint Plans to Open in Cambridge

Richie's Slush Shop in Everett Announces That It Will Reopen

CuppaCoffee to Open in Boston's Back Bay

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

Updated Review: Darcy's Village Pub in Quincy, MA

New Photo: Steamed Beef with Minced Onion Buns from Dumpling Daughter in Weston, MA

Question: Favorite Fried Clams in New England?

Updated Review: Back Bay Bagel Company in Brockton, MA

New Photo: Hamburger Pizza from Darcy's Village Pub in Quincy, MA

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Flat Black Coffee Is Opening on the Boston Waterfront

A local group of espresso bars is expanding again, this time opening a shop by the Boston waterfront.

According to a Twitter post from @ConciergeBoston, Flat Black Coffee is planning to open on State Street by the New England Aquarium and Long Wharf, taking over the space where a location of Emack & Bolio's Ice Cream had been. Once it opens, the new shop will join others on Broad Street, Franklin Street, and High Street in downtown Boston, along with Dorchester Avenue and Washington Street in Dorchester.

[December 23 update: According to a post from Eater Boston, the new Flat Black Coffee is now open on the Boston waterfront.]

According to its website, Flat Black is the largest independently-owned roaster, wholesaler, and retailer of specialty coffees in the city of Boston.

The address for this new location of Flat Black Coffee is 255 State Street, Boston, MA, 02109. The website for the business can be found at http://flatblackcoffee.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]



7-Eleven to Acquire Tedeschi Food Shops

A Dallas-based chain of convenience stores is going to be taking over a local group of food shops.

The Boston Business Journal is reporting that 7-Eleven Inc. has worked out a deal to acquire the Rockland-based Tedeschi chain, though it is not known if Tedeschi will disappear from the map by way of a rebranding, or if the name will remain. The article says that it is also not known if any of the shops will close, but 7-Eleven is planning to extend job offers to most Tedeschi workers. Currently, 182 locations of Tedeschi Food Shops can be found in the Greater Boston area and New Hampshire, while nearly 10,500 7-Eleven shops can be found throughout the country.

Tedeschi Food Shops first started out in Rockland in 1923 as a small store that was located within founder's Angelo Tedeschi's home, according to the company website.

The BBJ says that the deal to purchase Tedeschi should be finalized sometime in the middle of the year.

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[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.]



Monday, May 18, 2015

Pierrot Bistrot in Boston's Beacon Hill to Become Ma Maison

A French restaurant in the Beacon Hill section of Boston is going to be morphing into a new spot, and the person taking over the kitchen has been a fixture of the local restaurant scene for a number of years.

Eater Boston is reporting that Pierrot Bistrot on Cambridge Street is going to become Ma Maison starting June 1, with Jacky Robert heading up the kitchen of the spot. The exact changes to the space have not been given as of yet, with a Facebook post simply mentioning that it will have "even more delicious French food, unique daily specials and a new cocktail list!"

Jacky Robert is known for his Petit Robert Bistro restaurants--two of which remain in the South End and Needham--and he was also Executive Chef at both the now-closed Locke-Ober and Maison Robert, the latter of which was started by his uncle and aunt.

The address for Pierrot Bistrot (and soon, Ma Maison) is 272 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114.

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[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.]



Dumpling Palace Opens in Boston's Back Bay

A new restaurant has come to the Back Bay of Boston, and it appears to be connected to a highly-rated eatery in Boston's Chinatown neighborhood.

According to a Twitter post from @TheDrewStarr along with posts on the Chowhound site, Dumpling Palace is now open on Mass. Ave., taking over the space where Nan Ling had been. Both posts seem to indicate that the new dining spot is affiliated with Dumpling Cafe, a Chinese and Taiwanese place on Washington Street that offers a variety of dumplings and steamed buns along with an extensive list of other entrees, and it appears that Dumpling Palace has a long and varied menu as well.

The Dumpling Cafe has received excellent reviews since opening five years ago, with Boston Magazine awarding it best spot for dumplings back in 2013.

The address for this new eatery in the Back Bay is: Dumpling Palace, 179 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115.

[Earlier Article]
Dumpling Cafe Opens on the Edge of Boston's Chinatown

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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