Monday, November 30, 2015

Highlights for the Week Ending November 27, 2015

A few more stories and articles centering on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a landmark meat market filing for bankruptcy, a group of popular bakery-cafes in expansion mode again, and a gypsy brewery announcing that it will end production. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included an updated review of a Thai restaurant in Tewksbury, a photo of a drink from a riverside spot in Essex, and an updated slideshow of food items for college students.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

McKinnon's Meat Market in Somerville Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Christopher Myers, Joanne Chang Planning New Restaurant in Cambridge's Kendall Square

A Fifth Location of Flour Is In the Works

Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project to End Production

Salsa's in South Boston Has Apparently Closed

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

Updated Review: Mango II in Tewksbury, MA

New Photo: Bloody Mary from CK Pearl in Essex, MA

New Photo: Chili from The Squires in Hanover, MA

Updated Slideshow: Twelve More Dishes for College Students in the Boston Area

New Photo: Steak Fries from Bob's in Medford, MA

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


Las Ventas in Boston's South End Closes; Will Become Private Space for Estragon

A food shop and deli in the South End of Boston has closed, and its space will be used by a restaurant next door that is run by the same family.

Eater Boston is reporting (via BosGuy) that Las Ventas on Harrison Avenue shut down at the beginning of the month, with the plan being for Estragon Tapas Bar to take over the space and use it for functions and private dining along with additional space for the restaurant. A note on the shop's website states that it has indeed closed and that "We appreciate your loyal patronage over the last seven years, and apologize for any inconvenience."

Two brothers--Luis and Julio de Haro--opened both Estragon and Las Ventas in 2008.

The address for this now-closed shop and deli in the South End was: Las Ventas, 700 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Sandwiches from Restaurants in the Boston Area and Elsewhere in New England]



Upper Crust Pizzeria in Watertown Has Closed

A local group of pizzerias has closed one of its shops as it gets ready to open a new one.

According to a note within its website, Upper Crust Pizzeria in Watertown is no longer in operation, with a slideshow post next to the note saying that this is a "move" from Main Street to an upcoming location in Cambridge's Porter Square. (In August, we had reported that Upper Crust would indeed be taking over the space on Mass. Ave. where a location of Stone Hearth Pizza was.) It is not known when the Cambridge location will open; as soon as we hear of an opening date, we will post an update here.

A number of Upper Crust locations closed abruptly toward the end of 2012 after the chain declared bankruptcy, with several shops being auctioned off; a few of the stores subsequently reopened, and locations can now be found in Boston's Beacon Hill, the South End, Brookline, Lexington, Wellesley, Arlington, VA, Beverly Hills, CA, and Washington, DC.

The address for the now-closed Upper Crust Pizzeria in Watertown was 94 Main Street, Watertown, MA, 02472. The website for Upper Crust can be found at http://www.theuppercrustpizzeria.com/

Thanks to one of our readers for initially bringing this to our attention.

[December 17 upate: According to a Twitter post, a new restaurant called J Dee Asian Bistro will be opening in the former Upper Crust space in Watertown (this has been confirmed by a licensing board page within the Watertown website).]

[Earlier Post]
Upper Crust Pizzeria Plans to Replace Stone Hearth Pizza in Cambridge

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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



Sunday, November 29, 2015

Wegmans Is Coming to Medford

A chain of supermarkets that until a few years ago had no presence in the local area is apparently going to be opening yet another new location, and this one would be just north of Boston.

According to a Facebook post from InsideMedford.com, Mayor Michael McGlynn mentioned in his final "State of the City" address today that Wegmans would be opening at the Meadow Glen Mall on the Mystic Valley Pkwy just east of Route 93. No timeframe has been given as of yet, and we are awaiting a response to a message sent to the Rochester, NY-based chain this evening; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

[November 30 update: A post within the city of Medford website confirms that Wegmans is indeed coming, as a quote from Mayor McGlynn includes the following: "The Meadow Glen Mall has been permitted for the renovation of 60,000 square feet. Marshalls and Kohls will continue their leases, and they are welcoming new tenants, including Wegmans."]

[December 1 update: According to an article in the Medford Transcript, it appears that the opening of Wegmans at the Meadow Glen Mall will be part of a major transformation of the site that would include the closing of all non-anchor stores (approximately 40 in all) and the development becoming a shopping center with outdoor entrances only. The Transcript says that Marshalls and Kohls will remain in operation, and a fourth anchor may be opening at the site as well.]

Existing locations of Wegmans can be found in Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Northborough, and Westwood, with upcoming stores planned for Boston's Fenway neighborhood and at the Natick Mall as well. The website for Wegmans can be found at http://www.wegmans.com/

Thanks to @blumie of Eater Boston for initially bringing this to our attention.

[January 26, 2016 update: According to a flyer that was posted on a source's Facebook page, the Meadow Glen Mall is closing down on Monday, February 1, though Marshalls and Kohls will stay open during its transformation into what appears to be an outdoor shopping center that will include a Wegmans.]

[May 10, 2016 update: According to a Facebook post from Ron Newman, demolition of the Meadow Glen Mall is now "well underway," with Kohl's and Marshall's still open, though Kohl's is now smaller in size.]

[August 9, 2017 update: A jobs page within the Wegmans site indicates that the new store in Medford plans to open on November 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]




Wednesday, November 25, 2015

McKinnon's Meat Market in Somerville Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

A butcher shop in one of the busiest parts of Somerville that has been around for nearly 50 years has filed for bankruptcy.

According to a Twitter post from Boston Herald writer @DGoodison, McKinnon's Meat Market in Davis Square is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, though no other information has been given at this point in time. (This is a developing story, so keep checking back for updates.)

[November 27 update: According to a bankruptcy court filing seen today, McKinnon's Meat Market has indeed filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and has until December 7 to file their statement of financial affairs and the schedules of exactly what they owe.]

McKinnon's, which first opened its doors back in 1966 according to a page on the Manta site, features a wide variety of meats and seafood items, including steak tips, chicken drumsticks, ham steaks, corned beef brisket, rabbit, Italian sausage, scallops, shrimp, salmon, and much more.

The address for McKinnon's in Davis Square is 239 Elm Street, Somerville, MA, 02144. Its website can be found at http://www.mckinnonsmeatmarket.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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



Ezra Anderson, Founder of Boston Speed's Famous Hot Dog Wagon, Passes Away at 94

The founder of a now-closed nationally-recognized hot dog trailer has passed away.

The Boston Globe is reporting that Ezra Anderson of Boston Speed's Famous Hot Dog Wagon died on Tuesday at the age of 94, a bit more than two years after Gregg Gale--who had purchased the truck from Anderson in 2008--passed on. The article mentions that Anderson started Speed's in Newmarket Square in 1975 and his wagon became famous over the years, being featured in both Details and Bon Appetit magazines as well as in Boston Magazine and on the Phantom Gourmet. (The Wall Street Journal also featured Speed's in a top hot dogs in America article in 2008.)

Boston Speed's Famous Hot Dog Wagon, whose name was changed to Boston Super Dog by Gregg Gale in 2012, was taken off the road after Gale died and never reopened.

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.]



Christopher Myers, Joanne Chang Planning New Restaurant in Cambridge's Kendall Square

The husband-and-wife team behind a restaurant in Boston's South End is planning a second dining spot, and this one may be coming to a red-hot part of Cambridge.

The Boston Globe mentions that Christopher Myers and Joanne Chang of Myers + Chang on Washington Street are looking to open a second restaurant in the Kendall Square area, with the proposed eatery being somewhere on the Novartis research campus by Main Street. No other information on the dining spot have been given as of yet other than the fact that they are presently "in talks" to open the place. (The Globe also mentions that Chang is planning to open a fifth location of Flour and has been looking at potential sites--apparently including one in Cambridge's Harvard Square.)

Myers + Chang, which first opened in 2007, is an eclectic diner-type restaurant that features Asian fare.

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]



A Fifth Location of Flour Is In the Works

A local group of bakery-cafes may be getting a bit bigger, with a new location possibly coming to one of the busiest parts of Cambridge.

The Boston Globe mentions that Joanne Chang is looking at sites for a fifth location of Flour, and the article says that it could be located in Harvard Square--though this is not written in stone as of yet. Once she does find a definite location for the shop, it will join others in the Boston's South End, Back Bay, Fort Point, and Cambridge's Central Square.

Flour first started on Washington Street in the South End approximately 15 years ago and been known in part for its signature sticky buns, which were featured on the Food Network's "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" back in 2007. (Chang bested Flay in that matchup.)

The website for Flour can be found at http://www.flourbakery.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]



Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project to End Production

A "gypsy" brewery whose beers have consistently been seen as some of the best in the region has decided to call it a day.

According to a blog post from the brewery, Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project is ending production of its beers, saying that it "is drawing to a close...it's time to draw the curtains and head off to a new adventure. A poorly drawn grain of barley called Jack D'Or made this whole thing possible. He'll be coming with us." The post ends with a note saying that its final batches will be shipped over the next two weeks and that their beers will be available until at least January of 2016.

[December 7 update: A Facebook update from the brewery indicates that they are having a farewell celebration this week, with events taking place tonight, tomorrow night, and Wednesday night (the Wednesday night event at The Independent in Somerville is labeled their "farewell party").]

Owners Dann and Martha Paquette first started Pretty Things approximately seven years ago and have produced such beers as Baby Tree, Fluffy White Rabbits, Grampus Hoppy Golden Double Mash, Jack D'or, Saint Botolph's Town, and more.

The website for Pretty Things can be found at http://prettybeer.com/

Thanks to Drew Starr for initially bringing this to our attention.

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]




Tous Les Jours Is Opening in Downtown Boston

A Korea-based group of French-Asian bakeries is going to be opening a its second Boston-area location, and this one will be in the heart of the city's downtown area.

According to a Twitter post from @ConciergeBoston, Tous Les Jours is planning to open on Tremont Street, taking over the space just south of Government Center where Philip's Market had been. While the sign says it will simply be "coming soon," it is not known when exactly the new Tous Les Jours will open; once it does, it will join another location at H-Mart in Burlington. (Tous Les Jours had also been looking to open in the former Kelly's Roast Beef location in Allston, but that apparently fell through, with a Five Guys now moving into that space.)

Tous Les Jours offers such items as breads, cakes, pies, sandwiches, coffee, tea, and smoothies.

The address for this new bakery in downtown Boston is: Tous Les Jours, 24 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02108. Its website can be found at http://www.tljus.com/

[February 11 update: According to a Twitter post from @DTownBostonBID, Tous Les Jours is now open in downtown Boston.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]



Salsa's in South Boston Has Closed

What used to be a pair of restaurants featuring Mexican and Tex-Mex food is now completely gone, as its sole remaining location has gone dark.

An email sent yesterday mentioned that Salsa's in South Boston is now shuttered with the windows papered over, and a subsequent check on its website shows that the site is completely gone while phone calls to the Dorchester Street eatery would not go through. A few posters on the Southie Community Bulletin Board seem to confirm its closure as well, though one person says there is a "Closed for Renovations" sign out front as well.

As soon as we completely confirm that Salsa's has closed (or find out that it is indeed only closed for renovations), we will post an update here.

Salsa's first opened in South Boston back in the late 1990s; a second location of the restaurant on Route 3A in Hingham closed this summer after approximately ten years in business.

The address for this restaurant in South Boston is: Salsa's, 118 Dorchester Street, South Boston, MA, 02127.

[Earlier Article]
Salsa's in Hingham 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]




Lady M Cake Boutique Is Opening in Boston's Back Bay

A New York-based bakery that specializes in handmade cakes is on its way to Boston.

A licensing board notice within the City of Boston website mentions that Lady M Cake Boutique is planning to open on Newbury Street in the Back Bay, with a Facebook page from the shop confirming this. Based on its other stores, expect to see cakes with both French and Japanese influences, including its signature crepes cakes which are made using multiple layers of crepes and pastry cream and have options such as chocolate, green tea, strawberry, and more.  Once it opens, the new location of Lady M will join three others in Manhattan and one in Los Angeles, as well as three in Singapore and two in Hong Kong.

According to a post within the Serious Eats site, Ken Romaniszyn--who was inspired by time he spent in Japan while growing up--opened the first Lady M Cake Boutique on Manhattan's Upper East Side in 2004.

The address for this new cake bakery in the Back Bay is: Lady M Cake Boutique, 304 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02115. The website for Lady M can be found at http://www.ladym.com/

[June 27, 2016 update: A new licensing board page indicates that the upcoming Lady M Cake Boutique in the Back Bay has apparently decided not to have any seating; instead, it will be takeout only.]

[June 29, 2016 update: Eater Boston states that Lady M Cake Boutique is now open in the Back Bay.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]



Monday, November 23, 2015

Highlights for the Week Ending November 20, 2015

Several more stories and articles focusing on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a South End cafe closing in anticipation of the rebirth of a landmark diner, one of the top-rated pizzerias in the Boston area shutting its doors, and the co-founder of a local company known for its popular TV show and magazines saying farewell. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included an updated review of a pizza place in Concord, a photo of a sub from an Italian market in Medford, and an updated review of an old-school restaurant in Weymouth.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

Stella Cafe in Boston's South End Closes

Clover to Open in Former Boloco Space in Downtown Crossing

Copperfield's in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood Has Closed

A4 in Somerville Has Closed for Good

Christopher Kimball to Leave America's Test Kitchen

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

Updated Review: New London Pizza in Concord, MA

New Photo: Steak and Cheese Sub from Bob's in Medford, MA

New Photo: Tomato Soup from CK Pearl in Essex, MA

Updated Review: Venetian Restaurant in Weymouth, MA

New Photo: Onion Rings from Sullivan's in South Boston, MA

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


Broadway's Pastry Opens in South Boston

A brand new pastry and coffee shop has come to South Boston.

Eater Boston is reporting (via Caught in Southie) that Broadway's Pastry is now open on West Broadway, taking over the space between C Street and D Street where Blue Tierra had been until closing in the fall of 2012. The new shop is a "refined, yet modern" place that offers muffins, danishes, tarts, cupcakes, croissants, sandwiches, and more, along with Guglielmo coffee and a variety of teas. Broadway's Pastry--which is owned and operated by the people behind the L Street Diner in Southie--is open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM seven days a week.

The address for this new pastry and coffee shop in South Boston is: Broadway's Pastry, 258 West Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127. Its website can be found at http://www.broadwayspastry.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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



Friday, November 20, 2015

Stella Cafe in Boston's South End Closes Today

A cafe that is affiliated with an adjacent South End restaurant is getting ready to shut down for good.

Eater Boston is reporting (via the restaurant's Facebook page) that Stella Cafe on Washington Street closes at the end of business hours today, though Stella Restaurant and Bar will remain in operation. The Facebook note also mentions that "you'll be able to join us again for lunch soon at Charlie's," which refers to a now-closed landmark eatery on Columbus Avenue that Stella chef/owner Evan Deluty and his wife Candice will be reopening.

Stella Cafe offered a variety of breakfast items as well as salads, sandwiches, and crepes.

The address for Stella Cafe (and Stella Restaurant and Bar) is 1525 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02118. The website can be found at http://www.bostonstella.com/

[Earlier Article]
Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe in the South End of Boston Is Reopening

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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



Thursday, November 19, 2015

Update: Joy Luck Hot Pot Is Opening in Former McDonald's Space in Boston's Chinatown

[Ed note: This article was updated on May 4, 2016 to reflect the fact that the restaurant has opened, and that it has a slightly different name.]

It looks like a new restaurant is on its way to the Chinatown section of Boston, and it will take over the space where a location of a fast food chain had been.

Universal Hub is reporting that Joy Luck Restaurant is planning to open on Washington Street, moving into the spot where McDonald's had been for approximately a quarter century. No other information on the upcoming eatery is available at this point in time other than the fact that Chun Lian Lin of Malden and Qian Wang of Charlestown are behind it, and UH says they haven't met with the Boston Licensing Board yet. (As soon as we find out more on Joy Luck, we will post an update here.)

[January 6, 2016 update: According to a licensing board page within the city of Boston website, Joy Luck Restaurant is meeting with the city today to discuss their request for a common victualler license. It appears that the dining spot will be a hot pot place, but little information has come out about it as of yet.]

[May 4, 2016 update: Eater Boston states that Joy Luck is now open, and that its actual name is Joy Luck Hot Pot. The article also says that the eatery offers other food items in addition to hot pot.]

The address for this new restaurant in Chinatown is 702 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Plans for a Kosher Hotel and Restaurant to Open in West Roxbury Have Apparently Fallen Through

Earlier this year, we reported that a unique type of hotel and restaurant could be coming to Boston; now we have learned that this apparently will not be happening after all.

Universal Hub mentions that the property on the VFW Parkway in West Roxbury where a kosher hotel and a glatt-kosher restaurant was being considered has been sold to the owner of a gas station and car wash in Brockton. The proposed spot--which was tentatively going to be called the King David Hotel--had been the idea of developer Nissim Shimon Trabelsi, with the plan being to work with a hotel management company to possibly start a chain of kosher hotels and restaurants. (It is not known if these plans have fallen through as well.)

In addition to lodging and dining, the hotel was also going to include "his and hers mikvah baths," a swimming pool, and a ballroom.

[Earlier Article]
Kosher Hotel and Restaurant May Be Coming to West Roxbury

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.]



Clover to Open in Former Boloco Space in Downtown Crossing

The people behind a number of vegetarian food trucks and brick-and-mortar restaurants in the Boston area will be opening a shop in the heart of the city.

According to a press release, Clover is looking to open in Downtown Crossing, moving into the space on School Street where a location of Boloco had been until closing last month. Once it opens, the new brick-and-mortar location of Clover will join others in Central Square, Inman Square, Harvard Square, and Kendall Square in Cambridge, and in Brookline and Burlington--along with a number of food trucks set up in the region as well. If all goes as planned, the new shop could be opening in late December or early January.

[January 26, 2016 update: A new Twitter post from Clover says that the new School Street location will have an open house with free donuts on February 1, a Pay What You Want soft opening on February 2, and a grand opening on February 3.]

[February 2, 2016 update: Another Twitter post from Clover confirms that the new location on School Street will soft-open today for lunch.]

The address for this new location of Clover in Downtown Crossing is 27 School Street, Boston, MA, 02108. The website for all restaurants and food trucks can be found at http://www.cloverfoodlab.com/

[Earlier Article]
Boloco Closes Its School Street, Pearl Street Locations in Downtown 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]



Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Copperfield's in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood Has Closed

A couple of months ago, we reported that a decades-old bar and music club in the Fenway was going to be making way for a location of a small chain of Celtic-themed sports bars. Now we have learned that the place is now officially gone.

According to a Facebook post from the spot, Copperfield's has shut down, saying in the note that "the party...is over after 46 years...thanks to all the customers, musicians, cover bands/original bands/promoters/agents/ sound companies, and staff who made it happen, please continue to support the bars in the fenway area and local live music everywhere." The now-vacant Brookline Avenue space will soon be taken over by the Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, which the Fenway Civic Association had opposed earlier this month but was subsequently approved of by the Boston Licensing Board. The chain has been described in the past as a "Scottish Hooters."

The address for the now-closed Copperfield's was 98 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215.

[Earlier Article]
Tilted Kilt Plans to Replace Copperfield's in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

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]



Yumi Opens in Former Pinkberry Space in Somerville's Davis Square

A brand new hot pot and sushi place has come to Somerville, and it replaces a location of a chain of frozen yogurt shops.

Eater Boston is reporting that Yumi is now open in Davis Square, moving into the space on Elm Street where Pinkberry had been until closing in September of 2014. Very little is currently known about the new eatery, though EB says that a tipster mentions it features all-you-can-eat sushi along with hot pot options. (As soon as we find out more about Yumi, we will post an update here.)

The Davis Square location of Pinkberry was forced to shut down because of an apparent ceiling collapse caused by flooding in an upstairs apartment, and while the plan was for it to eventually reopen, it never did.

The address for Yumi is 263 Elm Street, Somerville, MA, 02144.

[Earlier Article]
Pinkberry in Somerville's Davis Square Closes, to Be Replaced by Yumi

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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



Tuesday, November 17, 2015

BurgerFi by Boston University Closed for Renovations

A Florida-based chain of burger places with two locations in Boston has closed one of them, though it appears to be a temporary closure.

A Twitter post from today shows that BurgerFi by Boston University is shut down and undergoing renovations, with a sign out front referring customers to its other shop on Spring Street in West Roxbury. A check on the chain's website confirms this, as the Commonwealth Avenue listing has a message saying that renovations are currently in progress and that it will return in the early part of 2016.

BurgerFi first opened by Boston University in February of 2014, with its West Roxbury location arriving last December.

The address for this location of BurgerFi is 961 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215. Its website can be found at http://burgerfi.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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



Food Network Includes The Pilgrim from Mike's City Diner Among Its Top Thanksgiving Dishes in America

A popular food-based TV channel, magazine, and website has come out with its picks for the five best Thanksgiving dishes in the United States, and a sandwich from a dining spot in Boston has made the list.

According to the slideshow/article from the Food Network, Mike's City Diner in the South End has been included for "The Pilgrim," a sandwich that includes roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and gravy, with the post noting that all of the ingredients are made in-house. The Washington Street eatery was the only New England spot to make the list, though Rotisserie Georgette in New York also made it for its stuffed and crisped potato.

For a complete look at the picks from the Food Network, please go to the link below:

Top 5 Thanksgiving Dishes in America

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.]



A4 in Somerville Has Closed for Good

One of the highest-rated pizza spots in the Boston area has served its last pie, though the news is not all bad.

Eater Boston is reporting that A4 in Somerville has permanently closed, approximately three months after it had to shut its doors because of an electrical issue which caused the Somerville Avenue building to become unsafe, and which also forced the temporary (at this point in time) closure of Dosa N Curry. The article says that owners Michael Krupp and Jeff Pond will announce today that they have decided to end the lease there, stating that "indefinite delays" on repairs ultimately led to their decision, though they also say that they hope to find a new location somewhere in Somerville. In addition, as reported earlier here, their upcoming location of A4 at the Troy Boston apartment building in the South End of Boston is still in the works, though it is not known exactly when it will open.

The people behind Area Four in Cambridge's Kendall Square opened A4 Pizza in the summer of 2013, with the wood-fired pizza place receiving a good amount of praise in the press, including Boston Magazine recently awarding it best crust in the Boston area and Food & Wine Magazine including it in its list of best pizza places in the United States.

The address for the now-closed A4 is 445 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02143.

[Earlier Article]
A4 at Troy Planning to Open in Boston's South End
Santarpio's and A4 Make Food and Wine's List of Top Pizza Places in the United States

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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



Monday, November 16, 2015

Highlights for the Week Ending November 13, 2015

A few more stories and articles centering on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a high-end food spot apparently being up for sale, an Italian restaurant and market coming to the waterfront, and a sushi place in Brookline closing. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included a new review of a restaurant in Essex, a photo of a burger from a snack shack in South Boston, and an updated review of a dining and drinking spot in Hanover.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

Bee's Knees Supply Company in Boston's Fort Point Is Apparently Up for Sale

Addis Red Sea in Boston's South End Is Up for Sale

Cafe Luigi Will Not Reopen in Bedford Marketplace; Looking for New Home

Tuscan Kitchen and Tuscan Market to Open in Boston's Seaport District

Mr. Sushi in Brookline Has Closed

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

New Review: CK Pearl in Essex, MA

New Photo: Sushi from Genki Ya in Brookline, MA

New Photo: Double Cheeseburger from Sullivan's in South Boston, MA

Updated Review: The Squires in Hanover, MA

New Photo: Clam Chowder from CK Pearl in Essex, MA

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


Christopher Kimball to Leave America's Test Kitchen

The co-founder of a local company known for its popular TV show and magazines is saying goodbye, and it appears that a contract dispute may be behind his departure.

The Boston Globe is reporting that Christopher Kimball is leaving America's Test Kitchen "immediately" following a change of leadership that took place a couple of months ago. The article says that sources mention Kimball and his wife Melissa Baldino might be creating a new company, while David Nussbaum--who became the CEO of the company in September--hints to a contract issue, saying "We made every effort to offer Chris a reasonable contract that reflected his significant contributions to the company and are disappointed that we could not reach agreement."

America's Test Kitchen first started out in 1992 with the magazine Cook’s Illustrated, with the show by the same name and the magazine Cook's Country following, along with a radio show, books, and more. Its headquarters are in Brookline Village.

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.]



Dairy Castle/Route 1 Miniature Golf in Saugus Has Closed for Good

Yet another iconic spot on an infamous stretch of highway has shut down.

According to a message on its voicemail, Route 1 Miniature Golf in Saugus (which is also home to the Dairy Castle ice cream stand, batting cages, and an arcade) is now closed for good, with yesterday apparently being its final day in operation. A few months ago, we had reported that the place was being sold and that a hotel/apartment development would be moving in, with the people behind the entertainment complex saying a few weeks later that they expected to remain open until late October or early November, depending on the weather.

It is still not known what might become of the legendary orange dinosaur out front, though the developer who purchased the property has hinted that he would be open to keeping it at the site.

The Route 1 Miniature Golf complex, which had been in business in 1958, is just one of several landmark spots to close and/or be torn down over recent times, with the Hilltop Steak House, Donatello's, and Weylu's--the latter of which was demolished in September after being closed for more than 15 years--being among them.

[Earlier Article]
Dairy Castle/Route 1 Miniature Golf in Saugus to Be Sold; Hotel/Apartment Complex to Move In

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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]



Friday, November 13, 2015

Waffle Cabin Is Opening in Cambridge's Kendall Square

A Vermont-based Belgian waffle concept with locations at ski areas in the Northeast and elsewhere is coming to the Boston area.

An email sent today indicates that Waffle Cabin is opening a location at the outdoor ice rink in Cambridge's Kendall Square, taking over the Moo-Moo's ice cream/frozen yogurt kiosk for the winter season. This will be one the fourth "cabin" in Massachusetts, with the others being at Bradford in Haverhill, Nashoba Valley in Westford, and Wachusett in Princeton.

According to the email, the new Waffle Cabin in Kendall Square will be open seven days a week starting in December. (The rink is located on Athenaeum Street between Second Street and Third Street.)

[December 17 update: According to its Twitter page, the new Waffle Cabin in Kendall Square is now open.]

The website for Waffle Cabin can be found at http://www.wafflecabin.com

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



Cafe, WGBH Radio Studio to Be Set Up in Boston Public Library

One of the Back Bay's most iconic buildings is going to be getting a new cafe--and a radio studio.

The Boston Globe is reporting that the Boston Public Library will be the site of an all-day cafe and a WGBH satellite studio, with both being on the first floor of the Johnson Building. The article says that the upcoming Newsfeed Cafe will probably offer both grab-and-go and counter service food/drink, and it will be run by the same company (Catered Affair) that operates the Courtyard Restaurant and the Map Room Cafe in the McKim Building. The satellite location of WGBH will likely record segments for various TV and radio programs along with podcasts, and it may also collaborate with the library on programming for children.

If all goes as planned, both the new cafe and the radio studio should be up and running by next summer.

[September 27, 2016 update: A new article from The Boston Globe mentions that the Newsfeed Cafe and WGBH's satellite studio will make their debut at the Boston Public Library on Friday, September 30.]

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]




Bee's Knees Supply Company in Boston's Fort Point Is Apparently Up for Sale

It looks like a gourmet market in one of Boston's hottest neighborhoods is on the selling block.

According to a post on the Craigslist site. a "High-End Market &amp Cafe" is up for sale, with the photos included in the post showing the interior of Bee's Knees Supply Company on Farnsworth Street in the city's Fort Point area. The listing says that the retail beer and wine license would be included in the price, and the reason given for the store being sold is because of a "partnership dispute."

Bee's Knees first opened in Fort Point in March of 2013, with the shop including an extensive grocery area as well as a deli and cafe. A second shop opened on Commonwealth Avenue in Allston this summer, and a source tells us that that location will remain in operation.

The address for Bee's Knees Supply Company in Fort Point is 12 Farnsworth Street, Boston, MA, 02210. Its website can be found at http://www.beeskneessupply.com/

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]



Burlington Beer Works Plans to Open in Former Outback Steakhouse Space

A local group of restaurants and brewpubs continues to expand through the Greater Boston area, with a new one now being planned for a space north of Boston where a popular location of a restaurant chain had been.

According to an article in the Daily Times Chronicle, Burlington Beer Works is looking to open in the former Outback Steakhouse space in the Burlington Crossroads shopping center on Cambridge Street. The article says that the town approved of its plans this week, though with the continued permitting process and upcoming construction, the place probably won't be ready to open until the middle of 2016.

Existing locations of Beer Works including ones near Boston's North Station, in the Fenway, at Logan Airport, and in Framingham, Hingham, Lowell, and Salem.

The address for this planned restaurant and brewpub in Burlington is: Burlington Beer Works, 34 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for the company can be found at http://www.beerworks.net/

[January 3, 2018 update: More than two years after first being announced, Burlington Beer Works has still not opened, and a new article in the Daily Times Chronicle mentions that town selectmen are not pleased about this, taking action by recently having a revocation hearing that focused on the unused liquor license. The post says that the planning board will look into the granting of a building permit for the place tomorrow (Thursday, January 4) and that if approved, construction would apparently commence immediately, while selectmen have allowed "mercy" to Burlington Beer Works, continuing the liquor license discussion via a meeting on January 22, and its decision will be based on the decision made by the planning board this week. (An attorney for the restaurant group says that the plan is to open Burlington Beer Works this June.)]

[Related Articles]
Outback Steakhouse in Burlington Has Closed
Waltham Beer Works Getting Closer to Opening in Former Watch City Space

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]




Addis Red Sea in Boston's South End Is Up for Sale

An Ethiopian restaurant in Boston's South End that has been in business for more than a quarter century is on the market.

According to a source (Aaron Gong), Addis Red Sea on Tremont Street is up for sale, with a couple of listings (including a listing on the Castles Unlimited site) confirming this, saying that the business/space is indeed for sale at a price of $300,000. The listing indicates that the space is being sold "as is" and "as sold" and that existing fixtures and equipment are part of the deal, and the restaurant's existing beer and license is also mentioned as well. [Ed note: Listing no longer up as of April 26, 2016.]

Addis Red Sea, which first opened in the late 1980s, also had a location on Mass. Ave. in Cambridge, though that spot closed in 2013 after being open for only a brief amount of time. The original South End eatery has been featured on our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants), with the review being at the link below:

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

The address for Addis Red Sea is 544 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

[April 26, 2016 update: According to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, the phone number for Addis Red Sea in the South End is not working, with a call placed this afternoon indicating that it is indeed temporarily out of service. As soon as we find out the exact status of the restaurant, we will post another update here.]

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.]