Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Florina Pizzeria and Paninoteca Opens in Boston's Beacon Hill

A new Italian eatery has come to a section of Boston that is mostly residential.

Eater Boston is reporting that Florina Pizzeria and Paninoteca has opened in the city's Beacon Hill neighborhood, taking over the space behind the State House where Derne Street Deli used to be. The article says that the 19-seat dining spot is open for lunch and dinner and offers salads, panini, pasta dishes, and pizza along with appetizers such as house-made meatballs and spinach squares. Based on the setup of the space, it appears that Florina Pizzeria and Paninoteca should do much of its business via takeout, especially considering that it is housed in a heavily-residential neighborhood.

The address for this new Italian restaurant in Beacon Hill is: Florina Pizzeria and Paninoteca, 16 Derne Street, Boston, MA, 02114. Its website can be found at http://www.florinapizza.com/

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]





Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Josephine in Boston's Kenmore Square Has Closed

It looks like a French restaurant in Boston's Kenmore Square has shut down after only a year in business.

An email sent today indicates that Josephine on Commonwealth Avenue is closed, with the place no longer taking reservations and a Groupon page saying that it has indeed shuttered--and an email from Groupon confirms that the restaurant is gone. Josephine first opened in June of 2015, taking over the space where a location of Petit Robert Bistro had been; the dining spot offered such dishes as mushroom risotto, croque monsieur, roasted half chicken, pan-seared salmon, beef bourguignon, and steak frites.

The address for this now-closed French eatery in Kenmore Square was: Josephine, 468 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215.

[Earlier Article]
Petit Robert Bistro in Boston's Kenmore Square to Be Replaced by Josephine

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]





Jason Santos Is Opening Buttermilk and Bourbon in Boston's Back Bay

It looks like a well-known local chef and restaurateur is going to be opening another dining spot in the city.

The Boston Globe mentions that Jason Santos is planning to open a place called Buttermilk and Bourbon in the Back Bay this fall, with the Southern-influenced eatery having "the energy of Toro and the food of Hungry Mother." An article from Eater Boston states that the 150-seat restaurant plans to offer such items as oyster chowder, boiled peanut hummus, oysters, house-fried chicken, and barbecue shrimp, while also serving an array of bourbon drinks, batch cocktails, and--according to the Globe--Scorpion bowls. It appears that Buttermilk and Bourbon may also have a small bar with champagne on tap, according to both posts.

Jason Santos is behind Abby Lane on Tremont Street in the Theatre District and Back Bay Harry's on Berkeley Street in the Back Bay, and he is also known in part for being on the Fox reality TV show Hell's Kitchen in 2010.

[February 10, 2017 update: A Facebook post from Jason Santos mentions that Buttermilk and Bourbon opens in two weeks--and the photo from him shows a section of the place being called the Voodoo Lounge.]

[February 21, 2017 update: The Tables section of The Boston Globe states that Buttermilk and Bourbon opens on Friday, February 24.]

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: Prelude Restaurant in Methuen Closes, Being Replaced by Antonio's Kitchen

[Ed note: This article was updated on August 31 and October 4 to reflect the fact that a new restaurant has opened in the space.]

An upscale restaurant north of Boston that had a familiar face behind it has shut its doors.

According to a message received over the weekend, Prelude Restaurant in Methuen is no longer in business, and it looks like a new dining spot featuring pasta and seafood will be opening within the space, possibly in the next few days or so. One of the people behind the now-closed Prelude was Tom Grella, who was a contestant in season three of The Next Food Network Star which aired in 2007. (The show is known in part for helping launch the career of Guy Fieri.)

Prelude first opened in 2012, featuring mostly New American and Mediterranean fare such as spicy calamari, lobster fettuccine, osso buco pork shank, beef wellington, seafood casserole, and a boneless ribeye.

The address for Prelude Restaurant was 7 Ayers Village Road, Methuen, MA, 01844.

[August 31 update: According to the Facebook page for the spot, a new restaurant under different ownership has apparently opened in the Prelude space, and it looks like it is also called Prelude, at least for the time being.]

[October 4 update: A new Facebook post indicates that the restaurant is now called Antonio's Kitchen, and it looks like there is at least a partial focus on seafood.]

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, August 29, 2016

Vittorio's Grill Is Reopening in Brookline, Moving into Pizzeria Dante Space

A kosher eatery is coming to Brookline, taking over the space where a pizzeria run by the same owner had been--and which is the same space where another pizza spot had been until it moved to another space.

Universal Hub is reporting that Vittorio Hassan is looking to open Vittorio's Grill in the former Pizzeria Dante space on Beacon Street, which is also where Hassan operated a place called Vittorio's Kosher Pizzeria from 1995 to 2003. The article says that the new Vittorio's will have seating for 16 and hours being 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on "most days" (it will be open from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Fridays).

Pizzeria Dante moved from Beacon Street to its present home on Harvard Street this spring, taking over the space where Panelli's Pizza and Parm (and before that, Ozzie's Pizza & Cafe) had been.

The address for the upcoming Vittorio's Grill is 1398 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.

[October 28 update: Universal Hub mentions (via Michael Burstein) that Vittorio's Grill is now open in Brookline, and that it offers a handful of kosher options, including burgers, salads, wraps, subs, pita sandwiches, and fried items.]

[Earlier Article]
Pizzeria Dante Moves into Former Panelli's Space in Brookline

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]





Caffe Nero to Open in Brookline's Washington Square

A chain of coffee shops based in Europe may be expanding further into the Boston area, this time opening in a very hot section of Brookline.

A Facebook post from the Washington Square Association says what a couple of our sources have mentioned, that Caffe Nero could be opening in Brookline's Washington Square, taking over the space on Beacon Street where Square Market had been, and before that, 7-Eleven. If it does open in that space, it would join existing locations in Boston's Downtown Crossing, Fort Point, the South End, Longwood, and Jamaica Plain, as well as upcoming stores in Cambridge's Central Square, Wellesley, and a second shop in Downtown Crossing. [Ed note: All three are now open.]

The address for what would be an upcoming location of Caffe Nero in Washington Square is 1633 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02445. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.caffenero.com/

[August 30 update: Eater Boston has confirmed that Caffe Nero will indeed be opening in Brookline's Washington Square, with a lease currently being finalized for the space.]

[February 8, 2017 update: A new Facebook post from the Washington Square Association states that Caffe Nero is planning to open its latest store this Friday (February 10), joining a second shop in town that recently opened in Brookline Village.]

[Earlier Article]
Square Market in Brookline's Washington Square Has Closed

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]





Lord Hobo Brewing Company in Woburn to Open Beer Hall

It looks like a brewery north of Boston will be opening a beer hall within its space.

According to a Facebook post from the business, Lord Hobo Brewing Company has received approval for a pouring license for its facility in Woburn, and that it hopes to officially have the license at some point later this year. The note says that the brewery will look to shut down the retail space for a few months and build out a 200-seat beer hall that would have a full bar and a kitchen, including offerings beyond their core beers along with to-go growler fills.

The person behind Lord Hobo Brewing Company is Daniel Lanigan, who runs Lord Hobo beer bar near Kendall Square and Inman Square in Cambridge.

The address for Lord Hobo Brewing Company is 5 Draper Street, Woburn, MA, 01801. Its website can be found at http://lordhobobrewing.com/

[November 8, 2018 update: Eater Boston mentions that the long-awaited beer hall at Lord Hobo in Woburn is expected to open "any day now." (The post also mentions that there will be room for 150 and 19 beers on tap.)]

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]





Belmont Books (a Bookstore/Cafe) Is Opening in Former Macy's Space in Belmont Center

It looks like a new bookstore and cafe is on its way to the western suburbs of Boston.

According to a post in The Boston Globe, Belmont Books is planning to open in Belmont Center, moving into a two-floor space on Leonard Street where Macy's had been. The website for the business mentions that it will include a cafe/coffee shop that will offer muffins, pastries, lunch items, coffee, and tea, and that the bookstore and cafe will have approximately 4,000 square feet of space. If all goes as planned, Belmont Books may be opening by March of 2017, according to the site.

Last year, we had reported that a location of Foodie's Markets was going to be opening in the former Macy's space, but the signs for the market have been removed from the space and it is not known if they will still be opening in a section of the building. (We sent a message to the group of grocery stores--which has locations in Boston's South End, South Boston, and Duxbury--earlier this month but have not heard back.)

The address for this new bookstore and cafe in Belmont Center is: Belmont Books, 75 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. Its website can be found at http://belmontbooks.com/

[July 6, 2017 update: The Facebook page for the business indicates that Belmont Books is now open, with a FAQs page saying that the cafe/coffee shop is called The Black Bear Cafe.]

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]





Sunday, August 28, 2016

Truck Drives into Square Cafe in Hingham, Injuring Three

A South Shore bistro is closed for the time being after a truck crashed into the restaurant Friday night, injuring three people.

WCVB 5 is reporting that a truck veered off of North Street in the center of Hingham at around 10:00 PM and smashed into the Square Cafe, injuring two people in the dining spot along with a passenger in the vehicle. The article says that the driver of the truck was arrested on several charges, though police say that he was not impaired at the time of the crash.

A Facebook post from the Square Cafe mentions that the two people in the restaurant who were hurt are now out of the hospital and that the place is "cleaning up" and hopes to reopen on Wednesday.

The address for the Square Cafe is 150 North Street, Hingham, MA, 02043.

[August 31 update: A new Facebook post from the Square Cafe states that it has been given approval to reopen today.]


[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, August 26, 2016

Zef Cicchetti & Raw Bar Is Opening in Quincy

A new Italian restaurant is coming to an increasingly hot downtown area south of Boston, and the team behind an adjacent steakhouse will be opening the place.

Eater Boston is reporting that the people behind Alba in Quincy will be opening Zef Cicchetti & Raw Bar next door (where Siam House used to be), with the Hancock Street dining spot having Venetian influences, including cicchetti, or small side dishes, along with pasta, salumi, a raw bar, and cocktails. No opening date for the restaurant has been given as of yet, but Zef is hoping to open sometime in October, according to EB.

Alba is an upscale restaurant that is known in part for its roof deck and extensive wine list.

The address for this new Italian restaurant in downtown Quincy is: Zef Cicchetti & Raw Bar, 1472 Hancock Street, Quincy, MA, 02169.

[December 28 update: A post from @footballfacts on the Quincy Is Everything Facebook group page states that Zef Cicchetti & Raw Bar plans to have a soft opening on New Year's Eve, with drinks only (the kitchen won't be open that night).]

[January 11, 2017 update: A new post from Eater Boston states that Zef Cicchetti & Raw Bar is now fully open.]

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]





Broadsheet Coffee Roasters Is Opening in Cambridge

A new coffee shop is on its way to Cambridge, and it will apparently be the first coffee roaster in the city.

Eater Boston is reporting that Broadsheet Coffee Roasters is planning to open on Kirkland Street in the former Kirkland Convenience Store space, which is next to Savenor's Butcher Shop on the Somerville line. An article from Boston Magazine says that this will be the first shop in Cambridge to roast its own coffee beans, and that the beans used will come from Asia, East Africa, and Central America, with batched hot coffee, pour-oven options, and cold coffee (probably on draft) available along with tea and foods such as salads, sandwiches and pastries.

If all goes as planned, Broadsheet Coffee Roasters could be opening in time for the holidays.

The address for this new coffee shop in Cambridge will be: Broadsheet Coffee Roasters, 100 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

[May 14, 2017 update: Broadsheet Coffee Roasters has not yet opened, but a recent job post on the Craigslist site mentions that it had been hoping to open at the end of last month and that it is now hiring a line cook, so it may be very close to opening now.]

[July 5 update: Boston Magazine states that Broadsheet Coffee Roasters has its grand opening today.]

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]





Thursday, August 25, 2016

Owners of The Burren Plan to Open The BeBop in Pad Thai Cafe Space in Boston's Fenway/Kenmore

It looks like a Thai restaurant in a busy section of Boston could be saying farewell, with a new dining and drinking spot possibly moving in.

According to a Twitter post from Drew Starr, an abutters meeting was held last night to look into a proposal to replace Pad Thai Cafe in Boston's Fenway/Kenmore neighborhood with an as-of-yet unnamed place that the sign says could be an Irish pub. No other information has been given in the meeting notice other than the fact that the planned changeover would include the transfer of the liquor license from the Boylston Street eatery to the new spot; we have reached out to the Mayor's office to try to find out more and will post an update when we get one.

Pad Thai Cafe, which first opened about a decade ago, is a casual counter-service restaurant that is particularly popular with college students who live in/near the area.

The address for Pad Thai Cafe (and the proposed dining and drinking spot) is 1116 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215.

[August 25 update: The Mayor's office tells us that the proposed spot will not be an Irish pub after all, but it will apparently be a restaurant with live music instead. (More updates are coming, so keep checking back for updates.)]

[August 25 update #2: A new tweet and a Facebook post from Drew Starr indicate that the owners of The Burren in Somerville's Davis Square are behind the new place, which will be a restaurant and jazz club called BeBop.]

[October 31 update: It looks like BeBop could be one step closer to opening by this week, as a Boston Licensing Board page indicates that the city will look into the proposed license transfer from Pad Thai Cafe on Wednesday, November 2. The hearing notice also mentions that BeBop is planning to have a capacity of 32 on the ground floor, room for 30 more on the mezzanine level, and seating for 18 on a seasonal outdoor patio.]

[January 13, 2017 update: A tweet from Drew Starr indicates that Pad Thai Cafe is now closed, having shut down around the end of December.]

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, August 24, 2016

Love Art Sushi Is Opening in Former T.C.'s Lounge Space in Boston

It looks like a new sushi spot is on its way to Boston, and it will apparently open in the space where a beloved neighborhood bar used to be.

According to a tweet and an Instagram post from Drew Starr, Love Art Sushi is planning to open on Haviland Street (near where Boston's Back Bay and Fenway neighborhoods meet), moving into the former T.C.'s Lounge space. Very little is currently known about the upcoming spot, though based on an earlier UConn Today article, it does appear to have a connection to a place in Storrs, CT, that opened a few years ago as Haru Aki Cafe and is now called H.A. Cafe; a Bizapedia page lists the manager and registered agent of record of Love Art Sushi as Jessica Chiep and Ronald Liu, respectively, and Haru Aki Cafe was opened by Jessica Chiep, Ronald Liu, and Thomas Wang.

TC's Lounge had been a neighborhood fixture for more than 40 years until being hit by a fire in March of 2012 and then losing its home later that year.

The address for the new  Love Art Sushi (and the former TC's Lounge) is 1 Haviland Street, Boston, MA, 02115.

[November 23 update: Eater Boston states that Love Art Sushi is hoping to open in December, and that based on the menu at the Love Art Sushi location in Storrs (which was recently rebranded from H.A. Cafe), it looks like the new spot may offer such items as sushi bowls, sushi, and bubble tea.]

[January 25, 2017 update: A new post from Eater Boston says that Love Art Sushi has soft-opened in the former TC's Lounge space, and in addition to sushi bowls, sushi, and bubble tea, it is also offering sushi burritos, gyoza, and other items.]

[Earlier Articles]
TC's Lounge Loses Its Home
Fire Causes Extensive Damage to TC's Lounge in 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]





Lanes & Games in Cambridge May Be Replaced by a Residential Development

It looks like a local institution for bowling and more could disappear from the landscape and be replaced by a new development.

Universal Hub is reporting that Criterion Development Partners is planning to build a residential complex at the site of Lanes & Games along Route 2 in Cambridge, with the development (which will be called the Residences at Alewife Station) including two buildings that would apparently take over the space where the adjacent Cambridge Gateway Inn currently resides as well. A meeting on the project takes place tonight with The ​North Cambridge Stabilization Committee while The Cambridge Conservation Commission will hold a hearing tomorrow, with UH stating that one concern that will require commissioner approval is the fact that the structures would be built on a floodplain. (The Cambridge planning board will also need to approve the proposal as well.)

Lanes & Games has been a popular spot for bowling, pool, and video games since it first opened more than 30 years ago; it also has a restaurant and bar that offers such items as pizza, burgers, steak tips, and ribs.

The address for Lanes & Games is 195 Concord Turnpike, Cambridge, MA, 02140. Its website can be found at http://lanesgames.com/

[August 26 update: The Cambridge Chronicle/TAB mentions that Lanes & Games is expected to remain open for another year or so before saying farewell, with Criterion consultant Rich McKinnon saying that the family behind the place has "made a decision; they're tired. They want to retire, they don't want to run it anymore, and the next generation doesn't want to run it anymore." The article also mentions that the Lanes & Games space is expected to become home to a high-end apartment building. (Thanks to Drew Starr 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]





Tuesday, August 23, 2016

News Elsewhere: Howard Johnson Restaurant in Bangor, ME, to Close, Leaving Sole Location in Lake George, NY

What was once a household name on the local and national restaurant scene will soon be down to one remaining dining spot.

According to an article from MWTW Portland, the Howard Johnson restaurant location in Bangor, ME, will be closing September 6, as owner Sally Patel says that business has been "very slow." Once it shuts down, the only HoJo's restaurant left will be in Lake George, NY, as a third location of the chain in Lake Placid, NY, closed down last year. WMTW does say that the hotel part of Howard Johnson in Bangor will remain in operation.

The first Howard Johnson restaurant opened in Quincy in 1925 (according to a post in the Sun Chronicle), with the dining spot soon expanding throughout the country and becoming known for such items as fried clams, roast turkey, macaroni and cheese, and ice cream. A number of HoJo's outlets called the Boston area and Eastern Massachusetts their home over the years, including restaurants in Chelmsford, Concord, Dorchester, Framingham, Haverhill, Lexington, and Quincy.

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]





Essex Landing Development Receives Approval to Replace Route 1 Miniature Golf/Dairy Castle in Saugus

A few months ago, we reported that a Route 1 landmark that was supposed to have closed last fall in order to make room for new development was given a reprieve. Now it looks like the end may finally be near for the place.

The Saugus Advertiser states that the town planning board has unanimously approved of plans to build Essex Landing at the site where Route 1 Miniature Golf--including the Dairy Castle ice cream stand. batting cages, an arcade, and its iconic orange dinosaur--currently reside. The article says that the mixed-use development, which is being called the "renaissance of Route 1," will have what appears to be six buildings, with apartments, two hotels, and three restaurants being included, though it is not known if the dinosaur will remain on the property. (This has been an ongoing issue since the plans for the development had first been announced.) The first two buildings could be completed by March of 2018, according to the Advertiser.

In April, it was announced that Route 1 Miniature Golf would open for one more season, which was good news for customers who were told that it was originally going to shut down at the end of the 2015 season. At this point in time, it appears that this season will be the last for the entertainment complex, but if that changes, we will post an update here.

The Route 1 Miniature Golf complex has been in business since 1958.

[Earlier Articles]
Dairy Castle/Route 1 Miniature Golf in Saugus to Reopen for One More Season
Dairy Castle/Route 1 Miniature Golf in Saugus to Be Sold; Hotel/Apartment Complex to Move In

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, August 22, 2016

KoKo Bakery Has Opened in Newton

A brand new bakery has come to the western suburbs of Boston, and the person behind it comes from some well-known local spots.

Eater Boston is reporting (via Hungry Onion) that KoKo Bakery is now open in Newton, moving into a space on California Street in the Nonantum area of the city by the Watertown line. The website for the bakery notes that founder/owner Nobuko Maruyama comes from such places as Japonaise Bakery, the Boston Harbor Hotel, and The Langham Hotel, along with King Arthur in Vermont, and she also worked at the MIT catering department and several independent bakers in the local area.

KoKo Bakery offers muffins, scones, brownies, cakes, donuts, sandwiches, coffee, tea, and more, and it also features such breads as German rye, baguettes, whole wheat, white toasting bread, and French country bread.

The address for this new bakery on the Newton/Watertown line is 232L California Street, Newton, MA, 02458. Its website can be found at http://www.kokobread.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]





Matthew Gaudet (West Bridge) Is Opening SuperFine Food in Manchester-by-the-Sea

One of the people behind a high-end Cambridge restaurant that closed at the beginning of the year is getting ready to open a new eatery on the North Shore.

Boston Magazine is reporting that Matthew Gaudet of the now-shuttered West Bridge in Kendall Square is teaming up with business partner Paul Emmett to open SuperFine Food in Manchester-by-the-Sea, with the dining spot expected to open sometime this week in the former Christine's Coffee Cup space. The article says that the Union Street restaurant will be a casual, family-friendly counter-service spot that offers salads, pizza, ribs, seafood, and more, along with beer, wine, and cocktails, though the cocktail list was still being worked on as of late last week.

Gaudet and Alexis Gelburd-Kimler closed West Bridge at the end of December after three years in business, saying at the time that they decided to shut down the upscale French-New England fusion restaurant in order to "pursue new opportunities."

The address for SuperFine Food is 25 Union Street, Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA, 01944. Its website will be at http://www.superfinefood.com/

[August 31 update: A tweet from Boston Magazine states that SuperFine Food opens today at 3:00 PM.]

[Earlier Article]
West Bridge in Cambridge's Kendall Square is Closing

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]





Baraka Cafe in Cambridge's Central Square to Move to Boca Grande Space Near Porter Square

A restaurant in the Central Square section of Cambridge is moving to another section of the city, and it will be taking over the space where a popular Mexican eatery had been.

According to a Twitter post, Baraka Cafe has a note in the window of the former Boca Grande space near Porter Square that says it is moving from its home on Pearl Street to the Mass. Ave. space. The note does not say when the move will take place, only saying that it will be open in the new location from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday.

Baraka Cafe first opened approximately 20 years ago, offering North African cuisine with a specific focus on Algerian and Tunisian fare; Boca Grande, which closed its Porter Square location earlier this summer, has also closed other shops and is now down to just one by the CambridgeSide Galleria in East Cambridge, though its new owner plans to open a new shop somewhere in the city later this year.

The new address for Baraka Cafe will be 1728 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, while its old address is 80 Pearl Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139. The restaurant's website can be found at http://www.barakacafe.com/

[September 26 update: Eater Boston states that Baraka Cafe shut down its Pearl Street location over the weekend, and that it will announce on social media when it plans to open in its new location on Mass. Ave.]

[November 16 update: A new post from Eater Boston says that Baraka Cafe could be opening in the next few days in its new space near Porter Square.]

[November 28 update: According to posts from its Facebook page, Baraka Cafe is now open in its new home.]

[Earlier Articles]
Boca Grande Changes Ownership, Will Open New Restaurant in Cambridge
Boca Grande Near Cambridge's Porter Square 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]





Bistro Duet Opening in Flora Space in East Arlington

A couple of months ago, we reported that one of Arlington's best-known restaurants was closing and a new dining spot was planning to move in. Now we have learned a bit more about the upcoming place, including an official name given to it.

According to an article in the Arlington Advocate, Cyrille Couet and Wayne Duprey have applied to open Duet Restaurant in the old Flora space on Mass. Ave., with the new spot being a European-style eatery with French leanings that was originally to have been called Financier, The post says that the Kickstarter campaign to raise $20,000 for the East Arlington restaurant was a success, and that Flora owners Mary Jo and Bob Sargent are actually assisting in the financing of Duet, while Coucet and Duprey have also secured a loan from a local bank as well. It appears that at least part of the funding will be used for renovations to the space.

Flora, which was a popular neighborhood restaurant that focused on seasonal New American items, closed in mid-July after 20 years in business.

The address for the upcoming Duet Restaurant is 190 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474.

[September 14 update: A post in Your Arlington and an article in Wicked Local state that Duet--which will actually be called Duet Bistro--plans to open in November, and that former Flora catering manager Carla Dorato will join the team as assistant restaurant manager.]

[January 1, 2017 update: Eater Boston states that Bistro Duet has opened.]

[Earlier Article]
Flora in East Arlington Is Closing; Financier Plans to Take Its Place

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]





Sunday, August 21, 2016

City of Cambridge Warns Now-Closed T.T. the Bear's Place About License Fee

A legendary nightclub in Cambridge has apparently been asked to explain why its liquor license fee has not been paid, which brings up questions because the place has been closed for more than a year.

According to a License Commission General Hearing page within the city's website, the former T.T. the Bear's Place on Brookline Street has been issued a violation due to nonpayment of its alcohol licensing fee, with the post noting that the license is currently inactive. Last fall we had reported that owners Joseph and Nabil Sater of the adjacent Middle East nightclub were planning to take over the space and open a new club called Sonia's, though it was mentioned at the time that T.T. the Bear's owner Bonney Bouley still held the license for the space and that she would either need to use the license at a new space or transfer it to the club or another spot in Cambridge. (The T.T.'s space is still empty as of today, with no word on the status of Sonia's.)

T.T. the Bear's Place, which was established in the late 1980s, featured many local, national, and international acts over the years, including everything from indie rock to jazz and electronica.

[Earlier Articles]
Sonia's to Move into T.T. the Bear's Space in Cambridge
T.T. the Bear's Place in Cambridge to Close for Good

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, August 19, 2016

News Elsewhere: Bob and Timmy's Grilled Pizza Closes All Locations; Exact Status Unknown

A trio of nationally-recognized pizzerias has shut down operations, and it is not known if or when the shops might reopen again.

According to a Facebook post from last month, Bob and Timmy's Grilled Pizza has closed its stores in Providence and North Smithfield, RI, along with North Attleboro, MA, with the note saying "Bob & Timmy's is temporarily closed. We hope to re-open in the near future but we do not have a date at this time. Thank you to all of our customers for your support and we hope to be back soon." No updates have been posted since this one (which went up on July 14) and an article this week from the Providence Journal says that Rick Samone, who is president of the Federal Hill Commerce Association where the Providence shop is located, states that some sources who are "familiar with the situation" say the owners are planning to sell the business.

Bob and Timmy's has gotten some notice since opening its original location on Spruce Street in Providence approximately 30 years ago, with the Journal article saying that it has been featured on NBC's "Today" show and GQ Magazine once considered it among the top 10 pizza spots in the United States, while an old post from The Sun Chronicle said that USA Today awarded it best pizza in Rhode Island and the place has also been featured on "The Rhode Show" and "Man vs. Food."

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

[September 19 update: The three locations of Bob and Timmy's Grilled Pizza remain closed, and now the phone numbers of all three shops are out of service.]

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





Paul Bakery at Burlington's 3rd Ave Has Closed

A chain of French bakery-cafes that has expanded into the Boston area over the past couple of years has shut down one of its shops.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Paul Bakery at Burlington's 3rd Ave development is no longer in business, with the website seeming to confirm this, taking down the shop listing from its locations section. No reason for its closure has been given at this point in time, though the chain's other area shops--including at One Boston Place in downtown Boston, Assembly Row in Somerville, and the Natick Mall in Natick--remain open for business.

The Burlington location of Paul had been open for only a year.

The website for all locations of Paul Bakery--which was established in France in 1889--can be found at http://www.paul-usa.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]





Brewer's Tap & Table Is Opening in Former Watch City Brewing Space in Waltham

A couple of years ago, we reported that a brewpub and brewery in Waltham had shut down and that a local group of restaurants and brewpubs might open another location within the space. Now we have learned that this is no longer the case and that an eclectic restaurant and craft beer bar will be opening there instead.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Brewer's Tap & Table is opening on Moody Street in the former Watch City Brewing space, with the place promising to be a New American restaurant (with Asian, Latin American, and American Southern influences) and bar with a number of local beers available on tap and a variety of bourbon options as well. The post says that owners Matt and Nancy Sargent come from Vermont, where they hosted underground events called "Phantom Dinner" and also ran a Phantom food truck before opening Phantom Restaurant in Waitsfield (which is no longer in business).

Watch City Brewing closed its doors in June of 2014, with the space subsequently being looked at by Beer Works; it appeared that they were going to open at the site, but those plans fell through at some point.

The address for the upcoming Brewer's Tap & Table is 256 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, 02453. Its Twitter page can be found at https://twitter.com/BTT_Waltham

[September 6 update: Wicked Local states that Brewer's Tap & Table will have seating for 250, 48 taps of mostly local craft beer, and--pending approval from the city of Waltham--monthly live music possibly being in the works.]

[November 7 update: A Twitter post from the place indicates that Brewer's Tap & Table has soft-opened, with an earlier message sent from them saying that it is possible they could open for real sometime this week, though this is not a definite as of yet.]

[November 9 update: Eater Boston mentions that Brewer's Tap & Table officially opens today, though with a "small starting menu."]

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]





FoMu Alternative Ice Cream + Cafe Pops Up on Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay

A trio of vegan ice cream shops that has opened a couple of popup stores in Boston of late is opening another one, and this shop is housed on one of the city's busiest streets.

According to a Twitter post, FoMu Alternative Ice Cream + Cafe has set up shop in a temporary space on Newbury Street in the Back Bay, debuting tonight and remaining there through October 2. The popup joins another temporary store at the Landmark Center in the Fenway, which is open until at least the end of September, while another popup in Cambridge's Inman Square shut down at the end of last month.

Brick-and-mortar locations of FoMu can be found in the South End, Allston, and Jamaica Plain; the website for all locations is at http://www.fomuicecream.com/

[Earlier Article]
FoMu Alternative Ice Cream + Cafe to Pop Up 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]





Oscar's Is Opening in Dedham

A new gastropub is on its way to a Boston suburb that isn't exactly known for its beer bars.

According to a source, Oscar's will soon be opening in Dedham, taking over the space on Washington Street in Dedham Square where Cafe Fresh Bagel and Dedham House of Pizza reside. A Patch article from earlier this summer confirms this, saying that the place looks to serve "restaurant quality food in a pub-like environment," with 20-24 beers on tap while focusing a bit more on food than drink. According to the article, the owner of Oscar's is Dedham resident Ann Francis, while the manager listed is Michael Tallon, who was behind two now-closed dining and drinking spots in the Boston area--Townsend's in Hyde Park and Kendall Cafe in Cambridge.

It looks like Oscar's might be opening in September or October, though a specific opening date has not been given as of yet.

The address for this new gastropub in Dedham is: Oscar's, 380 Washington Street, Dedham, MA, 02026.

[July 17, 2017 update: A Facebook post from the place mentions that Oscar's has soft-opened, with its official opening being tomorrow (Tuesday, July 18).]

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





Thursday, August 18, 2016

Building Housing Kamado Super Fusion and JP House of Pizza in Jamaica Plain Sold to Developer

The future of a couple of dining spots in Jamaica Plain appear to be in question, as the building in which they reside has been sold to a developer.

The Jamaica Plain News is reporting (via bldup.com) that Milton-based Hajjar Management has purchased the four storefronts at 775-783 Centre Street for $1.72 million, though no specific plans for the space have been given as of yet. The block of shops includes two eateries--Kamado Super Fusion and JP House of Pizza--along with a dry cleaning shop and a now-closed convenience store, and while the structure is currently only one story high, the Jamaica Plain News says that if it were to be redeveloped, a new structure built there could reach a maximum of 45 feet in height.

The property last sold for $47,500 in 1976, according to the article.

[August 23 update: The Jamaica Plain News mentions (via Banker & Tradesman) that Hajjar Management does not have plans for a "significant redevelopment" of the block housing Kamado Super Fusion and JP House of Pizza, with COO Paul Mahoney saying that "It will remain as a retail use, with an updated facade in keeping with the vibrant Jamaica Plain market."]

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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]





The Butcherie in Brookline to Temporarily Move into Rubin's Space

A kosher grocery store in Brookline that remains closed after being hit by a fire is moving into a new home for a little while, and it will be taking over the space where a landmark deli had been until recently.

Universal Hub is reporting (via a Facebook post) that The Butcherie on Harvard Street will be moving into the Rubin's space--which is also on Harvard Street--starting today and remaining there through the end of August, with the people behind the market offering meat, dairy, challah, and pastries to customers. The post shows the grocery store thinking Cafe Eilat and Catering by Andrew for helping them get through the past few weeks by allowing the market to sell some of its goods at both places. (It is still not known when The Butcherie will able to move back into its home, which was damaged in a blaze last month.)

Earlier, we had reported that Rubin's--which closed earlier this month after being in business for 90 years--could be reopening, as the new owner of the property has been working with potential operators to bring back the deli.

The address for the Rubin's space is 500 Harvard Street, while the address for The Butcherie is 428 Harvard Street.

[Earlier Articles]
The Butcherie in Brookline Temporarily Closed After Two-Alarm Fire
Rubin's in Brookline Closes, But It Could Reopen

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, August 16, 2016

Hugo's May Be Returning to Cohasset

It looks like a legendary restaurant name is returning to the South Shore.

According to an article in the Cohasset Mariner, Atlantica at the Cohasset Harbor Resort is becoming Hugo's, which is the name of the restaurant (specifically, Hugo's Lighthouse) that had once been there before closing decades ago; the space then became home to the Chart House--which was connected to the Chart House at Boston's Long Wharf--before becoming Atlantica. The post indicates that the menu at the new version of Hugo's will include several "old-fashioned" offerings, with a few items mentioned being pan-seared salmon, a gourmet baked lobster dish, and a roast prime rib of beef au jus.

The Cohasset Harbor Resort, which also includes The Olde Salt House, Brisa, and the Cohasset Harbor Inn, announced in June that it was being sold and has been closed to the public while the sale was being finalized. It looks like the resort (including Hugo's and the other restaurants) plans to open August 19, according to the Mariner.

A post from Wicked Local says that Hugo's Lighthouse first opened its doors in 1940; the restaurant was known in part for its classic seafood dishes along with its water views.

The address for Hugo's (and the Cohasset Harbor Resort) is 44 Border Street, Cohasset, MA, 02025.

[August 23 update: According to a Twitter post from @CohassetMariner, Hugo's had been hoping to open its doors this coming weekend, but a new tweet from the newspaper says that the opening has been delayed.]

[September 26 update: A new Twitter post from @CohassetMariner states that The Olde Salt House is now open, and Atlantica has actually returned for now, with the restaurant switching over to Hugo's at some point during the winter.]

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]