Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Walden Local Meat Co. Opening Butcher Shop in Boston's South End

It looks like a local meat delivery company is opening a butcher shop in Boston.

Based on a photo posted to the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Walden Local Meat Co. is opening a shop on what appears to be the corner of Shawmut Avenue and Union Park, with the sign out front saying that it will be opening soon. Currently, the meat delivery company operates out of Cypress Drive in Burlington and a PO box out of Carlisle, delivering products free of charge mainly to the Greater Boston area as well as parts of Rhode Island, Connecticut, and New York.

Walden Local Meat Co. sells locally-sourced beef, lamb, pork, and poultry via a customized share program.

The address for this new butcher shop from Walden Local Meat Co. is 316 Shawmut Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118. The website for the business is at http://waldenlocalmeat.com/

[August 3 update: A job post on the Craigslist site indicates that Walden Local Meat Co. plans to focus on "whole animal butchery of 100% grassfed beef, as well as pasture-raised chicken, lamb, and pork."]

[October 19 update: Universal Hub mentions that Walden Local Meat Co. could be opening in early November, and it will eventually be selling beer and wine as well.]

[November 1 update: According to a press release, Walden Local Meat Co. has soft-opened, with its grand opening weekend beginning on Friday, November 3.]

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]





Prince Postale in Boston's North End Is Closing

A shipping store that also happens to serve food is shutting down.

Eater Boston is reporting (via North End Waterfront News) that Prince Postale in the North End of Boston is closing its doors, with owner John Sullivan saying "I want to thank everyone that has expressed their thoughts and gave me hugs on how I made a difference in their lives and in the neighborhood.....My landlord has been extremely good to me by allowing me the opportunity to be on Prince Street. I am forever thankful." The pack-and-ship shop focuses on moving and packing services along shipping crates and packing supplies, but it is also known for its burritos and other food items such as knishes, quesadillas, bagels, and more.

Prince Postale first opened a bit more than ten years ago.

The address for this shop in Boston's North End is: Prince Postale, 71 Prince Street, Boston, MA, 02113.

June 6 update: North End Waterfront News mentions that Prince Postale closes for good this evening.]

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]





Flaming Grill & Buffet Opens in Roslindale

A brand new Chinese-American buffet spot has come to a Boston neighborhood, and it has a connection to another restaurant north of the city.

Universal Hub is reporting that Flaming Grill & Buffet is now open in Roslindale, moving into a space at the Stop & Shop mall on the American Legion Highway. The post says that the restaurant features such items as hot and sour soup, egg drop soup, crab rangoon, dumplings, oysters, shrimp, crawfish, and chicken with vegetables, and the place also has a sushi bar, a hibachi area, and American comfort food such as macaroni and cheese, garlic bread, pizza, fries, prime rib, fried dough, and ice cream.

A place under the same ownership called Flaming Grill & Supreme Buffet can be found in Revere.

The address for this new buffet spot in Roslindale is: Flaming Grill & Buffet, 950 American Legion Highway, Roslindale, MA, 02131.

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]





by CHLOE Opens in Boston's Fenway on June 1

A New York-based group of vegan dining spots that recently opened its first location in a red-hot part of Boston is on the verge of opening a second location in another section of the city that is also seeing major development.

According to a Twitter post from @DGoodison, by CHLOE is opening in the Fenway tomorrow (Thursday, June 1), with the Van Ness Street eatery joining another shop on Seaport Boulevard in the city's Seaport District that debuted this winter. The tweet says that this will be the largest of the by CHLOE locations, with 3,000 square feet of space and seating for 75 inside and another 26 outdoors.

Vegan chef Chloe Coscarelli and Samantha Wasser of ESquared Hospitality first opened by CHLOE on Bleecker Street in the West Village of Manhattan in the summer of 2015, though Coscarelli is no longer involved after the relationship between her and ESquared unraveled. (Chloe Coscarelli is known in part for being the first vegan chef to win the Food Network's "Cupcake Wars.")

The address for this new eatery in the Fenway is: by CHLOE, 100 Van Ness Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for by CHLOE can be found at http://eatbychloe.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 30, 2017

Pizza King in Lawrence Is Closing

A pizza shop north of Boston that has been in business for more than half a century is shutting down.

According to a post on its Facebook page, Pizza King in Lawrence is closing its doors for good on July 2, saying that "We realize that this announcement may be as difficult for you as it is for us. We've shared over 50 years together." The pizzeria is known in part for its spinach pies and meat pies, and it also offers calzones and subs in addition to pizza.

This is the second iconic food spot in Lawrence to close this year, as Italian Kitchen on Common Street shuttered at the end of April after nearly 60 years in business.

The address for this soon-to-close pizza place in Lawrence is: Pizza King, 29 Salem Street, Lawrence, MA, 01843.

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

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]





Finn McCool's Opens in Former Julep Bar Space in Downtown Boston

A brand new restaurant and bar with a name from the past has come to downtown Boston, and as reported earlier, it takes over the space where another dining and drinking spot had been.

Eater Boston states that Finn McCool's is now open in the former Julep Bar space on High Street, with the new spot focusing on gastropub fare and "ice cold cocktails that are unapologetically Boston." Last year, we had mentioned that the owners of Finn McCool's are from Arizona and that they are also opening Bistro 131 around the corner in the space where Broad Street Riot had been.

A bar named Finn McCool's had once been located on Chatham Street near Faneuil Hall a number of years ago; there is no connection between the two places.

The address for this new restaurant and bar in downtown Boston is: Finn McCool's, 200 High Street, Boston, MA, 02110. Its website can be found at https://www.finnsboston.com/

[Earlier Article]
Bistro 131, Finn McCool's to Take Over Broad Street Riot, Julep Bar in Downtown Boston

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]





Falafel Inc. May Be Expanding to Boston

A new cheap eats spot in Washington, DC, that is also looking to help people in need could be on its way to the local area.

According to an article on the WTOP site, Falafel Inc., which recently opened in the Georgetown section of the city, is planning an expansion to both Boston and Palo Alto, CA, with the dining spot focusing on Palestinian-style falafel sandwiches that cost $3.00 along with $4.00 falafel bowls and a variety of sides such as hummus and tabbouleh salad. The post says that founder Ahmad Ashkar--who is the son of Palestinian immigrants--has a mission to help people by selling the food items sold at the dining spot, where every $10 spent at Falafel Inc. feeds a refugee for a day via donations to the World Food Programme.

WTOP says that most of the recipes used for the foods offered at  Falafel Inc. come from Ashkar's mother and grandmother.

The Twitter page for Falafel Inc. can be found at https://twitter.com/falafeldc

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, May 26, 2017

Puro Ceviche Bar Replaces Trattoria Newbury in Boston's Back Bay

A new spot that focuses on seafood opens in Boston's Back Bay this evening, and it replaces an Italian eatery owned by the same people.

Eater Boston is reporting that Puro Ceviche Bar opens on Newbury Street tonight, taking over the space where Trattoria Newbury had been. The article says that the owners of Trattoria Newbury--George Axiotis, Irakli Gogitidze, and Shahrokh Reza--have turned the place into "a ceviche bar with Latin soul" that offers "energetic service with good music and traditional Latin small plates in a creative space." The team also runs Kava Neo-Taverna on Shawmut Avenue in the South End.

The menu at Puro includes ceviche, salads, grilled seafood and meat, a variety of small plates, beer, wine, and cocktails, and more.

Trattoria Newbury had previously been home to Bottega Fiorentina.

The address for Puro Ceviche Bar is 264 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116. Its website can be found at http://www.purocevichebar.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]





Foumami in Downtown Boston May Be Going National

It looks like an Asian sandwich bar in downtown Boston may have some major expansion plans in the works.

According to a press release, Foumami on Franklin Street in Boston's Financial District has announced that it will start franchising, with founder and CEO Michael Wang saying that "While building Foumami certainly has been a labor of love, I've always brought an analytical eye to the process, and a vision for Foumami as a franchising opportunity and a national brand. We've held back on expansion for six years in order to prove our concept and work through every aspect of our business," A check on the Foumami website indicates that it now has a franchising support section while the franchise.org site shows a company name of Foumami America, LLC.

Foumami first opened in Boston in 2010, offering sandwiches along with breakfasts, soups, salads, rice and noodle bowls, teas, and more.

The address for Foumami is 225 Franklin Street, Boston, MA, 02110. Its website can be found at: http://www.foumami.com/

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]





Thursday, May 25, 2017

Mayhew Wine Shop Opening in Boston's Fort Point

A brand new wine shop is on the verge of opening in one of the hottest sections of Boston.

According to a Twitter post from @DGoodison, Mayhew Wine Shop hopes to open on Tuesday, May 30 in Fort Point, with the website for the Melcher Street store saying that it will feature a variety of wines along with craft beers and local gourmet provisions such as chocolates, jams, spreads, cheeses, breads, crackers, and more. The upcoming shop will also have a tasting room and special events space in the back that can be rented out, with the space having two tasting tables and room for 50 people.

The address for this new wine shop in Fort Point is: Mayhew Wine Shop, 20 Melcher Street Boston, MA, 02210. Its website can be found at https://mayhewwine.com/

[May 30 update: An Instagram post from the place indicates that Mayhew Wine Shop opens tomorrow (Wednesday, May 31).]

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]





Esquire's 2017 Best Bars in America List Includes The Baldwin Bar in Woburn

A popular men's magazine has once again come out with its annual picks for best bars in America, and an award-winning spot in the Boston suburbs has made the list.

According to the article, Esquire Magazine has included The Baldwin Bar at Sichuan Garden in Woburn in its list of best bars, with editor Luke O'Neil saying "Picture the best Chinese-takeout restaurant you've been to....Now put that inside a New England Colonial mansion built in 1661. When you tack on one of the best cocktail bars in Massachusetts, it's almost an embarrassment of riches." O'Neil goes on to mention the "brown and bitter recipes in flasks served in cigar boxes" and "a glass egg filled with Aperol, absinthe, and grapefruit served on a bed of flowers," concluding with "It's twenty-five minutes outside Boston, but the cab fare is worth it."

The only other New England spot to make the list this year is The Magdalenae Room in Providence.

To see Esquire's complete list of best bars in America, please go to the link below:

Esquire's Best Bars in America in 2017

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]





Update: Back Bay Sandwich Reopens After Salmonella Outbreak, Health Violations; Cafe Med Remains Closed

[Ed note: This article was updated on May 31 to reflect the fact that one of the restaurants has reopened.]

A couple of Back Bay dining spots are closed for the time being after multiple cases of salmonella poisoning and health violations.

NBC Boston is reporting that Back Bay Sandwich and Cafe Med--both of which are in the same building on St. James Avenue--have been temporarily shut down by city health inspectors after seven people reportedly fell ill from eating at the two spots. An article from WCVB 5 mentions that Back Bay Sandwich has been cited for 19 health violations and Cafe Med has also been cited for 19 violations, with a note on the window at the latter spot indicating that they are working with health inspectors to resolve the issues.

Back Bay Sandwich and Cafe Med are both located at 31 St. James Avenue, between Arlington Street and Berkeley Street.

[May 31 update: CBS Boston states that Back Bay Sandwich has been allowed to reopen after correcting several minor code violations and being given the all clear by Boston Inspectional Services; Cafe Med is still closed, however, and a person at the dining spot had no comment to CBS about its status.]

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]





Salt & Olive in Cambridge May Open Restaurant within Space

It looks like a specialty grocery store in Cambridge may be adding a restaurant to its space.

According to a series of pages within the city's website, the Harvard Square Advisory Committee met this week to discuss a Board of Zoning Appeal application in which Salt & Olive is looking to to open a 35-seat restaurant in the building where its retail shop is on Mass. Ave. (between Harvard Square and Central Square), with the plan being to have the restaurant next to the retail shop. A couple of schematics posted indicate that the retail space would be in the left room, the dining area in the middle room, and the kitchen (with additional seating) in the right room. It is not known exactly what the menu might include at the restaurant, nor is it known when it could open, so stay tuned for updates.

Salt & Olive, which first opened in the fall of 2014, sells such items as olive oils, vinegars, spices, salts, and teas.

The address for Salt & Olive is 1160 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website can be found at https://saltandolive.com/

Thanks to a source 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 24, 2017

Plans for A&B Burgers to Expand to Amesbury Fall Through; New Plans for Second Location in the Works

Last fall, we reported that a popular burger spot on the North Shore was looking to expand to a second location further north, Now we have learned that these plans have fallen through--though new plans appear to be taking shape and these plans could include bringing them closer to Boston.

A message sent to us today mentions that A&B Burgers in Beverly has decided not to open in Amesbury, but now they are looking at opening a second location that could be in or near Boston. The earlier plans had been to possibly open on Main Street in Amesbury where No. 8 Kitchen & Spirits but the A&B folks decided to pull out of that deal.

A&B Burgers first opened in Salem in late 2013, moving from an historic jail complex on St. Peter Street to its present home on Cabot Street in Beverly in early 2016. The restaurant offers burgers, salads, small plates, sandwiches, larger meals, adult milkshakes, and more.

The website for the original location of A&B Burgers can be found at http://anbburgers.com/

[Earlier Article]
A&B Burgers in Beverly May Open Second Location in Amesbury

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Best Burger Bar Is Opening in Former Middle Gray Space in Brookline Village

A new burger place is on its way to Brookline, and it will be taking over the space where a multi-concept spot had been until closing this spring.

According to a source, Best Burger Bar is planning to open in Brookline Village, moving into the former Middle Gray space on Station Street. It appears that the new eatery will be a casual burger bar that features burgers made with dry-aged beef, and that it could be opening sometime in early to mid-July if all goes as planned. A page on the town website confirms that the place is indeed coming, saying that a meeting took place today that included discussion on installing new signage for Best Burger Bar in the old Middle Gray space.

The Middle Gray, which first opened in August of 2015, included a coffee shop/cafe, art gallery, wine bar, and performance space.

The address for Best Burger Bar is 6 Station Street, Brookline, MA, 02445.

[June 26 update: A message from Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting indicates that Best Burger Bar still plans to open in July, and that it will feature drinks by local cocktail legend Brother Cleve, who also played keyboards for the popular Boston rock band the Del Fuegos.]

[July 26 update: A couple of job posts within the Craigslist site indicate that Best Burger Bar is now hiring and is asking people to come by tomorrow and Friday to pick up or drop off job applications. One of the posts also mentions that Brother Cleve will be their head mixologist, calling him "the Godfather of Boston's cocktail revival."]

[August 8 update: A press release says that Best Burger Bar opens on Thursday, August 10, with burgers, hot dogs, wings, boozy milkshakes, craft cocktails, and more being offered. The release also mentions that the new restaurant will have a 10-seat patio, and live entertainment will be included during the week.]

[Earlier Article]
The Middle Gray in Brookline Village Has Closed; Looking for New Space

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Widowmaker Brewery Is Opening in Braintree

A new brewery is going to be opening near one of the busiest intersections in the Boston area.

Wicked Local is reporting that the Widowmaker Brewery has received unanimous support by the Braintree license board for a farmers's series pouring permit/malt and restaurant license, with the place opening on Wood Road near the Braintree Split where Vanity World had been before moving to Canton. The article says that the brewery will include a 70-seat taproom and possibly food trucks on-site (it will not have a kitchen), and that it will be open Thursdays through Sundays. The post says that the Widowmaker Brewery will have six to eight "core" beers, with manager Ryan Lavery saying that they will also have a number of recipes that they can fall back on.

If all goes as planned, the Widowmaker Brewery could be opening in August.

The address for this new brewery in Braintree is: Widowmaker Brewery, 220 Wood Road, Braintree, MA, 02184. Its website can be found at http://widowmakerbrewing.com/

[September 23 update: According to a Facebook post from the place, Widowmaker Brewery is having its grand opening today.]

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]





Bob's Family Restaurant in Millis Destroyed by Fire

A family-friendly suburban restaurant that has been in business for nearly 30 years has been destroyed in a fire.

According to an article in Wicked Local Millis, Bob's Family Restaurant was hit by a blaze on Tuesday that fire investigators believe was caused by an electrical outlet, with the interior of the structure being considered a total loss. The dining spot, which was closed at the time of the fire, is currently boarded up and an estimated cost of the blaze is in the process of being determined, according to the post. Last night, a GoFundMe page was set up to help raise money for rebuilding Bob's Family Restaurant, though the Manarolis family--which owns the place--could not be reached for comment by Wicked Local as of last night.

Bob's Family Restaurant, which buzzfile.com says first opened in 1991, was known in part for its all-day breakfasts.

The address for Bob's Family Restaurant is 1115 Main Street, Millis, MA, 02054.

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 23, 2017

Redbones in Somerville's Davis Square Hit by Fire; Reopening Later in the Week

It looks like a popular BBQ spot in one of the busiest parts of Somerville has been closed down for the time being due to a fire.

According to a post from The Somerville News Weekly, Redbones in Davis Square had firefighters on the roof of the Chester Street dining spot, fighting a blaze that started sometime this morning. A Facebook post from The Somerville Journal mentions that this was a grease fire that was contained to the ductworks of the building and that no damage was suffered by the restaurant. A tweet from Redbones says that "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the restaurant will be CLOSED today through Friday. Please stay tuned for more updates" while a more recent Twitter post says that "The restaurant is closed. If you need assistance, please try calling the catering office at 617-764-5291."

If the reopening date for Redbones changes--or if any additional information is received--we will post an update here.

Thanks to a tipster for bringing this to our attention.

[May 27 update: A new Twitter post from the restaurant mentions that Redbones reopened today.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Owners/Operators of Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale in Boston Taking Over Vanderbilt Kitchen & Bar

A restaurant and bar in Boston's Financial District is coming under new ownership, and the people behind it are the owners and operators of another restaurant and bar located nearby in Downtown Crossing.

A message sent to us today indicates that the owners and operators of Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale on Temple Place are taking over Vanderbilt Kitchen & Bar on Water Street, with the plan being to close the place for a short time to make some minor renovations and reopen it under its new ownership sometime in June. Once it reopens, expect a concept that is fairly similar to that of Stoddard's, with classic and New American food offered along with local craft beers, vintage cocktails, and more.

Vanderbilt Kitchen & Bar resides in a former bank building and had been called The Vault until changing its name in the spring of 2015.

The address for Vanderbilt Kitchen & Bar is 105 Water Street, Boston, MA, 02109.

[June 14 update: According to a Facebook post, Vanderbilt Kitchen & Bar plans to reopen under new ownership on Tuesday, June 20.]

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]





Molly Moo's Ice Cream & Cafe in South Boston Moving from L Street to Carson Beach

An ice cream shop and cafe in South Boston is closing its current location, though it will be reopening in a beachside space.

Caught in Southie is reporting that Molly Moo's Ice Cream & Cafe is leaving its L Street location, with the plan being to reopen at Carson Beach. A tweet from @chipsy231 indicates that Molly Moo's is opening at the McCormack Bathhouse, which indicates that it may be taking over the concession stand that had been home to the Seaside Cafe.

It is not yet known when Molly Moo's might be leaving its current home, though it looks like the new location could be opening by June--and it will be featuring burgers, hot dogs, snacks, and ice cream, according to Caught in Southie.

The owner of Molly Moo's also runs Molly's Farmhouse Coffee on Preble Street in Andrew Square.

A new Twitter post from @chipsy231 indicates that  Molly Moo's is now open at the McCormack Bathhouse at Carson Beach.]

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]





My Diner Is Returning to South Boston

A popular diner that left the city after it lost its home to new development might just be returning.

Caught in Southie is reporting that My Diner is planning to reopen in South Boston, with the new location being on E 1st near H Street. The article says that the plans were apparently discussed at a neighborhood abutters meeting last week and there was no opposition to the proposal. If all goes well, the new location of My Diner could be open by the end of the summer.

My Diner left Southie this past winter after it was forced to close last June to make way for condos. It had hoped to move from A Street to E 8th Street but those plans fell through and the eatery ended up moving to Main Street in Melrose. At this point in time, it appears that this would be a second location of My Diner but we have reached out to the restaurant to confirm this; as soon as we hear back, we will post an update here.

The Facebook page for My Diner in Melrose can be found at https://www.facebook.com/MyDiner/

[May 23 update: A message sent from the place indicates that this would indeed be a second location of My Diner with the Melrose outlet remaining in operation, but the plans for the South Boston location are in their very early stages so it is not a done deal as of yet.]

[July 6 update: Eater Boston states that My Diner has secured a space at 455 E 1st Street in South Boston, though no opening date has been given as of yet.]

[August 22 update: According to a source, My Diner could be one step closer to returning to South Boston by next week, as a hearing will take place on Wednesday, August 30 that focuses on its request for a common victualler license to operate at E 1st Street. We also hear that the new location may have an outdoor patio and that this could be discussed next week as well.]

[January 27, 2018 update: Caught in Southie states that My Diner hopes to open in South Boston on Tuesday or Wednesday, pending final inspections that are expected to take place on Monday.]

[February 14, 2018 update: A Facebook post from My Diner indicates that its new location in South Boston opens tomorrow (Thursday, February 15).]

[Earlier Articles]
Plans for My Diner to Reopen in South Boston Fall Through; Moving to Melrose
My Diner in South Boston Planning to Reopen in New Space
My Diner in South Boston Closes This Weekend; Will Be Replaced by Condo Development

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, May 22, 2017

Update: Earls Kitchen + Bar Opening at the Prudential Center in Boston's Back Bay September 8

A couple of years ago, we reported that a small but growing Canadian chain of restaurants was planning to open a second Boston-area location. Now we have learned that the dining spot is finally getting ready to open.

According to a job post within the Craigslist site, Earls Kitchen + Bar is looking to open at the Prudential Center in Boston's Back Bay in August, with the new place being its biggest yet and including a rooftop patio. Earlier, we had mentioned that the new location of Earls would be a multi-level spot with 14,500 square feet of space including a lobby bar on the first level, a main dining area with seating for 300 on the second level, and the aforementioned roofdeck along with 200 seats, firepits, a shade tree, and a retractable roof; it is not known whether the restaurant will still have all of these features, so check back for updates.

Another location of Earls can be found at Assembly Row in Somerville, while other outlets in the United States are located in Virginia, Florida, Illinois, Colorado, Texas, and Washington.

The website for Earls Kitchen + Bar can be found at http://www.earls.ca/

[August 13 update: An email sent today mentions that the new Earl's at the Pru opens to the public on September 8.]

[Earlier Article]
Earls Kitchen + Bar to Open at the Prudential Center in Boston's Back Bay

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]





Richie's Slush in Everett Closed for Renovations; Exact Status Unknown

A couple of years ago, we reported that a legendary slush shop that has been in business for a long time had closed its doors only to reopen based on support from its customers. Now we have learned that it has closed again, and it is not known what the exact status of the place is at this point in time.

According to a Twitter post, Richie's Slush in Everett is "boarded up" and apparently work permits on the door, with a phone call placed to the Revere Beach Parkway shop going to voicemail that says it is closed for renovations and will be reopening. A check on the "find us" page within the Richie's website features the corporate office on nearby Garvey Street but does not feature the shop, though the shop is still included on the general map of where the slush can be found in the area.

In May of 2015, Richie's Slush shut down on Revere Beach Parkway with the place saying that "[Due] to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, Richie's Store on the Parkway will not be opening this season. We apologize for this and hope you will purchase Richie's Italian Ice Products from one of our many other fine locations and retailers." The store quickly reopened, however, with the place saying that "Because of hard work and an overwhelming support from our customers," the shop would reopen.

As soon as we find out more about the status of the shop, we will post an update here.

Richie's Slush first started out in 1956.

The address for this slush shop in Everett is: Richie's Slush, 2084 Revere Beach Parkway, Everett, MA, 02149. Its website is at http://www.richiesslush.com/

[Earlier Article]
Richie's Slush Shop in Everett Announces That It Will 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]





Friday, May 19, 2017

Journeyman in Somerville's Union Square Is Closing

An eclectic restaurant in the Union Square section of Somerville that features New American fare along with beer, wine, and cocktails is shutting down.

According to a source, Journeyman is closing its doors at the business hours on June 3, with a page from the place saying that "It's been a wonderful few years. Thank you for joining us....9 Sanborn Court will be home to a new restaurant later in the summer - the people taking over will be doing something very different, but the address will be in good hands." The note says that Backbar--which is in the same building--will continue to operate after Journeyman closes, while a final farewell event for Journeyman will take place later in June.

Journeyman, which first opened in 2010, has been known in part for its creative menu that changes daily along with its list of inventive cocktails.

The address for Journeyman is 9 Sanborn Court, Somerville, MA, 02143.

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]





DŌ Cookie Dough Shop Could Be Coming to Boston

A New York-based shop that features edible cookie dough may just be on its way to Boston.

Eater Boston is reporting that DÅŒ has bought up a number of domain names across the United States, including one for Boston, with an earlier article from Cambridge Day saying that when asked about the shop possibly expanding to the local area--including Cambridge's Harvard Square--owner Kristen Page Tomlan said that it is "not completely out of the question – just not right away....We certainly have plans to expand, but we want to get the first shop up and running first."

DŌ, which is located in Greenwich Village in Manhattan, offers cookie dough that is made using a pasteurized egg product and is heat-treated and safe to eat; menu options include ice cream, cookies, milkshakes, brownies, and more.

The website for DÅŒ can be found at https://www.cookiedonyc.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]





D's Keys Dueling Pianos Is Opening at Element Boston Seaport in South Boston

It looks like a piano bar is on its way to a hotel in South Boston.

According to a post in the Fort Point Boston blog, a meeting with the Fort Point Neighborhood Association is coming up on Tuesday, May 23 that will look into plans for a proposed spot tentatively called D Street Dueling Pianos, which would be opening at the Element Boston Seaport (across from the Lawn on D and the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center). No other information about the place has been given, other than the fact that it is seeking liquor and entertainment licenses.

Currently, the only other dueling piano bar in Boston is Howl at the Moon in the Financial District; another piano spot called Jake Ivory's closed its doors in the Fenway area about eight years ago.

The Element Boston Seaport is located at 391-395 D Street in Southie.

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

[June 7 update: A tipster tells us that D Street Dueling Pianos is looking to get its liquor license from the now-closed Ames Plow in Boston's Faneuil Hall, with the hearing taking place on June 14; we also hear that the bar would include an outdoor patio during the warmer months, though little other information on the place itself has been given.]

[June 13 update: Universal Hub confirms that this place is planning to open at the Element Boston Seaport, and states that the name of the place will be D's Keys Dueling Pianos and that it will be headed up by dueling pianist Matt Nichols, who has been at Howl at the Moon in Boston along with in Providence and other locations around the United States.]

[July 17 update: An email sent over the weekend gives more information on the place, whose official name is "D's Keys Dueling Pianos and Singalong Bar." The spot will be on the first floor of the Element Boston Seaport and will be more of a traditional dueling pianos and singalong bar in the vein of the old Jake Ivories, with the setup including a stage, a bar in the back with beer, wine, and liquor, and a "minimal" food menu. The people behind D's Keys Dueling Pianos--which could open in the late fall or early winter--are owners/partners Robert Morse, Ron Shelton, and Matt Nichols. who have run Point Street Dueling Pianos in Providence together for the past five years.]

[August 7, 2018 update: A message from D's Keys Dueling Pianos indicates that they soft-open tomorrow night (Wednesday, August 8) and that all are welcome for the soft opening. (The note also mentions that they will be open through Sunday this week.)]

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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]





Cafe du Pays Is Opening in Former Hungry Mother Space in Cambridge's Kendall Square

A couple of years ago, an award-winning Cambridge restaurant shut down and plans for a new spot to open in the space were mentioned at the time. Now we have learned a bit more about what will be moving in.

Eater Boston is reporting that Cafe du Pays is planning to open in the former Hungry Mother space on Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, with an Instagram page for the spot describing it as a "French-Canadian Kitchen." Very little information on the restaurant has been given as of yet, but as EB mentions, French-Canadian fare typically includes such items as pea soup, poutine, and meat pies. (As soon as we find out more about Cafe du Pays, we will post an update here.)

Hungry Mother shut down in July of 2015, with owner Barry Maiden leaving the restaurant to pursue other projects while his team continued on with State Park, Mamaleh's, and The Bar by the Elevator, all of which are in Kendall Square (and the last of which opened this week).

The address for the new Cafe du Pays is 233 Cardinal Medeiros Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02141.

[June 6 update: Boston Magazine states that Cafe du Pays hopes to open in July and that it will include French-Canadian fare and New England seafood options, with small plates and a couple of entree-sized dishes being the plan. The bar program is expected to include French spirits, drinks made with maple syrup and sea salt, French wines, and beers that come from Quebec and northern New England. The article also mentions that Daniel Amighi of La Brasa in Somerville will be heading up the kitchen.]

[July 12 update: An update to the Boston Magazine article says that Cafe du Pays opens its doors today at 5:00 PM.]

[Earlier Article]
Hungry Mother in Cambridge's Kendall Square Is Closing

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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]





Magnolia Bakery Is Opening at Boston's Faneuil Hall

Over the past several years, there has been chatter that a New York-based group of bakeries that gained notoriety thanks to a TV series--and which also helped bring about the cupcake craze of the 1990s and 2000s--was looking to expand to Boston. Now we have learned that this will indeed become reality later this year.

The Tables section of The Boston Globe is reporting that Magnolia Bakery is opening a stall at 2-4 Faneuil Hall, with the plan being to open sometime in the fall based on what a rep told the Globe. Magnolia, which started out in Greenwich Village in the 1990s and now has six shops in New York, and three others in Central Valley, NY, Chicago and Los Angeles, became famous thanks to "Sex and the City," and it has also been mentioned on a number of other TV shows and movies over the years.

The website for Magnolia Bakery can be found at http://www.magnoliabakery.com/

[August 10 update: The Boston Herald mentions that the upcoming Magnolia Bakery may have a heated patio area, as it is part of a proposal to upgrade Faneuil Hall with new seamless glass canopies with some of the canopies being movable and having heaters overhead, including that of the bakery.]

[September 15 update: Eater Boston states that Magnolia Bakery plans to open in Faneuil Hall in December, and it will sell cupcakes, banana pudding, cookies, muffins, scones, and more. (EB also says that this will be a corporate location, not a franchise.)]

[March 20, 2018 update: According to a press release, Magnolia Bakery plans to open at the end of the month and one of the items it will feature is a Boston Cream Pie Banana Pudding.]

[March 26, 2018 update: Boston Magazine says in an update that Magnolia Bakery opens in Faneuil Hall on Thursday, March 29, with hours being 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Sundays.]

[Earlier Article]
Magnolia Bakery Still Looking to Expand to Boston

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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]





Bootleg Special Is Opening in Boston

It looks like a new restaurant is opening in a space near where Boston's South End and Chinatown neighborhoods meet, and its liquor license may be coming from a cafe and pizzeria in Jamaica Plain.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Bootleg Special is planning to open by the corner of Tremont Street and Herald Street (just south of the bridge over the Mass. Pike), with the place moving into the space where DoggieDay Playcenter had been. The listing indicates that Bootleg Special is looking to acquire a beer and wine license from La Rana Rossa, which first opened on Green Street in JP in February of 2016; it is not known what the future might hold for La Rana Rossa, so stay tuned. [Ed note--La Rana Rossa is now closed.]

An earlier post from Universal Hub mentions that Bootleg Special would be an Asian-influenced seafood spot with seating for 80 in the dining area plus room for another 28 outdoors, and it would also have a bar as well.

The address for this new restaurant on the northern edge of the South End is: Bootleg Special, 400 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

[January 27, 2018 update: According to a job post within the bostonchefs.com site, Bootleg Special is planning to open during the first week of February, and it will feature an "urban take" on the traditional style Louisiana Seafood Boil."]

[February 17, 2018 update: An update from Eater Boston states that Bootleg Special has opened.]

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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]





Thursday, May 18, 2017

YOTEL Boston Sky Lounge Plans to Open in the Seaport District on June 22

A brand new rooftop dining and drinking spot is coming to Boston.

Zagat is reporting that the upcoming YOTEL Boston Sky Lounge is planning to open on June 22 in Boston's Seaport District, with the 12th-floor rooftop terrace offering small bites, local beers, and cocktails while also having advance-reservation VIP rooms called "Sky Cabins." The micro hotel, which joins another location in New York, says on one of its pages that the bar will also offer wine and that the space will be "one of Boston's few year-round rooftop bars" with "amazing views of the Boston skyline," and that it will be open to the public as well as to guests of the hotel.

The address for the new YOTEL Boston Sky Lounge is 65 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA 02210. The web page for YOTEL Boston can be found at http://www.yotel.com/en/hotels/yotel-boston

[June 22 update: A press release sent this afternoon confirms that YOTEL Boston Sky Lounge (and the hotel itself) opens today.]

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]