Friday, June 30, 2017

Milk Bar and &pizza Teaming Up to Open Shop in Cambridge's Harvard Square

An award-winning bakery is hoping to join up with a Washington, D.C.-based pizza chain to open a shop in one of the busiest parts of Cambridge.

Boston Magazine is reporting that Milk Bar and &pizza are looking to open in the former Tory Row/Crimson Corner space (the latter of which has moved to a new storefront nearby) by the corner of Mass. Ave. and Brattle Street in Harvard Square, with &pizza cofounder and CEO Michael Lastoria saying that "&pizza stands for connection, inclusion and unity, and joining forces with Milk Bar is a perfect example of how we will bring those values directly to Cambridge." Earlier this year, we reported that &pizza was hoping to open in the same space but the plans ultimately fell through after the Cambridge Zoning Board of Appeals ruled against the proposal.

Christina Tosi, who is behind Milk Bar, is a two-time James Beard Award winner, with the website for the place saying that Bon Appetit Magazine once called it "one of the most exciting bakeries in the country." Locations of Milk Bar can currently be found in New York, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, and Toronto.

&pizza got its start in Washington, D.C. in 2012 and has more than 20 locations in the Middle Atlantic region, with one on its way to New York.

The address for the proposed Milk Bar/&pizza shop is 1394 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for Milk Bar is milkbarstore.com while the website for &pizza is andpizza.com.

[July 11 update: It looks like Milk Bar and &pizza are a step closer to becoming reality, as a tweet from @Robert02139 mentions that the Cambridge Planning Board has unanimously agreed to allow the two spots to have another shot at the Board of Zoning Appeals.]

[August 10 update: Cambridge Day mentions that Milk Bar and &pizza have asked the city for a delay in its hearing with the zoning board, as it wants to talk to the city's urban design staff about its revised design plans. The article states that this was to be the tenth hearing on &pizza opening in the space, and that while the zoning board almost always allows such requests, it is not known what they might decide this time because of the number of hearings already held.]

[September 29 update: According to Robert Winters, who is the editor of the Cambridge Civic Journal, the Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeals has unanimously approved the application of Milk Bar and &pizza, which brings the two places closer to opening in Harvard Square. More steps are still needed before they can open--and it is not known when exactly they might open--so keep checking back for more updates.]

[January 10, 2018 update: Zagat states that plans are now moving ahead for Milk Bar and &pizza to open in Harvard Square, with the two spots hoping to debut sometime this spring.]

[February 4, 2018 update: &pizza could be one step closer to opening by this week, as a License Commission Hearing Agenda page indicates that its application for a common victualler license is expected to be looked at by the city on Wednesday, February 7. (The entry does not mention Milk Bar.)]

[January 28, 2019 update: Eater Boston mentions that Milk Bar and &pizza will open in Harvard Square on Saturday, February 2.]

[Earlier Articles]
&pizza Plans to Open in Tory Row, Crimson Corner Spaces in Cambridge's Harvard Square
Plans for &pizza to open in Cambridge's Harvard Square Fall Through

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]





Golden Garden in Belmont Is Not Closing After All

Last month, we reported that a suburban Chinese restaurant that has been featured on our sister site was going to be closing for good, but now we have learned that this will not be happening after all.

A phone call placed this morning indicates that Golden Garden in Belmont--which was planning to close down today--will remain in business, as a lease has been signed for the spot. Earlier, we had heard that the Concord Avenue eatery had made the decision to close because its lease was expiring, with the restaurant referring customers to its other (and newer) location on Highland Avenue in Malden.

Golden Garden, which first opened in Belmont in 2010, has been mentioned on the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site as a restaurant to go for northeastern Chinese cuisine. The review can be found below:

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

The address for Golden Garden in Belmont is 63 Concord Avenue, Belmont, MA, 02478.

[Earlier Article]
Golden Garden in Belmont Is Closing June 30

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]





Mooncusser Fish House Is Opening in Boston's Back Bay

A couple of years ago, we reported that the people behind a high-end suburban restaurant were looking to open a new dining spot in Boston. Now we have learned more about the place, which is on the verge of opening.

The Tables section of The Boston Globe states that Mooncusser Fish House is planning to open in the Back Bay in July, and as mentioned earlier, Ian Calhoun, Vincent Vela, and Carolyn Johnson of 80 Thoreau in Concord are behind the Stuart Street spot which is taking over the old Viga space. The Globe post says that the 60-seat restaurant will focus on local seafood and that both a regular menu and a five-course tasting menu will be available, while a casual drinking area called Moon Bar will be located below the dining spot starting later this summer.

80 Thoreau, which opened in the 2011, is known for its seasonal New American fare.

The address for this new restaurant in the Back Bay is: Mooncusser Fish House 304 Stuart Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

[July 19 update: According to a Craigslist job post from today, Mooncusser Fish House plans to open sometime this week.]

[July 21 update: Boston Magazine states that Mooncusser Fish House opens tomorrow (Saturday, July 22) at 5:00 PM.]

[Earlier Article]
Team Behind 80 Thoreau in Concord to Open New Restaurant 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]





Thursday, June 29, 2017

Ecco in East Boston Closed For Renovations; Plans to Reopen in Five Weeks

An upscale restaurant and lounge in East Boston has shut down for the time being.

According to a source, Ecco on Porter Street closes its doors tonight, with a message from the place confirming this. We are told that the dining and drinking spot will be shuttered for approximately five weeks for renovations, and that people should refer to their website for more info as the changes are taking place. It is not yet known what the extent of the changes will be, so stay tuned.

Ecco, which opened approximately nine years ago, was known in part for its New American fare and cocktails.

The address for Ecco is 107 Porter Street, East Boston, MA, 02128.

[July 5 update: A Facebook post from the place mentions that Ecco will be closed for renovations through August 29; it is still not known whether the restaurant will remain Ecco or what kinds of changes are coming in general, so keep checking back for more updates.]

[July 13 update: A licensing board hearing page indicates that Ecco is slated to be sold, with the manager listed (Robert Cliche) seeming to confirm what several sources have said--that Worcester-based New England Craft Restaurant Concepts may be the group taking over the space. Facebook shows that someone named Bob Cliche is involved with the restaurant group, and an earlier Worcester Business Journal post mentions that it appears to be eyeing a major expansion; the article says of its brands--including five different restaurants and a coffee shop--that "The restaurant group plans to use these Worcester locations to launch these new brands throughout New England and--for a few of the concepts--nationwide."]

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]





Dosa Factory May Finally Be Opening in Waltham

Seven years ago, we reported that a Cambridge restaurant was looking to open a new location on "restaurant row" in Waltham. The dining spot is still not open, but it now appears that the place may finally be getting ready to debut.

According to an article in The Waltham News Tribune, the space on Moody Street where Dosa Factory was supposed to have opened back in 2010 remains vacant, but the post mentions that Dashti Tesai--an office assistant at parent company One World Cuisine--says that the eatery could be opening in one to two months and that they are waiting on a few more things before the restaurant is able to open. The article states that One World Cuisine has paid the rent on the space each month and that the city of Waltham has issued various permits on the property, the last of which was issued this April--though the restaurant owners have have not petitioned for any licenses to operate as of yet.

The original location of Dosa Factory is on Mass. Ave. in Cambridge's Central Square while a second outlet can be found Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay.

The address for Dosa Factory in Waltham will be 434 Moody Street, Waltham, MA, 02453.

[Earlier Article]
Dosa Factory Eyeing Second Location in Waltham

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]

Patio at Olde Salt House in Cohasset Falls into the Sea; Restaurant Closed for Now

A seafood restaurant on the South Shore is closed for the foreseeable future after a patio collapse.

Wicked Local is reporting that the outdoor patio at the Olde Salt House in Cohasset fell into the ocean this week, as the deck, which sits on a granite seawall, fell apart after years of erosion. The website for the dining spot says that the place is closed while the patio is being rebuilt, but it appears that there had been worries about the outdoor area for awhile now, as it had not yet opened for the season and Building Commissioner Robert Egan said that "Because it was deteriorating, this office sent them a notice that they couldn't open until it was fixed, and they just never got around to it."

The Olde Salt House is part of The Cohasset Harbor Resort, which also includes Brisa, Atlantica, and the Cohasset Harbor Inn. The address for the complex is 44 Border Street, Cohasset, MA, 02025 while the website for the Olde Salt House can be found at http://www.oldesalthouse.com/

[July 21 update: According to an article in Wicked Local, the Olde Salt House in Cohasset is open once again--and its patio is open as well.]

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]





Zambrero Is Replacing Boloco in Cambridge's Harvard Square

It looks like a brand new Mexican restaurant with roots very far away is on its way to Cambridge, and it would be taking over the space where a location of a group of burrito places currently resides.

According to a source, Zambrero is planning to open in Harvard Square, moving into the space on Mount Auburn Street where Boloco is. A Harvard Square Advisory Committee page confirms this, while a Board of Zoning Appeal form mentions that the petitioner listed is Bianca Azzopardi, who is involved with the Australia-based Zambrero International. A check on the Zambrero website shows that this is a chain of Mexican eateries that started out in 2005 and currently has locations in Australia, New Zealand Thailand and Ireland; the chain is known in part for its efforts to tackle world hunger via the Plate 4 Plate program, which donates meals to people in need.

In addition to its Harvard Square outlet, Boloco also has seven locations in Boston and one in Lynnfield.

The address for the new Zambrero (and Boloco) in Harvard Square is 71 Mt Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for Zambrero can be found at http://www.zambrero.com/

[March 19, 2018 update: Eater Boston states that Zambrero opens in Harvard Square tomorrow (Tuesday, March 20), while a drive-thru location also opens in Warwick, RI, tomorrow as well; both locations will feature burritos and bowls, along with quesadillas, nachos, and tacos.]

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, June 28, 2017

On the Hill Tavern in Somerville's Magoun Square Is Now The Dark Horse Public House

Last year we reported that the person behind an iconic--and now-closed--drinking spot in downtown Boston was taking ownership of a Somerville bar. Now we have learned that the changeover is taking place, complete with a new name for the spot.

According to a tweet from @somervilleguy, On the Hill Tavern in Magoun Square is being rebranded as The Dark Horse Public House, with a Yelp post showing that the sign is now up for the Broadway spot. It is not yet known what kinds of changes have been made to the place, though earlier, we had heard there might not be many changes other than new ownership; the parent company of The Dark Horse Public House is Callan Hospitality Corp., which is led by Patrick Grace of The Littlest Bar, a watering hole on Broad Street in Boston's Financial District that shut down in 2015 to make room for new development. (The Littlest Bar had lost its original home on Province Street in 2006 to make room for development as well.)

The address for The Dark Horse Public House is 499 Broadway, Somerville, MA, 02145.

[Earlier Article]
Patrick Grace of The Littlest Bar in Boston to Take Over On the Hill Tavern in Somerville

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]





Tatte Bakery & Cafe Is Opening in Boston's Back Bay

A local group of bakeries and cafes is planning to further expand into the Boston area, this time opening an outlet in the Back Bay section of the city.

Universal Hub is reporting that Tatte Bakery & Cafe is planning to open on Boylston Street, with the address indicating that it will be located between Arlington Street and Berkeley Street. Once it opens, the shop may include a 30-seat patio and would be either be the seventh or eighth location depending on when its upcoming Fenway store will open [ed note--Fenway is now open]. Currently, other locations of Tatte can be found in Beacon Hill, Cambridge's Kendall Square (three), Harvard Square, and Brookline.

The address for the new location of Tatte Bakery & Cafe in the Back Bay is 399 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for all locations can be found at http://tattebakery.com

[August 13 update: It looks like the new location of Tatte in the Back Bay will indeed be the eighth location, as Boston Magazine says that it is planning to open in the winter.]

[January 11, 2018 update: According to a source (Geoff Wong), the new Tatte on Boylston Street opens on January 18.]

[Earlier Article]
Tatte Bakery and Cafe to Open in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

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]





Marco Polo in Boston's Fort Point Is Closing

A Boston deli that has been in business for nearly a quarter century is shutting down.

According to a couple of sources, Marco Polo in the Fort Point section of the city is closing its doors, with a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page hearing that tomorrow is the last day for the Summer Street shop. (A call placed to the deli this morning confirms this.) At this point in time, it is not known what might become of the space; as soon as we find out more information, we will post an update here.

Marco Polo, which first opened in 1993 (according to a Manta page), is a weekday spot that offers breakfast and lunch items such as muffins, omelets, soups, salads, and sandwiches.

The address for Marco Polo is 274 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02210.

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, June 26, 2017

Somerville Bread Company Moving to Bigger Space Near Union Square

A bread company that opened a retail shop in Somerville early last year is going to be moving to a much larger space not too far away.

Eater Boston is reporting that Somerville Bread Company is moving from its current home on Medford Street in the Magoun Square/Winter Hill area of the city to a space near Union Square that is nearly five times the size of the original. The article says that the extra space will allow the business to expand its wholesale business to local dining spots while also offering more products at markets in the area--and it will be able to expand its bread-making classes as well. No moving date has been given as of yet for Somerville Bread Company, and an exact address has not been given, so stay tuned for updates. (The space where Somerville Bread Company currently resides will become home to Neighborhood Produce, a market that will sell fresh produce along with bread from the bakery.)

Nick Robertson first opened the Somerville Bread Company retail shop in February of 2016 after starting out as a bread company whose products were found at local farmers markets, restaurants, and shops; the address for the original space is 415B Medford Street, Somerville, MA, 02145, while its website is at http://www.somervillebreadcompany.com/

[November 29 update: Eater Boston states that Somerville Bread Company opens its retail operation in its new home at 201 Somerville Avenue tomorrow (Thursday, November 30) and that customers will be able to order via a walk-up bread window that is open Thursday and Friday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.]

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, June 25, 2017

Don Akin, Owner of Medieval Manor, Has Passed Away

The person behind a landmark theater and restaurant that shut down a year and a half ago has passed away.

A Twitter post from @universalhub states that Don Akin, who owned the now-closed Medieval Manor in Boston's South End, has died, with a page included in the tweet saying that he was 67 years old. Akin ran the E Berkeley Street spot for more than 40 years until closing the place following a New Year's Eve show at the end of 2015, but it subsequently appeared that the spot might end up reopening in its space until plans ended up falling through last summer.

The Medieval Manor was a popular venue for a variety of parties and events over the years, with its website saying that the comedic roots of its interactive dinner theater were in "vaudeville and burlesque."

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.]





Momi Nonmi Is Opening in Cambridge's Inman Square

It looks like a new restaurant is moving into a space in Cambridge where a burger spot had been, and the person behind it is a well-known figure within the Boston-area restaurant scene.

A license commission agenda page within the city's website indicates that Momi Nonmi is looking to open in Inman Square, taking over the space where WuBurger Gourmet had been until closing last November. The manager listed for the proposed spot is Christopher Chung, who appears to be the same Christopher Chung who was involved with AKA Bistro in Lincoln until it shut down last May, and before that, Uni in Boston's Back Bay. An earlier Boston Magazine article had mentioned that Chung was "considering his next move" after the closing of AKA Bistro, and that at the time (last fall), he was popping up at various places around the Boston area, offering modern Japanese small plates.

A hearing will take place on Momi Nonmi's request for a liquor license on Wednesday, June 28.

The address for Momi Nonmi in Inman Square is 1128 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

[June 30 update: Boston Magazine confirms that Christopher Chung of AKA Bistro and Uni is indeed behind Momi Nonmi, and that it will be a casual izakaya (a Japanese-style pub) featuring sashimi, onigiri, seasonal oshizushi (pressed sushi), sake, and more.]

[October 7 update: A Facebook post from Christopher Chung mentions that Momi Nonmi opens today, though it looks like it could be a soft opening.]

[October 10 update: Boston Magazine states that Momi Nonmi officially opens tonight.]

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]





Saturday, June 24, 2017

Sintra in South Braintree to Close

A beloved suburban restaurant that is known in part for its Mediterranean fare is shutting down.

According to a source, Sintra in South Braintree is closing for good this weekend, with tonight apparently being its last night in operation. No reason has been given for the closure of this Washington Street eatery and it is not yet known what might be taking over its space; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

Sintra, which opened approximately 13 years ago, is an upscale casual restaurant that features New American dishes, along with items that have Portuguese, Italian, Spanish, and other Mediterranean influences. A few of its offerings include steamed mussels, tomato bisque, a meatball and fig flatbread, bolognese with chorizo, house-made gnocchi with shrimp, seafood risotto, pan-roasted statler chicken, and pork chops.

The address for Sinta is 906 Washington Street, Braintree, MA, 02184.

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, June 23, 2017

Sushi Factory Is Replacing Kirin Teppanyaki & Wok in Allston

A short-lived Allston restaurant that featured a mix of Chinese and Japanese dishes has closed, and a new Asian spot is moving in.

According to a source, Kirin Teppanyaki & Wok on Brighton Avenue is no longer in business, with a new place called Sushi Factory planning to open in the space. A check on a licensing board page within the City of Boston website confirms this, and the listing shows the name of the manager for Sushi Factory being Ying Huang, who is apparently the same person who runs the Hi B3ar Ice Cream Roll shop across the street. (As soon as we confirm that it is the same person, we will post an update here.)

Kirin Teppanyaki & Wok first opened last September, replacing Redneck's Roast Beef which had been in the space for more than a decade.

The address for the new Sushi Factory is 140 Brighton Ave, Boston, MA 02134.

[November 16 update: Eater Boston states that Sushi Factory is now open, and that Ying Huang of Hi B3ar Ice Cream Roll shop is indeed behind the place. EB also indicates that this is an all-you-can-eat sushi spot but with a caveat, saying that "while an eater can eat as much as she or he would like, she or he must do so in a span of two hours or less....and one may be subject to a $1 up-charge for every piece of sushi one does not eat."]

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]





Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co. to Open in Former Tequila Rain Space in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

A new brewpub is on its way to Boston, and it will be taking over the space by Fenway Park that had been home to a nightclub.

Eater Boston is reporting that Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co. is opening on Landsdowne Street, moving into the former Tequila Rain space by Loretta's Last Call and the Jillian's/Lucky Strike entertainment complex. It looks like the new spot will feature beer that is brewed on the premises along with fried snacks and sandwiches, and the place is also expected to have shuffleboard and pool tables. If all goes as planned, Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co. could be opening sometime later this summer.

Tequila Rain closed for good over the winter after being in business for more than 12 years.

The address for the upcoming Cheeky Monkey Brewing Co. is 3 Lansdowne Street, Boston, MA, 02215. Its website will be at http://www.cheekymonkeyboston.com/

[July 27 update: An email sent today indicates that Cheeky Monkey plans to have a soft opening in late August with a grand opening following sometime in September.]

[August 21 update: Boston Magazine states that Cheeky Monkey soft-opens tonight with food only, as its beers should start being offered by the end of the week.]

[August 25 Update: According to a new post from Boston Magazine, Cheeky Monkey taps its first beer today--Down Undah pale ale--with a total of six beers ready to be offered within the next two weeks.]

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]





Plans Back On for Comella's to Open in Pizza Express Space in Winchester

Last December we announced that a local group of Italian food retailers and caterers was looking to take over the space of a suburban pizzeria, only to have the plans fall through several weeks later. Now we have learned that the plans are back on once again.

According to a source, Comella's has purchased the Pizza Express space in Winchester, and there is currently brown paper on the windows of the Main Street storefront. Late last year, it appeared that Comella's had gotten approval from the town for a beer and wine license, with the plan being to open in the Pizza Express space at some point in time, but sometime in late January or early February, the group of eateries backed out of the deal and Pizza Express remained open for business.

It is not yet known if Comella's will be able to get a liquor license this time around; as soon as we find out, we will post an update here.

Comella's has a number of locations in the Greater Boston area, including in Bedford, Belmont, Chestnut Hill, Concord, Hingham, Marblehead, Melrose, Natick, Needham, Wellesley, West Newton, West Roxbury, and Westwood.

The address for the new location of Comella's (and the now-closed Pizza Express) is: 529 Main Street, Winchester, MA, 01890.

[December 29 update: A check on the place indicates that Comella's is now open in Winchester.]

[Earlier Articles]
Comella's Plans to Open in Winchester
Plans Fall Through for Comella's to Open in Pizza Express Space in Winchester

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, June 19, 2017

City of Cambridge Orders Shepard to Stop Cooking with Wood and Charcoal

Last fall, we reported that a Cambridge restaurant was in the middle of a controversy that could ultimately decide the fate of the place, and last month the dining spot lost its chef de cuisine in part over the issue. Now we have learned that the city has come down with a decision that could have serious repercussions for the eatery.

According to an article in The Boston Globe, city health officials have ordered Shepard to stop cooking with wood and charcoal, with the ruling taking effect immediately. The decision was made following neighbors complaining about smoke coming from its wood-fired oven, and while the city understands that owners Rene Becker and Susan Regis have tried to ease the smoke problem by taking such steps as installing a vent scrubber system, using wood that causes less smoke, and substituting charcoal for wood more frequently, the smoke issue is still serious enough in the eyes of health officials to rule against the restaurant.

Earlier, Becker had said that if the city decides to keep Shepard from using a wood-fired oven, they would likely close the place down; Becker declined to comment on today's decision, telling the Globe that he had not yet read it.

The address for Shepard is 1 Shepard Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. Its website is at http://www.shepardcooks.com/home

[June 20 update: According to a source, Shepard plans to remain in operation following the ruling against the place, with Eater Boston confirming this, saying that the place will now start cooking with gas.]

[June 22 update: CBS Boston mentions that the owners of Shepard are now thinking about whether to appeal the city's decision; once a decision has been made, we will post another update here.]

[Earlier Articles]
Peter McKenzie Leaves Shepard in Cambridge; Smoke Issue Could Decide Fate of Restaurant
Clash Over Shepard's Wood-Fired Oven Worries Dining Spot, Other Cambridge Restaurants

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Fifteen Comfort Food Items from Boston-Area Restaurants]





Longfellow to Replace Cafe Algiers in Cambridge's Harvard Square

A Cambridge institution is closing down for a second time--though this time it is for good--and one of the region's best-known chefs and restaurateurs is opening a new spot within the space.

Eater Boston is reporting that Cafe Algiers in Harvard Square will be shutting its doors in August, with Michael Scelfo opening an eatery called Longfellow in the Brattle Street space. The article mentions that Scelfo--who is behind Alden & Harlow just below Algiers along with Waypoint between Harvard Square and Central Square--will reportedly honor the landmark cafe with his new place, saying that "We're sad to see [owner] Emile and his team close their doors, but hope to pay homage to Algiers' 57-year legacy with this new venture."

Cafe Algiers closed briefly in October of 2016, only to reopen under new ownership less than a month later; the place has been known for its Mediterranean fare along with coffee and tea.

The address for Cafe Algiers (and the upcoming Longfellow) is 40 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

[June 13, 2018 update: Boston Magazine mentions that Longfellow plans to feature finger foods along with a "geeky" cocktail program and lesser-known varietal wines.]

[January 17, 2019 update: A new Boston Magazine post indicates that Longfellow officially opens on Saturday, January 19.]

[Earlier Articles]
Cafe Algiers in Cambridge's Harvard Square Is Closing
Cafe Algiers in Cambridge's Harvard Square Has Reopened

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]





Chile Mango & Lime in Weymouth Has Closed

A Thai and Bangladeshi restaurant that started out as a food truck has apparently closed its doors.

According to a source, Chile Mango & Lime in Weymouth is no longer on business, with a sign initially saying that the Washington Street eatery was temporarily closed but now indicating that this is a permanent closure. Chile Mango & Lime featured halal food, with a few items offered including samosas, chicken satay, spring rolls, wings, pad Thai, chicken curry, chili mango fried rice, and more. The restaurant morphed from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar restaurant in the latter part of 2016, though the food truck continued to be used for events.

The address for this now-closed dining spot in Weymouth was: Chile Mango & Lime, 336 Washington Street, Weymouth, MA, 02188.

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]





Update: Pronto Uyghur Cuisine Opens in Cambridge; Plans to Change Name to Silk Road

[Ed note: This article was edited on June 19 to reflect an upcoming name change that is in the works.]

A new restaurant has come to Cambridge, and it features a type of cuisine that is nearly impossible to find in the Boston area.

According to a tweet from @liuliuliu, Pronto Uyghur Cuisine is now open on Cambridge Street in East Cambridge in the former Pronto Cafe space, with another Twitter post showing a menu that includes such items as a chicken plate, dry fried noodles, diced noodles, lamb kebabs, stir-fried lamb, wontons, dumplings, pilaf, smoothies, and more. The new restaurant is the only spot in the Boston area that focuses on Uyghur fare, which is typically found in the far northwest part of China; a food truck called Uyghur Kitchen had once been in the local area, but it is no longer in operation. (An article from the Worcester Telegram from a couple of year ago mentioned that Uyghur Kitchen owner Payzulla Polat was hoping to open a restaurant in Cambridge, but it has not yet been confirmed that this is his place.)

The address for this new restaurant in East Cambridge is: Pronto Uyghur Cuisine, 645 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA, 02141.

[June 22  update: Eater Boston states that Pronto Uyghur Cuisine is really just a temporary name (and it also continues to have the old Pronto Cafe sign up), as it is waiting on approval for a name change to Silk Road.]

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]





Boston's Restaurant & Sports Bar Could Be Coming to Boston

A group of family-friendly restaurants and sports bars that gets its name from the founder's love for the city of Boston may actually be expanding to Boston after more than a half-century in business.

According to a post on the Business Wire site, Boston's Restaurant & Sports Bar is planning to open two locations in Massachusetts over the next three years, with Mineshkumar (Manny) Patel--who will be running the franchised outlets--hinting that at least one could be coming to the Greater Boston area, saying that "we look forward to introducing the brand to the Boston market." The post says that the first location is hoping to open this year.

Boston's first started out in Edmonton, Alberta, in the mid-1960s and today has 27 locations of Boston's Restaurant & Sports Bar in the United States while its sister brand--Boston Pizza--has more than 400 outlets in Canada. The Boston's Restaurant & Sports Bar concept combines family restaurants and sports bars under one roof, with such items as salads, sandwiches, pasta, gourmet pizza, wings, and burgers being offered.

The website for Boston's can be found at https://www.bostons.com/

Thanks to @FoodserviceEast for bringing this to our attention.

[October 13 update: Eater Boston states that the first Boston-area location of Boston's Restaurant & Sports Bar will open at 1124 Boylston Street near where the Back Bay and the Fenway meet, with the place possibly opening around June of 2018.]

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]





Cunard Tavern in East Boston Opening in June

More than three years after first announcing it, a highly-anticipated East Boston restaurant is finally ready to open.

The Tables section of The Boston Globe mentions that Cunard Tavern on Webster Street is hoping to open on Tuesday, June 20, with the two-floor dining spot including a rooftop bar with views of Boston Harbor and a varied menu that includes such items as octopus dumplings, Cuban spring rolls, and crispy fish tacos. (Raw bar service will also be offered.) As stated earlier, the person behind the new restaurant is Phil Frattaroli, who also operates two spots in the North End--Lucia and Filippo--and whose grandfather had an old woodshop called Oscar Woodworking at the site.

The address for this new restaurant in East Boston is: Cunard Tavern, 47 Webster Street, East Boston, MA, 02128.

[June 20 update: A message from the restaurant indicates that Cunard Tavern is still waiting on an inspection so it does not look like it will be opening today.]

[June 28 update: An update from bldup.com states that Cunard Tavern opens on Thursday, June 29.]

[Earlier Article]
Ducali Owner to Open Cunard Tavern in East 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]





Sunday, June 18, 2017

Sullivan's at Castle Island Is Expanding to the Hood Milk Bottle at the Boston Children's Museum

It looks like an iconic seaside snack shack is taking over one of the most offbeat landmarks not just in the city of Boston but perhaps in the entire country.

A check on a licensing board page posted last week indicated that Castle Island, LLC is applying for a new common victualler license to operate at the Hood Milk Bottle by the Boston Children's Museum along Fort Point Channel, with Brendan Sullivan of Sullivan's at Castle Island being the manager listed. A message sent to Sullivan's requesting more information was not returned, but Caught in Southie now says that "A little birdie" tells them that Sullivan's will indeed be taking over the Milk Bottle as the new food vendor, with a limited menu offered there. The post says that if all goes well, Sullivan's at the Milk Bottle could be up and running by the end of June.

The Hood Milk Bottle was once nominated by USA Today for quirkiest landmark in the United States, with the award ultimately going to the Big Tex statue at the State Fair of Texas in Dallas.

Sullivan's, which first opened in South Boston in 1951, is known for its hot dogs, hamburgers, lobster rolls, ice cream, and more.

[June 20 update: According to a segment on WCVB 5 last night, Sullivan's plans to open at the Hood Milk Bottle on Wednesday, June 28, and it will remain open through September.]

[June 28 update: Boston Magazine confirms (in an update to an earlier article) that Sullivan's opens at the Hood Milk Bottle today; its hours will be 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, with closing hours possibly being later on Friday and Saturday nights.]

[June 29 update: A tweet from the place says that Sullivan's will be open until 9:00 PM on Friday nights at the Hood Milk Bottle, while it appears that it will be open until 6:00 PM all other nights, including Saturday.]

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]





Roadworthy Opens in Dedham

A new restaurant has come to a suburb of Boston, and it looks to be a brick-and-mortar spot that offers the types of street-food dishes you might find at food trucks.

According to a source, Roadworthy is now open in Dedham, with an earlier Facebook post from the place saying that it features "Flaky, funky, and far out foods....Inspired by wacky food truck operators." A Patch article mentions that the 18-seat eatery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM and that the menu on the restaurant's website includes such items as biscuits, fried dough, Sicilian-style breakfast pizza, macaroni with beef, Italian beef sandwiches, porchetta sandwiches, schnitzel, corn puppies, fried ravioli, and more.

The address for this new restaurant in Dedham is: Roadworthy, 125 Washington Street, Dedham, MA, 02026. Its website can be found at https://www.roadworthyfoods.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]





Friday, June 16, 2017

Tom English's in Dorchester to Be Sold

It looks like yet another Boston dive bar is going to be disappearing--and it may be replaced by a mixed-use development.

According to an article in the Dorchester Reporter, Tom English's on Dorchester Avenue is being sold, with the buyer possibly looking at new construction at the site; condos or apartments are being considered along with a restaurant or gastropub being an option within the development as well, though no specific plans have been submitted as of yet. The sale is expected to be finalized this summer, and a licensing board hearing is slated for June 28.

A number of dive bars have shut down in Boston over the past several years, including the Lower Mills Pub and the Centre Bar in Dorchester; Aces High, the Cornerstone Pub, and the Quencher Tavern in South Boston; and the Castlebar in Brighton. (Another Tom English's remains open in South Boston.)

The address for Tom English's is 957 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02125.

Thanks to one of our sources for bringing this to our attention.

[January 18, 2018 update: Caught in Dot mentions that the site where Tom English's resides is indeed looking to be redeveloped, with the proposal being to build a five-story residential building with a restaurant and a market on the ground level.]

[February 16, 2018 update: Universal Hub states that the structure that would be built at the site of Tom English's and the adjacent Dorchester Market would have 38 apartments and a "contemporary aesthetic" exterior, and as mentioned before, a restaurant and a market would open on the ground floor.]

[April 25, 2018 update: Curbed Boston confirms that Tom English's will not be returning to the space, though it appears that Dorchester Market may reopen at the upcoming development (which the Zoning Board of Appeals has officially approved), along with a new restaurant.]

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]





El Centro Is Opening in Dedham

It looks like a trio of Mexican restaurants will soon be joined by a fourth location.

According to a post from Wicked Local, El Centro is planning to open in Dedham, moving into a space on Washington Street on the northern edge of Dedham Square. Once it opens, the new dining spot will join others in Boston's South End, Brookline Village, and Belmont Center.

If all goes as planned, the new location of El Centro will open sometime this fall.

The address for this Mexican restaurant in Dedham is: El Centro, 350 Washington Street, Dedham, MA, 02026.

[August 31 update: The Dedham Patch states that El Centro has had its liquor license request approved by the town and that it hopes to open in the next two or three months.]

[September 18, 2018 update: A couple of sources tell us that El Centro in Dedham has opened, with a message from the place confirming that it is indeed 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]





Wild Rice Vegan Cafe in Watertown Is Closing

One of the Boston area's relatively few vegan restaurants is closing its doors.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Wild Rice Vegan Cafe on Elm Street in Watertown is shutting down for good on Sunday, June 18, with the note saying that "It is with a heavy heart that we announce today that Wild Rice Vegan Cafe will be closing....A BIG thank you to our loyal patrons over the past year and a half." The post refers customers to its other dining spot--Red Lentil Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurant on Mount Auburn Street.

Wild Rice Vegan Cafe first opened in December of 2015, taking over the space where an Italian restaurant called Grappa had been.

The address for Wild Rice Vegan Cafe is 71 Elm Street, Watertown, MA, 02472.

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]





Thursday, June 15, 2017

The Bebop Opens in Former Pad Thai Cafe in Boston's Fenway/Kenmore Neighborhood

Last summer we reported that a Thai restaurant in Boston's Fenway/Kenmore neighborhood was shutting down and a new restaurant and music spot from the owners of an Irish pub in Somerville would be taking over the space. Now we have learned that the new place is now open.

According to an article from Eater Boston, The Bebop is now open on Boylston Street, moving into the former Pad Thai Cafe space near the Berklee College of Music. As noted earlier, the owners of The Burren in Davis Square are behind the new spot, which offers lunch, dinner, and a weekend brunch along with live music seven days a week (it is an all-ages place until 10:00 PM each night, when it becomes 21+).

Pad Thai Cafe had been in the space for approximately 10 years until closing around the end of 2016.

The address for The Bebop is 1116 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02215.

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

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]