Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Emack & Bolio's in Brookline Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A local chain of ice cream shops has gotten a bit smaller, as one of its longtime locations has shut down.

According to multiple sources (including @melissah528 who posted a tweet yesterday), Emack & Bolio's in Brookline's Washington Square has a "for lease" sign out front, with @BostonTweet subsequently confirming to us that the Beacon Street store has closed its doors; a photo sent by @BostonTweet shows a note out front thanking customers for their patronage over the years and refers them to other locations in the area. It appears that other locations of Emack & Bolio's, including those in Boston's North Station, Fenway, and the Back Bay, along with Charlestown and Cambridge, remain in operation.

The Brookline location of Emack & Bolio's first opened approximately 15 years ago, taking over the space where the Ice Cream Factory had once been.

The address for Emack & Bolio's in Washington Square was 1663 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02445. The website for the chain is at http://www.emackandbolios.com/

[November 2 update: The Boston Business Journal mentions that Emack & Bolio's in Brookline closed because of rising rents, with founder Robert Rook mentioning that the lease ended at the end of October and it wasn't worth renewing because of the rent increase.]

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, October 30, 2017

Burro Bar Taking Over La Motta's Space in Boston's South End

by Marc Hurwitz

A Mexican eatery in Brookline that is the little sibling to a Somerville restaurant is expanding to Boston's South End, and it plans to take over the space where an Italian dining spot resides.

According to a source, Burro Bar is looking to open on Washington Street in La Motta's space, with a hearing notice showing that the group behind La Motta's is indeed petitioning to transfer the license to Burro Bar. A few weeks ago, we were told by another source that La Motta's was going to be leaving the space, but at the time it was not known what might move in.

Burro Bar in Brookline's Washington Square is under the same ownership as the Painted Burro in the Davis Square section of Brookline; Joe Cassinelli, who founded the Alpine Restaurant Group, also runs Posto and Rosebud in Davis Square and Osteria Posto in Waltham.

La Motta's, which is run by the Aquitaine Group, first opened in October of 2015, taking over the space where Union Bar & Grille (which was also part of the Aquitaine Group) had been. Other restaurants run by the group include Cinquecento, Aquitaine, Metropolis Cafe, and Gaslight--all of which are in the South End--as well as Aquitaine at The Street in Chestnut Hill, Aquitaine at Legacy Place in Dedham, and Gaslight at MarketStreet Lynnfield.

The address for the new Burro Bar (and La Motta's) is 1357 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02118.

[November 3 update: A licensing board hearing page is now up on the City of Boston site, confirming that Burro Bar is indeed seeking to take over the space where La Motta's currently resides.]

[December 21 update: Eater Boston states that La Motta's closes for good on New Year's Eve.]

[April 10, 2018 update: According to a post from BosGuy, signs in the windows indicate that Burro Bar is opening soon in the former La Motta's space and it is now hiring for all positions.]

[May 3, 2018 update: According to a source (Geoff Wong), Burro Bar is now open in the South End, with this being confirmed by the restaurant's Facebook page.]

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]





The James Pub & Provisions Is Opening in the Former Center Cafe Space in Needham

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a pub is replacing an upscale restaurant in a Boston suburb that has little in the way of pubs.

According to a source (Lynda Damato McConville), The James Pub & Provisions is opening in Needham, moving into the space on Great Plain Avenue where The Center Cafe had been until closing last month. This jibes with an earlier Patch article that said Stuart Henry and Cormac Dowling are behind the upcoming spot, which Newton-Needham Regional Chamber describes as a family-friendly place with a rich variety of local craft beers and wines available. We are told that Henry has been involved with the Washington Street Tavern in Brookline while Dowling has been at The Abbey (also in Brookline), and it appears that Dowling is also involved in the Washington Street Tavern as well.

The Center Cafe first opened in early 2010, taking over the space where Fava had been.

The address for the new James Pub & Provisions is 1027 Great Plain Avenue, Needham, MA, 02492. Its website is at https://www.thejamespub.com/

[January 14, 2018 update: A message sent to us indicates that James Pub & Provisions hopes to open by the end of the month, and that its concept is influenced by country pubs found in Ireland and England.]

[February 5, 2018 update: According to multiple sources, James Pub & Provisions is now open.]

[Earlier Article]
The Center Cafe in Needham Has Closed

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]





Trillium Beer Garden in Downtown Boston Has Closed for the Season

by Marc Hurwitz

A popular beer garden in the heart of Boston that had one of the top-rated brewers in the state behind it has closed for the season, and it is not yet known what its exact status is for next year.

According to a tweet from the place, Trillium Garden on the Rose Kennedy Greenway shut down yesterday, saying "Come bid us adieu and enjoy a final beer." Another tweet indicates that the beer garden actually closed for the seasona bit early due to the bad weather last night, and a post within that thread says "Stay Tuned!" as to whether they will be back at the space near the Rowes Wharf arch next season.

Trillium Garden first opened in early June, offering a variety of Trillium beers along with wines from Westport Rivers Vineyard. The current headquarters of the brewery are located on Congress Street in Fort Point, though the plans are for them to move to a new spot on Farnsworth Street, with that space including a brewery, taproom, full-service restaurant, patio, and rooftop terrace. (Another location can be found in Canton.)

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]





Friday, October 27, 2017

Beta Burger in Boston's Mission Hill Has Reopened After Resolving Permitting Issue

by Marc Hurwitz

Earlier this month, we reported that a burger spot in Boston's Mission Hill neighborhood had been shut down by the city due to a problem involving its license. Now we have learned that the restaurant is open once again.

Eater Boston mentions in an update (via a Facebook post from the place) that Beta Burger on Tremont Street has reopened, with the post indicating that it received its common victualler license yesterday and are open as of today. On October 11, it was learned that the burger spot was temporarily closed after it failed to renew its license, resulting in the licensing board shutting it down. A note within Beta Burger's Instagram page had said that "Since opening in 2015 we have had problems getting our final permit from the City of Boston and this Friday August 18th, the City decided to shut us down. Now this may suck temporarily but we are working very hard to sort this out and get back up and running as soon as possible." It appears that at least part of the issue centered around an issue in the restaurant's electrical room, with the eatery needing to deal with both the expired Common Victualler License and an expired temporary Inspection Certificate.

The address for Beta Burger is 1437 Tremont Street, Boston (Roxbury Crossing), MA, 02120. The website for the dining spot can be found at http://www.betaburger.co

[Earlier Article]
Beta Burger in Mission Hill Shut Down Due to Permitting Issue; Exact Status Unknown

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Bell's Market Space in South Boston May Be Redeveloped into Apartment Complex with Market, Restaurant

by Marc Hurwitz

A longtime market and butcher shop in South Boston could become home to a residential building, though the market would apparently stay--and another option for food could also be included.

According to a post from Banker & Tradesman, George Khoury of Bell's Market on Dorchester Street has submitted plans to build a five-story apartment complex where the store currently resides, with the ground floor having retail space that would include the market and extra space for a restaurant. The article says that plans for the project have been filed with the Boston Planning and Development Agency, though little other information has been given, including a possible time frame and what kind of restaurant might go into the ground level space; as soon as we get more information, we will post an update here.

Bell's Market is a neighborhood grocery store in the Telegraph Hill section of Southie that sells produce, everyday groceries, beer, wine, and a variety of meats from the butcher counter in the back.

The address for Bell's Market is 246 Dorchester Street, South Boston, MA, 02127.

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, October 26, 2017

Amory's Tomb Brewing Company Is Opening in Maynard

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like yet another brewery is on its way to the local area.

Eater Boston is reporting that Amory's Tomb Brewing Company is planning to open in Maynard, moving into a space on Main Street in the center of town. The post says that the brewery will have a manual three-barrel system and it will include a taproom, though the tasting area apparently won't have wi-fi or televisions and will be more of a community-oriented space. Expect such beers as American and Beligian-style farmouse ales at Amory's Tomb Brewing Company, which could be opening just after Thanksgiving if all goes as planned.

Amory's Tomb Brewing Company will be located within walking distance of another brewery--Battle Road Brewing Company and Brew House on Sudbury Street.

The address for the upcoming Amory's Tomb Brewing Company is 76 Main Street, Maynard, MA, 01754. Its website can be found at http://www.amorystomb.com/

[November 30, 2018 update: A new post from Eater Boston mentions that the taproom at Amory's Tomb is now open.]

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]





Jay Murray to Open Tusk in Medford

by Marc Hurwitz

A familiar name within the local restaurant scene is going to be opening a dining spot of his very own.

Eater Boston confirms what we have been hearing over the past few months, that Jay Murray is planning to open Tusk in Medford Square, with details still coming in on the place, but expect both small plates and family-sized dishes along with local craft beers, an extensive list of wines, and cocktails. Murray has worked at Grill 23 in Boston and The Stonehedge Hotel & Spa in Tyngsborough and is currently at Avenue in Medfield, according to EB.

As soon as we hear of an exact address for Tusk (which stands for "Trust Us Kitchen") and other details on the place, we will post an update here.

[February 26, 2018 update: An article in boston.com states that Tusk plans to open sometime this summer.]

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]





Scorpion Bar Opens in Boston's Seaport District

by Marc Hurwitz

A long-awaited Mexican restaurant and bar is finally opening its doors on the Boston waterfront, and a local group is behind the place.

According to a press release, Scorpion Bar opens at One Seaport Square in the city's Seaport District today, with its Facebook page saying that it offers "innovative and inspired Mexican cuisine with a twist," including such items as street tacos and burritos, a "Pupu Platter" with mini nachos and empanadas, and fried jalapeno ravioli, along with more than 100 different tequilas and drinks such as margaritas and scorpion bowls. This is the third location of Scorpion Bar (which is run by Big Night Entertainment Group), with others being at Patriot Place in Foxboro and Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut.

Yesterday, another BNEG spot called The Grand opened above Scorpion Bar, with that place being a luxury nightclub.

The address for the new Scorpion Bar on the waterfront is 58 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02210. Its website can be found at http://scorpionboston.com/

[Earlier Articles]
The Grand Opens in Boston's Seaport District
Scorpion Bar, The Grand Coming to One Seaport Square on the Boston Waterfront

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 Chi and Kama Lounge in Quincy Closing; Building to Be Torn Down

by Marc Hurwitz

A Chinese restaurant and a lounge that are under the same ownership and reside in the same building are getting ready to close, as they are losing their home.

According to an article in the Patriot Ledger, Bistro Chi and Kama Lounge in Quincy are planning to shut down for good on October 31, as the Cottage Avenue building in which they reside has been taken by eminent domain by the city and will be demolished this winter. The post says that both spots--which are owned by JP Fuji Group--have accepted a settlement and do not plan to reopen elsewhere at this point in time. It is not yet known what might replace the building housing Bistro Chi and Kama Lounge, but it appears that the taking down of the building is connected to the ongoing redevelopment of Quincy Center.

Bistro Chi and Kama Lounge first opened in early 2010, with the former being a Chinese eatery featuring a mix of Chinese-American and authentic Chinese fare and the latter being a sleek bar with cocktails, tapas, trivia, and DJ nights.

The address for Bistro Chi and Kama Lounge is 39 Cottage Avenue, Quincy MA, 02169. The website for JP Fuji Group can be found at http://www.jpfujigroup.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]





Wednesday, October 25, 2017

The Stones Common House and Kitchen Is Opening in Stoneham

by Marc Hurwitz

A chef who has worked at a couple of higher-end restaurants in Boston is opening a new spot in the suburbs.

According to an article in Boston Magazine, Patrick Campbell (No. 9 Park, Cafe ArtScience) and four unnamed business partners are opening The Stones Common House and Kitchen in Stoneham, with the upcoming place being a casual neighborhood restaurant that will offer such options as oysters, charcuterie, Belgian-style fries, roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, pasta dishes, and more. The post indicates that this will basically be the only restaurant of its kind in Stoneham--which is known mostly for its casual Italian restaurants and Asian eateries--with Stoneham resident Campbell saying that "There's nowhere I can go to get a dozen oysters and shared appetizers and a few drinks with friends. It just doesn't exist. There are a lot of places for chicken parm and steak tips, beers and martinis, but getting a salad that isn't iceberg lettuce is a lost cause."

If all goes as planned, The Stones Common House and Kitchen hopes to open in March of 2018.

A source tells us that the address for The Stones Common House and Kitchen--which will open in a new mixed-use complex in Stoneham Square--appears to be 370-380 Main Street, Stoneham, MA, 02180. Its Instagram page can be found at https://www.instagram.com/the_stones_commonhouse/

[March 14, 2018 update: Boston Magazine mentions that Stones Common House and Kitchen plans to open early April.]

[March 22, 2018 update: According to an article in Food and Wine, Stones Common House and Kitchen is expected to soft-open this weekend, with its grand opening taking place on April 3.]

[April 4, 2018 update: A Facebook post from the place indicates that Stones Common House and Kitchen is now open to the public, with the restaurant being open initially for dinner only Tuesday through Sunday (lunch service will follow possibly late this spring, according to a message sent to us).]

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]





The Grand Opens in Boston's Seaport District

by Marc Hurwitz

A luxury nightclub that has been a long time in the making opens today on the Boston waterfront.

According to a press release, The Grand debuts tonight at One Seaport Square in the city's Seaport District, with its Facebook page stating that "Glamour and sophistication meets high energy" at the new place, with the club including an open glass staircase, custom marble tables, and hand-blown glass chandeliers along with stadium VIP bottle seating, VIP bars, and  a 70-foot LED wall. As stated earlier, Big Night Entertainment Group is behind the spot, and BNEG is also opening another new place tomorrow in the same building--Scorpion Bar, which is described as a "traditional Mexican tequila cantina with the attitude of a rock bar."

Plans for both The Grand and Scorpion Bar were first announced in September of 2015.

The address for The Grand is 58 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02210. Its website can be found at http://thegrandboston.com/

[Earlier Article]
Scorpion Bar, The Grand Coming to One Seaport Square on the Boston Waterfront

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, October 24, 2017

Lobstah on a Roll Is Opening in Emma's Space in Boston's South End

by Marc Hurwitz

An upcoming Arlington restaurant that calls itself the "biggest little restaurant in America" will be opening another location as well, taking over a space in Boston where a pizza spot had been.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Lobstah on a Roll is planning to open in the South End, moving into the space on Columbus Avenue where Emma's was until it closed late this summer. Based on a Facebook post from the eatery, the South End location may offer such items as lobster rolls, lobster dinners, "crafted" sandwiches, and more.

Last month we reported that a location of Lobstah on a Roll was on its way to Mass. Ave. in Arlington Center where Elton's Roast Beef & Pizza used to be; it is not yet known whether the Arlington location or the South End location will open first, so stay tuned. (EB says that the one in Arlington could be opening in November.)

The address for the new location of Lobstah on a Roll in the South End is 537 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118.

[November 6 update: Eater Boston mentions that Lobstah on a Roll is now open in the South End, offering offers soups, salads, and sandwiches, including a five-foot-long lobster roll.]

[Earlier Articles]
Emma's in Boston's South End Is Closed
Lobstah On a Roll to Open in Former Elton's Roast Beef & Pizza Space in Arlington Center

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]





Shaking Crab to Open in Former Khao Sarn Space in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

by Marc Hurwitz

A growing group of Cajun seafood places is coming to Brookline, opening in the space where a longtime favorite for Thai food had been.

Eater Boston is reporting that Shaking Crab is planning to open in Coolidge Corner, taking over the former Khao Sarn space on Harvard Street just south of the Beacon Street intersection. The new location of Shaking Crab will join others in Newton and Quincy, and as mentioned here earlier, other outlets are also on their way to the former Troquet space across from Boston Common (Troquet has since moved to the Leather District) and Cambridge's Porter Square in the old Tavern in the Square space. [Ed note--both of these locations are now open.]

Shaking Crab offers such items as fried oysters, crab legs, mussels, shrimp, and lobster, and they are known in part for serving seafood that is shaken up with a mix of spices.

Khao Sarn closed down this summer after being in business for approximately 16 years.

The address for the upcoming location of Shaking Crab in Coolidge Corner is 250 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.

[November 11, 2018 update: According to a press release, the new location of Shaking Crab in Brookline opens to the public on Sunday, November 18.]

[Earlier Articles]
Khao Sarn in Brookline's Coolidge Corner Has Closed
Shaking Crab Taking Over the Tavern in the Square Space in Cambridge's Porter Square
Shaking Crab Planning to Open in Former Troquet Space 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]





Building Facade at Taam China in Brookline Collapses

by Marc Hurwitz

A building in Brookline housing a Chinese restaurant has suffered damage in an overnight facade collapse, though the exact extent of the damage--and the status of the dining spot--is not yet known.

Universal Hub is reporting (via a Twitter post from the Brookline Police Department) that the facade at Taam China on Harvard Street crumbled to the sidewalk at around 4:30 AM today, with a photo showing that the front area is taped off this morning--and a new photo posted by @rgoulston shows that more of the facade collapsed as crews were securing the space. It is not known when the restaurant might be able to open again, so keep checking back for updates. (No injuries were reported in the collapse.)

Taam China is known for its glatt kosher Chinese cuisine, with the place offering such items as chicken dumplings, steamed whole fish, orange-flavored beef, veal with garlic sauce, deep-fried eggplant, beef lo mein, and veal fried rice.

The address for Taam China is 423 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. Its website can be found at http://www.taamchina.us/

[November 7 update: The Jewish Advocate states that Taam China 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]





Grub in Boston's Mission Hill Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A restaurant that is run by the person behind a highly-rated pizzeria is getting ready to shut down after less than a year in business.

According to a source, Grub in the Mission Hill/Brigham Circle section of Boston is closing for good at the end of this week, with an Instagram post from the Huntington Avenue eatery referring customers to Penguin Pizza across the street while also hinting that at least some of the menu items at Grub will be offered there in the near future. Dermot Doyne of Penguin Pizza first opened Grub in the late fall of 2016, offering a variety of poutine options along with sandwiches and brunch items.

Penguin Pizza has been mentioned in the press as a top place for pizza over the years, with The Improper Bostonian awarding it best restaurant in Mission Hill while CBS Boston included it among its 2014 picks for best pizza and beer.

The address for Grub is 738 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115.

October 27 update: According to its Instagram page, Grub will close at the end of business hours on Sunday, October 29, as it will be serving its final brunch that day.]

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]





Chau Chow City Space in Boston's Chinatown Is for Lease

by Marc Hurwitz

Several months ago, we reported that a longtime favorite in Chinatown was closing, though it looked like a new restaurant would be moving into the space. Now it appears that this may have fallen through.

According to a tweet from @megansarahj, a sign is now posted at the former Chau Chow City space on Essex Street saying that the storefront is available, with a contact number and email address for a real estate company included. Back in June, a source sent us a photo indicating that a new hot pot and sushi place was hoping to open in the space, but it look like this did not end up working out.

Chau Chow City first opened on Beach Street in 1985, moving to Essex Street approximately 12 years later; the restaurant closed down at the end of April as its lease was up and the landlord was apparently raising the rent. Another location of the dining spot remains in operation on Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester.

The address for Chau Chow City was 83 Essex Street, Boston, MA, 02111.

[Earlier Article]
Chau Chow City Restaurant in Boston's Chinatown Is Closing

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, October 23, 2017

Dudley Dough in Roxbury Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a pizza shop affiliated with a nonprofit restaurant and organization is shutting down.

According to a post from Universal Hub, Dudley Dough in Roxbury is closing by the end of the year, with a note from Haley House (which is behind it) saying that because sales have not met expectations, the organization will not be able to continue subsidizing the Washington Street shop because it could end up jeopardizing the future of Haley House itself.

Dudley Dough, which first opened two years ago, is connected to the South End-based Haley House as well as Haley House Bakery Cafe on Dade Street near Dudley Dough. The organization has been helping the homeless, the working poor, and others who face struggles since the mid 1960s.

The address for Dudley Dough is 2302 Washington Street, Roxbury, MA, 02119. The website for Haley House can be found at http://haleyhouse.org/

[December 20 update: A message sent from Haley House indicates that Dudley Dough is now 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]





Atlantic Beer Garden in Boston's Seaport District Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A restaurant and sports bar on the Boston waterfront has shut down after being in business for approximately nine years.

According to a source, Atlantic Beer Garden in the city's Seaport District is no longer in operation, with a check on its Facebook page indicating that it closed its doors a couple of weeks ago. The dining and drinking spot first opened in the fall of 2008, taking over the space where Eastern Pier II had once been.

A couple of years ago, we reported that the building housing Atlantic Beer Garden and the adjacent Whiskey Priest could possibly be torn down to make way for a residential tower. It appears that this is indeed happening, as a page on the bldup.com site shows that the project has received approval and it could break ground sometime this fall. (It is not yet known if/when Whiskey Priest might close.)

The address for the now-closed Atlantic Beer Garden was 146 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02210.

[Earlier Article]
Residential Tower Proposed at Site of Atlantic Beer Garden and The Whiskey Priest in Boston's Seaport District

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]





New Restaurant May Open in Former Shalimar of India Space in Cambridge's Central Square

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a brand new dining spot could be on its way to Cambridge--and the people behind it may have a connection to at least one restaurant in the Chinatown section of Boston.

According to a Cambridge License Agenda page, an as-of-yet unnamed restaurant is planning to open in Central Square, taking over the space on Mass. Ave. where Shalimar of India had been until closing early last year. The hearing notice mentions that W and L Restaurant Group, Inc. is the parent company of the planned eatery while the proposed manager is Shu Jiao Chen; a page on the Bizapedia site leads to information showing that Chen is involved with Irashai Sushi and Teriyaki on Kneeland Street in Chinatown and possibly Five Spices House on Beach Street as well, though the parent company mentioned in Bizapedia is Five Spices Buffet, which may or may not be connected to Five Spices House. (As soon as we get more information on a possible connection, we will post an update here.)

Shalimar of India, which had been in business for more than 25 years, was known in part for its daily lunch buffet.

The address for this proposed restaurant in Central Square is 546 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Plans for Cambridge Crossing (Formerly NorthPoint) Include Open-Air Plaza with Restaurants

by Marc Hurwitz

A complex that is located where Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville meet has gotten a new name as major development at the site is beginning to take place--and the project will apparently include multiple restaurants.

The Boston Globe is reporting that NorthPoint has undergone a name change and is now called Cambridge Crossing, with the 45-acre development slated to gain five new office buildings and approximately 2,400 apartments and condos, while also including an open-air plaza with dining spots being situated around it. The article mentions that developer Divco sees the project as an alternative to nearby Kendall Square in Cambridge, and as is the case with that area, life science and tech companies are expected to be front and center within the development.

No names of restaurants have been given as of yet--nor have any other businesses been mentioned--but the Globe does say that Divco is currently in talks with potential tenants.

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]

Fastachi to Open in Wellesley

by Marc Hurwitz

A pair of shops featuring a variety of roasted nuts will soon be joined by a third location.

A message sent by Leah Klein of Leah's Life: Pearls and Oysters indicates that Fastachi is opening in Wellesley, with a sign out front showing that it is indeed on its way to Church Street. An earlier article from The Swellesley Report had mentioned that the shop would be coming to Wellesley, and that post shows a similar photo with signs out front and the windows papered over. It appears that the new location of Fastachi will open sometime this fall, though no specific opening date has been given.

Based on its other locations in Watertown and Boston's Beacon Hill, expect the new location of Fastachi to offer roasted nuts, handmade chocolates, nut butters, raw nuts, and more.

The address for this upcoming nut shop in Wellesley is: Fastachi, 24 Church Street, Wellesley, MA, 02482. Its website can be found at http://www.fastachi.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]





Sunday, October 22, 2017

Globe Bar & Cafe Moving to Former Rattlesnake Bar & Grill Space in Boston's Back Bay

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a restaurant and bar in the Back Bay of Boston is moving to an iconic space nearby.

According to a message sent by a source on Twitter, Globe Bar & Cafe on Boylston Street is moving to the former Rattlesnake Bar & Grill space on the same street, with a photo sent indicating that "opening soon" signs are shown in the windows of the Rattlesnake space. This move jibes with a message sent by another source a couple of weeks back, though at the time, it could not confirmed by any other sources and the news had not been made public. A message has been sent to Globe Bar & Cafe and we are currently waiting to get more information on the move.

Globe Bar & Cafe, which first opened approximately 12 year ago, is a casual dining and drinking spot that features a mix of New American and classic American fare along with sandwiches, pub grub, and brunch items; the Rattlesnake Bar & Grill, which was also known as Poe's Kitchen at the Rattlesnake, had been a popular hangout for more than a quarter century until closing last November, with the food options becoming more inventive and eclectic once chef Brian Poe took charge of the menu.

The address for Globe Bar & Cafe is 565 Boylston Street, while its new address will be 384 Boylston Street. Its website can be found at http://www.globebarandcafe.com/

[October 25 update: A message sent from Globe Bar & Cafe indicates that it plans to open in the former Rattlesnake space in mid-December.]

[January 16, 2018 update: Eater Boston says that Globe Bar & Cafe is now open in the former Rattlesnake space.]

[Earlier Article]
Rattlesnake Bar & Grill in Boston's Back Bay Has Closed

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





Friday, October 20, 2017

Oisa Ramen Slurp & Go and Tiki Rock Bar Opening Where The Place Had Been in Downtown Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

A ramen place and a cocktail bar are sharing a space in downtown Boston where a nightclub had once been.

Boston Magazine is reporting that Oisa Ramen Slurp & Go and Tiki Rock Bar are both opening on Broad Street, taking over the space where The Place was until it shut down a couple of years ago.The post says that the 12-seat ramen spot will be run by Moe Kuroki, who is behind a popup with the Oisa Ramen name, while Christopher Straub, who has worked in a variety of jobs at the Hyatt hotels, is behind the Tiki Rock Bar, a spot that will feature craft cocktails along with pan-Asian street food, sushi, and more. If all goes as planned, Oisa Ramen Slurp & Go could be opening in November. (It is not yet known when Tiki Rock Bar might open.)

Early last year, it appeared that a place called Sushi Rock might take over the space where The Place had been, though that apparently fell through.

The address for Oisa Ramen Slurp & Go and Tiki Rock Bar is 2 Broad Street, Boston, MA, 02109.

[December 12 update: Eater Boston mentions that Oisa Ramen Slurp & Go will initially be open for lunch only when it debuts, though evening options such as multi-course dinners with drink pairings or the hosting of pop-ups will be offered as well at some point.]

[December 28 update: The Improper Bostonian states that Oisa Ramen is slated to open sometime in January.]

[January 8, 2018 update: An update within the earlier Boston Magazine article says that Oisa Ramen Slurp & Go plans to open a week from today (Monday, January 15).]

[January 11, 2018 update: Eater Boston says that Tiki Rock Bar is now open and that it offers sushi, pu pu platters, ginger soy fried chicken, Polynesian-style cocktails, and more.]

[Earlier Article]
Sushi Rock to Open Where The Place Had Been in Downtown Boston

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





Mortadella Head Is Opening in Somerville's Davis Square

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a new Italian eatery is on its way to Somerville, and the team behind a group of burger spots is also behind this place.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Mortadella Head is planning to open in Davis Square, moving into the space on College Avenue where Deli-icious had been until closing in February of this year. The article says that the new place will be a quick-service spot that offers pizza and sandwiches, and that Chuck Sillari and his Boston Burger Company team are opening the place, with Chris Alberti (Peasant in Waitsfield, VT) running it.

Currently, locations of Boston Burger Company can be found in Davis Square, between Cambridge's Harvard Square and Central Square, and in Boston's Back Bay--and a new one is also being planned for a space between Central Square and Kendall Square in Cambridge. [Ed note -- a new location in Salem is now open.]

The address for the new Mortadella Head is 20 College Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02144.

[October 15, 2018 update: Eater Boston mentions that Mortadella Head is now open, and it features rectangular slices of pizza as well as thinner-crust pizza, chicken wings, sandwiches, and more.]

[Earlier Article]
Deli-icious in Somerville's Davis Square Is Closed

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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]





Crying Thaiger Is Opening in Malden

A new Thai restaurant is opening in Malden, moving into the space where a Chinese restaurant had been.

According to a couple of sources, Crying Thaiger is opening on Ferry Street in the former Great Chow space, with one of the sources saying that an event with the mayor will be taking place there around lunchtime today while its Facebook page indicates that a soft opening runs until October 26 and a grand opening comes October 27. One source says that this is the first Thai restaurant in the city, with the dining spot getting its name from a classic Thai dish with a dipping sauce so hot it made a tiger cry. Included on the menu will be this "Crying Tiger" dish that includes Thai-style grilled tender beef brisket with Jaew sauce, which is "spicy, savory, tangy, aromatic, pungent" and has flakes of dried chili and toasted rice, according to a Facebook post from the place.

The address for Crying Thaiger is 114 Ferry Street, Malden, MA, 02148. Its website will be at https://www.cryingthaigerma.com/

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





Thursday, October 19, 2017

The Quiet Few Is Opening in East Boston

It looks like a new restaurant and bar is on its way to East Boston, and it would take over the space where another dining spot had been until closing for the winter a few year ago--and apparently never reopening.

According to a license board hearing page within the city of Boston website, The Quiet Few is planning to open in the Jeffries Point section of the neighborhood, with the Sumner Street address indicating that it would move into the former East Boston Kitchen space. Very little is known about the proposed eatery other than the fact that it would have a main dining room and a bar area (it is currently seeking a liquor license), while a Facebook post from East Boston Oysters indicates that it would be a "casual dining/ bar." [Ed note: The update below mentions that The Quiet Few would be a spot featuring comfort food and pub fare including such items as wings, burgers, and sandwiches.]

East Boston Kitchen shut down in late 2014, saying at the time that "We are closing for the winter to reassess." The place first opened its doors in June of 2013.

The address for The Quiet Few is 331 Sumner Street, East Boston, MA, 02128.

[November 16 update: The East Boston Times-Free Press states that the Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association voted against the proposed Quiet Few earlier this week, and it is not known what any future steps might be, as prospective owner Josh Weinstein had deferred a vote by the Boston Licensing Board until he received neighborhood approval. The article does say that it is possible Weinstein could make some changes to the plans in order to try to get the Jeffries Point Neighborhood Association to approve of the place, but it doesn't appear that any decision has been made yet. (Thanks to Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting for bringing this to our attention.)]

[March 22, 2019 update: The East Boston Times-Free Press states that The Quiet Few may finally open later this month.]

[April 9, 2019 update: Boston Magazine mentions that The Quiet Few is now open and that it focuses on comfort food while also offering an extensive variety of whiskeys; for now, it is only open for dinner, with weekend lunch service coming at some point.]

[Earlier Article]
East Boston Kitchen Is Closing for the Winter to "Reassess"

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]




White Rose Coffeehouse in Lynn Closes After Controversial Facebook Comments

A coffeehouse on the North Shore that opened last fall has shut down after controversial Facebook comments from the owner's daughter went viral.

According to an article from itemlive.com, White Rose Coffeehouse is no longer in operation after the owner decided to close the place on the heels of her daughter's post saying she would never host a "Coffee with a Cop" event at her family's shop--and the daughter also causing an uproar when she called police bullies and murderers of people of color, based on an earlier post from itemlive. The most recent article says that the owner apologized for what her daughter said and fired her from the place, and she invited police to the store but they did not come--and neither, apparently, did the usual morning crowd of customers--and the tipping point came Tuesday night when the owner found a television crew in her driveway when she came home.

White Rose Coffeehouse, which was located at 56 Central Square in the downtown section of Lynn, first opened in early November of 2016.

[October 30 update: A new article from itemlive.com indicates that the White Rose Coffeehouse space might not be empty for long, as the building owner says that potential tenants looking at the storefront include those who might open a Vietnamese restaurant, a restaurant offering American cuisine, a pub, a coffee shop, a health food store, or a catering house, though no business names have been given for any of these proposed spots. If all goes as planned, a new business could be in the space by Christmas.]

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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]





Wednesday, October 18, 2017

Dig Inn Opens at the Prudential Center

A New York City-based group of "farm-to-counter" dining spots has opened an outlet at the Prudential Center in Boston.

According to a press release, Dig Inn is now open at the Pru, joining others on Washington Street in Downtown Crossing and Boylston Street across from Copley Square. The release also mentions that 50% of today's sales will go to Jose Andres' World Central Kitchen and #ChefsForPuertoRico, which provides food for those affected by Hurricane Maria.

Dig Inn, which first started out in 2011, offers locally-sourced healthy food options including "market bowls" that have a grain or salad base with items such as steak or chicken.

The address for this new restaurant at the Pru is: Dig Inn, 800 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02199. The website for Dig Inn is at https://www.diginn.com/

[Earlier Article]
Dig Inn to Open New Locations in Boston's Downtown Crossing, Prudential Center

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]