Sunday, May 31, 2009

Hot Dog Safari Today (May 31, 2009) at Suffolk Downs

The 20th annual Hot Dog Safari is being held today from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM at Suffolk Downs in East Boston. The safari, which is a Phantom Gourmet event, benefits Cystic Fibrosis and The Joey Fund, and will include hot dogs from a variety of vendors, including Fenway Franks and the Sausage Guy.

Tickets will cost $15 at the door, with children ages 6 and under getting in for free. For more information, please go to the link below:

http://www.phantomgourmet.com/

Friday, May 29, 2009

Latest Review: Rawley's Drive-In, Fairfield, CT

photo of Rawley's Drive-In, Fairfield, CTThe latest review on the Boston's Hidden Restaurants Web site is for a roadside snack shack in Fairfield, Connecticut, called Rawley's Drive-In. Located just west of the center of this beautiful Southwest Connecticut town, Rawley's resides in a rather nondescript building that looks more like a house than a restaurant. The inside consists of a counter, a few stools, and a side room with a handful of tables. Specialties at Rawley's include deep-fried hot dogs (also known as rippers), griddled hamburgers, and thick milkshakes. To read more about Rawley's Drive-In in Fairfield, CT, please click on the link above.

Tavern in the Square Opens a New Location in Salem

Salem is now home to a new restaurant and bar, with this one having a name that many will recognize. According to a related article in the Salem News, Tavern in the Square opened on Washington Street in the center of this North Shore city this week, joining its sister restaurants in Porter Square and Central Square (both in Cambridge).

Like its other two spots, Tavern in the Square in Salem looks to be a casual restaurant and bar that will serve reasonably-priced American dishes and pub food, and will most likely have an extensive beer list.

The address for the new Tavern in the Square is: Tavern in the Square, 189 Washington Street, Salem, MA, 01970.

Update: Sam's Bistro Opening in Reading

It looks like Stearns and Hill's Bistro, an upscale restaurant and bar located in the center of Melrose, will be opening a new restaurant in nearby Reading. According to the owner of the restaurant (who was interviewed on Fox 25 News this morning), the restaurant will open where the now-closed Wayside Bazaar resided on Main Street (between Route 128 and Reading Center).

A specific opening date is not known at this time, nor is the exact name of this new restaurant. As more details come in, we will post an update on this site.

[December 23 update: According to Wicked Local/The Reading Advocate, The Boston Globe, and a poster on Chowhound, the restaurant will be called Sam's Bistro. The Globe article states that Sam's will have a capacity of 150 and a full bar, and should be open by the spring of 2010.]

[July 14, 2010 update: According to a poster on Chowhound, Sam's Bistro is now open. The address for this new restaurant in Reading is: Sam's Bistro, 107 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867. The website can be found at http://www.samsbistro.com/]

Tweet This!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Pasha Opens in Arlington

photo of Pasha, Arlington, MAArlington is now home to a new Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant. Pasha opened this week in the spot on Massachusetts Avenue that was formerly home to Tsunami, a Japanese restaurant that closed earlier this spring. It is a full-service dining spot with a handful of tables in its small but attractive dining area. The menu at Pasha is extensive, with dishes such as red lentil soup, hummus, roasted eggplant, falafel, beef and lamb kebabs, grilled lamb chops, musakka, rolled anchovies, and cindered beef. Prices for appetizers are all under $10, while entrees are all under $20.

The address for this new restaurant just outside of Arlington Center is: Pasha Turkish Mediterranean Cuisine, 669A Mass. Avenue, Arlington, MA 02476. The phone number is (781) 648-5888. And the Web site is:
http://www.pashaturkish.com

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Great Bay Closing in Kenmore Square

A difficult week within the Boston restaurant scene continues, as it was just announced that Great Bay, an upscale seafood restaurant within the Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square, will close its doors for good later this week. According to the Boston Globe, this popular Christopher Myers and Michael Schlow venture will be shutting down on Saturday (May 30) after about six years in business.

Great Bay received many awards over the years, including Best New Restaurant in America by Esquire Magazine in 2003 according to http://www.bostonchefs.com, and Best Seafood Restaurant by Boston Magazine in 2004 according to the Hotel Commonwealth Web site.

The two other spots in the Hotel Commonwealth--Eastern Standard and the Foundation Lounge--will remain open.

Thanks to both michela and iloveporkbelly from the Chowhound site for bringing the closing of Great Bay to our attention.

For more information on the closing of Great Bay in Boston, please go to the Boston Globe link below.

Great Bay restaurant shutting its doors

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

The Upper Crust Pizzeria Opens a New Location near Fenway Park

Today marks the opening of another Upper Crust Pizzeria, this one being a potentially popular place among Red Sox fans, as it is located around the corner from Fenway Park. The new Upper Crust opens today at 1330 Boylston Street (between Yawkey Way and Kilmarnock Street). The phone number for the Fenway location is (617) 266-9210.

The Upper Crust Pizzeria, which started in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston in 2001, currently has fourteen locations in Massachusetts, including five in Boston and one each in Brookline, Cambridge, Hingham, Lexington, Newburyport, Plymouth, Salem, Waltham, and Watertown.

Five Guys Burgers Coming to Swampscott, Randolph

Five Guys Burgers, a rapidly growing national chain of hamburger joints, is opening two more stores in the Boston area. The first one will be located at 980 Paradise Road in Swampscott (Route 1A in the Vinnin Square area), and should be open sometime in June. The second one will be located a 7 Warren Street in Randolph (intersection of Route 139 west and Route 28), with the specific date for opening unknown at this time.

Five Guys Burgers presently has three locations in the Boston area, including Dedham, Foxborough, and Marlborough. There is also one opening soon in Nashua, NH.

Chilmark Tavern Is Open

The Chilmark Tavern, a new restaurant on Martha's Vineyard, is now open. The restaurant, which is located on the quieter western end of the Vineyard, opened its doors over the weekend and will now be open daily for dinner.

As mentioned in an earlier post, Paul O'Connell, who is the the chef and owner of Chez Henri in Cambridge, is running the Chilmark Tavern. The menu features mostly regional dishes, and is BYOB.

The address for the Chilmark Tavern is 9 State Road in the town of Chilmark. The phone number is (508) 645-9400. The restaurant does have a Facebook page for those who would like any updates:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chilmark-MA/Chilmark-Tavern/73720929118

The Boxwood Grill opens in Methuen

A new restaurant called the Boxwood Grill has opened within the clubhouse of the Merrimack Valley Golf Club in Methuen, MA. Located within a semi-private golf course on Howe Street near the New Hampshire line, the restaurant is open to the public for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

The Boxwood Grill features an outdoor deck overlooking the course, and has a menu that includes mostly American dishes such as burgers, steaks, and seafood, according to the golf course's Web site. A variety of wines will also be offered.

The address for this new restaurant in Methuen is: The Boxwood Grill, 210 Howe Street, Methuen, MA, 01844. The phone number is (978) 683-7771.

Aujourd'hui to Close in June

Aujourd'hui, a high-end Boston restaurant considered by many to be one of the top dining spots in the city, is closing its doors in June. According to the Boston Globe, the restaurant, which is located within the Four Seasons Hotel across from Boston's Public Garden, will remain open until June 27, with the space being used for functions beginning in July. It appears that at least part of the reason for the closing of Aujourd'hui is because of the fact that diners seem to be looking for more casual options in upscale dining.

The Globe indicates that the Bristol Lounge will remain open within the Four Seasons Hotel.

The address for the soon-to-be-closing Aujourd'hui, as well as the Bristol Lounge and the Four Seasons Hotel, is 200 Boylston Street (Park Plaza area) in Boston. The phone number is (617) 351-2037.

For more information on the closing of Aujourd'hui in Boston, please go to the Boston Globe link below:

Au revoir, Aujourd'hui

Friday, May 22, 2009

J's Tomodachi Sushi Opens in the Back Bay

A new Japanese restaurant has opened in the western end of the Back Bay in Boston. J's Tomodachi Sushi, which is located on Massachusetts Avenue just north of Symphony Hall (near Clearway Street), is a small dining spot with a handful of tables inside, as well as a sushi bar. Because of its size and its location in an area populated by college students, J's Tomodachi Sushi looks to be a place that will probably do a good amount of takeout business.

The address for this new Japanese restaurant and sushi bar in the Back Bay of Boston is: J's Tomodachi Sushi, 201 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115. The phone number is (617) 236-1464.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Latest Review: Bella Luna, Jamaica Plain

photo of Bella Luna, Jamaica Plain, MAThe latest review on the Boston's Hidden Restaurants Web site is for Bella Luna, an Italian restaurant in Jamaica Plain that recently moved from Centre Street to the Brewery Complex on Amory Street. Located in an historic building just outside of Egleston Square, Bella Luna shares its funky, quirky-looking spot with the Milky Way Lounge, which also moved from Centre Street. The menu at Bella Luna features a variety of Italian dishes, including gourmet pizza, chicken marsala, and pasta with meatballs. To read more about Bella Luna in Jamaica Plain, please click on the link above.

Year-Around Sidewalk Dining in Boston Approved

On Wednesday, the Boston City Council approved year-around sidewalk dining for restaurants within the city, allowing dining spots to be able to decide when they can open their outdoor patio areas. According to the Boston Globe, the vote was unanimous, though restaurant owners will still have to get city permits that allow for outdoor dining. Until now, restaurants could only have sidewalk dining between the months of May and September, according to the Globe.

For more on the approval of year-around sidewalk dining, please go to the Boston Globe link below:

City Council OK's sidewalk dining year-round

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Crafts Street Cafe: A New Deli/Cafe in Newtonville

A new deli and cafe has come to the Newtonville section of Newton. The Crafts Street Cafe recently opened in a out-of-the-way spot about midway between Route 16 and Washington Street, a few blocks northeast of the center of Newtonville. The cafe looks to be mainly a place to get sandwiches and quick meals.

The address for this new deli and cafe in Newtonville is: Crafts Street Cafe, 67 Crafts Street, Newton, MA, 02458. The phone number is 617-558-1110.

Thanks to one of our emailers (Janet) for mentioning this new dining spot to us. If you know of any other recent restaurant openings or closings, please contact us at the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site.

Rowes Wharf Sea Grille Opens on the Waterfront

photo of Rowes Wharf Sea Grille, Boston, MAA new restaurant has opened up in the Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf on the Waterfront. The Rowes Wharf Sea Grille replaces Intrigue, an upscale restaurant that closed around the beginning of 2009. This new restaurant is similarly upscale, catering to both the business crowd from the nearby Financial District as well as the residents and workers along the Waterfront. The Rowes Wharf Sea Grille has a classy, elegant look, with white tablecloths, nautical touches throughout the room, and large windows facing Boston Harbor. On warmer days, there is an outdoor patio situated along the Harborwalk and the water. The menu features mostly New American and Continental cuisine, including grilled monkfish osso bucco, lamb sirloin, filet mignon, grilled swordfish, halibut, scallops, and gnocchi. Prices for appetizers tend to be between $8 and $15, while entrees are mainly between $20 and $35.

The address for this new restaurant within the Boston Harbor Hotel is: Rowes Wharf Sea Grille, 70 Rowes Wharf, Boston, MA 02110. The phone number is 617-856-7744.

Thanks to the food writer and critic MC Slim JB for pointing out that this restaurant has indeed opened.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Tsunami Closes in Arlington; Pasha to Open

Tsunami Japanese Cuisine, a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar on Mass. Ave. in Arlington Center, has closed its doors after only about six months in business.

A new Turkish and Mediterranean restaurant called Pasha will be moving into the spot vacated by Tsunami. There is a grand opening sign above the door for Pasha, but the restaurant does not look like it is quite ready to open yet.

The address for Pasha will be: Pasha Turkish Mediterranean Cuisine, 669A Mass. Avenue, Arlington, MA 02476.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Review: Jimmy's Steer House, Arlington

Some restaurants get a bum rap because they lack the flashiness and trendiness that many consider a must when choosing where to eat. And while Jimmy's Steer House in Arlington is often overlooked for this very reason, it remains an incredibly popular place, doing more business in one week than many restaurants do in a month (or more).

I used to go to Jimmy's Steer House quite often growing up, but hadn't been back to this spot in years. This weekend marked a trip back there, however, as a large group of us decided to have a late lunch (or perhaps an early dinner?) there. And unsurprisingly, the place hasn't changed much at all. Yes, they now have a bar area, and sure, some modern touches have been added. But Jimmy's Steer House remains a comfortable old restaurant favored by retirees and families, as well as couples looking for a quiet and reasonably priced place for a meal.

Jimmy's is separated into three areas, with the section on the left including a bar as well as a few booths. In the back is a fairly small room with a handful of booths and tables. The main area is all booths, including some that can fit big groups. Carpeting, vinyl seats, and wooden tables are found throughout, as well as lighting that is warm and not too harsh.

We started out with appetizers (chicken fingers, potato skins, mozzarella sticks) and basic salads that were heavy on the iceberg lettuce. The main entrees soon came out, including a marvelous 12-ounce steak teriyaki that had very little waste and was a steal at about $15.00. Other dishes were similarly good, including the flavorful stuffed chicken messina (chicken stuffed with sun-dried tomatoes, Italian cheeses, and baby spinach), the tender and lean steak tips, and the hearty lobster pie. A few of us somehow had room for dessert, with the rich and delicious brownie sundae standing out. Service was about as good as you will find anywhere, as our waitress was on the ball from start to finish, and the total price was more than reasonable.

I have to say that Jimmy's Steer House impressed me more than Frank's in North Cambridge, another old-school steakhouse that I enjoy going to every now and then. The dishes seemed a little better overall, and the prices really were quite good. It may not match up to the high-end steakhouses in downtown Boston, but there is definitely a reason why Jimmy's has lines out the door day after day.

The address for Jimmy's Steer House is 1111 Massachusetts Avenue in Arlington. The phone number is (781) 646-4450.


Jimmy's Steer House on Urbanspoon

Friendly Toast Opens in Kendall Square, Cambridge

photo of The Friendly Toast, Cambridge, MAA new (and highly-anticipated) restaurant opened this weekend in the Kendall Square section of Cambridge. The Friendly Toast, an offbeat Portsmouth, NH, dining spot featuring breakfast from early morning until late at night, has opened a second location in One Kendall Square, a complex off of Hampshire Street in Cambridge that includes several restaurants and bars. The restaurant is fairly spacious, with counter seating to the left and a main dining area straight ahead and toward the back. A sitting/waiting area with couches is off to the right. In addition to breakfast, The Friendly Toast will also offer lunch and dinner items, including a variety of appetizers and sandwiches (including veggie burgers).

Once the restaurants gets fully going (probably in about a week), the hours will be 7:00 AM to midnight on weekdays, and 7:00 AM to 1:00 AM on weekends, with the kitchen staying open until about 10:00, according to one of the workers at the restaurant. There had been some talk about the new location in Cambridge being open 24 hours on weekends, but a phone call placed to the restaurant indicated that this will not be the case.

The address for this new restaurant in Kendall Square is: The Friendly Toast, One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139. The phone number is (617) 621-1200.

Friday, May 15, 2009

Tell Us About Your Favorite Restaurant in Boston (or Elsewhere)

The Boston's Hidden Restaurants site includes a number of features in addition to reviews on little-known dining spots. One of these special sections allows our readers to post reviews of their favorite restaurants in Boston or another spot in New England (or even dining places outside of the area). We have had a large number of postings over the past few years, including some restaurants that we have gone on to feature ourselves.

If you would like to join others in posting your favorite restaurant in Boston, New England, or elsewhere, please go to the Viewers' Favorite Restaurants section and feel free to tell us about the place. Thanks!

Thursday, May 14, 2009

Avenue Grille in Dorchester Becomes Avenue Grille and Pizzera

The Avenue Grille, a cozy neighborhood restaurant in Dorchester that featured an eclectic menu of mostly comfort food items, is in the process of changing into a new place called the Avenue Grille and Pizzeria. The new spot looks to be more of a takeout sub shop/pizza place, with the menu featuring items such as paninis, subs, roll-ups, calzones, pizza, burgers, nachos, and quesadillas.

The Avenue Grille and Pizzeria will be open for lunch and dinner six days a week (they will be closed Tuesdays). The address is: Avenue Grille and Pizzeria, 856 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02125. The phone number is (617) 288-8000.

Teranga Restaurant Opens in the South End

Boston has its first Senegalese restaurant in Teranga, a South End dining spot that just opened on Washington Street. Teranga is a small but cozy and attractive place near the corner of Washington and Mass. Ave., on the outer edge of the South End. The menu features an eclectic mix of West African dishes such as lamb chops, grilled tilapia, fish balls, grilled chicken with vermicelli, herb-stuffed whitefish, lamb stew, and accra (black-eyed pea fritters). Teranga is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

The address for this new Senegalese dining spot in the South End of Boston is: Teranga Restaurant, 1746 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118. The phone number is (617) 266-0003.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Boston Brickhouse in Roslindale Appears to Be Closed

The Boston Brickhouse, a restaurant in Roslindale featuring mostly American dishes and comfort food, is apparently out of business. The phone number for this Belgrade Avenue dining spot is no longer in service, an email sent to them has not been replied to, and a check on the space last weekend showed that the windows were papered over. (The Boston Brickhouse Web site is still up, however.)

If anyone can confirm the status of the Boston Brickhouse, please let us know and we will post an update. Thanks!

Latest Review: Betsy's Diner, Falmouth

photo of Betsy's Diner, Falmouth, MAThe latest review on the Boston's Hidden Restaurants Web site is for a classic fifties-style diner in Falmouth, MA, called Betsy's Diner. Located on Main Street (Route 28) just west of the center of town, this Cape Cod diner is a local favorite that features big breakfasts and lunches at reasonable prices. The diner has a front section with counter seating, as well as a dining area to the left with a jukebox and plenty of tables. To read more about Betsy's Diner in Falmouth, please click on the link above.

Jack and the Bean Bowl Opens Today

A food cart called Jack and the Bean Bowl is opens for business in the Back Bay today. Jack and the Bean Bowl, which features bean and rice vegetarian bowls, will be setting up its cart in the heart of Copley Square on Boylston Street. In addition to black beans and brown rice, the bowls at this food cart will include a mix of avocado, cheese, cilantro, sour cream, and salsa, all topped with one of two sauce options.

Jack and the Bean Bowl has a Web site at http://jackandthebeanbowl.blogspot.com/ if you would like more information.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Gospel Brunch Returning to the House of Blues

The much-beloved Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues is beginning once again. Starting this Sunday (May 17, 2009), the new House of Blues on Lansdowne Street in Boston will be starting up the tradition that had been so popular at the now-closed location in Harvard Square, Cambridge.

The Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues features live music from both local and national artists, as well as a Southern-style buffet. Tickets for the brunch are $45 for adults, $38 for senior citizens, and $25 for children between 4 and 10 years old. Children under age 4 get in for free.

For more information on the Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues in Boston, please go to the link below:

House of Blues Boston World Famous Gospel Brunch

The address for the House of Blues is: House of Blues, 15 Lansdowne Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The phone number is (888) 693-2583.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Pazzo Opens in the Back Bay

photo of Pazzo, Boston, MANewbury Street in the Back Bay is home to a new Italian restaurant, and it is located in a spot where another Italian restaurant used to be before closing several months ago. Pazzo has just opened its doors in the place between Fairfield Street and Gloucester Street where Croma used to reside. And while Pazzo does look like it will also be an Italian dining spot, a poster on Yelp indicates that it may be featuring more of a mix of Italian and Mediterranean dishes. For those who would like the address for Pazzo, here it is: Pazzo, 269 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116. And the phone number is (617) 267-2996. (Thanks to Zev below for the number.)

Friday, May 08, 2009

Not Your Average Joe's in Lexington to Close

Not Your Average Joe's, a local chain of family-friendly casual restaurants, is about to close one of its locations. According to articles in Wicked Local and the Boston Herald, the Lexington location of Not Your Average Joe's is going to be closing sometime soon (possibly around late June or early July), with a new moderately-priced casual restaurant called Nourish opening in its place on Mass. Ave. in the center of town.

Not Your Average Joe's has been in existence since 1994 and currently has about 15 locations scattered throughout Massachusetts, as well as one in Virginia.

To get more information on the closing of Not Your Average Joe's in Lexington, please go to the Wicked Local and Boston Herald links below:

Wicked Local

Boston Herald

Eat at Jumbo's Opens in Somerville

A new casual dining spot has opened in the Ball Square neighborhood of Somerville. Eat at Jumbo's is located on Broadway in the heart of the square where the Urban Gourmet used to be. The restaurant features a variety of low-priced items such as sandwiches (including wraps and paninis), pizza, chicken wings, burgers, macaroni and cheese, and gravy fries.

Eat at Jumbo's is open from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM seven days a week and has free wifi for diners.

The address for this new restaurant in Ball Square is: Eat at Jumbo's, 688 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144. The phone number is (617) 666-0000.

Thanks to one of the posters on Chowhound (itaunas) for letting us know that Eat at Jumbo's is now open.

Latest Review: Jeveli's Restaurant, East Boston

photo of Jeveli's Restaurant, East Boston, MAThe latest review on the Boston's Hidden Restaurants Web site is for Jeveli's Restaurant, a neighborhood Italian restaurant in East Boston. Located on Chelsea Street in the heart of Day Square, Jeveli's is the oldest Italian restaurant in Boston, and is a spacious, comfortable spot that is a favorite among East Boston locals. Dishes include traditional Southern Italian entrees such as lasagna, manicotti, and veal parmigiana. To read more about Jeveli's Restaurant in East Boston, please click on the link above.

Thursday, May 07, 2009

40 Carrots Opens in Bloomingdale's at the Mall at Chestnut Hill

A new Chestnut Hill restaurant has brought the concept of dining within department stores back to the Boston area. Forty Carrots, a restaurant within Bloomingdale's in the Mall at Chestnut Hill, opened a little while ago, allowing shoppers at this mall on Route 9 to dine without having to leave this upscale division of Macy's.

The menu at Forty Carrots features mostly cafe-style food, such as soups, salads, sandwiches, coffee, tea, and desserts. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.

Another Forty Carrots can be found at the Bloomingdale's on 59th Street in Midtown Manhattan.

The address for Forty Carrots (and Bloomingdale's) is: Forty Carrots, 225 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467. The phone number is (617) 630-6640.

Sip Cafe Opens in Post Office Square

The Financial District of Boston is home to a new cafe, and its location is perfect for the warmer days that are just ahead. Sip Cafe is located within the park at Post Office Square, in a little glass hut that had been home to Z Square, and before that, the Milk Street Cafe.

Much of the menu at Sip Cafe centers around sandwiches, pastries, tea, and coffee, making it a potentially popular lunch spot for folks who work in the Financial District. An added benefit is the park itself, which will be perfect for takeout lunches from Sip Cafe on warmer days.

The address for Sip Cafe is: Sip Cafe, Zero Post Office Square, Boston, MA 02109. The phone number is (617) 338-3080. And their Web site is http://www.sipboston.com/

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Pho Yan in Medford Closes; Wonder Taste Opens In Its Place

As many diners in the Medford area know, Pho Yan, a Vietnamese restaurant in Medford Square that also featured Chinese cuisine, closed down recently. The space had been empty for awhile, but a new Chinese restaurant called Wonder Taste moved in a few days ago. According to posters on both Yelp and Chowhound, the menu at Wonder Taste concentrates mostly on Cantonese-style dishes.

The address for this new restaurant in Medford Square is: Wonder Taste, 38 Salem Street, Medford, MA 02155. The phone number is (781) 391-1100.

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Chilmark Tavern to Open on Martha's Vineyard

A new restaurant is coming to Martha's Vineyard later this month, and the person opening the dining spot is a familiar name within the Boston restaurant scene. According to an email from Chris Lyons Communications, the chef and owner of Chez Henri in Cambridge--Paul O'Connell--plans to open Chilmark Tavern in the little town of Chilmark on the west side of Martha's Vineyard. The restaurant will feature a regional menu with locally-grown foods used. Because Chilmark is a dry town, the dining spot will be BYOB.

The address for this new restaurant will be: Chilmark Tavern, 9 State Road, Chilmark, MA 02535.

The Blackstone Tavern in Cohasset Is Now Open

Cohasset is now home to a new restaurant called the Blackstone Tavern. Located on Route 3A in the spot that Pacini's Italian Eatery used to occupy, the Blackstone Tavern looks to be a reasonably-priced place with an upscale feel, according to one of our posters.

If anyone else has been to the Blackstone Tavern, please feel free to post comments here, as we'd like to hear more about what this new restaurant is like.

The address for the Blackstone Tavern is: Blackstone Tavern, 156 King Street (Route 3A, Cohasset, MA 02025.

Monday, May 04, 2009

Sidney and Hampton in Rowley Closes

Sidney and Hampton, an upscale restaurant on Route 133 in Rowley, has closed its doors.

A mostly little-known dining spot located between Routes 1 and 1A in this small North Shore town, Sidney and Hampton featured creative American cuisine in a classy and elegant setting.

According to a message on the restaurant's voicemail, gift certificates to Sidney and Hampton will be honored at the Sylvan Street Grille in Salisbury or Peabody, which have the same ownership as Sidney and Hampton.

Thanks to one of our emailers (J. Marie) for letting us know about the closing of Sidney and Hampton in Rowley. If you know of any other changes to the Boston-area restaurant scene, feel free to contact us through the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site.

South End Pita Opens on Albany Street

A new Mediterranean restaurant has opened in the South End of Boston. South End Pita, which features North African and Middle Eastern cuisine in a casual environment, resides in the spot where the Albany Sandwich Shop used to be, at the corner of Albany Street and Union Park Street, just west of the Southeast Expressway.

Based on an old article in the Boston Herald, it appears that South End Pita will be serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with all the dishes being homemade.

The address for this new restaurant is: South End Pita, 473 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118. The phone number is (617) 556-2600.

Thanks to one of our emailers (Matthew) for letting us know about the opening of South End Pita.

Friday, May 01, 2009

Stone Soup Cafe Moves to New Location in Ipswich

The Stone Soup Cafe, a popular dining spot in Ipswich, has moved out of its Central Street location and into a new spot on High Street (Routes 1A and 133). The new space for the Stone Soup Cafe is less than a mile north of the old spot, heading out of the center of Ipswich on the road to Rowley. A restaurant called Marco Polo used to be in the space now occupied by the Stone Soup Cafe.

The address for Stone Soup's new location is: Stone Soup Cafe, 141 High Street, Ipswich, MA, 01938.

Thanks to one of our emailers (Matthew) for pointing this change out to us. If you know of any changes to the Boston-area restaurant scene, please contact us via the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site.