Thursday, September 30, 2010

Boston Local Food Festival Coming October 2, 2010

The Fort Point District of Boston is going to be the site of a food event this weekend, and it will focus on foods sourced from the New England region.

According to the event's website, the Boston Local Food Festival is going to be held on Saturday, October 2 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Congress Street Bridge and outside of the Boston Children's Museum. The event will feature freshly harvested seafood and produce, food items that have been created using locally grown ingredients, tastings of regional craft beers and handcrafted wines, as well as workshops, demonstrations, competitions, music, children's activities, and more.

The event organizers ask that patrons bring water bottles, reusable shopping bags, and garden items to donate. When the festival is over, local foods will be given to families in need via South Boston Grows and The Food Project.

Admission to the Boston Local Food Festival is free.

For more information on the Boston Local Food Festival, please go to the link below.

http://bostonlocalfoodfestival.com/

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Willy's Phillys in Maynard Is Open Once Again

A Maynard sub shop that closed its doors less than two months ago has reopened under new management.

According to the Eye on Maynard Facebook page, Willy's Phillys has reopened in the same location as before, on Main Street between Nason Street and the Acton Street/Summer Street intersection in the center of town. Two new owners have taken over the eatery, which is known for its Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks, as well as other subs and sandwiches including roast beef.

Willy's Philly's first opened a little more than two years ago.

The address for this reopened dining spot in Maynard is: Willy's Phillys, 45 Main Street, Maynard, MA, 01754.

Thanks to a poster on our Hiddenboston Twitter page for bringing this to our attention.

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The North Star Opens Near Boston's North Station

A new restaurant and bar has opened near North Station and the TD Garden, moving into the space where another dining spot and watering hole used to be.

According to the UrbanDaddy site, The North Star soft-opened last night on Friend Street (about a block south of Causeway Street), featuring comfort food, beer, and eventually, entertainment. The North Star takes over the spot where DJ's at the Garden used to be until closing this past summer. UrbanDaddy mentions that a few items on the menu at The North Star include mussels, lobster macaroni and cheese, burgers, and cheese fries.

The people behind The North Star are the same folks who run The Good Life, which is located on Kingston Street on the western edge of Boston's Financial District.

The address for this new restaurant and bar near North Station is: The North Star, 222 Friend Street, Boston, MA, 02114.

For more information on The North Star, please go to the UrbanDaddy link below.

Burgers and Gravy Fries Near the Garden

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Prime Roast Beef and Seafood Opening in Lexington

A new roast beef place is coming to Lexington, moving into the space where a coffee shop used to be.

According to Boston.com, Prime Roast Beef and Seafood is going to open on Marrett Road (Route 2A) in the Marrett Square section of town, about a mile south of Lexington Center. the restaurant is taking over the spot where Brewed Awakenings Cafe was located until closing early this summer. The article states that Prime Roast Beef and Seafood, which will have a capacity of about 35, will feature soups, salads, sandwiches (including roast beef), and seafood. A late October opening is expected. [November 19 update: Prime Roast Beef and Seafood is now open.]

Boston.com mentions that the owner of Prime Roast Beef and Seafood used to own Ken's New York Deli on Cambridge Street (Route 3A) in Burlington.

The address for this new dining spot in Lexington is: Prime Roast Beef and Seafood, 321 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA, 02421.

For more information on the opening of Prime Roast Beef and Seafood, please go to the Boston.com link below.

Roast beef restaurant will open soon in Lexington

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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

The Third Annual Chili Con-Carnival Cook-Off Comes to The Grog in Newburyport, October 2, 2010

A chili cook-off that includes live music and door prizes returns to Newburyport this weekend, and once again, it will be hosted by a restaurant and bar in the downtown area.

According to the restaurant's website, The Grog on Middle Street will be the site of the Chili Con-Carnival Cook-Off on Saturday, October 2, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM under a tent in their parking lot. A number of area dining spots will be participating, including The Grog, Abraham's Bagels & Pizza, David's Tavern, the Green Bean Deli, Michael's Harborside, Pat's Diner, The Port Tavern, The Riverside Cafe, Stella's of Middle Street, and The Thirsty Whale. Those who attend the cook-off will get to vote for their favorite chili, with the winners being announced at 3:00 PM.

The event at The Grog benefits three food pantries: The Pettengill House in Salisbury, Community Services of Newburyport, and Our Neighbor's Table in Amesbury.

Admission to the 2010 Chili Con-Carnival Cook-Off is $10 (children under 12 get in for free).

The Grog is located at 13 Middle Street, which is just east of State Street.

For more information on the Third Annual Chili Con-Carnival Cook-Off at the Grog, please go to the restaurant's website at http://www.thegrog.com/

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Today Is National Coffee Day (September 29, 2010)

Expect some specials going on at Boston-area coffee shops and cafes today, as today is National Coffee Day.

One place that is participating in National Coffee Day is the Dunkin' Donuts chain, which is launching a contest today (September 29, 2010) called "The Ultimate Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Fan Contest." Prizes include a five-day trip for two to Costa Rica, a trip for two to Boston (including a visit with the Dunkin' Donuts coffee excellence team at the Canton headquarters), and 60 months of free Dunkin' Donuts coffee. Information on the contest can be found here: For National Coffee Day, Dunkin' Donuts Brews Up Its Biggest Coffee Prize Ever for the 'Ultimate Dunkin' Donuts Coffee Fan Contest'

If you know of any special coffee-related events going on today (or if you are a restaurant owner and would like to tell us what you are doing for National Coffee Day), please feel free to post a comment here.

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Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Sea Dog Pub Opening in Woburn

A microbrewery that is based in Maine continues to expand into the Boston area, with a new restaurant and bar opening a short distance north of the city.

According to the Daily Times Chronicle, the Sea Dog Pub is going to be moving into the space in Woburn where Nickel's Grille had been until August of this year (T.G.I. Friday's had been in the Mishawum Road spot before Nickel's Grille). Once it opens, it will be the second Sea Dog Pub in the Boston area, as one opened at the Sunset Marina in Hull in June. Other locations of the Sea Dog Pub are in Bangor, Topsham, and South Portland, ME.

The Sea Dog Pub features classic American food as well as handcrafted ales made in Maine. Some of the menu items include chicken wings, chili, fried clams, crab-stuffed haddock, New York sirloin, pulled pork sliders, and burgers. A few of the Sea Dog beers include a wheat ale, a hazelnut porter, a pale ale, and a stout.

[November 15 update: According to the Boston Herald, the new Sea Dog Pub in Woburn is planning to open sometime in December.]

[December 15 update: A poster on our hiddenboston Twitter page mentioned that the Sea Dog Pub will be opening today. A check on the Sea Dog Pub's Facebook page for Woburn has indeed confirmed this--the new restaurant will be opening at 4:00 PM.]

The address for this new restaurant and bar is: Sea Dog Pub, 244 Mishawum Road, Woburn, MA, 01801. The website for Sea Dog Brewing Company is: http://www.seadogbrewing.com/

For more information on the opening of the Sea Dog Pub in Woburn, please go to the Daily Times Chronicle link below.

Sea Dog Brew Pub to take over site

Thanks to a poster on Chowhound for bringing this to our attention.

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Estelle's to Open in Boston's South End

[Ed note: This article was updated on June 19, 2012 to update a name change to the upcoming place. Thanks to Grub Street Boston for bringing this to our attention.]

A new restaurant and pub is coming to the South End of Boston, and the folks who are opening the place are familiar faces within the Boston restaurant scene.

According to the Chester Square Area Neighborhood Association website, Estelle's (not Poe's Chester Square Pub--see note above) is looking to open on Tremont Street just west of the Massachusetts Avenue intersection in the Chester Square section of the neighborhood. The people behind the new eatery include Gordon Wilcox, who owns the two Parish Cafe locations in Boston (the newer one is actually across the street from where Estelle's will be), Poe's Kitchen at the Rattlesnake, and Bukowski's Tavern in Boston and Cambridge; and Brian Poe, who is the Rattlesnake's chef.

Based on information within the article, it appears that the menu at Estelle's (which will have an approximate capacity of 70) will feature pub food with an international flair.

[August 22, 2011 update: According to Grub Street Boston, Estelle's is planning to open sometime this fall. Grub Street also confirms that the restaurant will focus on food items influenced by pubs from around the globe.]

[June 19, 2012 update: A new post from Grub Street Boston [see note at top of this article] indicates that Estelle's should be opening in the next three to four months.]

[November 30, 2012 update: Grub Street Boston reports that Estelle's plans to open tomorrow (Saturday, December 1).]

The address for this upcoming restaurant and bar in the South End will be: Estelle's, 782 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02118.

For more information on the planned opening of Estelle's, please go to the Chester Square Area Neighborhood Association link below.

Monthly Meeting of SEPTEMBER 1, 2010

Halfway Cafe in Marshfield Closing; PizZing's Pizza and Wings Opening in Its Space

A local family-friendly restaurant chain with several locations in the Greater Boston area is going to close one of its spots, and an eatery that features pizza and wings will be moving into its space.

An email sent to us by Callanan & Klein Communications confirms the fact that The Halfway Cafe in Marshfield will be closing, with Abington's PizZing's Pizza & Wings opening a second location in the spot, which is on Ocean Street (Route 139) in the center of town. The other locations for the Halfway Cafe, which are in Canton, Dedham, Holbrook, Marlborough, Maynard, and Watertown, remain open, as will the original PizZing's Pizza & Wings in Abington.

[February 24, 2011 update: According to one of our posters on the Hiddenboston Twitter page (and later confirmed by us), PizZing's Pizza is now open in the spot where the Halfway Cafe used to be in Marshfield.]

The address for the new PizZing's Pizza & Wings in Marshfield is: PizZing's Pizza & Wings, 1840 Ocean Street, Marshfield, MA, 02050. Their website can be found at: http://www.pizzingspizza.com/

The website for The Halfway Cafe is at: http://www.thehalfwaycafe.com/

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Naked Pizza Opening in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

It looks like a New Orleans-based pizza place that is getting ready to expand nationwide will be opening in Brookline, making this one of at least two locations coming to the Boston area.

According to The Brookline TAB/Wicked Local and Grub Street Boston, Naked Pizza is planning to open in Coolidge Corner, moving into the Beacon Street space where Quiznos sub shop used to be. It was recently announced that another Naked Pizza will be opening nearby, on Washington Street in Brighton Center, and one location had also been planned for Commonwealth Avenue at the Boston University campus, but that appears to have fallen through.

Naked Pizza, which has the financial backing of Robert Kraft of The Kraft Group of Boston, focuses on healthy pies that have no preservatives, trans fats, or added sugar. Three locations are open at the present time--in New Orleans, Miami Beach, and Louisville, KY--with more locations being awarded in various sections of the country.

[March 7, 2011, update: According to the Naked Pizza Facebook page, the new Brookline location opens today.]

The address for this new pizza place in Brookline is: Naked Pizza, 1331 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for the company is: http://nakedpizza.biz/

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McBride's Irish Pub to Open in Providence Funeral Home

A new Irish pub will be opening in Providence early next year, and its location may surprise you.

According to MyFoxBoston.com, a bar called McBride's is going to open in the Monahan Funeral Home at 230 Waterman Street in the Wayland Square section of the city. A garage that is attached to the funeral home will be converted into McBride's, which will serve both food and drink. The Fox 8 News website mentions that McBride's will have a capacity of about 55 to 60, and that it will be open until 11:00 PM on weekdays and 12:00 midnight on weekends. Both sites state that the pub should be open in March of 2011, in time for St. Patrick's Day.

Wayland Square is a mostly residential neighborhood on Providence's East Side, just east of College Hill and Brown University.

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Four Boston-Area Dining Spots Make OpenTable's 2010 List of Restaurants Most Fit for Foodies

A popular online reservations website has just released its 2010 Diners' Choice awards for 50 restaurants in the United States that are most "Fit for Foodies," and four Boston-area eateries are on the list.

According to MarketWatch, Bergamot in Somerville, Craigie on Main in Cambridge, Menton in Boston's Fort Point District, and O Ya in Boston's Leather District made the list of places with outstanding cuisine, which was the result of more than seven million reviews for more than 12,000 restaurants throughout the entire country. The only other dining spot in New England that made OpenTable's Fit for Foodies list is Primo in Rockland, ME.

For a complete list of the restaurants picked by OpenTable's diners, please go to the following MarketWatch link:

OpenTable Announces 2010 Diners' Choice Awards for Restaurants That Are Most Fit for Foodies

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Monday, September 27, 2010

The Lobster Shanty in Salem to Be Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Tonight

Tonight, the host of a popular Food Network show will be featuring a Boston-area restaurant and bar that focuses on American classics as well as seafood.

According to the show's website, Guy Fieri will air a segment on The Lobster Shanty in Salem on tonight's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives," a show that looks at unique restaurants around the United States. The show, which is on the Food Network from 10:00 PM to 10:30 PM, will apparently feature The Lobster Shanty's stout marinated steak tips, as its recipe is displayed on the "Triple D" site. Other restaurants on the show tonight include The Brick in Kansas City, MO, and Oohh's and Aahh's in Washington, DC.

The Lobster Shanty is a local watering hole on Front Street in downtown Salem that serves such dishes as macaroni and cheese, lobster pie, a pulled pork platter, grilled swordfish, fried clams, burgers, hot dogs, and crab cakes. The dining spot also has live music on some nights.

The address for The Lobster Shanty is: The Lobster Shanty, 25 Front Street, Salem, MA, 01970. The phone number is (978) 745-5449. And their website can be found at: http://www.lobstershantysalem.com/

For more on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives," please go to the link below:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/index.html

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Seoul Food in Cambridge Has Closed

It appears that a Korean restaurant located between Harvard Square and Porter Square in Cambridge has shut its doors, and a Japanese dining spot with two locations in the Boston area may be opening a third one in the now-vacated space.

According to posters on both Chowhound and Yelp, Seoul Food on Mass. Ave. has closed (calls placed to the restaurant by us have gone unanswered), and the Chowhound poster mentions that a sign out front indicates Super Fusion Cuisine will be opening soon in the spot. Seoul Food first opened in Cambridge about ten years ago, featuring traditional Korean dishes such as bibimbap, kimchi, and rice cakes.

The address for Seoul Food was: Seoul Food, 1759 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA,02140.

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Ecco Pizzeria Is Opening in Allston

A new pizza parlor is looking to open in the Allston neighborhood of Boston, and it will apparently be a "green" business.

According to the Allston/Brighton TAB and Wicked Local, Ecco Pizzeria is planning on opening on Commonwealth Avenue (between Harvard Avenue and the Brighton Avenue fork) and looks to feature pizza as well as salads and ice cream. The article mentions that Ecco Pizzeria will be an energy-efficient spot that focuses on recycling, and that the pizza will be organic. It appears that the new pizza spot will be open until 1:00 AM, according to the article.

Ecco Pizzeria will be moving into the space where Lee's 1 Market used to be.

[December 29, 2011 update: According to The Boston Globe, Ecco Pizzeria is now open.]

The address for this new pizza parlor in Allston is: Ecco Pizzeria, 1147 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134.

Gelato Cafe in Wellesley Has Closed

A cafe in Wellesley that focused on desserts (including cupcakes from a well-known spot in Somerville) has closed its doors.

According to Boston.com, the Gelato Cafe on Linden Street has shut down due to a landlord issue. The cafe's website states that September 17 was their last day in business due to a problem with the lease. No other information seems to be available at this time, though the Boston.com article does indicate that the owner of the Gelato Cafe may be looking to reopen somewhere else in Wellesley.

The Gelato Cafe featured such dessert treats as sorbet, gelato, chocolate items, frappes and shakes, cannoli, and cupcakes from Kickass Cupcakes on Highland Avenue near Davis Square in Somerville.

The address for the Gelato Cafe was: Gelato Cafe, 180 Linden Street, Wellesley, MA, 02482.

For more information on the closing of the Gelato Cafe, please go to the Boston.com link below.

Wellesley's Gelato Cafe shuts down

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Comella's Homemade Italian Foods Opening in Chestnut Hill

A small but rapidly expanding local chain of Italian food retailers and caterers is opening yet another new spot, this one being in Chestnut Hill.

According to an article in the Brookline TAB and Wicked Local, Comella's Homemade Italian Foods is planning on opening in the Chestnut Hill Shopping Center along Route 9 this fall. This will be the third new Comella's to open in the Boston area over the coming weeks and months, as other locations in East Arlington [Ed. note: Now open] and Belmont Center are also in the works.

Comella's Homemade Italian Foods focuses on takeout food, including pre-made meals such as lasagna, veal alfredo, and chicken parmigiana, and it also offers catering options for home and business events.

[March 18, 2011 update: Comella's in Chestnut Hill is now open.]

Locations of Comella's that are currently open can be found in Brookline [Ed. note: Now closed], Concord, Needham, Wellesley, West Newton, and West Roxbury.

The address for this new restaurant in Chestnut Hill is: Comella's Homemade Italian Foods, 1 Boylston Street (Route 9), Chestnut Hill MA, 02465. Their website can be found at: http://www.comellasrestaurants.com/

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Update: The King in West Roxbury Has Closed; Sticky Rice Cafe Is Moving In

[Ed note: This article was edited on October 21, as it appears that the new restaurant moving into the former King space has a different name from the one mentioned last month.]

A Middle Eastern restaurant in West Roxbury that was a sister restaurant to a dining spot in Brookline has closed, and a new eatery is moving into its space.

Based on a photo on the Universal Hub site, The King on Centre Street has shut its doors, and a sign on the window states that the Tiger Cafe will be coming soon to the spot. [October 21 update: The name of the new spot will actually be Sticky Rice Cafe.] The King, which first opened in June of 2009, was owned by the person behind Shawarma King, another Middle Eastern restaurant that is located on Beacon Street in the Coolidge Corner neighborhood of Brookline. The King had replaced Samia's, a Middle Eastern eatery that had closed in early 2009.

[October 21 update: Based on a photo posted by Universal Hub, Sticky Rice Cafe will feature Thai fare and sushi.]

[March 8, 2011 update: According to several sources, including Universal Hub, Sticky Rice Cafe is now open for business.]

The address for the now-closed King (and the new Sticky Rice) is 1894 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132.

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Friday, September 24, 2010

The Art of the Burger to Open in Brookline

A new burger place is going to be opening in Brookline, and it will feature hamburgers named after artists.

According to Brookline Patch, The Art of the Burger plans to open on Commonwealth Avenue where Mattress Discounters used to be (on the Boston line, at the West Campus of Boston University). The Patch particle states that a number of burgers will be offered, including a Da Vinci burger and a Van Gogh burger. An article in Grub Street Boston mentions that The Art of the Burger will be a place for upscale hamburgers.

The address for this upcoming burger place in Brookline will be: The Art of the Burger, 872 Commonwealth Avenue, Brookline, MA, 02445.

For more information on The Art of the Burger, please go to the Brookline Patch and Grub Street Boston links below.

[Brookline Patch]
French, Thai and Japanese: New Tastes Coming, and Returning, to Brookline

[Grub Street Boston]
The Art of the Burger Readies on Comm Ave

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The Boston Lobster Party Is Coming to SoWa October 16, 2010

Another culinary event is coming to the SoWa section of Boston, and this event will focus on lobster.

On Saturday, October 16, 2010, The Boston Lobster Party will be held at The Trolley Barn (540 Harrison Avenue), and it will feature lobster-based dishes from several restaurants as well as craft beers from a number of local brewers. Restaurants participating include Garden at the Cellar, Rocca, Stoddard's, Petit Robert Bistro, South End Buttery, and Turner Fisheries, with more on the way. A few of the breweries bringing their beers to the event include Blue Hills Brewery, Cisco, Magic Hat Brewing Company, Mayflower Brewing Company, Notch Session, Peak Organic Brewing Company, and Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project.

All proceeds (after expenses) from The Boston Lobster Party will go to Community Servings, Share our Strength, and Lovin' Spoonfuls.

Tickets to The Boston Lobster Party, which will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM, cost $30.00 (plus fee) for early-bird tickets and $35 (plus fee) for regular tickets.

For more information on The Boston Lobster Party, please go to the following links below.

[Facebook event page]
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=110069062385969

[Eventbrite page]
http://bostonlobsterparty.eventbrite.com/

[Eat Boston Twitter page]
http://twitter.com/eatboston

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Thursday, September 23, 2010

Sake Japanese Restaurant Opening in South Braintree Square

A new Japanese dining spot will soon be opening in Braintree.

According to the Braintree Forum and Wicked Local, Sake Japanese Restaurant is going to open on Washington Street in South Braintree Square, with an expected opening date sometime in October. The article mentions that the eatery, which will have a capacity of 35, has been unable to receive a beer and wine license from the town because there are no more licenses available, but members of the Braintree board of license commissioners are hoping to add one more license, which would apparently go to Sake if approved. [October 25 update: According to The Braintree Forum and Wicked Local, Sake has still not been able to get a beer and wine license. If and when they do, we will post another update here.]

[January 31, 2011, update: Sake Japanese Restaurant is now open.]

[June 8, 2011, update: According to the Patriot Ledger, Sake Japanese Restaurant has been awarded a beer-and-wine license, thanks to additional liquor licenses being allowed by the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission to Braintree due to the community's population growth.]

Sake will be located between two other South Braintree dining spots on Washington Street--Sintra, which is an upscale Mediterranean and American restaurant, and Ashley's, which is a breakfast and lunch place.

The address for this new Japanese restaurant in South Braintree Square is: Sake Japanese Restaurant, 910 Washington Street, Braintree, MA, 02184.

For more information on the opening of Sake, please go to the Braintree Forum/Wicked Local link below.

Braintree board eyes more liquor licenses in specific places

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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Ariadne in Newtonville Is Now C. Tsar's Mediterranean Bistro and Bar

An upscale Newtonville restaurant that featured Mediterranean and Asian-influenced dishes has morphed into a new, more affordable dining spot.

According to the restaurant's website, Ariadne on Walnut Street is now C. Tsar's Mediterranean Bistro and Bar, and it remains under the same ownership as the previous spot. It appears that while the new eatery's menu reflects what was offered at Ariadne, it looks to focus more on Mediterranean cuisine now. Some of the dishes served at C. Tsar's include lentil soup, mussels in a white wine saffron broth, tagliatelle with littleneck clams, asparagus risotto, freshly made chicken sausage and ziti with broccoli rabe and white beans, grilled pork chops, moussaka, seafood paella, and pizza. Prices for entrees are between $10 and $20.

C. Tsar's Mediterranean Bistro and Bar is open for dinner only, with hours being 5:00PM to 10:00 PM Monday through Saturday (closed on Sundays).

The address for this revamped restaurant in Newtonville is: C. Tsar's Mediterranean Bistro and Bar, 344 Walnut Street, Newton, MA, 02460. The phone number is (617) 332-4653. And the website (for now) is at: http://www.ariadnerestaurant.com/

Thanks to a poster on the Chowhound site for bringing this to our attention.

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Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Results of Twitter Sushi Poll

Our latest Twitter poll has just wrapped up, with this poll focusing on the best sushi in the Boston area. Our previous polls have included a cupcake poll (Sweet Cupcakes in the Back Bay and Harvard Square won), a steak and cheese poll (Carl's in Waltham), an ice cream poll (Richardson's in Middleton), a roast beef poll (Nick's Famous Roast Beef in Beverly), a chicken wing poll (Buff's Pub in Newton), a macaroni and cheese poll (Fat Cat in Quincy), a fried clam poll (JT Farnham's in Essex), an onion ring poll (Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage in Cambridge), a hot dog poll (Spike's Junkyard Dogs), a pizza poll (Santarpio's in East Boston), a burger poll (Mr. Bartley's Burger Cottage), and a lobster roll poll (Neptune Oysters in the North End). Below are the results of the Twitter sushi poll:

1) Douzo, Back Bay (14%)
2) Haru, Back Bay (8%)

A number of other restaurants were picked in the Twitter sushi poll, including Baan Thai (Waltham), Beni (Quincy), Fin's Sushi and Grille (Brighton), Fish Market (Allston), Fugakyu (Brookline), Fuji (Quincy), Fuji 1546 (Quincy), Fusion Taste (Arlington), Gari Fusion (Brookline), Genki Ya (Brookline, Cambridge), Ginza (Chinatown), Mr. Sushi (Arlington, Brookline), Oishii (Boston, Chestnut Hill, Sudbury), O Ya (Boston), Sake (Saugus), Shiki (Brookline), Snappy Sushi (Somerville), Sushi Express (Brookline), Symphony Sushi (Boston), Toraya (Arlington), and Turk's Seafood (Mattapoisett).

Thanks to all who have voted in our Twitter polls. We will start another poll over the next week or two, so check back on our Twitter page at http://twitter.com/hiddenboston.

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Sonic Drive-In Will Apparently Not Be Opening in Marlborough After All

It looks like a chain of drive-ins that has opened its first two locations in the Boston area over the past year or so will not be opening a third spot west of the city.

According to The MetroWest Daily News, plans for a new Sonic Drive-In on Route 20 in Marlborough have fallen through. The article states that the city had been hoping for construction to begin at the site this month after moving ahead with the site plan review, but the owner of Sonic in Peabody emailed the city saying that there will be no restaurant built at that site after all.

The new Sonic in Marlborough was to be constructed near the intersection of Route 20 (Boston Post Road West) and Ames Street, a little less than a mile west of the Route 495 intersection.

Sonic Drive-In opened its first New England location last summer on Route 1 in Peabody, and its second spot this spring on Route 38 in Wilmington. Sonic, which is known in part for its burgers, Coney Island hot dogs, limeade, and shakes, is the largest chain of drive-in restaurants in the United States, with more than 3,000 locations.

For more information on this story, please go to The MetroWest Daily News link below.

Sonic Drive-In pulls plug in Marlborough

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Friday, September 17, 2010

The Farragut House in South Boston to Be Taken Over by The Biltmore in Newton

A neighborhood Irish pub and eatery in South Boston has been purchased by an owner of a restaurant and tavern in Newton, and it looks like the new place will be a lot like the Newton spot.

According to The Boston Herald, The Farragut House on P Street in the City Point section of Southie was bought by one of the owners of The Biltmore Bar and Grille on Chestnut Street in Newton Upper Falls. The article states that the new spot will get a name change and a menu that looks more like that of The Biltmore, which is a slightly more upscale restaurant than The Farragut House. The co-owner of the as-of-yet-unnamed restaurant mentions that while its menu may be more higher-level, he does want the place to remain a neighborhood-type spot.

[December 29 update: An email from Goldstein Pierce has indicated that the Farragut House is now closed.]

Both The Farragut House and The Biltmore have been reviewed on the Boston's Hidden Restaurant's blog (our sister site). Links to the reviews can be found below.

A Couple of Dinners at the Farragut House, South Boston

Nice Meal at The Biltmore, Newton

For more information on the sale of the Farragut House in South Boston, please go to the Boston Herald link below.

Farragut House getting an overhaul

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Capital Grille Moving from Newbury Street to the Hynes Convention Center

An upscale steakhouse in the Back Bay of Boston that is part of a national chain is going to be moving to a new location a few blocks away.

According to The Boston Globe, The Capital Grille plans to move from its current space at the corner of Newbury Street and Mass. Ave. to a new, larger spot at the Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center next year. The Globe mentions that the current location will remain open for business until the new one opens, which may be in the summer of 2011.

Once it opens in its new location, The Capital Grille will be the second dining spot to be located at the Hynes Convention Center, as Towne Stove and Spirits opened there in late July. Unlike the Newbury Street spot, the new location will be open for lunch as well as dinner, according to the article.

The Capital Grille first started out about 20 years ago in Providence, RI, expanding to nearly half the states in the country today. The chain is owned by Orlando-based Darden Restaurants, which also owns such chains as LongHorn Steakhouse, Olive Garden, and Red Lobster.

[July 31, 2011 update: Nearly a year after it was first announced, Grub Street Boston has mentioned that the move by The Capital Grille is still on, though it appears that no specific date has been given.]

[August 1, 2011 update: More information has just come in on the Capital Grille's move (thanks to Janine Gordon Associates for this). The restaurant plans to open at its new Boylston Street location on Wednesday, August 24, and it will be twice the size of the old spot on Newbury Street. In addition, the new Capital Grill will be serving lunch (the Newbury Street location was only open for dinner).]

The address of the current location of The Capital Grille in the Back Bay is 359 Newbury Street. The address for the upcoming location will be 900 Boylston Street.

For more information on The Capital Grile's upcoming move in Boston's Back Bay, please go to the Boston Globe link below.

Capital Grille moving to Hynes center

Thursday, September 16, 2010

ECBA "Smoke This" Rib Fest 2010 Coming to Cambridge October 17

A culinary event is coming to East Cambridge in October, and it will be focused on ribs.

According to The Cambridge Chronicle and Wicked Local, the East Cambridge Business Association (ECBA) will be hosting the ECBA "Smoke This" Rib Fest 2010 on Sunday, October 17 on Cambridge Street between Fulkerson Street and Sixth Street (east of Inman Square and west of Lechmere Square). The event, which goes from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, will be a competition between pit masters from Atwood's Tavern, Bambara, East Side Bar and Grille, Formaggio Kitchen, Hungry Mother, Oleana, Pug's Bar and Grill, and Tupelo. The pit masters will be competing for a $500 prize, which goes toward a charity of their choice.

Included at the festival will be various items from the competing restaurants' menus, including non-BBQ items, according to the article. There will also be children's activities provided by East End House, a nonprofit multi-service community center and social service agency that is located on nearby Spring Street.

Tickets to rib fest are $15 per person.

For more information on the ECBA "Smoke This" Rib Fest 2010, please go to the Cambridge Chronicle/Wicked Local link below.

East Cambridge rib fest planned for Oct. 17

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Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant Replacing Our House West in Allston

It looks like a Mexican restaurant is coming to Allston, and it will be replacing a popular dining spot and bar.

According to a post on the EveryBlock Boston site, Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant has received a business license to open at 1277 Commonwealth Avenue, which happens to be the same address as Our House West. An earlier article on the Grub Street Boston site had mentioned that Our House West may be closing, with a Mexican dining spot moving in, and this recent post on EveryBlock Boston seems to confirm it.

Our House West has been known in part as a place to go for burgers and beers, as well as trivia nights and bar games. In addition to burgers, Our House West has served such items as turkey clubs, steak and cheese sandwiches, burritos, and chicken parmesan. A Sunday brunch has also been a feature at Our House West.

As soon as we find out more about a possible closing date for Our House West--and a possible opening date for Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant--we will post an update here.

[November 23 update: According to a poster on the Lemmingtrail site as well as another poster on our Hiddenboston Twitter page, Our House West appears to be closed. A phone call placed to Our House West indicated that their phone is now out of service, which seems to confirm that it is indeed closed.]

[February 6, 2011 update: According to a poster on our Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page (and confirmed by us), Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant is now open in Allston. The new spot is the third Jalapenos in the area, with the other two being in Gloucester and Saugus. The address for the new Jalapenos is: Jalapenos Mexican Restaurant, 1277 Commonwealth Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. The website for all the Jalapenos restaurants can be found at: http://www.jalapenosgloucester.com/]

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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

El Huipil Opens in Maynard

A Mexican restaurant has just opened in Maynard, moving into a space behind another dining spot that recently opened.

A message posted by moviequill on the hiddenboston Twitter page mentioned that El Huipil Mexican Restaurant is now open on Main Street in back of the Halfway Cafe, which opened in April. Posts and photos on the Eye on Maynard Facebook page indicate that El Huipil features such dishes as burritos, enchiladas, chicken mole, grilled pork, tacos, and chili verde.

The address for this new restaurant in Maynard is: El Huipil, 51-R Main Street, Maynard, MA, 01754.

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Monsters of Pork Coming to Boston October 6, 2010

A culinary event focused on pork, including pork butchery demos and pork dishes, is coming to downtown Boston in early October.

According to its Facebook event page, Monsters of Pork will be held at the new Petit Robert Central on Arch Street in Boston on Wednesday, October 6, from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM. The event will feature Vadim Akimenko from Akimenko Meats, Nuno Alves from Tavolo Ristorante, and Will Gilson from Garden at the Cellar. Included will be demonstrations on different cuts of pork, preparation of the cuts, and possibly the making of sausage.

Tickets to Monsters of Pork are $20 each, which includes access to the demos, appetizers, and complimentary drinks from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Petit Robert Central is located at 101 Arch Street in downtown Boston.

For more information on the Monsters of Pork event (including the purchasing of tickets), please go to the following links. [September 23 update: The Monsters of Pork event is sold out.]

[Facebook event page]
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=146896618678961

[Eventbrite page]
http://monstersofpork.eventbrite.com/

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Bobby's Grille in Wellesley Looking for Investors; Selling of Restaurant Is a Possibility

A casual American restaurant in the Lower Falls section of Wellesley is currently looking for investors, and it is possible that the dining spot may end up being sold.

According to an article in The Swellesley Report, Bobby's Grille on Route 16 near the Newton border has had one of their investors pull out of the restaurant, and it is in need of another investor/working partner. Based on a listing on the Boston Restaurant Group website, it appears that the selling of Bobby's Grille is a possibility as well, though the owner implies in the Swellesley Report article that his hope is to find an investor instead.

[December 10 update: Based on reports from both The Swellesley Report and The Wellesley Patch, it looked like Bobby's Grille may have shut its doors for good, as there are "Restaurant Space Available" signs on the front windows and a "Closed" sign on the front door.]

[December 13 update: An article in Wellesley Townsman and Wicked Local has confirmed that Bobby's Grille is indeed no longer in business.]

Bobby's Grille first opened its doors last fall, featuring such classic and modern American fare as shrimp cocktail, lobster bisque, chicken pot pie, macaroni and cheese, pork tenderloin, and filet mignon.

The address for this restaurant in the Lower Falls section of Wellesley is: Bobby's Grille, 11 Washington Street, Wellesley Hills, MA, 02481. The phone number is (781) 235-2345.

For more information on this story, please go to the Swellesley Report link below.

Bobby's Grille seeking investors

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Comella's Opening in Belmont Center

An Italian food retailer and caterer that has several locations in the Boston area is planning to open a new spot in Belmont Center.

According to a Belmont Patch article, Comella's is looking at opening on Leonard Street where the Charlesbank Bookshop used to be until closing earlier this year. This will be the second new location of Comella's in the immediate area, as another Comella's is going to be opening on Mass. Ave. in East Arlington.

[May 2, 2011 update: According to their website, the new Comella's in Belmont is now open.]

Comella's specializes in pre-made meals and takeout items, including meat loaf, gnocchi, lasagna, ravioli, veal parmigiana, shrimp scampi, chicken alfredo, and stuffed shells. Each of the eateries also features "family messes," which are basically mystery dishes.

Existing locations of Comella's can be found in Brookline, Concord, Wellesley, West Newton, and West Roxbury.

The address for this new dining spot in Belmont Center is: Comella's Homemade Italian Foods, 43 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA, 02478. Their website can be found at: http://www.comellasrestaurants.com/

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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

5 Napkin Burger Is Opening at Boston's Prudential Center

It looks like a New York-based group of burger restaurants will soon be opening a location in the Back Bay of Boston.

According to Adam's Hospitality & Tourism Industry Blog and Grub Street Boston, 5 Napkin Burger is planning to open in the Prudential Center, taking over the space where a location of the American restaurant chain Daily Grill had been for about two years before closing late this spring. Grub Street Boston mentions that 5 Napkin Burger will have the same menu as its three New York locations, and that it may be open by December.

[March 10, 2011 update: According to Devra First of The Boston Globe, 5 Napkin Burger is scheduled to open on March 23.]

[March 21, 2011 update: According to the Boston Burger Blog's Facebook page, 5 Napkin Burger is now open, though it is currently just a soft opening. It appears that the grand opening is still on track for this Wednesday, March 23.]

5 Napkin Burger first opened in the Hell's Kitchen section of Manhattan in 2008, eventually opening two more locations in Manhattan's Upper West Side and the Astoria section of Queens. The dining spots feature a variety of burgers (including turkey burgers, tuna burgers, lamb burgers, and veggie burgers), and they also offer Kobe beef hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, lobster roll sliders, steak frites, sushi, and more.

The address for this new burger place in the Back Bay is: 5 Napkin Burger, 111 Huntington Avenue (Prudential Center), Boston, MA, 02199. The website for the restaurants can be found at: http://www.5napkinburger.com/

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b.good Opening in Downtown Boston

A small local chain of restaurants is getting ready to open a new location, with this one being in the heart of Boston.

According to their Facebook and Twitter pages, b.good is planning on opening on Washington Street in downtown Boston this Thursday (September 16), becoming the seventh restaurant in the chain. This is the second b.good to open within the Boston city limits this year, as another location opened on Mass. Ave. in the Back Bay a few months back.

b.good is known in part for their house-ground hamburgers and all-natural shakes, but the chain also features salads, turkey burgers, veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, and handcut fries.

The six other locations of b.good can be found in the Back Bay of Boston (the aforementioned Mass. Ave. location as well as Newbury Street and Dartmouth Street), one in Cambridge's Harvard Square (Dunster Street), one at Legacy Place in Dedham, and one in the Derby Street Shoppes in Hingham.

The address for the new b.good in downtown Boston is: b.good, 255 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02108 . The website for the b.good chain is at: http://www.bgood.com/

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Monday, September 13, 2010

Rod Dee Is Opening Once Again in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

A Thai restaurant on the western edge of Coolidge Corner that closed its doors a couple of months ago is looking to reopen next door to their old space.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site, Rod Dee is planning on opening at 1428 Beacon Street, which is right next to their old spot (1430 Beacon Street). We confirmed this information with the town of Brookline, and were told that a hearing for a common victualler license may be held next week.

A tiny eatery known in part for their reasonably-priced Thai food, Rod Dee closed their Coolidge Corner location in July after being in that space for about 15 years. A second location of the restaurant remains open further up Beacon Street in Washington Square, and a new Rod Dee is planned for the Porter Square section of Cambridge.

As soon as we receive any new information on the possible reopening of Rod Dee in Brookline's Coolidge Corner, we will post an update here. [September 22: According to the Town of Brookline, Rod Dee has received approval to move into the spot next door to its former location (from 1430 Beacon Street to what appears to be 1428 Beacon Street).]

[August 24, 2011 update: A comment below from one of our readers as well as a message and photo sent to us by French Oak TV indicates that Rod Dee is definitely reopening next door to its old location. The photo shows the "Rod Dee" sign up, and it appears that construction is going on at the site.]

[April 1, 2011 update: According to a poster on the Chowhound site (and confirmed by the restaurant's website), Rod Dee is now officially open in Coolidge Corner. The restaurant's site, however, has the address as being 1424 Beacon Street.]

Angora Ice Opens in Chestnut Hill

A cafe on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston (by the BU campus) has opened a second location in Chestnut Hill, with this spot featuring frozen treats.

According to an article in boston.com, Angora Ice is now open in the Chestnut Hill Shopping Center, which is on the north side of Boylston Street (Route 9) next to Star Market. The article states that Angora Ice will offer homemade ice cream and frozen yogurts, as well as baked goods and international coffees. the shop will also give patrons the options of gluten-free and sugar free items, according to boston.com.

The original Angora Cafe first opened in Boston in the mid-1980s, eventually moving to its present-day Commonwealth Avenue location. The cafe features salads, sandwiches, pizza, calzones, smoothies, and frozen yogurt.

The address for the new Angora Ice in Chestnut Hill is: Angora Ice, 3 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467. The website for Angora Cafe can be found at: http://www.angoracafe.com/

For more information on the opening of Angora Ice, please go to the boston.com link below.

Angora Ice grand opening Saturday at Chestnut Hill Shopping Center

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Osaka Japanese Sushi and Steak House Is Opening in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

It looks like a new Japanese hibachi restaurant is coming to Coolidge Corner in Brookline.

According to the Brookline TAB and Wicked Local, Osaka Japanese Sushi & Steak House is planning to open on Green Street in the space where Kabbalah Centre currently resides (just off Harvard Street, and about a block north of Beacon Street). The article mentions that the proposed dining spot will have a capacity of 140 with hibachi tables, a full bar, and a sushi bar.

According to the article, the Brookline Planning Board will be holding a discussion about the planned Osaka Japanese Sushi & Steak House this week, with a review by the Zoning Board of Appeals next week (Selectmen may also be reviewing the awarding of an all-kinds liquor license for the restaurant next week).

The article mentions that it is not known at this time what will happen to the Kabbalah Centre.

The address for this new Japanese restaurant in Brookline is: Osaka Japanese Sushi & Steak House, 14 Green Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.

[September 22 update: According to the Town of Brookline, the people behind Osaka also operate Osaka Japanese Sushi & Steak House in Northampton, MA.]

[October 8, 2011 update: According to Thrillist, Osaka Japanese Sushi & Steak House is opening today.]

For more information on the opening of Osaka Japanese Sushi & Steak House, please go to the Wicked Local/Brookline TAB link below.

Japanese restaurant proposed for Brookline’s Kabbalah Centre location

Salvatore's Restaurant Is Opening in Downtown Boston

A growing chain of Italian dining spots and pizza places is going to be opening one of their upscale eateries in downtown Boston.

According to the Boston Globe, Salvatore's Restaurant is planning on opening on Washington Street, about a block east of Boston Common and a couple of blocks north of Boylston and Essex Streets. The article does not give specific information on when the new restaurant will be opening, but shows it on a map as being just north of BiNA Osteria, which is at 581 Washington Street. [March 14, 2011 update: According to EveryBlock Boston, the address for the new Salvatore's will be 545 Washington Street.]

Salvatore's is a small group of upscale Italian restaurants that is part of the Sal's Pizza chain. Other locations of Salvatore's can be found in the Seaport District of Boston and along the Merrimack River in Lawrence, with a third location opening soon just outside of Medford Square. [March 14, 2011 update: Salvatore's in Medford is now open.] The dining spot features both Northern and Southern Italian dishes such as risotto, veal valdostana, lobster ravioli, pork chops and vinegar peppers, haddock florentine, and linguine with meatballs. In addition to Salvatore's and Sal's Pizza, the restaurant group also includes Mary's Pasta and Sandwiches.

[October 19, 2011 update: According to a veteran poster within the Chowhound site, it looks like the new Salvatore's in downtown Boston may be having a soft opening right now.]

[October 25 update: Based on their website, it appears that Salvatore's in downtown Boston is now fully open.]

The map showing the location of the new Salvatore's in downtown Boston came from the print version of the following Boston Globe article.

New Downtown Crossing hot spots serve up hope

Friday, September 10, 2010

King of the Wing Competition Coming to Game On! Fenway in Boston, September 16

A charity event featuring chefs from the Boston area is coming to the Fenway neighborhood next week.

An email sent to us by Elevate Communications mentions that the King of the Wing competition will be held at Game On! Fenway on Lansdowne Street in Boston on Thursday, September 16, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. During the event, chefs from dining spots such as Game On!, East Coast Grill, Eastern Standard, The Harp, Jerry Remy's, Kings, Myers+Chang, Stadium, and Sweetwater will take part in a chicken wing competition, with wings being judged for authenticity and creativity, as well as "best BBQ" by guests and a panel of celebrity judges.

Tickets to the event are $20 (sold at the door) and include all-you-can-eat wings as well as one drink ticket for a non-alcoholic beverage or a Bud Light.

For more information on the King of the Wing competition, please go to the Game On! Fenway website at http://gameonboston.com/

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Laurel in Boston's Back Bay Has Closed

A contemporary American restaurant on the southern edge of Boston's Back Bay has officially shut its doors, and as mentioned in an earlier article, another dining spot will soon be opening in its place.

According to their website, Laurel on Berkeley Street has closed after being in business for more than 20 years. As mentioned earlier here, Laurel's site states that the restaurant has been sold to Geoffrey's Cafe in Roslindale, which will be opening a second location of their eatery in the space.

Laurel featured mostly New American dishes, including short rib and mashed potato spring rolls, macaroni and cheese with lobster and bacon, pineapple chipotle BBQ chicken, rotisserie duck, panko crusted Chilean sea bass, grilled salmon, ground lamb sliders, and veal meatloaf. The dining spot had been featured on our Boston's Hidden Restaurants site, with the review being at this link:

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

Laurel's website mentions that their sister restaurant--Six Burner at 130 Dartmouth Street in the Back Bay--remains open for now, but it looks like that eatery will be closing soon as well.

The address for this now-closed Back Bay restaurant was: Laurel, 142 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

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Grecian Festival Being Held in Braintree, September 9-12, 2010

Several Greek festivals are taking place in Massachusetts this weekend, including one currently being held in Braintree. According to the website of Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church on Common Street, the Grecian Festival started yesterday (Thursday, September 9) and will continue until Sunday, September 12. The event features food, music, dancing, raffles, and children's activities.

A look at the Grecian Festival's menu shows a number of Greek dishes being offered, including grape leaves, Greek salads, gyros, baked lamb, locanico (pork sausage), moussaka, pastitsio, souvlaki, and spanakopita. Desserts such as baklava, karidopita (rice pudding), and rice pudding are available as well, and beer and wine are being served at the event. Prices for food items are generally around $10 to $12.

Hours for the 2010 Grecian Festival in Braintree are 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM today and tomorrow, and 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday. (Admission and parking are both free.) Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church is located at 119 Common Street, which is between Granite Street (Route 37) and Washington Street, a short distance east of the South Shore Plaza.

For more information on Braintree's Grecian Festival, please go to the Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church's website below:

http://www.stcatherinebraintree.org/

Thanks to a poster on the Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page for bringing this event to our attention.

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