Pret a Manger Is Opening in Boston's Financial District

Earlier this year, we reported that a London-based chain of sandwich shops was planning to open a location in the Back Bay of Boston. Now we have learned that they are apparently going to be opening a store in the city's Financial District as well.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site, a "coming soon" sign is posted at the corner of Franklin Street and Oliver Street [Ed note: It appears that the poster may have meant Franklin and Pearl] for Pret a Manger, which would make this the second shop to open in the city (another Pret is opening in the former Borders space on Boylston Street). A page within the City of Boston website confirms the Financial District location, stating that the city recently reviewed a  proposed installation of commercial signage and outdoor seating area for Pret a Manger on Franklin Street.

It is not yet known when Pret a Manger might open on Franklin Street; the location on Boylston Street could be opening sometime in November.

[November 14 update: Eater Boston states that the new Pret a Manger in the Financial District is going to open this Friday (November 16), with a soft opening going on today and tomorrow.]

The address for this upcoming sandwich shop in the Financial District is: Pret a Manger, 185 Franklin Street, Boston, MA, 02110. Their website can be found at http://www.pret.com/us/

[Earlier Article]
Pret a Manger to Open at Least One Location in Boston

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The Farmer's Daughter Is Moving into the Former Main Street Cafe Space in North Easton

A new breakfast and lunch spot is moving into the center of North Easton, taking over the space where another dining spot had been.

The Easton Patch reports that The Farmer's Daughter is going to be opening on Main Street, moving into the former Main Street Cafe spot (which closed in May). The article mentions that the person behind the new eatery is Chandra Gouldrup, who is currently a manager at Petit Robert Bistro in Boston and also used to work at Sibling Rivalry in the city's South End.

The Farmer's Daughter will feature such items as fresh fruit, egg dishes, French toast, and banana pancakes for breakfast, as well as salads and sandwiches at lunchtime.

Expect a mid- to late-fall opening for the restaurant, according to the Patch.

[June 25, 2013 update: According to a post on its Facebook page, The Farmer's Daughter had its grand opening today. It will be closed tomorrow but will reopen on Thursday.]

The address for this new restaurant in North Easton is: The Farmer's Daughter, 122 Main Street, North Easton, MA, 02356.


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Taste of WGBH Food and Wine Festival Coming to Boston September 13-15, 2012

A three-day food and wine festival featuring local chefs, restaurants and food purveyors, wineries, and more is on its way to Boston.

According to the WGBH website, The Taste of WGBH Food & Wine Festival will be held from Thursday September 13 through Saturday, September 15 at their studios on Guest Street in Brighton. The festival will include an opening gala reception, chef demonstrations, educational seminars, a wine auction, a farmers market, and a tasting of artisan foods, with such chefs as Jody Adams of Rialto and Trade, William Kovel of Catalyst, Jay Murray of Grill 23, Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger, and Susan Regis of Upstairs on the Square participating.

For more information on The Taste of WGBH Food & Wine Festival--including ticket prices for the various events--please go to the link below:

http://www.wgbh.org/foodwine/festival.cfm


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Scosso Is Opening in Peabody

A new Italian restaurant is coming to the North Shore, opening in the space where a location of a chain of Italian dining spots used to be.

A job post on the Craigslist site indicates that Scosso is coming to the Northshore Mall in Peabody, with an expected opening date of October 28 for the restaurant. An earlier Peabody Patch article mentions that the restaurant will be taking over the space where Bertucci's had been until closing in 2009, and that the owners of the new place also run the Venetian Moon Ristorante in Reading Center. (It looks like Scosso will be similar to that spot, with a martini bar included within the space.)

[October 16 update: A more recent job post on Craigslist mentions that Scosso is now planning to open on November 11.]

The address for this upcoming Italian restaurant at the Northshore Mall is: Scosso, 210 Andover Street, Peabody, MA, 01960.


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Falafel King to Replace Eat Kitchen in Downtown Boston

A new Falafel King is opening, joining two other locations in Boston's Downtown Crossing and Quincy Center, with this one taking over a space near Downtown Crossing where another restaurant has been.

A poster on the Chowhound site appears to have confirmed a rumor that we recently heard, namely that Falafel King is going to open on Washington Street in the Eat Kitchen space (Eat Kitchen has been in business there since last summer). Yesterday the poster said that "there is a big sign for Falafel King in the Eat Kitchen window," though at the time there was a question as to whether Falafel King and Eat Kitchen might be sharing the space rather than Falafel King simply taking it over. Today, the poster mentioned that "the signage changed this morning. Looks like the entire place will be Falafel King."

Currently, locations of Falafel King can be found on Winter Street in Boston and Hancock Street in Quincy.

[September 4 update: According to a poster on Chowhound, the new Falafel King on Washington Street is now open for business.]

The address for this new Middle Eastern restaurant in downtown Boston is: Falafel King, 260 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02108.


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Two-Alarm Fire at GaGa Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown; 24 People Left Homeless

A fire that started at a seafood restaurant in the Chinatown section of Boston has left a number of people homeless.

The Boston Globe reports that GaGa Seafood Restaurant at 25 Tyler Street was the site of a two-alarm fire this morning that spread upward into the four-story building in which it resides. The article mentions that the blaze, which was apparently caused by an stove that was left on overnight, caused approximately $300,000 in damage, with one injury being reported--a firefighter who received an eye injury (it looks like he is being released from Mass. Eye and Ear today). As a result of the fire, at least 24 people are now homeless because of water and smoke damage to their apartments, and seven businesses have been affected as well. It was not reported how heavily damaged GaGa Seafood Restaurant was.

[September 6 update: Eater Boston is reporting that GaGa Seafood Restaurant is planning to reopen, though it could be awhile because their exhaust system and kitchen need to be done over completely.]

GaGa Seafood Restaurant first opened in the summer of 2011.


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Thinking Cup Is Opening in Boston's North End

A coffee house across from Boston Common is going to be expanding, with a new shop on the way to the city's North End neighborhood.

The Chowder blog of Boston Magazine is reporting that Thinking Cup on Tremont Street will open what looks to be an "Italian-leaning" version of its shop on Hanover Street. The article mentions that while the new Thinking Cup in the North End will be almost exactly the same as the original location, it will have seating at its espresso bar as well as the addition of Italian pastries and sandwiches.

The new Thinking Cup could be open by early October, according to the Chowder blog.

Based on an article from NorthEndWaterfront.com, the address for this new coffee house in the North End is: Thinking Cup, 236 Hanover Street, Boston, MA, 02113. The website for the original location can be found at http://thethinkingcup.com/

[December 14 update: A new article from NorthEndWaterfront.com indicates that the Hanover Street location of Thinking Cup is now open.]


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Zagat Includes Two Boston-Area Restaurants Among Its Picks for New Burgers

Zagat has just come out with its picks for "Must-Try New Burgers in 8 Cities," and two restaurants in the Boston area are mentioned .

According to the article/slideshow that was posted this week, the Island Creek Oyster Bar in the Kenmore Square section of Boston and the Temple Bar between Porter Square and Harvard Square in Cambridge have been included in Zagat's list, which also includes dining spots in New York, Philadelphia, Washington, DC, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, as well as London, England. Zagat mentions the Angus beef burger with three fried oysters, Grafton cheddar cheese, maple bacon, pickled onions, and horseradish mayo from Island Creek, along with the Snake River Farm Kobe beef sliders with brioche buns, caramelized onions, and smoked tomato aioli at the Temple Bar.

For a complete listing of Zagat's picks for burgers, please go to the link below:

Must-Try New Burgers in 8 Cities


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Whole Foods Plans to Acquire Six Johnnie's Foodmaster Stores

A national chain of supermarkets that focuses on natural and organic foods is in talks to possibly take over several locations of a locally-owned grocery store.

The Boston Globe is reporting that Whole Foods Market is looking at buying or taking over leases for six of the ten Johnnie's Foodmaster locations in the Greater Boston area. The article mentions that the upscale supermarket chain is interested in the Arlington, Brookline, Charlestown, Melrose, Somerville (Beacon Street), and South Weymouth locations of Johnnie's, with the status of stores in Lynn, Medford, Somerville (Alewife Brook Parkway), and Whitman being unknown at this point in time.

[October 26 update: CBS Boston reports that Whole Foods has taken over the leases of the six Johnnie's Foodmaster stores mentioned above. The article says that the six locations will shut down sometime before the transaction officially goes through (which should happen on November 30). Expect the new Whole Foods stores to open sometime "before the end of its 2013 fiscal year."]

Johnnie's Foodmaster, which started out in East Cambridge in 1947, is one of the last family-owned urban grocery store chains in the Boston area, according to the Globe. The stores tend to be smaller than most area supermarkets and are known for their old-fashioned neighborhood-friendly atmosphere and low prices.

Whole Foods currently has approximately 20 locations in the Boston area, with new locations on their way to the South End of Boston and Lynnfield.


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Cappy's Pizza Reopens Nearly One Year After Fire

A pizza place and sub shop near Symphony Hall has reopened nearly a year after a fire closed the place down.

A Twitter post from @TheDrewStarr indicates that Cappy's Pizza on Westland Avenue is open for business once again. In September of 2011, the shop burned in a fire that also caused damage to other businesses and apartments within the six-story building.

The address for Cappy's is: Cappy's Pizza, 90 Westland Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115. Their website can be found at http://cappyspizza.com/


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Tatte in Brookline and Cambridge Hooks Up with Williams-Sonoma

A Brookline baker who recently opened a second shop in Cambridge has apparently hit the big time, inking a deal with a high-end retail chain that has hundreds of locations across the United States.

Boston Magazine is reporting that Tzurit Or of Tatte Fine Cookies & Cakes is now collaborating with Williams-Sonoma to have the San Francisco-based chain sell 16 of the baker's food items. The article mentions that this will allow "millions of potential customers" to discover various treats from Tatte, including its nut and fruit tarts.

The retail shops of Tatte Fine Cookies & Cakes--Tatte Bakery and Cafe--can be found at Beacon Street near the Brookline/Boston border and Third Street in the Kendall Square section of Cambridge. Their website is at http://www.tattecookies.com/

Thanks to Eater Boston for bringing this to our attention.


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Menotomy Grill and Tavern Is Opening in East Arlington

A new restaurant and tavern is coming to East Arlington, and several local folks are behind the upcoming spot.

The Boston Globe is reporting that the Menotomy Grill and Tavern will be opening on Mass. Ave. at the Cambridge line, taking over the space where a location of Hollywood Video used to be. The article mentions that the new spot will "start out" with approximately 4,500 square feet of space (it could expand more at some point), with a dining room, lounge area, and bar included and a capacity of approximately 150. It looks like the Menotomy Grill and Tavern will offer American dishes and pub grub, with the Globe mentioning shepherd's pie and pulled pork sandwiches being on the menu.

A few people from the local area are behind the upcoming Menotomy Grill and Tavern, with the Arlington Patch stating that William Lyons (who managed the Black Horse Tavern in Winchester) is the principal owner, while Paul Tupa (owner of the Red Hat in Boston) and Paul Krepelka (an NHL player agent who once dated model and actress Jenny McCarthy) are among the partners.

Several sources, including Eater Boston, say that the Menotomy Grill and Tavern could be open as early as November.

[May 21, 2013 update: Eater Boston mentions (via the Arlington Patch) that the Menotomy Grill and Tavern is planning to open next week.]

[June 4, 2013 update: According to a post on its Facebook page, the Menotomy Grill and Tavern is opening on Monday, June 10.]

The address for this new restaurant and bar in East Arlington is: Menotomy Grill and Tavern, 25 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474.

Thanks to the Adam's Hospitality & Tourism Industry blog and the Grub Street Boston site for bringing this to our attention.


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Vine Brook Tavern Is Opening in Lexington

A new restaurant that will feature classic American comfort food is planning to open in Lexington Center.

The Lexington Minuteman is reporting that the Vine Brook Tavern is going to be opening on Waltham Street, taking over the space where a location of the Buca di Beppo chain had been until closing down in January of this year. The article indicates that the two-story place will be a family-friendly dining spot with booths big enough for larger groups and a menu that focuses on classic American fare, including an extensive children's menu. The first floor of the Vine Brook Tavern will have a bar (with an array of wines and craft beers available), while the second floor will be the main dining area. The Minuteman also mentions that a "big name chef" from another restaurant will be in charge of the kitchen.

The Vine Brook Tavern could be open by the middle of October, according to the article.

[November 27 update: Grub Street Boston has confirmed what MouseChow told us a few days ago, that Vine Brook Tavern is now open for business. The owner of Vine Brook is Marcus Palmer (Market), while Chris Frothingham (Met Bar) is the executive chef.]

The address for this new restaurant in Lexington Center is: Vine Brook Tavern, 20 Waltham Street, Lexington, MA, 02421. Their website is at http://vinebrooktavern.com/


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Zaleks in Wakefield Has Closed

A restaurant in Wakefield that served everything from Greek dishes and seafood to roast beef sandwiches and pizza has closed its doors. According to a poster on the Chowhound site (and confirmed by the dining spot's website), Zaleks on Princess Street is now shuttered, with the folks behind the restaurant saying that they have sold the place in order to be able to spend more time with their family. The note on their website indicates that a new eatery with a  redesigned space and concept will be taking over, though no other details have been given as of yet.

Zaleks has been featured on our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) as a little-known spot to go to for their roast beef sandwiches, fried clams, stuffed grape leaves, and other dishes. A link to the review can be found below:

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

The address for this now-closed restaurant in Wakefield was: Zaleks, 21 Princess Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880.


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Delicato Cafe in Downtown Boston Has Closed

A breakfast and lunch spot in the heart of downtown Boston has closed its doors.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site, Delicato Cafe by Pi Alley and City Hall Avenue (between School Street and Court Square) is no longer in business. The dining spot, which first opened in 1997, served such items as omelets, salads, and breakfast and lunch sandwiches (including panini and wraps), and also offered corporate catering. The restaurant was open on weekdays only.

The address for this now-closed eatery in downtown Boston was: Delicato Cafe, 8 City Hall Avenue, Boston, MA, 02108.


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Steve "Nookie" Postal Is Opening Commonwealth in Cambridge's Kendall Square

[Ed note: This article was updated on October 15 and October 19, and then again on July 31, 2013, to reflect new information that came in, including a location given to the upcoming restaurant.]

The executive chef for the Boston Red Sox who was also a finalist on a food-based reality competition show is planning to open a restaurant in Cambridge.

An article on the Skinny Beet site reiterates what an earlier interview on the Eater Boston site indicated, namely that  Steve "Nookie" Postal of Fenway Park and Bravo's Around the World in 80 Plates is bringing a restaurant to the Kendall Square section of the city, as well as another dining spot to New York. No name has been given for the Cambridge eatery as of yet, but Postal says in the Eater article that "it's going to be pretty big and pretty awesome."

[October 15 update: The Boston Business Journal reports that the new restaurant from Steve Postal will be called Commonwealth, and it will be located in the upcoming Watermark II apartment building at 350 Third Street. The article mentions that Commonwealth will be a farm-to-table eatery where diners can create their own menus, and the place will have a feel "like a Vermont barn," according to Postal. In addition, part of the space will also be dedicated to a food market with a setup that may be much like City Feed and Supply in Jamaica Plain. Expect the new restaurant to be open sometime next fall.]

[October 19 update: According to a post in the Chowder blog of Boston Magazine, "Commonwealth" is just a working title, and the restaurant may end up having a different name. The article also mentions that the space is very large (6,500 square feet), with a private dining room and a private courtyard being part of the plans, along with the aforementioned main restaurant area and market.]

[July 31, 2013 update: A new Boston Magazine article mentions that the restaurant will indeed be called Commonwealth, and that it should be opening in late September or early October. Also, the address given is 11 Broad Canal Way.]

[October 31, 2013 update: The Restaurant Hub blog of The Boston Globe states that Commonwealth plans to open next week, with such items as Island Creek oysters, roasted Niman Ranch pork chop, Pineland Farm beef shortrib, Georges Bank swordfish, and duck fat fries being on the menu. Also, the article gives mention to Eater Boston's series on Steve "Nookie" Postal, which can be found here.]

[November 1, 2013 update: A new Eater Boston article indicates that Commonwealth will open to the public on Tuesday (November 5).]

Postal has worked at such restaurants as Casablanca, Chez Henri, Icarus (now closed), and Oleana, according to Eater Boston.


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Pizza Pie-er Is Opening in South Boston

A gourmet pizza place with locations in Cambridge and Providence is going to be opening a new shop in South Boston.

According to @AlexJ_May on Twitter (and confirmed by an old licensing board PDF page on the City of Boston website), Pizza Pie-er is going to be opening on Old Colony Avenue, moving into the space where Kiley's Tavern used to be. Based on the menus at their shops in Cambridge's Inman Square and Providence, expect the new place to have pizzas with a wide variety of topping and sauce options, including walnuts, sausage, shrimp, artichoke hearts, prosciutto, spinach, broccoli, white sauce, red sauce, and puttanesca sauce.

[October 23 update: Eater Boston reports that the new Pizza Pie-er in South Boston is now open.]

The address for the new Pizza Pie-er in South Boston is: Pizza Pie-er, 138 Old Colony Avenue, South Boston, MA, 02127. Their website can be found at http://www.pizzapie-er.com/


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Fred's Franks in Wakefield May Have to Move

It looks like a hot dog stand near the northern edge of Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield may have to move to another spot, though it remains open in its current location for the time being.

The Wakefield Patch is reporting that Carl Galasso of Fred's Franks was paid a visit by someone who claimed to be a representative of a state agency. The man told the owner of the hot dog stand that he would not be able to stay at his present location because it resides on a state-owned highway right of way, and that Galasso would face daily fines if he stayed at the site, which is just south of the intersection of Route 128 and 129. According to the article, Galasso did not know which state agency the man represented, and that he will continue to operate Fred's Franks at its current spot until he receives a formal letter about the issue.

If the owner of Fred's does have to move, the Patch says that one option may be to move a short distance over to town land. Galasso is hesitant to move closer to the lake, however, stating that "I don't want to be an eyesore."

Fred's Franks offers all-beef natural casing hot dogs as well as kielbasa, chorizo, and linguica. The food stand has been featured on our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) as an under-the-radar spot that is worth checking out. A link to the review can be found below:

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

The website for Fred's Franks is at http://fredsfranks.com/


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Highlights for the Week Ending August 24, 2012

A few more stories and articles centering on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including an East Boston eatery being featured on the Food Network, a Cambridge coffee shop opening a second location, and a BBQ restaurant in Somerville closing for good shortly after it opened. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included an updated review of a sushi bar in Newtonville, a blog entry on restaurants that college students may be interested in, and a photo of a chocolate waffle from a pastry shop in Medford.

Below are links to these and other items from the past week:

Boston Restaurant Talk

KO Prime in Downtown Boston Is Closing

Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Is Featuring Italian Express Pizzeria in East Boston

Simon's Too Looks to Move into Canteen Space in Cambridge

Update: The Bearded Pig in Somerville Is Closed for Good

OpenTable's Picks for Best Late-Night Dining Restaurants Include Three Boston-Area Dining Spots

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

Updated Review: Aji in Newtonville, MA

Some Restaurants for College Students to Check Out

Photo: Chocolate Waffle from Danish Pastry House in Medford, MA

Question: Favorite Irish Pubs in the Boston Area?

Photo: Spicy Mango Tuna Maki from Aji in Newtonville, MA



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Kane's Donuts Included in The Huffington Post's Article on Best Independent Doughnut Shops

A popular news site and blog has posted a slideshow/article on "secrets of the best independent doughnut shops in America," and a Boston-area shop has been included in the post.

The Huffington Post, which published the article on Saturday, has mentioned Kane's Donuts in its post of the country's best indie doughnut shops. The article focuses on "the secrets fueling the success of some of the best indie doughnut shops in the country," with its section on Kane's mentioning that the shop thrives in "a region dominated by Dunkin' Donuts" by "hand rolling and cutting each doughnut and sticking to what works, including its massive coffee rolls and honey-dipped doughnuts." Kane's is one of two New England doughnut shops included in the Huffington Post article, with Coffee An' Donut Shop in Westport, CT, being the other.

The address for Kane's is: Kane's Donuts, 120 Lincoln Avenue, Saugus, MA, 01906. Their website can be found at http://www.kanesdonuts.com/

For a complete list of the doughnut shops mentioned in the Huffington Post article, please go to the link below:

Secrets Of The Best Independent Doughnut Shops In America

Thanks to North Shore Dish for bringing this to our attention.



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Society on High Is Opening in Boston's Financial District

The person behind two upscale restaurants in Boston's Leather District is going to be opening a third spot nearby, and this one will have what few others (if any) have in the city's Financial District--free parking.

The Zagat blog is reporting that Ian Just of Sorriso and Les Zygomates--both of which are on South Street--will open Society on High, with the dining spot possibly opening as early as November. The post mentions that the High Street eatery will focus on regional cuisine, with locally-sourced ingredients used to make the dishes. Society on High will have seating for 140 inside along with 60 additional seats in an outdoor plaza and bar area, and in a section of the city where parking is at a premium, the restaurant will also offer parking at no charge.

[May 31, 2013 update: Eater Boston mentions that Society on High is planning to have its grand opening on June 17.]

[June 13, 2013 update: Based on posts on their Facebook and Twitter pages, Society on High is currently undergoing a soft opening.]

The address for this new dining spot in the Financial District is: Society on High, 99 High Street, Boston, MA, 02110. Its facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Society-on-High/118349921659221?id=118349921659221

Thanks to Grub Street Boston for bringing this to our attention.


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KO Prime in Downtown Boston Is Closing

Last month we reported that Chef/Restaurateur Ken Oringer was leaving KO Prime in downtown Boston, and now we have learned that the chic and contemporary steakhouse is closing its doors for good. An article by Eater Boston indicates that the restaurant will be shutting down tomorrow (Saturday, August 25) after being in business for approximately five years. A note on KO Prime's Facebook page states the following:

"All good things must come to an end. As of August 25, KO Prime will be bidding a fond farewell and closing its doors. This closure will not have any effect on the catering and room service operations at Nine Zero Hotel – we’ll continue to fulfill the appetites of our food-loving travelers with room service seven days a week, as well as offering breakfast. A sincere thank you for your patronage through the years. It’s been a fun ride!"

Ken Oringer remains at his other restaurants, which include Clio/Uni, Coppa, La Verdad, Toro, and Earth (in Kennebunkport, ME). He is also going to be opening a new location of Toro in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City.

The address for KO Prime is 90 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02108.

[Earlier Article]
Ken Oringer Leaves KO Prime; Patricia Yeo Leaving Moksa 


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Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives Is Featuring Italian Express Pizzeria in East Boston, September 3, 2012

A few months ago, we reported that Guy Fieri of "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" was filming at Italian Express Pizzeria in East Boston, and now we have learned when the segment on the dining spot will be aired on the show. According to the restaurant's Facebook page, Italian Express will be featured on the popular Food Network show on Monday, September 3 (which is Labor Day) at 10:00 PM. The eatery was one of a few spots that Fieri visited on his most recent trip to Boston, including Angela's Cafe in East Boston and Cutty's in Brookline. Italian Express Pizzeria is a place that our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) has featured as a little-known spot to check out, with a link to the review being found below:

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

The address for Italian Express is: Italian Express Pizzeria, 336 Sumner Street, East Boston, MA, 02128. Their website is at http://www.italianexpresspizzeria.com/

For more information on "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives," please go to the following link:

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

[Earlier Article]
Guy Fieri Rolls Through East Boston


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Cocoanuts Boston Opens in the North End

A new food shop has just opened in the North End of Boston.

An email from the store indicates that Cocoanuts Boston is now open on Parmenter Street, bringing to the neighborhood a place to purchase artisan chocolates, gourmet nut mixes, specialty snacks, and fruit baskets. Sometime this fall, the shop also plans to start carrying a line of raw chocolates and they will look to sell chocolate bars that cover vegan and organic requests.

Cocoanuts Boston is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

The address for this new shop in the North End is: Cocoanuts Boston, 28 Parmenter Street, Boston, MA, 02113. Their website can be found at http://cocoanutsboston.com/


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The Coffee Perch Is Opening in Walpole

The folks behind a couple of Irish pubs in the Boston area are opening a coffeehouse near one of their dining and drinking spots.

An email from one of the owners of The Mad Raven in Waltham and The Raven's Nest in Walpole indicates that they are opening The Coffee Perch, which is two doors down from The Raven's Nest. The new coffee place on Main Street in the center of Walpole plans to open tomorrow (Saturday, August 25), offering hot coffee and tea, iced coffee, bagels, muffins, croissants, coffee cake, cookies, and breakfast sandwiches, with an art gallery also set up inside the space. The Coffee Perch will be open Monday through Friday from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with weekend hours being 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The address for this new coffeehouse in Walpole Center is: The Coffee Perch, 1006 Main Street (Route 1A), Walpole, MA, 02081. Their website can be found at http://www.coffeeperch.com/


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Four Green Fields in Downtown Boston Has Closed

It looks like a Florida-based Irish pub that opened a second spot in downtown Boston last year has shut its Boston location.

Based on reader posts on its Facebook page as well as posts from the Yelp site, Four Green Fields at One Boston Place on Washington Street is no longer in business, with the dining and drinking establishment apparently closing approximately a week ago. Its Tampa location remains open.

Four Green Fields first opened in February of 2011, with the two-story pub including room for more than 200 people and one of its features being a thatched roof inside the place.

The address for this now-closed Irish pub in downtown Boston was: Four Green Fields, 201 Washington Street (One Boston Place), Boston, MA, 02108.

Thanks to a follower of the hiddenboston Twitter page for bringing this to our attention.


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Simon's Too Is Moving into Canteen Space in Cambridge

It looks like the owner of a coffee shop between Cambridge's Porter Square and Harvard Square is going to be opening a second location, with this one moving into a space between Harvard Square and Central Square where another restaurant currently resides.

Eater Boston is reporting (via the City of Cambridge website) that Simon's Too is planning to open on Mass. Ave. in the Canteen space. The article mentions that the new shop will have a capacity of 26, with a menu similar to that of the original Simon's further up on Mass. Ave., including soups, sandwiches, and baked goods. It appears that Simon's Too will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week.

It is not yet known when Canteen will be closing, though it will apparently be very soon, as Eater Boston states that the new Simon's Too should be opening next month.

[October 2 update: A new post from Eater Boston indicates that Canteen has closed and that Simon's Too soft-opened a few days ago.]

The address for Simon's Too (and Canteen) is 983 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138.


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Coco's Lounge Takes Over Former Old Stag Tavern Space in Jamaica Plain

A new dining and drinking spot has opened in the Egleston Square section of Jamaica Plain, moving into the space where a dive bar used to be.

Eater Boston reports that Coco's Lounge is now open on Washington Street, taking over the former Old Stag Tavern spot. Based on reviews from the Yelp site, Coco's offers food (unlike the Old Stag), and it appears that the new spot is nicer in appearance than the Old Stag, which had issues concerning cleanliness and noise.

The address for this new restaurant and lounge in Egleston Square is: Coco's Lounge, 3171 Washington Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. The Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/cocos.boston


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The Bearded Pig in Somerville Is Closed for Good

[Ed note: This article was updated on August 22 to reflect new information.]

A barbecue spot in the Union Square section of Somerville that opened last month has had to close its doors, citing problems with the setup of its smokehouse.

According to a post on their Twitter page, The Bearded Pig on Somerville Avenue has shuttered, with the note saying "We have been unable to secure new smokehouse location. We are now permanently closed. Have loved being part of Union Square. Thank you all!"

Earlier today, we had reported that a poster on the Chowhound site mentioned about their "moving the smoker, but I think something went wrong and they're closing for now." At that time, it appeared that The Bearded Pig was simply closed until further notice, but now it has been confirmed that the eatery is indeed no longer in business.

The Bearded Pig first opened its doors at the end of July.

The address for this now-closed BBQ place in Union Square was: The Bearded Pig, 445 Somerville Avenue, Somerville, MA, 02143. Their website can be found at http://thebeardedpig.com/

Thanks to PigTrip BBQ Reviews for bringing this to our attention.

[October 19 update: A final note has been posted by the folks behind The Bearded Pig on their Facebook page. It says the following: "We are very sorry to all that supported us that we had to close. It was completely out of our control and was an issue with the location of our smoker and commissary. Contrary to word on the street we were properly licensed and permitted, but were unable to overcome an obstacle that was out of our control. Thanks again for all of your support."]

[Earlier Article]
The Bearded Pig Is Opening in Union Square in Somerville


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OpenTable's Picks for Best Late-Night Dining Restaurants Include Three Boston-Area Dining Spots

An online restaurant reservations provider has come out with its Diners' Choice awards for best late-night restaurants in the United States, and three Boston-area eateries are included on the list.

According to MarketWatch, OpenTable's Diners' Choice Awards for the 100 best late-night dining restaurants includes 28 Degrees and Darryl's Corner Bar and Kitchen, both of which are in the South End, and Lucky's Lounge in the Fort Point neighborhood of the city. The OpenTable list for best late-night restaurants in America comes from over 5 million reviews for more than 15,000 restaurants total.

Last year, OpenTable also included Darryl's Corner Bar and Kitchen in their list of best late-night dining hotspots.

For a complete list of the late-night dining restaurants chosen by OpenTable's diners, please go to the MarketWatch link below.

OpenTable Diner Reviews Reveal Top 100 Late Night Dining Restaurants

[Earlier Article]
Darryl's Corner Bar and Kitchen Included in OpenTable's Awards for Late Night Dining Hotspots


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Ice Cream Showdown 4 to Be Held in Boston, September 8, 2012

[Ed note: This article was edited on August 29 to reflect a change in venue for the event.]

An ice cream event is coming back to Boston in September, and this year, it will be held in the heart of downtown Boston.

According to wheretoeat.in, Ice Cream Showdown 4 will be held at Dewey Square on the Rose Kennedy Greenway on Saturday, September 8, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The event, which will be raising money for hunger organizations Community Servings and Lovin' Spoonfuls, will feature such places as FoMu, Giovanna Gelato e Sorbet, JP Licks, Picco, and Toscanini's (this list is subject to change). In addition to ice cream, representatives from Community Boating will also give guests the opportunity to go out on the water.

Ice Cream Showdown 4 is an all-ages event that will be held rain or shine. Tickets to the showdown cost $8.

For more information on the 2012 Ice Cream Showdown, please go to the link below.

http://wheretoeat.in/calendar/63/28-Ice-Cream-Showdown-4/


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USA Today Includes Flour Bakery and Cafe Among Its Picks for Top Sandwiches

USA Today has come out with its picks for the best sandwich shops in the United States, and a bakery-cafe with locations in Boston and Cambridge is included in the article.

The newspaper's choices for top sandwich shops, which are a combination of picks from both Zagat and the panel of USA Today "Road Warriors," include Flour Bakery and Cafe, with the article noting its curried tuna, hummus, roasted lamb, and smoked turkey sandwiches. Other East Coast locations picked by the newspaper include Num Pang in New York City, John's Roast Pork in Philadelphia, Attman's Delicatessen in Baltimore, and C.F. Folks in Washington, DC.

Flour Bakery and Cafe can be found on Washington Street in the South End of Boston, Farnsworth Street in Fort Point, and Mass. Ave. near Central Square in Cambridge. Their website is at http://www.flourbakery.com/

For a complete list of USA Today's sandwich picks, please go to the link below:

Top sandwich shops: Travelers pick their favorites


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Highlights for the Week Ending August 17, 2012

Several more stories and articles focusing on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a Japan-based group of ramen shops apparently opening a new location in Cambridge, a Kenmore Square lounge receiving recognition from the CNN blog, and a Walpole baker being involved in a controversy centering around whoopie pies and welfare benefits. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included a new review of a bar in West Quincy, lists of restaurants on the water in both Boston and cities/towns near Boston, and an updated review of a Greek restaurant in Woburn.

Below are links to these and other items from the past week:

Boston Restaurant Talk

Yumewokatare Ramen Shop Is Apparently Moving into Former Zing! Pizza Space in Cambridge's Porter Square

CNN's Eatocracy Lists The Hawthorne in Kenmore Square as One of the Ten Best New Bars in the U.S.

Walpole Baker Refuses to Accept EBT Cards for Her Pies at Braintree Farmers Market

The Paddock in Somerville Has Closed

Bon Me and West Bridge Are Hosting a Picnic Dinner on Boston's Rose Kennedy Greenway

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

New Review: Darcy's Village Pub in Quincy, MA

A List of Boston Restaurants That Are On the Water

A List of Restaurants Outside of Boston That Are On the Water

Updated Review: The Restaurant in Woburn, MA

Photo: Irish-Style Baked Beans from McKay's in Quincy, MA


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CNN Includes Jacob Wirth in Boston Among Its Picks for Best Historic Restaurants

CNN has put out a list of 10 of the best historic restaurants in the United States, and a Boston dining and drinking establishment is one of its picks.

According to the news network's website, Jacob Wirth on Stuart Street in the Theater District is among the 10 choices, with the site mentioning that the German eatery "is the second oldest restaurant in the city...that is more of a local hangout and Theater District go-to than a tourist hub." CNN also notes the wiener schnitzel and sauerbraten at Jacob Wirth as well as their extensive beer selection, and goes on to say that "there are sing-a-longs every Friday night to complete the beer hall vibe."

The address for Jacob Wirth, which first opened in 1868, is 31 Stuart Street, Boston, MA, 02116. Their website can be found at http://www.jacobwirth.com/

For a complete list of CNN's historic restaurant picks, please go to the link below:

10 of America's best historic restaurants


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Daddy's Dairy Is Opening in Brockton

An ice cream shop with two locations south of Boston is getting ready to open a third place, with this one also being south of the city.

An Easton Patch article from earlier this summer reports that Daddy's Dairy will open a new location in Brockton, joining two other shops in Randolph and Stoughton. The new shop on Belmont Street was planning to open in late July or early this month, but an emailer told us that it may not be opening for another couple of weeks.

[November 7 update: The new Daddy's Dairy in Brockton is now open.]

Daddy's Dairy features ice cream, soft serve, and frozen yogurt, with lactose-free options available. The Randolph location has been in business for about eight years, while the Stoughton location opened about three years ago, according to the Patch.

The address for this upcoming ice cream shop in Brockton is: Daddy's Dairy, 1280 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA, 02301. Their Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Daddys-Dairy/259630577557


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Restaurant Week Boston (Summer 2012) to Be Held August 19-24, 26-31

The summer 2012 version of Restaurant Week Boston is coming to the area this month, and as always, a wide variety of dining spots in Boston and the surrounding area will be participating.

An email from the Regan Communications Group indicates that the upcoming restaurant week will take place from Sunday, August 19 through Friday, August 24, then after a one-day break on Saturday it will start up again on Sunday, August 26 and finish up on Friday, August 31. More than 200 restaurants will be participating, including dining spots from Boston and its neighborhoods as well as a number of suburbs such as Andover, Belmont, Dedham, Framingham, Melrose, Westwood, and many others.

This year, two-course prix fixe lunches will cost $15.12, with three-course lunches costing $20.12, while three-course dinners will cost $33.12.

For more information on the Summer 2012 Restaurant Week Boston, please go to the links below.

http://www.restaurantweekboston.com/

http://www.bostonusa.com/visit/restaurantweek/


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Yumewokatare Ramen Shop Is Moving into Former Zing! Pizza Space in Cambridge's Porter Square

Earlier this year, we speculated about whether Zing! Pizza in the Porter Square section of Cambridge had closed for good. Now it appears that not only is Zing! definitely gone from the spot, but a small chain of ramen shops based in Japan may be opening a new location in the space.

Based on information from a poster on the Chowhound site, a new ramen place is planning to open in September in the spot, which is located on Mass. Ave. The poster goes on to say that "some of the signs [posted in the window] indicate it might be called Yumewokatare or something similar." This seems to confirm a rumor that Eater Boston wrote about in May--that a group of five ramen shops in Japan called Yumewokatare could be moving in.

We will try to confirm this today, but for now, it looks like Yumewokatare is indeed on its way to Cambridge.

[October 1 update: It has been confirmed that Yumewokatare is definitely moving into the former Zing! space, and Eater Boston now reports that it could be opening on Friday, October 12.]

[October 12 update: Eater Boston confirms that Yumewokatare is opening its doors at 6:00 PM this evening.]

The address for the new ramen shop coming to Porter Square is 1925 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02238.

[Earlier Article]
Will Zing! Pizza in Cambridge Ever Reopen?


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