Genki Ya Is Opening in Boston's Theatre District

A trio of Japanese restaurants that focus on healthy eating will soon have a fourth location, and this one will be located in the heart of Boston.

The Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog is reporting that Genki Ya is planning to open on Tremont Street in the city's Theatre District, taking over the space where Shanghai Restaurant had been. Once it opens, the new eatery will join locations in Brookline, Cambridge, and Dedham and will feature sushi and Japanese entrees made using organic ingredients.

[May 30 update: Eater Boston states that the new Genki Ya in the Theatre District is now open.]

Our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) has reviewed the original Genki Ya in Brookline, saying that it is a little-known spot to check out for Japanese fare. The review for it can be found below:

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

The address for this new restaurant in the Theatre District is: Genki Ya, 232 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for all of the locations is at http://www.genkiyasushi.com/

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Woodward at Ames in Boston Is Closing

Last year we reported that an upscale restaurant and bar that is located within a downtown Boston hotel was looking at an uncertain future. Now we have learned that the place is indeed closing.

Woodward at Ames confirmed today that it will be shutting down, with the last day for the Court Street dining spot being either next Sunday or Monday (a poster on the Chowhound site says that it will close Sunday, while we heard that it could be Monday). In January of 2012, there were rumors going around that a real estate company was possibly going to be marketing a lease for the space, though the hotel denied that a closure was in the works at that time. Last May, it was mentioned that changes would indeed be coming at some point, as the owners of the Ames hotel were looking into reconcepting the restaurant and that this could be part of a plan to sell the property.

[May 6 update: Eater Boston has confirmed that Woodward at Ames is now closed, as yesterday was its last day in operation.]

At this point in time, it is not known what might be going into the Woodward space, so keep checking back for updates.

The address for Woodward (and the Ames hotel) is 1 Court Street, Boston, MA, 02108.

[Earlier Article]
The Future of Woodward at Ames in Boston Is Uncertain

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Highlights for the Week Ending April 26, 2013

Several more stories and articles focusing on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a new pizzeria taking over one of the former Upper Crust locations, a fundraiser for breast cancer research and care returning to the area, and a brick-and-mortar restaurant coming from the person behind a couple of grilled cheese food trucks. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included a new review of an Irish pub in Cambridge, a photo of steak and pork tips from a Chelsea eatery, and an updated review of a restaurant in Quincy.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

Peel Pizza Company Opening in Upper Crust Space in Hingham; Former Upper Crust Co-Owner to Manage It

Boston Bakes for Breast Cancer to Be Held May 6-12, 2013

Roxy's Grilled Cheese Is Opening a Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant in Allston

A Paint Bar Could Be Coming to Cambridge

Chez Henri in Cambridge Sold to Green Street Owner; Will Have New Name

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

New Review: The Dubliner Pub in Cambridge, MA

New Photo: Steak and Pork Tips from the NewBridge Cafe in Chelsea, MA

Question: Boston-Area Restaurant with the Best Onion Rings?

New Photo: Soft Serve Ice Cream with Crunch Coat from The Dairy Barn in Randolph, MA

Updated Review: Grumpy White's in Quincy, MA

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The Gleaners' Kitchen in Somerville Makes Plans to Offer Free Food via Supermarket Dumpsters

A very different kind of restaurant could be coming to the Boston area this summer.

Grub Street Boston is reporting (via Time Magazine) that The Gleaners' Kitchen is looking to open in Somerville, with the owner of the cafe (Maximus Thaler) planning to have the 24-hour cafe offer free dishes made using food from supermarket dumpsters that has been inspected and cleaned. The eatery does not yet have a location, but their website mentions that by the end of May they could start serving food from a house in the Powderhouse Circle area, and a Kickstarter campaign is now fully funded, which will allow them the option of finding a space for their restaurant.

Based on a menu within The Gleaners' Kitchen site, possible food items offered could include roasted potatoes, fruit salad, pesto spaghetti, roasted chicken, and quiche. Coffee, tea, and soup will also be available, according to Grub Street.

The website for this upcoming dining spot can be found at http://www.thegleanerskitchen.org/

[March 19, 2014 update: An article in Boston Magazine indicates that The Gleaners' Kitchen will not be happening after all, as the project ultimately fell apart and the Kickstarter funds evaporated from being spent on rent.]

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C-Mart on Washington Street in Boston's Chinatown Has Closed

An Asian market in the Chinatown neighborhood of Boston has closed its doors, though the city's other two locations remain open.

The Boston Globe is reporting that C-Mart on Washington Street shuttered last week, with the market consolidating its operations at its nearby location on Herald Street, which is on the other side of the Mass. Pike just south of Chinatown in the South End. (Another C-Mart can be found on Lincoln Street, which is on the eastern edge of Chinatown.) The article says a spokesperson for the market mentioned that the lease for the Washington Street store was set to expire this summer, bringing them to the decision to close that location.

C-Mart stores can also be found in Georgia, Maryland, New York, and Virginia.

The address for this now-closed Asian market in Chinatown is: C-Mart, 692 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111.

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

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Cape Cod Restaurant Week to Be Held May 13-19, 2013

Cape Cod Restaurant Week is returning in May, and the event now has a new owner and operator.

Starting on Monday, May 13 and running through Sunday, May 19, the popular event will be taking place across the Cape, with a number of dining spots participating, and Boston Chefs, Inc., which has been promoting Boston Restaurant Week for nearly 10 years, is now overseeing Cape Cod Restaurant Week. Prices for fixed-price meals will be $25, $30, or $35 per person (depending on the restaurant and whether a 3- or 4-course meal is ordered), with a few of the participating spots including 400 East in Harwich, Barnstable Tavern in Barnstable, Chapoquoit Grill in Falmouth, Colombo's Cafe in Hyannis, Nauset Beach Club Restaurant in Orleans, Siena Restaurant in Mashpee, and Van Renssalaer's Restaurant in Wellfleet.

For more information on the Spring 2013 Cape Cod Restaurant Week, please go to the link below:

http://www.capecodrestaurantweek.com/

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Back Bay Restaurants That Are Open Once Again (And Those That Are Still Closed) As Of April 29

Last Thursday we posted a list of restaurants in the Back Bay that have reopened after the Boston Marathon explosions, along with places that were still closed. The list has changed quite a bit since then, with most spots reopening, and Boylston Street was able to reopen on Wednesday. The latest is below--please let us know of any other updates, thanks.


OPEN
Abe and Louie's (Boylston Street)
Asana (Boylston Street)
Atlantic Fish (Boylston Street)
Back Bay Social Club (Boylston Street)
Boloco (Copley Sq, Boylston/Mass Ave, Boylston/Charles, Newbury Street)
Bukowski Tavern (Dalton Street)
Cactus Club (Boylston Street)
Cafe 939 (Boylston Street)
City Bar (Exeter Street location)
City Table (Exeter Street)
Firehouse Subs (Boylston Street)
Kings Back Bay (Dalton Street)
Legal Sea Foods (Copley Square and Prudential Center)
L'Espalier (Boylston Street)
Lir (Boylston Street)
Max Brenner (Boylston Street)
McGreevy's (Boylston Street)
Oak Long Bar + Kitchen (St. James Avenue)
Parish Cafe (Boylston Street)
Pavement Coffeehouse (all locations)
Pour House (Boylston Street)
Rattlesnake Bar (Boylston Street)
Skipjack's (Clarendon Street location)
Solas Irish Pub (Boylston Street)
Tasti D-Lite Boston (Newbury Street location)
Towne Stove and Spirits (Boylston Street)
Typhoon Asian Bistro (Boylston Street)
Whiskey's (Boylston Street)


In addition, the following restaurant remains closed for now:

CLOSED
Forum (Boylston Street)

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Shake Shack Is Opening in Cambridge's Harvard Square

[Ed note: This article was updated on October 10 to reflect the fact that Shake Shack will indeed be coming to Harvard Square.]

Last month a popular New York-based burger stand opened its first Boston-area location, and now it looks like a second outlet could be coming to the region, and this one may be opening in one of the busiest sections of Cambridge.

A Twitter post sent to us this evening indicates that Shake Shack is eyeing a location on JFK Street in Harvard Square, though an article in The Crimson says that nothing is written in stone as of yet, as no public announcement has been made, with a manager for the company says that "At this point we have submitted an application to the city for a special permit, and we will not be in a position to make a formal announcement until the board has reviewed and approved our application."

[May 21 update: The City of Cambridge reviewed the special permit for Shake Shack's proposed location in Harvard Square earlier this month, though we have not yet been able to learn about any decisions that were made at the meeting. As soon as we do, another update will be posted here.]

[June 18 update: According to a new License Commission General Hearing page, Everest Crossing LLC at 57 JFK Street "is petitioning to involuntarily transfer said license to Shake Shack Harvard Square Boston, LLC d/b/a Shake Shack, Daniel Tavan, Manager." The note for the hearing, which takes place a week from today (Tuesday, June 25), also says that the proposed Shake Shack would have seating for 110 inside, with 24 more seats on an outdoor patio, and hours being from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily.]

[October 10 update: The Harvard Crimson is now reporting that Shake Shack is definitely coming to Harvard Square, with construction beginning this week and an apparent opening by the end of the year. One note: The official address appears to be 92 Winthrop Street, not 57 JFK Street (though it appears to be the same building). Thanks to BostonTweet for bringing the Crimson story to our attention.]

[December 10 update: The new Shake Shack has not yet opened in Harvard Square (and a Facebook post says that there is no set date as of yet), but the Harvard Square Business Association mentions that the restaurant will be giving out free cups of its house-made dark hot chocolate at its future home on Winthrop Street on Saturday, December 14 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.]

[December 16 update: Eater Boston says that the new Shake Shack in Harvard Square is hoping to open during the first week of January.]

[December 24 update: PigTrip mentions on its Facebook page that the new Shake Shack in Harvard Square has actually opened, though it is only serving shakes, concretes, and custards for the time being (its full opening won't take place until January).]

[January 2, 2014 update: According to a page on the restaurant's website, the new Shake Shack in Harvard Square opens at 11:00 AM today.]

In March, Shake Shack opened its first Boston-area restaurant in Chestnut Hill, offering such items as burgers, hot dogs, frozen custard, and shakes.

The address for this upcoming restaurant in Harvard Square is 92 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for Shake Shack can be found at http://www.shakeshack.com/

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Peel Pizza Company Opening in Upper Crust Space in Hingham; Former Upper Crust Co-Owner to Manage It

A new pizza spot is taking over the former Upper Crust space in Hingham, and one of the former co-owners of the chain is involved with the new place.

The Hingham Patch is reporting that Peel Pizza Company is going to open on South Street next week, with a Tuesday opening planned. The article says that Brendan Higgins of the Upper Crust is going to be managing the eatery for his brother-in-law, owner Matthew Troy, and that there is no connection at all with the Upper Crust chain. Higgins co-owned Upper Crust with Joshua Huggard and founder Jordan Tobins until the chain went bankrupt late last year, with a number of the shops going to auction shortly thereafter. The Hingham location was included in the auction, being bought up by a franchisee who then decided to get out of the business, selling it to Troy, according to the Patch.

[May 1 update: According to a post on its Facebook page, Peel Pizza Company opens today.]

Expect to see thin-crust Neapolitan pizzas, calzones, and salads at the Peel Pizza Company, with slices being available.

The address for this new pizza spot in Hingham is: Peel Pizza Company, 73 South Street, Hingham, MA, 02043.

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

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Phantom Gourmet Hot Dog Safari Coming to Lansdowne Street in the Fenway, May 18, 2013

A fundraising event that focuses on hot dogs is returning to Boston once again, and as always, a variety of entertainment options will be included.

On Saturday, May 18 from noon to 4:00 PM, the Phantom Gourmet Hot Dog Safari will be held on Lansdowne Street by Fenway Park, with the indoor and outdoor event featuring hot dogs from Windy City Eats, Kayem, Old Neighborhood, and others, as well as other food items from such places as Harrow's Chicken Pies, Kowloon, and Richardson's Ice Cream. In addition to food samplings, the Hot Dog Safari will also include bowling, skee ball, live music, wine tastings, and children's activities.

Tickets to the 2013 Hot Dog Safari cost $10 for a limited time and include admission and food, with the regular advance ticket price being $15 (they will cost $20 at the door), and children age 9 getting in for free. Proceeds from the event go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

[May 10 update: According to their Facebook page, the $10 ticket price is only good until 4:00 PM today.]

[May 17 update: A new post on their Facebook page indicates that $15 tickets end today at 4:00 PM (they will be $20 at the door tomorrow).]

For more information, please go to the following link:

http://hotdogsafari.phantomgourmet.com/

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Boston Bakes for Breast Cancer to Be Held May 6-12, 2013

A fundraising event that supports breast cancer research and care is coming back to the Boston area once again in May.

During the week leading up to Mother's Day (May 6 to May 12), more than 200 restaurants, cafes, food shops, and markets will create specific desserts for the 14th annual Boston Bakes for Breast Cancer. Desserts will be $3.00 and up, with all proceeds from those particular dessert items (or 50% of proceeds from their entire dessert menus) being shared by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Bakes for Breast Cancer, Inc.

For more information on the 2013 Boston Bakes for Breast Cancer (including which restaurants and food purveyors are participating), please go to the following link:

http://www.bostonbakesforbreastcancer.org/

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Firehouse Subs in Boston's Back Bay to Give Free Subs to Those Who Helped Through May 1

A Florida-based chain of quick-casual sandwich shops whose Back Bay location recently reopened after being closed due to the Boston Marathon explosions is honoring those who helped by offering them free food.

From now through Wednesday, May 1, Firehouse Subs on Boylston Street in Copley Square will be giving out free subs to all first responders, law enforcement officials, firefighters, and emergency medical services (EMS) folks courtesy of the Public Safety Foundation and franchisee Tom Salter.

A note on the chain's Facebook page earlier this week says the following concerning the Copley Square location:

"We're grateful our crew is safe and we can provide them with work again. Thank you to the incredible response by Boston PD and first responders - true heroes. Proud to be founded by firefighters."

The address for Firehouse Subs in the Back Bay is 545 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.firehousesubs.com/

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More Help from Boston-Area Restaurants

Several articles from this site and others have looked into Boston-area restaurants that have helped those who were affected by the explosions in the Back Bay on Marathon Monday, and now we have learned of some others.

On Friday, April 26, Earl of Sandwich on Boston Common is going to give out free sandwiches to first responders from all city and state agencies and area hospitals. (Diners simply need to present their official IDs when they order to get their food.)

During the month of May, BOKX 109 American Prime in Newton will donate 100% of the sales of their 123 Short Rib dish ($32) to The One Fund Boston.

On Wednesday, May 1, The Columbus Group will donate part of their proceeds from dinners served at L'Andana Grill, Mistral, Mooo, Sorellina, and Teatro to The One Fund Boston. In addition, for those who are unable to make it to one of the restaurants that evening, they will be able to make donations through the restaurants' social media pages that night.

On Monday, May 13, Strega Waterfront will host a celebrity bartender event from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the bar area. The event will include a surprise celebrity bartender who will make cocktails for guests, with an assortment of complimentary appetizers available as well. Strega will donate 100% of the proceeds (all drinks purchased from the celebrity bartender) to The One Fund Boston.

Cheers is donating $10,000 from the foundation "Cheers for Children" to The One Fund Boston. In addition, they also made a special T-shirt that will be sold in their retail stores for $15, with 100% of the sales of the "Boston Strong" shirt being donated to One Fund.

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Upper Crust Pizzeria in West Roxbury Is Closing

It looks like one of the locations of Upper Crust Pizzeria that was independent and not involved in the bankruptcy (and subsequent auction of the chain) is getting ready to close its doors.

According to a post on its Facebook page, the West Roxbury location of Upper Crust is planning to close this Sunday (April 28) after being in business for just under four years. The note indicates that the folks behind the Centre Street eatery are apparently leaving the business in order to spend more time with family and possibly on other endeavors, and that a new restaurant will be moving into the space, though no other information has been given about the upcoming spot.

[May 6 update: Eater Boston says that the Upper Crust in West Roxbury is still open, with no specific end date mentioned as of yet.]

[May 21 update: A recent post on the restaurant's Facebook page indicates that Upper Crust in West Roxbury is planning to close in June.]

[June 28 update: A new post on their Facebook page confirms that the Upper Crust Pizzeria in West Roxbury has officially closed.]

A number of Upper Crust locations shut down abruptly last November, with the shops being auctioned off a month later. Some of the stores have reopened, including locations in Boston's South End, Watertown, and Wellesley, while the Back Bay location was recently taken over by The Proper Slice--and the Harvard Square location soon becoming The Just Crust.

Gift cards for the West Roxbury location of Upper Crust will be honored at the six other UC locations, including Harvard Street in Brookline, according to the note.

The address of the Upper Crust in West Roxbury: Upper Crust Pizzeria, 1727 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132.

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Roxy's Grilled Cheese Is Opening a Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant in Allston

In January, we mentioned that the owner of the Roxy Grilled Cheese food trucks was planning to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant somewhere in the Boston area. Now we have been able to confirm this, and we also know exactly where the restaurant will be.

The Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog is reporting that James DiSabatino of Roxy's Grilled Cheese has signed a lease for a permanent location of his eatery at 485 Cambridge Street in Allston, which is where North Beacon Street and Brighton Avenue meet (a few blocks west of the heart of Allston Village). The article says that the new spot could be open sometime in the fall.

[January 30, 2014 update: Eater Boston states that the upcoming Roxy's Grilled Cheese restaurant in Allston will offer burgers in addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, and it will also serve beer and wine (the beers will all be in cans because there is no room for taps).]

[February 5, 2014 update: A post from The Restaurant Hub of The Boston Globe indicates that the new Roxy's brick-and-mortar restaurant is planning to open around the end of this month, and that it will also be serving poutine.]

[May 18, 2014 update: According to a message from Roxy's this evening, their new brick-and-mortar restaurant opens next weekend, with hours being 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.]

Roxy's Grilled Cheese first started out in March of 2011 and can now be found at several locations in Boston (depending on the day), including in the Back Bay, the Greenway, Fort Point, Cleveland Circle, and Allston. Their website is at http://www.roxysgrilledcheese.com/

[Earlier Article]
Area Four, Biryani Park Food Trucks Coming; Mei Mei Street Kitchen and Roxy's Grilled Cheese May Expand to Brick-and-Mortar

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Paint Corner Art Bar Is Opening in Cambridge

[Ed note: This article was updated on November 8 to reflect an opening date as well as an exact name given to the place.]

It looks like a different kind of bar is on the way to Cambridge.

Cambridge Day is reporting that local artist Leslie Belkner is looking to open a "paint bar" on Belmont Street near where the city borders Belmont and Watertown. The article says that the eatery, which would have seating for 20, would be a place where amateur artists could create paintings on a given night while people eat light, prepared foods and choose from beer and wine options. The city will take a look at her plans in May, so check back for updates.

[November 8 update: Eater Boston states that the paint bar (which will be called "Paint Corner Art Bar") is opening on Thursday, November 14. (Information via the place's Facebook page.)

The address for this new paint bar in Cambridge is 31 Belmont Street, Cambridge, MA, 02138.

Thanks to Eater Boston for bringing this to our attention.

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Taste of Somerville Coming to the Holiday Inn, May 21, 2013

A culinary event is returning to a hotel in Somerville this spring, and once again, an array of local restaurants will be participating.

On Tuesday, May 21, the Taste of Somerville will be held at the Holiday Inn on Washington Street starting at 5:30 PM and running until 7:30 PM. This year, more than 30 dining spots and food/drink purveyors will be at the event, providing appetizers, entrees, desserts, pastries, beer, and wine.

Tickets to the 2013 Taste of Somerville cost $30, with proceeds helping RESPOND, Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps out survivors of domestic violence and their children.

For more information on this event, please go to the link below:

http://www.respondinc.org/taste2013

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Chez Henri in Cambridge Sold to Green Street Owner; Will Have New Name

A French-Cuban restaurant in Cambridge that is known in part for a particular sandwich has been sold, and it will soon have a new name along with other changes.

Eater Boston is reporting (via The Improper Bostonian--no link to their story yet) that Chez Henri has been purchased by Dylan Black of Green Street in the city's Central Square area. According to EB, a new name will be given to the Shepard Street eatery, with Green Street executive chef Greg Reeves keeping the Latin influences in place, though there will be more emphasis on steak dishes as well. It is not yet known whether the restaurant's signature dish--its Cuban sandwich--will remain on the menu.

It appears that Chez Henri (which was first opened by Paul O'Connell nearly 20 years ago) will switch over sometime in the middle of the summer.

Chez Henri is located at 1 Shepard Street, which is just off Mass. Ave. between Porter Square and Harvard Square.

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Panera Bread Raising Money for The One Fund Boston Via In-Store Canisters

Ever since the attack on Marathon Monday, countless restaurants in the Boston area have been helping raise money for The One Fund Boston, and now a national chain of bakery-cafes is involved as well.

Over the next 30 days (starting yesterday), 32 Panera Bread shops in and around Boston will be collecting donations via in-store canisters in order to help families that were most affected by the explosions in the Back Bay last week, with the chain matching the total amount collected as well.

The One Fund Boston, which was set up by Mayor Thomas Menino and Governor Deval Patrick in the wake of the bombings, has raised more than $20 million to date.

For a listing of Panera locations in the Boston area, please go to the link below:

http://www.panerabread.com/find.php

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A Taste of Spring to Be Held in Woburn, May 15, 2013

A tasting event supporting an organization that helps people with developmental disabilities and autism is returning to Woburn once again next month, and a variety of area restaurants will be participating.

On Wednesday, May 15, NuPath, Inc. is hosting the 16th Annual "A Taste of Spring" at the Crowne Plaza Hotel (at 15 Middlesex Canal Park Drive) with the event going from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Included will be samplings of food from 25 local dining spots and food purveyors such as Bobby C's, Exchange Street Bistro, Foccacia, L'Andana, Legal Sea Foods, Lester's Roadside BBQ, Masa Grill, Sea Dog Brew Pub, Tavern in the Square, Turner's Seafood, and others, with cocktails also offered at the event, along with door prizes and raffles.

The donation price for A Taste of Spring is $25, with all proceeds helping adults with developmental disabilities with job training and placement, affordable housing, transportation, and other services.

For more information on the 2013 Taste of Spring, please go to the following link.

A Taste of Spring 2013

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Potbelly Sandwich Shop Is Opening in Burlington

A Chicago-based chain of sub shops is opening yet another Boston-area location, with this one being north of the city.

According to a post on its Facebook page, Potbelly Sandwich Shop is going to be opening in Burlington tomorrow, making this the fourth outlet to open in the area. Expect a variety of sandwiches at the Wayside Commons location, with "originals," "bigs," and "skinnys" offered.

Currently, locations of Potbelly can be found in Boston's Downtown Crossing, at Logan Airport, and in Braintree's South Shore Plaza. (Other locations are planned for Boston's Financial District and Cambridge as well.)

The address for this new sandwich place in Burlington is: Potbelly Sandwich Shop, 2 Wayside Road, Burlington, MA, 01803. The website for the chain is at http://www.potbelly.com/

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Hong Kong Cafe II Is Opening in Brookline's Coolidge Corner

A Chinese restaurant located just south of Fenway Park will soon have a second location, with this one being a short distance west of the original.

The Brookline TAB is reporting that Hong Kong Cafe II will be opening on Beacon Street in the Coolidge Corner section of town, with the new eatery apparently planning to be a takeout spot that stays open late into the night. This article says that this will be an outlet of the Hong Kong Cafe on Boylston Street in Boston, and that it will be moving into the space where Yummy House had been.

Expect a May opening for Hong Kong Cafe II.

[June 3 update: According to their website, Hong Kong Cafe II is now open in Brookline.]

The address for this new restaurant in Coolidge Corner is: Hong Kong Cafe II, 1391 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for the original location in Boston can be found at http://www.hongkongcafetogo.com/

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Highlights for the Week Ending April 19, 2013

A few more stories and articles focusing on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including non-profits that will be donating to The One Fund Boston, local restaurants that helped out in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon attack last Monday, and more. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included an updated review of an Indian restaurant in Quincy, a photo of a hot dog topped with macaroni and cheese from a Cape Ann spot, and an updated list of closings and openings in the Boston area.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

Six Non-Profits to Donate to The One Fund Boston on April 25

Restaurants (and Others) That Are Helping

Union Square Donuts to Expand, Merging with Cafe Tango

Clover Food Lab to Open in Brookline Village

Stone Hearth Pizza Is Opening in Hingham

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

New Review: Punjab Cafe in Quincy, MA

New Photo: Golden Retriever dog from Top Dog in Rockport, MA

Updated List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area

New Blog Entry: A Tip of the Hat to Boston-Area Restaurants

New Photo: Crab Cakes from The Lobster Pool in Rockport, MA

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Union Square Donuts Is Expanding, Merging with Cafe Tango

Over the winter, we wrote about a donut shop opening in the Union Square section of Somerville. Now we have learned that it will be expanding by merging with an existing cafe nearby.

The Somerville Beat is reporting that Union Square Donuts on Somerville Avenue will be opening within Cafe Tango on Bow Street, with the donut shop being open during the day and the cafe being open for dinner. It looks like the donut place could be having a grand reopening in a few weeks, according to the article.

[May 1 update: According to a post on its Twitter page, Union Square Donuts is opening in its new home this Friday (May 3).]

The new address for Union Square Donuts is 16 Bow Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Their Twitter page is at https://twitter.com/UnionSqDonuts

Thanks to Eater Boston for bringing this to our attention.

[Earlier Article]
Union Square Donuts Is Opening a Retail Shop in Somerville

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Papagayo Is Opening in the Max and Dylans Space in Charlestown

A Mexican restaurant in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood will soon be joined by a second outlet, with this one opening in the space where another eatery from the same restaurant group resides.

According to a job post on the Craigslist site, Papagayo is getting ready to move into the Max and Dylans space in the City Square section of Charlestown, with a possible opening sometime around Cinco de Mayo. The job post doesn't say whether it will be taking over the entire Max and Dylans or if it will be somehow sharing the space; as soon as we receive more information, we will post an update here.

[April 22 update: According to the Max and Dylans website, Papagayo will indeed be taking over the entire space, as the Charlestown location of Max and Dylans closed yesterday with the Mexican restaurant opening up there on May 1.]

[May 1 update: UrbanDaddy states that the new Papagayo in Charlestown soft-opens today.]

The original Papagayo can be found on Summer Street, while other locations of Max and Dylans are in downtown Boston and Bedford. The Legendary Restaurant Group--which also runs Scollay Square in Beacon Hilll and Sip and Avery Provision in downtown Boston--is behind both Papagayo and Max and Dylans.

The address for the new location of Papagayo in City Square is 1 Chelsea Street, Charlestown, MA, 02129. The website for the original location is at http://www.papagayoboston.com/

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Clover Food Lab Is Opening in Brookline Village

The people behind several vegetarian food trucks and two brick-and-mortar restaurants in the Boston area are planning to open a new takeout spot, and this one will be just west of the Boston line.

Zagat is reporting that Clover Food Lab is going to be opening a new location on Harvard Street in Brookline Village, with the eatery possibly opening in the next month. Once it opens, the new Clover will join outlets in Cambridge's Harvard Square and Inman Square, as well as food trucks in Boston, Cambridge, and Burlington.  Expect healthy options at the upcoming dining spot, which could include breakfast items, sandwiches, and platters.

[June 21 update: According to an article in brookline.com, it appears that the new Clover in Brookline Village is getting ready for a soft opening, as it will have an open house this weekend with popovers, coffee, and CSA pickups, and it will offer free sandwiches to Brookline residents on Monday.]

[June 24 update: A post on their Facebook page indicates that today may be the official opening date for Clover in Brookline, as it says "FREE SANDWICH DAY @cloverBLV to celebrate Day One! 11am until we run out."]

[June 25 update: The new Clover in Brookline is now officially open, with a note on its website saying that today is its first full day of service (open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM).]

More new brick-and-mortar locations of Clover are also on the way, including ones coming to Boston's Back Bay, Cambridge's Kendall Square, and Burlington.

The address for this new restaurant in Brookline Village is: Clover Food Lab, 10 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA, 02445. The website for Clover can be found at http://www.cloverfoodlab.com/

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Back Bay Restaurants That Have Reopened (And Those That Remain Closed) As Of April 18

On Tuesday, we published a list of restaurants (mostly in the Back Bay) that were closed due to the explosions at the Boston Marathon on Monday. Some of the dining spots are now starting to reopen, including those listed below. If you know of any others (and/or have any info on the places at the bottom of this list), please let us know via the comments below or by way of the Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page or the hiddenboston Twitter page, thanks.

OPEN
Boloco (Boylston/Mass Ave, Boylston/Charles, Newbury Street)
Bukowski Tavern (Dalton Street)
Kings Back Bay (Dalton Street)
Oak Long Bar + Kitchen (St. James Avenue)
Parish Cafe (Boylston Street)
Pavement Coffeehouse (all locations)
Rattlesnake Bar (Boylston Street)
Skipjack's (Clarendon Street location)
Tasti D-Lite Boston (Newbury Street location)


In addition, the following restaurants remain closed for now:

CLOSED
Abe and Louie's (Boylston Street)
Asana (Boylston Street)
Atlantic Fish (Boylston Street)
Boloco (Copley Square location)
Cactus Club (Boylston Street)
City Bar (Boylston Street location only)
City Table (Boylston Street)
Forum (Boylston Street)
Legal Sea Foods (Copley Square and Prudential Center)
L'Espalier (Boylston Street)
Solas Irish Pub (Boylston Street)
Towne Stove and Spirits (Boylston Street)
Typhoon Asian Bistro (Boylston Street)


And we're still trying to get confirmation on these places:

Cafe 939 (Boylston Street)
Pour House (Boylston Street)
Whiskey's (Boylston Street)

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Highlights for the Week Ending April 12, 2013

Several more stories and articles centering on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a chocolate shop opening by the Old North Church, a food truck throwdown returning to the area, and a beer bar possibly coming to a busy section of Somerville. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included a new review of a roadhouse on the Boston line, a spring newsletter being released, and a photo of a burger from a Quincy eatery.

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

Boston Restaurant Talk

Captain Jackson's Colonial Chocolate Shop Is Opening in Boston's North End

Food Truck Throwdown Returns to Boston, May 4, 2013

Christina's Baking Annex Is Coming to Cambridge's Inman Square

Jonathan's Bar and Grille in Newton Loses Its Lease, Shuts Down

World of Beer Is Looking to Come to Somerville's Davis Square

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

New Review: The Village Manor in Dedham, MA

New Photo: Green Chile Burger from Wild Willy's in Quincy, MA

Updated List of Food and Restaurant Events On the Way to the Boston Area

Newsletter for Spring, 2013

New Photo: Chicken Tenders from The Village Manor in Dedham, MA

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Six Non-Profits to Donate to The One Fund Boston on April 25

An upcoming event in downtown Boston will now be raising money for families affected by the explosions at the Boston Marathon earlier this week.

An email sent to us from 451 Marketing indicates that on Thursday, April 25, the six non-profits involved with the Friends with Benefits Gala at The State Room will donate 50 percent of the event's proceeds to The One Fund Boston, which Governor Deval Patrick and Mayor Tom Menino helped form to raise money to help families most affected by Monday's tragedy. The organizations involved include The Boston Bruins Foundation, College Bound Dorchester, The Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, The Ellie Fund, The International Rett Syndrome Foundation, and Longwood Giving, while restaurants that will be participating in the event include Abby Park, Darryl's Corner Bar and Kitchen, Deuxave, Farmstead Table, Local 149, Posto Restaurant, Restaurant dante, The State Room, Tresca, and Turner Fisheries.

For more information on the Friends with Benefits Gala, please go to the link below:

http://www.longwoodgiving.org/

And for more information on The One Fund Boston, please go to this link:

http://www.onefundboston.org/

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Restaurants to Donate a Portion of Sales to Victims of Boston Marathon Explosions Tonight (April 17)

A number of Boston-area restaurants will be helping the victims of Monday's explosions at the Boston Marathon this evening, donating a portion of their sales to a well-known local foundation.

An email sent from Image Unlimited Communications as well as a post from The Greg Hill Foundation indicates that dining spots in and around the city will donate between 10% and 50% of their evening sales to The Greg Hill Foundation, with the donations going out "immediately," according to Hill, who is a radio announcer on WAAF. The list of participating restaurants is growing, but currently it includes the following spots:

62 Restaurant and Wine Bar in Salem
Avila in Boston
Bella Luna Restaurant and the Milky Way Lounge in Jamaica Plain
Blue on Highland in Needham
Boloco in Boston's Back Bay (Newbury Street, Boylston Street)
Bondir in Cambridge
Brasserie Jo in Boston
Burger Dive in Somerville
Cafe Sushi in Cambridge's Harvard Square
Cafeteria in the Back Bay
China Blossom in North Andover
Davio's in the Back Bay
Enzo in Newburyport
Erbaluce in Boston's Bay Village
The Farmhouse in Needham
The Fireplace in Brookline
Flatbread Company in Somerville's Davis Square
Gari in Brookline and Needham
Grafton Street in Harvard Square
Grill 23 in the Back Bay
Harvest in Harvard Square
Max and Dylans in Bedford, Boston, and Charlestown
Ole in Cambridge's Inman Square
Owen and Ollie's in Dracut
Papagayo in Boston's Fort Point
PARK in Harvard Square
Piattini Wine Cafe in the Back Bay
Olivio in Arlington
Post 390 in Boston
Russell House Tavern in Harvard Square
Salvatore's in Boston's Seaport District, Theatre District, and Medford
Scollay Square in Boston's Beacon Hill
Sip Wine Bar and Kitchen in Boston
Sophia's Grotto in Roslindale
Sweet Basil in Needham
Tavern Road in Fort Point
Temple Bar in Cambridge
Tryst in Arlington
Tuscan Kitchen in Salem, NH

If other restaurants would like to join the effort, please contact the Greg Hill Foundation (see below) or send an email to adam@fmpproductions.com

http://www.thegreghillfoundation.org/

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Restaurants (and Others) That Are Helping

In the aftermath of the explosions at the Boston Marathon yesterday, many restaurants and other businesses in the food/drink industry immediately stepped up, doing everything from handing out supplies to giving free food to those who were helping to simply being places where people could gather together. This tremendous outpouring continues today, with Grub Street Boston putting together a list of places that are helping, including Chicken and Rice Guys, Eastern Standard, El Pelon Taqueria, Michael's Deli, Roxy's, South Street Diner, and Tasty Burger:

Here's How Restaurants Are Helping in the Marathon Aftermath

Grub Street's list will likely continue to be updated as the day goes on, and we have received a number of updates as well from dining spots and food/drink purveyors, including the ones below:

Bauer Wine and Spirits
To our family in Back Bay: If you need a friend to listen about yesterday's events, our doors are open. Whatever you need, we are here.
[link]

Brahmin
free pasta, salad, soda for residents and workers down at ground 0. 33 stanhope st @ the Brahmin
[link]

Craft Beer Cellar (via No Crap Beer)
RT @nocrapbeer: That's right: we'll be donating the $$ raised from our Fund a CBC campaign to the victims and their families. cc @CBC_Belmont
[link]

Dockside Restaurants
Benefit to Support Those Impacted at the Boston Marathon #constantcontact http://conta.cc/YsQwKL
[link]

Fire + Ice Boston
Complimentary meals to all first responders, emergency and law enforcement in our bar beginning at 12pm! Enter Park sq. building on st james
[link]

Jack's Abbey Brewing
Fundraiser tomorrow at The Tavern Framingham 3pm-closing on 102 Irving St. Beer is being donated by breweries all over the region.
[link]

Legal Sea Foods
Free water and all-you-can-eat clam chowder at takeout for emergency personnel and authorities today and tmmrw at Park Sq.
[link]

Mass Ave Tavern
We are open and offering 50% off food for all marathon participants and free food for all emergency personal #bostonheal http://twitpic.com/cjt7hd
[link]


Milky Way/Bella Luna
Wed. 4/17 dine with us to help marathon families in need, Mass Craftacular local beer tasting 7 to 9PM http://conta.cc/10bo3Q6
[link]

Santoro's of Peabody
Found this information to donate money to some of the victims... Please donate... http://fb.me/2ofeLPl86
[link]

Stoddard's Pub
You can start donating here for #BostonMarathon victims @claddaghfund http://fb.me/213ymD2bL
[link]

Trina's Starlite Lounge
Tonight @ParlorSports is donating all sales to a charity (TBD-- suggestions?) supporting the families of yesterday's tragedy.
[link]

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Restaurants That Are Closed Today (Tuesday, April 16, 2013)

This is a running list of Boston restaurants that will be closed today due to the explosions at the Boston Marathon yesterday. If you know of any others, please let us know via the comments below or by way of the Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook page or the hiddenboston Twitter page, thanks.

Abe & Louie's (Boylston Street)
Asana (Boylston Street)
Atlantic Fish (Boylston Street)
Boloco (Boylston Street location only)
Cactus Club (Boylston Street)
Cafe 939 (Boylston Street)
City Bar (Boylston Street location only)
City Table (Boylston Street)
Forum (Boylston Street)
Kings Back Bay (Dalton Street)
Legal Sea Foods (Copley Square and Prudential Center)
L'Espalier (Boylston Street)
Parish Cafe (Boylston Street)
Pavement Coffeehouse (all locations)
Pour House (Boylston Street)
Rattlesnake Bar (Boylston Street)
Skipjack's (Clarendon Street location only)
Solas Irish Pub (Boylston Street)
Tasti D-Lite Boston (Newbury Street location only)
Towne Stove and Spirits (Boylston Street)
Whiskey's (Boylston Street)

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Responses from Boston-Area Restaurants

Below are some Twitter posts from Boston-area restaurants (and a couple from elsewhere in New England) from yesterday and today in response to yesterday's explosions at the Boston Marathon. Many, many others responded as well, but this is just a sampling of what some of the folks at various dining spots were saying.

@ElPelonTaqueria
Humbled by all the comments and my staff who didn't blink when asked and gladly served everyone who came through - they are my family

@ESKDboston
As day two dawns, we're open and available to anyone needing a meal or place to gather.

@tentables
It felt extra special to nourish so many in boston tonight with warm meals. Thankful for community.

@saltypigboston
Happy to be drinking beers now. Long long, long, sad day. I hope all of you are ok and get some rest. God Bless America.

@Lifealivecafe
Sending Love to All

@BansheeBoston
Why would anyone do this

@RoxysGrilledChz
We'd love to buy lunch for all 1st responders (EMT, docs, nurses, police, fire) today [Tuesday]. High St+Surface Rd 1130-230. One Love.

@VictoriasDiner
Thank you all police, firemen and FBI for everything you do!

@McGreevysBoston
We are so fortunate to have such heroic firefighters, police officers, EMTs & first responders here in Boston.

@graciesprov
Peace, serenity, and love today, friends.

@KingstonStation
We are ok and watching news from home in Cambridge. Feeling sad and sick in my heart for those who were hit.

@FederalJacks
We love you, Boston. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those affected, their families and the best city ever.

@BijouBoston
Stay strong Boston.

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Stone Hearth Pizza Is Opening in Hingham

A local group of pizza restaurants continues to expand, with its first South Shore location on the way.

According to a Facebook post from The Launch at Hingham Shipyard, Stone Hearth Pizza is going to be opening at this mixed-use development along the harbor, and it could be up and running soon, as it is going to be having a job fair this Wednesday. [May 10 update: A message sent to us by the restaurant indicates that the new Stone Hearth Pizza is opening today at 5:00 PM.]

Stone Hearth Pizza, which features thin-crust Neapolitan pies using fresh ingredients, has been growing slowly but steadily in the Boston area, with a new location coming to Winchester earlier this year and a shop in Allston opening in late 2011. (Other locations can be found in Belmont, Cambridge, and Needham.)

The address for this new pizza spot in Hingham is: Stone Hearth Pizza, 19 Shipyard Drive, Hingham, MA, 02043. The website for all of the restaurants is at http://www.stonehearthpizza.com/

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