Thursday, November 30, 2017

Stacia's Place in Salem Is Closing December 1

by Marc Hurwitz

A North Shore eatery that has been a local favorite for a long time is getting ready to shut down for good.

According to a Facebook post from Zachary Antczak of Notch Brewing, Stacia's Place in Salem is closing tomorrow (Friday, December 1) after 35 years in business. Another Facebook post on the restaurant's page confirms this, saying that an open house may also be taking place at the Bridge Street spot on Saturday, December 2.

Stacia's is known in part for its subs, including steak bombs, Italian bombs, turkey bombs, chicken parmigiana, Italian sausage, pepper and egg, and hot pastrami. The dining spot also offers soups, salads, wings, hot dogs, pizza rolls, and more.

The address for the soon-to-close Stacia's Place is 97 Bridge Street, Salem, MA, 01970.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Sandwiches from Boston-Area Dining Spots]





Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Brothers Marketplace Is Opening in Waltham

by Marc Hurwitz

A local supermarket chain that is getting ready to close one of its locations is also going to be opening an outlet of its upscale neighborhood market concept.

According to a post in the Daily Times Chronicle on the upcoming closing of Roche Bros. in Burlington, the company is also planning to open a new location of Brothers Marketplace in Waltham. An earlier Boston Globe article confirms this, saying that the Wellesley-based chain will be opening Brothers in the Merc at Moody and Main apartment building in the downtown area sometime next spring. Once it opens, the new market will join other locations in Weston and Medfield.

The two Brothers Marketplaces are small grocery stores that focus on fresh foods and regional products; another shop had been planned for Somerville's Davis Square, but it ended up falling through and a location of bfresh (another small-market concept, with this one affiliated with Stop & Shop) opened in the Elm Street space earlier this year.

The website for Brothers Marketplace can be found at http://www.brothers-marketplace.com/

[May 2 update: According to a press release, the new Brothers Marketplace in Waltham is now open.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Top Mix Bar & Kitchen Opens in Roxbury

by Marc Hurwitz

A new restaurant and bar has come to a mostly residential and industrial section of Boston.

According to a post from Eater Boston, Top Mix Bar & Kitchen is now open in Roxbury, moving into the space on Norfolk Avenue just north of Upham's Corner (and just south of Newmarket Square and the South Bay Center) where Chin's Bar & Grill had been. The article mentions that the new dining and drinking spot focuses on cocktails while also serving such food items as wings, sandwiches, chicken and waffles, sweet plantain ravioli, and steak tips, and that beer and wine are also offered as well.

The area immediately surrounding Top Mix Bar & Kitchen has few options for food and cocktails, with one of the closest restaurants being Victoria's Diner several blocks to the northeast.

The address for this new restaurant and bar in Roxbury is: Top Mix Bar & Kitchen, 257 Norfolk Avenue, Roxbury, MA, 02119. The website for the place can be found at https://www.topmixbar.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Tora Japanese Restaurant Has Opened in Boston's Chinatown

by Marc Hurwitz

A new restaurant has debuted in the Chinatown section of Boston, and it claims to be the first restaurant of its kind in the city.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Tora Japanese Restaurant is now open on Tyler Street, with the Facebook page for the dining spot stating that it is "Boston's 1st Kaisen Don Restaurant." (Kaisen Don refers to a rice bowl that has sashimi, or raw fish/meat, placed on a bed of sushi rice.) In addition to Kaisen Don, Tora also offers poke bowls (raw fish salad), appetizers, hot entrees, and more.

EB mentions that Tora has both tables and counter seating, and that it is open for lunch and dinner daily.

The address for this new Japanese restaurant in Chinatown is: Tora, 20B Tyler Street, Boston, MA, 02111.

[January 29, 2018 update: BC Heights mentions that the people behind Tora in Chinatown hope to eventually open at least two more locations in the Boston area, though no specifics have been given as of yet. (Thanks to Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting for bringing this to our attention.)]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Backyard Betty's Is Opening in South Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

A new restaurant is on its way to South Boston, and it looks like it has a connection to another dining spot in the neighborhood.

According to a source, Backyard Betty's is planning to open on W Broadway, with a licensing board hearing page confirming this, showing that the proposed eatery would have seating for approximately 137, both dining areas and bar areas, and about 5,165 square feet of space. The manager listed for Backyard Betty's is Theo Bougas, who is involved with Publico on Dorchester Street, and the parent company listed for the place is The Family Restaurant Partners LLC, whose principals are Dave Winick and Dave Matteo, according to a Bizapedia page. (A bostonplans.org page shows that Winick and Matteo were both involved in the development of 11 Dorchester Street, which is where Publico resides.) No other information seems to be available on Backyard Betty's at this point in time, so keep checking back for updates.

The address for this proposed restaurant in South Boston is: Backyard Betty's, 172-174 W Broadway, South Boston, MA, 02127.

[January 9, 2018 update: Zagat mentions that Backyard Betty's will feature "American cult classics and backyard cookout cuisine"along with other comfort foods. The post says that the restaurant will have seating for approximately 150 and that it will have a wood-burning rotisserie smoker grill.]

[April 6, 2018 update: The Tables section of The Boston Globe indicates that Backyard Betty's opens this month and that it will have a "retro, Americana vibe that will create the experience of stepping into a 1970s auto garage."]

[May 14, 2018 update: According to a press release, Backyard Betty's opens on Friday, May 18.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Monday, November 27, 2017

Eddie V's Plans to Open in Former P.F. Chang's Space at the Prudential Center in Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a group of high-end steak and seafood restaurants may be expanding to the Back Bay of Boston, and it would be taking over the space where a location of a Chinese restaurant chain had been.

According to a source, Eddie V's is planning to open in the former P.F. Chang's space at the Prudential Center, with a hearing notice showing that a liquor license transfer from the latter to the former is expected to be looked at by the city of Boston on December 6. Eddie V's is a small chain of dining spots based in Austin, TX, that offers such items as oysters, caviar, Alaskan king crab legs, swordfish steak, lobster tails, jumbo shrimp, filet mignon, ribeye, and more.

The Prudential location of P.F. Chang's shut down in March of this year, with the chain's locations at Park Plaza, CambridgeSide in East Cambridge, Legacy Place in Dedham, and the Natick Mall in Natick remaining in operation.

The website for Eddie V's can be found at http://www.eddiev.com/

[February 28, 2019 update: The locations page for the company states that Eddie V's plans to open its Prudential outlet this spring.]

[Earlier Article]
P.F. Chang's at the Prudential Center in Boston Is Closing

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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

Whole Heart Provisions Is Opening in Cambridge's Central Square/MIT Area

by Marc Hurwitz

Earlier this month, we reported that an Allston restaurant that has a connection to a group of grilled cheese spots could be expanding to Cambridge's Harvard Square. Now we have learned that a third outlet is coming to another part of Cambridge.

According to a license commission agenda page within the city's website, Whole Heart Provisions is looking to open on Mass. Ave. in the Central Square/MIT area, joining the original on Cambridge Street in Allston and what could be a second location within Harvard University's Smith Campus Center. The proposed eatery just east of the heart of Central Square would have seating for 37 plus another 22 on a seasonal patio, and based on the menu at the Allston location, it would probably offer vegetarian and vegan fare, including grain and veggie bowls along with street food snacks, kombucha, lemonade, and more.

Whole Heart Provisions first opened in Allston in the fall of 2015, with James DiSabatino (Roxy's Grilled Cheese, A4cade) and Rebecca Arnold (Sarma, Alden & Harlow, Pain D'Avignon, 606 Congress) being behind it. The website for Whole Heart can be found at https://www.wholeheartprovisions.com/

[April 24, 2018 update: Eater Boston states that Whole Heart Provisions opens in Central Square tomorrow, with lunch being served through Friday while dinner starts being offered Saturday.]

[Earlier Article]
Whole Heart Provisions Plans to Open in Smith Center in Cambridge's Harvard Square

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Johnny D's in Somerville's Davis Square Is Being Demolished

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a Somerville institution that shut its doors last year is in the process of officially disappearing from the landscape.

According to several sources, including a tweet from @Jay_K21, the now-closed Johnny D's in Davis Square is being torn down this week, with a photo of the Holland Avenue structure showing that it is blocked off with construction workers shown out front. The club, which closed for good in March of 2016, had been in business for more than 45 years, starting out as a bar then becoming a country music venue before transforming into a renowned music spot and restaurant featuring a variety of local and national acts.

Earlier reports had mentioned that the Johnny D's site could become home to a handful of residential units and possibly a new restaurant or bar, but no specifics have been given of late.

The address for the old Johnny D's space is 17 Holland Street, Somerville, MA, 02144.

[Earlier Articles]
Johnny D's in Somerville's Davis Square Is Closing
A Restaurant/Bar Could Move into the Former Johnny D's Space in Somerville's Davis Square

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Thursday, November 23, 2017

Pikaichi in Allston Is Closing; May Move to New Location

by Marc Hurwitz

A Japanese restaurant in an unusual location that has been featured by our sister site is shutting down, though it hopes to return in a new location.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Pikaichi in Allston is closing at the end of business hours on Sunday, December 17, with the note saying the following:

"We recently received a notice of a major rent increase from the landlord. After careful consideration, we have discovered that we won't be able to sustain our business with the increased rent. We are planning to relocate Pikaichi. As soon as we know where we are moving to, we will post all the information on Facebook and also on our website."

Pikaichi, which is squeezed into a space between the Hong Kong Supermarket/Super 88 market and its adjacent food court, offers such items as ramen, rice bowls, fried octopus balls, boneless fried chicken, and more. The dining spot has been mentioned in the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site as an under-the-radar place to check out, with the review being found at this link:

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

The address for the soon-to-close Pikaichi is 1 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134.

Thanks to a couple of sources for bringing this to our attention.

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Carrot Flower Is Opening in Jamaica Plain

by Marc Hurwitz

A new dining spot that focuses on healthy options is on its way to Jamaica Plain, and one of the people involved comes from an award-winning South End restaurant along with other dining spots.

According to an article in the Jamaica Plain News, Carrot Flower is planning to open on Centre Street, moving into the space where an antiques store called Cobwebs currently resides. The post says that offerings at the upcoming eatery will include salads, vegan soups, customizable acai and pitaya bowls, avocado toast, vegan smoothies, freshly-made nut milks, and health shots such as wheatgrass and turmeric. The founder of Carrot Flower is Audrey White, and she has teamed up with Cheri Clarkin, an industry veteran who has been general manager at Myers + Chang and has also worked at other restaurants including Cunard Tavern in East Boston.

If all goes as planned, Carrot Flower may be opening in the early spring of 2018.

The address for Carrot Flower is 703 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130.

Thanks to Universal Hub for initially bringing this to our attention.

[August 13 update: Boston Magazine states that Carrot Flower opens tomorrow (Tuesday, August 14) and that its initial hours will be 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]





Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Fatal Fire at Hanover Street Building in Boston's North End That Houses Trattoria Il Panino

by Marc Hurwitz

A three-alarm fire hit the North End of Boston early this morning, killing two people and heavily damaging a building that includes several apartments and a popular restaurant.

According to reports on WBZ, the blaze began around 1:00 AM in what appears to be the second-floor apartment of a Hanover Street building, with two fatalities including a man being found dead inside and another jumping from a window. Early estimates says that the structure suffered approximately $1.5 million damages, including possible water damage at Trattoria Il Panino, a restaurant within the building. (Ristorante Saraceno and Gelateria are located next to Il Panino, but specific information on those places have not been given as of yet.) It looks like the fire was started by careless disposal of smoking material, according to a Twitter post from the Boston Fire Department.

Updates on the fire will be posted here as they come in.

[November 22 update: Boston Magazine states that Trattoria Il Panino was not actually damaged by the fire, and that owner Frank DePasquale has put up some of the residents affected by the blaze at Bricco Suites, a nearby hotel that he owns. (He is also planning to set up a fundraiser at his restaurants.)]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Note: Please join the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook Group Page to get more info on dining spots and also chat with others about Boston-area restaurants.]





Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Concord Market Group (Trail's End Cafe, Lincoln Kitchen) Opening Concord Market

by Marc Hurwitz

The group behind two cafes and a restaurant in the western suburbs of Boston will be opening a market next to one of its cafes.

According to a job post within the bostonchefs.com site, Concord Market Group is opening a retail market just north of Concord Center called Concord Market, with the shop including "high-quality" produce, meats, seafood, and more, as well as prepared foods. An earlier article from the Concord Journal had mentioned that the grocery store will be at the same spot on Lowell Road as Trail's End Cafe (which the group also runs), along with a second Trail's Cafe in the Lincoln Station/Depot area and a restaurant called Lincoln Kitchen, which is also at Lincoln Station.

Based on the Journal article, it appears that Concord Market could open sometime in 2018, but no opening date has been given as of yet.

[July 12, 2018 update: A new post within the jobs section of bostonchefs.com indicates that Concord Market is getting ready for its grand opening and that it is looking for an executive sous chef. the post also mentions that the place will be a "high-end market" that includes a "high-end deli counter, artisanal retail products, craft beer, wine, prepared foods to go, full service meat and fish counters, house made sausages, pates, and smoked meats."]

[September 27, 2018 update: An email sent to us indicates that Concord Market is now open, with a Facebook post from the place confirming this.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]





Blue Canoe Cafe Opening in Former Atomic Cafe Space in Marblehead

by Marc Hurwitz

Last week, we reported that what had been a trio of North Shore cafes was down to just one, as its Marblehead location had announced its closure. Now we have learned that a new cafe will be taking over that space.

According to a Facebook post from OctoCog, Blue Canoe Cafe is moving into the former Atomic Cafe space on School Street, with a post from the upcoming spot saying that it will offer freshly-baked goods, sandwiches, and smoothies along with "strong" coffee. No opening date has been given for the place as of yet, with a sign out front simply saying "coming soon," so keep checking back for updates as they come in.

In addition to the closing of its Marblehead location, Atomic Cafe recently shut down its Newburyport shop as well, leaving the business with only one retail outlet (in Beverly). Its roasting operation--which does not include a retail store--is located in Salem.

The address for this new cafe in Marblehead is: Blue Canoe Cafe, 14 School Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945.

Thanks to @CappyinBoston for initially bringing this to our attention.

[March 28, 2018 update: Eater Boston states that Blue Canoe Cafe is now open in Marblehead.]

[Earlier Article]
Atomic Cafe Announces Closure of Its Marblehead Location; Sole Remaining Shop in Beverly Remains Open

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Items from Bakeries and Pastry Shops in the Boston Area and Beyond]





City Winery Opens in Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

A long-awaited restaurant, bar, and music spot has finally opened in Boston.

According to a Twitter post from @BostonTweet (and confirmed by the place), City Winery is now open at the One Canal Street luxury apartment development in the Haymarket Square area of the city. A Vanyaland article mentions that the new spot includes two performance spaces (one big and one small), a restaurant and bar area, and a small art gallery, and each performance space has its own bar as well.

As mentioned earlier here, the person behind City Winery is music promoter Michael Dorf, who also founded a venue called the Knitting Factory in New York back in the 1980s. (The Knitting Factory now has locations in Brooklyn, Boise, and Spokane.)

The address for City Winery is 1 Canal Street, Boston, MA, 02114. The website for all locations can be found at http://www.citywinery.com/

[Earlier Article]
City Winery Plans to Come to Boston

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Monday, November 20, 2017

Verts Is Now Noon Mediterranean

by Marc Hurwitz

An Austin-born group of restaurants with three locations in Boston has a new name.

According to an article from Eater Austin, Verts has changed its name to Noon Mediterranean because, as co-owner and founder Michael Heyne indicates, customers didn't understand the name "Verts" which apparently refers to doner kebabs (an item that isn't even on their menu anymore), while "Noon" refers to both lunchtime and--in Farsi--bread. Eater mentions that this is the second name change for the chain, as it used to be called VertsKebap.

Noon/Verts, which focuses on "fresh and customizable" Mediterranean fare including salads, bowls, and pitas, currently has three locations in Boston--the Back Bay, the Financial District, and Downtown Crossing. The website for Noon (whose main office is now in New York) can be found at http://www.eatnoon.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Note: Please join the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook Group Page to get more info on dining spots and also chat with others about Boston-area restaurants.]





bfresh in Brighton Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A trio of local grocery stores that focus on healthy options will soon be down to just two.

Universal Hub is reporting (via a tweet from @GospelOfIHM) that bfresh in Brighton is closing its doors. while WCVB 5 states that the Washington Street store plans to shut down on November 25. WCVB mentions that Stop & Shop is looking to integrate the bfresh markets into their brand, and that a planned Newton outlet will become a new small format store--though it appears that no name has been given for that shop as of yet. (Both Stop & Shop and bfresh are part of the Ahold Delhaize food retailer, which is based in the Netherlands.) The bfresh stores in Allston and Somerville will remain in operation.

bfresh first opened in Brighton in August of 2016.

The address for this soon-to-close market in Brighton is: bfresh, 470 Washington Street, Brighton, MA, 02135. The website for bfresh can be found at http://bfresh.com/

[November 26 update: According to a post in Supermarket News, bfresh in Brighton is now closed.]

[January 8, 2018 update: A notice from E.F. Smith indicates that the now-closed bfresh in Brighton has an auction today, with other locations in Middleboro and Fairfield, CT, having auctions tomorrow and Friday, respectively. (Note: All three auctions will be online only.)]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





La Siesta in Winthrop Opening New Location in Peabody

by Marc Hurwitz

A Mexican restaurant that our sister site has featured as an under-the-radar spot to check out is going to be opening a new location.

According to a source, La Siesta in Winthrop is planning to open in Peabody, with a Salem News article stating that it will be moving into a building in the downtown area that is in the process of being redeveloped. The post says that in addition to La Siesta, Brodie's Pub will also be moving into the Main Street building as well, with its space being a larger one than its old location which is a block away on Lowell Street. Based on the Salem News article, it appears that this is a second location of La Siesta rather than a move, and that the new spot could be opening in three months or possibly a bit less if all goes as planned.

La Siesta has been mentioned on the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site as a hidden place to go to for Mexican cuisine, with the review being found at the following link:

http://hiddenboston.com/LaSiesta.html

The address for the new location of La Siesta is 1 Main Street, Peabody, MA, 01960; the website for the original location in Winthrop can be found at http://www.lasiestarestaurante.com/

[August 17, 2018 update: A Facebook post indicates that the new location of La Siesta in Peabody is now open, and that this is indeed a second location, not a move.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Tuscan Kitchen Opens in Boston's Seaport District

by Marc Hurwitz

A long-awaited new location of a local group of Italian restaurants has officially arrived.

As reported earlier here, Tuscan Kitchen opens today in Boston's Seaport District, with the second-floor dining spot at the One Seaport Development having nearly 15,000 square feet of space that includes spacious dining areas, a wine bar, an espresso bar, and a private dining area. The menu at the new eatery offers house-made bread and pasta dishes along with a variety of meat and seafood options and more, and a wine bar on the premises includes a large number of Italian wines.

Initially, it was thought that the new location of Tuscan Kitchen in the Seaport District might also include a section dedicated to their retail outlet called Tuscan Market, but this is not the case, instead being much like the Burlington location which only has a restaurant. (The locations in Salem, NH, and Portsmouth, NH include Tuscan Market.)

The website for Tuscan Kitchen (and Tuscan Market) can be found at http://www.tuscanbrands.com/

[Earlier Article]
Tuscan Kitchen and Tuscan Market to Open in Boston's Seaport District

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Sunday, November 19, 2017

Snappy Ramen in Somerville's Davis Square Reopening as Snappy Kitchen in New Space

by Marc Hurwitz

An Asian restaurant in Somerville that was rebranded a few years ago is moving to a nearby space--and it will be rebranded once again.

According to a Facebook post from Youji Iwakura of Snappy Ramen, tonight is the last night for the Davis Square restaurant, as it will be reopening on November 25 as Snappy Kitchen. We reported earlier that the dining spot was planning to move from its current home on Highland Avenue to a new--and larger--space on Elm Street where iYo Bistro had been, and it appears that this is still the case, though it wasn't known at the time that this would also be a rebranding.

Snappy Sushi first opened in Davis Square in 2009, changing its name to Snappy Ramen in 2013; the original Snappy Sushi first opened on Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay in 2008 and remains in operation.

The address for the now-closed Snappy Ramen is 420 Highland Avenue, while the new address for Snappy Kitchen will be 234 Elm Street.

[December 6 update: A new Facebook post indicates that Snappy Kitchen opens today on Elm Street.]

[Earlier Article]
Snappy Ramen in Somerville's Davis Square Looking to Move to Former iYo Bistro Space

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Saturday, November 18, 2017

PURR Cat Cafe in Brighton Has Opened

by Marc Hurwitz

After a long and at-times wild ride, Boston's very first cat cafe has become reality.

According to a Facebook post from the place, PURR Cat Cafe in Brighton is now open, with the note saying that the Inspectional Services Department has confirmed that the place has the proper licensing to open and that it has four cats onsite at this point in time. A reservations page for PURR shows that the price of admission is $15 for one hour, though it is not known exactly what is included for the fee.

More information will likely be coming, but for now, Boston is officially home to a cafe cafe.

The address for PURR is 167 Chestnut Hill Avenue, Brighton, MA, 02135. Its website can be found at https://www.purrcatcafe.com/>

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Friday, November 17, 2017

Trillium Bringing Beer Garden to Historic Roslindale Substation for the Winter

by Marc Hurwitz

Last month we mentioned that a popular beer garden in the heart of Boston that offered some of the highest-rated beers in Massachusetts closed for the season. Now we have learned that it will be popping up in a new location for the winter--and its home will be an historic structure that dates back to the early 1900s.

Universal Hub is reporting (via a Facebook post from Roslindale Village Main Street) that Trillium will be bringing its beer garden to the former trolley substation on Washington Street in early December, and that it will be open five days a week through the winter season. The posts say that the beer garden will be moving into the space where Chris Douglass had hoped to open a restaurant called Third Rail, though those plans ultimately fell through. (A location of Craft Beer Cellar can also be found in the substation.)

Trillium's beer garden on the Rose Kennedy Greenway debuted in June, with the place also offering wines from Westport Rivers Vineyard. The current headquarters for the brewery can be found on Congress Street in Fort Point, though it will move to a new spot on Farnsworth Street, with that space including a brewery, taproom, full-service restaurant, patio, and rooftop terrace. (Another location of Trillium is in Canton.)

[December 7 update: Boston Magazine states that the new Trillium beer garden opens at the Roslindale substation today at 4:00 PM.]

[March 22, 2018 update: According to a tweet, this is the last week for the Trillium beer garden in the Roslindale substation; as soon as we get an exact end date (and find out whether it will be returning to the Greenway), we will post another update here.]

[Earlier Articles]
Trillium Beer Garden in Downtown Boston Has Closed for the Season
Plans to Open Third Rail in Former Roslindale Substation Have Fallen Through

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Ten Good Places to Get Beer in the Boston Area]





Wednesday, November 15, 2017

UPDATE: Seawitch Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Peabody Being Replaced by SeaGrilz and North Shore Lobster

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated on November 19 to reflect new information given.]

It looks like another longtime Route 1 restaurant is going away, and it will be replaced by a brand new spot.

According to a Facebook post from OctoCog, Seawitch Restaurant & Oyster Bar in Peabody is going to become North Shore Lobster, with the new place being under different ownership. The post says of the new spot (which will apparently open after some renovations to the space), "...additional focus will be given to the market which will add prepared foods to the fresh whole fish and lobster they already sell." No menu for North Shore Lobster has been seen as of yet, so keep checking back for updates.

Seawitch Restaurant & Oyster Bar is a seafood restaurant and fish market that has been in business for at least a half century and is joining a number of old-school spots along Route 1 that have closed over recent years, including Hilltop Steak House, Weylu's, The Ship, and Route 1 Miniature Golf.

The address for Seawitch Restaurant & Oyster Bar (and the upcoming North Shore Lobster) is 203 Newbury Street (Route 1), Peabody, MA, 01960.

Thanks to @CappyinBoston for initially bringing this to our attention.

[November 19 update: An article from the Peabody Advocate and a photo sent by @CappyinBoston indicate that Seawitch's fish market is now North Shore Lobster while its restaurant is now SeaGrilz, and that both are now open for business.]

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Seafood Dishes from Boston-Area and New England Restaurants]





3 Amigos Is Opening in the Former Fuloon Space in Malden

by Marc Hurwitz

A Mexican restaurant with a familiar name is replacing an industry and media favorite for Chinese food--though it looks like there is no connection to the other Mexican dining spot.

According to a source, 3 Amigos is planning to open in Malden Center, taking over the space on Main Street where Fuloon had been until closing this summer. Another source--The Passionate Foodie--confirms this, while an earlier licensing board page shows that the people behind it are Dave Castro (who was working at Tony C's and Temazcal at the time of the meeting with the city) and Francisco Portillo. A restaurant in neighboring Stoneham is also called Three Amigos, but the owner of that spot is Byron Arbizu and the two restaurants do not seem to have any kind of affiliation.

Fuloon, which first opened approximately 10 years ago, was known in part for its spicy Sichuan dishes, with Boston Magazine awarding it best Chinese restaurant in 2009 while Serious Eats once said it was "probably Boston's most well-known best-kept secret."

The address for this Mexican restaurant in Malden Center is: 3 Amigos, 375 Main Street, Malden, MA, 02148.

[March 5, 2018 update: According to a source, 3 Amigos has its grand opening on March 14, while a check on the restaurant's Facebook page indicates that it is currently going through what appears to be a soft opening.]

[April 4, 2018 update: Wicked Local indicates that 3 Amigos is now fully open, as it had a grand opening event recently.]

[Earlier Article]
Fuloon in Malden Has Closed

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





Cava Is Opening in Boston's Back Bay

by Marc Hurwitz

A growing group of Mediterranean dining spots based in Washington, D.C. is opening a location in one of the busiest parts of Boston.

Universal Hub is reporting that Cava has gotten approval from the city to open in the Back Bay, taking over the space on Boylston Street where Sugar Heaven had been until closing down this spring. The post mentions that the upcoming eatery will have an outdoor patio during the warmer months, and based on its other locations, its menu will likely include such items as tabbouleh, hummus, feta, falafel, spicy lamb meatballs, and grilled chicken as well as soups and grain bowls.

Other locations of Cava are slated for the Fenway area, Legacy Place in Dedham, and the Derby Street Shoppes in Hingham.

The address for this new Mediterranean eatery in the Back Bay is: Cava, 669 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

[June 18 update: Eater Boston mentions that Cava opens in the Back Bay tomorrow (Tuesday, June 19).]

[Earlier Posts]
Washington, D.C.-based Cava to Expand to Boston
Cava to Open in Boston's Fenway Neighborhood

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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





Celeste Is Opening in Somerville's Union Square

by Marc Hurwitz

A new Peruvian restaurant is on its way to one of the hottest parts of Somerville, and it will also focus on being a space for the arts, community events, and more.

Eater Boston is reporting that Celeste is planning to open in Union Square, moving into the space on Bow Street that had been home to an acupuncture clinic. The article says that the people behind the spot--JuanMa Calderon, Maria Rondeau, and Paola Ibarra--hope to make the restaurant a creative space for artistic collaboration as well, with guest artists, live podcasts, and the sharing of music playlists by patrons all being part of the plans. EB mentions that Celeste will include a seating capacity of 24, a bar overlooking an open kitchen, and beer, wine, and cocktails offered along with such food options as slow-cooked stew, ceviche, and specials such as octopus and mussels.

If all goes as planned, Celeste could be opening as early as February of 2018, though a specific opening date has not been given as of yet.

The address for this new spot in Union Square is: Celeste, 21 Bow Street, Somerville, MA, 02143. Its website will be at http://areaceleste.com

[March 7, 2018 update: A new post from Eater Boston states that Celeste opens its doors tomorrow (Thursday, March 8).]

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

Hulun Beir in Boston's Beacon Hill Expanding to Somerville and (Possibly) Malden

by Marc Hurwitz

An international group of Mongolian barbecue/hot pot restaurants whose first U.S. location is in the heart of Boston may expand to two other locations in the local area.

Eater Boston is reporting that Hulun Beir on Cambridge Street in Beacon Hill is planning to open on Holland Street in Somerville's Davis Square along with another at an undisclosed space in Malden. The website for the business shows no mention of the Somerville outlet, but it does say that the Malden restaurant is currently under construction. Based on the menu at the Boston location of Hulun Beir, expect to see such items as BBQ shrimp, lamb kebabs, chicken wings, pork sausage, seafood hot pot, picked cabbage hot pot, fish dumplings, pork meat pie, scallion pancakes, beef noodle soup, and more at the upcoming dining spots.

Another location of Hulun Beir can be found in Pasadena, CA, while others are located overseas.

The website for Hulun Beir can be found at http://www.hulunbeir.com/

[November 30 update: Based on a Facebook post from the Davis Square Facebook group, it appears that Hulun Beir may be moving into the Taipei Tokyo space, as the latter looks like it is now closed for good and while the original address listed for Hulun Beir was 5 Holland Street, Taipei Tokyo is at 7 Holland Street and no commercial property appears to be listed for 5 Holland Street.]

[July 2, 2018 update: A new post from the Davis Square Facebook group page shows that a sign is now up for Hulun Beir and that its address is indeed 7 Holland Street. (No updates are available on the Malden location, though the restaurant's website still says that it is on the way.)]

[August 2 update: Eater Boston states that Hulun Beir is now open in Davis Square.]

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





Tavistock Group Purchases Commercial Wharf Property on the Boston Waterfront

by Marc Hurwitz

An investment firm that is the parent company of a number of restaurants in the Boston area and elsewhere has bought a property on the waterfront that faces one of its dining spots.

NorthEndWaterfront.com is reporting (via Banker & Tradesman) that Tavistock Group has purchased 88-91 Commercial Wharf, which sits across from Joe's American Bar & Grill (and Top Catch above Joe's) and which burned in a fire back in 2011. It is not known exactly what the company has in mind for the property, though Tavistock's website says that they have a "complex redevelopment plan" in the works that includes the Joe's/Top Catch space apparently being redeveloped and new walkways and public spaces connecting Commercial Wharf Pier to Christopher Columbus Park. Banker & Tradesman quotes Tavistock Restaurant Collection Chairman Charles B. Lewis as saying "We have an incredible opportunity to elevate the experience at this restaurant location, the Commercial Wharf pier and the historic Christopher Columbus Park."

In addition to Joe's American Bar & Grill and Top Catch on the waterfront (and five other locations of Joe's in Massachusetts and Connecticut), Tavistock also runs Abe & Louie's and Atlantic Fish in Boston's Back Bay, Coach Grill in Wayland, and other dining spots outside of the area. The website for Tavistock can be found at http://www.tavistock.com/

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





Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Porto Maltese Is Opening in Brookline's Washington Square, Taking Over the Former Fireplace Space

by Marc Hurwitz

A few months ago, we reported that an upscale Brookline restaurant was closing and that a new seafood spot was looking to take over the space. Now we have learned a bit more about the upcoming eatery that is moving in.

According to an article from Wicked Local and the Brookline TAB, Porto Maltese is planning to open in the Washington Square space where The Fireplace had been until closing at the end of August, with owner Zachary Ostrer offering Mediterranean seafood dishes (with a nod to Eastern European fare) at the Beacon Street restaurant while the place will also offer organic foods and be green certified. The post mentions that it looks like the new spot could be open around the end of December if all goes as planned.

The Fireplace, which first opened 16 years ago, was known in part for its regional fare as well as its catering operation. The restaurant was looking at possibly closing around the end of 2014 to make way for a location of Pepe's Pizza, but those plans fell through and The Fireplace remained open until this summer.

The address for this Mediterranean seafood restaurant in Washington Square is: Porto Maltese, 1634 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. Its website can be found at http://portomaltese.com/

Thanks to Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting for bringing this to our attention.

[March 22, 2018 update: According to a Facebook update from Drew Starr, Porto Maltese has soft-opened, with a Facebook post from the place confirming this. A look at its website indicates that the menu includes such items as paella, risotto, amatriciana, seafood options such as monkfish, skate, grouper, and swordfish, and lamb chops and filet mignon.]

[Earlier Article]
The Fireplace in Brookline's Washington Square Is Closing

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[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Seafood Dishes from Boston-Area and New England Restaurants]





The Comedy Studio Is Moving from Cambridge's Harvard Square to Bow Market in Somerville's Union Square

by Marc Hurwitz

A few months ago, we reported that a legendary comedy club in Cambridge was closing down and looking for a new home. Now we have learned that it will be moving to an upcoming development in Somerville.

According to an article from Cambridge Day, the Comedy Studio in Harvard Square is leaving its current location above the Hong Kong Restaurant on Mass. Ave. at the end of the year and plans to reopen at Bow Market between Somerville Avenue and Bow Street in Union Square. The comedy club will join a number of other businesses coming to the development--which is currently under construction--including vendors at more than 30 stalls as well as a brewery called Remnant Brewing. (The stalls will include Jaju Pierogi, Maca Macaronerie, Buenas, North South, and more.)

The Comedy Studio, which is leaving Harvard Square in part due to rising rents, has helped launched the careers of some big names since opening in the mid-1990s, including Bill Burr and Emma Willmann, and it has also hosted such well-known comedians as Sarah Silverman and Colin Jost over the years.

The website for the Comedy Studio can be found at http://www.thecomedystudio.com/

Thanks to @Fara1 for bringing this to our attention.

[August 26, 2018 update: An events page indicates that The Comedy Studio officially opens in Somerville on September 6.]

[Earlier Article]
The Comedy Studio Above the Hong Kong Restaurant in Cambridge's Harvard Square Is Leaving Its Space

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


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