Sunday, December 31, 2017

Diva Indian Bistro in Somerville's Davis Square Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A longtime Somerville restaurant has very quietly closed.

According to a Twitter post from @jessekb, Diva Indian Bistro in Davis Square is shuttered, with the Elm Street dining spot having a note out front thanking customers and the community while stating that the group behind it (One World Cuisine) is moving on to new ventures. Diva first opened approximately 20 years ago, with the eatery offering authentic Indian fare in a stylish but casual environment.

Other spots run by One World, including Bukhara in Jamaica Plain, Mela in Boston's South End, Dosa Factory in the Back Bay and Cambridge's Central Square, and Bao Nation in Central Square remain in operation.

The address for this now-closed restaurant in Davis Square is: Diva Indian Bistro, 246 Elm Street, Somerville, MA, 02144. The website for One World Cuisine can be found at http://www.oneworldcuisine.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, December 29, 2017

Gourmet Oriental in Weymouth Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A South Shore restaurant known in part for its Chinese-American food and karaoke has shut down.

According to a source, Gourmet Oriental in Weymouth is no longer in business, with the Yelp page for the place seeming to confirm this. The Washington Street spot featured old-school Chinese fare along with Polynesian-style cocktails, and it also had karaoke, DJs, and live music as well.

It is not yet known why Gourmet Oriental closed, nor is it known what might move into the space; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

The address for this now-closed Chinese restaurant in Weymouth was: Gourmet Oriental, 625 Washington Street, Weymouth, MA, 02188.

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]





Chilly Cow in Arlington Is Becoming Abilyn's Frozen Bakery

by Marc Hurwitz

[Ed note: This article was updated on December 29 to reflect additional information given, including the fact that this is more of a rebranding than a brand new place.]

A suburban ice cream shop that also offers frozen custard, frozen yogurt, and more is becoming a new spot, though very little is changing for now.

A poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page mentions that Chilly Cow in Arlington Center is becoming Abilyn's Frozen Bakery, with a note on the website for the new Mass. Ave. shop saying that it "grew out of a desire to create deliciously decadent, gluten free, frozen desserts containing no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives" and that "our ice cream cakes are made in small batches in our 'frozen bakery' using only the finest ingredients and freshest dairy." A phone call this afternoon indicates that the ownership will remain the same and that Abilyn's will continue to offer the same products and that this is a rebranding with new items on the way. It appears that Abilyn's may have expansion plans, as a page within the Dribbble site mentions that the business has a goal of "becoming a national brand" while the owner indicates to us that an expansion may indeed be taking place on the wholesale side.

Chilly Cow first opened approximately 10 years ago, replacing a location of J.P. Licks.

The address for Abilyn's Frozen Bakery (and Chilly Cow) is 451 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02474. The website for Abilyn's can be found at https://www.abilyns.com

[March 7, 2018 update: According to a Facebook post, Abilyn's Frozen Bakery--which has been closed for a few weeks to upgrade the former Chilly Cow shop--plans to reopen possibly by the end of next week with possible menu changes on the way.]

[March 26, 2018 update: A new Facebook post states that Abilyn's Frozen Bakery is now open, with one poster on The Arlington List saying that ice cream cones and ice cream cakes are still available, but frozen custard is apparently not.]

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, December 28, 2017

Chicken Kebab in Stoughton Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A suburban restaurant featuring Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine has shut its doors.

According to a tweet from @ecceadam, Chicken Kebab in Stoughton is no longer in business, with a Wicked Local post confirming this, saying that the Washington Street dining spot has indeed shuttered, though the owner may open "other restaurants in nearby communities." It is not yet known why the eatery closed, nor is it known what cities or towns the owner may look at for potential dining spots; as soon as we get more information, we will post an update here.

Chicken Kebab first opened approximately five years ago, offering mostly Turkish fare including such items as lentil soup, falafel, lamb sandwiches, shish kebab, a fish kofte plate, and rice pudding.

The address for the now-closed Chicken Kebab was 756 Washington Street, Stoughton, MA, 02072.

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]





Wednesday, December 27, 2017

16 Handles in Brookline's Coolidge Corner Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A small chain of self-serve frozen yogurt shops has left the Boston area--and the state.

Eater Boston is reporting (via the Patch) that 16 Handles in the Coolidge Corner section of Brookline has closed, confirming what several sources have told us. The chain, which first came to Beacon Street in January of 2013, had been planning to expand to other parts of the Boston area, but no other locations ended up opening in the region, and with the closing of the Brookline shop, there are now no outlets of 16 Handles anywhere in Massachusetts.

Currently, two locations of the New York-based 16 Handles can be found in New England--in Fairfield and Stamford, CT.

The address for this now-closed frozen yogurt shop in Coolidge Corner was: 16 Handles, 1309 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02446. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.16handles.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]





RFK Kitchen in Needham Is Reopening as L&K

by Marc Hurwitz

An upscale suburban restaurant is undergoing a name change and is reopening with some other changes taking place as well.

According to a source, RFK Kitchen in Needham is becoming L&K in Needham, with the website for the latter saying that the Great Plain Avenue spot will have a grand reopening tomorrow (Thursday, December 28). The site mentions that Matthew Kovach is the new Executive Chef and that he is setting up a new menu that includes a new "Lounge bite program" along with a new cocktail menu.

RFK Kitchen first opened in the fall of 2016, with Rachel Klein (Liquid Art House, Asana, Aura, Tamo, OM) being behind the place. Klein is currently Executive Chef for Red Stripe, which has locations in Providence and East Greenwich, RI.

The address for L&K is 948 Great Plain Avenue, Needham, MA, 02492. Its website can be found at https://lnkneedham.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]





Sanyo Is Replacing Yangtze River in Lexington

by Marc Hurwitz

A decades-old Chinese restaurant known in part for its buffet and dim sum has shut down for good, with a new spot opening in its space.

According to a source, Yangtze River in Lexington is closed, and while checks on the place over the past few months indicated that it seemed to be closed for renovations, a page within the town's website shows that the Depot Square space is getting a new owner and a new dining spot called Sanyo is planning to open there. Yangtze River had been in business since the mid-1970s, offering a mix of Chinese-American and authentic Chinese fare and featuring a lunch and dinner buffet along with a weekend dim sum.

Very little is currently known about Sanyo; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

The address for the now-closed Yangtze River (and the new Sanyo) is 25 Depot Square, Lexington, MA, 02420.

[February 26, 2018 update: The Lexington Minuteman is reporting that Sanyo will be a Chinese and Japanese restaurant owned by the person behind Bamboo and Mandarin, two dining spots with a handful of locations in the local area. The article says that the upcoming eatery will offer dishes found on Bamboo's menu, while also offering sushi, udon noodles, tempura, and more--and the restaurant will also keep some of Yangtze River's favorites, including Chinese-American dishes, a lunch buffet, and dim sum. (Thanks to a source for initially bringing this to our attention.)]

[May 18, 2018 update: A new post from The Lexington Minuteman states that renovations are approximately 90% complete on the space in which Sanyo is moving into, and if all goes well, the new restaurant could be opening sometime in June.]

[September 12, 2018 update: A source tells us that Sanyo has apparently opened (or is in the process of opening) in Lexington.]

[September 26, 2018 update: A check on the place last night indicates that Sanyo is indeed open, though the sign for Yangtze River is still in place (a sign for Sanyo is also shown by the front door).]

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, December 23, 2017

Update: La Posada Restaurante in Arlington Heights Is Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A longtime favorite for Mexican food is locked up and dark, and it is not known for sure what is going on with the place.

According to a poster on The Arlington List Facebook group page, La Posada Restaurante in Arlington Heights is closed at least for the time being, with another poster showing a photo of a note inside the door of the Mass. Ave. spot. The note starts with "Dear Santa" and indicates that they want to be open again, thanking customers for their support and mentioning something about money apparently owed to "Fresh Pond Shopping Center," which could be a reference to a vendor there, though no explanation has been given. We are currently trying to get more details on the closing of the place, so keep checking back for updates.

La Posada is a spot that has been featured on our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) as an under-the-radar restaurant to go to for Mexican fare. The review can be found at the following link:

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

The address for La Posada Restaurante is 1312 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476.

[January 9, 2018 update: The Arlington Advocate mentions that La Posada Restaurante remains closed and it is not known when it might open again, as its landlord (Fresh Pond Trust) is owed approximately $20,000 in back rent and they won't be able to reopen until that money is paid. (Thanks to a source for bringing this to our attention.)]

[January 22, 2018 update: The future of La Posada appears to be more in doubt now, as a LoopNet post indicates that the space is now for lease. (Thanks to a poster in The Arlington List Facebook group for bringing this to our attention.)]

[January 28, 2018 update: A check on La Posada confirms the update above, as "For Lease" signs are now in the windows of the place.]

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, December 22, 2017

Steve "Nookie" Postal of Commonwealth in Cambridge Has Some New Plans in the Works

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a local chef and restaurateur who once worked with a local sports team has some new plans on the way.

According to an Instagram post, Steve "Nookie" Postal, who runs Commonwealth in Cambridge's Kendall Square and is a former Executive Chef for the Boston Red Sox, has set up a business called "The Mothership Alewife LLC" and mentions the following in the post:

No turning back now...April 2018 starts a new chapter in my life. New characters, some returning favorites and twists and turns that clearly I won't have expected.....2 cafes and beer hall....coming right up!!!!!)

No specific information has been given in the post, though Postal does have hashtags for "Alewife," "Cambridge," and "Davis," with the last of these possibly referring to the old Subway space on Elm Street in Somerville that he signed a lease for last year. We have reached out to Postal to find out more, so stay tuned. (A Bizapedia page shows the address for The Mothership Alewife as being 125 Cambridge Park Drive in Cambridge, which is an office building in the Alewife area.)

[January 11, 2018 update: Eater Boston states that Steve "Nookie" Postal is indeed opening two cafes and a beer hall, with the cafes being called Revival and being located in the former Subway space in Davis Square and in the aforementioned office building at 125 Cambridge Park Drive in the Alewife area (which is where a regional headquarters of Whole Foods had been). The beer hall will be called Mothership and it will also be in the office building by Alewife, with 10 taps set up along with food and games. EB says that the new spots from Postal are expected to begin opening in April (most likely the Alewife location of Revival, then Mothership, then the Davis Square location of Revival) and that the Revival cafes will be similar to another place where Postal is now a partner--Crema Cafe in Cambridge's Harvard Square. More information on all three spots is expected from Eater tomorrow.]

[March 26, 2018 update: A license commission hearing agenda page from the City of Cambridge website mentions that the upcoming Revival at Alewife plans to have seating for 40 as well as an additional 16 on a seasonal patio, with proposed hours being 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.]

[May 9, 2018 update: An Instagram post indicates that Revival plans to open at Alewife in a week or so.]

June 8, 2018 update: The Alewife location of Revival has not yet opened, though it could be a step closer to opening now as the city of Cambridge looked into its request for a new common victualler license on Wednesday, June 6. (The notice also mentions that the place is now looking at a seating capacity of 49 inside and 16 additional seats outside.)]

[June 21, 2018 update: Eater Boston mentions that the Alewife location of Revival is now open (with a limited menu for now).]

[December 16, 2018 update: The Boston Globe states that the Somerville location of Revival plans to open later this month.]

[Earlier Article]
Steve "Nookie" Postal Planning New Restaurant 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]





Saus Is Opening a Vegetarian Outlet at Bow Market in Somerville

by Marc Hurwitz

A quirky eatery in downtown Boston that is known in part for its Belgian-style street food is expanding to a new development in Somerville, and this location will focus on non-meat options.

According to an article from Boston Magazine, Saus on Union Street near Faneuil Hall is planning to open within Bow Market in Union Square, with the new outlet taking a corner space and an adjacent bay, making it one of the largest retail spaces in the building. The post says that owners Renee Eliah and Chin Kuo are making this a vegetarian version of the original, in part because of the lack of prep area but also because, as Eliah says, "As plant-based eating has gained more prominence in our general dining culture… it felt like the right time to experiment with a meat-free version of Saus."

The new location of Saus will join a number of other businesses at Bow Market, including Jaju Pierogi, Maca Macaronerie, Hooked Fish Shop, The Comedy Studio (which is moving from Cambridge's Harvard Square), and Remnant Brewing. Bow Market--which is located between Bow Street and Somerville Avenue--is expected to be completed by the spring of 2018. [Ed note--now open.]

[December 4, 2018 update: Eater Boston states that Saus will have its grand opening at Bow Market on Saturday, December 8, though it is currently going through what appears to be a soft opening with limited hours and a limited menu.]

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, December 21, 2017

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant in Weymouth Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A regional chain of Mexican restaurants has closed one of its Boston-area locations.

According to a source, Margaritas Mexican Restaurant in Weymouth is no longer in operation, with a Facebook post from the place confirming that the Bridge Street dining spot shut down earlier this month. It appears that other local outlets in Framingham, Lexington, Medford, Methuen, Northborough, Revere, and Waltham remain in operation.

Margaritas, which is based in New Hampshire, is a family-friendly chain of casual restaurants that features both Mexican-American and traditional Mexican cuisine.

The address for this now-closed Mexican spot in Weymouth was: Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, 765 Bridge Street, Weymouth, MA, 02191. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.margs.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]





Abbott's Frozen Custard Is Opening in Lexington

by Marc Hurwitz

A small chain of frozen custard shops whose roots are in Upstate New York is opening its third Boston-area location

Eater Boston is reporting (via the Democrat & Chronicle) that Abbott's Frozen Custard is looking to open in Lexington, joining two other shops in Needham and Brighton. No address has been given as of yet, nor it is known when the store might open, so keep checking back for updates.

Abbott's dates all the way back to 1902 when founder Arthur Abbott started selling frozen custard at carnivals along the Eastern Seaboard, with the first Abbot's shop opening in Rochester in 1926. Approximately 40 locations of the chain can now be found along the East Coast, with about half being located in the Rochester area.

Another Rochester-based chain has recently expanded into the Boston area as well, with Wegmans now having several grocery stores in the region including in Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Medford, and Westwood.

The website for Abbott's Frozen Custard can be found at: http://www.abbottscustard.com/

[April 18 update: Eater Boston states that Abbott's Frozen Custard is now open in Lexington, with the address being 1853 Mass Ave. (the former Candy Castle space in the center of town).]

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]





A Public Seafood Market Could Be Coming to the Raymond Flynn Marine Park on the South Boston Waterfront

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like Boston may just be getting its first public seafood market.

Universal Hub is reporting (via a letter of intent from Pilot Development Partners that a development which would include a retail seafood market along with two or three seafood wholesalers is being proposed for the Raymond Flynn Marine Park along the eastern edge of the city's Seaport District. The space, which is located near where Fid Kennedy Avenue and Tide Street meet along the South Boston waterfront, would also include a garage as well--and the garage would be a mixed-use building that would house the public seafood market.

The letter mentions that Boston Sword & Tuna, which is located on nearby Seafood Way, is one of the wholesalers planning to move into the development, as it has outgrown its space.

[December 22 update: According to a Twitter post from @jonchesto, it appears that the seafood market may be more of a cafe or a food stand, with another tweet from him saying it may be about 2,500 square feet in size and that all of the seafood sold will be from the wholesalers within the development.]

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]





Changes Coming to Roxbury's Dudley Square, as Dudley Dough Closes, Tasty Burger to Close, Four New Restaurants to Open

by Marc Hurwitz

One of the busiest sections of Roxbury is in the midst of some major changes within its dining scene.

According to an article in The Bay State Banner, Tasty Burger in Roxbury's Dudley Square is apparently closing in early 2018, joining Dudley Dough, another eatery within the historic Bolling Building which shut down for good last week. The post says that both spaces may not be empty for long, however, as a new pizza spot called 119 plans to open in the Dudley Dough space with the manager of Dudley Dough also managing this spot, while the person behind the long-closed Keith's Place in Grove Hall will open a Southern-influenced restaurant called Soleil in the Tasty Burger space. In addition, an as-of-yet unnamed restaurant featuring live music is in the works for the Bolling Building as well, while a coffee shop tentatively called Ethiopian Flavor plans to open at the corner of Shawmut Avenue and Malcolm X Boulevard, with that spot being run by the owner of Fasika, an Ethiopian eatery in Somerville.

The article says that 119 could open in February while Soleil plans to open sometime in 2018; it is not yet known when Ethiopian Flavor and the proposed restaurant and music spot might open.

Thanks to Universal Hub for bringing this to our attention.

[January 14, 2018 update: It appears that the Roxbury location of Tasty Burger is now closed, as it has been taken off the locations page within the website and it is no longer mentioned in the locations section of its voicemail, either.]

[May 11, 2018 update: Eater Boston states that Soleil will open by the end of May, with the restaurant featuring Southern-influenced dishes such as macaroni and cheese with collard greens along with lighter fare as well, according to owner Cheryl Straughter.]

[June 14, 2018 update: A licensing board page indicates that the coffee shop coming to Dudley Square may end up being called Fasika Cafe rather than Ethiopian Flavor, and that it is seeking a beer and wine license.]

[Earlier Article]
Dudley Dough in Roxbury 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]





Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Lanes & Games Building in Cambridge Being Demolished

by Marc Hurwitz

A Cambridge landmark that shut down for good over the summer is officially disappearing from the landscape this week.

According to a Twitter post from @Spedmunki, Lanes & Games on Route 2 is in the process of coming down, with another tweet from @boxofbacon showing the structure being demolished. The complex--which featured bowling, pool, video games, food, and drink--closed in August after more than 30 years in business, with the site eventually becoming home to an apartment complex.

The address for the Lanes & Games site is 195 Concord Turnpike, Cambridge, MA, 02140.

[Earlier Articles]
Lanes & Games in Cambridge to Close for Good August 13
Lanes & Games in Cambridge Expected to Close This Summer; Residential Complex Approved for Space
Lanes & Games in Cambridge May Be Replaced by a Residential Development

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]





Fundraiser Set Up for Cafe Beirut in Jamaica Plain After Funds Were Stolen from Restaurant

by Marc Hurwitz

A Lebanese restaurant in Jamaica Plain has had some of its money stolen, and now a fundraiser has been set up to help the place make its rent payment.

Universal Hub mentions that an employee at Cafe Beirut on Centre Street reportedly took several thousand dollars from the eatery and that while the person who allegedly stole it has been identified and "proper action" is being taken, a GoFundMe page has been set up by a fan to help the place make its rent payment. At the time of this writing, approximately $500 has been raised, with the goal being $6,000.

Cafe Beirut features such classic Lebanese dishes as shawarma, lamb kebobs, kibby, grapeleaves, falafel, baba ghanoosh, halloumi, and spinach pie.

The address for Cafe Beirut is 654 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain, MA, 02130. Its website can be found at http://cafebeirutjp.com/

[January 14, 2018 update: A check on the GoFundMe page indicates that approximately $5,000 has been raised for Cafe Beirut, which means it is about $1,000 way from its goal.]

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, December 19, 2017

Grande Kitchen + Bar in Newton Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a suburban restaurant that replaced an Irish pub has closed after a very brief time in business.

According to a post on Twitter from @gfinsider, Grande Kitchen + Bar in Newton appears to be shuttered, with the OpenTable page for the Needham Street spot saying it is "permanently closed" and a Yelp poster also saying that it has shut down with "no reason" given for it. Phone calls to the place have gone unanswered this afternoon and its website is no longer working.

Grande Kitchen + Bar first opened this summer, offering New American fare and comfort food along with beer, wine, and cocktails; the place had changed over from Mick Morgan's which was under the same ownership, with the other location of the Irish pub in Sharon remaining in operation.

The address for this now-closed restaurant in Newton was: Grande Kitchen + Bar, 118 Needham Street, Newton, MA, 02464.

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]





Sunset Grill & Tap in Allston Has Closed

by Marc Hurwitz

A renowned beer bar that was also known in part for its nachos has closed down.

According to a tweet from @FullHouseTicket, the Sunset Grill & Tap in Allston is shuttered, with Eater Boston confirming this, showing a picture of a sign out front saying that the Brighton Avenue "has closed for business" and referring customers to the Sunset Cantina on Commonwealth Avenue. (Sunset Grill & Tap's upstairs pool hall Patron's has also closed.) No reason has been given for its closure as of yet, so keep checking back for more details as they come in.

The parent company of Sunset Grill & Tap and Sunset Cantina filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection several months ago, with the filing resulting from worries that the Department of Revenue might seize the dining and drinking spots because of $500,000 in unpaid taxes.

Sunset Grill & Tap first opened its doors in 1988.

The address for the now-closed Sunset Grill & Tap is 130 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134.

[June 6, 2018 update: A post from E.F Smith and Son mentions that a public auction will take place at Sunset Grill & Tap  on Tuesday, June 11.]

[Earlier Article]
Parent Company of Sunset Grill & Tap and Sunset Cantina Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

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]





La Dolda Pasta Shop in Austin Plans to Move to Boston

by Marc Hurwitz

A pasta shop in Texas has shut its doors, and it is planning to reopen in the local area.

Eater Boston is reporting (via Eater Austin) that La Dolda in Austin, TX, shut down this past Saturday, with owner Matteo Gallizio saying that he is looking to move the business to a location somewhere in Boston. Gallizio told Eater that "Texas is full of barbecue and tacos, and it's been difficult trying to find a space between that....We want to be in a city with more Italian tradition. Unfortunately, it's just not part of the social tissue here" It appears that the business would initially be a wholesaler when it moves to Boston (possibly this winter, but by the summer of 2018 at the latest), but that a retail shop and/or a small pasta bar could eventually open up as well.

La Dolda has been known in part for its fresh-made dried pasta and sauces, along with retail items such as olive oil, flour, butter, and salt.

The website for La Dolda can be found at https://www.ladolda.com/

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston


[Related article from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): Slideshow--Twelve Pasta Dishes from Restaurants in the Boston Area and Beyond]





Monday, December 18, 2017

British Beer Company in Walpole Is Closing

by Marc Hurwitz

A small local chain of British pubs is getting ready to close one of its locations.

According to a letter from the business, British Beer Company is shutting down its Walpole outlet, with a post on its Facebook page indicating that the closure--which will take place on Christmas Eve--is due to the fact that they couldn't reach an agreement with the landlord. It appears that all other locations will remain in operation, including outlets in Cedarville, Danvers, Falmouth, Framingham, Franklin, Hyannis, Pembroke, Plymouth, Sandwich, Westford, Worcester, Manchester, NH, and Portsmouth, NH.

The address for the soon-to-close British Beer Company in Walpole is 85 Providence Highway (Route 1), Walpole, MA, 02032. The website for the chain can be found at: http://www.britishbeer.com/

Thanks to a source for bringing this to our attention.

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]





110 Grill Plans to Open Nine New Locations, Including in Maynard, Saugus, and Woburn

by Marc Hurwitz

Last week we reported that a local group of casual upscale restaurants was looking to open where a landmark steakhouse had been. Now we have learned that this is just one of a number of outlets being planned.

According to its website, 110 Grill is slated to open eight new locations over the next year or so (plus the one mentioned here that would open within a development where Hilltop Steak House was), including branches in Maynard and Woburn as well as Athol, Worcester, Wrentham, Stratham, NH, West Lebanon, NH, and  Newburgh, NY. These upcoming restaurants will join others currently open in Berlin, Braintree, Chelmsford, Fall River, Haverhill, Hopkinton, Leominster, Marlboro, Wayland, Nashua, NH, and Rochester, NH.

110 Grill, which focuses mainly on New American fare, got its start in Chelmsford several years ago. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.110grill.com/

[October 25, 2018 update: The locations page for 110 Grill states that its Saugus outlet plans to open later this year. (There is no longer any mention of a Maynard location.)]

[February 15, 2019 update: As stated in another post, the Saugus location is now open.)]

[March 14, 2019 update: An email mentions that the Woburn location of 110 Grill opens on Saturday, March 16.]

[Earlier Article]
110 Grill Plans to Open at Former Hilltop Steak House Property on Route 1 in Saugus

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]




Deluxe Depot Diner in Framingham Has Been Replaced by Depot 417

by Marc Hurwitz

A diner west of Boston that had been affiliated with two other diners in the local area is now under new management and has a new name and menu.

According to a poster on the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Deluxe Depot Diner in Framingham is now Depot 417, with its website saying "We're a new restaurant in a historic building serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner!" The Yelp page for Depot 417 indicates that it changed over sometime this fall, and that it appears to be no longer owned by the group behind Deluxe Town Diner in East Watertown, and Deluxe Station Diner in Newton Centre, the latter of which may be under new management as well, according to our source on the Facebook group page along with a poster on a Yelp page for Deluxe Station Diner.

Deluxe Depot Diner first opened around the end of 2014 in the historic train station in the downtown section of Framingham.

The address for Depot 417 (and the old Deluxe Depot Diner) is 417 Waverly Street, Framingham, MA, 01702. The website for Depot 417 can be found at https://www.depot417.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]





Friday, December 15, 2017

Brothers Marketplace Plans to Open at One Broadway in Cambridge's Kendall Square

by Marc Hurwitz

A local supermarket chain is further expanding its upscale neighborhood market concept, with a new location now being planned for Cambridge.

The Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog states (via The Boston Globe) that Roche Bros. is looking to open a new location of Brothers Marketplace in Kendall Square, with the grocery store coming to the ground floor of One Broadway (where Broadway, Main Street, and Third Street meet). Last month, we reported that another outlet of Brothers Marketplace will be coming to the Merc at Moody and Main apartment building in Waltham, with that one on the way sometime in the spring of 2018; it appears that the Cambridge location won't be opening until 2019, so for the time being, the Waltham location will be its third (joining others in Weston and Medfield) and the Kendall Square location could be its fourth. [Ed note: The Waltham shop is now open, and a Duxbury location has opened as well, so the Cambridge outlet will be its fifth.]

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

The website for Brothers Marketplace is at http://www.brothers-marketplace.com/

[October 16, 2019 update: Cambridge Day indicates that the Kendall Square location of Brothers Marketplace finally opens in mid-November.]

[November 5, 2019 update: Boston Magazine states that Brothers Marketplace opens in Kendall Square on Tuesday, November 12.]

[Earlier Article]
Brothers Marketplace to Open in Waltham

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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]

b.good Is opening in Swampscott

by Marc Hurwitz

A local group of dining spots known in part for its healthy options continues to expand, with a new one now on the way to the North Shore.

According to a source, b.good is opening in Swampscott, with a sign out front showing that it will be coming to the shopping center in Vinnin Square where Stop & Shop resides. It is not yet known when the new location might be opening, so keep checking back for updates. A number of b.good locations can currently be found in the local area, including outlets in Boston, Bedford, Beverly, Burlington, Cambridge, Dedham, Hingham, Natick, Newton, Wellesley, and Woburn.

The address for the new location of b.good in Swampscott is 450 Paradise Road, Swampscott, MA, 01907. The website for all locations can be found at http://www.bgood.com

[March 5, 2018 update: The Swampscott location of b.good is now open, with a Facebook post indicating that it actually appears to have opened in late January.]

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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]





110 Grill Is Opening at Former Hilltop Steak House Property on Route 1 in Saugus

by Marc Hurwitz

A growing group of casual upscale dining spots is planning to open a new location north of Boston, moving into a space where a legendary restaurant had once been.

According to an article from the Saugus Advertiser, 110 Grill has received approval by the town to open at the site of the old Hilltop Steak House, with the restaurant possibly opening in the first quarter of 2019. The post says that the property, which is now owned by AvalonBay Communities, Inc., will also see an as-of-yet unnamed fast casual eatery and retail shops along with 280 apartment units.

110 Grill, which focuses mainly on New American fare, currently has locations in Berlin, Braintree, Chelmsford, Fall River, Haverhill, Hopkinton, Leominster, Marlboro, and Wayland, as well as locations in Nashua and Rochester, NH. (A number of other locations will be coming as well, including ones in Maynard and Woburn, according to its website.)

The address for the upcoming 110 Grill is 855 Broadway (Route 1), Saugus, MA, 01906. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.110grill.com/

[August 17, 2018 update: 110 Grill is one step closer to opening in Saugus, as the Saugus Advertiser says that the Board of Selectmen have approved of a liquor license transfer from the parent company of Hilltop Steak House.]

[December 19, 2018 update: An email says that the Saugus location of 110 Grill opens on Friday, December 21.]

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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]





Thursday, December 14, 2017

Spyce (a Restaurant with a Robotic Kitchen) Is Coming to Boston's Downtown Crossing

by Marc Hurwitz

A new restaurant is on its way to the heart of downtown Boston, and it will have a rather futuristic concept.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Spyce is planning to open on Washington Street in the city's Downtown Crossing area in the spring of 2018, with the upcoming spot featuring a robotic kitchen whose concept comes from a fully-automated restaurant in one of the dining halls at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The article mentions that the Downtown Crossing version of Spyce will be different from that which was created by MIT students (no details on the specific difference have been given as of yet) and that a nationally-recognized chef--Daniel Boulud of Bar Boulud in the Back Bay and a number of other restaurants in New York and elsewhere--is collaborating on the new dining spot.

Eater says that the original Spyce concept at MIT runs independently from humans except for the restocking of ingredients.

The address for the upcoming Spyce in Downtown Crossing is 241 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02201. The website for Spyce can be found at http://spyce.com/

[April 24, 2018 update: Boston Magazine states (via an Instagram post) that Spyce opens on Thursday, May 3, and that it will be "one of the world's first robotic restaurants."]

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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]





Chickpeas Plans to Open at Former Gas Station Site in Marblehead

by Marc Hurwitz

A Mediterranean restaurant may be on its way to the North Shore, and it would be replacing a long-closed business.

According to an article in Wicked Local, Chickpeas is planning to open in Marblhead, taking over the space on Pleasant Street where an abandoned gas station currently sits. The post mentions that the Zoning Board of Appeals has approved a special permit for the 16-seat fast-food spot, although concerns about the proposal have been brought up, including traffic, parking, and child safety issues (a middle school is located a short distance away). While the board did ok the proposal, they have also attached suggestions/conditions to the permit from the town's Design Review Board.

The address for the proposed Chickpeas is 195 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA, 01945.

Thanks to a source for initially bringing this to our attention.

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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]





Zuma Plans to Open in Boston's Back Bay

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a London-based group of high-end Japanese restaurants will be expanding to Boston.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the city's website, Zuma is planning to open at the upcoming One Dalton residential tower in the Back Bay, with the hearing notice indicating that the restaurant--which is seeking a liquor license from the now-closed Eugene O'Neill's in Jamaica Plain--will include a dining area and a bar. One Dalton isn't scheduled to be completed for at least another year, so Zuma probably won't be opening anytime soon, but plans are indeed in the works for the dining spot.

Zuma is an izakaya (basically, a Japanese pub) and grillhouse in London that has a handful of locations around the world, including in New York, Miami, and Las Vegas; the restaurants are generally trendy, upscale spots with offerings that include sushi, robata-style grill items, tempura, hotpot, roasted lobster, rib eye steak, sake, cocktails, and more.

Boston actually has another restaurant with this name--Zuma Tex Mex Restaurant, which is located at Faneuil Hall.

The website for the Zuma chain can be found at https://www.zumarestaurant.com/

[April 23, 2018 update: A press release confirms that Zuma is on its way to One Dalton, with the restaurant partnering with the Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences and residing on the second floor of the building. The release says that Zuma will offer "world-class" cuisine in the form of shareable dishes from its main kitchen, sushi counter, and robata grill. No specific opening date has been given, but the luxury tower is slated to debut in early 2019, so it appears that Zuma could open around that time.]

[February 18, 2019 update: A Craigslist job post mentions that Zuma plans to open in Boston sometime this spring.]

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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]

Fairsted Kitchen in Brookline Is Closing; Being Replaced by Grassona's Italian

by Marc Hurwitz

An "Olmsted-inspired" restaurant that has received some high praise since opening a few years ago is saying farewell, though the people behind it are opening a new dining spot within its space.

According to an article from Eater Boston, Fairsted Kitchen in Brookline's Washington Square is closing on New Year's Eve, with owner Steve Bowman and his team opening Grassona's Italian in the Beacon Street space in late January after making what appears to be minor changes to the interior. Eater says that Bowman is having former Fairsted alum Phil Dwyer head up the kitchen at the upcoming Grassona's Italian, offering Italian comfort food such as lasagna, slow-roasted meatballs, and osso bucco along with Italian wines and cocktails.

Fairsted Kitchen, which first opened in the fall of 2013, is known in part for its New American fare with Middle Eastern influences as well as its Victorian-influenced atmosphere inspired in part by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The restaurant has gained some recognition in the media, including Boston Magazine giving it a "best neighborhood bar" award in 2014 and picking it for "best late-night dining" in 2015.

The address for Fairsted Kitchen (and the new Grassona's Italian) is 1704 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA, 02445. The website for Fairsted Kitchen can be found at https://www.fairstedkitchen.com/

[December 26 update: According to a post from bostonchefs.com, Fairsted Kitchen will be hosting events over the coming days as it gets ready to shut down. Included will be a Jack's Abby Beer Dinner tomorrow (Wednesday, December 27) and "The Last Supper," which takes place on New Year's Eve.]

[January 17, 2018 update: Boston Magazine mentions that Grassona's soft-opens tomorrow (Thursday, January 18), with its grand opening coming on Tuesday, January 23.]

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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]