A La Esh Is Returning to Sharon

A suburban dining spot that focused on BBQ items with influences ranging from Israel to the American South is being reborn.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, A La Esh is returning to its former home in Sharon, which had been home to a location of Hummus v'Hummus once A La Esh said farewell in the fall of 2022. A Facebook post from the business says "Stay tuned" while showing a new menu that includes such items as lamb chili, brisket sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, kebabs, smash burgers, smoked salmon, tacos, smoked hummus, macaroni and cheese, and more.

The first incarnation of A La Esh opened next to Simcha in the Sharon Heights Shopping Plaza on South Main Street in the fall of 2020, with Avi Shemtov being behind both places along with Hummus v'Hummus (which now focuses on catering) and The Chubby Chickpea, a food truck and catering operation that was established in Canton in 2010.

The address for A La Esh is 370 South Main Street, Sharon, MA, 02067. Its website is at https://www.alaesh.com/

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Simcha in Sharon Has Opened Back Up

Last fall, it was reported that an award-winning suburban restaurant that focused on Israeli food would be returning, and now we have learned that it is indeed open once again.

According to a poster within the Friends of Boston's Hidden Restaurants Facebook group page, Simcha in Sharon is back up and running, with its menu offering such options as hummus, babaganouj, rabbit empanadas, lamb meatballs, shakshuka, roasted chicken, stuffed squash, and wood-fired salmon. The restaurant, which first opened in 2019, was included among Boston Magazine's best new restaurants in an article that year. The place closed down in June of 2022 but there was subsequent talk that fall that it would be reborn at some point in time.

The address for Simcha is 370 South Main Street, Sharon, MA, 02067. Its website can be found at https://www.simcharestaurant.com/

[Earlier Article]
Simcha in Sharon Is Reopening

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[More restaurant openings/closings from the Boston's Hidden Restaurants site): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Galit's Treats Cafe & Bakery in Newton Centre Is Apparently Closing

A coffee shop west of Boston that features Israeli items appears to be shutting down.

Based on a tweet from @BostonHanSolo, Galit's Treats Cafe & Bakery in Newton Centre is closing, as a screenshot of a post from owner Galit Grutman says that "After 6 years of baking and enjoying every minute of it, I've decided to close our shop and spend some more time with my family." The note indicates that the Beacon Street store plans to shut its doors after business hours on January 28.

Galit's Treats Cafe & Bakery has offered such items as rugelach, babka, cupcakes, burekas, muffins, scones, croissants, sandwiches, quiche, challah bread, coffee, hot chocolate, and more since opening in 2017.

The address for Galit's Treats Cafe & Bakery is 749 Beacon Street, Newton Centre, MA, 02459. Its website can be found at https://www.galitstreats.com/

[February 2 update: A Facebook post from the place confirms that Galit's Treats Cafe & Bakery is now closed.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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]

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NOTE: Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is currently dealing with health issues and needs your help. Please donate if you can at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

Simcha in Sharon Is Reopening

Several months ago, an award-winning suburban restaurant that focuses on Israeli food closed down for the time being and its future appeared to be in question. Now we have learned that it is on its way back.

A Facebook post from chef/restaurateur Avi Shemtov indicates that Simcha is reopening, saying that he is "actively looking to open Simcha back up in Sharon" and that he is seeking to hire bartenders and servers. A message sent to us from Shemtov mentions that the restaurant will be returning to its original home on South Main Street adjacent to the new location of Hummus v'Hummus, which he recently opened in the space where he had previously operated A La Esh.

Simcha, which first opened in 2019, was included among Boston Magazine's best new restaurants in an article that year; when it closed in June, Shemtov was looking at possibly opening Smoke & Fire in its space, but that concept has been put on the shelf for now. 

The address for Simcha is 370 South Main Street, Sharon, MA, 02067.

[January 4, 2023 update: A message from Avi Shemtov indicates that Simcha is back open for private events, ticketed dinners, cooking classes, and some public dinner services, with a Sunday brunch (10-3) and "Wing Wednesdays" being held each week for walk-ins only (no reservations are being taken at this point in time).]

[Earlier Articles]
Simcha in Sharon Has Closed for At Least the Summer; Exact Status in Question
Smoke & Fire Plans to Replace Simcha in Sharon

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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]

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NOTE: Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is currently dealing with health issues and needs your help. Please donate if you can at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

Simcha in Sharon Has Closed for At Least the Summer; Exact Status in Question

An award-winning suburban restaurant that focuses on Israeli food has closed for at least the time being.

According to a Facebook post from the place, Simcha in Sharon is shuttered for now, with the note (which is from owner Avi Shemtov) saying the following:

It is with mixed emotions that I have to break the news that [Wednesday, June 15] will be Simcha's last dinner service, at least for the summer. Depending on where our staffing, energy level, and desire to return are come September we will certainly consider reopening. The possibility exists this may be the end of a chapter for our team though....The realities of the industry at the moment have just caught up with us. Too many nights short staffed, too much opportunity at our other companies.

The post goes on to say that Shemtov's other businesses--including Hummus v'Hummus in Allston-Brighton, The Chubby Chickpea food truck, and the TAPPED beer truck, remain in operation, and another location of Hummus v'Hummus plans to open next month in Chestnut Hill.

Simcha, which first opened in March of 2019, has received much in the way of accolades since debuting, including being among the best new restaurants of 2019 in a Boston Magazine article.

The address for Simcha is 370 South Main St., Sharon, MA, 02067.

Thanks to Richard Auffrey of The Passionate Foodie for initially bringing this to our attention.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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]

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NOTE: Leslie Hurwitz, who is the father of Marc (the founder of this site) is currently dealing with health issues and needs your help. Please donate if you can at https://gofund.me/76d8ba28, thanks!

Bakey Is Opening in Downtown Boston

A well-known Israeli baker will soon be opening a brand new spot in the heart of Boston.

According to an article in the Boston Globe, Uri Scheft is opening Bakey on Tremont Street across from Boston Common, with the cafe offering fresh breads, buns, burekas, and babkas along with coffee from the Seattle-based Caffe Umbria. Scheft is known in part for being behind Lehamim Bakery in Israel and Breads Bakery in New York City while also writing "Breaking Breads," a cookbook that focuses on Israeli breads and baking.

If all goes as planned, Bakey plans to open sometime this month.

The address for Bakey is 151 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, 02111.

[September 14 update: A tweet from @DTownBostonBID indicates that Bakey opened its doors in downtown Boston today.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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]

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Cafe Landwer Is Opening in Boston's Back Bay/Copley Square Area

A chain of cafes based in Israel that has two locations in Boston will be opening a third, with this one coming to one of the busiest parts of the city.

According to a source, Cafe Landwer is planning to open in the Back Bay/Copley Square area, with our source telling us that it is taking over the space on Boylston Street that had been home to Ora Trattorizza. A message sent from the chain confirms that the new outlet will indeed be opening on Boylston Street, while our source says that the windows out front shows the Landwer name. It isn't yet known when the new location might be opening, so stay tuned for updates. 

Cafe Landwer, which also has locations in the Fenway/Audubon Circle neighborhood and Brighton's Cleveland Circle area, is known for such items as shakshuka, hummus, roasted eggplant in tahini, schnitzel, chicken shawarma, and roasted Jerusalem artichokes.

It appears that the address for the new location of Cafe Landwer in the Back Bay/Copley Square area will be 653 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02116. The website for the chain can be found at https://www.landwercafe.com/

[January 24, 2022 update: According to a source (Sarah Wu), Cafe Landwer is now open on Boylston Street, with an Instagram post from the place saying that it is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and snacks between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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]

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Miznon Is Opening in Boston's Seaport District

A small group of restaurants that feature Israeli street food will be expanding to the Boston waterfront.

According to a press release, Miznon is planning to open in the city's Seaport District, with the upcoming dining spot offering such items as whole roasted baby cauliflower, lamb kebabs, a dish called "rotisserie broken chicken," a slow-cooked beef and roots stew, rib eye minute steak, and a "run over potato" (a flattened baked potato), while beer and wine will be available shortly after the opening of the place. If all goes as planned, the new location of Miznon will debut on the waterfront later this year.

Miznon got its start in 2011 when Israeli chef Eyal Shani opened its first location in Tel Aviv; currently, outlets can be found in New York City, Melbourne, Paris, Singapore, and Vienna.

The address for the new location of Miznon in the Seaport District is 107 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA, 02210. The website for all locations can be found at https://www.miznonnyc.com/

[April 6, 2022 update: According to a press release, Miznon opens today in the Seaport District.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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]

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Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Avi Shemtov Is Opening A La Esh in Sharon

A well-known local chef who opened an Israeli restaurant in the Boston suburbs early last year is opening a new spot next door that will also have Israeli influences.

The Tables section of The Boston Globe is reporting that Avi Shemtov is planning to open A La Esh in Sharon, joining the adjacent Simcha in the Sharon Heights Shopping Plaza on South Main Street. The post mentions that while Simcha focuses on globally-inspired contemporary Israeli fare, A La Esh will focus on barbecue items such as smoked hummus, smoked vegetables, and smoked turkey shawarma, with Shemtov saying that "Our restaurant will be loosely based on imagining an alternate universe in which my grandfather has brought his Turkish roots with him to the American South, rather than Israel." Shemtov tells us that Brendan Burak will be the pit master at A La Esh and Kyle Crusius will be co-executive chef.

If all goes as planned, A La Esh could be opening by August.

The address for this new restaurant in Sharon is: A La Esh, 370 South Main St., Sharon, MA, 02067.

[August 19 update: A Facebook post from the restaurant indicates that A La Esh will open for its first service this Sunday within the Simcha space, with Avi Shemtov telling us that this will likely continue each Sunday until the start of Phase 4 of the reopening of the Massachusetts economy, at which point the restaurant plans to open in its own space next door. (Hours will be 11:00 AM until the food runs out.)]

[November 13 update: A new Facebook post from the place indicates that A La Esh opens in its permanent space on Wednesday, November 18, and that it will be takeout only for now.]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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]

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Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Jerusalem Pita in Brookline's Coolidge Corner Has Closed

A Brookline restaurant that was known for its Kosher fare has shut down.

According to a couple of sources, Jerusalem Pita in the Coolidge Corner area of the community is no longer in business, with a post from the Facebook page of the Pleasant Street eatery showing that it shuttered last weekend and saying that "WE ARE CLOSING our doors after 11 great years. Thank you all for your support We will miss everyone" No reason has been given for the closure of Jerusalem Pita, nor is it known what might become of the space, so stay tuned for updates.

Jersualem Pita featured Israeli and Mediterranean dishes such as hummus, falafel, tabouleh, grilled eggplant, shawarma, shish kebab, schnitzel, and lamb chops.

The address for this now-closed restaurant in Coolidge Corner is: Jerusalem Pita, 10 Pleasant Street, Brookline, MA, 02446.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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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]

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Krasi Is Replacing Cafe Jaffa in Boston's Back Bay

by Marc Hurwitz

A few months ago, we reported that a longtime favorite in the Back Bay for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food was on the selling block, and now we have learned that it may be replaced by a new restaurant that has at least one well-known name behind it.

According to a licensing board hearing page within the City of Boston website, Cafe Jaffa on Gloucester Street is seeking to transfer its liquor license to Krasi, which would operate in the same location and whose manager would be Demetri Tsolakis of Committee in the Seaport District and Gre.Co in the Back Bay (and soon, in the Seaport District as well). The name "Krasi" is commonly found in Bulgaria while it is also a Greek word for wine, according to The Passionate Foodie, but it is not known exactly what kind of cuisine(s) might be featured here; Committee offers mostly Greek and Mediterranean food while Gre.Co focuses on Greek cuisine.

Cafe Jaffa first opened in 1991, serving such items as falafel, hummus, stuffed grape leaves, shish kabob, chicken schnitzel, lamb chops, stuffed peppers, and schwarma. Last September it was reported that the restaurant went up for sale, as the owner made the decision to retire.

The address for Cafe Jaffa (and the upcoming Krasi) is 48 Gloucester Street, Boston, MA, 02115.

[August 23 update: The Tables section of The Boston Globe states that Krasi plans to open this fall, and that it will be a Greek meze and wine bar. (In addition, the downstairs area will have a separate cocktail bar called Hecate.)]

[February 5, 2020 update: Eater Boston says that Krasi hopes to open on February 10 pending final inspections, while Hecate plans to open later this year.]

[February 13, 2020 update: Krasi did not end up opening on February 10, but an Instagram post indicates that it could be opening today if all goes well.]

[Earlier Article]
Cafe Jaffa in Boston's Back Bay Is on the Selling Block

Follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston

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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]

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Avi Shemtov Is Opening Simcha in Sharon

by Marc Hurwitz

It looks like a well-known local chef is going to be opening a new restaurant that focuses on Israeli food.

According to City of Quincy consultant and publicist Kerry J. Byrne, Avi Shemtov is planning to open Simcha in Sharon later this year, with Boston Magazine stating that the South Main Street dining spot will have a wood-fired oven and feature globally-inspired contemporary Israeli fare, possibly including such items as pita, shakshuka, sous vide duck breast, pumpkin baba, crispy phyllo "cigars," kibbe nayah, and Yemenite fried chicken, while Byrne also indicates that hummus, roasted cauliflower, and red snapper crudo could be a few other dishes offered, based on Shemtov's Simcha pop-up menus from last year.

Shemtov is known for his Chubby Chickpea food truck and catering business along with the Tapped beer truck, which can currently be found at the Braintree beer garden on Saturdays.

The address for this new Israeli restaurant in Sharon is: Simcha, 370 South Main St., Sharon, MA, 02067.

[February 12, 2019 update: Boston Magazine mentions that Simcha plans to open around the end of this month and that Kate Holowchik (Capo, Lincoln Tavern, Townshend) will be the consulting pastry chef for the place.]

[February 20, 2019 update: A message sent to us indicates that Simcha opens its doors on March 5.]

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Cafe Landwer Is Opening within The Circle Development in Brighton's Cleveland Circle

by Marc Hurwitz

A chain of cafes based in Israel is going to be opening its second Boston location, and this one will be located within a new development that includes senior housing.

According to a Patch article, Cafe Landwer is planning to open at The Circle, a mixed-used complex that is located at the former site of the Circle Cinema and Applebee's in Brighton's Cleveland Circle. Once it opens, the new dining spot will join another outlet on Beacon Street in the Fenway/Audubon Circle section of Boston, and based on the menu at that location, expect to see such items as roasted eggplant in tahini, baked cauliflower, schnitzel, grilled chicken breast, eggplant and feta pizza, and hummus.

The Circle, which is currently in development, is home to a new senior living community called Waterstone at the Circle, while a 162-room AC Marriott hotel is also going to be opening at the site along with at least one other restaurant.

The website for the Landwer Cafe outlet in the Fenway/Audubon Circle area of the city can be found at http://www.landwercafe.com/

[July 2 update: Eater Boston states that Cafe Landwer plans to open at Cleveland Circle in mid-July.]

[July 26 update: A Facebook post from the place mentions that the new location of Cafe Landwer is now open.]

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Landwer Cafe Is Opening in Former Elephant Walk Space in Boston's Fenway/Audubon Circle Neighborhood

Late last year, we reported that a chain of cafes in Israel was planning to expand to North America with one of its first locations coming to the Boston area, and now we have learned where it will be opening.

According to an article in The Boston Sun, Landwer Cafe is looking to open in the former Elephant Walk space in the Fenway/Audubon Circle section of Boston, with the Beacon Street eatery being the first in the United States and apparently the second on the continent, as an outlet of the place opened in Toronto earlier this year. The article says that the new 80-seat dining spot will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and an outdoor patio with seating for about 40 will be set up during the warmer months. Based on the menu at the other locations of Cafe Landwer, expect to see such Mediterranean-influenced items as roasted eggplant in tahini, crispy cauliflower, pasta with sweet potatoes and chestnuts, pink tomato gnocchi, pizza with eggplant and feta, schnitzel, rozalach, and cheesecake at the new location, along with beer and wine.

Elephant Walk moved out of the Beacon Street space in October of 2014, moving into a new space on Washington Street in the South End a couple of months later.

The address for this new eatery in the Fenway/Audubon Circle area is: Landwer Cafe, 900 Beacon St, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for the chain can be found at http://www.landwercafe.co.il/

[January 18, 2018 update: According to a couple of sources, including Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting, Landwer Cafe has soft-opened, with an official opening apparently on the way next week.]

[January 22, 2018 update: A message from the place indicates that Landwer Cafe plans to start regular hours this weekend.]

[Earlier Articles]
Landwer Cafe to Open in Boston
Elephant Walk Is Moving from Beacon Street in the Fenway to former BoMA Space in Boston's South End

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Landwer Cafe to Open in Boston

A chain of cafes in Israel is getting ready to expand to North America, with one of its first locations opening in the local area.

According to a job post within the bostonchefs.com website, Landwer Cafe is planning to open in Boston and Toronto, and it looks like the Boston outlet will be the second location to open on the continent after Toronto, based on an earlier article from the Daily Hive. The post from the Hive also mentions that the range of offerings on the menu of the Toronto location are expected to "stay 90% true to the original menu in Israel while also incorporating a few tweaks and additions exclusive to the new Canadian market," which may indicate that at least a good part of the original menu may be offered at the new shop in Boston as well. A few items available on Landwer Cafe's menu include roasted eggplant in tahini, crispy cauliflower, shakshouka halloumi, a Mediterranean salad, lemony tuna, chicken, and hot roast beef sandwiches, pasta with sweet potatoes and chestnuts, pink tomato gnocchi, pizza with eggplant and feta, chicken pullet steak, schnitzel, lentil patty stew, rozalach, carrot cake, cheesecake, and coffee.

The website for Landwer Cafe can be found at http://www.landwercafe.co.il/

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