Rigoletto Ristorante Is Opening in Boston's North End

It looks like a new restaurant is coming to the North End of Boston.

According to an article within the NorthEndWaterfront.com website, Rigoletto Ristorante is planning to open on Salem Street, moving into the space where Sapori di Napoli/Cafe Napoli used to be. The article mentions that the North End/Waterfront Residents' Association (NEWRA) approved plans for the place to open by a vote of 23-7 last week, with the vote focusing on a conditional use application that would allow for a full restaurant menu as well as kitchen equipment with a vent fan to the roof. It is not yet known when Rigoletto Ristorante might open or what may be on its menu; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

[July 13, 2015 update: A new article from indicates that Rigoletto Ristorante is now open, and that it features house-made pastas, meat and seafood dishes, and "unique" cocktails.]

The address for this new restaurant in the North End is: Rigoletto Ristorante, 115-117 Salem Street, Boston, MA, 02113.

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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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Gustazo Cuban Restaurant and Cafe Is Moving to Waltham

[Ed note: This article was updated on May 15 to reflect new information given, including the fact that this a move, not a second location.]

It looks like a Cuban restaurant in Belmont is going to be opening in Waltham.

According to a Twitter post from @Newswatch8 (via a YouTube video), Gustazo Cuban Restaurant & Cafe is planning to open on Main Street where a location of Elephant Walk used to be until closing last fall. A note was sent to Gustazo asking if their restaurant on Belmont Street was going to be moving into this space or whether it would be another location, but they have not responded as of yet (as soon as we get more information, we will post an update here).

[May 15 update: A note from Gustazo today confirms that this is a move, not a second location.]

[June 23 update: A Facebook post from the restaurant indicates that Gustazo has officially closed its Belmont location, with the new location in Waltham expected to open by mid-July.]

[November 11 update: According to a new note from the restaurant on its Facebook page, Gustazo opens its doors for lunch today--and will be adding dinner service next week.]

Gustazo Cuban Restaurant & Cafe is a place that our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) has featured as an under-the-radar spot to go to for Cuban fare. The review can be found at the link below:

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

The address for the new location of Gustazo Cuban Restaurant & Cafe is 663 Main Street, Waltham, MA, 02451; its original location is at 289 Belmont Street, Belmont, MA 02478. And the website for the restaurant is at http://www.gustazo-cubancafe.com/

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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Gov. Patrick Proposes to Lift Cap on Liquor Licenses Throughout the State

It looks like the cap on liquor licenses in cities and towns across the state could be disappearing if the governor gets his way.

According to an article within the masslive.com site, Gov. Deval Patrick is proposing to get rid of the cap on licenses, with the plan apparently being set forth to make it easier for restaurants and liquor stores to open in communities throughout Massachusetts--and also to compete better with neighboring states. The post says that the proposal--which is part of an economic development bill--would turn over full control of the licensing process to local officials.

The article mentions that the proposal was discussed yesterday, with mayors, selectmen, and other local officials meeting with the governor's administration to talk about the plan as well as other budgetary and issues concerning the state.

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Snappy Patty's Is Opening in West Medford

A new restaurant is coming to West Medford, and it will apparently be focusing on patty melts.

The Boston Globe is reporting that Snappy Patty's is going to be opening on High Street, with Nicholas Dowling--who used to work at Citizen Public House in Boston's Fenway neighborhood, Franklin Cafe in the South End, and Franklin Southie--being behind the spot. Dowling says in the article that the restaurant's concept will be "upscale, contemporary American food done correctly" with the signature dish being mini patty melt sliders. Snappy Patty's will have seating for 36 and it will be open for lunch and dinner as well as brunch on weekends, according to the Globe.

[July 11 update: The Medford Transcript mentions that Snappy Patty's expects to open "within a few weeks."]

[August 7 update: UrbanDaddy states that Snappy Patty's opens tonight for dinner, with lunch service beginning next Tuesday. The post also mentions that the eatery will have a number of beers available.]

The address for this new restaurant in West Medford is: Snappy Patty's, 454 High Street, Medford, MA, 02155.

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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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Brass Union Is Moving into the Precinct Bar Space in Somerville

[Ed note: This article was updated on May 15 to reflect confirmation of Brass Union's location.]

It looks like a restaurant and bar with a new name is taking over the space in Somerville where another restaurant, bar, and nightclub had been.

According to to a post within the restaurant jobs section of the BostonChefs.com site, a new place called Brass Union is coming to "the heart of Union Square" sometime this month, with the spot having a "relaxing atmosphere with small plate dining and diverse cocktail list." It seems that Brass Union may be going into the former Precinct Bar space at 70 Union Square, as a poster on its Facebook page says "Let's talk about 'Brass Union.' What's the scoop?" (No response was given.)

Precinct Bar closed over the winter, with a Facebook post from the place saying that it was going to be renovated and that "We are committed to enhancing our Food, Drink, and overall guest experience." There had also been chatter that it would no longer be a live music venue and would be more focused on food and drink.

As soon as we find out if Brass Union is definitely moving into the former Precinct Bar space, we will post an update here.

[May 15 update: Eater Boston confirms that Brass Union will indeed be moving into the space where Precinct Bar had been, mentioning that Precinct's website now redirects to Brass Union's.]

[May 19 update: A press release sent today indicates that Brass Union will be a New York City-style tavern with American-style small plates, cocktails on draft, house-made sodas, and 24 draft lines for beer. The release also says that the bar area will be framed by reclaimed wooden gargoyle fixtures that come from the Capital Grille's original Newbury Street location and a rear space that will have an "interactive lounge experience with a vintage tabletop video game and a shuffleboard court." The outdoor patio will have both a dining area and a section with outdoor games such as a cornhole board, while the perimeter will have fresh herbs and vegetables growing. Expect an early June opening for Brass Union.]

[June 10 update: UrbanDaddy states that Brass Union is planning to open this Thursday (June 12).]

[Earlier Article]
Precinct Bar in Somerville's Union Square Has Closed for Renovations; Changes on the Way

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Narragansett Del's Shandy Beer Is Now Available

A brewery and a frozen lemonade company that are both based in Rhode Island have teamed up to create a brand new beer that is now available in stores throughout the region.

Rhode Island Monthly is reporting that the Narragansett Brewing Company has released Del's Shandy, which is a beer that has the familiar taste of Del's frozen lemonade, a slush drink that is wildly popular in Rhode Island and parts of Massachusetts. The article says that the beer, which comes in six-packs of 16-ounce cans, is being rolled out this week in stores across Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, with the drink being found "pretty much everywhere" in these states by the end of the week if all goes as planned.

Narragansett and Del's both started out in Cranston, though the Narragansett headquarters are now located in Providence. The website for Narragansett can be found at http://narragansettbeer.com/ while the site for Del's is at https://dels.com/

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