R.I.P, Caffe Umbra

[MC Slim JB]

I managed to get by a few times over the last couple of weeks, revisiting some favorites from the Greatest Hits of Caffe Umbra menu that chef/owner Laura Brennan put together as her last hurrah here. I had the house-made charcuterie, that superb burger, frisee salad with the batter-fried poached egg, chicken under a brick, steak frites, cassoulet, Green Goddess salad, the Spanish trio (hake cakes, lobster-stuffed squid, clams in a nice broth with white beans), short ribs macaroni, sticky toffee pudding, salted caramel ice cream, fennel bread pudding. And a bunch of Joe Carbonara's cocktails, ever masterful, plus some sensibly-priced French and Italian wines. It wasn't brought back for an encore, but we loved-loved-loved the porchetta panino, too.

A bittersweet experience: I can think of few restaurants where I've had so many good times with friends and family over a period of years. Thanks to Laura, Ron, Joe, Christine, Sam, and all the other folks, front and back, who provided us with such great service and so many fine dinners. We will miss you terribly, and wish you the best in your next ventures.

[Cupcakes]

does anyone know what's next for Laura Brennan?

[Sal Monella]

from what I gather, nothing planned. just taking some time off...

[Craig K]

I am happy to get Sage in the neighborhood but sad to see Umbra go.

Is Sage going into the Umbra spot?

[Bostonbob3]

Yes. And the owner of Strega (urg) will be opening something at the old Sage locale.

[Alcachofa]

I'm very glad I was able to order one last sticky toffee pudding a couple weeks ago.

[Sal Monella]

Good write up MC. My feelings exactly. I hope Laura opens up another place before too long.

BTW, it's Joe Carbonaro. Talk has it he'll be going to No. 9 but that's not 100% confirmed yet.

[MC Slim JB]

Thanks for the correction, Sal: Carbonaro. I hate getting peoples' names wrong! (Sorry, Joe.) I have no doubt Joe will land very quickly; he has a well-justified following, going back at least to his days at La Bettola.

[Sal Monella]

Hey MCSJB, got the confirmation that Joe's @ No.9...waitering with no plans to transition to bartending.

[chef poncho]

Wow, I didn't know that Laura was closing down her place. She is probably one of the nicest chefs I've ever met in this business- really down to earth. Sad to hear this.

[Chicky]

I loved that porchetta too. It is so sad to see such a fine establishment close while other lower quality places thrive.

[lissy]

I walked by there this morning, sad that I hadn't managed to get there recently as I had hoped. I am happy to get Sage in the neighborhood but sad to see Umbra go.