622247 Sun May 24 11:05:31 -0700 2009 242 12 Greater Boston Area 0 4710852 Just confirmed with the Four Seasons Hotel Boston (to my utter shock) that Aujourd'hui will be closing at the end of June 2009, to be converted into private meeting space. Another casualty of the recession and the resultant crimping of expense-account entertaining, I presume. Has to be scary for local fine-dining operators -- or maybe a welcome shrinking of the competition. I can remember when this was one of my two or three favorite occasion dining places in Boston, but it went through several chef changes, some of them not so much to my liking, and I got tired of gambling on $300/couple meals. Too bad, as I'd heard their current chef was quite talented. I think I preferred its fussy, flowery, old-ladyish look prior to the most recent makeover, too; it had a nice throwback feel to it. I did get to a couple of Friday early-evening Bubbly Bar events, which were fun. R.I.P. to what has to be considered a modern Boston dining institution. http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/ Sun May 24 11:05:31 -0700 2009 10143 MC Slim JB 1 4710868 much more downscale but learned today that the Annisquam branch of Stone Soup Cafe will not reopen this season...bad thing Sun May 24 11:13:33 -0700 2009 4710852 11784 capeanne 2 4715301 That's too bad, I liked it better than their Ipswich place. Tue May 26 09:17:00 -0700 2009 4710868 147961 treb 1 4710888 It'll mean more tips for the concierges and a slight bump in Back Bay restaurant business. Sun May 24 11:22:25 -0700 2009 4710852 102066 almansa 2 4711015 Can I assume that by "tips", you mean "kickbacks"? http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/ Sun May 24 12:45:47 -0700 2009 4710888 10143 MC Slim JB 3 4711043 The only kickbacks I know of are occasional free dinners where all the concierges gather at a restaurant for dinner on the house. And individually, when they're out they will get VIP treatment. But they get tipped by hotel guests, and the better the experience the hotel guests have, the better their tips tend to be. Concierges are an invaluable window into the fine dining scene, as you can see what restaurants are performing up to snuff. It doesn't take much to fall out of favor and concierges will collectively black-list a spot when they have to be responsible for their recommendations. Think Blackfin. Sun May 24 13:01:32 -0700 2009 4711015 102066 almansa 4 4715211 Interesting POV, almansa—thx! Does anybody know what's happening to the A'H somm, whose name escapes me at the moment but who seemed like a good guy? Tue May 26 08:50:24 -0700 2009 4711043 11106 tatamagouche 5 4715760 Jason Irving is the Four Seasons wine director; don't know if that means he does both Aujourd'hui and The Bristol. http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/ Tue May 26 11:25:39 -0700 2009 4715211 10143 MC Slim JB 5 4715920 If you mean Brick Loomis who was the prior wine director he has since moved on, sadly for us, to a new Four Season in Washington DC as food and bev director. Tue May 26 12:12:02 -0700 2009 4715211 259496 iloveporkbelly 6 4724701 Ah, yes, I meant Brick. That's too bad (for Boston). Fri May 29 07:22:08 -0700 2009 4715920 11106 tatamagouche 1 4710931 The Oregon club in Ashland will be reopening in late june. There was an article in The Metrowest Daily news last week. Sun May 24 11:49:40 -0700 2009 4710852 293199 Savanna 1 4710939 Absolutely shocked about Aujourd'hui. This is the saddest thing I've heard in a long time. Went there at Christmastime and had a flawless, superb meal. Everything about it was absolutely perfect. Went in the dead of February for a wine dinner and, again, an absolutely sublime meal (and for only $45!). I think the chef was fantastic. This really is so, so sad. Our special-occasion options are really dwindling, and it's so sad when they're not just restaurants, but institutions. Sun May 24 11:55:38 -0700 2009 4710852 101438 hsquare2southend 1 4711347 IHOP in Dedham is now open. Its right on Rt. 1 where Applebeas used to be in the Dedham mall. Sun May 24 15:26:14 -0700 2009 4710852 322584 hynespb 2 4864071 Love this. Thu Jul 16 09:16:54 -0700 2009 4711347 116638 southernitalian 1 4711895 Ok, I am getting older and becoming a little far sighted. But I though that MC Slim posted that Aujourd d'hui is closing. Too say the least, I am shocked. I'm hoping that maybe MC got this news on April 1st. or that there may have been a large quantity of alcohol involved. If not, this is a shock to the Boston dining scene. Brunches, in my opinion, while pricey, have always been solid. Dinner, an experience that really has no equal in Boston. This is truly detrimental to the Boston food scene. Sun May 24 19:55:21 -0700 2009 4710852 52166 jjbourgeois 1 4714254 Tragic. There goes one of the last remaining fine dining experiences in Boston which is refined in an old school way (for lack of a better term). Not to mention the loss of my favorite upscale brunch in Boston (can they at least add the raw bar to the Bristol brunch...pretty please?). Maison Robert, L'Espalier, Aujourd'hui...very very sad. Some of the best special occasion places are but a memory. Mon May 25 20:07:23 -0700 2009 4710852 13687 Gabatta 2 4715145 maison robert closed 6 years ago because the owners were retiring, not because of lack of business or the economy. the reality is that the 4 seasons will make much better profit on function business than a la carte dining. it was a decision the "new" ritz made about journe several years ago when the economy was still booming. Tue May 26 08:30:41 -0700 2009 4714254 30273 hotoynoodle 3 4715700 It's funny because both hotels are owned by the same company. They must have found success with functions at the Ritz and want to do the same at the 4 Seasons. Tue May 26 11:08:21 -0700 2009 4715145 245352 jgarnache 4 4715747 Not so. The hotels are owned by investors but the management companies are quite different. The Four Seasons is run by a Canadian co. that operates Four Seasons hotels. The Ritz Carlton Hotel Co. is owned by Marriott. Tue May 26 11:20:39 -0700 2009 4715700 11052 BBHound 4 4715762 In point of fact, Ritz is a subsidiary of Marriott, while Four Seasons is independently owned by a Canadian company. Tue May 26 11:25:54 -0700 2009 4715700 193495 rlove 5 4716288 Actually they are both owned by Millenium partners out of NYC. I work for MP. Both the Ritz and The Four Seasons are now brands which one pays to use. Tue May 26 13:51:53 -0700 2009 4715762 245352 jgarnache 6 4716388 Are you talking about the specific hotels in Boston or the parent companies? BBHound & I are talking about the parent companies, not the management company or investors. I don't know who owns the Boston Four Seasons, but I do know that Millennium Partners is the primary investor in the Boston Ritz. As I am sure you know, Millennium Partners has a long and winding history with The Ritz in Boston. The parent companies still own and operate many of their hotels. Boston might be an exception, but the Ritz and Four Seasons aren't solely franchised operations. Tue May 26 14:13:50 -0700 2009 4716288 193495 rlove 3 4715880 I was not implying that Maison Robert closed due to the economy, just that it is one of what seems to be a dying breed in Boston which has closed. It truly sucks as there is not anything which replaces some of these institutions as far as special occasion fine dining destinations IMO. Tue May 26 12:02:52 -0700 2009 4715145 13687 Gabatta 1 4714270 Isn't Au Jour d'hui owned by Four Seasons? I find it surprising that such a large and prestigious hotel brand could not figure out a way to keep it alive. Mon May 25 20:14:13 -0700 2009 4710852 104371 mouths2feed 1 4715047 A new place in Methuen called the Boxwood Grill just opened at the Merrimack Valley Golf Club. Sounds like the outdoor deck is a pretty nice spot with good views. A new Turkish/Mediterranean restaurant in Arlington called Pasha looks like it is pretty close to opening. It will be opening in the old Tsunami spot on Mass. Ave. Five Guys Burgers will be opening another location in Swampscott pretty soon (perhaps in June?). Tue May 26 07:54:41 -0700 2009 4710852 14771 hiddenboston 2 4715288 Been waiting for an opportunity to comment on Five Guys - had my first at Reagan National the other day - it put all the other so-called "best" Boston burgers to shame! I was shocked, especially being airport food tucked away at the end of the A Concourse. Great flavorful and perfectly cooked burger, bun was hardy, nice bacon, fixings fresh - the fries were the most surprising part - why can't O'Sullivan's turn out fries like this? Tue May 26 09:12:20 -0700 2009 4715047 11172 Bob Dobalina 3 4715505 Glad you liked their burger (and fries!) as much as I did, Bob. I went to the Dedham one recently and thought it was one of the best burgers I've had in the Boston area in recent memory. BTW, they are also opening one in Randolph (near Cafe Bella), but I don't know for sure when it will be open. Tue May 26 10:11:54 -0700 2009 4715288 14771 hiddenboston 4 4716320 Great Bay in Kenmore Square is closing as of this Saturday, 5/30. No news yet as what will replace it :( I will miss the great Island dishes and creative cocktails. Tue May 26 13:59:19 -0700 2009 4715505 259496 iloveporkbelly 5 4716343 Great Bay? Really? Where did you hear that? I'd say that's a bit of a surprise, but I guess in this economy, nothing really is a surprise anymore. Tue May 26 14:02:38 -0700 2009 4716320 14771 hiddenboston 1 4716425 To MC Slim's original post How is this a big surprise? Hotels have been downscaling their restaurants over the past two years, many opting for a lounge and upscale bar menu; some even going for a neighborhood approach. Not everyone wants pretentious food snobbery and "old lady" fuss. But that's odd about Great Bay -- it just had a makeover, new decor, tables, etc. Tue May 26 14:26:25 -0700 2009 4710852 323129 jennfie 2 4716600 I always say that it's hard to complain when a place goes away if you weren't a loyal supporter; maybe if you'd gone more often, it would still be in business. I haven't had a big meal at Aujourd'hui in at least a couple of years, so it's hard for me to kick about it. I certainly understand that Americans have gotten more informal and casual in their dining-out habits, but I wonder whether that explains Aujourd'hui's closing. It still surprises me when luxury establishments fade away. I think of them as being more insulated from the vicissitudes of the economy than less-expensive places. Really rich people and well-heeled foreign tourists are still dining out at very fancy places. And one person's pretentious food snobbery is another's luxury, high-craft cuisine. You probably don't want to eat it every day, but I don't think you have to be a snob or a flouncy old lady to appreciate it, either. Some major part of the hit is business entertaining; I know I'm not allowed to spend on customers and prospects the way I did in better times. And like most people, I don't splurge on big occasion meals as much, either. The hotel found itself looking for better ways to make money with the space, and made its move. Sic transit gloria... (I'm less surprised to hear about Great Bay; as I understand it, that place has struggled to make a profit from Day One.) http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/ Tue May 26 15:17:14 -0700 2009 4716425 10143 MC Slim JB 3 4717114 There is already an article posted on the Boston Herald's website about Great Bay closing May 30. Tue May 26 18:41:40 -0700 2009 4716600 104371 mouths2feed 3 4717729 Have to say that the most talented chef in that hotel has been William Kovel. Closing that restaurant and leaving those other knuckleheads running the Bristol is a waste of talent..... Good luck to him.. Wed May 27 00:09:17 -0700 2009 4716600 267388 penblow 1 4716707 There is a Shwarama King opening in West Roxbury on centre st. Its only called "The King", but is the same owner and same logo. Tue May 26 16:01:45 -0700 2009 4710852 322584 hynespb 2 4717237 Is this where Samias was? Tue May 26 19:27:56 -0700 2009 4716707 188116 SaraASR 3 4717393 Yeah, says it will be opening June 1st! I am excited to say the least. Tue May 26 20:28:04 -0700 2009 4717237 322584 hynespb 4 4738813 Tried to go last night and they are still not open. Was really looking forward to a falafel last night. It is strange that on Shwarna Kings web site they do not mention the opening of this "branch" Wed Jun 03 09:04:48 -0700 2009 4717393 17861 ScoobieSnack 5 4739092 I wonder if it is in fact the same owner(s) because after they closed the branch by NU, I was told that they would never open a 2nd place becasue it was hard to maintain quality/freshness. I wonder if another family member is opening this one in West Roxbuty. Wed Jun 03 10:27:52 -0700 2009 4738813 17080 Chrispy75 6 4739239 I called today and they said they hope to be open on June 7 or 8, after they get inspected. I also asked him if it would be the same menu as Schwarma King, and he said "almost the same". Wed Jun 03 11:10:31 -0700 2009 4739092 293509 Chazari99 7 4748312 I just hope the food is as good as Samia's - it's so sad that she had to close... Sat Jun 06 11:25:30 -0700 2009 4739239 50806 sallyt 2 4794771 the King is open now... looking forward. Mon Jun 22 09:33:47 -0700 2009 4716707 14188 skordalia 3 4800191 awesome! I had been driving by after work every day, but went down to FL for a week. I will certainly be there for lunch tomorrow! Tue Jun 23 19:37:13 -0700 2009 4794771 322584 hynespb 3 4801300 Does The King look like mostly a takeout place, a sitdown restaurant, or a little of both? What does the atmosphere look like? Anyone know their hours? Wed Jun 24 07:04:47 -0700 2009 4794771 14771 hiddenboston 4 4815315 Finally made it to the King today. Hard to make a blanket statement about the food after one meal, but the sandwich I had was quite good. I definitely will be back- can't wait to try more. I don't think it's fair to compare it to Samia's. The King has a different angle on Lebanese food, more emphasis on grilled kebabs. They do have the usual salad/appetizer mezze, but they've given pride of place to the kebabs, right up front in the display counter. Simpler menu than the Brookline Shawarma King - no shawarma and not as many veg options (the pumpkin kibbe will be missed)- but hopefully that will change as they settle in. All in all, I'm ecstatic to have it in the neighborhood... To answer your questions, It's a takeout place with tables, so- "a little of both." Atmosphere is the fairly typical middle eastern takeout vibe. It's less utilitarian than it was when Samia was in charge, but that's not saying much. Menu says it's open 11-9, sunday 12-5. Mon Jun 29 11:20:10 -0700 2009 4801300 14188 skordalia 5 4815507 Thank you so much for the info. I appreciate it! Mon Jun 29 12:12:01 -0700 2009 4815315 14771 hiddenboston 5 4840505 Well that explains the lack of "shwarma" in the title then. Wed Jul 08 13:10:51 -0700 2009 4815315 322584 hynespb 6 4879016 Well, I tried "The King" last Saturday. I thought the Chicken Kabob sandwich was amazing. The chicken was cooked perfectly, and the vegetables were crisp and fresh. The sandwich was so good i went and got another on Sunday!! The interior is beautiful. I was never in Samia's, but The King is really nice. I also love how they provide outdoor seating (albeit a few chairs and no tables.) In fact, when i went on sunday, there was a man smoking a hookah! Tue Jul 21 18:26:46 -0700 2009 4840505 322584 hynespb 1 4716893 Tagine in Harvard Sq. is closed (at least it appears to be from the plastic sheeting hanging over the windows). EDIT: I thought I had read a review here on Tagine, but upon searching, I can't find it. Thanks for the correction, Slim! I guess they are still trying to open their doors but it seems to be taking a while. Tue May 26 17:17:08 -0700 2009 4710852 121319 digga 2 4716984 I didn't realize that Tagine had even opened. Is it possible that it has not opened yet? http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/ Tue May 26 17:50:35 -0700 2009 4716893 10143 MC Slim JB 3 4717170 http://bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1174909 Link to Great Bay story. Tue May 26 18:59:42 -0700 2009 4716984 125747 Mr Bigglesworth 3 4717284 Correct, Tagine has yet to open. Maybe it won't open at all, the sign has been up with plastic on the windows for several months, with no discernable work going on inside. Tue May 26 19:48:40 -0700 2009 4716984 13687 Gabatta 1 4717182 this is the direction that "luxury" hotels are moving in...it's a quicker and easier buck to use it as "meeting space" Tue May 26 19:04:38 -0700 2009 4710852 233861 maggiepie 1 4721871 Looks like a new place called Jade Garden may be coming to Tyler Street in Chinatown if everything works out. Not sure if it's related to the Jade Garden in Arlington, but I'm guessing it isn't.... Thu May 28 09:11:20 -0700 2009 4710852 14771 hiddenboston 1 4722143 Pizzeria Dante on Beacon St. near Coolidge Corner opened in May. Not sure how it is. It replaced Pizza Republic which was not that memorable a place. Thu May 28 10:33:43 -0700 2009 4710852 15632 BackBayGirl 1 4724917 Tavern in the Square just opened a third location, this one being in Salem. Fri May 29 08:33:38 -0700 2009 4710852 14771 hiddenboston 1 4738530 Did anyone mention that Ruth's Kitchen in JFK Crossing closed? I was surprised to see that when I walked by last nite. Wed Jun 03 07:38:59 -0700 2009 4710852 14253 Joanie 2 4738549 Yes, but the exciting news, as reported here, is that fish tacs and cernitas will be coming in... FYI - http://www.doradotacos.com/ Wed Jun 03 07:44:33 -0700 2009 4738530 11108 galleygirl 3 4764422 Do we have an ETA on Dorado Tacos yet? I'm jonesing. Thu Jun 11 14:29:10 -0700 2009 4738549 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps 4 4764445 They are hoping to be open by the end of June. Thu Jun 11 14:34:28 -0700 2009 4764422 14771 hiddenboston 1 4738793 Roma Seafood's (formerly Roma Bakery) space has reopened as Souza's, which seems similar but was advertising a bit more prepared food. Haven't had a chance to check out the fare, but will do soon. Wed Jun 03 08:57:57 -0700 2009 4710852 12962 itaunas 2 4738872 Is that the one by the Target on McGrath Hwy? Wed Jun 03 09:23:19 -0700 2009 4738793 197286 dulce de leche 3 4738937 Yes, officially on Somerville Ave near the intersection of Gore Street, but the twists and turns of Som Ave and Washington Street make addressing there confusing. You have got JJ's on Washington/McGrath, the Nucleo Sportinguista alongside McGrath (good food, but 98% male occupied and need some association with a member), the Portuguese American Civic League on the next block (they were offering lunch to the public, but I wonder if it was too slow to continue???), Cross Street Market across McGrath and Jerry's down in Union Sq proper so its still a pretty solid area for Portuguese shopping and chowing. Wed Jun 03 09:43:45 -0700 2009 4738872 12962 itaunas 4 4739681 Cool, thanks. And thanks for the other ideas, too. JJ's is another one I've been curious about, but wonder if I will have any idea what to do once I'm inside! Wed Jun 03 13:01:46 -0700 2009 4738937 197286 dulce de leche 5 4739730 If you want to try JJ's without much commitment, order a Prego (or bifana) and eat it at the front of the store with a Sumol. If you get them to fry bolinhos de bacalhau or rissois de camarao to order they can be decent, but I believe both are purchased frozen (their brazilian salgadinhos have been awful when I have had them) and avoid them if sitting for a while in the warming case. If you go to the back its very mellow and you can order from the full menu, order wine/beer. For atmosphere its one of my favorite places and very family friendly. Aromatherapy has done a good job of posting reports about experiences there, which I haven't. I am not a huge fan of the sauce for the bife, avoid the squid, and prefer my carne a aletejana a bit different, but they have good homecooked style renditions of most dishes (and its a solid place for bacalhau a lagareiro). Wed Jun 03 13:19:05 -0700 2009 4739681 12962 itaunas 1 4746745 http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/dishing/2009/06/ken_oringers_ne.html "Chef Ken Oringer is taking over the former Dish space on Shawmut in the South End. The new restaurant, which he hopes to open in August with partner Jamie Bissonnette, will be called Coppa. It will be a neighborhood enoteca, or wine bar, with house-made charcuterie, bar snacks, Italian small plates, wood-oven pizza, and homemade pasta." Great concept for the space and neighborhood, but does KO really need to stretch himself any thinner? I would much rather see him focus on getting better consistency at his existing properties. Fri Jun 05 16:04:47 -0700 2009 4710852 13687 Gabatta 2 4746941 If anybody can pull this off it is Chef Jaime Bissonette. He will be running both Toro and the new venture according to the report. He is an incredible chef. Fri Jun 05 17:16:46 -0700 2009 4746745 259496 iloveporkbelly 3 4746957 they are walking distance from each other and could possibly be sharing some product between toro and ko prime. sounds like a great move for jaime. Fri Jun 05 17:24:30 -0700 2009 4746941 30273 hotoynoodle 4 4751742 We love the Jamie. If anyone has the energy to do nearly anything it's him. Sun Jun 07 21:20:25 -0700 2009 4746957 11106 tatamagouche 2 4748068 I am very excited about this! Great news for the neighborhood! Sat Jun 06 09:03:45 -0700 2009 4746745 101438 hsquare2southend 1 4747630 The new Chelsea Market Basket (with access from 2nd Street!!) is opening this Wednesday 6/10 with a number of specials, including $3.99/lb lobsters (that store, that day only). Panificadora Modelo (from Somerville) is opening another bakery on Broadway in Everett adding to the competition there. Sat Jun 06 03:24:46 -0700 2009 4710852 12962 itaunas 2 4747855 Anybody know when el pelon is going to re-open. Sat Jun 06 07:16:34 -0700 2009 4747630 337245 cochon21 1 4748712 In the NE, 5 North Sq has closed and reopened as Gennaro's 5 North Sq. Owned by the Cafe Florentine people. I didn't have a chance to eat there but they have a nice little bar. Sat Jun 06 14:47:16 -0700 2009 4710852 10111 9lives 1 4755817 No great loss, but Green Tomatoes II in Davis Square is closing. I don't think they even lasted a year in that space which was only good when it was Carberry's. Wonder what will go in next? Tue Jun 09 06:45:11 -0700 2009 4710852 10232 yumyum 2 4755841 Why did Carberry's move out in the first place? It always seemed to do pretty well and obviously, its successors aren't doing so great. Tue Jun 09 06:52:33 -0700 2009 4755817 14253 Joanie 3 4755905 I have no idea -- but the place has really suffered since. Boloco tried to have kids / moms groups, and I think games nights too. Green Tomatoes was hosting community meetings to try to generate traffic, but maybe it's just one of those doomed sites. Tue Jun 09 07:09:28 -0700 2009 4755841 10232 yumyum 2 4755893 I actually thought that place was good, as cafeteria-style places go. Surprised it didn't make a go of it in that neighborhood. I probably would have subsisted there in my college days; it definitely delivered value. http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/ Tue Jun 09 07:07:11 -0700 2009 4755817 10143 MC Slim JB 3 4755947 Yeah, I liked it as well. I wonder if the location is just far enough away from the heart of Davis Square to avoid getting enough food traffic. Tue Jun 09 07:19:16 -0700 2009 4755893 14771 hiddenboston 3 4755959 I only tried it once and found the value to be very good but the food to be very middling. Cafeteria-style food is right -- took me right back to high school when I worked in the kitchen at a hospital. Packet gravy and instant potatoes. Comforting to be sure. Tue Jun 09 07:23:56 -0700 2009 4755893 10232 yumyum 4 4756074 By the way, I was just reading that an event that was supposed to be held at Green Tomato tomorrow has been canceled. So I assume that it has already shut its doors for good? Tue Jun 09 07:55:51 -0700 2009 4755959 14771 hiddenboston 3 4756069 I live nearby and I'll admit - the minute I read it was "cafeteria-style," I wrote it off my list. I prefer getting a whole chicken from Machu Picchu (with sides or without and making my own) any day of the week if I need a quick meal option. That and I thought the name was off - Fried green tomatoes are edible, just plain green tomatoes are hard and not appetizing. A subconscious block. Tue Jun 09 07:55:14 -0700 2009 4755893 11172 Bob Dobalina 4 4795397 Got to agree with you on the name, pretty unappetizing as just "green tomatoes", and made me think of "not-quite" food. Tried it, it was ok but not good enough to be a destination. With so many other options nearby it would have to deliver something worthy of being a destination, especially in its location. Mon Jun 22 12:29:40 -0700 2009 4756069 117621 poptart 4 4865436 They really shot themselves in the foot with bad branding off the bat. With a name like Green Tomato, you don't know what to expect: eco-friendly? Tomatillos... Mexican? Italian? A look at their menu gives you no clarity, because they've got the same generic sandwiches, salads, and wraps as a dozen other places... and pasta, but that's mostly for catering (?). They never had an identity. The one time I went, the service was terrible -- my friend waited nearly 20 minutes for his meal, and it was undercooked, because they screwed it up twice and started over. Never had a desire to spend my money there again. Thu Jul 16 15:20:00 -0700 2009 4756069 126195 Boston_Otter 2 4763637 I actually thought its brief incarnation as Au Natural's (owned by the Stonyfield Farm people) was the most successful of the many things in that space recently. And yes, the doors are literally closed. What I don't understand is how Joey's Thai right next door manages to stay open. Thu Jun 11 10:47:38 -0700 2009 4755817 219666 Parsnipity 3 4765460 Drove by tonight and there are large FOR RENT signs in the windows. Thu Jun 11 20:56:18 -0700 2009 4763637 59258 smtucker 4 4865442 smtucker: FOR RENT signs in the window of Green Tomato II or Joey's Thai? Thu Jul 16 15:21:33 -0700 2009 4765460 126195 Boston_Otter 1 4756015 Sign says Felafel Corner, COMING SOON under new management, will be replacing Greek Corner on Elliot St. in Harvard Sq. Tue Jun 09 07:39:29 -0700 2009 4710852 12889 Taralli 2 4757295 That's too bad. I had many a good cheap lunch there! Next door, Shabu Square has closed its doors. (It was so egregiously bad, though, it is no wonder.) In the window it says something like "Conga, coming soon, a scrumptious Latin experience". Tue Jun 09 13:19:15 -0700 2009 4756015 197286 dulce de leche 3 4762115 Ick. Is it wrong to start a death watch before a restaurant even opens? I'm extremely encouraged at the idea of Felafel Corner, though: Greek Corner was fine, but it would be nice not to have to trek all the way out to Fordee's to fulfill my fried chickpea requirements. Wed Jun 10 20:55:18 -0700 2009 4757295 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps 2 4765146 just to clarify.... this is NOT the same Greek Corner on Mass Ave, right? I never realized there were two. Thu Jun 11 18:44:09 -0700 2009 4756015 268475 Snoop37 3 4765268 No, Greek Corner II is a tiny little narrow space on Eliot Street. It's across from the bus stop alongside the Charles Hotel and a few doors down from my beloved Twisted Village, one of the world's greatest record stores. Thu Jun 11 19:28:36 -0700 2009 4765146 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps 3 4765298 It was a sister restaurant to that one. I've only been to the Mass Ave one once, but it seemed really different--the HS store was mostly sandwiches & salads cooked by the same guys (not sure where they're from, not Greece for sure because they all speak Spanish) behind the counter for forever. I hope they still have a job somewhere. Barmy, do you not like Sabra Grill's felafel? I've never had it, but I love their chicken shawarma. >Ick. Is it wrong to start a death watch before a restaurant even opens? Right? They renovated the space nicely, with those windows & everything, so one would hope something really good would happen there. But I'm not hopeful about the scrumptious Conga. But hey, prove me wrong, please! I will definitely try it. I even tried the Swiss restaurant that was in the Square for about a minute. Thu Jun 11 19:41:30 -0700 2009 4765146 197286 dulce de leche 4 4765372 Oh, god, that Swiss place was awful. About as Swiss as Swiss Chalet, for one thing. If I've had Sabra's felafel, they were unmemorable, but it's possible I haven't had. Part of it is just that Fordee's felafel is just so amazingly good that they sort of squeeze all other felafel out of the picture for me. Thu Jun 11 20:14:30 -0700 2009 4765298 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps 1 4763582 Drove by empty store space in Newton Corner yesterday (across from Bertucci's where rug place used to be). There was a sign up "Coming Soon. Prana Raw Cafe" Thu Jun 11 10:32:14 -0700 2009 4710852 56815 pemma 1 4767730 Does anyone know when Bubor Cha Cha in Chinatown is opening? The interior looks like another take on a tropical theme a la Penang but with nicer light fixtures. Fri Jun 12 14:12:55 -0700 2009 4710852 106428 nasilemak 2 4779237 I walked past today and there's no sign on the front whatsoever indicating a potential opening date. Tue Jun 16 15:55:49 -0700 2009 4767730 73324 y2000k 3 4864220 today they said they would open on Saturday Thu Jul 16 09:55:58 -0700 2009 4779237 13161 barleywino 2 4840641 I stopped in last week and they're hoping for this week or next. Wed Jul 08 13:41:59 -0700 2009 4767730 10111 9lives 1 4773964 Minas Grill on Broadway in East Somerville is now a Haitian Creole restaurant, Bistro 409 or something like that. Ferrarri's in Malden (I about the only hound who had a good experience here) near the original Malden Super88 has not surprisingly shut its doors, space looks vacation. Mon Jun 15 08:52:46 -0700 2009 4710852 12962 itaunas 1 4774033 This is more of a "fall opening," but there will be a new Summer Shack coming to Hingham later this year. It will be in the Derby Street Shoppes where Whole Foods and REI are. Mon Jun 15 09:11:44 -0700 2009 4710852 14771 hiddenboston 2 4774150 Why would anyone go to Summer Shack when Hingham Lobster Pound is right there? Mon Jun 15 09:39:54 -0700 2009 4774033 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps 3 4774177 Unlike the Hingham Lobster Pound (which I really like, by the way), the Summer Shack will have seating, plus it will attract folks who are hitting the stores there and don't want to travel the 10-15 minutes to Route 3A. I'm thinking it will do pretty well in that location. Mon Jun 15 09:47:52 -0700 2009 4774150 14771 hiddenboston 1 4792400 Milton/Lower Mills is getting a restaurant boost...Abbey Park is opening in East Milton Square soon and the website says it will be Contemporary American. Also looks like there is a new restaurant coming on Dot Ave. a few doors down from Common Ground. Sun Jun 21 11:48:46 -0700 2009 4710852 250342 eiareis 2 4794505 Yes, Abby Park will be open in July. Also, don't forget the new restaurant coming to Milton Landing in July. It will be called 88 Wharf and apparently will be an upscale restaurant (possibly featuring Mediterranean dishes) overlooking the Neponset River. Mon Jun 22 08:16:47 -0700 2009 4792400 14771 hiddenboston 3 4850928 When is 88 Wharf supposed to open? Sun Jul 12 08:36:43 -0700 2009 4794505 1093000 mimibolduc 4 4857078 This Thursday. (I just wrote a brief article on its opening.) Tue Jul 14 08:32:19 -0700 2009 4850928 14771 hiddenboston 1 4794348 I'm not sure if they are temporarily closed or closed for good but Johnnie's on the Side was closed this weekend with a vague sign that said that they were closed and sorry for the inconvenience. Any news about this place? I wouldn't be surprised if they did close for good because they just did not get any traffic despite their location to the Garden... Mon Jun 22 07:27:27 -0700 2009 4710852 429926 CreativeFoodie42 2 4817378 Received confirmation that JOS is closed for good. Wondering what will go in that location now... Tue Jun 30 05:56:06 -0700 2009 4794348 429926 CreativeFoodie42 3 4817638 I assume your source is a good one, but out of curiosity, I just checked the Web site for JOS and it's still up, and called their number and the voicemail is still there, but none of that seems to mean much these days.... Tue Jun 30 07:31:12 -0700 2009 4817378 14771 hiddenboston 4 4817912 The signs on the door state that it will re open in a couple of days and that they are closed for "plumbing issues", they also have a sign up stating that their July 12 Reggae Sunday is on. We saw the owner in there the other day, but didn't want to bother him esp since the signs seem to state that they should be open again soon. Tue Jun 30 08:50:54 -0700 2009 4817638 180029 fmcoxe6188 5 4976702 I just called Johnnie's and they gave the plumbing issue line again, but said they're supposedly reopening on Sept. 10. Tue Aug 25 12:32:52 -0700 2009 4817912 14253 Joanie 6 4976804 Thanks Joanie! I walked past a couple of days ago and there was definitely lots of work going on-street all torn up with pipes everywhere and ladders inside- though of course the tables were so nicely set. Glad to hear he's set a re-open date!!! Though Im sure he was sad to miss out on a lot of the Baseball season.... Tue Aug 25 12:57:57 -0700 2009 4976702 180029 fmcoxe6188 6 4976881 I'm glad that the financing issues worked out. I'm glad nobody held their breath for the July 12th reggae Sunday - haha! Tue Aug 25 13:18:18 -0700 2009 4976702 429926 CreativeFoodie42 4 4817930 It is definitely not plumbing issues. A friend is supposed to throw an event there soon and was sent an email from the event manager that the place is closed indefinitely and the implication was financial. The email also said that they were trying to get things in order to re-open but it looked doubtful. I'd have to guess that the sign discussed below is just a front while they figure everything out. Tue Jun 30 08:54:48 -0700 2009 4817638 429926 CreativeFoodie42 1 4794580 Lilly's Gourmet Pasta opened on Brighton Ave in Allston, has anyone been yet? Mon Jun 22 08:37:32 -0700 2009 4710852 257090 thegirlwholovestoeat 2 4794811 nope, but I noticed that they were on the list for Taste of Allston this Sunday afternoon, looking forward to trying their food there. ( tickets are only $15 online- lots of delicious Allston food to be had ) Mon Jun 22 09:47:41 -0700 2009 4794580 180073 southiesouthend 1 4805122 i believe Benatti most likely has seen it's last meal. The sign on the window for the past couple of weeks has said "restaurant on vacation" with no date of reopening. I know the owner has it listed on Boston Restaurant Group, and it has been listed for quite a while. Thu Jun 25 08:46:34 -0700 2009 4710852 39199 inmanchick 2 4805169 Ugh, "restaurant on vacation" seems to be the kiss of death these days. Not good. Who knows, though--maybe they are actually on vacation, LOL. Thu Jun 25 09:01:03 -0700 2009 4805122 14771 hiddenboston 3 4806103 I wouldn't be surprised. I had one meal there and decided I probably wouldn't go back. Although it was alright, it didn't seem worth the price when I could just go to Gran Gusto and get a much better meal. http://jgleeche.blogspot.com/ Thu Jun 25 13:12:43 -0700 2009 4805169 423645 jgleeche 2 4838668 Looks like Benatti is on a "permanent" vacation. Their phone is now disconnected. Oddly, they are still listed on Open Table and you can make reservations, which I'm sure has inconvenienced some people. Too bad a place like Benatti couldn't make it. I only had excellent meals there and enjoyed the intimate atmosphere and personal attention. Wish they had closed more gracefully. Wed Jul 08 03:30:55 -0700 2009 4805122 241484 WineAG 3 4839432 another one bites the dust Wed Jul 08 08:49:12 -0700 2009 4838668 268475 Snoop37 3 4849557 Can't say I am surprised. Aside from having maybe the worst restaurant related website I have ever seen, they had shockingly high prices for Inman Square. Sat Jul 11 14:08:51 -0700 2009 4838668 113217 ac106 3 4878894 I just heard that Benatti is going to be moving to the South End. Tue Jul 21 17:34:10 -0700 2009 4838668 101438 hsquare2southend 4 4879062 Have you heard which space? Tue Jul 21 18:47:38 -0700 2009 4878894 110058 southie 4 4880009 That's a much better location for that sort of place. Wed Jul 22 06:09:23 -0700 2009 4878894 11172 Bob Dobalina 5 4880313 As Citysearch will tell you, this is just a rumor.... Wed Jul 22 07:31:54 -0700 2009 4880009 14771 hiddenboston 1 4805293 Coriander in Sharon recently reopened. It is no longer a high-end French restaurant, though. Instead, they will be featuring Indian/South Asian food. (The owner is a partner at the Himalayan Bistro in West Roxbury.) Thu Jun 25 09:34:10 -0700 2009 4710852 14771 hiddenboston 2 4805397 Lucky Sharon. Himalayan Bistro is excellent, and I'm sure this offshoot will be too. That's a perfect spot for a restaurant like HB. Thu Jun 25 10:05:08 -0700 2009 4805293 14188 skordalia 3 4805450 Definitely. BTW, they are keeping the "Coriander" name, which might throw some people off initially (no more French food there!). Thu Jun 25 10:15:25 -0700 2009 4805397 14771 hiddenboston 4 4812721 Coriander is used a lot in Indian and South Asian cookery. Less so in French. Sun Jun 28 08:46:08 -0700 2009 4805450 10232 yumyum 5 4814631 True. I use it a lot with turmeric and other spices commonly used in Indian dishes. Heh, I was at a function south of Boston over the weekend and told some of the folks there that Coriander had re-opened, and I got the same response from all of them: "Coriander closed?" :-D It did seem to be a pretty quiet closing earlier this year. Mon Jun 29 07:43:05 -0700 2009 4812721 14771 hiddenboston 6 4818157 And it is what non-Latin cuisines refer to as cilantro. Tue Jun 30 09:59:27 -0700 2009 4814631 102066 almansa 7 4818263 Non-Latin or Latin? Yes, coriander is the seed and cilantro is the leaf. Tue Jun 30 10:29:33 -0700 2009 4818157 14771 hiddenboston 8 4818521 my goof - yes French, Vietnamese, Indian etc recipes (in English) refer to the leaves as coriander as well as the seeds. Tue Jun 30 11:44:31 -0700 2009 4818263 102066 almansa 9 4958023 Most people in England refer to Cilantro as Coriander I think, Tue Aug 18 21:34:54 -0700 2009 4818521 290862 waddlers 1 4805977 Construction is under way in the old Grand Chau Chau space in Chinatown. Name was covered but I read "New Asian" and the front appears to be towards the higher end. Thu Jun 25 12:39:51 -0700 2009 4710852 10111 9lives 2 4807094 it's a malaysian spot. Thu Jun 25 19:07:21 -0700 2009 4805977 106428 nasilemak 2 4811660 The name is Bubor Cha Cha (it's a Malaysian dish apparently). Sat Jun 27 17:04:08 -0700 2009 4805977 13028 kobuta 3 4840184 It's a dessert consisting of sweet potato, yam, taro simmered in sweetened coconut milk. Wed Jul 08 11:49:25 -0700 2009 4811660 10076 limster 1 4808859 It looks like Watertown is finally getting an Indian restaurant. According to Wicked Local, it will be called Lazziz, and it will be on Main Street in the square. http://blogs.townonline.com/watertown/2009/06/26/lisa-williams-dream-is-coming-true/ Fri Jun 26 11:28:17 -0700 2009 4710852 14771 hiddenboston 1 4811651 Did anyone mention that the cafe whose name begins with A on Columbus Ave. (used to be Nashoba) has closed? Brown paper on the windows. Sat Jun 27 16:57:37 -0700 2009 4710852 14253 Joanie 1 4812325 From a local board: "Coolers and other equipment have been delivered and there is a sign in the window for Ebisuya Japanese Market at 65 Riverside Ave. in Medford Square. Hopefully that's a sign things are on schedule for an August opening." Sun Jun 28 04:56:25 -0700 2009 4710852 10400 Aromatherapy 1 4815876 Not for nothing, but Finagle a Bagel in Coolidge corner has closed. Bagels way too sweet so no great loss. Mon Jun 29 14:02:12 -0700 2009 4710852 10232 yumyum 2 4815946 As Universal Hub said, "If you can't sell bagels in Coolidge Corner, does that say something about you?" ;-) Mon Jun 29 14:25:40 -0700 2009 4815876 14771 hiddenboston 2 4817269 What *does* 'not for nothing' mean? But I am surprised about this, it seemed like their mom's groups would have supported it but I guess people walk the 4 blocks to Kupel's. Maybe it's another greedy Coolidge Corner landlord looking for more rent? Tue Jun 30 04:48:59 -0700 2009 4815876 14253 Joanie 3 4817363 I always understood "not for nothing, but" to be an indirect way of saying, "there's a very good reason that". It has a distinctly Yiddish quality to my ear. Having lived in Coolidge Corner and watched a parade of seemingly reasonably successful small businesses come and go like mayflies every year, I think the landlords charge exorbitant rents there. You'd think it would be cheaper to charge more reasonable rents, keep tenants in business, minimize turnover and vacancies, but apparently not. I see the same thing in the South End now: small businesses being forced out by newly jacked-up rents. A storefront up the block has sat vacant for over three years; meanwhile, the forced-out tenant has done nicely since at another spot a block over. Seems crazy to me. Purportedly it was newly-high rent that made The Dish an untenable business after ten years. I'll be curious to see how long Coppa can maintain its alleged opening prices (small plates in the $11-12 range) at that location. http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/ Tue Jun 30 05:50:32 -0700 2009 4817269 10143 MC Slim JB 4 4817670 Listen again. Definitely not yiddish, more NYC italian. and it does mean the thing to be said is important, as in "I'm NOT saying this FOR NOTHING" Tue Jun 30 07:40:15 -0700 2009 4817363 196033 justbeingpolite 5 4817719 I still don't think it really means anything, it just seems like random words to start a sentence. One of my pet peeve annoyances. More annoying is the way things are going in Coolidge Corner. I wonder how long that F-a-B space along with the Barnes & Noble and Japanese restaurant spaces will stay vacant. Tue Jun 30 07:57:58 -0700 2009 4817670 14253 Joanie 6 4817762 Maybe they can open a Dunkin' Donuts in each of those three spots. ;-) Tue Jun 30 08:11:16 -0700 2009 4817719 14771 hiddenboston 7 4818548 Believe it or not at least one Dunkin donuts and in a well trafficked area has closed, the franchise on Rt 16 in Everett. I think it was more of a winter closing and that shop had odd hours, but it still was a surprise. The next door Silver Fox has a "hidden" take out restaurant in the back which I think is still cranking away (the function hall/bar seems slow). Basic fried seafood, tips, burgers... Tue Jun 30 11:51:47 -0700 2009 4817762 12962 itaunas 5 4820809 CH is not the place for this, I'm sure, but MCSJB's interpretation is also common and both yours and his are cited out there on teh internetz. Personally it means to my ear the same as it does to MCSJB, but useful to learn of the other meaning. Wed Jul 01 07:36:01 -0700 2009 4817670 90719 chickendhansak 4 4953719 Qdoba just bit the dust as well. Not that I like chain burritos, but there are quite a few empty store fronts in CC now. Mon Aug 17 13:38:25 -0700 2009 4817363 161614 BlueTrain84 5 4953851 How long did that last? 1 year? Mon Aug 17 14:12:15 -0700 2009 4953719 116470 Gordough 6 4955261 Maybe less? I remember it opening fairly recently. It's a decent-sized space, hopefully the next place to rent it out will have better luck. Tue Aug 18 06:02:01 -0700 2009 4953851 161614 BlueTrain84 5 4964969 When I moved to the area just late last year, I was really surprised that it could support so many mediocre Mexican/pseudo-Mexican restaurants. With T-Rex and Qdoba going the way of the dodo, I guess I have my answer. Fri Aug 21 06:34:34 -0700 2009 4953719 186923 Cachetes 3 4817532 "Not for nothing" kinda means ... this is really important. Counter intuitive I know and obviously sarcastic in my post above. I just like the sound of the phrase. I think your theory about the CC landlord temperament will prove to be closest to the truth. Kupels bagels are also blah so i can't imagine people (moms or not) walking an extra 4 blocks to get them. Tue Jun 30 06:52:57 -0700 2009 4817269 10232 yumyum 3 4817577 There's more to it than landlords trying to gouge tenants. With the commercial tax rate in Brookline at 175 times the residential rate, it's a no brainer why so many storefronts are empty (including the national chains.) A lot of landlords have tried to reduce rents to keep local businesses, but it's nearly impossible because of what they have to pay the town in taxes. Tue Jun 30 07:10:37 -0700 2009 4817269 17080 Chrispy75 3 4836844 Not only that, but for chain-store bagels, isn't there a Bruegger's in the area anyhow? Kind of around the corner from TJ's, it's been there for years. Tue Jul 07 11:46:50 -0700 2009 4817269 152667 Ralphie_in_Boston 4 4838742 Yep, Brueggers is about 1 block south of CC on Harvard. I've only been in the area about 10 months, but my impression is that businesses that are located even just a few blocks off of CC seem to be hanging on better than those right in it. Wed Jul 08 04:50:13 -0700 2009 4836844 186923 Cachetes 1 4817628 Does anyone know if Aquitaine has opened in Dedham yet? Must be getting very close.... Tue Jun 30 07:27:04 -0700 2009 4710852 14771 hiddenboston 1 4818503 No mention in all these posts of the impending demise of Icarus. Their last day is July 7th. Tue Jun 30 11:39:13 -0700 2009 4710852 52499 ChefJune 1 4819983 According to the sign on the window when we passed by tonight, Montien's Inman Square location closed as of June 28th. It was always empty in there. Too bad as we love the original location. I suppose we didn't do our part to support this outpost, only getting take out every few months. Tue Jun 30 19:56:21 -0700 2009 4710852 13687 Gabatta 2 4820407 That's too bad. They had that decent bar area which you think could have been successful in the midst of the Druid/East Coast/Bukowski crowds. Wed Jul 01 04:35:52 -0700 2009 4819983 14253 Joanie 2 4820587 That's too bad, but at least for me, the opening of Sweet Ginger and Pho n Rice siphoned off a least a few dollars from Montien. They did make a really good larb that the others do not. Speaking of which, Sweet Ginger in Union Square made me a piquant pad thai the other day, but that place seems like it should probably be on the watch list. Also, anyone have any idea of how Ronnarong is doing? Wed Jul 01 06:12:04 -0700 2009 4819983 11172 Bob Dobalina 2 4832791 Yeah, I went on their Web site a little while ago and it was gone, and I called the number and they were referring people to the Boston location. As you said, the place always seemed to be empty. Mon Jul 06 07:31:32 -0700 2009 4819983 14771 hiddenboston 2 4840654 I go to the Stuart St location pretty regularly and they've told me the Cambridge location never really caught on for them. Wed Jul 08 13:46:03 -0700 2009 4819983 10111 9lives 3 4850738 Probably (in part) because they never really offered the "special menu" that makes the Stuart St location so good. Sun Jul 12 06:57:01 -0700 2009 4840654 47694 litchick 1 4820597 Not previously mentioned here - the Federal opened next to the fire station on Cambridge Street in Beacon Hill. Here's a recent thread - http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/625160 Wed Jul 01 06:14:31 -0700 2009 4710852 11172 Bob Dobalina 1 4822211 Saw on MenuPages that Natural Bean (the coffee shop) on Newbury Street is now closed. Wed Jul 01 13:59:35 -0700 2009 4710852 429926 CreativeFoodie42 1 4833346 BTW the former Sal e Brasa in Everett reopened last week as Brazilian Country Buffet. Also Old Station Steakhouse in Framingham I think started serving their liquor license suspension and there is an upcoming hearing on change of ownership (as I noted before, another in a series of area restaurants focusing a bit too hard on the nightclub portion, even though that like Ipanema was separate from the dining room). Also looks like Midwest Grill rolled back its Rodizio prices a tad ($2/night, $3/lunch??) -- $19.95 and $12.95. Mon Jul 06 10:20:11 -0700 2009 4710852 12962 itaunas 1 4839573 Hey MCSJB - Sorry if any of this a repeat, but here are some openings for those in the MetroWest ‘burbs... In Needham, I heard that Pomodoro is opening a 3rd spot soon, in the space where Quince was. Also, Tu y Yo is opening where Pho Pasteur used to be. And Acapulco’s is supposedly moving from their Needham St. location in Newton to where the Ground Round was, right by 128. There is a rumor that Flour bakery is opening in town, too. Finally, Spiga is under new management (not to mention higher prices). In Wellesley, Bobby's Grille is supposed to open this month, near Newton Lower Falls across from Paparazzi. They say they have a website, but it's not working. It's next to another new pizza joint, Wellesley North End pizza, on a block that has at least 2 others. Tried it a month ago - not bad, not great. I'll stick to Sweet Tomatoes in Needham until Upper Crust smartens up and comes out our way! Also, Somerville bistro The Kebab Factory is planning to open a cafe called Singh’s where Vela was. Cheers! http://www.gastrospeakboston.com/ Wed Jul 08 09:25:10 -0700 2009 4710852 1091676 GastroSpeakBoston 2 4890938 flour bakery in the suburbs?? that would be fantastic! do you have any more details? Sat Jul 25 22:41:04 -0700 2009 4839573 66936 qwertyu 1 4839957 I hate to even ask this question for fear of rotten tomatoes being thrown at me- but has anyone heard any buzz about Splash opening on Kneeland Street? As another "outdoor" space it sounds interesting, if not entirely plastic... The rest of the restaurants in the De Pasquale line up though make me think it might be worth a try. Any thoughts out there? http://www.splash150kneeland.com/index.html Wed Jul 08 11:02:37 -0700 2009 4710852 180029 fmcoxe6188 2 4840294 I know I can't wait to try their "World Famous" steak tips! ;) Wed Jul 08 12:17:03 -0700 2009 4839957 11172 Bob Dobalina 3 4840336 world famous before they are even open- thats a feat... Yeah-I have a feeling that its going to be rather ridiculous-but the child like optimist in me was really hoping.... Wed Jul 08 12:27:33 -0700 2009 4840294 180029 fmcoxe6188 1 4842327 Does anyone have info on the Sami's in JP? It's been at the same stage for months now, signs in the window that look like it's close to opening but a lot of work still to be done. Thu Jul 09 05:10:26 -0700 2009 4710852 14253 Joanie 2 4842874 Work is going on right now. His son said that they are looking at a end of july opening. there was a little break in the work for a few weeks, but they seem to be going again. Thu Jul 09 08:16:38 -0700 2009 4842327 11213 gutterman 2 4865051 They just got approval 2 weeks ago from the neighborhood committee Thu Jul 16 13:26:57 -0700 2009 4842327 221430 egc 1 4851859 la fonda paisa in revere is now la fonda. no relation Sun Jul 12 16:06:34 -0700 2009 4710852 47608 galangatron 2 4852842 Oceanaire corporate filed for Chapter 11. I'm pretty sure the Boston location will remain open. Mon Jul 13 04:36:23 -0700 2009 4851859 279409 typhoonfish 3 4852887 Shoot, I better get back in there for the hash browns just to be sure. Mon Jul 13 05:09:42 -0700 2009 4852842 14253 Joanie 1 4854059 I dont think that this has been mentioned yet-but if it has I apologize. BiNA just opened a cafe on the common- corner of tremont and avery. Serving a variety of breakfast goods and sandwiches etc open 1030am-6pm daily. Sounds like it might be a good lunch option for the area... Mon Jul 13 11:03:45 -0700 2009 4710852 180029 fmcoxe6188 2 4857096 The Bina Cafe's sandwiches are pre-made, but it looks like they have a griddle for burgers, too. http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/ Tue Jul 14 08:35:33 -0700 2009 4854059 10143 MC Slim JB 3 4857104 Hmmm interesting. Whats the set up like? Im trying hard to picture this.... Tue Jul 14 08:37:39 -0700 2009 4857096 180029 fmcoxe6188 4 4863618 Sandwiches are made at the Alimentari: five or six options, $6-8. Burgers are cooked on what looks like a consumer-type gas grill. Instantly one of the more interesting street-food options in Downtown. Too bad it didn't open in time for my Stuff Magazine feature. http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/ Thu Jul 16 07:28:27 -0700 2009 4857104 10143 MC Slim JB 5 4886761 Tried this last week- I had a caprese panini. It was pretty tasty, although I think the bread was too thick/it wasn't left on the grill long enough, because it was pretty cool in the middle. Sort of like a warmed mozz and tomato sandwich. But the location is nice, tables are nice, iced tea was tasty. Not bad. Fri Jul 24 07:27:24 -0700 2009 4863618 180073 southiesouthend 1 4863922 Seems to be some construction activity at the previous location of "Circle" and "Bob's" on Columbus Ave. Looks like some renovations in progress. Any info on what's happening?? Thu Jul 16 08:41:07 -0700 2009 4710852 204935 chowboy55 2 4864023 There are rumors of a "Jazz Bar". There is a thread in here somewhere. Additionally there seems to be some real progress being made on the Parish Cafe spot on Mass Ave as well. Thu Jul 16 09:03:40 -0700 2009 4863922 95686 ChickenBrocandZiti 3 4864052 Yes, it is definitely going to be a jazz bar and restaurant. Not sure if it is Circle making another go at it or some other new spot, but it is definitely happening. Thu Jul 16 09:10:11 -0700 2009 4864023 14771 hiddenboston 3 4864601 where on mass. ave.? Thu Jul 16 11:27:03 -0700 2009 4864023 30273 hotoynoodle 4 4864767 On the corner of Columbus and Mass. in the old Rent A Center space. Thu Jul 16 12:09:44 -0700 2009 4864601 95686 ChickenBrocandZiti 2 4874382 http://storkclubboston.com/ taking over old bob the chefs/circle Mon Jul 20 11:24:36 -0700 2009 4863922 1091597 bostonfoodz 3 4874426 Interesting. Wasn't the Stork Club the name of some dive bar in Charlestown a long time ago? Mon Jul 20 11:36:37 -0700 2009 4874382 14771 hiddenboston 1 4879009 College Sub across from Boston College has closed down. No big loss. Tue Jul 21 18:23:05 -0700 2009 4710852 322584 hynespb 2 4886653 What does it say about the place when a sub shop can't survive across the street from a college!? Fri Jul 24 06:55:16 -0700 2009 4879009 56815 pemma 1 4879559 just heard the legal seafood is opening a new concept restaurant, still seafood, in the great bay space. Tue Jul 21 22:13:03 -0700 2009 4710852 1091597 bostonfoodz 1 4880984 South Shore News: No big shocker for those who've eaten there...but Capri on Union St. in Braintree has closed. They didn't last that long. they only opened earlier this year. There is now a For Lease sign up on the building (the former Bickfords in the Motel 6 parking lot). Wed Jul 22 10:20:55 -0700 2009 4710852 12723 mangorita 2 4881273 Wow, we drove by it three days ago and I was actually surprised that it looked still IN business. Never saw any cars there over the past few months whenever I drove by it.... Wed Jul 22 11:37:47 -0700 2009 4880984 14771 hiddenboston 3 4881595 They put a small "Capri Closed" sign on the door at some point late last week and then the FOR LEASE sign showed up yesterday or today. I never saw it busy either. Wed Jul 22 13:07:31 -0700 2009 4881273 12723 mangorita 1 4882348 The takeout section of the Shalimar Market next to Harvest Co-op has a large sign saying "Dosa Factory coming soon". They advertise fresh dosa, naan, kebabs and Indian snacks. Workers were resurfacing the rear exterior with brick, and the clothing/gift area has been moved to the basement. There will be some seating inside. Not sure when the kitchen remodel will take place. The old takeout section is operating as usual right now. Wed Jul 22 17:14:18 -0700 2009 4710852 77061 bear 2 4883709 All their ornate carved red velvet chairs were out on the sidewalk for sale - hope it's just the chairs! Thu Jul 23 08:04:42 -0700 2009 4882348 12889 Taralli 1 4884685 I found out the hard way last evening that Morn's Thai restaurant in Wayland has closed. I'm not sure how long ago but the "for rent" sign was a shock as my friend and I drove into the parking lot. I know it doesn't get much love here on CH but I always loved their wild boar basil and their incendiary chicken green curry. RIP Morn's. JoJo Thu Jul 23 12:46:22 -0700 2009 4710852 109328 JoJo5 2 4884711 Cafe Polonia in South Boston is opening a place called Zaps, which will be going into the old Fun Food Snackery location - they will be serving Polish sandwiches, take out style. Also, the owners of Buk Kyung are opening a Korean street food restaurant in Suvarnabhumi kiri's old location... And lastly, Church is opening another bar (yayus!) in the old Takemura space in Coolidge Corner. Thu Jul 23 12:51:34 -0700 2009 4884685 125747 Mr Bigglesworth 3 4884722 "Cafe Polonia in South Boston is opening a place called Zaps, which will be going into the old Fun Food Snackery location - they will be serving Polish sandwiches, take out style." !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe I should get my cholesterol level checked now so I have a baseline reading to compare it to... Thu Jul 23 12:53:52 -0700 2009 4884711 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps 4 4884740 Happy to brighten your day! I still need to go to Polonia - long been on my list of overdue places to try. Thu Jul 23 12:59:53 -0700 2009 4884722 125747 Mr Bigglesworth 5 4885005 For that matter, anyone know what Korean-style street food is likely to consist of? For some reason, I'm picturing teppan-style grilled things on skewers. Thu Jul 23 14:16:55 -0700 2009 4884740 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps 6 4886341 Whatever the food will be, the place is called Myung Dong 1st Ave. New awnings have already been installed and there are a couple of "coming soon" posters in the windows. Fri Jul 24 03:47:24 -0700 2009 4885005 18512 Allstonian 6 4886385 Just guessing (been a while since I've been in Korea), but I'd expect dumplings, batter-fried things (squid, shrimp), kebab-like grilled things on sticks, rice cakes, sliced sausages with a salt dip, and maki-like hand rolls. Very excited to hear about both of these places! http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/ Fri Jul 24 04:45:51 -0700 2009 4885005 10143 MC Slim JB 7 4890578 I'm dreaming of octopus on a stick.... Sat Jul 25 18:20:55 -0700 2009 4886385 11108 galleygirl 7 4890823 Found out a some more about Myung Dong 1st from their facebook page: "Foods will incude different types of pajeon, or scallion pancakes; ddeokboki; mandoo; budae jjigae; and other bar/appetizer types of food. We do have a beer and wine license and will also serve soju and makkeolli. There will also be soju cocktails such as watermelon soju and yogurt soju. We also may do bubble tea!!! Flat screen tv's will display Boston sports games as well as Korean sports and music videos. The bar is also an "ohdeng bar". I'm not sure what any of those items are,but looking forward to trying them. Sat Jul 25 20:54:26 -0700 2009 4886385 69288 fragolino 8 4890836 Mandoo are dumplings. Ddeokboki is those awesome thick, chewy rice cakes in a sweet-hot sauce, usually with pickled veg and fish cake added. Sat Jul 25 21:09:33 -0700 2009 4890823 17548 BarmyFotheringayPhipps 8 4891335 The googles say odeng is a fish cake or fish noodle soup, popular as street food, like Japanese oden...Can't wait! Sun Jul 26 08:09:57 -0700 2009 4890823 11108 galleygirl 3 4885000 And do you know what the bar will be called in Coolidge Corner? Hint: Any Three's Company fans out there? ;-) Thu Jul 23 14:16:15 -0700 2009 4884711 14771 hiddenboston 4 4885092 The Regal Beagle? Thu Jul 23 14:45:56 -0700 2009 4885000 152267 crazycrazypete 5 4886636 Yes! You win the prize! Fri Jul 24 06:51:59 -0700 2009 4885092 14771 hiddenboston 6 4887312 WOW - that restaurant name absolutely made my day - thanks for sharing! Fri Jul 24 09:57:44 -0700 2009 4886636 50806 sallyt 3 4886697 It's the old Takeshima space, actually, not Takemura. There's an article about it in this week's TAB (http://www.wickedlocal.com/brookline/homepage/x1885905823/Brookline-s-busiest-neighborhood-to-get-a-new-bar). It does have the same owners as Church. According to the article they're aiming for a neighborhood hangout vibe, serving "creative comfort foods" as well as booze, and are hoping to open in September. Fri Jul 24 07:10:59 -0700 2009 4884711 14386 BobB 1 4887069 Dorado Tacos & Cemitas will open on Wednesday, July 29th according to Facebook. Fri Jul 24 08:47:51 -0700 2009 4710852 41832 avial 2 4889717 where?? Sat Jul 25 10:01:52 -0700 2009 4887069 11213 gutterman 3 4889766 Harvard Street between Commonwealth and Coolidge Corner http://www.doradotacos.com/ http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/584968#4624950 Sat Jul 25 10:25:57 -0700 2009 4889717 12962 itaunas 1 4889481 Since I work on the BU campus, I am always on the lookout for good and different places for lunch. I feel bad that students are forces to eat only at chains so I jump for joy when we get new and different places. On my way to work, I noticed that we are getting an Olecito where the Ferretti's used to be. We are also getting another Panera Bread and an Upper Crust as well. Both are going to be in the same building across from Agganis Arena. Sat Jul 25 07:52:02 -0700 2009 4710852 228491 brserna 1 4894796 Any word on what is going into the space at 557 Columbus Ave? Mon Jul 27 13:38:06 -0700 2009 4710852 95686 ChickenBrocandZiti 1 4894933 As I mentioned earlier, Five Guys Burger opened today in Randolph. Also, as another poster mentioned, Nourish Restaurant has opened in Lexington Center. One more: Abby Park is opening very soon in Milton. Mon Jul 27 14:19:00 -0700 2009 4710852 14771 hiddenboston 1 4939099 TC's Espresso & Coffee repair (which used to operate a cafe, but it closed around 10 years ago) moved a while back to Middletown (?) and Rex Caffe recently opened in its old location on Main St in Everett. Its Moroccan owned, but I am uncertain about food because I haven't managed to get there when its open. Also curious if the Marrakech Cafe also on Main St is still operating. Wed Aug 12 05:51:23 -0700 2009 4710852 12962 itaunas 1 4939781 Gavein's, high-end prime steakhouse in Middleton closed a few weeks ago. Wed Aug 12 09:17:49 -0700 2009 4710852 38176 hoohah 2 4952669 Sub shop Huntington Pizza just past Flames on Huntington appears closed, grates have been down for a while. And I walked by Zon's Sat. at 6:15 and the tables had tablecloths but nothing else, no sign they were on vacation. Did i miss something while i was away or did they just forget to stick a sign on the door? Mon Aug 17 08:20:07 -0700 2009 4939781 14253 Joanie 3 4957628 This may explain Zon's (hopefully!). http://boston.everyblock.com/restaurant-inspections/by-date/2009/8/12/271961/ (Thanks to Universal Hub for starting a thread on this.) http://www.universalhub.com/node/27111 Tue Aug 18 18:27:56 -0700 2009 4952669 14771 hiddenboston 4 4957674 Probably nothing to do with it, all the violations were non-critical. I see nothing there that would warrant them being closed, or for that matter, anything that would worry me as a diner. Tue Aug 18 18:49:57 -0700 2009 4957628 177848 purple bot 4 4958662 Yeah but it sounds more than just violations. Damn. Closed. No indication on the By anon (not verified) | Wed, 08/19/2009 - 6:55am Closed. No indication on the store front of closing. Heard from a former staffer -- the owner pulled the plug late last week. * reply the owner has been thinking of closing for a while By jeremy (not verified) | Wed, 08/19/2009 - 8:43am according to other local business owners, the owner of zon's had been planning to pull the plug for quite a while (i first heard of these plans about 6 months ago). the landlords of that building have raised the rates in the building to above-market rates (see the milky way), seemingly for no reason except spite (the billboards on top of the building more than pay for any mortgages or other expenses). and to ron: zon's is/was a great restaurant in jamaica plain, in the same building that formerly housed bella luna / the milky way. Wed Aug 19 07:19:43 -0700 2009 4957628 14253 Joanie 5 4958779 So basically, that part of JP is really going to stink now, all because of greedy landlords. That really gets me upset. That block used to be so great, with Zon's, Bella Luna, and the Milky Way, and now it appears that there is no reason to go to that block anymore. Damn. Wed Aug 19 07:55:09 -0700 2009 4958662 14771 hiddenboston 6 4959292 It's not entirely a lost cause - El Oriental de Cuba is just a block away - and the Brendan Behan and some other eateries are within a block too. Anyone want to take odds that once all the tenants are out of that particular building, the JP arsonist mysteriously strikes again? Wed Aug 19 10:16:05 -0700 2009 4958779 11172 Bob Dobalina 7 4959554 Does the Brendan Behan have food? I didn't think they did for some reason. Wed Aug 19 11:31:33 -0700 2009 4959292 14771 hiddenboston 8 4959586 I've heard only that the Behan allows outside food to be brought in, e.g., from Food Wall or Pupuseria La Guanaca nearby. Places that do that don't usually serve food themselves. http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/ Wed Aug 19 11:40:42 -0700 2009 4959554 10143 MC Slim JB 8 4959594 No, but you can bring food in. It's nice to have a papusa from Papusas Guanica down the block. Wed Aug 19 11:41:58 -0700 2009 4959554 10232 yumyum 9 4961561 I got a pupusa from them the other day and it was excellent, pork & cheese. I should have gotten two of those rather than an order of beef tacos which I didn't realize come fried (with the same slaw type stuff). Thu Aug 20 05:00:39 -0700 2009 4959594 14253 Joanie 1 4954614 I think that since Red Pepper in Framingham is open under new ownership, they should count as an opening! Mon Aug 17 19:23:17 -0700 2009 4710852 11108 galleygirl 1 4959462 a friend spotted a sign outside the old uncle pete's location on squire road in revere that read "la puerta del sol - coming soon" Wed Aug 19 11:05:38 -0700 2009 4710852 47608 galangatron 2 4959589 I just did a little research on this place. Looks like La Puerta Del Sol will have food, drink, and entertainment, including live music, and they look to have an area for outdoor dining. Wed Aug 19 11:41:13 -0700 2009 4959462 14771 hiddenboston 1 4962001 Prana Cafe in Newton Corner is going to have their grand opening on Wednesday, August 26, according to their Web site. The place is going to feature raw foods, with organic, locally grown ingredients used. They will also have some non-raw options as well.... Thu Aug 20 07:42:49 -0700 2009 4710852 14771 hiddenboston 1 4965295 Two new restaurants opened today: The Mount Vernon at The Ship in Lynnfield, and Chipotle at the Fresh Pond Rotary in Cambridge. I believe Aquitaine in Dedham may be opening within the next few days. I heard tomorrow is a possibility, but we'll see.... Fri Aug 21 08:22:24 -0700 2009 4710852 14771 hiddenboston 2 4965892 Mt. Vernon as in the Somverille rest? And where in Dedham would Aq be? Fri Aug 21 11:08:08 -0700 2009 4965295 14253 Joanie 3 4965951 Aquitaine is supposed to be in the new Legacy Place complex in Dedham. Fri Aug 21 11:26:22 -0700 2009 4965892 12647 JudyHP 3 4966026 Yup, Mount Vernon is opening a third location at The Ship in Lynnfield (their other location is on Route 1A in Revere). Fri Aug 21 11:45:33 -0700 2009 4965892 14771 hiddenboston 2 4966588 Went to chipolte at Alewife, the portion was definitely not as large at it was in Harvard Square!! Fri Aug 21 14:44:25 -0700 2009 4965295 276314 Illtryanything