Fall 2009 Openings and Closings

[hiddenboston]

OK, maybe it's not quite fall yet, but September 1 (tomorrow) does seem to be the unofficial start of fall for some, and it kind of feels like fall out there today. Anyways, what are some Boston-area restaurants that are soon to open? And once this thread starts to move into the fall, what about some closings?

A few openings that come to mind in the near future that I know of include Basta Pasta in North Quincy, Coppa in the South End, Lazziz and Red Lentil, both in Watertown, La Puerta Del Sol in Revere, Stadium Sports Bar in Quincy Center, Stoddard's and Market by Jean-Georges, both in Boston, Bobby's Grille in Wellesley, Olecito in Brookline, Peace o' Pie in Allston, Aquitaine in Dedham, Fusion Taste in Arlington, the Ginger Exchange in Inman Square, Cambridge, Littlenecks Bar and Grille in Weymouth, and Post 390 in the Back Bay.

Others?

[hiddenboston]

It looks like Fava in Needham has closed.

[hiddenboston]

Symphony 8 opened last night on Westland Avenue. The only question I have is whether I'm going to get the chicken and waffles or the chili dogs and tater tots when I go there (hopefully soon!).

[Swellesley]

Looks like Upper Crust Pizzeria is coming, appropriately enough, to Wellesley
http://theswellesleyreport.com/2009/1...

[zebedee]

Lord Hobo is finally open. Someone get in there and do some recon!

[hiddenboston]

Ravi's Pasta and Pizzeria just opened in Malden (where the Highland Cafe used to be). Today was their first day. Note that they aren't serving alcohol yet; hopefully they can get that worked out soon.

[Joanie]

We'll have to start a new one of these threads on Dec. 1 for winter.

In the meantime, Kelleher's in that space just into Rozzy on Centre St. had people eating there last nite. Not sure when it fully opened.

[hiddenboston]

Good news about Kelleher's, Joanie. I've been waiting for them to open (there was word they might open a few weeks ago, but that was squelched). The place has new owners, a new look, and a new menu, so it should be interesting to see what it's like.

[Joanie]

Did the old one have a menu at all? I thought it was just drinks and pool.

[hiddenboston]

They did have food, but there wasn't much of it.

[itaunas]

Muqueca is working on opening a larger space on Cambridge Street between Prospect and Windsor in what used to be Cambridge LLC and before that Cambridge Portuguese Market. Still under construction and still open in the original location. After having a for-lease sign for at least 9 months, Casal Bakery is completely bare and has shut down operations on Cambridge St. Its a shame, but their retail product has been sliding for several years and I think they lost a big wholesale customer a while back. I don't know if they are still doing the wholesale business elsewhere? With the exception of their cafe, there are good options for just about everything else on Cambridge Street (the Chocolate c/Pimenta pastes de nata from Fall River are much better if you get them made fresh) and Winter Hill bakery does a decent job on both sweet and savory. You can also get Portuguese espresso at the Sunset or Portugalia bars (and sunset has things like fresh cheese for a snack) from about 11 on, but they aren't breakfast oriented.

In Everett Case de Carnes Solucao (of Somerville, Worcester and something like Marlboro) has opened up a good sized market on Ferry Street near the Cold Cut Factory. They are a good operation, although a tad expensive on some items, and will give La Sultana a good run for it. J&C Market is the other good nearby Brazilian butcher, although there is another on the south end of Ferry (tudo para churrasco I think) which isn't that great.

Dimantino the owner of Pires Market on Cambridge Street is hosting a Cape Verdean night at Sunset Cafe the day after Thanksgiving. No details of whether its just a cultural thing or if there will be a special menu. Its a shame the quite decent Cape Verdean restaurant on Cambridge street didn't last very long, so this could be something chowish and not common in the neighborhood.

[hiddenboston]

M.J. Ready's (a bistro with an eclectic international menu) has opened in the Arcade Building in Brookline (near Coolidge Corner). Also, it looks like Ravi's Pasta and Pizzeria may be opening on Highland Avenue in Malden this weekend.

[BobB]

According to Wicked Local, M.J. Ready has taken over the space that was the La Scala Caffe. They go on to write: "Owner James Brown said the menu would be “international, heavy on the Thai,” but added that he would continue to serve espresso and some Italian dishes."

Thai and Italian - yeah, that qualifies as eclectic, all right. I'll try to withhold my skepticism and give them a fair chance.

[BobB]

Poked my head into M.J. Ready's Saturday night about 7 PM - totally dead, not a single customer. And brightly lit (like a cafeteria), and no liquor license - does not bode well for their success as a dinner destination. The whole look was so off-putting that I didn't realize 'til later I hadn't even bothered to look at the menu.

We went over to Khao Sarn instead for some real Thai.

[CookieLee]

The Arcade Building is actually in Coolidge Corner. I saw this place open when I cut through to go to the Farmer's Mkt a couple of wks ago. I didn't even know La Scala had closed. I always liked their food. I hadn't been for a while, as I thought of it as a winter place.

[FinnFPM]

I strolled by Symphony #8 this morning and they're still not open. There were people working in there at like 8:30am, but there were still lots of boxes in the main room, plastic-wrapped chairs, etc. Not sure when opening day is.

[hiddenboston]

They say they're opening this week. We'll see, I guess.

[BellatrixStar]

I got an email from my Daily Candy Boston this AM that Woodward is opening inside the Ames tomorrow...this is the first time I'm hearing about this restaurant. It's the same restaurant group behind Mistral though. The food is described as "modern tavern fare".
http://www.dailycandy.com/boston/arti...

[hiddenboston]

I'm pretty sure tomorrow is a soft opening for Woodward. Friday seems to be the grand opening.

Also, it looks like Coppa in the South End MAY open today, though I put my money on tomorrow or Friday (or maybe even the weekend).

[cabriac]

Actually just one of the original investors. The team that is behind Mistral, Teatro, etc. are not involved with this project although the chef was a long time sous chef at Mistral.

[southie]

Do you know which sous chef?

[hiddenboston]

The Chateau is opening in Braintree where Famous Dave's used to be.

[BellatrixStar]

YAY for fried raviolis on the south shore now :-)

[Reed422]

Seatoyou is now open in Brookline. Full selection on Friday's and Saturday's only.

[Mr Bigglesworth]

Where exactly in Brookline?

[CookieLee]

Info about Sea to you Sushi in Brookline:
http://www.seatoyouboston.com/main.ht...

[hiddenboston]

Sal's Pizza just opened in the Cummings Park area of Woburn.

[Chris VR]

Is this the same Sal's from Lawrence or thereabouts? I thought it was pretty decent pizza.

[hiddenboston]

It is the same place. I tend to like their pizza as well, though I've found it to be a tad inconsistent.

[Chris VR]

I've only had it twice, thanks for the warning about inconsistency.

[MC Slim JB]

Universal Hub reports today that the C.F. Donovan's in Savin Hill now appears to be closed. I know that will makes some Hounds very unhappy.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[pepparkaka]

There is more information about CF Donovan's at www.dotnews.com. It looks like two trucks were seen this morning moving things out of the kitchen.

[hiddenboston]

Damn damn damn. This has been one of my few regular haunts (in addition to Eastern Pier and Zon's, *SOB*).

[nsenada]

I wish I'd made it there based on what I'd heard (and that its closure elicited a Florida Evans reaction)

[hiddenboston]

LOL, nice "Good Times" reference! Wasn't expecting that! :-D

[JudyHP]

Yes the repo-men were at the Hyde Park one Thursday night moving kitchen/bar equipment into the box trucks. Busy day for them.

[Pegmeister]

Having once been a regular at Donovans, I was really holding out hope that he would resolve his financial issues. There are a lot of good people now out of work.

[hiddenboston]

Brigham's closed yesterday on High Street in the Financial District. Also, TGI Friday's in Woburn closed, with an independent restaurant called Nickel's Grille moving in over the next few weeks.

[BobB]

Not just Brigham's - The LAST Brigham's in Boston. So sad...

http://www.boston.com/news/local/mass...

[Chris VR]

In Boston proper, but there's at least one still in the suburbs.. .last I looked there was one in Wakefield, although I wonder, now.

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

Belmont And Arlington for sure.

[almansa]

Aren't Brigham's stores owned by a company based in Baltimore, while the ice cream is now Hood? I would expect more closings.

[Chris VR]

The Globe article linked above says "the chain’s new owner, Deal Metrics, a private equity firm in Baltimore, has failed to pay months of rent" on the Boston location. No mention of other locations, but it wouldn't be a big stretch to assume it's a systemic problem.

[catsmeow]

There's also one in Quincy in Wollaston Center

[typhoonfish]

One in Hingham Center too

[edgewater]

One in Wellesley Hills by Whole Foods.

[almansa]

Celine Dion owns a Nickel's Grille that franchises.

[nsenada]

Looks like they have smoked meat and poutine. Hopefully they don't make you listen to Celine Dion while you eat.

[hiddenboston]

Do NOT mention Celine Dion while I'm trying to eat something. My poor stomach can't handle that. :-b

[Blumie]

I just noticed the closing of the downtown *High St) Brigham's. I remember when there were six Brigham's in Newton alone (Newton Center, Newtonville, Newton Highlands, West Newton, Chestnut Hill, Auburndale)!

[Joanie]

I finally had a chance to talk to someone who was at the former Planet Pizza/Green Elm in JP. They really did it over, it has hardwood floors and much nicer booths. An antique cash register. I think it's gonna be fairly basic diner style food, said they'll open early in the morning. I asked about baked goods and he said they were going to make their own muffins. They don't have a name yet, supposedly opening around the 20th.

[bostonbroad]

I must have missed this - are they going to be open for dinner, too? Or just breakfast?

[Joanie]

It sounded like dinner too, definitely breakfast and lunch.

[jjbourgeois]

The View at Quincy's Presidents Golf Course open late this summer. I don't think anyone mentioned it yet.

[hiddenboston]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this earlier, but East by Northeast should be moving into the old Benatti space in Inman Square before the end of the year. Sounds like Asian/Chinese cuisine, with small plates, dumplings, etc.

-----
Benatti
1128 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02139

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

I'm surprised it took this long, but I recently noticed that YoBerry, the godawful frozen yogurt place in the Super 88 food court, has disappeared.

[itaunas]

Sweet Brazil bakery in Somerville is now empty (I was figuring them for closed before, but couldn't confirm). They started off well and had some excellent Broa when they first opened (the Portugese bakery in Lowell is probably the best option), but got pretty weak. Two Dads on Cross Street across from the school which closed, reopened as Two Brothers Pizza or something, but sounded like they had a bit more offerings than just Pizza/Subs. Unfortunately I doubt they brought back the seafood that two dads once offered (and some other activities not in line with gentrification), but its on my list to check out. Maybe they have a similar steak bomb to the one I had on one of my last two dads visits which was suprisingly good.

[itaunas]

Armazen the Brazilian market in Magoun Sq Somerville closed probably about a month ago (and I forgot to post). I always thought they were a bit expensive and there focus was never food (money transfers until clients kept on reporting delays/problems), until I compared them to Pao de Acucar in Union. But they were a reliable source for decently priced hardwood charcoal and packaged items. The nearby Latino Market now seems to be carrying more Brazilian goods and between Petiscos/Modelo there are plenty of decent Brazilian tidbits worth seeking out.

[WestOnTheRight]

has anybody heard anything about a "Foumami" on Franklin St. in Boston?

[NSDishGal]

A few quick hits from the North Shore:

Edgewater Cafe and Clucky's Wings in Salem have closed.

Super Sub in Marblehead, which was around forever, has closed.

Flynnie's on Marblehead now has a new owner, no idea yet on any impending changes.

The Lyceum in Salem has undergone a major renovation and has re-opened with a new team and menu.

In Hamilton, North Shore restaurateur Jeff Cala, who founded Cala's in Manchester, Latitude 43 and Alchemy in Gloucester, and Hale Street Tavern & Oyster Bar in Beverly Farms has taken over the space previously occupied by Indigo Bar and Grill and has opened the new 15 Walnut.

In Newburyport, not one but two raw food restaurants opened in October. Grezzo, which is a second location of the upscale North End eatery, and Revitalife Cafe, a more casual place.

http://www.northshoredish.com/

-----
Edgewater Cafe
504 Edgewater Dr, Wakefield, MA 01880

Super Sub
114 Pleasant St, Marblehead, MA 01945

[noradeirdre]

Oh, I'm bummed out that Indigo is no more.

[winstont]

I was under the impression that Indigo was already owned by Cala - I went in over a year ago and his then partner was the hostess and said they owned the restaurant

[hiddenboston]

Hard to believe, but as I mentioned in another thread, Banjos is on track to open once again in North Cambridge. They were hoping to open more than a year ago, but the place went dark late last year and has been quiet ever since. But now there are Banjos logos on the windows and work is being done inside the place.

[dulce de leche]

"Conga" in Harvard Square had its opening night party last night. Which I didn't go to, but it appears to be open for business!

[jjbourgeois]

Great Chow in Quincy will be expanding into the space next door. The will have a loungue area and also begin offering sushi. They're hoping by the end of December to have the new space open.

-----
Great Chow
17 Beale Street, Quincy, MA 02170

[Parsnipity]

I doubt this will be a fall opening, but the old Green Tomatoes II (previously Boloco, Carberrys, Au Natural, etc) in Davis now has a special permit sign in the window for a hearing for renovations for a "restaurant with outdoor seating" by the Alpine Restaurant group. Anyone know what else they're behind? Maybe they'll come up with a concept that will stick in this location...

[hiddenboston]

Pizzeria Posto is going into that spot, and they are looking at a December opening. They'll be featuring wood-fired pizza as well as Italian dishes. By the way, I believe the hearing is done and they now have the permit.

[Bob Dobalina]

That outdoor seating sure is going to be chilly.

[greenzebra]

The chef behind this (Pizzeria Posto, as hiddenboston says below) is Joseph Cassinelli, currently executive chef at L’Andana Grill in Burlington (and previously at Teatro, I think). I was at a neighborhood meeting where he presented the concept - it sounds kind of like a more neighborhood-y version of L'Adana with a bit more emphasis on the wood-fired pizza. Also planning an extensive wine list, including many by-the-glass options, something which is pretty lacking the Davis area. I'm pretty optimistic that it will succeed, but I guess we'll see.

[hiddenboston]

Symphony 8, a new restaurant and bar near Symphony Hall, is hoping to open a week from today (November 12).

[MC Slim JB]

Interesting menu for Symphony 8: a mix of French-leaning bistro food and American pub fare (burgers, pizza, sandwiches, chicken and waffles?). Eclectic-y!

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[BobB]

It does look interesting, but the prices strike me as a bit out of whack. The entrees are a great value ($15 for duck, $19 for filet mignon, including side dishes), while the starters are quite high - $7 for a green salad, $9 for hummus(!), while the same $9 gets you a burger or a Reuben. Doesn't quite make sense.

8 Westland Ave - is that the space where that decent Thai place (whose name escapes me) used to be, years ago?

[hiddenboston]

It's the spot where the Malaysian restaurant Tigerlily used to be. I don't recall what was there before that.

[BobB]

Yes, I think that's it. If so it is literally right around the corner from Symphony Hall.

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

Yeah, it's steps away. If it's any good at all, expect it to be insane on BSO nights.

[peregrine]

Before Tiger Lily it was Amalfi, good Italian place.

[KilgoreTrout]

Hi all. I can shed some light unofficially. I was helping my friends do some admin/planning and can explain the menu "situation" First, they wanted 3 menus as there are 3 distinct zones. The owners are irish and wanted the Irish pub hence the name siansa (symphony in gaelic) for the pub menu. Siansa has its own entrance and bar. The dining room menu is geared towards symphony crowds. The 3rd (no longer planned) was low budget student food (southern fried). In the numerous meetings and discussions it got narrowed to the 2 menus but some favorites (chicken and waffles etc) from the 3rd menu got shoved in, The burger and pizza menu is shared by both menus so it really is just a 3 page menu disguised as 2 2 pagers. The assumption is the Symphony crowd can be planned for in terms of knowing when the will be there, while Boston didn't need another straight up Irish pub menu.

[DotDiner]

Last week a new place opened in Fields Corner, Dorchester. It's a chinese bbq place called Yuen's BBQ complete with hanging roast ducks in the window. It's next door to Chau's Bakery where East Coast Chinese used to be. Address is 1456 Dorchester Ave. Looking forward to checking it out.

[nsenada]

Looks like my last post on this didn't go through - any reports on the pub that went in to the Acapulco's space on Needham Street in Newton?

[hiddenboston]

A pub moved into their old spot? I hadn't heard that. Acapulco's moved down the street into the old Ground Round spot, no?

[nsenada]

Yes - I think they've been open for a month or so now. I may check that pub out myself this weekend.

[gutterman]

Sweet christophers in JP has closed. The flower shop next door is going to move over and ten tables is going to put in a bar and a few high top tables.
Looks like Borchetto's bakery in Rozzie sq has closed

gutterman

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

Good news about TT expanding.

[MC Slim JB]

The Ten Tables JP expansion is not a done deal: they need neighborhood approvals, and not all their neighbors are in favor of it. Go support them if you like the idea at the Neighborhood Council meeting on Nov. 10th, 7pm, Curtis Hall, 20 South Street.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

-----
Ten Tables
597 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

South Street Cafe
5 Turner St, Waltham, MA 02453

[Joanie]

Poor Sweet Christopher's. I loved those cupcakes (from Rosie's) but it never caught on. It'll be nice to have a bar at Ten Tables tho.

Any word on stupid Sami's?

-----
Ten Tables
5 Craigie Circle, Cambridge, MA 02138

[gutterman]

sami's is STILL under construction. They put in the gas line to the building last weekend. It's moving forward just at a snails pace

gutterman

[overproofed]

I don't think Mick Morgan's Pub and Family Restaurant (in the old Acapulco's space on Needham St.) is open yet. The sign is up, but as of this weekend, it looked like there was still a building permit in the window and construction going on. I was just driving by, so I could be wrong.

[nsenada]

I'll check and see - I heard it was actually open. The name is not encouraging - reminds me of "Uncle Moe's Family Feedbag." I'll definitely give it a try, though.

[hiddenboston]

The Lyceum Bar and Grill in Salem reopens today with a new menu, new culinary team, fresh look inside, and a slightly different name (now it's simply called "The Lyceum").

[hiddenboston]

Five Guys Burgers opened a new location in the Walpole Mall a day or two ago.

-----
Five Guys Burgers
269 Patriot Pl, Foxboro, MA 02035

[hiddenboston]

Cafe 57 and Grille, a European-style bistro, recently opened just east of Brighton Center. And the Edgewater Cafe in Salem is closing this weekend.

-----
Edgewater Cafe
504 Edgewater Dr, Wakefield, MA 01880

[hiddenboston]

Pavement Coffee House will be opening where Jack's Drum Shop used to be on Boylston Street where the Fenway and Back Bay meet (just west of Mass. Ave.). Looks like they're part of the Espresso Royale family. Figure on a probable November opening.

[hotoynoodle]

walked by regal beagle today, place is still a shell inside, but tables were being delivered. sign just says "opening fall 2009".

[hiddenboston]

Just got word that Legal C Bar will be opening another location, this one at Legacy Place in Dedham. (The other location is in Terminal B at Logan.)

[cassoulady]

Not sure if this was mentioned but Pho Prepublique closes this sat 10/31 though I have been told they are relocation, not sure though

[hiddenboston]

This was just brought up over on Twitter. I'm also wondering whether Pho Republique is closing or moving as well. I know that they had been looking for another space awhile ago, but haven't heard anything about it for quite some time.

[cassoulady]

bombay club is moving into the pho location i heard

[yumyum]

Just got an email from Pho Republique announcing last day. The future looks unclear:

"As we plan for our next move...at this time we will merely say see you soon!"

I never cared for the food but the drinks were fun. Maybe they'll open a bar with snacks?

[cassoulady]

I had always thought the nibbles were the stronger menu items as well. I do remember when they opened and at the time there was not much going on for restaurants on Washington st- certainly not compared to now and nothing on harrison, if I recall, they opened there in 99

[twentyoystahs]

Best tuna spring rolls EVER, imo. They will be missed.

[hiddenboston]

Just got word that the name of the restaurant going into the old Lucille's spot on Route 1 in Lynnfield will be The Fat Cactus, and the Bostonville Grille is apparently behind it.

[edgewater]

Bobby's Grille is not open. I called this morning. The man who answered said that they were there working Saturday night and should be open in about 7 days.

[Chowzmeister]

I've spoken with a manager at Bostonville, they are definitely behind it.

[bostonbroad]

Roslindale Square - the place on Washington Street that used to be Gusto, followed by the short-lived NuVo, has a new sign up - Jazz Cafe. I haven't been able to find out much about it, except that they received a restaurant license under that name at the end of September.

[Joanie]

I thought I saw that as I drove by on Sat. For what was once THE happening spot in Roslindale when the first nicer place opened (began with D, can't remember the name), it sure has had a hard time since.

[hiddenboston]

Five Guys Burgers is opening a new spot in Walpole, possibly as early as later this week.

[hotoynoodle]

cf donovan's is dead. the guy defaulted on his loans. i know people on here have been chattering about it forever.

[Pegmeister]

I saw that, and naturally assumed the Hyde Park project was dead. I wonder what impact it will have on the Savin Hill location. It's really sad.

[hiddenboston]

It looks like Market by Jean-Georges in the new W Hotel may be opening later this week. The hotel itself is due to open on Thursday, so I'm assuming the restaurant will either open that day or very soon thereafter.

[edgewater]

I went by Bobby's Grille in Wellesley last night at about 9:30 and I think that it's open. The visibility wasn't good with the pouring rain but I'm quite sure. Has anyone been there?

[emilief]

Drove by on Thursday and there were papers taped on the doors- not open then but what I could see of the inside it looked finished.

[hiddenboston]

Last week they said they'd be opening within 2 weeks, so if anything, perhaps it was either a soft opening you saw or some kind of staff meeting.

[pamlet]

Any news on El Pelon? When it's opening, if it's opening?

[hotoynoodle]

last i heard, a week or so ago, landlord is having all sorts of trouble with money and repairs. not looking promising for anything imminent.

[Chowzmeister]

This may explain what's been going on with El Pelon. As noted by hotoynoodle, owner has been having trouble relocating. With the news that Fenway Restaurant Row may be rebuilt, that may change things:
http://bostonhospitalityindustry.blog...

[ssfdlvr]

Ate at the new stadium in the old cellas / albas location in quincy center. Same interior as the old albas including the furniture but they added a lot of flat screens. Food was mediocre and the service from the bartender (ate at the bar) was awful.

[jjbourgeois]

I tried it last week and wasn't impressed. Food was mediocre. Service at the bar wasn't bad. I did like their buffalo wing sauce, wasn't crazy about the wings themselves, but liked the sauce. Really not worth going back.

[hiddenboston]

Sasso is now Lucca Back Bay. Looks like mostly minor changes, since the Lucca family owned Sasso.

[Joanie]

How different were those two to start out with? That's a huge space.

[hiddenboston]

Not very. Sounds like the prices are just a touch lower at the new Lucca and a few menu changes.

[WestOnTheRight]

I know there is a new BBQ place opening up in Wakefield. It is called CnD's or something similar...

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

Universal Hub reports that the Bombay Club is moving from Harvard Square into the Pho Republique spot on Washington Street.

[MC Slim JB]

Per Grub Street Boston (scooping Chowhound, for once), Franky n the Boys has closed, to be replaced by Cutty's which "will offer what [chef/owner Charles] Kelsey calls 'handcrafted food' for lunch and dinner, with dishes like carrot and saffron soup, and chickpea salad with carrot and cilantro.Cutty's expects to open in December."

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Joanie]

No wonder the heat didn't feel like it was on when I was there on Sun. It wasn't bad tho but never seemed to have too many people. That spot is tough going.

[MC Slim JB]

I thought Franky's burgers were pretty good, though the "all Coca-Cola, all the time" decor wasn't very appealing. Limp fries at a place with five items on the menu is bad, too.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Joanie]

The fries were really good last weekend. Yeah, the decor wasn't quite kitschy enough or something. Plus I think that space is just not noticeable enough, thus the failings of recent businesses.

[BobB]

Kelsey expands a bit more on this in an interview in today's Brookline Tab. He says he will focus on sandwiches "with a twist," such as a chicken sandwich with provolone and red pepper tapenade (doesn't sound that twisted to me). And he says he'll keep prices down, with sandwiches costing between $6 and $8. For trivia fans, he also mentions that he's naming it Cutty's after "a family friend with a very particular philosophy on sandwich making."

For what it's worth, Kelsey spent the last six years at America's Test Kitchen.

[hiddenboston]

I know it had been mentioned earlier, but The Jury Room in Quincy definitely seems closed now. Their phone number has been disconnected, and as folks said here awhile ago, they had sent an email stating that they were closing on October 17, I believe.

[jjbourgeois]

Sad, they started out really well (except for the horrific color scheme). But once they lost the first chef they couldn't keep it going. Any rumors on what's moving into the space?

[hiddenboston]

No rumors as of yet. It's a nice spot, so I'm thinking that someone will want to move in there (although in this economy, who knows?).

[kbarry1726]

Patriot Ledger said Jimmy Liang of various Fuji iterations fame would be opening a restaurant there -- Asian fusion.

[BackBayGirl]

Oh yeah, I noticed a frozen yogurt place too in Coolidge Corner. I guess it's called Berry Freeze. Anyone tried it? Wonder how they're fare against JP Licks which is just down the street.

[ilovedessert]

Tried it out on Saturday, their second day open. It's self-serve, pay by weight (yogurt + toppings) at $0.35/oz. There were about 8 yogurt flavors plus a toppings bar of 15 choices (candy, fruit, mochi, sprinkles, nuts etc.) Great idea, since you don't have to pay the usual $0.95 per topping and you can get however much you'd like. I had the plain with some fruit and mochi in a small cup, and it came out to $2.10. Yogurt is decent but not the best around, slightly icy and not tart enough for my taste. But I love the self-serve concept and toppings selection, so I will be back!

[CookieLee]

I'll be curious to see how long the self service method holds. When there will be a crowd, the flow will be very slow. Also, given flu season is upon us, I'm a little leery of handling utensils touched by so many others.
I agree with ilovedessert on the review of the froyo and toppings. I had the pineapple and coconut mixed, called pina colada. Edy's tart yogurt with honey is far more tart. I had the mochi, and liked it. (What is it?!)

[phonelady]

Drove by Firebox BBQ in Bedford on Sat.
Is it open yet?

[hiddenboston]

Yes, they opened last Monday.

[BackBayGirl]

I can't say this is a tragedy, but Qdoba in Coolidge Corner is gone. Wonder what will be going in it's place...another burrito joint, as if we don't have enough already?

[hiddenboston]

Littlenecks in Weymouth is due to open later this week, but I heard that it may already be open. I'll check around and try to find out if this is true.

[typhoonfish]

Where in Weymouth?

[hiddenboston]

Main Street (Route 18) in South Weymouth where Acapulco's used to be.

[Chocomom]

Drove by yesterday and a they had a sign posting: Grand Opening Thursday October 22 @ 5PM

[hiddenboston]

Any updates on whether Benatti may re-open in a new location?

[kimfair1]

Does anyone know about PizzaWings in Allston. They were my default pizza delivery place (loved their dough), but there's no answer at the phone anymore. Someone on Yelp said they were still open? Anyone who peruses Harvard st regularly (Allstonian, Barmy?) know if it's still in business or not?

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

Is that the one across from the post office? I'll look the next time I'm on that block.

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

I walked past PizzaWings on my way to pick up a Zipcar this afternoon: it appears to be no more, complete with one of the windows being boarded up for some reason.

[kimfair1]

Thanks. I figured it was gone, but there was some conflicting reports on Yelp.

[jjbourgeois]

Drove by last night and it looks like Montreal Fries on Rte 106 in West Bridgewater has closed. Sign was down and light were off. Sad, never got a chance to try the place.

[Chowzmeister]

According to a post on Yelp, a sign on door said: "Montreal French Fries is no longer in business. Thank you for your patronage"

[Joanie]

Damnit, so much for that road trip. Hopefully I can hit Duckfat in Portland this weekend.

[almansa]

If you do make the trip, stop by the Salt Exchange for dinner. I really enjoyed it.

[CookieLee]

Duckfat is fabulous! I hope you're there for more than 1 day, so you can fully enjoy there, and be able to also dine comfortably at Salt Exchange ( I haven't been there as yet.)

[hiddenboston]

No! I was wearing my Montreal Fries shirt at a gathering over the weekend and was telling everyone how good the place was. I guess I gowdied the place, damnit!

[bostonbroad]

That sucks, I hadn't made it over yet, but major points for the excellent use of gowdied : )

[nsenada]

That really sucks - I'm glad I got there last month (had the regular and burger-chunk-coated versions). I'm going to have to try Duck Fat's poutine next time I'm in Portland.

[Pegmeister]

That's too bad about Montreal Fries, I never go there either. My own fault it's been on my list for awhile.

[jjbourgeois]

Drove by again last night and the building has been painted and I could see stools in the windows. Looks like something else is moving in the spot.

[Chowzmeister]

Good News everyone!!!!!!!!!!! Montreal Fries is coming back in about a month. Gino - one of the original owners will be back with his trademark fries, etc. Same location, same food, etc. - the main difference is the color of the building. Stay tuned......

[Pegmeister]

Thanks for the update. It's back on my list and I'll definitely make more of an effort to get there this time. Ever since tasting the dirty fries at Pops I've been wanting to try poutine.

[hiddenboston]

Pho Hoa in Chinatown closed after a fire hit the place yesterday. And now the whole building may be condemned allegedly because of various violations and other shenanigans going on within it.

[Chowzmeister]

There's a new restaurant in Marlborough - just opened yesterday! The place is called Welly's, and it's at 153 Main St, near city hall. Very nice looking place inside - very pub-like. A pretty extensive American menu. I'm interested in giving it a try in the near future.

[Northstar22]

Same owners as O'haras and Paddy O's In Newton

[Chowzmeister]

Welly's is owned by O'Haras/Paddy O's???

[Northstar22]

yes!!

[fmcoxe6188]

Wow! Good for them! The owner is a great guy. Love O'Hara's for a casual night

[Tir_na_nOg]

FireBox BBQ, in the old No-Fat space, is opening on Monday 10/12/09.

347 Great Road (Routes 4/225)
Bedford, MA 01730

If you are heading West on 4, about halfway between 128 and Whole Foods, just before you reach the Bedford House of Roast Beef, in a small strip mall on the left.

[greenzebra]

Just saw that Piattini on Newbury St is apparently opening a sister cafe (next door) that will serve Capogiro gelato ( http://www.piattini.com/gelateria.html ). Anybody know if this is open yet or heard anything about it? Capogiro (based in Philadelphia) is amazing gelato, equal (or nearly so) to anything I've had in Italy. It would be spectacular to be able to get their gelato in Boston!

[peregrine]

Tiger Lily, behind Symphony Hall, has closed.

There seems to be work going on inside.

Does anyone know what's going into that space?

[MC Slim JB]

All I know is that it's allegedly to be called Symphony #8; no word on concept/cuisine.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[marais]

Any update on this restaurant on the former site of Tiger Lily on Westland, behind Symphony Hall? I saw that it is advertising for servers etc.

[galleygirl]

The outside of theOlecito in Brookline Village has been painted a funkily appealing shade of pink; finally, some movement!

[bostonfoodz]

Sage is closed. Sign on the door says they're closed for renovations, reopening on October 20th. Shall we make a bet? I saw some rumblings on the board before about this happening, but they were taken down. Does anyone have any information?

[hiddenboston]

Their website is also under renovation.

[MC Slim JB]

Once again, I'll report what Sage's chef/owner announced via his PR firm a few weeks back: that he was opening a second South End restaurant with an all-"sfizzi" (Italian small plates) concept. It looks to me like he decided to convert Sage into that space rather than opening a second restaurant.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[secondbreakfast]

Devra First's blog reports that Susi closed it to explore "new restaurant concepts," which sounds in line with MC Slim's report. (It was my original thread about the closing that was taken down as speculation, although it did indeed close that weekend.) We'll see what happens by Oct. 20, I guess, but "exploring new concepts" sounds a lot vaguer than "about to re-open."

[Fort Point]

Any update on Sage reopening. Was not able to log onto their web site.

[MC Slim JB]

It looks to me like Sage is not coming back after all, a shame.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hiddenboston]

Tigerlily in the Symphony Hall area of Boston is definitely closed. A restaurant and bar called Symphony #8 will be moving in there, probably within the next month or so.

[greenzebra]

Just walked past Conga today, the new restaurant opening where Shabu Square used to be in Harvard Square. Looks like the inside is basically done, and menus were posted outside (see attached photos). Kind of a strange mix of tapas and random South/Central American things. Not sure when the official opening is, but presumably fairly soon.

[Uncle Yabai]

Shall we start a death countdown? I give it 6 months, if that.

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

It's not gonna see New Year's Eve.

[Uncle Yabai]

Which is kind of sad, given that the original tenant, Caffe Paradiso, was in that location for many, many years. Since it has left, it has been just one revolving door of a location.

[bear]

"tapas" and "food" Two separapte entities? Scary.

[dulce de leche]

To be fair, it has just had one tenant since then, a shabu shabu restaurant with really terrible food. I think the owner is the same for Conga, but maybe (I hope) there is different management?

[greenzebra]

The ownership is definitely the same (I think it is the same people who own Spice in Harvard Square as well). Not sure about management.

[hiddenboston]

Yup. the same person owns all three spots.

[buffet king]

The new Harrow's Chicken Pie store located at 275 Mystic Ave (Rte 38) in Medford is open.

[hiddenboston]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this, but Fava in Needham is closing.

[Joanie]

That's too bad, any more word on why?

I was surprised to see the International Pizza house or whatever they call themselves next to Mr. Music on Harvard Ave. closed. Not sure what's going on there.

And any word on Post 390? I need that style restaurant for a fancy dinner.

[hiddenboston]

Sounds like mostly reasons related to the economy.

[hotoynoodle]

post 390 isn't serving "fancy dinner". comfort foods, a la meatloaf, kobe beef hot dogs (a pet peeve stoopid food of mine) and turkey pot pie. they opened this past weekend.

http://www.post390restaurant.com/

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

That gross little hole in the wall that did both bad pizza and bad burritos? Even in this neighborhood, students have limits.

[Joanie]

Well, it was there for a million years. Surprised to see it closed, along with the slight upgrade of the Chinese joint across the street.

[MC Slim JB]

Post 390 is nice-looking, kind of dark with lots of fireplaces, but the menu has a decidedly comfort-food feel to it, e.g. deviled eggs, sandwiches, upscale mac 'n cheese (of course -- no one can seem to not offer that these days), fancy pizza. I expect this place will be fun and very popular (the prices are pretty nice), but it doesn't have an occasion-place feel to me, at least on the menu.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[heathermb]

I'm having dinner at Post 390 tomorrow and will report back...

[MC Slim JB]

I think Post 390 aspires to be a darker, squarer, more American version of Eastern Standard. It's pretty roomy (2 floors, 2 bars), and has an interesting-looking cocktail list -- rye, gin, Old Tom, bourbon, genever, not too much vodka -- but the bartending execution on those good ideas is rather weak. The food and atmosphere will make it a draw: there's precious little nearby that's any damned good at that price point: most everything except a couple of steaks and a fancy fish dish or two is under $20.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hotoynoodle]

i'm curious to see how soon before menu price creep begins...

[MC Slim JB]

It certainly worked that way at Excelsior.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hotoynoodle]

it happens everywhere.

[almansa]

Except in the end when Excelsior was giving food away (I think they were testing Post recipes - I seem to remember both Mac & Cheese and Fish & Chips). As for Post 390, I expect the prices to hold fairly steady. The idea is to be busy, not dear.

[Joanie]

I was gonna go tonite but thankfully looked at the web site to see that it's closed cuz of fire alarm testing. Oh well, I think we're giving Toscano a try.

[edgewater]

Did you go to Post 390? If so, how was it and do you have any recommendations? I am going tomorrow.

[Joanie]

Did anyone mention Paddy Burke's by North Station already? Read in that neighborhood section of the Metro today that it's gone which is kind of sad since it was a long time place there.

[redheadedjen]

Paddy Burke's has been closed for a few years. The building was redone and has been vacant for a while.

[Sterndogg]

Paddy Burke's has been closed for years and it's a real shame!!! Like the Irish Embassy, I have and will miss this place!

[hiddenboston]

Ahhh, Paddy Burke's........some crazy times there way back when. I do kind of miss it, though the place could get a bit rough at times.

[boston9]

88 Wharf Riverfront Grille opened a few months ago in the Lower Mills section of Milton. I've been a few times and have had great experiences. At first, the menu was fairly limited but each time I've returned there were new additions. Each meal i've had was excellent (the prices are very reasonable), the service was great, and the atmosphere is very relaxing. So far, so good. Definitely recommended.

[Care13]

I've been twice. It does seem to be getting better as far as the food but there's something sort of weird about the atmosphere... seems like they are trying to be a little too fancy and the clientel and food don't seem to go along with that.

[pemma]

Looks interesting. From Thrillist:

Opening Friday 10/2/09), this new two-floor, 300+ seat Back Bay “urban tavern” from the owners of Harvest and Grill 23 & Bar dons multiple fireplaces, an in-house smoker, and serves up high-end comfort food like beer and bacon mac & cheese w/ a crisp shallot crust and St. Louis ribs that're hot rubbed then smoked, which they know they shouldn't do, but it's just something they enjoy post-hot rub.

This is in the new Clarendon condo building.

[Allstonian]

What's it called?

[hotoynoodle]

it's post 390, which was mentioned in the op.

[CreativeFoodie42]

I believe pemma is talking about Post390.

[pemma]

Yes, sorry, Post 390

[Allstonian]

My bad - after scrolling down through 100+ entries I didn't think to go back up and run through the dozen or so places listed in the OP for the one in the Back Bay.

[itaunas]

Devra First previously posted some info about the proposed menu....
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/...

[bobot]

Great, another Applebee's.

[cantcookbutluv2eat]

I live near the old South Kitchen & Wine bar on Dorchester Street in Southie and just attended a meeting about a new restaurant moving in. The prospective owners (who also own J.A. Stats on Broad Street) met with the neighbors to talk about their project. It's not a 100% go yet, but it sounds like it might take off. If all goes well, they said we could expect something to open in about 5 months.

Food would be similar to J.A. Stats, "a neighborhood restaurant serving quality, American comfort food", I believe is how they described it.

[Joanie]

I walked by recently and was thinking how long it had been empty. Hopefully this one works.

[hiddenboston]

Tom Yum Koong II just opened up in Arlington Heights. It moved into the spot where Sala Thai used to be.

[hiddenboston]

Has anyone heard anything lately about Bobby's Grille in Wellesley? No updates on their Twitter page, and although their Web site is completely up now, I'm pretty sure they are still not open.

[Gordough]

I was wondering the same. Also, in the annoying pet peeve category, their website has no prices whatsoever. who knows if that steak is $25 or $45. I hate that.

[bear]

I'm so with you on the lack of prices on websites. I'm sure it's tough to update, but I tend to avoid going somewhere if I have no idea of price points.

[redheadedjen]

Has Eatin Healthy in Quincy Center closed? There is a sign in the door that they are on vacation for Labor Day but it has been a few weeks since then. Every time I walk by it is closed.

[sarameg]

Yes, i was told that Eatin Healthy has closed for good, and the owner apparently stiffed some vendors as well.

Jury Room also set to close Ocober 17. Bummed about this one! They had a great beer selection.

[hiddenboston]

Where did you hear that about the Jury Room? I had a feeling it was only a matter of time, since Fat Cat seems to be pulling customers away.

[sarameg]

I am on their mailing list and I got the email yesterday. It's really too bad. I enjoyed a few of their menu items as well.

[jjbourgeois]

Not surprised about the Jury Room. Once the first chef left it was a steady downward spiral.

[bear]

A few changes in Waltham:

Vino Italiano on Moody is a new upscale specialty retailer.
http://www.vinoitaliano.com/

In the old Indus Valley space on Moody there's a sign for Dosa Factory and Indian Sweets Coming Soon. Looks like the same name as the changes at the Shalimar takeout market in Central Square, Cambridge.

On Spruce St., in the old sci-fi gaming space, there is a new neon sign and a banner for Waltham Prime and Fish. Seem to be the same name and focus as the relatively new Concord store.

[typhoonfish]

Just confirmed that it's not the same owners of Concord Prime and Fish

[9lives]

I'm a big fan of Concord Prime and Fish. They have a great pedigree. If I lived nearby, I'd be a regular customer.

I don't know anything about Waltham Prime and Fish.

[CPF]

As the owner of Concord Prime & Fish, I can say with absolute certainty, the new market on Spruce St. is in no way affiliated with Concord Prime & Fish. I have yet to stop by the new store in Waltham. I can only assume that the owner of the [Waltham] store is the nice gentleman I met in my store several months ago when he came seeking counsel on the set up of his store.

[CreativeFoodie42]

An interesting article on Boston.com about recent restaurant openings and closings...

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/...

[hiddenboston]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this already, but Zaps opened in Allston a few days ago. It's a Polish fast-food restaurant that is affiliated with Cafe Polonia in Southie.

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

Which unfortunately appears to specialize in the equivalent of Stouffer's French Bread Pizzas: there is nothing whatsoever Polish about this place.

[hiddenboston]

While we're talking about Zaps, I need to clarify something--contrary to what I mentioned above, the place is NOT affiliated with Cafe Polonia in Southie. That was originally what many of us heard, but apparently it is not true (the restaurant got in touch with me about this a little while ago). My bad!

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

I can see why they wouldn't want their good name sullied with this place. It looks awful.

[stopthehating]

Just wanted to amend my post from earlier. Had a chance to speak with the owner of Zaps last week, and despite what you might read in the blogosphere, he actually is Polish and excited to share a popular sandwich/snack from his country with the good folks of Allston. You can read more about the type of sandwich - that does in fact look like a french bread pizza at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zapiekanka
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/a...

The interior has also been completely renovated and includes a brick facade below the counter and three huge flatscreens as menu boards - they definitely didn't skimp on decorating. Especially considering it's a a takeout joint that sells 16-inch sandwiches for $4.

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

Interesting. I retract the "nothing whatsoever Polish" comment, but I will say that I saw someone eating one of these sandwiches at the bus stop in front of Allston Cafe on my way to vote yesterday, and I repeat, it looked awful: in particular, the cheese looked rubbery, as if it had been sitting for a while. I'll try one myself, but I admit I don't have high hopes.

[Joanie]

Where is this in relation to the cafe or Common Ground, etc.?

[Allstonian]

It's on Brighton Avenue, where Fun Food Snackery used to be. Near Carlo's and, uh, where Rangoli used to be (still haven't tried out the new Indian restaurant in that space!)

[hiddenboston]

Bertucci's at Brookline Place in Brookline has closed.

[Joanie]

Wow, that's been there forever. I'm quite shocked.

[CookieLee]

The building was sold a while ago to Children's. The closing, along with the NE Soup Factory was announced a long time ago. What was really sad, was that nothing ever replaced the Skipjack's in the front of the building all these years.
There's a Bertucci's in the Atrium Mall, and one at Putterham Crossing, and one in Newton Corner, so we're well served .

[Joanie]

Oh, didn't know about the sale and you're right about the waste of the Skipjacks space being empty for so long. But still (and not that it concerns me), there's not much for family restaurants in Brookline Village.

[macadamianut]

Had lunch at the soup factory and it was busy. The owner was there and I asked her about Bertuccis closing. Their lease was up. She told me that she will be in that location for as long as she can but took a spot up the street in case Childrens needs to start building. I am happy about that! Pot pie was delicious.

[Gordough]

Speaking of "well served" and Skipjacks there are Skipjacks in Newton, Natick, Boston and Foxboro. That's 4 all within 30-35 minutes of each other. I have my doubts as to whether they can all survive but they seem to be doing ok.

[Chris VR]

There was work going on today at Lucille's Chicken (formerly Naked Fish) on Route 1 North in Peabody/Saugus (I'm not sure where it changes towns). What was really interesting was seeing an open box truck with the logo of Bostonville Grille (just a few storefronts up) in the parking lot. Not sure what it means, but some change seems to be afoot.

[Gio]

I saw that too as we crawled along Rte.1 on our way north Sunday afternoon. What should we expect??? I thought that place was going to be the new Pace gelato emporium or is that going to be in the Pace store going into the old VFW building...?
I'm so confused.

[Chowzmeister]

I was told by a restaurant owner that a guy was opening up a Mexican restaurant in that spot (former Lucille's), and my notes said that this guy already owns a restaurant called something like "The Ville" in Boston. What he probably told me was the Bostonville Grille which may explain what you saw.

[hiddenboston]

I read that a Mexican restaurant was going into a spot that had the same address as the present Bostonville Grille. But perhaps the post (it was a job post, BTW) meant to say that people should apply at the Bostonville Grille, and that they are indeed opening a Mexican place where Lucille's used to be. Only time will tell, I guess.

[Chris VR]

Firehouse PIzza in the Greenwood section of Melrose is now Nick and Ally's. Or so the sign outside says.

[Gio]

Opening on 15 October is Central Bottle which will be an organic wine/craft beer/gourmet food shop in Central Square. Owners are Maureen and David Rubino, and Liz Vilardi and her husband Nick Zappia, who are co-owners of The Blue Room.
http://passionatefoodie.blogspot.com/...

[itaunas]

There is something named Jack's going into Ferrari's in Malden. On Main St in Medford there is Adam's Pizza (their " 's " not mine) still to open and it had some "Main St grill" signs too (the two together made me think Brazilian, but its not, and also it appears to be replacing MSG which I don't recall ever opening -- there was an Italian restaurant across the street ages ago). On Ferry St there is a hispanic cake place Bella cakes (this might be just an awning change). Panificadora Modelo on Everett/Malden line was shuttered today, but not certain about that one.

[Gio]

Just read that Beacon Hill Wine & Gourmet will open at the corner of Essex and Main streets in Melrose sometime in October. Thanks, Richard, for the news!

http://passionatefoodie.blogspot.com/...

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

The Allston Union Cafe, which has supposedly been about to open for months now, has wee little signs in the windows of the former Grecian Yearning, too small to read from the street. They now seem to be calling themselves "@Union," a bit of typographical cutesiness that 1) sucks and 2) may well be confusing to people trying to find the place, since it's near the corner of Harvard Ave and Glenville, which is like half a mile from Union Square Allston, where people would logically be looking for a place called @Union.

[Joanie]

I wondered what was up with that when I passed by on Sun. Damn, no more Grecian? What's next, Steve's? i know they're not the best, but there's a need for those places IMO.

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

We walked past this place last night on our way from Shanghai Gate to Yi Soon. It's open now, and the menu in the window emphasizes all-day breakfast dishes. Lunch menu focuses on rotisserie chicken.

The space is far nicer than the Grecian ever was, as well. I'm hoping this place is good, because the one thing the neighborhood lacks is a good breakfast spot.

[psora]

Has anyone actually been there yet to say what it's like (or seen a menu online?) Today's breakfast is taken care of but wondering if it's worth trying next Sunday (I really miss Grecian - really convenient location for me and nice staff, with a relaxed atmosphere and breakfast food that was satisfying and edible if not GOTTA go there great)

[hiddenboston]

Sounds like they're playing to the Twitter folks out there. Or maybe they want to be at the top of the Super Pages list of restaurants in Boston.

[ChocolateMilkshake]

Walked by the old Excelsior space on Boylston today and a large sign was up for "Bistro du Midi - a taste of Provence" supposedly opening sometime this fall. According to the internet it's coming from "A fast growing, London based restaurant group".

[ChocolateMilkshake]

On further research evidently the "London based restaurant group" is the Marlon Abela Restaurant Company (MARC)
http://www.marcrestaurants.com/

[hotoynoodle]

they own a voce in nyc.

space has been totally gutted. there will be open kitchens, both upstairs and down, and that glass elevator that must have cost a billion dollars to build for excelsior is gone.

lunch and dinner, "moderate prices". upper management all from out of town.

[ChefJune]

<"Bistro du Midi - a taste of Provence"> Interesting name. In real life France, the Midi is a totally different region from Provence.

[hotoynoodle]

provence is part of the larger region colloquially called "le midi", southern france.

[Jolyon Helterman]

perhaps it means "Noontime Bistro"?

[Joanie]

I know this will break everyone up, but Planet Pizza in JP has been closed for a while, there was a big trash ting in the parking spaces out front. The "renovated" not all that long ago, and were closed for several weeks not long ago either, not sure what's going on. But the laudromat next door opens at a much better hour.

And on Columbus Ave., there's now a barbershop in place of the Nashoba bakery (and whatever the other one after that was).

[MC Slim JB]

This has been widely reported elsewhere, but Banq is not only getting a facelift, but also: a new chef, new concept, and new name: Patricia Yeo (formerly at several NYC eateries, mostly famously AZ), more Northeast Asian-leaning fusion cuisine, and Ginger Park, respectively. Oct 1 target opening. Banq remains open for now.

No word on an opening date yet (autumn sometime, I believe), but Noche, the place going into the former Icarus space in the South End, will reportedly do some kind of Brazilian-flavored concept. It's from the folks behind The Tap (near Quincy Market) and The Federal (Beacon Hill).

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[itaunas]

Having a Brazilian theme and giving the place a Spanish name seems pointless to me (not to mention insulting to people that come from the most populous South American country), but I guess "flavored" rather than cusine is the key word so no need to research the culture or its food.

[MC Slim JB]

It's worse, actually: the concept is "Brazilian / bistro", whatever the hell that means. I imagine they considered "Noite", but were afraid people would pronounce it NOY-tee. I also believe they settled on the name and announced it before they had decided on a food concept.

The fact that they own The Tap does not give me a good warm feeling, but I'm reserving judgment. We already have a big nightclubby kind of place with bad food in the neighborhood. I really want the successor to Icarus not to suck.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[itaunas]

Their best option for a cute name would be "Na Night" as a play on Brazilian use of the English as a Portuguese slang. But that would definitely be a nightclub name. Its off topic, but my favorite local naming disaster was "Salon CU" near Powderhouse Square (recently closed I believe), while they were planning on intending "see you," but its directly across the street from a Brazilian dentist + paint store and in (Brazilian) Portuguese its not a very nice word (its less crude in continental pt but still not what they intended).

There is plenty of room here for some innovations in Brazilian cuisine if it could sell, but starting with the name Noche just doesn't leave a good impression. At least they didn't do a naming deal with Gisele -- "Little Tommy" (??) like another local chain! (Tom Zinho would be a good music club name, though :-)

[Parsnipity]

Off topic, I know, but Salon CU is very much still open. They pronouce it "Q", thus the line over the U, and it's because the names of the owners are Carlo and Umberto.

[crazycrazypete]

This actually does make a little sense, as one of the current owners of the Tap (and the money guy) is a brazillian kid that just graduated from Northeastern a few years ago, and his parents are very very wealthy real estate developers down there. He and the other owners (recent grads as well) always seemed more focused on selling beer to college students than food, but maybe that has changed. But I don't have high hopes.

[greenzebra]

Spün Yogurt in Powderhouse Square, Somerville just opened this week -- frozen yogurt with toppings, similar in concept to Berryline.

[djd]

Sherman Market in Union Sq., Somerville will open within days.

[hiddenboston]

The new Stadium Sports Bar and Grill opens tonight in Quincy Center.

[SeaSide Tomato]

Already? Wow!!

[pemma]

A branch of Harrow's Chicken Pot Pies is scheduled to open on Mystic Ave. in Medford this month (Sept.)

[buffet king]

The signs are up at the new Harrow's Chicken Pot Pie store located at 275 Mystic Ave (Rte 38) in Medford. It's next to the Dunkin Donuts shop that opened up last year. I'm not sure if Harrow's is open yet but the signs are up.

[Joanie]

Not sure if it's been mentioned that Vintage on Rt. 1 in W. Roxbury is now Sofia's (or is it Sophia's?). Also, Skara Grill is open in the Friendly's on Centre St. old space. And people have talked about the King's where Samia's used to be.

[SeaSide Tomato]

I heard this was a name change only, same owners/staff.

[hiddenboston]

Right. It looks like basically the same menu.

[Joanie]

Which, King's or Sophia's?

[hiddenboston]

Heh, sorry, I meant Sofia.

[itaunas]

Mr B's on Cross Street in East Somerville had the door propped open and some signs of activities, but did not pass directly in front (it closed in 2008). Veez in Malden Center is under construction and it looked like they took the logos off the windows (??), there was a small printed sign in the window which might have more info, but couldn't see it from the car. Nappi Meats in Medford also has a bunch of construction going on, but it _is_ open (I wonder if they might be expanding into the convenience store next door but that wasn't apparent from inside?).

[itaunas]

Another Malden update, inside Two Paisans there is now a cafe with Espresso and Pastries during the morning, cutely named "Cafe Due." With Veez they definitely have taken the logos off, gotten fairly far along in the construction (lot of black paint inside so seems bit more lounge/night-club/bar than restaurant), and the sign I mentioned did look like it had a name but all the guesses I came up with were pretty comical.

Pizza Crust and Grill in Somerville now has a new name and awning, plus a fair amount of other work going on around Magoun Square.

[itaunas]

Two Ninety Main (in what was Veez) in Malden does appear to be open, although not for lunch which was when I went by. Nappi Meats construction is over without expansion and it only appears to be on the outside, although they appear to be carrying less canned goods and other ingredients (eg I think they have a couple more tables). The name for the Pizza Crust and Grill place is "Caprese" but no idea how its changed.

Christie's convenience store in Everett I noticed a while back had a opening sign mentioning ribs and other prepared food which I assumed was your usual tips/ribs/sausage "BBQ," but their sign outside today said BBQ ribs and fried chicken. Was completely stuffed so no chance to try it, but definitely curious to know exactly what they are offering.

Does anybody know if Regina's food store in Everett has changed hands or just changed their focus a bit? They had some of the usual meats, the Italian coffee selection. However, the central american items they carried before have been greatly expanded (eg salvadoran bread in great quantities, more fridge space to central american goods, frozen fruits), there were less Italian items in total and they eliminated wine altogether (which could have had more Italian options than it did). There also were some changes to the staff working, so it made me wonder, but I am asking a question not starting a rumor and its entirely possible they just changed up a bit to reflect changes in the neighborhood?

[CambridgeKathy]

Does anyone know what's up with the old B-Side location? The last that I heard was a micro-brew bar opening there in late July, but so far no signs of life.

[bobot]

Look at the B-Side thread for the whole story

[Swellesley]

Vidalia's in Wellesley Square closed at the start of last year, but now a sign is up in the space for a new place called Milestone. Vidalia's was owned by Mitchell Maxwell of Maxwells in Natick, and he had threatened to replace Vidalia's with a more upscale place. Maybe this is it.

Swellesley
http://www.theswellesleyreport.com

[michela]

Milestone is owned by the folks who own the Maugus. Heard they have a good chef on board. They are also hoping for full liquor.

[lbfoody]

Thanks for the update. Looking forward to them opening.

[BostonZest]

Only a vacation but Trattoria Toscana is on vacation until September 14th. Just in case you head over there without calling. Wouldn't want anyone to think they are closed.

http://www.bostonzest.com/2009/08/we-...

Penny

[MC Slim JB]

One of Trattoria Toscana's many virtues is that when the chef/owner goes on holiday, he doesn't turn over the reins to a lieutenant, but closes the shop. If he can't be at the stove, he doesn't open.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[bostonbroad]

Tupelo also on a vacation, but only until Tuesday, Sept. 8

[sallyt]

Bostonbroad - thanks for posting - we were planning on going on Saturday night, and I wouldn't have known it was closed w/o your post --

[heathermb]

"Stoddard's and Market by Jean-Georges, both in Boston,"

Any more details on this - when, where, etc?

TIA!

[hiddenboston]

I have details on both within my blog, but can't really post a link to it here. In short, though, Stoddard's is going to be an old-school restaurant and bar on Temple Place in Downtown Crossing, across from Ivy (who will be the owners, BTW).

As far as Market by Jean-Georges, that will be in the new W Boston Hotel on Stuart Street in the Theater District, and will feature French cuisine in an upscale but casual environment. And the person behind it is three-star Michelin chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

[almansa]

Isn't Market going to be much more Asian inspired, with a number of Indonesian and other southeast Asian nods? The other Market (Paris) is, I think, though they do a few pan-European dishes. And I also heard that it's a prototype for a large expansion in W Hotels.

[hiddenboston]

Y'know what, I just did some more research and it does look as though it'll be a mix of pan-Asian and pan-European cuisine. Thanks for correcting me on this!

[globalgourmand]

Good-god, this sounds spectacular. Asian and European cuisine by Jean-Gorges in Boston? Staying tuned...

[MC Slim JB]

It's an open question. I think the W Hotel Buckhead (Atlanta, GA) outlet of the Market concept is the prototype. When he's good, Vongerichten is very, very good -- astonishing, sometimes -- but when he's bad, he's just as horrific as any other operator of a global restaurant empire with dozens of outlets.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hotoynoodle]

it's not like he'll be in the kitchen. it's a marketing tool, both for him and the hotel. boston hounds slam todd english for doing exactly this.

[MC Slim JB]

My point exactly.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Joanie]

The gelato/candy shop on Walnut St. in Newtonville closed. I'm kind of surprised since it was right in that strip of stuff but maybe the somewhat high prices and proximity to Cabot's did them in. It makes me kind of sad even tho I was only there a couple times with the nephew and niece, who I limited to 10 pieces of candy each.

[hiddenboston]

Stoddard's is slated to open on Temple Place in early-mid October. Looks to be an old-school type restaurant and bar.

[galangatron]

more information on la puerta del sol. a sign outside the restaurant says "salvadoran, guatemalan, and mexican cuisine." i also spotted their colorful hand painted van parked in day square near el buen gusto and taqueria jalisco. i have no idea if they're affiliated to either restaurant or just happened to be in the area

[Canadian Tuxedo]

Probably can add Trina's Starlight Lounge in Inman Square to that list. Looking forward to the Ginger Exchange--does anyone have any background info on the owners/chef/etc.?

[elbev]

Ditto Lord Hobo, if/when they ever get things going. It seems that all bars in Cambridge will perforce have plenty of eating options, since the city's policy is to disallow 'barrooms' (ie drinking establishments with less than 50% food business).

[heavydee]

Trina's website is up with their food and drink menu, for those that care. Being that it's a short stumble from my house to the Lounge, I'm eagerly awaiting its opening. The Abbey had its (rare) moments as a music venue, but I have a feeling I'll find this incarnation a much better addition to the neighborhood.

http://trinastarlitelounge.com/

[Joanie]

I'd have to disagree on the rare music moments at the Abbey, still miss it altho the drive to Inman from JP is a drag.

UHOP will be taking the place of Huntington Pizza for what that's worth. And new but not food related is a comic/game store next to Bon Savor/Ten Tables in JP where Eva B's was.

Also, I noticed a restaurant on Washington St. in JP between the newish fried chicken place and long standing Latino place that begins with M. This place began with M too I think. Has that been there for a while?

[hckybg]

Both the food and the drinks look amazing. I too will be glad to have that in the neighborhood. Their sign is up and the outside looks refreshed. I saw somewhere that they are shooting for a mid-September opening.

[uwebres]

Ginger exchange is owned by the same people who own the ginger pad in Burlington Mall area. Sushi, pan Asian noodles etc...

[hckybg]

I walked by the future Ginger Exchange today, and they have the plywood facing off and there is a nice new facade up with big windows.

[elbev]

How, if at all, will Ginger Exchange be different from Spice & Rice, which is a block or two away? They seem to promise the same brand of generic and predictable pan-Asian fare, noodles + sushi + rice, Chinese + Thai + Japanese + Malaysian + Korean, etc. Imaginative it ain't.

[hckybg]

Agreed, though I get excited about any new restaurant in Inman Square. If Montien had offered their authentic menu, they would still be in business. I hope Ginger Exhange will be unique but agree with your sentiment.

[hckybg]

Ginger Exchange seems on the verge of opening. Last night there were staff members inside getting things ready though no menu is posted. The interior renovation look great. It is very clean and modern inside. Hopefully the food is just as nice.

Also, I don't think anyone mentioned here that Cafe Casal, on the eastern edge of Inman Square, seems to be closed for good. They had a sign indicated temporary closure but it seems vacated and I think there was a lease sign in the window.

[MC Slim JB]

Anthony Susi, chef/lowner of Sage Restaurant in the South End is opening a second restaurant somewhere in the same neighborhood this fall, name TBD, a more casual, rustic, trattoria kind of place. I'm curious as to where it will go. Lots of locations: the soon-to-be-vacated Pho Republique space, the spot across from Gaslight that was once going to be the home of a new Franklin Cafe, the old Icarus spot (last I looked, under agreement with the guys behind The Federal).

I've really enjoyed the small-plates bar menu at Sage, as the fine-dining menu, while lovely, doesn't always fit my weeknight dining budget. This will make for a lot of Italian in the neighborhood: Sage, Stella, Rocca, Anchovies, Giacomo's, much of the Metropolis menu, Joe V's, and the forthcoming Coppa, not to mention a dozen pizza places.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[drewames03]

Slim, is Pho looking to stay in the South End? Or are they moving out of the neighborhood?

[Joanie]

Did I miss another thread? What's up with Pho? They've been there forever, I'm surprised.

And it doesn't seem like Sage does such a booming business that he'd deal with a 2nd restaurant but who knows. Maybe he'll end up like Chris Douglas in that respect.

[hiddenboston]

I think the owner of Pho is looking for a bigger space. Doesn't sound like the move will happen anytime soon.....

[southiesouthend]

I thought I read somewhere the Bombay Club was looking to move (or expand) into the Pho Republique space?

http://www.bostonherald.com/business/...

[heathermb]

I heard last night that Pho will be closing in November - it sounded like a closing and not a move.

[hiddenboston]

Last I heard it was a move, but that might have changed.

[MC Slim JB]

From the Herald a few weeks back: "Pho Republique will close by the beginning of next year. Owner plans to relocate to larger Boston digs that will allow for more seats and live entertainment." So that rules out Sage taking that space.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Joanie]

Okay, I was in Moose Jaw SK then so have a good reason for not knowing this. It seems like an odd time to close a sure thing but that's why I'm not in the restaurant business.

[Joanie]

What and where is Peace o' Pie? That sounds like my kind of place.
Sami's on Centre St. in JP will open one of these days.
I feel like I've seen a lot of closed things besides Huntington Pizza but can't think of them now.

[Allstonian]

It came up on some other thread - Peace o' Pie is a NEW vegan pizzeria in the same space as TJ Scallywaggle's (the old vegan pizzeria) in Union Square Allston. If I recall, .

[Joanie]

Bummer. I thought we might have a slice of pie place closer than Newton or Petsi's.

[Allstonian]

No kidding! I would have been excited about that too, but no, not this time.

[AnnieP]

I rode by it; there is a sign that says "coming soon, Singh's Cafe, fine Indian cuisine." Also, in the suburbs, I saw a sign today that Ziti's is coming back (presumably a second location) to the restaurant at the Natick Golf Course on Speen Street. I believe that was their original location, and then they relocated to a strip mall in Westborough (sorry, I posted this under the wrong response, should be under the posts on Singh's Cafe above).

[emilief]

Unfortunately, Vela in Wellesley has closed. One of a succession of places in that spot that didn't make it. We enjoyed this place but the last time we ate there, it was not good- the owner was not in the kitchen and it showed.There is a sign indicating that there is a new place going in there- good luck to them.

[hiddenboston]

Thanks for reminding me about Vela. FYI, an Indian restaurant is going into that spot. Last I heard it was going to be called Singh’s Cafe. I'm going to check a couple of article on it this afternoon.

[Allstonian]

Myung Dong 1st Avenue in Allston has a big "Grand Opening" banner hung over their awning. According to their Facebook page the opening was last Tuesday, 8/25.

This is the new spot (owned by the Buk Kyung 2 folks and specializing in Korean street food, but apparently even more focused on shoju-based giant cocktails) in the space that had been Suvarnabhumi Kiri - Harvard Avenue just beyond Brighton Avenue, at the corner of Gardner Street.

Their motto is "will work for SOJU." It looks like they're going for a dive bar vibe and have somehow managed to do an end run around those who don't really think that the intersection of Brighton and Harvard Avenues needs ANOTHER joint full of drunk college students. It's conceivable that in spite of all that the food might be good, but I have to say I'm dismayed.