is CF Donovans closed?

[C. Hamster]

A friend told me that the CF D's in Savin Hill is gone.

Is that true and I have just totally spaced it out?

[janzy]

Divorce brought about the defaults.
Ain't love great?

[KBA]

It is sad when one makes statements such as that (janzy's) on this site (restaurant reviews). It's irresponsible and insensitive to make such statements without knowing the facts.

[janzy]

Not irresponsible at all, maybe insensitive, BUT the truth.

[KBA]

Janzy - I'm pretty sure you're not the wife or husband as they both know that what you say isn't true. There are also public records available that you can research if you sincerely are interested in understanding the truth. Hopefully, if you do this, once you understand the depth and complexity of the details, you will choose not to make such cynical and uninformed comments.
This will be my last comment re: divorce vs. defaults and I will try to follow my own suggestion and use this forum for restaurant reviews.

[Pegmeister]

KBA I'm curious what other restaurants in the Savin Hill area do you like? Do you frequent the Harp & Bard or do you go to Amhreins where the old chef from Donovans puts out many dishes that were once on the Donovans menu. When I miss the chicken parm, chicken bella boca etc. that's what I do. I can't help but ask because I've never really seen any restaurant reviews posted by you. All your posts relate to Donovans, there must be someplace in Savin Hill you like?

[KBA]

I haven't been to Harp & Bard in some time and will need to re-visit. I stop in Amhreins from time to time but for some reason don't enjoy eating at the bar as I did at CFD's. However - food is on a par. I do think Dorchester in general and Savin Hill in particular needs a CFD replacement beyond the existing restaurants...
If my itinerary allows it - my latest favorite "pub" style pick is "Fat Cat" in Quincy. Especially attractive as my favorite drink, for some reason costs the least there!

[Pegmeister]

I absolutely love the Fat Cat, but don't get there as often as I would like. Funny thing, Joanie who used to bartend at Donovans now works at the Cat. It's a nice crowd, but if you don't get there early there's always a wait. I've been hoping to get some real feed back on the Harp & Bard guess I'll just have to stop in myself. I' ve heard the prices have increased quite a bit but the food is supposed to be good. It seems the only time I get down that way is when I'm in the mood for Indian and go to the Shanti. There really doesn't seem to be anything comparable to Donovans in that area. The FreeportTavern is okay for drinks, but they can't even make a decent pizza.

[C. Hamster]

Is she thin and blonde?

[messyheat]

harp n bard has always been serving good food. turkey club is one of my staples and the harp has easily one of the best. ive only been in once since the remodeling but i will always be a customer.

[C. Hamster]

The old chef is at Amrheins?

We had dinner there on Monday and the food was nearly inedible. Hopefully he or she had the night off.

[Pegmeister]

Joanie is short, blonde and Irish, she works Sunday nites at the Cat. I'm sure you probably know her. Richie as far as I know is still at Amhreins but he doesn't usually work Mondays.

[hiddenboston]

The closing of Donovan's really has left a void. I don't know of another place quite like it in the immediate area. I was at The Ledge in Lower Mills the other night for a drink and it kinda sorta felt like it might be a nice replacement for my nights out at Donovan's, but until I try the food, I really can't say for sure.

PS We hit Shanti the other night and it was excellent once again....

[Skaket4]

Your vitriolic falsehood is ridiculous A divorce would have no bearing on this situation. I should Know.

[Pegmeister]

Sad but very true.

[C. Hamster]

I knew you'd come and answer my question, PM.

When did it happen and why was I unconscious then? IS there anything in its place?

Plus, why? It was always pretty busy when I went

[Pegmeister]

They closed around mid-November. Papers reported that Arthur defaulted on some $300,000 in loans then within days it was closed. There was a string of posts about it, Sadly I don't think staff had any notice. I always like Donovans even when they were going through chef after chef. It really is a loss to the neighborhood. As far as I know there isn't anything in its place yet.

[hiddenboston]

We went to McKenna's (across the street) recently and it was really sad seeing Donovan's so dark and empty. That was one of my favorite places for awhile.

[Pegmeister]

Marc, I can't help but wonder if everyone in the neighborhood has moved back down to the Harp & Bard. I haven't been there in years. The owner isn't exactly warm & fuzzy, but for a time they really did have good food. After a downward trend I heard he put a lot of money into the place renovating. All the regulars I know have vowed never to go back but I wonder if it has improved. Have you checked it out lately?

[hiddenboston]

I keep getting feedback on the Harp and Bard, most of which is good. Haven't been there yet personally, but I may have to try it soon.

[C. Hamster]

I've gotten good feedback, too. Certainly looks yuppified from the outside.