March openings and closings

[Joanie]

i think Hiddenboston made a mistake when he put these in the "winter" thread (I got nothing new).

b.good is opening a new location on Mass. Ave. in the Back Bay (where Boloco was). Also, they may be looking into another new space on Washington Street in or near Downtown Crossing.

One more: It looks like Buddhachen will open in Brookline next week (where Jae's used to be).

hiddenboston Feb 26, 2010 04:19PM

[MC Slim JB]

Not certain it's new or just new-to-me, but I noticed what looks like a new churrascaria where I remember the old Cafe Belo being once upon a time on Somerville Ave not far from Market Basket: Mix Flavor Grill, or something like that. Anyone know this place?

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[okra]

Not really Chow worthy - but the KFC/A&W on Route 1 in Walpole south has closed after less than a year.

-----
Kfc A & W
561 Providence Hwy, Walpole, MA 02081

[Joanie]

Shoot, I didn't know there was an A&W so close to Boston.

[L2k]

There's still an A&W/KFC in Cobb's Corner, or at least it was there in February

[Joanie]

Cobb's Corner is in Canton? I googled and I assumed that must be it (as opposed to VA or some jazz band) but I sure have never heard of Cobb's Corner before.

[hiddenboston]

Port 305 is opening in the old Skyline space at Marina Bay in Quincy. Looks like it probably won't open until later this spring.

Also, Bergamot is looking to open in the old EVOO spot in Somerville later this week, possibly Friday.

[Bob Dobalina]

Walked by this morning - sign in the window said Bergamot is open at 5:30 on Thursday - looks like they had a private / soft opening on Wed. night.
The cute bee icon in the restaurant logo is very enticing...

[djd]

According to the paper covering the windows, Back Bay Social Club is moving into the old Vinny T's space. One can follow it on Twitter, @backbaysocial, should one wish. Personally, I distrust its font.

[hiddenboston]

In the stranger than fiction category, first Bisuteki opened in its old spot on Memorial Drive in Cambridge (but in a new hotel--Courtyard by Marriott, which took over the old Radisson). And now the Greek restaurant Dionysos is returning to its same space in the hotel. What was once old is now new again, or however that dumb cliche goes....

[hiddenboston]

Sad to report that Poppy's Diner and Pizza in Peabody is closing later this week. The owner seems like a genuinely nice guy who was very active on the social media scene. He told me that they are currently looking at smaller spaces and are hoping to open a new restaurant at some point, likely keeping the Poppy's name.

[Beachowolfe]

Anyone know what's up with Hot Tomatoes in the n end? I live across the neighborhood so I haven't walked by in a while. I know they were "closed for reservations" for January but I tried to call tonight and their phone is disconnected.

I actually tried to call the other listed number for the restaurant on Bedford, which I know is open, and it directed me to the disconnected number.

Anyone that lives over there been by lately?

-----
Hot Tomatoes
261 North St, Boston, MA 02113

[hiddenboston]

I'm trying to find out more, but it doesn't look good. Their website shows only one location now--the Bedford Street one.

[hiddenboston]

Just confirmed it: The North End location is history.

[Beachowolfe]

Thanks HB... not really surprised. The last 3 or 4 times I called for delivery in 2009 they would say stuff like, "we have a new delivery driver so unless you want to wait an hour call somewhere else" or they would close the kitchen way earlier than their stated hours.

Say what you want about Nick Varano, but I called his new deli for delivery last night and the guy on the phone was nice, the food was delivered on time and still hot, and my sausage broccoli rabe sandwich was excellent.

Also- meant "closed for renovations" in original post.

[9lives]

I used to like HT in the NE; usually takeout..not delivery, thought the quality was very good. The Carmen people used to own it but I think they sold it.

Not sure who owns Bedford St..again, great quality (Iggy's bread,etc)..but most of the menu is priced +$2 to most of the nearby similar delis.

I haven't had a meatball sub or the Bolognese lately but unless it's changed dramatically, they're great sandwiches.

[hiddenboston]

Pavement Coffee House is opening in mid-April on Boylston Street in the Back Bay/Fenway area where Jack's Drum Shop used to be. The Bagel Rising folks are behind this place.

[gittith]

Anyone know what happened to Finz in Dedham ? Looks closed.

-----
Finz
910 Washington St., Dedham, MA 02026

[hiddenboston]

It is indeed closed. A second location of Sagra (Somerville) will be moving into that spot, probably in a little more than a month from now.

-----
Sagra
400 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02144

[bonhomme1]

Joe's American Bar & Grill moved to a new location at the corner of Newbury and Exeter. They replaced the greenhouse with a new structure with windows that open onto the street. I wish something better would have ended up there. Newbury needs an infusion of good restaurants, not another disappointing Back Bay Restaurant Group enterprise. Anyone know what is going into the old Joe's spot?

[hotoynoodle]

there was chatter that paparazzi would move there, but that was a while ago.

[drewames03]

I read that Met Bar will replace the old Joe's.

[jody]

didn't eat there, but not only do the windows open to the street, the roof retracts over the front bar. was there 1.5 weeks ago when the weather was warm and the space was amazing.

[9lives]

walked by with the roof open the other day too, great renovation!

[hiddenboston]

Two new restaurants are coming to the Galeria in Harvard Square: Maharaja (Indian) and Bull (Korean steakhouse). Looks like a late spring/early summer opening for each of them.

[nsenada]

Four Green Fields will be opening in August (allegedly) in One Boston Place. It will offer Irish food "with a twist," and will have an outdoor seating area. Apparently there's one in Tampa, so I will check out their menu. I don't hold out a lot of hope, but can't beat the convenience factor, being in my building.

[hiddenboston]

Not in March, but Noche is looking to open in the old Icarus spot in the South End in May. They'll be offering a full menu until midnight, and it looks like they'll be catering to a younger crowd.

[Gordough]

Does anyone have any information on a new falafel place opening up across the street from the Scrub a Dub on Route 9 in Natick? I drove by last night and saw the sign but can't remember the name. I can't find anything online.

[hiddenboston]

AKA Bistro is opening in Lincoln later this week, as is Twitters Bar and Grille in Saugus.

[RichardA]

AKA Bistro is scheduled to open March 30, and they are taking reservations on Open Table. Plus, they will be open for Easter Sunday brunch, though they won't be open regularly for brunch for a few months after that.

[RichardA]

I have the menu for AKA Bistro and it is posted on my blog.

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

[hiddenboston]

Thanks, Richard! I'm looking forward to trying this place. I still can't believe that Lincoln now has a restaurant.

[tartandfit]

Due to technical difficulties, ChocoLee has pushed back the reopening until next weekend.

[Aromatherapy]

In Medford, Joe's Pizza (the location near Malden) has become Eddy's Place, a roast beef & pizza joint, same ownership as Nick's Pizza in Revere. A sign on the old Cafe Baccini announces, IIRC, "Coming soon The Trendy Cafe."

-----
Joe's Pizza
61 State Rd, Dartmouth, MA 02747

[itaunas]

BTW Aromatherapy as of the last time I visited House of Bread next to Eddy's it has a new baker/cook and changed up their menu. I haven't been able to try too much but it was an improvement over the past. I also reported on the Eddy's/Nick's connection and I think its the Nick's on Revere Beach next to Sammy's patio. I am curious about the RB since I don't think I ever tried that, but what I have had from Nick's is pretty good (and even though its a greek place, I thought they were cooking the pies in Revere on the hearth, not your usual greek pan...). Glad to see something going into the Cafe Baccini space and I did like the two cafes which were there (the first one stayed open nice and late which was great for a espresso and a campari), but there wasn't enough foot traffic and parking/overall traffic makes a quick jump in a bit difficult. Didn't help that there are less Italians in South Medford than before. If the new one is a cafe and not just so in name (eg a bistro with the name cafe), that would make 3 pending openings/reopenings in Medford.

[pemma]

Also, in Medford I hear a coffee shop is opening in Medford Square on Riverside Ave. It's name is something like Mystic Valley Coffee Roasters.

[hynespb]

Crazy Dough Pizza is opening a new location next to the new El Pelon on commonwealth ave, where French Press used to be located. Right next to the BC t stop.

Is it any good? Never heard of it until i saw a coming soon sign today, but i noticed they have 3 other locations around Boston.

[Joanie]

I wonder what happened to French Press. You'd think a hang out cafe would work well in that area. I can't imagine people sit around in the ice cream place too much.

[hiddenboston]

Not sure what happened to French Press, but they actually closed awhile ago (sometime in June or July of last year).

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

IMO their coffee was disappointed. Only went there once with high hopes, but it didn't do it for me. Could have been an off day, but I was disappointed.

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

There's a Crazy Dough on the second floor of The Garage in Harvard Square, but if I happened to be in the Newbury Comics location a few yards away and I got a sudden craving for a slice of Sicilian-style pizza, I'd go downstairs and walk the two or three blocks over to Pinocchio's. Make of that what you will.

[nsenada]

I was just over by Berklee, and was in a rush, so I went to Little Stevie's for old time's sick. It actually wasn't as bad as I remembered (a thinner, crispier crust), but when I walked by the Crazy Dough I was pretty bummed out that I hadn't known there was one there. I've heard reasonably good things about the other locations, though.

[adry0105]

excellent :-) years ago won kudos in Vegas for top notch pizza - hope they kept up the fab job!

[deglazer]

Saw a new sign up on Centre St., JP across from the entrance to the Stop and Shop in Jackson. "Tostado".

[hiddenboston]

Isn't there a Tostado in Roslindale as well? Is that one still there? I wonder if they are moving....

[itaunas]

Tostado is a dominican sandwich and juice/smoothie joint -- leans towards "healthier" food (no chimis), I would assume they might be opening another branch.

[hiddenboston]

Do you know if the Rozzie one is still open? I noticed that their website is gone (or did they move it?).

[itaunas]

Joanie is probably the best person to scope it out, but if you call in about 20 minutes you could probably find out. I have recently seen something saying tickets for such and such Dominican concert are available at Tostado (Boston) -- I checked and Boston is all it says, so I would put more faith in that than a web site but I just don't get out that direction very often.

[Joanie]

I'd be the best person if I knew where you were talking about. But just looked it up and see that you mean the little place across from the gas station, never knew the name. It looked open to me when I drove by last Sun. but I was just zipping along so can't be positive. Have yet to try it and was just thinking that day that I need to get there.

[bostonbroad]

It's still there. I've tried it a couple of times - decent Cuban, good fruit drinks, other sandwiches are good, not great.

[winecafe95]

Does anyone have news on Yak & Yeti? The Nepalese/Indian restaurant under construction in Ball Sq. Somerville (across from Victor's/Sound Bites)?

[yumyum]

They are making progress. I saw the guy moving a mountain of takeout containers and such in the other day. But who knows where they stand on permitting and inspections. That tends to be the great hold-up around these parts.

[Nab]

Plus, while they did find a source for yak, they are still searching for yeti, which I'm told is what is really delaying their opening.

[Bob Dobalina]

I heard that was also part of the reason for the delay at Stoddard's...

[nsenada]

Damn- I was really looking forward to Yeti momos. Oh well, I guess Loch Ness monster baja tacos just moved up on my "gotta have soon" list.

[chickendhansak]

Make sure you try the chupacabra carnitas at Taco Crypto.

[djd]

Give up now--everyone knows you can't find a good baja taco in Boston.

I keep an eye on various Somerville board of aldermen/commission agendas—will see if Y&Y comes up for a permit.

[hiddenboston]

A new restaurant called Garlic N Lemons is coming to Allston--looks like they are opening within the next week. Anyone know anything about this place? All I know is that they will be a Mediterranean restaurant, and that they will be on Harvard Street where a Russian food store used to be.

[Allstonian]

I reported this a week ago, upthread:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6913...

I searched pretty diligently but couldn't find any further info.

[nsenada]

Looks like they have a facebook page up, also not super-informative http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/p...

[hiddenboston]

Thanks to both of you! Yes, the only info I didn't know for sure was the "Mediterranean-inspired Lebanese Food" part!

[phonelady]

Catch Winchester closed 2/14 and has reopened as:

Parsons Table

ADDRESS 34 Church St.

PHONE [phone]

WEB SITE www.parsons-table.com

[hiddenboston]

Catch is actually moving closer to Boston, with Parsons Table being a completely new restaurant (same owners, though). Still not sure exactly where Catch will be moving....

[Eatin in Woostah]

I've heard that Beezer's hot dog stand (home of some fantastic Chicago dogs) in Northborough is closing. Any confirmations? I haven't been out that way lately.

[tartandfit]

ChocoLee reopens on Saturday at 11 AM. New location is 23 Dartmouth Street. She'll have chocolate croissants (confirmed) and beignets (unconfirmed for this weekend). Hours are Thursday through Sunday 11-7.

[nandrew]

Well, I went there on Saturday afternoon and it was not open (and I was dying for those beignets which are unbelievable). I just emailed her so am hoping to find out what's really happening with the reopening.

[hiddenboston]

Had to hold onto this one until it was made official, but the Blue Ginger Noodle Bar will be opening within the lounge at Blue Ginger in Wellesley at the end of the month.

[Joanie]

So there's the restaurant, then the lounge then the noodle bar? Does that just mean they serve noodles in the lounge area or is it somehow separate?

[hiddenboston]

The noodle bar will be set up within the lounge at lunchtime.

[enhF94]

Spün Frozen Yogurt in Powderhouse Square, Somerville, self-reports they re-opened March 7th with no further explanation.

[djd]

What?!
Bizarre.

[joth68]

even more bizzare is that I drove by the other day and it looks like they are closed again....

[enhF94]

and now they've redesigned the website.

[heavydee]

The newly expanded version of Muqueca opened yesterday across the street, apparently with a beer and wine license in tow. I'm heading down there tonight to check it out...

[itaunas]

I can also confirm that Muqueca was open yesterday (although they still had a ladder out, fixing a few things) and beer and wine was the plan.

Cafe Belo on Washington Street in Somerville has been closed by the state for back taxes in their continuing woes (and they haven't gotten Everett or I believe Framingham opened again). Not certain about the Somerville Ave location.

I think this is more of a winter (re)opening, but I haven't seen mention that La Mia Vita is open again on their Hamilton Street location in Saugus. Probably about 2-3 miles away from the previous location (very close to the Lynn line), but pretty easy access from Rt 1.

Dinner and Italian offerings were in the plan for Bread & Co from the start and they tried to hire with that in mind, I think they are just trying to call more attention to that and the bakery space is fairly crowded as it is so its more of a focus. djd did an interviewed them for the globe online so can probably give more details. I was a skeptic about that formula from the start, but with Belo closed for now, if they could provide a higher-end Brazilian (not Italian) meal and provide entertainment there is a good opening for them. But that opening is just a window of time and for Italian they are competing with Vinny's, Lil Vinny's, Bocelli's, and Pescatore all with a decent reputation and all nearby (plus Avellino's and Pastaliana's not much further).

[RichardA]

Mumbai Chopstix is supposed to open this month at 254 Newbury Street. It will ofer Indian-Chinese cuisine. Dishes flavored with hot chiles, ginger, garlic, yogurt, cumin and tumeric will be served in woks, with chopsticks. Mongolian Hot Pots will be a specialty. Prices are $5-8 for soups, salads and starters. Entrees average $16.

[hiddenboston]

Yup, looks like the will have both indoor and outdoor dining and some pretty interesting dishes. My only question is (which came up when I was writing about the place this morning), will there also be a hotel in that spot? It used to be the Jewel of Newbury, which was a hotel and restaurant.

[hiddenboston]

Bread and Company on Broadway in Somerville is becoming Brunello Bistro, with more of an emphasis on dinner and fine dining in general.

Also, I just got word of a new pizza place coming to Belmont, but I have no other details whatsoever. Anyone know anything about it?

[Stride]

Wow, Bread and Company didn't last long. Lots of turnover in that spot since Boston Market left, and I don't know that a "fine dining" spot can make it there, but we'll see.

[hiddenboston]

It's actually the same owners, so it's more of a morphing than a complete change.

[yanz]

Went to Brunello Bistro this past weekend and wanted to warn you all to stay away. I got a Groupon here after seeing very favorable reviews on Opentable. Well, the place was in my husbands words "a notch below cheesecake factory." The food just was not good, yet the prices are not low...we may have gotten unlucky with service, but our server, while very very nice and polite, just didn't know basic things about food and drinks. My husband's dinner wine pairing arrived after his dinner plate was empty (and he ate very slowly); he was too nice to send the wine back and the server didn't even offer to take it off the tab. The only upsides of this place are (1) the bread and pesto, which really reminded me of Italian pesto, and (2) the wine pairings are actually well-paired (assuming you actually get them in time for your mediocre meal). But for anyone who doesn't live near the place, it is not worth going out to Winter Hill for this.

We didn't stay for dessert and had a wonderful time at the bar at Bistro du Midi - great desserts and after dinner drinks, as usual.

-----
Bistro du Midi
272 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

The good news: a place called Brookline Butchers is opening on Harvard Street, in a storefront that used to be a stereo store.

The bad news: they're applying for a beer and wine license. The mere fact that they want to sell beer and wine suggests that they're gonna be a crap butcher shop.

If Wulf's, which hasn't been any good for years, can survive in that neighborhood, I don't see why an old-fashioned butcher shop -- old guys, missing digits, in bloody aprons slicing off a couple two-inch thick steaks off a primal and pounding some veal paper-thin for schnitzel -- wouldn't make money hand over fist. But if they wanna sell beer and wine, that means they won't have any meat for sale except overpriced, pre-frozen shrinkwrapped steaks from Niman Ranch. They'll be out of business in six months.

[Allstonian]

Doesn't the Butcherie also have a beer & wine license?

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

Yes, they sell kosher beer and wine.

[Bob Dobalina]

Ah, the good ol' days...when cooking "tips" really meant something...

You should check out Nick at the back of the Coolidge Variety across from Deluxe Town Diner in Watertown. All digits in place as far as I have seen, and I think some good hunks of meat. But that store also sells beer and wine (and snacks!) so there may yet be hope for this new place....

[CookieLee]

From this website, it appears it will be a Kosher establishment.
http://www.kosherblog.net/2010/03/12/...

[hiddenboston]

Anyone know what's going on with the new Fenway Cantina? A couple of people said it was closed yesterday, and I called and I got the voice mail for the Chicken Bone(!).

[Allstonian]

Apparently it's still under the same ownership as when it was the Chicken Bone, so maybe they never changed their voicemail. No idea why they're not open, though - the question was raised on Universal Hub as well.

[hiddenboston]

A new place called Turbine Wine Bar has opened in downtown Lynn where Gulu-Gulu used to be. Looks like they feature small plates, with nothing on the menu being more than $12.

[Joanie]

I saw a sign on the door of Vinalia downtown that they're remodeling and supposedly reopening later in the spring.

[hotoynoodle]

they've been struggling since the ownership upheaval, so i'm not surprised. i REALLY hope they rip out that god-awful neon in the bar.

[jjbourgeois]

Noticed this afternoon the Boar's Head Deli on Hancock in Quincy is closed. Signs says Dirty Dogs, Burgers and more coming soon.

[Allstonian]

Passing on the bus, I noticed signs up for a new place on Harvard Avenue in Allston, where the little Russian food shop Moskva went out some time ago. Garlic 'n' Lemons, Middle Eastern food, apparently hoped to open mid-March.

If you Google there's a website that says something like "nothing to see here - come back later!" Diligent Googling yields the following Twitter message: " Rose & Mark's new place: Garlic 'n Lemons, 133 Harvard Av, Allston, 617-783-8100; open mid-March; what a huge loss to Kendall Sq." I'm not familiar w/Kendall area, so I don't know who that might be.

[chickendhansak]

Has anyone posted about the Po's Ribs and Barbecue, which has opened in Acton, on the Great Road? It's in the strip mall which includes Cafe Ziba and a CVS, near the intersection with 27. It seems it's open Tuesday to Sunday and may have opened towards the end of February.

[hiddenboston]

Yelp has a couple of below-average reviews on the place, and I also read this:

http://www.westfordforum.com/showthre...

Can't really judge a place by 3 online reviews, but I may wait to hear from others before going....

[hiddenboston]

Is there some kind of Turkish restaurant coming to the Teele Square neighborhood of Somerville? Someone sent me a note about this, but I'm not finding any info on it at all.

[joth68]

It is going into the space where Holland St Cafe used to be next to PJ Ryans and House of Tibet. I think it is called "Istanbul'a Cafe"

Maria's Cold Cuts is also opening a location in Teele.

[hiddenboston]

Thanks!

[djd]

Maria's is in fact completely moving to Teele and closing the Winter Hill space.

[bplions]

Siam Bistro opened In Boston, on the corner of Pearl Street and Surface Rd (Atlantic Ave) yesterday. Do not know if the are affiliated with the one in Hingham.

[hiddenboston]

Huh. I can't find anything on Siam Bistro coming to Boston. You wouldn't have an exact address for the place, would you? Thanks!

[9lives]

I walked by today. They're at 151 Pearl; 1 door in from Atlantic. 30% off for first week and the place was jammed..menu looks pretty standard...nice to have another option for Thai besides Rock Sugar. www siambistro.net

After a long lifeon Devonshire, Grass roots Deli closed and was replaced by a nice looking liquor store. GR still has a small place on Summer in Downtown xing

[hiddenboston]

Heh, the website you posted took me to a place in Virginia. Looked nice, though! :-b

[9lives]

Ha..:) I must have typed it wrong. I grabbed a menu and it's in my office and I'm not.

The restaurant is really there..:) I'll post the correct site tomorrow..maybe even try it out and report back.

[hiddenboston]

Thanks. I'm trying to find info on the place and even EveryBlock Boston has nothing (did they not get a license?). :-)

[galangatron]

http://siambistro.net/

[hiddenboston]

Awesome! Thank you so much!

[hiddenboston]

A new Mexican place called Let's Go Burrito has just opened in the Cummings Park area of Woburn.

[hiddenboston]

Za is planning on opening its new Kendall Square location tonight, and they are most likely going to start opening for lunch early next week. Also, it looks like EVOO will probably open in the same building on Monday.

[bgraves]

What spaces are Za and EVOO occupying?

[hiddenboston]

350 Third Street, which is maybe two blocks north of the Marriott.

[hiddenboston]

One more: Giomatti may be returning to Braintree (they closed in 2008). Looks like if they do, it will be in a different location--Elm Street in Braintree Square.

[hiddenboston]

I know it's a chain, but Sonic is going to open a new location on Main Street in Wilmington.

[fantundo]

When I have driven by Toraya in Arlington this week, it has looked pretty closed. Does anyone know more?

[Fly]

I had Toraya for dinner last night (Tuesday). It was delicious.

[y2000k]

Whew! Scared me for a second there.

Actually, last fall we went there for dinner during the week, and from the outside it looked empty & closed to us. It turns out there were no other diners, but it was open for business.

[Science Chick]

Not a "March Opening" per se, but in anticipation of the impending Sichuan Gourmet opening in Brookline I spoke with the folks at the Framingham store. They said it would be 2-3 months from now (I can't wait!)...........

[joebloe]

Pho Hoa in Dorchester had a grand opening today. Unfortunately, they were shut down immediately by the Fire Dept. because their vinyl cushion chairs is a fire hazard. They'll have another grand opening whenever the new chairs come in.

[hiddenboston]

We drove by the new Pho Hoa last night and it was indeed open once again, so they must have resolved the problem quickly. The space is HUGE (one block long) and it looked pretty crowded

[Bob Dobalina]

Since when are vinyl cushions a fire hazard? I mean, aren't there a million booths in faux leather that are in violation?

[joebloe]

I agree. You just gotta know the inside people to deal with their bs or they'll make you pay. you get to open eventually but just have to deal with a lot more hassles.

[gardgen]

It may seem like BS but god bless the fire departments who protect us from combustible materials (remember The Station fire in RI). Some Vinyls are flamable but most often its the foam which the vinyl covers which is combustible and even can give off poison gases. Furniture for places of assembly (restaurants included) are required to have certificates. You have to turn these in before you open....

[hiddenboston]

Parson's Table has just opened in Winchester Center, replacing Catch, which will be moving closer to Boston (or within the city itself).

[Buddernut]

Hidden, do you have any info on Parson's Table; i.e. food, who owns, etc.?

[hiddenboston]

I do. Same owners as Catch (which will be moving to Boston, Cambridge, or someplace else that's closer to the city). The cuisine is (as my blog puts it) "inventive American comfort food," including macaroni and cheese with Niman Ranch ham, pork rillette, chicken with brown butter risotto, steak frites, etc.

[Bob Dobalina]

Took a peek through the window at Stoddard's yesterday - I think I saw that antique bar people have been mentioning - could it be that it is soon to open? Also ran into two ladies who were checking to see if it was open. If this level of interest on a Tuesday night is a general gauge of future success, I'd take it as a good sign.

[hiddenboston]

I talked with someone at Stoddard's yesterday. They said they will be open very soon (as in days, not weeks).

[ponyboy]

hahahaha.

[Joanie]

I thought the opening party was this week.

[hiddenboston]

The official opening hasn't happened yet. I believe they have had at least one (if not more) private parties and soft openings.

[jgg13]

"If we go by the book, hours could seem like days"

[Beachowolfe]

Any news on Stoddard's? Didn't look open when I walked by on Tuesday.

I can't imagine that they'd open during restaurant week which means at least the end of March for the public opening. Just speculatin' though.

[hiddenboston]

The latest official word is that they might open this Thursday. My advice? CALL AHEAD. :-D

[ponyboy]

Hahahaha!

At this point, I feel bad for the staff that has been waiting to work there.

[astrid]

I wish someone would open something in the old Donovan's space in Savin Hill. It's such an amazing location. Please... would be restauranteurs... check it out!

Also, still hoping for news on LittleQ in Chinatown.

[OLDCHEF]

I have a chef I know who told they have problems with taxas also sprinkler and kitchen is complete gut job astrid you have any extra cash?

[astrid]

I wish. I really know nothing about what happened to the old owners and the building itself. It just makes me sad to walk by there on the way home and see it all boarded up. It was such a great location, right outside the T.

Maybe some would-be pub-eteer will be inspired and take it on as a challenge (though my personal wish-list would be a non-red sauce Italian place and/or wine bar, or a coffee shop/bookstore in the model of Trident Booksellers). Hey Flatback... want a new location? Hey Canto6.. .want to expand?

[Pegmeister]

I've heard from a reliable source that there is fair amount of interest by multiple parties, in the old Donovans location. Possibility it may go out to bid.

[RichardA]

I went by La Stanza Diva in Woburn today, and there are large "For Lease" signs in the window. Their voice mail still claims they are temporarily closed due to a dispute with the landlord. But the For Lease sign seems to indicate its closure may be more permanent.

[hiddenboston]

Just a guess, but I'm thinking La Stanza Diva will pop up somewhere else at some point. I doubt they are closed for good, IMO.

[hotoynoodle]

no tears to shed, but the papa gino's in east boston, in the shaw's plaza, has closed. again, a big space to fill, and we have very very few chains in this neighborhood.

[babka eater]

Yesterday, I noticed that ABC Pizza in Central Square is closed. Is this permanent? ABC Pizza was not an ideal slice. I hope that Central Square can one day have a good pizzeria.

[babka eater]

I was wrong about ABC Pizza. I'm not sure why there was paper on the windows a few days ago but certainly the pizzeria is open for business.

[MtVernon]

Uno's in Porter Square closed. No word what will be opening in the space.

[crazycrazypete]

Given that the Blockbuster is still empty, and the rest of that building is a half-empty mish-mash I wouldn't hold my breath for anything of value anytime soon. The parking situation makes it tough, and Porter Square certainly doesn't need a chain restaurant...

[MtVernon]

I thought Planet Fitness was opening in the Blockbuster spot?

[Bob Dobalina]

Planet Fitness is downstairs in the basement.

As for parking, there is actually a fairly large parking area behind that building, as opposed to the demolition derby at the Shaw's.

I suspect that Tavern on the Square has been drawing away the folks who used to go to Uno's when it was the only game in town. I haven't liked the food at Uno's since I was in high school, and the outdoor seating was always a bit of a stretch for me - always kept one eye on the traffic waiting for some car to jump the curb...people come flying off that funny turn from Mass Ave. and darn if their cars weren't aimed right for us!

I am not happy about a vacant storefront, but the problem is that space with the second level is pretty huge - there are not many non-chains that can likely afford all that square footage.

But imagine if Hungry Mother moved there? lolz...

[crazycrazypete]

I'd accept a Yard House, or perhaps a Capital Grill...and there is parking back there but it is a pain in butt - always a jam back there...

[okra]

Tavern on the Square is.... meeeh as far as the food goes. Laminated menu, never the chance for a special from the chef, corporate dictates portion size, down to the plating design - personality of a fencepost, IMHO.

I also would get the deep dish jones occasionally, and would stop in at lunch, usually about 5 people at that Uno's. Hopes for a place with a personality....

[Bob Dobalina]

Agree completely, but the bar is big and the TVs are bigger. Uno's' layout was old and rundown in comparison. If I were 23, I would like totally cruise for chicks at the Tav. (Of course, it goes without saying if I were 23, I would not use such outdated slang. ;)

[chickendhansak]

Have you (or has anyone) got an opinion on their weekend brunch buffet?

[jgg13]

If it is like the central sq one it is the epitome of mediocre. I end up there now and then when with a decent sized group that can't agree on anything.

[MC Slim JB]

Per Grub Street Boston, a new place going into One Kendall called Think Tank, presumably a nod to their neighbors in Tech Square who are actually in that business. "Cantabridgian-American", i.e., World Beat cuisine, chef Colin Davis has worked at the Franklin, Toro, and South End Buttery. Locavore, natch. No opening date that I can see.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Canadian Tuxedo]

The piece mentions, oh so specifically, "Think Tank is set to open at the end of April."

And just my opinion, but Kendall is known for biotech companies, not "think tanks." The Boston/Cambridge area has a few small ones (focusing primarily on environmental and local issues, with a few exceptions like the Union of Concerned Scientists), but think DC stalwarts like Brookings, CSIS, Heritage, CAP, etc. for true examples of the genre.

[MC Slim JB]

I expect this thread to be a place to relay news of openings/closings as it becomes available this month: we haven't yet gotten to the point where there's an April thread for openings targeted for April, etc.

There are plenty of research companies, if not traditional DC-style policy-oriented think tanks, in that neighborhood, and of course the looming presence of MIT. I'd welcome other theories on why they chose that name.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hckybg]

Let's instead discuss whether this style of restaurant is, ahem, stale yet. :). This is on the pretty low end of restaurants taking poetic license in choosing a name.

[Canadian Tuxedo]

And I'm confused. You posted first about Think Tank and mentioned a lack of opening information. I provided that and it happened to be in April. So were you just expecting no one to fill in that piece from Grubstreet regardless of month?

[Canadian Tuxedo]

And my "oh so specifically " comment was not directed at you but the seemingly endless flexibility of opening dates in general.

[MC Slim JB]

Hmm. I guess I was lazy on reading both Grub Street item and the sense of your reply. This wold not be a first! Sorry.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Bob Dobalina]

I think the name is clever enough...though I think Drunk Tank would get my attention more!

[Wannabfoode]

Vincent Conte is one of the partners and the GM, he was formerly the bar manager at Pho Republic and is a great bartender, so expect a fun bar scene

[RichardA]

AKA Bistro, a new restaurant in Lincoln is tentatively scheduled to open arond March 22. This is a collaboration of Christian Touche, the former manager of Clio, and Chef Chris Chung from Uni. The new restaurant will feature Japanese sashimi and traditional Provençal fare, presented separately, with respect for each cuisine

My blog post has lots of additional details and some photos.
http://passionatefoodie.blogspot.com/...

[bfree1]

WOW. Can't wait to see what Touche and Chung bring to be 'burbs. I wonder if they will take advantage of the awesome local farms in the area????

[RichardA]

Yes, they told me they will try to purchase what they can from local farms. And will even carry wine fron Turtle Creek winery in Lincoln.

[LBNova]

I went on opening night and this restaurant is awesome and will just get better and better. I actually think I have a crush on the restaurant - is that possible?

[hiddenboston]

My bad, Joanie. Definitely a mistake on my part! (Thanks for posting these here.)

I have one right off the bat (thanks to Eat Boston and Citysearch Boston for this one): Wu Chon House in Somerville has closed.

[Joanie]

I just remembered Wu Chon when I was in the area Sat. nite. My first Korean food, sigh.

[Bob Dobalina]

Wow...If I had to pick a Union Square Korean place to close, I would have guessed Buk Kyung.

[Stride]

Wow, that's really sad about Wu Chon. I'll miss them.

[psora]

Ditto. Went there on board recommendation and really enjoyed it.

[y2000k]

Agreed! Sad news indeed!

[another_adam]

Oh no! I have to say, wu chon is one of the few Korean places that I think is relatively passable in town! (though since it mostly serves home-style dishes, it probably has the problem that people are more likely to cook them at home; that certainly has been a reason why I haven't ended up there often...) Sad, indeed...

[digga]

another_adam....totally agree with you. Let's hope that Buk Kyung I (aka Hometown) doesn't follow suit. I'm gonna go there this weekend and get my jampong fix.

[another_adam]

I gotta admit, Buk Kyung doesn't do much for me, though Myeong Dong 1st Ave in Allston has been consistently quite good when we've been there lately. Definitely not the same kind of place, but they do happen to have some homey stews, like haejang guk. (And a fairly generous al tang, too!)