April openings and closings

[hiddenboston]

Well, it's April, so time for a new openings and closings thread!

Bergamot in Somerville and Menton in the Fort Point district are opening over the next couple of days. Garlic N Lemons in Allston was hoping to open today, but now it may be next week or the week after. Dionysos is having their grand reopening in Cambridge, perhaps after Easter.

And then there's Stoddard's......I guess we'll just keep waiting on this one!

[marcreichman]

Not necessarily an April opening, but Monroe Salt Works (retail store) has closed in East Arlington and current buzz points at a Comella's that might be going into its spot.

http://www.comellasrestaurants.com/

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Comella's
1302 Washington St, Newton, MA 02465

[kbarry1726]

I heard that Luigi's in Wayland is closing after Mother's Day, to be replaced by a restaurant from the same people who own Grassfields in Waltham. I'll miss my zucchini sticks and other fried concoctions covered in marinara.

[southie]

I believe Luigi's is also owned by the people who own Grassfield's, American Food Systems.

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American Food Systems
30 B St, Burlington, MA 01803

[hiddenboston]

I just heard this about Luigi's as well (from someone within the company). The person I talked to didn't know when the closing date was, though. Where did you hear that it would be closing after Mother's Day?

[kbarry1726]

A friend who is a regular told me -- apparently he asked the waitstaff. It's third hand, take it for what it's worth...

[hiddenboston]

I talked with someone at the Bedford location. She said it was indeed closing, but didn't know when. If anyone drives by the place over the next day or two, let us know if it has actually closed already!

[befrismf22]

Anyone know of a new restaurant opening in Davis Square? Saw a posting for an Exec. Chef on bostonchefs.com and am dying to know...."Think Classic Brasserie meets American tavern. The menu will be brasserie in style and depth with a focus on classic New England fare. They simply plan on offering their guests really good, local fresh food within a neighborhood environment. "
interesting! Haven't been through in a week or so, is the black hole that was 400 Highland, most recently Sagra still there? I can't think of any other space in the "heart of Davis" that is open for a new restaurant...anyone?

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

[Bob Dobalina]

Wonder if that's for the place that is pairing with the Jimmy Tingle space...

[greenzebra]

My guess is that this is the new restaurant that is going into the space that used to be Bowl & Board -- Ken Kelly (from The Independent in Union Square) is behind it, and they are planning on reviving the former Jimmy Tingle space into a new theater in addition to the restaurant and a downstairs lounge.

Sagra is still at 400 Highland.

[hotoynoodle]

that is exactly correct and the partner/owner, david, was the former gm at both temple bar and grafton st.

[hiddenboston]

Country music star Toby Keith is opening a huge (HUGE) new restaurant at Patriot Place. Southern food, mechanical bull, live music, outdoor patio, etc. The place is going to be called Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill, which is apparently named after one of his songs (though I wouldn't know, as I'm more of a Beastie Boys/Sublime kind of guy).

[Bob Dobalina]

Now a Beastie Boys / Sublime kind of restaurant...might be a little scary...

[Joanie]

They both sound scary to me.

[hiddenboston]

Especially if the Sublime restaurant was called "Badfish," chortle chortle.....

[MC Slim JB]

I'm still waiting for John Lydon's Rotten Restaurant, featuring all things fermented: belacan, natto, century egg, kimchi, kombucha, crème fraîche, lutefisk, shrimp paste, prahok, and runny cheeses galore. Nothing but fresh durian for dessert, of course.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[erwocky]

Mehak, a halal Indian and Pakistani place on Sumner St in East Boston, opened about a week ago. First reviews are very good, as you might have seen on another thread:

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/702479
http://thehubsterblog.blogspot.com/20...

There are still some service issues that will hopefully be ironed out in time.

-----
Mehak
329 Sumner St, Boston, MA 02128

[Chris VR]

Busy Bee Bakery in Melrose still has brown paper on the windows but I saw service trucks there today, including a produce truck, so I'd guess they're getting close to opening.

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Busy Bee Restaurant
1046 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446

[southie_chick]

Walked by Bostone Pizza in Liberty Square on Friday. The paper was off the windows & people were in there working, but I couldn't tell if they were moving in or moving out. The oven / fridge was in there but they weren't working on that area - they were plugged in but moved away from the wall. It looked like they were doing a lot of cleaning - they had fans going & were spraying a lot of cleaner - wasn't sure if was because the site had been closed for so long or they were leaving. Weird.

[jjbourgeois]

El Mariachi is open on 138 in Easton.

[hiddenboston]

I think I read about this place awhile back. Do they also have one in Taunton?

[jjbourgeois]

That is correct HB, right on the Taunton Greeen. Never been, was hoping there was a test victim out there to go first.

[hiddenboston]

The Ride Studio Cafe has just opened in Lexington Center. It is a combination bike store/cafe, with muffins, sandwiches, coffee, and bikes that start at $2,000.

[Fly]

That better be one hell of a muffin.

[hiddenboston]

LOL! I only wish I could afford to get one of the bikes they sell there. My bikes have seen their better days.

[nsenada]

I might consider buying one if it came with a muffin holder, and a free one year supply.

[hiddenboston]

La Posada in Arlington Heights is now open.

[Allstonian]

Work is progressing at the Kelly's Roast Beef coming in Allston (in the former Marty's Liquors space at the corner of Harvard & Commonwealth.) There are even a couple of "Coming Soon!" posters up in the windows. Probably not actually an April opening - my bet is that they're shooting for something in the vicinity of Memorial Day.

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Marty's Liquors
675 Washington St, Newton, MA 02458

[hiddenboston]

It looks like Buffalo Wild Wings (BW3) may be coming to the Boston area after all, as they just received a liquor license for a new location in Saugus. If all goes as planned, they will move into the Verizon Wireless spot in the Kmart Plaza. Looks like the Danvers location might not be happening, by the way....

[annamcporter]

Does anyone know about a new restaurant under construction at the corner of Washington and Beach street at the edge of Chinatown? It is the previously vacant space attached to the archstone building. There is brown paper on the windows and construction going on inside inside. No signage up, but a little birdie told me that a 'fancy asian restaurant' would be going in, possibly to open in June. Does anyone know anything about that?

[marcreichman]

La Posada in Arlington looks to be attempting to open Wednesday, after a scheduled health inspection for Tuesday.

[dntbfwe]

When I strolled by this morning, the windows were still papered up, but less so than they had been (if that makes any sense). They also had some menus by the door. Looks fairly standard - burritos, tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, combo plates. Most hover around the 10-12 dollar range. I'm just hoping for something along the lines of Cantina la Mexicana in Union, or even Zocalo down on Broadway.

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Zocalo
203 Broadway, Arlington, MA 02474

[itaunas]

Sal's in Woburn looked like it was open today, where Au Bon Pain had their bistro thing which I always wondered about but never went to. I haven't seen any movement on the Medford Salvatore's, although last I looked they were showing the floor plan and layout on their web site.

[almansa]

I went to Sal's in Woburn on Superbowl Sunday. Apparently I was alone in doing this. I see no need to return.

[almansa]

33 on Stanhope has shut its doors. Stix remains open for now.

[hiddenboston]

Yeah, I saw somewhere (Grub Street Boston?) that it is up for lease.

[fredid]

In the window of "Flat Patties" former space in the Garage: A sign saying "Chutney's" is coming. No additional info.

[hiddenboston]

It's going to be an Indian restaurant. Looks like they are opening in June, though they will also be at the Harvard Square Mayfair on May 2.

[Dea]

Thank God - more Indian food options in Harvard Square. Now that Bombay Club has closed, there were only three to choose from.

/sarcasm

[hiddenboston]

Don't forget--Maharaja is moving into the space where Bombay Club was.

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

I dunno, I could get behind a quick-serve Indian takeaway in Harvard Square as opposed to a proper sit-down restaurant. Something along the likes of JMP International at the HKM food court would be a great addition to the neighborhood.

[greenzebra]

I agree. The last thing Harvard Square needs is another mediocre Indian lunch buffet, but Chutney's actually looks like it could fill a niche, serving a variety of kati rolls in addition to curries and a few other things. Who knows if they'll be any good, of course.

Menu on their website: http://chutneysma.com/menu.html

[MC Slim JB]

Chutney's has a turkey kheema on their menu: I don't think I've ever seen turkey in an Indian restaurant. I guess this is the equivalent of a ground-turkey burger in an American restaurant.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Dea]

Well that looks quite a bit better than I assumed it would. I was expecting the standard foodcourt buffet kind of takeaway, which never fails to disappoint me when I decide to give it a go. Those rolls look intriguing.

[Fly]

What's going in in Arlington Heights, across the parking lot from the Panera/Massage therapy place? Driving by today, I thought I saw the word "Chipotle" painted on the walls inside, but I wasn't sure. It looks like a restaurant space.

It's on the same block as the coming Meat House.

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Meat House
655 Main St, Walpole, MA 02081

[hiddenboston]

Chipotle? That's good, as there aren't enough of them around. Lewis Black needs to change his Starbucks skit saying how the end of the universe is a Chipotle across the street from a Chipotle.

Did I mention that I'm really looking forward to The Meat House coming to Arlington? Word is, they feature wild boar meat and ostrich, as well as a ton of other different cuts of meat.

[Fly]

Well, I'm not saying that's what it is. I drove by and tried to glance inside as I was driving. It might not be a restaurant at all. But I thought I saw that written inside.

[hiddenboston]

I'll try to run down there tomorrow and check it out. Nothing online about one coming to Arlington, but that doesn't mean much.

[Fly]

The link below (marcreichman's) indicates that the building I was talking about will be occupied by "Unleashed by Petco". Some sort of pet store. I wonder what word I saw on the walls? That'll teach me to try to spot restaurants while driving to work.

[hiddenboston]

LOL! Reminds me of the CH poster who saw the tough-to-read sign for Fat Cactus on Route 1 in Lynnfield and thought it said "Fart Factory." :-D

[Fly]

It turns out that the word I saw on the wall was "Reptiles". Or as I saw it, apparently, "..p..tle.."

[hiddenboston]

LOL!

[Pegmeister]

Marc, not to steal this thread, but if you're looking for meats such as wild board, ostrich etc., I just noticed that the Butcher Shop in Dorchester carries them.

[hiddenboston]

I'm in Dorchester nearly as often as I am in Arlington, Pegmeister, so what that means is, I'll be doing a lot of shopping over the coming weeks! :-) Thanks...

[marcreichman]

Meat House is confirmed opening 4/27:
http://www.shopintheheights.com/ShopI...

[marcreichman]

And they opened early! They are open today until 7, and giving out steak tip samples.

[hiddenboston]

I tried the tips yesterday. I thought the marinade was nothing to write home about, but the quality of the meat was outstanding.

[litchick]

I was a little bummed that I couldn't get any good answers as to who supplies their meats, and what they mean by "natural."

As in, "well, our meats are all natural."

I can see this being a decent option for picking up some pre-marinated stuff for the grill if I'm in a hurry, but I wasn't wowed by the place. Now, if they decided to carry some interesting sausages or cured meats, that might change my mind.

[almansa]

It's Creekstone Farms Natural Angus.

http://www.creekstonefarms.com/natura...

They're a good outfit (Creekstone). Following the mad cow scare they offered to test each carcass for BSE, but the USDA wouldn't let them. Nice product, grain finished, source-verified. I'm just not a big Angus fan in steak form. I prefer angus ground as I don't really like the texture in steaks.

[rknrll]

Yeah.
I think the McKinnon's (Somerville) house tip marinade is far better.

[hiddenboston]

Agave in Malden is now open for both lunch and dinner.

[southie_chick]

Walked by Ottomo's & there's a sign for Thai's Bistro - which would make this the 3rd Thai restaurant in a 3 block radius.

[hiddenboston]

Interesting. Couldn't find any info on this place, though one site mentioned "Thai Bistro" at 121 High Street. Ottimo's was at 184 High Street, though....

[southie_chick]

I'll have to take a walk by there on Monday to scope it out. I only took a quick look at the sign in the window to double-check for the apostrope 'cause I didn't want to open up that can of worms on the board if I misused it. ; )

[southie_chick]

Sorry for the delay but it is indeed Thai's Bistro at the old Ottomo's location - the awning is now up. This is the 3rd Thai restautant in as many blocks, with Siam Bistro on Pearl Street & Rock Sugar on Batterymarch Street.

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Siam Bistro
150 Pearl St, Boston, MA 02129

[hiddenboston]

Yes, and EveryBlock Boston just posted that Thai's Bistro has indeed received a business license.

[Allstonian]

Not that anyone here wanted to eat at the Kells, but they are closed & windows papered over (according to reports, they're being replaced by a Tavern on the Square.)

However, the important news is that Privus is still open.

[MC Slim JB]

The Kells, bleh; no tears shed: burn in hell. But -- bon chon chicken: yay!

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

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Kells Restaurant
161 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134

[Allstonian]

Yes, I knew that there had been consternation and speculation about whether the closing of the Kells would affect the local supply of bon chon chicken, so I wanted to report what I'd seen!

-----
Kells Restaurant
161 Brighton Ave, Allston, MA 02134

[litchick]

Looks like Rafiki Bistro (in the old Forest Cafe space on Mass Ave betw HSq and Porter) will open fairly soon. Paper's still on the windows as of the last few days, but their website is all business: http://www.rafikibistro.com/

Little Q Hot Pot and Szechuan House -- now in East Arlington, huzzah! -- has all its signage in place, but I'm not sure whether it's open or not. I'm guessing not, since I just noticed the sign for the first time a few days ago, and I drive by there all the time. It looks spiffy from the outside -- can't wait to give it a whirl. I never made it when it was in Quincy.

[litchick]

A nominal update:

Drove by Rafiki last night and despite there still being paper on the windows (but not the glass door), the neon was lit, the interior looks decorated, and I spied the TV on and a bartender looking dude behind the bar. Opening seems imminent.

Little Q seems to have a long way to go, from the look of the fairly empty interior.

Also, wondering if anyone has any info on opening date for First Printer restaurant (in the old Herrell's spot in Harvard Square)? An article from the Crimson back in December said they were aiming for an April opening.
http://www.thecrimson.com/article/200...

[greenzebra]

I walked by Rafiki Bistro this morning and it is open.

-----
Rafiki Bistro
1682 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

[Parsnipity]

Definitely open- walked by and asked to look at a menu and they tried to seat me for Mother's Day brunch. Apparently they didn't get the word out quickly enough to be booked for what's usually a busy time...

[twisty cup]

Flat Patties is moving, and is closed for now.

I got a scare when I went to get a burger at Flat Patties today. It was gone, and the space was under construction. I asked at Felipe's, and it turns out Flat Patties is moving to a storefront on Brattle St (next to Crema.) They hope to be open in the new space next week.

No idea what's going into their old space. The construction permit just say "restaurant".

-----
Flat Patties
81 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Crema Cafe
27 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138

[greenzebra]

I'm pretty sure that Clover Food Truck's restaurant is what is slated to open in Flat Patties old space. No idea what the timing is, though.

[hckybg]

Actually, Clover is trying to open in a storefront on Holyoke Street across from the Hasty Pudding/New College Theater, a space that used to be a Harvard real estate office. I believe they are still in the midst of the permitting process, as they are requesting a use change. I haven't heard anything about what will go into the former Flat Patties spot in the Garage.

[Stride]

Bobalicious Update:
I'm the one who reported an email from Bobalicious a couple of months ago saying they were closing. I'm happy to say that reports of their demise were apparently greatly exaggerated, though I'm not sure why. I got a banh mi there a few days ago and there were different people working there. The woman I spoke with may have been a third sister of the owners. There was also a man and an older woman in the back. The woman I spoke with wasn't very clear about why the email went out, but she said they weren't closing. Still, things looked a little sparse - nothing in the front case where there usually are delicious spring rolls. My banh mi (bbq pork) was good, but pretty heavy on the cilantro, even though I love cilantro.
Glad they are still around!

-----
Bobalicious
308 Watertown St, Newton, MA 02458

[hiddenboston]

Still trying to find out exactly when Agave is opening in Malden. I'm waiting to hear back from them, but a friend of mine who lives near there told me it will be any day now. Anyone been by the place lately?

[tcd]

I'm by there every evening. Two nights ago the lot was half-empty and the orange "closed" sign was still in the left half of the front doors; last night it wasn't there, the parking lot was filled, and the right front door looked to have letters up listing hours and so on. Maybe they're open?

[hiddenboston]

They are definitely open. In fact a group of us are heading there sometime this weekend.

[nutzyP]

I work half a block from them. They opened Wednesday which is one day before the manager had hoped for. Talked to him last week about renting his function room. SO and I are going today for an early dinner

[kate used to be 50]

LuLu's Sweet Shop is open on Salem Street in the NE. In the location of the old Dairy Fresh (miss that place!). From a peak in the window looks like bakery items and "penny" candy.

[phonelady]

Arthur & Pat's Brant Rock - rumor has it as reopening for the season on 4/16

-----
Arthur & Pat's Restaurant
239 Ocean St, Marshfield, MA 02050

[Trumpetguy]

Woo-hoo!!!!

[T.Clark]

BYOB for breakfast.....true story.

[hiddenboston]

I think I may have mentioned that Spazzo was coming to the North End. Well, it appears that I was wrong--the place is going to be called Benevento's and it will be more of a pizzeria than an Italian restaurant (still will be the same people behind Al Dente, though).

-----
Al Dente Restaurant
109 Salem St Ste 1, Boston, MA 02113

[Joanie]

Mumbai Chopstix on Newbury had a party last nite. Two levels with a private room/spice table upstairs. Food was in short supply but a chicken wing and cauliflower thing were fine. Beer and wine with some sake cocktails and whatever else they can cobble together while waiting for a full liquor license.

[RichardA]

Mumbai Chopstix is now set to open on Monday, April 19

-----
Chopstix
855 Western Ave, Lynn, MA 01905

[hiddenboston]

Wasn't it supposed to be today?

[Allstonian]

Is it just me, or is it slightly insane to open a restaurant in the Back Bay on Marathon Monday?

[MC Slim JB]

It is not just you. I've been trying to get them to stop claiming that they're the first restaurant in Boston to serve Indian Chinese.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hiddenboston]

Maybe they know something that we don't know, as two dining spots are opening in the neighborhood on Monday (Pavement Coffee House being the other).

[Allstonian]

Gah. I worked on Boylston Street for 14 years, directly across from the Pru, and didn't get the day off. The neighborhood was just insane. Seems to me like a way to guarantee starting off on a bad foot!

[RichardA]

Yes, it was supposed to be today but they decided earlier this week they needed a few more days of prep. Last night, at the Grand Opening event, they stated they would open on Monday.

[hiddenboston]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this, but Uno's in Allston has closed.

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

Yeah, we noticed that when we were walking past on Friday morning. No great loss there, but it seems to have happened out of the blue. Wonder what's up.

[rcmbta]

Anyone know what is going in the old Trani spot in the north end?

[southie_chick]

I walked by Tia's today & they are opening on April 15th. Also walked by Bostone Pizza & it looks like nothing has been done in a while there - paper is still up in the window saying opening soon. The new Anthem (where Plaza 3 was in Faneuil Hall) was taking applications today - they have been working there every time I walk by so they'll probably be open shortly.

[nsenada]

Anyone know when Bostone might open?

[Velda Mae]

Is there going to be a new location of Bostone or there something going on at the 225 Newbury St. spot?

[southie_chick]

The Bostone I was mentioning is in Liberty Square in the Financial District - I think it was the old Souper Salad location. It seems like they've had the comimg soon paper in the window for a while now, but I never see anyone working in there when I go by.

[9lives]

Same here. I got excited when I first saw the sign for Liberty Bostone,but had forgotten about it.

In the neighborhood, Cafe Dino on Milk and Devonshire makes a decent slice. I always get takeout but another CH recently commented they liked eating there, so worth a try.

-----
Cafe Dino
45 Milk St, Boston, MA 02109

[hiddenboston]

Spazzo is going into the old Trani spot. The place will be run by the Al Dente folks.

-----
Al Dente Restaurant
109 Salem St Ste 1, Boston, MA 02113

[lergnom]

Uno's is in bankruptcy. Reorg not liquidation. They filed middle of March.

[jjbourgeois]

Sorry lergnom, didn't scroll down far enough to see your post.

[jjbourgeois]

I believe he parent company for Uno's has declared bankruptcy.

[rovingfoodie]

Uno's in Porter Square closed too - site's for sale/rent already.

[9lives]

Finagle a Bagel on Frankin St closed after 15 years

[Joanie]

What's up with all the Finagles closing? I know they're not great (altho I did enjoy the choc chip bagel every once in a while) but they seemed to do well for a while. Now West Rox, downtown and Coolidge Corner have all closed. I actually just saw my first ad for them on TV.

[southie_chick]

Wow - they always seem to do good business. I'll have to see if the one at One International is still open - I like them a lot better than Bruggers.

[paratactical]

The Finagle in One Intl is still open.

[hiddenboston]

It looks like a new location of Genki Ya will be opening by the Fresh Pond Rotary in Cambridge (between Sleepy's and Sav-Mor Spirits). I'm trying to find out whether it will be a second location of the Brookline restaurant or if they are moving the original here. My guess is, it will be a second location, but we'll see....

-----
Genki
398 Harvard St, Brookline, MA 02446

[hihosilver]

Has anyone heard anything about the former B&D Deli space in Washington Square, Brookline? The space has been empty for at least a couple of years now.

[RoxyB]

I'm pretty sure the B&D Deli space has been empty for the 5 years I've lived in Washington Square. Sad.

Anybody know what's going into the former smokehouse next to American Craft? The door has an open circle logo and says "Restaurant & Bar" but no signage is up yet.

[secondnotion]

I recently asked the guys at Starbucks next door to the old B&D space, since it looked like there were a couple workmen inside, and they said they thought it had been slated to become a wine/liquor store but that that had been voted down in a town meeting (??)

Anyway I hope somebody does something with it, I walk by every day on my way in and it's such a waste of good space. Wish they would make it a bookstore/cafe, we could really use one in Wash Square.

[9lives]

Alittle early, May opening..Just read that the Barracuda Tavern will be opening in the old Hank's space; next door to the Marliave. I had seen them doing work a few weeks ago. Hank's was a dive bar that made the Tam look like the Ritz....:) I remember being there when a guy passed out on the floor. People just stepped over or around him.

http://bostonherald.com/business/gene...

scroll down

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Marliave
10 Bosworth Street, Boston, MA 02108

[hiddenboston]

I remember going to Hank's once and as soon as we walked in, some guy at the bar with a beard down to his waist looked at us and his eyes widened. Then he points and yells "Hey! Heyheyheyheyhey!" and gets off his seat. Well, we ran like hell out of the place and as we started to turn a corner, we hear the guy say in the distance behind us, "All I wanted was a light for my cigarette."

They don't make bars like that anymore....

[Pegmeister]

Sure they do, I bet you still haven't tried the Haufbrau on Sea St in Quincy.

[hiddenboston]

The Black Horse Tavern, a restaurant and bar featuring a variety of craft beers on tap and in bottles, is coming to.......[wait for it]..........Winchester. :-D

Go figure! The next thing you know, an upscale French restaurant will open in Lincoln. Oh wait....

[heathermb]

Hey now, no mocking of my hometown! Actually, I think the sudden "explosion" of liquor licenses in Winchester is fascinating. In fact, over Thanksgiving my brother organized a Winchester Center bar crawl...we'll have to add Black Horse to our itinerary for the next one.

[hiddenboston]

LOL, I spend a lot of time in Winchester and have always thought that the center of town could really become a destination spot with the addition of another restaurant or two. I'm really excited about this--can't wait to see what the place will look like.

[groptimum]

Mystic Coffee Roasters is now OPEN right in the the middle of Medford Square, at 30 Riverside Ave. It's bright and new- so I imagine with time it'll get more of that "lived-in" coffee house character. They roast their own coffee beans and have excellent snacks/bagels/pastries from some of the area's best bakers. Nice folks run it, too. They're open 7am-7pm weekdays and 8am-2pm on weekends. If you're anywhere near Medford Square, stop in, have a coffee and a snack and support 'em!

[galangatron]

a kimbap and bubble tea stand has opened in the h-mart food court in burlington

[hiddenboston]

The Alchemist in Jamaica Plain will be closing later this spring, with folks from Common Ground and Coda opening a new spot in its space.

[robwat36]

I'm bummed about the Alchemist. Only place for good cocktails in JP.

[MC Slim JB]

If the new owners keep The Alchemist's full liquor license, there's a good chance that the cocktails will stay the same or improve (I regularly have drinks at Coda, very solid), and the wine program will almost certainly improve (Deborah Hansen of Taberna de Haro curates their wine list, produced a budget-priced beaut at Coda).

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Joanie]

Wait wait wait, when did this happen? Is someone moving or something? They sure seem to do well for themselves.

[hiddenboston]

The owners of The Alchemist are closing it down at the end of May due to financial reasons. Not sure if they'll stay in the restaurant business.

[Bob Dobalina]

Can we lobby to bring back Triples?

[hiddenboston]

Maybe the Coda/Common Ground people could take that into consideration. Perhaps call it Triple C's?

[Kirs]

Can't say I'm gonna miss The Alchemist. Everytime I went in there the service was atrocious and the food just passable. I gave up on it over a year ago.

[zenright]

I agree. The beer was good but the food was way overpriced for the quality. I look forward to whatever comes next.

[hckybg]

The quarterly Somerville magazine, the _Somerville Scout_, had a little blurb about a place called Journeyman that is to have coursed dinners and an address of 9 Sanborn Court (Union Square). They have a website here:
http://www.journeymanrestaurant.com/
It looks interesting and they say they will open in May. I had heard nothing about it and am not sure what storefront it will occupy--that address is near Ronnarong and Taqueria la Mexicana.

[hckybg]

Addendum: As it happens, the Journeyman owners have a thoughtful piece in the Globe tomorrow as part of a series on opening a restaurant:
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/...

[LeoLioness]

It's not a current storefront; the space used to house a pasta store (or factory, I can't remember which one). It's in the alley between the Independent and Ronnarong.

[ipsofatso]

Eddy's in Ipswich - closed. hmph.

[hoohah]

What???? Eddy's closed?? When and what happened???

[Beachowolfe]

I called Stoddard's like 2 weeks ago and they said they were doing another soft opening but that I could come grab drinks at the bar, I didn't. It may be worth taking a stroll by in the next few days.

[hotoynoodle]

i walked by late yesterday and there was all sorts of hammering going on, but that was it.

although plenty of other times i have walked by and seen zero activity.

[hiddenboston]

Maybe they have a tape loop of hammering and cutting noises? :-b

I've stopped calling them to find out when they are going to open. I'm sure that when they finally do open, they'll let us know.

[hotoynoodle]

actually had a visual of a guy on a ladder hammering in the entryway, lol.

[cbw_chowfan]

My husband and I went to Stoddard's with friends on Saturday night (4/3) -- it was a open, busy and the beer was awesome. Did not order (or ask about) the food though, just there for drinks. So, its at least partially open.

[Beachowolfe]

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/6987...

hotoynoodle disagrees... Fight!

[hiddenboston]

Raffael's is opening in Hingham this weekend. They will be located at the South Shore Country Club.

[MC Slim JB]

Will Raffael's be open to the public, or only to SSCC members and their guests?

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[T.Clark]

From an interview with Elio Ricchi:

SSCC has a large number of members, Elio noted. “At the same time, we want to get the word out that the public is invited to dine here and also use our function facilities — the Cobblestone Room and the Hingham Room — for wedding receptions and other special events. We’ll be reaching out to Hingham and surrounding communities, inviting everyone to come enjoy our great fare in this beautiful setting.”

[MC Slim JB]

Is that a yes on Raffael's? Ricchi doesn't mention it.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[T.Clark]

Sorry I didn't make that clearer for you. The article I pasted was about Raffael's @ SSCC....'the public is invited to dine here'

SSCC is not a private club.

[hiddenboston]

Yes, Raffael's will indeed be open to the public.

[hotoynoodle]

stoddard's STILL NOT OPEN as of 04/05.

[Chrispy75]

Wow, I am shocked! It's almost going on two years since they officially announced plans for this place.

[itaunas]

Hey and http://www.islordhoboopen.com/ still says "NO," but everyone seems to have forgotten that ordeal. I suspect Stoddards will get more critical reviews because of the long time and many PR misfires (like the male-only club), but aside from being amusing it just shows that its pretty irelevant because they are still resetting dates and we are still out here chowing on good food.

[djd]

I believe ILHO.com is now set to say YES during the hours the bar is actually open.

[Bob Dobalina]

function update() {
var now = hobotime(new Date());
var today = hourstoday(now);
var answer = "NO";

if (now.getHours() < today[0] || now.getHours() >= today[1]) {
answer = "YES";

Ha - you're right!

[Berheenia]

Just walked by the new Sichuan Gourmet in Brookline and they were painting the front. of the site. They are waiting for the inspection and hope to open this month!

-----
Sichuan Gourmet
502 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821

[Luther]

Any updates on Sichuan Gourmet?

-----
Sichuan Gourmet
502 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821

[Berheenia]

Last night the lights were on and new tables in the dining room but still looked like a work in progress.

[Snowflake]

Anyone have info on Russell House Tavern going into the old Z square space in Harv sq? I peaked in the windows and it doesn't look too far from opening.

[hckybg]

It's owned by the Grafton Street folks. This is the most recent coverage I have seen:
http://www.thecrimson.com/article/200...

-----
Grafton Street Pub and Grill
1230 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

[greenzebra]

Russell House Tavern has a blog (http://russellhouse.wordpress.com/), which makes it sound like their opening is imminent. But I haven't seen a specific date anywhere.

[lypp]

I heard Russell House was opening this week - I'm keeping my fingers crossed at least. I'm a big fan of Chef Scelfo's, love his food at Temple Bar and am excited for something right in the heart of Harvard Square.

[hiddenboston]

Russell House is opening on Thursday.

[hiddenboston]

Krazy Karry's in Arlington Center has closed. They lost their lease, so they had to shut down late last week. It sounds like they may be looking for another location, so the place may pop up elsewhere at some point.

-----
Krazy Karry's
319 Broadway, Arlington, MA 02474

[Joanie]

I haven't seen anyone mention that New Asia and Tajine below Dolphin Seafood are closed. There was an electronic ticker tape type announcement at New Asia that I only half read, something taking longer than expected with a fire or flood (obviously didn't read it). Did someone say what's going on with that block that's all shut down (Looney Tunes etc.)?

Also the long closed Friendly Eating Place has a menu in the window for a place called Canteen, lots of sandwiches, a couple entrees and salads. Man, that's been about 7 years. And across the street is a place called Karma Tea that I haven't heard anyone talk about.

-----
New Asia Restaurant
326 Somerville Ave, Somerville, MA 02143

Dolphin Seafood
1105 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

[hckybg]

There was a fire at New Asia in early February, though from this account the damage doesn't seem to have been especially bad (and Tajine got a bit of smoke damage only):
http://www.thecrimson.com/article/201...
Maybe they are just having trouble getting back on their feet after the shock and whatever cost it entails to make repairs.

The Canteen menu has been up for a while! I don't know what is going on there. It is a nice spot for a restaurant so I hope it is good.

[hiddenboston]

I just called New Asia. The voicemail said that due to a fire, they will be renovating. Not sure how old that message was...

[MC Slim JB]

Yan's China Star is now open in the back of the spruced up, remodeled, and better-organized Ming's Chinese Supermarket in the South End (which looks great -- fish and meat counters look much improved, especially.) As you enter, it's in the rear left corner of the store, back by the meat counter.

Yan's is a little steam-table (non-self-serve) buffet of about a dozen or so stir-fries, plus some Chinese barbecue (looks like duck and pork, mostly). They have a few food-court style tables just next to it. Didn't try it yet, and I'd just come from dim sum, but it looks cheap and promising!

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[gutterman]

Pardon my spelling but I was driving by Papusa Guanacia in JP. Paperd up but there was a building premit in the window. Anyone know if they are around or gone?

Gutterman

[Allstonian]

This thread popped up a few days ago, but doesn't really contain any solid info:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/698695

[betseyb]

I'm told that Spice Thai Kitchen in Melrose opened yesterday. I've not yet been there, but hope to try it out soon. I had figured they were close to opening, as on Thursday the building permit had come down, they had their hours posted on the door, and there seemed to be quite a bit of activity in there.

[hiddenboston]

FYI this is the same Spice Thai Kitchen that is in Ipswich--this one is called Spice Thai Kitchen II and is located on Franklin Street (a little west of Main Street).

-----
Spice Thai Kitchen
15 Depot Sq, Ipswich, MA 01938

[Chocomom]

Hot Pot Buffet in what used to be Imperial Seafood in Chinatown is now open.

Went in to take a look, lunch prices $14.95 and dinner price $19.95.

Went by after our fiasco meal at Windsor and wasn't impress with the remodeling of the inside. Felt dark even if it was only 3PM and it was a bit off putting for me for the smell of curry hits you as soon as you opened the door.

Waiting to hear some reviews before deciding to go or not. Haven't had alot of good experiences lately when we try out new restaurants.

[greenzebra]

Posto in Davis Square should be opening very soon - inside looks basically done, paper is off the windows, they have chairs and tables set up, and according to their Facebook page final inspections were supposed to happen this week.

[Parsnipity]

I saw a fire in the pizza oven and staff or investors doing a tasting with real, live food last week. The Somerville Scout reports that they are the only pizza in MA to get Neapolitan credentials from some organization in Naples, supposedly a very rigorous process...

[MC Slim JB]

Per Urban Daddy, Pizzeria Posto opens tonight.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hiddenboston]

Yup. Pizzeria Posto, Russell House Tavern, Basho (sounds like a soft opening), and Scoozi (Kenmore) all opened in the past 24 hours, give or take.

[Buddernut]

Is there any connection between this Posto in Somerville and Posto on 2nd ave in New York ???

[Berheenia]

I heard a new Jacky Robert restaurant was opening in Allston.- Chez Jacky.

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

[hiddenboston]

Karma in Weymouth was due to open yesterday, and I believe they did, though I haven't been able to confirm this 100%. Anyone been by there yesterday or today?

[Chocomom]

Drove by yesterday around 3:30PM
Looked quiet. Do have a sign up saying Help Wanted!

[Chocomom]

Karma is open now. Has anyone been?

[mangorita]

where in Weymouth is this?

[hiddenboston]

Main Street (Route 18) where Littlenecks used to be.

[MC Slim JB]

Anyone know if this Karma is connected with the one in Westford, MA?

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[catsmeow]

Noticed a sign in the window...Comellas is opening between the new Star Market and Rosies Bakery in Chestnut Hill.

[itaunas]

Mystic River Coffee Roasters in Medford looked to be putting on the finishing touches as far as decoration, so presumably city-willing, they will be open soon (weekend or next week).

As far as Floating Rock it looked ready for construction and their banner was advertising for staff, but as others have said the opening looked to be much further out than "April." Maybe next month you can start the pool on whether they or Stoddard's will open first. :-)

[pemma]

Got word throught the Medford listserv that they were going to have a "soft open" today, 4/2. They will have a limited menu, but will have breads from Iggy's and pastry from Lyndell's.

[Aromatherapy]

Sign up in the space next to the Fresh Pond Sav-Mor for "organic Japanese food sushi," or something like that.

[jajjguy]

Genki-ya, they have a location in Brookline

[Luther]

Floating Rock Central Square... any week now?

-----
Floating Rock
485 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA

[Taralli]

Do you know if they got their liquor license? When we were in Revere last month, it sounded imminent, but I thought the daughter said they weren't opening until June.

[Aromatherapy]

The hearing was imminent (this was a few weeks back). Shooting for June opening.

[Luther]

Check out their facebook page. Hearing was a few weeks ago, though they didn't post the outcome.

[galangatron]

they got their liquor license. construction will start in a few weeks and they plan to open by the end of june

[shaebones]

Is the Revere location still open?

[Aromatherapy]

Yes.

[Luther]

Their latest FB post says that April will be their last month of operation in Revere, and confirms the "late June" estimate for Cambridge.

[Stride]

Does anyone know anything about Bergamot? What kind of cuisine is it and what is the general price point?

[hiddenboston]

Here you go!

http://boston.grubstreet.com/2010/03/...

[Bob Dobalina]

BTW, sign in the window I believe says they are open tonight for dinner...no foolin'.

Funny homage to EVOO? Appetizer of "Duck, Duck, Duck."

[triple creme]

Hope somebody will post a report.

[Stride]

Thanks! It looks interesting. And the logo is cute. Some of the "dustings" seem unusual...

[pemma]

A Panera is supposed to open in April in the West Roxbury plaza that had the Finagle. It's not clear to me if it is going in the Finagle space or somewhere else.

[nincyh]

It will be where the Blockbusters was, which is a bigger space than Finagle. There's a lot of work being done to the space as they Panerize it. Not sure that area gets enough volume for a Panera to be successful. I give it 18 months. Finagle space is still empty and for lease.

[hynespb]

Just to clarify, Panera will be going where Hollywood video was, not Blockbuster. I know it is only a minor technicality, but there is a vacant Blockbuster space right down the street and it could be confusing to those who are not immediately in the area.

[nincyh]

When you're right, you're right. :)
It's in the old Hollywood Video space and driving by today, it's either open now, or will be in days. Looked like it might be open already.

[globalgourmand]

For everyone's information, the Panera in West Roxbury Plaze is now open.

[lmuller]

What is Garlic and Lemons in Allston? Where is it going to be?

[BarmyFotheringayPhipps]

133 Harvard Ave, a few doors up from the puppy-stomping liquor store and Padaria Bakery -- used to be a little Russian grocery. It's supposedly "Mediterranean-influenced Lebanese," or something like that, but I don't know if they've actually posted a menu anywhere. Think shwarma and grape leaves, I guess.

[hiddenboston]

I can't post my article on this site (and it's about the only article with info on the place), but I can tell you that it's going to be a Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurant on Harvard Street where a Russian market used to be. The owner used to work at Aceituna in Cambridge (which remains open). I know that they are going to have shawarma dishes, but other than that, I'm not entirely sure what else will be on the menu.

-----
Aceituna Cafe
605 W Kendall St, Cambridge, MA 02142

[Bob MacAdoo]

I was handed a menu today while walking down Harvard Ave.. Looks like the usual Mediterranean suspects - tabouleh, fatoush, hummus, grape leabes, baba ghanouj, shwarma, falafel and kabob. The 'specials' section holds interest - Lebanese & Armenian influence including Riz Bi Jaj (rice, ground beef, chicken, fried almonds, pine nuts & yogurt), Malfoof (stuffed cabbage), and Lahmajun (Armenian flat bread.) If I'm in the area again anytime soon, i will check out the Dawood Basha for sure (kefta balls in a tomato based sauce over rice.)