June openings and closings

[hiddenboston]

Yup, it's June already, so it's time for a new monthly list of openings and closings!

A few openings that come to mind--Alma Nove in Hingham should be opening this month, as will The Haven in Jamaica Plain, Journeyman in Somerville, and Andale Express near the Aquarium.

As far as closings, Jake's Dixie Roadhouse in Waltham closed last night, and I'm almost 100% sure that The Alchemist in JP is now closed, though I haven't been able to confirm that.

[LauraBear]

what is going into the second floor Indian restaurant location in Cambridge Galleria in Harvard Sq?

[hiddenboston]

It's going to be a place called Maharaja.

[bostonphotobilll]

Yup - all closed up

[ljt064]

Five Guys is opening up in Cobb's Corner in Canton.

[9lives]

Sal's Pizza is open at 150 Tremont St today.

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Tremont Cafe
418 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

[tatsu]

Well I guess Towne Stove & Spirits is opening today

[Gordough]

I seriously doubt it is a June opening but a new Five Guys is opening in Framingham in the same plaza as Big Fresh, Boston Market, Papa Gino's etc. in between Route 9 and Route 30. I saw the signs when I was in the area over the weekend.

[hiddenboston]

Really? A Five Guys recently opened very close to there on Route 9 in Natick. What do they think they are, Starbucks or something? :-b

[Gordough]

I said the same thing to my wife in regards to proximity to the Natick location. But the signs are all up. For those who know the area, it is going where the Quiznos used to be before it closed several months back (right next to Lotus Flower Chinese restaurant).

[hiddenboston]

Interesting. That's not even up yet on the Five Guys site (they are usually pretty good about posting "coming soon" locations on the site). It's strange that they are opening so many west and south of Boston, but there aren't any between, say, Natick and Swampscott, leaving many folks north/northwest of Boston in the dust.

[Gordough]

Here is a link to a pic of the sign and location (not my blog)
http://www.thisisframingham.com/

[hiddenboston]

Thanks!

[pemma]

Outback in Medford has closed.

[hiddenboston]

Yup, I just called to confirm and got a recording of some guy with a really bad Aussie accent (it sounded suspiciously like Kevin Costner) telling me that the Medford Outback has indeed closed.

[Fort Point]

Drove by the old South location on Dorcester ST. in South Boston and there is a new sign in front for Stat Bar/Grill. Sounds like another sports bar, any info?

[hiddenboston]

Stat's in Southie will be a sister spot of J. A. Stats Restaurant and Bar in the Financial District. If it's anything like that place, figure it to be a combo sports bar/cocktail lounge that focuses mostly on sandwiches as well as a few more substantial comfort food entrees.

[hiddenboston]

The Sports Depot in Allston is now officially closed.

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Sports Depot
353 Cambridge St, Allston, MA 02134

[elbev]

Finally! The Sports 'Despot' was terrible. Surely there are enough frat houses in Allston already.

Any idea what is going in there?

[MC Slim JB]

Pizzeria Regina is taking over the Sports Depot location.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

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Sports Depot
353 Cambridge St, Allston, MA 02134

[babka eater]

The new Cambrdige location of Flour Bakery opened today. It is located on Mass Ave between Central and MIT.

I had a good egg breakfast sandwich with cheddar, arugula, and dijonaise on ciabatta this morning.

[GretchenS]

Jackson's Kitchen ("Specializing in homemeade prepared meals"), on Mass Ave in Lexington right by the Arlington line (same building as Careys Catch) is now open. A friend and I popped in briefly today to look around and get menus. He really did a first-rate build-out of a space that had never been a food service location. It's very nicely done and all spotless (he gave us a tour of the back too). Menu features sandwiches, salads, burgers, and several dinner options, all reasonably priced (steak tips or salmon dinner with pilaf and vegetable $9.95, pasta with meatballs $7.95, chicken parm or sausage cacciatore with pasta and garlic bread $8.95). You can call your order in ahead and pick up. It's all takeout, no seating. Will report back once I try something. I want for this to be yummy and successful, it's nice to have more options in the nieghborhood! 50 Mass Ave, Lexington, 781-652-8844, closed Sundays, M-Sa 10a to 7p.

[flynch]

We tried Jacksons Kitchen for dinner the other night and were very impressed. Great quality fresh food at a very reasonable price. I ordered the turkey tip dinner and my wife had the steak tip dinner. Both were cooked to perfection, in a delicious marinade. The came with rice pilaf and grilled vegetables. I highly recommend this establishment.

[T.Clark]

Alden Park Bar & Grill, sister restaurant to Abbey Park in Milton, is opening July 12th in Plymouth. They are taking over the very short lived Croma spot at Colony Place.

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Croma
160 Colony Place Rd, Plymouth, MA 02360

[hiddenboston]

Looks like Noche in the South End is opening today and Vapianos in the Theatre District is having its official opening next week.

[hiddenboston]

It looks like The Exchange on Congress in Salem will be opening next month where Sonoma used to be.

[tatsu]

Just tried Unique Food, a Dongbei (Northwest China, Manchuria) specialist that took over the space of Wisteria (a crushing loss personally the food court version isn't the same for me) on Cambridge St, Cambridge.

While the dumplings, buns, thick noodles, pancakes, raw vegetables, eggplant, potato, mixed with either lamb or pork and other dishes seem extremely authentic dongbei, they are closing after 9 months, it's already been sold.

The owner has his reasons, let's just leave it that unless you are dying to know. This is a real shame. The last day in July 15th.

However the original Allston location will stay open. I can't believe I did not know about either of these places.

I suppose I should wait till July's closings but I advise those of you not wanting to park in Allston to try the Cambridge locale.

Some tips, I pushed them on some items not on the menu, such as baked, not steamed buns. I guess they can do it but it's not on the menu, I wonder if calling in advance would be good idea. Also lamb or pork with eggplant is quite the standard dish, they can make it. As it is, most of the chinese regulars (a lot of them!) ordered the unique egglplant, which is vegetarian and comes with bell peppers. Couldn't tell if they were from Dongbei but they sure know how to order.

Another tip: there are two menus, but only one american style take out menu, UNLESS you ask for the real takeout menu, which gets pulled out of a box. Not that this place is for long anyways.

[jgg13]

They're just far enough away that they've been a "delivery only" option for me. They've slowly been changing their online foodler menu towards the more authentic stuff, but hadn't quite made it there. :) I guess I'll need to go in person soon.

[Aromatherapy]

What Allston location?
ETA: OK, I see it's on Harvard. Don't recollect hearing of it before.

[fredid]

Some discussion on the board about both places when the Cambridge one opened; I believe the menu at the Allston one was not very "interesting".

[tatsu]

I talked to the owner and he agreed to port the Cambridge menu to Allston after I threatened to write bad reviews on CH and Yelp. Just kidding. He said he'll do it after the Cambridge shop closes. He also agreed to expand the seating in Allston after I twisted his arm. Just kidding. He's working on it...

[elbev]

Tatsu, I am very curious to know their reason for closing, and I am curious why you did not mentioned it.

I was always puzzled as to why they presented themselves as 'generic Americanized Chinese' online and on the takeout menus, since the NW Chinese stuff was what stood out.

Too bad they are going out of business. We had a few very good meals at Unique and I was thinking of going back soon. They did, however, completely screw up both of the takeout frozen dumping orders we made (the first was for half pork, half veggie and we got half pork/half beef, the second was for all veggie only and we got all pork with leek). When I called to complain they did not seem especially troubled, said something about the cook being confused, and made a vague offer to give us a discount next time. Good thing we are not vegetarians!

[tatsu]

It's just a bit bizarre and hard to explain. The owner is an experienced restauranteur but back home was a professor. He opened both locations simultaneously. Meanwhile the guy is trying to write a book on Western Civilization for a Chinese audience. (okay.....) So he says he's just "too busy!" even though business is good, he decided to cut the Cambridge locale. It's already been sold, probably to another Chinese restauranteur!

I can get details on the next place going in if you like, I plan to have lunch there Tuesday.

So I wasn't trying to be coy, I just thought it was a strange story.

[elbev]

Thanks for the info, tatsu. That is quite an unusual story, and makes me wish I hung out there more and got a chance to chat with the owner. Presumably Allston is a more civilized place than East Cambridge...

[hiddenboston]

Just got word that La Paloma in Quincy is opening a second location in Kingston. Not sure about the exact opening date yet....

[T.Clark]

Is that who's moving into the former Pizza Hut / BocaTu space? I remember going to a La Paloma in S.Weymouth many many years ago but I don't remember if it was any good. Same people maybe? Anyways can't be any worse than Cancun on the north side of Rt.3. in Kingston or Sam Diego's in Plymouth.

[southie_chick]

Yup - the La Paloma in Weymouth WAS the same people who have the La Paloma in Quincy. Never tried the Weymouth location so I'm not sure if they had the same menu - I think they were trying to do a more expansive menu in Weymouth if I remember correctly. I do remember the people I knew who tried it liked the Quincy location better.

[hiddenboston]

That is indeed the space!

[jjbourgeois]

That's truly horrifying and nauseating news. I know La Paloma is one of those places that you either love or hate. I hate it, truly. We gave it 3 tries. All were so incredibly bad it became a running joke in our house.

[C. Hamster]

I couldn't agree more. We also gave it 3 tries and it was appallingly bad every time.

[fredid]

May be old news - Some kind of sandwich/juice/healthy bar going into the old Hollywood Express space in Central Sq, next to the 1369.

[hiddenboston]

Yes, Life Alive, which is located in Lowell, is going to be opening a new spot in the old Hollywood Express. I believe they are hoping to open by late summer.

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Life Alive
194 Middle St Apt 3R, Lowell, MA 01852

[mats77]

The Cottonwood Cafe in the Back Bay is closing on June 30th. Very sad news. Get your margs and snakebites while you can.

[hiddenboston]

Where did you hear this? I just went to OpenTable and they are still taking reservations for the Cottonwood through July at least.

P.S. Never mind, I just confirmed it as well. Wow, that place has been there for a long time, too.

[SaraASR]

This makes me really, really sad.

[C. Hamster]

I can live without it, though their bar was a good hangout.

Wonder what will take its place?

[djdorchester]

Man this is terrible news. I wonder if they'll give me the recipe for their fire & spice dish. MMMMMM

[mats77]

Actually, they moved up the last day to this Sunday June 27th. :(

[JSchwo7]

There is a "Cottonwood's Last Call" party that day, I just saw the posting.

[SaraASR]

What is the Cottonwood Last Call party? When is it? Details please!

[JSchwo7]

It's Sunday from 1PM to close, in the cafe and, hopefully the patio if it's not too rainy.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?i...

[BackBayGirl]

My friend walked by recently and told me. I loved their poblano mac n' cheese. I guess on their website though they said that they are looking for a new location because their lease ran out on the old place. We'll see where they might go, hopefully soon.

[Wannabfoode]

looks like Noche, in the old Icarus space will be opening next week and not this week

[ljt064]

On my way into work saw the Jake n Joes Sports Bar on Rte 1 will be open on Friday at 5:00. Its owned by the Nocera family that own the Chateu chain.

[hiddenboston]

I was looking at their beer list, and it looks like they have their own brew (Jake and Joe's IPA). The menu looks pretty sports bar-like, though they also offer Portuguese stew.

[Boston_Otter]

No tears shed here over the Qdoba that closed this weekend in Porter Square. Hope something more edible opens in that prime space.

[marcreichman]

I think the rents must be out of control in that place because there's always utter shit (porter square books aside) in there.

Maybe they spend too much $$ figuring out how to squeeze more cars in the lot?

[chickendhansak]

What has been in the space the past? I don't remember.

[jennkay36]

McDonald's was there before Qdoba, so I thought it was a huge step up, but rarely ate there. I vote that Zing moves in as well! Amazing gluten free crust, although you have to order a whole pie to get it except for special occassions.

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Qdoba
5 White St, Cambridge, MA 02140

[Boston_Otter]

Confusingly, it appears that Qdoba applied this week for a victualer license at their former location in Porter Square, which is most definitely closed. So I have no idea.

[hiddenboston]

Maybe they are closed for renovations?

Speaking of which, I saw that the nearby Banjo's is "temporarily closed for renovations," and Good Food Cafe further up the street seems awfully quiet these days (it never seems open anymore). Anyone know what's going on with either of these places?

[Boston_Otter]

Qdoba had a sign in their window saying "we are now closed" and thanking patrons for all the years of visiting their store, encouraging them to go to other locations instead. The inside is stripped bare, and the sign's been taken down. They're pretty definitively closed :)

Banjo's closed for renovations on the same day that roadwork was being done outside. Frankly, I'd be shocked if they re-opened.

I hope Good Food Cafe stays open. They used to have some of my favorite sandwiches in town until they started consistently running out of bread early in lunch hour or just not opening at all on some days.

[hiddenboston]

It's noon on Friday, I'm trying to reach Good Food Cafe by phone, and no one is answering. Definitely not a good sign. Anyone know what's going on with the place?

[Bob Dobalina]

Tried Banjo's a couple of times - The small roast beef was actually pretty good and not a bad deal at $3.99 or so - pretty tasty the two times I've stopped in. But not sure what it is, but the rest of the menu just seems disorganized - deli sandwiches, masking tape of certain portions of the menu, hot dogs, chicken....just too unfocused. Plus, signage is poor to non-existent, and the colors in the place are just sort of food-servicey, like pale yellow...

[Boston_Otter]

Very much agreed, Bob -- I enjoyed the roast beef and BBQ pork sandwiches there, but the rest of the menu changes almost daily. Things appear and disappear at the owner's whim. I talked to him once, and he said "My menu's always evolving! Every day I try new stuff to see what works! I never have an 'opening day' -- every day's an opening day!".

[bear]

Maybe Banjo's ran out of money and couldn't afford a sign, which is unfortunate because it never looked like they officially opened. Not very inviting.
I stopped one day to get some roast beef to go to make grilled sandwiches at home, and although they didn't have bulk meat as an option they sold me some. It was good, but I"m not sure it stood out over deli counter meat. It did seem pretty unfocused.

[Boston_Otter]

I'd agree with you on some counts, but with Henry Bear's Park replacing a lousy framing store and Cambridge Natural Foods holding its own for a good long time, it's not all lousy.

Maybe Zing Pizza will move in? They're doing tons of business in their little nook around the corner.

[cindywho]

Rats! My knitting group met there (though that's what I get for not getting much there to eat!)

[Boston_Otter]

I'd suggest going to Christopher's across the street. Much nicer for meeting and conversation!

[Wannabfoode]

think tank (1 kendall square) opens for dinner tomorrow night.

[hiddenboston]

Yup, just saw that on OpenTable. Looks like Think Tank is opening around 6:30 or 7:00 PM.

[marcreichman]

Floating Rock Cambridge just announced that they are pushing back to August.
http://twitter.com/FloatingRockRst/st...

[9lives]

I saw that on Facebook today.

Anyone tried the new place that opened in the old FR location?

[lulatula]

Skipjacks in Natick closed last night. A friend of mine who worked there (I did as well) went by to get something and they had uhauls taking everything out of the store. No notice or anything.

[hiddenboston]

I talked to someone at the Natick Skipjacks and he said they were closed for now, and were doing renovations. When I asked if this meant they would be reopening, he said "Not necessarily, no."

[Gordough]

Not surprising. While I think Skipacks is decent, most people when given the choice (and they are about 100 yards away) will choose Legal over Skipjacks.

[Blumie]

And many of us would choose neither.

[Gordough]

please do tell us where would you go for a piece of fish in that area? Captain Mardens sit down area is ok but the hours are odd and the selection limited and I heard awful things about Village Fish in Needham. So if it isn't Legal and it isn't Skipjacks where can I go for some fresh fish and and/or raw bar items in that part of metro west?

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Captain Marden
279 Linden St, Wellesley, MA 02482

Village Fish
970 Great Plain Ave, Needham, MA 02492

[Blumie]

Oga or Sichuan Gourmet. Unfortunately, as with the Boston area in general (notwithstanding this being a "fish town"), there are not many good options for fish.

[Gordough]

Unfortunately none of those places are going to work for a bowl of clam chowder, 1/2 dozen oysters and a nice cut of (cooked) wild salmon. or any variation on the above. Sushi and Sichuan, while, of course, serving seafood, is an entirely different category at least for me than a Legal, Skipjacks type meal. Apples and oranges if you will. sometimes you just gotta have standard seafood options like I mentioned above.

[nsenada]

I've heard good things about the Zebra Bistro in Medfield. They're supposed to be good for seafood.

[itaunas]

I have always wondered how the Natick Dolphin Seafood is and it certainly offers the kind of fare that Gordough mentions. I got the impression that the Harvard Square location which I like was better and its far from my ideal place for raw bar stuff, but given the comparison to Skipjacks it should come out reasonably well.

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Dolphin Seafood Restaurant
12 Washington St, Natick, MA 01760

[emilief]

Dolphin Seafood in Natick is meh. Unfortunately the best place for raw bar etc. is Legal. Both the Chestnut hIll and Natick locations are quite good. Never had anything but great food at both. The Skipjack's in Newton has a horrible antiseptic smell when you enter. Last time we turned around and left right away because of this.

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Dolphin Seafood Restaurant
12 Washington St, Natick, MA 01760

[edgewater]

I think Dolphin Seafood in Natick is very good and prices are reasonable.
Their lobster roll is excellent . Before 5:30 there is an extensive $9.99 menu including the lobster roll and appetizers are $5.95. The sole a la pedro is also very good.

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Dolphin Seafood Restaurant
12 Washington St, Natick, MA 01760

[galleygirl]

I love Sichuan Gourmet, but the fish options are limited, to say the least. And the fish themselves are usually some boring type of white fillet, relying on the prep to bring them to life. Not the place I'd head for a fish dinner..

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Sichuan Gourmet
502 Boston Rd, Billerica, MA 01821

[L2k]

I've never had a bad meal at Village Fish. Went to the old location on my first date with my eventual wife, and we go to the new location every couple of months or so and it's always good.

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Village Fish
970 Great Plain Ave, Needham, MA 02492

[L2k]

Darn. I really enjoyed those easy 1000 point reservations through Open Table there.

[lulatula]

I thought it may have been something to do with the lease. I did go on the Skipjacks website and the Natick location is already taken off the site. So if they were doing renovations "supposedly" then I would think they would put reopening soon rather then removing it. I have many other restaurants I can work at but some of the staff relied solely on this job to support families and I personally think leaving your employee's hanging like this is unacceptable.

[damneddemand]

Zocalo in the former Stix space is now open (35 Stanhope Street, behind the Back Bay T station near the corner of Columbus Ave and Clarendon St.)

We went last night -- was pretty happy with the food and in general feel it is a good addition to a neighborhood that is missing much in the way of Mexican food. The prices seem a bit high -- $20-25 for most of the entrees (though enchiladas and tacos are less.) It's been awhile since I ate at the location in Brighton, but apparently it is the same chef and the food matches my recollection of the Brighton location.

The space seems unchanged from Stix (not that I ever ate there) except for the addition of a few mayan masks; probably 15 tables plus a small bar area. It's a pleasant but slightly small space. They have a full liquour license.

We had:

- Chips with guac. Chips seem to be from a bag; guac is made fresh at the table. Good, but heavy on the cilantro and not enough lime for my taste.

- Chicken tamale with mole sauce appetizer -- the tamale was much "wetter" than I am used to, but the flavor was good. The mole sauce was not bad -- a tad on the sweet side but with a good spiciness; not as complex as a really good mole can be.

- Tortilla soup. Very good -- nice chili flavor -- not super heavy on the tortillas but still a hearty soup.

- Chicken enchiladas. Overall good flavor but came out a bit on the cool side. To their credit when we mentioned this to them they offered to reheat and then didn't charge us for them!

Also had a couple of house margaritas. Could have used a bit more lime, but had a good amount of tequila and weren't too sweet.

Overall the meal (for two -- came hungry and left very full) came to about $50 before tip; would have been $65 with the enchiladas.

I gather they opened last Wednesday; service was good considering they haven't been open long -- attentive and friendly and definitely concerned that we had a good experience.

-----
Zocalo
35 Stanhope St, Boston, MA 02116

[kimfair1]

I never thought the food at Zocalo in Brighton was bad, just overpriced for what it was. Probably why it didn't suceed in that location.

-----
Zocalo
203 Broadway, Arlington, MA 02474

[marcreichman]

Interesting to hear about the guac. I've always found their's to be very lime-tastic, at both (original) locations. I wonder if something is different or that was just a one-off?

I'm looking forward to going to here since it's so close to my office! I happen to live so close to the Arlington one too, so this is just good news about.

[BoDubya]

Stork Club is closed. Looks like there was a conflict switching over the licences, not sure if it will open as the Stork or something else.

[MC Slim JB]

Nice energy dome there, BoDubya!

But I don't understand your comment. Is the license switchover from the original Stork Club owners to new owners?

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Science Chick]

The inside tip that I got on the Stork was that they were VERY far behind in both their rent and money owed to food vendors. Food vendors refused to deliver anymore. Not sure whether they will salvage the situation or bail.

[justbeingpolite]

In Bedford, Ka-Noon has replaced Lemon Tree. A definite improvement, as it is owned by a collaboration of the owners of the Yoong Tong restaurants in Northborough and Chelmsford, and the Rice Barn in Needham, all of which get more praise than the Lemon Tree/Lemongrass restaurants. Though I'll admit to fondness for Lemon Grass in Lexington, just on an historical basis.
Had lunch here, and thought it was much improved. Duck prik praw (sp?) was really moist and tasty. They tell me they'll be authentic. Pretty decor, too. An added plus: they had the World Cup playing over the bar.

[rubysdad]

At Lemon Tree, now decamped to Middlesex Turnpike in Burlington, order shrimp Pad Thai and you will find the following: 1) four small (U50) shrimp on the verge of spoiling 2) overcooked noodles 3) more sugar than a can of Coke 4) ketchup mixed with maybe 1/2 teaspoon of fish sauce. 5) a few sad limp bean sprouts-- ditto for scallions

[bear]

Yup. Ordered takeout Pad Thai last year. Yuck.

[hiddenboston]

Chez Jacky (a casual French Bistro from the Petit Robert people) officially opened in Brighton about 20 minutes ago. :-) They are taking over the space where Zocalo used to be, on Comm. Ave.

[jomo9501]

Nearly eight months after a fire shut down the Chinese restaurant, Cheng-Du in Stoughton Center, the business is set to reopen later this month in a new location.
According to town records, Cheng-Du owner Lei Tang plans to reopen the restaurant at 657 Washington St., where several previous businesses were located.

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Cheng-Du Restaurant
249 N Main St, Mansfield, MA 02048

[hiddenboston]

Yup, a friend of mine who used to go to Cheng Du all the time before the fire told me that they are getting ready to open in the spot where Phatt Boys used to be.

-----
Cheng Du Restaurant
762 Washington St, Stoughton, MA 02072

[hiddenboston]

Just got word that Joan and Ed's Deli in Natick is closing.

[Joanie]

No one else is surprised by this?

[hiddenboston]

Heh, I am. They were in business for nearly 35 years. Sounds like the owners wanted to retire, plus the bad economy apparently took its toll as well.

[catsmeow]

I'm surprised. When are they closing?

[Joanie]

I saw a thing on Ch. 4 news saying Father's Day was the last day.

[nsenada]

Yup - it's on their website.

[edgewater]

There is an article on their closing in today's Metrowest News.

[nsenada]

That's really sad - I got a blueberry muffin from them a couple weeks ago that was surprisingly great. I also liked their cheese kugel.

[L2k]

Went there for lunch on Saturday. Got there a little early, expecting a crush of well-wishers, but it was only 2/3 full at 11:40AM. All their Judaica gift items were 65% off. All the kitschy posters on the wall are $3-4 (other than the needlework ones). Waitress told us they found out last week when everyone else found out.

Full menu still being served, but they aren't ordering much more supplies, so things will be running out. They are selling Hard Salamis (unsliced) at half off, so we picked up a 2 pounder for $27 that should last us the rest of the year. BTW, the ones hanging in the deli area are fakes, the real ones are in the case.

What does that leave us, just Zaftigs for Kosher-style deli?

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

I was wondering the same thing..what's left? I don't care for Zaftigs, and the poor service at Rubin's keeps me away from there. I still haven't been to S&S but I haven't heard much good about them.

I loved Joan and Ed's. The fact that even they weren't drawing crowds anymore means maybe the market doesn't support another kosher style restaurant--which I find hard to believe.

[Blumie]

It doesn't necessarily mean the market won't support a kosher-style restaurant. It only means the market won't support the mediocre ones we have.

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

Ok, then, where's the superior one(s)?

[Blumie]

New York, for starters.

It may be that the Boston area won't support a high quality Kosher-style restaurant, but when have we ever had one to put it to the test?

Newton used to have two -- the Langley Deli and Provisor's. Both did well for a long time, but neither could overcome family- and owner-successor issues. Barry's, in the Waban neighborhood of Newton is decent, and that place has been around a long time.

[litchick]

There's always Rein's, near Hartford. That's the closest good one I can think of.

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

Yes, my point exactly--one has to go halfway to NYC to find a really good sit-down kosher-style deli?

I'd like to think there's an untapped market in the boston area, but I guess not.

[Ruprecht]

Barry's, in Waban, is still around. Only been there once, but it was decent.

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

It's not a sit-down though, is it? I've eaten their catered food at a private function and it was decent as you said.

I'm just wondering if there's another sit-down kosher-style place besides S&S and Zaftigs.

[Gordough]

Barry's does indeed have some sit down tables with waitress service.

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

Thanks, I didn't know that! I'd driven by a few times and always thought it was take-out only!

[LauraBear]

Rubin's on Harvard Ave is actually kosher

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

OK. How's the food and service these days? I've heard horror stories in the past, but they must be doing something right if they've been in business this long.

[LauraBear]

I find it is fine - I have kosher relatives and it's by far the best option for kosher and probably the best corned beef in and around Boston

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

Thanks' I'll have to check it out.

[catsmeow]

Last week, I got a few things to go there and it was crowded. There weren't any free tables.

[L2k]

Wife went for lunch today. No Kasha Knishes, running out of more food. :(

[devilham]

Mike's Deli (I think that's the name) on Harvard st. in Coolidge Corner.....good deli with simply awesome pastrami and corned beef.

[Aromatherapy]

Teele Sq. Cafe is closed. According to Davis Sq. LiveJournal, a vegan restaurant has been approved for alcohol in that space.

[Bob Dobalina]

Wow...that's three with Red Lentil and Pulse - veggie/vegan chowcrawl was only a dream before...but now...

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Red Lentil
600 Mt Auburn St, Watertown, MA 02472

[jennkay36]

Hooray!

[central squared]

And Life Alive is coming to central square. We stumbled on them in Lowell and it was really good. More of a macro type place, but really really good. It's going in the place of the video shop that went under, near 1369. As a vegetarian, I'm totally psyched to have another option, especially so close to my place.

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Life Alive
194 Middle St Apt 3R, Lowell, MA 01852

[jgg13]

as a very non-vegetarian central squarian, I'm extremely underwhelmed - looking at their menu, I suspect that I'll never eat there. On the upside, at least it's not another stupid bank or cell phone store.

[Science Chick]

Wow, that looks wonderful.........I'm psyched too!

[Duster17]

Sign at Primebar Grill in Wayland (formerly Luigi's) on Rte 20 says they are opening tomorrow (June 8).

[jjbourgeois]

Pete's Place in Stoughton Center is closed. For lease sign in the window. The Pete's Place in Canton is still in business.

[scottdrums]

Does anybody know anything about a new restaurant on Walnut st. in Peabody. Drove by it looks now open, it used to be an excellent portugese restaurant called O Fado. I think it is now a Brazillian Steakhouse.

[galleygirl]

OOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!
My last meal at O Fado......*sob*......

[jpcat]

Not a June happening, but worth mentioning: Trattoria Toscana will close for vacation the last two weeks in July. Probably on the 15th, but will leave exact dates on their phone message.

Had a perfect plate of spaghetti with thick tomato sauce from their spring menu last night. DC had spaghetti with cod - his favorite. TT rarely disappoints.

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Trattoria Toscana
130 Jersey St, Boston, MA 02215

[MC Slim JB]

Love both those dishes. Take a peek into Trattoria Toscana's kitchen sometime on your way to the restroom. Amazing what Zamir turns out, pretty much solo, on such paltry equipment.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

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Trattoria Toscana
130 Jersey St, Boston, MA 02215

[Joanie]

Has anyone mentioned Crispy Dough pizza or Lilly's pasta on Tremont St. by Mike's Donuts? Just noticed those on the walk from Roxbury Crossing.

Also, Catch isn't gonna open in Boston or Cambridge til after summer. I was asking Chris Parsons about it when we ate at Parsons Table tonite. They're pretty busy and the space they thought they had in Central Sq. fell thru so they'll start up again later.

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Tremont Cafe
418 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Parsons Table
34 Church St, Winchester, MA 01890

[MC Slim JB]

Noche, in the former Icarus space, announced that it is opening on Tuesday, June 15.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[tatsu]

As I said on Twitter, Dosa Factory is opening soon at 434 Moody St in Waltham. Recently I saw Dosas coming out of India Gourmet at the mall in Natick on a weekend, they looked like the real deal at around 16 inches diameter. So I hope Dosa Factory can impress as well, I have not tried them in Cambridge (the re-named Shalimar fast food operation)

[jennkay36]

How is the Dosa Factory in Central Square?

[MC Slim JB]

I like Dosa Factory. The traditional dosas and snacks are better than the entrees or "creative" dosas. I did a Phoenix review of it a couple of months back.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hotoynoodle]

vapiano at the transportation building anyday now. a german chain of italian food? with bok choy on the menu? i'm scratching my head fer sure. anybody heard of this place before?

[hckybg]

Yes they had several locations in Washington, DC when I lived there. It is a fast casual place; they make pasta, salads, and pizza to order. The food is generally decent and the interiors are very modern and bright...and they serve beer and wine. I always liked it for a cheap quick meal or after work. There is nothing particularly German about it, except efficiency and design.

[Aromatherapy]

"Coming soon" signs are up for a Pakistani restaurant on N. Beacon.

[hiddenboston]

Do you have an address for the upcoming Pakistani place? What spot is it taking over?

[Aromatherapy]

Nope. Maybe a block north of the entrance to the S&S plaza. No idea what it was.

[Pegmeister]

Patriot Ledger is reporting that Alma Nove in Hingham will be open to the public today.

[Jenny Ondioline]

This is retail rather than dining, but the BJ's on Seyon Street in Waltham -- literally almost within sight of Russo's -- opened this week. Makes a handy one-two stop if you're planning on grilling: veggies at Russo's, meats, breads, etc. at BJ's.

[westsidelizzy]

Daily Grill closed.
Oceanaire was bought by Landry's Group which also owns Chart House.

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Oceanaire
40 Court Street, Boston, MA 02108

Daily Grill
111 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02199

[hiddenboston]

I noticed on Yelp that Daily Grill had closed. Do you know when their last day was?

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Daily Grill
111 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02199

[marais]

Daily Grill last service was on Saturday the 29th. I had been a weekend lunch regular, and was able to have lunch there on the last day.
Not the same concept or cuisine, but Brasserie Jo across the street would be a better alternative in the immediate vicinity than the CF...in fact, anything but the CF would be better.

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Daily Grill
111 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02199

Brasserie Jo
120 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

[Joanie]

Damn, Daily Grill's 5-7 apps were quite good, I wanted to go back for the crab cake sliders. I guess Cheesecake Factory wins out if you're choosing something in the Pru.

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Daily Grill
111 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02199

[C. Hamster]

Their 5-7 apps were cheap and very good, but the place still had a very Applebee's kind of vibe to it ....

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Applebee's
85 Main St, Tewksbury, MA 01876

[Blumie]

The Oceanaire chain had gone into bankruptcy, and Landry's bought it out of bankruptcy.

In addition to The Chart House, Landry's (which is a NYSE-listed public company) owns the Landry's, Rainforest Cafe and numerous other chains and individual restaurants.

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Oceanaire
40 Court Street, Boston, MA 02108

[Parsnipity]

Funny fact: Landry's operates a seafood restaurant in the Denver Aquarium, which they moved into to help get it solvent and keep it open. Still...

[Bob Dobalina]

That's wrong on many levels...

[hiddenboston]

For some reason, that Lynda Montgomery quote popped into my head just now: "Why does Sea World have a seafood restaurant?? I'm halfway through my fish burger and I realize, Oh my God....I could be eating a slow learner."

[hiddenboston]

A second Clover Food Truck is coming to Dewey Square next week. Also, Naked Pizza (the "healthy" pizza place from New Orleans that has the backing of the Kraft Family) is coming to Comm. Ave. by BU. Also, just got word that Karma in Weymouth is looking to reopen somewhere in Dorchester.

[bostonbroad]

Clover in Dewey Square?!? Yay. That is certainly some welcome news. Thanks!

[joebloe]

Karma opened only like two weeks in Weymouth but promptly sold it. The owners are the people from the famous VNmese sandwich place Hau Giang Restaurant. They have been looking to reopen right across the street on Dot Ave but construction on hold because of credit crunch.

[nsenada]

Just walked by Bostone in Liberty Square - a lady that walked out and handed me a free slice coupon said they were most likely opening Friday. Looks like the ovens are working, there were pizza slices out on the counter, and the front counter seemed stocked with different bags of chips.

[SmokeDawg]

I had a slice of Bostone pizza the other day from the Liberty square shop. It reminded me of High School cafeteria pizza. I can't fathom why anyone would eat there more than once.

[litchick]

Any word on when Bull (H-Sq, in the old Shilla space) will be opening?

[MC Slim JB]

A few places that look close to opening in June: The Gallows (fka Sage South End), Sam's Place (at the new Louis Boston), The Haven (fka Zon's), Chez Jacky (fka Zocalo Brighton).

Got word that Geoffrey's Cafe of Roslindale is shopping for a second location somewhere closer in town. I really liked the South End original, the Back Bay one (currently BarLola) not so much.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

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Zocalo
203 Broadway, Arlington, MA 02474

Zon's
2 Perkins St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

[Bob Dobalina]

Was discussing this weekend with some Rozzie friends the merits of the "doughnut muffin" at Geoffrey's. That is one yummy baked good.

[hiddenboston]

Looks like The Gallows may have had a soft opening this week, and I saw something about a possible grand opening tomorrow, though I'm trying to confirm.

[Blumie]

While the website itself is kinda ugly, the menu at Sam's look promising. Although they certainly are not venturing off the middle of the fairway, if the food is good, it will be a nice, moderately priced addition to the neighborhood.

http://samsatlouis.com/

[hiddenboston]

The place is really out of the way. It is in a standalone building toward the back of a huge parking lot to the east of the courthouse. Even with the big signs saying that Louis Boston (and Sam's) is "here," we had a bit of trouble finding it. Nice spot, though, with gorgeous views of the water.

[pemma]

We were by there last Saturday before the restaurant opened. Menu was very reasonably priced. WIth that big deck overlooking the harbor I think it's going to be a very popular place on nice days.

[hiddenboston]

Karma in Weymouth closed after being in business for only two months.

[Joanie]

Yikes.

Someone said they thought Acapulco in JP was closing but it's had the 'open' light on for the last two nites.

[Bob Dobalina]

Wow...obvious joke alert there!

[joebloe]

Karma opened only like two weeks in Weymouth but promptly sold it. The owners are the people from the famous VNmese sandwich place Hau Giang Restaurant. They have been looking to reopen right across the street on Dot Ave but construction on hold because of credit crunch.

[Chocomom]

I'd actually bumped into the owner awhile back at the South Shore Plaza and she told me that she had opened another location for a few months after getting kicked out but the rent was tripled of what they used to pay.

She told me that if she found the right price location she would open up again. I'd given her my card to give me a call when she does for I told her I'd truly missed their food and all the other vietnamese places haven't compare.

[Chocomom]

Drove by the other day and saw a sign for the new restaurant, Stockholders (a chops/seafood place) underneath it said a Kevin Haynes or Hynes restaurant). Too much to take in while driving.

[Joanie]

I thought I was at the last nite of the Alchemist on Sun. but people were outside when I drove by Mon. at midnite. Maybe it was an employee party. Fish n chips were decent, slaw too mayo-y, salad with goat cheese croquette very good, okay mussels. But a review is moot at this point I guess.

I still can't believe Jake's closed. Was there some personal issue? Who's got the bbq market in Waltham?

[hiddenboston]

Hey, Joanie. Health issues were involved in the decision to close Jake's. I believe another restaurant may be moving into that spot, but no other info at this time. As far as where to go around there for BBQ, Bison County is one option, but I prefer Blue Ribbon, which has a location nearby in West Newton.