September Openings and Closings

[hiddenboston]

Anyone hear anything yet? I'll start with some great news--Think Tank in Cambridge is going to be reopening later this month after being forced to close due to the floods earlier this summer.

[Chris VR]

http://melrose.patch.com/articles/dam... says D'Amici's bakery is taking over part of the space where Melrose Drug was. Last I'd heard, Alchemy Co-op was planning on that space, but their FB page is dormant, and i never heard back from them about buying shares, so maybe that project has gone dormant. I reaaly like D'Amicis and will be glad to have them in town.

[itaunas]

FYI, the Salvadoran restaurant San Felipe on Broadway in Chelsea closed and is now Tacos Azteca (pre-October, post-May). Its hard to say if the name really signals a Mexican shift as the window had photos of common Salvadoran plates, but that could be a holdover. In any case without throwing mud, San Felipe was a restaurant which had run its course, so I am hoping for any improvement whether an excellent Salvadoran "Mexican" grill, a Guatemalan chef striking out with Salvadoran, Guatemalan, and Mexican food, or better yet more food from North of Guatemala. (Felipe had counter seats, so its totally feasible to try a $2 taco and if the food doesn't rate there is a very chowish corner 3 blocks north.)

[Chris VR]

I forgot to mention -- I think they opened in September --- Harrow's Chicken Pies now has a small store in the shopping center on Route 1 in Saugus where Trader Joe's and Border Cafe are. It's in a funny place, on the front side by Route 1, on your right as you're looking at Route 1. If you're in that shopping center, you actually don't see it, because it's around the corner from the rest of the stores.

[phatchris]

Cafe Nuovo on Salem St in the North End is open for brunch. Menu looks promising.

-----
Cafe Nuovo
1 Citizens Plz Ste 1B, Providence, RI 02903

[bear]

Where'd you see a menu? I couldn't find much online.

[phatchris]

They have one posted on the door of the restaurant. Pretty typical brunch items, but with an Italian twist. They have a carbonara that actually sounds like carbonara ( pasta, egg yolk, cheese, and pancetta).

[bear]

Thanks, pc. I'll keep my eyes open for any posts and will certainly post if we get there within the next couple of weeks. We're big breakfast people and like to spend our Saturday mornings lingering and chatting rather than hitting a greasy spoon for a quick bite. It would be great to have a decent North End breakfast spot with a nice atmosphere.

We gave up on North Street Grille after a few frustrating tries.

-----
North Street Grille
229 North St, Boston, MA 02113

[Beachowolfe]

Went to Nuovo today. Service was pretty spotty as expected so close to the opening. The space is quite nice for a breakfast spot

I had the veg frittata and a broccoli rabe sausage. The frittata was fluffy and stuffed with vegetables. The sausage was good, not sure if they're made in house or from Sulmona or somewhere, but definitely not food service quality. Home fries were quartered red potatoes with simple seasoning and onions, fully cooked to soft without being mushy. Undercooked home fries are a big pet peeve of mine. We will return.

FWIW I think North Street is fine- nothing special but IMO the have decent food and the atmosphere is comfortable.

[marcreichman]

I saw some paper up on windows and a propped open door at Kee Kar Lau in teele square while driving by. No idea if this is renovations or closing or what. Anything would be an improvement.

-----
Kee Kar Lau Restaurant
1158 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144

[joth68]

According to the sign on the window, they are renovating. I don't really know what they could do with that space besides throw a coat of paint up but I doubt the food will change much.

[joth68]

They took the paper down and it does look like much nicer in there although the use of space hasn't changed. It says it is under new management and there is a new menu up in the window although it still appears to be the usual americanized fare.

I'll be curious to see if this new management maintains the old recipes. There were a few "interesting" things that they did like put a ton of cinnamon in their spring rolls and load their rangoons with onions.

[Snowflake]

walked by Finagle A Bagel in Harv Sq last night and it looked closed with signs in the window. I don't usually pay attention to the space so I don't know if or how long it has been closed. I searched around here and didn't find any mention, but yelp notes it as closed which leads me to believe it has been closed for awhile.

[hckybg]

This from the Harvard Crimson:
"Enzo: After Finagle A Bagel closes at the end of August, this pizza stand will start moving in to its space on Mass. Ave. According to Jillson, pizza will cost $3 per slice when this no-frills eatery opens in late October."

Wicked Local says Enzo is an "outpost of Portland, Maine-based Otto"

[Jenny Ondioline]

Whatever happened to Saus, that Belgian frites and waffles place? Are they still stuck in neutral?

[Chris VR]

Yes, according to their blog, they're hung up in the permitting process. http://sausinc.blogspot.com/2010/09/a...

[Mr Bigglesworth]

Grub St reported Naked Pizza replacing Quizno's in Coolidge. Anyone been - I guess it's a chain? Quizno's is disgusting, and CC really could use a solid pizza place.

[southie_chick]

Cafe Dino on Milk Street was papered over when I walked by today. Not sure if it's closed for good or they're doing a rehab of the space.

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

[ajmoose]

there was a sign for a while that Cafe Dino was moving to 2 Oliver St. (the old Pressed Sandwiches location). i haven;t been in, but the word is that there's a lot less seating than the old basement, and no pizza anymore...

it was kind of an odd move, i used to get breakfast from there a lot, and no one ever mentioned the move was imminent, and then one day it was just closed.

-----
Pressed Sandwiches
2 Oliver St, Boston, MA 02109

Cafe Dino
45 Milk St, Boston, MA 02109

[9lives]

I liked Cafe Dino and was also surprised when they closed. Haven't tried the new location.

There's been a lot of turnover on that part of Devonshire in the last few years. Grass Roots told me their rent had been tripled.

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

Grass Roots Cafe
101 Arch St, Boston, MA 02110

[southie_chick]

YOUCH! I can't understand why in a bad economy the landlords have to do that. You think looking at all the empty storefronts on Newbuy Street the landlords would get a clue - especially in the Financial District, which is pretty much empty on the weekends.

[lergnom]

Naked Pizza is a small chain that is franchising. Only a handful of open locations scattered across the country. Their gimmick is all natural with dough made with probiotics and the like. They also have a gluten free pizza. A glance at the menu shows they aren't charging premium prices so I gather moderate price points are part of the marketing package.

[Jenny Ondioline]

I checked out their website too, and I'm afraid it doesn't bode well. They're apparently VERY big on the selling point of having probiotics in their dough: they should just change their name to "Pizza that helps you poo!" and be done with it.

[hiddenboston]

Is there pizza out there that doesn't help you poo? :-b

[johndory]

I'm sad to report that Velouria in Hyde Square closed down over the weekend. The quality of coffee often turns on whether the person brewing it cares about what he or she is doing--the inputs and technique are pretty simple. So it's too bad that a place run by someone who clearly was passionate about coffee has closed.

[hiddenboston]

Comella's is opening, well, EVERYWHERE. Looks like new locations in East Arlington, Belmont Center, and Chestnut Hill.

[fantundo]

The installations seem stalled. Wonder if they've overreached.

[pemma]

I've never eaten at Commella's and maybe I'm just a snobby Italian, but there's something about "Messes" and buckets of pasta that I find really unappealing.

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

I've eaten their food at a catered event once, back when they only had one or two locations. It was a mess all right. I will admit I had high expectations, from hearing so many great things from friends. But the pasta was very overcooked and the sauce way too sweet for my tastes.

Perhaps their expansion is aimed at filling a void left behind by Vinny T's/Testa's, but then again there may be no such void; we'll see.

I have nothing against them really and will give them another shot (trying a non-tomato-sauce option). Looking forward to reading about the new locations being finished so I can check it out.

[fantundo]

It reminds me of eating at my Italian grandmother's in the 1950's - homey, definitely food and not cuisine!

[9lives]

Saw a sign in Downtown Xing for a Chipotle Mex..corner of Lincoln and Summer..maybe 100 feet from QDoba.

I'll use this as an excuse to plug my favorite downtown tacquerai; Burrito Express on Bedford and right around the corner.

[MC Slim JB]

Per UniversalHub.com, it looks like The King in West Roxbury, a spinoff of Brookline's Falafel King, is closed after barely a year-long run, apparently to be replaced by some kind of Chinese restaurant.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[mgp]

I walked by the soon-to-be Life Alive in Central Square (former Hollywood Express). The construction looks nearly complete, so I would guess this would be a Late September (or Early October) opening. Has anyone heard otherwise?

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

[jgg13]

It actually looked like it was open when I went by last night. I have zero desire to eat there so didn't really investigate further.

[hiddenboston]

It may have been a staff meeting or private party. They are aiming for a soft opening in October at this point.

[greenzebra]

I saw today that Seoul Food on Mass Ave in Cambridge is closed, and that a third branch of Super Fusion sushi is "coming soon". No opening date specified on the sign on the door.

[smtucker]

Walked past Quingdao tonight and saw a poster on the front door. "Closed until October 31st for Renovations. Please come to our Grand Reopening November 3rd." or something very similar. Not a good sign, if you ask me. I know that money has been tight for them and I fear for the worst.

-----
Qingdao Garden Restaurant
2382 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

[litchick]

Ack!

[hiddenboston]

According to their website, the renovated spot will be bigger: http://www.qingdaogarden.com/

[PinchOfSalt]

I walked by today and can confirm that renovations are under way. I saw all sorts of old stuff loaded into the back of a truck and the restaurant location itself was pretty much emptied out. I take this as an encouraging sign.

[hiddenboston]

I did some licensing and "DBA" searches for that location and came up with nothing. I'm sure we'll hear what's going in there soon--hopefully a restaurant as good as St. Alphonzo's!

[suzysue2]

I spoke with the contractor working there after a heartbreakingly fruitless dumpling run and he said that they are expanding and upgrading, hopefully it will have a nicer ambiance and a booze license of some sort...

[Cathleen02]

The Great Escape in Salem opened this week according to the Salem News.
http://www.salemnews.com/local/x35923...

[ShakeNBake]

Ariadne in newtonville has reinvented itself as C Tsar's. I walked by tonight, the prices are more affordable(12-20$) and they feature pizzas and pastas, as well as some of the old mains. Their website explains that Christos is still the chef/owner but wanted a more affordable menu. I'm hoping to try the pizza soon!

[Duster17]

We tried Ariadne a couple months ago and they said that they had just put pizza on their menu that night. We were not thrilled with it, but YMMV. We sat at the bar on a Friday night and were underwhelmed by the atmosphere and the food. The decor was tired and depressing, frankly. I'm not inclined to try the new iteration.

[bear]

The old Brewed Awakenings in Marrett Square, Lexington (the same plaza as Formosa-Taipei), has a sign that Prime Roast Beef and Seafood will be opening soon. Looks like they applied for a common victualer's license as well as an entertainment license last week.

Anyone know anything about it?

-----
Brewed Awakening Cafe
321 Marrett Rd, Lexington, MA 02421

[hiddenboston]

Doing a bit of checking around on the place right now. Looks like it'll be a fast-food joint, possibly like the other roast beef and seafood spots north of Boston.

[bear]

That's the vibe I got from the picture in the window. I'll be interested to hear when you find out more.

[bear]

The Globe had a bit more on this place yesterday. It's owned by James Garabedian, who owned Ken's New York Deli in Burlington. Sounds like promising take-out.

http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/l...

[rrocket18]

Any news on the Deluxe Station Diner in Newton Centre? Last I heard they were targeting mid-September.

[redelephant]

Has Thinking Cup on Tremont opened yet? Their website still reports that it's opening this month. I'm looking forward to having a close Stumptown source but am too lazy to walk over there to check it out.

[9lives]

Little Q Hot Pot just opened on the edge of Chinatown, in the Archstone Building..corner of Washington and Beach.

I've never been to the other locations but this has a slick decor, nice bar and also a sushi bar. The owner said this was going to be a higher end place than the others.

Name is The Q Restaurant.

[galangatron]

wow. "higher end place" is an understatement. you wouldn't even know the two restaurants are related

the owner told me they get their meat and vegetables from "different suppliers" and it's "better quality" than the other location. personally i didn't notice much of a difference in taste. the only difference i *did* notice was that the menu was shorter and the prices were higher

[9lives]

I lean towards understatement..:)

I expected the prices to be higher than the other location. Were they 10% higher? 30%?

and no discernible difference in quality....

[greenzebra]

Went to The Q Restaurant for lunch yesterday. Extremely good -- had mala and black chicken broths with seafood and a ton of veggies. I haven't been to the Arlington location, so I can't compare quality or price, but it is great having the Q as a option in Chinatown and I hope they do well.

[Chris VR]

Santarpio's in Peabody is open. Same menu (pizza, sausage, lamb) in a bland generic Bennigan's environment. I had lunch there today and it's translated pretty well. The pizza I had was a bit uneven- really thick on one side and perfect on the other, but none of the soupy, too thin middles I've encountered in East Boston. There was no line at noon but from 12:15-1pm there were lines, with the longest at 1pm when we left.

[hotoynoodle]

90 minute waits for tables on opening weekend and over an hour for your pie after it's ordered. they were crushed by crowds and take-out orders. unlike the original in eastie, they do take credit cards.

[Chris VR]

Woof! That's INSANE. Trial by fire, that's for sure.

[MC Slim JB]

A takeout pie from Santarpio's strikes me as a worse idea than at most pizza places. A pie eaten in there gets soggy before you get halfway through it.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Pegmeister]

O'Brien's Bakery, formerly in Wollaston, which closed about a year and a half ago has just reopened in West Quincy. It's located on Vernon St off of Center, right near the Quincy BJ's. I'm so excited, I haven't had a mocha cake since they closed. This is great news for Quincy.

[hiddenboston]

Hey, Pegmeister, they finally opened, huh? We drove through that area the other night were wondering if they were close to opening. Thanks for the update!

[Pegmeister]

Yes, they opened up within the last week. Products look pretty much the same, you can tell it's O'Briens. My group here at work can't wait to pick up some doughnuts for next week.

[hiddenboston]

Kind of a strange location, huh?

[Pegmeister]

I thought that at first, but Crown Colony is right there. My office is just a 5 minute drive, and the area gets a fair amount of traffic from those of us going to BJ's or even heading home after getting off the T. I'm really looking forward to grabbing some mocha cakes to see if they're as good as when they were in Wollaston. I'm also happy to see that they had the opportunity to find a new location in Quincy, since it sounded like they just lost out on their lease at Wollaston location where they had been for years.

[STL BOS]

Just saw Grasshopper Cafe sign up on Bunker Hill St in Charlestown.

[Chocolate Mousse]

El Huipil (Mexican) just opened in Maynard in September. (Anything new is welcome in the boonies!) This is a better spot for lunch than dinner- its a casual place- but the quesadilla I had was delicious. Pico de gallo was very fresh.

[MC Slim JB]

Per Grub Street Boston, Beacon Hill's Phoenicia is for sale, which makes a closing date TBD. Haven't been back in years, but I recall it being a pretty okay Syrian/Lebanese sandwich/salad/soup kind of place.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hiddenboston]

Bobby's Grille in Wellesley is up for sale as well, though the owner is hoping to get an investor to jump in so it doesn't have to be sold.

[Bob Dobalina]

RE: Phoenicia -

Maybe the Villa Mexico lady can find some financial backers...

-----
Villa Mexico
296 Cambridge St, Boston, MA 02114

[jgg13]

Hopefully something that doesn't suck replaces it. I'm not getting too excited just yet, though.

[Dea]

The Harvard Crimson is reporting that the Tasty Space (most recently an Alpha Omega before that store's owners fled in the middle of the night back to India) will turn into yet another Starbucks. Sigh...

[hiddenboston]

Yes, and right next door will be a new Pinkberry, so two more chains taking over that block (though I do hear that Pinkberry is really good).

[hckybg]

Actually, the Crimson article says that it *might* turn into a Starbucks *instead* of a Pinkberry, but that there is a zoning hearing first, and one of the criteria to allow the zoning change is need, and there are already two Starbucks very nearby. So hold your horses:
http://www.thecrimson.com/article/201...

[hiddenboston]

Oh, boy. That sounds like a bit of a mess. Maybe they can both back out, ushering in the possibility of The Tastee returning?

[hckybg]

Be careful what you wish for, you might instead get the return of Abercrombie & Fitch ;)

[pemma]

The heck with the Tastee, lets get back the Wursthaus.

[hiddenboston]

Yes!!!! The Wursthaus had one of the best beer lists I can remember, or should I say I had trouble remembering. ;-)

[pemma]

There thing was you could get a beer from just about any country in the world. You could take a little trip around the globe while staying right in Harvard Square.

[jjbourgeois]

I will second that motion! We want the Wurst! Hmmm, that almost sounds like it belongs on a t-shirt.

[hckybg]

Make that a Starbucks AND a Pinkberry??
http://www.thecrimson.com/article/201...

[Jenny Ondioline]

Starberry Pinkbucks was always my favorite Sanrio character.

[hckybg]

Ah, I remember her too--Godzilla-like tendencies, could be found taking over the prime corner of your neighborhood?

[heathermb]

Laurel on Berkeley is closed (no surprise they were always empty when I walked by). Signs in the window indicate that Geoffrey's is opening in the space "soon"

-----
Laurel
142 Berkeley St., Boston, MA 02116

[judej]

Tawakal Cuisine opening today in Eastie at 1004 Bennington St. across from Orient Heights T. Flyer says Mediterranean Home Cooking, Somalian and Moroccan Cuisine. Spicy Kebabs and roasted meats, rich tangines, couscous, etc. Free sambusa & hot drinks for the first 200 customers. open daily 11:00 - midnight

[hiddenboston]

That's where the Victory Pub used to be?

[itaunas]

Did the Victory Pub definitely close or are you surmising that based on the address? There also was the Top of the Pub restaurant and a few other spaces (a chinese restaurant, but these are probably too small with the "first 200 patrons/night" promotion) on that corner.

-----
Victory Pub
1004 Bennington St, Boston, MA 02128

[hiddenboston]

It looks like the exact same address, but I'm not sure if that numbered address is partitioned into more than one space.

[MC Slim JB]

Intriguing! It seems like an odd combination, Somali and Moroccan, and yet there's another restaurant by this name in Toronto with the same tandem.

At first I thought, "They're including Moroccan because it's an African cuisine that Americans understand", but maybe there's some other connection between the cuisines/cultures that I'm unaware of? I understand Somali cuisine draws on a lot of influences, but I didn't think that part of North Africa was one of them. (It is almost certain to be halal, I can say.)

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hiddenboston]

I wonder if the people behind Oran Cafe have anything to do with this place.

[MC Slim JB]

I thought Oran Cafe was Moroccan, too, but it turns out it was Algerian.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[tatsu]

Moroccan and Algerian cuisine seems very close, closer than say Nepalese and the closest Indian cuisines. There are minor differences, in say the lentils or flour not included in Algerian Harilla vs Moroccan Harilla, but it's really similar.

One of my favorite stories that's sort of related is by an Algerian friend. He's in at work, cooking, when another Algerian guy comes in and starts telling a story about another guy in the community, in a very animated fashion. My friend says, "Wait! Is this guy Moroccan or Algerian?" The guy flails his hands around, and says in a very annoyed way, "Algerian, Moroccan, same shit! same shit!"

[MC Slim JB]

Thanks, Tatsu: that makes me feel a little better about getting it wrong in my Phoenix review of Oran Cafe (an online reader comment corrected me).

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[galangatron]

the owner told me it was a moroccan restaurant and they named it oran cafe because her husband is from algeria

[judej]

It is upstairs from the victory pub. Stopped by today, pretty disorganized for the first day - they only had 3 items, meat sambusa, chabati wrap with fish, and lamb with rice. Meat sambusa was good, triagular crispy fried pastry with minced beef filling tasting of coconut and curry. I also had the chabati wrap with fish - the chabati is a puffy wheat bread seasoned with cumin, two pieces of fried fish (probably tilapia) and corn, lima, carrots, and raisens with curry spices and served with coconut hot sauce for $3.99. They also had lipton tea made with hot water that had a lot of sugar in it, almost syrupy. It is halal. Definately worth a repeat visit, nice people.

[tatsu]

Tawakal seems very interesting, I'll have to drag one of my Eastie friends there, although they are all good north african cooks themselves and don't eat out much. Never tried Somali food.

I can't think of any direct connection, except possibly the owners are one and the other. It wouldn't be surprising if the owners are an intermarrying couple.

[dulce de leche]

That's what I'd guess, tatsu. Somali food is nothing like Moroccan. It's more influenced by Indian (spice profile), Ethiopian (injera, stews, but not the beer obvs), and Italian foodways (cafe culture, lots of pasta). Chai spiced tea with lots of sugar, lots and lots of cumin and sesame oil, savory oatmeal and cream of wheat, sweetened fried doughs, injera, simply stewed meats esp goat, camel and beef, pilau-like rice, lots of pasta sometimes cooked with potatoes, too, and served with a banana on the side. I mostly know the food of the pastoralists from the interior, people who work hard physically, so it's pretty heavy. Coastal people eat seafood, I think.

There's no restaurant-going aspect to Somali culture. You cook and eat at home. Most Somali restaurants are aimed at men who don't have families.

[yatrust]

To tatsu, what does rating of restaurant have to do with intermarrying couples ?

[judej]

Had a chance to speak to the owner, he is Somalian. He decided to serve Moroccan food because he feels there is a big Moroccan community in East Boston and they would help support the restaurant. The Moroccan chef has not started yet so they are currently only serving Somalian food (much of what dulce de leche described above minus the camel). His plan is to serve a short menu with different specials daily to see what customers like before he finalizes his menu. His sister is cooking the Somalian food. Very nice family, first time in the restaurant business, good food, deserving of chow support.

[tatsu]

Nothing! I'm just curious to have some Somali food and we're all speculating about the connection with Morocco, looks like judej found out.

[Lucymax]

I saw that Petit Robert Central is now open near Downtown Crossing. That will be an asset for me.

[Kirs]

Just had lunch there. Such an improvement over Vinalia. Service was a bit spotty, but I'm going to chalk that up to it being so new- both other locations have such exceptional service that I can't imagine Central wouldn't follow suit.

I had the ratatouille gratin on baguette. Seriously good stuff.

-----
Vinalia
101 Arch St, Boston, MA 02110

[Beachowolfe]

felt the same when we went on their second night. can't judge a place that early though.

Very disappointed that they didn't inform us about Monsters of Pork since the tickets went on sale the next day.

[sinned61]

290 Main St in Malden has also closed...not sure of any details......

[peregrine]

I noticed today that the Burger King at Huntington & Gainsborough has closed.

Anyone have a clue what's going to replace it? Can't possibly be worse! More real food options along that strip would be most welcome.

[hotoynoodle]

the much-lamented burger king in maverick square is not yet open but finally has signage.

[y2000k]

I think it's going to be Panera Bread.

[JoeM]

I walked past a new tossed salad place at 75 State Street where Visual Eyes used to be. Maybe this has been there for a while, but I never remember hearing about it. Looked to be open. Reminds me of the salad places in NYC (Chop't in particular); hopefully it'll be as good.

-----
State Street Cafe
114 State St, Boston, MA 02109

[hiddenboston]

Are you talking about the chain called Tossed? If so, I know that they had been possibly looking to open in the Financial District at some point, but didn't think it was going to happen for awhile.

[JoeM]

No, it wasn't Tossed. Walked by again this morning and promptly forgot the name, but it wasn't anywhere that I've heard of.

[Kinopio]

Are you talking about Bailey and Sage, perhaps?

[hiddenboston]

I was wondering that myself, though that's at 103 State Street.

[hotoynoodle]

"tossed salad" just makes me think of chris rock...

[hiddenboston]

Sad to report that St. Alphonzo's Kitchen in South Boston has closed.

-----
St. Alphonzo's Kitchen
87 A Street South, Boston, MA

[Jenny Ondioline]

Wherever shall we go for our pancake breakfasts now?

[southie]

That's so sad. Any idea where they are headed?

[hiddenboston]

Not sure. I hope they either open a new place or somehow get back into the Boston restaurant scene.

[southie]

I wish they had mentioned it. I wasn't there but a few weeks ago. If anyone learns anything, I hope they post...I will. That may have been my favorite place for a good meal in Southie....the search goes on....

[MC Slim JB]

I think I heard out of New England.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Fort Point]

Have driven by several times and there seems to be major renovation going on. Are we sure it is not just closed for renovation? Or perhaps something new is going in.

[hiddenboston]

No, there was a sign saying that they will miss their patrons and thanks for dining at the place. Perhaps a new restaurant is going in there, though I haven't heard anything yet.

[truro]

They have closed down and are taking a break from the restaurant scene... a real loss...

[Bob Dobalina]

Barracuda Tavern, next to the Marliave, apparently had a soft opening in July (per posts here), but the two yelp reviews suggest that it actually did not fully open until this month. Heading there tonight for drink - will report back.

-----
Marliave
10 Bosworth Street, Boston, MA 02108

[Bob Dobalina]

Popped in for a drink last night - did not sample the rather extensive looking menu - beer and wine only - sorry - not that helpful.

[itaunas]

Some Somerville notes. I mentioned renovations in the ex-Sweet Brasil Bakery space at McGrath and Pearl before and now their are coming soon signs for Las Brisas "fine Spanish, Italian, American food" (or something like that). Their CV was approved back in June (and were rejected for liquor and beer/wine licenses) so would expect they are close to opening although the space didn't look ready.

Also the Brazilian Juice bar on Medford Street next to JR's Convenience store (portuguese american) has opened.

[mangorita]

There are signs up on an empty space at the Shipyard/Launch in hingham that a Red Mango is opening soon.

Work is still going on at the Boston Beerworks space at the Shipyard but the signs on the windows till say Opening Spring 2010. hmmm.

Also on the South Shore, the former Stokesys (sp?) Egg House space in Jackson Sq. Weymouth now the home to a different breakfast joint (forget the name, sorry)

[Chris VR]

Caffe Amore on Vernon Street in Wakefield seems to be closed. The interior looks like it's undergoing renovations and signs in the window say "Red Sugar" is coming soon.

-----
Caffe Amore
24 Vernon St, Wakefield, MA 01880

[T.Clark]

Plymouth is undoubtedly pushing the geographic edge of this board but il Maestro opened in the former Sabor space at exit 5. A recent article indicates they also own one in Hyannis.

[kate used to be 50]

There is a "pasta joint" going in the old Rudy's space at the Boston Harbor Hotel (obtained info from doorman). Long counter space with stools and what looks like a take-out counter. No name, but the counters, lighting, stools and electronics are in, so I'm assuming the signage should be arriving soon.

[hiddenboston]

The pasta joint is going to be called Pasta Beach.

[kate used to be 50]

Thanks, but must say that is a really dumb name.

[bella_sarda]

I agree about "Pasta Beach" being a terrible name. Are they going to serve pasta with a sand sauce? I just don't associate pasta with the beach. I get that they are playing off of their harborside location, but that ain't no beach there.

[Cachetes]

That was my first reaction as well. At least make it Pasta Spiaggia or something (or would it be Spiaggia Pasta), even though that's not much better. Why not just Spiaggia Restaurant. Conveys the water, and the Italian makes it obvious that it's an Italian place. Eh, but no one asked me.

[mats77]

I think Spiaggia in Chicago and their lawyers would frown on someone using that name. But yes, Pasta Beach does not sound appetizing.

[Cachetes]

Aah, good point. Didn't know it existed, but I just looked at their menu. Wow, I would love to try it. It looks amazing.

[mats77]

If you are in Chicago and have the means I would highly recommend it. Or if you are looking to spend less the Cafe side is also excellent and too has a wonderful view of Oak Street beach.

[mkfisher]

I'm pretty sure that the Pasta Beach name comes from their original location in Rhode Island, and has nothing to do with the Rowes Wharf spot.

[csammy]

Bouchee on Newbury is now closed and Papa Razzi is moving in according to Open Table.

[tamerlanenj]

Are you serious? That's a total shocker. It always seemed to be busy. It wasn't anything great but it was a step up from most Newbury Street options. BBRG must have just thought that Papa Razzi would merit the premier location more....I wonder if anything will go into the old PR space on Dartmouth or into the old Joe's place on Newbury (which is now in the old Friday's space).

[mats77]

The old Joe's space is going to be another Met club and I just read somewhere that the Papa Razzi space is going to be a taqueria/cantina...can't remember the name.

[tamerlanenj]

You know I was just thinking that what the Back Bay really needs is an upscale steakhouse.

:/

[MC Slim JB]

Per the Herald, the former Papa Razzi space on Dartmouth Street is going to be the home of a place called Lolita, an upscale Mexican joint with another outlet in Greenwich, CT. Supposedly does dishes inspired by Mexican street food.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[tamerlanenj]

Wow, that's intriguing. More good Mexican is always welcome.

[opinionatedchef]

here's the link for the menu of Lolita's in Greenwich Ct. Seems to have elements of Masa,La Verdad, Cottonwood... I won't hold me breath but it sure would be great if it turned out to have excellent food.......

http://www.lolitamexican.com/

[bostonbroad]

The BBRG says "they hope to find a new Back Bay home for Bouchee very soon," whatever that means. Guess Papa Razzi just makes more $$$ for them.

[MC Slim JB]

Meaning, "Buh-bye, Bouchee." I won't miss it.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hotoynoodle]

bbrg owns the newbury st. building that has been home to bouchee but has been renting the paparazzi space all these years. makes more sense to move the cash cow to basically a rent-free space.

[tamerlanenj]

Slim,
Given the options on Newbury St. (blech) I might actually rank Bouchee as above average for the neighborhood. Perhaps it's obsolete in the age of La Voile, anyway..but I had a few decent meals there (along with some ungodly misses).

Pappa Razzi is decent enough I suppose, but unless something good is going into the Dartmouth St. space, all the shuffling has done is give us one more vacancy in the neighborhood with no net improvement in dining options.

-----
La Voile
261 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116

[MC Slim JB]

I thought Bouchee was pretty okay by Newbury Street's pitiful standards, too, and the patio was of course lovely. But it debuted at the tail end of a raft of superior French-bistro openings, a patent me-too effort, and they did stupid stuff like drowning their croque Monsieur in sauce.

It just had that Back Bay Restaurant Group frisson of corporate chain-hood that always puts me off at their venues. Inarguably well-run, but inevitably soulless: the products of market research rather than a chef's vision and inspiration.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[pemma]

I thought Bouchee was OK too, but would prefer Brasserie Jo which wasn't too far away.

-----
Brasserie Jo
120 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116

[itaunas]

Price Rite supermarket is coming to the Northgate Mall in Revere, no idea how far along they are in construction so I would bet on a post-September opening.

[Berheenia]

Drove by the new Lebanese place, Al Wadi, in West Roxbury yesterday and they were serving lunch on the patio.

[galleygirl]

Okay, Bistro 20 is open. It's considered bad form to review a restaurant in its first week; lets just say wait a few weeks to go, then bring lots of money...

[deweyweber54]

Marc, Please take a pause.

[edgewater]

I posted this info under Zaftig's but it should really be in this post. Zaftig's of Brookline is opening Zaftig's West in the location of the former Joan and Ed's Deli in the Sherwood Plaza in Natick. License transfers have been approved but no word on the opening date.

[tamerlanenj]

More crappy fake deli food. Yay!

[edgewater]

I think they have really good breakfasts but to each his own.

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

I'd been to the Brookline Zaftig's once, for breakfast. I thought that the food was fine, but the overall experience (crowd, service, etc.) made it not worth going out of my way to return.

I will likely give Zaftig's West a try after it's been open for a little while.

[itaunas]

PB Restaurant on Rt 99 in Everett has closed and there is a something "Cafe" opening in its place (I will name it "Happy Island Cafe" as a placeholder and it does have some random name like that which doesn't hint at the nationality). PB is definitely a loss, although it was an example of a good chow concept in a location which didn't provide enough traffic to support the menu.

Lepore's Medford Deli has opened on High Street in West Medford in the old La Bella's Foods (their possessive not mine) location really an end of August opening. Seems like a similar concept prepared foods and deli sandwiches, but maybe not the fresh pasta (and there was talk of Pizza which would seem like a lost cause). Also a $10 lobster roll at the Seafood Depot these days (in the past this was better than Charlie's -- lots of mayo, bit skimpy, only celery filler, but not worth driving for).

-----
Seafood Depot
478 High St, Medford, MA 02155

[groptimum]

Itaunas- huh? Your second paragraph contains sentences that aren't even understandable. Why is pizza a lost cause? And what exactly are you saying about Seafood Depot's lobster roll?
The owner of Lepore's told me all kinds of additional foods are on the way in his establishment, he's still gearing up. He's going to have a pastry case and prepared hot dishes and I saw fresh pasta in the cold case. Their Boar's Head deli sandwiches were extremely good.

-----
Seafood Depot
478 High St, Medford, MA 02155

[itaunas]

They were basic side comments as these topics are primarily for "open/closed" not detailed reviews, but I can be clearer. There are several established pizza places nearby Amici's, Jimmy's, Joe Pizza... plus the Hillside has more, Medford Square has 4-5, Haines Sq has 4+ pizza shops, there are a couple by Wellington. Medford must have in the neighborhood of 30 pizza parlours. The Seafood Depot also was serving lunch pizza slices, but not certain if they still are. Most of the basic pizza styles are covered, most of the shops have a dedicated clientele, so you would have to play the coupon game to try and get new customers. I didn't see the fresh pasta, but its good to know, I had been told that La Bella's sold their pasta equipment separately from the rest of the shop equipment.

If you search the archives, you can get my exact feelings on the Seafood Depot lobster roll -- I think its a bargain, its reasonable, but I do prefer a roll with a bit less filler and mayo which is why I stated above "not worth driving for." I am, however, a lot less pleased with the Seafood Depot of recent. I have been served bad clams (in fairness I did not send it back as it was a small portion on a platter which was ok but not great). I am not a big fan of the seasoning they put in the breading now and something in it it clashes with the tarragon (I believe) in the tartar sauce. The Irish lady they had working there for a while made some really nice fries. I do like that they are offering the fresh fish and have had some decent limited experiences with that. In any case, you should post your thoughts on Lepore's and Seafood Depot in a review thread.

-----
Joe Pizza
634 High St, Medford, MA 02155

Seafood Depot
478 High St, Medford, MA 02155

Amici's
451 High St, Medford, MA 02155

[y2000k]

I was in Chinatown today and saw that Sub City Vietnamese Bahn Mi has opened (at the former Mike's Bahn Mi stall). $2.95 (I think) for sandwiches.

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

Nice, I'll be hitting them up soon!

[catsmeow]

I think Popeye's might have reopened in Kenmore Sq. I got a coupon that listed their "newest" location at 21 Brookline Ave(it also listed their other MA locations). I know the Roslindle store opened after the one on Brookline Ave initially opened. Maybe a new owner? It's also listed on their corporate site again.

[hiddenboston]

Yup, Popeye's is open once again.

[kimfair1]

Great! Now I can satisfy my red beans and rice craving every once in a while.

[yumyum]

MMMMMMmmmmmm ... me too! Made my annual stop in at Popeye's in the Kennebunk rest stop on the way up to Maine and although the chicken isn't the best in the world, the red beans and rice and buttery buttery biscuit are totally worth the Lipitor bolus afterwords.

[autopi]

i actually prefer the fried chicken at popeyes to any of the fried chicken i've had elsewhere in boston. this isn't necessarily a slam on boston, since i think popeye's does really good fried chicken. but it is hard to get good fried chicken in this town, at least to my taste.

[Beachowolfe]

Saus on Union St looks like it's getting close.

[jgg13]

poutine w/ a deep fried egg on top, here i come!

[itaunas]

Definitely interesting, but I find it a bit hard to take their line "Boston's first Belgian street cafe" when Pomme Frites on Eliot in Harvard Square offered a similar concept a good 15 years ago (and was generally decent). Yeah that's Cambridge and because it was in a basement its not "street food" as you can't order it through a street-level window like in Brussels (will they offer that?). Its not a new concept locally, its based on something successful in NYC, its not a new concept globally, you aren't the first person to use Green Monster as a marketing concept (green and tasty don't tend to go together)... skip the "first" bit and just make your food stand out.

[robertlf]

I remember Pomme Frites! It was in the space where Takemura is currently. I remember the owner talking about how his idea was a winner on the PG. It didn't work because it wasn't street level and there wasn't enough foot traffic amongst other things. I thought it was decent too.

[Mike5966]

I saw a preview for an episode of Phantom Gourmet two days ago where they reviewed Saus. Not sure if that means they're already open.

[mgcmonkey]

just called...voicemail said they are not open, but will be in a "few short weeks."

[charlestown_matt]

Does anyone know what is going on at Olives? The windows remain covered and the blackened vent on the outside of the building still has not been replaced. Could a total renovation been in the works, or perhaps the second fire in 12 months has provided grounds to break their lease?

[Cachetes]

Has anyone heard what is going into the space where Rod Dee used to be in Coolidge Corner?

[Mr Bigglesworth]

Pure speculation, but based on some work being done next door, I have a feeling the Bazaar is going to expand. I know they lost their lease and I wonder if the Bazaar folks owned the space and decided to expand. Again, pure speculation but would make total sense.

[Cachetes]

That would be a good substitution. It doesn't bring any more options, but Bazaar is a bit cramped.

[Cachetes]

It appears that Rod Dee has applied for a "Victualler License" for 1428 Beacon, which is right next door to their old 1430 Beacon location. Perhaps they are just moving next door, with the Russian store there moving out? We'll have to see.

[hiddenboston]

Cachetes, where did you see this? I didn't see anything about this on the Brookline website.

[Cachetes]

Notice sent to nearby residents from Broard of Selectmen (yes, that's how the pre-printed envelopes spelled it). They'll be considering the application at an upcoming meeting.

[hiddenboston]

Interesting. There's a meeting next week, so perhaps it will be discussed then.

[chickendhansak]

Noooooooooooooo. I want them to move to Porter Square.

[hiddenboston]

They're doing that as well, chickendhansak. :-b

Just confirmed what Cachetes said (not that I didn't believe you!). More to come next week, from what I hear.

[chickendhansak]

Then everyone is happy. Thanks!

[annaV]

Bazaar has a notice about renovations, so, I would assume they are expanding.

[Nechushtan]

when I talked to one of the folks at Rod Dee before they closed (I used to go in 3+ nights a week since I lived across the street), he said that Bazaar wanted the space to expand into which is why they got kicked out.

He also said they like having the Coolidge Corner location and will try and find a new spot in that area, no time frame, but I assume rent cost will be a big determining factor.

[yanz]

Anyone hear anything about Deuxave? http://deuxave.com/
Apparently soft opened earlier, fully launching mid-September

[BBHound]

Walked past Deuxave tonight (9/14) and it was open and busy. At 8:45 on a Tuesday, they were doing well. Sleek decoration. Did not go in - had already eaten - but the menu was posted outside and looked expensive for this type of place and location. Entrees in the $20s and $30s. The on-line menu is not as complete as what I saw posted but is representative.

[yanz]

thanks...I'll consider checking it out in the next few weeks.

[yanz]

We had dinner at Deuxave on Friday. The space is quite nice - warm, inviting, and interesting. We had drinks in the lounge first, and both our cocktails were delicious(Pimm's cup off the drink menu and an Old Cuban). The bar server was also very nice, friendly, and professional.
We got seated for dinner around 6:30pm, and the place was already surprisingly full. Our server was great - also very nice, friendly, professional, patient (we made her describe almost everything on all the menus), and accommodating (I wanted an app doubled as an entree).
The food was quite good. The salad in potato basket was interesting. The lobster with gnocchi was very good, though a couple of the lobster pieces were not perfectly tender (I did get an entree size, which came with a substantial amount of lobster). DH had the lamb, which I didn't have any of but he thought was outstanding and was ready to lick the plate (relatively rare rave review). Had the non-traditional carrot cake for dessert and definitely plan to come back to try the chocolate napoleon.
The place had a great vibe. We'll definitely return.

[Uncle Yabai]

Well, good luck to them. That spot is cursed. In the 25 years that I've been keeping track of that corner, it has been (in no particular order) a White Hen Pantry, a wine shop, two or three restaurants, and vacant for long periods of time.

[dsackton]

The Foundry in Davis looks like it's going to be ready any day now.

[autopi]

looked like it was open this evening, but the sign on the door says they'll open on monday.

[hotoynoodle]

friends and family today and tomorrow.

[Bob Dobalina]

Journeyman in Union Square seems to be getting closer - a recent Tweet:

"Unpacking our dishes, glasses, and equipment has felt like a holiday: all of these beautiful, exciting things coming out of their wrapping!"

[bella_sarda]

Where in Union will Journeyman be, and what type of place?

[Bob Dobalina]

I think it's down the little alley between Ronnarong and the Independent - here's their website - http://www.journeymanrestaurant.com/

From their website: "Journeyman will serve set menus of 3, 5 or 7 courses, showcasing products from local farmers and artisans."

A blog and references to articles: http://boston.grubstreet.com/2010/04/...

[bella_sarda]

Wow. Looking forward to the opening.

[pemma]

Salvatore's in Medford is expected to open in late September. Sign and awnings are already up. Menu expected to be broader than other locations:

http://insidemedford.com/2010/08/16/s...

[robertlf]

Thanks. I've driven by Salvatore's many times and wanted to know more about it. However, now that I know that they run Sal's Pizza, I've set my expectations low. The place looks great though I suspect it will be a typical red sauce place. We'll see...

[galangatron]

dumpling cafe on washington street in chinatown is officially open

[hiddenboston]

Right. That opened yesterday or the day before, I think. I was thinking of maybe checking it out tonight, but may wait a week or two to hear some reports before going there.

[kobuta]

Where on Washington is this? Any idea of the cuisine? I've come to learn that names can be deceiving...

[galangatron]

it's right next to penang. the menu looked solid taiwanese

[Jenny Ondioline]

Sounds promising. I'm still a little bummed about the sudden disappearance of Wisteria.