December Openings and Closings

[hiddenboston]

Any upcoming openings or closings in the Boston area? A few I can think of include the Sea Dog Pub in Woburn (opening), Lawton's in Lawrence (closing), Lakay Island in Salem (opening), and Sake in Braintree (opening). Others?

[shaebones]

Did Floating Rock in Cambridge ever open?

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

[BostonZest]

No opening announcement on on their facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Floating-Rock-Restaurant/137014088221

Someone asked about a job and the reply was that they would know more about needed additional employees in a couple of weeks.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

[Luther]

AFAIK they have indefinitely postponed opening due to lack of capital required to actually finish the place. Check out a comment they posted in response to a recent Yelp review.

[jgg13]

That makes sense. Every time I walk past the place it is clear that zero work has been done on the inside.

[9lives]

Floating Rock hasn't reopened.

Thmor Da is open in the old FR space...and the food is quite good.....very similar
I
hope FR can open soon but licensing fees are far higher in Cambridge than Revere. If Cambridge works. it's a home run..if not..a strikout.

I'm a big fan of the young lady that took over FR;but Thmor D has similar qualities.FR new locatotion is better but I''m personally indifferent.. T ride either way and byo is a draw in Revere.

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

[jgg13]

For me, it's the difference between less than a 5 min walk and trekking out to the ass end of nowhere via T ... I've definitely got a horse in this race :)

[9lives]

Haha..happy New years! Hope FR opens soon for you and them..:)

[Jenny Ondioline]

It won't be open until January at the earliest, but the late lamented John's Market on Linden Street in Allston has a sign out front that says "Japanese fish market." Yes!

[drewames03]

Thinking Cup Coffee is open on Tremont!

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Tremont Cafe
418 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

[bear]

My husband and I had wonderful cappuccinos at Thinking Cup on Christmas Eve day. Really pungent espresso tempered by the foamy milk. Not just a latte passed off as cappuccino.

We also shared a chocolate croissant, which was good. The dough was nicely buttery and flaky, but I think I'd like to try the plain. The chocolate filling didn't blow me away. The rest of the baked goods looked good, too. Appears to be an in-house pastry chef.

I'll definitely head back.

[smtucker]

Quindao Garden looks ALMOST ready to open. Website says tomorrow... almost excited enough to consider organizing a chow-meetup.

[Berheenia]

Healthworks Cafe at the Brookline Club is closed forever.

[hotoynoodle]

not for december, but, amazingly, a second smith & wollensky is ok'ed and planned for across the street from the incontinental hotel at russia wharf. jody adams also putting something in there.

what is the saturation point in this city for steakhouses? seriously? and the current s & w is basically empty most nights. will they have the brains to not open a 400-seater this time?

[Gordough]

I'm thinking this must be one of their "Wollensky Grill" concept locations and not a second full menu steakhouse location.

[hiddenboston]

It is (at least this is what they were saying a few months back).

[hotoynoodle]

it also is being opened by the patina group, rather swrg, so hopefully they will do it properly, unlike the management and execution fiasco of the one at the castle.

[southie_chick]

That's one thing I don't get (& one of my BIGGEST pet peeves with Boston chefs / restaurants) - why no one is interested in putting in GREAT seafood restaurant - especially if there's a location with a water view! Boston's right on the ocean (which MOST Boston chefs I feel haven't noticed .......HELLO!!!!) but they keep insisting on opening yet another steak house (maybe because of the "abundance" of Boston cattle ranches?). Yup, I know if I'm sitting at a restaurant, overlooking the ocean, not far from the Boston Fish Pier, the first thing I ask myself is ........... how's the steak? ; )

[Luther]

Boston used to be an epicenter of the U.S. steak trade... about 100 years ago

[mats77]

Think you mean Chicago.

[MC Slim JB]

Maybe Boston as a center for trading beef as a commodity, as opposed to Slaughterhouse and Stockyard and Livestock Trading Central (and Sandbergian Hog Butcher to the World), which Chicago clearly was then?

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hotoynoodle]

a significant amount of beef never came through here. commodities and futures yes, but ahem, this was the land that cod built, ya know?

[Allstonian]

Actually, the heyday of the Boston-area cattle trade was more like 150-200 years ago rather than 100, but Brighton was the center of a thriving Massachusetts cattle trade until refrigerated rail cars were introduced in the 1870s and the trade became consolidated in the midwest. "In 1828 the New England Farmer estimated the value of cattle sold at Brighton, principally for slaughter, over less than two months at $540,000, an enormous sum at the time. Another source tells us that the average sale of cattle at the Brighton Cattle Market in the 1835 to 1845 period exceeded $2 million a year."

http://www.bahistory.org/HistoryCattl...

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

I also remember reading that the site of The Stockyard restaurant on Market street was the location of a very large stockyard of cattle back in those days....hence the name

[hotoynoodle]

island creek oyster bar is a step in that direction. hopefully, if icob works (which i am quite sure it will) we may finally get the seafood restaurants we deserve. there will be a trickle down and that homer simpson "doh!" moment of sh*t that might work, for both chefs and investors. much like the success of eastern standard, doing its version of pastis north, for better or worse, look how many places are doing variations on the bistro/charcuterie/gastropub trick? it wasn't so long ago there was a dire lack of good mid-priced restaurants that weren't part of a chain.

[hotoynoodle]

there will be the new legal flagship on the water at the seaport in 2011. i really wish something else was going in there, though, lol.

[Bob Dobalina]

Darul Kabob has quietly opened up on Mass. Ave. in Cambridge in the former KFC/Banjo's building. The banner says it is halal and offering kababs, burgers, etc. I say quietly because I think they were open for the first time on 12/24.

[pemma]

Gee. How long was that Banjo's there? About a half an hour?

[Prav]

darul! yes! let da haleem wars begin.

[bear]

Says something like "Kababs, Curry, Biryani, Pizza and Burgers." Hmmmm...quite a mix. Curried pizza, anyone? Sure someone will be brave enough to take one for the team.

[hiddenboston]

Maybe they forgot to take a couple of the Banjos signs down. :-b

[bear]

Ha, that must be it.

[FoodDabbler]

I have a takeout menu in front of me. Pizza is on the menu with four choices of topping: cheese, halal pepperoni, veggie, and kabab. On the breakfast side they have bagels, pancakes, waffles, etc., and chana daal, aloo, etc., along with hybrids such as waffles with eggs and shish kabab. There's nihari and paaya on weekends and haleem every day. There's magaz masala. There's also katchi biryani (unlike most biryanis, this one starts with raw meat in the meat and rice layers), and an intriguing chicken liver samosa.

[bear]

Wow, a truly awe-inspiring array. Have you tried anything?

Can't wait to hear posts...I guess my provincialism is showing because I'm having a hard time envisioning all those foods coming out of one kitchen.

[FoodDabbler]

I haven't eaten anything there, or even set foot in the place. I got the menu at Foodland, the Bangladeshi grocery store up Mass. Ave. from them. I, too, wonder how they can cope with such a varied menu. Do they have a pizza oven, for example? (Yet, pizza and Indian food combinations are not new. There are several such hybrid joints in NYC, and one that I know of in Santa Barbara. Twenty-five years ago there was a 24-hour such place in Vancouver that delivered. I'd call at 3 a.m. and get a half tandoori chicken and a pepperoni pizza, just for the sheer thrill of it.)

[bear]

Wow, that's kind of scary, but oddly intriguing. I'm not sure I'm ready for them to add the fish and chips that Luther says are so common in the UK, though.

[Boston_Otter]

I've tried the seekh kabab (four pieces of spiced beef, nicely done) and the aloo chop (potato croquette with chicken). Both were very tasty. I've tried to order the chicken liver samosa several times but they've never had it available. Their Indian curries are excellent for the money -- my Malai Kofta was excellent.

[Luther]

Add fish and chips and you'll have the most common type of food establishment in Britain.

[deglazer]

Saw what I think is a new banner in Central Square, Cambridge. Roughly 542 Mass. Ave, near Shalimar (the restaurant). Said "Sushi and Asian Fusion coming Soon".

[hotoynoodle]

asian fusion? yawn. hopefully they will serve cupcakes too.

[Luther]

motherfucking bacon on that shit, bro

[deglazer]

I'll wait and see about the Asian fusion, but I'd be psyched for some sushi in the neighborhood. Now the choices are limited, I think, to Koreana, Beijing Tokyo on Main St., and then Harvest, Bread and Circus and Shaw's.

-----
Koreana
154 Prospect Street, Cambridge, MA 02139

[bear]

And get your nails done while you wait for your meal.

[jgg13]

Yeah, I believe it was the old cleaning store. I saw a tweet about it (iirc from christine liu) a while back.

Speaking of that area, a dominos appears to be opening down towards harvard (near the furniture stores)

[Eatin in Woostah]

Royal India Bistro in Lexington announced on its facebook page that they're opening today.
http://bistroroyalindia.com/

[Eatin in Woostah]

Sadlly, Shadi's in Methuen is closed due to a very large fire Christmas morning.
http://www.eagletribune.com/latestnew...

[brandywiner]

Jardek's (sp?) Donuts in Billerica has closed; the space is now "Dolly's D&B"; I assume D&B stands for Donuts & Breakfast. They just reopened on 12/21.

I often stay in Bedford when visiting on holidays, and Jardek's was my go-to donut spot. The new place seems less donut-focused, though the new owner's still in shakedown mode. When things settle down, I'll give the place a try -- if nothing else, the new proprietor seems very nice -- but I'll miss those crullers.

[Lighthousehunter]

Jardek's was a victim of rising rent and shall we say "poor landlord relations". I know and have met some of the family members. Apparantly the neighboring pizza shop in the same strip plaza also left for similar reasons. They still own the equipment from the shop, and the father is looking for new locations.

[brandywiner]

Thanks for the update! I hope he gets to reopen in friendlier confines.

[wickedated]

Vox Populi in the Back Bay closed. Boston Nightlife Ventures is taking over.

-----
Vox Populi
755 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116

[StriperGuy]

Funny VP was around for years, but could never quite decide what it was. Place just had such a nondescript vibe.

[MC Slim JB]

I'd suggest that Vox always knew what it was: a Lyons Group style nightspot for twenty-somethings, a saloon pushing sugary Sex & the City drinks to a crowd way more interested in the singles scene than food. Those priorities were reflected by the kitchen.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[StriperGuy]

Well yes, that was certainly the genre, but even given that it, always had a vague, "what is this place" thing going.

[wickedated]

Isnt that the ENTIRE Back Bay dining scene really? Towne, Stephanies, Joes, Met, Sonsie, MiniBar, etc etc etc

[postemotional1]

Yes, MC Slim JB I agree.

May ask whether the "sugary Sex & the City drinks" market niche is filled to capacity?

Methinks so.

[hiddenboston]

Did Vox Populi already close? I know that they had been talking about shutting down at the end of the year.

-----
Vox Populi
755 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116

[wickedated]

Yeah I was walking by yesterday and there's BNV papers on the windows. They're done.

[Kirs]

Lolita Cocina & Tequila Bar opened last week (I did a search and didn't see anyone mention it- kinda surprised!). Had dinner there last night. Service was spotty (they gave me the chicken enchiladas. My vegetarian ass was not pleased) but otherwise the food was pretty good. And the margaritas were quite good.

[jjbourgeois]

Finian's in Quincy is now closed. A sign for Remick's is in the window. Looks like they've start construction/renovation.

[Aromatherapy]

Probably not timely, but I just realized that Pemberton Market in N. Cambridge has added a small line of meat, toward the back. Very handy.

[BostonZest]

Aroma, is it local meat? I'm working on a newspaper piece about stores carrying local meats and would be glad to include them. I like that store.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

[Aromatherapy]

I didn't look that closely, but I kind of doubt it. I got some beef from Meyer (Mayer?) "certified humane" if that rings any bells. I'd ask them.

[Bob Dobalina]

Did the meat have a first name? O-s-c-a-r?

[almansa]

Meyer's - it's mostly what Whole Foods sells.

[scotty27]

Savenors carries lots of local meats. You probably know that, however. But did you know they are selling lion meat? Why is that OK?
www.shrinkinthekitchen.com

[hckybg]

They told me that the lion meat doesn't come from hunted animals but from animals that are in captivity (I presume that means they don't "die" on their own, however...perhaps they are injured?). It struck me as a bit odd but the butcher seemed aware that one might perceive it as so. You might ask and see what answer you get. They do have lion meat only very rarely and the butcher said they get very little, supporting the notion that this isn't something they are going out and hunting. They have many unusual meats on occasion: rattlesnake, llama, bear, alligator, etc.

[scotty27]

The bear and lion meat bug me.
www.shrinkinthekitchen.com

[hotoynoodle]

as if the downer cow scandal wasn't skeevey enough, the thought of ingesting a sick or injured, or very old, lion just does not appeal.

[hckybg]

I can't say eating lion of any sort appeals to me, but I would ask the butcher if you want an authoritative answer. My information was only gleaned and therefore shouldn't be taken as gospel.

[scotty27]

I think it's heartbreaking that Ginger Park closed. What good food and what a cool room and why Chef Patricia Yeo failed here is a mystery to me.
www.shrinkinthekitchen.com

[Bob Dobalina]

Cafe Aristo just off State Street appears to be closed with the sign, Grand Reopening in 2011.

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

[hiddenboston]

I think it has been closed for about two weeks now. Not sure if a new place is going in or whether they are renovating.

[padkimao]

Anyone know anything about this new Indian place, Masala, opening in Teele Square in Somerville, in the former Tip Top Thai space?

[Prav]

Curious as well. I guess the sign originally said "Marsala" leading me to think it'd be Italian, but someone on the Davis Square Livejournal said that it's been changed to Masala!

I wonder how it will compare to Guru nearby.

[Eatin in Woostah]

Looks like Royal India Bistro will be opening soon (possibly next week) in downtown Lexington. http://bistroroyalindia.com/

[mvi]

New sign hanging outside of the old Muqueca location on Cambridge Street. Bon Cafe. No other details but good to see some action.

-----
Muqueca
1010 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

[JoJo5]

I took a drive by Mulan in Waltham yesterday to see how the work is progressing. It still looked like it's going to take a good while to open. There were ladders and drop cloths and it seemed devoid of workmen. I didn't stop to take a really good look but that was my general impression as I drove by. Boohoo.

JoJo

[BaytoBoston]

does anyone know if Pasta Beach has opened up yet at Rowes Wharf? I went this summer to the one in Newport and had the BEST linguine with shrimp and arugula. still dreaming about it.

[hotoynoodle]

it's been open a few weeks, but just looks so uninviting, with hard surfaces everywhere and lighting way too bright.

[davis_sq_pro]

I was just searching this board to see if anyone has actually tried the place yet. I work in the next building and since it opened I have walked in three times on rainy days when I didn't feel like going far for lunch. All three times I've waited for someone to acknowledge me and, after being completely ignored, have walked back out.

Not sure what the deal is, but apparently they're not interested in doing much business. It's too bad, since the previous place that was in the space was decent (if overpriced), and the people I work and I with would certainly welcome a good lunch choice there.

[Stride]

Does anyone know anything about the Bourbon Cafe? There's been a "coming soon" sign up for a while in the Porter Sq. Exchange (they are taking over the old Gap space as well as the tiny jewelry store and maybe something else - not sure.)

[Prav]

Was wondering the same - I would love some Louisiana style cuisine.

I have to admit, the name makes me think of food court "bourbon chicken".

[nsenada]

I love how in south station the Cajun and Chinese stands don't even pretend to hide the common origin of thier respective Chicken Drenched in Glucose plates.

[Prav]

I'm convinced they are all connected with one huge kitchen in the back.

[hiddenboston]

Bourbon Coffee is going to be a Rwandan coffee shop. It looks like they might serve sandwiches and pastries, based on the one that is open in Washington, DC. Doing a bit of research on it right now, actually--looks like they will have a place in NYC as well as Cambridge.

[mgp]

I've been to the one in DC. The coffee was pretty good. I can't comment on the sandwiches and pastries, although I do know that they served them as well as pre-packaged salads. The vibe was much better than the typical Starbucks or Juan Valdez (not that that's saying much) - African decor and a bit homier feeling.

Their missions statement is about being directly connected to the farmers and promoting economic development in Rwanda...I think Ben Affleck was involved somehow, but don't quote me on that!

[JoJo]

Does anyone know the scoop on Victor's in Watertown? Looks like it's being renovated but is it just that or has it closed its doors?
Thanks,
JoJo

[Jenny Ondioline]

Ack. I hope it's just being renovated. Where else could I get my locanico fix?

[Luther]

Oh man that's serious! I hope they are just renovating.

[JoJo5]

Victor's is open again. Just some repairs, it appears.

[Jenny Ondioline]

Phew. Locanico for all!

[Brock Lee Robb]

Nice! Love this place.

[Prav]

C. Tsar restaurant is open where Ariadne used to be. In Newtonville on Walnut.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/newton/new...

[MC Slim JB]

Yes, Nadeau reviewed C. Tsar a few weeks back in the Phoenix, 3 stars. Same chef/owner, same New American with Greek accents, but more downmarket price-wise, and he's added pizzas.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[phonelady]

Sea Dog Woburn grand opening 12/20

[Spenbald]

They must have had a soft opening today, because my friends were the first customers. Boston Restaurant Talk is mentioning that they are opening in Charlestown, Framingham, and Braintree.

http://bostonrestaurants.blogspot.com...

[phonelady]

I believe it was - that was announced on their facebook page. Wonder how it is/was?

[MtVernon]

Wine Gallery in Brookline/Dedham will be closing its doors sometime soon. I noticed a big For Rent sign on the storefront.

-----
Wine Gallery
516 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215

[MC Slim JB]

Och, that's a bummer. I loved Wine Gallery's wine-jukebox setup for tasting wines before buying. Totally had me buying more wine than I'd intended to on every visit. The owner stocked a nice selection of Central and Eastern European bitters, too: it's where I found Becherovka and Riga Black Balsam for the first time.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[MtVernon]

Yes, I had that problem too. I think the wine jukebox is a great setup, and I would usually walk out of there spending more then I wanted too after trying some of those delicious wines.

[itaunas]

Its obviously a lot further, but Julio's in Westborough still maintains a tasting room with a Enomatic and worth a trip. There are lots of options for tastings, but Ball Square wines' tasting room might be worth checking out for a store where you sometimes find things you don t expect...

[Spenbald]

There is a similar setup at Marty's in Newton.

[Stride]

Ah, another Becherovka fan! I first had it in the Czech Republic and was VERY happy (and somewhat surprised) to find that it is stocked in several stores in the Cambridge/Somerville area. (Have found it at Downtown in Davis Sq., the liquor store at Fresh Pond, and Marty's in Newton.)

[MC Slim JB]

I first ran into it in the Metamorphosis, an early specialty cocktail at Eastern Standard, then started looking for it at retail. I enjoy it in a Beton (Becherovka and tonic), too. Got to quaff a few on a summer trip to Prague this year: funny to see the logo everywhere there.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

-----
Eastern Standard
528 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215

[hotoynoodle]

the metamorphosis is back on the esk cocktail menu, now that the bitters is available again.

[chefematician]

Are both locations closing? Or just the Dedham one?

[Boston Strangler]

Also, Publick House Provisions will be closing too Was reported in the Tab and the Herald.

-----
Publick House Provisions
1706 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445

[maxevan]

Doesn't the sign say FOR LEASE and under that WINE STORE STILL OPEN? Or is this a different place?
I drive by a wine shop on Route 9 and Cypress everyday. (Is this the same place?)

[MtVernon]

It does, however I called the phone number on the sign to see if that was the space. The person mentioned the wine gallery will be moving out in January. So sad, I went to some great education and tasting classes there.

[maxevan]

that is sad, thats a great store.
that area is turning into a tough spot.

[mangorita]

Not sure if it's been reported yet, but a Five Guys is going into the same plaza as Target in Hanover on route 53. I am not sure when they are opening but their sign is up and there is work going on inside.

[hiddenboston]

Also Medford and Stoneham. Eventually, we'll be seeing a Five Guys across the street from another Five Guys, which, to paraphrase Lewis Black (re: Starbucks), will mark the end of the universe.

[Fort Point]

Terrie's Place in South Boston is closing the end of the month. The staff indicated a sushi place is moving into the space.

-----
Terrie's Place
676 E Broadway, Boston, MA 02127

[mortimerpickle]

Cakes opened this weekend in Arlington. Anyone tried it? They have Saturday breakfast also.

[fantundo]

It's actually been open a couple of weeks, and I'm embarrassed to say how many cupcakes I've already bought! They have a seasonal gingerbread cupcake that is really yummy. Less expectedly, I've also had the turkey soup twice, and it was excellent both times, very homemade, no chemical-tasting broth. Can't comment on the breakfast.

[mortimerpickle]

Stopped in today and tried a black and white cookie. It was ok. Learned that it is the cafe arm of a Charlestown based catering company, as well as part of Biga breads. I'll go back and try more stuff very soon. The cupcakes look good but are on the small side - a healthier portion size. I'd better get my bike ready to make the 6 mile ride so as to offset some of the calories.

[skowaleski]

Where is this place in Arlington? I did a google search of Cakes and Arlington and could not find anything. Is that the name of the place?

[fantundo]

It is called "...Cakes Bakery/Cafe." The three dots are part of the name. It is next to Arlington House of Pizza on Mass Ave just north of Mill Street.

-----
Arlington House of Pizza
797 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02476

[Eatin in Woostah]

Waxy O'Connors opened on Thursday night in Lexington, in the old Palio's space. We went last night. Service was horrendous - it took an hour to get our fries, buffalo wings, and sliders. We're assuming it's opening week weeds, and will work itself out. The wings were excellent - no coating, classic sauce, meaty and crispy. Fries were also very good - hand cut, some peel still on. Not super crispy, but good quality. Sliders must have sat under a heat lamp for a LONG time, and were more like little hockey pucks. Nice draft beer selection, two dart boards and two pool tables. I'm excited to have them here in Lexington!

And of course, Bugaboo Creek closed in Burlington and a handful of other locations. Not sure if that happened in December or late November.

-----
Bugaboo Creek
615 Arsenal St, Watertown, MA 02472

[yumyum]

Waxy Oconnors might get the award for least appealing name of 2010.

[StriperGuy]

SRSLY. I had a terrible case of Waxy Oconnors myself, but I took some penicillin and it cleared up right away.

[MC Slim JB]

Thanks for the tip on that one, yumyum: that made my Devil's Dining Awards citation for Worst New Restaurant Names, along with Deuxave (even though I think it's terrific otherwise), Twitters, Pasta Beach, and Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Luther]

Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill is like something Ray Smuckles would come up with.

[hiddenboston]

It also sounds like the type of place that people with homemade fur coats might go to.

[9lives]

Everyone may already know this but if not, "I Love this Bar" was 1 of Toby Keith's biggest hits..so it will be easily recognizable to his fan base of country music fans. He's got a few open; features live music from newer bands and has huge expansion plans..including Patriot Place.

[MC Slim JB]

Yep: hate the song, hate most celebrity-owned chains, so really hate the name.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[9lives]

I do too but I don't think you and I are are their target market..:)

[almansa]

Twitters makes me cringe. That's like opening up iFood, or of course, facebooks. On another note, I hear everyone I know saying "Douche Ave," but that's mostly due to how Chris came across on Chopped. I'm hearing dBag, too, for dBar.

[MC Slim JB]

That came to me the first time I ever saw Deuxave in print; nothing to do with the chef. I immediately Tweeted something like, "The servers there will have to be extra-nice, or the place will quickly become known as 'Douche Ave'". A couple of wags who followed me immediately said something similar about the Back Bay clientele. But at least five people I knew made the same joke, unprompted, just based on the name.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[bella_sarda]

Just got word today that Ginger Park is closed! I found out because I had a reservation to eat there this coming week. I had bought one of those "$25 for $50 worth of food" coupons through Open Table. They claim Ginger Park will try to refund the coupon, but seeing as they're probably broke I am not counting on that. I never did get a chance to eat here.

Anyone have any idea what went wrong? They seemed to get great reviews (despite supposedly terrible service) when they opened.

[lc02139]

There was a whole thread about it this week, search this board for ginger park, hopefully you get your money back, and find somewhere else for dinner. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/7522...

[Bob Dobalina]

A Zoup! franchize appearz to be on the verge of opening at 3 Center Plaza (acrozz from the Government Center T-ztop). A quick view of the menu demonstrates their liberal zubztitution policy of Z's for S's, such as Zoup, Saladz and Sandwichez. I perzonally was a little dizconcerted to zee the lack of full commitment to the marketing idea - in for a penny, in for a pound, I zay! Hopefully they are more committed to their food offeringz.

Alzo, by ztrange coincidence, they are directly beneath and behind Zo Greek fare - what more can I zay?

Update and correctionz: The offeringz are Zoup, Sandwichz and Greenz. The website says opening December 13.

[Jenny Ondioline]

I bet it zuckz.

[pdubs]

The Financial District outlet of J. Pace & Sons is closing December 31, according to signs posted in the restaurant.

-----
J. Pace & Son
325 Main Street, Saugus, MA 01906

[Ralphie_in_Boston]

I assume that's because of the Seaport District location opening a while ago...more room at the new location just a shot down Congress street, but bad news for me on those days when I go to the FD for meetings and want to grab something real quick.

[9lives]

That's a big loss for me; as I work in the building. I'll have to have my final proscuitto/provolone sub in the next 2 weeks and find a nearby substitute.

The sign said something about a lease problem. The bank that took up the bulk of the first floor recently moved out and maybe the new tenant wants the whole floor. They're certainly not closing for a lack of biz..always packed at lunch time.

[jgg13]

Looks like something is going in next to Spice & Rice in Inman. Anyone have any info?

-----
Spice & Rice
1172 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02139

[hckybg]

Turkish restaurant Bosphorus and indie butcher Akimenko Meats.

[jgg13]

Ah, I thought Akimenko was on the other side of the street.

[hckybg]

They seem to be dividing that nice brick building with the big windows...which I have passed by many times, thinking, "A restaurant should go here."

[Gabatta]

There has been absolutely no progress Akimenko Meats. I am wondering if that project if in jeopardy.

[9lives]

Locke Ober is open for lunch til Dec 24.

[MC Slim JB]

No. 9 Park's holiday-season lunch is back on, too.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Aromatherapy]

Marginally chowish and I think opened last month, but there's a big new Ocean State Job Lot in Medford, in an old Stop & Shop (across from the new S&S, off Riverside). They carry Bob's Red Mill products and a decent selection of pantry items and some cook and kitchenware.

[galleygirl]

And always a great selection of canned fish and seafood...Sardines!!!!!

[joth68]

this is good news for me!

[bear]

And good prices on Trappist Raspberry Jam.

[licorice76]

I drove by New York Pizza on Mass Ave and Columbus today and the windows were papered up. Not sure if it shut down temporarily or not. I was surprised because it's always packed in there late night.

[mathteacher]

Walked by today. Still closed, but for renovations, the sign says.

[markin617]

Walked by yesterday - back in operation. Never have been in there so I can't comment on the renovations / changes.

[joth68]

There is some renovation activity going on at the old Tip Top Thai spot in Teele. Definitley going to be a restaurant but no indication of what yet.

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Tip Top Thai
1127 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02144

[joth68]

Sign went up. Restaurant is called Masala and will be serving "authentic indian and nepali cusine"

[Prav]

Dang, how many Nepali restaurants do we need?! :)

[mats77]

American Provisions, an upscale market, will be opening up on Broadway in South Boston on Monday.

http://boston.grubstreet.com/2010/12/...

[LStaff]

Waltham updates:

Kebob Factory on Moody St. still has a sign in the window saying "coming soon" , but the outside of the building looks done.

Waltham Fresh Fish and Prime seems to be a fish market/convenience store/deli ? is open- happened to drive past it today on Spruce st. near the corner of Moody - where the comic book store (Danger Planet?) was near the post office. Specials signs were up advertising fried fish lunch specials.

On the same corner on Moody St (in the Mal Elfman space) is India Market? being built out. Also had Kebob and Tandoor sign on the side street - which jives with when the young guy that works K&T all the time asked me if I would still eat there if they moved to a "food court" on Moody St a couple of months ago. Don't know if this means they are moving, or if its just another location - or if other places will open in the food court.

[bear]

Assuming you mean Dosa Factory on Moody, but I'd be happily corrected if a Kebab Factory was coming.

Guess we'll have to see what's happening in the Mal Elfman's space food court. Interesting.

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The Kebab Factory
414 Washington St, Somerville, MA 02143

[LStaff]

Ooops, sorry. Yes, I meant Dosa Factory.

[Luther]

Waltham India Market is moving down the street to that corner location on Moody. K&T (owned by the same guy, I believe... a mid-aged bearded guy) is either moving to that same block or opening another location.

[PinchOfSalt]

I am sure they will benefit from more space, but I will miss the current incarnation of Waltham India Market. Having to wait while someone else was done going down an aisle before attempting it oneself... items crammed on shelf upon shelf mounted on every possible surface... to me it was somewhat endearing. Shopping there I've imagined as a virtual trip overseas. Do we really need another American-style supermarket carrying (south) Asian food? Guess I am really feeling curmudgeonly this morning!

I guess it is a matter of competing with Patel's....

[chickendhansak]

Great Taste Diner, the diner opening in the old Danny's Diner spot on Beacon St. in Somerville, next door to Zoe's, is now open. There is some Peruvian food on a diner-style menu, exactly as rumoured.

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Danny's Diner
300 Beacon St, Somerville, MA 02143

[Taralli]

Gitlo's had a big FOR RENT sign in their window when I went by this morning.

[kimfair1]

It's been closed for a while now, talk about a place never recovering from the loss of a chef.

[Aromatherapy]

Medford has sprouted yet another Italian-American pizzeria/restaurant, Neighborhood Pizza, on High St. in the square, though I'm not sure if they're open yet. Menus posted outside listed the same old tried & true. It looks sort of familiar--did it move from someplace else or does it just look generic?

[pemma]

It didn't look open to me. It probably looks generic because there are about 100 places like it in town already. I don't wish anybody starting a business ill will, but, you have to wonder do we need another pizza/sub shop and why there? That location has no parking at all. Maybe they are going to rely on mostly delivery? I wonder if they have access to the alley in back so they can park a delivery car?

[itaunas]

Medford Square is simply trying to remain ahead of Haines Sq in the running for most pizzerias per square foot in the US. For an entertaining commentary, stop in at Amici's in West Medford and ask the older Italian owners "hey, I hear there is another pizza shop that opened in the square... what do you think about that?"

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Amici's
451 High St, Medford, MA 02155

[pemma]

It seems to me that these pizza places continue to open, but none ever seem to close. I might just drop into Amici's for a laugh!

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Amici's
451 High St, Medford, MA 02155

[nasilemak]

Does anyone know whether the spot in Harvard Square offering Korean Fried Chicken open yet?

[MIDGETFISTER]

Bull BBQ...they are really taking their sweet time. Were supposed to open in May, then October, then early November at the latest. I've swung by several times and there has been ZERO progress. Tons of kitchen equipment has been strewn across the corridor outside the entrance for months. I have to wonder if they lost their financing or something.

[nasilemak]

that's a bummer.

[Luther]

Floating Rock Cambridge is still in "a couple more days" mode... will this be the month?

[galangatron]

it looks doubtful. there is still a lot of work that needs to be done inside. the only improvement is they finally put up the sign

[Luther]

Dang... doesn't this cost someone a lot of money?

[jgg13]

Yeah, every time I walk by it *totally* doesn't jive with the time frames they say on facebook & twitter.

[jgg13]

I saw on Beer Advocate that rock bottom is closing, and will reopen (in a reconfigured space, that whole corner is changing up a bit) as Gold Medal Tap

[hiddenboston]

Right. And I think it will still be connected with Rock Bottom, though different from the present place.

[jgg13]

Yeah, I don't know if this is a true statement per se, but the sense that I got was that the name change was due to them not actaully doing any brewing in house. Something like that.

[Gordough]

Either way the place is downright awful. I went once and will never go back. I never thought I would long for the days of Brew Moon. LOL.

[jgg13]

I've never been much of a fan, although I inevitably end up there a few times a year as my opinion isn't universally shared :)

[LStaff]

Hoping that this is an improvement on their beer since the concept is to supply the place with beers made (at other RB locations) from recipes that have won a gold medal at either the GABF or World Beer Cup. If they have a decently hoppy IPA on tap, I'll visit more than the one time I have since RB has been open in Boston.

[cbw_chowfan]

I think the Farragut House in South Boston has shut down -- does anyone have any information on its replacement from the Biltmore (in Newton) owners? I live in the neighborhood, but haven't heard a thing about whether it will get a new name, extensive renovations, what the menu might be like, projected opening, etc? Just thought I'd see if anyone here was "in the know" ...

I know a lot of Southie folks were griping about the FH closing (and, for the record, I liked FH quite a bit) but I'm willing to give the new place a chance if its adds something new/better to the area, especially the City Point area that has many fewer restaurant options that further down Broadway.

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The Biltmore
1205 Chestnut St, Newton Upper Falls, MA 02464

Farragut House Restaurant
149 P St, Boston, MA 02127

[Prav]

Is it true that Kelly's Landing is gone too?

[L2k]

Can't help you there, but Sullivan's shut down for the winter over the T-day holiday

[cbw_chowfan]

Yes, Kelly's Landing on L St. shut down a month or more ago. I heard that the owner of Sidewalk Cafe on M & E. 4th St. is re-opening the space as a sit-down version of the Sidewalk fare. No firm confirmation of that, mostly neighborhood scuttlbutt.

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Kelly's Landing
159 Bridge St, Weymouth, MA 02191

[JoJo5]

Hi all,

Is there any current news on the opening date for Mulan in Waltham?

Thanks,
Joanne

[y2000k]

I walked by the store front today, and it looks like it's gonna be a while. There are 2 construction workers inside this afternoon with a work table set up, but the entire interior is still stripped/empty.

[JoJo5]

Thanks for the update. Joanne

[Eatin in Woostah]

Is this owned by the same folks who own Mulan in Cambridge?

[taterjane]

Yes -- I asked at the Cambridge restaurant at the end of October. Same owner.

[Boston_Otter]

It's been reported on the Davis Square LJ that Pho House (formerly Thai Mandarin Kitchen) on Mass Ave has closed as of Wednesday for "personal reasons".

[madamezora]

sad to here this since this is one of my favorite spots for an inexpensive yet satisfying asian lunch. however, as i was riding by in the bus yesterday, I notice a "coming soon -Thai" something something" sign in the doorway. Hope its the same owner/chef, just with a narrower Thai focus

[Boston_Otter]

That's good news. I always enjoyed their food but trying to do Thai and Chinese AND Vietnamese was a bit of a stretch for one place.

[kobuta]

I wish more restaurants understood this. *sigh*

[catsmeow]

Annabelle's in Hyde Park is now open where CF Donovans was going to open and where Marios use to be.

[MC Slim JB]

Canary Square, from the Coda folks, now open in JP in the former Alchemist space. Marco Suarez, most recently of Bon Savor, helming the kitchen.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

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Bon Savor
605 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

[Bob Dobalina]

Do you happen to know who's in the kitchen at Bon Savor now? I take it Suarez is the one responsible for turning that place from ordinary to more noteworthy, so that's bad news for them.

[gourmaniac]

I was a Bon Savor the other night and the new chef is a good friend of Suarez whose name I forget. They had the old menu and it was slightly different. The crepe with bacon, veggies and cheese was pretty good though but heartier and less refined than what i remember here. The new chef is putting in a new menu this week.

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Bon Savor
605 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

[bear]

Thanks for the info. We head to Bon Savor fairly often for Sat. breakfast, enjoy it quite a bit, and are hoping it won't change too much. A little tweaking might be welcome as a change of pace, though, for some variety.

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Bon Savor
605 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

[trufflehound]

Aoi n Framingham is 'temporarily closed' for not using a ph meter for sushi rice.

"Most critically, staff wasn't measuring the pH levels of sushi rice because the meter didn't work, Mascoop said.

When it comes to serving raw fish, he said the acidity of the rice must be monitored and controlled using vinegar to reduce the risk of bacteria growth."

[Bob Dobalina]

I don't understand this post - were they closed by the Health Department ?

[trufflehound]

Yes. Fams BOH is ridiculous.

[Prav]

Not super Chowish news, but I saw on the Davis Square LJ that a Subway will be taking place of Spun, the frozen yogurt place in Powderhouse that was open 2 hours/week.

[maillard]

That's disappointing to hear.

[yumyum]

+1 That little formerly funky strip of restos at the Powderhouse corner will now host both a Dunkie's and a Subway. Boo.

[Prav]

All it needs is a Chipotle.

[hiddenboston]

And a second Dunkie's.

[Prav]

And a Starbucks inside that Dunkie's bathroom!

[DowntownChick]

Chipotle is opening today at 101 Summer Street.

[SaraASR]

Anyone go? How was it?

[cbw_chowfan]

I went at 12:30 on opening day -- line out the door and around the corner. Thank goodness I had ordered online and skipped the crowd -- went right to the front and claimed my food. It was tasty and up to par with other Chipotle experiences. Very excited to have a new lunch option in the financial district, especially since I much prefer Chipotle to Qdoba (by a lot). Looking forward to the initial insanity dying down though, will probably take awhile for the newness to wear off.

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Qdoba
5 White St, Cambridge, MA 02140

[Beachowolfe]

I can't ever find a food driven reason to visit Chipoltaway or Qdoba when Herrera's is right up the street.

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Qdoba
5 White St, Cambridge, MA 02140

[9lives]

Try Burrito Express on Bedford/Kingston..Their quaility is what Herrera's was 10 years ago, when they had a single stand...which is to say good.. BX is far better.

[Gordough]

This morning I walked by the new location of UBurger on Tremont Street across from the Common. It looks like they have made substantial progress in the last few weeks. So much so that I could see them opening in December although they still look a few weeks away. Good news for those that live/work in the area and want a quick, decent burger and fries under $10.

[9lives]

U Burger is in a tough competition with Stoddards as the slowest opening in history. I walk by regularly and the progress is proceeding at a glacial pace. maybe late DEC..:)...though it appears they could open by next week, I'm bettting they won't. The place is littered with DD cups and crap...but no workers.

[nsenada]

I think I saw someone filling out an application for employment when I walked by last week.

[mats77]

I asked the guys in there today when they would open and they said hopefully next week.

[mats77]

U Burger is open on Tremont St.

[jgg13]

They couldn't possibly have bothered to open when it was still warm out :)

Ah well!

[hiddenboston]

And they picked one of the windiest places in Boston to open! (The windiest other than the corner of Ashburton Place and Bowdoin Street on Beacon Hill, that is--people who went to Suffolk may know what I mean.)

[jgg13]

Ever since the yawkey center went up, i'd submit that walking down cambridge st toward charles/mgh - the moment you clear the corner of the building is the worst downtown. It only lasts a second though :)

[hotoynoodle]

none of you must walk around the seaport district. or by the john hancock in copley.

[jgg13]

Age old truth - everyone thinks the areas they frequent are the windiest :)

Try telling a kendall square denizen that kendall (real kendall, not 1 kendall) ain't the windiest spot in the city :)

[hotoynoodle]

the wind in copley once pulled a pierced earring out of my ear!

[Gabatta]

The wind at the corner of Clarendon and Boylston once blew stagnant water from a puddle into my mouth. ewwww.....

[Bob Dobalina]

Qingdao Garden's website says they are due to re-open on December 2. Yay.

[PinchOfSalt]

A friend and I drove by Qingdao Garden today, hoping to find it open for lunch. Given the work-in-progress that we saw, it is going to be a while before they re-open. That day cannot come too soon!

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Qingdao Garden Restaurant
2382 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140

[smtucker]

Ugh! We are on a very restricted eat-out budget and have been saving our pennies for their reopening. So disappointing!

[maillard]

The website now says mid-December. Fingers crossed that they don't have to push back the date again!

[smtucker]

I am now in total withdrawal. Down to 7 dumplings in the freezer and am craving some lamb with cumin. I will keep driving by and hoping to see an open sign.

[maillard]

I'm so jealous of your frozen dumplings. I was just about to restock (had been out for months) when they closed. I am suffering from Severe Dumpling Withdrawal.

[cambridgedoctpr]

what about wang's, golden garden or mulan as subsitutes for dumplings. and GG does a great lamb with cumin.

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mulan
228 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139

[maillard]

Very true and I've been meaning to get to one of them, but none of those are a 10 minute walk from my house like Qingdao is. :) Still, if Qingdao doesn't open back up soon I'll definitely just make the time to get some substitute dumplings.

[chickendhansak]

Have you tried the cumin lamb at Zoe's? Depending on the direction of your walk, it could also be just ten minutes for you.

[bear]

Rod Dee's pretty blue neon sign was beckoning last night in Porter Square, along with a big "Opening Soon" sign. Can't wait.

[chilibaby]

They made it just under the gun.
Rod Dee (Porter Sq): open today, hallelujah!