November 2011 Openings and Closings

[hiddenboston]

Happy November, all! Hear of any restaurant openings or closings coming up over the next month or so? I know that Sweet Cheeks in the Fenway area is planning to open this month, and Parsons Table in Winchester is closing in a couple of weeks or so. Others?

-----
Parsons Table
34 Church St, Winchester, MA 01890

[nachovegas]

I just ate at Shilla coupe of weeks ago. It moved upstairs, now has BBQ, but I believe that it is called Shilla, not Shabu Ya, at least that's what the sign said upstairs. We had sushi which was OK, but the vibe and decor were pretty bizzare and garish.

[scubahood10]

Deja Brew in Abington closed this month which is sad because I tried it for the first time this month. There is still going to be one in (East?) Bridgewater however that is too far for me to drive for coffee. Sad, because I haven't found a lot of great coffee places on the south shore.

[MC Slim JB]

I've long wondered whether Bull would ever open in the Galeria in Harvard Square; a sign is up on the exterior of the building, but it has been "in the works" since Shilla, whose space I thought it was taking over, closed over two and a half years ago.

Now I'm walking through Harvard Square tonight, and a sandwich-board sign for Shilla is out on the sidewalk in front of the Galeria. Can anyone explain?

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hckybg]

I saw something like that a month ago, and when I poked my head downstairs the security guard told me there was nothing down there. So maybe there is some poor soul who has been mistakenly putting out the sign for 30 months, unaware, or maybe there is a better answer.

[greenTara]

Hello world. First post.

Can't move our knowledge too far forward except to agree that:
a) the sandwich board is the same old yellow one as 2+ years ago,
b) there's additional signage on the 2nd floor (no longer basement) especially promoting their shabu (which I don't think original Shilla used to do),
c) the Staples employee sitting on the railing yesterday a.m. as I walked by had no idea what or where Shilla is/was.

[MC Slim JB]

Welcome, gT, and thanks! So this sheds some light, or at least thickens the plot.

Shilla originally was in the basement of the Galeria, where Bull is supposed to be going.

I'll speculate that the former Shilla operators are now behind Shabu-Ya on the second floor of the Galeria. Behold: the old Shilla website URL points to a site for Shabu-Ya: http://www.shillacambridge.com/ It looks rather like the old Shilla menu of Korean and Japanese dishes, including a lot of sushi, but minus the grill-table "BBQ".

If you look at the proper website http://www.shabuyarestaurant.com/ , it does indeed include a big shabu-shabu menu, and a selection of big, elaborate cooked rolls like dragon maki. (I'm guessing the menu that the old Shilla website points to is for takeout only, hence no shabu on it).

So it appears that the explanation is an old issue: they moved upstairs, changed the name and concept, but didn't bother to change at least one of their signs.

(Or at least that's my theory until I hear a better one).

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hiddenboston]

And I thought the whole Nico/Mico/Nico thing was confusing...

[hckybg]

They were always owned by the same people, though a Yelp post also mentions that they merged. So your conclusion seems to be correct. Is there ever going to be Korean fried chicken in Harvard Square? I'll believe it when I see it.

[MC Slim JB]

I suppose I'll just have to walk into the building next time and look on the second floor to see what the signs say.

The place certainly looks Space Age-y from the Shabu-Ya home page, but I think the Yelp review they reprinted is a highly unappetizing choice: http://www.shabuyarestaurant.com/review.html

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[mkfisher]

I got dragged to Shabu Ya last winter. I felt like I was on an episode of the Jetsons.

[tatsu]

It seems like a good theory. The yelp page for Shilla that is marked as "CLOSED" has pictures with the new decor on the 3rd floor. They obviously do not care what you call them as long as you eat there.

I don't ever remember seeing "Shilla" on the door of the 3rd floor. I think it was shabu-shabu centric from the start of the 3rd floor restaurant. I vaguely remember Shilla being kind of expensive for it's type and not outstanding in any way.

The subsequent Shabu-Ya is funny looking to me, so I never ate there. I can't stand faux shabu-shabu anyway, more than jive-ass sushi rolls.

[MC Slim JB]

Well, just to add to the confusion (and possibly hang a "doomed" sign on the place), Groupon just came out with a deal for Shabu-Ya, not Shilla. It's odd, too: $25 for $56 worth of cuisine (why not $50?), and describes the food as "sushi, hotpot, or Japanese", no mention of Korean.

And now you know why I revived last month's "openings/closings" thread.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[tatsu]

It seems to be a difficult spot. I was surprised when Penang left, it was a fairly eclectic offering for the square, which really never had interesting cheap eats offerings in my opinion. Penang was always meh for me, but I had some bias after seeing so many Penang outlets in NYC and I have always desired an Indonesian place in addition to Malaysian around here.

Campo di Fiore is another place I miss, the eggplant and zucchini offerings especially. Harvard Sq has gotten better since, with Clover and some other places, but not really more interesting.

[MC Slim JB]

Saw an ad in The Improper for "the new" Nico, featuring a photo of Nick Varano. I thought he had sold this place, and that the new owner was going to call it Mico. I guess that deal fell through.

The website now looks like a placeholder, no links on it at all, though from Google you can still access the menus, which are clearly unchanged from "the old" Nico.

I'm guessing this means some kind of physical-plant facelift, but I wonder how extensively the kitchen staff and menu have been revamped, if at all.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Bob Dobalina]

Should have mentioned this earlier - East Coast Grill is closed for renovations until Friday, December 2.

[opinionatedchef]

wish you had, bob! we were foiled this past sunday, but then again, we went to Istanbullu as our alternate and were v. happy with our 1st brunch there.

[MC Slim JB]

For lack of a better place to put it, I'll repeat a juicy item from Devra First's Globe online chat today: Ten Tables is purportedly taking over the Bon Savor space with plans to make it a burger joint.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

-----
Bon Savor
605 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

[bear]

Interesting. Bon Savor has only been doing weekend brunch for a few months, so I guess it was just a matter of time. Too bad, such sweet people. A burger joint there could be interesting, though.

-----
Bon Savor
605 Centre St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

[j02130]

the name of the restaurant will be Grass Fed. Burgers,salads etc

[hiddenboston]

Where did you hear about the name of the place, j02130?

[T.B.]

I was at the NY store this past weekend and they told me the Bourbon Coffee in Porter is scheduled to open on Black Friday. Haven't been by there myself; any signs of life?

[VintageMolly]

My husband is in that building fairly frequently and says there's been lots of activity of late, and what appeared to be a staff meeting over the weekend, so that sounds plausible.

[chickendhansak]

It wasn't open on Friday, if I'm remembering the long weekend correctly, but it did look like progress had been made, so perhaps it is open by now.

[itaunas]

Tenoch Mexican Restaurant is coming soon to 24 Riverside Ave in Medford (don't know anything about it, but the person listed on the permit owns Silfen Plaster in Arlington). This may get some wisecracks, but there is now a hydroponic lighting store next to Roberto's Produce which isn't a bad addition before winter.

Its not new, but Pollo Campero in Liberty Plaza East Boston and El Paisa outside it (near the Shaws just outside Central Square) both are open w/o mention here and good easy access options before going through the Sumner tunnel. I made a separate post about Helado Juli's on Brooks which I think the retail space is just opened, although I think that I have seen their pops before.

-----
Pollo Campero
115 Park St, Chelsea, MA 02150

El Paisa
598 Dexter St, Central Falls, RI 02863

[hiddenboston]

itaunas, is Tenoch going to be a restaurant or a shop/market/business/wholesaler? They are listed as "Tenoch Mexican Food Corporation."

[itaunas]

It is a restaurant, they have a sign outside mentioning tacos, burritos and the like. Also the license application hearing I looked up was for a CV which means preparing food (obviously markets and other businesses apply for this, but its a small space so seems like only a restaurant). Unfortunately no details about the type of Mexican food (and I didn't see pupusas on the sign), but I'm not one to look this latest craze in the proverbial mouth.

[hiddenboston]

Thanks, itaunas! I'll try to drive over there in the next few days to check out the space.

[Alcachofa]

The Hawthorne opens tonight!

[barleywino]

i took a look at their sample food/drink menu at ICOB... drinks seemed a mix of standards and a couple originals...food mostly small bites... much much smaller list of both food and drinks (maybe a dozen) than Eastern Std, fwiw

[Alcachofa]

I'm sure you know that with some of the talent behind the bar, the drinks menu is superfluous.

[barleywino]

I would certainly hope so... it's just more challenging to get a good drink when it's not listed on the menu, you're at the mercy of the bartender's whims and willingness to "bring it"

[Matt H]

Stopped off tonight after work and not surprisingly (considering the family this bar belongs to) was very impressed. Sat at the bar in the living room area at the back and had Ryan as a bartender. First round, Rum Old Fashioned using Old Monk and Smith and Cross, excellent. 2nd was a Remember the Maine, also excellent.

Space is also tastefully designed, nice addition to growing list of craft cocktail bars.

[hoohah]

Sorry to hear that Harry's 240 on Rantoul Street in Beverly has closed.

-----
Harry's 240 Restaurant
240 Rantoul St, Beverly, MA 01915

[Zut]

Per a boston.com article of today, the Other Side Cafe (by Mass Ave and Newbury) will close as of December 23. I'm a bit surprised it stuck around as long as it did. But, despite its dreadfully hipster vibe (with attendant terrible service), it, or at least its decent sandwiches and beer selection, will be missed.

-----
Other Side Cafe
407 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02115

[hiddenboston]

As robyn76 said earlier, a new location of The Chateau opened yesterday in Burlington. There seemed to be a bit of confusion on this, as some believed that they weren't going to open until next week, but it is indeed open.

[greygarious]

Not the best name, IMO, for an Italian restaurant..... I drove past there at mid-day on the 17th. A sign in the window said they were opening at 4:30 that afternoon. Location is where Bugaboo Creek was. Burton's opening is a ways off, since it will be on the other end of the strip, which is just now being framed in.

[Mike5966]

Does anyone have any updates on the upcoming yakitori joint on Shawmut Ave. in the South End?

[MC Slim JB]

I've definitely seen major construction work going on at Zai in fits and starts, like a big dumpster parked out front for a couple of weeks for debris. I believe they're shooting for a Spring 2012 opening.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[MC Slim JB]

Correction: per Hidden Boston, their hiring ads indicate that Zai is hoping to open in a matter of weeks.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[mkfisher]

Grub Street is reporting that Julep will replace Revolution Rock Bar. It was kind of inevitable considering that the Revolution and Blue Inc share a kitchen (well they at least used to share a kitchen when it was Lobby - not sure how that works now).

-----
Revolution Rock Bar
200 High St Lbby 3, Boston, MA 02110

[MC Slim JB]

According to a press release I got on it, Julep and Blue Inc. share the same investors, interior designer, and "culinary team".

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Bob Dobalina]

As noted in the October thread, Pulse Cafe is closing - a LiveJournal post says 11/20 is the last day.

As an aside, am I the only one that strictly avoids going to a restaurant that I hear is closing in x days? I can only imagine the horrors of what I might get served.

[MC Slim JB]

Pulse wasn't very good when it was at its best.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hckybg]

The Inman Square KFC/Taco Bell has closed. Interesting not because it is closed, but because it looks like it will be replaced with condos. There goes the neighborhood!

[hiddenboston]

Hopefully they'll renovate the building before it gets divided into condos. :-b

[hckybg]

I almost hope they don't! Fifteen condos in an old KFC...who gets the one that used to be the bathroom?

[jgg13]

I'd prefer the one that gets the broaster :)

[jgg13]

Blarg. I had a rare craving for taco bell the other day and almost went up there. Wish I'd have gone there beforehand :)

[hckybg]

The Cambridge side of me says, "Hell yeah! Inman loses its last chain restaurant!" The Somerville side of me says, "What about when I *want* KFC?!? Who needs more condos??"

[yumyum]

Luckily the Somerville side of you can drive over to lower Broadway to get your fix. ;-) I like my KFC too, once a year, and always regret it later.

[viperlush]

Me too. Haven't had Taco Bell in years, but recently I have been craving it. Oh well.

[robyn76]

The Chateau is opening in Burlington on Wednesday, November 16th. It's located next to Old Navy over by the new Market Basket, future Burton's Grill, etc. Heard a rumor that 5 Guys was also moving in, but didn't see any signs of them over the weekend.

[MC Slim JB]

Doré Creperie at 1 Beacon Street is (to my surprise) only a popup, and due to close before the end of November, with no new location set: apparently it was an experiment by its investors, and they have not decided whether they will continue it. I wouldn't mind seeing it pop up somewhere else: I thought it was pretty good.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[mvi]

I agree. I like their food and the smoothies.

[BostonZest]

There is a sign in the window that a Creperie is hiring for a new space in the Newbury Guest House right above La Voile on Newbury Street. Looks like the tables are in place and set along the windows.

Penny
http://www.bostonzest.com/

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

[LStaff]

Don't know if this was mentioned already, but American Craft in Brookline is done. Being replaced by a tapas place.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/brookline/...

[Boston Strangler]

Are you sure American Craft is done? I thought they were just reinventing themselves again. Tapas would be the most logical step after BBQ, Tex Mex, Cajun/Creole, new American slow and sustainable. Hmmm....what else am I forgetting?

-----
American Craft
1700 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445

[LStaff]

Did you read the article?

"A spokeswoman for the Connecticut-based Barcelona Wine Bar said the company plans to open a restaurant in the space, but declined to go into detail about the establishment."

'According to a legal notice in the Brookline TAB, selectmen will hold a public hearing in two weeks to decide if American Craft can transfer its liquor license to Barcelona."

-----
American Craft
1700 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445

[MC Slim JB]

The same article was cited in the new Eater Boston, which I am hopeful is as funny and informative as Eater NY (which among other things makes a practice of mercilessly mocking Todd English): http://boston.eater.com/archives/2011/11/14/barcelona-wine-bar-to-replace-american-craft-in-brookline.php

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[robwat36]

This is sad. I'm a big American Craft fan. It's great for when you want to avoid the Publick House throngs. Of course, liking a place because you can always get a seat is a double-edged sword, as the place itself usually doesn't last.

[chickendhansak]

The other side of the coin was that American Craft also helped thin out the crowd at Publick House.

-----
Publick House
1648 Beacon St, Brookline, MA

American Craft
1700 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02445

[mhead]

Bakey's, in the Financial District, is closing and will replaced next Spring by a place called Warehouse on Broad.

-----
Bakey's
45 Broad St, Boston, MA 02109

[mkfisher]

Warehouse on Broad I believe is affiliated with the people behind Battery Park. Probably doesn't bode too well for the quality of the food.

[hiddenboston]

I found out today that the person behind Warehouse on Broad used to work at Battery Park but is no longer connected with the place.

[hckybg]

Dwelltime is starting to get close! I walked by yesterday and they were nearly complete on new windows. Much of the inside looks 90% done. The construction guy said it should be a couple weeks.

[ChickenBrocandZiti]

Sweet Cheeks BBQ hinted on twitter last night that they may open their doors on the sly to see how things go. Not sure if they did so last night or not. If so, did anyone go? Report back please, I'm hopeful that they nail this and I will have a good Q option on this side of the river.

[HubFlyer]

PigTrip has a report. http://www.pigtrip.net/preview-SweetC...

[Jenny Ondioline]

That brisket looks horrible. Why doesn't anyone in this town know how to do brisket?

[hckybg]

You've gotta at least try it first! PigTrip usually has good taste, and they seemed to like it. I'm willing to reserve judgement...

[Foodie_BBQ]

Agree that good brisket is hard to find, but Firebox nailed "grilled brisket" at a recent trip. It's just what it sounds like - smoked, sliced, then grilled. I hadn't been there since right after they opened, but tried it again last month. Their sides (had mac and cheese and collards) are inexcusably terrible, so it won't be in my Lesters/Blue Ribbon rotation, but the grilled brisket hit the perfect blend of smokey/charred/moist.

[peelmeagrape]

I heard that Hawthorne is planning to open within the next two weeks. Exciting, but I hope the ES/ICOB goodness doesn't get spread too thin!

[Mike5966]

May have already been reported elsewhere but an outpost of Fin's Sushi and Grill is opening up on Cambridge St. across from MGH. I've never had Fin's before, i.e., the one in Kenmore, mainly because it always looked dead. But the working crowd at MGH seems to be pretty excited to have a place other than Ma Soba to order sushi from while at work.

I'm really excited about Sweet Cheeks...

[Jenny Ondioline]

Few who don't live in the immediate neighborhood will care, but Seoul Bakery, at the corner of Harvard and Farrington in Allston, is closed. I liked their rice-flour crullers okay.

[SeaSide Tomato]

Some time back Rock Island Food Co opened for busines on Quincy's lovely Hough's Neck at 1189 Sea St..

Here's a link to the menu (if I can make the link work!) :

http://www.rockislandfoodcompany.com/...

I have not yet tried it, but will do so in the next few days.

Further down Sea Steet, Louis' Crossing was sold and the new onwers have completed renovations, etc. It's expected to open for business tomorrow night as "Louis"--the outside renovations look terrific (as does a peek in the widow!!). GOOD LUCK LOUIS!!!!

[bear]

I noticed a sign for Sizzling House of Kabab on Woburn St. in Lexington the other day. A google search shows that it's been open for a couple of months, but I don't remember seeing it posted. Sorry if it's a repeat.

Prices look good. I'll post when I give it a try.

http://www.sizzlinghouseofkabab.com/m...

[marcreichman]

Yeah, this has been here a few months. it replaced Aunt Mary's World Cafe.. I have been tempted on my rides back from MB but haven't stopped in yet. Anyone?

[Foodie_BBQ]

Had a well-executed beef/lamb shawarma for lunch there today. Comes with Hummus, tahini sauce and banana peppers! I love that. It's missing pickles, or a bit more seasoning - not a ton of flavor. I wouldn't seek it out if you have better in your 'hood, but I haven't even heard of anything similar in the area. N.B. I've been working in Burlington for two months now, so I've been exploring.

[hiddenboston]

Angelina's Pastry has opened in Arlington Heights. Also, Sweet Life Bakery and Cafe is moving into the old Common Ground space in Lower Mills.

[yumyum]

New bar opening below Jae's in the South End. Hair of the Dog --> http://www.hairofthedogboston.com/

This should be interesting. It's the bartender from Sichuan Garden II, Ran Duan. He makes craft cocktails there, and will be doing similar at the new spot. Looks like a December opening.... stay tuned!

[Nab]

The scoop, from the Globe:

http://www.bostonglobe.com/magazine/2...

That basement bar was my favourite place to conduct covert conversation. Not anymore !

[pdubs]

Stone Hearth Pizza in Allston (corner of North Harvard and Western) opened on Monday.

-----
Stone Hearth Pizza
57 Leonard St, Belmont, MA 02478

[southie_chick]

Yet another Upper Crust is opening - this time on State Street by Baily & Sage. And, not a restaurant, but I was at South Station today & there's going to be a fresh made popcorn "kiosk" (for lack of a better description) that's going to be located right behind Cheese Boy / to the left of the smoothie place. Can't remember the name of it (I think it was 2 initials like PC's) & the person setting it up said there would be a "soft" opening tomorrow night.

[JoeM]

I was wondering where that popcorn smell was coming from... fills all of South Station.

[mkfisher]

The website for Kika Tapas says they plan to open in November. Another addition to Third Street.

[mvi]

That section of Third Street is turning into one really fine area for all kinds of dining options. So many changes in the past two years. Not to mention the entire Kendall Square area.

[MC Slim JB]

True enough, but I still miss the F&T Deli. That was still the most interesting crowd I ever saw in a Kendall Square restaurant.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Matt H]

Kika has a menu posted on their facebook page as well.

[opinionatedchef]

darn. was all excited about this til i found out that it has the same owners as Solea and Tapeo. Not for me. phooey.

[MC Slim JB]

This might be last month's news, but 3 Little Figs, a Greek-American breakfast / lunch joint, has opened near Davis Square.

-----
3 Little Figs
278 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02143

[Bob Dobalina]

I had a cappuccino there on Saturday - they use Gimme! beans - not familiar - smooth flavor, a little bite but no bitterness - foam was a little heavy at the bottom.
Had a fig/almond (I think) scone - very light, airy and cakey for a scone - a little spendy overall, but a welcome addition to that stretch of Highland Ave.
The space is a complete re-do from the prior incarnations and a huge improvement.
And not "Greek-American" as in "diner" - no statutes or pictures of the Acropolis - going more with the cutesy Somerville vibe...

[emannths]

Looks like Gimme! is roasted near Ithaca and is served at about 3 coffee bars in NYC and 3 upstate.

http://www.gimmecoffee.com/

[hckybg]

They are an outstanding roaster, and their cafes are some of the best in New York City. The first place in Boston that I've seen them. Lucky us!

[hckybg]

"Put a bird on it!"

[Bob Dobalina]

Exactly! Somervillia...

[bear]

Bob, I didn't see an on-line menu. Is it more of a bakery/cafe atmosphere, or do they serve full breakfast?

[Bob Dobalina]

More bakery than breakfast. Menu like a Sherman or a Flour in terms of fuller breakfast items - the website also touts the other coffee houses that stock their baked goods - Voltage, City Feed for example -

[hckybg]

Speaking of which, I am sure you saw that Inman is now without its bird-named baby store. What's with the birds everywhere? People will look back on this cultural epoch with great confusion, and some day archaeologists will think we worshiped a bird god (represented as a silhouette, no doubt).

[Bob Dobalina]

Prevalence of bird images may be due to ease of creation - think shadow puppets?

[rknrll]

Link regarding Bird by Bird closing?

[hckybg]

No link to offer, it's closed. Paper up in the windows as of yesterday, merchandise sold over the last couple weeks. Maybe the Druid can expand and it will finally be possible to get a seat after 6!

[hiddenboston]

Bird by Bird closed? Maybe a restaurateur can now use that name for a fried chicken place.

[Parsnipity]

Ah, yes- I lived around the corner from the first Gimme! Coffee in Ithaca during grad school. As I recall, they are the real deal. Thrilled to see them expanding.
disclaimer: coffee was such a treat in the grad school days that it's possible my standards are different now. will check them out and report back ASAP

[Parsnipity]

Reporting back- love this place! Perhaps everywhere I live will eventually have Gimme! coffee right around the corner. In addition to an excellent roast (I had a latte, DC had an iced latte due to the summer-like weather out there) and preparation of our coffees, I noticed that they have "local Greek yogurt with honey" which is indeed Sophia's. I haven't had their sandwiches yet but I like that they offer half or whole options for about $4/8.

[Boston_Otter]

I'm really happy about this place. Bright, charming, friendly, with genuinely helpful staff. Great coffee -- my Americano was topped with rich crema and was nice and roasty. Their cinnamon donut muffin is moist and sweet, and the staff-recommended Village sandwich is an unexpected but great mix of flavors: purple sweet potato, sun dried tomato, goat cheese, arugula, olive oil, and honey on nutty brown bread.

[hckybg]

Just to pile on--3 Little Figs is really a great place. The best coffee I've found in a neighborhood cafe-type place in Boston (perhaps the best coffee I've had in Boston, actually, though I am a big fan of Voltage and Barismo as well), and their pastries are original and well executed. I had a date scone and a simple coffee cake with a sugar glaze. And an espresso that was just excellent, from baristas who know how to use their very impressive setup. Everyone there was extremely kind; even though you order at the counter, the staff was attentive to all the guests at the tables and checked several times to be sure everyone was doing fine. I look forward to going back.

[mvi]

Brand new sign today announcing another new coffee/ sandwich spot that appears to be launching on Cambridge Street in East Cambridge, this one at 441, the old BMX shop. It's between 5th and 6th, on the other side of the street from Courthouse Fish Market. The sign outside this long vacant space says it will be called R.J. Gourmet. It's a small spot that will seat about 15-20. With Cafe Kafofo about to open only two blocks away, this should bring some healthy competition to the immediate area.

-----
Courthouse Fish Market
484 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141

[Boston_Otter]

The Clover HUB location in Inman Square opened today.

-----
Clover HUB
1075 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141

[hiddenboston]

Good to hear about Clover. They had a soft opening going on for the past few days (I think it was just a lunch menu and cash only). Hope to get there soon...

[mvi]

I stopped in late today and it is just amazing what they have one with this space in a short amount of time. Got the backstage tour and then ordered up a chickpea sandwich to go. It's really a warm, sunny and inviting place. Most of the seats are along the beautiful slabs of polished wood that serve as a counter. They have lots of storage and prep space and all of their trucks can park here overnight. They have big plans for the basement and for the space next door, but that is all still in the works. Yes, right now it is cash only but they are open from 8 am until 8 pm. Welcome to the neighborhood, Clover.

[Matt H]

Fuji at the corner of Binney and 3rd in Kendall is set to open in November.

[mvi]

Very psyched for this. I walk by it almost every day and they are hard at work. Third Street is getting more and more interesting.

[emannths]

Website, including menu and prices: http://www.fujiatkendall.com/

[mvi]

Thanks! Will pay special attention now.

[kobuta]

Interesting. The same folks who run Fuji in Quincy. Fuji is decent enough sushi, though hardly the best in the area. None the less, will be excited for one more lunch option in the area.

[MC Slim JB]

Looks like Parlor Sports, the sports bar at Trina's Starlite Lounge, gets past the soft opening stage this Thursday.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

-----
Trina's Starlite Lounge
3 Beacon St, Somerville, MA 02143

[Boston_Otter]

Not sure if it was mentioned near the tail end of the October thread, but after a month or so of waffling, Gargoyles in Davis Square finally closed last weekend; they were staying open as long as they could until their liquor license transferred to the new owners. Construction work on the replacement, a Oaxacan restaurant called The Painted Burro, has already started, with 'early 2012' as the opening goal.