December 2011 Openings and Closings
Here we go again!
Looks like Burton's opens in Burlington this month, as well as Fuji in Kendall Square. As far as closings, I'm still not sure about Garden of Eat-In in Cambridge. Anyone been there lately? Any others opening or closing?
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Boston_Otter
Jan 1, 2012 08:32 PM
Got a notice in my mailbox today about a public hearing to discuss the upcoming conversion of Davis Square's Diva Lounge into a falafel restaurant.
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re: Boston_Otter
Boston_Otter
Jan 2, 2012 06:24 AM
As a followup, I believe that the proposed falafel place is a franchise of Amsterdam Falafelshop.
http://www.falafelshop.com/-
re: Boston_Otter
MC Slim JB
Jan 2, 2012 06:31 AM
I now remember Devra First of the Globe expressing excitement at this prospect (it's a DC-based chain), but I had no idea the Diva Lounge was their first location here. Is the Bistro half of Diva staying in business?
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re: MC Slim JB
Boston_Otter
Jan 2, 2012 06:53 AM
As far as I know, Diva's staying open -- the flyer only mentioned the Lounge. If I were that Falafel place, I'd keep the wacky Jetsons decor.
Frankly, I'm not surprised -- Diva Lounge has had a lot of trouble with violence during their DJ nights, the drinks there are terrible and overpriced, and they've been repeatedly accused of racism by customers. The last time I went there, I ordered some cocktail called the Kali or something and got a martini glass filled with unflavored Ketel One with a cinnamon stick garnish -- for $13.
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re: Boston_Otter
MC Slim JB
Jan 2, 2012 07:05 AM
I'm with you on Diva Lounge: I liked the decor, thought the cocktails were unspeakable.
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re: Boston_Otter
hiddenboston
Jan 2, 2012 06:42 PM
Last July, I mentioned that Amsterdam Falafelshop was looking to open somewhere in the Boston area, but had no idea where they were looking at the time.
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hiddenboston
Dec 28, 2011 07:02 AM
Just confirmed--GrassFed burger bar will be opening in JP, in the former Bon Savor space. The owner of Ten Tables is behind it. (Not a December opening--looks like February 1.)
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jgg13
Dec 28, 2011 06:36 AM
It looks like the Wendys in Central Sq is closing, there are signs on the window thanking people for their patronage and pointing them to other locations.
Hardly a big loss, doubly so considering the skeeviness of the customers there. OTOH it always provided a particular niche - a place to get something very quick to eat if you had 5-10 mins and were in that area (Moodys & McDs being the other two). If it turns into a good eatery or bar, I'll not miss it. If it turns into a mediocre eatery or bar I'll be ambivalent and if it turns into a bank i'll be irritated.
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re: Kinopio
jgg13
Dec 28, 2011 09:48 AM
Actually the liquor store and wendys used to be one combined liquor store, it was parallel to the road.
It might be "gross, unhealthy food" but it also can give me something to eat in a matter of a minute, which isn't something that's going to happen at Craigie, ya know? On the other hand we already have 74 (thereabouts) banks in mental scare, trust me - we don't need another one.
I've lived in central for about 12 years now and I like how it has a wide range of things there. I'm not so snobby as to immediately get upset at two fast food places in the midst of so many other options. But hey, the next time I have 5 minutes to eat in central square I'll stop into Central Kitchen and tell them that Kinopio said it was cool beause they're not serving "gross, unhealthy food".
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re: jgg13
MC Slim JB
Dec 28, 2011 10:30 AM
I don't object to cheap and fast; it's just a shame when one's only options for that are the kind of seriously bad food slung by the national fast-food chains. I've eaten at such places out of desperation, usually while traveling on business in restaurant-benighted parts of the country, but I don't like giving them my money. It only encourages them.
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re: MC Slim JB
jgg13
Dec 28, 2011 10:42 AM
As I mentioned in a previous post, there's Moodys around the corner as an example of a place that would fit the bill. There's also Hi-Fi and ABC but I'd submit that neither should be viewed as any sort of step up over Wendys. There are some "faster" options, e.g. Four Burgers & Dosa Factory but neither fit the description that I'm trying to capture.
Don't get me wrong, I'd love for there to be, say, the old Tacos Lupita sitting in Central Sq, but I doubt that's in the cards. I'm just saying that I'd rather have a Wendys than another bank, or some cheesy place keeping brosephs fed & liquored up on flavored vodka drinks like TiTS or the new Floating Rock. I'd definitely not mind another nicer resto or gastropub type of place, but we're starting to accumulate those and losing the quick eats spots.
As an aside, I also saw today that Hubba Hubba is closing. Apropos of this discussion, she cited the homelessness issue as one of the reasons saying that while she liked the local color that it was getting tiresome to deal with.
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re: Kinopio
Can't wait until Central Square becomes a yuppie paradise and all those annoying homeless people get pushed somewhere else. How dare they think that our craft cocktail bars, obsessively-sourced guinea hens, and overpriced grocery stores belong to them. Maybe we can just turn the bus stops into taco trucks to hasten the displacement.
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re: hckybg
Beachowolfe
Dec 30, 2011 02:36 PM
If only they'd put a little bit of amaro into their Listerene bottles they'd see the light.
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re: Kinopio
Boston_Otter
Dec 30, 2011 05:56 AM
"Gross" is debatable, but is a big burger at Wendy's any more unhealthy than a big burger at Four Burgers, or a big steak sandwich from Z Rant? Not at all.
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re: Boston_Otter
jgg13
Dec 30, 2011 08:06 AM
Even as a supporter of Wendys in this fight, I'd say arguably yes depending on one's definition of "unhealthy" (a hobby horse of mine because it's really a multivariate problem where not all variables can be optimized). The argument is that the national chains pump their fare with fillers, chemicals, processed junk, etc whereas Four Burgers down the street uses all natural products.
Of course 4B costs 2x as much and takes about 4x as long. I eat at 4B far more often than I do Wendys, but they each have their place.
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re: jgg13
hotoynoodle
Dec 28, 2011 09:33 AM
i was in rendez-vous one night and a guy came in selling leather jackets, lol. steve hustled him out toute suite, but the types of business in that area don't seem to alter those idling around in the decades i've lived here.
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re: hotoynoodle
jgg13
Dec 28, 2011 09:49 AM
That's pretty funny considering that it used to be the homeless hangout back when the BK was there. I remember when the Wendys first opened they used to actively police the patrons but once that BK closed they just gave up.
The crazies & other derelicts are the best part of living in that area, they make life interesting to say the least.
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re: jgg13
While I've never felt personally threatened, there is occasionally a somewhat menacing vibe to Central Square that I don't often feel in other neighborhoods.
And I say this as someone who lives in Allston, which many Hounds apparently feel is only slightly less horrific than Calcutta.
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re: Jenny Ondioline
jgg13
Dec 28, 2011 01:39 PM
Hah, good one.
It does seem to be getting worse over the last few years, after really cleaning up quite a bit a decade ago. One thing I've found is that a lot of the hooliganry goes on between them and not towards random bystanders, this has also been my impression over the years from reading the police logs.
That said, if it helps to keep some of my favorite watering holes and eating spots a bit less packed such that I can go in at will, I won't complain ;)
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re: hotoynoodle
yarm
Dec 28, 2011 06:19 PM
I have seen Steve bounce people on two occasions (once a loud drunk guy who got belligerent when they wouldn't serve him, the other a young couple lurking around the bar who were acting a little suspicious only a few days after a purse snatching from said bar). Each time, my appreciation of him increased.
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hotoynoodle
Dec 20, 2011 01:21 PM
lowell, not boston, but ole, the tapas restaurant, shut over the weekend. too much trouble with their upstairs neighbor, brian's ivy hall, which promotoes overcrowding, fights and underage drinking til stupefied.
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maillard
Dec 20, 2011 09:08 AM
Dosa Temple opened in Somerville last Friday. Has anyone been?
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re: maillard
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re: maillard
Boston_Otter
Dec 20, 2011 12:40 PM
Oh man, I'm excited to try this place. Dosas, sure, but... idli! Vada! Sambar! Chana batura! Lots of south Indian vegetarian food, a cuisine that's hard to find in Boston.
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re: maillard
tatsu
Dec 20, 2011 01:27 PM
I've had the post temple buffet in Ashland and while it is not quite as great as the best Lexington Av Tiffin Rooms in NYC, it along with the two Udapi Bhavan outlets are certainly "chow worthy".
But I am quibbling about the fluffiness of the Idli, the creaminess of the tomato chutney, things like that.
South Indian breakfasts are my favorite morning meals.
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Boston_Otter
Dec 19, 2011 12:02 PM
Some of the signage is gone from Aguacate Verde in Somerville, and the place is dark. Doesn't look promising.
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yarm
Dec 19, 2011 09:21 AM
Little Vinny's in Magoun Square, Somerville, is apparently closing at the end of the month. In its place will be a 80s-themed bar called Daddy Jones with Aura chef and OM alum Rachel Klein doing the food.
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re: yarm
chickendhansak
Dec 19, 2011 10:15 AM
They did a Groupon that expires in February. Hopefully they can still take them.
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re: yarm
Bob Dobalina
Dec 19, 2011 12:58 PM
That's a shame. But in my opinion, when given the choice between L'il Vinny's and Vinny's at Night, VaN was much better.
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re: yarm
Not sure sure it is a Lyon's venture.
Wicked Local says:"Daddy Jones is going to be the creation of Dimitra Tsourianis, who has worked for the Lyons Group, one of the biggest nightclub owners in the Boston area, according to her attorney Anne Vigorito during a License Commission meeting Monday night."
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re: rknrll
yarm
Dec 19, 2011 03:58 PM
I see. The Eater blog took the liberties of interpreting that. Or I misinterpreted what they said:
Lil Vinny's Ristorante in Somerville's Magoun Square is closing on 12/31/11 after 12 years in business. Wicked Local Somerville says the space will become Daddy Jones, a bar harkening back to the 80's and 90's from the Lyons Group. Though the article says the new venture will serve affordable "light fare," they're bringing a serious chef to make it happen: Rachel Klein of Aura and formerly of OM.
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re: rknrll
Unfoodie
Dec 21, 2011 01:08 PM
I believe she used to manager 94 Mass Ave when it first opened (not sure if that was the opening name but we all know the story). I heard Greek food and cocktails will be the focus. She left the Lyons group venture when the concept changed into just another bar.
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re: enhF94
yarm
Dec 20, 2011 06:11 AM
1980's. The 1880's would be interesting for that part of Somerville which was a bit more agricultural until 1890-1910 when the majority of houses were built. My whole block that probably has 2 dozen houses used to be a single property using the rest of the land for orchards and farming.
Two original articles:
http://www.wickedlocal.com/somerville/news/business/x126211479/Lil-Vinnys-in-Somervilles-Magoun-Square-to-close#axzz1h0j2LyOx
http://bostonrestaurants.blogspot.com/2011/12/lil-vinnys-in-somerville-to-close-daddy.html
Two articles that play telephone and altered it slightly:
http://boston.eater.com/archives/2011/12/19/lil-vinnys-ristorante-to-close-on-1231.php
http://boston.grubstreet.com/2011/12/...
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re: yarm
yarm
Dec 28, 2011 09:06 AM
From Grubstreet today:
Rejoice, Somervillians: You can still get your fill of red sauce in 2012 for a little while, at least. The beloved (but apparently not beloved enough) Lil' Vinny's will not close on December 31, as was previously reported. "We will be open through the New Year and will keep you updated on actual closing," they Tweet. Is this going to be another Gargoyles fake-out situation? Or maybe they're reconsidering closing altogether? Meanwhile, Dimitra Tsourianis, rumored to be opening a spot called Daddy Jones in the space with Aura's Rachel Klein, shoots down speculation that Klein is involved at all: "@rfklein and I are v close friends, but we are not opening a restaurant together," she Tweeted. Hmm. [LilVinnysResto/Twitter, Earlier]
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In the food court at Super 88, where Wisteria was, a new place is about to open. The good news is their English is suspect because it's called "One of the Kind". Says Szechun and Mandarin. Looks almost ready. The takeout menu on the counter has a number of interesting dishes, including pork liver with special sauce, hot pots, and stir fried potato (which I'm hoping is one of my favorites).
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re: lergnom
Yep. Picked up a takeout menu myself while waiting for my country-style pad thai around the corner.
There's also a number of Shandong dishes (lots of noodles and lamb dishes!) on the menu: this combined with the name "One of THE Kind" makes me wonder if perhaps these guys are somehow connected to the short-lived mini-empire Unique Dumpling.
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re: Jenny Ondioline
Allstonian
Dec 19, 2011 11:25 AM
Speaking of which, very big news on the Unique Chinese front. Much to my surprise, I noticed one day last week that they had a big "Grand Reopening" banner up, and were open for business again after having been shuttered without explanation for nearly 6 months! I was passing on the bus at the time so wasn't able to get any more info, but that was great to see.
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re: Allstonian
tatsu
Dec 19, 2011 12:03 PM
Intriguing! I was lucky enough to try Unique in their original Cambridge location and it was some of the most interesting Chinese food I've had. The Allston location did not have as much, but some here called a day before for the special items.
The owner is a university professor who was writing a book on American history for Chinese students and was a bit over-extended it seems. Perhaps his project is complete and he is back in full strength as a restauranteur.
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re: Allstonian
lipoff
Dec 19, 2011 02:19 PM
Yep, I saw this on Thursday too, forgot to post about it. I also didn't have a chance to stop in, but it looks like the same signage. I really hope they still have Beijing-style jian bing ("spring onion crepe" is probably the best way to describe it), as they're the only place in Boston that has ever had this terrific snack.
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re: Jenny Ondioline
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re: mojospapi
tatsu
Dec 28, 2011 10:14 AM
Great news, some of the best pan-fried Taiwanese dumplings I've tried. I never really warmed up to Wisteria's Newbury location, but I hate eating on Newbury St anyway. I loved the Cambridge St location, a short-lived residency like Unique's brief stay afterwards. Chinese chefs don't die they just open more restaurants.
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Trumpetguy
Dec 17, 2011 10:04 AM
Not sure it has already been mentioned, but Cafe Kafofo, a Brazilian coffee, pastry & sandwich cafe opens today at 594 Cambridge St, Cambridge.
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MC Slim JB
Dec 16, 2011 11:45 AM
Eater Boston confirms: Don Ricardo's in the South End has closed. http://boston.eater.com/archives/2011/12/16/don-ricardos-closes-after-25-years-in-south-end.php Very sad; loved that little place. And the fact that it used to be called Botucatu, but the second wife made the Don change it, as it was named for the first wife.
There was better Brazilian and Peruvian and Mexican food around Boston, but it was a rare place in the South End that was both modest and decent. Criminally overlooked by most neighbors.
Its replacement will be a Puerto Rican place called Vejigante. That's something, anyway.
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re: MC Slim JB
I can't wait for Vejigante. Missing really good rican food since last visit to the island was too long ago.
Izzy in Cambridge, I won't even call it Puerto Rican and Borinquen makes a good cubano but the rest of the food is meh. San Lorenzo was good but their selections are so limited now (parents that does the cooking should be retired so they don't make alot of their goodies anymore)
Cafe Latino is my fave but their hours are limited and they don't open on weekends: nothing like their pernil's crispy skin and their yuca salad. oh yummm. -
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Barrington Coffee has opened its cafe on Congress Street in Fort Point Channel. I got a great cup of coffee today and really hope that they do well.
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re: Alcachofa
hotoynoodle
Dec 28, 2011 09:30 AM
the late-night crowd lined up outside never struck me as there for the food. didn't even know they served any!
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Fuji on Third Street in Cambridge opened today. Having walked by every day for months, I stopped in to say hello.
The place is still so new and they are working out kinks, for sure, but I think it will be a popular spot here in the Kendall area. There are two entrances and the hostess is located at the one in the middle, which means that if you enter the other door, no one pays any attention to you and it is very awkward. As the other door is closest to Kendall, this will be where most of the foot traffic comes from. Hopefully, they will fix this. All of the people came in that door and faced the same confusion.
The menu is huge. I sampled a lot of sushi and it was actually very good. The floors were already dirty which was odd and you get bombarded with techno music and Adele songs while seeing ESPN on the flat screen which is on mute. I won't comment too much on the service, as it was the first day, but it sure was super friendly.
I am very happy to have sushi here in Kendall Square and will be a regular at the bar on my way home.
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re: mvi
kobuta
Dec 13, 2011 08:16 PM
Not to mention that that's the end where they put the sandwich board with the open sign on the outside -- leading to more confusion. I walked past after work (one of the offices I work at is upstairs in the same building) and I saw what looked to be staff meetings right in the bar seating area. Was happy to see already a few tables with patrons. I hope the place does well; their Quincy joint is probably the best sushi option in the area, and we definitely can use more food options in that neighborhood. If they are ready to do take out for lunch, I will add this place to my regular rotation.
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re: kobuta
Good point. I saw that sandwich board too, and it seems only natural to go in that door. Staff were hard at work and sampling some food in that narrow hallway space when I was there, and the drinks menu was nonexistent but after all, it was opening day. I hope they succeed. I did hear them say that they do take out.
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re: mvi
MC Slim JB
Dec 14, 2011 08:41 AM
Funny how places don't seem to think these traffic flow issues through when they design places. Maybe it's the architect's fault?
When the Russell House Tavern opened, the main entrance was the bar, with the host stand nearly out of sight at the back of it. It was easy to walk in and stand there like a dope, wondering where the rest of the restaurant was, and why there was no one there to greet you. Makes a lot more sense now that the newer main entrance off the patio deposits you right at the host stand.
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re: MC Slim JB
Bob Dobalina
Dec 14, 2011 08:50 AM
Hopefully, one of the hounds that walk by this place every day will just go ahead and do the restaurant a favor by moving the sandwich board.
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re: Bob Dobalina
kobuta
Dec 14, 2011 05:13 PM
The other misleading design (part of the original building and street) is that the corner where they put the sandwich board has a bench outside, so it makes a natural and pleasant waiting spot if there is ever a line. Not that it's that far from the other door, but if there was a re-do, I would've just used that as the main entrance.
By the way, the side that connects to the office building apparently is the where the bathroom is, and I get a nice full view of their toilet upon entrance and exit of the building. :p I hope they think about that as they do their cleaning.
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re: MC Slim JB
Thought this about Catalyst as well- the pair of doors closest to the street are not the entry doors. They had a paper sign on them directing you to the "main" doors, but it seems like frosting the glass, or putting curtains on the door would make it clear without signage, and make the dining room feel more private as well. Suspect that those doors will give out to a patio in the future, but until then, the paper sign isn't a great solution.
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hotoynoodle
Dec 12, 2011 09:07 AM
saloon, under foundry in davis square, having family and friends last night and tonight. concept is 1918 saloon. small menu, including stuff like deviled eggs, maple-glazed pork belly, a first-rate burger and steak & kidney pie, excellent beers on tap, and some very heavy hitters making craft cocktails in a beautifully wood-paneled room.
went last night and was amazed at how well the food was executed on just the first night, in spite of the pos system being down.
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re: hckybg
hotoynoodle
Dec 12, 2011 11:30 AM
lol. the distinction is that it's pre-prohibition, so not based on the speak-easy model.
don't think anybody was serving eggnog creme brulee back then, but hey...
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re: hotoynoodle
Boston_Otter
Dec 12, 2011 01:44 PM
Silly question but... is the entrance to Saloon inside Foundry, or is there a separate entrance in the alleyway or the building next door?
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re: Boston_Otter
hiddenboston
Dec 12, 2011 02:48 PM
UrbanDaddy sent me a message that answers this question--you enter through a door that's actually for the theatre and walk downstairs.
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re: hiddenboston
Boston_Otter
Dec 12, 2011 04:10 PM
Ah, OK, I saw them putting in that new door, but thought it was just for the theatre. Can't wait to check the place out.
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hiddenboston
Dec 12, 2011 06:26 AM
As mentioned in earlier parts of this thread, Burton's in Burlington, Kika in Cambridge, and Brick & Mortar in Cambridge all may be opening today.
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re: hiddenboston
opinionatedchef
Dec 12, 2011 10:39 PM
never been to tapeo, but am not a fan of solea. hope they get a good chef here. menu has some interesting non-trad items.
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Grillo's Pickles is opening a popup in Inman Square in January, says Grillo's. Boston Mag said it would be "near Prospect Street."
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galangatron
Dec 9, 2011 12:38 PM
tu metapan restaurant has opened in the old el buen gusto location on bennington street in east boston
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There's a place named Griddler's Burger & Dogs that opened on Cambridge Street near the fire station. They only cook the 4 oz. burgers to medium (prefer medium-well). The reasoning was that "they won't have time to cook them longer". Strange because the place was close to empty. I think it was 6$ + for a double burger.
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re: Guinness02122
MC Slim JB
Dec 9, 2011 09:17 AM
Griddlers' emptiness may be due to the fact that today is its first full day of service. It's from the same folks behind its predecessor, The Federal.
Odd: many burger places have the opposite issue: they're unwilling to cook burgers less than medium because they listen to their lawyers more than their chefs.
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re: jgg13
I have eaten here twice now (Griddlers) and was pleasantly surprised. The waffle fries are filling and tasty, the hot dog while pedestrian, was elevated by it's bun (properly grilled) and toppings (banana peppers, onions, and house-made pickles), and the burger (I repeated the pickles on this one, as the first time I had them on the dog, they were great) was a solid 'west coast' style griddle burger that was a perfect size for me...good for lunch as I don't want to gorge myself. A lunch box of a burger, waffle fries and onion rings (the '50/50) and a small soda was really a perfect, if not more than enough lunch option.
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re: Guinness02122
I dont know who told you that the reasoning was "they don't have time to cook them longer" but this is incorrect. We cook them medium well because we use a 4oz patty and after several trials we found that medium is the perfect temperature to ensure that the patty is juicy without being raw or overcooked into a grey slab. If you like your burger any other way, ask the counter and we'll cook them however you like. Our standard burgers are $4 for singles, $6 for doubles. As a side note, I don't know what time of the day you came in to our store, so the "emptiness" might've been due to the time you came in, as we've bee slammed for lunch and dinner rush. No complaints on sales numbers.
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re: wickedated
Wickedated, are you the owner? I really enjoyed my two visits, I work accross from the Garden, and have been longing for a good hot dog joint, something the West End has been sorely missing. Glad to see your around, and hope your a success, I will be coming back that is certain, as I think it's a solid deal.
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Allstonian
Dec 8, 2011 08:20 AM
A tiny new Thai restaurant with the rather awkward name A @ Time has opened in the space on Cambridge Street in Allston that had been Bo Thai (and then for a long while appeared to be operating as a commissary space for a Thai catering business or food truck.) I'm assuming they're mostly aiming for a takeaway/delivery business, because there seem to be only a couple of tables, but I've only been able to glimpse it from a passing bus so far.
http://www.aattime8.com/›6 Replies-
re: Allstonian
MC Slim JB
Dec 8, 2011 09:15 AM
On the short list for Worst New Restaurant Name of 2011! It sounds like indigestion.
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re: MC Slim JB
Allstonian
Dec 8, 2011 10:08 AM
My problem with the name is not so much "sounds like indigestion" as the fact that it's completely nonsensical. They're also doing themselves a disservice because the phrase is just about unGoogleable.
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re: Allstonian
galleygirl
Dec 8, 2011 09:20 AM
As a public service, warning here to use the restroom -before- you look at their menu....
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dlin2007
Dec 8, 2011 07:19 AM
backbar in Union Square should open on Wednesday, December 14th.
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re: dlin2007
yarm
Dec 8, 2011 08:35 AM
I would tack a week on to that. I got word that their guest list-only grand opening night wasn't until the following week.
Brick & Mortar in Central Square should be open about that time as well (next week or two).
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re: yarm
dlin2007
Dec 8, 2011 09:24 AM
Hey yarm, I'm a fan of the blog. It's always a good resource for trying something new!
The date I posted was told to me three days ago from a staff member. But given the many push-backs in opening date we've seen so far, I certainly wouldn't be surprised if you're correct!
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re: yarm
yarm
Dec 11, 2011 10:39 AM
Brick & Mortar will be open to the public on Monday night from 7pm-1am! I have to assume that in subsequent days that it will be opening earlier.
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re: jgg13
MC Slim JB
Dec 12, 2011 08:06 AM
The only thing I've heard about the food concept at Brick & Mortar is "shareable small plates".
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re: barleywino
yarm
Dec 12, 2011 02:02 PM
Don't know. this was what I saw on Facebook Sunday morning from Evan who works there:
"Brick & Mortar* is open for drinks tomorrow night from 7pm-1am. Come one, come all.
(*aka: Brick & Butter; Bread & Mortar; Bread Immortal; The Coffinship; Brett & Butler; The Enormous Room; The, wait, what?; The new spot; Oh, I love the B-Side; Your new favorite bar)
Like · · Yesterday at 4:29am · "I assume if it was a soft opening announcement, it wouldn't say "come one come all". Nothing ever opens on time anyways.
Postnote: I just saw that Misty commented on one of my friends posts "B&M is taking a rest tomorrow. But starting Tuesday we will be open for, well, forever. "
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re: yarm
Bob Dobalina
Dec 12, 2011 03:27 PM
I hadn't realized that the Enormous Room was no more. Same owners? Why the demise?
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re: yarm
dlin2007
Dec 9, 2011 08:32 AM
I didn't see the Boston Magazine write-up, but I saw this from Eater later on yesterday: http://boston.eater.com/archives/2011...
With all this conflicting information, I guess we'll just have to wait and see!
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re: dlin2007
dlin2007
Dec 14, 2011 05:47 PM
I am one day off. The official opening date is tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 15th at 4pm. http://www.backbarunion.com/2011/12/h...
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backbar
9 Sanborn Ct, Somerville, MA 02143
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i saw a sign indicating that "panera bread" will be opening in the old bob slate space on mass. ave. boo! such a shame to both lose that bob slate AND have it replaced by panera. i bet they will make a killing though (across from harvard campus).
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Berheenia
Dec 6, 2011 01:05 PM
Near Symphony Hall the Sebastians Cafe going into the old Au Bon Pain is still not open
Sign in the window and on website says
"The opening for the general public has been delayed. We're hoping to open by the end of the week of December 5th. Either Thursday or Friday. Stay tuned!"
Place could make a fortune during the Pops Christmas performances if they were open. -
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MC Slim JB
Dec 6, 2011 04:13 AM
Not a December opening, but new news to me: Deco will go into the old Kirkland Cafe spot near Dali. It's "Mediterranean", from the folks behind the North End's Bacco. They're aiming to open in late spring 2012.
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re: MC Slim JB
Bob Dobalina
Dec 6, 2011 04:46 AM
Wow, that's good news...that spot has been vacant for a long time.
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re: MC Slim JB
Will they be holding on to the performance space, do you know? They have moved the entrance over to the side where the stage used to be.
Though that might be because since Kirkland closed, a child care opened up next door and maybe there are some regulations about how far apart the entrances can be?
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Kelly's Roast Beef in Allston is closing this weekend per Boston.com:
http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/a...That didn't take very long. Sad that both the marquee retail/restaurant spaces at that corner will be vacant once Kelly's closes (the old Pizzeria Uno being the other one).
Edit to add that I just read the article a bit closer and see that TD Bank is taking over the Unos spot. grrrr. I hate when Banks take over prominent retail locations. They bring nothing to the neighborhood after 5pm. Although at least TD Bank is open on the weekend.
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re: Gordough
I think a bank is supposed to be moving into the Uno's space, although it's been a while since I heard anything new about that.
Too bad, I guess, but even living in the neighborhood, I can't remember the last time I was in that Kelly's. Certainly not since the far superior Roast Beast opened.
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I walked by the "old" Pulse Cafe spot this evening. The windows are covered with newspaper. There is a sign announcing the upcoming arrival of "Palm Sugar Thai Cuisine."
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re: Parsnipity
Bob Dobalina
Dec 6, 2011 04:45 AM
Might be tough with Rod Dee in Porter, Lemon Thai on Highland and Sweet Ginger and Ronnarong in Union. But there is no Thai place in Davis - is there still one in Teele?
Per rknrll's post below, no more Tip Top Thai in Teele, so maybe the new place will be serving a need for Davis and north.
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re: Bob Dobalina
Boston_Otter
Dec 6, 2011 07:42 AM
As someone who lives a block or two from the former Pulse, for me, it'll really just depend on the quality of the place. With Foodler, I can have Thai from a dozen places delivered to me with just a few clicks. Hopefully they do a good job with the place. There's a decent amount of foot traffic now that Posto's doing well, and they'll do decent lunchtime business once the new office/apartment complex opens a block away.
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I walked past Bon Savor in JP this weekend and was bummed to see workers removing appliances and furniture, and a big ol' FOR LEASE sign in the window.
Not surprising since they trimmed their hours to weekend brunch only earlier this year, but still sad. The good news is it still has the tile floors and windows and corner location-- hopefully someone will fill it soon.
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re: pierce
hiddenboston
Dec 5, 2011 01:57 PM
There's a rumor going around that Ten Tables might open a burger restaurant in that spot. Don't tell anyone, though. :-)
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According to their web site, 7 Grill in Danvers is opening on Wednesday 12/7
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According to the Herald, Bourbon Coffee is slated to open this month (finally.) Sounds like a place worth checking out:
http://bostonherald.com/news/regional...›2 Replies -
CocoDan
Dec 2, 2011 05:37 AM
Toiyou, Shabu & Sushi on Quincy Av., Quincy, looks like it's opened.
Enjoy,
CocoDan›2 Replies -
The Harvard Crimson reports that a branch of Orinoco will open in the old Small Plates space, a rumor I had heard occasionally during the last few months. It looks like construction is already underway, and they are hoping for an opening early next year. That's a great addition, at a great price point. Maybe the wait won't be quite as long as the South End location.
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re: hckybg
Bob Dobalina
Dec 2, 2011 05:22 AM
That's great news - should do really well there.
Quick Orinoco Brookline story - stopped in there a few months back - we were waiting a really long time to get menus, place our order, table next to us sits down 15 minutes after us, we place our order, still waiting...then the new table orders and get their apps and we're still sitting with just drinks - clearly something got loused up so we just decided to pull up stakes and head over to Pomodoro next door - no hard feelings, stuff happens - but man oh man did they ever fight me on paying for my drinks. My logic was that I drank the booze, I'm gonna pay for it, or leave money on the bar. I appreciated the sentiment of comping the drinks, but I understood that I was being a little impetuous about leaving, so wanted to pay. I eventually won. But kudos to them for being so apologetic and trying really hard to let me walk out with all my money. As I said, we'll be back - no hard feelings. Stuff happens...
Pomodoro was great as usual...
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Boston_Otter
Dec 1, 2011 02:55 PM
I'm not sure about Garden of Eat In either. I never see them open, but they seem to still have food inside. For now I'm assuming they're doing the same thing Good Food Cafe did -- open from time to time while doing catering business. I wasn't too impressed by the food I had there, honestly.
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re: Fly
Boston_Otter
Dec 20, 2011 01:16 PM
I've heard that they may be under new management and that the new owners are keeping the current menu while deciding whether to try a different sort of cuisine entirely.
I went there once and had a slice of pepperoni and an Italian sub. The pizza was very mediocre and the sub wasn't much better.
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