January 2012 Openings and Closings

[hiddenboston]

Any updates on places opening or closing over the next month or so?

I know that Carroll's may be opening in Medford Square this month, and RJ Gourmet is planning to open in East Cambridge. Also, a new restaurant is coming to downtown Boston from the Big Night Entertainment Group, though no name has been given.

[okra]

Has anyone mentioned 'O Yummy' sushi in the former spot of Mt Everest Kitchen in Allston?

http://www.oyummycuisine.com/

[Berheenia]

Last night (January 31) Lone Star Taco Bar, the sister taco joint next to Deep Ellum, opened per the Thrlllist and boston.com folks. Does it have a liquor license? Just wondering why they didn't just expand the bar and add tacos to the menu.

[MC Slim JB]

Indeed, Lone Star has a full license. Good-looking list of tequilas and single-village mezcals, sensibly priced. Short but sweet list of beers on tap and in bottles and cans. A bunch of tequila cocktails, a ten-dollar house margarita, a $15 20-ounce margarita, plus several cheladas. Sangria and a housemade Paloma. The "Mexican happy meal": a shot of blanco, a sangrita back, and a pint of Mexican lager.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[emannths]

Menu: http://boston.grubstreet.com/20120131_lonestartaco.pdf
Drinks/tequila: http://boston.grubstreet.com/2012/01/...

[yarm]

It shares Deep Ellum's liquor license, otherwise opening it would have been even more difficult than it turned out to be. Max Toste described how he wanted a different identity for the establishment and offer up what he felt was missing in Boston; he also didn't want the focus to be the beer and cocktails like Deep Ellum is often associated with (but D.E.'s food is rather good, especially their brunch that they offer every day). Besides, many nights Deep Ellum is packed so expanding outward was necessary to do more business.

http://cocktailvirgin.blogspot.com/

[cwinboston]

Looks as though Los Amigos on Centre St. in West Roxbury is open. Saw lights there on Monday night and their Facebook page confirms they are up and running.

[MC Slim JB]

Probably a late spring opening at the soonest, but the Sunday Globe did a feature on Rocca's successor, from the Aquitaine Group, to be called Cinquecento (as in 500 Harrison Ave), with a dramatic remodeling and possibly a concept modeled on Manhattan's Morandi, which bills itself as a "rustic Italian trattoria": http://www.morandiny.com/menus/dinner.pdf

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hckybg]

Hopefully it won't come with high hopes and rumors of great promise only to be deflated when J.Lo films a cheesy commercial that ruins all of its appeal.

[ScotchandSirloin]

Well played hckybg.

[mkfisher]

Here's some more color from Boston Magazine on the new French place in the One Kendall complex that has been mentioned before.

"Just ask Alexis Gelburd-Kimler, the former general manager of the South End’s Aquitaine, who, along with former Aquitaine chef Matthew Gaudet, plans this spring to open the French spot West Bridge in the same complex that houses the Blue Room"

[Unfoodie]

Not sure how soon but 28 Degrees will close and reopen under a new owner and concept.

[saamc056]

28 Degrees, really?? I love that spot. Is the new owner tied to that spot at all or is it someone completely new?

[MtVernon]

Oh no. I have a party planned there in March. I hope this is not true and just a rumor.

[Unfoodie]

I was given this information as fact by another restaurant owner in the neighborhood . After a little more digging I have come to the conclusion that he is most likely wrong.

[hiddenboston]

Anyone have any news about Zing pizza in Porter Square? I know it has been closed for awhile now. No real news on their site or Facebook page.

[rebeccact]

The Davis Square Live Journal has some info : http://davis-square.livejournal.com/2...

[hiddenboston]

Thanks!

[Bob Dobalina]

Wow - who knew the Davis Sq. live journal was so ... lively...

[bear]

The Waltham Brand New Watch is reporting that Mimi's Roast Beef is closed for renovations and will re-open some time in March.

They will be keeping the sandwich menu, and also become an outlet of Jumpin' Jack's Java, opening at 6 a.m.

[KilgoreTrout]

Cryptic sign on Frank's in Cambridge - paraphrasing here "Frank's is still open, all new Franks coming soon"

[hiddenboston]

Looks like maybe it's just a renovation? http://www.facebook.com/pages/Franks-...

[KilgoreTrout]

Yeah, the Facebook page implies that is the case. Too bad, it is sort of in my hood and not having to go to one of the other squares for a quick but good meal would be nice. Not complaining, I can walk to TW, Armandos and all of the Porter square and Sherman St. stuff. Always looking for new and improved though.

[Boston_Otter]

I've only been once, last year, to get French Dips with a visitor from out of town craving them -- the sandwiches were decent enough, but I'll never forget those ancient booths with deep butt-divots in the upholstery from 50 years of people eating 'the Sizzler'. Frank's is in dire need of a renovation :)

[Boston_Otter]

There are plans for the Farmer's Bounty grocery store on Elm St. in Davis Square to be replaced by the first American franchise of the Vietnamese-based iYO frozen yogurt chain.

http://iyo.com.vn/index_eng.html

[emannths]

Hopefully they bring the snow ice machine with them.

[Jenny Ondioline]

Yes, balls to more frozen yogurt: somebody open a Hawaiian shave ice stand!

[lc02139]

A couple years ago a market near the original floating rock had a shave ice machine setup in side, but it was cool fall evening so I didn't think about getting one.

[galangatron]

that would be angkor wat market on shirley ave in revere. the shaved ice is terrible. a small plastic cup with shaved ice, a little syrup, condensed milk, and some grass jelly. there wasn't enough syrup, the choice of toppings was limited, and the woman putting it together made a complete mess. it was pitiful

[Boston_Otter]

I'm right with you, emannths. Not a fan of fro-yo myself, but if they could bring actual shave ice to the area, I'd be thrilled.

[hiddenboston]

So I just found out that the iYO moving into Davis Square is not affiliated with the iYO in Vietnam (or the iYO in Texas for that matter). It's a totally independent place.

[Boston_Otter]

Wow, crazy. Thanks for the update. Given the description of what they'd be offering, it certainly sounded like a branch of the Vietnamese iYO.

[MtVernon]

It appears that JA Stats in the financial district is closed according to a posting on there Facebook page.

[Bob Dobalina]

Also on the website - the South Boston location is still open.

[hiddenboston]

Barney Fanning's is moving into that spot. It's an Irish pub named after a person involved in the worst riot in Boston's history. :-)

[mkfisher]

Good thing there aren't any other Irish pubs on that stretch of Broad Street...

[langley]

Has anyone heard what's going on with Townsend's in Hyde Park? The Boston Restaurant Talk blog posted that it had closed and someone commented that it's actually moving.

It's been a favorite of ours for a few years, but have noticed over the last 6 months things have seemed a bit off and thought it was just a hiccup. They're really lovely folks + I've had great beer and awesome food there in the past, I'd be sad to see them go. Not to mention, their bar manager John is the best. I imagine it's not the easiest location.

[MC Slim JB]

Until they actually reopen, I interpret "closed for renovations" or "relocating" as face-saving measures designed to soften the blow for loyal customers or to deflect creditors. Maybe Townsend's will be reincarnated in the TC's Coffeehouse space, or maybe it went down and took TC's with it.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[total13]

This is too bad, it was a pretty space and my one meal there was great. Also sad to hear about Marshall's although it never seemed like people went and it had an odd barren vibe to it. How can a Target fit in that area? No one's ever going to be able to park in the Symphony/Mass Ave/Fenway area again.

[catsmeow]

Unfortunately, from what I've heard, they owed the landlord a lot of money and the landlord got a court order allowing the locks to be changed. There's a court notice in the window. Yesterday, I also noticed that the space across from the HP police station that they were thinking of moving to now has For Rent signs in the window. It's too bad.

[langley]

Thanks for the update. Very sad.

[Fort Point]

Drove by Moko Japenese in Southie on East Broadway today and it looked like it was ready to open if it has not already. Any info?

[tartandfit]

Ginga in Brookline has been replaced by either Sushi U or U Sushi.

[natbud21]

The Yardhouse will finally be opening on Brookline ave by Fenway by March!

[natbud21]

At brigham circle in the old Savant Project, the owners of the Ginger Exchange are opening a sushi spot/ asian fusion restaurant. Construction began a few days ago.

[hotoynoodle]

not this month and probably not next month, lol, but i did see actual pix of the interior of olives, and it is indeed being remodeled. bar much bigger, 40 seats, vs. 17, dining room smaller. opening chef will be divid nevens who was formerly part of the olives group and left to open neptune with jeff nace.

financing is at a trickle, so work is progressing slowly.

[MC Slim JB]

Nevins was great at Neptune. That's promising news, if such can be said about an English restaurant.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[hotoynoodle]

it gave me hope as well. he's terrifically talented and will bring much more seafood to the menu than what it had in the past.

[nightsky]

anyone know what's going in to the Finale space in Coolidge Corner?

[Berheenia]

Total bummer - Marshalls Fenway Farmstand is closing on the 29th. The building is being torn down for a high rise of expensive condos and a Target (grr) and despite promises made to Marshalls when they moved in no suitable place has been found in the area for relocation. So no more CSA in the Fenway neighborhood.either.

[Quinn823]

Yeah the Marshalls situation sux. They knew when they moved in it was a temporary location. My dad is friends with the owners. I haven't heard of a solid contingent plan. But I'll keep my ears open.

[Berheenia]

Hot off the presses or FB Marshalls writes'

Breaking news! The Fenway Store is reopening! Starting next Monday we will have the same fresh produce you have come to love. We will also have some of our staples like fresh eggs and local milk. The hours will be Mon.Tue.Thur.Fri.Sat Noon-7pm. Big thanks go out to Samuels Associates for listening to the Fenway Community.

[Quinn823]

New Intel on the POP's space. sorry didn't mean to put this here. My phone has a mind of its own. Lol :)

[hiddenboston]

British pub? Where did you hear that? It seems like British pubs are slowly making their way into the Boston area (Limey's recently opened in Norwood).

[hiddenboston]

I went by Great Taste Diner in Somerville last night, and the place was all lit up with people inside. Not sure if it reopened as Danny's Diner or something else--I'll try to find out more later today.

[southie_chick]

Crumbs bakery is going into the old Copley Flair location on Federal Street. It's a cupcake place, making "regular" sized & cake sizede cupcakes per their website (regular sized were priced at $4.50 each per their website).
http://www.crumbs.com/
Also, the paper is off the widows at Slate Bar & Grill (the old Brigham's on High Street). Looks like they'll be open soon - I saw a cople of people in there today working on things at the bar, including someone in chef's whites. Their website has nothing on it yet.

[kobuta]

Isn't a cake-sized cupcake just a cake?

And $4.50 for a cupcake, sheesh. No thanks, unless there's something other-worldly good or that different from all the other cupcake places, I think I'll pass.

[Gabatta]

^

[natbud21]

They're so so good. And one regular sized cupcake is enough for two people to share. Also, the black and white frosted cookies are out of this world!

[Guinness02122]

Aren't there enough cupcake shops? The best I've had by far are from Cakeology on Province Street. That should be the one and only in the area.

[hckybg]

Just be glad we've been spared the onslaught thus far. Nothing quite so awe-inspiring as the line outside Georgetown Cupcake in DC at any day and time. Unfortunately they are headed our way too.

[Guinness02122]

Add Sweet on School St. (I think that's it), Sportello on Congress Street in South Boston, and the Kickass Cupcake van at South Station. Too many!

[Prav]

Don't forget English's place, Curlycakes, in Beacon Hill.

[hckybg]

If you can believe it, even with those we do have it still pales in comparison to their ubiquity in other cities.

[hiddenboston]

I heard that Slate could be opening in mid-February, though I haven't been able to confirm yet.

[mkfisher]

Looked like Slate was doing some sort of test run today at lunch. Definitely wasn't open to the public, but I saw 2 or 3 groups seated at tables eating.

[southie_chick]

I know they were doing interviews there today when I walked by this afternoon.

[hiddenboston]

There's nothing on the Crumbs website about their opening in Boston. Do they have a sign up in the window?

[Guinness02122]

Yes. Just noticed it this morning.

[hiddenboston]

I asked them on Twitter today if it was true they were coming to Boston. They just sent me a smiley face. :-)

[natbud21]

Crumbs is actually phenominal, unlike Sweet and Kickass Cupcakes. I'm super excited!

[hotoynoodle]

"cake-sized cupcakes"

LMAO!! and i'd thought the whole cupcake thing had already jumped the shark? this is too much.

[chickendhansak]

It has a whiteboard in the window saying it will be a "Latin fusion cuisine" place "coming soon". Name beginning with M but forgot it.

[chickendhansak]

"Mixtura". (Context is a bit lost: this is about the possible replacement for Great Taste Diner on Beacon Street in Somerville that was also formerly Danny's Diner.)

[Monty]

I noticed yesterday that Don Ricardo closed up. Sign is gone, windows are papered over and there's a building permit in the window.

[MC Slim JB]

Yep, it's going to be a Puerto Rican place called Vejigante.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Snowflake]

Burdick's in Back Bay opens Monday the 23rd

[hiddenboston]

The new Burdick will be opening on Monday the 30th, actually. https://www.facebook.com/pages/LA-Bur...

[Snowflake]

You are right, didn't read that far!

[kimfair1]

Just in time for me to but my wife's Valentine's candy without having to venture to Harvard Sq.

[cpingenot]

I was riding past, and I think that that little space is PERFECT for Burdick. So cute and cozy, and right off Newbury. I think they will clean up there.

[lc02139]

Not chowish, but I noticed a while ago the old Marino's on mass ave in north cambridge is turning in to a childcare center, so the hopes it would open as something food related is gone.

[Bob Dobalina]

As noted in the December thread, Grillo's Pickles is opening a pop-up in Inman adjacent to the Clover store in January. This morning, Clover had a flatscreen welcoming their neighbor and the store looks ready to open (for three months, says the big board).

[rknrll]

It opened last Friday.
Hours-ish...Tues-Sat 11-7:30, Sun 11-5.

My fridge is stocked.

[Bob Dobalina]

My DW remarked: Geez, that does not seem like the best business plan - only pickles?
Please regale with reasons why this place is good.

[rknrll]

I've been a huge fan from the early pickle cart days...I absolutely love them.
The store has spears, chips, half sours, mustard pickles, pickled beets, peppers, tomatoes, grapes (w/mint), fennel, garlic, asparagus, carrots...maybe I'm missing one or two things.

Sounds like the demand is there at the cart at Park Street in the summer, and at the SoWa market on Sundays.

Whole Foods carries the pickles and sometimes tomatoes, but nothing else.

[Bob Dobalina]

Awesome - thanks for the info - I think I'll pick up some stuff to watch the new Portlandia episodes.

[rknrll]

That skit was pretty funny.
I didn't realize that pickling was a thing.

[hckybg]

They are really good, Bob. We went on Friday and they were slammed, apparently they sold out. I got the spicy pickles, which are very tasty. Not something I can keep in the fridge at 7 dollars a jar, but definitely worth it now and then.

[hckybg]

Also, a bit further down Cambridge Street, RJ Gourmet seems set to open as a coffee shop with baked goods. They seem to be a serious outfit, with Barismo beans and a nice shiny La Marzocco espresso machine. We are getting spoiled with coffee around Inman Square. Dwelltime is having their first event tomorrow night. I hope the market sustains all these nice new ventures.

[hckybg]

Via Devra First and Grub Street, I saw that there are pervasive and seemingly reliable rumors that Chris Schlesinger will be selling East Coast Grill to its chef, Jason Heard, and its GM. This will fortunately not result in the closure of the restaurant, though it is certainly a milestone. Schlesinger has done so much for the Boston food scene. I hope he will move on to another venture. I believe he has gotten out of all the other businesses he's been involved with in the last 5-10 years (All-Star Sandwich Bar, Blue Room, B-Side, Jake & Earl's, etc.).

[opinionatedchef]

Chris Schlesinger certainly has been quite the positive influence, both restaurant and chef-wise, on our fair town. Lord knows , 25 years of doing what he has done- can take a major toll on you, so i hope that if R 'n R is what he craves, he gets it. But if he wants to start a new venue, I'm sure his fans will follow and be thrilled.

[Taralli]

Kelly's in Allston appears to be papered over this weekend.

[Jenny Ondioline]

Kelly's closed several weeks ago: never had any business. Roast Beast has a better RB sandwich and who gets hungry for fried clams in the middle of Allston? It was a stupid idea.

Rumor has it Boloco is interested in the space, which would suck even worse.

[total13]

I get hungry for fried clams in town. Not everyone wants to drive 10-40 miles for the whole clam shack experience. And Kelly's has other sandwiches and meals to choose from. I'm surprised it went bad so quickly since it's big, self service and priced fairly well. No booze perhaps. Or maybe subpar compared to the other locations.

[chickendhansak]

I agree. It was at least T-friendly, and I considered it a convenient stop when out at Great Scott for a gig. But when I eventually went, I thought the preparation was poorer than I'd had at the other Kelly's I go to.

[Jenny Ondioline]

That was the thing: the food was in fact not as good as the equivalent dishes at the other Kellys locations, and that made it kind of overpriced for the neighborhood. I'm not dropping $17 for a mediocre clam plate when I can go across the street and get a lions head meatball, sizzling eggplant AND paradise mountain chicken at Shanghai Gate for just a couple bucks more, and have leftovers for lunch the next day.

[bizkat]

Rumor is KO Catering & Pies coming to Eastie at the Marina on Marginal St. in the space formerly occupied by Scups .

[carneyvore]

Just had a buffet lunch at recently opened Jin's Asian restaurant, 15 Washington St. in Wellesley that was very good ($10.50). Same ownership @ Bamboo in Dedham. Nice atmosphere though Dedham's buffet offers more options.

[opinionatedchef]

tell us more about what you had! a number of CHs have buffet interests. the complaints i usually read are about 'everything tasting the same' or 'food not refreshed enough', or kudos re: the opposite.

[bonhomme1]

The remodeling of the Kendall Marriott complex is coming along. There will be a Chipotle coming on Main Street in Kendall Square according to the posted permit on the doors.

[jgg13]

Where at on main street?

[mkfisher]

Attached to the Marriott. Right next to Champions

[jgg13]

Interesting, I walk by there daily and never noticed it. I'd imagine that I'd go to Boca Grande far more often but I'll not complain about another option that's not a very overpriced sandwich

[Matt H]

Momogoose opened up a lunch stand in the Bubble Tea place Leisure Station in Kendall (across from the scating Rink/Genzyme building) Good to have another lunch option in the area and the Milk Teas at Leisure Station are quite good as well.

[kobuta]

I wouldn't quite call Momogoose a good lunch option though. If it's the same food as their cart, I've only found 1 or 2 things edible. Agreed on the drinks at Leisure Station, but the food would be a big pass for me.

[Bob Dobalina]

That's a bit harsh - I've had their noodle bowls and decent banh mis - what did you find inedible about them?

[Uncle Yabai]

The Momogoose had pretty good banh mi in the 90's, then they took it off the menu, after the reboot they didn't have it any more. But then they brought it back and I thought it was terrible.

[emannths]

I stick with the bun ga nuong, which is quite good. But anything I've tried (usually bites from friends) that was of the meat/tofu+sauce over rice template has been terrible. Bad rice, goopy, watery-tasting sauce. Maybe things are better now--I learned to stay away from them a number of years ago.

[Bob Dobalina]

Ack! My bad. In my comment above, I was confusing the "red truck" of Momogoose with the "yellow truck" of Bon Me. My comments relate to the Bon Me truck.

As for the Momogoose truck, inedible is still harsh, although I understand what everyone is saying. Though I had a lemongrass chicken with rice and a korean bbq pork with rice, both of which were fine if pretty basic.

[kobuta]

This is experience from their Gooseberry days and the newer Momogoose incarnation. The banh mi I had for them, was on a hard baguette with about 50% of the fillings to be iceburg lettuce for one. It had almost none of the fillings expected in a banh mi sandwich - I think I had ordered beef, and it was dry grilled beef with carrots, iceburg lettuce, and some other veggie I don't ever see in a banh mi - no cilantro, no chilis, etc.

I had some disgusting noodle dish that I can't even remember how it was described, but the name I remember suggested an Asian dish. It turned out to be spaghetti with some weirdly spiced tomato sauce and chicken that would've been 10x better if it were just boiled pasta, Prego and some cooked chicken. I took 2 bites and threw the whole box out; it had some weird funk to it.

The ga nuong is one of the few items that I somewhat enjoy. I say somewhat because in pales vs other Vietnamese restaurant's dishes, but it's at least relatively close in taste to the real thing. The only problem again is this love affair with iceburg letttuce they have.

I've also also tried their pho, which is lukewarm and had almost no actual protein in the dish. This was at least not disgusting though, but it hardly was good by any stretch. I also had a version of a Korean grilled beef dish that was pretty bad. Again, beef was hard and dry and tasted nothing remotely Korean. I think my last straw was the banh mi - I gave up hope of ever finding anything really good there after that experience, and with the line for that truck, the ga nuong just isn't THAT good for the wait.

[Matt H]

I wouldn't exactly call it great, but I have had some decent plates there. True some are better than others, but I definitely have not found it to be inedible.

[tatsu]

I called the new Unique Chinese Food in Allston. It sounds like new owners, unrelated to Dongbei food. :(

[hiddenboston]

The new Orinoco in Harvard Square is now open.

[Dea]

Exciting news, but boy does their website suck! Still looking forward to trying out the new location though

[Chris VR]

If it was mentioned previously, I didn't see it. It seems Clio is closing for renovations after January 14 and is offering a $125 9 -course prix fixe of "menu classics" up until then. http://bostonchefs.com/news/event/201...

[Boston_Otter]

According to Eater Boston, both Potbelly Sandwich Works and Firehouse Subs are coming to Boston very soon -- Potbelly to open its first location at Logan, and the first of 69 (!!?) Firehouse Subs is set to build out at 545 Boylston St.

I've been to Potbelly elsewhere -- their basic shtick is that they sell cute $5 individual subs that are just small enough that you're encouraged to "fill out your meal" with their side dishes -- all of which are a few bucks each. Easy to end up spending $10 or more on a sub lunch.

[Mike5966]

I wouldn't characterize Potbelly that way. Sure you can get a bag of chips to go with your sub, but I don't think most people feel the need to get potato salad or cookies or whatever else they have. Even the regular sized subs are filling, and the big ones are BIG, plenty to eat without having to get sides. Refill a small drink and you can kill it for $7, not that different from Subway or Quiznos but much, much tastier, especially those hot peppers.

[Boston_Otter]

When I went there, the employee asked me if I wanted potato salad or a cookie, and when I said no, he said "You should. One sub isn't enough for a meal." They seemed to be pushing side dishes really hard. At least that was my experience.

[hckybg]

I never had that experience in DC. I'd usually get a bag of baked chips if I was hungry, but I never even noticed that they had potato salad in perhaps 20 visits. It's a nice place, very good quality for a chain sub shop and usually good value. And they make excellent milk shakes. In the horrible, horrible culinary landscape that is Logan, Potbelly is an absolute godsend. I'd be happy to see a few scattered around the area too, it's a nice option to have.

[Mike5966]

Weird about that happening. Probably just a very enthusiastic employee with a big appetite for themselves, i.e., Potbelly-meal-size-insufficiency-countertransference or something like that. Anyway, I've been to Potbelly's in Chicago, DC, MD, and VA on many visits and never felt pushed this way -- usually they're too busy with all the other customers during lunch rush that they don't have time to push stuff on you even if they wanted to. About the prices, I think they are extremely reasonable. No one complains about the prices at Cutty's, or the relatively small size of the sandwiches there, or the fact that sides are offered (also relatively expensive), probably because it's independent and so on, and they have broccoli rabe in their sandwiches. But for what it's worth, I like the pure taste and texture of Potbelly's sandwiches much better, and if they were an independent outlet with one single location in a random neighborhood in the 'burbs of Boston, Serious Eats and the Globe and all sorts of other people would be all over it, and people would make pilgrimages to have this stuff, IMHO. Maybe not pilgrimages, but you know what I'm trying to say, I just love it and think sometimes quality chains get the shaft just for being a chain. I consider it the midwest/east coast In-N-Out of subs in terms of fast food quality and consistency.

The bottom line is: Order what you want, and what you want is "The Wreck" sub with everything on it, especially the hot peppers, some salt and vinegar chips, and a big huge coke. Probably $8.50. For fast food, this is really good stuff. The bread is hot, pliant and crispy, the meat juicy and salty, the cold toppings still cold so that you get the savory version of the apple pie a la mode effect, and overall it's just really good... Gah... I need one right now. I really really hope they put this in the outer part of the terminal so I can get it without having to purchase a flight.

[Gabatta]

Potbelly's isn't in the same league as Cuttys (or In-n-Out). The original Potbellys in Chicago was good 20 years ago, but it is now a mediocre chain with all the degradation in food quality that comes with it. It is fine in comparison to the typical airport food option, but that's about it.

[Mike5966]

If you've noticed inconsistencies and if you knew Potbelly's back in its original form, you have a better perspective and are probably right about not being in the same league. That said, I've never craved a Cutty's sandwich the way I crave Potbelly's sometimes, and I wouldn't use the word mediocre. It's still fast food, and for fast food I'd say it's pretty good, even outside of the airport.

[total13]

29 Newbury was closed last night, no sign on the door. Is this a regular winter occurrence?

[Alcachofa]

I haven't followed their January schedule in many years, and this January could be different, but they did use to close every January for a few weeks. Painting 'n' such.

[MC Slim JB]

Won't happen this month, but I got forwarded a message from the Union Park Neighborhood Association that the folks behind Deuxave and dbar have leased the old Ginger Park / Banq space in the South End with plans to open a steakhouse there.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[pemma]

I was just thinking that we needed another steakhouse.

[MC Slim JB]

Yeah, I rarely pass on a chance to bust on high-end steakhouses in Boston for their combination of poor value, cookie-cutter sameness, lack of innovation, and (often) unremarkable beef. And I would always rather patronize a locally-owned indie over some national chain outlet.

It appears that this one will have Chris Coombs (dbar, Deuxave) as chef, too, and I don't imagine he'll do the same old steakhouse concept. I'm also glad for the nearby restaurants: a big vacancy like that isn't good for anybody.

I wonder if they'll keep that distinctive interior, or will redesign the space.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[opinionatedchef]

exactly my thoughts. just wondering, but> one might think that, with all their marketing know-how, if the aquitaine group did not re-do union bar and grill into a steakhouse, maybe it's not a wise move? or maybe the aquitaine group just doesn't have an interest in running a steak house.
slim, you live nearby, right? you think there's a strong market in the so.end for a steakhouse?

[MC Slim JB]

Hard to know what will work without insight into the economics, but it's a pretty big space. At the least, you have to be a consistent B, not an A some nights and a D others. Banq and Ginger Park got people to come by once, but their level of repeat business was terrible: a solid first year, a fatal second.

The bigger question might be about exurban weekend business. I get the sense that many of the well-heeled weekend diners that used to come to the South End now head to the Seaport. They are fickle and tend to value a scene over good food.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[Gabatta]

Access and geography plays a big part in the success of the Seaport area restaurants as well. I left home (mid Cambridge) to meet a client in the Seaport the other week, hopped on the pike and was there (garage to valet) in 10 minutes flat. One of my employees who lives in Milton made it there in exactly the same time. For those coming from metro west suburbs it is very convenient as well. The Seaport is more accessible from the suburbs, than from many parts of Boston.

[cpingenot]

not necessarily that exciting, but the Chipolte on Washington street DTX is open- this was the first time I've seen people in there, but it may have been open a while. I ride through there after most of them are closed, but it seems like there are a lot of new-ish places on that end of Washington- should get myself on my bike and check them out some day at lunch.

[cpingenot]

Has anyone heard anything about Dwell Time? Last post on their site was in October, and said "coming soon" The greater Harvard sq area needs a really high quality coffee place, and I've been waiting anxiously for any developments. I get the feeling that some of you folks are more plugged in, and hope that someone has news.

[hckybg]

Last post on their site was actually on Jan. 1st. Use this site: http://dwelltimecambridge.com/. They are planning an industry Thursday Night Throwdown on January 19th so that certainly suggests they need to be open by then. I know they received their machine a few weeks ago. I live nearby and most recently noticed that the exterior work is pretty much done but there are still exposed studs inside, so they aren't quite there yet. But it seems like the construction tasks left can be done relatively quickly. There are definitely good coffee places around Harvard Square though if you are chomping at the bit. The new Hi-Rise is quite good, and Simon's is fantastic, one of the best in Boston. I'd encourage you to also check out the new 3 Little Figs just east of Davis Square, which is a great, neighborhood spot with excellent coffee and baked goods.

[cpingenot]

Thanks, that's odd- Google must have taken me to an older site.
Hi-Rise and Simons are good, but a bit of a hike from Harvard. I miss the old Hi-rise at the CAEC. I guess the dwell time location is a bit of a hike from the square proper too, but it's a hike in the direction I'm already in.

[emannths]

I've heard good things about Crema, but I've never tried it myself.

-----
Crema Cafe
27 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138

[hckybg]

Crema is definitely good, and Clover makes a good pour-over, but no espresso or espresso-based drinks.

[hiddenboston]

I love Crema. I always seem to get there just after they run out of chocolate croissants, though.

[Parsnipity]

Crema's really good. Their English muffins will revolutionize how you think about English muffins.

[CTrainInbound]

Lucky Wah on Beacon St in Coolidge Corner has been closed for a couple weeks. It has a new sign out front: Yummee something....no info on when it is re-opening though,.

[lergnom]

Yummy Hut. I think that's the same as in Somerville. Sounds like a step sideways in quality, from blech to blech.

[Foodie_BBQ]

Is Yummy Hut just a rebrand from the same owners? I lived across the street from Lucky Wah for 5 years, and can honestly say it's the worst Chinese I ever ate. I swear they used fry-o-lators instead of woks. The ever-rotating asian place next door was the same owner/kitchen, right? Is that gone too?

[catsmeow]

It's Yummy House. They're now open. I just spoke to them and they faxed me a menu. They have a long list of combo plates in addition to a whole section for ordering party trays.

[chickendhansak]

Great Taste Diner (?) on Beacon St. in Somerville, near Zoe's, appears to have closed . The signs have been removed, with the Danny's Diner sign still not removed as of yesterday. (It had survived throughout the life of Great Taste, and now seems to have outlasted it.)

Already the exterior has been repainted a curious orange, so perhaps something is replacing it, or they are rebooting it again. (At least one of the people cooking at Danny's was cooking at the newer place.)

[OLDCHEF]

The John dewar store in newton what a shame

[veggielover]

Is it closing?

[total13]

The following is on their web site. Surprising.

News

As of January 9th, we will be consolidating
operations to our Wellesley store located at:
227 Linden St.
Wellesley, Ma
781-235-8322

We would like to thank all of you who have supported us over these past 30+ years. We would welcome the opportunity to continue to be a part of your family's meal time.

Please feel free to contact Newton's Manager Bill Rodden, in Wellesley, with any questions that you may have.

Bon appétit!

[Gabatta]

That is too bad. The Wellesley store is a longer hike and I have found the staff there to be less accommodating.

[Bob Dobalina]

Do not recall seeing this elsewhere...

Mare in the North End is currently closed per the website - www.marenatural.com

Header says: "Mare is closed while we get ready to open an all-new North End dining destination."

Which will apparently be "Mare Oyster Bar" set to open in February.

Who can blame them? Neptune has lines out the door every day and any time I walked by Mare (which admittedly was not that often) it was nearly empty.

[jgg13]

The Zigo on the corner of 6th & Binney is closed although it's only worth noting if you happen to work in the very immediate area such that it provided an option for inclement weather.

[hckybg]

The Cantabrigia blog on Wicked Local says that Bosphorus in Inman Square has closed. I can't say I'm too surprised; while I liked the meal I had there, the prices were much too high to make it a regular spot. At 20ish an entree, I would rather go to Oleana. And I know others had uneven experiences with the food too. It's an interesting space, I don't know if they have dismantled it.

[Bob Dobalina]

Is ExNE always packed? Maybe they can move there.

[hckybg]

Funny, that crossed my mind too. It's already something of a Momofuku-like space, with the long bar. I'm sure the kitchen is a lot bigger, though that's part of the fun of East by Northeast.

[jgg13]

ExNE goes in cycles from empty to packed. With a space that small it's not surprising as it doesn't take a whole lot to fill them up in a hurry.

I walk by it quite often and am never surprised to see it completely empty nor to see it with a line out the door.

[hckybg]

All signs point to dwelltime opening in the next couple weeks. They have their espresso machine, all the signage is up, and there is an industry-only Thursday Night Throwdown scheduled there for the 19th. So the wait is over...

[ponyboy]

I went by the other day and it didn't look too close to opening. Who knows what they can do before the 19th...

[hckybg]

Well, I guess all they really need is the machine...

[emannths]

From their Jan 1 post:

"And to all of those who have been getting in contact with us, we sincerely appreciate your enthusiasm and can’t wait to serve you once we open. The paint is going up on the walls, the machine is in town. When we say “a couple more weeks,” we really mean it this time! Happy New Year, everyone!"

The original target date was something like October (or did they have one sometime in the summer too?), so as always, take with a grain of salt...

[emannths]

dig now says it won't be till February: http://digboston.com/taste/2012/01/dw...

[hckybg]

They were definitely bringing the machine over today, and the Thursday Night Throwdown is happening, so maybe it will be early, early February! When I walked by the other day all the outside work was completely done.

[CTrainInbound]

The new spot from Big Night is going to be called Gem, and sounds like it will be some kind of ultra lounge

[galangatron]

rainbow cafe on the corner of oxford street and beach street in chinatown is either closed or undergoing some serious renovation

[MC Slim JB]

Yep, it's going to be a new place called China King. Not sure what the concept is yet.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[tatsu]

I discovered from yelper "Rui W." that Asian Gourmet by the Concord rotary on Rt 2 was bought out by an owner or former owner of Formosa Taipei. This yelper also runs the "areyoueye" blog about Chinese food. He gave it 5 stars and said a couple of the dishes were the best he's had. I recommend checking his review on yelp.

Formosa Taipei had two owners and one left a few months ago. The food is still great and the specials menu continues to evolve. The owner who is still there, Steve, is an extremely affable guy, we chit chat every time I stop by. He's a great guy. So I am not sure if it is him or the other lady, who relaunched Asian Gourmet. Guess we'll find out soon enough.

[jgg13]

I was all excited to bust out some ancient website and say "Hey, check it out, it's the same guy!" but sadly I was thinking of a "Rei", not "Rui":

http://www.mit.edu/~rei/food.html

[khandha]

There is a page of Taiwanese specials on the menu. Though not an expert by any means, I've enjoyed this menu (most of which is available throughout the week) as much as Chung Shin Yuan's. And no lines! Very nice to have an excellent option close by for soy milk soup and fried dough on the weekend.

[tatsu]

Well, I was so curious I had to check it out. Sure enough, I ran into Mr. Chef Lee himself in the hallway and he remembered me and we exchanged our happy greetings with a couple of translators, funny but heart-warming! Mr. Lee is indeed the former chef at Formosa Taipei and the original chef at Jo Jo Taipei. He is quite capable of course and the nearly all the time available brunch menu is a bonus. Only the soy milks and crullers are not available during the week.

They did not change the name or decor, but the new menu and outdoor signs sport new Chinese characters which roughly translates to "Hometown Taste".

It is a tough call for me to decide between FT and AG now. I like both places and owners. I think I will gladly share my meals with either quite honestly, depending on mood or convenience. To be honest I think both neighborhoods are a bit marginal for the specialties they offer, but local Taiwanese/Chinese clientele seem to be everywhere, so hopefully they both succeed.

[Quinn823]

Does anyone know whats going on with the old pops space on tremont? I heard rumors that the owner of grotto might be opening something there. Can anyone verify this / have any additional info?

[kimfair1]

When did Pops close? It was our go-to quick bite before the theater down there, since it was OK food, and we knew we'd get in. Now I'm going to need to find another alternative.

[MC Slim JB]

Back in October. I heard a rumor (can't recall where now) that the Grotto / Marliave folks were looking at the space.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[kimfair1]

Damn - now I need a new place for a quick bite before the theater.

[opinionatedchef]

kim, in the spirit of still wanting to repay the Esperia tip>> Aquitaine,no? Masa? Picco has a number of CH fans that love the pizza and chili and more. Myers + Chang too far away?

-----
Aquitaine
569 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02118

Masa
439 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116

Myers + Chang
1145 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118

[kimfair1]

Not a huge fan of Aquitaine or Masa, Picco's always packed whenever we go to the theater (but I do like their food), Myers and Chang is a bit of a walk. We're trying Metropolis Cafe this Wed, will report back.

[Quinn823]

New Intel on the pop's space. Apparently it is going to be a British style pub. Add to list of increasingly overflooded beer bar fad.

[chickendhansak]

That depends. There's still room for somewhere doing cask ales well or even focusing on them. I won't hold my breath, though.

[Unfoodie]

I like the way you think. I dedicated Real Ale bar in Boston would be amazing.

[mkfisher]

I believe Moksa is opening in Central Square this month... I just checked their dreadful website, and it makes no mention of an opening date. They do have the menu posted.

[viperlush]

The menu looks good and I am excited about having another option in Central Sq. But I swear time must flow differently in Central Square. Floating Rock, then the hardware store, and now Moksa, all pushing (and pushing) back their openings.

[sallyt]

Los Amigos in West Rox is supposed to open this month - we have high hopes for a good Mexican place!

[MC Slim JB]

Lone Star Taco Bar is purportedly opening this month in Allston, next door to (and from the same team as) Deep Ellum.

http://mcslimjb.blogspot.com/

[yarm]

Inside knowledge posted on Facebook a few moments ago puts this in the next 2 weeks. Of course in restaurant speak, that could translate into the next two months. Max Toste seems really excited about the food (including his vegetarian and vegan options) and we've already spoke about tequila and mezcal drinks. The ones that he made me that might make it on the menu were quite excellent.

http://cocktailvirgin.blogspot.com

[Jenny Ondioline]

According to Deep Ellum's FB page, Lone Star opened last night. I'm super busy or I'd go check it out for lunch.

[Gabatta]

It's not open for lunch today, just dinner.

[CocoDan]

Siros at Marina Bay will be closed from January through March. Planning to add dishes to the Port 305 menu for the Winter. Makes sense. Not much traffic in the cold months. We do like the pubish menu at 305.
Enjoy,
CocoDan

[bear]

The new Armenian market on Elm St. across from Target looks close to opening. It was partially stocked and there was activity this afternoon. The awning says "Armenian Pizza" and signs in the window promise hot coffee and pastries as well as chicken and beef shawarma.

It will be interesting to see if it can distinguish itself from the wonder markets already established like Sevan and Arax, or if it will offer something unique.

[PatrickZ]

oh how i love sevan

[FarmerTed]

Caffe Graffiti in the North End has closed.