Boston Burger Company May Be Coming to Cambridge

A burger restaurant that has locations in Somerville and Boston may be opening a third, with this one possibly being between Harvard Square and Central Square in Cambridge.

According to a License Commission General Hearing page within the City of Cambridge website, Boston Burger Company is seeking to acquire the All Alcoholic Beverages Restaurant License that is currently held by Dolphin Seafood on Mass. Ave., with the note seeming to indicate that it could be taking over Dolphin's space (this has not been confirmed as of yet). The note says that if the transfer does take place, the new location of the burger spot would have 72 seats and proposed hours from 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM seven days a week.

Boston Burger Company first opened in April of 2009 in Somerville's Davis Square, with a second one opening on Boylston Street in the Back Bay of Boston in April of 2012. The restaurants offer 24 types of burgers along with soups, salads, boneless wings, chicken sandwiches, and more.

The address for Dolphin Seafood (and possibly, the new Boston Burger Company) is 1105 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138. The website for Boston Burger Company can be found at http://www.bostonburgerco.com/

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California Pizza Kitchen Closes Its Outlet in Boston's Transportation Building

A national chain of pizza restaurants has closed one of its two locations within the city limits of Boston.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site, the California Pizza Kitchen within the State Transportation Building by Park Plaza is shuttered, with a check on the chain's website seeming to confirm this (it is no longer showing this location). This leaves only one remaining location in Boston--at the Prudential Center--and four others in the surrounding area, including in Cambridge, Braintree, Natick, and Wellesley. California Pizza Kitchen had been in the Transportation Building for approximately 15 years.

The California Pizza Kitchen chain first started out in the 1980s and currently is headquartered in Los Angeles, with more than 200 locations across the country.

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Pressed to Open in Boston's Beacon Hill Neighborhood

A new dining spot appears to be on its way to the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Boston, and it will be offering something called paletas.

The Boston Hospitality and Tourism Industry Blog is reporting that Pressed is planning to open on Charles Street, with the place featuring organic food and drink options such as soups, salads, juices, and paletas, which are basically popsicles, or ice pops, that are often found in Mexico and Central America. Based on information on a PDF page from the Beacon Hill Civic Association and a PDF note within a Licensing Board page from the City of Boston, it looks like Pressed could have three tables and seating for approximately eight diners.

The Licensing Board will meet with Pressed on June 4 to look into its application for a common victualler license.

The address for this proposed dining spot in Beacon Hill is: Pressed, 120 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114.

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Seoul Opens in Former Ma Soba Space in Boston's Beacon Hill

A Korean restaurant has opened in Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood, moving into the space where another Asian dining spot had been.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site, Seoul is now open on Cambridge Street, taking over the former Ma Soba space. A look at the menu on the restaurant's website indicates that it offers a wide variety of dishes, including soups, salads, porridges, stir-fry items, noodle dishes, BBQ, sushi, desserts, and more. The eatery also has combo plates and party platters.

It appears that Ma Soba closed in the middle of the month, with Seoul opening in the space soon after.

The address for this new restaurant in the Beacon Hill section of Boston is: Seoul, 156 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114. Its website can be found at http://seoulfoodboston.com/

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Abbondanza to Open at Burlington's 3rd Ave (within Northwest Park)

An Italian restaurant is coming to a new development north of Boston, and the group behind it might be familiar to some.

According to a Facebook post from 3rd Ave, Abbondanza will be opening at 3rd Ave within the Northwest Park complex which is just north of the Burlington Mall in Burlington. An earlier article from the Lowell Sun indicates that the Lyons Group is behind the 6,000-square-foot dining spot; the Lyons Group is also behind the Kings entertainment facilities, including one that is also coming to 3rd Ave (it was supposed to open this spring but was hit by a major fire, setting its opening back by as much as a year). Other spots from the Lyons Group include such places as Back Bay Social Club, Harvard Gardens, Lucky's Lounge, Scampo, and Towne Stove & Spirits.

Little is currently known about Abbondanza other than the fact that it may be opening this fall; as soon as we find out more about the place, we will post an update here.

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Boston Common Coffee Co. to Open New Location Near North Station

An independent coffee roaster that has three bakery-cafes in Boston is going to be opening a fourth, with this one being near North Station.

Eater Boston is reporting that Boston Common Coffee Co. is planning to open a shop on Canal Street on the first floor of The Avenir, which is a luxury condominium building. In addition to coffee, the 2,500-square-foot bakery and cafe will likely offer quiche, salads, baked goods, and sandwiches, based on the menu at their other locations in the North End, the Financial District, and Downtown Crossing.

It looks like the new location of Boston Common Coffee Co. will open sometime in June, according to the article.

The address for this upcoming bakery-cafe near North Station is: Boston Common Coffee Co., 101 Canal Street, Boston, MA, 02114. The website for all of their locations can be found at http://bostoncommoncoffee.com/

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Former Jae's Building in Boston's Theatre District/Bay Village Neighborhood to Be Demolished

The building in Boston's Theatre District/Bay Village area that used to be home to an Asian restaurant is going to be taken down.

The Boston Business Journal is reporting that the structure on Stuart Street where a location of Jae's used to be until closing nearly 10 years ago is being demolished over the coming weeks, with the demolition work apparently starting yesterday. The article says that Northwood Investors, which owns the adjacent Revere Hotel, is also the owner of the building being taken down, though it is not yet known what the plans will be for the space.

Other locations of Jae's have closed over the years, including now-shuttered outlets in Brookline and North Adams; a South End location called Jae's Cafe remains open on Columbus Avenue.

The address for the Theatre District/Bay Village building that used to house Jae's is 212 Stuart Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

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Weylu's Building in Saugus to Be Demolished

It looks like the sprawling building that used to house one of the Boston area's most iconic restaurants is going to be taken down--along with the hill that it sits on.

Wicked Local is reporting that draft plans have been submitted to demolish the former Weylu's structure on Route 1 in Saugus, with the blasting company also apparently leveling the hill, knocking it down to 58 feet from 160 feet. It is not yet known exactly what would happen to the site, though the article says that Republic Properties--which bought the property last summer--will give more details once the official proposal is submitted (it appears that commercial development could be coming to the space).

Weylu's first opened in the 60,000-square-foot space in the late 1980s, featuring Chinese and Polynesian food along with entertainment. After the restaurant closed, it became home to East Manor then Jin Asian Cuisine before becoming vacant for good.

The address for the former Weylu's space is 20 Bennett Highway, Saugus, MA, 01906.

[Earlier Article]
Weylu's Space in Saugus Sold; Commercial Real Estate Could Be Built at the Site

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Esquire's Best Bars in America List Includes The Hawthorne, J.J. Foley's

A popular men's magazine has posted its top 25 picks for bars in the United States for 2014, and a couple of spots in Boston have been included--though not without some confusion.

According to the new slideshow/article, Esquire Magazine has picked The Hawthorne in Kenmore Square and J.J. Foley's in downtown Boston as two of the best bars in the country. The magazine recommended a Dutch Oven from the former and called the bar "Dark, cool, and elegant" and with "Impeccable cocktails," while it recommended a Guinness from the latter and said it was "a survivor from the bad old days" where "The bartenders are actually friendly and the regulars tolerant," and "it has no media strategy, marketing plan, or corporate mixologist."

As noted in a Boston Herald article, there is some confusion as to Esquire's picking J.J. Foley's, as the address shown is of the Kingston Street location in downtown Boston rather than the better-known location on Berkeley Street in the South End, but a Twitter post confirms that writer David Wondrich indeed meant to focus on the Kingston Street outlet.

For a complete list of the bars picked by Esquire, please go to the following link:

http://www.esquire.com/blogs/food-for-men/best-bars-in-america-2014

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Paul Bakery to Open at Burlington's 3rd Ave (within Northwest Park)

A chain of French bakery-cafes continues to expand into the Boston area, with another one planned for a new development north of the city.

According to a post on the 3rd Ave Facebook page, Paul Bakery is going to be opening at 3rd Ave within the Northwest Park complex just north of the Burlington Mall in Burlington. This will be the third location to open in the Boston area, with one coming very soon to One Boston Place in downtown Boston where Four Green Fields had been and another coming to Somerville's Assembly Row possibly in September. (It looks like the Burlington location won't open until the winter.)

Paul was established in France in 1889, with approximately 500 locations currently found in various countries, including the United States (Washington, DC, Virginia, and Florida).

The website for Paul be found at http://www.paul-usa.com

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Highlights for the Week Ending May 23, 2014

Several more stories and articles focusing on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a group of burger places coming to the area, a restaurant that celebrates the tradition of beefsteak banquets opening in Waltham, and the Back Bay location of a hot dog spot closing. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included an updated review of a breakfast and lunch spot in Dorchester, a list of outdoor dining places along the Massachusetts coast, and a photo of a corned beef sandwich from a deli in Braintree.

Below are links to these and other items from the past week:

Boston Restaurant Talk

Plan B Burger Bar to Expand to Boston

Bon Me to Open a Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant in Boston's Fort Point

Ducali Owner May Open New Restaurant in East Boston

Flank, The New American Beefsteak to Open in Waltham

Spike's Junkyard Dogs in Boston's Back Bay to Close; Operations Being Consolidated to Allston

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

Updated Review: McKenna's Cafe in Dorchester, MA

Photo: Mars Bar Toastie from Tavern at the End of the World in Charlestown, MA

List of Outdoor Dining Spots Along the Massachusetts Coast

Question: Best Mexican Food in the Boston Area?

Photo: Corned Beef Sandwich from Murray's Deli in Braintree, MA

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The Metropolitan Club in Chestnut Hill Is Closing

An upscale restaurant and bar in Chestnut Hill is shutting its doors after being in business for 10 years.

The Boston Globe is reporting that The Metropolitan Club on Boylston Street is closing on June 28 after not being able to come to acceptable terms with the landlord. The article says that the dining and drinking spot will host "little surprises" over the next few weeks, with favorite dishes being brought back before it says farewell for good. Its sister restaurants--including MET locations in Boston's Back Bay, Dedham, Natick, and Nantucket--will remain open.

The Metropolitan Club offers such items as duck confit spring rolls, fried calamari, chicken under a brick, prime skirt steak, rigatoni bolognese, roasted salmon, and falafel burgers, along with a variety of cocktails.

The address for this soon-to-close restaurant and bar in Chestnut Hill is: The Metropolitan Club, 1210 Boylston Street, Brookline, MA, 02467. Its website can be found at http://metclubandbar.com/

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Leo's Place Diner Is Reopening in Waltham

A restaurant that closed in Cambridge after being in business for many years is reopening in Waltham.

According to a picture that was posted on Twitter, Leo's Place Diner is planning to open in the space on Main Street where In a Pickle had been before moving to nearby Moody Street in the spring of 2013. Leo's Place had been located on JFK Street in Harvard Square, but it shuttered around the end of 2013 after losing its lease. The diner was known for its breakfasts as well as classic diner fare, with burgers, hot dogs, pork chops, and much more on its menu. An article in Cambridge Day says that Leo's had been located in its JFK Street location for 32 years, though another post in Wicked Local Cambridge mentions that the original owner first opened the diner back in 1949.

It is not known exactly when Leo's Place Diner will open in Waltham.

The address for the new location of Leo's Place Diner is 655 Main Street, Waltham, MA, 02451.

Thanks to @brandnewwatch for bringing this to our attention.

[Earlier Article]
Leo's Place Diner in the Harvard Square Section of Cambridge Has Closed

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Plan B Burger Bar to Expand to Boston

A small group of burger spots based in Hartford, CT, is going to be expanding to Boston.

Eater Boston is reporting that Plan B Burger Bar is looking to open locations in Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, and Washington, DC, with a source for EB saying the Boston location(s) might not happen for another two or three years. The restaurants offer a variety of freshly-ground burgers as well as soups, salads, and meals such as lobster macaroni and cheese, meatloaf, fish and chips, and southwest stuffed chicken. (They also also have gluten-free, dessert, and late-night menus, and beer, wine, and cocktails are available as well.)

Current locations of Plan B Burger Bar can be found in Glastonbury, Milford, Simsbury, Stamford, and West Hartford, CT, along with a location in Springfield, MA. Their website is at http://www.planbburger.com/

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Bon Me to Open a Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant in Boston's Fort Point

The people behind several Vietnamese food trucks and a brick-and-mortar restaurant are going to be opening a second permanent dining spot, with this one being in one of Boston's hottest neighborhoods for dining.

Stack + Co. states that Bon Me is planning to open in the Fort Point section of the city, with the post saying that the eatery will be located in the neighborhood's "oldest existing building" (Bon Me gives the exact address on a Twitter post--313 Congress Street). The new restaurant will have 1,100 square feet of space, with both an indoor dining area and an elevated outdoor deck, according to the Stack + Co. post. Based on what is served at their brick-and-mortar dining spot in Cambridge's Kendall Square, expect to see such items as Vietnamese sandwiches, noodle soups, noodle salads, and rice bowls at the new Bon Me.

[June 1 update: The Boston Globe reports that the upcoming Fort Point outlet of Bon Me will have a slightly different menu, with a children's menu likely added as well (its location is very close to the Children's Museum).]

The first Bon Me food truck debuted in 2011, with their brick-and-mortar restaurant coming to One Kendall Square in the winter of 2013. Their website can be found at http://www.bonmetruck.com/

Thanks to @FortPointer for bringing this to our attention.

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Ducali Owner May Open New Restaurant in East Boston

The owner of a pizzeria in the North End of Boston could be opening another restaurant, with this one being across the water.

BostInno is reporting that Philip Frattaroli of Ducali Pizzeria & Bar on Causeway Street is planning to open a new dining spot in East Boston, with the proposed restaurant being in his grandfather's old woodshop (Oscar Woodworking) on Webster Street in the Jeffries Point neighborhood. The article mentions that Frattaroli hopes to build a fourth floor onto the three-story structure, with a restaurant, yoga studio, residential floor, and rooftop garden being within the building. It is not yet known what kind of eatery is planned for the space, so keep checking back for updates.

Ducali first opened in the North End in the summer of 2009.

The address for this proposed restaurant in East Boston is 47 Webster Street, Boston, MA, 02128.

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Chefs in Shorts to Take Place at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston, June 20, 2014

A "grill-off" returns to Boston once again in June, and a number of local chefs will be participating.

On Friday, June 20, the 17th annual Chefs in Shorts will be held at the Seaport World Trade Center along the Boston waterfront from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM, with chefs creating dishes for guests in an outdoor setting (desserts, beer, and wine will also be offered). A few of the chefs participating in the event include Paul Wahlberg (Alma Nove),  Paul Sussman (Back Deck), Matt O'Neil (Blue Ox), Jason Albus (Fairsted Kitchen), Andres Cruz (Lucca), Anthony Caturano (Prezza), Jose Duarte (Taranta), Andrew Hebert (Trade), Suzi Maitland (Trina's Starlite Lounge), and many others.

Tickets to the 2014 Chefs in Shorts cost $80, with proceeds benefiting Future Chefs, a local non-profit school-to-career program that focuses on the culinary arts.

For more information on this event, please go to the following link:

http://www.seaportboston.com/

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King St. Tavern to Open in Former Woodward at Ames Space in Boston

A new restaurant and bar is coming to a hotel in downtown Boston, moving into the space where another dining and drinking spot had been.

Eater Boston is reporting that King St. Tavern is opening within the Ames Boston Hotel on Court Street, with the restaurant taking over the former Woodward at Ames spot. The article says that the new place will have a dining room and a full bar on the first floor and space for events on the second floor, with "urban pub fare" being offered along with live music. It appears that the space won't look much different from that of the now-closed Woodward.

Woodward at Ames shuttered last May after many months of rumors and speculation concerning the space, including a real estate company possibly marketing a lease for it and a reconcept coming to the eatery (the latter of which appears to be the case now).

It looks like King St. Tavern will open on June 1, according to the website for the hotel and restaurant.

[June 1 update: A phone call placed to the hotel indicates that the bar at the King St. Tavern is open, but the kitchen is not yet ready, so the place is only open for drinks for now.]

The address for the new King St. Tavern (and the Ames Boston Hotel) is 1 Court Street, Boston, MA, 02108. The web page for the restaurant can be found at http://www.ameshotel.com/king-st-tavern/

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After Storefront Collapse, Zoe's and Mixtura Both Expect to Reopen Soon in Somerville

Last September, a pair of restaurants in Somerville were forced to shut down after their storefront collapsed. Now it looks like both will soon be reopening again.

Eater Boston is reporting that both Zoe's and Mixtura on Beacon Street are getting ready to open back up; earlier reports here had mentioned that Zoe's would indeed reopen, but the status of Mixtura was unknown until now. Both dining spots closed in September of 2013 after the front of the building in which they reside collapsed, with large chunks of the facade crashing to the sidewalk below. Construction has been taking place over the past few months, with work on the structure looking like it is almost complete now.

[June 5 update: Based on a Facebook post from the restaurant, it looks like Zoe's will open sometime in July; it is still not known when Mixtura might open.]

Zoe's is a Chinese restaurant that is located at 296 Beacon Street, while Mixtura is a Latin American eatery that is located next door at 300 Beacon Street.

[Earlier Article]
Storefront of Zoe's and Mixtura in Somerville Collapses

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Flank, The New American Beefsteak to Open in Waltham

A new restaurant that celebrates the tradition of beefsteak banquets is going to be opening west of Boston, and a local radio person is behind the place.

An article in Boston Magazine and a post in BostInno both mention that Greg Hill (also known as "The Hillman") on WAAF is planning to open Flank, The New American Beefsteak, at the upcoming 1265 Main development in Waltham, with the eatery apparently being a communal spot that offers less common cuts of meat such as flank, coulotte, hanger, and skirt. The articles mention that in addition to steak, the 8,000-square-foot dining spot will also offer New American fare, including braised beef wontons, deviled eggs, baked artichokes, and bacon-wrapped rack of lamb. Although Flank will have silverware, Greg Hill says that diners can feel free to "lose" the knife and fork and eat their meals like diners did at beefsteak banquets in the late 19th century. Expect to see Flank open later this year, according to the two articles.

Hill is also behind No. 29 Sudbury, an upscale Italian restaurant located on Hudson Road in Sudbury Town Square.

The address for this upcoming dining spot in Waltham is: Flank, The New American Beefsteak, 1265 Main Street, Waltham, MA, 02451.

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Sweet Cupcakes Is Taking Over the Former Isabelle's Curly Cakes Space in Boston's Beacon Hill

A local group of cupcake shops is going to be opening a new location in the heart of Boston, with this one moving into the space of a former cupcake shop that was run by a celebrity chef/restaurateur and his daughter.

According to a post sent to us on Twitter, Sweet Cupcakes is going to be opening on Charles Street in Beacon Hill where Isabelle's Curly Cakes used to be. A picture on the Twitter site from the group of shops confirms this, showing that it will be "coming soon." Once it opens, this will be the sixth location of Sweet Cupcakes, with the others being on School Street in downtown Boston, Mass. Ave. and Newbury Street in the Back Bay, Brattle Street in Cambridge's Harvard Square, and Chestnut Hill Square in Chestnut Hill.

[June 1 update: The Boston Globe reports that Sweet Cupcakes is planning to open its new Charles Street location this week.]

[June 4 update: Eater Boston states that Sweet Cupcakes is now open on Charles Street.]

Todd English and his daughter Isabelle first opened Isabelle's Curly Cakes on Charles Street in late 2010, with the shop closing earlier this year for "renovations." (It never reopened.)

The address for this new cupcake shop in Beacon Hill is: Sweet Cupcakes, 81 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 02114. The website for all of their shops can be found at: http://www.sweetcupcakes.com/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Spike's Junkyard Dogs in Boston's Back Bay to Close; Operations Being Consolidated to Allston

A Rhode Island-based group of hot dog places is going to be closing its Back Bay location in Boston and moving its operations to another shop nearby within the city.

According to a press release, the local franchisee and operator of Spike's Junkyard Dogs on Boylston Street is selling the restaurant to Zest Mediterranean, LLC, with the eatery remaining open through June 1. Operations will then be consolidated to the Spike's location on Brighton Avenue in Allston, according to the release.

In addition to hot dogs, Spike's Junkyard Dogs also offers salads, burgers, chicken sandwiches, wings, and tenders. Other Spike's locations can be found in Burlington, North Attleboro, Providence, Cranston, Warwick, and Groton, CT.

The address for the soon-to-close Spike's in the Back Bay is 1076 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02115; the address for the Allston location is 108 Brighton Avenue, Allston, MA, 02134. The website for all locations can be found at http://www.spikesjunkyarddogs.com/

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Italian Restaurant May Be Coming to Former Channel Cafe Space in Boston's Fort Point

It looks like a new dining spot may be coming to the Fort Point neighborhood of Boston, opening where another eatery (and art gallery) had been.

According to a Twitter post from @FortPointer, an Italian restaurant is apparently going to be moving into the basement space on Summer Street where the Channel Cafe had been. The post says that this has been confirmed by "multiple sources" and that more information will be coming soon.

The Channel Cafe was a restaurant and art gallery that closed in the winter of 2013; the owners now run the Blackthorne Publick House in South Easton.

The address for the upcoming Italian spot that is planning to move into the former Channel Cafe space is 300 Summer Street, Boston, MA, 02210.

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Highlights for the Week Ending May 16, 2014

A few more stories and articles centering on the Boston-area restaurant scene came out over the past week, including a falafel shop opening in Kenmore Square, a restaurant that focuses on burgers and sliders coming to Medford, and a landmark eatery in the South End announcing that it is closing down. In addition, our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) included a new review of a lakeside restaurant south of the city, a list of restaurant closings and openings in the Boston area for May (so far), and a photo of a unique appetizer from a Turkish dining spot in Brookline.

Below are links to these and other items from the past week:

Boston Restaurant Talk

Amsterdam Falafelshop to Open in Boston's Kenmore Square

Restaurant Rigoletto Planning to Open in Boston's North End

Gov. Patrick Proposes to Lift Cap on Liquor Licenses Throughout the State

Snappy Patty's to Open in West Medford

Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe in Boston's South End Is Closing

Boston's Hidden Restaurants

New Review: Monponsett Inn in Halifax, MA

Photo: Lobster Roll from Tony's Clam Shop in Quincy, MA

Boston-Area Restaurant Closings and Openings for May, 2014 (So Far)

Question: What Are Your Favorite Boston-Area Restaurants for Pasta?

Photo: Su Boregi from Brookline Family Restaurant in Brookline, MA

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Besito Plans to Open in Boston

Last year we reported that a trio of upscale Mexican restaurants in New York and Connecticut was looking to expand into the Boston area, with at least two locations coming to the suburbs. Now we have learned that another one might be coming to the city itself.

The Boston Globe is reporting that Besito is considering opening somewhere in Boston, joining soon-to-open outlets in Burlington and Chestnut Hill. The article mentions that restaurateur John Tunney III "plans to launch another Besito in Boston proper in the near future," though no specific location has been given. It appears that the Burlington branch will be the first to open in the area, with the Globe saying it plans to open at the Burlington Mall June 17, while the location at the Mall at Chestnut Hill could be opening later this summer. Another outlet had been planned for MarketStreet Lynnfield, though there is no word right now on whether that one will indeed be opening.

Currently, locations of Besito can be found in Huntington and Roslyn (both in New York) as well as West Hartford, CT. The website for Besito is at http://www.besitomexican.com/

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Po Boy in Newton to Debut a Food Truck

Yet another new food truck is coming to the Boston area, and this one will focus on a dish that is popular down south.

According to a post in The Boston Globe, owner Eric Cormier of Po Boy in Newton is planning to debut a food truck by June, with the truck offering chicken, catfish, shrimp, and oyster po boys. The article mentions that the truck could be located in the South Station area, though it is not known if this is definite yet, nor is it known whether the truck will also be at other locations in and around the city of Boston. (Keep checking back for updates.)

Po Boy first opened on Crafts Street in the Newtonville section of Newton in the latter part of 2012, taking over the space where Eugene's Coffee & Hot Dogs and the Crafts Street Cafe had both been.

The address for Po Boy is 67 Crafts Street, Newton, MA, 02458.

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The Dining Room Is Opening within The Living Room in Boston's North End

A brand new "restaurant within a restaurant" is coming to the North End of Boston.

A press release indicates that The Dining Room is going to be opening inside The Living Room, which is in the Mercantile Building on Atlantic Avenue. The new concept will be "a relaxed yet refined place" that will feature "locally sourced and globally inspired comfort food" such as ahi tuna poke with wakame, wonton, ginger and Sriracha; moules a la biere blanche; crab agnolotti; schnitzel with gurkensalat and German potato salad; and chicken balti with naan bread and North Indian spices. Drinks at The Dining Room will include options from a seasonal cocktail list that will rotate several times a year, with both classic cocktails and modern creations offered. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week and will also have a weekend brunch.

It appears that The Dining Room officially opens its doors on May 29.

The address for The Dining Room (as well as The Living Room) is 101 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, MA, 02110.

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Boston's Baddest Burger and Sandwich Co. Is Expanding

A food truck and caterer that focuses on burgers is getting ready to expand.

According to a job post on the Craigslist site, Boston's Baddest Burger & Sandwich Co. is currently hiring, with a "full restaurant staff needed" and a note saying that "We Are expanding our Brands. We will be opening our fixed location on June 1st and adding a second truck in the month of June." It is not known exactly where the fixed location will be as of yet, nor is it known whether another brand that it is involved with--Maine-ly Lobstah--is going to be part of this particular expansion. It does appear that the brick-and-mortar restaurant will be located in either Canton or Norwood, based on the Craigslist post.

[May 20 update: According to an earlier article from the Canton Citizen, the brick-and-mortar location for Boston’s Baddest Burger will apparently be 588 Washington Street in Canton, which is where The Chubby Chickpea had been before moving to Jackson Street. (The article also says that the place will be called "Boston’s Baddest Burger and the Mainely Lobstah," though this has not yet been confirmed.) Thanks to a poster on this page for letting us know about the restaurant's location.]

Boston's Baddest Burger & Sandwich Co. debuted in the summer of 2012, with the food truck offering burgers, deli sandwiches, hot dogs, fries, and more. It can currently be found mainly in Norwood, Boston, and Waltham, though it also sets up in other areas, including at event sites. The website for the truck and caterer is at http://www.bostonsbaddestburger.com/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Beantown Pho and Grill Opens in Boston's Back Bay

A new Vietnamese restaurant has just opened in the heart of Boston's Back Bay neighborhood.

UrbanDaddy is reporting that Beantown Pho & Grill is now open on Newbury Street between Fairfield Street and Gloucester Street, with the eatery apparently taking over the space where a location of b.good had been (b.good is moving the shop to Boylston Street within the same neighborhood). The article says that the new dining spot has 10 options for pho along with "grilled meat on sticks and other things," and the interior of the place has the appearance of a "well-worn Cape cottage."

The address for this new Vietnamese restaurant in the Back Bay is: Beantown Pho & Grill, 272 Newbury Street, Boston, MA, 02116.

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Amsterdam Falafelshop to Open in Boston's Kenmore Square

Last year we reported that a Washington, DC-based falafel shop that has a location in Somerville was planning on opening a few more shops in the Boston area. Now we have learned where one of them will be.

Eater Boston is reporting that Amsterdam Falafelshop is going to be opening in Kenmore Square, moving into the Beacon Street space where a location of Boca Grande had been until closing last summer. The article says that this shop will have approximately twice the seating of the location on Elm Street in Davis Square, with the eatery looking to open later this year. Expect to see such items as falafel, salads, fries, and chips at the new store.

The Somerville location of Amsterdam Falafelshop first opened its doors in July of 2012.

The address for this upcoming falafel shop in Kenmore Square is: Amsterdam Falafelshop, 642 Beacon Street, Boston, MA, 02215. The website for the group of shops can be found at http://www.falafelshop.com/

[Earlier Article]
Amsterdam Falafelshop to Open Four More Locations in the Boston Area

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The Italian Kitchen of Wakefield Is Opening

A new restaurant is opening north of Boston, with this one featuring all kinds of Italian items.

According to a poster on the Chowhound site, The Italian Kitchen of Wakefield soft-opened this week, with a check on the dining spot's Facebook page seeming to confirm this, mentioning that yesterday was the "start of the three day sampling events from noon - 6pm each day." The website for the restaurant says that the eatery will focus on Central Italian cooking from the Lazio region of Italy, with a few items on the menu include bruschetta, Italian wedding soup, pizza, sandwiches, and pasta dinners. (Its signature dish is apparently chicken pot pie ravioli.)

The address for this new restaurant in Wakefield is: The Italian Kitchen of Wakefield, 411 Main Street, Wakefield, MA, 01880. Its website can be found at http://www.theitaliankitchenofwakefield.com/

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Scosso in Peabody Has Closed

An Italian restaurant on the North Shore has closed its doors after being in business for approximately a year and a half.

According to a source, Scosso has closed at the Northshore Mall in Peabody, with a check on the restaurant's website confirming that it has indeed shuttered, referring diners to its other eatery--the Venetian Moon Ristorante in Reading Center. Scosso first opened in the fall of 2012, offering such items as lobster ravioli, chicken saltimbocca, eggplant rollatini, gnocchi, veal parmigiana, chicken marsala, and martinis.

The address for this now-closed Italian restaurant in Peabody was: Scosso, 210 Andover Street, Peabody, MA, 01960. Venetian Moon is located at 680 Main Street, Reading, MA, 01867, with its website being at http://www.venetianmoon.com/

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Corn & Co Closes at the Burlington Mall

A popcorn store north of Boston has closed its doors.

According to a source, Corn & Co has closed its location at the Burlington Mall in Burlington, though it appears that the business remains in operation, with its Facebook page saying that it is the "official popcorn of the Boston Red Sox." The shop had featured popcorn that came in a variety of flavors, blends, and mixes, with constantly rotating flavors from a "flavor library."

Corn & Co first opened at the Burlington Mall in the fall of 2012.

The website for Corn & Co can be found at https://www.facebook.com/cornandco

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Update: Taste of Somerville Coming to Davis Square June 11, 2014

[Ed note: This article was updated on June 3 to reflect a change of date for the event.]

A culinary event is returning to Somerville in June, and once again, a number of area restaurants and food/drink purveyors will be participating.

On Wednesday, June 11 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Taste of Somerville will be held at 50 Holland Street in Davis Square, with the event including food, drink, and live entertainment. A few of the local places that will be at the event include Bantam Cider, The Burren, Daddy Jones, Highland Kitchen, Lyndell's Bakery, Orleans, PJ Ryan's, Pretty Things, Saloon, Taza Chocolate, and many more. [NOTE: The original date of June 4 was changed to June 11 apparently because of the possibility of bad weather. Thanks to @EatBoston for bringing this to our attention.]

Tickets to the 2014 Taste of Somerville cost $40 for adults ($50 for VIP) and $15 for children under 12, with proceeds benefiting The Somerville Home. For more information on this event, please go to the following link:

http://tasteofsomerville.com/

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Teri-Yummy Food Truck Debuts in Boston

Another new food truck has come to Boston, and this one focuses on all things teriyaki.

Eater Boston is reporting this week that Teri-Yummy has hit the streets of the city, with a post from the Hub Food Trucks site showing that the truck offers teriyaki beef, chicken, and shrimp, along with combination teriyaki plates. For now, the truck is set up at Cleveland Circle in Brighton, Dudley Square in Roxbury, Belvidere Street by the Prudential Center, and Stuart Street by Copley Square on weekdays (for both lunch and dinner)

The Twitter post for Teri-Yummy can be found at https://twitter.com/teriyummy

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Madear's Cucina Food Truck to Hit the Streets of Boston

A new food truck is looking to debut in Boston, and it will focus on an interesting combination of two cuisines.

Eater Boston is reporting that Madear's Cucina is coming to the city, with the truck offering dishes that offer Louisiana comfort food with Sicilian "accents." The article mentions that a few of the dishes that could be served include baked and fried catfish, fried chicken, crawfish, and mustard greens. A Facebook post from the food truck shows that they recently received a business certificate, though it is not known exactly when it could be on the road.

In addition to its Facebook page, Madear's Cucina also has a Twitter page which can be found at https://twitter.com/madearscucina

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Restaurant Rigoletto Planning to Open in Boston's North End

It looks like a new restaurant may be coming to the North End of Boston.

According to an article within the NorthEndWaterfront.com website, Restaurant Rigoletto is planning to open on Salem Street, moving into the space where Sapori di Napoli/Cafe Napoli used to be. The article mentions that the North End/Waterfront Residents' Association (NEWRA) approved plans for the place to open by a vote of 23-7 last week, with the vote focusing on a conditional use application that would allow for a full restaurant menu as well as kitchen equipment with a vent fan to the roof. It is not yet known when Restaurant Rigoletto might open or what may be on its menu; as soon as we find out more, we will post an update here.

The address for this upcoming restaurant in the North End is: Restaurant Rigoletto, 115-117 Salem Street, Boston, MA, 02113.

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Update: Gustazo Cuban Restaurant and Cafe Is Moving to Waltham

[Ed note: This article was updated on May 15 to reflect new information given, including the fact that this a move, not a second location.]

It looks like a Cuban restaurant in Belmont is going to be opening in Waltham.

According to a Twitter post from @Newswatch8 (via a YouTube video), Gustazo Cuban Restaurant & Cafe is planning to open on Main Street where a location of Elephant Walk used to be until closing last fall. A note was sent to Gustazo asking if their restaurant on Belmont Street was going to be moving into this space or whether it would be another location, but they have not responded as of yet (as soon as we get more information, we will post an update here).

[May 15 update: A note from Gustazo today confirms that this is a move, not a second location.]

[June 23 update: A Facebook post from the restaurant indicates that Gustazo has officially closed its Belmont location, with the new location in Waltham expected to open by mid-July.]

Gustazo Cuban Restaurant & Cafe is a place that our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants) has featured as an under-the-radar spot to go to for Cuban fare. The review can be found at the link below:

http://www.hiddenboston.com/GustazoCafe.html

The address for the upcoming location of Gustazo Cuban Restaurant & Cafe is 663 Main Street, Waltham, MA, 02451; its original location is at 289 Belmont Street, Belmont, MA 02478. And the website for the restaurant is at http://www.gustazo-cubancafe.com/

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Gov. Patrick Proposes to Lift Cap on Liquor Licenses Throughout the State

It looks like the cap on liquor licenses in cities and towns across the state could be disappearing if the governor gets his way.

According to an article within the masslive.com site, Gov. Deval Patrick is proposing to get rid of the cap on licenses, with the plan apparently being set forth to make it easier for restaurants and liquor stores to open in communities throughout Massachusetts--and also to compete better with neighboring states. The post says that the proposal--which is part of an economic development bill--would turn over full control of the licensing process to local officials.

The article mentions that the proposal was discussed yesterday, with mayors, selectmen, and other local officials meeting with the governor's administration to talk about the plan as well as other budgetary and issues concerning the state.

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Snappy Patty's to Open in West Medford

A new restaurant is coming to West Medford, and it will apparently be focusing on patty melts.

The Boston Globe is reporting that Snappy Patty's is going to be opening on High Street, with Nicholas Dowling--who used to work at Citizen Public House in Boston's Fenway neighborhood, Franklin Cafe in the South End, and Franklin Southie--being behind the spot. Dowling says in the article that the restaurant's concept will be "upscale, contemporary American food done correctly" with the signature dish being mini patty melt sliders. Snappy Patty's will have seating for 36 and it will be open for lunch and dinner as well as brunch on weekends, according to the Globe.

The address for this upcoming restaurant in West Medford is: Snappy Patty's, 454 High Street, Medford, MA, 02155.

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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