Category Archives: South End

Four eagerly anticipated South End restaurants

Posted on November 5, 2012 | 1 Comment

A few restaurants in Boston’s South End neighborhood have closed over the past few years, creating vacancies in some prime locations.  These spaces did not remain unclaimed for long and some of these restaurants have recently opened; most recently BoMA Restaurant. However, there remain four locations of particular interest that will open soon.

CINQUECENTO started training new staff last Friday in preparation for their opening later this month. This is the Aquitaine Group’s eighth property and first Italian restaurant.  Located at 500 Harrison Avenue, this is likely to be one of the largest restaurants in the neighborhood too with 300+ seats as well as private dining space and a beautiful patio.

Location: 500 Harrison Avenue / Phone: 617-247-1102

Menu: Italian

Anticipated opening to public: mid November

Estelles South EndESTELLE’S will likely open just weeks after Cinquecento.  Owned by chef Brian Poe (Poe’s Kitchen and The Rattlensake in Back Bay), Estelle will serve southern cuisine.  Poe has opened up the space which was previously a pizzeria and has a nice looking bar that neighbors will undoubtably appreciate.

Location: 782 Tremont Street (Mass Ave & Tremont Street)

Menu: Southern cuisine

Anticipated opening to public: December

FIVE HORSES TAVERN was first reported by Eater Boston to open a second location in space formerly occupied by Columbus Cafe. Five Horses Tavern in Somerville serves food with a similar, affordable price point to Columbus Cafe. If they can pull this off, this could become the neighborhood’s best cheap eats and bar.

Location: 535 Columbus Avenue (Columbus & Claremont Park)

Menu: American comfort food with entrees from $9 – $18

Anticipated opening to public: Unknown

BOSTON CHOPS is opening in the space formerly occupied by Ginger Park and before that, banq. Speculation about what Chef Coombs has in mind when he refers to it as an “urban steakhouse” keeps me guessing. In an interview with Grub Street Boston he said, “The only thing we have in common with a typical steakhouse is that we’ll serve cow.“

Location: 1375 Washington Street (Washington & Union Park)

Menu: New concept steakhouse

Anticipated opening to public: Unknown

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Olives & Grace in the South End

Posted on November 3, 2012 | Leave a comment

Olives & GraceLast weekend I stumbled upon a relatively new storefront just off of Tremont Street in the South End called Olives & Grace.   Sofi, the owner of this cute shop, seeks to “feature emerging artists, gift producers, and small batch food makers“.  The store struck me as the perfect place for purchasing custom gift packages.

Olives & GraceOlives & Grace is a unique shop you should check out

Sofi (shown above) is busy adding new treats and products so return visits provide you with something new to try / see on each visit. However, she did mention that she always has something bacon related (my brother would come in just for that) and unique temptations for those with a sweet tooth.

Olives and GraceOlives & Grace is closed on Monday and open from 12-8pm Tuesday thru Sunday.  Stop by this cute storefront just off Tremont Street.

Olives & Grace  81 Pembroke Street – South End

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Restaurant review: BoMA Restaurant and Bar

Posted on October 24, 2012 | 1 Comment

After more false starts than an entire NFL season, BoMA Restaurant + Bar finally opened their doors to the public last week.  The renovation of the space is dramatic and exudes a warm and cozy vibe.  Dark colors contrast with the exposed brick and oversized, unique chandeliers that provide a relaxing environment to meet for drinks or grab dinner.BoMA Restaurant and Bar

The dinner menu at BoMA has sixteen options including “Small Plates” which is how Chef Bussell describes appetizers; these range from $8-$12.  The menu also includes three options referred to as “Lighter Fare”, but think “pub grub” since it includes food like their burger with duck fat french fries.  Lastly, there are six “Large Plates” ranging from $20-$27.

BoMA Restaurant and BarWe started our dinner with the roasted beets and goat cheese salad $11 and roasted clams and chorizo $12. Both were very satisfying, but I preferred the clams and chorizo with my ale.  Beer lovers note BoMA has 16 craft beers on draft that will rotate with the seasons.  Below you can see we opted for the comfort food listed in the “Lighter Fare” portion of the menu.  The Fish-n-Chips is $15 and the BoMA burger is $14.  Both hit the spot and I predict will be some of the restaurant’s best sellers.BoMA Restaurant and Bar

Earlier this month I was invited to try their menu and we ordered the Chestnut Ravioli, Duck Confit, Rabe in Pistachio Cream ($24) and Grass Fed Hangar Steak, Texas Hash, Greens in Chili Garlic Butter ($26); read here for more about these tempting meals.

As mentioned above, BoMA is located in the South End at 1415 Washington Street across from The Cathedral of the Holy Cross.  Although BoMA was not taking reservations this past weekend you can call ahead at (617) 536-2662.

BoMa on Urbanspoon

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BoMA opens tonight at 6PM

Posted on October 19, 2012 | Leave a comment

The wait is over. The doors to BoMA open at 6PM tonight.  No reservations are being taken (at least for tonight).  Good luck BoMA! You may read more about BoMA and my recent dinner held prior to tonight’s opening, here.

BoMA is located at at 1415 Washington Street in the South End.

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American Field pop up market

Posted on October 17, 2012 | Leave a comment

Boston American FieldThis weekend, Ball and Buck will be hosting the inaugural “American Field” All American Menswear pop up market at the Power Station at 540 Harrison Avenue in the South End’s SoWa district.

More than 50 vendors will be showcasing, and selling, their Made in USA products. Food trucks will be serving great eats and it appears there will even be a beer garden featuring Local Micro Breweries.

540 Harrison Ave, Saturday & Sunday Oct 20 – 21

More information about the event here, www.americanfield.us

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Posted in Free Stuff, South End, SoWa

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South End Formaggio

Posted on October 13, 2012 | 2 Comments

One of my favorite shops in my neighborhood is South End Formaggio. It is a tiny shop stuffed from floor to ceiling full of delicious food, wine and beer, but it is best known for its exceptional selection of cheese and meats. I love this shop, but with only two other locations (Cambridge and NYC – Lower East Side) it may be impractical for you to pay a visit.

South End FormaggioSource: Just Add Cheese

However, if you are a cheese lovah (err I mean lover), you may want to check out the Formaggio Kitchen blog.  They have tempting posts like recipes for Mac and Many Cheeses and Ricotta Toasts with Turkish Figs. Their blog also has interesting posts like How to Put Together a Cheese Platter.  Lastly, you can follow their tempting Tweets on Twitter, here.  

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Posted in Cooking, South End

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BoMA sneak peek before opening this week

Posted on October 8, 2012 | 4 Comments

BoMA RestaurantLast week BoMA Restaurant in the South End had a soft opening, and I was fortunate enough to sit down and enjoy the meal served compliments of Shane Manfred and chef Chris Bussell. I’ll refrain from providing a full review until BoMA opens later this week, but I wanted to provide Boston foodies another glimpse of what they can expect walking into this completely renovated property.

For those familiar with Pho Republique, the transformation will be impressive.  Exposed brick, a large bar and cozy atmosphere defines this urban-chic 80-seat restaurant in SoWA.

Main dishes “Large Plates” range from $14-$27 and include a bit of something for everyone.  Meat lovers will salivate over the BoMA burger with duck fat fries $14 or the hangar steak (shown below) $26.  Seafood fans will be tempted by the roasted monkfish $22 and grilled swordfish with shrimp, gnocchi and artichokes in a lobster jus $27.  Vegetarians will like the eggplant flatbread $14 and pasta options like bucatini all’amatriciana $16.

Shown above left: Chestnut Ravioli, Duck Confit, Rabe in Pistachio Cream was incredibly rich and flavorful. Shown above right: Grass Fed Hangar Steak, Texas Hash, Greens in Chili Garlic Butter.

BoMA has an intriguing dessert menu.  I was tempted to try the “Purple Cow” made with house made grape crush, vanilla ice cream, pop rocks (you read that correct) and a pistachio cookie $10.  However, on this first visit I tried the Chocolate Ganache Torta with Pecan Cookie Crust over a pool of warm caramel.  Lets just say it was absolutely decadent. BoMA opens to the public on Tuesday, October 9th at 1415 Washington Street in the South End.  Reservations encouraged, 617-536-2662.
BoMa on Urbanspoon

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Five Horses Tavern trots into Columbus Cafe space

Posted on October 4, 2012 | Leave a comment

Earlier this week Eater Boston  reported that the owner of Five Horses Tavern in Somerville will open a second location in the South End in the space formerly occupied by Columbus Cafe.

The Five Horses Tavern in Davis Square serves modern American comfort food with nothing on the menu over $20.  This matches the affordable menu that helped Columbus Cafe remain so popular with locals and would be a welcome addition to a neighborhood already overcrowded with restaurants serving $30+ entrees.

I’m curious to see what owner and head chef Dylan Welsh does to the rather unique layout and interested to find out how he will purchase a liquor license since the owners of Columbus Cafe were rumored to have sold their license to the soon to open Boston Chops.

 

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South End development underway

Posted on October 2, 2012 | Leave a comment

A few weeks ago I mentioned on my blog the city of Boston had approved a new hotel and residences to be built just a few blocks from my home.  I am so happy to hear that space currently used as a parking lot near Interstate 93 will be redesigned and add space for residents and commercial purposes.

I have paired a photo from Google Maps with the image of the proposed development offered by the Boston Redevelopment Authority.  The $165  million dollar project will include 3-story parking garage, 19-story residential tower, and a 11-story hotel that has 325 “micro-rooms” (I have no idea what a micro room is but I don’t care since I live two blocks away and hopefully will never need to make use of the rooms).

This development happens to be next to the neighborhoods largest redevelopment plan that is currently underway called the Ink Block (shown above). The  project revitalizes 6 acres of land previously owned and occupied by the Boston Herald Newspaper.  The Ink Block plans propose multiple buildings of mixed use space with more than 470 rental residential units, retail space (including a 50,000 square foot Whole Foods) and 400+ below ground parking lot.

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BoMA Restaurant and Bar to open next week

Posted on September 26, 2012 | 1 Comment

BoMa Restaurant and BarBoMA restaurant + bar

Today I sat down with the very personable head chef of BoMA Restaurant and Bar, Chris Bussell, to talk to him about his new restaurant, which is just days away from opening.  Although he was quiet on the exact day he did say “for sure by next Friday”.

This eagerly awaited restaurant has transformed the former home of Pho Republique, enlarging and moving the bar to the left side of the restaurant and making the space feel much larger by installing floor to ceiling sliding windows that open on to Washington Street across from the beautiful Cathedral of the Holy Cross.

BoMa South End

BoMA Restaurant features a bar area that can seat 24 comfortably overlooking Boston’s Cathedral of the Holy Cross

Bussell was most excited when talking about the menu he’s pulled together which is divided into five categories: Tiny plates (think tapas but with a twist); Small plates (appetizers); Medium plates (mostly lighter fare ranging $14-18); Large plates (main course ranging $21-27) and Sweet plates (desserts).

The kitchen closes at Midnight but the bar will remain open serving drinks until 1AM.  While BoMA will only be serving dinner initially, Bussell assured me that after a few weeks they will also start serving Sunday Brunch.  Sounds delicious to me and I can hardly wait.

BoMa Restaurant in the South End

BoMA Restaurant includes cozy dining nooks where patrons can quietly dine

BoMA Restaurant and Bar is located at 1415 Washington Street.

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South End gossip: DAVIDsTEA

Posted on September 25, 2012 | 1 Comment

davids tea bostonFINALLY!!! a vacant commercial space on Tremont Street that won’t be a bank!  DAVIDsTEA, a specialty retailer of loose leaf tea, tea related merchandise has signed a letter of intent to lease the storefront at 661 Tremont Street (formerly Aida’s Bridal Shop).

The Canadian retail shop with more than 40 locations would like to open its third American store here in the South End.  Although the majority of their business is retail, sale of tea by the cup will be available.  Sadly, no food is anticipated to be sold at this location.

Early next month, on October 3rd, representatives from DAVIDsTEA will make a presentation describing their plans for 661 Tremont Street. Let’s hope that they are given the green light and can open soon.

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Cinquecento Ristorante construction continues

Posted on September 19, 2012 | 2 Comments

Cinquecento RistoranteAs I was walking down Harrison Avenue Saturday morning to check out the South End Open Studios, I could hear saws buzzing and all sorts of activity emanating from The Aquitaine Group’s newest restaurant, Cinquecento.

The restaurant had opened its Harrison Avenue door to let in fresh air, and I couldn’t help but look in to see what was happening.  Rumors circulate the restaurant is looking to open before the end of the month but will likely not be ready until October.

The photos are from Saturday, September 15 2012 – click to enlarge.

Cinquecento Boston

Significant work remains but I’m very excited to see this space reopen. I wish the staff and The Aquitaine Group much luck.

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South End Open Studios

Posted on September 19, 2012 | 1 Comment

The South End Open Studios was this past weekend.  The two-day event which draws thousands to the neighborhood, allows art collectors and enthusiasts to talk to local artists and visit galleries; all told – more than 200 studios and galleries are open.  In addition, artisans and specialty stores which comprise much of the retail space in the South End’s SoWa district (South of Washington) participated in the event this September.

Weather was perfect for this weekend’s art walk which included painters, sculptors, and designers who make jewelry, clothing, furnishings and more. Below are a few photos from a small number of the participating galleries and artists.

Bobby’s Vintage Clothing on Thayer StreetBobby's South End

SoWa has more than 200 active studios and art galleries
South End Open Studios

The caliber and variety of artwork is amazingSouth End Open StudiosNathalie Miebach

South End Open Studios

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Posted in Art & Film, South End, SoWa

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Is Boston Chops hiring

Posted on September 19, 2012 | Leave a comment

Yesterday, Eater Boston wrote a post entitled, Upcoming South End Restaurant to Focus on “The Cow”.  The post comments on a job posting on Craigslist looking for “Chef de cuisine, Executive Sous, Chef & Sous chef” who have “a strong understanding of the cow”.

Eater Boston’s article wonders out loud which of the new South End restaurants might be hiring for these positions, naming Estelle’s, BoMa , and Cinquecento.  However, my money is on Brian Piccini’s latest endeavor, Boston Chops, which is targeting a late November opening (pending construction).

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New hotel and residences coming to my hood

Posted on September 18, 2012 | 1 Comment

South End Mixed Use DevelopmentLooks like the Mayor and the Boston Redevelopment Authority  just approved a cool new mixed use building in space that is currently occupied by a parking lot in my neighborhood, the South End.

Located at 275 Albany Street, the development includes a 3-story parking garage, 19-story residential tower, and a 11-story hotel. I have no idea what micro style rooms means, but I’m just happy it will bring more people to the neighborhood.  The development will be just one block away from the Ink Block.

More about this project and others approved by the city of Boston here.

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