Changes are brewing in the South End, and for the most part they will appeal to all the Foodies out there.
First, as reported last week, The Aquitaine Group will soon open, Cinquecento, a mid-priced Italian restaurant. The new dining option will be in a completely remodeled space, formerly occupied by Rocca. Fingers crossed that “opening soon” means in the next month. I’ve heard a March / April opening but maybe that’s just The Aquitaine Group’s way of playing coy.
The Chef and owner of Pops on Tremont Street, Felino Samson, is requesting to change ownership to Chef Scott Herritt, the current chef at the Grotto in Boston. Rumor has it the name of the restaurant will be Smithfield Kitchen.
Residents now know Brian Piccini (owner of Deuxave in the Back Bay and dbar in Dorchester) is opening a new steak house named Boston Chops in the space formerly occupied by banq and Ginger Park on Washington Street. The 5,000+ square foot restaurant would also like to add a 29 seat patio for patrons to enjoy their dining al fresco. To this I say “Bravo” Brian.
BosGuy 
The reason the ceiling came down was to try to reduce the noise impact on upstairs neighbors. Seems the old place had speakers attached right to structural beams – which sent sound throughout the building. At least, that’s what they told the Licensing Board today:
http://www.universalhub.com/2012/south-end-could-get-high-end-steak-place
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Part of the reason Ginger Park failed was because they reused the existing space of BanQ, rather than remodeling the space to fit the new concept … Though the ceiling was a masterpiece, it was quickly dated and needed to go!
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But it looks as though the spectacular ceiling at “banq” has been demolished. That’s a shame. Though I thought it was never properly illuminated during the “banq” and “Ginger Park” days.
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