Category Archives: South End

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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Posted in Dining, South End

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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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Posted in Dining, South End, SoWa

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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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Urban Grape South End opens this week

Posted on September 16, 2012 | Leave a comment

Urban Grape South EndLater this week, on Thursday – September 20th to be precise, the South End will welcome a new business to the neighborhood.  The Urban Grape will open a second location at 303 Columbus Avenue between Clarendon and Dartmouth Streets.

This wine shop, which has called Chestnut Hill home, first leaked they would be opening a second location earlier this year.  In recent weeks they have been sharing photos of the progress inside.

I have one thing to say to The Urban Grape, “Cheers!”

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South End Open Studios starts today

Posted on September 15, 2012 | Leave a comment

The South End Open Studios starts today and runs through Sunday from 11am –  6pm each day.

This is a great free event that brings thousands into the neighborhood so arrive early if driving so you may get parking.  Most of the galleries (but not all) can be found between Waltham and Berkeley Streets on Washington Street and Harrison Avenue.

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Posted in Art & Film, Free Stuff, South End

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South End Open Studios next week

Posted on September 8, 2012 | 1 comment
South End Open Studios

Painting by: Shoshana Ernst

Not to be confused with First Friday’s, which took place last night, the South End Open Studios occurs one weekend in the spring and one weekend in the fall.

South End Open Studios September 15-16th 11-6pm 

This is a free event open to the public that showcases the works of more than 200 established and emerging artists in the South End.  While many studios in the South End participate in First Fridays, the South End Open Studios is the only time when all of the major art buildings in the South End are open.

The majority of participating studios and artists can be found in SoWa along Harrison Avenue.  Mark the date in your calendar and visit the South End Open Studios Facebook page for details, SouthEndArtists.

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South End Buttery Market

Posted on August 28, 2012 | Leave a comment

The South End Buttery Market opened at lunch time today at 312-2 Shawmut Avenue next door to the cafe.

The space was formerly the home to Hudson Furniture and it has been completely redesigned.  The South End Buttery Market has a fully functioning bakery that will make many of the delectable dishes for sale there and yummy treats you can find next door at the cafe and the soon to open second cafe on Clarendon Street.

South End ButteryThe cafe and restaurant next door will continue to sell coffee, tea, baked goods and offer brunch and dinner.  The market will have provisions and tempting plates you can take to-go; giving residents in the South End another excuse not to cook. When you are next in the neighborhood stop by and check out this very welcome addition to the South End.

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Smile and say hello

Posted on August 23, 2012 | 4 comments

Last night I was out having a drink with friends and happened to meet these two lovely ladies who work together over in the Fenway.  I feel like a schmuck because no sooner did I arrive home than I realized I’d forgotten their names.

The fact that I’m a schmuck shouldn’t take away from the point of the post, which is even if you are out with friends smile and say hello to people. Despite what you think, most people are actually very nice, and these two ladies are perfect examples.  I hope I bump into them again.

Making a friend always starts with “hello”.

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Trattoria Cinquecento opening just weeks away

Posted on August 8, 2012 | Leave a comment

The Aquitaine Group made news in the fall of 2011 when they announced they would remodel the restaurant space previously occupied by Rocca in the South End and reopen it as the first Italian restaurant property the group owns and manages.

Cinquecento has garnered much attention and as recently as last week, positions for restaurant managers and a bar chef were seen posted online.  The 300+ seat Italian-concept restaurant has been eagerly awaited and although a definite opening has yet to be confirmed,  Trattoria Cinquecento will definitely open before the end of next month. Look for a soft opening the middle of September 2012.

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Posted in Dining, South End, SoWa

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Ink Block developers announce Whole Foods coming to South End

Posted on July 31, 2012 | Leave a comment

The Ink Block refers to the 6 acres that was the long-time home to the Boston Herald. The newspaper has since moved their headquarters to the Seaport District, and a developer has renamed the property the Ink Block with plans to demolish the existing buildings and erect new ones ranging 5-9 stories.Boston Herald South End headquartersPlans include nearly five hundred apartments, space for several retail and restaurants and as of last week a Whole Foods grocery store. The chain confirmed last week that they had signed a long-term lease to have a 50,000 square foot store, making it the largest in Boston. The store is expected to open in 2014.

This “No Man’s Land” sits beside two major highways (I-90 and I-93), and will be a welcome addition to both The South End and Chinatown which is just across the Mass Pike.  The development has spurred interest in other properties abutting the Ink Block.

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