Tag Archives: South End

The ownership of the building that houses Francesca’s Cafe in the South End quietly changed hands at the end of 2012 in what is rumored to have been a cash deal.  The new owner is South End resident, Fredmond Kiley the 4th.

 Are the days numbered for Francesca’s Cafe in the South End?

The building was bought with Francesca’s lease intact, but it is unclear how many more years remain on that lease and the reason that is of interest is because rumor has it the new landlord would prefer a high end restaurant and cafe. Who can say if Francesca’s would be forced out when their existing lease expires but if that comes to pass it is unlikely the popular cafe would be able to find another home in the neighborhood it has served for nearly 20 years. 

What are your thoughts? Would you miss Francesca’s or would you prefer to see something else go into this prime location in the neighborhood?

Boston Chops opened yesterday in Boston’s South End neighborhood, and it’s opening may be the best evidence the recession is behind us.  Owners, Brian Piccini and Executive Chef, Chris Coombs, are betting they can lure clientele from the neighborhood and beyond to keep this space busy beyond the opening week buzz.  With a price point that averages between $30 – $39 for most main dishes, this also marks a departure from recent restaurant openings that had lower price points, but then again the menu prices are consistent with the city’s other steak houses even if they are higher than neighboring restaurants.

Since so much has been written about the restaurant already, I thought I would focus on their menu which centers around their signature plate, Steak Frites. At Boston Chops you may select the cut of meat you would like and you may enjoy  as many frites you may consume. The cuts available make this signature plate range from $24 for the flat iron cut to $39 for the filet.

Starters – with items like sushi grade fluke ceviche for $11, Caesar salad for $9 and mussels for $14 there is a little of something for everyone.

Rarely Celebrated – this section of the menu concentrates on parts to the cow not usually served in steak houses, like bone marrow for $9.

Entrees / Ocean & Other – these two sections combine to provide patrons with a wide range of meals including cuts of beef, seafood, chicken and pasta plates.  Prices range from $19 – $39.

Sides – like many steakhouses there is plenty to tempt you, but what caught my eye was the poutine style twice baked loaded potato for $12; definitely not a low-fat option but one I know I’ll be trying.

Look for pictures of these tempting items and a restaurant review in the weeks that follow.  Should you have a chance to stop by Boston Chops, let me know your thoughts about the new restaurant.  My congratulations and best of luck to the owners and staff.

Boston Chops (617) 227-5011 / 1375 Washington Street in the South End

The next restaurant expected to open in the South End is Boston Chops. Earlier this week I was able to sit down with restaurant owner, Brian Piccini, to talk about the imminent opening, the menu and his expectations.

Brian wasn’t able to predict when Boston Chops would open, grimacing slightly he shrugged and said “any day now”.  I can tell you from the tour he gave me, the restaurant is ready – all he’s lacking is the glassware and liquor behind the huge bar he’s built, which happens to even include an oyster shucking station and raw bar. This is a large restaurant capable of seating well over 150+, and the space is beautifully designed.  While there are plenty of rich woods and dark colors its custom light features, exposed brick and unfinished steel gives it an edge that suits the South End neighborhood this restaurant is calling home.

Boston Chops opening may be the best evidence that the recession is firmly behind us.  The restaurant’s size and the expected price point means, Brian Piccini and his Executive Chef, Chris Coombs, are betting they can lure residents from the neighborhood and beyond to keep them busy seven days a week.  When I inquired if there would be a bar menu he shook his head and said the decision to forgo a smaller bar menu was a conscious one.

I was not able to look at a wine list since it has yet to be pulled together, but the evening I sat down with Brian, wine was definitely top of mind as he sampled several Cabernets.  By the size of the bar — one that comfortably seats 25 (I counted) and the impressive wine room encased in glass and on display for all to see — you too will be mindful that one has many options.

Although at the time that I wrote this post Boston Chops was not taking reservations, Brian has indicated one may call the restaurant or look to online restaurant reservation systems like ureserv.com and OpenTable: Boston Restaurants.

Boston Chops (617) 227-5011 / 1375 Washington Street in the South End

Boston Chops had a crew outside today to place their sign out on the restaurant’s awning.  Nothing says “ready to open” like hanging a sign out in front of your restaurant… right?

Restaurantaur, Brian Piccini, has an excellent track record with opening successful restaurants so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this is a “sign” of an imminent opening.  Boston Chops will be the third restaurant in the South End in as many months to open following BoMA, Estelle’s and Cinquecento.

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

ESTELLE’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