The growing popularity of the Food Trucks, which come to the South End each Sunday for the SoWa Open Market, have been moved down Harrison Avenue to accommodate the growing interest.
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 Street
SoWa has more than 200 active studios and art galleries
The caliber and variety of artwork is amazing
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).
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.
Plans 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.
News about BoMa (or is it Boma?) opening in space formerly occupied by the Bombay Club but best known as Pho Republique’s home was reported in May on this blog and elsewhere. At the time, word was the owner, Shane Manfred, would open in late July but now it appears BoMa hopes for a mid- to late-August opening.
There remains a lot of work, but beautiful folding windows that open to Washington Street have been installed, ensuring this will be a popular place on warm evenings where you can dine or drink across from the beautiful Cathedral of the Holy Cross.
A quick peek at the new space through their newly installed windows shows Manfred has flipped the floor plan, building a large bar that can accommodate 20+ along the front left wall and added a wine rack along the back left wall. 
Incidentally, in my first post about BoMa I speculated the four lettered name might be an abbreviation for Boston, Massachusetts but I’ve been told it is an African word meaning “home” or “safe haven”.
Each Sunday in Boston’s South End is the SoWa Open Market. This market has been going on for several years and with each passing summer it seems the market gets larger and better.
The 2012 season started last month and each Sunday in addition to a dozen food trucks and hundreds of artists, there is a sizable farmer’s market. The image above is just one of the items I purchased last weekend. Check out the SoWa Open Market today which runs from 10am – 4pm each Sunday.
More information about the SoWa Open Market >> Here.
Starting today, the SoWa Market returns. This year the market which runs from 10am – 4pm each Sunday, will include more than 60 local farmers and specialty food vendors, 100+ local artists and designers, more than a dozen food trucks and the SoWa Vintage market.
SoWa Open Market will run through the end of October and can be located at 460 Harrison Avenue. There is more information about the SoWa open market online at, www.sowaopenmarket.com.
Coinciding with the return of the SoWa Market is the SoWa Art Walk. The Art work allows people to meet and view artwork in participating South End galleries as well as private artist studios.
Participating studio buildings are located at: Thayer Street – 49 Waltham Street – 450, 460, 486, and 524 Harrison Avenue – 35, 49 and 59 Wareham Street and Laconia Lofts.
More information about participating artists and galleries is available online at, www.sowaartwalk.com.
Posted in Art & Film, Free Stuff, South End, SoWa
Tagged Art and Film, BosGuy, Boston Guy, SOWA
SoWa Open Market returns for its 9th season starting next Sunday. Each week the market will draw more than 60 local farmers and specialty food vendors, than 100+ local artists and designers as well as more than a dozen food trucks. Next to the Open Market, the SoWa Vintage market will also be returning.
The market runs each Sunday, starting May 6th and ending in late October. Hours of operation are from 10am – 4pm.
The market is located at 460 Harrison Avenue. You can learn more about the SoWa open market by visiting their website at www.sowaopenmarket.com.
MCSlimJB a Boston-based restaurant critic, tweeted that the Union Park Neighborhood Association was contacted by Deuxave / dbar owner with plans to open a steakhouse in the old Penny Savings building on Washington Street.
Back in August I listed this as a rumor that had been buzzing through the neighborhood in my post Dishing some South End gossip. However, I thought Brian Piccini (owner of Deuxave and dbar) was unable to make this happen. There’s no word about what hurdles remain for this to happen or when the unnamed restaurant will open for business, but stay tuned.
Thanks to Adam and his hospitality blog for the tip.
The SoWa Winter Farmers’ Market is an extension of the SoWa Open Market which in recent years has grown to include a Farmer’s Market. Unlike the SoWa Open Market which runs from Spring through the end of October, this market will provide South End residents with food products from the New England region through the winter months.
Market Location: Held indoors at 485 Harrison Ave, Boston MA
Days and Hours of Operation: Every Sunday from 10AM-2PM through through April 29, 2012. Excluding December 25, 2011 and January 1, 2012.
There is ample free parking.
The SoWa Open Market which draws people each Sunday to my corner of the the South End will close down for the season to reopen again next spring. Its always sad to see this close if only because it serves as yet another sign that winter is fast approaching.
The farmer’s market which is part of the SoWa Open Market has been so successful that they have decided to host it indoors starting Sunday, November 13th.
The market will be held every Sunday except December 25th and January 1st through April 29th from 1oAM – 2PM at 460 Harrison Avenue. Want to learn more? Want to participate as a vendor? Visit the Winter Famer’s Market website.
Union Bar and Grille, a signature fine dining restaurant owned by the Aquitaine Group, will be introducing a new menu that may take some by surprise and delight many. This is not the typical summer to fall menu change Boston diners are seeing around the city as chefs substitute plates with ingredients more in line with the season.
The new menu which will roll out later this month will include more small plates and a lower price point. Why the change? Why now? Contributing factors are likely the soft economy and the fact that small plates is a dining trend that remains popular; especially in the South End.
Union has been a destination restaurant almost since its first day, but the landscape in the South End has changed and revamping their menu is a smart move. This foodie will be excited to sample the many new options and if you live in the area – I’d encourage you to do the same.
Union Bar and Grille is located at 1357 Washington Street in the South End.
Posted in Dining, South End, SoWa
Tagged Aquitaine Group, BosGuy, Boston Guy, SOWA, Union Bar and Grille
There is nothing better than autumn in Boston. For those from tropical climates the weather may be a bit brisk for there liking, but there is no doubting that this town comes back to life each fall. After a sleepy summer where students say so long and residents slip away each weekend to the Cape, Islands and Coast, the fall injects life back into Boston. As a result, each weekend is chalk full of activities. This past weekend is the perfect example.
Boston Freedom Rally – Held the third Thursday of every September on the Boston Common is The Boston Freedom Rally which is the second largest rally to legalize marijuana in the United States. Although official numbers are not available easily more than 100,000 come to enjoy the rally each year. The photo above provides an idea of the size of the crowd.
MixFest Concert at Hatch Shell – This past Saturday a local radio station hosted a free concert along the Charles River to welcome students back to Boston. Artists included Lifehouse, Michelle Branch and a host of others, and attracted tens of thousands to the esplanade.
South End Open Studios – The 25th annual celebration which occurred this past Saturday and Sunday included more than 250 artists in Boston and drew tens of thousands of art enthusiasts visiting local artists in their studios and neighborhood galleries which were open especially for the occasion.
No plans this weekend or looking to try something different? The first Friday of each month Boston Guerrilla Queer Bar overtakes a traditionally straight bar and fills it with gay men. Since the Boston bar scene can sometimes seem somewhat restricting, Boston Guerrilla Queer Bar gives Boston gay men and women the opportunity to break out of their routine. Curious which bar will be overtaken on Friday? Check in on the group’s facebook page or its website, www.BostonGuerrilla.com
Is the bar scene not really your thing? Looking for something to do that won’t break the bank? More of the Artsy-Fartsy variety? Then come over to my neighborhood in Boston’s South End and join the thousands of others who will participate in First Friday. This event which runs from 5:00pm – 9:00pm at 450 Harrison Avenue allows you to walk through the many, many working art studios, view art and artisan crafts and chat with the artists. Its a great way to mingle and meet people and after you are done, there are literally a half dozen or more excellent restaurant options within 2-3 blocks to either grab dinner or enjoy some light bites while sipping your favorite beverage. Friday’s forecast is low-to-mid 70s and clear skies so it should be a beautiful night to stroll about.
The very successful Boston restaurant company, The Aquitaine Group is poised to open their fourth fifth restaurant in Boston’s trendy South End neighborhood in the space formerly occupied by Rocca.
When this new eatery will open in the South End is unclear, but plans to remodel to make it uniquely their own is underway. Lets just hope that they open soon enough that residents like yours truly can enjoy the fantastic private patio for some dinner al fresco.
News of this (although not official yet) makes me very happy. With Rocca, Pho Republique and Ginger Park all closing within the past 18-months SoWa was in need of some good restaurant news. To the Aquitaine Group’s latest venture I’d like to say benvenuti and buona fortuna.
BosGuy 