Grub Street Boston

Sip and Artisan Provisions Replace Bina in Downtown Crossing, With Affordable Wines, Sushi, Breakfast, and Ceviche

Kara Baskin — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:50:00 GMT

Bina no more.]]> A Chowhound sleuth has it that Downtown Crossing's Bina Osteria and Alimentari have shuttered, which Eater also confirmed per a message on the restaurant's answering service. Sad but not surprising: The place went through a series of chefs and menu reformats; its final day was Sunday. On a happy note, it'll be replaced by Sip and Artisan Provisions, from the Legendary Restaurant Group, which also operates foolproof spots like Papagayo and Max & Dylan's. We talked to Legendary's Chris Damian for info about his new spot, which will offer a 70-seat patio and to-go sushi.

]]> At Artisan, expect heart-healthy to-go dishes (sushi, salads), as well as Italian standards like chicken parmesan and stuffed shells, plus cold cuts and subs. It's a more approachable format than Bina's higher-end, smaller-market selection. (Competition for the forthcoming Wegmans?) Also at the shop: A 16-seat butcher block table designed for group parties, which could function "kind of like a pop-up," Damian tells Grub. The market is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

And at the adjacent Sip (motto: Drink - Taste - Discover), Damian says that the menu will be versatile: sushi, steak, shareable plates, a raw bar, flatbread, crostini, ceviche ... a little something for everyone. In keeping with the motto, wine will also be a focus, with 30 wines offered by the “sip”, half glass and full glass and 150 labels by the bottle, plus nine options under $9. He and partner Brad Dalbeck are in talks with a "recognizable" chef, he tells us, who shall remain nameless for the time being. All this and a 70-seat patio! To that end, Damian aims for a mid-June opening if all goes according to plan.

As for Bina, Damian (who calls owner Babek Bina "the nicest man in the business") says that the hand-off was completely amicable and mutual. Bina will continue to focus on his other projects like Lala Rokh, Bin 26, and JM Curley. Damian, who's had success with Max & Dylan's around the corner, has high hopes for Downtown Crossing's ongoing gentrification. And, as for us, we're happy to have a solid place for to-go sushi in the neighborhood that has absolutely nothing to do with a pharmacy.

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Filed Under: coming soon, avery, bina, chris damian, closings, legendary restaurant group, sip

Mini Top Chef Comes to Boston Next Week

Kara Baskin — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:20:00 GMT

]]> So the show might not actually have plans to shoot in our fair city, but we're still worthy of a stop on the fifth annual Top Chef tour. It happens next Wednesday, May 23, with our very own Tiffani Faison battling season five winner Hosea Rosenberg at Faneuil Hall. For the first time ever, you can judge their dishes, too!

]]> So head to Quincy Market to mix and mingle, hear behind-the-scenes-dirt, and rank Faison's and Rosenberg's creations (they'll face off against each other in three separate shows). Naturally, you will also be able to purchase Top Chef garb. The interactive shows kick off at 10:30 a.m., with other showings at 12 p.m. and 1:30. Lunch break!

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Filed Under: foodievents, hosea rosenberg, quincy market, tiffani faison, tvland

Let's Bring a High-End Indian Restaurant to the Seaport

Kara Baskin — Wed, 16 May 2012 20:00:00 GMT

More please.]]> The Herald reports that developers want to put a floating restaurant near the Bank of America pavilion, close to the megaplex that houses swankeries like Legal Harborside. The waterfront has enjoyed a boom of fancy new restaurants (Temazcal, Strega, and on and on), and although it'd be great to get some lower-end fare into the mix, chances of that happening seem low. So why not a high-end Indian restaurant? It's something we've discussed here before; for some odd reason, Boston has a dearth of fine-dining Indian spots.

]]> Maybe our local market doesn't have the need, but since the Seaport area is rife with tourists, suburban pilgrims, and other people happy and willing to spend money, it coud be a safe bet. The added bonus: Those of us who really do crave a fine Indian dining experience every now and again would have someplace to go. And on the water!

City Rides Seaport Wave [Herald]

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Filed Under: caviar wishes, floating restaurants, indian food, seaport, waterfront

If You Were a Cheater, Where Would You Eat?

Kara Baskin — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:20:00 GMT

Do not take your mistress to Dunkin' Donuts.]]> The Globe reports the disturbing news that more than 165,000 Bostonians are members of AshleyMadison.com, the "discreet dating website for married men and women." According to the site's (very carefully researched, we're sure) statistics, Back Bay and Beacon Hill are the two top neighborhoods for trysters. Wealth and questionable morals, always a winning combo!

]]> Of course, the savvy cheater conducts rendezvous in private, opting for clandestine daytime meetings in hotel rooms and tipples in dimly lit bars. Sometimes, though, an affair calls for a big night out. Maybe your spouse is out of town, maybe you're thisclose to filing for divorce anyway, maybe your lover is tired of going to the same rancid Chinese restaurant on the edge of town and is about to expose you for a sex-crazed lout. So where to sup, under such conditions?

In Beacon Hill, the options are numerous. Our vote is 75 Chestnut, a below-the-radar little gem owned by the Cheers people. Except everyone does not know your name there, so never fear. It's quiet. Scampo and Beacon Hill Bistro are also key possibilities, since both are connected to hotels. Wink wink.

It's tougher to hide in the Back Bay. The trick is to dine someplace just nice enough that your plus-one will be flattered, but not so popular that the place will be jammed with people you know and seek to avoid. The late-night ramen bar at Uni (also connected to a hotel)? One of those loud dark rooms at Tapeo?

If you were a cheater, totally hypothetically speaking, in a perfect world where discovery was impossible and cuisine was crucial ... where would you dine?

Top 10 Boston Neighborhoods for Cheaters [Globe]

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Filed Under: trysts, ashleymadison.com, back bay, beacon hill, cheating, tsk tsk

Mustachioed Devra First; MC Slim JB in a Leotard

Kara Baskin — Wed, 16 May 2012 18:33:52 GMT

Did she don spandex at the Times?]]> Globe critic Devra First's chat took a turn for the wacky this morning with both she and Stuff writer MC Slim JB weighing in on their chosen disguises when reviewing restaurants. First suggested that she occasionally dons a mustache, and Slim touted the beguiling powers of spandex unitards. Suddenly we have a whole new level of respect for disguise fiend Ruth Reichl. [Dishing]

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Filed Under: the other wardrobes, mustaches, unitards

Todd English in Hot Water (Again) Over Missed Rent Payments

Kara Baskin — Wed, 16 May 2012 17:10:00 GMT

"My accountant handles that!"]]> When your lawsuit empire threatens to dwarf your restaurant empire, it's time for soul-searching. The Globe reports that beleaguered chef Todd English has been sued for more than $1 million in unpaid rent for Kingfish Hall, the Boston restaurant that he continually insisted would stay open despite all signs pointing to the contrary. (Not one to dwell, he later told the Globe that he'd probably move on to new projects.) Reportedly, English has failed to pony up for more than a year after an initial judgment was filed, so things are getting serious. But, as ever, life somehow isn't all bad for Teflon Todd.

]]> For one thing, his other landmark Boston restaurant, Olives, has finally reopened after a series of false starts and a $200,000 grease fire. He's also onto this new trend where people no longer eat "meals." This revelation comes at quite a fortunate time, since the Globe reports that at least five suits have been filed against him over unpaid bills and restaurant closures recently.

Clearly Todd needs to go home and take a long look in the mirror. Though this might prove problematic, too, since he's also accused of failing to pay about $80,000 in rent at his Manhattan loft.

Todd English Sued for $1m Over Unpaid Rent [Globe]

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Filed Under: big head todd, kingfish hall, lawsuits, legal woes, olives, rent, todd english

The Battle of Lexington Now Involves Barbecue

Kara Baskin — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:30:00 GMT

Skewering the competition!]]> Lexington is always a hot spot on Patriots Day, rife with Minutemen scampering about in short pants and wigs. It's also the site of this weekend's Lexington Battle Green BBQ Festival. Instead of smoking canons, well, they'll smoke ribs instead. It happens on Saturday starting at 11 and Sunday at noon. Spicy!

]]> The roster includes Blue Ribbon, Lester's, and other local 'cue pits, plus there'll be live entertainment (of course!) and BBQ demos. After you load up smoky, delicious meat, head across the street to Rancatore's for ice cream.

Lexington Battle-Green BBQ Festival [Lexington BBQ Battle]

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Filed Under: foodievents, bbq battle, blue ribbon, smoky meat

Guy Fieri's in Brookline Today

Kara Baskin — Tue, 15 May 2012 18:00:00 GMT

He's here.]]> Keep your eyes peeled for Guy Fieri: He's filming a spot for Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives at the beloved Cutty's today. Mmm, love that slow-roasted pork! But will he cruise through town after the taping in his newly recovered Lambo? Here's hoping! [BRT, Earlier]

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Filed Under: cuttys, guy fieri, tvland

Protein Shakes: Lady Gaga Debuts Meat Dress 2.0

Kara Baskin — Tue, 15 May 2012 16:50:00 GMT

Most singers just butcher the National Anthem.]]> Does this mean Gaga might finally be running out of ideas for crazy outfits? She donned a new-look meat frock in Tokyo last night for her Born This Way Ball and tweeted a photo to her 24 million followers.

]]> We all remember that Gaga first brought meatwear to the fashion forefront in 2010, at the MTV Video Music Awards, in an ensemble that was both praised as courageous and derided as smelly. While that meat dress is in storage somewhere, this new model is more formfitting than the first, which we applaud, though we can only guess about its odor.

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Filed Under: meat dress, beefy, lady gaga

Restoration Hardware Has Designs on the Restaurant Biz

Kara Baskin — Mon, 14 May 2012 17:55:00 GMT

Pull up a seat!]]> Oh Pottery Barn, aren't you sorry you didn't think of it first? Restoration Hardware has announced that it's branching out into the restaurant game, and its first location will be in Boston's Back Bay, a neighborhood known for swanky shops a lot like ... Restoration Hardware. Naturally, décor won't be an issue.

]]> The restaurant will be outfitted with Restoration Hardware products (obvs), because, as every chef learns at culinary school, fancy bath accessories make everything taste better. The eatery will also boast two gas fireplaces and a "basement-level addition designed in the style of 19th-century conservatory annexes." Swanky!

Details have yet to emerge about the type of food they'll serve here, but hopefully it'll be as good as the meatballs at IKEA. No doubt Restoration execs saw the success Jean-Georges Vongerichten has had in New York at ABC Kitchen, his own restaurant-within-a-furniture-store, which you may recall won the 2011 James Beard award for the country's best new restaurant.

Restoration's Fixing to Serve Food [Herald]

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Filed Under: coming soon, farm-to-expensive-table, restoration hardware

Cook of Mormon: A Look at Mitt Romney’s Religious Diet

Kara Baskin — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:20:00 GMT

Is that a veggie burger?]]> As we all know by now, Mitt Romney is a Mormon. And so while it's possible to spot Barack Obama inhaling fried food or grabbing a quick beer, well, you won't spy Mitt engaging in such indulgences. In fact, as we noted a few weeks ago, Romney is even a sourpuss picnic guest. (He tried to turn the tide a bit by proclaiming his love for grits and catfish, but nobody bought it.) But we say, "Hey, it's not Mitt's fault." It's no wonder he's so stiff: The guy's diet is totally restrictive because Mormonism forbids ingesting substances that could become addictive. You'd be in a bad mood, too, if you couldn't get drunk or guzzle coffee! So just how tough is it to eat like Mitt? Sounds like the answer is very.

]]> Alcohol consumption is the big issue: Mormons can't drink. Romney must be totally sober at all times. This certainly gives him one fewer alibi when it comes to his previous missteps (the high-school bullying, the dog on the roof, etc). And forget carousing abroad at bars, or even enjoying a casual tipple of Fernet at White House fêtes. "Strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies," Mormon law states. So he won't toss back beers with the hoi polloi in small-town America, but it sounds like body shots of Cuervo might be a gray area.

Next up, caffeine, namely in the form of coffee and tea, is also verboten. It's tough to argue with the addictive nature of caffeine; one day without the stuff and we're having seizures. But the law also states that "hot drinks are not for the body or belly." So no warm apple cider? No hot chocolate?

Okay, what about fast food? Sounds like Romney won't be making any Five Guys runs if he lands in Washington: "A flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly."

That said, Mormonism does recommend that followers maintain a three-month supply of food and water at home. But a photo op of Romney dribbling Campbell's soup down his chin while reclining in his study doesn't have quite the same human touch.

The Doctrine and Covenants [Church of Latter-Day Saints]

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Filed Under: the campaign trail, beerless, body shots, canned food, fowl, mitt romney, politics, tobacco

What to Eat at the East Coast Grill's New Weekend Lunch

Kara Baskin — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:00:00 GMT

Let's do lunch.]]> As we told you not long ago, the East Coast Grill is now serving lunch on Saturdays. ECG recently changed owners (Chris Schlesinger sold the place to his general manager and other longtime staffers), but things seem happy as ever at the Inman Square haunt, where it's possible to set your insides on fire with a blistering Bloody Mary bar. Load up on the horseradish and pickled veggies, and remember: Water only makes things worse.

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Filed Under: slideshows, bloody mary, east coast grill, indigestion, inman square, lunchtime, spicy

Punjabi Tadka: Next Big Thing or Naan-Starter?

Kara Baskin — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Punjabi Tadka, almost ready for business.]]> Mass Avenue's Arlington Curry Showdown grows near: Signage has gone up for Punjabi Tadka, in the old Midami space in Arlington Center. It's the latest from busy restaurateur Anhil Kumar, who owns Cambridge's India Castle and Dasi Dhaba, as well as Medford's Kabab Corner.

]]> The restaurant is diagonally across the street from the venerable Punjab, one of the few places in the area to enjoy upscale Indian fare. Which one will end up currying the most favor? Hopefully there's enough vindaloo to go around.

Earlier: Arlington's Midami Will Be Replaced By Punjabi Tadka

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Filed Under: coming soon, arlington, curry wars, punjabi tadka

Restoration Hardware Wants a Back Bay Restaurant, and So Does L'Espalier's Alex Crabb

Kara Baskin — Fri, 11 May 2012 20:00:00 GMT

Back Bay: Asta, helmed by L'Espalier alum Alex Crabb, will serve tasting menus in three, five and eight-course increments beginning this fall. [EB]

Back Bay: Restoration Hardware is opening their first ... restaurant? With super-nice furniture, we're sure. [Herald]

]]> Charlestown: At long last, Todd English's Olives has reopened...[Earlier]

Faneuil Hall: ...and his Kingfish Hall is closed. Indefinitely. [Earlier]

Davis Square: The geniuses behind Johnny D's will open a green bakery just down the street, at the former Square Nail Studio. Let's hope they clean thoroughly before moving day. [Patch]

Union Square: Casa B will serve a late-night menu beginning this weekend. [Earlier]

Chestnut Hill: Shake Shack, New York's beloved burger den, is coming to town next year. [Earlier]

Hingham: Celebrity brother and chef Paul Wahlberg will open a pizza parlor, Gradi, near his Wahlburgers. [Earlier via Boston]

Kendall Square: West Bridge is set to open next week, complete with drinks from Eastern Standard alum Josh Taylor. [Earlier]

Beacon Hill: Villa Mexico's petition to move from its gas-station digs to nearby Grove Street was denied. [Earlier]

Seaport: Rosa Mexicano is now open with ex-La Verdad chef Darren Carbone in the kitchen. [Earlier]

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Filed Under: neighborhood watch, asta, l'espalier, olives, restoration hardware, rosa mexicano, villa mexico, west bridge

Jasper White: Lobster Savior

Kara Baskin — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:00:00 GMT

Not destined for mayonnaise and a bun.]]> The Summer Shack's Jasper White accidentally discovered an extremely rare calico lobster while cleaning out his Cambridge lobster tank the other day. Instead of cooking the 1-in-30-million yellow crustacean, though, White gamely turned the dappled creature over to the New England Aquarium. A virtuous choice, to be sure; think how much he could've made selling a rare lobster! He could've turned it into some kind of rare-lobster dinner and alerted an army of publicists!

]]> But no: Instead, White kindly fed his new lobster friend (named Calvin) a tasty diet of "fresh squid and soft shell crab," reports the Times. "He had a wonderful time, I doubt if he’ll ever eat as well," White says. Best of all, Calico Calvin didn't have to wait for a table.

Rare Calico Lobster Is Spared From Menu [NYT]

Earlier: Watch Jasper White Groove to Zombie Michael Jackson

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Filed Under: heroes, jasper white, lobster, summer shack