Four Seasons restaurant wins Boston burger contest

The Bristol Lounge at The Four Seasons has won this year's Boston Burger Battle, hosted by KO Prime tonight. Congratulations to Chef Vosika and the hotel on the victory! The Bristol Lounge beat out burgers from Bambara, Blue Ginger, Bristol Lounge, The Butcher Shop, Charlie's Kitchen, Coppa/Toro, Craigie on Main, The Gallows, Garden at the Cellar, Island Creek Oyster Bar, KO Prime, Sel de la Terre, and Trina's Starlite Lounge to win the title. All proceeds from the event benefited Autism Speaks.

Three found guilty in 2009 Back Bay restaurant beating death

Universal Hub reports that three men were convicted today for the 2009 beating death of Jose Alicea outside the then 33 Restaurant & Lounge on Stanhope street. Four more men still await trial in the same case.

Seaport Mexican spot to debut with I Pad menus

Grubstreet Boston reports that Temazcal Tequila Cantina will open in late March at Liberty Wharf and will be the first restaurant in the country to offer its full menu on the I Pad.

Diners will be "introduced to each menu item’s unique regional history, accompanied by photographs, recipes and nutritional facts."

Boston Common renovations to begin next month

The Boston Globe reports today that Brewer Fountain Plaza on the Tremont Street side of Boston Common will soon be renovated, in an effort to bring the prominent area back to glory. The plaza is situated between the Park Street T station and the beginning of the Freedom Trail, an area many visitors to Boston frequent. Free public wifi, an electric piano, live music, movable chairs and tables, and a food truck are part of the plans recently approved by the Boston Landmarks Commission.

“It’s going to be like a Parisian park,’’ said Elizabeth Vizza, executive director of Friends of the Public Garden, which also advocates for Boston Common and is spearheading the project. “I would say it’s going to be a complete transformation.’’

Saus to open tomorrow

Grubstreet Boston reports today that Saus, a Belgian street food restaurant serving french fries and waffles will open tomorrow, Tuesday March 1st at 11am. The restaurant is located conveniently on 33 Union Street directly on The Freedom Trail.

Radio station issues statement on Phantom Gourmet comments

Server Not Servant's Facebook page reports tdoay that the parent company of the radio station that broadcasts the Phantom Gourmet radio show released a statement in response to the controversial February 12th Phantom Gourmet broadcast.
It reads as follows.

"Greater Media has a great deal of respect for service industry workers and does not endorse or support the recent statements made by the Andelmans during their paid programming... show on WTKK. We do not speak for them, nor do they speak for us."
- Heidi Raphael,Vice President of Corporate Communication,Greater Media, Inc.

AAA ranks Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and Mandarin Oriental as top hotels in Boston

The Boston Courant reports in its February 25th edition that more than twenty Boston hotels have been named AAA Four Diamond properties, and three have earned the prestigious AAA Diamond properties. They include the Four Season Hotel, The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, and The Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common Hotel (newly awarded this year). The Four Seasons Hotel first earned Five Diamond status in 1988 and The Mandarin Oriental in 2009. Of the 59,000 hotels inspected by AAA, .25% earn Five Diamond status, and only the top 3.5% earn Four Diamond status. Below is a list of all the current AAA Four Diamond properties in Boston and Cambridge. The year in parentheses indicates the year the establishment first received the current, consecutively maintained Diamond Rating. An * indicates establishments new to the list by year-end 2010. The list is current as of January 14th, 2011.


BOSTON
Boston Harbor Hotel (1987)
Copley Square Hotel (2010)*
Fairmont Battery Wharf (2009)
Fifteen Beacon (2000)
Hilton Boston Financial District (2000)
Hilton Boston Logan Airport (2002)
Hotel Commonwealth (2004)
Hyatt Regency Boston (2005)
InterContinental Boston (2007)
Nine Zero Hotel (2002)
Onyx Hotel (2004)
Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel (2010)*
Seaport Hotel and Seaport World Trade Center (2001)
Taj Boston (2003)
The Back Bay Hotel (2004)
The Colonnade Hotel Boston (2010)*
The Eliot Hotel (1999)
The Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston (1994)
The Langham, Boston (1982)
The Lenox Hotel (1998)
The Liberty Hotel (2008)
The Westin Copley Place Boston (2001)
W Boston Hotel & Residences (2010)*
Westin Boston Waterfront (2006)

CAMBRIDGE
Hotel Marlowe (2003)
Le Meridien Cambridge (2004)
Royal Sonesta Hotel Boston (2007)
The Charles Hotel, Harvard Square (2000)

Improv Asylum produces "The Oscar Winning Boston Movie"

Check out the Improv Asylum's hilarious video spoof on the Boston films nominated for Academy Awards!

Renewed call for Phantom Gourmet apology

Patrick Maguire of the service industry blog Server Not Servant calls again for Mike and Dave Andelman of The Phantom Gourmet to apologize for comments they made about restaurant hostesses on their February 12th radio program. Here is part of the email sent to The Phantom Gourmet hosts, and the station managment at 96.9 WTKK.

If someone called your daughter, co-worker, sister, mother, girlfriend, partner, wife, female friend or relative a moron and a monkey for doing her job, what would you do?

Michael Andelman, of Phantom Gourmet infamy, did just that on his radio show on 2/12 referencing a hostess at Grill 23, one of Boston’s most respected restaurants since they opened in 1983. He also stated that all hostesses were incompetent and incapable of doing anything else. The degradation of women and insults made on the radio program are unacceptable.

Cure Lounge apologizes for November incident, settles with AG

Universal Hub reports today that Cure Lounge has agreed to pay a $30,000 fine and has issued an apology to officially end a state discrimination investigation. The investigation stemmed from the club shutting down a black Harvard alumni gathering there following the November 2010 Harvard-Yale Game. From the text of the apology.

The owners, managers and employees of Cure Lounge wish to extend our deepest apologies to all of those affected, both directly and indirectly, by the unfortunate events that occurred on the evening of November 20, 2010. Cure Lounge further apologizes for the statements made on its behalf by its public relations group in the days following the event. Those statements were uninformed and in no way reflect the values or beliefs of the owners, managers, and employees of Cure Lounge. Cure Lounge does not tolerate racism.

In an interesting turn to the story, the club's public relations representative at the time, George Regan. took exception to the club's apology for statements he made on their behalf. He tells the Associated Press the following.

"This incident happened over three months ago. I only repeated what I was told by the owners. It wasn't until the attorney general's Office started to put pressure on them that the owners wanted to rewrite the facts, for obvious reasons," Regan said

.

Jerry Remy's Roofdeck approved

Jerry Remy's has won city approval for a 181 seat roof deck on top of their Boylston Street location, adjacent to Fenway Park, reports the Boston Herald. Neighbors are pleased with the outcome.

William Richardson, president of the Fenway Civic Association, said the neighborhood had no problem with the expansion of the restaurant. They just wanted to make sure that any eatery that wants to add seats, offers a full menu and not just alcohol.

Borders in Back Bay could become new restaurant spot

The Boston Herald reports today that a restaurant could possibly be what takes over the soon to be vacant Borders bookstore spot on Boylston Street. The unique space has entrances on Newbury Street and Boylston Street and will be up for grabs when Borders closes this location in late April.

Pierik said the store could be replaced by a two-floor restaurant similar to Towne Stove & Spirits and the Met Bar & Grill in the Back Bay. “There are very few quality, well-located restaurant spaces on Newbury Street,” he said.

Charles Perkins, principal of the Boston Restaurant Group, said that in the last year and a half 3,000 new restaurant seats have been added in Boston.

James Levine withdraws from BSO concert

The Boston Globe reports that music director James Levine withdrew from tonight's Boston Symphony Orchestra concert of Mahler's Ninth Symphony. BSO managing director Mark Volpe made the announcement.

Although James Levine has been rehearsing with the Orchestra the past two days, he recently had a procedure to address his ongoing back issues. Unfortunately, he is experiencing some ill effects which have been further complicated by a viral infection. Consequently, he is unable to conduct tonight. In Maestro Levine’s absence, the BSO’s new Assistant Conductor Sean Newhouse will make his debut tonight with the Boston Symphony. Thank you for your understanding.’’

There was no word if Levine would also miss concerts tomorrow afternoon, Saturday evening, and Tuesday evening.

Two new restaurants to be part of Post Office Square building renovation

The Boston Globe reports today the former Verizon building, an Art Deco office tower in Post Office Square, is soon getting a $35 million renovation that will bring two new restaurants to the building lobby level when it is fully restored.

The most significant changes will occur on the ground floor. A new exterior glass lobby designed by Elkus Manfredi Architects will replace a loading dock on High Street. The Franklin Street entrance will be fitted with large glass windows; this side of the building will also host two restaurants and a retail store. Tenants have not been named but the owners expect a financial services firm to occupy the retail space.

Exhale spa now open at Fairmont Battery Wharf

Exhale is now open at the Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel & Residences. This is their third location in Boston. This location as described on their website, sounds amazing.

Exhale will be the center of wellbeing for the entire development, serving hotel guests, residents, and the local community. Exhale will integrate a collection of spa, fitness, healing and relaxation programs throughout Battery Wharf to create a signature retreat on Boston’s urban waterfront, inspiring transformation and renewal in everyday life.

South End Mexican restaurant seeks to open in North End

Universal Hub reports today that El Triunfo, a popular South End Mexican and Salvadorean spot received Boston Licensing board approval to open a location in the North End at 69 Prince Street, the former home of Grezzo.

New bakery opens in South End

South End Patch reports on the opening of The Wholy Grain of Bakeries which now open on Franklin Street in Boston's South End. Opened by the owner of the Carriage House in Provincetown, the bakery is modeled on the original location in Cork, Ireland. There is a heavy emphasis on local products.

“It’s all locally produced food, actually, except some of the sandwich breads which are brought in by Iggy’s,” he said. “But we have homemade breads as well – oatmeal bread, soda bread, molasses bread. We cook all the sandwich meats here, on-site. We make a delicious molasses muffin,” he added, making light of the infamous 1919 molasses debacle wherein a storage tank of the stuff burst, drenching the North End in sticky goo and killing some bystanders… death by molasses.

Davide to appear on "Kitchen Nightmares" this Friday

As reported earlier, Davide in Boston's North End will appear on Gordon Ramsay's Kitchen Nightmares show this Friday February 25th at 9pm. The Boston Globe's Devra First interviews owners Frank and Anthony Gesualdi in advance of the airing and The Boston Herald's Lauren Beckham Falcone ponders if whether public humiliation is good for business.

From the Globe.

Q. Do you think the show is going to be good for business?

Anthony: I’m cautiously optimistic. I don’t think it’s going to hurt us or make us. I’m hoping there’s enough buzz that people want to come in just to see these idiots, these characters. [Laughs] There are so many bigger things in life. Even if the show is demoralizing, things are not as bad as they were. My kids are OK, I’m OK, my wife is OK. I can lay my head down at night and say I tried, I did my best, I took care of
my customers.

From the Herald.

Which is why some marketing executives say this brand of public consumption can be bad for business.

“It would depend on (a client’s) capacity for dealing with the negative stuff out there,” said Marlo Fogelman, owner of Marlo Marketing/Communications in Boston. She wouldn’t recommend every client sign on to a reality TV show. “They’d have to know what they’re getting themselves into,” she said. “And they’d have to have nothing to lose.”

Boston's convention centers are serious about their food

The Boston Globe reported yesterday on how the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, which runs the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, has markedly improved the reputation of their food in order to help land business.

Amid fierce national competition for conventions, Boston’s biggest kitchens are now striving against the odds to also be the best. The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center at the waterfront, known as the BCEC, is trying to lure visitors here with a reputation for good food, locally grown when possible, locally sourced year round.

I ate at the BCEC last night during a meeting and the food was indeed excellent. Levy Restaurants definitely has things going in the right direction.

Remy's roof deck proposal could lead to more in Fenway

Universal Hub reports that Jerry Remy's in the Fenway will seek Boston Licensing Board approval today for a planned dining only roof deck. Previous plans had called for an actual bar on the roof deck, as The Baseball Tavern currently has. The proposal has the support of Boston City Councilor Mike Ross, who said the idea of roof top dining "celebrates our city." I couldn't agree more.

House of Blues seeks city ok to bring in local ownership stake

Universal Hub reports the House of Blues will seek permission from the Boston Licensing Board to sell a 50% ownership to a local group that included Don Law and David Mugar. House of Blues current owner Live Nation would retain a 50% stake in the venue.

Fight over icing at Brookline party shop leads to arrest

The Boston Herald reports today on an out of control customer who was buying a Yo Gabba Gabba cake from Party Favors in Brookline last Friday.

The customer wanted to know: Will the cake have “fondue” icing?

“Fondant,” the clerk corrected her, according to a Brookline police report.

The customer’s friend, Rakeeda Ladawn Bogues, 21, fired back: “Fondue, fondant, who gives a (expletive). You’ve had an attitude the whole time,” Brookline police officer Dana Inchierca wrote in her report, based on accounts from witnesses.

After the clerk told Bogues to “relax,” Bogues responded: “I will kill you, (expletive). ... I will ... find you and I will kill you,” according to the report.

Sal's Pizza seeks permission to stay open later

Universal Hub reports today that the Boston Licensing Board will decide tomorrow on a proposal to allow Sal's Pizza at 150 Tremont Street to stay open until midnight (currently they are allowed to stay open until 10pm). This proposal has wide support among neighbors, except for one condo building, which said the following.

"The neighborhood has really significantly improved over the years" and the residents are concerned about "the type of clientele they might see" at a pizza place open until midnight.

Apparently this group hasn't been down the street a few blocks down the street to see New York Pizza.

One poignant commenter on the piece said the following.

That building is the main reason that this part of Tremont Street looks so shabby. If the residents there don't want pizza in their neighborhood, let them move somewhere else. If enough of them do, perhaps their building can be demolished and replaced by something deserving of its location.

Table top taps may be on tap for new Rock Bottom Boston location

Universal Hub reports today that Rock Bottom Brewery & Restaurant in the theatre district, which closed for renovations last month will seek city approval to install beer taps on the tables of their new restaurant to be named Rock Bottom Gold Medal Tap, set to open in April. In addition to the table top taps, the restaurant plans to remove the brewery and reduce the number of seats in the new restaurant. They plan to meet with the neighborhood association before seeking approval from the Boston Licensing Board for the table top taps, which would allow people to pour their own beers.

Boston concierge produces award winning music video about Doubletree Guest Suites

Check out this awesome music video produced by Evan Martin, concierge at The Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel in Boston. Doubletree's parent company Hilton sponsored a contest in which they asked their employees to submit music videos about their properties. Evan's entertaining take on life at the Doubletree Guest Suites Hotel earned him a trip to the hotel brand's annual conference in Orlando this month and then a trip to the Grammy Awards! It definitely makes one want to work and stay at this excellent property As Evan says, we can truly "help each other" through hospitality and music.

Phantom Gourmet host "surprised" by response to hostess comments

The Boston Globe reports today that Phantom Gourmet host Mike Andelman is surprised that his comments on restaurant hostesses on the February 12th edition of the Phantom Gourmet radio show elicited such a harsh response online. Apparently he was just kidding.

“Our radio show is obviously satire,’’ said Andelman, who hosts the show with his brothers David and Daniel. (“The Phantom Gourmet’’ airs Saturdays on WTKK-FM, 96.9.) “Ninety-five percent of the disparaging remarks are made about the Andelman brothers. We are the brunt of most of our jokes.’’

Grill 23 responds to Phantom Gourmet comments

Grubstreet Boston reports on the effects of the Phantom Gourmet's comments on restaurant hostesses, first reported by the Patrick Maguire's Server Not Servant blog. Grill 23's parent company issued the following statement.

"Himmel Hospitality is shocked and saddened at the personal attack that has been made on an employee and in such a public manner. ... We stand behind our employee and her decision not to seat guests in a closed dining room."

Said one hostesses interviewed by Grubstreet.

"So, great! They're local people on TV and on the radio. You make one exception and suddenly people are asking for more and more and more."

5 Napkin Burger set to open March 16th

5 Napkin Burger will make its Boston debut on March 16th at The Shops at Prudential Center, a release today from the New York City based burger restaurant states. The deadline for their "Build the Boston Burger" contest has also been extended until March 1st, due to overwhelming response. The winner will be announced via the restaurant's Facebook page and Twitter site on March 10th at 10am, with the winner getting a $1000 gift certificate and his/her burger on the opening menu.

Local 149 looks to open in South Boston in early March

Devra First reports on Boston.com that Local 149, located in the former Farragut House in South Boston, is set to open in early March. Co-owned by the owner of Newton's Biltmore Grill, the kitchen at Local 149 will be manned by Leah DuBois, formerly of Grezzo.

The menu will offer reinvented pub classics, perhaps with a bit of a Southern twist; there will be plenty of bar snacks and a late-night menu. Seafood, cheese, and charcuterie will feature prominently, and the restaurant will be buying many ingredients from local producers.

Governor wants to change Boston Licensing Board appointment process

The Boston Globe reports that Governor Deval Patrick is proposing legislation to change how members are appointed to the Boston Licensing Board, the board that oversees liquors licenses for Boston restaurants and bars, as well as regulates the city's pool halls, bowling allies, fortune tellers, dormitories, and hotels.

"It's a vestige of 100-year-old discrimination against the Irish," said City Council President Stephen J. Murphy, who also supports transferring power to the mayor. "When the Yankees lost control of the ballot box, they took police commissioner and the licensing board."

This a really good step in the right direction. The City of Boston Licensing Board should be appointed by the mayor.

Patrick also appointed two new members to the board, Nicole Murati Ferrer to head the board, and Milton Wright who will replace retiring board member Michael Connelly in June.

Man arrested inside Chinatown restaurant

Universal Hub reports that a drunk individual was arrested early this morning at East Ocean City after causing a ruckus in the restaurant. No word on if he was actually a diner in the restaurant beforehand, but I suspect not.

According to witnesses, the suspect was seen kicking the glass door before shattering it. Witnesses further state, once inside, the suspect was seen with a fish net in hand attempting to snag fish out of the fish tank.

Newbury Street restaurant broken into, robbed

Universal Hub reports that Bottega Fiorentina at 264 Newbury Street was robbed last night, sometime after 11pm.

Phantom Gourmet hosts take a shot at restauraunt hostesses

Patrick Maguire's Server Not Servant blog reports on an interesting conversation that took place on the February 12th Phantom Gourmet radio show between the Andelman brothers and their father about their recent dining experience at upscale Boston steakhouse Grill 23 & Bar. It centers around how they arrived just past 5pm and they weren't able to be seated in the dining room until 5:30pm. Here's just a small part.

Mike: The era is over of being able to treat customers like crap. It’s just over. I don’t understand.

Eddie: There’s 25 steakhouses in Boston.

Mike: And it’s not like this was 8pm on a Saturday night. It’s 5 o’clock, and guess what, if the owner of Grill 23 was standing next to this dumb hostess, this moronic hostess who was just getting her, uh, jollies off by sticking to the rules of her little brochure in a little binder, this little monkey, her only job is to look at this binder and say don’t let people in ‘till 5:30….

Dan: Although in her defense she was good-looking apparently. I’d like to see a picture. Was she wearing yoga pants? These are things I want to know. I have a thing for hostesses (laughing).

Mike: There’s not a hostess who’s not good-looking, because they’re incompetent and can’t do anything else in life. If you can’t model, when you’re good-looking enough and not tall enough to model, you stand behind a little box and say, How many?

NEC to host Gospel Jubilee this weekend, tickets only $10

New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall will host the 32nd annual Thomas A Dorsey Gospel Jubillee this weekend.

On Saturday February 19th at 7pm, the "Celebrating Spirituals" program features baritone Robert Honeysucker, contralto Renese King, New England Spiritual Ensemble, NEC Community Gospel Choir, and the 100-voice NEC Millennium Gospel Choir. A highlight of the Saturday program will be the presentation of the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition, there will be performances by the Project STEP String Ensemble under the direction of Mariana Green-Hill and two selections by the St. Paul AME Church Liturgical Dance Ministry.

On February 20, the "Celebrating Gospel" program will feature the Pentecostal Tabernacle Praise and Worship Team, Cambridge Black Pastors’ Citi-wide Choir, soloist Babette Mariner, New Life (a Haitian-American Gospel Choir), Massachusetts Liturgical Dance Network, NEC Community Gospel Choir, and under the direction of preeminent ministers of music, the 100-voice NEC Millennium Gospel Choir.

Tickets for each show are just $10. For more information click here.

Jazz inspired sushi restaurant to open in Central Square

Thrillist Boston reports that Thelonius Monkfish, a jazz inspired sushi restaurant mentioned earlier here, will open next Wednesday in Central Square.

Choice rolls include the spicy tuna tempura & cucumber'd C Jam Blues; the Sophisticated Lady (shrimp topped w/ tuna and eel sauce); the multi-fish Bebop rolled w/ smoked salmon, shrimp, scallops and crab; and an inside-out shrimp tempura & gobo number wrapped in nori called the Robin Hood -- which thankfully, isn't made with Crowe

Boston taxi industry examined by WBUR

WBUR did a great series of reports this week on the taxi industry in Boston. Taxis are often the first and last impressions a visitor gets of our city. Many in the hospitality industry use them or deal with people who use them. The series explores why Boston's cabs are so expensive, why it's so hard to get a cab at Logan at times, why cab drivers don't like the credit card machines, the reason why medallions are so expensive, and most importantly why its so hard to get a taxi cab in the early morning when getting out of bar, restaurant, or club. These are issues which many feel passionate about and are not easily resolved, such as the credit card machines "not working."

Boston cabbies are subject to the most progressive (or aggressive) regulation in the country. This is precisely why Victorin says he chose to lease a Cambridge, not Boston, medallion.

Boston requires all cabs be brand new. And all of the city’s 1,800 or so cabs must be equipped with credit-card machines — but there’s no rule preventing drivers from giving you a guilt trip whenever you use plastic.

One blogger did come up with a hilarious beginner's guide for taxi drivers in Boston.

Four Seasons Boston value increases

The Boston Business Journal reports today that the market value of the Four Seasons Boston hotel has increased 25% over last year to roughly $68.4 million, according to Moody's Investors Service.

According to recent loan servicer reports and Bloomberg data, the Four Season’s revenue for the nine months ended Sept. 30 totaled $58.8 million — up 8 percent from the hotel’s total revenue booked in all of 2009. Net cash flow totaled $6.6 million in the first three quarters of 2010, a 27 percent increase over the $5.2 million collected in 2009.

Beacon Hill may lose Villa Mexico to development

Boston Restaurant Talk reports that Villa Mexico, a Beacon Hill Mexican takeout spot located in Grampy's gas station, directly across from the MGH, may be forced to close or move by a proposed multi-story development of the site. The development is currently stalled due to a lack financing, so it's unclear when Boston's unlikeliest spot for excellent Mexican cuisine may have to relocate.

City forces South End sandwich spot to remove seating over zoning issue

The South End News reports today on how the City of Boston Inspectional Services Department's (ISD) decision to force neighborhood favorite Las Ventas to remove its indoor seating due to code issues is affecting the restaurant's business. Las Ventas offers a great selection of bocadillas and other great Spanish products for purchase and takeout. ISD ordered the restaurant remove the eight indoor tables after finding a problem with the building's original 2008 certificate of occupancy (CO). It also turns out that the CO regulations are not clear, causing the take out spot to lose business while its owners and their landlord try to sort out the confusion with the city. They have also received conflicting information from the same ISD office, increasing the owner Julio de Haro's frustration.

It’s disheartening," de Haro said over the phone recently. "We’re working extremely hard here, we’ve made a huge investment in this place, and all the sudden someone interferes with business dramatically."

He added the loss of seating could put Las Ventas on the "brink of coming down."

Bart Mitchell of Mitchell Properties added over the phone that the confusing permitting and zoning process stumped the owners and him. The ISD inspector was not able to tell them what their CO needs to say to be correct.

"I join Lara and Julio in being baffled by a system where no one is offering them any help, they are only offering them criticism," Mitchell said. "They’re just being told ’The rules are complicated and you’re not done,’ without any direction on how to get done."

Stabbing outside New York Pizza leaves one man in critical condition

Universal Hub reports on a late night Tuesday evening stabbing outside of New York Pizza's Theatre District location.

Intercontinental Boston expected to default on loan

The Boston Business Journal reports today that the Intercontinental Boston is expected to default on an $18.5 million dollar "mezzanine" loan taken out in 2006, this according to Fitch Ratings, a debt rating firm. Like many hotels in the Boston area, espscially luxury ones, occupancy and average daily rates have fallen as the economy worsened. This results in less money to pay off loans and less money for investors of the companies who own and run the hotels. Those associated with the hotel have expressed optimism though.

Gary Barnett, the chief executive and founder of Extell Development Co., the InterContinental’s New York-based owner, said the mezzanine loan “is performing and paying interest.” Asked to comment on the hotel’s performance and Fitch’s analysis, Barnett said, “I have no reaction to that. They can write what they want. ...I think the hotel is a beautiful hotel.

“As to its financial expectations ... I think the hotel industry’s come through a rough patch and I’m confident things will continue to get better.”

A call to Tim Kirwan, the InterContinental’s general manager, was not returned Wednesday. Reached by phone, a hotel spokeswoman was unable to offer details on the mezzanine loan or the hotel’s performance. She said the hotel exceeded its performance expectations in 2010, but did not provide specific financial details. The hotel opened in 2006.

Massport head to step down

The Boston Herald reports today that Thomas Kinton, the head of the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) will step down on August 1, when is current contract expires. Massport is a major force in the Boston hospitality industry as it oversees Logan Airport and the Boston Cruiseport, among other responsibilities. Many of the visitors that drive the hospitality industry pass through these two places. Thank you to Mr. Kinton for his service to our industry and the Commonwealth.

A look behind the bar at The Palm

South End Patch has a great feature today on Phil Richardson, the legendary bartender at The Palm in the Westin Copley Hotel. I've sat at Phil's bar and he is a great guy and an excellent bartender. He embodies the skill and dedication of so many of our city's talented bartenders.

“You can teach anyone to tend bar – what you learn from it after the bartending expertise…” Phil trails off as he searches for the right words to express the fact that bartending is more than just making gin and tonics.

“It’s about the stories, the people we meet,” he says finally. You have to learn how to treat people right no matter who they are – “a sincere hello, eye contact and a nice handshake- to start with."

Mayor Menino upset with Faneuil Hall Marketplace operator

The Boston Herald reports today that Mayor Menino is upset with Faneuil Hall Marketplace operator, Chicago-based General Growth Properties, for raising rents and serving eviction notices to longstanding businesses there.

“It’s so unfortunate that they treat the shopping district and its tenants like a second-class mall,” Menino told the Herald.

“Faneuil Hall draws as many people as Disney World in the summertime and for them not to have respect for merchants is unconscionable,” the Hub mayor said. “I don’t want Faneuil Hall to become like every other shopping mall in America. I don’t want it to be all franchises.”

Meanwhile it appears that Todd English's Kingfish Hall, also facing possible eviction, may be close to a deal with General Growth Properties.

“We have been working with the owners to re-concept our location for several months now, and we are hours away from a deal to do just that,” English said in a statement.

Sensing chef nominated for Food & Wine magazine award

Grubstreet Boston reports today that outgoing Sensing chef Gerard Barbin is up for Food & Wine's The People's Best Chef - New England award. It's interesting timing given that Sensing will close soon and a new Italian-Mediterranean restaurant will open in its place by spring.

City Council to hold food truck hearing Tuesday

The Boston City Council's Committee on Economic Development will hold a hearing on Tuesday February 15 on an ordinance entitled "Promoting Economic Development and the Food Truck Industry in the City of Boston."

The ordinance was originally proposed in December by Councilors Mike Ross and Sal LaMattina,

This ordinance to allow up to 25 food trucks to operate in Boston is a great idea for the city of Boston. It will promote economic development and bring reasonably priced food to more people here in the city.

The hearing will start at 12:30pm in the Ianella Chambers on the 5th floor of City Hall.

Restaurant row in Fenway set to re-open in June

Universal Hub reports that Peterborough Street's restaurant row that was destroyed in a 2009 fire will re-open this June. Seven restaurants (Thornton's Fenway Grille, Swish Shabu Fenway Phoenix Cafe, Rod Dee Thai, El Pelon. Speed's Hotdogs, and an unnamed New York Italian pizzeria) will add to the culinary hotspot that the Fenway neighborhood has become. Baseball fans, workers in the area and residents alike will benefit from the revitalization of this set of restauarants. I hope the Yard House will be open soon as well!

Parish Cafe to re-open Monday

The Parish Cafe on Boylston Street which closed last week for renovations is scheduled to re-open Monday February 14th at 11:30am. Maybe it will soon be warm enough for the patio?

City Councilor says there's no plan for one-way Hanover Street

Northendwaterfront.com reports Boston City Councilor Sal LaMattina said at a recent meeting of the North End/Waterfront Residents' Association (NEWRA) that there is no plan to make Hanover Street one way. The discussion continued on to issues of quality of life, public safety, and how tourism affects both in the North End.

NEWRA’s Zoning & Licensing Committee Co-chair David Kubiak raised the issue of saturation. “I go along with any good plan to increase public safety,” said Kubiak.”But not with bringing more tourists and diners. It is a double-edged sword. We are at a breaking point. There are other neighborhoods that could use the traffic.”

LaMattina responded, “I would love for tourists to go to East Boston or Charlestown, but we can’t stop people from coming the the North End. They want to come to Little Italy. A good business district makes for a good neighborhood.”

An unidentified lifelong resident said, “Hanover St. becomes a zoo after 10:30 p.m. Ten years ago, you could land an airplane. The first thing to consider is quality of life.”

LaMattina replied, “When the Central Artery came down, it opened up the North End and they are coming, and coming. But, the last thing I want to see are these restaurants to become bars.”

Planetarium at Museum of Science to re-open Sunday

The Museum of Science's Charles Hayden Planetarium will re-open this Sunday February 13th following a year long, $9 million renovation project. It has gained nationwide attention, as ABC News reports today.

Dubbed the most technologically advanced digital theater in New England, the planetarium uses a powerful new star projector — called the Zeiss Starmaster — to display on the planetarium's 57-foot domed ceiling more than 9,000 celestial objects — from bright nearby stars to distant, murky galaxies — all so realistic one might forget it's not the heavens on a crystal clear night.

"You can actually bring binoculars in here, look at those same objects and they look just like they do in the real sky," boasts Daryl Davis, the planetarium's systems coordinator and the man who runs the starmaster, one of only two in the United States.

Sensing closing reported

Grubstreet Boston reports today that Sensing at The Fairmont Battery Wharf will close and be replaced this spring by an Italian Mediterranean restaurant named Arrogosta, headed up by David Daniels. The restaurant's Facebook page and website do not indicate any change is imminent. A call to the restaurant and the hotel indicates it is business as usual and they have not heard of any plans to close.

Del Frisco's to open at Liberty Wharf in April

It was reported earlier here that Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House was looking to open in the new Liberty Wharf complex in the Seaport District. Boston.com today confirms they will open a 13,000 square foot, 350 seat restaurant there on April 23rd. The restaurant will have 9 different wine cellars and 1200-selection wine list.

“Bostonians have been visiting us for years at locations like NYC, Charlotte, and Dallas so we’re proud to finally be opening in their hometown," Del Frisco’s chief executive Mark Mednansky said in a statement. "With the iconic Jimmy’s space, we believe we’ve found the perfect location to introduce Del Frisco’s to this great city.”

Prudential Center to open skating rink this Saturday

The Rink at Prudential Center, a brand new ice skating rink located on the Boylston Street side of the Prudential Center will open February 12th at 12pm. Coming just after Faneuil Hall Marketplace opened an outdoor rink, the Prudential Rink should bring the outdoor skating experience to a new level. You can skate and then hit up Legal Seafoods, Towne, The Cheesecake Factory or any of the 27 dining spots at the Prudential. Hours will be 12pm-7pm Sunday-Thursday, 12pm-10pm Fridays and Saturdays. Admission is $7 and skate rental is $3.

Bombay Club closes

South End Patch reports that Bombay Club in Boston's South End has closed it's doors for good, making it the third South End Restaurant to close in as many months. Bombay Club had relocated to the South End in 2009, taking over the former Pho Republique space after that restaurant closed.

Its menu of traditional and innovative South Indian dishes coupled with a full bar couldn’t seem to draw a crowd – the restaurant was frequently empty on weekday nights.

On Friday, a handwritten sign informed customers that the restaurant would be closed for the next three weeks “due to severe winter,” but several sources with knowledge of the space said the restaurant is closed for good.

I wonder what restaurant will take over this spot.

Four Green Fields to open Friday

Four Green Fields, the new two story Irish pub and restaurant at One Boston Place will open on Friday February 11. A call to the restaurant today indicated there was delay in the opening and that Boston's newest Irish spot would be open by 5pm on Friday.

W Hotel hosts Strip Bingo Party

Urbandaddy reports that tonight the W Hotel is hosting a strip bingo event sponsored by Boldfacers, the people who brought us Project Beethoven at Symphony Hall last week. The event will include, along with Strip Bingo, a make your own whoopie pie bar, and an appearance by an A-List Hollywood Celebrity, but not actual full frontal stripping.

Ritz Carlton valet assault case settled

The Boston Herald reports today that a former Ritz Carlton valet employee has settled an assault lawsuit he had filed against a resident of the Ritz Carlton condominiums. The valet was reportedly struck in the face by the car keys of the angry Ritz resident.

Restaurants happy about having Valentine's on Monday

The Boston Herald talks about Valentine's Day to restaurant owners Dante di Magistris (Dante's and Il Casale), Frank DePasquale (Bricco, Mare, Umbria Prime, Trattoria Il Panino), James Conforti (Gargolyes on the Square), and Charles Draghi (Erbaluce).

“About once every seven years we are very excited when Valentine’s Day lands on a Monday,” he said. “It also pumps up our whole weekend and I expect Sunday night will be crazy.”

Tico to open tonight

Grubstreet Boston reports that Michael Schlow's latest restaurant Tico, in the former Cottonwood Cafe, has a soft opening tonight. They will also host a charity launch party on February 15th to benefit the Greg Hill Foundation, tickets start at $200.

Kingfish Hall faces possible eviction from Faneuil Hall Marketplace

The Boston Globe reports today the operator of Faneuil Hall Marketplace, General Growth Properties of Chicago, has begun eviction procedures against Kingfish Hall which is $30,000 behind in rent. They have also put the Bill Rodgers Running Center on notice and have already forced out eatery Bombay Club and Henry's Glassworks over lease issues.

In a statement, celebrity chef Todd English said: “We have been in this historic Boston location for 10 years and amidst the tough economy, business has been waning. We have been in discussions, trying to work with the owners to re-concept our location for several months now, and that process is ongoing.’’

General Growth Properties recently emerged from bankruptcy protection and has taken a tough stance with Faneuil Hall merchants recently, despite the merchants continued support during the bankruptcy crisis.

Merchants at Faneuil Hall Marketplace have been at odds with General Growth for years over concerns the company has squeezed out unique regional businesses in favor of national chains that are willing to pay higher rents. The marketplace is owned by the City of Boston, which leases out three of its four buildings — Quincy Market, North Market, and South Market — to General Growth.

Nicole Spreck, a General Growth spokeswoman, declined to comment on lease agreements, but said: “Our retailers are important to us.’’

Davide to appear on Kitchen Nightmares this month

Davide Restaurant in Boston's North End will appear on Gordon Ramsay's "Kitchen Nightmares" show on Friday February 25th at 9pm on Fox. It will be very interesting to see what Chef Ramsay does to transform Davide. I hear that one of his creations is a bruschetta platter.

Parish Cafe on Boylston closed temporarily

Parish Cafe on Boylston Street in Boston's Back Bay has closed for renovations and will reopen in a week. During these renovations they are encouraging people to visit their 2nd location at the corner of Mass. Ave and Tremont Street in the South End.

North End businesses propose one way Hanover Street makeover

The Boston Globe reports on a proposal to make Hanover Street in the North End one way. The North End Chamber of Commerce is proposing the makeover of Hanover Street.

“We are getting more people than Faneuil Hall, Chinatown, Newbury Street,’’ said Frank De Pasquale, head of the North End Chamber of Commerce, which is pushing the plan. “Hanover is a premier street, just like Newbury Street, and we’d like it to be treated the same way.’’

Some however are so sure that Hanover Street needs to be altered.

Some tourism officials say that flavor of Hanover Street — a gem with all its blemishes — could be lost if Hanover is made over.

“It’s part of the soul of the street,’’ said Pat Moscaritolo, who heads the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors’ Bureau.

Whatever happens, it will take a lot of discussion among the many neighborhood groups.

BCEC expansion could include restaurants, shops

The Boston Herald reports today that an proposed expansion of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center could include restaurants and shops, similar to the approach taken recently at the Hynes Convention Center. The proposed expansion would also include a 400,000 exhibition hall and a 1000 room hotel. The Seaport district is already seen as an area ripe for restaurant expansion.

Charles Perkins of the Boston Restaurant Group, a restaurant broker, hailed the idea of bringing more restaurants to Seaport. “When it comes to dining, Seaport is the new South End,” he said. “It’s booming over there with Morton’s Steak House and M.J. O’Connor’s. Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar and Grill and Del Frisco’s are coming. It’s the place to be.”

Company uses dogs to help hotels sniff out bedbugs

Boston.com reports on a company called Sniff K9's which has started a bed-bug certification program for hotels and retailers. This certification program, the first of its kind in the country, certifies places such as Boston's Seaport Hotel and Cambridge's Hotel Veritas to be "bed bug safe."

Meals Tax Holiday bill gains sponsors in Legislature

The Phantom Gourmet sponsored meals tax holiday bill has gained 23 legislators (from both parties) of the Massachusetts House and Senate as co-signers. The bill would waive the state meals tax during the week of March 20th-26th, hopefully stimulating people to support an industry that employs more than 300,000 people in the state. It's important to note that the bill would not waive any local meals taxes. (Currently cities and towns can add on a .75% tax on top of the state tax to support their town & city budgets). It's still up for debate as to whether such a stimulus would encourage people to dine out who don't already do so, but expect it to be widely discussed in the upcoming weeks.

State budget figures show that the during the same week in 2010, state meals tax receipts were $12.6 million.

The Bill is currently listed in each chamber as Senate Docket #00619 and House Docket #03059.

Two North End restaurants to close later

Northendwaterfront.com reports the Boston Licensing Board has given approval for Tresca and Vinoteca di Monica to serve alcohol until 12:30am Thursday-Saturday evenings. Both had applied for permission to serve until 1am seven days a week. The need for a third person to be appointed to the Boston Licensing Board (previously reported here) was seen at the hearing.

At the hearing, there was an obvious difference of opinion between the two sitting members of the Licensing Board. Suzanne Ianella indicated that she was in favor of granting the 1:00 a.m. closing hours, but decided to compromise with Michael Connolly, the other board member, who reportedly said they were not opening the flood-gates. The third slot remains empty, awaiting a Governor’s appointment, since the retirement of Chairman Daniel Pokaksi.

It's also interesting to note that The Living Room on Atlantic is looking to also extend its 1am closing time as well.

Patriots owner talks of possible Boston Superbowl

Boston.com reports today that Patriots owner Bob Kraft discussed the idea of a future Superbowl in Boston, especially give the weather this weekend in Dallas. It's definitely an interesting idea, and would be a major boost for the city and the Boston / Providence hospitality industries at a normally slow time of year.

Boston City Councilor pushes for neighborhood voice on Licensing Board

Boston.com reports today that Boston City Councilor at Large Felix Arroyo is asking the Governor to appoint someone who understands and has an interest in the city's neighborhoods to the position now vacant on the Boston Licensing board. It was previously reported here that a hotel developer and a political insiders were being considered for the highly paid position, which comes with a lot of power.

There are a limited number of liquor licenses available in the city, making them a hot commodity among city establishments (a beer and liquor license can cost as much as $300,000) and the board monitors their use and sale, which can drastically alter the landscape of a neighborhood, according to Arroyo.

I think Councilor Arroyo raises an important issue for the Governor to consider as he appoints the next board member.

Downtown Crossing residential development to move forward

The Boston Redevelopment Authority today reports that Millenium Partners-Boston has filed a notice of project change for it's Haywood Place project in downtown. Construction will begin this spring on a 15 story, 265 unit residential building with an expected 12,000 feet of retail space. Currently a parking lot facing the Hyatt Downtown hotel one side, three restored theatres on the other and the Ritz Carlton, the development is expected to further enhance the neighborhood. There's no word if any new restuarant space is expected in the building.

Boloco opens in Copley Square

Boloco is now open in Copley Square on Boylston Street and they are giving away free burritos today! This is their 14th location in the Boston area.

BSO to host post-concert fashion show tonight

The Boston Symphony Orchestra presents Project Beethoven as part of tonight's concert at Symphony Hall. Project Beethoven is a fashion contest featuring fashion inspired by the music of Beethoveen. Ten dresses, designed by local students at Boston fashion schools, will be on display in Higginson Hall at Symphony Hall before the show, and the winner will be announced at a special post concert reception and fashion event. The concert will consist of music of Mussorgsky, Prokofiev, and Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3. For tickets (including the $20 tickets for those under 40) visit www.bso.org, visit the Symphony Hall box office or call 617-266-1200.

Phantom Gourmet sponsored meals tax holiday to be on legislative agenda

The Boston Herald reports that four Massachusetts state legislators have introduced a bill to create a meals tax holiday from March 20th-26th.
Phantom Gourmet host Dave Andelman, who previously successfully advocated for the "Brunch Bill" last year, is a leading proponent of the bill.

I think this bill would definitely stimulate business for the restaurant industry, though it maybe a hard sell as many cities and towns are facing deficits and may be reluctant to give up much needed tax revenue. The current state meals tax is 6.25% but cities and towns are given the authority to increase it up 7% and put the extra .75% to local services. It is important to note that this planned tax holiday week comes directly after two weeks of Boston restaurant week, which is already designed to stimulate the industry by offering fixed price lunches and dinners. Several other restaurant weeks already exist in the state. And also does the meals tax really stop people from dining out? I would say not.

Also what about if the hotel industry, which is also facing tough times, were to ask for a tax holiday during a week in March as well? Where is the line drawn on who gets a tax break? Also if this is such an important issue to the restaurant industry here in Massachusetts, why did the Herald put it in The Inside Track? Why not the business section where it belongs?

I just hope that our legislators will not spend too much time on this as there are many other pressing issues on the legislative agenda.

Boston Magazine cites Bostonhospitalityindustry.com!

Check out page 10 of this month's edition of Boston Magazine for their comments on my posting about their January 2011 piece on the The W Boston Hotel & Residences. Thank you to Boston Magazine for the mention! I do agree that the WTF graphic used in the title page for the piece serves its purpose of drawing the reader in.

5 Napkin Burger seeks ideas for new burger

Grubstreet Boston reports today that 5 Napkin Burger, set to open in early March at The Shops at the Prudential is running a contest for people to design a new burger to be served on their opening menu (and eventually at the other 5 Napkin locations in NYC). Among the guidelines is the following:

Finally, keep in mind that 5 Napkin will take up residence in the Pru, an area Guarino notes is heavy with "young people, families, tourists." We're guessing the 5 Napkin folks don't want to confuse visitors with things like bone marrow and brains, so try not to get too creative.