Message from Scup's ownership

We reported here last week Wendy and Dave, the owners of Scup's in the East Boston Shipyard, would not be able to open their beloved little restaurant due to a family medical issue that came up recently. Wendy sent out a letter today thanking everyone for their warm wishes and provided a partial update on where things stand regarding the restaurant.

First and foremost a very hearty thank you to all of you for all your emails, calls and good wishes.

We are so very grateful to all of you who have sent us the warmest of greetings and support. That helps us more than you will ever know while we go through this process.

The good news is that with all the wonderful word of mouth and blogs people are writing we have managed to get quite a bit of interest in finding someone to buy Scup's and keep things going!!! It became rather apparent to us immediately that Scup's is quite an institution here in Eastie and that no one wants to see it go away. So keep all those positive thoughts coming our way and we will keep you up to date as soon as we put things together. I have total faith that we will find the right match. We are trying to get the word out to as many people as we can to keep them up to date with everything. If you could forward this email along and ask them to sign up for our newsletter that would be really appreciated. We will be posting all updates on our website. and through the newsletter.
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I think that is all I can put together for now. We may be selling Scup's but our hearts are still here in Eastie and we will continue to do our best to keep us all connected.

xo to all of you.
Wendy

Red Sox seek city permission to expand their liquor license

In addition to getting faster beer taps at Fenway, The Red Sox are seeking give fans in the ballpark's general concourse area the opportunity purchase mixed drinks along with their beer and wine, reports The Boston Globe today. The team will go before the Boston Licensing Board next Wednesday April 6th to seek a full liquor license for the concourse area. They already have such a license for the premium seating areas. The police department and the mayor have some concerns about the application and their appears to have been some miscommunication about the nature of way the Sox want to go about selling the mixed drinks. The police are holding off final judgement until they see a detailed report, which the Sox promise to produce soon. The Globe cites several weak examples from the past several years to say that increase alcohol availability at Fenway at caused problems.

But alcohol and Fenway fans have not always mixed well. In 2005, after a four-year period during which the Red Sox added sixteen stands where beer is sold, a surge in complaints about inebriated fans and a scuffle between a fan and Yankees leftfielder Gary Sheffield prompted the team to nearly double its staff of alcohol compliance supervisors.

In 2004, after the Red Sox victory over the Yankees in the American League Championship Series, police fired pepper-pellet guns in a crowd that had turned violent, killing 21-year-old Victoria Snelgrove, an Emerson College student. Snelgrove’s family received a $5 million settlement from the city.

The first doesn't provide any actual statistics on problems with alcohol at Fewnay, and the second very tragic example happened outside the ballpark and had every to do with the City of Boston and the Boston Police Department and not anything to do with alcohol served inside the park.

Max Brenner to open tomorrow

Max Brenner is going to open its first ever Boston location tomorrow at 8am on Boylston Street in the Back Bay. The Boston Herald's Fork Lift Blog talked with Max Brenner himself for this excellent piece. Gotta love being able to get chocolate through a syringe!

“People always romanticize chocolate and the feelings they have toward it,” said Brenner (who’s real name is Oded Brenner). “But most chocolate retailers don’t reflect that. I want to reflect the very powerful feelings people have about chocolate.”

It’s not just a chocolate shop. It’s a full-service restaurant with savory plates, too. But chocolate is the obvious draw. The creativity with which he serves it is very impressive. Here are a few images of some of the cool things I saw during my visit. Cute, fun and creative. Oh, and very tasty, too!

Locke-Ober to re-open soon

Grubstreet Boston and Boston Restaurant Talk report that Locke-Ober will be re-opening very soon. The new chef will be Tedd Giddley who was brought back to Locke-Ober from Newport's Clark Cooke House. Lydia Shire will not be involved now though she could be in the future. It was reported yesterday that Locke-Ober is just waiting the reissuing of its liquor license from the state in order to open.

Manchester United coming to Gillette Stadium

Boston.com reports today that Manchester United is coming to Massachusetts to play The New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on July 13th. This will be one of the biggest soccer matches in New England since the AC-Inter Milan tilt in July of 2009. Perhaps the MBTA could run a train to the stadium for this game so that all of the Manchester United fans coming to stay in Boston/Cambridge hotels could get to the game easily? The Boston Metro reports that Gillette Stadium will also play host to defending World Cup champions Spain playing the US team on June 4th. Tickets to the Manchester United Game will go on sale to the general public April 23rd.

Man U is probably the most popular soccer club on the globe, but it’s more than that. The Red Devils reportedly sell more jerseys annually than every NFL team combined.

“We're very pleased to invite Manchester United to Gillette Stadium to play the Revolution,” Revolution boss Jonathan A. Kraft said. “Not only is this a great opportunity for Revolution and New England soccer fans to see a world power in person, but it’s also a tremendous opportunity for all sports fans in New England to witness such a major and memorable event.”

Perhaps next we could see Liverpool-Manchester United at Fenway Park?

Boston Licensing Board to hold hearing on Olives

The Boston Herald reports today in the Inside Track that the Boston Licensing Board will hold an April 5th hearing for Todd English's company to inform the City of its progress in re-opening Olives in Charlestown, which has been closed since a May 2010 grease fire. It was reported earlier here that Olives would re-open this year as Fat Olives, but so far nothing has been re-opened. The purpose of the hearing is to determine if the terms of the liquor license have been violated by its non use for a significant length of time. The Boston Licensing Board recently revoked a liquor license from the developers of the 45 Province residential high-rise for non-use. The developer, who has been trying to convince a restaurant to open in the spot for several years, is appealing the board's decision.

English’s spokeswoman, Mariellen Burns, insisted that Olives will reopen in early summer and that work has been ongoing at the restaurant.

“We are aware of the hearing, which is just to update the city on what they’re doing,” she said. “They are working, the restaurant is all torn apart, they are changing the flow and doing work on the ducts and roof.”

The Inside Track also mentions that Locke-Ober, which has been closed since January, will be re-opening soon after the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC) reissues the restaurant's liquor license. Though it was previously reported that Lydia Shire would still be part of the ownership group, The Inside Track reports only David Ray and Paul Liccari will be now be involved.

My question here is why is the state ABCC getting involved in the liquor license issue? I thought that was a Boston Licensing Board thing. It sounds like there is way too much bureaucracy involved in the whole liquor license process in Boston.

Convention center expansion could raise Boston hotel tax

A state panel studying a possible $2 billion expansion of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center has said the debt service on bonds that could be issued to cover the cost of construction could range from between $78 million and $117 million per year, reports the Boston Herald. That is not including any of the costs associated with the proposed $650 million dollar hotel that the panel has suggested may require up to $200 million in government support. To raise the money to support the debt service, the panel suggests six different ideas including raising the Boston/Cambridge hotel taxes 1%, raising the convention center fees charged to tour vehicles and other travel-oriented services in Boston, and diverting more of the state hotel tax to the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Any raising of taxes in the current economic client is likely to be unpopular, but the head of Massachusetts Convention Center Authority James Rooney says the expansion will bring many economic benefits.

“We’ve already demonstrated over the last six years that the BCEC has been open that we generate significant economic benefits and have created thousands of jobs both in the construction (of the facility) and in good, permanent jobs.” he said.

Ace Ticket headquarters will move to Kenmore Square

Ace Ticket is planning to soon move its headquarters from Allston to the heart of Kenmore Square, just steps from Fenway Park reports the Boston Herald. The official ticket partner of the Boston Red Sox recently purchased two million dollars worth of Commonwealth Avenue commercial space and plans to spend $750,000 on what they plan to be the world's most technologically advanced ticket location. The location will include video screens that will show customers the view from any seat in Fenway and other venues.

“This is a substantial move for us and a big expansion, but we’re thrilled with our success in Boston,” company owner Jim Holzman told the Herald. “We’re hoping to be one of the pioneers in helping to revitalize Kenmore Square — which has lots of food places but very little retail.”

Boston restaurant group settles credit card lawsuit

Boston.com reports that the Briar Group today agreed to pay $110,000 to settle a lawsuit over their alleged inadequate protection of customer credit and debit card information following a data breach in April 2009. The data breach was not resolved until December 2009.

The lawsuit filed in Suffolk Superior Court also alleges that the Briar Group failed to change default usernames and passwords on its point-of-sale computer system; allowed multiple employees to share common usernames and passwords; failed to properly secure its remote access utilities and wireless network; and continued to accept credit and debit cards from consumers after Briar knew of the data breach.

The Briar Group runs Anthem, The Harp, Ned Devine's, The Green Briar, Parris, MJ O'Connors at The Park Plaza & The Westin Waterfront, City Bar at The Lenox and City Bar at the Westin Waterfront, City Table at The Lenox, Solas, and they also manage all of the meeting/event space for The Lenox Hotel.

"The Briar Group is committed to high quality customer service at all of our restaurants. We take the security of our customer’s credit card information very seriously and therefore respond aggressively to any concerns that are brought to our attention," the restaurant chain said in a statement.

W Boston Hotel to be sold

Boston.com reports today that the W Boston Hotel is under agreement to be sold to Pebblebrook Hotel Trust, a Maryland investment firm for $89.5 million. It is interesting to note the only the hotel part of the building is being sold and the 123 condominium units will continue to be controlled by developer Sawyer Enterprises. As of last month, twenty nine units had been sold, and seven more were under agreement to be sold. The four diamond hotel will continue to operate under the W brand. The W Hotel filed for bankruptcy protection last year and was the subject of front page story in the January edition of Boston Magazine. One of its main investors, Prudential Insurance tried to foreclose on the property but a judge recently granted Sawyer Enterprises more time to get its finances in order. It will be interesting to see how things will work going forward as the one building will be owned by two different companies.

Bacon and Beer Festival tickets on sale tomorrow

Boston Restaurant Talk reports that the Boston Bacon and Beer Festival will be held April 30th at Royale from 1:30pm-4pm. The festival will benefit Community Servings, Lovin' Spoonfuls, and Share our Strength.

Sample bacon based recipes from b.good, Bergamot, Casablanca, Ceia Kitchen + Bar, Chez Henri, Eat at Jumbo's, Gargoyles, Garden at the Cellar, Harvest, KO Prime, La Laiterie, Market, MET Back Bay, Petit Robert Bistro, Picco, Roxy's Grilled Cheese Truck, South End Buttery, Tavolo, The Fireplace, The Independent, Toro, Tremont 647, Vermont Smoke and Cure, Seasons to Taste, Trina's Starlite Lounge, wicked kickin' savory cheesecakes, & Whole Foods Market @ Symphony.

At the same time you can also sample beer from Blue Hills Brewery, Sam Adams, Brooklyn Brewery, Cape Ann Brewing Company, Clown Shoes Brewing, Harpoon Brewery, Long Trail, Magic Hat Brewing Compny, Mayflower Brewing Company, Mercury Brewing Company, Narragansett Beer, Notch, Peak Organic Brewing Co., Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project, Shipyard Brewery, Smuttynose Brewing Co., & Wachusett Brewing Company.


Tickets go on sale April 1st!

Boston Wine Week starts today

Boston Wine Week runs this week (March 28th-April 3rd) and participating restaurants will offer a minimum selection of either six $9 wines by the glass or $32 wines by the bottle. The restaurants include 94 Mass. Ave, Back Bay Social Club, Beacon Hill Bistro, Bistro du Midi, Brasserie Jo, Bina Osteria, Bin 26 Enoteca, Jer Ne, Kingston Station, Lala Rokh, Petit Robert Bistro, Petit Robert Central, Sam's, Union Bar & Grille, and Woodward. Boston Wine Week aims to show that great wine doesn't have come at a great expense. In the spirit of celebrating wine Second Glass will sponsor a Classy Bar Crawl on Thursday March 31st.

ArtsBoston to open new Faneuil Hall Bostix booth this week.

ArtBoston is opening a new Bostix booth at Faneuil Hall on March 31st. There will be a grand re-opening celebration this Thursday at 1pm with the official ribbon cutting, cake, and the chance to win exciting prizes everyday in April through their "Golden Ticket Giveway!" The new state-of-the-art ArtsBoston booth will feature new digital signs to bring performance and arts information to the public easier, more convenience with cash and credit card payments accepted, as well as hundreds of BosTix 1/2 price tickets to theatre, dance, music events, and more. The previous booth was opened in 1979. The new booth was funded with support from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, MassDevelopment, the Boston Redevelopment Association, and two anonymous donors along with the support of ongoing partners Mayor Thomas M. Menino & the City of Boston, and Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Bostix is Boston's same-day half price show ticket booth with two locations: Copley Square and Faneuil Hall. The Boston Globe recently talked to ArtsBoston executive director Catherine Peterson about the new booth and a change in the role of the booth's staff.

The last big change is that the booth staff have always been there not just to sell tickets, but to provide information — where to park, how to take the T, where to eat. Now we’re reframing our staff as arts ambassadors. It’s like having a good friend who knows the arts telling you the best options in town.

Christian Science complex given "landmark" status

The City of Boston has granted "landmark designation" to the Christian Science Church complex, which lies at the intersection of the Back Bay, Fenway, and the South End reports the Boston Globe and Boston Herald today. This means that any changes to the exterior of the buildings or the plaza will have to be approved by The Boston Landmarks Commission. Changes to the interior of the buildings and the area of the property on Dalton Street where the Church wants to build a hotel and residential building are not affected by the landmark status.

“By granting local landmark status, the City of Boston is recognizing the historic and architectural significance of (the site) while helping to manage the future changes that will allow the church to continue its mission,” Menino said yesterday in announcing the move, worked out during more than a year of talks between the church, the city and preservationists.

The church also wants to lower the depth of the reflecting pool, build a bridge across the water, and possibly install a winter skating rink as part of its renovation plans for the I.M. Pei & Partners-designed plaza. This plan is what originally led preservationists to argue for the landmark designation.

George Thrush, who directs Northeastern University’s School of Architecture, said he is pleased the city has given the plaza’s redevelopment another level of protection. “I think it’s fine,’’ said Thrush, who also chaired a city-appointed Citizen Advisory Committee looking into the matter.

“I’ve been assured [by the city] that this is not a black and white issue. They are much about providing detailed rules about how to modify a historic building as much as they are about keeping it the way it is.’’

Floating Rock Cambridge opening delayed

As reported earlier, the Cambridge location of the Cambodian restaurant Floating Rock was set to open April 1st, but an email from their general manager Natasha Stickey indicates that inspections are taking longer than expected, so the opening will be delayed by several days. From her letter below.

Thank you so much for your patience and support through our build out. Now that construction is finally complete, all that's left is all required inspection. Since Cambridge is the toughest city in Massachusetts, inspection took longer than expected. We were hoping to be able to have our soft opening Friday the 25th and a grand opening on Friday April first, but due to unforeseen issues regarding inspection, it is unfortunate that we have to push soft opening back a couple more days until we pass all required inspections. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and will update everyone as soon as we have the OK to open our doors. Thank you.

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Boston Speakers Series to debut this fall at Symphony Hall

The inaugural season of the Boston Speaker Series will debut October 5th at Symphony Hall with a lecture by noted historian David McCullough. The series will consist of seven lectures by world renowned speakers on Wednesday evenings at 8pm from October 2011 to April 2012. In addition to David McCullough, the speakers are Michelle Rhee (Waiting for Superman), Valerie Plame & Amb. Joe Wilson(Fair Game), Michael Pollan (Food Inc), Azar Nafisi (Reading Lolita in Tehran), Frank Abagnale (Catch Me If You Can), and Tom Brokaw.

The series is sold on a subscription basis only and tickets to individual lectures are not sold. Tickets can be purchased by calling 617-266-1200 (Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 12pm-6pm) or online anytime.

The Boston Speakers Series is run by the Cambridge Speakers Series, which also runs Speakers Series in St. Louis, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Baltimore. The series is the vision of founder Bill Conrow, as is described on their website.

Mr. Conrow began to envision the development of a high profile lecture Series that would be an “evening out” of intellectual entertainment---open to a broader community audience of intellectually inclined people. Mr. Conrow’s concept was to supplement the theater, music, dance and other cultural events offered to the community, with seven evenings of diverse opinions, profound insights and fascinating discussions on a broad range of issues. Thus, Cambridge Speakers Series was born!

Click here for detailed information on the speakers and ticketing information.

Sal's Pizza to open near Fenway Park

Sal's Pizza will open its 3rd location in Boston this April at 132 Brookline Avenue, steps from Fenway Park. This is the former location of Il Giardino Cafe, an Italian takout restaurant and popular neighborhood lunch staple in the Fenway. Sal's is famous for their 19" 3lb Pizza, their gigantic slices, and their subs, wraps, and salads. There's no word on how late this location will be open, but they will carry beer and wine. Sal's other locations include 714 Commonwealth Avenue (on the BU campus) and 150 Tremont Street near the Boston Common.

Fenway to get faster beer taps

The Boston Herald reports today that Fenway Park will have two "Bottoms Up" beer dispensers installed in time for Opening Day, one on Yawkey Way and in The Big Concourse.

Bottoms Up works its magic thanks to a thin magnetic disk in the cup bottom that flips up when the cup is placed on the system and beer flows in, and then flips back down and seals when the pour is finished. A four-cup Bottoms Up station can pour as many as 44 beers per minute.

“The speed is the key selling point,” Freireich said, adding that Fenway’s “veteran, experienced” beer-pouring staff do a good job of keeping customers flowing with traditional tap systems anyway.

And it will not cause the price of the beer to rise.

Check out this great video from YouTube of the "Bottoms Up" dispensing system!

Scup's in the Harbor seeks help to stay afloat

The owners of Scup's in the Harbor today announced via email that they are seeking someone to take over the operation of their restaurant in the East Boston shipyard as they won't be able to run the restaurant, which was set to open April 1st, due to some serious medical news they recently received. The text of their letter is below. To reach Wendy and Dave you can email them at scupsintheharbor@gmail.com. Best wishes to Wendy and Dave during this difficult time.

Dear Friends,

The Warmest of Springtime Greetings to all of you. We have spent the past few months enjoying the snow and getting Scup's spiffed up for our April 1st reopening.

However, over the last couple of weeks, amidst our final preparations, we received some serious medical news that will unfortunately, require our complete attention for the near future.

As Dave says - "In the words of Wise Woman Wendy... 'It is what it is... and we will handle it' ".

What this means right now is that we cannot continue at Scup's which translates into someone else will have to keep Scups going. Our hopes are that we will find someone in the very near future who has the desire to keep Scup's in the Harbor alive and kicking.

If any of you have a serious interest (or know someone) in taking on the responsibility of expanding and growing Scup's in the Harbor please contact us now. Spring has sprung and the natives are hungry.

Thanks to all of you for your continued Friendships and Support. Without all of you, the success of Scup's would not have happened... let's put our collective minds together to make this work.

xo
Dave, Wendy and D3.

scupsintheharbor@gmail.com

Floating Rock set to open April 1st

Thrillist reported yesterday the Cambodian restaurant Floating Rock will finally open its long awaited Cambridge spot next Friday. It sounds exciting and is great to see another unique restaurant coming to Central Square. Also exciting is how they are partnering with nearby Toscanini's on a specialty ice cream for their dessert menu.

Earl of Sandwich coming to Common

Universal Hub reported yesterday that Earl of Sandwich has won the right to renovate a former bathroom on the Boston Common into a takeout spot. This is just one of the many improvements coming soon to the Common and it has created quite a buzz judging from the comments to the Universal Hub piece. Some are excited and some upset that it's a chain restaurant, and not a local one. At least now you don't have to be flying internationally to get a taste of Earl of Sandwich. Parks Commissioner Toni Pollack tells the Boston Herald

“This is a great opportunity to transform a unique unused space into an active business, while contributing to the vitality of the Boston Common. This project will allow us to preserve a historic building while also bringing new life to the park for all visitors to enjoy.”

Governor says tourism industry rebounding

The Boston Herald reports today on Governor Deval Patrick's remarks to the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism's annual conference today at the Park Plaza Hotel.

Patrick said movies like "The Fighter" and "The Social Network" have renewed interest in the state. He said three more Hollywood movies are being shot here this year.

As important, he said, are the state’s tourism mainstays from the Red Sox [team stats] and Tanglewood to Cape Cod to Boston’s historic locations.

5 Napkin Burger to open Boston location today

5 Napkin Burger will open officially open its first location outside New York City this evening. It is located at the Prudential Center, in the former Daily Grille space, and features an extensive list of burgers, sushi, craft beers, wines and cocktails. Make sure to try the Beantown Burger, winner of their Build the Boston Burger contest, featuring maple syrup infused beef with baked beans , smoked Gouda, tomato, and relish on a toasted egg roll. This blog told you about 5 Napkin's coming first back in September!

Use of public money for convention center hotel scrutinized

The debate over whether $200 million in public money should be used to finance a new hotel at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center has begun. The Boston Herald reports on a Tennessee based hotel analyst's take.

“It’s not always a case of, ‘If you build it, they will come,’ ” said Jeff Higley of Smith Travel Research, a Nashville-based firm that follows the hotel market.

But Higley called using public aid to attract a hotel “a risky proposition. “The big question is are you actually adding business to the equation, or are you just moving business around. There has to be sufficient market demand for any hotel operator to come in,” he said.

The Boston Globe also talked to a convention expert, this one from Texas, about how projections for convention centers, including Boston's, don't always reach those numbers.

“What has tended to happen is you build it and they don’t come in the numbers the consultants forecast,’’ says Heywood Sanders, a University of Texas professor who tracks the convention market. “The economic boon is not realized to any significant degree, and the development promised typically doesn’t happen.’’

The Boston experience never came close to original expectations. The convention center produced about half the number of hotel room-nights forecast, and it clearly cannibalized a good deal of the economic value that had been generated by shows hosted at the Hynes in past year

At the same time though James Rooney, head of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority has a very good point that without enough hotel rooms near the BCEC, Boston loses out on many events that would go to the Hynes but cannot because all of the rooms near the Hynes are being occupied by people attending conventions at the BCEC.

Rooney concedes forecasts for hotel stays generated by Boston’s convention business were overly optimistic, but he points out that those numbers assumed more rooms would be built. “I can’t sell what I don’t have,’’ he says.

But Rooney is much less interested in talking about hotel rooms today. He says an expanded convention center will allow Boston to host big meetings for the industries that matter most to our economy, such as medical devices, biotech, and financial services. The idea: Reinforce Boston’s image as a hub for those key industries. “That’s the value, not how many people slept in the Westin,’’ he says.

A day in the life of a hotel general manager

Executive Travel Magazine shadowed Intercontinental Hotel General Manager Tim Kirwan for a day, providing an interesting look behind the scenes at the workings of luxury hotel from the perspective of its top manager. Here's a few tidbits.

Outside, general manager Timothy P. Kirwan stops his car just short of finishing his commute, hopping out to shift trash cans from the building’s condos away from the front of the hotel’s retail space. “You have to have what I call ‘the Eye’ to see things others don't,” the energetic Kirwan says.
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“The lifeblood of any hotel is repeat guests,” Kirwan says later. A large hotel like the InterContinental Boston, where roughly 65 percent of the 200,000 annual guests are business travelers or conference attendees, aims for 30 percent of guests to become repeats. Smaller, boutique hotels with less group business teeter on the brink of failure if that level dips significantly below 50 percent.
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Repeating a line that encourages InterContinental Boston staff in posters hung up behind the scenes, he notes that “the goal is to keep this a great hotel guests love,” just before his cell phone chirps again.

It also talks about an interesting employee alert system the hotel is implementing following a fire in the hotel garage last summer that forced guest evacuation for seven hours.

Fairmont Copley working with Lolilta developer on possible changes to Oak Room and Oak Bar

Speculation grew several days ago after a poster to Chowhound posted that the Oak Room at the Fairmont Copley Plaza would be re-concepted by the folks behind nearby Lolita. Fairmont Copley spokewoman Suzanne Wenz told this blog the following about the hotel's restaurant situation.

While there are no confirmed renovation plans for the Oak Room and Oak Bar, the hotel has engaged CB5 Restaurant Consultants to explore opportunities to refresh the restaurant. The restaurant will continue to be operated by The Fairmont Copley Plaza.

CB5 specializes in the makeover of hotel food and beverage outlets. The Greenwich, CT based company partnered with locals Stephanie and Christopher Jamison to develop Mexican hotspot Lolita in the former Papa Razzi space on Dartmouth Street. So the Oak Room and Oak Bar are not going anywhere immediately, but they could look different in the near future.

Thank you to MC Slim JB and GrubStreet Boston for the heads up on this!

Mizu to host pop-up dinner next month

The Boston Herald's fork lift blog reports today Mizu Salon at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel will be the setting for an April 9th pop-up dinner arranged by chef Will Gilson, chef Louie DiBiccari and Groupon social media consultant Aaron Cohen to support the work of International Medical Corps in the aftermath of the Japan earthquake/tsunami. Having been to Mizu last year for a reception & fashion show I can see how Mizu will work well for a dinner.

Forum to take Vox spot on Boylston Street

Boston Nightlife Ventures (owners of The Tap, Federal, and Noche) will open a restaurant called Forum in the Vox Populi space 755 Boylston Street. There is a back page ad in the current issue of Stuff Magazine announcing a Spring 2011 opening. It was reported earlier by Boston Restaurant Talk, that Boston Nightlife Ventures had been issued a business license for a possible new restaurant at this address. Details on the concept and cuisine were not detailed on the the restaurant's website but from the conceptual drawing in the Stuff Magazine ad it appears they have relocated the bar to the opposite side of where it was at Vox.

Massachusetts "Happy Hour" law means no more alcohol in Groupon deals

Groupon announced Friday that its restaurant deals in Massachusetts will no longer be applicable toward alcohol, reports the Boston Herald. This is due to the state's 25 year old "Happy Hour" law which prohibits the discount selling of alcoholic drinks. Groupon will be refunding all customers who are dissatisfied with the new rules and participating restaurants will not loose any money. There are concerns this action could hurt the appeal of Groupon and other such deals in the state.

It’s just not as good as an incentive as it used to be to try new places,” said Liz Sturges of Waltham, a Cambridge librarian and self-described Groupon “addict” who purchases about five deals a month through the Web site.

In an editorial the Boston Herald asks some good questions about the whole deal.

Here’s an idea — instead of pining for the days of Prohibition in Massachusetts and punishing responsible bargain-seekers for the sins of a few drunks, why not do away with the anti-happy-hour regs altogether?

Food truck owners express frustration with city

The Boston Globe reports today on the dissatisfaction of some Boston food truck operators with bureaucracy of the food truck permitting process. Some also found fault with what they perceive as a lack of city support after they participated in a city sponsored contest last year to win one of three heavily sought spots near Fanueil Hall.

The contest website states that winners would receive “technical assistance, permitting guidance, and assistance applying for low-interest loans from the City of Boston.’’ But contestants say that they haven’t gotten much help finding additional locations to operate in Boston, and they complain that simple requests to the city — from providing extra garbage cans and electricity to allowing tents on the location for inclement weather — were routinely denied.

The Boston City Council recently held a hearing on issuing up to 25 permits for food trucks to operate in the city, with legislation on the issue expected to be passed in the very near future. The city's director of food initiatives told the Globe the city will soon survey potential food truck vendors on their location preferences within the city in order to develop "hubs" where the permitted vendors will be allowed to operate and she told the following to the Globe.

“I’m excited that food trucks are going to be out on the streets,’’ she said. “When people look at Boston, they’re going to see good, fun, healthy, and sometimes not healthy food trucks out there in a way that helps activate the city.’’

US Navy ship in Boston for visit

The USS Ross, a guided missile destroyer, has arrived in Boston for a weekend visit to coincide with the St. Patrick's Day Parade, reports the Boston Herald today. The ship will be only for public tours today until 4pm, Sunday from 12pm-4pm, and Monday from 10am-4pm on a first-come first-served basis.

One Thousand Room Hotel proposed for Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

The Boston Globe today reports that a state commission studying expansion of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center will recommend the construction of a one thousand room hotel adjacent to the center. The hotel and the proposed doubling of the size of the convention center are integral parts of the T5 Initiative, currently under review by the commission. The goal of the initiative is make Boston, currently ranked 9th, one of the nation's top five convention cities. The hotel is important because Boston does not have anywhere near the number of hotels within walking distance of its convention center as compared to its major competitors.

“We’re losing business, plain and simple,’’ said James Rooney, head of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. “Over the last three years alone we’ve competed for 46 events that have told us they can’t come to Boston because we don’t have enough hotel inventory.’’

The proposed hotel would cost $640 million and would require a $200 million public subsidy which would come in the form of tax breaks, subsidized loans, state grants for infrastructure, and other assistance to attract private developers and investors.

There will probably be a vigorous public debate over the the proposed expansion and the public money that will be required of it after the T5 commission makes its recommendations sometime next month.

Phantom Gourmet "apologizes" to Grill 23 hostess

Patrick Maguire of Server Not Servant reports on the reaction of The Phantom Gourmet to the controversy surrounding their comments about a Grill 23 & Bar hostess on their February 12th radio show. On their February 26th show they discussed the show and comments that brought about the controversy, though they would argue otherwise that there actually is a controversy.

Dave: They [The Globe] do sort of try to claim there’s a massive online controversy. That’s just not factually accurate. There’s like 4 guys talking to each other online, I mean that’s ridiculous.

Talk about clueless.

Dave-Click here and read all the links embedded in the post. Tens of thousands of people have read and talked about the inappropriate, derogatory and misogynist comments made by Mike and Dan, and now they’ll be talking about your defending them.

Mike: I do apologize when I said all hostesses are moronic and stupid, and I do 100% apologize. I’m not including the average-looking ones who do a very good job. [Dan laughs hysterically.] I am only talking about the hot ones who have no idea…

Is Upper Crust touting its vegetable quality to deflect recent unflattering coverage?

I noticed in the current edition of the Improper Bostonian that the Upper Crust has taken a full page ad on page 27 to tout the quality of the vegetables they use on their pizza as toppings and in their tomato sauce. From the text of the ad.

Why We're Devoting This Whole Ad To The Subject Of Vegetables. (And Why Most Of Our Rivals Remain Mum On The Subject.)

It may seem a bit odd for a pizza place to get all worked up about veggies but, as anyone who knows us will attest, we're no ordinary pizza place. We like to think we're more of a gourmet restaurant who happens to specialize in pizzas. Overstatement? Read on about how finicky we are with our variety of veggies and judge for yourself.

And it goes on to discuss the vegetables they offer and their tomato sauce, made with Roma hybrid tomatoes from California.

It's so delicious the processor pulled us aside to tell us it's the best recipe he has ever tasted. We were flattered. And chose to believe he wouldn't say that to us just because we're a good customer. Hmmm.

Could the ad be a way to deflect attention back to the high qualities of their mouth-watering pizza and away from recent news involving government investigations of the company?

Could the ad also have anything to do with the recent entrance of Naked Pizza into the Boston market? Check out some great reviews of Naked Pizza by two local food bloggers, The Jogging Concierge and The Runner's Cookie.

Sox look to bring more shows to Fenway this year

This week's edition of The Boston Courant reports the Red Sox are looking to bring possibly two additional weekend concert series to the ballpark in August and September. Currently one concert is scheduled for June 11 and will feature the New Kids on the Block with the Back Street Boys. As for who might be performing Red Sox Vice President of Fenway Affairs said the following to a neighborhood meeting this week.

Some of you may be interested in some and some of your much younger relatives might be interested in others.

It would be great to have more concerts at Fenway this year as this brings in much welcome revenue for local restaurants, bars, and hotels.

Greenway neighborhood still has development void

The Boston Herald reports today on the economic potential of the area surrounding the Rose Kennedy despite the many vacant spots existing there today. Most recently Jody Adams is planning a restaurant at Atlantic Wharf and Stop & Shop will add a two level store near the TD Garden.

The eyesore vacancies along the Greenway include three spaces totaling 13,000 square feet near Faneuil Hall Marketplace, a pair of spots with more than 2,200 square feet at 70 Rowes Wharf and an empty restaurant space at 104 Atlantic Ave.

“The Greenway hasn’t blossomed yet,” said Mark Browne, a principal at Berenson Browne Advisors, a downtown retail broker. “Most retailers are not pioneers, they won’t go to a market without the strong likelihood of being successful immediately.”

Jody Adams plans restaurant at Atlantic Wharf

The Boston Herald reports today that Jody Adams is planning to open "Trade at Atlantic Wharf", her second restaurant venture in the Boston area. Atlantic Wharf is a mixed use waterfront development of high rise office space, loft apartments, restaurant and retail space that is set to open next to the Intercontinental Hotel on Boston's waterfront. The complex is being developed by Boston Properties, owners of The Prudential Center and The John Hancock Tower.

“We see Trade as a high-energy neighborhood restaurant with a youthful European sensibility and a lively bar,” according to a business plan Adams filed with the Boston Licensing Board.

In her filing with the city, Adams noted that the Greenway location has challenges. “The Greenway hasn’t yet been fully exploited as a tourist destination ... this means we will have to ... make sure that residents and visitors from other environs learn about us,” she said.

New Spanish restaurant coming to Kendall Square

Boston Restaurant talk reports today that Kika Taps is coming soon to Kendall Square. The Spanish restaurant and tapas bar will be run by the group behind Tapeo, Dali, and Solea in Waltham. The group also previously ran Pazzo, which closed recently on Newbury Street.

Del Frisco's to open April 23rd

Recently I had the pleasure of taking a hard hat tour of the new Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse, currently under construction at Boston's Liberty Wharf complex, with general manager Gregg Rinaldi. Del Frisco's is located on the fish pier side of the Liberty Wharf complex, directly above Jerry Remy's and below a PR firm. Unlike most of the eight other Del Frisco locations in the country, the Boston spot is all on one level, but unlike all other Del Frisco's this one has sweeping views of Boston Harbor from every table. The dining room is tiered so that the back tables have the same panoramic view of those up front by the windows. Many of the restaurant's two tops are located along the front by the window, along with a few four tops. The harbor view, from the Fish Pier to Hyatt to Logan to Pavilion is excellent. It will be the best view from any steakhouse in the city.

The patio is set to be a highlight of the summer waterfront dining scene. There is an unobtrusive glass wall around the edge and situated slightly above the dining level to keep the ocean breezes from interfering with your dining experience. You will be dining so close to the Bank of America Pavilion you almost won't need tickets.

The Mahogany covered walls inside will be complemented by floor to ceiling wine racks and coolers where the 15,000 bottle wine inventory will be stored. Del Frisco's will offer over 1000 types by the bottle. There will be several private rooms, to be named after the owners of Jimmy's Harborside, previously located where Liberty Wharf now stands. One of the private dining rooms will overlook the water and will have a private space on the deck.

Another striking feature of this restaurant (and indeed all of Liberty Wharf) is the transparency everywhere. The expansive ceiling to floor glass windows allow outsiders a view of the back of the house, including the pastry chef's workspace. I can only think that L'Espalier at the Mandarin and Clio at the Elliot Hotel allow such a privileged view from the outside. Striking also is the oval shaped bar which provides excellent views of harbor during the day and downtown Boston at night. Lastly, there are slips in the front of the restaurant liberty where yachts and other boats can tie up for 12 hours. There is hope that the water taxis will also be able to stop at Liberty Wharf one day.

Del Frisco's is based in Houston and will have nine locations in the United States once the Boston location opens April 23rd. Ironically all of their seafood for the whole company is sourced from Foley's at the Boston Fish Pier, just next door. Del Frisco's is putting about $10 million of work into this location, one of four restaurants in the $70 million Liberty Wharf complex.

Which Boston hotel will take Charlie Sheen?

When Charlie Sheen hits Boston next month, I wonder which hotel he will stay at, or be allowed to stay at. This speculation comes after an incident last October during his stay at The Plaza Hotel in New York City.

Hotel security called police just after 2 a.m. where they found the hard-partying Sheen after a woman called the front desk from the famed Eloise Suite, sources told The Post.

Tables and chairs had been thrown around the room and a chandelier was also damaged, sources said.

The damage to the luxury suite reportedly totaled about $7,000.

ITADAKI to replace Pazzo on Newbury Street

Christina Liu reports via Twitter that ITADAKI Japanese restaurant will open this May in the Newbury Street spot of the recently closed Pazzo. ITADAKI has a website but there's currently nothing on it except for the name.

Charlie Sheen show to hit Boston next month

Charlie Sheen is bringing his live show “Violent Torpedo of Truth" to the Agganis Arena in Boston on April 12th, reports Channel 4. Tickets go on sale Thursday at 10am through Ticketmaster.

The Upper Crust faces new federal investigation, protests

The Upper Crust is facing new protests, against the backdrop of a new federal investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement reports Boston.com today. There is also an ongoing investigation of The Upper Crust by The Department of Labor over possible wage violations. Massachusetts Jobs with Justice is planning several demonstrations outside Upper Crust locations in the next coming weeks. Former employees of the chain say that the investigations and protests are taking a toll.

Publicity about Upper Crust’s alleged labor practices appears to be taking a toll on its business. Sales declined by nearly 20 percent in December, according to several former store managers who recently left the company.

As a result, Upper Crust drastically slashed its payroll, they said, and forced the managers — who do not receive overtime — to work double shifts and upwards of 60 hours a week.

A lawyer for the Upper Crust says the protests are not based in fact.

Berman said boycotts of the restaurants are misguided. He characterized the allegations against Upper Crust as “false, malicious, and defamatory,’’ and said, “we regret that anyone has seen fit to refrain from patronizing Upper Crust’’ because of the reports.

New Faneuil Hall spot seeks Mattapan liquor license

Universal Hub reports today that the Boston Licensing Board will hear a request on Wednesday from the owners of a former Mattapan bar to sell their liquor license to the owners of Mija Cantina & Tequila Bar who plan to open the Mexican restaurant soon at Faneuil Hall Marketplace. Mija Cantina will take the space vacated by the departure of Sam's Cafe at Cheers. My question is where did the liquor license from Sam's go?

Hi-Rise looks to open 3rd Cambridge location

Boston Restaurant Talk reports that Hi-Rise Bread Company is looking to open a third Cambridge location in a new building at 1663 Massachusetts Avenue, next to the restaurant Cambridge Common. While having never eaten at the other two locations I've been by the Huron Avenue location many times on the bus and always been drawn to it by the foggy, clouded up windows from the fresh bread being cooked. I think it would do very well in this location between Harvard and Porter Squares.

Capital Grille to move in August

Back Bay Patch reports today that the Capital Grill which had previously announced plans to move from Newbury Street to a much large space at Hynes Convention Center, will do so this coming August.

There will be seating for 304 inside, and a 32-seat outdoor patio with a high glass partial enclosure.

Capital Grille plans to open in mid-August, with hopefully no more than a two-week lag time after the 359 Newbury St. location closes.

"We're trying," Simão said, "to make it relatively seemless."

Market by Jean-Georges to feature Spice Market cuisine

Market by Jean-Georges at the W Boston Hotel will feature a special tasting menu during the week of April 18th highlighting the cuisine of Spice Market, Jean-Georges' internationally acclaimed restaurant concept. From the Spice Market website.

Inspired by the street food Mr.Vongerichten enjoyed while traveling in Southeast Asia, Spice Market’s menu authentically uplifts its inspirations while offering guests the additional delight of family-style dining – food comes continuously throughout the meal and is placed at the center of table for all to share. With each new dish, patrons are transported to the idealization of a Vietnamese street market or a Thai food stall. Regional fish sauces, curries and spices are tweaked to tantalizing effect in dishes like chicken samosas with cilantro-infused yogurt, a vinegar-infused pork vindaloo and halibut cha ca la vong.

Currently there are Spice Markets in New York City, Doha (Qatar), Atlanta, and London. The Improper Bostonian reports in their current issue that the tasting menu will be a way for the restaurant to test out the Boston market as they look to possibly open a Spice Market here within a year.

For reservations call 617-310-6790 or visit www.marketbyjgboston.com

Local 149 to open Wednesday in South Boston

Local 149, the new South Boston restaurant owned by American Provisions and Biltmore Bar & Grill owner Jason Ownens is set to open at 149 P Street on Wednesday reports Grubstreet Boston.

Mainly, says Owens, the goal is to get residents to eat locally and take pride in the City Point neighborhood, an area that he's seen change immensely in the past few years, especially thanks to its cleaned-up beaches. (Owens himself has lived in the area for years.) Southie's always been a fine place to drink; now there's no reason to flee across a bridge to sup comfortably.

UrbanDaddy also previewed Local 149 earlier this week.

Bacco's Wine and Cheese teams up with Pigalle

Bacco's Wine and Cheese at 31 St. James Avenue in the Back Bay has teamed up with nearby restaurant Pigalle to offer delicious take-out dinners Monday-Friday for $9.99. This week's offerings include Pigalle's Cassoulet, A
Thai-Style Chicken Stir Fry, Turkey Thai Cobb Salad, Everyone's Favorite Chicken Broccoli and Ziti. Bacco's will also feature wines that go with each dish as part of their daily tasting schedule so you can get everything for your dinner in one place.

PAX East conference boosts Boston's economy

The PAX East video game conference being held this weekend at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center will bring more than 63,000 attendees, and pump almost $18 million into the Greater Boston economy, reports The Boston Herald today. It is the largest attended show in Boston history.

“This show is perfectly suited for Boston and Cambridge’s creative economy,” said Pat Moscaritolo, chief executive of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Pumping this kind of money into this city in our slowest quarter, and after the winter we’ve had, will be a much-needed boost.”

The Boston Globe also reports today on how the PAX East conference could become an annual event and could help support the possible expansion of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center as part of the T5 Initiative to make Boston one of the country's top five convention destinations.

Rooney used the show to support the convention center authority’s argument for expanding the center to handle bigger events, the subject of a study being prepared for Governor Deval Patrick. PAX East attendance has been limited to 21,000 visitors per day, forcing show organizers to halt ticket sales on Tuesday.

PAX East co founder Holkins said that Boston is exactly where he wanted the show to be. “We preferred the Hynes Center, with the option to grow into the BCEC, over anything we saw anywhere else — New York included,’’ he wrote in an e-mail. “Plus, every time I’ve been to Boston, I’ve loved the town. . . . I felt at home there immediately, and I am not a person for whom such things come easily.’’

45 Province loses liquor license for not serving liquor

Universal Hub reports today that the Boston Licensing Board has pulled the liquor license from the developers of the 45 Province Street condominiums after they have not been able to open a restaurant in the upscale condominium building. Building owners strongly requested the city give them 90 more days to keep their license (which they payed $225,000 for) and keep negotiating with prospective restaurants to try and find a tenant.

Board member Michael Connolly seemed willing to grant an extension, because the winter after Christmas is a rough time for the restaurant business, but board members Nicole Murati Ferrer and Suzanne Ianella questioned the fairness of letting 45 Province continue to not use the license when there were other restaurant across the city that could use the license right away. The number of liquor licenses in Boston is limited by state law and the board currently has no free licenses to grant.

I think the city should definitely have given the developers more time to find a suitable restaurant partner for the site. If the state were lift the current cap on liquor licenses in Boston, then this would not even be an issue. The Downtown Crossing area is showing many signs of recovery, despite lack of activity in the Filene's redevelopment. I hope the developers file suit against the city and are able to keep their license and proceed to bring another restaurant, which would mean more jobs, to the city. The city should not be discouraging economic development by playing politics. And also why should any business have to pay almost a quarter of a million dollars just for the right to have a liquor license in their establishment?

Lady Gaga hits up Summer Shack during time in Boston

The Boston Herald reports today that Lady Gaga stuck around in Boston after her show Tuesday night at the TD Garden. She went shopping at Rick Walker's on Newbury Street and later had dinner at Summer Shack, both a short jaunt from her posh digs at the Mandarin Oriental Boston.

Later in the evening, Gaga’s gang ordered up two dozen oysters, crabs, oyster shooters, tons of veggies, and, for the Lady: a 3-pound lobster!

The staff was not only in awe of Gag’s appetite, but one reported that she was wearing a black leotard that showed every bit of her, ah, pop princess posterior. Wait a minute, didn’t she buy a pair of pants just hours before?

5 Napkin Burger winner explains his creation

Errick Nunnally, the winner of 5 Napkin Burger's Build the Boston Burger contest tells this blog that he first heard about the 5 Napkin Burger contest through a small piece in the Delta Airlines in flight magazine while returning to Boston from a family visit. Entering the contest on a whim, he explains to Bostonhospitalityindustry.com the idea behind his award winning burger recipe.

My love of BBQ and grilled foods and an understanding of what the New England palette is like when it comes to this sort of thing. I wanted something that was an unusual mix of flavors, but not too weird that just about anyone wouldn't try it.

As for other current favorite burgers in town he has several.

Currently, I'm partial to the Miracle of Science's burger in Central Square. It's awesome! The Station Burger at Kingston Station is a strong runner-up. (Partially because their fries are awesome!) And, finally 5 Guys burgers are a lovely and simple affair, however I can't wait to try 5 Napkin Burger!

He is also looking to organize a Boston burger crawl with a group of his friends, perhaps 5 Napkin will factor into those plans. Errick's burger will be on the opening menu when 5 Napkin Burger opens March 23rd at The Shops at Prudential Center.

Pazzo closes

Pazzo on Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay has closed. It has been bought by a couple who plan to open a Japanese restaurant in the spot. No further details are available at this time.

MCCA issues traffic advisory for PAX East convention this weekend

Boston.com reports today that the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority has issued a traffic advisory for this weekend when the PAX East conference is held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Attendees are being encouraged to take public transportation.

On Friday, the 2011 Penny Arcade Expo East conference, known as PAX East, is set to begin a three-day run at the convention center; the conference is projected to draw 63,000 attendees, said a spokesman for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority. From an attendance perspective, PAX East could be one of the largest events held at the convention center, the authority spokesman said.

5 Nakpin Burger Announces Winner of Build the Boston Burger contest

5 Napkin Burger announced today that Errick Nunnally is the winner of its Build the Boston Burger contest. Errick's burger is The Beantown Burger (maple syrup infused beef, topped with two tablespoons of baked beans, smoked gouda, tomato,
and relish on a toasted egg roll.) He has won $1000 burger bucks and will have his burger on the opening menu when 5 Napkin Burger opens its Boston location on March 23rd at The Shops at Prudential Center.

Max Brenner to open in late March

The Boston Herald reports today that Max Brenner will open its long awaited Boston location at 745 Boylston Street March 31st. Get ready for their amazing chocolate pizza and luscious hot chocolate!

Food trucks sought for movie casting call

Universal Hub reports today that a casting call has gone today in Boston for a movie called "I Don't Know How She Does It" involving Sarah Jessica Parker and among the things they are looking for are food truck owners/vendors and historical re-enactors for work on March 9th-11th. This could the big break for the the Boston food truck industry.

Herald uncovers ISD restaurant inspection fee snafu

The Boston Herald reports today that the City of Boston Inspectional Services Department failed to keep proper revenue paper work on the more than 1300 takeout restaurants it inspects, potentially costing the city hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue from incorrectly assessed inspection fees.

Under city ordinance, takeout restaurants that gross $200,000 or less pay $200 in ISD fees, with fees rising to $1,200 for those that gross $3 million or more. But since 2006, the department failed to require businesses to submit documents verifying sales; did not keep paper records when they were submitted; and, in some cases, mailed forms preprinted with a minimum $200 fee owed — even to businesses that had historically paid far more.

Thank you to the Herald for uncovering this mess. This is money that could be used to support vital city services, such as schools and libraries. Perhaps the head of the city's Inspectional Services Department should offer his resignation?

Cleveland Circle hotel project could close Applebee's

Universal Hub reports that the newly formed Cleveland Circle Improvement Community Task Force will hold its first meeting tomorrow night to discuss the proposed hotel development at the site of former Circle Cinema in Cleveland Circle. Since the project site is in Boston and Brookline, the development (which includes a 180 room hotel, 48,000 square feet of medical office space and 17,000 square feet of retail space with an 8,500 square foot restaurant) is subject to zoning rules of both towns, something the task force will seek to have happen in a public open forum. Currently the developer is looking to build a Hampton Inn on the site and the plan would raze the Applebee's on the site.

One way Hanover Street proposed, taxis in opposition

Michelle McPhee of The Boston Herald reports today on how a plan to make Hanover Street in Boston's North End one way has created controversy among the different stakeholders. Restaurant owner and head of the North End Chamber of Commerce Frank DePasquale is for the proposal.

“This is not our parents’ Little Italy anymore,’’ DePasquale said. “The streets are clogged. Deliveries are being made by idling trucks at midnight. Taxis sit there waiting for new fares while people honk to get by. The double parking. It’s all having a negative impact here.”

However the taxis see it differently.

Taxi driver Ahmed Muhammed, 42, of Brighton, who was on Hanover Street yesterday, countered that cabs need to linger because it’s competitive. “There are a lot of us out there,’’ he said. “One-way street is stupid.”

Gov. Patrick advocates Boston-Israel direct flights

NECN reports this afternoon that Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, in Israel on a week long trade mission, met today with the CEO of EL AL to discuss establishing direct flights between Boston and Israel. The establishment of a direct flight could definitely help the hospitality industry here and also the larger Massachusetts economy.

Sausage Guy develops app for hard to read menus

The Boston Herald reports today that The Sausage Guy Dave Littlefield has developed an app for the iPhone called ZoomMenus that allow the phone to act as a magnifying glass difficult to read restaurant menus.

“I was talking to one of my customers one night and he said to me, ‘I love it here, but I can’t read the menu,’ ’’ said Littlefield, who in addition to his famous Lansdowne Street sausage cart also owns the Salsa’s restaurants in Boston and Hingham. “And my wife has the same issue. I was thinking, ‘What am I going to do? I can’t turn up the lights.’ And that’s when I got the idea.”

Restaurant Week's value debated in Boston Magazine piece

As Restaurant Week begins today, Boston Magazine's Donna Garlough debate's its pros and cons.

From a business standpoint, I get it. When Restaurant Week launched 10 years ago, it was a way to help the city’s eateries fill tables during the slow month of March. Diners, in turn, would get to enjoy some of Boston’s best cooking at a deep discount. Problem is, now the concept feels like a relic of a long-gone restaurant scene. Thanks to the post-bubble economy and the gastropub and brasserie boom of the past five years, good meals are now available at low prices all year.

I think Restaurant Week is here to stay and my guess is that even if she doesn't go out in the next several weeks, there will be plenty of people who will.

Frank DePasquale returns to North End

The Boston Herald reports that Boston restaurant owner Frank DePasquale (Bricco, Umbria Prime, Splash, Mare, Trattoria Il Panino, Gigi Gelateria), who recently moved back to the North End, still returns to his original homeland often.

“I love traveling to Italy,” said DePasquale, during an interview at Bricco in the North End. “All my concepts are around the Italian traditions, culture and mentality. I travel back and forth to Italy at least two to three times a year.”

Sam Adams founder to speak at BPL this week

Boston Beer Company founder Jim Koch (pronounced cook) will speak this Wednesday March 9th at the Boston Public Library's Copley Square location. His lecture is part of the BPL's annual Lowell Lecture Series, which this year is entitled "Boston's Best" and features some of Boston's most renowned people from the worlds of arts, journalism, cuisine, literature, and business. From the BPL website (in case one has not heard of Sam Adams).

In 1984, Jim Koch, founder of the Boston Beer Company, brewed his first batch of beer in his kitchen using his great-great grandfather's original recipe. Six weeks after its introduction, Samuel Adams was picked as "The Best Beer in America" at The Great American Beer Festival; the beer has won more awards in international beer tasting competitions in the past twenty years than any other lager in the world.

The lecture will begin at 6pm in the Rabb Lecture Hall on the library's lower level.

Bourdain seeks to try Craigie on Main, also likes Murphy's Law

The Boston Herald reports today on the Anthony Bourdain /Eric Ripert "Good vs. Evil" show at Symphony Hall last night. During the show they gave shout outs to a their favorite spots in the Boston area.

When asked by the audience about their favorite Boston restaurants, Bourdain said he’s eager to try out Tony Maws’ Craigie on Main in Cambridge since it’s the new darling of his NYC chef buddies. He’s also very high on Rondo’s subs and Murphy’s Law at closing time.

Ripert’s fond of Clio, Pigalle and Bistro du Midi, run by one of his former Le Bernardin chefs.

Robber hits Beacon Hill cupcake shop

The Boston Courant reports in their March 4th edition Isabelle's Curly Cakes on Charles Street was broken into on the night of February 23rd-24th. $1500 was reported stolen from the cash register and the safe. No word though if any cupcakes were taken.

Liberty Hotel staff gets new look

Boston Magazine has an interesting piece in its March edition about another fashion happening at The Liberty Hotel, this one involving their new staff uniforms.

Though the Liberty Hotel was known for its weekly fashion shows and trendy bar scene, its staffers were dressing less like chic professionals and more like the prison guards who worked there back when the property was the Charles Street Jail.

The story's last line is its best.

Guests will have that much more to check out when they check in.

Boston chefs band together to help colleague's mother

Boston area chefs will come together this Saturday, The Boston Globe reports, for a special "Mother's Day in March" dinner event at The Boston Center for Adult Education to raise money to help Cambridge chef Will Gilson's mother repair her herb potting business which was devastated when heavy snow last month brought down her greenhouses in Groton. Gilson is no strange to giving back to the community.

He’s served up his signature herbal menus to raise money for UNICEF and the Greater Boston Food Bank, among other organizations. But after the storm took its toll early last month, he decided to put his talents for a cause closer to home: raising $25,000 so that his mother can make enough repairs to start her season.

Other Boston chefs are ready to lend a helping hand as well.

“There’s a bond in Boston’s restaurant industry that’s completely unique to this city,’’ DiBiccari said. “That’s just how it works here. We’re going to do whatever we can to help Will.’’

James Levine to leave BSO September 1

The Boston Globe reports today on the imminent departure of Boston Symphony Orchestra Music Director James Levine. After exploring the ups and downs of his time with the BSO, the article does end on positive note (no pun intended).

The details of the BSO’s next chapter won’t emerge for many months. But now is the moment to recognize the singular accomplishments this orchestra and its leader have achieved over the past seven years. The city owes James Levine its thanks.

Theatre District shooting kills rising Boston hip hop artist

The Boston Herald reports on late night shooting in Boston's Theatre District that left one local rising hip hop artist dead and a friend wounded in the early morning March 2nd. The incident occurred outside of Underbar on Tremont Street and in a nearby parking garage.

“We lost a family member,” said JAM’N 94.5 FM DJ Hustle Simmons. “Whether you’re tight with him or not, if you’re involved in the Boston hip-hop scene, we all lost a family member. He’s part of the team.”

Coppa's Bissonette wins Food and Wine magazine award

Grubstreet Boston reports that Jamie Bissonette of Coppa (and Toro) has won Food and Wine Magazine's People's Best Chef Award.

"I'm surprised," Bissonnette told Grub Street. "I'm blown away to be nominated for New England, and it's a real honor to win and to win the whole thing for the whole United States. I'm honored to have my name in the same breath as some of these other chefs."

And also And Coppa now takes reservations.

Liberty Wharf restaurants to open soon

The Boston Globe reports today on Liberty Wharf, a $65 million dining and office complex in Boston's Seaport District on the site of the former Jimmy's Harbrside restaurant. Five restaurants are set to open in the complex, including Jerry Remy's which will open next Wednesday. Others include Temazcal Tequila Cantina, Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse, and a new Legal Seafoods.

Each restaurant at Liberty Wharf strives to have distinctive features: Legal Sea Foods is fitted with a 4,300-square-foot roof deck with retractable glass ceilings and walls; Del Frisco’s is building a floor-to-ceiling wine wall; and Remy’s has a massive bank of high-definition TVs as well as rich walnut finishes more typical of a contemporary wine bar.

World's first hotel room search engine developed

The Boston Herald reports today on Room 77, a website and smart phone app that allows hotel guests to view interiors of hotel rooms and window views before they book. They are currently rating about 425,000 rooms at 2,500 three to five-star properties in 16 destinations including Boston.

Christopher Muller, dean of Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration, sees potential for the site among frequent travelers and those concerned about safety and noise.

“And, for someone who is going on vacation and they want to look out the window and see if they have a view of the ocean, that’s also of value,” Muller said.

Naked Pizza to open in Coolidge Corner next week

Boston Restaurant Talk reports that Naked Pizza will open March 7th on Beacon Street in Coolidge Corner, in the former Quizno's space. This will be their 2nd location in the Boston area, the first being in Brighton.

Marriott Copley could face lawsuit once Craigslist murder evidence released to victim's family

The Boston Globe reported yesterday that the family of Julissa Brisman is still waiting to see the Suffolk Country district attorney's office file of evidence in her murder case, more than six months after the so-called Craigslist killer Phillip Markoff committed suicide in jail while awaiting trial. Such evidence could allow Ms. Brisman's family to file a lawsuit against the Marriott Copley Hotel, where Brisman was murdered in April of 2009. It has been a long and hard wait for the family of Brisman, especially her mother.

“It’s like it never happened, like there was never a case,’’ Guzman said in Spanish during a telephone interview. “Once he killed himself, they closed the case, but my daughter’s case must keep going because I want justice for my daughter . . . . He may be dead, but I’m still alive. I’m still suffering. She was my life, the light of my life.’’

Marriott spokeswoman Lucy Slosser released the following statement.

“Our thoughts and prayers are still with the victim’s family and friends,’’ she said. “At Marriott, the safety and security of our guests is always a priority.’’