Four Seasons announces May burger lineup

The Four Seasons Boston has announced the hamburger line up for the Bristol Lounge during the month of May, in which a different burger will be on the menu everyday. This includes the winner of their recent burger design contest. Leading off on May 1st is "The Costa Burger" created by TV Diner's Billy Costa, featuring pepper jack cheese, spicy corn relish along with lettuce and tomato. Other burger submissions come from local food bloggers, including Richard Chudy (Bostonburgerblog.com) and local publications including Boston Magazine and The Improper Bostonian. There is not however a submission from the Phantom Gourmet.

Here the lineup through the month May:

Mon, May 2 – The Four-Cheese Burger

American, Provolone, Swiss and Cheddar



Tues, May 3 – The "Daisy” Burger

Melted goat cheese, mushroom, lettuce, and fennel slaw atop a

brioche bun

*Created and named by Kristen Fenton, indulgeinspireimbibe.com



Wed, May 4 – The Boursin Burger

Sun dried tomatoes, Boursin, Basil leaves



Thurs, May 5 – The Bacon-Lovers Burger

Apple wood Smoked Bacon, Portobello Mushrooms



Fri, May 6 – The Ham & Cheese Burger

Shaved Virginia Ham, Swiss Cheese, Chipotle Aioli



Sat, May 7 – The Sweet Pepper Burger

Caramelized Onions, American Cheese, Sweet Peppers



Sun, May 8 – The “Sunday Funday K$” Burger

Bacon and sliced avocado with a cream cheese buffalo ranch sauce atop a buttered brioche bun

*Created and named by Kristen Oliver



Mon, May 9 – The "Iberia” Burger

Jamón serrano and Manchego cheese atop a garlic and tomato infused brioche bun

Created and named by Andrew Rimas, Improper Bostonian



Tues, May 10 – The “Jackimo” Burger

Swiss cheese, mushroom and caramelized onion with a jalapeno and garlic aioli atop a griddled brioche bun

*Created and named by Jacki Morisi, justaddcheese.com



Wed, May 11 – The “So Not a Salad” Burger

Roasted Peppers, Goat Cheese, Arugula



Thurs, May 12 – The "Swiss MGB (Mushroom Garlic Bacon)” Burger

Bacon, mushroom, Swiss cheese and roasted garlic mayonnaise atop a buttered brioche bun

*Created and named by Chelsee Adams, wearenotmartha.com



Fri, May 13 – In a Pickle

Bread & Butter Pickles, Sweet Onions, Tarragon Mayonnaise



Sat, May 14 – The Ole Burger

Jalapeno Peppers, Green Tomato Salsa, Pepper Jack Cheese



Sun, May 15 – The “Jekyll and Hyde” Burger

Bacon, cheddar cheese and tomato on a grilled brioche bun with guacamole on one side and chili spiced mayonnaise on the other

*Created and named by Susie Anderson: wearenotmartha.com



Mon, May 16 – The Aloha Burger

Pineapple Salsa, Cilantro Pesto



Tues, May 17 – The “Pittsburger”

Cole slaw, apple cider vinegar, sliced and grilled tomato, truffle fries, Camembert cheese and lemon aioli atop a grilled bun

*Created and named by Amy Downey, Bostonmagazine.com

Wed, May 18 – The Crispy Burger

Crisp Onions, Cheddar cheese, Black Pepper Mayonnaise



Thurs, May 19 – The Pizza Burger

Tomato Sauce, Provolone, Black Olives



Fri, May 20 – The Smokey Burger

BBQ Sauce, Smoked Bacon, Mushrooms



Sat, May 21 – The Mediterranean Burger

Feta Cheese, Harissa Mayonnaise, Grilled Eggplant



Sun, May 22 – The “Boston Burger Blog” Burger

Cheddar Cheese, bacon and pickles with a roasted garlic and crumbled bacon mayonnaise and mustard spread atop a classic hamburger bun

*Created and named by Richard Chudy, bostonburgerblog.com



Mon, May 23 – Facebook contest

Tues, May 24 – Facebook contest



Wed, May 25 – The Caesar

Caesar Dressing, Romaine Leaves, Parmesan Cheese



Thurs, May 26 – The "Meesh” Burger

Roasted red pepper relish, jalapeno infused cheddar cheese, bacon and tomatoes atop a brioche bun

*Created and named by Meesh Zippelli, justaddcheese.com



Fri, May 27 – The “Small Boston Kitchen” Burger

Bacon, caramelized onion, mozzarella and provolone cheese atop a garlic and pesto infused brioche bun

*Created and named by Katie Barszcz, onceuponasmallbostonkitchen.blogspot.com



Sat, May 28 – The Sombrero

Avocado, Cilantro, Lime Mayonnaise



Sun, May 29 – The Buffalo Burger

Buffalo Sauce, Blue cheese, Celery Slaw



Mon, May 30 – The Marseille Burger

Olive Tepenade, Soft Montrachet Cheese, Shaved Red Peppers



Tues, May 31 – The New Orleans Burger

Cajun Onions, Creole Ailoi, Dirty Potato Chips

Lucca wins "Good Neighbor" award

The North End Waterfront Residents Association has given Lucca restaurant its "Good Neighbor Recognition Award" for keeping its sidewalks and gutters clean. Lucca beat out neighboring restaurants Dolce Vita and Cafe Vittoria for the award reports Northendwaterfront.com

Globe calls out Harbor Garage for high rates

A Boston Globe editorial today takes Harbor Garage owner Don Chiofaro to task for the garage's rates, which top out at $35 per day. The real problem is that it's $5 for 20 minutes, $15 for the first hour and then after 80 minutes the rate shoots up to $30. Most people visiting the Aquarium next door or taking a whale watch or harbor cruise will need more than 80 minutes and thus have to pay more. The Globe argues that Chiofaro, who is seeking city approval to redevelop the garage, would be wise to offer Aquarium visitors a flat rate.

Cutting the rate to $20 for all Aquarium visitors would make a family trip seem less of a splurge. More people would drive to Boston for a day with the fish and mammals, and perhaps to shop and dine nearby. And the city would have a preview of how good a neighbor Chiofaro might be.

Boston Bike Month kicks off tomorrow

Urban Adventours will help to kick off Boston Bike Month tomorrow afternoon with a biking celebration from 12pm-5pm at Christopher Columbus Park. There will be trike races and games for kids, a contest for the classiest commuter bike, live music from THE WANDAS, info from bike related exhibitors, and a raffle for a brand new bike to benefit MassBike. Exhibitors will include:

* American Lung Association
* Bikes Not Bombs
* Boston Bike Film Festival & MassBike Pike Tour
* Boston Cyclists Union
* Ciclismo Classico
* Equal Exchange Cafe
* LivableStreets Alliance
* MassBike
* MySecretBoston
* RozzieBikes
* Tour de Cure – American Diabetes Association
* Zipcar

Boston Common stabbing leaves man critically wounded

A teenager was stabbed by three men outside a 7-11 on Tremont Street just before 5:30pm on Friday and collapsed across the street in the plaza near the entrance to Park Street station on Boston Common reports the Boston Globe. The victim was taken to Boston Medical Center where is he in critical condition. The area, located near the Freedom Trail, is a very busy area with commuters and tourists though not usually the scene of violent crime say police.

Daytime violence in the Common as serious as Friday's stabbing is unusual, Linskey said.

“Obviously, we are concerned for the type of area and location,” Linskey said “This area has been very quiet.”

Harvard Square MayFair this Sunday

Another of the annual rites of spring in the Boston/Cambridge area is the Harvard Square MayFair which will take place this year on Sunday May 1 from 12pm-6pm. From harvardquare.com.

The 28th Annual MayFair in Harvard Square will provide an exquisite array of entertainment and dancing in the streets featuring six stages of live entertainment, a charity Hair-Cut-A-Thon, Chalk on the Walk; a Dance Stage; Roaming Railroad Train Rides; A Harvard Student Activities Festival, Hot Air Balloon Rides with donations to charity, three Beer Gardens; and over one hundred thousand happy people!

Max Brenner review

The Metro reviews Max Brenner, one of Boston's newest and tastiest restaurants.

It’s a wacky — though not entirely novel — concept. Nearby Finale also centers the dining experience on the sweet course, not the savory.

Max’s Boston is a loud, casual place with a woody tavern-like interior featuring lots of chocolate ephemera. Think Willy Wonka meets “Cheers.”

Arlington moves closer to allowing beer at the movies

Arlington Town Meeting members this week directed town authorities to seek state approval to allow voters to decide next year whether to allow alcohol to be sold at the town's movie theaters reports Boston.com.

By a vote of 133 in favor and 16 against, Town Meeting authorized selectmen Wednesday to petition the state for permission to place a ballot question before Arlington voters about selling beer and wine sales at local theaters.

The Capitol and Regent theaters in Arlington have each expressed interest in selling alcohol to patrons, and the ballot question proposed by the Board of Selectmen would, if approved, give the board the authority to award licenses for the sale of beer and wine to the theaters.

Next door to Arlington in Davis Square the Somerville Theater (under the same ownership as the Capital) serves beer and wine, making it one of the few movie venues in Greater Boston to offer alcoholic beverages.

MIT to host open house Saturday to celebrate 150th anniversary

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology will host "Under the Dome", an open house this Saturday April 30th from 11am to 4pm to celebrate its 150th anniversary. The Open House will also serve as the kickoff event for the Cambridge Science week festival which runs through May 6th.

For 150 years, MIT faculty and students have built innovative bridges to the future by exploring everything from the vast reaches of space to the infinitesimally small world of nanomolecules. Now you can peek under the dome and see for yourself what we do.

Your eyes and your mind will open wide as you explore exhibits, demonstrations, and performances throughout our campus — everything from rockets to robots, labs to lasers, and solar cells to supercomputers. You’ll even get to do hands-on activities using the same amazing tools and technologies our researchers use!

Dive into hundreds of activities in architecture, engineering, aeronautics and astronautics, humanities and arts, science, biotechnology, management and entrepreneurship, energy and the environment, transportation, and the history and culture of MIT.

Also Will Gilson and Aaron Cohen's new food truck Eat Wagon will be making an appearance at Saturday's event reports Boston Restaurant Talk.
For more information on the Cambridge Science Festival visit www.http://cambridgesciencefestival.org

Huntington Theatre gets $10 million gift

The Huntington Theatre Company has received one of the largest gift in its history, a $10 million grant from the Calderwood Charitable Foundation reported the Boston Herald.

While the massive gift is meant to stabilize the Huntington, two areas of growth were mentioned by Cornish and Lowell: support for American playwrights, and increased accessibility to theater in Boston neighborhoods.

Brookline to get self service frozen yogurt

Boston Restaurant Talk reports that YoBro, a cafe selling self service weigh-and-pay frozen yogurt among other items is coming to a location near Brookline Village in late spring of this year.

Harpoon Brewery expands hours

Beginning May 1st, Harpoon Brewery will expand its offerings of tours and tastings to allow more visitors to experience their Seaport District brewery. Weekday tastings will now be offered Monday-Friday at 2pm and 4pm. The brewery will also now be open from 10am-6pm on Saturdays (with tours beginning every half hour from 10:30am-5pm) and on Sundays from 11am-4pm (with tours beginning every half hour from 11:30am-3pm). For more information visit www.harpoonbrewery.com

Chandler Inn renovations completed

The Chandler Inn, at the corner of Chandler and Berkeley Street in the South End recently completed a two year renovation reports The South End News.

Before the renovations, the Chandler Inn was dated, caught somewhere between its construction in the early 1900s and its redesign in the 1980s. Wallpaper, wood, and a drab color palette dominated. Now, the shiny wooden front desk has been replaced by one of brushed metal. The box mounted on the wall for storing turnkeys has been replaced by smooth tile of pleasing earth tones, emblazoned with the hotel’s name.

They are also planning to soon open an extended stay annex to the inn across the street at 56 Berkeley Street.

South End to get new coffee shop

Jaho Coffee and Tea will open in early May at 1651 Washington Street in the South End reports South End Patch today. Owner Anil Mezini currently has two other locations of Jaho in Salem.

The young entrepreneur opened the first Jaho fresh out of college five years ago to much success. The cafe sells coffee by the cup and offers different styles of brew, including drip coffee and French press. Mezini said they also have approximately 100 different types of loose teas, including varieties from China, Japan and India

Boston Common to be wireless hub soon

Free wireless Internet will be available on the Boston Common by the end of May reports Boston.com today.

The initiative has been in the works since February, according to Bob Tumposky, deputy director for management information services at the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

“It started because we got an offer by the networking provider Anaptyx,” Tumposky said. Anaptyx, in Watertown, volunteered to try out some new technology on the Common, he said. The free WiFi services will be sponsored by the Boston Department of Innovation and Technology.

South End's Columbus Cafe appears to be for sale

Columbus Cafe in Boston's South End appears to be on the market reports South End Patch today.

The listing, which was featured on the site Friday, did not mention the restaurant by name but included a photograph of a bar that closely resembles Columbus Café. The restaurant up for sale is described as a “neighborhood café and bar” occupying a corner retail unit with a patio.

Sweet coming to Downtown Crossing

Cupcake shop Sweet is coming to the Downtown Crossing area this July reports the Downtown Boston Business Improvement District. Sweet, which currently has locations in Harvard Square, Newbury Street, and Mass. Ave, will take over the former Copley Flair space at 11 School Street. The winner of a Boston's Best award from the Improper Bostonian looks to open by July 1st.

Meadhall now open in Kendall

Boston Restaurant Talk reports that Meadhall at 4 Cambridge Center in Kendall Square is set to open Wednesday.
From the Meadhall Facebook page.

The Dogma Restaurant Group is opening its first endeavor in the Kendall Sq neighborhood of Cambridge. We are offering a moderately priced, focused menu with sophisticated freshly prepared items along with an extensive list of craft beers on draft. We are committed to superior hospitality and an outstanding food and beverage program in a warm and friendly environment

SoWa Open Market to open next Sunday

The SoWa Open Market will open for the season next Sunday May 1st from 10am-4pm. This outdoor shopping experience in Boston combines a diverse lineup of artisans, a farmer's market, and food trucks. You can find everything from clothing and hand bags to photography and jewelry for sale. The best part is that you can interact with all of the artists and vendors. It's a great way to spend a Sunday in the city. The market is located at 460 Harrison Ave.

For more information visit www.sowaopenmarket.com.

Bloomingdale's outlet coming to Wrentham

A Bloomingdale's outlet store will open at the Wrentham Premium Village Outlets this coming October reports the Boston Herald today. Bloomingdale's is a division of Macy's.

'Missing' gourmet grilled cheese truck makes appearance in Las Vegas

Roxy's Gourmet Grilled Cheese Truck is traveling the country for the filming of a TV show on food trucks reports Boston Restaurant Talk today. One of Boston's (and Brookline's) favorite food trucks was thought to be stolen after it recently stopped appearing in its usual spot in Cleveland Circle. The most recent appearance of Roxy's was at the El Cortez Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas for a food truck festival.
The Globe has a piece on Roxy's Grilled Cheese Truck in today's paper complete with a picture of owner James DiSabitino.

Tickets available for Chef Louie event tonight

Grubstreet Boston reports there are still tickets available for the Chef Louie Boston vs. New York chef cook-off tonight at Jerry Remy's to benefit local hunger-relief group Lovin' Spoonfuls. Tickets are $48 and the action begins at 6pm at Jerry Remy's Boylston Street location. Chef Mike Bergin from L'Espalier represents Boston, and Chef Jackie Kelly from Jerry Remy’s reps for New York.

Legal Harborside pays homage to Jimmys

The Boston Herald reported yesterday that the floor in the new Legal Harborside restaurant at Liberty Wharf was built from the pilings that held up its predecessor Jimmy's Harborside. It's an interesting story which makes you realize why it took so long for Legal's new flagship location to open.

When Jimmy’s was demolished, the piles were pulled from the water and sent to an Amish mill where they were cut into boards, air dried for at least four years, then kiln dried before being installed across the 2,000-square-foot floor of Legal Harborside.

Boloco CEO apolgizes for "union racket" reference

John Pepper, CEO of Boloco, has issued an apology to union members for his twitter reference to "union rackets" when expressing his frustration with the City of Boston over the Inspectional Services Department threatening to close one his restaurants if he did not obtain a city permit to donate 200 burritos to a city-sponsored bike-sharing program announcement on Thursday. His concerns with the city have since been resolved but the twitter comments have prompted some union officials to call for a boycott of the Boloco chain. From his posting today.

An apology is due by a general reference I made on twitter to "union rackets" without further explanation.

Needless to say, labor has been instrumental in so much of what makes this country and city great and its middle class strong. For Boloco, union members are not only our valued customers, but have literally helped build our business as we've expanded across Boston, using predominantly union labor.

Sadly, a couple of labor organizations have taken to protesting our and other Boston retail businesses over a particular disagreement for a number of years--often with signs and statements that are inflammatory, untrue, and have nothing to do with their complaint itself. And yes, their actions have been very harmful to our and other small businesses in Boston.

My reference to "union rackets" in my tweet was to that situation in particular, and I in no way meant to criticize the labor movement or "unions" generally, or union members, who are such an important part of our community.

I should have chosen my words more carefully. Unions had nothing to do with the incident reported in the Globe. While damage has been done (we will respond to each and everyone of you who have voiced concern and more) I sincerely do apologize for this.

DeLuca's reconstruction underway

Reconstruction of DeLuca's Market on Charles Street in Beacon Hill has begun this month reports Boston.com. The market was destroyed in a July 2010 fire and owner Virgil Aiello's plans to expand the shop were met by neighborhood opposition.

In March, Aiello appeared before the City of Boston's Beacon Hill Architectural Commission to get permission to "restore storefront to its original pre-fire condition." Aiello said he has needed permits to continue with reconstruction.

A reopening date has not been set.

Logan car rental facility on track for 2013

Massport yesterday approved plans to build a consolidated car-rental facility at Logan Airport by 2013 reports Boston.com. The new facility will improve traffic flow at Logan by reducing the number of car rental shuttle buses from the current 100 to 28. When it comes online it will also allow Massport shuttles from the MBTA's Blue Line Airport station to access both the departure and arrival roadways. This is a boon to travelers using public transit because departing customers will be dropped off on the correct level and will not have to take an escalator or elevator to access their airline's check in desks.

The planned four-level garage and customer service building will be located in the southwest corner of the airport property and will bring together the nine car rental companies at Logan. They currently have separate offices near where the new structure will rise around Tomahawk Drive and Jeffries Street.

Burrito snafu resolved after conversation

The Boston Globe and The Boston Herald today covered the Boloco burrito donation controversy in which the City of Boston Insepctional Services Department threatened to shut down a Boloco shop unless Boloco got a city permit for the donation. The situation seems to have been resolved after a conversation between Mayor Menino and Boloco CEO John Pepper. There's no word if the $30 permit fee was refunded to Boloco.

From the Globe.

The mayor, asked about the burrito fracas yesterday, was clearly incensed. “He wants to blog, make news?’’ Menino said. “OK, you do your blog.’’
...
“He and I are both frustrated by bureaucracy in general, and I pledged at least three times that I would do whatever I can to help in any way I could,’’ Pepper said. “I’m hopeful we can work this out.’’

Asked how Menino responded, Pepper said, “I think he thinks I could have gone about this in a more positive manner.’’

From the Herald.

Pepper said he talked to the mayor yesterday and had a “good conversation.”

“He was quite disappointed with my having gone public with my frustration, for good reasons,” Pepper said. “It wasn’t a significant event in the life of Boloco or the city, but it was tweet-worthy at that moment.”

Boston Magazine also has an interesting blog post about some of the frustrations businesses encounter when dealing with the city's Inspectional Services Department at 1010 Mass. Ave.

Herald flooded with names for new restaurant

The Boston Herald received over 600 suggestions of names for the new downtown Boston restaurant being opened by Jason Santos since putting out the request in an article Wednesday. The "Hells Kitchen" runner up is now going through them all and making the tough choices. The winner will be announced soon in the Herald.

If he picks your restaurant name, you could be the one invited to a private opening party and have a drink named after you. Because there are so many entries — and many repeats — if Santos likes your suggestion and other people have made the same suggestion, your names will go into a hat and he’ll pick one winner.

Boloco CEO on burrito donation snafu

Universal Hub just posted an interesting piece on the Boloco burrito donation controversy in which the City of Boston Inspectional Services Department threatened to shut down one of Boloco's downtown locations unless they got a city permit to donate food to a city-sponsored event.

Boloco started in Boston and most of its outlets are still here, but Pepper said he never realized he needed a permit to donate food to a city event. Rather than risk having one of his stores shut down, he said, he sent a worker down to ISD at 1010 Mass. Ave. to "pay $30 to donate food to the city."

Pepper said he couldn't believe a city inspector had just threatened to shut down one of his restaurants for trying to do something good for the city, and said the whole thing began to gnaw at him.

Gourmet grilled cheese truck missing

Roxy's Gourmet Grilled Cheese Truck in Cleveland Circle has gone missing reports its Facebook page.

As many of you already know, Roxy has gone missing. Last seen on the Mass Pike heading west bound. We have a national search party trying to find her. Currently searching the highways for trails of cheddar and baby swiss cheese.

I'm wondering who would steal a grilled cheese truck in the first place? Either way I hope they are able to locate it soon as I'm looking forward to trying their mouth-watering sandwiches that use mayonnaise instead of butter. A $10,000 reward is being offered they tweeted recently.

Free Earth Day concert on Greenway Friday

The Rose Kennedy Greenway will host a free Earth Day concert Friday from 12pm-3pm sponsored by radio station 92.5 The River. The concert will take place in the Wharf District Parks section of the Greenway between Atlantic Avenue and High Street and will feature Entrain, Bodeans, and a special guest.

92.5 The River, Boston’s independent and solar-powered radio station is gearing up for a free lunch time concert in honor of Earth Day from noon-3pm. The concert will take place on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, a new model of dynamic outdoor space that brings Bostonians together to enjoy everything that’s great about the city. The Greenway will be transformed into a fun outdoor atmosphere that includes free music, arts and crafts and other activities.

Boloco upset over threatened shutdown at bike-share announcement

Universal Hub reports tonight on how the City of Boston threatened to shut their Federal Street location over a food permit issue for a burrito giveaway at the city's announcement of a new bike-sharing program at City Hall Plaza this afternoon. The head of Boloco took to Twitter to display his anger.

City of Boston threatened 2 shut down fed st Boloco b/c City of Boston didn't pull food permit for their own event. We donated 200 burritos.

How a city can thank businesses for supporting its civic efforts with rudeness, threats, and disrespect has us reeling today.

Not staying quiet any longer. Between the union rackets, bureaucracy, red tape, and lack of graciousness it's a wonder anything gets done.

Meanwhile on the Boloco Facebook page they are giving away free burritos to the first 200 people who leave a posting thanking anyone for anything.

All you have to do is hit "like", post a genuine and creative THANK YOU (for anything or anybody) and leave your Boloco Card # and a burrito is yours... first 200 only... and all of this to make up for the 200 we gave away to a "cause" that shall remain nameless but needs to learn how to say THANK YOU properly ;) Oh...NO BIKE HELMET REQUIRED! (that's an inside joke that's not even funny actually).

If the allegations are true it wouldn't be the first time the City of Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD) has been in the news for their strict enforcement of city regulations.

Rare whales make Mass. appearance

Record numbers of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale are gathering this week just off the shores of Cape Cod reports The Boston Globe today. At one point almost 200 whales, just about half of the known population of the species, were spotted in one day. While whale watching is an extremely popular tourist activity here in Massachusetts from April to October, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries has ordered boaters to steer clear of these endangered mammals and federal law prevents any vessels, other than ones holding research permits, from getting within 500 yards of the creatures.

“We’re used to seeing right whales,’’ Mayo said. “But even though we do a lot of research on them, it’s a thrilling time. It is a very special occasion being around such an extraordinarily rare animal. The coastal waters off of Massachusetts is providing a home for one of the rarest creatures on earth, and it’s very exciting.’’

Towne to soon open renovated patio

The Boston Herald's Forklift blog reports today that Towne Stove & Spirits will unveil their newly revamped patio May 1st. They also have a preview of Towne's new spring menu items.

North End market expanding to South End

Going Bananas, a popular market located on Salem Street in the North End, is expanding to a 2nd location on Tremont Street in the South End reports South End Patch today.

Scire, who has operated his North End shop for 20 years, said the vacant storefront seemed like the perfect place to expand his business. He’s become familiar with the South End through regular delivery trips to Giacomo’s Restaurant.

“I always thought that area would be a good place to open another Going Bananas,” he said.

This is exciting news for this neighborhood. I've heard great things about Going Bananas and can't wait for them to open in mid-May.

City to announce bike-sharing program

Boston.com reports that Mayor Menino will formally announce today the creation of bike share program in Boston called Hubway.

Boston officials said the system, to be called Hubway, will open in July with 600 bicycles and 61 stations in the city, though they envision growing in a few years to as many as 5,000 bikes at more than 300 kiosks, from Brookline to Somerville.

At an afternoon ceremony with bicycling advocates, Mayor Thomas M. Menino is scheduled to sign a contract worth nearly $6 million with a company called Alta Bicycle Share to build and operate Hubway for three years. Alta is also behind a program that debuted last year in the Washington area and now boasts 1,100 cherry-red bicycles at 114 stations.

This is a great idea for the city of Boston to undertake. It's also great that no tax dollars will be used to fund it. It will certainly raise Boston's profile in the eyes of residents and visitors.

Scholars to open today

Scholars American Bistro & Cocktail Lounge will open its doors for the first time today at 5pm. The kitchen will be open until 1am daily, with the bar until 2am. Lunch service begins on Friday April 22. Scholars is located in the former Talbot's building at 25 School Street in the Downtown Crossing Area of Boston. It takes its name from the fact that it is just down the street from the first location of Boston Latin School, now the Old City Hall building and home to Ruth's Chris steakhouse.

Bon Me food truck review

The Boston Globe today has an excellent review of Bon Me, the Vietnamese street food truck, one of the three winners of the city's Food Truck Challenge last year. The truck currently serves daily at City Hall Plaza along with fellow winners Momogoose and Clover.

The public chose wisely. Bon Me’s food follows in the great, growing tradition of mobile eateries serving fresh food fast and — thanks to low overhead costs — cheaply. Judging by the food alone, the Bon Me crew had nothing to worry about. Their riff on the Vietnamese banh mi sandwich ($6), served on a chewy, long baguette with homemade mayonnaise and pate, is as satisfying as it is filling. Diners can wash it down with Vietnamese iced coffee ($2), a knockout mix of sweet condensed milk and dark, chicory-infused java.

I personally would recommend the Vietnamese pad thai. Make sure to add some of their hot sauce to it for a little kick.

Jason Santos seeks help to name new restaurant

Jason Santos is looking for help to name his new downtown Boston restaurant, the Boston Herald reports today.

While Santos lacks a name for his place, his menu is coming along. He envisions an “elegant burger bar concept” that will include milk shakes cooled by liquid nitrogen. The lunch menu will offer Japanese Kobe beef burgers and bourbon-battered onion rings. Dinner will feature his signature hoisin sauce and honey-glazed duck confit.

Santos said he wants to keep burgers priced at about $10 and entrees at $25 or lower

Restaurant name suggestions for Jason Santos should be emailed to forklift@bostonherald.com. The winner will be announced next week. There's no word on what the winner receives.

Oak Room changes may not be drastic

A piece on page ten of the current issue of the Improper Bostonian suggests that planned refurbishing of the Oak Room and the Oak Bar at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel may not be as extreme as once feared. The article quotes the president, Jody Pennette, of CB5 Restaurant Group (the group behind the design of nearby Lolita and Bar 10) as saying there is "no connection" between the Lolita and Oak Room projects.

Acknowledging that the Oak room is "precious to many," and given that the restaurant still does a respectable amount of business, the faceleft may ultimately be limited to new wallpaper and a fall menu. "Stuffiness can refreshed," Pennette says. "We've to be careful; there's no way to miss a bullet on this one." In short it's a makeover not a takeover.

When the question of whether the name of restaurant was changing along with the decor and menu was put to a Fairmont spokesperson, she issued the following statement.

All I can tell you is The Fairmont Copley Plaza is currently undergoing some significant and exciting renovations, which include hotel guestrooms and the addition of a fitness center. 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.

Gargoyles chef to open restaurant in Boston

Boston Globe restaurant critic Devra First tweets that Gargoyles chef Jason Santos' new restaurant will open in mid-June in the former Lobby space on Broad Street. The exact name and concept are to announced soon.
Boston Restaurant Talk and The Feast reported earlier this month on Jason Santos' planned departure from Gargoyles to open a new spot in downtown Boston.

Mija eyes weekend opening at Faneuil Hall Marketplace

Mija Cantina & Tequila Bar hopes to open next Saturday at Faneuil Hall Marketplaces reports Urbandaddy.

We know: Faneuil Hall. Normally reserved for out-of-town friends or to relive the glorious college spirit. However, it’s also now home to your newest rustic oasis of 100+ tequilas, surrounded by wood that once held the snow off the highways of Wyoming (call it Mexico by way of Cheyenne).

To start, you’ll step inside the old Cheers Faneuil Hall space with a few buddies and order up a round of La Sols, made with tequila, aloe vera and Jarritos, a sugary Mexican soda. Then, you’ll take your drinks and your slow-cooked pork quesadillas out onto the 70-plus-seat patio, the perfect spot for meeting tourists from faraway lands (think: Austrian women’s volleyball teams).

It's important to note that Cheers Faneuil Hall is still open. They used to have two side of the Marketplace building but now they are just in one side, upstairs and downtstairs. So you can go to a place where everyone knows your name and then a place where everyone knows there's 100 tequilas in the same night.

Four Seasons announces burger contest

The Four Seasons Boston announced yesterday they are hosting a burger design contest. People are encouraged to submit a video or photo of their personal burger recipe, along with a unique name to the Four Seasons by April 28th. As April is grilled cheese month at the Bristol Lounge (with a different grilled cheese everyday), May will likewise be burger month. The Bristol Lounge chef will choose two winners whose burgers will be on the menu for one day each in May. And the winner will get to eat one of their own burgers free of charge. The Four Seasons is pretty familiar with burgers, having won the Boston Burger Bash back in February at KO Prime. The Four Seasons burger design contest comes on the heels of the successful 5 Napkin "Build the Boston Burger" contest held to celebrate the March opening of Five Napkin Burger in the Prudential Center.

Spice Market menu at W Boston begins tonight

Market by Jean-Georges at the W Boston Hotel will feature a Spice Market tasting menu this week beginning with dinner service tonight. The $58 per person tasting menu is a way for Jean-Georges to gauge the market for a possible future Boston location of his Spice Market concept. Grubstreet Boston has the menu. It sounds tantalizingly delicious.

Local Tea Party Members object to public money for Boston Tea Party Museum

The Boston Herald reports on the reaction of a local member of the modern day member Tea Party movement to the use of public money to support the rebuilding of the Boston Tea Party Museum (and ships) by Historic Tours of America. A "ship-breaking" is set for tomorrow, the anniversary of the famous "shot heard 'round the world" in Concord.

“I’m a big believer in history, so this is something that, if I had money, I’d donate,” said Christen Varley of the Greater Boston Tea Party, formed in 2009 to protest runaway public spending. “The government shouldn’t be involved in something like this, in any way.”

The new Boston Tea Party Museum is seen as a way to draw people to and further enliven the Fort Point Channel neighborhood of Boston. The public money for the project is derived from an $18 million loan to Historic Tours from the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (derived from convention fees and to be paid back at over 23 years at 4.5% interest). The MCCA will also receive 5% of all ticket sales over that period. The project will also receive $3 million Boston Redevelopment Authority grant (part of developer Boston Properties' $5 million mitigation fee from its nearby Russia Wharf project. It's important to note that Historic Tours of America is legally bound to finish the project and cover any cost overruns. The cost of rebuilding increased dramatically after a second fire at the Tea Party site in 2006. I think in the end the investment by the city, the MCCA, and Historic Tours of America will be worth it.

Anthony Bourdain's visit to Boston to air tonight

Anthony Bourdain's Boston episode of "No Reservations" will air tonight on the Travel Channel at 9pm. Check out a preview clip of the episode here. There are some great shots of the city, some of them clearly shot from The Liberty Hotel where he and the crew stayed during the shooting.

Boston Marathon's economic impact is huge

The Greater Boston Convention & Visitor's Bureau (GBCVB) estimates the economic impact of the Boston Marathon to be approximately $132 million, the equivalent of the region hosting the Final Four. From the GBCVB website:

The estimated $132.2 million in spending impact will be generated from the following categories:

• Total spending by 26,923 runners and their guests,
including spending at John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo: $91.1 million
• Total spending by spectators: $10.0 million
• Total spending by the Boston Athletic Association: $6.0 million
• Charity Fundraising events by marathon runners: $15.0 million
• Total sponsors & media Marathon-related spending: $10.1 million

Boston Tea Party Museum to re-open next Spring

The Boston Globe today has an excellent preview of the Boston Tea Party Museum, set to re-open next year. For nearly ten years the museum has been closed due to a lightening strike-induced fire in 2001. During this period there have been many confused tourists looking for one of the city's most historical sites which was not there. Recently the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority partnered with Historic Tours of America (parent company of Boston's Old Town Trolley) and the City of Boston to move the new museum plan forward. A "water-breaking" is planned for this Tuesday.

But on Tuesday, the 236th anniversary of the “shot heard ’round the world,’’ that stunning gap in the city’s historical offerings will start to close as construction begins on a new Tea Party museum designed to not only commemorate the fateful event, but also to allow visitors to relive it. The museum, slated to open in spring 2012, will feature replicas of the three merchant vessels boarded by patriots, the Beaver, the Eleanor, and the Dartmouth, as well as movie-studio quality exhibits featuring a virtual Samuel Adams and King George III.

“Boston has never seen anything like this before,’’ said Shawn Ford, an executive with Historic Tours of America, a Florida-based company that will operate the museum. “We’re using a lot of state-of-the art technology so people won’t know if they’re seeing real people or illusions.’’

The Museum will also feature a replica of a working 18th century tavern. The new Boston Tea Party Museum is part of larger effort to revitalize the Fort Point Channel area of the harbor.

Tico owner takes issue with Marathon parking restrictions

Tico chef/owner Michael Schlow tonight tweeted his frustration with the effect preparation for the Boston Marathon is having on his Back Bay restaurant.

michaelschlow Michael Schlow
So utterly stupid....no valet allowed, barricades everywhere, streets are empty...the marathon isn't for 2 days!!!
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Michael Schlow
michaelschlow Michael Schlow
Boston marathon monday, you'd think we'd showcase the beauty here instead of all the barricades..looks like marshall law has been imposed.

Tico is located on the corner of Stuart and Berkley in the finish area of the Boston Marathon where the family meeting area for finishing runners will be. Marathon related parking restrictions already in effect, preventing valet service for Tico, seem to be the cause of Schlow's anger. I'm guessing the Boston Athletic Association and the City of Boston are not likely to be overly sympathetic to Schlow's concerns as the $130 million economic impact of the marathon is akin to the city hosting the NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball Final Four.

Museum of Science launches Segway Tours

The Museum of Science has launched an outdoor tour of the area surrounding the museum called the Museum of Science Segway Experience reports The Boston Globe.

"We have all this science and technology of the human world packed within a few miles of the museum," Fontaine said. "This was just a natural extension of what we already do."

The parks and shoreline around the building are full of native flora and fauna, and the museum is right down the street from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, the birthplace to some of the nation's greatest scientific achievements, Fontaine said.

This tour sounds exciting and educational. I would love to try it myself. The tour will provide another great way to experience the Boston/Cambridge area.

Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe to star in Mark Walhberg film

Legendary South End breakfast/lunch spot Charlie's Sandwiche Shoppe will host a film crew from "Ted", the Seth MacFarland movie starring Mark Wahlberg reports the Boston Herald's Forklift blog. The filming will take place May 12th and the restaurant will be closed all day. "Ted" will also film at the nearby Union United Methodist Church on May 16th.

Free Grilled Cheese at South Station Sunday

Cheeseboy at South Station (and in Braintree) will be giving away free grilled cheese sandwiches this coming Sunday from 1-4pm to celebrate National Grilled Cheese Month Boston.com reports today. The Cheeseboy Classic sandwich, will be the one being given away. I wonder how long the lines will be?

Nubar to open today

Boston Restaurant Talk reports today that Nubar in the Sheraton Commander Hotel, just outside of Harvard Square. The new spot takes the place of 16 Garden, the Commander's former hotel restaurant.

Priceless Pinkberry at the Pru today

Grubstreet Boston reports that Pinkberry will be giving away free frozen yogurt at their Prudential Center location (in the Fashion Court between Saks and Vineyard Vines) this afternoon from 4pm-7pm.

Ice Cream Truck battle in Harvard Square today

Ben & Jerry's and b.good will face off from 4-6pm today on Dunster Street in Harvard Square in a battle of their ice cream trucks.

People will be able to sample FREE ice cream from the Ben & Jerry's truck and shakes from the b.good truck. Donations will be taken to to benefit Back on my Feet, an organization that promotes self-sufficiency of homeless populations by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem.

Whoever raises the most money during the event will be crowned the champion of Boston’s and Cambridge’s streets and will claim bragging rights to be the most dominant ice cream truck in the city!

Scholars aims to open Saturday

Scholars American Bistro and Cocktail Lounge is aiming to open Saturday on School Street in the Downtown Crossing are. From the folks behind Emmets, 6B Lounge, and Crossroads, the two-level restaurant/lounge in the old Talbots building will feature American comfort food, 16 beers on tap and an extensive craft cocktail list complete with four pool tables tucked in the 2nd floor back lounge . For more on the Scholars menu, check out this article from Thrillist Boston.

Mayor Thomas M Menino also visited Scholars on Wednesday for an event to welcome 32 new businesses including Scholars to the Downtown Crossing area, reports Boston.com.

“I believe that revitalization of Boston’s downtown is one of the best things we can do for our city,” Menino said. “Let’s make good on the promise we’ve made to ourselves that the heart of Boston should be a very special place. I believe it is a very special place, and I come down here often just to walk around and see what’s happening, and a lot of excitement there.”

This event was part of the Mayor's Business Appreciation Series. The next in the series will be at Towne Stove & Spirits on April 28th.

Legal Harborside to open today

Waterfront dining in Boston gets a big boost today. Legal Harborside will open at Liberty Wharf in Boston's Seaport District, reports the Boston Globe.

The 20,000-square-foot, 600-seat restaurant at Liberty Wharf, called Legal Harborside, has three distinct dining areas. Tuna melts, pizza, and small plates are served on the ground floor, which features a fish market and a catch-and-release trout pond for kids. The second level is a high-end dining room with unusual seafood and 46-ounce bone-in rib eyes. Up top, a deck with a retractable roof, outdoor fireplace, and an oyster bar will be open year-round.

Today just the ground floor of Legal Harborside will open with the second and third floors set to open in May. Legal Harborside joins the already open Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar & Grill, the set to open on Saturday Temazcal Tequila Cantina and Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, set to open April 23rd.

Today is the final day for Boston Food Truck Location Survey

Today is the last day to complete the City of Boston's Food Truck Location survey. Let the city know where you would like to see food trucks be located. The Boston City Council recently approved a new ordinance to facilitate the deployment of more food trucks to the streets of Boston. The survey is very easy to do and you can find it here.

Barbara Lynch to do pop-up restaurant in Fort Point

The Feast reports that Barbara Lynch will host a pop-up restaurant at Fort Point furniture store and design studio Twelve Chairs April 28th and 29th.

Called "9 at 12," the pop-up is a collaboration between the shop and Lynch's catering company 9 at Home. The five-course spring-themed feast—see below for the full menu—costs $125 per person, with wine pairings included. There's 50 spots for each of the two evenings; call 617-742-9991 to book a spot. [The Feast]

Greenway to soon host twelve food vendors

The Rose Kennedy Greenway will host twelve food vendors this season, up from six last year, reports today's Boston Globe. The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy decided to increase the number of vendors after receiving a strong positive response from the public. By Memorial Day weekend you will be able to get barbecue, Indian street food, cupcakes, grilled cheese, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, and smoothies from four food trucks, one trailer, one mobile kiosk, one bike, and five carts spread through eight locations on the Greenway. Two of the twelve, Clover and Silk Road BBQ have been open year round since last year.

“The food program is one of the most successful things we’ve done to make the Greenway more comfortable,’’ said Nancy Brennan, executive director of the nonprofit conservancy, “so we were eager to make it bigger, broader, and yummier.’’

The Greenway will also be hosting a new public artisan and craft market this summer beginning in July.

Charlie Sheen stays at Ritz Carlton Boston Common

The Boston Herald's Inside Track reports today that Charlie Sheen stayed over in Boston at the Ritz Carlton Boston Common last night, an upscale spot and favorite of visiting celebrities. Yesterday though no hotel operator in Boston would admit to hosting Charlie Sheen due to his antics last fall that left a room at the famed Plaza Hotel in New York City trashed. Such antics did not appear to worry the AAA Five Diamond property last night.

• We hear the Ritz Carlton Boston Common didn’t know until the eleventh hour that Sheen and his posse of goddesses and hangers-on would be staying overnight after his show at the Agganis Arena.

• As of 8:30 last night, no Boston club would pony up the $25,000 to $50,000 for Sheen to show up at an after party. Rumor, The Greatest Bar and other local hot spots all wanted to host the Hollywood hotshot but couldn’t justify the price on a Tuesday night. They’d barely break even, we were told.

Westin Copley completes renovation

Boston.com reports today the Westin Copley Place hotel has recently completed five month, $18 million renovation of the property. The renovation of the AAA Four Diamond property focused on the total redesign of the hotel's hallways and 803 guest rooms and was the hotel's fourth major renovation in its 28 year history.

"The décor of the new guest rooms and corridors incorporates graceful curves and intersecting lines inspired by the Boston skyline and Copley Square’s grid pattern," the press release said. "The soothing color palette includes a splash of a rusty brick and bay color characteristic of classic Boston architecture."

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More information about the hotel's renovation can be found at http://www.westincopleyplaceboston.com/renovation

Win Free Tickets for Charlie Sheen tonight

Stubhub is partnering with Comet Music to give away free tickets to Charlie Sheen's show at Agganis Arena this evening! To be entered to win all you have to do is follow Comet Music (@cometmusic) on Twitter or like Comet Music on Facebook and tweet #WinCharlie or mention"Win Charlie" to be entered to win. Click here for more information.

Boston Hotels deny hosting Charlie Sheen

The Boston Herald's Inside Track reports today that no hotel in Boston would admit to hosting Charlie Sheen and his entourage as he brings his “Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is Not an Option” tour to the Boston University's Agganis Arena tonight. Sheen had destroyed a room at the Plaza hotel in New York City last fall, prompting concerns from Boston hotel operators. There's also word that he is still looking for a place to host his after party as no club would take him as of last night (possibly due to the $25,000 fee he demanded).

We hear after-party negotiations were down to the wire yesterday between Sheen’s people and Boston promoters. Charlie’s crew demanded $50G to have their boy show at Rumor on Warrenton Street. But just how long Sheen would stay behind the velvet ropes in the VIP area wasn’t clear. The bidding, we’re told, got down to about $25,000. But no promoter stepped up as of last night.

“How does anyone make that money back on a Tuesday night?” a source familiar with the negotiations told the Track.

Aragosta to open tomorrow in North End

UrbanDaddy reports that Aragosta (Italian for lobster) is set to open tomorrow at the Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel. Located in the spot formerly occupied by Sensing, Aragosta will feature Italian-Mediterranean cuisine along with a sixty seat outdoor patio overlooking the harbor. The kitchen will be headed up by chef David Daniels, formerly of Toppers at The Wauwinet on Nantucket.

So the next time you have a work lunch with that cheery fellow from the board, and recall his storied affinity for Fisherman’s Stew when moving already successful bosses further up the chain, this is your spot (the broth may even get you more stock options).

Grubstreet Boston speculates on Aragosta's prospects for success in its waterfront location.

Olives gets more time from Boston Licensing Board

The Boston Licensing Board last week gave Todd English's Olives restaurant 45 days to show progress on its renovations as the board considers revoking the flagship restaurant's liquor license for non use, reports The Boston Globe. The Charlestown restaurant has been closed since a May 2010 fire. English, who came under fire from the Board for not notifying them of the reasons for the re-opening delays, hopes to reopen Olives by July, pending non revocation of the liquor license. The increased attention by the Boston Licensing Board to non use of liquor licenses by their holders has resulted in the developer of the 45 Province condominium building having their license revoked, pending an appeal.

With Govt. Shutdown averted tourists flock to historic sites

Boston.com reports today on how the averted shutdown of the federal government last night has allowed tourists to enjoy visiting historic sites such as the Bunker Hill Monument, The Constitution, and Minuteman National Historical Park.

New restaurant and bar coming to Sheraton Commander

Grubstreet Boston reports that Nubar will soon open at the Sheraton Commander Hotel, just outside of Harvard Square. Nubar will replace the hotel's former restaurant 16 Garden, and is named for longtime hotel owner Edward Nubar Gulesarian. The kitchen will be headed by former Ashmont Grill and Icarus chef Bill Flumerfelt.

This one looks eager to please, with service stretching from breakfast until dinner seven days a week and a menu that hits all the right comfort-food notes. The bar promises local and regional craft beers, house-made infusions, and a roster of classic and modern cocktails.

Scalpers change with the times

Today's Boston Globe has an interesting piece on ticket scalper/film producer Jay Giannone who talks about the changes that have affected the ticket scalping business in Boston, especially the aspect of it that revolves around the Red Sox season.

“It’s a totally different game than what is was before the Internet,’’ Giannone says. “Before it was get up at 8 a.m., work on getting tickets at the box office, then hit the streets getting tickets off people that aren’t going to be able to go to the game. Now, no one is doing that anymore.’’

Fins to open new location in Beacon Hill

Fins, a Japanese sushi restaurant with locations in Kenmore Square and Brighton is planning to expand to Beacon Hill, taking over the space currently occupied by Phoneicia at 240 Cambridge Street reports Boston.com today. Beacon Hill patch reports that the proposal received the support of the Beacon Hill Zoning and Licensing Committee, faring better than a proposal in January for the former Spotted Apron spot further down Cambridge Street. As for why the change is occurring, the current owner explained it at the meeting.

Phoenicia's owner, George Nakhoul, said he sold so that he could spend more time with his high-school age children before they leave. The space needs renovation, he said, and he's not willing to put more years into the business. "Twenty-three years in the restaurant business – it's too long," Nakhoul said with a laugh.

Fenway mixed drinks plan receives final approval

Universal Hub reports today that the Boston Licensing Board gave its final approval today to a plan to allow the Red Sox to sell mixed drinks in five locations spread throughout Fenway Park, except for the bleachers. The drinks, which will contain no more than one ounce of liquor, will probably appear at Fenway sometime next month. This move to a full liquor license for the entire ballpark will also allow the Red Sox to sell their beer and wine license to another venue, possibly the Bank of America Pavilion.

Food Trucks in Downtown Crossing today

Universal Hub tweets that there will be four food trucks in the Downtown Crossing area today from 9:30am to 3pm. They will include The Cupcakory (http://www.cupcakory.com/)
Grilled Cheese Nation, Lincoln Street Coffee, and Will Gilson’s (of Garden at the Cellar) “Eat” food truck. They will be set up in the parking lot across from the Hyatt that is soon going to be redeveloped. The Boston City Council yesterday passed new regulations easing the way for more food trucks to hit Boston's streets soon.

Upper Crust now open in DC

The Upper Crust is expanding to Washington DC. A location of the thin crust pizzeria is now open down the street from the White House at 1747 Pennsylvania Avenue NW. This is the 20th location of the popular Boston-based company. Their website has the following statement.

We, the people, believe in making great pizza available to everyone. For the first time, we're venturing outside our New England home - and heading straight to America's most famous home. Located just steps from the White House, we are sticking to our promise to serve up healthy, delicious pizza and calzones. For those who want to tuck in for a heated debate on the issues of the day, we also serve ice cold beer alongside an impressive wine list.

Locke-Ober owner looks to the future

The Boston Globe's Brian McGrory talks with David Ray, the new Locke-Ober controlling owner, about the venerable Boston institution and his plans for its future. Ray plans to re-open Locke-Ober this week, pending approval from the City and the State on its liquor license. In the piece McGrory compares Locke-Ober to another famous Boston landmark, which coincidentally was also revived by new ownership.

Still, Locke-Ober is a restaurant like Fenway Park is a sports stadium. It is a place apart, a link to a different day and another world in which industrialists, lawyers, stockbrokers, and politicians gathered each noon in a clubby room to dine on food that many regulars never thought was all that great. But the fare was never the point.

It's heartening to hear of Ray's commitment to restoring such an institution, at a time when doing such is not easy and there is talk of other famed spots such as the Oak Room also changing.

“I have time,’’ Ray said. “I own the building. I’m committed to it. And I know it’s not going to happen overnight.’’

Pops push for longer hours meets strong opposition

South End Patch reports on the neighborhood reaction to a proposal by Pops restaurant in the South End to extend its closing times. This interesting piece details the neighborhood opposition to the Pops proposal displayed during a recent meeting of the Eight Streets Neighborhood Association in the South End.

But the outlook for Noble and Overson’s request was grim straight away, especially since ESNA clearly seemed to feel its authority had been undermined: Pops brought the request to the licensing board without speaking to the community first. The board had reached a decision, but wouldn’t reveal what it was until Noble checked in with his neighbors and got feedback on a community level.

The word ‘disturbing’ was used multiple times.

As the debate transpired, it was revealed that ESNA (and UPNA as well) perceives Pops as a needy neighbor that hasn’t done a very good job holding up its end of the bargain: abutters complained of leaky plastic trash bags placed outside without bins (a code violation), the use of the back door to noisily drag garbage into the alleyway late in the evening, cigarette smoke and a pesky exhaust fan. The excessive volume of the early morning cleaning team as well as that of the night staff breaking down the venue at closing time was also cited by several in attendance as completely unacceptable.

City Council approves food truck measure

The Boston City Council today approved an ordinance to make it easier for food trucks to operate on the streets of Boston, reports Boston.com.

The initiative is designed to streamline the permitting process for the trucks, a mushrooming industry that often serve gourmet fare. Food trucks had been allowed in a limited capacity, but the vehicles needed approvals from an array of regulators, including police, fire, inspectional services, and transportation.

The article reports the ordinance will take effect in 30 days and come June the city could see many new food trucks in locations around the city. Currently the city is conducting a survey to determine the best spots to assign trucks. Anyone can submit their ideas through next Wednesday, April 13th. Check out the link here. Currently the three winners of the city's first Food Truck Challenge are operating at City Hall Plaza.

The Mayor's office, the various Boston departments and the City Council should be commended for their collaboration to pave the way for more food trucks in our city.

Could Severin's ousting mean Phantom Gourmet is next?

It was reported on April 4th that Jay Severin was fired by WTKK for comments he made on a show. last month.

On March 29, while discussing the case of American Apparel CEO Dov Charney, who is being sued for sexual harassment by two former female employees, Severin called the women "whores and liars" and said they belong in jail. He went on to say that he had slept with interns.

The Greater Media statement went included the following.

Our company has always encouraged a free and open dialogue on a variety of issues and topics, and we will continue to be guided by that principle. But we also demand that our on-air talent maintain an appropriate level of civility, and adhere to a standard that respects our listeners and the public at large.

The nature of Jay's comments could make one wonder, as local blogger Patrick Maguire of Server Not Servant ponders on a recent Facebook posting, if the Phantom Gourmet hosts will be let go next?

One situational difference is that while Jay Severin was paid handsomely by WTKK, the Phantom Gourmet pays WTKK for the airtime. Canceling their radio show could cost the station more money than getting rid of Severin. Jay's problems with the station also go back further than the Phantom Gourmet restaurant hostess remarks controversy.

However, WTKK parent company Greater Media has already distanced themselves from the Phantom Gourmet once. I think Greater Media's statement above should cause the Phantom Gourmet brothers to pause for a moment and consider toning down some of their on-air shtick, especially their comments about women.

Museum of Science gets Google gift

Boston's Museum of Science has received a $1 million grant from Google, reports the Boston Herald.

“Museums do more than entertain and teach,” Jones said in the post. “I’ve spoken with many Googlers who cite their own experiences in science museums as a positive influence on their decision to become engineers.”

Sox plan for mixed drinks at Fenway gains support

The Red Sox have gained the support of the Mayor's Office, the Boston Police department and several city councilors for their plan to sell mixed drinks in five locations in Fenway Park this year reports Universal Hub and The Boston Herald. The proposal, which the Red Sox submitted to the Boston Licensing Board this morning, does not include a sales location in the bleachers. Heaven forbid if the bleacher people should decide to walk to another area of the park. The Red Sox attorney Dennis Quilty also detailed how the drinks will be very watered down with ounce of rum mixed with ten ounces soda and ice.

Board member Michael Connolly said he was happy to hear the Sox had reconsidered its original plan to sell mixed drinks in the bleachers. "The bleachers are always a potential time bomb," he said. "As long as it's not out on the bleachers, I'm OK with this proposition."

He referred to "the Sheffield incident," in which the then Yankees outfielder got into a scuffle with a fan in 2005 and had a beer thrown at him.

One Universal Hub commenter was quick to remind readers that the "Sheffield Incident"occurred in right field, not the bleachers. Again maybe this is an indication that the Boston Licensing Board is not the most qualified group to be governing administration of the city's liquor licenses? The Board will issue a ruling on Thursday, just in time for Opening Day on Friday.

Olives to re-open by July

Universal Hub reports that Todd English's Olives restaurant in Charlestown, which has been closed since a fire last May, plans to reopen by July, pending the non-revoking of its liquor license by Boston Licensing Board. Todd English was before the board today for a hearing.

English was before the board to explain why Olives has been shut - and its liquor license unused - for nearly a year. The board decides Thursday whether to grant English more time to repair Olives or strip him of the liquor license.

"If this happens again at any of your establishments, you need to tell us immediately," board Chairman Nicole Murati Ferrer told the celebrity chef, expressing frustration that English never told the board about the fire and his need for renovations. "Our rules have to be respected, regardless of who you are,"

It would be a good thing if the Boston Licensing Board decides to give him more time to renovate his restaurant and not strip him of his liquor license. After all this is not going to to cost the government any money. If the restaurant re-opens, people will have jobs, and the Commonwealth will recieve much needed meals tax revenue. Its sounds to me like the Boston Licensing Board could example of goverment reaching a little too far into the lives of its citizens.

Boston hotels wary of Charlie Sheen

Boston's upscale hotels are wary of taking in Charlie Sheen when he comes Boston next week for his "Violent Torpedo of Truth", reports the Boston Herald today.

We’re told the “Two and a Half Men” star-in-exile, his goddesses and “Torpedo” posse haven’t settled on where they’ll bed down while in Boston for Charlie’s April 12 show at the Agganis Arena. But one hotel honcho, who asked not to be named, told the Track that he told his sales staff not to book Sheen because of the wacky warlock’s rampage at New York’s oh-so-posh Plaza Hotel last fall.

“I recommended ‘no’ due to those concerns,” he said.

It was reported earlier here that Charlie Sheen has some problems during a stay at the Plaza Hotel in New York City last fall.

South End to get new Mexican spot

Boston Restaurant Talk reports today on a Zagatt Buzz report that a Mexican restaurant named El Centro will open soon in the former Siraj Cafe spot on Shawmut Avenue in the South End.

Boston Licensing Board suspends use of "beer towers"

Following St. Patrick's Day police citations of two Allston/Brighton restaurants, the Boston Licensing board has issued an order suspending the use of increasingly popular beer towers in all Boston bars and other alcohol serving establishments, reports the Boston Globe and The Allston Tab. The Boston Licensing Board will require any establishments looking to use the beer towers to go before the board for a hearing. Based on the hearings, the board will allow their use on a case by case basis.

“Please be advised the [licensing] board is taking this stance based on its concerns with serving the public need and at the same time protecting the common good and safety of all,” reads the letter that the licensing chair said began being sent out Friday and continued Monday.

Meanwhile, the letter reminds business owners that "prior to the installment of any permanent self-service beer tap system, you must obtain approval from this board to amend the liquor license."

The challenge of beer towers is that by serving up 148 ounces of beer they exceed the state established limit of two drink per person per serving limit. One of the restaurants cited by police said they required at least two-three people to be present in order for a beer tower to be ordered.

Surprisingly the article states that the Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission did not know about the existence of beer towers before the St. Patrick's Day incidents. That makes it seem like they are not qualified to be in the alcohol control business.

This decision by the Boston Licensing Board may have an effect on the proposed table top taps in the new Rock Bottom Gold Medal Tap restaurant to open April 11th on Stuart Street. And I also wonder if it will have any effect on the popular "Yard of Beer" at Sunset Bar & Grill in Allston?

Open Market coming to the Greenway

The people behind the popular South End Open Market, in partnership with the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, are launching a similar open air crafts and art market on the Rose Kennedy Greenway this summer. The Greenway Open Market will be open 11am-5pm on Saturdays from July 9th-September 17th. If the SOWA Open Market is any indication, this market should definitely bring people to the Greenway and make the area even more attractive. Hopefully this market will allow room for some food trucks as well. The exact location of the Greenway Open Market has not been announced yet but I'm assuming its going to be one the spots that is not already green, so possibly the spot near South Station where the Dewey Square Farmers market takes place.

Boston Cruiseport trolley tour access to improve

The City of Boston is going to lease out city-owned space nearby the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal to up to three trolley tour companies this year to allow for the up to 300,000 annual arriving cruise line passengers to easily access Boston's tourist attractions, reports Boston.com. The cruise terminal recently underwent an $11 million renovation last year and the improved trolley access will be a welcome addition as accessibility has been an issue in years past. Even though there is convenient Silver Line access directly to South Station from the cruise terminal, many of those coming into Boston will probably prefer to take a hop-on hop-off city tour from nearby the dock. My guess is that the city will lease space to Old Town Trolley Tours, Supertours and Beantown Trolley as they are the three largest operations in the city.

Boston Pops offers discounts for spring season

The Boston Pops will offer rush tickets, $20 under 40 tickets, and college card tickets to selected concerts in its Spring 2011 season which begins May 11th at Symphony Hall. A limited number of rush tickets will be sold for $9 (cash only) at 5pm before Tuesday and Wednesday evening shows excluding May 24th. The $20 under 40 tickets are available on a first-come first served basis to anyone under 40 for Spring Pops concerts, excluding the college night concerts, May 13, 20, and 24, and June 8 and 11. The Pops will also offer college card tickets for the Spring 2011 season. The college card can purchased with a valid college id for $25 and is good for 1 ticket, subject to availability for Spring Pops performances excluding the college nights, May 13, 20, and 24, and June 8 and 11. Click here for more information about these ticket offers, the season schedule, and to purchase tickets.

The Oak Room still hiring despite possible changes

It's interesting to note that even as the Fairmont Copley studies ways to re-concept the Oak Room and the Oak Bar, they are still hiring for positions at the famed Boston spot. Postings on the hcareers and the Fairmont websites indicate they are hiring for a PM Oak Room busser, an Oak Bar bartender, and an Oak Room host. This doesn't sound like a restaurant that could completely change soon, as Stuff Magazine suggests.

Vera Bradley to open at the Prudential Center

No longer will you have to travel to Burlington, Braintree, Natick, or Wrentham to visit an official Vera Bradley store as they will be moving into the Prudential Center next to Saks in May reports the Boston Herald. Of course you can also still get your hands on get your hands one of the many Vera Bradley quilted cotton luggage, handbags and accessories at Barnes and Nobles at BU, the two Mass. General Hospital gifts shops and a handful of other specialty gift shops that currently purvey the very-popular-among-females bags. The Prudential location will be located nearby the ever popular and similarly colored Vineyard Vines store.

“They already have a strong customer base in Boston and New England and that was incredibly attractive to us,” said Bryan Koop, regional manager of Boston Properties, the Pru’s landlord. “Vera’s brand is built on color and smart design so we know their storefront will be eye-catching, attractive and create a buzz.”

Mandarin Oriental, Shops at Prudential to host Boston Fashion Week

Boston Fashion Week will be held in a central location this September, under a 3000 square foot upscale tent between the Mandarin Oriental Boston & The Shops at Prudential Center, reports The Boston Globe today. A formal announcement will be made next Friday.

The idea of a tent has been bandied about since the showcase began in 1995; it began to take shape three years ago when representatives from Mandarin Oriental and Boston Properties, which owns the Shops at Prudential Center, started talking about hosting fashion shows.

“It was a dream that we could do this, but we had no idea where in the hotel we could make Boston Fashion Week happen,’’ said Edwina Kluender, director of public relations for the hotel.

The City of Boston will also officially designate the week of September 23-30 to be Boston Fashion Week, the first time it has done so.

“Having one central location will really create an opportunity to make this a premiere event for the city,’’ Menino said. “This is going to be a truly professional event, and our talent in Boston deserves that.’’

Massachusetts Convention Center head takes pay cut

James Rooney, the executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority has agreed to a reduction in his annual pay and benefits reports the Boston Globe today. Rooney has led the authority since 2003 and is currently overseeing the T5 initiative to double the size of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and add a new hotel.

After the release of the commission report in 2009, the convention center directors began exploring a new contract for Rooney at lower pay, said Michelle A. Shell, the authority’s chairwoman and a Patrick appointee. Shell said the board also wanted to make sure Rooney’s pay was in line with those of other convention agencies around the country.

Shell also stressed that the board was happy with Rooney’s performance and pleased to work out a deal. The new contract is expected to be ratified by the board on April 14.

“We have great respect for Jim, and we are pleased with all the work he has done,’’ Shell said.