Could Woodward at Ames Hotel soon be closing?

The Improper Bostonian reports in its latest issue that Woodward at The Ames Hotel could be closing soon. The piece, in the magazine's Dish column on page 10, says that real estate company CBRE/Grossman Retail Advisors is currently marketing a lease for the Woodward space, though the hotel denies any closure is imminent.

First Night told to not publicize popular New Year's Eve event

Universal Hub reports that Boston 4 Productions, the group that produces Boston's 4th of July celebration on the Esplanade and also the early New Year's Eve fireworks on Boston Common has asked First Night not to mention the event on its web page.

Does anyone know why?

Woman dies in fall from Radisson garage

Universal Hub reports today that a woman died last night as a result of a fall from the Radisson Hotel garage at 200 Stuart Street.

GEM coming to downtown Boston

Stuff Magazine reports in its latest issue that Big Night Entertainment Group (Red Lantern & The Estate in Boston along with Shrine, High Rollers, and the Scorpion Bar at Foxwoods) will open a new restaurant called GEM at 42 Province Street early next year. GEM will replace Kennedy's Midtown, which quietly closed earlier this year.

Head designer John Stefanon (who crafted the interior for another area hotspot, District) will bring jewel-toned colors, mosaic floors, and dark wood furnishings. And chef Long will serve up an extensive menu of comfort food that's been tricked out like Xzibit's latest ride: think white-corn quesadillas with duck confit or tater tots with green onions and Russian dressing.

Super Hunger Brunch weekend coming

Super Hunger Brunch weekend is coming to the Boston area January 28th and 28th. The participating restaurants generously donate their time, food and services to offer special brunches at $25, $35, or $50 – all to support the Greater Boston Food Bank. In the past three years the event has raised more than $181,000 to provide over 456,000 meals to the hungry.

The following restaurants will be offering Super Hunger Brunch deals: Saturday for $25: The Fireplace in Brookline & Michael’s Harborside in Newburyport. Sunday for $25: Appetito in Newton, Bin 26, The Elephant Walk in Waltham, Garden At The Cellar in Cambridge, La Morra in Brookline, North 26, Stella, and Ten Center Street in Newburyport. Saturday for $35: Grill 23 & Bar, Harvest, & Sel de la Terre (Back Bay). Sunday for $35: Chez Henri, CLINK, Hamersley’s Bistro, Post 390, Rialto, Tosca in Hingham, and 80 Thoreau in Concord. Saturday for $50: L’Espalier. Sunday for $50: Blue Ginger, & Cragie on Main.

Grillo's Pickles featured in Boston Business Journal

Grillo's Pickle's, soon to open the area's first pickle store, is featured today in The Boston Business Journal.

The privately-held pickle merchant won’t reveal financial details. But he said since the launch of the single cart in 2009, he has added 18 employees and the company’s revenue’s increased by 600 percent. Grillo said the business started to take off when he went wholesale with placement of $6.99 packages of pickles at Whole Foods and Stop & Shop as well as $3 pickles on a stick at Fenway Park.

2012 to bring lots of convention attendees to Boston

The Boston Globe reported last week that 2012 will be the city's busiest year for convention business since 2007 with over 600,000 hotel room stays, including the BIO International Convention at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center in June.

BIO organizers said they like holding the annual event here because the city is a biotech hub, and attendees flock to Boston to meet the local players. Next year, the BIO conference expects more than 15,500 people, pumping an estimated $25 million into the city’s economy.

Boston cab driver helps catch bank robber

Universal Hub reports today that a Boston taxi driver helped police nab a woman who robbed a the Citizens Bank location in Downtown Crossing. From the Boston Police report.

Officers then interviewed the cab driver who reported picking up the suspect in front of the Ritz Carlton on Avery Street. The suspect got in the cab and asked the cab driver to take her to Pine Street Inn. The driver turned onto Washington Street and attempted to make a right on Ave. De Lafayette when the suspect screamed, “Don’t go right!” and laid down in the back of the seat so as to avoid being seen. The cab driver asked suspect why and she told him that they were looking for her. The suspect then told the cab driver that she had just robbed a bank. The suspect then asked the cab driver if he knew where any other banks were so that she could commit another robbery and told the cab driver that she would give him a big tip if he drove her to go rob another bank.

Guest Chef Mondays returns to Stella

Stella will kick off its third annual "Guest Chef Mondays" series on January 2nd with Michael Schlow from Tico, Radius, and Alta Strada reports South End Patch this week. Each Monday until March 26th a different guest chef will create a special $40 menu, available along with the regular Stella menu begining at 5:30pm.

The guest chef lineup is impressive and includes Dante de Magistris (January 9), Anthony Caturano (January 16th), Marc Orfaly (January 23rd), Tony Ambrose (January 30th), Louis DiBiccari (February 6th), Will Gilson (February 13th), Robin King (February 20th), Adam Fuller (February 27th), Rodney Murillo (March 5th), Jay Silva (March 12th), Kevin Long (March 19th), and Jamie Bissonnette (March 26th).

GrassFed coming soon to JP

Ten Tables tweets this evening that the restaurant's proprietor, Krista Kranyak, is opening a burger bar called GrassFed in early February in the former Bon Savor space in Jamaica Plain.

Valet industry, city regulators, called out in Boston Globe piece

The Boston Globe last week did an in-depth story on the valet parking industry in Boston and the regulatory process surrounding it. The paper observed valets at several popular Boston restaurants and hotels violating city regulations.

Valet parkers, the Globe found, pay little heed to the requirement that arriving cars be quickly moved to garages or lots. They routinely ignore regulations that forbid double parking and taking up metered spaces. Some grab resident parking spots and even handicapped parking to squirrel away cars belonging to diners. Such violations make it even more difficult for local residents to negotiate already congested streets and park their cars.

And the companies ignore the rules with relative impunity: Indeed, when a City Valet employee working at Umbria on Franklin Street threatened to kill a traffic enforcement officer in 2007, the city listed the incident as “disrespectful behavior.’’ And the sanction for Umbria? “Probation’’ for six months, though there is no record city officials ever checked up on the restaurant.

City regulations also govern valet parking at hotels, hospitals, and residential buildings.

The violations are not confined to restaurants. Several hotels that have valet licenses, including the Ritz Carlton and the Mandarin Oriental, often keep cars at curbside spaces for hours.

The Globe piece even attempts to connect political donations with the level of city enforcement, especially at Jillian's where employees have donated $8500 to Mayor Menino since 2005.

Jillian’s appears to have escaped sanctions after its valet parkers were cited with three violations in 2009 and 2010. Malone, the licensing official, said in an interview that her policy is to issue a warning for a first offense, and suspend the entertainment license for one night for a second offense and for two nights for a third. But Jillian’s received only warnings, instead of a loss of entertainment privileges.

It's worth reading through this whole in depth piece which covers the issues surrounding valet parking in Boston from all sides. It appears that the city and the valet companies are responding to the pressure created by the Globe story and starting to step up the regulation and self policing to avoid any future problems.

JM Curley now open

JM Curley, an American restaurant and bar, is now open at 21 Temple Place in Downtown Crossing. You can also follow the restaurant on Twitter at @jmCurleyBar.

Zinga to open Tuesday

Zinga! Frozen Yogurt will open Tuesday December 27th at The Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square the shop announced on its Facebook page today. Welcome to Boston Zinga!

New ultra lounge coming to Radisson Boston

A new nightlife venue is coming to a hotel in Boston's Theater District this spring. A craigslist posting indicates that a Director of Bars and Nightlife is being sought for the new venue.

The 6,000 square foot ultra lounge is designed to be a one of a kind destination for a diverse and eclectic mix of patrons from the after work professional to the local late night reveler who will enjoy a wide variety of music, entertainment, creative craft cocktails and utensil free cuisine. All of this will be complimented by a whimsical and alluring design and engaging and personal service. Our goal is to create a glamorous and sexy experience for each guest that comes through our door, leaving them with a desire to return and discover something new with each visit.

The posting does not mention which hotel the ultra lounge is coming to but it is mostly like the Radisson Boston Hotel, which is currently undergoing major renovations as it transforms into a more upscale property.

Morton's to be acquired by Landry's

Landry's Inc. will acquire the Morton's steakhouse chain for $116.6 million reported Boston Restaurant Talk last week. Morton's has locations in the Back Bay and in the Seaport District.

Landry's, also the parent company of The Chart House and The Oceanaire, last month acquired McCormick & Schmick's which has Boston locations in Park Plaza and Fanieul Hall.

Blue Wave to close

Boston Restaurant Talk reports today that this Saturday will be the last day of business for Blue Wave, a restaurant and nightclub on Congress Street in Boston's Fort Point neighborhood.

Clio to close for renovations in Januray

Grubstreet Boston reports today that Clio at The Eliot Hotel will close in mid January for renovations. The Ken Oringer restaurant will soon celebrate its 15th anniversary. From January 9th-14th Clio will offer a special $125 menu highlighting the restaurant's past, present, and future offerings.

Boston rental car companies to share info with police

Universal Hub reports today that rental car companies in Boston are now sharing customer information with the Boston Police upon request. The city had considered passing a law to require the sharing of information but the companies agreed to do so voluntarily to help track down criminals who attempt to get away in rental cars.

The Otherside Cafe to remain open

The Otherside Cafe on Newbury Street in the Back Bay, which was slated to close next month to make way for an upscale furniture chain from the Midwest, announced today on its Facebook page that the restaurant will not be closing reports Boston Restaurant Talk. The restaurant's statement on its page said in part,

the building we rent kicked us out before they had made the deal to replace, and then failed to make the deal. This makes me wanna watch the Goonies!"

This is great news for the neighborhood and the city. Boston does not need another upscale place to buy furniture, especially not in the Back Bay. Cities are made unique and fun places to live partly because of the diversity of their restaurants and bars, not because of how many places exist to sell expensive furniture. I'm hoping that Bhindi Bazaar and Island Hopper will stay open as well.

Lululemon to open second Boston store

Yoga shop Lululemon Athletica will open a second location in Boston early next year at 337 Newbury Street reports The Boston Herald today. The first location is in the Shops at the Prudential Center, less than a five minute walk away.

But the new store will have its own set of “ambassadors” — local athletes and instructors who lead free in-store classes, including yoga and running groups, and also test Lululemon gear for its design, fit and function

Mandarin to feed cab drivers lunch today

If you drive a cab in Boston you definitely want to head over to the Mandarin Oriental Boston later this morning. The hotel will be distributing free five star to-go lunches to all Boston taxi drivers today outside the hotel from 11:30am-12:30pm. This is a great move by the hotel as taxi drivers are some of the hardest working and most overlooked work forces in the city.

New enforcement unit to streamline oversight of city's nightclubs and bars

The City of Boston announced today the formation of team of inspectors from six city agencies to conduct a more streamlined inspection process for the city's nightclubs and bars reports The Boston Globe.

The nightclub enforcement unit will conduct unannounced inspections every several months at late-night establishments in different parts of the city to ensure that regulations against underage drinking, overcrowding, and other health and safety issues are enforced. The six person unit will have a representative each from the police, fire, Inspectional Services Department (building and health division), the Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing, and the Boston Licensing Board.

Patricia Malone, director of the Licensing Division, described the new unit as a kind of one-stop shop for inspections of local bars and nightclubs: Rather than conduct separate inspections for different types of violations at nighttime establishments, she said, the unit will be able to check on all potential violations at once.

I think this sounds like a idea that makes a lot of sense particularly after after the shooting last month outside of Venu that left four people wounded. It will most likely encourage nightclub and bar owners to take even more proactive steps than they already are to ensure the safety of their patrons. It's important to note that at the end of the story, the city says this is not about trying to shut places down but rather to help them address small problems before become larger ones.

Thank you to Curbed Boston for the heads up on this!

Pigalle to offer free bar bites

Grubstreet Boston reports today that Pigalle in Boston's Theater District will offer free small bites at its bar Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.

Expect delicacies like short rib and sharp cheddar arancini, mini Monte Cristo sandwiches, and shots of pumpkin soup. The freebies last from 5 until 7, so it's a happy hour-ish situation.

Symphony Hall purse snatcher arrested at concert

Universal Hub reports today that a lady was arrested for snatching two fellow concertgoers' purses at a Holiday Pops show at Symphony yesterday afternoon. From the Boston Police report (complete with Keith Lockhart photo).

When asked if she had been on the floor level of Symphony Hall earlier in the evening, ever though her ticket required her to be in the balcony area, the suspect confirmed that she had been but she was simply walking around. When told that surveillance video had captured her discarding or hiding a pocketbook in the lobby area, the suspect had little to say.

South Station vending machine dispenses the essentials

The Boston Herald reports today on a vending machine dispening t shirts, socks, underwear, sunglasses and other personal items which is now available at South Station (and maybe soon at Logan Airport) from the Boston start-up company Automatic Apparel.

Moro knew almost exactly what she wanted the machines to be like — sleek, touch screen, attention-drawing contraptions. Finding someone to build them, however, proved to be daunting.

Boston Jewish Spirit presents Chanukah celebration Sunday

Boston Jewish Spirit presents a Chanukah celebration concert experience entitled A Light Through the Ages on Sunday December 18th at 4pm at Emmanuel Church (15 Newbury Street) in Boston's Back Bay.

The original text of “A Light Through the Ages,” written by Rabbi Howard A. Berman, was first performed in New York City 34 years ago, and provides a chronicle of the holiday from different times and places over the centuries. Choral selections of traditional and contemporary holiday music highlight the narrative, and the program concludes with a dramatic candlelight ceremony.

This event is free and open to the public.

CBC beers now for sale in selected liquor stores

Eater Boston reported Friday the Cambridge Brewing Company in Kendall Square is now bottling its beers for sale in local retail outlets such as Central Bottle, Boston Wine Exchange, and Craft Beer Cellar.

Next week Meyers will bottle a Belgian double I.P.A. called The Audacity of Hops and he plans to release a single batch of Bannatyne's Scotch Ale before New Year's. After that there will be bottled Sgt. Pepper (a peppercorn saison), Red Gold (another double I.P.A.) and two herbal beers made without hops: Weekapaug Gruit and the Heather Ale.

New Year's Eve hotel packages highlighted

Boston.com highlights some of the most intriguing New Year's Eve hotel packages from around New England including the XV Beacon Hotel, Hyatt Regency Cambridge, The Boston Harbor Hotel, Hotel Commonwealth, The Back Bay Hotel, The Eliot, Hotel Marlowe, Nine Zero, Onyx Hotel, Hyatt Regency Boston, Langham Hotel and the Fairmont Copley Plaza.

Goodbar to seek ABCC input on Boston Licensing Board water pong decision

Universal Hub reports today that Goodbar will appeal a Boston Licensing Board decision to close it for three days due to a police citation for the presence of water pong at the State Street bar. The appeal will be made to the state's Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

The State Street bar's attorney, Carolyn Conway, said today the bar is seeking clarification from the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission on water pong. Conway said that unlike with classic beer pong, as played in states with less stringent controls on bars, Goodbar's water pong involved no prizes or other incentives to swill beer: The bar simply made a water-pong table available for any customers who wanted to try their skill at tossing ping-pong balls into plastic cups filled with H2O.

Man passes out at Hell Night in Cambridge restaurant

Eater Boston reports today (via CBSBoston.com) that an ambulance was called to Cambridge's East Coast Grill & Raw Bar this past Tuesday after a diner passed out during one of the restaurant's famous Hell Nights. It's a good thing diners must sign a waiver before eating some of the spiciest food in the Boston area.

NEC Millennium Gospel Choir at MFA tonight

The New England Conservatory Millennium Gospel Choir will present a holiday concert at the Museum of Fine Arts this Friday December 16th at 8pm.

Founded in 2000 through NEC’s Community Collaborations Program, the NEC Millennium Gospel Choir was created to give praise and prayerful welcome to the coming of a new age. The 200 members, drawn from church choirs throughout the greater Boston area, were individually selected because of their superior dedication, vocal technique, range, and commitment to gospel music. (MFA website)

Tickets are $25 ($20 for MFA members).

Goodbar faces three day closure following underage drinking, water pong citation

Universal Hub reports today that the Boston Licensing Board has decided that Goodbar on State Street in Downtown Boston must close for three days following a police citation for underage drinking and water pong. Universal Hub notes that it is not known how much of the punishment is for the underage and how much is for the presence of water pong at bar.

But after hearing a police detective say he observed a customer taking swigs from a bottle of beer in his hand whenever his opponent scored, board Chairwoman Nicole Murati Ferrer said she didn't see any real difference between chugging down a cup with a ping-pong ball and beer in it and a bottle of beer

It's surprising how a club that attracted a patron who shot four people outside the club at closing time is not penalized, but Goodbar gets a three day shutdown order.

JM Curley eyes Monday opening

JM Curley is set to soft open this Monday at 21 Temple Place in Downtown Crossing. The casual American restaurant from BiNA Family Hospitality (BiNA Osteria, La La Rokh, and Bin 26) is named for former Boston Mayor James Michael Curley. UrbanDaddy has a preview today.

That’s when you’ll come here to devour plates of the Porterhouse Pork Chop and Applesauce and Louisiana-style coleslaw (it’s like regular slaw, only jazzier) at the poured-concrete bar. Or if it happens to be Sunday, you’ll stop in for the Death Row Burger featuring a nine-ounce patty, pulled pork and bacon (the holy triumvirate of heart-stoppers).

Enjoy the Holiday Pops at Symphony Hall even more

The Boston Symphony is offering a $50 food and beverage coupon with the purchase of any pair of tickets for selected Holiday Pops concerts with Keith Lockhart this week and next. The offer is available for the following concerts: December 15th at 4pm, December 16th at 4pm, Monday December 19th at 4pm & 8pm, Tuesday December 20th at 4pm & 8pm, and Wednesday December 21st at 4pm and 8pm.

Tickets be purchased online, by calling 617-266-1200, or at the Symphony Hall Box office.

Check out the Boston Pops Kitchen menu (available at table seating on the orchestra level).

Improv Asylum to host 24 hour comedy fundraiser

The Improv Asylum in Boston's North End is hosting a 24 hour improv comedy performance called No Rest for the Wicked Funny this Friday December 16th at 8pm-Saturday December 17th at 8pm to benefit Globe Santa. The event will feature celebrity guests, live auctions along with some of the best improv performances in the city.

Tickets are $20, however a donation of $35 will help Globe Santa provide a holiday package to one child.

Boston Licensing Board could end water pong in Boston bars

Universal Hub reports today that the Boston Licensing Board on Thursday could vote to take action against The Good Bar on State Street which was cited by Boston Police for allowing a game called water pong to be played in the bar. Apparently the resemblance to beer pong was too close because participants were drinking beer from bottles while playing the game.

Bar manager Ann Marie King and attorney Carolyn Conway said there's really no comparison between water pong and beer pong. In fact, King said the water pong her bar - and, she said, most other bars in Boston - offer is more akin to backgammon, foosball or ring toss than the drinking man's drinking game, because only water is involved.

What I want to know is why Licensing Board member Suzanne Ianella expressed no opinion on the matter? Is she secretly a big beer pong fan? Why was the third board member not even present? What action can the Boston Licensing Board take if only one of its members takes an active role in this case? Does not the Boston Licensing Board have more important matters to deal with?

Oak Bar to host fashion show tonight

The Oak Bar at The Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel will host a Denise Hajjar Holiday Fashion show this evening from 6pm to 8pm. Denise Hajjar is the hotel's "Designer in Residence" and her boutique in the hotel lobby will stay open later after the show's conclusion. Everything in the store will be 20% off this evening.

The dinner and drinks menu will be served throughout the show. Reservations are encouraged. There will also be a Denise Hajjar fashion show on December 20th.

Eat breakfast with the Gorillas this Saturday

Franklin Park Zoo will host a special breakfast with the Gorillas this Saturday from 9:15-10:15am as part of Zoo New England's Breakfast with the Animals for Families educational initiative. Families will enjoy special early entry to the zoo and continental breakfast in the Gorilla exhibit along with a zoo staff member who will discuss the animals and take questions. The cost is $10 per person and $7 for each additional person. Registration is required.

Fuji at Kendall now open

Boston Restaurant Talk reports today that new Japanese restaurant Fuji at Kendall is now open at 300 Third Street in Cambridge.

Olives eyes January reopening

Universal Hub reports today that Olives in Charlestown could reopen as soon as next month Todd English told the Boston Licensing Board today.

The Licensing Board, which has had repeated quarterly visits from English at which he pleads to keep his liquor license as renovations continue and issues what in hindsight turn out to be wildly optimistic re-opening dates, didn't just take English's word: At the board's direction, Boston Police Lt. Stephen Meade made three visits to City Square over the past week. Each time, he said, he saw considerable construction activity in a restaurant that looks like it's nearing completion. This past Friday, he told the board, he saw a truck drop off what appeared to be deep fryers.

This is exciting news and I eagerly await the opening of Olives! Hopefully the Boston Licensing Board will not stand in the way.

Fairmont Copley to begin Oak Room, Oak Bar renovations soon

The Oak Room and The Oak Bar at the Fairmont Copley will be under going renovations beginning January 2nd, 2012 with The Fairmont Copley Plaza restaurant operations temporarily moving to the hotel's St. James room that date per the hotel's public relations director. It has not yet been announced by the hotel what the new restaurant will be like so it will be exciting to see what happens. Hopefully Fairmont will keep the live music component, an important part of The Oak Bar, in the renovated space.

Kendall Square Ice Skating rink opens Tuesday

The Kendall Square Community Ice Skating rink will be opening for the season on Tuesday December 13th. The rink is located at 300 Athenauem Street, just off of Third Street in the heart of Kendall Square.

Skate rentals, lessons, private rink rentals, skate sharpening, and a cafe serving hot drinks and snacks are offered at the 8400 square foot rink, which is located in a landscaped courtyard steps away from Kendall Square's many excellent new restaurants including Kika Tapas, Abigail's, Za, Area Four, Evoo, Catalyst, Meadhall, Champions, Fuji at Kendall, Firebrand Saints, Redbones, and The Venture Cafe.

This Saturday December 17th at 2pm the rink will present a free "Holiday On Ice Show" produced by Frozen Frog Productions featuring local skating talent. (there will be no public skating during the show).

The rink will be open Tuesdays-Thursdays from Noon - 8:00 pm, Fridays from Noon - 9:00pm, Saturdays from 11:00 am - 9:00 pm, Sundays & Holidays from 11:00 am - 6:00 pm, and non holidays Mondays from Noon - 5:00 pm (until 8pm if no private events scheduled).

Additional hours include New Years Eve from 11am to 7pm, Christmas Eve from 11am to 5pm, MLK Day from 11am to 6pm, Presidents Day from 11am to 6pm, and January 2nd from 11am to 6pm.

Griddlers now open in Beacon Hill

Griddler's Burgers and Dogs, a casual hamburger and hot dog restaurant, is now open at 204 Cambridge Street in Beacon Hill. Located in the former space of The Federal, Griddler's is run by Boston Nightlife Ventures, the company behind Noche, Forum, and The Tap.

Kika Tapas to open Monday

Kika Tapas will open on Monday December 12th in Kendall Square. The modern Spanish tapas restauarant, from the owners of Tapeo and Solea, is located at 9 Broad Canal Way in The Watermark Building.

Thanks to UrbanDaddy and Boston Restaurant Talk for the heads up on this.

Tavern in the Square coming to Burlington

Tavern in the Square will open a location in Burlington next year Boston Restaurant Talk reported this week. This will be the fifth Tavern in the Square in the chain.

Boston Restaurant Talk also reports that Burlington's Middlesex Commons Shopping Center is now home to a new Chateau restaurant, a Burton's Grill (opening December 12th) and a future location of Five Guys Burgers.

Burlington is also set to get a Wegmans in 2013. Kings and Dave & Busters have also expressed interest in opening locations in the town.

Thornton's Fenway Grill reopens

Thornton's Fenway Grill reopened this past Friday on Peterborough Street in the Fenway. Thornton's, along with several other local restaurants, were destroyed in a January 2009 fire. El Pelon reopened last month, the first of the restaurants to return.

Thank you to Eater Boston for the heads up on this!

Former Cambridge restauarant to become day care center

The former Marino's Ristorante on Massachusetts Avenue in North Cambridge will soon become a Bright Horizon's child care center. The large Italian restaurant in has been vacant for several years.

Mandarin visitor swipes lobby painting

The Boston Herald's Inside Track reported this week that a visitor to M Bar The Mandarin Oriental Hotel walked out the door with one of the hotel's $2000 lobby paintings under her coat after having a few (possibly too many?) drinks there. It was later recovered by police.

City will not penalize nightclub in Theater District shooting

Universal Hub reported Thursday that after a Tuesday hearing the Boston nightclub Venu will not be penalized by the Boston Licensing Board for a November 18th incident in which one of its patrons shot and wounded four people outside of the club on Warrenton Street around closing time.

The hearing was called to determine whether the board would roll the club's hours back because of both the quadruple shooting and a series of other incidents over the past two years, many at closing, which have tied up police officers from across the city.

Universal Hub also has excellent coverage of the Boston Licensing Board hearing on Tuesday in which the club argued that it should not be held responsible for an incident which happened outside of the club.

Club attorney Walter Prince compared the November incident to the 2009 Craigslist Killer murder at the Marriott in Copley Square, and said that if the hotel didn't have its hours curtailed after that, then neither should Venu.

Sharuck Reza, another manager, said more than 200 people rely either directly or indirectly on the club for employment and that forcing the club to close earlier than its current 2 a.m. would effectively put it out of business and them out of jobs.

Boston strip club forced to close temporarily

Universal Hub reports that The Boston Licensing Board this week mandated The Glass Slipper close for two days after one its strippers was observed by police giving a $300 lap dance that involved contact with the patron.

Grillos Pickles store to open near Inman Square

Boston Magazine's Chowder Blog today reports on the details of the Grillos Pickles store that is coming soon to the Boston area. The pop-up store, to be located off of Prospect Street near Inman Square, could become permanent depending on its level of success.

The Paramount to open South Boston location

The Paramount, a popular Beacon Hill breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot, is set to open in South Boston on Monday December 12th reports the restaurant's website. The South Boston location will be at 667 East Broadway in the former Fish Pier restaurant and market space. The restaurant will have a full liquor license and like the original location will serve breakfast & lunch along with dinner. The Paramount is part of the East Drink Laugh Restaurant Group which also owns West on Centre, The Blarney Stone, and The 21st Amendment.

Sebastian's Cafe now open near Symphony

Sebastian's Cafe is now open at 251 Massachusetts Avenue in the Church Park complex near Symphony Hall. Sebastian's Cafe replaces Au Bon Pain, which closed in July.

Grillos Pickles to open store

Grillo's Pickles today tweets that the company will open the first ever pickle shop in Boston sometime between January and March of next year! This sounds really exciting.

The Palm to close Westin location this month

A call to The Palm at The Westin Copley Place indicates the last day of operation for The Palm at this location will be December 31st. The restaurant, which was unable to renew its lease with hotel, will relocate to One International Place where it plans to reopen in the fall of next year. International Place is located on the edge of the Financial District adjacent to The Rose Kennedy Greenway. Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian steakhouse chain will likely take over The Palm spot (and possibly more space) at The Westin Copley.

Later T service on weekends sought

Boston area restaurant owners are advocating for later MBTA service on weekends reports The Boston Herald today though the T is hesitant to go along with the later hours.

Acting MBTA General Manager Jonathan Davis said the T is saddled with $161 million of debt and uses off-hours to perform maintenance on the tracks and cars. Extending service, even while increasing late-night fares, would boost the T’s staff, electricity and maintenance costs, he said.

A state legislator from Arlington intends to soon file a bill to extend T service until 2am on Friday and Saturdays, with the cost of a ride going up after 11pm.

The restaurant and bar owners argue it also would benefit the city’s burgeoning student population, the developing Seaport District and a possible casino at Suffolk Downs, and want to stage a trial run sometime in 2012.

The push is being lead by the Restaurant and Business Alliance, which has previously successfully advocated for restaurants to be able to serve alcohol before noon on Sundays (aka "The Brunch Bill). The group, lead by Phantom Gourmet CEO Dave Andelman, also pushed for an amendment in the recently passed casino bill that would help regular restaurants compete with the proposed casinos by letting them operate by the same rules as those at the casinos. This amendment became known as "The Happy Hour Amendment" and was eventually amended by the bill's authors to allow for a year long study of Massachusetts liquor laws to determine if any of them are no longer needed.

I think expanding service on the weekends would be a really good idea, however charging more for later service would hurt those who use the trains and buses to and from their jobs. The legislature also needs to help the T figure out its debt and financing issues before any consideration of the expansion of service hours can be implemented.

Legal Harborside seeks ok for live music

Universal Hub reports today that Legal Harborside will seek permission next week from the Mayor's Office of Consumer Affairs and Licensing to host live music and a dance floor. Having live music on the roof deck level would be awesome. I sincerely hope the city will approve this request.

Kelly's Roast Beef to close Allston location

Kelly's Roast Beef will close its location in Allston this Sunday reports Boston.com today. For the first time in the company's history it will have to lay off workers. The location opened in late of last year.

With no parking lot of its own, few available spots nearby and no drive-thru, Kelly's business concept struggled to bring in enough revenue to stay in operation, according to Murphy.

He said four of the other five Kelly's restaurants -- in Saugus, Natick, Danvers and Medford -- have a drive-thru window and offer parking. The flagship location on Revere Beach has neither, but benefits from heavy beach pedestrian traffic, a walk-up window and available parking options nearby.

Boloco to open in DC

Boloco is expanding south next year. The Washington Business Journal reports that Boloco will be opening locations in Bethesda, MD, and Washington, D.C. in 2012. The DC location will located next to one of DC's Hubway like bike sharing stations.

Boloco's store model has evolved from its roots. It used to cost about $150,000 to build a Boloco location; now, the D.C. locations will average about $750,000. They are equipped with Internet and are designed to be a comfortable place for people to hang out. They're also clearly gaining steam nationally; Boloco is poised to bring in $19 million in revenue for 2011, and its existing store sales are up 9 percent.

Upper Crust also opened a D.C. location earlier this year.

Hometown Authors Reception set for Monday

The Hotel Commonwealth will host a Hometown Authors Reception to benefit ReadBoston on Monday December 5th at 6pm. Mayor Thomas Menino will join nearly twenty of Boston's top authors at the holiday party which will also feature a performance by Buffalo Tom.

The authors present to sell and sign their works include: David Becker, Michael Blanding, Marianne Leone Cooper, Jef Czekaj, Mary Ann Esposito, Joseph Finder, William Henderson, Chuck Hogan, Dennis Lehane, William Martin, Michele McPhee, Ben Mezrich, Erin Byers Murray, Victoria Abbott Riccardi, Andrew Rimas, Hank Phillippi Ryan, Casey Sherman, Amy Traverso, and Dawn Tripp.

Tickets are $35, which includes complimentary beer, wine and light hors d'oeuvres. Admission does not include books, but they will be available for purchase.

Call 617-918-5289 with any questions.

Will city's strip clubs survive gentrification?

Universal Hub today wonders what could be the fate of the city's last two remaining strip clubs once The Kensington, a luxury high rise apartment building currently under construction across the street, opens in 2013. My guess is that they will continue to stay in business.

Rwandan coffee shop coming to Cambridge this month

A Rwandan coffee shop called Bourbon Coffee is set to open soon at the Porter Exchange Building in Porter Square reports The Boston Herald today. The Cambridge location will be the company's third in the United States after Washington, D.C., and New York City.

With 2,400 square feet of African-style architecture, artwork and free Wi-Fi, Bourbon Coffee will hold art exhibits and welcomes community and business meetings. Store manager Stacey Manley describes it as a cross between a Starbucks and an independent shop.

The Slutcracker now playing in Davis Square

The Slutcracker, a burlesque version of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker ballet, is now playing until December 24th at The Somerville Theatre in Davis Square. Performances are December 8th-10th at 8pm, December 11th at 2pm & 8pm, December 15th-17th at 8pm, December 18th at 2pm & 8pm, December 19th at 8pm, and December 24th at 7pm.

Boston-area performance artists band together to bring you Boston's newest holiday tradition: The Slutcracker. This scene-by-scene retelling of the Nutcracker, resplendent with ribald parody, "whisks the audience away to a carefree realm of sexual fantasy." The Slutcracker is the sexy-freaky holiday zeitgeist spectacular that will make you squeal--and it just might get you laid. (Slutcracker Facebook page).

Update: The Slutcracker has just added a New Year's Eve show!

The original Ten Tables turns nine

Ten Tables in Jamaica Plain turns 9 years old this Tuesday. In celebration all of the cocktails at the JP location will be $9 on Tuesday. Ten Tables also has locations in Cambridge and Provincetown. Happy Birthday Ten Tables!

Ticketmaster to refund customers

Business Insider reports today that everyone who used Ticketmaster.com to order tickets from October 21, 1999 until October 19th, 2011 is entititled to $1.50 per order (for up to 17 orders) as part of a class action lawsuit settlement against the company. The suit found that Ticketmaster indeed profited off handling fees without disclosing this fact to its customers.

This could end up costing Ticketmaster a hefty amount of money. If, in any given year over the four-year redemption period, less than $11.25 million is redeemed by customers, Ticketmaster is going to donate the remainder to charity.

I wonder what the effect of this lawsuit could be for other ticket companies, sports, and arts organizations that charge a handling fee for online ticket sales?

Some interesting Tripadvisor comments on Boston hotels

Here's a roundup of some of the latest thought-provoking Tripadvisor comments on Boston area hotels. Note that these excerpts are quoted directly from the website and have not been edited.

The next day we were gone mostly and upon coming back to our room we ordered room service which is what broke our back... We ordered Scrod not Scrod with 10 hairs in the lemon juice when I called down to room service the waiter was non caring and when I requested a F&B supervisor I was told one was not on duty... We ended up fighting our bill and left that hotel.. I will never return to that hotel

Arrived at the hotel just before midnight after a long flight from Sydney - hotel has a massive lobby but totally devoid of staff. Literally waited at reception for 10 minutes until someone finally appeared from the back office to check us in.

Obviously been a grand hotel in it's heyday, BUT, that was a long tome ago. The pictures are great but it's quite a bit shabbier in reality. Plus Point, the staff were really friendly and gave " GOOD OLD AMERICAN SERVICE ". I HAVE STAYED IN PLACES A LOT WORSE BUT I REALLY DID EXPECT BETTER IN AMERICA.

On arriving at this hotel, I thought the Big Dig was back in Boston - because the place is being turned upside-down in a major refurbishment. From the car park to the non-existent lobby, staying at this hotel requires patience and ear-plugs.

Breakfast was noteworthy in that when I ordered the "New England" breakfast on the menu the person taking the order had no idea what I was talking about. When the breakfast arrived it was incomplete & I had to make another call to get the rest of the breakfast. Pancakes were as heavy as you hear in horror stories. No light & fluffy in the description here. Very large, portions were huge, just VERY heavy. Sausage was delicious.

The bar was a little snobby for my taste. But the hotel is centrally located so you have many food & bar options to choose from if you prefer to walk around Boston. Celebs are also known to stay there. I saw Derek Jeter at the bar the night I stayed. Didn't say hi though; loyalty to the Soxs but still, cool to see a celebrity staying at the same hotel I was. Means Jeter has good taste :) Though very pricy, highly recommended.

The staff is absolutely outstanding -- helpful, attentive and extremely professional. For all the attention to detail and great service, it's cheesy to charge extra for using WiFi.

For all the price of over $400 per night the towel in my room was so worn out that it literally was shredded to pieces. Door hinges in the bathroom were rusted throughout. All this means that the hotel is gradually falling apart.Also the hotel does not provide free WiFi. It took over 30 minutes to get my car from the parking garage.

The bed was terrible and we had to be up early to get to the airport. Upon attempting to take a shower we found that it was unpleasantly tepid. No "hot" water to speak of. So, if you care about sleeping or showering, perhaps this is not the place for you. But, if you like ambiance and location, go for it.

we stayed for 3 nights in Sept on our arrival the incompetant doorman failed to get all our bags from the trunk of the taxi and then allowed the taxi to leave the hotel. The bag that he left in the trunk contained our money,passports and various other items.The doormans first lie was that most things left in taxis were returned.we never got our bag back.Don't complain to management they will state that it wasn't their fault.Because of the incompetant doorman we had to fly to New York to replace our passports at our expense.You will not get an apology from the management remember it was your fault you allowed the members of his staff to get your bags from the taxi. this is one Hotel we will never say at again.

Messiah begins tonight at Symphony Hall

The Handel and Haydn Society presents Handel's Messiah at Symphony Hall Friday December 2nd at 7:30pm, Saturday December 3rd at 3pm, and Sunday December 4th at 3pm. Harry Christophers will lead a period orchestra and chorus along with soloists Sarah Coburn (soprano), Lawrence Zazzo (countertenor), Tom Randle (tenor) and Tyler Duncan (baritone) in this 158 year old holiday tradition.

Fort Point Holiday Stroll set for tonight

The 2nd annual Fort Point Holiday Stroll is set for this evening from 4pm-8pm. Twenty five businesses will be open offering special offers, discounts and holiday treats this evening.

Participating locations on the stroll include Accidental Gallery, Flour Bakery, Barlow's, Fort Point Framers, The Channel Cafe, The Intercontinental Hotel, The Fort Point Arts Community Holiday Sale, FP3 Gallery, FCAP Gallery, Front/Bob Your Uncle's, Grand Circle Gallery, Linda Huey Studio, Made in Fort Point, Neena's Gallery, Papagayo, Rue La La, Salon Mario Russo, Sorelle Bakery and Cafe, Smith and Wollensky, Strega Waterfront and Twelve Chairs.

Island Creek Oyster Festival is no longer

The Island Creek Oyster Festival will be no longer reports Grubstreet Boston today. The organizers have decided not to continue the Duxbury Beach event, which has been running for the last four years and raised nearly half a million dollars for several important organizations.

In the spirit of innovation, the time has come to end the Festival. It is for the best interest of those causes our Foundation will continue to support, which have grown so close to our hearts, and for the sake of keeping an epic party fresh, that we move on to the next great thing.

Luckily there is a year round celebration of the oyster in Kenmore Square at Island Creek Oyster Bar.

Hotel Buckminster guests busted for eBay scam

Universal Hub reported yesterday that police arrested two guests of the Hotel Buckminster who were running a large scale eBay scam.

Zsold Lendvai and Eniko Somodi's scheme, which involved advertising a goulash of vehicles from cars to bulldozers, began to unravel when somebody noticed his car for sale on eBay and contacted Boston Police, the DA's office says. BPD began surveillance and notified local banks to beware of people attempting to use Greek or Portuguese passports as IDs to open accounts, from which money would then be wired to overseas accounts.

Ironically, The Hotel Buckminster was also the place where infamous Black Sox Scandal was hatched according the hotel's website.

It was in one of the hotel's guest rooms that the bookie and the ballplayer hatched what would become one of the most infamous crimes in American history: the fixing of the 1919 World Series, now referred to as The Black Sox Scandal, that led to the banishment for life of eight ballplayers, including Shoeless Joe Jackson, the disillusionment of the American public, and the institution of the Commissioner system in Major League Baseball.

Orinoco to open in Harvard Square

Boston Restaurant Talk reports today that Venezuelan restaurant Orinoco, which currently has locations in the South End and Brookline Village, is going to open a third location soon in Harvard Square in the former Small Plates space on JFK street.