Openings:

Harvard Square" Shabu-Ya, a new shabu shabu and sushi bar is coming to the square. The Craigslist posting specifically says you don't have to be Asian to work there. Really, it says that. [Craigslist]

Hyde Park: Another chicken joint is now open in Hyde Park, called New York Fried Chicken. However, it is not to be confused with the New Orleans Fried Chicken Shack located around the corner. [Boston Food and Whine]

Porter Square: A unique new pizza shop shooting to use organic and fair trade ingredients is coming to Porter. Probably don't ask the cashier if they're just like The Upper Crust. [Craigslist]

Roxbury: Hen House is a waffle and chicken outpost open for about a month on Mass Ave. Besides their multiple varieties of chicken, there are 12 kinda of sauces! Hear that? 12! This restaurant is basically what would happen if Waffle House had a baby with Popeye's. [Boston Herald]

South End: Though it's not open yet, be sure to move fast and visit the South End's new Circle: Plates and Lounge before it's declared tragically hip and only for wealthy surburbanites. [Chowhound]

West Roxbury: OPA! All American chain Friendly's is getting the boot by the fall for a new Greek restaurant on Centre Street. [Parkway Blog]

[Photo: Gawker]

We thought only some Ella Fitzgerald lyrics could describe our feelings as we crank out this week's openings and closings!

Openings:

Brookline: Head to DeNo's Pizza, "Home of the Sicilian Pizza King," where's Alexander's used to be located. Their other spot in West Roxbury is said to be great for thin-crust pizza and subs, so we're guessing their new outpost will be as well. [Chowhound]

Davis Square: As we mentioned last week, Davis Square's Boloco is heading out. As a replacement, Reading restaurant Green Tomatoes will be opening a second outpost, appropriately named Green Tomatoes 2. Starting at the beginning of August, they will be offering everything from sandwich wraps to prepared meals such as quiches and stuffed chicken. However, no mention of those green tomatoes being fried. [Chowhound]

Closings:

Jamaica Plain: Word about town is that Cafe D in JP is definitely going out of business by September, and a southern Indian restaurant will be taking its place. [Chowhound]

[Photo: Buckingham Boston Apartments]

It's that special time of the year again when you pretend to actually like your coworker so you can gain access to their rooftop pool. So get on it, and bring some delectable take-out as a thank you.

Openings

Boston: A Pennsylvania chain of fresh salad restaurants called Saladworks is looking to the Boston area as its next target. The company's CEO cites Boston's "health conscious and highly educated people" as the reason for the expansion. Yes, he means the city constructed on clam chowder and lobster rolls. [Boston Globe]

Dedham: Five Guys Burgers and Fries is finally coming to the Boston area. The company's director says "We don't pretend to be healthy." We're positive those "health conscious" Bostonians previously mentioned will be hoovering cheeseburgers in between 5K jogs. [Boston Globe]

Fields Corner: We're trying to think of Haitian restaurants, and none come to mind. Solution: Belle Cuisine, the new Haitian restaurant now open in Dorchester. [[Lower Dot]

Jamaica Plain: T. J. Scallywaggle's, the vegan pizzaria in Allston, is opening a second location in JP. That name has always made us think of H.R. Pufnstuf and their creepy puppets that haunted our childhood dreams, but we bet there's enough vegans in JP to make this a successful venture. [Jamaica Plain Gazette]

Theater District: Mexican food is heading downtown when Maria's Taqueria opens on Tremont. How will it compare to Anna's Taqueria? You'll have to try it and see. [Chowhound]

Closings

Bay Village: Rachel's Kitchen has been laid to rest, but Rachel has not. She's now behind Cambridge's Hungry Mother. [Chowhound]

Davis Square: Boloco is closing its Davis Square location, but don't expect their other Boston spots to vanish. This was simply a case of poor location and high competition from the 6 or so other burrito joints in the area. [Boston Globe]

[Photo: 251 Pacific Street]

Restaurant news is pretty quiet this week. Maybe everyone is out luxuriating on the Cape, while we sweat in our apartments that don't have AC.

Openings:

Downtown Crossing: The owners of Lala Rokh and Bin 26, two of Beacon Hill's finest dining destinations, are opening Bina Osteria on Washington Street. Bin 26 has repeatedly won "Boston's Best Wine List", so expect this South End destination to generate quite a buzz. [Craigslist]

Porter Square: The space previously held by Ali Baba will soon turn into Annapurna, which promises to offer "healthy mountain food" inspired by the Himalayan cuisine of Tibet, Nepal, and India. [Chowhound]

[Photo: Clueless in Boston]

While it's sad to think that yet another fourth of July weekend in Boston has come and gone, it's officially time to head out for a meal that doesn't involve stale hamburger buns and green jello mold.

Openings:
Cleveland Circle: Rumor has it Cold Stone Creamery is coming to the circle in what used to be an ATM vestibule. If you're looking for a delicious sundae that's equivalent to your daily caloric intake, make sure to stop on by. [Hot, Buttered, and Toasted]

Downtown Crossing: The owners of Beacon Hill gem Lala Rokh are opening a new restaurant and market downtown by the Ritz Carlton in the fall. We think it's great to see dining establishments popping up in Downtown Crossing that aren't just food courts. [Boston on the Go]

Malden: A new organic vegan restaurant is now open on Washington Street. While Malden's not exactly a spot we'd immediately associate with vegans, the low prices and diverse offerings will hopefully draw a crowd. [Chowhound]

South Boston: This weekend, the D Street Cafe, a new outdoor restaurant on the waterfront opened to serve as a relaxed, seasonal place for friends and family to gather. If you love eating in front of a beautiful landscape while listening to live music, you'll have to try it out. [Boston Food and Whine]

South End: Rudi's Resto Cafe is opening a second venue near Boston Medical Center. The new location will have 200 seats, an outdoor dining area, and a full bar. Nothing like a full liquor license to reel us in. [Craigslist]

West Roxbury: Alfredo's of Quincy will be opening another branch in West Roxbury where the Vintage Restaurant used to be. [Parkway Boston]

[Photo: seosmh/Flickr]

It's sad to think that fires and sky-rocketing rents are claiming multiple restaurants in the city. But cheer up...There's a new Hooters coming to Saugus!

Openings:

Beacon Hill: Anna's Taqueria has finally opened on Cambridge Street across from MGH. You can now enjoy one of their delectable breakfast burritos on your walk to work, because they'll be open at 7am on the weekdays. [Burrito Blog]

East Boston: Come July, the former site of Sablone's Veal n' Vintage will become a restaurant named Ecco. [The Hubster]

Lower Mills: Dorchester continues to be a popular spot booming with diversity. Meanwhile, The Ledge Restaurant and Bar is hoping to capitalize on the revamping of the neighborhood. [Lower Dot]

Saugus: Last but certainly not least, Hooters is opening up in Saugus. So grab your grandma and your best set of pearls, because you want to look spiffy for this crowd. [Chowhound]

Closings:

Allston: Yet again, another gem in Allston has been claimed by fire. Good Korean food is hard to find, so Hanmaru will be missed. [Chowhound]

Allston: Rumor has it the same fire that wrecked Hanmaru also claimed Color. Let's hope they will rebuild. [Chowhound]

Huron Village: Jamaican food will become even more rare now that Ortanique is closed. With rents so ridiculously high, it must have been hard to stay afloat. [Chowhound]

[Photo: Free Foto]

This week kicked off the official start of summer, so deal with the fact that you have no air conditioning by spending time in the restaurants with your friends and family.

Openings

Allston: A Taiwanese restaurant named Jo Jo TaiPei has taken the spot of the New Trend Eatery. The buzz is very positive, so go get yourself some of the duck tongue that's on the menu. [Chowhound]

Brookline: A new barbecue restaurant and bar named Roadhouse Craft Beer & BBQ is coming to town. Hey, we just like anything that has the same name as a Patrick Swayze movie. [Craigslist]

Cambridge: The KFC/Taco Bell on Mass Ave in Porter Square has a menu posted that says "Banjo- BBQ & Deli Combo." Not sure if this means the KFC is leaving, but life would definitely still go on if Colonel Sanders was forced into a retirement community. [Chowhound]

Roslindale: Roslindale Square now has a new sandwich shop called the Square Corner Cafe. Rumor has it the menu has everything from paninis and calzones to pasta dishes, as well as a great kids menu. So break out those retractable toddler leashes and head to Rozzie. [Universal Hub]

Closings
Jamaica Plain: Planet Pizza has been mysteriously closed for two weeks. The curious readers at Chowhound have ruled out health code violations or a death in the owner's family, so it will be interesting to see if anything new is coming in. [Chowhound]

[Photo: WBUR]

Openings
Roslindale: Over on Washington Street, a new seafood takeout restaurant named Blowfish is coming soon. Let's hope it doesn't blow. [Universal Hub]

Closings:
Allston: The Grecian Yearning Diner on Harvard Street unfortunately fell victim to a fire last week. The neighborhood favorite will have to be remembered through film, as it was used last year in a scene starring Morgan Freeman and Christopher Walken. [Wicked Local: Allston Brighton]

[Photo: PODC]

This week's new restaurants all have a Spanish flavor, and we aren't complaining.

Openings

East Boston: A restaurant and bar named La Hacienda is coming to East Boston to take over the spot priorly held by Caffe Italia. [Chowhound]

Somerville: A new Mexican/Salvadoran restaurant named Maya Sol is now open, and rumor has it the prices are unbeatable. There's nothing like $1.50 tacos! [Chowhound]

Waltham: Tango Mango is opening where Hungry Coyote used to be on Moody Street. Internet buzz about their Newton location isn't too positive, so let's hope Waltham is better. [Chowhound]

Photo: [Ammo Advertising]

Openings

Boston: Potbelly Sandwich Works is opening in Boston for those of you looking for the perfect toasted sandwich and milkshake. [Craigslist]

South End: Rumor has it Stephanie's on Newbury is opening another branch where Garden of Eden was located. So now will they call it Stephanie's...on Tremont? [Chowhound]

Watertown Square: Comfort promises to provide, what else, comfort food. Sounds much better than eating Kraft mac and cheese in your sweats on the couch. [Zagat]

West Roxbury: The Local Scoop Ice Creamery will offer everything from low carb ice cream to specialties such as the ice cream pizza, which feeds 10 people, or one female recently dumped by her boyfriend. [Parkway Blog]

Closings

Downtown: James Hook and Co. unfortunately went up in flames on Friday. Luckily nobody was hurt, but 60,000 lbs of lobster was a casualty. [Boston Globe]

Back Bay: Boston Public, housed in the Louis Boston building, has closed due to financial reasons. Hundreds of European socialites are planning a memorial service. Designer sunglasses are mandatory. [Boston Globe]

[Photo: Edweek]

We are glad we don't have to report the closings of any local restaurants. Nothing but growth - ain't-a that good news?

Openings
Harvard Square: Is it just us, or is the Upper Crust suddenly popping up absolutely everywhere? We're not complaining, either. [Boston Business Journal]
Roslindale: Does Rozzy need another Chinese restaurant? Can we sit down in this new one? Next time, can we have Indian? [Universal Hub]
South End: Chowhounders see a sign for Circle Plates and Lounge, but nobody's really sure what it is - yet. [Chowhound]

Expanding
South End: Is there anything not to like about the South End Buttery? Maybe that it doesn't offer enough excitement? We never thought so, but it seems they're looking for line cooks and prep cooks for an "exciting new concept for the South End". We look forward to its development. [Craigslist]

[Photo: My Ninja Please]

Openings
Alewife: Near the new Trolley Square development, a new cafe. Singabella has mostly Italian fare, but there is a Middle Eastern portion of their menu, as well. [Chowhound]

East Boston: Chowhounders prophesy that D'Parma will do well. [Chowhound]

Kendall Square: The theme of MexiCali Burrito Company? Think San Francisco Mission District. But in Technology Square. [Cantabrigia]

Newton: No one's sure who will be more shocked when trendy BOKX 109 opens - Newton, or the folks who just opened up a "steak with attitude" restaurant there. [Hot, Buttered, and Toasted]

Closed

Coolidge Corner: Shabu Village has closed. Too bad, as it was a local favorite. [Hot, Buttered, and Toasted]

South End: We didn't think the Garden Of Eden would ever close. Fortunately, sister store Lionette's Market will only be moving to somewhere else in the South End. [Boston.com]

[Photo: Massachusetts Tours]

Desserts really are the new black, and even more hipster hangouts see that change is in the air.

Opening
Back Bay: Look out! The world's cutest cupcakes are moving in on Mass Ave! Well, we're excited. [Sweet Boston]
Davis Square: Intriguing - Dairy Bar opens next to Kickass Cupcakes. Not surprisingly, this place is projected to have dairy goods galore for sale. [Chowhound]

Open
East Somerville: Another Brazilian restaurant is open in Somerville, and we are not complaining. Word on the street is that Rodizio has a truly authentic feel. [Wicked Local: Somerville]

Closing
Inman Square: We are sad to see Magnolia's go. Where else in Inman can you get food that sticks to your ribs? [Chowhound]

[Photo: National Geographic]

Between the Harvard Square ice cream invasion and the closing of a few local institutions, we don't know what to do!

Openings
All Over the Place!: Finally! Saladworks moves to the Bay State in multiple locations! [Fast Casual]
Brigham Circle: Montecristo, a Mexican restaurant, is moving into the former Cafe Italia. [Chowhound]
Central Square: Craigie on Main is the newer, larger, more accommodating Craigie Street Bistrot. [Craigie Street Bistrot]
Dorchester: Dot-2-Dot has a menu that changes daily - never a dull moment on Dot Ave! [Lower Dot]
Fenway: The president of Red Sox Nation opens the very fitting Remy's Sports Bar & Grille [Boston Herald]
Harvard Square: Sushiya, a Chinese/sushi place, is moving into the old Mayflower space. And rumor has it J.P. Licks will be opening a Harvard Square location. Because between Herrell's, Lizzy's Ice Cream, and Ben and Jerry's, there is simply not enough gourmet ice cream to go around. [Chowhound, Boston On the Go]
Newtonville: Bon Bon brings their sorbet and candies to the suburbs! [Newton TAB]
Washington Square: Roadhouse Barbeque will be run by the folks at The Publick House. Residents of Brookline and environs trust this will be a nice change from Vinny T's. [Chowhound]

Closings
Allston: New Trend Eatery closes its doors in just under a year. [Chowhound]
Central Square: After 37 years in business, La Groceria closes to make way for Craigie on Main. [Cantabrigia]
Jamaica Plain: After an 85% rent increase, Milky Way Lounge & Lanes must close. Hipsters this side of the river wonder what to do on weekday nights. [Jamaica Plain Gazette]

Moving
Jamaica Plain: The good news is, Bella Luna is moving - to Amory St. [Jamaica Plain Gazette]

[Photo: Richard C. Harris]

So much to report this week! What is going on over there?

Openings
Brookline: When Pigs Fly will be setting up shop in Coolidge Corner, but rumor has it that the bread will be baked in Maine. And our sources say Genkiya will be serving organic sushi in the old Nori space. On top of all that, Bottega di Capri sets up shop in Brookline Village. [Brookline TAB]
Harvard Square: A warm welcome to Crema Cafe, and the folks at Daedalus open a pizza place to add to the Harvard pizza wars. [Chowhound]

Closings
Back Bay: Panificio has left that lovely space on Mass Ave. Who will move in? [Chowhound]
Brookline: Yes, that's right: Nori is closing (to be replaced by Genkiya). So is Bottega Fiorentina (soon to be reincarnated as Bottega di Capri). [Chowhound]
Davis Square: Neapolitan eatery La Spina closes its doors. [Chowhound]

Reopenings
Back Bay: Ken Casey is opening a new baseball bar. Will he still have time to write a new Red Sox anthem? [Dropkick Murphys]
Downtown Crossing: Cafe Marliave is back in business, just in time to use their upstairs terrace! [Boston Real Estate]

[Photo: Kodachi]

Do you have a hot tip about a restaurant opening or closing? Let us know!

Openings
•Brookline Village: Brookline residents, get psyched to have Venezuelan, and not sushi, as the South End's Orinoco opens on Harvard St. [Boston Magazine]
•Central Square: Chowhounders find it strange that Four Burgers is going into the space formerly occupied by Gandhi. [Chowhound]

Closing
•Back Bay: Area foodies not terribly surprised that the Back Bay location of Bertucci's Brick Oven Pizzeria is closing. So much space - so few people! [Chowhound]

[Photo: Harvard Medical School]

In this week's edition of the Tuesday Report, three restaurants take crucial steps to expand and Sweet Finnish has a not-so-sweet finishing. Do you have a hot tip about a restaurant opening or closing? Let us know.

Openings
Back Bay: Word on the street is that the owners of La Voile are planning to open a cafe and boulangerie on Newbury, near the current location. Developing! [Chowhound]
Dorchester:Dot-to-Dot Cafe, a soon-to-be coffee spot on Dorchester Ave has its sign up and has started interior work. [Lower Dot]
Downtown Crossing: Temple Place is slated to get another dining option when The Ivy's owners open Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale, a "classic American" restaurant. Look for a September opening. [The Beantown Bloggery]
Fields Corner: Shabu-shabu is coming to Fields Corner with the opening of Osaka Shabu, the first-ever Japanese restaurant to open in that part of Dorchester. Bostonians: just can't get enough of shabu-shabu! [Chowhound]
North End: Rumor has it that Finale is in discussion to open a location in part of the former Martignetti's site. Because there's not enough dessert in the North End? [Hanover & Prince]
North End: The Matarazzo Family Club, a "prestigous center comprised of a daycare, an all Italian restaurant and a shopping area" will be coming soon to Purchase Street. Will this move cause the stroller brigade to migrate from the South End to the Financial District's condos? Only time will tell. [Craigslist]
Post Office Square: Z Square continues its rapid expansion with a third location in Post Office Square (perhaps in the spot planned for Todd English's doomed burger venture?), slated to open this summer. [Boston on the Go]

Closings
Allston: It was not exactly a restaurant, but nonetheless, the Paradise will be deeply missed. [Bostonist]
Central Square: Gandhi Restaurant is no more. As one Chowhounder points out, it's difficult to imagine why a restaurant named after Gandhi would offer an all-you-can-eat buffet. Here's hoping for a more appropriately-named spot to take its place. [Chowhound]
Jamaica Plain: Sweet Finnish has closed after three years in business. Rest assured, there is still no shortage of JP bakeries. [JP Gazette]
Needham: Needham's branch of Pho Pasteur has closed and is being replaced by another location of Somerville's Tu Y Yo. [Chowhound]

Changes
Jamaica Plain: The Blue Frog Bakery might be hopping from Green Street to Centre. How fiendishly clever of them to do so just as Sweet Finnish shuts its doors! [Dishing]

[Photo: Flickr: kenziebella]

In this week's edition of the Tuesday report, dollar oysters in Roxbury and ice cream insanity in Westie.

Openings
Roxbury: Pacific Restaurant, a new Chinese spot from the owners of Jade Pacific in Billerica, has opened in Newmarket Square. Apparently, it offers both oysters and giant scallops in the shell for a mere 99 cents each. Sounds like a good deal to us! [Chowhound]

West Roxbury: It's been a sad few years for ice cream lovers in Westie since Brigham's and Friendly's closed their doors. Now, however, all of that is poised to change as Champs Ice Cream comes to Centre near Belgrade and The Real Deal starts selling ice cream from Emack and Bolio's. Now, if we could only get a J.P. Licks up in there... [West Roxbury Bulletin]

[Photo: Flickr: SignalPAD]

In this week's edition of The Tuesday Report, chains multiply like rabbits and West Roxbury suddenly has a busy dining scene.

Openings
Dedham: Today's Globe features a lengthy piece about Legacy Place, the mall coming to Dedham. It is CRAZY FANCY and will make the real Dedham Mall look even sadder than it already is. Aside from a Whole Foods (complete with cafe), the mall will include restaurants such as Ruth's Chris Steak House, Legal Sea Foods Finale , and b.good, as well as a new restaurant from the folks at the Aquitaine group. In contrast, the Dedham Mall that was referenced in The Departed will continue to hold it down with the nearby Pizzeria Uno. [Boston Globe]
Harvard Square: The Upper Crust is coming! The Upper Crust is coming! Harvard Square will soon have no less than ten pizzerias. Are we the only one who misses the pizzeria that used to be in the spot in the Garage now occupied by Crazy Dough's? They had delicious pies at very reasonable prices. [Chowhound]
Quincy: Guys, when Chipotle says they're going to enter a market, they mean it. They're getting set to open a Quincy location, which, if we're not mistaken (we wish the Chipotle website would stop crashing our Firefox!) will be the third new Boston-area location in as many months. [Chowhound]
West Roxbury: Something called Fresh Catch To Go is opening on Centre Street, near Holy Name. We're going to go out on a limb and guess that it will provide takeaway seafood. [Boston Food & Whine]

Closings
Brookline: Oh no! Taqueria Mexico, our second-favorite Brookline burrito spot, will be closing, to be replaced with a restaurant serving some sort of Italian-inspired sushi. We need a nap. And a carnitas burrito. [Brookline TAB Blog]
Newton: Yerardi's, the much-beloved Newton Italian restaurant, closed its doors on Saturday so that owner Fran Yerardi can focus on his burgeoning real estate career. [Newton TAB]
West Roxbury: Vintage, the high-end spot briefly helmed by Jeffrey Fournier, has closed, suffering the same cruel fate as the preceding restaurant in the location: Fontaine's Chicken, best known for their awesome neon sign. [Parkway Blog]

Changes of Plans
Charlestown: Looks like that third location of Petit Robert Bistro won't be happening after all. [Chowhound]

[Photo: Flickr: kylescollin]

There's so much exciting openings news (and no reported closings!) this week that we're barely even sure where to start, but like The Sound of Music taught us, let's start at the very beginning.

Brighton: Two very exciting developments in Brighton. Rumor has it that When Pigs Fly, the Maine-based bakery with an outpost in Davis Square is thinking of opening a second Boston-area location in Brighton Center. Look for Brightonites (Brightonians?) to get quickly obsessed with their banana, maple, pecan, and brown sugar loaf. Meanwhile, in Oak Square, the owners of Jasmine Bistro are getting ready to open up Ray's Grill, a family-oriented spot. If the food is as good as Jasmine's and the prices are reasonable, we'll be there. [Brighton Centered]
Davis Square:Ten Tables is apparently quite interested in opening a second location in Davis Square. Presumably, it will be called Twenty Tables (HAHAHA. Sorry.) This would be the most exciting Somerville development since Highland Kitchen's opening, but probably not great news for T.W. Food. [Chowhound]
Plymouth:Here's something we didn't know. Newbury Street pizza spot Croma has another location in Manchester, England and is opening a third in Plymouth. An international mini-chain! Whoda thunk it?! [Craigslist]
Roslindale:The Square Corner Cafe, located next to Robyn's (nee The Game Day Pub) is getting ready to open. [Universal Hub]
South End:How nice for the stroller brigade! Whole Foods may open on Harrison Ave. Between this and Las Ventas, Harrison is starting to shape up as the destination for those in search of gourmet groceries. [Boston Real Estate Blog]

[Photo: Flickr: deepaffairs]

After the slow doldrums (slowldrums? Good lord, Daylight Savings Time makes us tired) of last week, we've got plenty to report this week, so without any further adieu, we'll jump right in.

Openings
•Well this is exciting! The Globe reports that Guy Martin, one of France's top chefs (which really means one of the best chefs in the world) will be opening his first-ever United States restaurant this spring in Boston! The restaurant, which will be called Sensing, will be part of the Regent Boston Hotel at Battery Wharf and will feature contemporary French cuisine with a focus on locally-produced foods. You can start counting down the minutes right about...now.
•The Boston Real Estate Blog brought us two interesting nuggets: the intersection of Mass Ave and Washington will be getting a Senegalese restaurant called Teranga. Senegalese food is delicious and underrepresented in the Hub, so this is quite exciting news. Further down Washington, Aroa, a "fine chocolates brasserie" is slated to open by month's end.
•The Newton TAB brings news that Bobalicious, a Vietnamese bubble tea shop, has opened in Nonantum. This is certainly something new for the neighborhood and we hope it succeeds, because who doesn't love banh mi?
•Word on the street is that the owners of Daedalus are opening a second restaurant. A call to Daedalus confirmed that the new spot will be a brick oven pizzeria and should open within a month, but no further details were given.

Closings
•Boston Restaurant Talk brings us the news that well-regarded North End spot La Brace has closed.
•The Hubster reports that East Boston's Caffe Italia is closing and may be turned into a Colombian restaurant. This last detail has caused quite a bit of controversy on the blog's comments. A call to Caffe Italia proved unable to provide a confirmation or denial.

Changes
•Coolidge Corner sushi spot Takeshima has quietly turned into Blue Ocean, a Korean and Japanese spot. Observant readers may remember that the Takeshima space was, at one time, set to be the home of Perpetual Oyster, the rumored Gwen Butler seafood restaurant.

[Photo: Flickr: monicamohindra]

Exciting updates abound in this edition of The Tuesday Report. Long-awaited restaurants are finally making progress, beloved favorites are opening second locations and the South End is getting a Spanish grocery store! Let's look at the details.

Openings
•Last week, we mentioned Estragon, the giant tapas restaurant set to open on Harrison Avenue this spring. Now, we've learned that Las Ventas, a Spanish food store, will be opening as a part of it. The store will carry "ver 100 Spanish products—olive oils, jamones, cured meats, cheeses, paella kits, cookbooks and more—as well as sell Spanish-style sandwiches and prepared foods to go." We can only hope it will be as awesome as New York City's Despana.
•This Craigslist post seeking staff for a new restaurant in Hyde Park is almost certainly for C.F. Donovan's, which Chowhounders have been gunning for for damn near a year. Will it actually open? Hopefully!
•Scampo, the Lydia Shire-helmed restaurant in the Liberty Hotel is now staffing for a March opening. Anticipation is very high on this one, so here's hoping for the best!
•Brookline favorite Super Fusion will be opening a second location in the old Sushi 21 space in Watertown. The location is expected to open in three to four months.

[Photo: Flickr: argyle1015]

After two rather slow weeks in terms of major restaurant news, we have a slew of openings and changes (and no closings!) this week. We're just going to jump right into it, because there's a lot to report.

Openings
•Wellesley fine dining standby Blue Ginger is coming up on its ten year anniversary and to celebrate, it's getting renovated and expanded. The restaurant has acquired the space next door and plans to use it for a lounge which will showcase Ming's Bings, Chef Ming Tsai's take on Asian street food. We are unspeakably excited about this development.
•Chowhound reports that Harrison Ave is set to get even more bustling with the spring opening of Estragon, a giant tapas restaurant set to come later this spring. We were going to make an unspeakably pretentious Waiting for Godot joke here, but it turns out that "estragon" is also the French word for "tarragon." Although: it's a little strange for a tapas place to have a French name, no?
•The BU Free Press reports that Kenmore Square burger hotspot UBurger is opening a second location on Commonwealth Ave near BU's West Campus, neatly filling the space (both literally and figuratively) recently departed by Grille Zone.
•Speaking of expansion, rumor has it that Somerville's Redbones is planning a second location near Fenway Park. This would be tremendous good news for those who love both baseball and barbecue. A call to Redbones confirmed that while nothing is set in stone, they're definitely looking into opening in the area.
•The Fenway area is also set to get another fast food spot when Framingham wing and music emporium The Chicken Bone (beloved by Ming Tsai...this post is coming full circle!) opens a second branch. Note to the unemployed: they're hiring!
•It's unclear whether Sofra, the Ana Sortun/Maura Kilpatrick Middle Eastern bakery and cafe will be located in Cambridge or Watertown. It is, however, clear that people (including us) are getting pretty excited.

Changes
•The rumors are true...well, sort of. There's been a very big staff shakeup at The Biltmore with owner Rebecca Roth, chef Seth Morrison, and bartender Sean McKeown all departing. A call to the restaurant revealed that there are still a few staff members left over and it will not be permanently closing.

[Photo: Flickr: falconn67]

Our favorite nerdy trade site, Nation's Restaurant News, ran a very interesting piece recently about Legal Sea Foods' plans for a new flagship in the old Jimmy's Harborside space in the Seaport. The new spot sounds pretty intriguing: it will feature a higher price point (oof), more non-seafood entrees, such as steaks and chops, and a rooftop lounge. The new flagship, which is shooting for a 2010 opening, will be helmed by Moncef Meddeb, who opened L'Espalier in 1982. Chowhound is already buzzing about this last detail.

We have, of course, always loved going to Legal's for a lobster dinner, and we'd be incredibly interested to see what they could do with a steakhouse. Roger Berkowitz and Moncef Meddeb are both very smart guys, and they could definitely bring a unique touch to a formal dining concept. The new flagship will be located very near the forthcoming Lynch Star. Between the two developments, we wouldn't be at all surprised if the Seaport finally actually turns into the restaurant row it's been hyped as for some time.

Legal Sea Foods to Debut New Flagship as Part Of Upscale Repositioning [Nation's Restaurant News]
Legal Sea Foods [Official Site]
Moncef Meddeb Returns! [Chowhound]

Since there's not much new news in the way of restaurant openings and closings to report this week, we're going to structure this week's edition of The Tuesday Report a little differently. We're going to take a look at the current status of a few of the restaurants we've reported on that haven't yet opened. Let's jump right in.

•Way back on March 22, we mentioned Oliver's, Todd English's rumored burger joint in Post Office Square, originally expected to open in Fall 2007. At this point, we suspect it's safe to declare this one dead.
•Banq, which we originally mentioned back on September 11, is slated to open next week! There's lots of buzz on this one, so we're excited to see how it turns out.
•Johnnie's on the Side, which we initially discussed on September 18, was mentioned in the Herald last month. The article states that the restaurant will open by the end of the month. To the best of our knowledge (which is limited, as we cannot track down a phone number), it has not yet opened.
•Persephone, part of the Achilles Project we talked about on October 2, is set to open on Monday! The menu includes jamón ibérico and looks excellent all around.

[Photo: Flickr: johnnyfxb]

Is it just us or does it seem a little bit like the openings and closings of our great city's restaurants have fallen into a bit of an update-filled week/slow week pattern? We've got a grand total of three pieces of news today and two of them involve closings. Sigh.

Openings
•The Newton TAB Blog reports that a branch of Fitchburg-based mini-chain Parrot Pizza has set up shop in West Newton. The site advertises a "unique menu", which...eh. It looks like pretty standard kid-friendly fare to us.

Closings
•It seems that the Chowhound we mentioned last week who asked if The Spotted Apron was no longer was on to something. The restaurant has closed, although rumors of a relocation continue to abound.
•The unfortunately named Trani has closed its doors. No longer shall ice-cream-infused cupcakes be available to North End residents! A second location of Bacco will open in its space.

[Photo: Flickr: Bart Hanlon]

Well! After a very slow news week, we're back with plenty of openings, a few closings, and several of what we're going to have to charitably call "rumors." Let's dive right in, shall we?

Openings
•Everyone's favorite Brookline beer bar The Publick House will be opening Publick House Provisions in the old Beacon Kosher Market space. Hot, Buttered, and Toasted reports that the new shop will carry gourmet goodies like specialty oils and vinegars, cheeses, and a wide and presumably excellent selection of beer. Construction has already begun, so here's hoping it opens soon!
•It seems that the Au Bon Pain on Brattle Street has departed this world. Sigh. We remember when it was Warburton's. It will be replaced by some sort of coffee shop, about which little is known other than that it will be serving fancy-pants Terroir Coffee.
•Craigslist brings us the news that the perpetually-planning-to-open Johnnie's on the Side won't be the only new spot near the Garden. DJ's at The Garden will be joining it. According to the restaurant's MySpace, it will feature "great service, a fantastic beverage selection, and sublime food" as well as no less than twenty plasma TVs.
•In what has to be one of our favorite Chowhound threads of all time, one hound wondered whether a Todai Restaurant was going to open in Boston. Soon, the thread devolved into arguing as to whether or not Todai is any good and if, in fact, there are any good all you can eat restaurants. No one answered the original poster's question, but we looked on the company's website and, indeed, Boston is listed as a "future location."

Closings
•In a piece of genuinely sad news for the city's burger lovers, Grille Zone, which had previously planned to open ten new locations within the next five years closed this past Saturday.
•When two Garden-area restaurants open, one, apparently, must close. Mulligans, where one may allegedly purchase a turkey sandwich with butter and mayonnaise, will close on Thursday.
•Finally, one Chowhounder wonders if The Spotted Apron is relocating or closing. This is the first we've heard about this and no one at the bakery was available for comment but tips are, as always, very welcome.

[Photo: Flickr: hawk684]

It's been yet another very busy week for the Boston restaurant scene with eight openings and only 1.5 closings. Niiiice. Let's see how it all shakes down, shall we?

Openings
•A Brookline TAB Blog post about the new sushi restaurant coming to Washington Square featured one of our favorite paragraphs in quite some time: "You know what Brookline really needs? A good sushi restaurant. Sushi’s so great — it’s kind of healthy, it’s easy to share, it’s fun to eat, it tastes….What?…..Brookline already has 15 sushi restaurants? Oh." Sushi restaurants are totally the new taquerias, guys.
•The South End news reports that The Upper Crust is continuing its quest to open a branch in the neighborhood. Owner Jordan Tobin had previously tried to open a location next to Nicole's Pizza, but that was shut down by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Now Tobin is set to open at Tremont and West Newton, pending approval.
•The long empty El Rancho Restaurant space in Roslindale Square finally has a new tenant and, as Universal Hub reports, its name, at least as its printed on the sign, is quite the doozy.
•The soon-to-open Hotel Indigo in Newton will house both Seth Woods venture Prime 128 and Phi Bistro, a "hip bistro." Hotel Indigo is owned by the same team behind the restaurant-filled InterContinental Boston, so we'll be keeping an eye on it.
•The Newton TAB Blog reports that Newton Highlands' Ice Cream Works has given way to Citrio, a catering/cafe operation owned by the folks behind the excellent 51 Newton. Sounds pretty exciting to us!
•Jamaica Plain's Centre Street is set to get even fancier with the opening of Vee Vee, a "New American bistro." It will be located in the old Cha Fahn space and will be vegetarian-friendly. Chowhounders are excited.
•Dishing brings us the news that Lobby Bar & Kitchen, a restaurant offering "New American cuisine with Global Influences, creative and innovative cocktails, and a worldly, affordable wine list" has just opened its doors in the Financial District. Expect trendy cocktails to abound.
•Excellent news! Rumor has it that recently shuttered venerable North End institution Cafe Graffiti is looking to reopen soon, possibly in the space soon to be left by Martignetti Liquors. Hurrah!

Closings
•Domani Bar & Trattoria in the Copley Square Hotel is temporarily closed due to water damage. It should reopen in late March.
•South Boston institution The Quiet Man's kitchen will be closing on January 25 and the whole thing will shut down on February 3. The owners have no plans to reopen in a new location, so gather ye steak tips while you may.

[Photo: Flickr: Meherban Singh]

Due to the holidays, it's been an astonishing three weeks since we rocked a Tuesday Report. As you might expect, plenty has happened in the intervening near-month, so let's jump right into all the newsy goodness.

Openings
•From a Chowhound thread mostly about the closing of Truly Jorg's Patisserie (which is old news) comes news of an opening. Ciao Italia will soon open in Brigham Circle. Googling reveals nothing, but apparently, it's "very cute."
•Baffling name selection of the fortnight! Dishing reports that the people behind The Kells will soon be opening a restaurant next door. The cuisine? Japanese fusion. The name? Prive, which is French for private. While there might be a regional disparity here, the name is accurate in one respect: the restaurant will feature "banquette tables surrounded by a circulation divider that coils around the table as it slowly descends." Neat!
•Want to get some sexy illegal food in Rozzy? Head to Cafe La Lechonera on Cummins Highway, which opened shortly after Thanksgiving despite a) not having any sort of licensing in place and b) being widely opposed by local politicians. Mmmm...illegal Spanish-American food.
•What's that? You want another chain restaurant? No? Too bad! Boston Restaurant Talk reports that Vapiano, a chain of Italianish restaurants is planning to break into the Hub next year. Apparently, it's the "future of fast casual" restaurants! To be fair, it does sound cheap and decent, but we must warn you: please don't order beef carpaccio at a restaurant where the average dinner check is $13.
•Salem: it's not just for witches and Nathanial Hawthorne enthusiasts! Starting later this month when 62 on Wharf opens up, it will also be for those who enjoy Mediterranean food.

Closings
•It's a sad day for South Enders as Nashoba Brook Bakery has closed the doors of its cafe. Fortunately, their West Concord location remains operational, as does their website.
•The Brookline location of Vinny T's of Boston is no longer. Sometimes, when we're just ravenously hungry and just want an enormous quantity of food, we enjoy a trip to Vinny T's, but we can't say we're tremendously sad to see it go, especially since the Boylston St location continues to thrive.

Ch Ch Ch Ch Changes
•Chowhound has some semi-troubling news about Shino Express Sushi. Apparently, all of the sushi now features brown rice. We happen to like brown rice with our sushi (we find it to be an easier way to get our whole grains in than eating brown rice by itself), but we know that's a definite minority opinion.
•Whoops! Rod-Dee Thai Cuisine isn't moving after all. In fact, reports the Brookline TAB, it's expanding! The Washington Square will be a third location, not a replacement for the Coolidge Corner branch.
•Jewel Of Newbury will soon be temporarily closing, only to return as an upscale sushi restaurant at the end of the month. The restaurant's name will remain the same.

[Photo: Flickr: Ghostwriter D.]

Wow! There has been a veritable flurry of pre-holiday news. Once again, we have many more openings than closings. There's plenty to report, so let's get right to it, shall we?

Openings
•Somerville-based Chowhounds are pretty excited about Highland Kitchen, a gastropub slated to open tomorrow night in the restaurant wasteland outside Davis Square. The restaurant comes from the folks behind Green Street Grill. The menu promises plenty of comfort food.
•Legal Sea Foods is set to continue its domination with a new Seaport location. Shockingly, they did not have one already.
•DailyCandy recently brought us exciting news: Sophia's Cafe, a new eco-friendly spot, has opened in South Boston's Macallen building. The cafe offers lots of yummy sandwiches and baked goods, all of which are served on and with recyclable paper products.
•Big excitement for Quincy residents! Zagat reports that the town has a brand new bar and restaurant called Blue22. Blue22 is serving up Asian-inspired American fare. The best part? All of the entrees are under $20.

Closings
•The Inman Square Bukowski's has been temporarily shuttered due to water damage. Come back, Bukowski's! We want beer!
•Legendary North End liquor store Martignetti's will be shuttering in early January. The Brighton location will remain open, but rumors say it too will close before long. It will be missed.

Ch Ch Ch Ch Changes
•Chef Rachel Klein is out at Om. There is no word yet on a successor, but we would not be at all surprised to see a menu overhaul.
•So, remember how we told you last week that Toro had appointed Robert Hernandez as head chef? Looks like that was not such a permanent appointment.

[Photo: Flickr: annemelinda]

As we were going over our notes for the Tuesday report, we were surprised to see so very many openings, closings, and changes (mostly openings, thank goodness). We were confused, until we remembered that this time last Tuesday, we were slowly sipping ginger ale on our couch. See? It all makes sense in the end. Let's hop on into all the excitement, yes?

Openings
•The Chowhound set is very excited about Saray, a new Turkish spot in Allston. Boston is sorely lacking in Turkish restaurants, so we can't wait to try Saray either, especially as the rosewater custard sounds amazing.
•Cantabridgia reports that a new Middle Eastern restaurant is gearing up to open on Mass Ave. The name? It maybe doesn't have one. Judging by the photos on the door, though, it'll probably be pretty yummy!
•Michael Schlow is getting pretty busy, no? Between Alta Strada (and its forthcoming Foxwoods branch), Radius, Via Matta, and Great Bay, you'd think he'd have his hands full. And yet! The word on the street is that he'll be opening a restaurant in the Seaport next month, complete with chef's table. We think this makes for an official Schlow empire.
•We like the Pats and all, but we don't have nearly the same attachment to Gillette Stadium as we do to Fenway Park, so we're not as annoyed by this CBS-themed restaurant as we would be if it were opening in the home of the Sox. Nonetheless, our limited experience with restaurants based on television stations would lead us to be ve