Openings
This beloved taco joint was destroyed in a fire back in January 2009, but fret not---El Pelon is finally back, with a new home near Boston College. The original menu---featuring from-scratch burritos, tacos, tostados and more---is back in all its glory, coupled with a rotating roster of specials. Most of the staff from the old location can be found slinging guac at the new spot, too. El Pelon, 2197 Commonwealth Ave., Brighton, MA 02135, 617-779-9090.
Mumbai Chopstix, promising to introduce Boston diners to Chinese-Indian cooking, is readying for launch. Dishes will blend Chinese ingredients and cooking techniques with Indian seasonings. Entrees will average $16, with soups and starters at $5-$8. Look for fusion items like chicken tandoori spring rolls and burnt ginger lemon pepper soup. Fun fact: The layout was designed by a feng shui master, designed to bring zen peace to diners and optimum success to the chef. This is the latest venture from the team that operates Diva, Mantra and Dosa Factory. Mumbai Chopstix, 254 Newbury St., Boston, MA 02116, no phone available yet.
Jerry Remy’s Sports Bar & Grill, named after former All-Star Boston Red Sox second baseman and current NESN color analyst Jerry Remy, has opened its doors. The bar offers comfort food, outdoor dining and stellar views of Fenway Park. Jerry Remy's Sports Bar & Grill, 1265 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02215, 617-236-7369.
After much hype (and a few delays), Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale is finally poised to open on Temple Place. The historic building was constructed in 1868, and management wants to preserve the 19th-century vibe. You'll find old-fashioned drinks like rickeys, slings, and coolers, plus hearty New England fare like mushroom-stuffed quail. There's a private drinking club downstairs---which was originally billed as men-only, though women are welcome---an authentic shoe-shine stand, and plenty of old Boston artifacts festooning the walls. Stoddard's Fine Food & Ale, 48 Temple Pl., Boston, MA 02111, 617-426-0048.
Chef Phillip Tang cut his teeth in some of Boston's finest kitchens---T.W. Food and Hungry Mother, to name a couple---and now he's at the helm of his own small, family-style restaurant East by Northeast. Look for hand-rolled dumplings, noodles and other shareable Chinese plates, crafted with local ingredients. East by Northeast, 1128 Cambridge St., Cambridge, MA 02139, 617-876-0286.
Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette have joined forces to launch Coppa Enoteca, a revolutionary Italian joint in the South End, where The Dish used to be. Their menu is daring (calves brain ravioli, anyone?), and the buzz is deafening---this is the new place to try. If you're not up for a full meal, have a few stuzi (can't go wrong with beef-heart crostini), charcuterie, and an Aperol Spritz. Coppa Enoteca, 253 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 02118, 617-391-0902.
Chef Shuffle
Sasso welcomes Anthony Mazzotta into its Back Bay kitchen. The new executive chef’s impressive résumé includes stints at The French Laundry, Per Se and Boston’s own Toro. Sasso, 116 Huntington Ave., Boston, 617-247-2400.
Fresh from Dunaway Restaurant at Strawbery Banke in New Hampshire, chef Mary Dumont arrives at Harvest to put her own stamp on the Cambridge institution’s locally sourced, seasonal repertoire. Harvest, 44 Brattle St., Cambridge, 617-868-2255.
News Bytes
Boston Chefs on Bravo's "Top Chef Masters"
Bravo has announced the contestants that will compete on the second season of "Top Chef Masters." Representing Boston will be chefs Jody Adams (blu, Rialto) and Ana Sortun (Oleana). Tune in to the premiere on April 7 at 11 p.m. (10 p.m. Central). blu, Sports Club/LA, 4 Avery St., Boston, MA 02111, 617-375-8550.
Beers & Baseball
Fenway Cantina has opened near its namesake ballpark and is serving up Tex-Mex fare such as fish tacos, chili and carne asada. Twenty draught beers are on tap, and another few dozen are available by the bottle. Fenway Cantina, 1260 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02215, 617-236-7677.
Closings
Check back soon for more news.
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