New Cookie Shop Holding Grand Opening Celebration

Cookie lovers — put Friday, Dec. 8 on your calendar for the grand opening of Watertown’s newest cookie addition: Chip City. The national chain with New York roots will be opening at Arsenal Yards this week, and the first 100 customers will receive a bonus. Arsenal Yards sent out more this info:

Chip City will be opening at Arsenal Yards on Friday, Dec. 8.

New Doughnut Shop Opens in Watertown, Grand Opening Party Planned

Blackbird Doughnuts opened at Arsenal Yards in Watertown. (Photo from Blackbird Doughnuts)

Lovers of sweet treats have a new place to shop. Blackbird Doughnuts has opened in Arsenal Yards in Watertown. The artisanal doughnut store opened its newest store on Tuesday, and has plans for a grand opening party, according to social media. “Our Watertown store is finally here.

Charles River Food Co-op Marks Firsts, Looking for Locations for Store

Nick Quaranto, president of the Charles River Food Co-op board, updates members at the first annual meeting. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The effort to open a food cooperative in the Watertown area reached some firsts recently, and progress toward opening a store is moving faster than other local co-ops. The Charles River Food Co-op was incorporated in April 2022, with a goal of opening a store primarily serving Watertown, Newton, and Waltham. On Nov. 14, the Charles River Food Co-op held its first annual meeting, and the organization recently held its first board election.

James Beard Award Winning Chef Cooking in Watertown Indigenous Food Week

The following announcement was provided by the Pigsgusset Intitiative:

Starting on November 16 and for one week only, diners can sample award-winning Indigenous cuisine prepared according to recipes by Mashpee Wampanoag Chef Sherry Pocknett, 2023 winner of the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Northeast. Branch Line restaurant in Watertown will feature Chef Pocknett’s butternut squash soup, corn cakes, and cranberry chutney as part of Watertown’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration and in recognition of Native American Heritage Month. In 2022, Branch Line hosted the first Indigenous Food Week with Chef Pocknett. Chef Pocknett will travel to Watertown to collaborate with Branch Line’s new Executive Chef, Michael Morway, and his staff on Thursday, November 16th. She will talk about the 12,000 year history of the Mashpee Wampanoag and describe her deep connection to food and cooking.

Charles River Food Co-Op Hosting First Annual Meeting

The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Food Co-op:

Having an annual meeting is a big part of co-op business. It is a chance for us to gather together as a community, hear about what the board is working on, find out about volunteer opportunities, and ask questions. Plus we’ll be announcing the results of this year’s board election. This year’s annual meeting will take place on November 14th at 7:30 p.m. at the Watertown Public Library, in the Watertown Savings Bank Meeting Room. We will also be offering a Zoom option, but we encourage folks to come in person if you can.

Award Winning Restaurant Featuring Steak & Frites Coming to Watertown

Medium Rare will be serving up steak and frites at Arsenal Yards in 2024. (Courtesy of Medium Rare)

The following announcement was provided by Medium Rare:

Medium Rare, the award-winning, iconic, full-service restaurant famous for its French-influenced steak and frites (fries), is coming to the Boston area. The lease is signed. The location is set: 130 Arsenal Yards, Watertown, MA. The hammers are in motion (on the build-out, not the already-tender steak).

TV Host Visits Watertown to Meet Fans & Promote His Bourbon

Jon Taffer, host of “Bar Rescue” poses with fans at an event at Gordon’s Fine Wine and Liquor last week. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Last week, a line of people snaked around the aisles of Gordon’s Fine Wine and Liquor in Watertown. They eagerly awaited the entrance of the man after whom the drink they were purchasing was named. Jon Taffer arrived shortly after 6 p.m, and was greeted by a fellow TV personality, Jason Santos, when he stepped through the doors of the store inside Arsenal Yards. Santos also owns Buttermilk & Bourbon in Arsenal Yards.

Watertown Native Names New Whiskey After His Hometown & Got a Little Help from His Friends

Drink creator Mikey Bortone named his coconut whiskey after his hometown. (Courtesy of Watertown Whiskey)

Watertown native Mikey Bortone’s eureka moment came when he was enjoying a whiskey, while trying to hydrate at the same time. After perfecting his recipe, and with some help from a couple hometown buddies, Watertown Whiskey has become a reality. The liquor named for his hometown brings together rye whiskey and coconut. It debuted in California, where Bortone now lives, and he plans to bring it to his home state.