Around Town

LETTER: Missing Russo’s, Striving to Create Food Co-op

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It’s been one year since Russo’s announced they were closing. Over 365 days have passed with our community lacking one of Boston Metro West’s best sources for produce, baked goods, and plants. As I stood in the checkout line on their last day — laden with too much cheese and veggies — my mind raced, thinking of the 200 people who would be without jobs soon, wondering why Watertown needed yet another lab facility for a biotech company instead of a market. My kids would no longer be able to prowl through the Christmas trees stacked up outside each December. My wife would need to find a replacement for the especially spicy maror (horseradish) that would make us tear up at Passover.

Around Town

Longtime Owner of Meat Spot Retiring, Passing on Business

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Charle BreitroseDick Ucuz, who has owned The Meat Spot for 32 years, will be retiring soon. He has sold the business and the new owners will keep the deli and butcher shop going. For more that three decades, Dick Ucuz has served up sandwiches, cut fresh meat, and provided other edible delights from The Meat Spot. This week is one of his last at the business that has been in Watertown Square for more than a century. Fans of The Meat Spot can be comforted that the business has been sold to new owners who will continue to serve the same favorites.

Around Town

Watertown Restaurant Serving Special Menu Items for Indigenous Food Week

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The following information was provided by the Pigsgusset Initiative:

On Monday, Oct 10, 2022, Indigenous Peoples Day will be celebrated for the first time in Watertown with speakers, theatrical performances, cultural presentations, Indigenous artisans and musicians plus information tables. The celebration will take place at First Parish of Watertown located at 35 Church St. from 2-5 p.m. and is supported by a generous grant from the Watertown Community Foundation to Pigsgusset Initiative, a working group of Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice, and the Environment. As part of Indigenous Peoples Day, Pigsgusset Initiative is partnering with Branch Line restaurant in Watertown where Chef Ivan Conill is collaborating with award-winning Wampanoag Chef Sherry Pocknett around the preparation of Wampanoag dishes that will be featured on Branch Line’s menu from Friday, Sept. 30 until Monday, Oct.

Around Town

Apple Pie Contest Returns to Faire on the Square After Hiatus

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The following information was provided by the Faire on the Square organizers:

The Faire on the Square was founded by local Watertown resident Mike Donham back in 1999. A committee of about 12 volunteers was formed, one member of who was Joyce Munger. It was her idea to include an apple pie contest, she handled all aspects of the contest, including being the MC. The contest grew over the years, it was very successful with locals trying to outdo each other for bragging rights, not to mention prizes. At the first wrap-up meeting, it was discussed whether another type of pie, such as pumpkin should be included but that was met with a clear NO!

Entertainment

First Stick A Fork In It Food Festival Coming to Arsenal Yards

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Kicking off an exciting schedule of events this fall, Arsenal Yards, the thriving new neighborhood in Watertown, invites area residents and visitors to enjoy its diverse lineup of eateries, shops and venues at the first-ever Stick A Fork In It! Food Festival, an around-the-world style food festival on Wednesday, September 21st from 5:00–8:00PM. Featuring delicious bites and bevvies from on-site restaurants including City Works, Condesa Restaurante Mexicano & Tequila Bar,, Tori Jiro, Vitality Bowls, Frank Pepe, Roche Bros., The Majestic 7, Ben & Jerry’s, Pokeworks and more, guests can experience a little bit of everything from all of the exceptional culinary offerings of Arsenal Yards and special surprises and offerings from the neighborhood’s many shopping and entertainment venues. In addition to tasting complimentary food samples from over 10 of neighborhood’s restaurants, guests and residents are invited to also enjoy live music on the beautiful River Green, drinks from the cash beer and wine garden, and access to fun games and activities including balloon animals, a photo booth caravan, caricatures, and more. Guests will also receive a complimentary swag bag upon check-in.

Around Town

New Restaurant Serving Poke Bowl & Burritos Opens in Watertown

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Watertown added another eatery to the local restaurant scene this week, featuring Hawaiian-inspired poke bowls and burritos. See the announcement provided by Pokeworks:

On Sept. 8, Boston neighborhood foodies lined up to celebrate the grand opening of Pokeworks, the nation’s leading premium fast-casual poke destination. Opened by local entrepreneur Mandy Li, the new spot is located in the Arsenal Yards smart growth development at 109 Bond Square, and will offer a fresh take on Hawaiian-inspired poke bowls and burritos with a customizable menu and convenient online ordering options for pickup or delivery via web or loyalty app. To celebrate the grand opening, the new location offered a free poke bowl to the first 100 customers.

Around Town

“Bar Rescue” Star Opens New Restaurant in Watertown’s Arsenal Yards

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Charlie Breitrose”Bar Rescue” star Jon Taffer designed Taffer’s Tavern, to have a feel like diners have been invited into his home. The restaurant officially opened Sept. 8 at Arsenal Yards. Crowds gathered at Arsenal Yards, onlookers held up cell phones, and people lined up to shake the hand of a celebrity on Thursday when Watertown got a taste of Hollywood. Jon Taffer, the start of Bar Rescue, stopped by Thursday morning for the grand opening of his new restaurant at Arsenal Yards — Taffer’s Tavern.

Around Town

Charles River Food Co-op Adding Members, Seeks Accountant

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The Charles River Food Co-op recently announced it has been adding members since it started offering shares, and has a goal to enable it to take the next step toward opening a food store in the Watertown area. The Co-op sent out the following information:

We now have over 300 paid members, which is very exciting! Our members come from Waltham, Watertown, Newton, and beyond. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has already joined us. For anyone who is interested in becoming a member, you can do that here: https://charlesriverfood.coop/join.