Business

Persian Restaurant in Watertown Closing After 16 Years

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Shiraz Persian Restaurant has closed. (Photo from the Shiraz Facebook page). The owners of Shiraz Persian Restaurant in East Watertown announced they will be closing down their restaurant after “16 wonderful years.” The eatery located at 72 Bigelow Avenue published a message to its customers on Facebook in late August, and the closing was announced on Boston Restaurant Talk on Tuesday. The message reads:

Dear Valued Customers,

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of Shiraz Persian Restaurant after 16 wonderful years.

Around Town

Watertown’s Revival Cafe Combines the Talents of Two Experienced Restauranteurs

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A sandwich served at Revival Cafe in East Watertown. (Courtesy of Revival Cafe)

One of Watertown’s newest cafes combines creative forces of two people with culinary pedigrees in the Boston area. The cafe, which is tucked in a corner of East Watertown, melds the vision and taste of the two owners. Nookie Postal and Liza Shirazi opened their newest location of Revival Cafe in January at 99 Coolidge Ave., in the back of a recently constructed life science building on the former site of the Mount Auburn Club. Postal owned Commonwealth in Kendall Square, which closed last year after 10 years.

Business

Restaurant That Transformed Historic Building into Dining Destination to Celebrate 9th Anniversary

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Branch Line has transformed a former military weapons development facility into a dining destination. (Courtesy of Branch Line)

Nestled within the historic Watertown Arsenal, Branch Line stands as more than just a restaurant; it’s a testament to community, perseverance, and the art of culinary craftsmanship. Celebrating its ninth anniversary this coming October 2024, Branch Line has become a beloved fixture in Watertown, owing much of its success to its deep roots in the neighborhood and its commitment to quality and hospitality. General Manager Andrew Holden, a Watertown native himself, recalls the serendipitous discovery of the restaurant’s location — an expansive, historic space dating back to 1912. Holden said he was captivated by the building’s rich history, once a hub of industrial activity during the military and industrial revolutions that made trains, weapons, and equipment for the military.

Around Town

A Dining Fixture Near Watertown Square is a Hidden Treasure to be (Re)Discovered

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Courtesy of MolanaMolana has been serving Persian food in Watertown since 1999. A dining destination that has attracted hungry people from around New England for a quarter century is a hidden gem in Watertown, but the owners want locals to discover — or rediscover – their restaurant. Molana can be found on Spring Street, steps from the Watertown Square intersection. Owners Mohsen Tehrani and Hadi Eghbali started restaurant, the first one serving Persian cuisine in New England in 1999, and word spread among the Iranian community around the region. “People come from Hartford, Stamford, Connecticut.

Business

Four Watertown Restaurants Set to Showcase at Chamber’s Spring Seasonings

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The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:

Bar ’Cino, Olespana, Shiraz Persian Cuisine and Ritcey East will all be featured at the Charles River Regional Chamber’s Spring Seasonings culinary showcase on Monday April 8 at the Newton Marriott Hotel. The highly anticipated event, presented by NBCU Boston, is returning after a four-year hiatus and promises to be a feast for the senses, bringing together restaurants, caterers and beverage providers from Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley. This event takes Dine Local to a whole new level, showcasing the exceptional flavors that make our communities special. It’s expected to draw over 500 community members, business and civic leaders from across our region who share our enthusiasm for local cuisine. Bring your appetite!

Around Town

Turkish Restaurant Serves Traditional Dishes in Longtime Watertown Dining Spot

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Halva Kebabs serves up a variety of grilled meats. (Courtesy of Halva Kebab)

A spot in town that has long been an eating destination is serving hungry diners once again. Halva Kebab opened in the former New Yorker Diner spot near Watertown Square, and is serving up a wide range of kebabs and other Turkish dishes. While the owners are new to the area, they have a long tradition of running restaurants, said co-owner Joseph Dagdelen. “We have another location in New Jersey,” he said.

Around Town

Charles River Chamber’s Culinary Extravaganza Returns

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The Charles River Regional Chamber’s Spring Seasonings features food from the four communities it serves, including Watertown. (Courtesy of Charles River Chamber)

The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:

The Charles River Regional Chamber is thrilled to announce the return of its most anticipated community event, Spring Seasonings: A Taste of our Towns. After a four-year hiatus, this marquee event promises to be a feast for the senses, bringing together the flavors of Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley in one delightful evening. Event Highlights:

What: Spring Seasonings: A Taste of our Towns

Where: Newton Marriott Ballroom2345 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton

When: Monday, April 8, 5:30-8:00 PMTickets: $75 members / $80 non-members, available now at SpringSeasonings.com (no tickets sold at the door)

Discover the Culinary Diversity of Our Communities: Spring Seasonings is more than just a food event; it’s a celebration of the rich culinary tapestry of our region. Join us for a unique opportunity to savor the offerings of 40 of your favorite local restaurants all at once.

Around Town

New Banh Mi Restaurant Opens in Watertown, Grand Opening This Week

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Watertown has a new destination for Vietnamese sandwiches known as banh mi. Boston Restaurant Talk posted that Banh Mi Cafe has opened at 102 Main Street in Watertown. The location is next to O Some Cafe and is across from the Watertown Fire Station. According to the Banh Mi Cafe Instagram site, the restaurant also serves bubble tea. The restaurant will have a Grand Opening celebration on Feb.