Around Town

Restaurant Closing After More Than 2 Decades Serving Italian Dishes in Watertown

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Porcini’s restaurant will close in mid-January after over 20 years serving diners in Watertown. The owners for the restaurant on School Street put up a “Closing Letter” on the restaurant’s website announcing the decision. They cited difficulties of doing business during the COVID-19 pandemic as one of the reasons for the decision, in which they thanked their loyal customers and dedicated staff. The letter reads: “It saddens us to have to announce today that Porcini’s Italian Restaurant will be permanently closing our doors after 23 years of service on Saturday, January 14, 2023.” The past 3 years have been devastating to our business, as we have struggled through the results of the COVID pandemic.

Around Town

Kura Sushi Offering Tetris Inspired Sushi Boxes & Prizes

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The following announcement was provided by Kura Sushi:

Kura Sushi USA, Inc., a leading technology-enabled Japanese restaurant concept serving authentic Japanese cuisine through an engaging revolving sushi service model, is thrilled to announce its newest Bikkura Pon collaboration with one of the most popular electronic games of all time, Tetris®. Joining forces once again with the Tetris brand after a highly successful collaboration in late 2021, The Tetris Company and Kura Sushi USA are proud to unveil the reimagined “Tetris™ x Kura Sushi Bikkura Pon Series 2 Collaboration” featuring all new prizes and brightly colored Tetris-inspired sushi boxes. Available exclusively at Kura Revolving Sushi Bar U.S. restaurants, including at Arsenal Yards in Watertown, through December 31, 2022, the Tetris x Kura Sushi Bikkura Pon prize collection includes a lanyard, temporary tattoos and can badges. The unique collectibles are dispensed from the Bikkura Pon Prize System, an integral part of Kura Sushi USA’s interactive and tech-driven dining experience. The system is comprised of a prize machine, touch panel and plate disposal slot located at every table in the restaurant.

Entertainment

Buttermilk & Bourbon Chef Jason Santos Hosting Whiskey Paired Dinner

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The following information was provided by Buttermilk & Bourbon:

Chef Jason Santos and Chef Paul Krato will host a thoughtfully paired Westward Whiskey Dinner at Buttermilk & Bourbon, Arsenal Yards in Watertown on Monday, November 14th. Kicking off at 6 p.m., guests will enjoy passed apps and a welcome cocktail followed by a seated four-course meal paired with Westward’s selection of single malt, Oregon-based whiskeys. Tickets cost $70 and can be purchased HERE. 

The food menu will include:

Passed Course: Bacon & Jalapeno-wrapped shrimp with smoked salmon hush puppies

1st Course: Fire-roasted artichokes with BBQ aioli, shaved parmesan, bourbon vinaigrette

2nd Course: Crispy-Skinned Salmon with broken rice middlins, satsuma butter, shaved vegetable salad

3rd Course: Bourbon-Braised Pork Cheeks with sweet potato puree, Brussels sprouts, candied pecans

4th Course: Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pie with Westward Stout whipped cream

WHEN:

Monday, November 14

6 to 8 p.m.

WHERE:  

Buttermilk & Bourbon, Arsenal Yard

100 Arsenal Yard Blvd.Watertown, MA 02472

OTHER:

For more information or to make a reservation, please visit the event page HERE. About Buttermilk & Bourbon:

Nationally recognized chef Jason Santos’ Buttermilk & Bourbon delivers Southern hospitality to guests in Watertown’s new mixed-use development Arsenal Yards. Drawing on the South’s trademark charm, the restaurant offers a vibrant, cozy atmosphere with an innovative American menu featuring Southern influences. Santos, who also owns and operates Boston’s Citrus & Salt, Nash Bar & Stage, and Buttermilk & Bourbon: Back Bay, channels his love of New Orleans and all things Southern to transport guests to the Bayou by way of Buttermilk & Bourbon.

Around Town

Longtime Watertown Restaurant Sold, Will Keep Current Concept

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Conley’s Pub & GrilleConley’s Pub & Grille on Belmont Street has been sold. Watertown’s Conley’s Pub & Grille has been sold, but the new owners will reportedly keep the same concept at the Belmont Street restaurant. After 21 years, the owners of East End restaurant said “That’s a wrap.” on the Conley’s Facebook page on Sept. 18.

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.

Andrea's House of Pizza

Watertown Pizza Place Closing After Four Decades

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Andrea’s House of Pizza will be closing. A favorite spot for Watertown pizza lovers will be closing after 40 years serving local diners. Andrea’s House of Pizza in Coolidge Square will be closing this week, said Alex Taoultsides, who co-owns Andrea’s with his father Stratos. “Our last day is August 19th,” he said. “After 40 years it’s time to retire.”