And now the weekly word from our foodie cousin, Eater Boston.
DOWNTOWN CROSSING—Tomorrow at 4pm, Big Night Entertainment Group's latest venture, Gem Restaurant & Lounge, opens on Province Street. Despite the times, the new establishment is unafraid of proclaiming its poshness and exclusivity. A lush space inspired by the Hotel Costes in Paris and the supper clubs of Montreal will only seat 36.
SOUTH BOSTON—Just one year ago, there was nowhere quite like the Local 149 in this part of town, which is one of the reasons why its sometimes whimsical menu has "raised eyebrows." Eater interviewed executive chef Leah Dubois, who used to "cook" at the all-raw, all-vegan Grezzo, for the latest installment in our One Year In series.
BACK BAY—Get ready for a fire hose drenching of new sub shops as the Florida-based Firehouse Subs prepares to open its first of what it says will be 85 stores throughout the region. Boston's first drink from the fire hose is slated to open on Boylston in June.
BEACON HILL—"It seems like the rich people have more influence than a small, local business," says the owner of Villa Mexico, a Mexican restaurant in a gas station that has had an uphill battle in trying to relocate a mere 80 feet away. The owner sees an upcoming zoning board meeting as its last chance to obtain the necessary permit to move before its current space is lost to development, and she takes issue with Mayor Menino's claim of supporting small business.