The former Harvest Coop space at 57 South St. on May 20, 2015.
Business

The Old Harvest Space on South Street: What Should Go There?

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Perhaps no commercial vacancy in the last few years has prompted as much speculation on what should go there next as 57 South St., former home of Harvest Coop. Landlord Dean Rusk is marketing the property as a "retail/restaurant" opportunity, according to a poster in the window. Interested parties are asked to call 617-274-4900 or email info@bosurban.com. Harvest shuttered the store in April, citing operating losses in each of the past three fiscal years. Harvest has a location .7 miles away across from Forest Hills Station.

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Detail from draft menu for Casa Verde, as of Tuesday, May 5, 2015.
Business

Three Dollar Tacos to Anchor New Mexican Restaurant ‘Casa Verde’

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New details emerged Tuesday about a Mexican restaurant proposed to fill the Ghazal space at 711 Centre St. — including a draft menu featuring $3 tacos. The eatery, to be called "Casa Verde," is from the team behind existing JP restaurants Tres Gatos and Centre Street Cafe. Co-owner David Doyle described the project Tuesday to members of the Public Service Committee of the JP Neighborhood Council. "We believe a Mexican restaurant, really affordable, family friendly, would be a good fit for Jamaica Plain," Doyle told those at the meeting, which was held at Curtis Hall Community Center.

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Business
The patio outside Ula Cafe

Ula Cafe to Start Serving Beer on Tuesday

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As of Tuesday, Ula Cafe will begin serving beer, according to the popular spot's newsletter. Back in January, the coffee shop and bakery won city approval to serve beer and wine while Tres Gatos upgraded to a full liquor license, according to Future Boston. Ula's owner, Korinn Koslofsky, previously told Jamaica Plain News the license will help support their open mic nights. "We are very excited to have this opportunity to finally be able to provide beer and wine to our very loyal guests who have been asking for it for years," she wrote in an email to Jamaica Plain News, "and we can't express how grateful we are for all of their support during this process. We would not have been granted this license if it hadn't been for all of the signatures and letters of support we were able to collect over the past few months."

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Ghazal Indian Cuisine, 711 Centre St., will be closing. A Mexican restaurant is planned for the space.
Business

Goodbye Tandoor, Hello Tacos: Ghazal Gives Way to Mexican

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A new Mexican restaurant from the team that runs Tres Gatos and Centre Street Cafe is planned for the longtime Ghazal space. That's the word from Tres Gatos co-owner David Doyle. Here's how he describes the concept:

"We know we want the restaurant to be a casual, affordable, family-friendly Mexican eatery featuring tacos, ceviches, and other traditional fare, made with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible." Doyle said the new spot would have a large selection of draft beer, plus wines from the U.S. and South America. Jamaica Plain News hasn't spoken with Ghazal's owners, but Doyle Tweeted that the owner is selling Ghazal to pursue another venture.

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File photo: Adam Rutstein, owner of Centre Street Sanctuary, stands beside his new outdoor patio space.
Business

Centre Street Sanctuary Seeks to Recruit New Restaurant Quickly

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The owner of Centre Street Sanctuary, which shuttered on Sunday, hopes to either bring in a new restaurant or form a partnership to reopen. The landlord of the 365 Centre St. space in the heart of Hyde Square also hopes to see a restaurant in the space soon. Owner Adam Rutstein broke the news of the closing to patrons via the restaurant's Facebook page on Sunday. He said the kind words from patrons have been "nice and heartwarming."

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Business

‘Havana Pete’s’ Could Bring Beer & Seafood Next to Green Street T

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Neighborhood builder Chris DeSisto has proposed a new building right across Amory from Green Street Station that would have 15 apartments and a second-floor restaurant. DeSisto spoke to Jamaica Plain News Friday in advance of a Tuesday neighborhood meeting where he'll pitch the need for a liquor license. The restaurant would tentatively be called "Havana Pete's." An earlier name — "Redneck Pete's" — didn't get rave reviews, DeSisto said. The new mixed-use building at 450 Amory St.

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Must be February — Ula Cafe has started making their Valentine's Day cookies. My favorites are the ones like this with PG-13 messages.
Holidays

Restaurants to Book Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Reservations

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Need a last minute restaurant to dine at this Valentine’s Day? Jamaica Plan has a few places for you to call up. Act fast, Valentine's Day is the most hectic time for dinner reservations! Keep in mind there's a Nor'easter coming in late Saturday, but snow isn't supposed to start in earnest until midnight, according to WHDH. Bella Luna Restaurant and Milky Way Lounge:

Don’t let your Queen of Hearts lose her temper, take her to a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at Bella Luna Restaurant and Milky Way lounge.

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Business

Sneak Peek: Centre Street Cafe Opens Tuesday Evening

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David Doyle, co-owner of Centre Street Cafe, pauses for a photo on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014. Credit: Chris Helms

As of Tuesday evening, Jamaica Plain will finally have an Italian restaurant. But before you tuck into your linguine and littlenecks (yes, they're on the menu), here's a a sneak peek of the new Centre Street Cafe. As most residents know, previous owner Felicia Sánchez made Centre Street Cafe a neighborhood staple.

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Business

Dancing, Dhal and Dhol as JP’s Newest Restaurant Opens

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Family, friends and customers of Tikki Masala dance at the restaurant's grand opening on Nov. 1, 2014. Credit: Chris Helms
Rain didn't dampen the joy Saturday as the Sharma family held a grand opening for the third Indian restaurant in Jamaica Plain. The festivities for Tikki Masala began with professional drummer Sandeep Das playing his dhol, a traditional two-headed drum, to induce a frenzy of dancing on the sidewalk outside 3706 Washington St. There was also a ribbon cutting and a free buffet for the packed crowd.

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