Davis Sq Task Force meets Monday 2/11

[ron_newman]

The Davis Square Task Force will meet this Monday, February 11, at 7 pm at the Tufts Administration Building, 167 Holland Street. Here's the agenda:

7-7:05 - Introductions

7:05-7:20 - Neighborhood Groups Update
- Somerville Climate Action/Go Green Davis Square
- Local First Initiative
- Davis Area Resident Business Initiative

7:20-7:55 - CARLI Fence site

7:55-8:25 -Davis Square Development
- Antonia’s Restaurant space: Krista Kranyak from Ten Tables Restaurant
- Property on Highland Ave and Enterprise Lot
- Possible Blue Shirt Café expansion/Dollar Days
- Dover Plaza
- Dahn Yoga studio
- Sushi restaurant opening where La Contessa used to be

8:25-8:50 -Future Search Concept (Vanessa Rule)
“Where does our community want to go?”

8:50-9 - Miscellaneous items and next meeting date

ETA, 2/14: My notes from the meeting are here.

Comments

[bex77]

Does this mean Antonia's has closed?

[ron_newman]

I don't think so, but it sounds like someone else is trying to buy it. We'll find out more Monday night.

[clevernonsense.livejournal.com]

Is this Ten Tables from JP? If they take over Antonia's it would be a BIG step down...

[mrboboto.livejournal.com]

Are you serious? I've heard nothing but terrible things about Antonia's from Chowhound and other foodie friends, whereas Ten Tables is a pretty good restaurant.

I think it would be a BIG step up!

[clevernonsense.livejournal.com]

I've been to Ten Tables twice and both times was sorely disappointed (the menu is pretty poor as well). Antonia's is the only restaurant in Davis I actually like (and is probably my favorite Italian place in the Boston area, and it seems quite a few people below agree). I've gone there maybe a dozen times--the service is often quite spotty which is likely why it gets mediocre reviews (though, usually from mistakes, which the staff is always friednly about comping or otherwise fixing)

[mrf-arch.livejournal.com]

I've never been to Ten Tables, but Antonia's is by far my favorite Italian place in greater Boston - I'd be sad to see them go regardless of who bought the place.

[wallacestreet.livejournal.com]

Sorry, but I disagree strongly. Ten Tables is one of the best, most innovative, not to mention value priced (for what it is) restaurants in Boston. Antonia's is pleasant enough, I guess, but can't hold a candle to Ten Tables. The addition of a Ten Tables type place would be fantastic for the Square which, although it has a lot of restaurants, has only a few really good ones.

[clevernonsense.livejournal.com]

No offense, but your comment makes me wonder if you either are personally invested in Ten Tables somehow or have never been there. It's *really* mediocre and really overpriced with a very uninspired menu. I lived in JP for 5 years (though it opened around the halfway point) and pretty much everyone I know from around there feels about the same way. The usual comment is "I'd much rather go to Zon's"

Davis does have very few good restaurants, though. It would just be a shame if another bad one moves in.

[wallacestreet.livejournal.com]

In fact, I do take offense at the suggestion that either I don't know what I'm talking about or that I'm somehow a shill for Ten Tables. I offered my honest opinion, having been to both restaurants, and you accuse me of being either ignorant or biased due to a financial interest. You may disagree with my assessment of the two restaurants, as is of course your right, but don't question my honesty or motives for offering my opinion. It's totally uncalled for and I resent it.

I'm sorry that you and everyone you know dislike Ten Tables, but, as I said, in my opinion it's one of the best restaurants in Boston, at any price, and the price is quite reasonable. I for one would be very excited to see its owners open something in the square.

[ron_newman]

Folks, let's keep it civil. (Both of you, and everyone else). Your friendly moderator would appreciate it. Thanks.

[buckturgidsen.livejournal.com]

I've never eaten at Ten Tables but my sister in JP lives around the corner and loves it. There was a change of ownership and chef a few years ago and she said that the food improved a lot after that. Possibly your disappointing experiences were from the old regime?

[surrealestate.livejournal.com]

Are you sure about that? As far as I know, the owner is the founder as well as the head chef.

[buckturgidsen.livejournal.com]

I'm not positive, I'm just going on what I heard.

On another note, the people on yelp certainly seem to like it:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/ten-tables-jamaica-plain

Of the last 15 reviews, something like 14 are 5/5 stars and the other is 4/5. Food that draws rave reviews ... fresh, local ingredients ... good wine list. I can't think of why we wouldn't want a restaurant like this in Davis Square. Would I rather it replace McDonalds or Chipotle? Sure. But if Antonia's is moving I would be thrilled to see something like Ten Tables take its place based on everything I've heard.

More on Ten Tables from Today's Globe

[m-b-w.livejournal.com]

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2008/02/13/i_heart_you_ten_tables_please_be_mine/

[avacon.livejournal.com]

I really hope not! Antonia's is one of our favorite places to eat in Somerville
and one of our generally favorite Italian restaurants. They have good food,
a nice atmosphere, and are reasonably priced. Of the 10-20 times I've eaten
there, I hit off nights maybe 1-2 times, and even then they were still better
than many other places around. I'll be very sad if they leave.

[ksushis.livejournal.com]

I hope Antonia's is not closing! I love them and they're probably the best Italian place I've been to in Boston... The food is good, the service is nice and you can even see chefs cooking!