400 Highland restaurant is CLOSED

[ron_newman]

The restaurant at 400 Highland Avenue has closed, a little over three months after it opened. A sign in front says that anyone holding a gift certificate should redeem it at Joshua Tree.

Meanwhile, it looks like the Rosebud is going to give their back room another try. The sign now says La Spina - Authentic Neapolitan Cuisine. Don't know when it's going to open, but presumably soon.

Comments

[enochs-fable.livejournal.com]

Really? Huh. I thought the food was okay - but overall, it was pretty pricey for the square, and too pricey for the food. Although I've heard the drinks were good. I'm going to bet that's what killed it in the end - Davis doesn't need a pricey but mediocre restaurant that's out of range of the college students and not worth going to repeatedly for the post-college crowd. The one time I ate there, I didn't see many people in there either.

I think we could use an actual good Chinese place or something other than American-esque food. Sauce, I'm thinking of you.

[prunesnprisms.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the drinks were what made it. The food was ok, but I was looking forward to trying it a second time. Unfortunately it's in a price bracket we don't get into above twice a month if that.

[enochs-fable.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately it's in a price bracket we don't get into above twice a month if that.


And that's why I think they failed. I mean, sure, maybe on Newbury Street or Back Bay, those prices would be fine (but the food would look even more lackluster) but in Davis? No way.

[prunesnprisms.livejournal.com]

Well, it was in the same price bracket as Gargoyles, EVOO, Magnolia's (in Inman), and other places I like to go. I don't think the lesson is that a restaurant in that price range can't live in Somerville, or, anywhere outside of Back Bay/Beacon Hill/South End. But, it's an awfully big space to fill, and Gargoyle's, Magnolia's and EVOO aren't quite so large.

Maybe it's too big entirely?

[enochs-fable.livejournal.com]

That's why I've never actually eaten at Gargoyles!
Is it worth it? What's Magnolia's and EVOOs?

You do have a point - a smaller pricey place could have survived - assuming the food warranted it, since a smaller clientele could keep it afloat.

Thinking about it a bit more, besides the drinks (apparently), 400 Highland just didn't seem... distinctive. I mean, if a small actual tapas place (and not a faux one like Sauce tried to be) moved in, I bet it'd do well.

[prunesnprisms.livejournal.com]

There's good tapas in a fairly large location at Dali and at Solea in Waltham.

Magnolia's is ersatz Cajun/Southern, but is mostly alright if you don't know what excellent catfish tastes like. They have pretty good upscale Southern food. EVOO is upscale American with some outside influences--they put a great premium on using local, seasonal, sustainable ingredients, and actually turn out some amazing food. And, it's *casual*.

I liked Sauce's food, but it cost too much for what it was.

[enochs-fable.livejournal.com]

Oh, trust me, I know all about Dali's and Tapeo's and Solea!

Where is EVOO?

[prunesnprisms.livejournal.com]

Literally across the street from Dali.

I was more pointing out that you CAN do tapas in a large space, whereas, sometimes it's hard to do especially good food on a large scale.

I've never been to Gargoyle's, but keep meaning to go. It's potentially a bit trendy for me.