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]

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.