The Cactus Grill in Maverick Square is apparently open. Has anyone had the chance to check it out? Any feedback on it would be appreciated.Speaking of Maverick eateries, can anyone report on the recent hearing to discuss the proposed Burger King in the square?
25 comments:
EastBostonRules
Says to Jimbo
First the Burger King vote by the City of Bostons Licensing Board has been put off until October 17th,2007.
I have no clue as to why its been postponed but thier number is 617-635-4170.direct
Now to the Cactus Grill !
Here is the exact opposite of the Burger King scenerio.
They did not have to attend a single Community meeting under any circumstances,and were green lighted by the Machine,because the owner of the building is an Itaian guy who lives in Eastie,and is friends with our local Politicians.
However Burger King on the other hand has had to have a
E.B.Mainstreets meeting 153 people came,THEN a Land Use Council meeting,185 people came,
THEN on top of all that the residents of the area filed a petition to force the entire Licensing Board to have an official hearing in East Boston for B.K.,and that happened 9-26-07 at the Umana Barnes.
TALK ABOUT DOUBLE STANDARDS.
B.K.Just like the Cactus grill have 1-No Parking Lot,2-No delivery spot,3-No drive through.
B.K. 12 SEATS ,CACTUS 40 SEATS.
Please,Please Please tell me is this not discrimination?
If I were B.K.I would sue if I didn't get my license.
So much for a vision for Maverick Square.
Sick of it being "who you know,as opposed to treating everyone fair"
Joe Mason
My understanding is that a small Burger King has been given the green light to come to Maverick.
Cactus Grill does sound like fun.
EastBostonRules
Says to Anon
For you to say that ,then maybe you work inside City Hall?hmmmm
That would mean that you are saying the 3 Commissioners,as well as thier Executive Legal secretary ,who I spoke to today ,are not telling the truth when you call the number I posted.
That you know of a fixed vote.
I don't think so ,but just to be sure I will alert the Licensing Board of your claim.
After all this B.K. thing looks to me like it will head to court if they are Denied.They signed a 10 year lease that is impossible to get out of.Its online at Suffolk Deeds.
I noticed that you didn't comment on the part about the disparaging hurdles the two Maverick Square issues did,and did not HAVE to go through.
One last thing,just incase you are not paying attention!
This issue had a direct outcome on the election,as did Tequilas.
Joe Mason
Whats your name?????
Cactus Grill did a great job with the renovations and it looks MUCH better than the 3 Corners Tobacco that used to be there. It is clean and inviting inside.
The only problem is...they have the same menu as every other El Salvadora/Mexican place in Eastie! I spoke with the owner and told him that he could really make a difference for the neighborhood if he did something similar to Ana's Taqueria/Chipotle/Boca Grande/Qdoba, etc. Something like gourmet TexMex burritos and quesadillas + gourmet pupusas and arepas could be a great thing for the area. I could definitely see myself stopping off for a quick bite to eat on the way to the T.
Something like this would appeal both to the Latinos and the gringos here. It would compliment Cafe 303 and help convince the city that Burger King is not the way to go for Maverick Sq.
If anyone feels the same way, please make your suggestions to the owners. They are still brand new and have time to change the menu before they get going.
BTW, Jimbo, if you haven't tried Angela's Cafe on Lexington, you really should. The Chowhound boards are going crazy over this place. My wife and I are there several times a week as the food is out of this world. Make sure to order the specials off the blackboard or just ask what they have that is not on the menu.
To Joe, Burger King is going to pass and i for one am pushing hard for that guy! By the way who made you the boss of East Boston?
EastBostonRules
Says to Anon
Wow for once you,and I think a like.
To me "FORCING" Burger King to go through 2 public meetings,then have an official City hearing in the community was insane.
I was making a point that if you are going to "Force"them ,then the same rules should apply for all who want to open on Maverick.
I do not know what the Maverick committees vision is,because I was not involved.
You are 100% correct in saying it will be approved ,in my opinion I can't see them being sued again like the Dominos fiasco.If you give it to one ,you got to give it to all.
Now to your comment about me being the boss,I wan't to remind you that we are a Community group of people who Donate thier time,and DO NOT get paid.We also DO NOT take a single penny from any governmental agency.
We do however give out tens of thousands of dollars in Charitable Grants to East Boston groups,and residents.
Last Count was 225,000.00 dollars.
Ill bet in one way or another our Grant program has touched you,or a member of your family.
Such as every single Senior Citizen group in Eastie,Eastie Pride Day,Little League,E.B.Girls softball,Bicycle helmet saftey days,District 7 Youth fund,as well as over 75,000.00 dollars to Eastie kids for paid tuition schools .From E.B Central Catholic ,up to Harvard.
We also just gave out 4000.00 to displaced East Boston Savio kids going to other paid tuition high schools.
For an exact list of 2006,and 2007 charitable donations go to www.eastboston.com
I hope this gives you a better picture of where my passion comes from?
If you still feel hostile about me ,well I can't change the results of the Election.
ITS ALL ABOUT BEING FAIR,AND TREATING EVERYONE THE SAME!!!
Have a nice day!
Joe Mason
EastBostonRules
Says to Anon
Wow for once you,and I think a like.
To me "FORCING" Burger King to go through 2 public meetings,then have an official City hearing in the community was insane.
I was making a point that if you are going to "Force"them ,then the same rules should apply for all who want to open on Maverick.
I do not know what the Maverick committees vision is,because I was not involved.
You are 100% correct in saying it will be approved ,in my opinion I can't see them being sued again like the Dominos fiasco.If you give it to one ,you got to give it to all.
Now to your comment about me being the boss,I wan't to remind you that we are a Community group of people who Donate thier time,and DO NOT get paid.We also DO NOT take a single penny from any governmental agency.
We do however give out tens of thousands of dollars in Charitable Grants to East Boston groups,and residents.
Last Count was 225,000.00 dollars.
Ill bet in one way or another our Grant program has touched you,or a member of your family.
Such as every single Senior Citizen group in Eastie,Eastie Pride Day,Little League,E.B.Girls softball,Bicycle helmet saftey days,District 7 Youth fund,as well as over 75,000.00 dollars to Eastie kids for paid tuition schools .From E.B Central Catholic ,up to Harvard.
We also just gave out 4000.00 to displaced East Boston Savio kids going to other paid tuition high schools.
For an exact list of 2006,and 2007 charitable donations go to www.eastboston.com
I hope this gives you a better picture of where my passion comes from?
If you still feel hostile about me ,well I can't change the results of the Election.
ITS ALL ABOUT BEING FAIR,AND TREATING EVERYONE THE SAME!!!
Have a nice day!
Joe Mason
East Boston's Maverick sq is not an appropriate area for an upscale eatery, but, I truly think maverick sq is a great spot for a Burger King, just look at the new low income housing up the street from maverick sq all the kids that live their, it will be great for the kids,everyone knows that burger king is a kid friendly place RIGHT,If Menino disagree's, of coarse sal petrucelli and newly elect-basile will go with the mayor, because of traffic concerns, but if a menino hack wanted to put a burger king their the hack would not have any problem.
To all: PLEASE let's get together and don't let BK come to Maverick: Does East Boston needs BK in that area? McD is some blocks away and people go there. If we, from East Boston in that area want fast food, we go to McD, if people coming or visiting that area of East Boston, they can go and see our own identity, that is all the little restaurants and places that exists now. If people want fast food (that personally think is not good) they can go other place, but around Maverick, let keep it ours.
No BK in that area.
I am curious why anonymous says that Maverick is not an appropriate place for an upscale eatery? Where better? I know quite a few residents who would like something a bit nicer convenient to Maverick and their commute home. I would hope that Maverick would have a wide variety of businesses to appeal to the diverse population of East Boston. It seems in keeping with the long awaited renovations that fast food or chain type stores find larger locations like the Shaws plaza leaving Maverick to the smaller local proprietors.
To Vonwonton,
I most definitely agree! I think there are more who think the same way but aren't as vocal as the nay sayers.
Umm, I don't want my kids eating at Burger King and I don't think it is appropriate food...unless you think child obesity and future heart disease/diabetes is a "kid friendly" thing.
I think Maverick Sq is a great place for a somewhat upscale eatery. Maybe not a 5 start restaurant right now, but what about a decent burrito place a la Boca Grande or Chipotle?
And Cafe Italia is just a few blocks away and is fairly upscale and superior to most North End overpriced eateries.
EastBostonRules
Says to everyone concerned with Mavericks future;
Today the Board of Appeals DENIED any further use of the 72 Car parking lot between Eddie C's,and Store 24.
BZC.Case number 28555
30-30 Maverick Square.
He got a 3 year extension the last time ,but it had provisions on it.
He failed to live up to them.
The City testified that he never finished the original paper work,on the zoning,and the B.R.A.Design review was never finished either.(Legal requirement)
That was supposed to be done 3 years,and 9 months ago.
So when you Do Not finish these two mandatory requirements,you do not get a valid occupancy permit for the 72 cars.
On top of that the other 2 businesses operating (copy shop),and Cellular co.)have no licenses either.
All that being said the 72 car use was Illegal for the past 3 years,and 9 months.As well as the other 2 companies.
Because of that his Zoning in the eyes of the law has been abandoned,and is forever gone.
Although I feel bad because he is an old man who is very sick.He has been offered over a Million for the property,and will not sell.
He lives in Lexington,and because of his health ,its become self service,and an eyesore.
I wish him the best,but think he should take the money ,and run,and enjoy it while he can.
Joe Mason
I agree with James. Another/the same "anonymous" commented in the thread about Atlantic Works that we should concentrate on clean safe streets. I worry that bringing Burger King and similar fast food outlets to the area will make Maverick more like Washington street or a strip mall. A place for loitering teens who may unfortunately, contribute to neither the cleanliness nor the safety of our streets.
I think a Martini bar is in order.
Hi, Folks:
Check out "Off the Boat" on Porter Street -- a great eatery. Uncle Joe's personality makes the place shine, and the seafood is delicious.
I dont think we need a burger king on that corner either. There is no room to park. Everyone will be double parking for sure now and it will just be a spot for people to hang out and NOT eat. All the people and deadbeats that currently sit at that t station, will move into there and it will be a free for all. They dont need another Cantina or mexican or haiten food restaurant either. Some people are right. Maybe something more upscale. Granted, you wont have something to fancy there becuase it IS East Boston, but over time, something will give. They expect to build all these fancy condos and prices are so high. You have to keep the people paying those prices in the neighborhood somehow. If anything, that nice Chinese Restaurant next door should renovate and move there too. Make it a really nice Chinese restaurant. or just something else. But a burget king is not what is needed there with all the nice improvements that are going on over there.
Burger King is a corporate chain that in particular takes pride in serving unhealthy fast foods. While I won't claim that other restaurants in Eastie serve pure and bountiful health food, at least they're locally owned and not some generic garbage that we see out in the suburbs of the rest of the country. As far as process goes, if Burger King feels that they are being treated less than fair so be it, they can sue as one poster suggested. It won't win them any spot in my heart. Too bad our citizens won't likely react the same way the French have to the garbage fast food. A good riot isn't all that bad every once in a while.
And further...to the poster who suggested that Burger King is great for kids. I would only say that is true if you want them to be morbidly obese. To be honest, the last place I want my kids to be is another fast food junk chain. The money gets sucked out of the community, and the kids get doped up on sugar, fat, and carbs. Yeah that's kid friendly. No wonder our kids in Eastie suffer from outrageous rates of diabetes. Brilliant. Oh, and especially for those kids in public housing. Very erudite! Are you serious?
If we were to create a wish list for Maverick, I would love to see a North African restaurant and a specialty foods market. I haven't seen any official demographics but, I understand we have a growing North African population in East Boston. It would also be nice to have a true cafe in the square with outdoor seating when the weather is nice.
I, for one, would not like to see a North African restaurant in Maverick Square. Such needs have already been addressed by Caffe Italia just a few blocks away.
I do like Off The Boat Seafood, however, it is a bit pricey. I will go back though.
I think perhaps there was some misunderstanding? I don't remember seeing any North African dishes on the menu at Caffe Italia or at Off the Boat Seafood.
It seems that the entire corridor from Maverick to East Pier has the potential to support many local businesses and restaurants and it would be great to see a wide variety of each.
To Tell The Truth
Says
Tomorrow 10-23-07 there is a hearing at the City of Bostons Liquor Licensing Board for again Tequilas Nightclub ( forbidden use in Easties code).formerly a very nice "Family Restaurant"
Its a result of so many Fights,stabbings,serving of Minors,etc.
The last straw was September 17th,2007 when it took every single cop in Eastie,as well as help from downtown to control.It started inside,and emptied to the streets.
People were slashing with broken beer bottles ,blood all over the place,and numerous arrests.
He promised with the exception of the Menu "everything would stay the same" Ya right.
Bouncers,and Cover charges,do not make a Family Restaurant"
So now the building is up for sale ,his lease is not being renewed,and the entire surrounding neighborhood
"WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SIZZLIN HAIR SALON"
has signed a Petition to roll back the operating hours from closing at 2 a.m. ,to closing the kitchen at 11p.m.,and everyone out ,doors locked by 12 midnight,as well as "Alcohol to be served with food only.
The Petition also asks ,and he deserves it a 30 to 60 day suspension.(closed)
He attended a O.H.Community meeting last Monday to try ,and cool things down,but made it worse . Opening statement from the owner "You are all wrong,I am the victim,and you are only doing this because I am Spanish" .
They play the race card so much it makes me puke.
I hope he gets everything he deserves.
So my point is to all of you screamming about needing more Liquor ,this town does not support it. October 16th a so called white linen fine restaurat Zaffranos was in forclosure on a sidewalk sale.Its the third again so called up scale to fail at this location.
As far as Maverick goes it should of been buldozed years ago like they did in the West End.
Burger King will come,and no one will ever invest in a Classy upscale eatery on that Square.
One last point to James from a post october 5th "You call certain people Latinos,and the White people Gringos "
In my opinion it shows you also play the race card.
At least the Gringos that ran this place before ran it as a Family Restaurant,and respected the neighbors at all times.
These people treat them like scum.
Thank You to the 500 people ,including the business owners "-minus Sizzlin Hair Salon" for signing that Petition.
Bring back Stevie,and Joan Chance !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Good news at last. I understand that the Licensing Board tuned down Burger King's application.
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