Metro - Feeling the Pressure

As the Fort Point neighborhood slowly, but surely, trudges through its transformation one thing has become very clear...

Metro Cafe, the stalwart of lunch in the neighborhood for the past few years, is feeling the pressure.

Fort Point hasn't developed a reputation for food... at least not yet. But who knows what the future holds. For the past 2 years, the dining options for lunch have been limited. There are 2 Metro Cafe locations, 1 Au Bon Pain, Marco Polo, Sienna's, Sleeper Street, Yada Yada, and Finagle a Bagel. (Yes, some might say Lucky's or Channel, but I leave them out because they are both going to cost you in excess of $10 per day to eat there.) Obviously a couple of these places are chains, and you know what to expect. But the others are all pretty much built on the same model. Quantity over quality, affordability (under $10/day) and a cafeteria menu board of selections that change daily, but pretty much recycle weekly.

This model has allowed Metro to become THE spot for lunch, as they out-do all of their competitors at offering quantity.

The problem is, quality is moving in on their territory. For the past year or so, Flour has built a strong customer base. People willing to spend an extra dollar for a high quality lunch are making a difference in the lunchtime culture. Yes the sandwiches are smaller, but you don't hear anyone talking about "shiney chicken" after eating at a place like Flour.

Over the past month or three I've observed that Metro has put themselves on notice. They have begun making an effort to introduce higher-quality ingredients (whether it be artisan breads) and they have also begun to diversify their menu more (offering things like noodle bowls). Yes, they still offer the tride-and-true staples of their menu, but the alternatives have certainly been kicked up a notch.

Hopefully the influx of finer dining establishments in our neighborhood continues to raise the bar for our lunchtime options... but maybe not to the extent that lunch costs more than parking. ;)

Bento Box Art

Finagle-a-Bagle... parting is such sweet sorrow.

Fort Point suffered a loss last week that went largely unnoticed. Finagle-a-Bagel closed their doors for one last time.

The gym next door, Equilibrium I believe, has rented the space and plans to expand into the space in order to offer classes, etc. to their members.

One less place for a quick lunch, one less place to get a marginally tasty bagel... the biggest loss of all? No more horror movie saw to ogle when your bagel gets sliced. :(

Tamo features "medicinal" cocktails

TAMO Bar in the Seaport Hotel now featuring "medicinal" drinks to help ease the seasonal sickness woes.
Drink menu >>


About TAMO from their Web site: "Sip, relax and refresh as you enjoy our engaging bar staff and a light meal layered with the exotic flavors of the Spice Trade in one of the most distinctive Boston restaurants. Named after Japanese ash wood, Tamo is filled with soothing colors and striking architectural details."
Seaport Hotel Dining Web site >>

Calling all chocoholics!!!

The Sebastians restaurant at the World Trade Center is having the following class on Thursday February 5, 2009 from 6 to 9 pm:

Make Your Own Chocolate Box

"This event will also feature chocolaty treats like chocolate martinis, the ultimate hot chocolate and a flourless chocolate cake! But the best part is, at the end of the class, you can take
home your very own custom box of chocolates."

George

A new lunch place in the 'hood!

Just opened: Sportello (348 Congress Street). Rumor has it that there is some delectable looking snack-and-go, as well as a nice counter where you can snack on things like chicken soup with cumin gnocchi, house-made rosemary raisin bread, and even a nice little glass of wine.

Yada Yada

Doug, peter and I walked over to the Yada Yada Bakery Cafe today for takeout lunch. I ordered Lentil soup, a BLT, and lemonade. Both were quite tasty. The price was about the same as at the Metro deli.

Next visit, I'll try some of their pastries.