I’ve been watching the facade for Privus & The Kells come down over the last few days. There’s a meeting at the Board of Appeals next Tuesday 8/24 to determine whether or not the new Tavern on the Square (still opening this month?) will be allowed a roof deck or not (the notice used to be here but I guess they overwrite these files for some dumb reason – I believe it said something like 150 seats were being requested). Not sure how this will turn out – I’m generally pro-roof deck if it turns out to be a quiet and decent place (having a space to have a beer outside = a good thing) but if it ends up involving getting pelted with projectile glass that’s somewhat less optimal. Oh they’re also asking for permission to have performance space up there as well. A great idea if well implemented, less of a good idea as the amplification and asshole factor increases.

Groupon finally comes back to Allston. Today’s special is $30 for $15 over at SoulFire BBQ. Excellent. Purchase in the next 17 hours, valid through February 2011.

A brief break for food porn. Chicken Bahn Mi, from the 4-starred Pho Viet at the Super 88 food court.

Found in the ACL pool, written up at Cave Cibum.

For my money, Garlic n’ Lemons had the best showing at Taste of Allston today, dishing out this ridiculously tasty chicken shawarma/hummus/tabouli thing. I heard some votes for YoMa (who had an enjoyable if homogenous potato curry) so let’s put them in second place. The ceasar salad from Big City was rather good, and Fish Market had a bunch of interesting rolls.

I’m inclined not to speak negatively about any of the restaurants that came out for this event so let me just say in a semi-oblique manner that I’d still like to try Grain & Salt in a more controlled environment at their place. Serving hot food outdoor works better for some items than it does for others.

I kept looking around for Mt. Everest Kitchen, since I read in that piece I linked to yesterday that they were coming. But, they weren’t. Turns out that article was from last year, and (surprisingly) none of the restaurants mentioned there (Dawat, Gitlo’s, Bravo, Lilly’s, Buk Kyung and Camino Real) came this year.

I put a couple photos in a set here, or you can check to see if others will find their way to the ACL pool.

I’ve been completely remiss not to mention that Taste of Allston is tomorrow, June 27th. It’s still possible to get discounted tickets ($15 rather than $20) tonight, and through tomorrow morning until 9am. I’m taking both my parents since I didn’t manage to get it together to get either a father’s or mother’s day present on the appropriate day. Two late birds, one tasty stone.

Oh and look, there’s booze.

Past festival venues have not allowed alcohol to be served, but this year’s Taste, held at the Murr Center at Harvard’s Athletic Complex, will give attendees even more bang for their buck, with sponsors Presidente Beer and Sam Adams handing out free samples along with El Mayor Tequila and Pearl Vodka, Reed said.

The seeming arbitrariness of the Allston Civic Association recommendations on closing times continues. The newest loser is (don’t call me Shabu) Toki, stuck with their current closing at 11pm.

Toki Japanese Restaurant, formerly named Shabu Shabu, on 123 Brighton Ave. in Allston, was denied a 1 a.m. closing time from 11 p.m. Residents refused to support a closing hour past midnight. Owner Christine Tam said the restaurant is undergoing some changes and is trying to better cater to the 20- to 30-year-old crowd. Toki has operated without incidents and has a limited alcohol license to beer and wine only.

No incidents and located on a street full of bars! Why not shut those whippersnappers down after the 4:30pm dinner rush, eh grampy? That’d teach em for staying open on Sundays.

The long defunct corner half of the old Burritos on Fire is finally filling out with some unknown quantity called uChef. It probably has nothing to do with this Italian cooking website, but one can always hope.

Benvenuti! Questo è il nostro nuovo portale della cucina di qualità, dove potrete trovare e condividere molte informazioni utili sulla cucina e la cultura enogastronomica.Ricette e videoricette quindi ma non solo: consigli su come scegliere il pesce o la carne, linee guida nutrizionali, come preparare una tavola con fantasia e creatività, come scegliere un tartufo, come cercarlo, oppure come si vendemmia, come si prepara un sushi e molto altro.

The Boston Gastronauts eat mexican sandwiches from El Carrizal.

Your choices are beef (alright), chicken (okay), and lengua (whaaaaat?). That last one’s the tongue meat. It’s chopped up and spiced up and covered in melted cheese so really it’s kind of hard to taste it with everything going on in this sandwich. There’s a ton of lengua on the sandwich itself so every once in a while you get a big mouthful of it.

Very much later, Kelly’s on the corner of Harvard and Commonwealth is opening to the general public this morning at 10am. They’ve been doing a soft opening for VIPs for the last few days but now it’s time for the non-special among us to kick-start their cholesterol issues.

Let’s peruse the (relatively adjective devoid) menu for the vegetarian options. There are a few salad options, (kraft branded) mac & cheese plate for both kids and as a side and some coronary threatening fried options (mozzarella sticks, cheese fries & potato skins). And frappes! The soup of the day has potential but it’s dangerous to count on that.

Anyway, welcome to the neighborhood! I’m glad this corner is a little less vacant than it was before.

Some unsubstantiated rumor spreading from Michael V…

Word is that a Margaritas is replacing the UNOs across the street from us on Commonwealth Avenue. Nothing says authentic Mexican like a New Hampshire-based restaurant chain! Oh well, at least there are margaritas.

Agreed. But in a post-Zocalo’s universe I’d take chain Mexican over chain Deep Dish anyday. Nothing on their locations page. But here’s a recent Phantom Gourmet puff vid anyway.