Gemma’s Owners Opening ‘Casual American Style Restaurant’

Gemma’s name change was approved at Monday’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting.

The owners of the recently closed Gemma Ristorante are behind Cooper’s Tavern, according to paperwork filed with the Board of Selectmen’s office. Ilir and Melaiza Velagoshti wrote to the board that they’re planning to operate a “casual American style restaurant” at the former Gemma site, 319 Broadway in Arlington Center, as they feel “it is more appropriate and needed in [the] business district.” ----- Do you agree with the owners? Is a casual American style restaurant what Arlington Center needs? Let us know by posting a comment below. ----- Their proposed name change was unanimously approved by the board Monday. Cooper’s Tavern was the second new historically named tavern to come before the board in less than a month. In late August, the…

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Gemma Site Could Become ‘Cooper’s Tavern’

The requested change follows on the heels of a new historically named tavern set for East Arlington.

The recently closed Gemma Ristorante in Arlington Center might become “Cooper’s Tavern.” The change will be requested Monday night at the Board of Selectmen’s meeting, according to the meeting’s agenda. Cooper’s Tavern will be the second new historically named tavern to come before the board in less than a month. In late August, the board unanimously approved plans for Menotomy Grill and Tavern, which is slated for the old Hollywood Video site in East Arlington. ----- Would you be excited about a new tavern in Arlington Center? Let us know by posting a comment below. ----- If approved, Cooper’s Tavern will be just steps away from the original Cooper’s Tavern, where, on April 19, 1775, “the old men of Menotomy” planned an ambush on a …

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Are You Sorry to See Gemma Close?

The local Italian restaurant in Arlington Center is no more, according to two area restaurant blogs. Let us know what you think by posting a comment below.

Reports: Gemma Has Closed

Two area restaurant blogs are reporting that the local Italian restaurant is no more.

Both Boston Restaurant Talk and Grub Street Boston reported today that Gemma Ristorante in Arlington Center has closed. The local Italian restaurant, at 319 Broadway, has been inactive for quite some time, and its website, www.gemmaitalian.com, was down Monday afternoon – however, all GoDaddy-hosted websites were down then, so it’s unclear if that was the cause. According to Boston Restaurant Talk, Gemma’s owners might open another restaurant at this same location, but this information was unconfirmed. Gemma shifted over to its current location a couple years ago to expand, according to the area restaurant blog. Gemma received two glowing reviews on its Patch listing. Are you sorry to see Gemma close? Let us know by posting a comment below…

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Patch Passport

Dining Around the World: Your Guide to Arlington's International Cuisine

Did you know Arlington offers places to sample all the tastes of the world? The Saturday Patch Passport is a list of several places to eat in your town—organized by international flavor.

Do you want to get out of the kitchen, but are bored of the same old places you always go to? Want some fresh ideas for tasty meals? Today's Patch Passport is here to help. We have assembled a list of local places with international flavors. Try one out and let us know what you think. Bon Appetit! Ristorante Olivio Open in Arlington for over seven years, Ristorante Olivio is a place to find authentic Italian cooking. In an atmosphere that has a fine dining look but is casual and comfortable, Chef Angelo DiGirolamo serves simple food with fresh ingredients. There are offerings inspired by many regions of Italy, all made with an emphasis on a rustic style achieved with simple components. The restaurant has a bar area and a separate room for …

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