Archives: Media Room

Luxor Cafe is located at 148 Mt Auburn St. By Elise A. Spenner

By Sophie Gao, Bradford D. Kimball, and Elise A. Spenner, Contributing Writers

9 hours ago

Visitors to Harvard Square are in luck with the opening of Luxor Cafe, an Egyptian coffee shop and deli that launched in May.

The cafe — which is at the Mt. Auburn Street location that once housed Darwin’s Ltd. and Roust Coffee — expands the Mediterranean and Halal options in the Square with its Egyptian-inspired cuisine.

The new establishment is owned by 22-year-old Abdelrahman Hassan, the son of Egyptian immigrants, who said he aimed to emulate the “community space” of cafes in his parents’ home country.

“I miss home, and I miss being there, and I love being there,” Hassan said of Egypt. “I feel like it’s so special, and a lot of people don’t get to see how special it is.”

In addition to carrying over menu options from Darwin’s, Luxor Cafe offers a variety of specialty sandwiches, breakfast foods, and beverages — including a baklava latte and Egyptian breakfast. The cafe also features Egyptian-influenced decor, with a hieroglyph mural and a scarab beetle — a symbol of ancient Egypt.

The cafe was remodeled within two weeks of the closure of Roust Coffee, which was open for just over a year before shutting its doors in early May.

“I texted on a group chat, like, ‘I need help. I need to put things together,’” Hassan said. “All of a sudden, there are like 20 people a day that are all coming, and they’re all just helping. Everyone has ideas.”

In addition to serving Halal food, the cafe aims to further serve its Muslim patrons by building a prayer space in the basement, which Hassan said would be complete by January or February of 2025.

Although the cafe opened just a few months ago, Hassan is already managing a robust catering operation and also hopes to start a coffee cart system — which he called his “biggest thing” — that would bring Luxor Cafe all around New England.

“I feel like that’s really fun. Now, the world’s endless. You can go wherever,” Hassan said about the coffee cart. “You really get to go outside. You really get to push the brand name.”

Several customers praised the new cafe, citing its menu offerings and the establishment’s ambience.

Balsam Mahfoum, a student at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, said she comes to Luxor Cafe often because of their halal food and its role as a “community space.”

“It’s super accessible to a community that’s not really reached by a lot of cafes,” Mahfoum said, adding that even though the restaurant is “a little bit on the pricey side,” she wants to support Muslim and Arab-owned businesses.

“I love also that they play Arabic music. It makes me feel at home,” she said.

Reham Harrati ’27 said she makes a special effort to go to Luxor in part because the “coffee is fantastic.”

“It’s not necessarily in the direction of anything, so I literally schedule it into my day to walk out of the way and get coffee,” she said.

Though it was her first visit, Cambridge resident Divya Gumudavelly was impressed by Luxor Cafe and said her latte “ended up being really good.”

“I’m going to tell everyone about it to come back here, because it feels super homey and I feel like you can spend a lot of time here and get a lot of work done,” she said.

Garrett Harris, a Belmont resident, said he prefers Luxor to the previous restaurants in the location.

“I like the Egyptian vibe,” he said. “The personality of the people who work here is way better. It’s unique.”

Here are 20 of Boston’s most significant literary sites, including pubs, hotels, and restaurants that were once the haunts of important literary figures.

Boston, a city steeped in a rich literary history, has been the home to numerous iconic writers and intellectuals. Here are 20 of Boston’s most significant literary sites, including pubs, hotels, and restaurants that were once the haunts of important literary figures. These sites, each with its unique historical significance, are a testament to Boston’s deep-rooted literary heritage.

The Omni Parker House, 60 School St, Boston, MA 02108

The oldest continuously operating hotel in the U.S., frequented by Charles Dickens, who gave his first American reading of A Christmas Carol here, and by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Henry David Thoreau.

The Old Corner Bookstore, 283 Washington St, Boston, MA 02108

Once the headquarters of the publishers Ticknor and Fields, who published works by authors like Nathaniel Hawthorne, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Charles Dickens. Now home to a commercial business, but still a critical historical literary site.

Brattle Book Shop, 9 West St, Boston, MA 02111

Brattle’s is one of the oldest and largest antiquarian bookstores in the U.S., founded in 1825. It’s a treasure trove for book lovers.

The Harvard Book Store, 1256 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

An independent bookstore established in 1932, known for its author events and connection to Harvard University’s intellectual community, where figures like T.S. Eliot and E.E. Cummings studied.

The Charles Street Meeting House, 70 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114

A historical site where Ralph Waldo Emerson delivered his famous “Divinity School Address.” It’s an essential site for transcendentalist history.

The Union Oyster House, 41 Union St, Boston, MA 02108

Daniel Webster frequented the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the U.S. and reportedly consumed large quantities of oysters there.

Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, 399 Lexington Rd, Concord, MA 01742

The home of Louisa May Alcott, where she wrote Little Women, is in nearby Concord. It’s a must-visit for literary tourists in the Boston area.

The Athenaeum, 10½ Beacon St, Boston, MA 02108

One of the oldest independent libraries in the U.S., it has been frequented by literary figures such as Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Longfellow House, Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site, 105 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Home of the poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and a center for 19th-century literary and intellectual life.

The Dickens Room at The Parker House, 60 School St, Boston, MA 02108

Named after Charles Dickens, who stayed at the Parker House while on his American tours. The room preserves memorabilia from his time there.

The Grolier Poetry Book Shop, 6 Plympton St, Cambridge, MA 02138

Grolier is the oldest continuous poetry bookstore in the U.S., a haunt of poets like T.S. Eliot and Robert Lowell.

The Bell in Hand Tavern, 45 Union St, Boston, MA 02108

The Bell in Hand, established in 1795, is one of the oldest bars in America and has been frequented by many writers and journalists.

Grendel’s Den, 89 Winthrop St, Cambridge, MA 02138

A popular restaurant and bar in Harvard Square, frequented by students, professors, and writers alike, including the likes of Seamus Heaney.

The Concord Museum, 200 Lexington Rd, Concord, MA 01742

This museum houses artifacts from famous local authors, including Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and Louisa May Alcott. You can also visit Walden Pond while in Concord.

Brattle Street in Cambridge transformed into a sea of pink on Saturday as attendees enjoyed live music, sipped pink wines and browsed through tables selling unique items — all in support of a meaningful cause.

The Paint the Square PINK Block Party in Harvard Square, a celebration in support of breast cancer survivors, was held by the Harvard Square Business Association in partnership with the American Cancer Society..

Denise Jillson, executive director for the Harvard Business Association, said the idea for the pink party originated when the American Cancer Society proposed an outdoor celebration for breast cancer survivors.

“This is a horrible disease, and we’re seeing great improvements in healthcare and in treatment, and that’s something worthy of celebration,” Jillson said.

The event was originally scheduled for June 14, but was postponed twice due to rain. The organizers persisted and moved the date once more to Friday, Sept. 13.

“Third time’s the charm for tonight, because the weather is perfect,” Jillson said.

In addition to providing resources to survivors and those currently fighting cancer, the free event featured live music, a pink inflatable chair for photo opportunities and a wine garden sponsored by the Commonwealth Wine School.

The event was also an opportunity for small businesses to display their unique products. A portion of their sales contributed to Making Strides of Boston, a walk that fundraises for breast cancer research and treatment. The walk is part of the national movement Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and will take place Oct. 5.

One of these businesses was Ninawa Zero-Waste Clothes, run by Aelen Unan, a fashion designer who upcycles unwanted textile materials into eco-friendly, reusable tote-bags and sustainable clothes.

Unan said she wanted to participate in the block party because of her dedication to “women’s health but also spreading awareness about cancer.”

She said Paint the Square PINK offers support to individuals and families affected by cancer by making resources available to help them and their loved ones.

“If they have a family member suffering from any kind of cancer, when they participate in these events, they find it easier to talk about their experiences,” she said.

Elaine Cesar, an attendee who is currently battling cancer, said the event is “crucial” to spread awareness of the fight against breast cancer.

“I think it’s good because some people don’t have any idea what’s going on in your body, and [if] you come here, you can learn,” she said.

She encouraged those who might be similarly battling cancer to stay strong and positive.

“You just have to fight and believe you can do it,” Cesar said.

Her wife, Katie Cesar, who attended the event with her, added, “Don’t let it get to your mind.”

Unan said that events like Paint the Square PINK are vital for supporting those struggling with breast cancer.

“When we hear about cancer, it’s very heavy,” Unan said. “But when there’s music, there’s vendors, there’s pink color … people can take it more easily.”

Happy Friday, Boston!

🎬 Calling all students: The MFA has a sweet back-to-school deal for you: $5 movie screenings for students at schools participating in the university membership program. First up? A Sept. 19 screening of “Donnie Darko.”

👀What’s on tap today:

• Local census findings
• The Big E is BACK
• Dancing with the (TikTok) Stars

Up first…

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OKTOBERFEST

Something to prost for

Illustration: Gia Orsino

The latest sign of fall is finally near: Oktoberfest. While originating in Munich, this German beer festival is happily celebrated around the world. It’s the perfect excuse to throw a party, have a pint, and wear lederhosen. 

Celebrations are kicking off around Boston this weekend, so here’s where to toast and prost: 

🍻 If you’re looking for a big party … Head to a big brewery! These spots are all throwing down for Oktoberfest with day(s)-long parties packed with stein-holding competitions, themed brews, bites, and live music:

• Remnant Brewing, Sept. 14, 15. Expect a special fest brew, giant pretzels, and a “German sparkle” afterparty.
• Trillium, Sept. 21, 22. All four locations will have parties with merch and German food. There’s a late-night afterparty at Headroom Hi-Fi Lounge in the Seaport, too.
• Sam Adams Taproom, Sept. 20, 21, 22. It’ll be a classic downtown throwdown with nonstop live music. Grab early tickets for free Oktoberfest swag!
• Mighty Squirrel, Sept. 20, 21, 22. This bash includes an Oktoberfest 5k with TWO complimentary beers for entrants, plus a special prize.
• Night Shift, Sept. 28, 29. This beer-stravaganza takes place in Everett and Boston. Head to Everett for the chance to win $50 in the stein-holding contest.
• Harpoon Brewery, Oct. 4, 5. Arguably one of the biggest brewery Oktoberfest celebrations around Boston, Harpoon is coming to play with live oompah music, stein hoisting, food trucks, and … chicken dancing?
• Harvard Square and HONK! Parade, Oct 6. OK, this one isn’t a brewery. But it’s perhaps the most iconic celebration, with a huge parade, art, HONK! music, food, and beer.

Massachsuetts Mexican chain Tenoch will open a new branch in Harvard Square. By Jina H. Choe

By Mandy Zhang, Crimson Staff Writer

3 days ago

Massachusetts Mexican restaurant chain Tenoch has plans to open a new branch in Harvard Square at 83 Mount Auburn St in The Garage, according to the company’s website.

The new location fills a vacancy left by Las Palmas, which closed permanently in March less than five months after its grand opening. The space was also previously home to El Jefe’s Taqueria from 2015 to 2022 prior to the popular Mexican restaurant’s move into the Abbot Building in the Square.

Tenoch will join a robust lineup of Mexican food options near Harvard’s campus, including El Jefe’s, Felipe’s Taqueria, Achilito’s Taqueria, the Painted Burro, and Más Veggies Vegan Taqueria. Its menu will boast a wide selection of tortas, burritos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and tacos.

Though Tenoch has earned a loyal following at six other restaurants in Greater Boston for its traditional Mexican flavors — and has dispatched a food truck periodically to the Science Center Plaza — its permanent arrival in the Square stirred mixed reactions among Cambridge locals and Harvard students.

With several established restaurants serving a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, some locals questioned whether there’s room for another player in the Square’s market.

Kelly Coveney, a local Cambridge resident, said there are “too many Mexican restaurants,” even before Tenoch’s opening.

“You can’t have more than two of any kind anywhere because it gets redundant,” she said, adding that too many of any kind of restaurant is “not good for business.”

John S. Kato, a Harvard Square resident since 1978, said Tenoch — a chain restaurant — is a symbol of a longer-running shift in Cambridge dining away from family-owned restaurants.

“A lot of the stores in Harvard Square now have become the result of franchise operations,” Kato said, adding that it “takes away from the local Cambridge culture of Harvard Square the way it used to be in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s.”

Construction will resume on the Harvard Square Kiosk Plaza after years of delay, according to the Harvard Square Business Association. By Julian J. Giordano

By Eunice S. Chae, Crimson Staff Writer

3 days ago

Construction is slated to resume on the Harvard Square Kiosk Plaza with an eye toward completing the project by 2026, the Harvard Square Business Association announced on Thursday.

The renovation project has been in the works for nearly a decade, but the construction was delayed by a variety of factors, including the Covid-19 pandemic and supply chain issues, according to HSBA Executive Director Denise Jillson.

HSBA announced in an email that the project will go through eight phases before it is completed in 2026. The update comes after a years-long delay in the project, with the latest update on the city’s website being from mid-2022.

Jillson said in an interview that several recent incidents — such as the falling debris in Harvard Square’s MBTA station — also likely contributed to the project’s delay.

“It was just really clear that the MBTA wanted to make sure that everything was solid before construction began upstairs, overhead with the plaza,” Jillson said. “Because from the sidewalk below, there’s just — literally, in some cases — just a couple feet before you hit the top of the tunnel.”

The renovation will start with Phase 8, due to delays involving minor water pipe issues with the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority.

“Luckily, they’re moving forward with Phase 8, because all of the requirements around that particular phase are in a position for us to move forward,” Jillson said.

Jillson also discussed some of the planned changes, including improving accessibility of the overall space.

“I think probably the one thing that will please everybody is that the plaza will be ADA compliant, and right now it’s not,” she said. “So it’s very difficult for people with disabilities to maneuver through the plaza.”

“The Song is Still Being Written” about the Cambridge folk scene and Club Passim opens Sept. 12 in Boston.

By Lauren Daley
September 12, 2024

Folk music, Barry Schneier wants you to know, is not dead. 

“It’s well alive. Certainly in the Boston and Cambridge area,” Schneier tells me in a recent phone interview from his Plymouth home.

The title of his new photography book — and accompanying exhibit at Boston’s Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame opening Sept. 12 — says it all: “The Song is Still Being Written: The Folk Music Portrait Project.” 

That song is not just by older white guys, Schneier, 74, points out: “A lot of people have this impression that folk music is old white guys with guitars. It’s not,” he said. “All music is folk music.” 

A popular New York-based gourmet cookie chain is preparing to open two new locations in Massachusetts.

Chip City will be opening its third Massachusetts location in Harvard Square in Cambridge and its fourth location on Newbury Street.

The cookie chain’s menu rotates more than forty unique flavors yearly such as Peanut Butter & Jelly, the Everything Cookie, Oatmeal Apple Pie, Blueberry Cheesecake, S’Mores, Lemon Berry, and the Cannoli Cookie.

The menu also changes each week to offer classic flavors, seasonal varieties and always offers dairy-free options.

This year the chain successfully rolled out imaginative desserts such as the Chocolate Cupcake Cookie, Frootie Crunch, and most recently, debuted their Thin Chips and Chip Crookies.

The Harvard Square location will open on September 13th and the Newbury Street location will open its doors on September 27. The first 100 customers will receive a free cookie.