Brookline's Fairsted Kitchen To Close, Grassona’s Italian To Open

BROOKLINE, MA — The Fairsted Kitchen, the upscale date-night restaurant with the whimsical name next to Barcelona in Washington Square is about to get a makeover. In an effort to appeal to more than just fancy palates, the restaurant known for exotic cumin dusted lamb ribs, braised oxtail and herbed spatzle will now be serving up more classic Italian dishes like meatballs and pasta.

"The people, warmth, and soul you’ve come to love at Fairsted won’t change. Now there will be new and delicious cuisine to discover," said Owner Steve Bowman in a letter to friends of the restaurant as Eater Boston first reported. He said he hoped the next iteration of the restaurant would be a neighborhood go-to.

In January Fairsted will officially become Grassona’s Italian (Grassona is a term of endearment for “fat lady”).

Bowman and Chef Phil Dwyer said after four years in the spot they were looking to shake things up a bit.

On New Year’s Eve Fairsted Kitchen will host a Last Supper family-style mean featuring the restaurant’s greatest hits. And then early 2018 meet the new restaurant. Stay tuned, folks.

See the full Eater Boston post: Fairsted Kitchen Closes

Here's Bowman's letter explaining the transition to fans:

Dear Friends of Fairsted,
I’m writing to share some big news: the lovely experiment that is Fairsted Kitchen will come to an end December 31st. But never fear, we’ll re-emerge as Grassona’s Italian later in January.
Fairsted is a beautiful restaurant, and I’ll always be proud of the beautiful experiences we created in our cozy corner of Washington Square. I’m eternally grateful to all the incredible and talented people who labored to make Fairsted special. But variety is the spice of life, and it’s time for us to try something new.
As Grassona’s Italian, our same great team will bring classic Italian comfort fare to Brookline. Imagine dishes like slow roasted meatballs, hearty lasagna, meltingly tender osso bucco and more. And of course those tantalizing favorites will be cooked with the same love, precision, and distinction that you’ve come to expect from us over the last four years. Grassona’s Italian will still bring you the unique and delicious house cocktails you’ve come to love at Fairsted, supported by the uniquely Italian focus on aperitivo and spritz culture, and a deep Italian focused wine list.
I’m incredibly excited to say that almost our whole team is staying on to bring you Grassona’s. The people, warmth, and soul you’ve come to love at Fairsted won’t change. Now there will be new and delicious cuisine to discover.
In the coming weeks, we’d love to have you in to Fairsted. Come say hello, share a memory, and let us thank you for all of the incredible love and support you’ve shown us over all the years.
With love and appreciation,
Steve Bowman

For those curious?

The New Year’s Eve dinner is $65 per person. And fret not, vegetarians and people with other dietary restrictions and allergies can be accommodated. Email fairstedkitchen@gmail.com or call (617) 396-8752 for reservations.

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Photos by Jenna Fisher/ Patch