Spotlight on Trinity Chef, More Nearby Restaurant News

We know Norton residents don’t just stay in town when they want a night out and a break from cooking.  

Restaurant coming and goings, new business and the best dishes and recipes are among the items that have appeared on Patch sites around the region over the last month.

Below is a look at the restaurant and food stories covered in the last month. 

NORTON

Trinity Bringing Two Decades of Experience to Norton 

John Robertson, Jr., Executive Chef at Trinity Bar & Restaurant in Norton, told Patch in January that he’s been in the restaurant business for more than 20 years. Get the full story on Robertson, who began his career path at Peg Leg Pete’s in North Attleboro before working at the Lafayette House in Foxborough and the Sweet and Crafty shop in Mansfield.

ATTLEBORO

Morin's Diner in Attleboro a 100-Year Tradition

Morin's Hometown Bar & Grille, a staple for home-style food for more than 100 years in Attleboro, was founded in 1911 by J.B. Morin and is well known as Morin's Diner. Patch spoke with Morin's great-grandson, William John Morin, Jr., who said he enjoys working at the restaurant because of the real connection he feels with the history of the business, the people and the city.

EASTON

Baldie's Pizzeria to Open in Easton 

As one Easton pizza shop prepares close its doors, another will soon take its place. Baldie's Pizzeria will open in 2013 at the former spot of Mina's Pizza.

Andrews Bakery in Easton Building More than Bread for Over 30 Years 

Julie Andrews, co owner and operator of Andrews Farm and Bakery in Easton, has been making repeat customers out of the town for over 30 years. Get the full story on the local bakery, as well as Andrews, who originally went to school across the street at Stonehill College for Sociology and taught at Brockton High School for several years. 

Not Just Thaboule on Center Street in Easton Serving Nearly 50 Years of Lebanese Tradition

Joseph Sawaya is bringing 30 years experience in the restaurant business toEaston with the new restaurant, Not Just Thaboule, on the spot of the former Soups on Center location.

Greek Pizzeria to Open on Belmont Street in Easton 

Easton Selectmen in January approved the transfer of a common victuallerlicense that will allow the opening of a new pizza and Greek restaurant at the location of the former North End Pizzeria. Silvia Nokarios, an Easton resident, said she hopes the opening Slice of Greek Pizzeria and Greek Kitchen will coincide with the beginning of Stonehill College's spring semester.

STOUGHTON

The Last Shot in Stoughton Aims to be First-Rate Sports Bar and Entertainment Spot 

The Last Shot Sports Bar & Grill, family run business in Stoughton, has been at its 559 Washington St. location for four years. The Nalli Family have been Canton residents for 35 years, and Patch went to speak with the family regarding secret family recipes that they have brought to Stoughton. 

Stoughton has a brand new restaurant serving Turkish food, and so far, it's a big hit. Chicken Kebab, located next to Olivio's Pizza Place. Find out more about the restaurant, and owner Ali Kemal Aykurt, who is a native of Turkey.

CANTON

Baskin-Robbins to Expand in China

Canton-based Baskin-Robbins has signed franchise agreements as it plans to triple its presence in China, according to a Boston.com report. The ice-cream chain said in a news release on Wednesday that the company is projecting to open 249 Baskin-Robbins shops in China during the next 10 years. Currently, the company has more than 90 locations in China, including shops in Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Hangzhou and Zhengzhou.

What Business Would You Like to See Open in Canton in 2013? 

A handful of Canton residents said in early January that they'd like to see various restaurants open up in town in 2013. Two chains that were specifically mentioned were Panera Bread and Boloco. 

WALPOLE

Raven's Nest Changes Name to Support Patriots 

The Raven's Nest temporarily changed its named in January to support the New England Patriots in their quest for another Lombardi trophy. The owners, Mark and Maura McAuliffe, changed the name to "The Patriot's Nest" in light of the Patriots match-up against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game. The restaurant did the same last year when the Patriots hosted Baltimore on their way to Super Bowl XLVI.

FOXBOROUGH

Jake n JOES to Open Foxborough Location Within Two Weeks

While renovations at Jake n JOES’ location in Foxborough took longer than expected, anxious customers can rejoice that the sports grille will open for business within two weeks.

The restaurant took an important step toward opening the new location in January, when the Foxborough Board of Selectmen issued the restaurant two entertainment licenses, allowing for Jake n JOES the opportunity for seven-day entertainment and public entertainment on Sundays. The entertainment will include the use of radio, TV (widescreen and cable) amplifiers and occasionally various instrumental music. 

Living History: Lafayette House has Occupied Foxborough Since 1784

Foxborough Patch spoke with Ron Young, owner of the Lafayette House, about the history of the fine dining restaurant that serves continental cuisine. Young has owned the Lafayette House for more than 20 years, though the house has been around for some 229 years. It was originally the Bristol County Courthouse and stagecoach house called the Everett Inn, even though the property is not in Bristol County. Find out more about the history of the local restaurant.

Patriot Place Adds High-End Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse to Restaurant Mix 

Patriot Place added a high-end Japanese hibachi steakhouse to its restaurant mix in Jaunary. Saga Hibachi Steakhouse & Sushi Bar is planned to come to town, with an expected opening this summer after.

Cupcake Charlie’s Coming to Foxborough in 2013 

Also coming to Foxborough this year will be Cupcake Charlie's, an award-winning cupcake bakery that offers sweet treats in an inviting and fun atmosphere. Patriot Place expects the bakery to open in the North Marketplace some time in 2013.

Waxy’s Owner Apologizes to Community for Liquor Violations 

Mark Rohleder, co-owner of Waxy O’Connor’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, apologized to the town during a January liquor license violation hearing, saying he hopes to get the establishment “back into the community.” Rohlederadmitted he was dumbfounded when he initially learned of the legal troubles surrounding his Foxborough pub during last May’s liquor license violation hearing, and apologized in early 2013 for the establishment's fourth violation in two years.

WRENTHAM

Mr. Dooley's Bringing Irish Boston Tradition to Wrentham

Brian Griffin, general manager at Mr. Dooley’s in Wrentham, has been cooking his entire adult life. Wrentham Patch spoke to Griffin in January about the local restaurant.

Prior to the Patriots' disheartening loss to the Baltimore Ravens in January, businesses along Rte. 1 in the Wrentham and Foxborough area were abuzz with preparations in hopes for a win. John Lightizer, owner of the Red Rooster in Wrentham, among others, said he expects good business as well, even as far down Rte 1.

MANSFIELD

Casey O'Conors in Mansfield Working with Customers on Recipes 

Patch also spoke with Rob Burns, owner of Casey O’Conors in Mansfield, about what it's like to work in town, and how the restaurant is doing. Burns said he had a number of different occupations before purchasing the restaurant, including 15 years as a disc jockey, bartender and company management and stabilization.

Geno's a Staple of Italian Eating in Mansfield 

Get another inside-look at local Italian eatery, Geno's, formerly known as Jack's, where John Spiezio began as a busboy and worked for 10 years before his parents bought and renamed the restaurant. Spiezio said his father ran it for about 20 years before he and his wife, Cathy, took over.