As a denizen of what many folks consider one of the better food cities in America—no thanks to Anthony Bourdain, mind you—I like to think Bostonians have pretty diverse palates. From Persian to Polish, the world’s top cuisines are all represented here. But when outsiders think of Boston, they inevitably think of seafood.

And the city meets those expectations with an ample, if sometimes repetitive, supply (see also: Sushi, Brasseries, Steakhouses). From refined (Turner Fisheries, Atlantic Fish, B&G) to rowdy (Summer Shack, East Coast Grill, Barking Crab), there’s always fresh fish to be had.

Perhaps that puts us at risk of having too much of a good thing. And yet, the grand opening of the Oceanaire Seafood Room‘s new Boston location last Wednesday night had a gravitational pull too powerful to resist. As I emerged the depths from the Government Center T station, I was mesmerized by the blue-lit awning on Court Street, lured from the streets by the siren call of seafood.

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The local burrito craze hits a new high today as Chipotle opens a new location in Cleveland Circle. For those Brookliners devoted to local favorite Ana’s Tacqueria, I say have no fear: Chipotle’s impeccably fresh menu offers a completely different aesthetic, with an emphasis on eco-friendly practices (they serve only sustainably-raised meat and the sour cream is made from hormone-free milk).

Since it is opening day, Chipotle is offering free burritos until 8 p.m. Expect a wait, though. According to Andrew Trinchitulla who answered the phone in a near scream and was still barely audible over the throngs of shouting customers, the line can be summed up in one word: large. READ MORE

We here at Chowder are big fans of Eastern Standard. Back in December, Matthew Reed Baker and the Boston magazine fact checkers enjoyed a great meal at the Kenmore Square bistro. Last week, a friend took me to the bar to try her new favorite cocktail, the Metamorphosis.

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Despite the city’s impressive run of restaurant debuts in past months (Mooo, Myers + Chang, T.W. Food, et al.), delays in some high-profile openings have foodies banging their silverware impatiently. Feeling a sympathy pang, we went looking for the scoop.

Originally slated for December, South End hot-spot-in-waiting Banq will bow in the next few weeks. Word is they’re taking time to get the design elements exactly right—no wonder, as wickedly hip Office dA (Mantra, Bin 26) is overseeing the aesthetics. (One rumored highlight: a men’s bathroom that features prerecorded “eavesdropped” chitchat from the ladies’ room, and vice versa.) READ MORE

A wise friend once said: Once you start to give directions based on what used to be there—e.g., “That bar near that falafel place that burned down�—you really are a local.

I think I’ve reached that point. Every time I check out a new restaurant or bar, I can’t help but think about what it was before it became a swanky new brasserie or Barbara Lynch conquest.

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