What Asta Might Have Been Called; Pizza and Craft Beer

BACK BAY - Alex Crabb's forthcoming tasting menu-only Asta will have "less fireworks, less emphasis on butter, lemon juice, and truffle oil, more of carrots just pulled out of the ground, oysters, mini turkey pot pies," says the chef. Crabb also tells The Phoenix the the original name for the restaurant was Princess Sparkle Power Pickle Bunny. [TP]

HUB-WIDE - Here's a bunch of craft beer and pizza pairings from DigBoston. On the list: Penguin Pizza, The Salty Pig, Flatbread Company and more. [DB]

SEAPORT - A representative for the Harpoon Brewery's huge, upcoming beer hall says the venue is now looking at a January opening. The space will fit a whopping 250 thirsty patrons, which is much bigger than the brewery's current tasting room bar. [Official Site]

[Photo: Sneak peek at Asta, Rachel Leah Blumenthal]