ExNE Explores Western Chinese Cuisine; Munch Madness

INMAN SQUARE — This Thursday, March 6, East by Northeast is launching a four-part dinner series called ExNE Explores, with each "exploration" taking inspiration from a particular part of China. Thursday's dinner focuses on the west, with dishes like hand-pulled Kazakh noodles with braised lamb shoulder and more. The next will take place on April 3 (exploring the north), and the remaining regions will take place at some point beyond that. Each five-course meal is $45/person. [Official Site]

HUB-WIDE — Boston.com is now in the preliminary phase of its annual "Munch Madness" competition and it is seeking fans' input on which restaurants should be included in the bracket. The two ever-dueling winners, Hungry Mother and East Coast Grill, have been retired from the competition. [Boston.com]

HUB-WIDE — It started rolling out at various bars and restaurants last week, but as of today, Yuengling is officially available in Massachusetts. This is the first time in 20 years that the Pennsylvania beer could be sold here, and no expense was spared in the local relaunch of the brand, from a giant glitzy party to celebrations at bars across town. [BH]
[Photo: East by Northeast/Cal Bingham]