Fairsted Kitchen Bids Adieu on New Year’s Eve

Fairsted Kitchen will serve its final meal on New Year’s Eve, according to owner Steve Bowman — but he and the team won’t be gone for long. In late January, they’ll open a new restaurant called Grassona’s Italian after a “minor refresh of the space” at 1704 Beacon St. in Brookline’s Washington Square.

Fairsted Kitchen debuted in late 2013, serving contemporary American food with hints of the Middle East. The name is a reference to the Brookline estate of Frederick Law Olmsted, a 19th century landscape architect, and the space is a nod to that era as well, full of mismatched antique china and vintage decor.

When Fairsted turns into Grassona’s, it will feature Italian comfort food from chef Phil Dwyer, who was a sous chef at Fairsted in 2014-2015 and has also worked at the now-defunct Ribelle, West Bridge, and KO Prime. Bowman, a Brookline native, worked at restaurants such as Menton and Russell House Tavern before opening Fairsted Kitchen and The Frogmore (which debuted in Jamaica Plain in mid-2015, serving Lowcountry cuisine).

Bowman provided a farewell letter to Fairsted’s 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

Stay tuned for updates as the opening of Grassona’s Italian approaches, but in the meantime, there are a few more things to enjoy at Fairsted, including a Jack’s Abby beer dinner on December 27. And during Fairsted’s final week, the restaurant will be welcoming back some of its alum as guest bartenders, including Alex Homans.

For New Year’s Eve, the Fairsted Kitchen “Last Supper” will feature a special menu of the restaurant’s Greatest Hits:

The New Year’s Eve dinner is $65 per person and will be served family-style for the whole table. Vegetarians and people with other dietary restrictions and allergies can be accommodated. Email fairstedkitchen@gmail.com or call (617) 396-8752 for reservations.

Facebook

• Fairsted Kitchen Coverage on Eater [EBOS]