Vegetarians Are Getting More Burger Options Around Boston

Veggie Burgers

Every Boston burger fan already knows that Craigie on Main (853 Main St., Central Square, Cambridge) is one of the best in the burger game. Earlier this year, the Cambridge mainstay added a vegetarian burger to its lineup. Available only on Tuesdays and only at the bar (and only until it sells out), Craigie’s vegetable burger ($18) is a blend of roasted black beans, brown rice, and lentils, topped with roasted mushrooms, tahini, fermented black bean powder, miso powder, and pomegranate molasses. Note: It’s not vegan; egg is used to bind the patty.

That’s not the only recent addition to Boston’s veggie burger scene. Boston-based burger chain Wahlburgers is in the process of rolling out the meatless but meat-tasting Impossible Burger at locations nationwide. The restaurant is topping the four-ounce patty with smoked cheddar, lettuce, caramelized onions, chili spiced tomatoes, and “Wahlsauce.” (This burger is also not vegan.)

Is Boston entering a golden era for diners looking for more meat-free options? In other recent news, Quincy is getting a vegan beer hall, and a seitan-focused vegan food truck is hitting the Boston streets in a few weeks.

Snow Day

Yep, it’s snowing. A lot. Don’t go outside if you can avoid it, but if you must venture out, a lot of restaurants are planning to stay open for at least part of the day. We’re tracking openings, closings, and specials all day over here. Keep in mind that the roads are terrible — MEMA and all the other state agencies are telling you to stay off of them if possible — so consider treating restaurant staff extra kindly if you do go out.

Slush Day

Think summery thoughts: Richie’s Slush is apparently reopening its Everett location (2084 Revere Beach Pkwy.) soon. “We are still working out a few more kinks before opening the doors. Our goal is to open when the weather is just right,” the business posted on Facebook.

Chef Shuffles

Changes are afoot at Bistro du Midi (272 Boylston St., Back Bay, Boston). Back in early 2016, executive chef and partner Robert Sisca departed to be corporate executive chef at a fancy apartment development in Providence with multiple restaurants, and Sisca’s longtime sous chef Josue Louis was promoted to executive chef in his place. Now, Sisca is back at Bistro du Midi as executive chef and partner (with Louis assuming the role of chef de cuisine), debuting a new menu meant to bring the restaurant from classic Provençal food to more of a “French-meets-Coastal New England feel,” with plenty of seafood. Plus, Himmel Hospitality Group (Grill 23, Post 390, Harvest) — which has always been a partial owner of Bistro du Midi — is now taking over all day-to-day operations.

RIP

Boston restaurant empire builder Charles Sarkis has died at 78, the Globe reports, due to complications from brain cancer, which he had battled since 1995. Sarkis was once behind over 30 restaurants, many in Back Bay, including Abe & Louie’s, Atlantic Fish Company, Charley’s Eating and Drinking Saloon, Papa Razzi, and more.

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