A Cambridge Shabu-Shabu Expert Closes

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After nine years, Cambridge’s Shabu & Mein, one of the city’s choicest spots for Japanese shabu-shabu, closed permanently on September 30. In a farewell post on Twitter, the restaurant said it was the last remaining tenant in its building at 148 First St., which is undergoing a complete renovation; “In order to facilitate this renovation we have decided to close,” the Tweet continued. But you can still get delectable shabu shabu from JP Fuji Group, the local restaurant group behind Shabu & Mein, as the company’s Shabu Restaurant in Quincy carries on. And all sibling restaurants, including Shabu and several sushi-focused Fuji restaurants, will accept gift cards and certificates from Shabu & Mein.

Will you order pickle ice cream?

Most years, “National Pickle Day” passes by blissfully unobserved, just like every other “food holiday,” but this year two Boston companies are determined to make adventurous eaters take note of November 14: That’s the day J.P. Licks is releasing a limited-edition pickle-flavored ice cream in partnership with Grillo’s Pickles. From November 14 through November 21, all 17 locations of J.P. Licks will feature the pickle ice cream, described in a release as “sweet and savory with a hint of dill and a bite of vinegar.” Several sources suggest that pickle ice cream can be a refreshing, salty-sweet, cucumber-forward treat, and both J.P. Licks and Grillo’s know their stuff, so this one could be a winner.

Burgers are on the move

Tasty Burger’s original location, a converted gas station in Fenway, is being demolished, so the local chain is moving to a new location around the corner this fall. The company doesn’t share a specific date yet, but says the plan is to close the 1301 Boylston St. location one day and open the 86 Van Ness St. restaurant the next day to avoid any interruptions in service. The new venue should be “brighter, shinier and newer,” but otherwise offer the same experience fans love, according to Tasty Burger, including cheap, satisfying fast-food-style burgers available late.

Speaking of moves...

Season to Taste, known for its local sourcing and outdoor dining in heated cabanas, closed in September — just temporarily, though, as the restaurant is moving from one Cambridge location to another, 2447 Massachusetts Ave. to 1678 Massachusetts Ave. The new location, which should open this fall, will have 73 seats and a chef’s tasting counter. On its website, Season to Taste says it will retain its commercial kitchen at 2445 Massachusetts Ave. for contract catering and Family Meal, a heat-and-serve meal service that is currently available for pickup or local delivery each Wednesday.