Natick Dads: Something funny’s up on local trails this Father’s Day

June 21, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The forest fairies in Natick have been fantastic.

Those painted rocks with uplifting messages…rock. Those positivity signs are endlessly uplifting.

We love the 01760 hearts, and look forward to seeing the big public display starting in July.

And while all of these speak to Dads, this Father’s Day (June 21) you should expect a little more. Like a temporary Dad Joke Trail at Pegan Cove or Wellesley’s Brook Path, between Cameron Street (Hunnewell Elementary School and Smith Street (Wellesley High School track).

Dreams do come true…like when you sleep like a log and wind up in the fireplace, or dream of eating a 5-pound marshmallow, only to wake and find your pillow’s gone.*

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*NOT original

Next up for Natick outdoor dining: Trend Pure Asian Cuisine, more Buttercup

June 20, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Trend Pure Asian Cuisine, a Rte. 9 restaurant, and Buttercup in Natick Center, will have their applications seeking to allow outdoor service of alcoholic beverages considered by the Board of Selectmen this coming Wednesday.

Trend seeks a modest 3 tables for a total of 8 people. Buttercup, which already offers outdoor serve, looks to add capacity for another 32 diners on its patio and in an alley next to its building.

Frescafe and Station 5 Grille also have been given the town’s permission to offer outdoor dining (no booze), even as the state will now allow restaurants to start offering indoor dining next week if they meet safety protocols.

Dolphin Seafood, Eli’s and others have also been approved, and are already offering outdoor dining as patrons brave their way back into the world.

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Pandemic claims Natick’s Common Cafe & Kitchen

June 17, 2020 by Bob Brown 2 Comments

Even as some Natick and area restaurants celebrate newfound freedom to serve meals outdoors, the Common Cafe & Kitchen has announced it is closing.

“We tried hard but could not survive the epidemic,” the eatery’s owners posted on social media Wednesday night, expressing their sadness at delivering the news.

The eclectic restaurant, which has been a cafe during the morning and day, and a Persian kabab fest for lunch and dinner, resided at the former Bakery on the Common space at the corner of South Main Street and Pond Street across from Natick Common. The owners mixed things up, offering open mic nights and jazz, too.

We even crossed the border from Wellesley a few years back to review it, after hearing good things.

Where to eat in Natick

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Natick now & then via new photographic mapping tool

June 17, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The Massachusetts Bureau of Geographic Information (MassGIS) has released a tool dubbed Massachusetts Before & After that lets you view from above how the landscape looked in the 1990s vs. in 2019.

Check out locations in Natick to view dramatic before-and-after scenarios based on aerial photography that is geographically referenced to the town (orthophotography).

I found it easiest to orient myself by typing Natick Common into the search bar. That part of town is easily recognized with its grass and gazebo, and I found it pretty easy to navigate from there. You can see the stark difference, for example, on the South Main Street stretch across from the Common where the condos now stand. The online tool features a slider that lets you roll over the before or after images to see what was there after or before.

natick common aerial view — Natick Common via Massachusetts Before & After (MassGIS)

Natick Business Buzz: Natick.Business website launches; Five Crows reopening; Uni-T on the way

June 17, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Our round-up of the latest Natick, Mass., business news:

Natick.Business website launches

A new website called Natick.Business has launched through a joint effort by Natick merchants through the Natick Center Cultural District and Natick Center Associates, and Natick’s Community & Economic Development Department.

The site, which is still being fleshed out, features information from Natick and the Commonwealth that’s helpful to businesses looking to reopen safely, and provides resources, such as access to free signage covered by the town. Volunteers in specific industry sectors will help businesses get up to speed on best practices for reopening, too.

Five Crows reopening

Five Crows, the gallery and handcrafted gifts shop at 41 Main St., in Natick Center, will be back in action as of this Thursday, June 18. Just in time for this weekend’s Father’s Day.

You’ll need to wear a mask (spares available) and must use hand sanitizer upon entering. Gloves will be available, too. The store will be limited to 7 customers at a time, contact-free transactions will be offered, as will gift wrap. No cash transactions.

Uni-T making move from mall to Natick Center

Uni-T, which describes itself as a combined art gallery, T-shirt and gift shop, has closed the Natick shop it started in 2012 and is planning to open soon on Court Street in Natick Center. Multitalented owner Eujin Kim Neilan features her own illustrated children’s books, hand-printed T-shirts and other creations, plus those of other local artists. Dance, music and book readings are among the sorts of events Uni-T has held in the past.

The business has humble roots, with Eujin starting in a home studio, branching out to farmers’ markets, and going from there. Sounds like a perfect fit for Natick’s artsy center.

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