Boston's downtown dining scene is about to get a dose of innovation and nostalgia, rolled into one exciting package. Award-winning chef Jamie Bissonnette, alongside Andy Cartin and Babak Bina, are gearing up to launch not one but three new concepts—Somaek, a Korean restaurant; Temple Records, a vinyl-fueled listening bar; and Sushi @ Temple Records, a cozy, basement-level sushi counter. Located at 11 Temple Place, just a stone's throw from the bustling Boston Common, this trio of establishments is slated to throw open their doors come March, according to The Boston Globe.
The mood in Downtown Crossing is set to seriously up its game with the opening of these spots, all nestled cozily under the umbrella of the BCB3 restaurant group, the new venture by Bissonnette, Cartin, and Bina. Somaek promises to be a departure from the typical fare; Bissonnette is taking inspiration from his Korean mother-in-law, who's also playing a role as a consultant on the menu, to deliver an authentic Korean dining experience that steers clear from the all-too-common barbecue and fried chicken. “My collection is super-eclectic. We’ll play anything from Japanese city pop to funk to jazz. The hardest, heaviest thing I can imagine ever playing is Black Sabbath. No DJs. Not loud or dance-y," Bissonnette told The Boston Globe about the vibe at Temple Records.
But it's not only about what's on the plate or spinning on the turntable—Sushi @ Temple Records is shaping up to become a subterranean sushi sanctuary, featuring an intimate 20-seat sushi bar. Here, patrons can expect to immerse themselves in an experience that's to savor every bite and beat. As reported by Boston Restaurant Talk, the address for these hotly anticipated openings is a short walk from one of the city's most iconic public spaces, injecting new life into the heart of Boston.
The maestro behind the menu, Bissonnette, is no stranger to acclaim—he snagged the Best Chef Northeast James Beard Award back in 2014 and is known for his innovative approach to the culinary arts. His history with Cartin reaches back decdes; they're friends since their restaurant days in 1990s Connecticut, a bond so strong that Bissonnette jokingly remarked, “He crashed my honeymoon. That’s how close we are,” in a light-hearted reveal to The Boston Globe. As for Bina, he brings equally strong credentials to the table, having made his mark with Downtown Crossing’s JM Curley, Bogie’s Place, and the Wig Shop. All of this to say, if the city's foodies weren't already keen enough to check out what Somaek, Temple Records, and Sushi @ Temple Records have to offer, the pedigree of the folks at the helm should more than pique their interest.
