A new chapter is beginning for the storied space at 853 Main Street in Cambridge, the former location of the renowned Craigie on Main, with the announcement of an innovative restaurant Fallow Kin, slated to open later in 2024. According to a recent article in The Boston Globe, this venture is brought forth by the collaborative efforts of Conor Dennehy and Danielle Ayer of Talulla, along with chef-owner Marcos Sanchez, known for his work at Tasting Counter, Gray’s Hall, and Tres Gatos.
There is a clear intention to meticulously bring to life a concept that embraces sustainability and community engagement. Fallow Kin aims not only to serve fresh, farm-to-table food and cocktails emphasizing vegetables but also to supply produce from their adjoining urban farm to local food insecurity programs.
As for the dining experience, future patrons can anticipate smaller plates that showcase the restaurant's dedication to local freshness, along with a multi-course tasting menu that will be exclusively available at an eight-seat chef's counter through pre-paid reservations. While honoring the past culinary heritage of the site, Fallow Kin will introduce a "farm" burger, nodding respectfully towards the legacy of Craigie's famed offering. Acknowledging the history of its predecessor, the new establishment will operate in a space that once housed a restaurant by James Beard award-winning chef Tony Maws, which closed back in 2021.
The project signals not only a forward direction for the culinary landscape of Cambridge but also proposes a model for how restaurateurs can thoughtfully engage with the broader needs of their communities. According to an article from Boston Restaurant Talk, Conor Dennehy and Danielle Ayer aim to initially collaborate with local food pantries in Cambridge, with hopes of potentially expanding their philanthropic efforts further based on the volume of produce their urban farm can sustainably provide.
The anticipation surrounding Fallow Kin suggests that the transformation of the space formerly occupied by Craigie on Main will introduce not just a new restaurant but also a potential example of how local dining establishments can integrate gastronomy and community engagement. Fallow Kin will be located at 853 Main Street, Cambridge, MA, 02139, with its doors expected to open to guests in the latter part of 2024.
