Massachusetts: A New Food Hall Is Set To Open In Boston

Perhaps you are an indecisive foodie. Or maybe you simply like it all. Either way, you are in luck with the new food hall opening in downtown Boston called The Lineup.

On Wednesday, January 17, at 115 Federal St, The Lineup at The Connector is set to open. This is the latest masterpiece of Michelin-starred chef John Fraser.

Already announced via The Lineup's Instagram is Gatto Pazzo. In addition, Ariana Burritos, Day Shift (a coffee place), Big Grin Burgers, and a Greek establishment named Iris Messe will also have a spot there. This means that whether you are in the mood for pizza, sandwiches, a pita, eggplant, fresh veggies, breakfast or some caffeine, The Lineup can be your one-stop shop.

"The menu is packed with veggie-forward choices, a reflection of Fraser’s ample experience with vegetarian and vegan cuisine," BosToday reported.

Furthermore, The Lineup, which is using the tagline/hashtag/handle "LineUpandEat," said in Instagram preview, "Our new restaurant collection featuring five new quick-serve concepts, each with its own personality." You can see the high glass and tall window location where each restaurant has similar branding here in the preview video.

John Fraser has a well-established history in creative restaurants. Fraser is from Los Angeles, though much of his culinary focus and company headquarters lie on the East Coast. His company JF Restaurants has an impressive portfolio. This includes three restaurants in New York, one in Los Angeles, and one in Tampa.

"Restaurateur and Chef John Fraser made his mark on the culinary landscape by redefining the role of vegetables in American cuisine, from imaginative fine dining destinations to sentimental neighborhood restaurants," JF Restaurants states.

You can follow The Lineup on their website and social platforms. You can find the full menu of each of the five restaurants and their hours of operation at LineUpandEat.com.

Throughout New England, I've recently noticed the tag of  "Nashville" has been applied to many chicken sandwiches. No matter if I am in a local pub or tavern, barbeque establishment, or really a restaurant of any kind, this menu item is everywhere. Here, I've highlighted four great places to get a tasty Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich in Massachusetts today.

First, what exactly does this term refer to? "Nashville chicken's signature heat comes from a spice blend that usually includes cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and other secret ingredients," Main Bird Hot Chicken explains.

So, in short, we are talking about a piece of buttermilk fried chicken sandwiched between a bun (typically, brioche). However, it needs to have the aforementioned spice rub. Then, add in some slaw or pickles to take the sandwich to the next level.

Although it appears to be more on-trend and ubiquitous now in Massachusetts, Mashed explained this style has a history going back over 75 years. In their 2021 story that specifically profiled the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, they say, "This fiery brand of fowl, which originated at a Tennessee institution with a royal name, marries a southern classic with a hit of tongue-tingling heat."

Mashed explains that a historical Nashville establishment named Prince's Hot Chicken can be pointed to for serving up one of the first memorable of these spicy fried chicken sandwiches.

The Massachusetts establishments that have mastered the craft of this sandwich have a few things in common. First, they don't overdo it with the toppings. That can take away from the mixed spice flavor. Next, they pair the sandwich with a side, but not one that takes the attention of the main act. Lastly, they include an option to make it unique. That can be a spicy mayo, ketchup aioli, or fried pickles.

Here are four great places in Massachusetts you need to know about, to get a great Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich.

I'll start with the most recent one I've had. The Buckley Kitchen keeps it perfectly basic. There's a significant crunch, but the chicken is not overly fried. The only challenge is whether you pick the seasoned fries or homemade tater tots to pair with it. The Buckley also has an extensive beer and wine list. The Maine Lunch IPA sounded the part, as a pint that would pair perfectly with their Nashville Hot, and it did not disappoint.

This restaurant now has two locations for you to pick from to grab their mouth-watering Nashville Hot. You have to search for it on the menu. The Buttermilk Fried Chicken "House Special" comes with the option to add Nashville Hot. Then, if you have room, throw in a baked mac and cheese to share, and thank me later for a meal you will be burning to return for. Buttermilk & Bourbon has two restaurant locations in Massachusetts. There's the Boston spot, at 160 Comm. Ave. Then, in Watertown, you can find this establishment in the Arsenal Mall (100 Arsenal Yard Blvd.) Both are open seven days per week.

This establishment is only about two years old, but they have already made quite a name for themselves. Flanders Field not only serves an authentic Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich, they also have 100 beers on tap. Each of them is served in the glass or mug that it is meant to pair with. Furthermore, Flanders Field often holds beer pairing events where they take you through some of their items on tap and what they pair well with in the given the season.  They describe their style as, "Farm fresh, locally sourced, in-house prepared food with a Northern European and American influence."

There's a Nashville Hot all over the menu at Lily P's. The "Lower Broadway" is the most traditional Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich item. However, there's also the "Hot N' Honey" which simply adds black pepper honey to the party. Then, you can order your tenders, fried chicken pieces or an entire bucket in a Nashville style. Equally as interesting here, is that Lily P's is also well known for their Oysters. They offer traditional Wellfleet Oysters, or a Roasted and Fried style. Lastly, while you are waiting for your main course, grab their cheddar popcorn app to hold you over.  The only catch here is that in late September they will not be open on the weekends.