Food Openings and Highlights Across Cities

Operators Brett and Susie Pritchard have opened Bar Elsie, a large bistro and adjoining Coffee Bar in Melbourne’s Brunswick East where Normandy-born chef Edmee Driez serves Euro-leaning comfort dishes including coccoli, semolina pecorino gnocchi, fish in beurre blanc, crumbed pork chop and a brined 300g rib-eye. In Boston’s Seaport, Davio’s — marking its 40th anniversary under culinary director Rodney Murillo — is highlighting a seasonal pumpkin gnocchi made with Idaho potatoes, roasted pumpkin and cheeses while continuing its Italian and seafood staples. Connecticut’s Cohen’s Bagel Company, founded by Christine and Rob Cohen to recreate dense New York–style bagels, has opened a second location inside R.J. Julia Booksellers at Wesleyan University offering bagels, house-made whipped cream cheeses and cafe fare. North Carolina coverage spotlights nine unassuming, locally beloved restaurants — from cash-only burger joint Brooks and the Saxapahaw General Store to Hap’s chili cheese dogs and coastal diner Wildlife — as must-try hidden gems. In Portland, Maine, Washington Avenue has evolved into a vibrant “restaurant row,” with diverse, acclaimed spots such as Red Sea, Terlingua, Izakaya Minato, Công Tử Bột, the Island Creek Oysters shop and newcomer Lil Chippy.