Friday, November 16, 2012
It may be a cultural tradition, but some board members were hesitant to let belly dancing come to town.
The new Mediterranean restaurant Zem Han, which is located at Northborough's center, will soon feature belly dancing, approved by the Board of Selectmen at this week's meeting. But the approval came not without some deliberation and hesitation. To prepare for this week's Board of Selectmen meeting, Selectman Aaron Hutchins watched a video he was given as an example of traditional belly dancing. Though he said he ardently supports and respects the arts, it raised some issues for him. "I watched the video we were given as an example," said Hutchins, "and I don't think i'd be eating if I was in a restaurant and this was going on. I'm concerned. Would I want my son exposed to this? I don't know if I would." Yuri Krasnov, owner of Zem Han and a…
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Northborough grants the last two liquor licenses it is allotted as a town.
There are a certain number of liquor licenses granted to a town, based on population. Northborough has a quota of 15 liquor licenses and five malt and wine licenses it can grant to local establishments. It has now reached its quota, after granting licenses to Mikaku and the new Zem Han restaurants at the Board of Selectmen meeting on Monday night. Both owners expressed its concern over losing business due to having no alcohol. Yuri Krasnov, one of the owners of Zem Han, was granted approval last week by the Zoning Board of Appeals to request a second approval by the Board of Selectmen. Because his restaurant sits in the businesss zone, initial approval by the ZBA is required. "Most of the people who come in expressed that they would …
Monday, September 10, 2012
More than 20 percent of people "walk away" when they hear the restaurant doesn't have liquor ... yet.
Based on feedback popping up on Facebook and review pages, the new Zem Han, which opened only weeks ago in the center of Northborough, is wonderful. The family-style restaurant serves eclectic Mediterranean cuisine. But for now, there's no booze. Owner Yuri Krasnov said that's definitely affecting business, and he and his partner are in the process of applying for a liquor license. This takes a few steps, one of which was approved at the Zoning Board of Appeals meeting last week. When a new zoning bylaw was adopted in 2009, restaurants that serve alcohol i the downtown business district were required to obtain a special permit from the ZBA. "This provides the board the opportunity to review the site plan, if the building is new, and also …
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
For some, summer is officially over. For others, they fight it off a little longer.
1. The Zoning Board of Appeals continues its hearing to discuss the possibility of New England Baseball purchasing the land that is presently Indian Meadows in Northborough. Agenda also includes a hearing on issuing a license to the owner of the newly opened Zam Han. This meeting takes place at 7 p.m. at the Northborough Free Library. 2.Jim Hatherly, chairman of the Westborough Republican Town Committee, has some very strong opinions about the Republican National Convention. Read his latest blog. 3. Here's what's for lunch in the schools this week, just to help you with your planning. Hint: pizza, tacos and breakfast are on the menus. 4.You're going to be not only more informed about your own events and announcments, but you'll get them on…
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Two new restaurants get license approvals, and AJ Tomaiolo's is updating its premises.
Taking the place of the ill-fated Great Wall Restaurant at 259 Main St., the board gave the OK for a new Chinese restaurant to take over. Zem Han's got approval, too. Here's what you missed at Monday's Board of Selectmen meeting all in this handy little guide. 1.Yuri Krasnov and partner Hakan Zirh got the unaninmous approval from the board for a common victualler and entertainment license for premises at 4 Main St. Located where Tom's Marketplace once was in "Northborough Center," Zem Han will be a Mediterranean family-style restaurant serving an eclectic menu of food from Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey. "It's a great concept," said Krasnov. "We've hired about ten people so far, and have a great chef. We'll have a lot of beef, lamb, and …
Monday, August 20, 2012
Two new restaurants are coming to town, and IHOP hops with flapjacks today.
1. 7 a.m. That's the grand opening time for the new IHOP at Northborough Crossing. What's your pancake of choice? 2. First day of school is coming. What did you wear on your first day of school? We've got quite the gallery going. 3. There's an emergency need for blood, and the American Red Cross is holding a blood drive today in town. Make time to give. 4. The Board of Selectmen meet tonight at the Town Hall, the agenda including giving a license to the new Zem Han restaurant, a public hearing for A.J. Tomaiolo's to alter the premises of the establishment and to consider a license for new restaurant China Moon on Main Street. 5. Time is almost up to vote in the Reader's Poll. Cast your vote for categories such as best burger, best fries, …
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
If all goes well, the new Mediterranean style restaurant will open its doors at the "center" of Northborough very soon.
If all goes "as expected," Yuri Krasnov and his partner Hakan Zirh plan to open their new restaurant Zem Han on or before Aug. 1. Zem Han is located in the former Tom's Eatin' and Drinkin' Place at 4 West Main St. (the big brick building at Northborough's "center). In case you missed it, Krasnov is a Russian-born circus performer turned businessman, and this is his first leap into owning a restaurant. "It's coming, it's coming ... we wish it were coming faster," said Krasnov. Structurally, renovations are complete and Zem Han is ready to go. Krasnov said they await inspections by the Fire Department and building inspector as well as the go-head from the Health Department to order food. Krasnov said they also applied for a beer and wine …
The Troll of Northborough
11:27 am on Sunday, November 18, 2012
yes no kidding, guess ol Hutchins likes them wet t's. talk about a double standard. so much for living up to his claims on the radio of adult entertainment HA! as one person quoted " hypocritical garbage" Yep this is a prime example of Hutchins singleing out a business and imposing a rule on them, and not on others. Bob's statement above rings so true "Time for Hutchins to go." more ›