Let the mad rush of under-caffeinated 'Hounds commence! Thanks for some live research!

hmm, I think you have me here.

Doesn't sounds half-bad, though I can't imagine not having pickles on any sandwich, including steak and cheese...

I'm with you, Ralphie, I want more info on the $0.99 espresso!

Funny story on the "real" Italian theme, a friend from Maine talks about how Amato's (pizza/sub chain up there) is the only place that knows how to make a "real" Italian sub, with ham and American cheese. Different strokes, eh?

Ugh, not good, Didn't know about the previous occupants' fate. The "closed for the season" sign had me a bit worried, too, as that can't be a great cost-saving strategy, and if intended as such, seems a pretty drastic one at that.

Here's hoping they're back this year. Agreed it's a tough spot for the AM crowd, could see a combo gourmet deli-sandwich (similar to Pace, but focused on take out and eat in sandwiches moreso than gourmet grocery) would seem a reasonable play alongside the gelato...

As for the gelato place over in Village Shops (I think that's the name of the mini mall) is called Olivia's. Amazing gelato, had a peach cobbler gelato last summer where they'd literally taken a full, baked cobbler and mixed it into the gelato.

Great story about the business as well, the owner is a former Fidelity exec who gave up the 9-5 to start the shop. He'd planned to convert it to more of a coffee-centric business over the winter, cozy couches and the whole nine, but last I saw they'd close for the season, hoping they are/will soon open again.

I'd read that the owner (of the ice cream shop formerly there) passed away suddenly hence it's closing, though it's possible there is a family connection between the previous owner and new owner. Sad situation, but the outcome looks promising.

Alchemy were looking for some initial folks to buy-in and we were thinking of it but found the website and paper literature to be lacking some detail.

We were out of town for the open house they hosted, unfortunately, but I'd be interested in getting some more information (and perhaps helping get some info up on the site, if that's needed.)

Anything to save the time (and exorbitant) expense of schlepping to the Woburn Whole Foods for some good, locally sourced (and hopefully organic) produce but, more than that, having the chance to get involved bringing more (don't forget the natural and organic stand over on Howard Street) good, sustainable food to Melrose. We're spoiled from our past lives pre-'burbs, having come from Somerville within walking distance to the Union Square Farmers' Market.

[edits, for typos and clarity]

I've been going to Peacuddy's in Melrose for some the past year or so since moving to Melrose. I stop by because it's steps from my house and directly across from the Melrose Highlands Commuter Rail stop where my commute starts every morning.

They offer full breakfast (highly recommend the maple syrup drenched Vermonter wrap for breakfast) have a full lunch but, to me, where they really shine are their pastries. Their berry danish (pictured below) is a light, puf pastry (?) concoction with berry filling that has just the right balance or sweet and tart. They're worth stopping for, on the days you can get them, since I think I may not be the only one that has a hankering for these.

Over the early spring they had some of the best cake pops (yes, thy've hopped on that bandwagon, but do it right) that I've had. I hear they mix the batter with buttercream frosting, making it extra moist. I haven't seen them in a while, though.

Today, stopping in, there was a new treat, banana nutella danish - amazing. I've included some pictures below, of the berry danish and the banana nutella creation to get you all motivated to stop in. As more and more bakeries pop up in Melrose, I want to make sure nobody misses this one!

Went in this past weekend and the owner was working the front of house and really into telling me all about their coffees and teas. Picked up some loose-leaf Darjeeling (they apparently only sell loose leaf teas, which I applaud) that was a bit underwhelming and pitched as organic, though I can't find any evidence on the package or producer's website to support that. It was also noted in the Melrose Free Press article that all of their teas and coffees are organic; that may be a misnomer.

I'll be back, though, as I'm happy to avoid a trip to Concord for some of Howell's beans!

huh, figured as much, thanks for the update, there's been little if any news coverage other than at the time of Don Michel's passing.

I guess I'll get my ZaZzas at Angelo's in Stoneham from now on.

Does anyone know what the future of the Caruso's space is? It's as if they closed the day after his death and walked away. I'm wondering if it's tied up in probate, family indecision about what to do next or what?

Perhaps the ZaZa isn't what it used to be but it was still good, and with the limited number of take out options within walking distance for me, I'd like to see something happening at this spot.

Excellent - I've been listening to bits and pieces of the broadcast to try and track down that snippet but keep inadvertently closing the browser. Now, with context, I couldn't agree more!

Listening to NPR on the way home from work in the snow on Friday listening to Radio Boston where they had Barbara Lynch and some other Boston Chefs discussing favorite meals. Great episode, and it seems to be archived here: http://www.radioboston.org/

Lynch mentions that her friend, "just opened a Cuban sandwich shop," presumably in Boston and presumably worth seeking out. Does anyone have any idea what this establishment might be or even where it is?

I know it's not a lot to go on but I figured crowdsourcing to the 'hounds was my best bet short of stalking Lynch herself.