Break the Moldova

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Ever been to a Moldovan restaurant? No? Well, you’re about to get your chance. Moldovan native Artur Andronic is set to open Moldova Restaurant in Newton by August’s end, introducing authentic Moldovan cuisine to Boston-area diners.

“It’s definitely a new type of food,” he says, although most of its ingredients and seasonings are likely to be familiar. Think Eastern European: beef, pork, potatoes and cabbage. Neighboring countries Romania and Ukraine, as well as Turkey and Russia, influence the fare from Moldova, which declared its independence in 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

“We use a lot of cheese—goat cheese—in our food,” Andronic explains, as in a traditional pie stuffed with cheese, potatoes, cabbage and apples. Another classic is a cornmeal dish similar to polenta. “We don’t do deep-fried food,” he says. Andronic, who earned his MBA at Suffolk, has hired a Moldovan chef, “a young guy with good experience,” who’s currently developing lunch and dinner menus for the 20-seat space.

As for Andronic’s favorite Moldovan fare? “My mom’s food!” When she visits, he’s likely to request that she make a traditional stew, which can feature different meats (pork and rabbit are popular) as well as “onion, garlic and plain, simple spices—salt and pepper. We don’t go crazy with herbs,” he adds.

The restaurant is still working on obtaining a beer-and-wine license, but diners can eventually expect a wide selection of Moldovan wines. Moldova Restaurant will also serve coffee and housemade Moldovan pastries from 10 am to 9 pm.

A Lot More Bark

Further capitalizing on its waterfront location, The Barking Crab has added a new 40-seat patio next to its red-and-yellow tent in the shadow of the recently opened Envoy Hotel. Lobster rolls, sea breezes and city views make a fine combination—everything you could want in the summer, except for easy parking.


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