Feeling Punchy

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David Punch must have an affection for tiny spaces, as evidenced by his yet unnamed new restaurant fitting only 19 seats. But it’s his affection for what he calls East Asian soul food that is expected to grab customers at the forthcoming eatery at 1247 Centre St. in Newton Centre, just a hop, skip and jump from Sycamore, where Punch is chef and co-owner.

Punch and partners Shane Smyth (Sycamore) and Alison Hearn (formerly of Myers & Chang and B&G Oysters) picked Daniel Scott to lead the kitchen. Scott, who previously worked at Blue Ginger and currently serves as sous-chef at the also tiny Sycamore, will dish out everything from Korean home cooking to ramen and street food-inspired snacks, all at reasonable price points, daily from 11 am to 1 am.“We want people to be able to come here all the time,” Hearn says.

Brunch Boom

Brunch options in Boston may abound, but Davio’s new Sunday brunch is worth your attention. Touching all the usual brunch bases—free-range eggs, waffles, pancakes and bagels—the menu then moves on to some more interesting options like a sampler plate of Davio’s justifiably famous spring rolls (shrimp cotija with citrus aioli was a standout), which make you feel as if you were enjoying perfect wedding reception hors d’oeuvres without the hassle of, well, a wedding. They’re ideal for sharing, as is the white cheese pizza with bacon, egg, scallions and white truffle oil. Check out the tableside Bloody Mary cart, and don’t forget dessert; perhaps the warm cinnamon apple tart stuffed with almond paste?

Beyond brunch, Davio’s is also marking a big anniversary; it’s been 30 years since Steve DiFillippo took over the flagship restaurant in Back Bay, transforming it into a brand that now has seven locations along the East Coast. Word to the wise: An eighth location will open in Los Angeles, most likely this fall.


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