Openings: Jamaica Plain’s Pink Samurai has opened at long last, according to a Facebook confirmation from the restaurant (658 Centre St. at Green Street). Early photos showcase Asian fusion dishes like lobster bao, shrimp coconut red curry dumplings, and spicy wings.
Closings: Harvard Square’s FIRE + iCE has officially smoldered into history after a nearly two-decade run (50 Church St. at Palmer Street). “The concept in this location has come to the end of its useful life, and the other thing is, there’s a great location in downtown Boston that’s thriving,’’ says owner John Schall, who also runs the newish El Jefe’s Taqueria down the block.
Refuge Cafe in Allston serves up its last lattes at the end of the month (155 Brighton Ave. at Harvard Avenue). “Refuge Cafe will close forever as of September 30th. Come in and cry with us,’’ reads a sign posted on Instagram.
Coming Soon: Big Night Entertainment Group (Empire, Red Lantern) will open Scorpion Bar – A Mexican Cantina at 253 Patriot Place in Foxborough this month, with food courtesy of chef Kevin Long, 100-plus tequilas, and a duo of patios.
Brunches: Jamaica Plain’s Brassica Kitchen + Cafe (3710 Washington St. at Tower Street) is now serving brunch; enjoy banana bread French toast and chicken and waffles on Sundays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Revamps: Charlestown’s long-lived Moroccan restaurant Tangierino (83 Main St. at Monument Avenue) now serves French food, too. Look for a split menu with bouillabaisse, moules frites, and terrines alongside couscous and tagines.
Fund-raisers: Bagels and lox — or something spicier? Tico’s Leo Asaro and Mamaleh’s Rachel Miller Munzer compete for the title of “Best Breakfast’’ as part of Share Our Strength’s 4th Annual Food Fight series on Sept. 27. Tickets ($30) benefit Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. Mamaleh’s is Kendall Square’s new Jewish deli; Tico is chef Michael Schlow’s ode to Latin American cuisine. The festivities start at 6 p.m. at Southie’s Lincoln Tavern (425 W. Broadway at F Street). Tickets include passed bites and two drinks; buy them at ce.nokidhungry.org/events/boston-food-fights.
Kara Baskin can be reached at kcbaskin@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @kcbaskin.
