Boston Restaurant Talk has the scoop. Dishing adds some details on the new owners' plans. The venerable downtown eatery was shut in 2006 for not paying its taxes.

Comellla's, the Centre Street place known for its large pasta "messes," goes before the city licensing board next Wednesday at 10 a.m. to make its case for a beer and wine license.

The West Roxbury Neighborhood Council voted last month to support the petition.

Larry Davidson gives a three-quarters thumbs up to Ivy, a nouveau-Italian place in Downtown Crossing the Ladder District:

Ivy wouldn't be near the top of our list, but we would definitely return when we're in the neighborhood.

Also, he wonders what the deal is with the restaurant trend of serving wine in what appear to be gallon-sized glasses.

It's no Tutto Italiano in Readville, but Santoro's Sicilian Trattoria on Bridge Street in Dedham is a good alternative to the other Italian delis in Dedham, Seth Gitell writes.

Tammy sings the praises of Comella's, which serves "messes" (big heapin' helpin's of pasta, sauce and some meat or veggie stuff) in West Roxbury, West Newton and Wellesley:

... The dish that we have had twice is called The Paisan's Mess ($10.99/$32.99/$43.99 for the various sizes). It is a combination of "the base", extra shells, extra eggplant (which is breaded and fried) and extra lasagna. One bite and you can't stop shoveling this amazing slop down your throat. While the prices might seem a bit intimidating, these portions are LARGE and WELL WORTH the cost. ...

Ed. mess note: Having tried the West Roxbury outlet, I can confirm that their portions are huge. Bring an appetite (you can eat in, but the dining room is a bit spare; it's really more of a take-out place).

Chuck writes that his ceaseless search for the perfect turkey club has ended: Petrillo's Market in Newtonville is the ne plus ultra of turkey-club makers:

... After downing this wonderful sandwich I excitedly called my wife and proclaimed "Petrillo's shreds their lettuce!" She remains unimpressed. But she doesn't appreciate the subtle art of sandwich building. ...

Jen also reports finding a food holy grail around the corner - in her case, handmade Italian sausage at Tony's Market on Washington Street in Roslindale:

... It's homey and sweet and endearing, and they have a range of authentic Italian foods that will mean I make frequent return trips. Tony makes his sausage by hand - no scary fillers, no nitrites or nitrates - every Thursday. I bought six links, a ball of fresh mozzerella, and some beautiful imported prosciutto. Last night we finally grilled up some of these sausages, and they were nearly exactly what I was looking for! ...

Boston Restaurant Talk has the scoop.

Third Decade says the meal at Legal Test Kitchen was so bad (both food and service) it took a good meal at JP's Dogwood Cafe to help get rid of some of the taste.

Titanjockey says Chipotle in Medford is worth the trip for its to-die-for fajita burritos.

Andreas Matern asks: If you haven't been to the All Star Sandwich Bar in Inman Square, what the hell are you waiting for?

Mark writes that Bengal Cafe in North Cambridge is OK, but that there are better Indian options in the Boston area.

Chris and Erin say that Taste of Thailand in Dorchester Lower Mills is much better than you'd think from its plain exterior.

Anna Kushnir reviews five restaurants in the Longwood Medical Area.

Rachele Rosi-Kessel says the food at Salute in Roslindale changed from excellent to disappointing when the chef changed.

The Boston Business Journal reports that state officials closed this Boston institution for not paying its taxes.

I admit it: When I first heard about Sophia's Grotto opening up, I thought "Just what Rozzie Square needs: Another Italian restaurant."

We went there tonight and I take back my grumpiness (although I still think Roslindale could really use an Indian restaurant). The food is good and the restaurant itself is cozy.