A. G. Ferrari, the Italian specialty grocer with a shop and deli on the corner of Emerson and Hamilton, has closed. The entire chain went bankrupt and ceased operations.

The owners of Pampas also filed for bankruptcy reorganization under Chapter 11 but will remain in operation. The goal is not so much to clear out debts as to preserve assets in the face of some unspecified litigation.

Of course Da Coffee Place is closing, to be replaced by the Red Brick Cafe, but that’s not really bad news to me.

O Sushi on the corner of Waverley and University shows no signs of opening yet (where the Avenue was supposed to open). And construction on the big house next to Tamarine is still seriously not progressing at all. How many years has it been? I have higher hopes for Oren’s Hummus Shop on University (where Zao Noodle House used to be) to actually open someday. As their sign says: “coming sooner or later”. Still nothing but brown paper on the windows where Sakura Cakes used to reside (next to Madame Tam and SliderBar Cafe).

Finally, I’m not sure what to make of the changes at Mantra. I liked Mantra’s modern Indian cuisine and fabulous wine list. The new menu is traditional Indian, not that I don’t like that, but it’s more expensive (and admittedly nicer inside) than most curry houses. The wine list is smaller but for an Indian restaurant still amazing, though too many of the bottle prices are in the $50s and up. The lunch buffet had more meat dishes but fewer salads and desserts. There is also a special set lunch deal and also their box lunch to go. If you try it out, send me your feedback.