Whether or not you know it, just under a year ago Newton Corner found itself a new haven for weary car people and locals looking for a place to hang their hats before (and when snow was heavy, during) the nightly commute home.
Situated a few blocks from the now popular Hopster’s Brew and Boards, the space is adorned in an array of antique mirror work (yes, TVs are hidden on a pully system when not in use), and the long white marble bar has been quietly servicing locals and students alike food from chef Jared Hargreaves, who cut his teeth before the flames of Todd English and the Charlestown Olives in its heyday.
“That’s how I learned how to make my own pasta,” Hargreaves says. “Olives was known at one point for its giant menu with like 18 specials. Not that extreme here. I’m just having a ton of fun playing with food and unique ingredients for weird combos, which I’m doing a lot of for this fall. Heavier, heartier flavors, squashes, bisques, from-scratch pumpkin ravioli. That real New England feel.”
But Hargreaves’ pedigree goes beyond just pumping out hand-made chestnut gnocchi, Amish country antibiotic-free beef, Ipswich seafood, and all-local produce. As it turns out, quietly living amongst us is a member of the extended bloodline of Boston’s most infamous blabbermouth, revolutionary, and hard drinker: Paul Revere.
“From what I’ve been told, before any research began it was a ‘thing’ in my family,” Hargreaves says. He mentions that his grandfather’s name was Paul Revere Brigg, and in his family it was always just known that he was named for “a family member.” But over the years, the pieces came together bit by bit. Then, his mother’s half-sister did some research many years ago while she was going to college (under the Daughters of the American Revolution scholarship, no less), and mapped out a family tree. After filing some paperwork and conducting her own research, Hargreaves said the dots were essentially connected.
“We basically found out we were directly related to Paul Revere. We even have silverware, platters, etc., dating back to his day. My mother is the one who mentioned it to me, and she said she has paperwork she could file as well for something certifying the connection. Just hasn’t gotten around to it.”
Note to mom: Do it.
SOCIAL RESTAURANT & BAR. 320 WASHINGTON ST., NEWTON. 617-244-4800.