A Nantucket-based deli and café is bringing its fresh fare to East Cambridge.
Fresh is preparing to open its newest location at CanalSide Food + Drink, a new food hall nestled within the CambridgeSide shopping mall at 100 Cambridgeside Place.
Known as “the everything store of treats,” Fresh has earned a loyal following at its Nantucket and Boston locations, offering deli sandwiches, salads, smoothies, açaí bowls, charcuterie boards, and more.
Adding to the appeal is “The Bodega,” stocked with spirits, beers, seltzers, and wines, as well as “The Island Bar” in Boston, which serves eclectic seasonal cocktails and house-made mixers.
The East Cambridge location will feature a menu similar to the other two eateries, with some exciting new twists. “This new spot is all about focaccia,” executive chef Peter Bruning told What Now Boston. “We developed this recipe almost a year and a half ago and it took off in a way none of us expected.”
As the name suggests, all menu items will be fresh and made to order. “We really strive for house-made everything,” said Chef Bruning. Customers will get to experience the “hustle and bustle of a full-time bread-making operation” and watch as prosciutto is hand-sliced for their sandwiches.
Menu highlights include the “Sexy Sausage Boy” breakfast sandwich (house breakfast sausage, bourbon maple caramelized onion aioli, and cheddar on everything focaccia), the “Notorious B.A.C.” smoothie (banana, peanut butter, chocolate protein, and almond milk), and the “Smokey Yardbird” for lunch (smoked turkey, muenster, arugula, tomato, and basil aioli).
“This is by far the best kitchen we’ve had of the three locations,” said owner Charlie Merritt.
Construction is currently underway at the new space, but a grand opening date has not yet been set. Stay tuned for updates as Fresh brings its signature flavor and flair to CanalSide.
