Cava Opens in Back Bay With Fast-Casual Mediterranean Food | Eater Boston

"I'm noting that a Washington, DC–based fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant opens tomorrow in Back Bay at 669 Boylston St., with a nearly 3,000-square-foot space that seats about 40 and will operate seven days a week from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. It opens at 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19, offering free meals to the first 150 customers and accepting donations to benefit its local nonprofit partner Future Chefs. The menu is highly customizable—customers choose a base of greens or grains and then spreads and dips, proteins, toppings, and dressing—and has transitioned to a summer menu featuring seasonal ingredients like green peppers, button mushrooms, and grape tomatoes. Proteins include falafel and roasted seasonal vegetables as well as spicy lamb meatballs, grilled chicken, and braised lamb; toppings range from cauliflower quinoa tabouleh and jalapeño-infused feta mousse to olives, cucumbers, and cabbage slaw, and summer specials include white bean salad, spicy lentil soup, and a spicy apricot dressing. Founded in 2011 and boosted by significant funding in 2017 that fueled its Greater Boston expansion, this Back Bay location brings the local total to four (with Fenway, Dedham, and Hingham existing) and a fifth slated for Kendall Square later this year." - Dana Hatic