James Beard Nominations, Food For A Cause: MA Food Week

MASSACHUSETTS — Welcome to Patch's weekly round up of food and restaurant news in Massachusetts, where we review openings, closings and more in the state's dining scene.

It was a big week for folks in the restaurant industry across the state, as the James Beard Foundation unveiled the list of 2024 semifinalists, which included 10 chefs and restaurants from the Bay State.

They are:

• Comfort Kitchen, Dorchester
• haley.henry wine bar, Boston
• Rebel, Rebel, Somerville
• Tracy Chang, Pagu, Cambridge
• John daSilva, Chickadee, Boston
• Conor Dennehy, Tallula, Cambridge
• Patricia Estorino, Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar, Cambridge
• Cecelia Lizotte, Suya Joint, Boston
• Laurence Louie, Rubato, Quincy
• Rachel Miller, Nightshade Noodle Bar, Lynn

Puttshack

Puttshack officials announced this week that the upscale mini golf location at the Natick Mall will open on Feb. 10, offering three nine-hole mini golf courses.

The Natick location is 22,000 sq. ft. and spans two floors inside the mall. Each floor offers a full-service bar in addition to the mini golf.

Food will also be available, with the company touting signature dishes including the "Boston Tailpipe," spring rolls filled with lobster mac ‘n cheese, and a Reuben flatbread with shaved corned beef and Swiss cheese.

For every tailpipe sold, Puttshack officials said they will donate $1 to the New England Center for Children.

Blue Water Resort

As part of a series of upgrades at Red Jacket Resorts, one Cape Cod hotel will see an upgrade to the food and beverage program.

A redesign of the 109 rooms at Blue Water Resort is already underway. For those hoping to bring their dog along, the property offers dog-friendly rooms ideal for two to four guests.

Blue Water Resort will also feature a new restaurant concept at the property, as well as refreshed guest lobbies, meeting spaces and all-new furnishing at Red Jacket Resort pool.

Here's what else was cooking this week in Massachusetts:

• New Korean, Hot Pot Restaurant Opening In Natick
• This Restaurant Serves The Best French Fries In Massachusetts
• 10 MA Restaurants, Chefs Named 2024 James Beard Semifinalists