Restaurant with Asian, African influences approved for Uphams Corner; BYOB approved for Caribbean restaurant on Talbot Avenue

The Boston Licensing Board today approved plans by Biplaw Rai to turn a long abandoned trolley station on Columbia Road in Uphams Corner into a restaurant that serves food with "Asian and African inspiration" by night and more traditional cafe fare by day.

The board approved Rai's request for a liquor license for his Comfort Kitchen - but only if the board can find one lying around. If it can't, Rai might have to go on the open market to buy one. Rai, who had previously managed the Dudley Cafe in Nubian Square, hopes to open in the first week of October at a renovated trolley waiting area that has been vacant since 1977, at 611 Columbia Rd.

The restaurant would be open until 10 p.m.

At a hearing yesterday, Rai's attorney, Ryan Gazda, said Uphams Corner, which is seeing an influx of new residents "currently lacks a sit-down restaurant, let alone one with a full access liquor license." He added that Rai's proposed pairings of African and Asian fare would be unique in all of Boston.

Also today, the board approved a BYOB license for Cassandria Campbell's Fresh Food Generation at 185 Talbot Ave.

In November, the board approved a beer-and-wine license for her Caribbean restaurant but had none to actually give her.

With a BYOB license, patrons will be able to bring in their own wine or beer to go with their meals. Unlike with traditional alcohol licenses, there is no limit on the number the board can hand out, although they are limited to smaller restaurants outside liquor-heavy locales such as downtown and the waterfront.