Looking for a fun outdoor spot to kick off your July 4 weekend? You'll be happy to hear about the new "D" Street Cafe, which officially opens on Thursday, July 3, in South Boston's Maritime Park.

A brainchild of Darryl Settles of The Beantown Jazz Festival, The Beehive and Bob's Southern Bistro fame (Bob's would be in my Boston 10 if it was still open), "D" Street Cafe is an 80-seat outdoor restaurant designed to appeal to those looking for quick, casual fare in a relaxed waterside setting. The menu covers everything from hot dogs and lobster rolls to salads and ice cream.

I'm just sorry it's not open today, as I'm preparing for a relaxing morning outdoors. I can wait though... Afterall, Settles did open the restaurant in just five weeks. Five. Weeks. I'm sure that quick turnaround will pay off as there's no doubt such a spot, in an up-and-coming neighborhood, will attract people far and wide from season beginning to end. "D" Street Cafe will only be open May through October, Monday through Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 7 pm. It will be open later on Thursdays, till 9 pm, for special live music acts.

To get to "D" Street Cafe, find your way to South Station and take Summer Street southeast for about .7 mile. Take a right on D Street, drive about half mile and you're there!

Happy dining!

FC

 "D" Street Cafe is located at 600 D Street on the Boston waterfront. Check it out when it opens on July 3.