Is it because spring, early if fitful this year, has sprung? Or that the economy has stabilized a tiny bit? Or pent-up demand? Or cheap rents?  Whatever. There seem to be new restaurants bouncing up like pink tulips in my yard — just as freshly minted, just as hopeful.

Esti Parsons

Bergamot in Somerville, EVOO now in Cambridge plus ZA. Mumai Chopstix about to open on NewburyStreet. Chez Jacky late this month in Brighton. Towne Stove with Lydia Shire and Jasper White in Hynes Convention. A new restaurant, Sam’s Place,  in the new Louis in Seaport  area — reportedly with Esti Parsons in charge — we’ve missed her.

For an insufficiently-reformed restaurant junkie, it’s a little overwhelming: How to sample them all! I’ve just finally eaten at Coppa (great pork rillettes with a hit of Saba), sampled Mumbai Chopstix at friends and family (intriguing flavors and good hits of chilies and spices) and haven’t yet been to Barbara Lynch’s Menton. It should be a busy summer.