Though hours Thursday and Friday were announced as a soft opening for a Toscanini’s grand opening expected New Year’s Day, that ribbon-cutting is canceled and the shop – selling what The New York Times has called “the best ice cream in the world” – is just, well, open.

Tosci’s sets a reopening date for its original location in Lafayette Square; Takeda gives Food for Free its biggest donation in 40 years helping eliminate food insecurity; and there are plenty of Christmastime dinner and breakfast ideas for people who want to give themselves the gift of a splurge.

Ice cream lovers don’t need to line up quite yet outside the once and future Toscanini’s at the 907 Main hotel, but those yearning for the Blue Owl rooftop bar don’t have much longer to wait. That both are soon to happen is a relief to hotel owner Patrick Barrett.

A captain of private equity appears to have bought into Harvard Square, the scene of his college years, while Somerville has approved three projects around Union Square.

Toscanini’s ice cream is looking to reopen in Lafayette Square at the end of July or beginning of August, making it 3.5 years after closing there for construction of the boutique hotel 907 Main.

Public meetings this week look at closing Massachusetts Avenue to cars on weekends through September, quick-build bike lanes, millions in infrastructure borrowing, departmental budgeting, “missing middle” zoning, and a tiki bar in Harvard Square, patisserie, Mexican food and more.

An assessment of a long-empty triple-decker in Lafayette Square is expected to be complete within a couple of months, leading to a plan on its conversion into affordable housing for families.

Susan Fleischmann, former executive director of Cambridge Community Television, has been selected to get its 2021 Sakey Award for “outstanding contributions to development of access to the media in Cambridge” at CCTV’s annual meeting April 21.

There’s just one week left (or so we are told) to get one of the glorious Japanese sandwiches at the Mikkusu Sandos pop-up in the storefront formerly occupied by Cuchi Cuchi.

Public meetings this week look at how city councillors’ intent has been thwarted by the Planning Board and Licensing Commission; new restaurants and wine sellers; hiring an interim schools superintendent; School Committee ethics; and municipal campaign finance reform proposals.