Updating the Eater Boston Heatmap; Row 34 Opens; More

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Let's round up Eater Boston's top food stories this week...

FORT POINT—Island Creek Oyster Bar's new sibling is now open on Congress St. Take a look inside Row 34, a "workingman's oyster bar," which is cultivating a more casual vibe than its swanky big sister.

HUB-WIDE—It's time for the December update of the Eater Boston Heatmap, telling you where to eat at this very moment. New to the map: Highball Lounge, Ittoku, Mei Mei, and Row 34.

SOUTH END—The team behind popular Downtown Crossing spot jm Curley is opening a new restaurant, Merrill & Co., in the former 28 Degrees space on Appleton St. The focus will be on local seafood.

NORTH END—Ward 8 is now open in the former Nebo space on the edge of the North End. Here's a look inside. As the name suggests, the restaurant and bar features classic cocktails.