The buzz behind The Beehive in the South End

There’s no denying the buzz behind The Beehive in Boston’s the South End.

Opening in May 2007, the restaurant, bar and performance venue has been the hub of all things fab, attracting Hollywood types like Ben Affleck, Matthew McConaughey and this Sunday, March 9, vocalist Jill Scott will attend a private shindig at the Tremont Street hotspot.

Taking its name from La Ruche -- "the beehive" in French -- an early 20th-century artists' colony in Paris where the likes of Matisse and Chagall worked and made merry, The Beehive has been praised for its hipster-chic ambience, festive atmosphere and stellar selection of cocktails.

However, critics have consistently slammed the food. Based on my dinner last night, I’m happy to report that the menu has improved dramatically.

Nestled below the Boston Center for the Art’s historic Cyclorama in Boston’s South End, The Beehive serves the eclectic fare of Chef Rebecca Newell, rustic comfort foods infused with American, European, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences.

New chef Newell has added several tasty items to the menu—including a flavorful Moroccan stew—and has continued to improve on their rustic comfort foods including fried chicken and a creative take on traditional macaroni and cheese.

We’re working on a piece for EDGE deconstructing the “buzz behind The Beehive.”

Meanwhile, the venue is planning a killer St. Patrick’s Day bash, 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Monday, March 17 where they’ll serve several ala carte Irish specials coupled with live music to set the tone.

“No green beer here! We’re planning a wonderful evening of amazing Irish comfort food and authentic Irish entertainment," says general manager, Bertil Jean-Chronberg.

Click here for more information. The Beehive is at 541 Tremont St. , 617-423-0069. Dinner 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m., bar to 2 a.m., entertainment nightly.