There are a few new openings in Portland this holiday season, along with some awards for food businesses.
On Ocean Avenue, the long-anticipated Borealis Bistro and Bakery is open, giving the neighborhood a much-needed restaurant within walking distance. The bistro serves everything from pastries and coffee to full meals and by the end of this week expects to have beer and wine available. Hours for the bistro, at 182 Ocean Ave., are Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Joining the ranks on Marginal Way, the cleverly named coffee shop PeRx-U-Up opened on the ground floor of the new Intermed Building at 84 Marginal Way. The shop is open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Is Joe giving Bill a run for his money? Joe’s New York Pizza opened in the old Granny’s Burritos space at 420 Fore St. The pizza parlor is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday.
Loco Pollo on Washington Avenue in the East End finally opened. It’s been more than a year since the sign went up in the window announcing the future opening of the tamale and tortilla place. Hours for Loco Pollo, at 52 Washington Ave., are Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fore Street owner and chef Sam Hayward and Browne Trading owner Rob Browne Mitchell received the first-ever Maine Culinary Awards for their contributions to the Maine culinary scene. The awards were sponsored by the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Greater Portland.
Ready Seafood, the lobstering company that sells traps to retail customers, who are then shipped the catch from their traps, was presented the Small Business of the Year award by the Downtown Portland Corp. Ready Seafood is located on Hobson’s Wharf. The buy-a-trap deal is called “Catch a Piece of Maine.”
Shipyard Brewing Co. has released two new brews in the Puglsey’s Signature line. Barley Wine Style Ale and Imperial Porter are now available at the brewery store at 86 Newbury St.
Gelato and sorbetto from Brunswick-based The Gelato Fiasco is now available at Whole Foods in Portland.
Early risers have through Jan. 11 to take advantage of McDonald’s free coffee promotion. From 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. through Jan. 11, customers can get a free small hot Newman’s Own Organic Coffee. Also, in McDonald’s news, the 332 St. John St. location reconstruction earned the Best Grand Opening Plan for 2008 by the Boston regional offices. The restaurant is the largest McDonald’s in Maine.
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