New Pizza Place in Reading, Joe Fish in North Reading and More Nearby Bites

We know Reading and North Reading residents don’t just stay in town when they want a night out and a break from cooking. 

Restaurant coming and goings, new business and the best dishes and recipes are among the items that have appeared on Patch sites around the region over the past month.

Below is a look at the restaurant and food stories covered in the past month.

NORTH READING

Owner of Mario's Opening New Restaurant in Beverly: Freeda's Pizza and Calzones, coming this November to the North Beverly Plaza, isn't your typical mom and pop pizza shop. Sure, the Guevara family has been operating Mario's Pizza in North Reading for 30 years. And, yes, mom and pop, in this case, Alfina and Romeo, are the president and vice president of the company. But operations director Al Guevara says Freeda's, named after his mother, Alfina, whose nickname was Freeda when she grew up in Sicily, isn't the average. 

Liquor License Passed for Joe Fish in North Reading: Owners of Joe Fish in North Andover Jim Demetri and Jim Dietz went before the selectmen Monday night to have their liquor license approved for the new Joe Fish restaurant that will be located in the old Piccadilly Pub space. The liquor license was approved unanimously. Both Demetri and Dietz co-own Joe Fish and the Loft in North Andover and plan to open another Joe Fish on Main Street in North Reading. The restaurant will have 150 seats and 20 bar seats, according to Demetri.

READING

Portland Pie Co. May be Coming to Reading: A company that started as a maker of gourmet pizza pies with flavored pizza dough is considering opening a restaurant on Haven Street, its first in the Commonwealth. Portland Pie Co., which opened in Portland, Maine, in 1997, has expanded its menu with appetizers, salads and sandwiches and full liquor service in five locations, according to its website: in Maine, in Portland, Scarborough and Westbrook and in New Hampshire, in Manchester and Nashua.

WAKEFIELD

 The restaurant, located at 33 Tuttle Street (near the train station) will feature stations for patrons to try a wide variety of dishes, from clam chowder and lobster sliders to rack of lamb, roasted tenderloin and, oysters on the half shell, and the Laurie’s 9:09 Crabcake, among other dishes, all of which can be sampled for $24.99. The restaurant will serve its regular menu Tuesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sundays from noon until midnight.

WILMINGTON

Wilmington Native Fulfills Dream With Food Network Episode: Having seen countless episodes, Paul Malvone has always been a fan of  on the Food Network. It’s safe to say, however, that Monday, Oct. 8 will always remain his favorite episode. Malvone and Boston Burger Company, his popular Somerville restaurant, were the focus of the opening segment on the newest edition of the popular show hosted by celebrity chef Guy Fieri.

ANDOVER

Raagini Indian Bistro to Open Monday: Raagini Indian Bistro, Shawsheen Plaza, opened Monday, Nov. 5, according to owner and manager Jaspreet Singh. The restaurant is located next to Rite Aid in the unit formerly occupied by Cardsmart. Singh's extended family owns a number of restaurants including Jewel of India in Newburyport and Passage to India in Salem , MA. Singh, himself, has worked at the former  for 8 years.

Fisichelli's Open for Business: Continuing a near century-long business in Andover, Fisichelli's opened their doors to Andover customers on Oct. 6 and owner Nina Fisichelli Gaffny said the community has found out. "We've had a great response," said Gaffny. "I'm glad to be here." The bakery is located at 46 Main St. at the former Chic Consignment Closet, which is now located next door.

*Gift certificates to any of these places would make a great holiday gift!