Yesterday the Back Cove neighborhood gained a new eatery. Borealis Breads Bakery & Bistro opened up at 182 Ocean Ave. I drove over there for lunch today and wasn't surprised to find all the parking spots filled and a line at the counter.

Borealis has been around for 15 years, baking up their signature breads that are frequently made with Maine-grown grains. The bakery began in Waldoboro and later had shops at the former Portland Public Market and the Forest Ave. Hannaford. This new spot gives the bakery a retail presence in the city once again.

The menu is fairly extensive, featuring sandwiches, panninis, salads, soups and pizza. Some sandwich highlights; chicken salad with tarragon & walnuts ($7), roast beef with horseradish and scallion spread ($7), roasted turkey with onion jam and cream cheese ($7) and Veggieville with garlic or red pepper hummus ($6). I ordered a hummus on multigrain and it was outstanding.

Today's pizzas, from the brick oven in the background, included three cheese (with whole milk mozzarella, provolone and ricotta) and pepperoni. The shop is open seven days a week from 7 am-8 pm (sandwiches served until 5 pm). To place an order, call 541-9600.