Business

Watertown Native Names New Whiskey After His Hometown & Got a Little Help from His Friends

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Drink creator Mikey Bortone named his coconut whiskey after his hometown. (Courtesy of Watertown Whiskey)

Watertown native Mikey Bortone’s eureka moment came when he was enjoying a whiskey, while trying to hydrate at the same time. After perfecting his recipe, and with some help from a couple hometown buddies, Watertown Whiskey has become a reality. The liquor named for his hometown brings together rye whiskey and coconut. It debuted in California, where Bortone now lives, and he plans to bring it to his home state.

Business

Local Favorites Old & New Featured in Charles River Chamber’s “Get to Know Watertown Video”

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Courtesy of Charles River Regional Chamber

The following information was provided by the Charles River Chamber of Commerce:

On Friday, the Charles River Regional Chamber is releasing the first of four videos to promote Watertown, Wellesley, Newton and Needham to visitors. “Get to Know Watertown” features a mix of iconic establishments, cultural attractions and new destinations throughout the city, including Donohue’s Bar & Grill, Sevan Bakery, the Mosesian Center for the Arts and Bar ‘Cino.  

The “Get to Know” videos are the second phase of the chamber’s “Take A Trip Up the Charles” campaign launched in 2022 designed to encourage visitors to Greater Boston and people who live in neighboring communities to explore the many offerings in these vibrant communities located just a few miles upstream along the Charles. “Our goal is to support our local economy by highlighting scenic, historic, cultural, recreational, lodging, dining and retail destinations that make our communities unique to those visiting the region, or from the next community over,” said Chamber President Greg Reibman. 

“We had a lot of fun working with so many business owners across Watertown to make this video,” Reibman added.  “We also wanted to thank the folks at City Hall who helped provide many of the events and public art photos that are such an important part in telling why everyone should get to know Watertown.”

Reibman said he hopes everyone who enjoys the video will share it with customers, e-newsletters and on their social media feeds.  

The $16,500 campaign is funded by Meet Boston! and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.

Around Town

New Eatery Serving Pizza & More Has Opened on Pleasant Street

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CT Pizzeria has opened in the former Pleasant Pizza & Subs, and is serving pizza, burgers and sandwiches. According to the restaurants’ Instagram page, the CT Pizzeria is the brainchild of Christian Tapia, who was born in Chile and moved to the United States at the age of 21. “He aspired to achieve the American dream. He worked very hard and found a home with Ford Motor Company before deciding to become self employed,” the post reads. “He has been a successful business owner for over 30 years now.

Business

New York-Based Cookie Store Opening Location in Watertown

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Watertown’s Arsenal Yards already boasts a bevy of restaurants and eateries, and will add something to satisfy people’s sweet tooth. Chip City Cookies will add Watertown to its list of stores, which currently includes 18 locations in New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey, according to an announcement on RestaurantNews.com. Childhood friends Peter Phillips and Theodore Gailas started Chip City Cookies in 2017 after the pair challenged each other to see which one could make the best cookie. The first store opened in Astoria, Queens. “We are thrilled to open our doors in Watertown,” Phillips said in the announcement.

Around Town

Farmers Market Season Officially Opened for the 10th Year This Week

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Photo by Charlie BreitroseCustomers browse vendor’s stands on the first day of the Watertown Farmers Market. From fish products to fresh strawberries to homemade honey, various vendors scattered across Saltonstall Park for Watertown’s 10th annual Farmers’ Market. The Watertown Farmers’ Market had its opening day on June 14. The market opened with a bell ringing performed by City Manager George Proakis, someone who looks forward to having the market every year. “It’s just become a real important part of our community and we love running it and it’s good to have it back.

Around Town

Watertown Farmers Market Returns for 10th Season on June 14

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Photo courtesy of Live Well WatertownThe Watertown Farmers Market returns to Saltonstall Park on June 14. The Watertown Farmers Market enters its 10th season this month, and adds several new and a many returning vendors to the lineup of produce, baked goods, meat & fish and many specialty vendors. Artists will also attend the market each week. Opening day for the Watertown Farmers Market is June 14 and runs each Wednesday through Oct. 25 from 2:30-6:30 p.m. (6 p.m. in October), rain or shine, at Saltonstall Park — the corner of Main Street and Whites Avenue (next to City Hall).

Around Town

Charles River Food Co-op Holding Virtual Open House, Board Meeting

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The Charles River Co-op announced it would be hosting a Board + Volunteer Open House on May 22, at 8 p.m. on Zoom. The group sent out the following information:

Are you interested in helping us out this year or running for a position on our Board of Directors? If you are a member, you are eligible to run for a board seat! We’ll be holding an Open House on Zoom on Monday May 22 at 8 p.m. if you’d like to ask questions and learn how the co-op works – and how you can help out. We’ll do a quick presentation about how the board works and volunteer opportunities, and then be open for a Q&A!

Around Town

Bagel Shop & Deli Expected to Open in Former Porcini’s Location

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The former Porcini’s spot could be occupied by a new restaurant run by the owners of Wicked Bagel. The owners of bagel store with locations in Lexington and Woburn have been linked to the former Porcini’s restaurant location on School Street. A post on Boston Restaurant Talk reports that the owners of Wicked Bagel will be opening a restaurant in Watertown, and it is said to be in the space that had been the Italian restaurant for more than two decades. Wicked Bagel has a variety of bagel sandwiches, coffee and other drinks on the menu on its website. According to Boston Restaurant Talk, the Watertown location would serve brunch, would have a liquor license, and would use the back patio.