Blaine residents will soon be able to get their Italian food fix, from cream-filled cannoli to gourmet pizza, with the opening of a new restaurant on Peace Portal Drive. The Rustic Fork Eatery is slated to offer indoor family dining, a 21-plus bar area and outdoor seating for community members starting Thursday, December 17.

“We wanted to start out with more rustic and authentic Italian recipes from back in the old country,” said owner Gary Slavin. “From there, we developed the appetizers and the pizzas.” Every sit-down meal will include a small, complimentary appetizer of antipasta with crackers or Italian hummus, Slavin said.