86 Exchange St Portland, Maine 04101 (207) 773-0997 www.myswisstime.com Swiss Time   AAA Travel: (866) 883-4985 PORTLAND 68 Marginal Way BIDDEFORD 472 Alfred Road SOUTH PORTLAND 401 Western Avenue AUBURN 600 Center Street, Shaw’s Plaza BRUNSWICK 147 Bath Road, Merrymeeting Plaza Irish Pub or Ireland? AAA agents can help get you around the world. Portland after dark 30 p o r t l a n d monthly magazine welcoming excursion to a warmer climate. Basking under the rainbow ceiling of color- ful jalapeño string lights, amp up your clas- sic margarita with one of the bar’s house- made infused tequilas, like pineapple po- blano or cucumber ($9). Better yet, stop by during Happy Hour for a cocktail with free chips and salsa and enjoy your $5 trip south of the border. Batavia Bound Though it’s tucked inside Tempo Dulu, with its sui generis craft cocktail menu and Asian-inspired small plates, Opium holds its own. “The owners are Dutch, and as In- donesia was once a Dutch colony, there are ties between the two cultures,” bar manag- er Alexa Doyer says. “The idea for Opium is to feel transported out of Portland.” For an Indonesian-inspired cocktail, try the award-winning Jakarta, an expert blend of Chinese five-spice, coastal root bitters, and absinthe ($15). “It’s essentially a smoked Manhattan, and it won Star Chef’s Best New Cocktail in 2015.” Pair with an order of pork belly dumplings ($12) and snag a seat in the relaxed, purple-hued lounge to round out your sojourn to Southeast Asia. Great British Getaway W ith Maine’s winter chill seeping in, consider seeking shelter under- ground. Quicker than a trip across the Pond, descend the short staircase un- derground into Maps. Take advantage of their can special ($7) and spring for the English grilled cheese ($8). Owner Vikki Walker is a globetrotting Brit who landed in Portland to fulfill her dream of opening a bar. Her influence is clear in the cartog- raphy-inspired décor (maps line the walls and ceiling) and British charm (an out-of- order jukebox sports a sign that reads “Piss Off! We’re Closed”). Like Vikki, you’ll find Maps the ideal home-away-from-home. La Bella Figura Warm oak floors, exposed brickwork, and a polished copper bar–step- ping into Solo Italiano feels like a charm- ing detour in itself. Top that off with artful- ly-plated dishes of true Genovese cuisine, and you’ve got your trip to Italy arranged. Simply slip into a seat at the bar and order a crisp Aperol Spritz ($8). Just like the real place, you’ll never want to leave. n