Ma's Donuts & More

78 W Main Road

Middletown, RI 02842

(401) 841-5750

After receiving some unhappy e-mail regarding our old review of Ma's Donuts in Middletown, RI, Mom and I promised our fans that we would give this bakery another shot. Since we were in the area, Mom thought that it would be a perfect time to go through the drive-thru and get a half dozen Ma's donuts. I pulled into the drive-thru at just around 6:30 p.m.


Since Ma's Donuts is open for 24 hours, it seems to be a big hit with the Newport Grand Casino set (since it is right down the street). I knew a few girls from my old job that always made a point to stop by Ma's after a long night of gambling. With our first review, we basically said that Ma's had "uninspired" donuts. They were good, but nothing special. This caused quite a stir with a few fans who actually go out of their way to pick up a box of these doughy delights. Since we wanted to be fair, Mom and I decided that on this visit we will order six assorted donuts. We let Ma's choose the donuts because a) we were going through the drive-thru, and b) we would never discriminate against a particular donut. We love them all!


When I arrived at the drive-thru window, I was immediately greeted over the loud speaker. The gentleman asked me what I would like, so I said, "A half dozen assorted donuts, please." He muttered something that we thought was "drive up," so I headed toward the window. When I got there, the gentleman asked me what kind of donut I wanted. I told him that I wanted six assorted. He said, "What?" I said, "Assorted." He just stared blankly, so I said, "You know ... mixed?" I even made this mixing sign with my hands which probably looked more like I was kneading dough rather than explaining what assorted meant. Then, he asked me how many I wanted. I said, "Six." OH MY GOD! Pay attention! I don't want to be discriminative, but why do stores and restaurants always put the person who knows the least amount of English either manning the phone or serving customers? I mean has no one ever come through and asked for an assorted box? Thank God we didn't order coffees or we would have been there all night. Once the gentleman and I were on the same page, he handed me my box of donuts and quoted me $4.99. Mom and I headed home with our donuts in a pretty Ma's box.


After dinner, we brought out the donuts so that her and I - and Dad - could all have one. When I opened the box, I was a bit disappointed to see that the donuts had rolled around inside of the box they were placed in. One of the donuts was frosted, and most of the frosting had rubbed off. Perhaps there isn't a need to have boxes that only hold six donuts. We shrugged it off as Mom and I were the first to dig in. She chose the chocolate cream-filled donut while I picked the blueberry cake. Mom's donut, although packed with chocolate cream, was a little on the dry side and not very flavorful. She felt that the filling actually tasted better than the donut. Mom has had this type of donut before from other places - including Dunkin' Donuts - and she said that it was much better at the other establishments. Dad's jelly donut was packed with so much filling that it was starting to split on the side. My blueberry donut was good, but I can find the same thing at Dunkin' Donuts, only theirs taste a little better. When I came home from work the next day, Mom told me that if I wanted to have another donut, I'd better act fast because they were already drying out. The remaining donuts we ate were good, but again, nothing special.

Although we didn't go inside of Ma's Donuts, we saw the interior through the large glass windows. The walls were a deep rose color and there were several seats that you can choose from. There were also a few chairs set up outside for people who wanted to enjoy the fresh air. What I didn't know is that the inside of Ma's (not just the drive-thru) also stays open for 24 hours. I had to call and verify this as most drive-thru places close down their eat-in section after hours. On the menu, Ma's offers your normal breakfast/bakery type items such as donuts, breakfast sandwiches, cookies, muffins, and assorted pastries. They also have malasadas, which is fried dough for you non-Portuguese fans. Ma's also has a long list of drinks like coffee, iced coffee, cocoa, smoothies, and fat-free fruities, which I'm assuming is a fruit drink. Lunch is also offered here with sandwiches such as chourico and peppers, roast beef, ham and cheese, and turkey. The prices are average for this type of restaurant, and Ma's offers several combo specials that may be a little easier on the wallet.

There is one thing that Mom and I always notice about Ma's Donuts - it always looks closed. The parking lot is usually empty, and it always looks pretty dark inside. I don't want to say that Ma's has a dated look, but there is something about the exterior of this restaurant that would lead me to assume that it was dingy inside. However, it's obvious that Ma's has a loyal fan base which is what has kept them thriving as a business.

We wanted to like Ma's Donuts. We really did! However, we have to stick with our original decision. These donuts are uninspired, and it's a shame because out-of-the-way places like Ma's usually has fantastically unique donuts. Perhaps they'll improve over time, but it's sad when a large chain like Dunkin' can serve up a better tasting donut.

Ma's Donuts & More is open daily for all 24 hours.

Mid Week Grocery Spree - Lees Market

Lees Market is fantastic, and that's why Mom and I enjoy shopping there when we're in Westport, MA. Not only is Lees stocked with normal grocery store staples, but it carries all local produce, meats, grains, and specialty items. There is a sushi bar, a beautiful deli filled with ready-made lunches, and a large liquor section. Plus, the store is always spotless. Who wouldn't want to shop here?


On this visit, Mom and I took our time going up and down the aisles. We'd already done our weekly shopping, but we were on the prowl for some hard-to-find items. For example, Mom read on the Internet that San Marzano tomatoes supposedly made the best spaghetti sauce. After an unsuccessful search for them at Stop & Shop, we finally found the tomatoes at Lees ($2.59). We also found two soups by Nile that I've been dying to try - split pea and sweet corn chowder ($1.49 each). Also in our shopping cart was a bottle of Trader Vic gold rum ($12.99) that we purchased to mix with the mudslide and piña colada mixers that we bought at the Christmas Tree Shop a while back.

Since we love buying local goods, Mom and I picked up a product that we had been dying to try. It is called Mad Hectic Oatmeal, and it costs $7.95 a bag. Yes, it is insanely expensive. Made in South Dartmouth, MA, this product is organic, made with flax seed meal and tree nuts, and contains 14 grams of protein per serving (six servings per bag). Mom grabbed the almond pecan flavor and threw it our Lees canvas bag ($.95). We also spotted an adorable pouch of Gray's Pancake and Waffle Mix ($4.99) from Gray's Mill in Adamsville, RI/Westport, MA. Printed on the back of the pouch are the mixing instructions for both pancakes and waffles, and the mix itself is stone ground right at the mill. This was expensive also, but we realize that we would never be able to purchase items like this on a weekly basis. The oatmeal and pancake mix are definitely once-in-a-while treats.

After spending $32.50, we came home and laid out all of our items. We couldn't wait to dig into that oatmeal, so Mom made some for breakfast the next morning. It was really tasty and had a natural sweetness without any added sugar. Mom and I will definitely be heading back to Lees to try more of their fabulous local items. You'll spend a few more dollars if you buy the specialty foods, but the overall quality that you'll find at Lees is worth the cash.

Uncle Ed's Front Porch Ice Cream

116 Winthrop St.

Rehoboth, MA 02769

(508) 252-4100

Date visited: 8/23/08

Anyone who has taken a drive through this area will tell you that we New Englanders love our ice cream. Whether you're traveling down a main street or cruising through a heavily wooded area, you're never more than 20 miles from an ice cream stand. Some of these places are only open during the summer months. However, there are a few that stay open year round for those freaks (like us) who enjoy eating ice cream in frigid weather. Uncle Ed's Front Porch is one of those places. After reading rave reviews about Ed's delicious homemade ice cream on the Internet, we decided to take a ride to Rehoboth to check it out. We pulled into the parking area at 5 p.m.


The first thing Mom and I noticed was how cute the place was. It didn't even look like a stand; it looked more like someone's home. Although the parking lot and building are small, there are a few picnic tables located on the side of the building so that customers can enjoy their treats outside. Stepping up into the ice cream parlor, Mom and I figured out how Uncle Ed's Front Porch got its name. One complete side of the dining area was set up to look exactly like someone's porch with two round tables on each side. The walls were covered in vinyl siding, and there was even a door and "porch" lights. All this was set behind a trellis with a lace curtain running across the top. On the other side of the room - set against a pretty red and white striped wall - were two large picnic tables covered in gingham tablecloths. The interior was immaculate and we both thought that the design was absolutely adorable.



When we got to the counter, we were greeted by a friendly woman who informed us that "he" (perhaps she meant Uncle Ed) had just made a fresh batch of their gingersnap molasses ice cream. Neither Mom nor I had ever heard of that flavor before, so after a few minutes of deciding, Mom chose to try a small cup of it ($3). I needed a minute to narrow down my choices before going with a small cup of peanut butter fantasy ($3), which the woman behind the counter said was delicious. Our total came to:

1 small cup gingersnap molasses - $3

1 small cup peanut butter fantasy - 3

TOTAL = $6

We took our cups outside and decided to eat in the car. Mom's gingersnap molasses ice cream was very unique. She said that she'd never tasted anything like it before. It was deliciously smooth and creamy, except for the crumbled pieces of gingersnaps set inside the deep molasses base. It was so different and delicious that she would definitely recommend it and can't wait to have it again. My peanut butter fantasy was surprisingly creamy as well. The ice cream was peanut butter flavored and had a fudge swirl with several broken up pieces of peanut butter cups mixed in. It was full of flavor and not overly sweet. I really enjoyed it.

(L) peanut butter fantasy; (R) gingersnap molasses

When I got home and uploaded the photo I had taken of the menu, I was a bit disappointed that it wasn't that legible. Uncle Ed's Front Porch has some really unique flavors including frozen pudding, Baileys Irish Cream, Grapenut, ginger, cashew caramel turtle, cookie dough, Oreo, blue dino, Almond Joy, cotton candy, mocha mud pie, cherry chip, pistachio, maple walnut, and the requisite vanilla, chocolate, coffee, and strawberry. The prices are pretty good, ranging from a $3 small cup or cone to a $7.95 quart of ice cream. Uncle Ed's also offers several different types of sundaes and drinks with plenty of add-ons to make each treat as unique as you like. Mom had read somewhere online that the owner even takes suggestions for ice cream flavors, and if you're lucky, he will make a batch of your crazy concoction.


Because of the great service, adorable building, and fantastic ice cream, Mom and I were ready to give Uncle Ed's a score of excellent (a.k.a., five hearts). Instead, we decided to give it a score of very good (four hearts) because we've only been once. I'm pretty positive that Mom and I will be heading back in the very near future, and we're dying to try several more delicious flavors. Uncle Ed's Front Porch just may have become our new favorite.

Uncle Ed's Front Porch is open daily from 1-9:30 p.m. year round.

Bite of the Week - Endangered Species Dark Chocolate Bar

Mom and I like a good routine. However, on Saturday evening, we decided to throw caution to the wind and go to a Stop & Shop Supermarket out of town. I know what you're thinking - those broads like to live on the edge. We drove all the way to the Dartmouth store because of their large section of natural food items. Since we were in the mood for some healthier snacks, Mom and I perused the aisles until something caught my eye - animal faces on large bars of chocolate. Now I've seen these before, but I don't remember ever trying one. However, with 10 percent of the net profits being used to help save endangered animals, how could I resist? I grabbed a bar with a tiger face on it ($2.50) - which happened to be dark chocolate with espresso beans - and put it in our shopping cart.

THE VERDICT: Sweet! Actually, considering that the cocoa content is 70 percent, I'm surprised that the chocolate wasn't bitter. Made with shade-grown coffee and chocolate, the minced espresso beans added a nice taste and crunchy texture to each piece. Inside the wrapper, there was a little blurb about the tiger and how there are several species of the animal already extinct. How sad! Also inside the wrapper was a $.25 cent off coupon for another bar. I really enjoyed this candy and would like to try the other flavors, and I'm very glad to know that - by eating chocolate - I did my part to protect the animals.

Great Feast of the Holy Ghost of New England

Fall River loves a good Portuguese feast, so we at New England Bites have decided to feature our favorite one - the Great Feast of the Holy Ghost of New England. Phew, that's a lot to say.

Perhaps this feast is our number one because we can see it from our window, or maybe it's because over 300,000 visitors come from all over New England, Canada, and Portugal, just to hang out in Kennedy Park for four days. Here is a quick itinerary of this weekend's FEASTivities:

Thursday, August 21: From 7-10:45 p.m. "Youth night" features performances by local entertainers. Last year we got to hear a drunk Portuguese guy sing Runaway by Bon Jovi. Let's hope he's back this year!

Friday, August 22: 6-11 p.m. The bishop of Portugal will be giving out food to the needy and two marching bands will be performing. There will also be folk singing, which sounds interesting.

Saturday, August 23: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Governor Deval Patrick and the president of the Azores will sign a protocol between the state of Massachusetts and the regional government of the Azores at the Gates of the City. There will also be a parade, and at the conclusion of the parade, sweet bread and milk will be distributed. Again, there will be more "folklore and follies," along with more concerts and festivities. My favorite part of the evening will be the auction, where a fast-talking Portuguese guy tries to unload cases of chourico and sweet bread.

Sunday, August 24: 12-10 p.m. The big day! After the Mass at St. Anne's Church, there is a three-hour procession that goes from South Main Street to Bradford Avenue, ending up right at Kennedy Park. We usually watch from our window. It's fun to see the people swaying slowly from side to side, but Mom always feels bad for the women who are wearing heels. Their feet look like muffin tops crammed into tight shoes. It looks so painful! After the procession, there is another auction, more concerts, and the closing ceremonies.

A lot of people say, "Wow, you guys are so lucky to live near the number one Portuguese feast in New England." Are we? Here are some little known facts about life across from the Feast.

1. Waking up at 2 a.m. because the street sweepers are cleaning up the nightly messes left behind by happy Feast goers.
2. Having to get a parking permit to park on your own street (actually, we're really thankful for this one).
3. LOUD music. It's not just, "I believe I can hear that marching band playing S.O.S. by ABBA." It's more like, "I was going to go to bed early, but I can't because they're playing S.O.S. by ABBA."
4. Buses from Canada arriving early in the morning and waking you up - on Friday and Saturday.
5. Not being able to move your car on Sunday because of the three-hour procession - and having to hear every song played by the marching band directly under your window.
6. The smell of fried foods when you're trying to diet.
7. Unusual animal poop found in the park. We think they still bring in donkeys and buffalo.
8. The glow of the Pepsi machines shining through my window at night.
9. The overwhelming stench of the public toilets on a hot August day.
10. The die-hard celebrators that visit the club on the corner and come out singing and yelling at 2 a.m.

I will say that living across from the Feast has given us many memories - some good and some bad - but we do enjoy eating those delicious homemade malasadas once a year. Enjoy the slideshow!

Laura and Diane Monteiro