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.

Almeida's Vegetable Patch

110 G.A.R. Highway

Route 6

Swansea, MA 02777

(508) 676-6333

Mom hates fruits and vegetables, but she loves to buy them. She also loves farms, which is why we've been shopping on and off at Almeida's Vegetable Patch for a few years now. Located across the street from the Venus de Milo restaurant, Almeida's not only sells their own crops, but lots of other goods from various local area farms. Since Saturday is our weekly shopping day, we decided to stop in and check out what Almeida's had to offer. We pulled into the always-busy parking area at just about 3:30 p.m.

Frenzied is a word that I use when I describe Almeida's. Although it is a beautiful farm with an adorable little shop, the people that are buying the food are usually a) overcome by all the fresh produce, b) in a hurry to get home and eat the stuff, or c) think they're the only ones in the store and think nothing of walking right in front of you to pick out a basket of strawberries. Knowing this, Mom and I always go in and stick to walking the length of the back wall before attempting to browse at the center displays.

For your convenience, Almeida's has small hand baskets to carry as well as plastic bags to put the food in. They also sell their own reusable tote bags with the Almeida's logo. Considering that Almeida's serves a large volume of customers, Mom and I are always surprised at how neat and clean everything is, especially near the corn area. To control the mess, a gentleman is usually seen removing all the outer leaves off of the corn before putting them in bags of six or 12. The homegrown butter and sugar corn is very sweet and tasty, and so much larger and fresher than the corn sold at the supermarket. Almeida's has a wonderful selection of other vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes (which are huge), cherry tomatoes, large cucumbers (and the pickling variety), zucchini and summer squash, cabbage, lettuce, onions, potatoes, carrots, fresh and bagged radishes, scallions, all sorts of colored peppers, pea pods, green beans, peaches, plums, strawberries, several varieties of apples, oranges, melons, pears, red and green grapes, blueberries, bananas, and whole watermelons that can be cut to whatever size you want right there on the spot. Almeida's also has a bin of slightly bruised fruit at a reduced price, jars of local honey, and many fresh flowers including large sunflowers. The place is decorated with pictures of farm equipment, the Almeida family, and the many generations of farm activity that has taken place on the premises. In the fall, there is a large pumpkin and haystack display along with beautiful fall decorations and seasonal vegetables.

The prices at Almeida's vary, with some things costing more at the supermarket and some costing less. For example, the corn is more expensive here than at Stop & Shop, but is of a much higher quality. On today's visit, Mom grabbed a cucumber ($.69), bananas (two pounds for $1), three plums ($1.79 a pound), and a head of lettuce ($1.39). At the checkout counter, the clerk weighed the bananas and plums. Our total came to:

Produce (bananas) - $1.46

Produce (lettuce) - 1.39

Produce (cucumber) - .69

Produce (plums) - 1.29

TOTAL = $4.83

Mom thinks that at the supermarket, she would have paid more because the bananas are more expensive there than at Almeida's. After packing our fruits and vegetables into one of our many cooler bags, we happily drove away knowing that we did a very good thing by supporting our local farms. For us, it is always win/win because we know that the produce purchased is of the highest quality. We will definitely be visiting Almeida's Vegetable Patch right up until they shut down for the season. I wish that Mom would actually eat the fruits and veggies that she gets here, but she's happy just buying them for us - and I'm definitely not complaining about that.

Almeida's Vegetable Patch is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. within the appropriate seasonal period.

Liberal Club

20 Star St.

Fall River, MA 02724

(508) 679-2460

Mom and I usually go out of town for lunch, forgetting that our own hometown has quite a list of restaurants that we have yet to review. With the addition of Fall River Eats, a new food blog that features the city's best dining establishments, Mom and I felt that we needed to step up our game. She started thinking of places that had been recommended to her by family members. One name that she came up with was the Liberal Club, a large banquet hall/bar/restaurant that supposedly has great Portuguese food. I had been there once before, but since it was quite a long time ago and somewhat of a blur, we decided that this would be a perfect opportunity for us to do an official review of the place. Located in the center of a residential area, the restaurant is hard to find if you do not know the city. Luckily for us, I knew just where it was and we pulled into the large parking area at just around 2:15 p.m.

front of the building

dining room entrance

Since there is no entrance to the dining room at the front of the brick building, you have to park at the far left side - almost behind the restaurant - where you will see an arrow pointing toward the correct door. Once inside the small lobby, which had a list of specials hanging in the waiting area, we walked down the ramp and into the dining room. Paying attention to the "please wait to be seated" sign, we patiently waited until a friendly waitress - who we later learned was named Kris - came over and showed us to a table/banquette. She placed two plastic-covered menus in front of us and gave us a few minutes to look them over. Since there were so many things on the menu, I had trouble deciding what to get. When Kris returned, I had to ask her for a few more minutes so that I could make up my mind. Both Mom and I wanted to get a Portuguese dish, so when Kris returned, I chose the cacoula sandwich with red pepper ($6.95), and Mom chose the chourico and chip dinner ($7.95). Mom suggested that - if they offered it - I try a small cup of their kale soup. Luckily for me, they did ($2.95). After Kris retreated back to the kitchen, an older woman appeared and asked us what we would like to drink. We ordered two Diet Cokes, which were brought to us in cans along with two plastic cups of ice. We were asked to pay for the drinks right away ($2.50 for the two), which is something that I remembered from my previous visit. After I paid the woman and she went off to another table, I asked Mom if I should have tipped her. Neither of us knew! Oops. We need to brush up on our tipping etiquette.

Both Mom and I were very impressed with the size of the menu at the Liberal Club. Mom was expecting a bar menu with a couple of options, but this was a fully operating restaurant complete with everything from appetizers to desserts. Appetizer choices include boneless buffalo wings and mozzarella sticks; soups ($2.95-4.95) include New England and Manhattan clam chowders, seafood bisque, and baked French onion; and salads include Caesar, garden, and chicken Caesar. There was also a long list of specials and a list of various chicken, steak, and seafood dishes like the Bourbon steak tips, baked scrod, scrod casino, fish and chips, fried sole, and a fried clam plate. Other choices include the cacoula plate, chourico meat plate, shrimp Mozambique, chicken parmigiana, and spaghetti with marinara sauce. The prices were about average for a nice restaurant, although the seafood dishes ran a bit high (the clam plate was $20.95). This is probably because the market value of seafood is very high right now. However, where indicated, some dinners come with soup or salad, your choice of potato and vegetable, and rolls. You do get a lot for your money.

Although we've never been in any of the fancy banquet rooms or the bar of the Liberal Club, Mom was quite pleased with the attractiveness of the dining room. In her mind, she was picturing a little dive with a couple of dinky looking tables. This was actually quite the opposite. The beige dining room was decorated with several local photos and Red Sox memorabilia. Portuguese music played in the background while diners relaxed in very large, wooden booths. From afar, it almost looked like an area filled with cubicles. There were no table cloths, but there were place mats featuring local businesses on each table. Everything was very neat and clean, and the waitresses all seemed very attentive and friendly. I had a hard time getting a clear picture because of the overwhelming booths, but I was surprised at how many people could actually be seated comfortably in the small space.

In a matter of seconds, my cup of kale soup arrived along with four fresh Portuguese rolls and butter in a basket. Not only were the rolls outstanding, but the kale soup was extremely tasty. It was served very hot and was filled with fresh kale, kidney beans, potatoes, roast meat, and chourico. I kept dunking my roll into the soup to ensure that I soaked up every drop. So what if I looked like a pig? I was enjoying myself. Mom also couldn't get enough of the rolls, which most likely come from one of the many Portuguese bakeries in the area.

Boy, the service here is fast. I hadn't even finished my soup when I spotted Kris walking over with our plates of food. Both dishes looked and smelled amazing. She asked us if we would like a bottle of ketchup for our fries, and I said yes (Mom doesn't do ketchup). It seemed like there was about a pound of cubed chourico sitting on top of an equal amount of crispy fries on Mom's plate. She was very surprised and impressed by the portion size, especially since it was only $7.95. The dish was accompanied by some sliced banana peppers, which she quickly handed over to me since she's not a fan. Once she tasted the dish, she found that the chourico was lean, nicely spiced, and very well done. She even enjoyed the fries, which were served very hot - just like she likes them. There was so much food on the plate that Mom ended up taking half of it home to Dad, who thoroughly enjoyed it as well.

Portuguese cacoula (spelled several different ways) is nothing more than marinated, shredded pork. Stuffed into a large torpedo roll, my sandwich was fabulous. I threw Mom's banana peppers into my sub along with the large red pepper that was already laying across the top. The pork was tender, deliciously spiced, and surprisingly not messy to eat. There was so much meat that I thought the bread would eventually get soaked and I'd be wearing half of it. This never happened. Everything stayed together and, with the peppers, had a very spicy, terrific taste. The handful of fries that came with it was also very good and for $6.95, this large sandwich was definitely a steal.

After I swiped some cubes of tasty chourico off of Mom's plate, Kris returned to the table to clear away the dishes and pack up the rest of Mom's dinner. She offered us coffee or dessert, but we were too full to accept. Kris then brought the bill, which came to:

Chourico and chip dinner - $7.95

Cacoula sandwich - 6.95

Kale soup - 2.95

Subtotal - $17.85

Tax - .89

*TOTAL = $18.74

*Remember, we already paid for our drinks.

We left $22.50 on the table for Kris, which included a 20% tip. Before leaving, Mom decided to check out the ladies' room, which was located right next to the dining room entrance. She said that the single unit was simple, but immaculate.

As we carried Mom's Styrofoam back to the car, we laughed at the fact that it had taken us years to visit a restaurant that the rest of the city is very familiar with. I'm almost positive that every Portuguese family in Fall River has had at least one wedding or birthday party in the banquet rooms, and it's no surprise because the food is outstanding. Mom has been full of great ideas lately, and I'm really glad that she suggested the Liberal Club. Her expectations were exceeded, and we will definitely be coming back again.

The Liberal Club is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. The restaurant is closed on Sunday and Monday.

Somerset Creamery

1931 G.A.R. Highway

Route 6

Somerset, MA 02726

(508) 672-5510

1268 North Falmouth Highway

Route 28A

Cataumet, MA 02534

(508) 563-3430

www.somersetcreamery.com

If you live in Fall River, Somerset, or the surrounding area, chances are you've been visiting Somerset Creamery since you were a child. With their many flavors of fresh ice cream made the old fashioned way since 1937, anybody who's anybody gets their cones at this Somerset institution. Mom and I often drive by on weekends - or any other summer day for that matter - and the place is always packed. Mom compared it to a 1950's car hop because of all the socializing and eating that goes on in the parking lot. We had only visited Somerset Creamery one time and found the ice cream to be a bit overpriced. Since that was many years ago (pre-New England Bites), we decided to give this place another shot. Mom kept dropping hints about how Somerset Creamery packs pints of their fresh ice cream, so naturally, I had to stop by and check it out. I pulled into the parking lot at around 5:20 p.m.

Since I had just gotten out of work, I figured that now was a good time to visit because many local residents are too busy eating dinner to think about dessert. I was right. The parking lot only had a few cars when I pulled in, which gave me plenty of opportunity to take pictures without being seen by everyone. When I stepped inside, I noticed two things: the overwhelming smell of the freshly baked waffle cones, and how clean everything was. You cannot eat inside Somerset Creamery because there are no tables, which is probably why the customers usually hang out in the parking lot. There is, however, a rope to keep the line of hungry people at bay while the scoopers make the ice cream treats. Luckily, when I entered, there was no one in line. I walked right up to the counter and ordered two pints - black raspberry for me, and frozen pudding for Mom. The total came to:

2 pints @ $4.45 each

Tax - .45

TOTAL = $9.35

I paid in cash, which is the only acceptable form of payment at Somerset Creamery. As I waited for the young girl to finish scooping my pints, I took some pictures of the inside.

Along with their large list of flavors, there are a bunch of little hanging signs that showcase each of their specialities. Everything seemed to be under $7 (with the exception of a quart of ice cream - $7.15), and each novelty seemed more delicious than the next. Of course they offer the typical sundaes, cones, banana splits, and milkshakes, but they also have the black cow, root beer floats, and Creamsicle frappes. Ice cream flavors include banana, black raspberry, blueberry pie, butter crunch, butter pecan, cherry chocolate chunk, chocolate, chocolate chip, chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate coconut, chocolate mint, chocolate walnut, coconut, coconut Almond Joy, coffee, coffee chip, coffee Oreo, cranberry bog, French vanilla, frozen pudding, fudge ripple, ginger, Grape Nut, maple walnut, mint chip, mocha almond, mocha peanut butter, orange pineapple, Oreo, pistachio, rum raisin, strawberry, vanilla. They also offer sugar free coffee and maple walnut ice cream; orange, raspberry, and watermelon sherbet; and black raspberry chip, chocolate almond, coffee Heath, strawberry cheesecake, and cranberry frozen yogurt (although cranberry is only available at the Cape Cod store).

Speaking of the black raspberry chip yogurt, a co-worker of mine had complained to me that she did not get enough chips in her yogurt, while her husband ordered the pistachio ice cream which had plenty of nuts mixed in. "What's up with that," she asked me. I told her that I would have to check it out for myself, but when I got to Somerset Creamery, I found myself overwhelmed by all the ice cream flavors and shouted "black raspberry" without remembering to order the yogurt with chips. Oh well, maybe next time.

Once the girl had finished packing my ice cream, she put a sheet of wax paper over each pint before putting the covers on. Then she marked each cover with the correct flavor, put them in a brown bag, and sent me on my way. I was glad that she took the time to make sure that I was not handed a sloppy pint because I've had this happen at a few ice cream shops. God knows I hate ice cream on my hand (see: Sea Swirl). I drove the pints home in our handy freezer bag complete with ice sheets. When I got home, I put them in the freezer for an after dinner treat while Mom and I watched Project Runway later in the evening.

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(L) frozen pudding; (R) black raspberry

At 9 p.m., just as Project Runway began, Mom headed for the freezer. Before we devoured our pints, we made sure to take a spoonful of each other's flavor so that we could have a taste. I thought Mom's frozen pudding was delicious, and so did she! She said that the ice cream was better than that last time we had it, but to be fair, we had our ice cream in sundaes and the flavor was kind of lost in all of the toppings. However, she found this pint to have a deep buttery rum flavor with just enough pieces of candied fruit. She said that it was very tasty, and she can't wait to try another one of Somerset Creamery's flavors.

My black raspberry pint was fantastic. The flavor was not tart, but creamy and had a strong raspberry taste. I also did not remember the taste of Somerset Creamery's ice cream being this delicious, and I was pleasantly surprised and excited to try more.

Now that we're back on track with the rest of Southeastern Massachusetts, Mom and I will definitely be making many more stops to Somerset Creamery. The taste of the ice cream is fantastic, the price is average, and who knows who you are going to run into there? It could very well be New England Bites.

Somerset Creamery is open from 12-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 12-10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. They also have a second location in Cataumet, MA, which is on scenic Cape Cod.

Marguerite's Restaurant

778 Main Road

Westport, MA 02790

(508) 636-3040

www.margueritesrestaurant.com

Date visited: 7/26/08

Mom and I were completely undecided about where we wanted to have lunch. When this happens, we usually grab "the list." "The list" is made up of reader requests, places we've been but haven't reviewed, and interesting restaurants that Mom found on the Internet. After some discussion about what kind of food we wanted, and after a failed attempt at visiting another Westport restaurant, we decided to revisit a place that we enjoyed tremendously - Marguerite's. Located in the Village Commons Plaza (down the road from the popular Lees Market), we pulled into the parking area at 4:30 p.m.

Mom and I were a little concerned that we wouldn't be able to get a table here, as there were only 12 of them the last time we visited. However, once we walked through the door, a waitress told us that we could pick any table we wanted - and there were at least four available. Mom wanted to sit near the window, but I wanted to sit at a table that would allow me to get a good picture of the adorable dining area. Looking back, this was a mistake. The table we ended up choosing was directly under the chalkboard, which had the list of daily specials. So much for being discreet. I figured that I would be able to work around it, but it was going to be hard to dodge the roaming eyes of hungry customers trying to decide what to order - and looking right above our heads. An older waitress came over and handed Mom and I two plastic-covered menus and two lists of the specials that were listed on the chalkboard. There were two specials that had been crossed out, so we assumed that they were no longer available. The waitress also took our drink order - two Diet Cokes - which quickly arrived in tall, thin glasses.

Marguerite's doesn't have a large menu because their focus is on the quality of each dish offered. Appetizers include stuffed quahogs with linguica stuffing ($4.59), steamed mussels ($6.49), fried calamari ($6.49), New England clam chowder ($2.59-3.59), lobster bisque ($3.29-4.29), French onion soup ($3.99), and something called Billi Bi, which are shucked mussels in an herb cream broth ($3.59). You can also order a Caesar salad ($4.59) with your choice of grilled shrimp ($12.99) or grilled chicken ($7.99). With none of the regular menu entrees reaching the $16 mark, options include the seafood Provencale ($15.59), broiled scallops ($15.99), chicken Marsala ($11.99), liver and onions ($8.49), fish and chips ($10.79), baked stuffed chicken breast ($10.99), fried scallops ($15.99), chicken Parmesan ($11.99), and the steak of the day ($13.99). All entrees are served with your choice of starch and fresh vegetable. If you're looking for something more on the sandwich side, check out the chicken Monterey ($7.99), tuna melt ($7.99), Reuben ($7.99), hot pastrami ($7.99), vegetarian garden burger ($6.99), grilled chicken ($7.99), traditional club ($7.99), and specialty burger ($7.99) with your choice of toppings. If you have children in your party, Marguerite's offers a hamburger ($3.59), cheeseburger ($3.79), hot dog ($2.29), and a grilled cheese sandwich ($2.29). Daily specials can be viewed on their Web site, and an extensive wine list is available for those looking for a more adult beverage. Also, we applaud the fact that Marguerite's uses fresh, local ingredients, and changes their specials seasonally.


Once we had finally narrowed down our choices, a young waitress appeared to take our order. Mom chose the all meat chicken pie ($7.99) off of the menu, but unfortunately it was not available. She settled on another choice - the broiled scrod ($11.99). I went with the baked stuffed sole with seafood stuffing ($12.99). For her starch and vegetable, Mom chose fries and cole slaw. Since I know that Mom doesn't eat cole slaw, I knew to choose something different so that I could get two veggies out of the deal. What a pig! I chose fries and marinated cucumbers, which I was really excited to try. Although we don't often get an appetizer, the Maryland crab cakes with remoulade sauce ($7.99) caught our eye and we both felt the overwhelming need to try them. Once the waitress had finished taking our order, she walked away from the table giving me plenty of room to take a picture of the interior ... or so I thought.


This is all I got:




Yep. It was just too damn crowded for me to get a clear shot, and I didn't want to be the pink elephant in the room standing there pointing a camera in people's direction while they were stuffing their faces. I tried my best to do the "I'm not taking a picture, I'm just holding my camera over my shoulder" routine, but each photo came out worse than the next. Plus, because we were seated under the chalkboard, we were the main attraction. Oh well, I'll try and describe it to the best of my abilities. As I mentioned before, there are only 12 tables available (no booths). There is also a counter area with about six stools. This makes for a very cozy environment, but it can get a little cramped, especially with the large amount of uniformed waitstaff wandering between tables. I will say this - the waitstaff was very attentive. I could barely get a shot of the food without one of them peering over to see if I needed anything. The decor is a nice mix of both country and modern design. The hanging silver lights over the counter area have spoons attached, making them almost look like a crazy art project. Very cute. I also liked the old fashioned fruit plaques and hanging foliage. What we did not notice about Marguerite's is that there is an outside eating area. Mom and I only spotted this little section on our way out. We were so mad! This would have been the perfect day to have a meal outdoors. With only about four or five tables, it was a beautifully decorated space. Oh well ... maybe next time. Although we did not use the ladies' room on this visit, Mom had in the past and said that it was very tiny, cute, and clean.


We hadn't been waiting long before our crab cakes arrived. Both Mom and I were pleased and surprised to see three cakes on our plate, as most restaurants only serve two. We each took a cake for ourselves and tasted it. It had a slighty crisp outside, and a softer texture inside. It also held its shape and was not mushy. Chock full of minced vegetables (we spotted some red pepper) and crab, the taste of the crab cakes was unbelievable. They were full of flavor and very hearty. The remoulade sauce (I tried it, Mom didn't) was tangy and complimented the crab meat well. I was a bit concerned when I first cut into the cake and noticed the veggies (Mom hates them), but I was very glad to see that she was enjoying the appetizer tremendously. She said they were the best crab cakes that she's ever had, and I have to agree with her. Hey, if this is the only way I can get Mom to eat her veggies, then bring on the crab cakes! We cut the third cake in half, just to be fair, but we really think that someone could make a meal out of this delicious appetizer.

After the young waitress had cleared away our appetizer plates, she brought out the entrees and warned us that both casserole dishes were extremely hot. She was right! Since Mom has a higher tolerance for hot dishes, she dug in first. The piece of scrod she had was a good size, and she said it was cooked perfectly. The fish was tender, flaky, and translucent white. It had a buttery crumb topping and came resting in a tasty lemon dill butter sauce. Mom thought it was absolutely delicious. She also enjoyed her fries, but - just like I predicted - she handed her cole slaw over to me.

My baked stuffed sole was fantastic. There were two filets in my casserole dish, each stuffed with a mixture of various seafood. The taste was so phenomenal that - according to Mom - I was enjoying it a little too much. All she could hear from her side of the table was me subconsciously saying, "Mmmmmmmmmm." I could not believe it! Apparently I "mmm-ed" through the whole meal! I really must have been enjoying myself. It really was one of the best stuffed soles I've ever had. I also found my fries to be very tasty and thoroughly enjoyed the taste of Mom's cole slaw and my marinated cucumbers. They were marinated in some sort of rosemary vinegar, and each piece really held the flavor. Everything was outstanding.

As if we weren't stuffed enough, I heard Mom mention (a few times) the words "grapenut custard." I told her that I was a little full, but she pulled the old "well I won't get one if you're not getting one" deal. Mothers! When the waitress returned to our table to take away our dishes, Mom asked her what desserts were being offered. I don't remember everything, but I do remember tapioca pudding and chocolate seduction cake. When she mentioned the grapenut custard, both Mom and I said that we would take a piece. I saw the waitress go over to the counter and pull out a refrigerated tray. Inside the tray was a giant square of custard. She cut two very large pieces, placed them on trendy plates, and covered them with whipped cream and cinnamon. When they arrived at our table, both Mom and I agreed that the next time we order this, we should just split one. It was huge ... and fantastic. Grapenut custard is a New England favorite, and it has quickly become a New England Bites favorite as well.

As we lay at the table in the midst of a food overdose, the waitress returned to take away our plates and bring the bill. The total came to:

1 crab cake - $7.99

2 IBC root beer - 3.58

1 broiled scrod - 11.99

1 baked stuffed sole - 12.99

2 grapenut custard - 9.18

Subtotal - $45.73

Food tax - 2.29

Beer and wine tax - 0

TOTAL = $48.02

We left $58 for the waitress, which included a 20% tip. This was quite an expensive meal for Mom and I! However, we never really do the whole appetizer-to-dessert kind of thing, so it was nice to get a taste of each of the courses that Marguerite's offers. As we left the restaurant, Mom and I remembered the last time that we had visited Marguerite's. The entrance/exit area is very narrow, and on our last visit, someone had parked an elderly woman in a wheelchair in the center of the entrance way to wait in line for a table. No one could get in or out! People had to smother this poor handicapped woman with their stomachs in order to get by. It was annoying, but hysterical.

Marguerite's isn't your typical restaurant. It tends to attract an older crowd, but that's just fine with us. We know that wherever you see a group of "Golden Girls" having a nosh, you're going to get good food (they're picky), big portions (they like leftovers), and low prices (they're frugal). The food is some of the best around, we love the fact that the chef seems to be putting a new spin on traditional favorites. Marguerite's Restaurant is definitely one of Southern New England's hidden treasures. Just don't sit under the chalkboard.

Marguerite's Restaurant is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Breakfast is served until 11 a.m.

Kent's Restaurant

1675 G A R Highway
Swansea, MA 02777
(508) 672-9293

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Date visited: 7/19/08
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Kent's is one of those restaurants that Mom and I had only visited once, but really enjoyed. Since we hadn't done an "official" review of this place yet, and we were heading toward Seekonk to see the movie Mamma Mia!, Mom decided that we should check out Kent's for a second time. Plus, one of our favorite fans - Liz - couldn't say enough great things about eating here. Since it was early, Mom and I figured that if we were going to visit Kent's - now was the time. This place gets seriously busy during the dinner rush. We were glad to see that, once we pulled into the parking area at 3 p.m., there were only a few cars in the lot.

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Once inside, there are two doors. The one on the left leads to the bar, and the one on the right leads to the dining area. After Mom and I had figured this out (it had been a while since our first visit), we spotted a list of specials and began checking them out. A waitress spotted us and asked how many were in our party. We said two, and she led us to a table by the windows. The dining room was empty except for one family which had a gentleman that was eating a clam boil very enthusiastically. His sleeves were rolled up and he was practically inside the aluminum tin that it came in. Mom and I were very glad to see that he was thoroughly enjoying himself.

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The waitress, who we later found out was named Amy, was extremely friendly. She came over to our table to bring the plastic-covered menus and list of specials. She also took our drink order - two Diet Cokes - which she quickly brought over in real glasses. When I had walked in, something on the board had caught my eye. Seeing it again on the specials' list, I was pretty sure that I was going to order that particular dish. Mom was busy reading the menu over and over, trying to decide from about 100 things that appealed to her. When Amy returned to the table, Mom and I were ready to order. I chose the Florentine ravioli ($8.95), while Mom chose the five cheese ravioli ($8.95). I was surprised that we both ended up choosing things off of the specials' list. Since both of our meals came with soup or salad, Mom chose the minestrone soup while I chose the soup of the day - cream of spinach. I was pretty excited because I love spinach, and now I was about to have it in my meal and in my soup. Yum! Mom and I also ordered an appetizer of boneless buffalo wings ($7.90). Voted the best buffalo wings around by The Herald News a few years ago, these wings were out of this world. We had them on our first visit and have been dying for them ever since. After asking us if we would like any ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce (we declined), Amy took away our menus as Mom and I took a look around the dining room.

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Although it looks like a steakhouse from the outside (and Mom thinks that it was originally billed as such), Kent's Restaurant has a pretty elegant dining area. Set up like a banquet hall with matching off-white tablecloths, chairs, and wall color, Kent's really goes out of its way to make sure that they can seat as many customers as comfortably as possible. There are no booths here, but the tables and chairs were quite comfortable. Although we couldn't really see the bar, I did notice that it seemed very large and had a flat screen TV hanging above. Back in the dining room, on each table there were paper place mats that featured local area businesses. In the center of the place mat was the Kent's tag line: "Where Friends Meet." After a few visits to Kent's, you will understand what they mean. It seems that everyone knows each other here. A lone man came in to sit at the bar, but not before stopping by to say hello to the guy who was all over his clam boil. Later on, another family came in, knew each waitress by name, and gave them all a hug before sitting down and ordering their meals. On our first visit, Mom and I noticed the same thing. Filled with "regulars," Mom and I got the impression that Kent's has a very loyal customer base. No wonder you can't get near the place on Friday and Saturday evenings!

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Before we knew it, Amy had arrived with our soups. Mom said that her minestrone was very good. It had a tasty broth, was chock full of vegetables, and was served piping hot - just like she likes it. My cream of spinach soup was just as delicious. I'd never had cream of spinach before, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much spinach was actually in the soup. There were other minced vegetables in there as well, and it all blended together beautifully. This soup should really be on the permanent menu! Amy had also brought over a small loaf of bread (the butter packets were already on the table), which was soft, warm, and very tasty.

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As we finished with the soups, our boneless buffalo wings were making their way to our table. I made a comment that my nose was already running because of the heat, and Amy laughed. I have a love/hate relationship with buffalo wings. I adore the taste, but they beat the crap out of me. My face turns red, I start sweating, my nose runs, and I definitely need to have a drink or two nearby so that I can cool down. What a prize, huh? Remind me never to order these on a date. What Mom and I like about these particular wings is that there is a good amount on the plate. Lately we've been finding that restaurants will only give you four or five wings, but this plate had at least 10 good-sized pieces of chicken, accompanied by some celery and carrot sticks. Now, Mom says that these wings are very sneaky - and she's absolutely right. When you first bite into one, the flavor of the sauce seems very sweet and tangy. However, after a few seconds, the heat starts to creep up on you and turns the wings from sweet into spicy. Mom recommended Kent's to my aunt, who tried the wings and said that they were a little too spicy for her. However, she really enjoyed the taste. As we started to dig in, we found that each piece of chicken was cooked perfectly, was very tender, and had a great amount of that tricky sauce. By the time we had finished the wings, Mom was perfectly fine, but I was a mess. Dabbing my face with a napkin, I had to eat a couple of veggie sticks and drink about half my Diet Coke to try and cool down, but that's nothing new for me. This always happens, but for these yummy wings, the pain was worth it. They are our favorite by far.

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Kent's has a very extensive menu. Unfortunately, when I asked Amy if we could get a take-out menu to go, they had run out. Kent's does a lot of take-out business, which is why they came up with the take-out window. Located on the left side of the restaurant (where the bar is), we often spot people standing in line to pick up their food. What a novel idea! You wouldn't think that a full service restaurant would offer something like this - but they do! Because we didn't have a menu to reference, Mom and I had to go by what we spotted on the menu while we were choosing our meals. We noticed that although some of the large seafood platters are in the low $20s, the rest of the menu is in the $8-15 range. There is quite a lot of comfort food here, which is probably why this restaurant is so popular. Mom was having trouble deciding between the ground sirloin platter and the boneless fried chicken. I was looking at the baked stuff sole and the filet Mignon. Other menu items include various appetizers, pastas, seafood, steaks, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. On our last visit, I had the French onion soup with broiled scrod, while Mom had the spaghetti and meatballs. Both meals were excellent, but the one thing I do remember was that I had a side of fries with my scrod, and they weren't very good. The fries were just big slabs of potatoes that seemed to be boiled. Perhaps that was just an off night.

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Finally it was time for the main event. When Amy brought over our plates of ravioli, we were shocked. There were only three on each plate. Does that sound like a ripoff? Well, let me explain. They were the biggest ravioli that we had ever seen. This stuffed pasta had to be homemade, because we've never seen anything like that in a store. Covered with a nice layer of sweet sauce, each one of Mom's ravioli were stuffed with the delicious ricotta cheese blend. She was impressed because - for once - the ravioli actually had more filling than pasta. Lately we've been getting screwed when it comes to fillings, but these were filled to the brim and held their shape as Mom cut into each one. There is nothing worse than cutting into a ravioli only to find air and some leftover water from when the frozen pieces had been thawed out. Luckily, there was none of that with this meal. Everything was great, and Mom loved the taste.

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I should mention that before I began eating my ravioli, Amy noticed that my soda was getting low (probably from all the drinking after the wings) and refilled it for me. I, like Mom, thoroughly enjoyed my ravioli. Each one was filled with ricotta and spinach and had a nice, fresh taste. The sauce was nicely spiced and was not overwhelming. I could not get over the size of each piece - just humongous!

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Feeling just as stuffed as our pasta was, Amy came over to clear away our plates and brought the bill with her. The total came to:

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Ravioli five cheese - $8.95

Ravioli Florentine - 8.95

Boneless Buffalo wings - 7.95

Lg. soda - 2.50

Lg. soda - 2.50

Taxable - $30.85

Tax - 1.54

TOTAL = $32.39

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We left $39 for Amy, which included a 20% tip. She was an excellent waitress. Although we did not use the restroom on this visit, we did on the last and we both agreed that it had been very clean, despite the large amount of customers that were there that night. Amy wished us well as we rolled our full selves out to the parking lot. Just as we were leaving, we noticed that more customers were starting to come in. I could tell that it was going to be another busy night.

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Mom and I really enjoyed our time at Kent's. The service was great, the dining room was clean, the menu was extensive, the portions were huge, the prices were average, and the food was absolutely delicious. We can definitely see why this restaurant is so popular with Swansea residents and other locals. Just make sure to get there early if you don't want to wait, but even if you have to, eating at Kent's Restaurant is definitely worth it.

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Kent's Restaurant is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Pa Raffa's Restaurant

2857 Acushnet Ave.

New Bedford, MA 02745

(508) 995-7711

Date visited: 7/14/08

I know that Fall Riverites and New Bedford residents aren’t supposed to get along, but Mom and I just adore some of the restaurants that are offered in The Whaling City. After taking a quick visit to Can King Redemption on Tarkiln Hill Road (love that place), Mom and I were trying to narrow down somewhere to have lunch. Since I just started learning where certain New Bedford roads connect to each other, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that we were very close to Pa Raffa’s – one of our favorite Italian restaurants. Once I clued Mom in, we soon found ourselves pulling into a parking space at just around 3 p.m.

One of the things that Mom loves about Pa Raffa’s is that they let you seat yourself. Since it wasn’t really a busy time for the restaurant, Mom and I pretty much had our choice of seating. We chose a table on the top level (there is a sunken area with booths) right in between two windows. We were soon greeted by a waitress, who left us with two plastic covered menus and took our drink order – two Diet Cokes. They soon arrived in plastic glasses. I was really in the mood for pizza, but Mom decided to get one of the Italian dishes instead. This worked out well because I could choose any pizza topping I wanted! When I share with Mom, I always make sure that the topping is to her liking. What a martyr I am. She’s not a fan of green peppers, olives, or any kind of veggie on her pizza. When the waitress returned to take our order, I ordered a spinach pizza ($7.95) while Mom chose the chicken parmagiana ($11.75), which came with soup or salad. She chose the minestrone soup, which arrived along with a basket of warm bread and butter. Mom said that the soup was piping hot, full of vegetables, and had a really tasty broth. The bread was also very good - served warm with little packets of butter to spread on the slices.

As we waited for our food to arrive, we took a look around the dining room. It may not look like much from the outside, but Pa Raffa's is actually a really cozy restaurant. With lots of dark wood paneling, faux plants, and dim overhead lighting, the atmosphere really makes you feel right at home. I often see large parties and families with children visit Pa Raffa's for their terrific food and large portions. They offer several specials daily (written on a chalkboard) and do an extremely large take-out business. They actually have an entrance just to retrieve food to go, which is what we did when we ordered a large antipasto for a holiday one year. Let me just stop for a second to talk about this antipasto. It is amazing. Just the individual size alone would feed at least two to three people. Covered in shredded mozzarella, Pa Raffa's antipasto consists of only the freshest vegetables and the finest Italian meats. It is accompanied by a bottle of oil and water, and several empty plates for sharing. People visit Pa Raffa's just for this salad. It's unbelievable. Other delicious items on the menu include several varieties of pizzas ($6.95-9.90), hot grinders and sandwiches ($5.55-6.80), salads ($5.58-12.24), lasagna or ravioli ($7.55-11.70), spaghetti or macaroni ($5.10-9.20), and various side orders like meatballs or garlic bread ($1.10-12). If you're looking for something a little heartier, there is a long list of dinners such as homemade manicotti ($9.50), baked ziti ($6.50), and eggplant parmagiana ($11). Pa Raffa's also sells their tomato and meat sauces and their minestrone soup in pints and quarts ($3.80-6.90). Since everyone is being really frugal these days, Pa Raffa's has cleverly come up with two "money savers" - a dozen meatballs for $12, and a bucket of spaghetti (Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday only) for $6. Also, for people who don't have time to sit in the dining room, they offer their own speciality pizzas in "take and bake" form. That's right! They make it, you bake it (at home). The only complaint we have is that Pa Raffa's seems to be very "generous" with their sauce, i.e., sometimes the food is drowning. Mom and I ordered an appetizer of fried meat ravioli a few visits ago, and they were swimming in sauce. I was hoping that the chef eased up on today's meal.

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When our food arrived, I could tell right away that Mom's plate was too saucy. However, she thought that everything was great. The chicken was in a dish by itself, which was unusual. The bottom of the oval crock was covered with chicken pieces, then covered with a layer of thick sauce and gooey cheese. There was so much topping that Mom had trouble finding the chicken, but when she did track it down, she thought that it was fantastic. The chicken was very tender, moist, and cut into little chunks so that each piece was perfectly done. It was worth digging through the sauce to find. The other plate had the spaghetti, which was served piping hot like the chicken pieces were. Although very tasty, the star of this meal was definitely the chicken. Mom said it was one of the best chicken parms that she's ever had.

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I loved my spinach pizza. It really had a lot of flavor and you could tell that all the ingredients were very fresh. I ate the entire thing, and I know that sounds piggish, but the pizza has a very thin, crispy crust and just goes down very easily - and quickly. Believe me, I didn't want to move after eating this, but it was worth every mouthful.

It was at this point that Mom and I began to discuss whether or not we should bring something home for Dad's dinner. She was originally going to make him something at home, but since we were at Pa Raffa's, and he enjoys Italian food as much as the next person, we figured that we'd just grab him one of their delicious hot subs to go. When I raised my head to try and spot our waitress, who had been very friendly during our visit, I noticed her walk by with her purse, as if she were heading out the door. Once she spotted me spotting her, she slowly walked back to the kitchen area, put her purse down, and trudged over to our table. Still being very polite, she asked us if we would like anything else. I saw her face fall when we told her that we would like to order a meatball torpedo with cheese and peppers to go ($5.55). Since she had already brought over the bill (in hopes that we wouldn't want anything else), and wrapped up the rest of Mom's chicken parm to go, she slowly walked back to the kitchen to put in our order. Now, we're not saying that she wasn't friendly because she was. It was just a little uncomfortable to know that she was in such a rush to leave. I felt bad about holding her up, but couldn't someone else fill in for her? It was only one meatball sub.

While the food was still being prepared, I decided to use the ladies' room. It was very clean and organized, as was the entire dining area. When Dad's food was ready, our waitress brought over the sub in a box and started rewriting the bill. She was very frenzied, as if she were now very late for something, and asked to borrow my pen. Good thing I had one! I let her figure out the bill, and when she was done she returned the pen and sprinted back toward the kitchen. The total came to:

2 Diet Coke - $3.90

Spinach - 7.95

Chicken parm - 11.75

Subtotal - $23.60

Tax - 1.18

TOTAL BEFORE MEATBALL SUB = $24.78

Meatball sub - $5.55

Tax - .28

TOTAL OF JUST MEATBALL SUB = $5.83

1st total - $24.78

2nd total - 5.83

GRAND TOTAL = $30.61

I was starting to pull out my wallet to make change with Mom for the $36+ I was going to leave her. I laid some money on the table, but it wasn't the correct amount yet. Before we knew it, the waitress was flying over to our table and almost walked off with half the payment! We had to stop her and tell her that we weren't ready. "OK," she said hurriedly. Mom and I raced through our wallets to find the correct amount plus the 20% tip we were leaving, despite her frantic state. Once we had all our ducks in a row, she appeared again (she had to have been standing nearby) to take the money right out of Mom's hand and rush off, wishing us a good night.

As Mom and I left the restaurant with the rest of her chicken parm and Dad's sub, we commented on how rushed the waitress was. We hadn't even arrived at our car yet when we heard footsteps very close behind us. We turned around - and there was our waitress! She smiled at us and hurried to her car, jumped in, put it in drive, and sped out of the parking lot. Mom and I hadn't even buckled ourselves in yet. I really hope that she wasn't late picking up a kid, or anything, but seriously - I think someone could have covered for her. The place wasn't that busy.

Before I got my license, my friend Tammy used to rave about how good Pa Raffa's was and how I should go one day to try their fantastic food. Now that I've been several times over, and I've never been disappointed, it's funny to think back to the days when I couldn't just get in my car and drive to Pa Raffa's. Like I said before, I know Fall River and New Bedford are rival cities, but this is one place that everyone - no matter what town they're from - should try at least once. Can't we all just get along?

Pa Raffa's Restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

PS - Dad loved the meatball sub (where else can you get a sub that big for $5.55), and he also enjoyed the rest of Mom's chicken parm. He did, however, agree that there was a bit too much sauce over everything. Good sauce, but too much of it.

Wood's Premium Ice Cream

Adamsville Road
Westport, MA 02790

UPDATE: Since our first visit, Mom and I have been back to Wood's many times. We've tried several different flavors, including coffee, wicked good chocolate, Maine deer tracks, and chocolate peanut butter cup yogurt. Each one has been better than the next. Mom said the coffee is the best that she's ever had, and if you know anything about Mom, you know that she adores coffee ice cream. I felt the same way when I tasted the wicked good chocolate, which came highly recommended by a fan. Speaking of fans, a lovely lady named Chandra - who found Wood's through this very Web site - has informed us that Wood's gets its ice cream from Gifford's of Maine, a supplier for many local ice cream stands and stores. We can't wait to return.

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Date: 7/5/2008

When we started New England Bites, Mom and I never expected the outpouring of love and fantastic recommendations that we would receive from our readers. Whether they've seen our signs hanging up in local restaurants or come across our site accidentally, our loyal fans have given us many a great suggestion. Take Heidi, for example. With the click of an e-mail, this fan sent Mom and I driving through the beautiful country roads of Westport to taste some of the best ice cream she has ever had - and we completely agree with her. Wood's Premium Ice Cream stand is just about a quarter mile away from the junction of Main and Adamsville Roads and situated on a beautiful farm. Mom and I excitedly pulled into the gravel parking lot at just around 6:45 p.m.

The first thing we noticed is a sign asking patrons to park their cars on a large cement patch, which unfortunately only fits about four of five cars. Apparently after the lot is filled, you can park in the dirt. After backing into a space, Mom and I got out and decided to visit the goats and chickens that were in the nearby pens. We also spotted a sign on a large fence that warned customers to beware of the donkeys - they may bite. Although we didn't see any donkeys, we did come into contact with four very friendly goats. After they posed for a few photos, I turned my attention to the large chickens who really didn't seem interested in getting their picture taken. Still taking in the beautiful country scenery, Mom and I trudged up the grassy hill to the stand's large window. We first had to take a look at their flavors, but Heidi mentioned that everything was delicious at Wood's. Since we had eaten a late lunch, I settled on a small cup of Maine maple walnut ($2.50), and Mom chose a small cup of frozen pudding ($2.50). Yes - frozen pudding. Can you believe it? I was so proud of her for being adventurous, but at the same token was a little nervous because if she didn't like it, surely it was somehow going to be my fault. The girl at the window - with the squeakiest voice I've ever heard - gave me a total of $5. Heidi was right! The ice cream was very inexpensive, and considering our shock when we saw the size of the small cups, you definitely get your money's worth.

(L) Maine maple walnut; (R) frozen pudding

Although there were a few picnic benches and chairs scattered throughout the grounds, Mom and I chose to eat our dairy delights in the car. When we took our first bite, my immediate thought was, "I have to thank Ms. Heidi for this one." My Maine maple walnut was chock full of walnuts - and chock full of flavor as well! Normally maple walnut ice cream can be a bit on the sweet side, but this ice cream had a great consistency, was cool and creamy, and had just the right amount of maple flavoring. Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Mom eating her ice cream. Since I was too busy stuffing my own face, I didn't notice if she was glowing with joy, or boiling with hate. Thankfully, it was a joyous moment for Mom. She chose something different, and it turned out to be a delightful surprise. The butter rum flavored ice cream was sprinkled with bits of candied fruit, which did not overwhelm the dessert. Mom said it was rich, creamy, and not overly sweet. She also agreed that Wood's Premium Ice Cream is obviously top quality. No freezer burn or dense pieces here!

Since there is virtually nothing available on the Internet about Wood's Ice Cream, I've decided to list their entire menu. Flavors include mint chocolate chip, mocha chip, blue ribbon strawberry, old fashioned vanilla, moose tracks, cotton candy, wicked good chocolate, Maine deer tracks, bear claws, coffee, lobster tracks, orange sherbet, Almond Joy, chocolate peanut butter cup yogurt, black raspberry chocolate chip yogurt, butter pecan, black raspberry, cake batter, cookies n' cream, caramel caribou, orange pineapple, pink peppermint stick, mint chocolate chip, pistachio nut, chocolate chip, chocolate peanut butter, Maine black bear, cookie dough, Mississippi mud, and vanilla raspberry swirl with no fat and no added sugar. Ice cream treats include cones/cups ($2.50-3.25), sundaes ($3.75), malted frappes ($4.25), freezes ($3), banana splits ($4.50), floats ($3), frappes ($4), and quarts ($6.50).

After saying goodbye to the goats, and goodbye to our empty ice cream cups, Mom and I proceeded to drive out of the parking lot. As we were pulling away, we both noticed that Wood's was established in 1900. Now, I assume they mean that the farm was established 108 years ago, but it figures that Mom and I would only just be finding out about something that's been around all that time. We need to get out more, and perhaps revisiting Wood's Premium Ice Cream can be our incentive. Thanks again, Heidi!

Wood's Premium Ice Cream is open daily from 1-9 p.m.

Plaza Pizza II

544 Milford Road

Swansea, MA 02777

(508) 673-2626

289 Winthrop St.

Rehoboth, MA 02769

(508) 252-4307

When I was working part-time at a store in the Swansea Mall a few years back, sometimes the girls and I would order in from Plaza Pizza II, located just across the street from the mall. Since most of the girls had fallen in love with their pizza - and the guys who delivered it - I got to taste a few different pies and topping combinations. I hadn't been to Plaza in years, so when Mom mentioned that she had read good things about their pizzas on the Internet, it was almost certain that we would be stopping by some time in the week. Well some time came today when Mom asked me to pick up an order after I got out of work. She called in the order - a large cheese, large chourico, and large veggie pizza - and they told her that it would be ready in about 20 minutes and the total would be $33.08. At 6 p.m., I pulled into the parking area.

When I arrived, I noticed a young lady bolting out the door with a stack of pizzas that smelled amazing. Once inside the restaurant, the intoxicating smell of the cooked food was overwhelming. I gave my name to one of several young men behind the counter, who then retrieved my three pizzas from the top of the pizza oven (placed there presumably to keep them warm). He quoted me the same total that Mom heard over the phone:

Large plain - $9

Large chourico - 10.25

Large 4 way combo (veggie) - 12.25

Subtotal - $31.50

Tax - 1.58

TOTAL = $33.08

Before leaving, I asked the older gentleman behind the counter if he had a menu. He very politely handed me their list of available foods while I received my change from the younger worker. I managed to snap a photo of the soda coolers and few scattered booths (no tables) that were empty at the moment. Although Plaza Pizza II does have seating, there really isn't much of it. I'm guessing that they have a large take-out and delivery business versus customers that stop by to eat inside. The interior isn't very glamorous - wood paneling and a few Greek-inspired posters - but the restaurant was very clean and the service was great, both on the phone and in person.

Although the highway exit is located just ahead of the restaurant, I decided to drive down Route 6 since I spotted a huge traffic jam on I195 on the way up. I was home in about 10 minutes and was glad to see that all three pizzas were still piping hot. I brought them upstairs and Mom opened all the boxes to reveal the gorgeous pies inside. They looked and smelled amazing, and we couldn't wait to dig in. Mom and I let my father and sister choose what they wanted first because we know how impatient they can get (a.k.a, they're pigs and can't wait their turn, ha, ha). When we finally got a chance to get near the boxes, Mom grabbed a slice of cheese and a slice of chourico, and I grabbed the same plus a slice of veggie.

cheese

veggie

chourico

The pizzas were so good! You can tell that they were homemade, and that only the freshest ingredients were used. In all our experience with pizza-eating, Mom and I have come to realize that Greek people make a mean pie. The cheese was perfect - not stringy and gooey - and the guys at Plaza were quite generous with the toppings. The crust had a nice crunch to it, and all in all we were happy with the amount of food we got for our money.

Plaza Pizza II has a lot to offer. From grinders ($4.50-6.75) such as grilled chicken, roast beef, and chourico and chip, to pizzas ($6.26-14.25) like eggplant, BLT, and steak, everything on the menu sounds fantastic. They even have a Chicago-style stuffed pizza ($12.75-16.25) with cheese, mushrooms, olives, pepperoni, sausage, and sauce. I'd love to try their spinach pies ($3) and I've heard good things about their grilled chicken salads ($6.25). They also feature Greek items like cold Syrian pockets and gyros ($5.50). Seafood is also available, but only on Fridays. Mom read great things about their fish and chip platter ($7) and cannot wait to try it.

Stuffed from eating all that pizza, Mom wrapped up the leftovers and put them in the fridge for us to have later on. I am pleased to say that everyone in my family enjoyed our dinner from Plaza Pizza II, and the only downside is that we fall outside of their delivery area. Damn that Braga Bridge!

Plaza Pizza II is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12-10 p.m. on Sunday.

Eskimo King

29 Market St.

Swansea, MA 02777

(508) 379-0202

www.eskimoking.com

UPDATE: Since Mom kept raving about her Only 8 ice cream that she had on Saturday, after her doctor appointment, I headed for Eskimo King around 8 p.m. so that I could try some as well. She got a small cup of coffee (what else is new) and I got a small cup of one of their new flavors - chai tea. The total came to $5.99 and our cups were served very quickly. Mom was right! This ice cream imposter tastes fantastic and almost exactly like the real thing. Both flavors were delicious, and we loved the fact that we were eating something that was good for us and it actually had flavor. Thank you, Eskimo King!

street view

(L) chai tea; (R) coffee

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Date: 6/21/08

If you're a fan of New England Bites, you know by now that Mom and I love ice cream. It is our favorite dessert by far, and in the summer we always hit every local ice cream place to get a cup of creamy goodness. Since we hadn't visited Eskimo King since last year, we decided that today was the day. We pulled in to the always-busy parking area at just around 6:45 p.m.


Eskimo King is amazing. Where else can you get over 250 flavors of soft serve ice cream? They have everything from Fluffer Nutter and coconut cream cheesecake to cantaloupe and white chocolate apricot. Eskimo King also has a wide variety of hard and sugar free ice creams, non- and low-fat yogurts, sherbets, cakes, sorbets, cones, sundaes, Arctic Colattas (slush), smoothies, sodas, frappes, and many other ice cream novelties like banana splits and blizzards - complete with a long list of possible mix-ins. They even have a doggie dish available for your hungry pooch which is topped with a Milkbone. The prices are very reasonable - two ice creams are almost never over $7. Mom and I enjoy the look of Eskimo King. It looks as if the owner makes all of the signs herself, and they're always colorful and loaded with information. It also seems like Eskimo King is a nice place to work, because Mom and I have always had good service here - even when we've had to stand in line for quite some time. This is a very popular summertime hot spot. Mom even ordered an Eskimo King cake for my birthday one year just as they were about to close down for the season and it was superb.

On the drive to Eskimo King, Mom told me about one of the signs she had spotted on our last visit. It was something called Only 8, and it was supposed to be "America's Healthiest Frozen Yogurt." When we got out of the car and headed for the counter, I saw the sign describing the eight healthy rewards that Only 8 gives you:

1. No fat, no cholesterol.
2. Calcium fortified.
3. Low calories, low carbs.
4. All natural - no preservatives.
5. Sweetened with fructose.
6. Safe for most diabetics and lactose intolerants.
7. Four healthy yogurt cultures.
8. Great taste that won't go to your waist.

She was really anxious to try this yogurt, so when we placed our order she asked for a coffee flavored Only 8 milkshake. I went with a large wafer cone of pineapple nut cheesecake. The service was quick today because we had found a window on the side of the building that no one was standing at. Our total came to $7.19, and once we paid and got our ice creams, Mom and I headed back to my car.

Once inside, I made sure to take a picture of my cone because it was a little steamy outside and I didn't feel like wearing any of the ice cream. Like always, my cone was delicious. I could really taste the nut flavor, and it had the aftertaste of refreshing pineapple. Although sometimes you only get a hint of the actual flavor (they use a vanilla or chocolate base for all their ice creams), sometimes they hit the nail right on the head. Mom's experiment with the Only 8 frozen yogurt left her amazed! She said that she couldn't believe how much it tasted like real ice cream. It was very thick, creamy, and had a very strong coffee flavor - stronger than some of the real ice cream shakes. She was very impressed with it and would definitely get it again. She just hopes that it doesn't turn out to be like the "fat free" yogurt on that Seinfeld episode, ha, ha!


Happy and full of ice cream, Mom and I sped off into the sunset vowing to return to Eskimo King as soon as we can. Although it was our first trip of the year, it definitely won't be our last. From November to March, whenever we drive down Market Street and see that giant figure of a boy holding an ice cream cone, we just wish for the day when spring would arrive and that neon OPEN sign would turn on.

Eskimo King is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

New York Bagel Company

272 State Road

Dartmouth, MA 02747

(508) 990-3350

1572 President Ave.

Fall River, MA 02720

(508) 677-4767

www.newyorkbagel.com

My mother keeps reminding me that there are no Jewish delicatessens in the immediate area. Are we Jewish? Nope, but Mom insists that this city is in dire need for something new on the culinary scene. Since I've never really had any typical Jewish delicacies, I decided that one day I would take myself out to lunch at a local place that is known for carrying things like lox spreads and knishes - New York Bagel. Well, today was the day. I pulled into the parking lot of the Fall River store, which is located in a large plaza, at around 1 p.m.


Before I left the office, I placed a call to New York Bagel and asked a very friendly gal to prepare a lunch order so that I could just run in and pick up my food. With the online menu on my computer screen, I rehearsed what I was going to order with Mom, who was at home living vicariously through me because she was too chicken to try this on her own. I wanted to make sure that I ordered every Jewish thing on the menu, so I chose a rye bagel with plain cream cheese and lox slices, a side of whitefish salad, a Kosher dill, and a potato knish. Mom mentioned something about getting a Dr. Brown's soda, but I didn't see that on the online menu so I just assumed that New York Bagel didn't carry it. That was confirmed once I stepped inside and peeked inside the drink coolers. I stepped up to the register and gave my name to a girl behind the counter. My order was already prepared and bagged, so all she had to do was ring me out. After a few miscalculations, I received my total:

1 Lox slice - $7.79

1 Pickle - 1.09

1 Potato Knish - 1.75

1 Deli by LB - 1.99

Subtotal - $12.62

Tax - .53

TOTAL = $13.15

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A little expensive, but to me it's all about the experience. After paying, I headed back to the office where I laid everything out on my desk. I had to track down some silverware (they forgot to put some in the bag), but when you work in an office, there is always at least one file cabinet devoted strictly to ketchup packets, menus, and plastic ware. Once all the food was out in the open, I noticed a strong smell of smoked meat, which I assumed was coming from the lox. It wasn't a bad smell, but it was very potent. I decided to try the whitefish salad first. When I opened the plastic container, the salad inside reminded me of those weird cans of Underwood Deviled Ham or Chunky Chicken spreads - almost pasty. As I brought the fork up to my lips, I suddenly felt like I was Chef Anthony Bourdain on one of his many exotic excursions - only I wasn't about to eat monkey brains or seal eyeballs. The taste of the whitefish salad was OK, but I was completely overwhelmed by how salty it was. I kept having to take a bite of my Kosher dill between forkfuls just to clear my mouth of all the salt residue. Do Jewish people have high blood pressure? After eating this, I certainly did. I finished the entire container, but the salad did not impress me that much.


Next, I finished the rest of my pickle, which was cool, refreshing, and very cucumbery. Now, I've had a potato knish once before and it was quite good, so I was looking forward to this next part of my meal. However, the potato inside was very crumbly when I cut it in half. When I first called to place the order, the girl on the phone asked me if I wanted the knish heated. I doubt that heating it would have made the potato flake apart, but it still had a really good taste. It was basically a mashed potato pancake.

Finally, the time had come for me to try the lox slices on the rye bagel. I was scared to death. The smokey smell was making me a little nervous, but I stayed positive and took a bite. I did not have an immediate reaction, but once I had been chewing for a few seconds I felt the little piece of lox in my mouth. It had the consistency of sandwich meat and had a very fishy flavor. I asked Mom earlier why lox was orange, and she told me that it was salmon. I really had no idea. I've only really had salmon when it has been mixed in with other things. Straight salmon on a bagel was interesting, but not something I would probably eat again. The saltiness alone was really starting to get to me. I ate three quarters of my bagel before stopping. There was just no room left! I felt very full and extremely thirsty. I guarantee that my blood pressure was sky-high (like 200/200). I even started to feel lightheaded later on, as dramatic as that sounds. However, I drank lots of water, tea, and iced coffee and felt much better.

My family has been visiting New York Bagel for years because we think that these bagels are the best in the city. They have a large variety of different bagels such as spinach, Asiago cheese, chocolate chip, berry, poppy, and salt. Two big hits with my mom and sister are the rye and the cinnamon sugar. They also have a list of specialty cream cheeses like the walnut and raisin, scallion (low-fat available), sundried tomato, and blueberry. All bagels are made fresh on the premises, and cost under $3 depending on which spread you want (minus the lox slices). New York Bagel also makes fresh salads, sandwiches, and other breakfast pastries like muffins and croissants. They also have a list of beverages that includes everything from soda to French vanilla cappuccino. The pizza bagels ($1.40) seem to be very popular, so I'm going to have to try one of those very soon. My only complaint with the food is that they put too much cream cheese on your bagel! They put it on with an ice cream scoop, so be sure to ask them to go easy on the spread, unless you like that sort of thing. Also, sometimes the service isn't that spectacular. The workers seem like they are concentrating on everything but your order, which is a bit annoying, and often times we've seen the owner reprimand some of his waitstaff in front of customers - not really a fan of that. Mom and I have visited both New York Bagel locations and have always found the interior to be a little on the messy side, but perhaps that is because this restaurant always seems to draw a large crowd. Even the drive-thrus are always busy!

I love to eat different things, especially ethic foods, so I was very glad that New York Bagel gave me a taste of something I'd never had before. I wish this yenta-in-training enjoyed her meal more, but I still appreciated the opportunity to try something new. I will definitely be visiting New York Bagel again, but to all our Jewish peeps, or anyone else who has this type of food on a daily basis, make sure to get that blood pressure checked! Oy vey!

Both New York Bagel locations are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday