Day of Portugal begins, Pride Month fun on Ferry Street, vegan ice cream: Fall River Eats

Ashley Schuler, The Herald News
·4 min read

June has only just begun, and it's already proving to be an all-around win for Fall River foodies. That means plenty of Portuguese feast fare, Pride celebration specials, new dishes and places to get sweet treats.

Here's a look at some meal deals, events, and delicious offerings to consider when planning your next night on the town or quick food fix:

2019 Fall River Day of Portugal celebration.
2019 Fall River Day of Portugal celebration.

Viva Portugal! Four-day festa underway in Fall River

Grab a lawn chair and come hungry. It will be "uma festa Portuguesa com certeza," as folks from near and far gather at the Gates of the City this weekend to celebrate Fall River's Day of Portugal. This year's four-day festival kicked off Thursday with a “Taste of Portugal” fundraiser, and the street celebration continues tonight through Sunday, with a free lineup of live music, folkloric dancers, a flag-raising ceremony and a kids fair (Sunday only). And last, but certainly not least, don't miss out on an array of tasty, traditional Portuguese fare - from bifanas to caçoila and favas to chouriço and peppers and malassadas, as well as some great local beer and wine. There will be something for everyone on Ponta Delgada Boulevard, so head to the city's waterfront and check it out.

Wine tasting at Portugalia

It's no surprise Portugalia Marketplace will also be getting on on the Day of Portugal fun. What better way to celebrate this June 10 holiday than to raise a glass to the famous Portuguese poet it commemorates?  On Saturday, toast Luís de Camões, who is recognized as the country's greatest national icon, as you sip your way through Portugal at the 489 Bedford St. market's wine tasting. Follow that up with a visit to Day 3 of Fall River's festival just a short drive away.

In honor of Pride Month, a special week is planned at some Fall River's waterfront favorites — The Tipsy Toboggan, Stumpy's Hatchet House, and Canned Heat Craft Beer.
In honor of Pride Month, a special week is planned at some Fall River's waterfront favorites — The Tipsy Toboggan, Stumpy's Hatchet House, and Canned Heat Craft Beer.

Fall River businesses spreads the love for Pride Month

Get ready to hop aboard — the Love Ferry is slated to make a stop in Fall River. In honor of Pride Month, a special week is planned at some Fall River's waterfront favorites — The Tipsy Toboggan, Stumpy's Hatchet House, and Canned Heat Craft Beer. Starting June 19 through June 25, the city businesses will be serving up a slate of food and drink specials as well as entertainment. The Tipsy Toboggan will host a Glow Party Drag Dinner with Drag In RI, featuring "fluorescent food, drinks and gals," followed by Dancing Queen Social Club Karaoke, and a Tipsy Toboggan Groovy Baby Drag Brunch. Canned Heat will be spreading the love with a Waves of Wheat Mango Reggae Release Party, getting the disco floor bumping with Peace, Love & Karaoke, and hosting a Fruit, Cake & Bingo with Drag In RI. Stumpy’s Throw Your Own Way Pride Special will also be available all week long. For tickets and more details, visit www.TheTipsyToboggan.com or head to Tipsy Toboggan's Facebook page.

Vegan flavors are back at Gray's Ice Cream in Tiverton.
Vegan flavors are back at Gray's Ice Cream in Tiverton.

Vegan flavors back at Gray's

Gray's Ice Cream had an exciting Facebook announcement this week. Vegan flavors are back by popular demand at the beloved Tiverton dessert destination. Black Raspberry, Oreo and Vanilla will be available at all locations - 16 East Road, Tiverton, and 259 Thames St, Bristol - while supplies last. So grab a cup before it's gone.

Look at this Chicken Falafel Plate from Lebanese Pita Pocket.
Look at this Chicken Falafel Plate from Lebanese Pita Pocket.

Looking for a healthy pick-me-up?

Try ordering some delicious Lebanese cuisine from Lebanese Pita Pocket, 519 State Road, Dartmouth. For vegetarians or meat eaters, this is the place to go for a feel-good meal. You can’t go wrong with the Chicken Falafel Plate, grilled chicken, falafel, lettuce, tomato, with tahini dressing and a side for $16.95; or the Grape Leaves Plate, stuffed grape leaves, onions, lettuce, and tomato for $14.95. There are numerous varieties of wraps and plates for you to make your next favorite meal.

Father's Day cake decorating

Lees Market offered a sweet surprise for local moms this past May, and now dads can also have their cake and eat it too. The Westport store will be holding its annual Father's Day cake decorating event on Saturday, June 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They'll have frosted single-layer cakes available to customize with sprinkles and decorations. The cost is $14.99 per child, and no pre registration is required. Stop by 796 Main Road, Westport, and dress up a delicious gift for dad.

Kiana Rose holding the newest Bae Bun at Sorbae Frozen Treats.
Kiana Rose holding the newest Bae Bun at Sorbae Frozen Treats.

A sweet grand opening weekend

Ever feel left out of the after-dinner ice cream? Well, now there's a place for you to get your dairy-free frozen treats. Sorbae Frozen Treats is hosting its grand opening event from noon to 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 11, with kid's activities, pop flights, prizes, and more. They have all-natural frozen treats on sticks in a variety of flavors such as sweet corn, caramel macchiato, or Acia. There are Bae buns which are vegan brioche buns toasted with creaming sorbae and toppings which you can build your own version of and cold or hot drinks. Check out this new spot at 1353 Purchase St., New Bedford.

Do you have a special deal, menu item, or food-related events to entice the local foodies? Share it with us at aschuler@heraldnews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Day of Portugal, Pride Month fun, vegan ice cream: Fall River Eats