Mother's Day cake decorating, Cinco de Mayo events, wine club: Fall River Eats

Ashley Schuler, The Herald News
·5 min read

Guess what? It's gonna be May in just a few days, and with that comes the return of even more exciting dining options as Fall River-area eateries gear up for summer.

It also means you're probably thinking about what to do for Mother's Day or perfecting your margarita recipe in anticipation of Cinco de Mayo plans.

This week's Fall River Eats roundup serves up some ideas for both upcoming holidays, as well as a look at foodie events, special menu offerings and meal deals to consider when planning your next outing.

Malassadas are deep-fried at a Portuguese feast.
Malassadas are deep-fried at a Portuguese feast.

Malassada sale

Sweet news: malassadas are back at Good Shepherd Parish. Pick some of these tasty Portuguese fried dough treats up for $2 each before they're gone. The sale will be held Saturday, May 6, starting at 7 a.m. at the Fall River church, 1598 S. Main St.

Lees Market is located at 796 Main Road, Westport.
Lees Market is located at 796 Main Road, Westport.

Make mom a cake for Mother's Day

Mother's Day is coming up — do you know what you're getting the special ladies in your life? Lees Market has an idea for you. The Westport store has something fun planned that doubles as a Mother's Day surprise. On Saturday, May 13, the day before Mother's Day, they are hosting a Mother's Day cake decorating class from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. They'll have frosted single-layer cakes available to customize with icing, sprinkles and an array of decorations. Dads, grab your kids and drop by. The cost is $14 per child, and there's no pre-registration required. Available while supplies last. Lees is located at 796 Main Road, Westport.

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Tacos are drizzled with chipotle sauce at Tequila Lime Cantina in Fall River.
Tacos are drizzled with chipotle sauce at Tequila Lime Cantina in Fall River.

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Tequila Lime

With Cinco de Mayo just days away, it’s time to get a fiesta game plan in place. In Fall River, Tequila Lime Cantina is celebrating both its 10th anniversary and the Mexican holiday with its Cinco de Mayo Fiesta 2023. The celebration, featuring live music, prizes and great food and drink specials, kicks off Friday, May 5, from 11:30 a.m. until last call. Ahead of that party, you can check out this week's chef specials, available Wednesday through Saturday, including Pot Roast Tacos for $17, Pot Roast Burrito for $16.95, Citrus Grilled Shrimp Bowl for $19. For dessert, try their churros or key lime pie. Tequila Lime is located at 197 Bank St., Fall River.

Enjoy a margarita under the whale skeleton at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.
Enjoy a margarita under the whale skeleton at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

First Friday at the whaling museum

Cinco de Mayo celebration underneath a whale skeleton? Why not? The New Bedford Whaling Museum is hosting First Friday: Cinco de Mayo on Friday, May 5, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford. Stroll through the museum while enjoying Mexican-inspired music, appetizers, art and craft drinks. Tickets are $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Get yours now at https://www.facebook.com/events/3360432540841515.

There are many Portuguese selections for those that want to explore those wines at Portugalia Marketplace, 489 Bedford St, Fall River.
There are many Portuguese selections for those that want to explore those wines at Portugalia Marketplace, 489 Bedford St, Fall River.

Portugalia launching wine club

Are you a fan of Portuguese wine? Portugalia Marketplace has announced that it will be launching its own wine club — Castas Clube de Vinhos — on May 1. According to Portugalia, the popular Fall River market at 489 Bedford Street is home to the largest selection of Portuguese wines and spirits in the U.S., with more than 1,300 options and growing. Check out their comprehensive list of wine offerings here, broken down by the country's different regions, and check their Facebook page for more details about the club.

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Free taco lunch for Fall River seniors

In recognition of Older Americans Month, the Fall River Council on Aging is hosting a free Nacho Average Appreciation Taco Lunch at the Flint Senior Center, 69 Alden St. on Monday, May 1, at noon. Those interested are asked to reserve your seat with Almerinda by Thursday, April 27, at 508-324-2712.

Whisky for Wildlife at the zoo

Sample some single-barrel whiskeys and rare spirits while supporting a good cause at Roger Williams Park Zoo's Whisky for Wildlife benefit. On Thursday, May 11, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., enjoy hand-picked whiskeys, rums, and gins curated by whisky sommelier Irene Tan of WhiskyMentors. Proceeds from the 21-plus event will go to the creation of a forever habitat for the zoo’s newly adopted serval, Velma. Space is limited and tickets must be purchased online in advance. Each ticket is $100 and includes three hand-picked tastings from single-barrel whiskeys, rums and gins; Wee Glencairn tasting glass; appetizers and soft drinks; and a silent auction featuring rare spirit selections. Roger Williams Park Zoo is located at 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence.

Max Cobb, 9, tries his hand at an arm wrestling video game at the new Play Arcade Bar & Restaurant on Union Street in downtown New Bedford.
Max Cobb, 9, tries his hand at an arm wrestling video game at the new Play Arcade Bar & Restaurant on Union Street in downtown New Bedford.

Arcade games and food specials in New Bedford

Bring back the nostalgia of simpler times by spending the day or night playing some old-school arcade games and eating some grub. The Play Arcade has new specials each month. This month you can chow on Capri Island Sliders made with fresh-cut fried mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, freshly made pesto, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze; or the BLasTer Pizza with a garlic oil base, pizza blend cheese, bacon pieces, with cold crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of mayo on top. The gaming begins at 34 Union St., New Bedford.

The Harp, a popular Boston bar, is expanding with a second location opening at Patriot Place later this year.
The Harp, a popular Boston bar, is expanding with a second location opening at Patriot Place later this year.

The Harp headed to Patriot Place

If you're a frequent flier at Gillette Stadium, or just looking for a fun night out, Patriot Place is the place to be. And soon there will be a new dining and entertainment destination to add to you to-visit list. The Harp, a popular Boston bar across from the TD Garden, marks its 30th anniversary with an expansion to one of Patriot Place’s signature locations later this year. The second iteration of The Harp will bring "the same love for Boston sports, comfort food favorites, and buzzing atmosphere with a refreshed look" to its Foxboro location, which was most recently occupied by CBS Sporting Club. There's also the added offering of an expansive patio and soaring views of Gillette Stadium. Check the Patriot Place website for updates on opening.

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: Roundup of food events, specials and places to eat in Fall River area