Summer at City Pier, LePage's changes hands, new BBQ joint and more: Top stories of the week

The Herald News
·4 min read

Guess what? It's gonna be May. It is May, in fact, as the undying Justin Timberlake meme reminds us each year in the final days of April.

As we dive further into a new month, it's time for readers to get in sync with a look at our latest news highlights.

Last week, we got a taste of some unique food events coming up at Fall River's Fabric Arts Festival, and the Bristol County District Attorney's office discussed efforts to address rape kits caught in a backlog. We also marked a Big Mamie milestone with an exploration into the Battleship Massachusetts' history with Fall River.

A healthy helping of food-related news also made headlines. Here are the most read stories of the week on heraldnews.com:

Lights at new State pier.
Lights at new State pier.

What's happening on the waterfront

After more than 20 years and millions of dollars in cleanup and planning costs, residents and visitors will be able to access the four-acre City Pier this summer, which will be dedicated to a longtime state legislator.

The Fall River Redevelopment Authority approved unanimously the renaming and dedication.

MAS Building and Bridge is doing the final work on the City Pier. Besides working on the completion of the pier with additional lighting, walkways and curbing, they are working on installing green space and plantings.

Rebirth along Taunton River: Fall River's City Pier could open this summer, and officials are giving it a new name

Carol and Eric LePage have announced they are retiring and selling their 439 Martine St. restaurant, LePage's Seafood and Grille.
Carol and Eric LePage have announced they are retiring and selling their 439 Martine St. restaurant, LePage's Seafood and Grille.

A new chapter for LePage's Seafood

For owners Carol and Eric LePage, their final day at LePage's Seafood and Grille last weekend was bittersweet.

The Fall River couple announced that they will be stepping away from the 34-year business on Martine Street as they plan to retire.

"I've seen our customers grow... I see their children being born, I see their grandchildren coming in... it's generations," Carol LePage said. "In 34 years that's a lot of people, a lot of connections. You walk through the building and you're always seeing someone you know."

But LePage said she and her husband are excited to start a new chapter of their lives.

'This place is staying': As owners retire, LePage's Seafood and Grille starts new chapter

Paulo Filogenio and Ariane De Carvalho in Duoro Steakhouse restaurant within Towne House Restaurant in Fall River.
Paulo Filogenio and Ariane De Carvalho in Duoro Steakhouse restaurant within Towne House Restaurant in Fall River.

Fresh start for new Towne House owners

It’s hard enough opening a new restaurant in the best of times, but try it the week a pandemic closes down the country, and add the fact a notorious ex-mayor destined for prison is on staff.

Those are some of the challenges in the last two years for Fall River couple Paul and Ariane Filogenio, who are now majority owners of Towne House & Douro Steakhouse.

They say they are excited for a fresh beginning for the high-end Purchase Street restaurant, with its multiple venues and an atmosphere that's a combination of a Miami and New York vibe.

First COVID, then Jasiel Correia: Now the new owners of Towne House hope for a fresh start

Fall River man deemed dangerous

A Fall River man will be held without bail as he awaits trial for several rape charges, with prosecutors alleging that he impregnated a teenage relative.

Roque Garcia-Ortiz appeared in Fall River District Court last week for a dangerousness hearing.

A prosecutor from the Bristol County District Attorney’s office said during the hearing that Garcia-Ortiz engaged in “repetitive, systematic and near daily rape of a child,” for 12 years, beginning when she was 6 and only ending last month. The abuse resulted in a pregnancy that was terminated, he said.

Fall River crime: Man held without bail for allegedly impregnating his teenage relative

Tom Lyon and Doug Moniz of Missing Link BBQ in Dartmouth.
Tom Lyon and Doug Moniz of Missing Link BBQ in Dartmouth.

Get fired up for Texas-style BBQ

If you spot a Big Foot in Dartmouth you're in luck. You are hot on the trail of a delicious, Texas-style barbecue feast.

This not-so-elusive, friendly sasquatch is the mascot of a new eatery coming soon to Route 6 called Missing Link BBQ, which aims to smoke the local competition.

Somerset residents Doug Moniz, restaurant manager, and Tom Lyon, the chef, will be serving up Texas-inspired classic American BBQ with a New England flair at the site of the former Stinky Pete's Pub.

The building, currently undergoing renovations, won't be opening its doors just yet, but the pair will be dishing out delicious barbecue on site from their food trailer starting this month.

House-made hot dogs: Here's what else this new Dartmouth BBQ joint has planned

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Top stories in Fall River, Dartmouth, Westport, Somerset, Swansea