Thinking about investing in your child through the rewarding experience of music? In the bouquet of life, there are many experiences available that are rich in their reward and highly fulfilling. One of these experiences is that of music. As a musician of three decades, I can’t think of many more mediums that have allowed me to have a veritable cornucopia of experiences and emotions – high and low and everything in between. There is joy, melancholy, frustration, sympathy, longing, pining, contentment, and more.

Learning to continue on in the face of frustration while traveling the musical path, teaches one to develop extended focus, patience, zeal, and tenacity. One must be creative to solve many of the physical and mental barriers to learning. These become parts of your personality. Just think of the personalities of your musical friends.

Of course, being a musician doesn’t happen in a vacuum and serves a base purpose when only done in isolation. In addition to the variety of personal experiences, the people I have met and shared a multitude of experiences with are some of the best I’ve had in life. The aforementioned character traits are generally found in abundance in all musicians – for you can’t excel within music without having these traits to a high degree. It helps connect people across languages, cultures, classes, you name it.

Having said all that, there is another practical benefit beyond the metaphysical and spiritual: the ability to play darn good music. There are quite a few places in the South Coast to choose from, but if you are looking for world class instruction, high quality instruments, and an effective curriculum, you really don’t need to look beyond my personal favorite, Double Bar Music in Westport.

Double Bar offers private lessons, group classes, ensembles/bands, instrument accessory sales, special order sound equipment, instrument repair, and orchestra/band instrument rentals for students – a serious, full service music center. There are even online lessons!

You may be asking “Why way out in Westport?” Owners and Westport natives Marcelle Gauvin, and her daughters Kelsey Jacobsen and Kimber-lee Jacobsen were born and raised in Westport and have been lifelong residents. Their sense of loyalty goes beyond their favorite town, but they have seen the struggle that the Westport school system has gone through to maintain their music programs through the years. They felt it would be a way to bring music to the community of students who need it and that their presence would be a boon – they were more correct than they thought, as word-of-mouth about Double Bar spread like wildfire and their reach with clientele now extends to Dartmouth, Fall River, and of course, New Bedford and beyond.

One of the places their reach has extended to, is the Berklee College of Music, where Marcelle is an associate professor of voice. She is also the head of the UMass Dartmouth jazz voice studio

What separates Double Bar Music from many of the other music shops in the region, besides the talent, service and friendly staff? Their strong Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) voice studio: they are certified to train healthy vocal technique for pop, rock, R&B, country, music theater, jazz, and alternative singers. They also offer classical technique so all of the students learn to sound stylistically appropriate.

There are ensemble and band programs, such as: a Capella groups, rock bands, string ensembles, songwriting classes, improvisation classes, etc. and regular performance opportunities for the students. The students can collaborate with other students or work with Double Bar instructors. So the instruction there is not the “walk in, get taught, walk off into the sunset until the next lesson.” The instructors have a genuine interest in seeing students translate their skill into the public arena – I’d say it’s a passion.

One fun example of this is the very popular “Summer of Rock” program: an 8-week summer session that takes place every June. Kelsey and crew organize the musicians into bands based on age and skill level. Rehearsals take place 2-4 times per week and they work on songs that THEY want to do. At the end of the session they put on a 2 hour concert! These kids will be playing at venues that you visit soon enough!

The first “Summer of Rock” performed at St. Theresa’s Feast in Tiverton, RI for over 1,000 people and the subsequent event was at the Battleship Brewhouse (video) in Fall River for a packed house. By the reports from the kids and audience members, the shows were smashing successes. Here is a video of the Summer of Rock at St. Theresa’s Feast featuring an 8 year old drummer:

The ensemble programs come in two categories: educational which focuses on music theory, the industry or technology, and performance which prepares the student for the stage – from communicating with other musicians and the audience or developing a presence. Each lasts anywhere from 6-12 weeks, but can be as short as one week in length. It’s a focused, powerful way to impart a substantial amount of knowledge through experience.

A great way to see some of what Double Bar does, is to stop in and see one of their Hump Day Cabarets, which take place at the Heron Dance, Yoga, and Meditation Studio and open to the public. Many musicians, beginners and professionals, come together to make music purely for the love of it. Adults and kids that had never had the courage or opportunity to perform take the stage to share their art. Kelsey mentioned that these Hump Day Cabarets are by far and away the most rewarding and favorite moments by the staff.

So, what age should a child begin his or her venture into music? Kelsey suggest 7-8 years old as a prime age to begin. Of course, it is entirely dependent up the maturity level of a student and she does have some as young as 4 years of age. On the flip side, if you are an adult, don’t think you can’t partake in this whole experience. You are never too old to start and think of what kind of experiences you can have by taking up music with your son or daughter? Can you say impromptu jam session?! You’ll get to share some of your favorite bands growing up as I do with my daughter. Conversation comes easy and you may actually come across as “hip” and “cool” and not square!

The people at Double Bar understand that musical instruments can sometimes be expensive, and no one wants to spend hundreds of dollars on one to find out it will turn into a fancy coat rack. Or like clothes, they are outgrown and made obsolete. With that in mind, they offer a variety of affordable musical instrument rentals: clarinet, flute, percussion kits, trombone, trumpet, viola/violin, saxophones, cello, oboe, and horns.

Double Bar even has a “Rent To Own” program whereby your rental fee is applied to the purchase of that instrument. If the moment comes, where you have fallen in love with your instrument, you can buy it at any time at a discounted price!

So whether you are looking to rent an instrument, learn to jam, want to expand your horizons, be a bedroom jammer or become a famous rockstar you’ll find a warm welcome at Double Bar Music. You’ve nothing to lose, by simply heading to Double Bar and browsing around and soaking up some of the positive energy that comes from everyone there. Tell them that Joe sent you and that you want the special treatment!

Double Bar Music
1093 State Rd
Westport, Massachusetts
Phone: (774) 319-5554
Email: DoubleBarWestport@gmail.com

Monday-Thursday: 12pm-8pm
Friday: 12pm-7pm
Saturday: 9am-5pm
Sunday: CLOSED

Facebook: facebook.com/DoubleBarMusic
Website: doublebarmusic.com
Twitter: twitter.com/doublebarmusic
Instagram: instagram.com/doublebarmusic/
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCVL67DDrWY79aLDv1Skp4bQ

Teachers/Instructors

Kimber-lee Jacobsen – voice lessons.
Steve Breese – piano
Patrick Cardeiro – guitar/bass/ukulele/banjo/mandolin
Matthew Cavanaugh – drums & percussion
Michael Corriea – guitar
John Fernandes – guitar
Bill Ferri – piano & bass
Linsey Govoni – trumpet
Tyler Kingsland – guitar/bass/sax/trombone – Tyler also handles repairs for stringed instruments (guitar, bass, violin, viola, cello, etc)
Timothy Mason – upright & electric bass
Tom O’Leary – drumset & percussion
Cory Silva – sax/flute/clarinet
Brianne Vieira – classical voice/violin/viola/cello

You can read more detail about each here.

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ClubFit at the Dartmouth Mall is packed with superstars. I’m not only talking about the coaching line-up, but the friendly and considerate clientele. As a person that used to frequent a “hardcore” gym chain, I started to believe that going to the gym meant you had to deal with a whole variety of meatheads. Those that soak machines and walk away without wiping down, those that protein fart crop-dust with great delight, or bark, scram, cry or let out some other bloodcurdling, distractedly odd noise while lifting.

But that was the 80s and 90s. Those types of gyms have virtually died out everywhere, except in major metropolitan areas. They been replaced, by the less elitist, better atmosphere having fitness center. These are places where you can pick things up and put them down, but you also have a one-stop destination where you can get your yoga, Zumba, cycling, body sculpting, spin class, kickboxing, etc. “on.” Best of all they are no longer populated with “meatheads,” but have become female and family friendly. In fact, there are 2 Women Only areas (one with a cardio theater) and ClubFit welcomes all health and fitness enthusiasts from the age of 12 on up. There’s even a day care for the little ones, so you have no excuses!

Anyone who has ever read even a cursory amount of material on health and fitness, knows that changing things up and approaching your fitness regimen with spontaneity is one of the most efficient methods for growth and improvement. And anyone who has ever tried any of the umpteen ways to get in shape, knows that things can get boring FAST. Variety is not only great for health, muscle and cardiovascular gains, but it keeps one’s interest. Getting bored of spin class? Try the Body Sculpting class. Feel that learning how to throw a punch and kick wouldn’t hurt when it comes to defending yourself? Take some kickboxing for a few months. Have an injury and need to slow down, but don’t want to take a step back and gain weight again? There’s yoga. Whatever it is that you are looking for – weight management, health, fitness, etc. – it’s there.

You can see a full list of classes here.

That’s the brilliance of the fitness center concept and what ClubFit has in spades. The variety is astounding – so large in fact, that they need a whopping 25,000 sq.ft. to contain it. You will never find yourself bored and you can always find new challenges. Of course, there are many fitness centers that utilize this method, so what separates one from the other? Why should a person come to ClubFit as opposed to many of the other fitness centers and gyms?

The coaches, staff and the clientele. ClubFit has a world class, accredited coaches and some of the friendliest staff in any business on the South Coast. No one likes to feel unwelcome and often when we are just starting out with a fitness routine, we beat ourselves up: we look in the mirror and see every extra pound of fat. Every wimpy muscle. Every sagging spot. So, the last thing we want with our deflated pride is to be made to feel unwelcome and discouraged. We need a little encouragement and a little morale boost – something you get in abundance from ClubFit’s coaches and staff from the moment you walk in the door.

I discuss passion in many of these spotlight articles. In fact, I bring it up often. This isn’t a default position and lip service. Passion moves people and keeps them moving. A business run by passionate individuals is contagious and they want to infect everyone. So they either reach out to us to share their message or when we are visiting these places, we mention sharing their story and they eagerly leap at the opportunity.

ClubFit is filled with coaches who as passionate about the program they are hosting and the students in their classes. You’ll be asked a lot of questions about your objectives and goals. You’ll be evaluated (FREE). There is a two way discussion – you are not talked at, you are conversed with. You’ll be inspired and motivated. Meeting goals has to start with those two things. Everything else is built upon them.

Once you are involved, your are motivated, your interest kept, and your questions answered there’s no stopping you from plowing through your goals. It’s easy to commit with coaches like Hani Friedman (Circuit Training for Women), Derrel Hollins (Kickboxing), and Karyn Clements (Yoga).

If group classes aren’t your cup of tea, you are welcome to use the center’s machines, treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals on your own or with your favorite training partner. If you are comfortable yet using any of these, or need an extra kick in the pants, you can have personal training.

When you add the juice bar, sauna and steam room you get a well-rounded facility with all the amenities you could ask for. You can even rent a room and have a Zumba birthday party, corporate outting, private Yoga, Zumba or boot camp.

The website is not just for eye candy, but is very practical. There is a ticker feed that lets you know that day’s classes, a color coded calendar with the week’s schedule, a blog, and of course, a place to contact them. One of the fun elements that the site has is the photo gallery section and the funnest one is the Sunz Out Gunz Out selfie gallery where enthusiasts can flex their “guns” and show off the product of their hard work.

The folks at ClubFit are so confident that they have something special, that they offer a 7 day pass which can be printed out here. Most places I’ve been to will give you a day pass or allow a current member to hand you a guest pass. A week pass is generous. They know that after a week of experiencing ClubFit, you’ll be hooked.

If you are looking for an affordable, fun, immaculately kept gym with an energetic, motivating coaching staff, and friendly staff look no further than ClubFit. With membership starting at $10 down and $10 a month, you have nothing to lose but weight and baggage!

ClubFit Fitness Center
200 N Dartmouth Mall
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Phone: (508) 992-0094
Email: info@clubfitdartmouth.com

HOURS OF OPERATION
Monday-Thursday: 5:00am-11:00pm
Friday: 5:00am-10:00pm
Saturday: 6:00am-8:00pm
Sunday: 6:00am-6:00pm

DAY CARE HOURS:
Monday- Thursday: 8:30am-11:00am, 4:00pm-8:30pm
Friday: 8:30am-11:00am,, 5:00pm-8:00pm
Saturday: 8:30am-Noon

Facebook: facebook.com/escape.tofitness
Website: clubfitdartmouth.com/

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Like many Americans, the staff at New Bedford Guide loves food and we love eating local. The Greater New Bedford area has been recognized multiple times over the past five years, for various accolades, but one of the categories overlooked is dining. We boast some of the best and freshest seafood in the country, unmatched Portuguese offerings, authentic Italian, Thai, Indian, Japanese, Chinese and so many more options. I can confidently sit behind my laptop and say that we’re a hidden gem in the dining community. Our establishments have been featured all over Phantom Gourmet, making the less fortunate observers left to drool, while we gorge ourselves and expand our waistlines.

It’s because of our love for all things food that we are proud to announce the launch of our South Coast Dining Guide. The South Coast Dining Guide is unique in that our guide is not only for all the residents of our beautiful area, but also for the restaurants themselves.

Click here for the South Coast Dining Guide

Users are able to navigate our beautiful and easy-to-use layout to find the best dining options, both on their desktop and mobile phones. Our clients (restaurant owners, managers, marketing reps, etc.) are able to enjoy the many features our dining profiles offer, as well as other marketing opportunities with New Bedford Guide, and our incredible growth and traffic (view our analytics and company information here).

Here is a list of features that are offered in the South Coast Dining Guide (version 1.0):

Google Maps API – You are able to quickly locate restaurants addresses through the built in Google Maps API. In addition, users can pull up the location directly on their mobile phone for easy access to GPS directions.

Built-in Social Media – Once a restaurant claims their listing, all applicable social media profiles are linked and featured on their profile. This allows users quick and easy access to view specials, discounts, coupons, photos, news and more.

Mobile Friendly – How people access information is changing, the majority of us get all of our information via our smartphone. This is why it was important to make sure the dining guide had responsive design built-in. As of January 2014, 58% of Americans owned a smart-phone. Making your website mobile friendly is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Our beautiful and easy-to-use dining guide has been designed, developed and optimized for your smart phone.

Video Spotlight – One of the benefits of working at New Bedford Guide is the access businesses give us. We are able to show our users a glimpse into the every day operation of businesses that other media companies simply don’t have access to or aren’t interested in. It’s this personal look into businesses that truly connect the business with their customers. With our built in video feature, restaurants can receive a New Bedford Guide video spotlight, and integrate it right into their dining profile.

Here’s an example of one of our dining profiles with a video spotlight: All Friends Smokehouse & Catering

Dining Blog – We love to write, and we love to write about food. We’ve been fortunate enough to be invited into some of the best restaurants in the area to spotlight and/or write reviews. We’ve enjoyed some truly incredible meals that even the perfect adjective(s) can’t quite describe and need to be experienced personally. With our dining blog, users are able to read our first hand, unbiased accounts of dining in the south coast.

Dining Amenity Tags – One of my favorite features of the dining guide is our tagging/filter system. Once a restaurant claims their listing, we go through all the amenities they offer. This allows the user to engage our filter system to find the exact dining experience they are looking for. Users can look for locations that offer free Wi-Fi, accept the UMass Pass, have outdoor seating, as well as many other options.

With every new product we launch at New Bedford Guide, the strategy behind it always looks to the future. So what features can users and businesses expect in version 2.0?

Online Food & Drink Menus – From a pure consumer stand point, nothing annoys me more than not being able to window shop before I buy. When making the all important decision on where I’m going to eat breakfast, lunch and/or dinner, a glance at the menu before choosing is a must. I’ve spoken to friends, family and New Bedford Guide fans, and one thing they all agree on is that the dining guide has to have menus.

Over the next month, we will be working to develop and integrate food and drink menus into our listings. We’ve set a very ambitious goal of adding 300 menus by the end of 2015.

Events – Trivia question of the day: Does anyone know how New Bedford Guide got its start? The answer is, as an online event system called Local Oracle (some of you might recognize that name). Local Oracle featured the events of numerous New Bedford area businesses, and also the embarrassingly awkward The Dating Game (high five if you were ever on it). As Mike Silvia and I noticed a demand for a broader range of information, we closed the doors of Local Oracle and launched New Bedford Guide, the rest is history.

With that being said, our number one clients on Local Oracle were restaurants. From live music, to trivia, jam sessions and even arm wrestling matches, there is always something to do, on any given day in the South Coast.

With that in mind, we are developing an event system to integrate into each dining profile. This will allow our clients to market their events, and for users to plan out their week. Look for that in the second quarter of 2015.

Do you have an idea for a dining guide feature? Contact us

We are very excited for the launch of the South Coast Dining Guide, and we hope our fans and businesses are also excited. If you are a restaurant, bar, coffee shop, franchise, etc. and want to become a partner of the South Coast Dining Guide, please click here to submit a listing or locate your business and claim it.

Thanks for your continued support of New Bedford Guide and enjoy the brand new South Coast Dining Guide.

Click here for the South Coast Dining Guide

If you are a business owner or manager and would like to discuss a plan and/or claim your listing, please contact Charles Turay at charles@newbedfordguide.com 

Do you see a business missing from the dining guide? Contact us and let us know what restaurant(s) we missed.

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by Andrew O’Leary

70 years ago, U.S.forces stormed the island of Iwo Jima. The amphibious assault, given the benign title of Operation Detachment, was waged for six brutal weeks costing 6,821 American lives, including New Bedford native Corporal Leon J Abrams, a rifleman in the First Battalion, 24th Marines.

Corporal Abrams joined up in 1943 and had participated in the island hopping campaigns in Kwajalein, Saipan, and Tinian, playing his part in turning the tide of the war in the Pacific and putting the forces of Imperial Japan on the backfoot. By 1945, the defeat of Japan may have seemed inevitable to some, but the fanaticism of the Imperial army made clear that a high price would be paid to bring the war to an end.

Military leaders considered Iwo Jima crucial to the strategy of of encirclement and roll back, pointing to the need for Iwo Jima’s airfields to assist B-29 bombing raids on the Japanese mainland.

The iconic image of the Iwo Jima assault remains: Marines’ raising the U.S. flag at Mount Suribachi (immortalized in the Washington, D.C. Marine memorial – replicated also in Fall River.) Lesser known, however, is that the scaling of Mt. Suribachi occurred February 23rd. At this point, a thousand marines and had been killed and over three thousand wounded, but the battle had just begun.

Moving inland, the Marines looked to capture capture Hill 382, the highest point of the island – an area the Marines labelled the “meatgrinder” – where the gain of 100 yards would cost hundreds of lives. The Japanese defenders, almost twenty thousand strong, refused to surrender. In addition, they had months to prepare their embedded defenses on the volcanic island. The Marines would have to force them out and the Hill was not scaled by the 24th division until 2 March.

Abrams fell on Sunday Feb 25, 1945. That day, the attack began at 06:30, with Abrams’ battalion the right flank of an assault on Iwo’s notorious Amphitheater – a rough terrain where no tank support was possible as mortar and machine fired rained down. Leading a four man fire team, non-commissioned officers like Abrams were among the first to fall. The official U.S. Marine Corps history reports that that on that day, it was not surprising that “…as usual, key officers and non commissioned officers were among the casualties.“

Abrams was buried in the Marine plot on Iwo Jima.

See more on the 1/24 Marines here.

The posh, luxurious Arnold Estate with its splendid grounds. (Spinner Publications)

Series Introduction
Welcome to the eighth installment of the series “Historical Personages of New Bedford.” The previous six installments can be found by using the keyword “personage” in the search window in the column at the right or click here.

My intention with this series is to shine some light on the lesser known names and figures of New Bedford’s past.

I won’t focus on the more popular and well-known figures since they have not only been covered in substantial depth, but information about these figures is something most people already have a cursory knowledge of. Though redundant to say, if any more information is desired, it is readily available and easily accessible.

Some of these great and popular figures got to be well known, wealthy, or famous on the shoulders of names vaguely recalled or ne’er heard. I don’t want to swing all the way to the other side and overcompensate by saying that these great figures would be no one without those you haven’t heard of. Perhaps they would have, but I think since history has traditionally ignored the lesser known figures, let’s give them their due!

Unlike any of the past installments, this article is per request. Do you have a street or personage that you think – or know – has an interesting back-story? Curious about why it is called what it is? Send your request to nbgarts@gmail.com!

This article is a combination of chocolate and peanut butter – “You got your street article in my personage article!” The James Arnold featured in this article is the one that gave Arnold street its name. If you are a history buff, nerd, or fan, how Arnold Street got its name maybe “common” knowledge. However, there are a lot of people – dare I say the majority – that aren’t privy to many of New Bedford’s historic figures. If you are of the former group, perhaps you may enjoy some little factoids that you weren’t aware of…or even better, perhaps you’ll chime in and embellish.

If you are of the latter group, you will learn about a hugely important figure in New Bedford’s past. A real cornerstone of the city’s success in the 19th century. I hope you’ll chime in too. Hopefully this will pique your interest and you’ll head to the library or book store and read books written by far better authors going into greater depth.

Well born beginnings of a polymath
Arnold Street got its name from a one James Arnold, son of Quakers Thomas Arnold and Mary Brown. He was born in Providence on September 9, 1781. James’ family was a prominent one, so he had interest and access to many academic areas. He was fond of agriculture, literature, horticulture, public speaking, and was a member of the debate society called the Old Dialectic Society. Of temperament, he was said to be impassioned, exacting, disciplined, and in business matters, autocratic.

As he grew into adulthood, he was attracted to New Bedford because of its robust economy, whaling industry and the opportunities those offered. Arnold worked for the family that was responsible for developing New Bedford’s whaling industry in the first place: the Rotches. These whaling moguls owned a number of enterprises including William Rotch Jr. & Sons, William R. Rotch & Company, Rotch Wharf Company, Rotch Candle House, and New Bedford Cordage Company. Specifically he received work under the tutorship of William Rotch III.

James’ first house – a modest one – was built by Jonathan Howland on the corner of South Water and Madison Streets. Arnold’s intellect, temperament, and business acumen helped him rise through the ranks rapidly and he would eventually be made a partner. It would be through his close work with the Rotches that he would be introduced to his future wife, Sarah (Rodman) Rotch, daughter of William Rotch Jr. Sarah was a sort of precursor to businesswoman Hetty Green, in the sense that she had a similar business acumen, was well respected, and intelligent. However, she was well cultured and had a soft spot for the poor of New Bedford.

Sarah had an indelible effect on James and through their relationship she would soften some of his rough edges. They would marry on October 29, 1807. Surely due to the influence of his wife, he began to take a more serious role in the city of New Bedford’s economic environment – something that would help the poor, by creating more jobs.

Post War of 1812
The War of 1812 certainly hurt the economic aspirations of New Bedford and some serious work was needed to get things back on track. Arnold along with many Howlands, Russells, John Avery Parker, Grinnells, Nyes and Rodmans was one of the principals on a committee to recharter the Bedford Commercial Bank in 1816. As a business partner and now family member of the Rotches, Arnold begun to amass a sizable fortune allowing him a greater role in the city and region’s economy.

In 1819, Abraham Russell sold his farm and James would buy a large portion of the land to build what would become an iconic building in the city. In 1821 he commissioned housewright Dudley Davenport to begin work on a home at 427 County Street: a large Federal Style brick house at the head of Spring Street – you know this building today as the Wamsutta Club.

Arnold’s wealth allowed him to not only erect a large home, but his love for horticulture and agriculture could be expressed here. A large amount of monies were spent to create greenhouses, impressive groves, grottos and extensive gardens – in fact, James and Sarah spent considerable time traveling throughout the world, particularly Europe, to find and bring back all sorts of botanical items. These were easily brought back to New Bedford aboard one of the many whaling vessels under his or the Rotches’ employ.

In what was considered rather unusual for the city’s aristocrats, Arnold allowed the public to enjoy his gardens and it was quite popular in its day – in fact, there is mention of “villagers” having Maypole dances and festivities in the gardens and Arnold’s Grove, it was a popular picnic ground on the site. I’d imagine this was through the encouragement of his wife, and because it was a source of great pride. The entire region knew of Arnold’s Gardens and it would garner visitation by many famous people including President John Quincy Adams and Herman Melville. It is sometime in this period that James abandoned his Quaker upbringing and he and his wife became congregants of the Unitarian Church.

The amount of wealth that James Arnold had amassed continued to grow. As he got older, he became more and more interested in city issues and increasingly philanthropic. While he and his wife maintained an anti-slavery stance, their ambitions were focused on the city’s poor.

The Arnolds from 1820s-1830s – political aspirations, serving New Bedford, and various committees
From the late 1820s through much of the 1830s he would spend most of his time not only traveling to improve his gardens, but was very active in the city’s economics. In 1829 he would become the Massachusetts State House of Representatives, the same year he would form a committee with Samuel Rodman, Abraham Gifford, Thomas Greene, and many others to establish the lines of the streets as accurately as possible. Up to that point, the rather pedestrian “red oke” or “crooked black oak” method of defining streets was used, but this led to much confusion. This method utilized a length of oak to define the width of the streets as well as the “run” of the street’s length by flipping the log end to end. It certainly wasn’t a standard that was defined in any specific way. In small towns and hamlets where a few feet here and there weren’t that important, the method was adequate. In the cities, where a few feet meant a difference in revenue, liability, or legality it was a method that simply could not be utilized. This committee established permanent, accurate boundaries across the city – which primarily are still used today.

In the early 1830s, New Bedford went through a sort of recession. Arnold helped form another committee with many other local business leaders to prepare resolutions to help New Bedford economically. This endeared him to many locals, and they rallied to support him as thousands of locals from New Bedford, Dartmouth, Rochester, Wareham, Westport, and Fairhaven signed his resolutions.

He was a president of the Port Society associated with the Mariner’s Home who the Rotches owned. The objective was to help the moral improvement of seamen and to assist them in any way possible through the little recession.

By 1836, Arnold was now 55 years of age and was perhaps slowly working towards less work and more of a retirement lifestyle. He, his wife, and daughter would spend the next three years abroad. On their return, they would find an altogether different economic environment in New Bedford. The whaling industry was going through a boom – indeed it was heading towards its peak in 1853. This new environment and even more increase in his wealth would allow him to enjoy his passion for horticulture even more. He and a number of other businessmen would found the New Bedford Horticultural Society in 1847.

In 1854 the mansion of William Rotch Jr. at the southwest corner of William and Water Streets was owned by Arnold’s wife Sarah. She donated it to the Port Society and it was moved to Johnny Cake Hill where it was dubbed as the Mariners’ Home.

In the 1850s, a sort of minister-at-large, Reverend Moses Thomas was also of a philanthropic lean and was very active in helping the city’s poor. He had the support of the Unitarian Church that the Arnolds were congregants of. For unknown reasons, the church withdrew its support and the Arnolds stepped up to the proverbial plate and put him in their employ in a full-time capacity until his retirement. A very nice gesture.

Legacy: Last Will & Testament, Arboretum, and Philanthropy
Sadly for Arnold he would outlive both his wife and daughter, passing away right here in New Bedford in 1868. His estate was worth $1.4 million dollars, or about $24 million dollars today. In his will he specified that $100,000 (approximately $1.7 million today) of his fortune be left behind to advance agriculture and horticulture. Unfortunately, these monies didn’t stay in New Bedford, as one of the trustees of his estate, George Emerson had the funds sent to Harvard University for botanical research and helped build the Arnold Arboretum in Jamaica Plains, founded in 1872.

However, he did leave something for New Bedford: $100,000 or $1.4 million dollars in today’s money for the city’s poor. Of course, his mansion, the Wamsutta Club still stands today – with additions and renovations. In 1919, the Wamsutta Club purchased the mansion and added two wings, and a squash court. Today the mansion is on the National Historic Register of Historic Places.

The Arnolds had big hearts and were of a generous, sympathetic bent. Their philanthropic mission lives on with the James Arnold Fund started in 1934. This charitable organization offers “…gifts, grants, or loans to other organizations, Gifts or grants to individuals (other than scholarships), Aid to the handicapped.” The Arnolds’ have made themselves immortal in a sense – their presence lives on in the street names, Wamsutta club, charity organizations and philanthropic nature that is part and parcel of the city’s spirit. This is a trait of New Bedford’s citizens, regardless of what other places will say about us. We may bark and even bite, but there’s always someone eager to help those in need, in hard times, or down on their luck. There is a humanity and kindness to most and I’d like to think it was a precedence set by James and Sarah Arnold.

In the wake of a Blizzard that dumped 20 inches of snow on New Bedford yesterday, a second offshore storm will bring snow to much of southern New England during the day on Tuesday, February 17, 2015. The heaviest snowfall amounts will be along the south coast of Massachusetts including New Bedford. The forecast calls for 3-7 inches of accumulating snow.

Citywide Snow Emergency Parking Ban Extended Until 6PM Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015
City officials have announced that the Citywide Snow Emergency Parking Ban will be extended until 6PM Tuesday, February 17, 2015. The parking ban will be strictly enforced and will remain in effect for 48-hours thereafter, unless lifted or further extended by City officials. The parking ban is designed to allow City workers to efficiently remove snow from New Bedford roadways to allow public safety vehicles and residents to travel safely.

While the snow emergency parking ban is in effect, parking is permitted on the side of the street that is opposite the fire hydrants. No vehicle should be parked on the same side of the street as a fire hydrant, except on streets that are regularly posted for parking on one side of the street only. In posted areas, residents are to obey the signs as usual.

The citywide parking ban will be double-sided in both the Acushnet Avenue Business District and the Downtown Business District. Downtown parking is available at no charge in the Elm Street and the Zeiterion Parking Garages.

Violations of this parking regulation will be subject to ticketing at $50 per ticket and towing at full cost to the owner of the vehicle towed. The vehicle owner is also responsible for the full cost of storage for any towed vehicle.

The City of New Bedford has designated the following areas as preferred parking areas for those residents in need of off-street parking while the emergency snow parking ban is in effect:

• Victory Park – Brock Avenue
• Hazelwood Park – Brock Avenue
• Cove Street Parking Lot – Cove Street and Morton Court
• Orchard Street at Camara Soccer Field
• Buttonwood Park Parking Area – Hawthorn Street Side and Lake Street Side
• Former St. Mary’s Home – Entrance on Mill Street
• Coggeshall Street Parking Lot – Coggeshall Street and Acushnet Avenue
• Sawyer Street Parking Lot – Between Sawyer Street and Beetle Street
• Brooklawn Park Parking Area – Brooklawn Street (South Side)
• Riverside Park Lot – Coffin Avenue
• Coffin Avenue Lot- Across from Taber Mills Apartments
• Alma del Mar Charter School (former Ottiwell School) – 26 Madeira Avenue
• Former AVX site on Bellville Avenue at Hadley Street
• Former Philips Avenue School – 249 Phillips Avenue
• Elm Street Garage
• Zeiterion Garage – 688 Purchase Street
• New Bedford High School – 230 Hathaway Boulevard
• Keith Middle School – 225 Hathaway Boulevard
• Normandin Middle School – 81 Felton Street
• Roosevelt Middle School – 119 Fredrick Street
• Charles S Ashley Elementary School – 122 Rochambeau Street
• Elizabeth Carter Brooks Elementary School – 212 Nemasket Street
• Elwyn G Campbell Elementary School – 145 Essex Street
• Sgt Wm H Carney Acad Elementary School – 247 Elm Street
• James B Congdon Elementary School – 50 Hemlock Street
• John B DeValles Elementary School – 120 Katherine Street
• Alfred J Gomes Elementary School – 286 South Second Street
• Ellen R Hathaway Elementary School – 256 Court Street
• Hayden/McFadden Elementary School – 361 Cedar Grove Street
• Horatio A Kempton Elementary School – 135 Shawmut Avenue
• Abraham Lincoln Elementary School – 445 Ashley Boulevard
• Carlos Pacheco Elementary School – 261 Mt. Pleasant Street
• John Avery Parker Elementary School – 705 County Street
• Casmir Pulaski Elementary School – 1097 Braley Road
• Thomas R Rodman Elementary School – 497 Mill Street
• William H Taylor Elementary School – 620 Brock Avenue
• SEA LAB/John Hannigan Elementary School – 91 Portland Street
• Jireh Swift Elementary School – 2203 Acushnet Avenue
• Betsey B Winslow Elementary School – 561 Allen Street

New Bedford City Offices-Closed Tomorrow, Tuesday, February 17, 2015
City offices will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 17, 2015 including City Hall, the public libraries, senior centers and the Buttonwood Park Zoo. New Bedford Regional Airport will remain in operation for as long as it remains safe. Passengers should contact their air carriers directly to confirm their flight status because widespread cancellations are expected. Only City employees designated as essential should report to work.

One-Day Delay of Residential Trash Collection Due to Presidents’ Day Holiday
No residential trash was collected today, Monday, February 16, 2015 due to the Presidents’ Day Holiday. ABC Disposal will be operating on a one-day delay schedule for this week due to the Monday holiday.

Therefore, residents whose normal trash collection day is Monday should put their trash out curbside for collection tomorrow, Tuesday. Residents whose normal collection day is Tuesday will put their trash curbside on Wednesday. Residents whose normal collection day is Wednesday will put their trash curbside on Thursday. Residents whose normal collection day is Thursday will put their trash curbside on Friday. Residents whose normal collection day is Friday will put their trash curbside on Saturday.

Pilgrim United Church Remains Open for Residents in Need of Shelter
Pilgrim United Church (634 Purchase Street) remains open for unsheltered residents. The church is equipped with staff, food and cots.

Sand Available to City Residents at Various Locations
The Department of Public Infrastructure has made sand available to city residents at many locations throughout the city. Residents are advised to bring their own small container to collect the sand at any of the following locations:

• Norfolk St & Acushnet Ave
• Toby St & Acushnet Ave
• Manila St & Acushnet Ave
• Fire Station #5 –Acushnet Ave
• Phillips Rd & Pine Hill Dr
• Welby Rd, North Side, Between Two Buildings
• Essex St & Phillips Rd, Campbell School
• Saint Theresa’s Church – Acushnet Ave
• Balls Corner, Mill Rd & Belleville Ave
• Saint Mary’s School/Church –Illinois St
• Tarkiln Hill Rd & Acushnet Ave
• Police Station #3 – Ashley Blvd
• Wilks Library –Acushnet Ave & Princeton St
• Ashley Blvd & Princeton St
• Belleville Rd & Hope St
• Mount Pleasant St on Nash Rd Side (in place)
• Fire Station –Davis St & Acushnet Ave
• Deane St & Ashley Blvd
• Bullard St & Acushnet Ave
• Shawmut Diner, Between the Driveways
• Acushnet Ave & Sawyer St
• Sawyer St & Mount Pleasant St
• Beetle St & North Front St
• Beetle St & N. Front St
• Coggeshall St & Ashley Blvd
• Coggeshall & Purchase St
• 10 Kilburn St
• Purchase St & Logan St
• Rockdale Ave & Granit St
• Linden St & County St, South Side of Linden St
• Fire Station #7 –Durfee St & Cottage St
• Durfee St & Shawmut Ave
• Red Cross, Rockdale Ave & Durfee St
• Purchase St & Wamsutta Ave
• Sacred Heart Nursing Home, Studley St & Summer St, On West Side
• Merrimac St & County St
• 1554 Purchase St, Fire Repair
• Pleasant St & Pope St
• Parker St & County St, East Side of County St
• Parker St & Rockdale Ave
• Pleasant St & Pearl St
• Purchase St & Campbell St
• Cottage St & Campbell St
• Sycamore St & State St
• County St & Sycamore St
• Pleasant St, Rear Lot of Fire Prevention
• Maxfield St & Pleasant St
• E.M.T.S. Chancery St, Inside Parking Area
• S.E.C. Summer St & Hillman St
• Ash St & Hillman St
• Fire Station #2 –Pleasant St
• County St & North St
• Pope’s Island Marina
• Third District Court, North Side of Kempton St
• Liberty St & Kempton St
• Pleasant St & Middle St
• South Sixth St & Middle St
• County St & Middle St
• Elm St Garage, On Acushnet Ave
• Buttonwood Library
• Pier 3 –Visitors Center
• South Water & Hamilton St
• William St & Acushnet Ave, Custom House Square
• City Hall, Pleasant St Side
• Centre St & Front St
• Market St & Sixth St
• Second St & Union St
• Union St & Acushnet Ave
• Purchase St & Union St
• Eighth St and Union St
• County St & Union St
• Spring St & Pleasant St
• Zeiterion Garage, Acushnet Ave Entrance
• School St & Purchase St
• School St & Sixth St
• School St & County St
• Walnut St & Acushnet Ave
• Maple St & Atlantic St
• Maple St & Reed St
• Madison St & County St
• Fire Museum, Bedford St & Sixth St
• Page St & Bedford St
• Wing St & Acushnet Ave
• Wing St & County St
• Fair St & County St
• Fire Station #6, Purchase St
• Thompson St & Crapo St
• County St & Rivet St
• Bonney St & Rivet St
• Bolton St & Rivet St
• Delano St & South First St
• Jouvette St & Bonney St
• Howland Green Library, Driveway, Rodney French Blvd
• Rockdale Ave & Dartmouth St
• Fire Station #11, Brock Ave & Mott St
• Willard St & West Rodney French Blvd
• Clegg Field, Brock Ave
• Brock Ave & Portland St
• Wastewater Treatment Plant, Community Center
• South Rodney French Blvd, Cable Access Building

With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, men around New Bedford will be squirming to satisfy their lady’s need to be loved on 14 February.  There is a good chance that some men will forget Valentine’s Day and suffer the consequence of sleeping on the couch.  Most men will make a feeble attempt at declaring their love by simply going through the motions by taking their lady out to dinner at the same tired places.

Guys, here are 10 great date ideas to ensure your Valentine’s Day not only goes smoothly, but ensures your lady throws you into bed instead of onto the couch.

1. Carabiners Indoor Rock Climbing – Rock climbing can be a fun date.  Since opening in 2004, Carabiners has been offering New Bedford residents a fun way to exercise.  It also provides a great venue for an active date.  Check out our spotlight from last year here.

2. Ice Skating – Ice skating can be a fun, romantic time. Hetland in New Bedford doesn’t have public access on Saturday, so you’ll have to travel to The Providence Rink for some outdoor ice skating that is open to the public seven days a week from 10am – 10pm. With all the snow call before you head there to make sure they are open.

3. New Bedford Symphony Orchestra – Looking for an amazing musical experience? The New Bedford Symphony Orchestra is performing “Romantic Spells” on February 14 at 7:30pm at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $25-$60 and students are always $10; available through The Z box office, 508-994-4900 or online at www.nbsymphony.org. Full details here.

4. Visit a Museum or Art Gallery – New Bedford offers outstanding museums and galleries.  Here are the places you should consider. Call ahead to get their hours.

• New Bedford Art Museum – 608 Pleasant Street – (508) 961-3072
• Gallery X – 169 William Street – (508) 992-2675
• Arthur Moniz Art Gallery – 22 William Street, (508) 997-8644 ‎
• New Bedford Museum of Glass – 61 Wamsutta Street, (508) 984-1666
• TL6 the Gallery – 100 William Street, (508) 992-8100

5. Couples Massage – You can’t go wrong with a couples massage. The best location for a couples massage is Gloria and Company on 211 Alden Road in Fairhaven. It costs $170 per couple for 1 hour.

6. Take a Private Dance Class Together – Want to sweep a girl off her feet literally and figuratively? Schedule a private dance class and learn to Salsa, Tango or some other romantic dace. A quick Google Search shows plenty of dance studios in the area. 

7. Head to A Comedy Club – What’s better than a night of drinks and a comedian making fun of you all night? Rhode Island Comedy Connection has two shows on Valentine’s Day. Calendar here.

8. Dinner at a Nice Restaurant – If you don’t have a reservation at one of these restaurant, you may be too late.  These places offer some fine dining and the perfect atmosphere for your date.

• The Waterfront Grille – Outstanding atmosphere and quality food. Menu here.
• Cork Wine and Tapas Bar –  Romantic atmosphere and unique menu items. Menu here.
• All Friends Smokehouse (Westport) -They are having a special “Dinner for 2 Menu” including an appetizer, 2 entrees, and dessert for $49.95. They are BYOB so bring by your favorite bottle of wine. Reservation can be made by calling 774-264-9798. Menu here.
• The Pasta House (Fairhaven) – Outstanding atmosphere and quality food.
• Adriana’s Mexican Restaurant – Eat quality, authentic Mexican cuisine in a classy, family style setting.

9. Learn to Paint – Painting With a Splash is one of New Bedford’s newest businesses. They offer step-by-step painting with a local artist in a BYOB environment. Details and class schedule: http://www.paintingwithasplash.com/.

10. Visit a Book Store or Library – Don’t think book stores or libraries can be fun? Most libraries have some great art, artifacts and of course some amazing books. There are also some great books stores like Remains To Be Seen/Baker Books (2 McCabe St. in South Dartmouth) and fun ones like Newbury Comics (331 State Rd in North Dartmouth).

11. Cook Together – There is something amazing about discovering a new recipe and cooking the meal together. Dust off that recipe book you bought years ago or search the internet. The key is try something different and new and enjoy each other’s company.

12. Make a Reservation at a Nice Hotel – Here is a list of excellent hotels and bed and breakfasts in the area:

• Fairfield Inn & Suites New Bedford
• Hampton Inn Fairhaven
• Davenport House Bed & Breakfast
• Orchard Street Manor
• Captain Haskell’s Octagon House
• Melville House Bed And Breakfast
• Wayfarer Bed & Breakfast
• Baggins End Guest House
• Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast

Extra Credit: Order Your Netflix or Redbox Movie Early –  Don’t be a buffoon and wait until the last minute to order a romantic movie. I recommend Shakespeare in Love, The Notebook, Moulin Rouge, Casablanca, Ghost or Sixteen Candles. Here is a good Top 50 list.

Plan your Valentine’s day early and take your date out somewhere special.  It’s up to you whether Cupid’s arrow strikes your lady in the heart…or you in the groin.

The New Bedford temporary emergency shelter at 634 Purchase Street will be open on Monday, Feb. 9th from 7pm until 5am. The shelter is in need of bottled water and/or soda. They also need volunteers to man the shelter. Shifts are 7pm-12am and 12 -5am. Contact Pete Wilde at 978-866-9499.

Here’s an updated list of school closings in the south coast, MA area for Monday, Feb. 9th, 2015. Check back as it will be updated often.

Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech
New Bedford Public Schools
Alma del mar
Nativity Preparatory School of New Bedford
Dartmouth public schools
Bishop Stang High School
St James-St John School
Fairhaven public schools
St. Joseph’s-Fairhaven
Fall River public schools
Diman Reg’l Vocational Technical High School
Kennedy Donovan Center
Holy Family – Holy Name School (New Bedford)
Attleboro public schools
Acushnet Public Schools
Tri-Town schools (Rochester, Marion and Mattapoisett)
Somerset Public Schools
Freetown / Lakeville Regional Schools
Global Learning Charter Public School
Nazarene Christian (New Bedford)
All Saints Catholic School (New Bedford)
Westport Community Schools
Montessori School of the Angels (Westport)
Swansea public schools
Seekonk Public Schools
Bridgewater-Raynham Regional Schools
Bishop Connolly High School
Coyle and Cassidy
Atlantis Charter School (Fall River)
Argosy Collegiate (Fall River)
East Gate Christian Academy (Fall River)
Espirito Santo School (Fall River)
Holy Name School (Fall River)
St. Stanislaus School (Fall River)
Montessori School of the Angels (Westport)
Seekonk Christian
Alma del Mar

HIGHER EDUCATION
Rob Roy Academy-Fall River
Rob Roy Acad-New Bedford
Rob Roy Acad-Taunton
BCC – All locations
UMass Dartmouth campus
Bridgewater State University
Massachusetts Maritime

Courts will NOT be open tomorrow in New Bedford. Courts in all counties except Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket Counties will be closed on Monday, February 9th.
Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket Counties will make a final decision by 6 a.m Monday morning, based on local weather conditions. That decision will be posted at mass.gov/courts

I have a deep seated love for authentic foods, and in particular Mexican food. Heck, I even like the neo-versions of Mexican food. What’s not to like? Mild spices….or if you prefer take-your-head-off spice – which for chiliheads like myself, that means we can get our fix if we need. All the meats are represented, but if you lean vegetarian or vegan, you can simply modify your order. Mexican food has this balanced approach to combining vegetables, meats, legumes and even fruit. It’s a food that appeals to everyone and Americans certainly love it.

I love the three main popular Mexican or Mexican-American eateries that we have in New Bedford, Fairhaven and Dartmouth. I eat at two of them regularly. So when I heard that a Mexican restaurant was opening up on the Avenue, about a mile from my house, I was reservedly excited. I held back a bit, because I felt that the other three places had already fulfilled what this area wanted in terms of casual Mexican food.

What I quickly found out, and pleasantly so, is that Adriana’s is unlike the others. It’s not a chain, it’s not a casual eatery based on take-out, but an genuine restaurant. It’s authentic Mexican food in an upscale setting. That doesn’t mean expensive or that you have to dress up, though you certainly can!

When it comes to Chinese or Mexican food, the take-out and/or buffets have really taken hold making us almost forget that there are fancy versions of Chinese and Mexican restaurants. There is a time and place where I want take-out, buffet or always casual. There is also a time and place that I want to sit in a luxurious, classy setting and have some “fancified” versions of those. Adriana’s is just such a place.

One of the primary reasons, I am really excited about Adriana’s, is that they serve Mexico’s national dish Mole Poblano – pronounced “molay” for you gringos and gringas. Mole is an incredibly sophisticated and time consuming sauce to make. Up to 30 ingredients or more, in a specific ratio, added in a methodical order are combined to make something that will tickle your tongue in a way it has never been tickled before. You will be whisked away to El Dorado, Omeyocan, or the Thirteen Heavens!

There is a lot of commonality like chocolate, chilis, cinnamon, clove, etc. but there is plenty of room for regional differences. All versions are luxuriant, rich and complex. I am a through and through, bonafide mole junkie. When mole is on the line, I will drop everything – it’s a just got “real” moment for me. Mole is serious business, indeed. It is to Mexico as red sauce is to Italy, or curry is to India. Mole is a part of Mexico’s history and can’t be separated. There are as many moles as there are people in Mexico and everyone will declare that their abuela makes the best. “Fact.”

You see, it has been around for centuries – in spite of the urban legend that the Aztecs were doing it. The Aztecs, certainly had chocolate or xocolatl, but is was something special or sacred as sacramental/communion wine is. The cacao seed was deemed as a gift from god (Quetzalcoatl) and wouldn’t be tossed into an everyday meal. Europeans didn’t look at xocolatl as a sacred ingredient. They combined the spices they love with xocolatl and one of the world’s greatest ingredients came out of a marriage of the best of the Old World and the New World.

General manager Martha Gonzalez, her daughter, Assistant Manager Adriana Giraldo, along with President Fernando Giraldo are not only some of the sweetest, friendliest people you’ll meet, but they run a professional, world class service. A perfect combination that translates into a great atmosphere.

Their recipes pay tribute to not just mole, but many of the traditional dishes of Mexico, like Sopa de Tortilla (Tortilla soup), flautas, sopes, and tortas/tortillas to name a few. Since Americans have come to expect certain things from Mexican eateries, Adriana’s does offer other Mexican favorites, and Tex-Mex like chimichangas, burritos, tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, nachos and one of my other favorite dishes on the planet, ceviche – Fish, diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, tossed in a lime marinade, topped with avocado and served with crackers. If you can’t decide, you can always get the Taste of Mexico – 2 Chicken flautas, 1 quesadilla, nachos, and jalapeños. Served with guacamole and sour cream.

Perhaps the most popular dish at Adriana’s is the Adriana’s Steak: a whole steak topped with sautéed tomatoes, onions, jalapeños and two fried eggs. Served with your choice of two sides. The salsa was NOT made in New York City. Chunky, light, fresh and made daily. This is not the glorified spaghetti sauce that many places and store brands try to pass off.

The menu is moderately sized one, broken into lunch and dinner, Mexi-kid’s, vegetarian, appetizers, sides, and desserts. Something for everyone. You can check out the whole menu, descriptions and prices here.

What Adriana’s does is bring the abuela factor to a local restaurant. You know, that grandma that has been cooking for 50 years and making dishes effortlessly and so delicious that even classically trained chefs are mystified and fail in their attempts to replicate? Everything I have eaten there, every time I have eaten there has had the abuela factor in spades. What is my measuring stick? I lived in Southern California for a year and ate Mexican all the time – by Mexicans that cooked for other Mexicans. This is the genuine article!

Adriana, Martha and Fernando chose New Bedford because they consider it their hometown and staying in New Bedford instead of a nearby town was never in question. Martha has a lot of faith in the direction businesses are going in the city and while the city isn’t there yet, she has “faith that one business at a time we can change that God willing.” This faith was born out of working for the New Bedford community in a variety of capacities over a 30 year period.

What else separates Adriana’s Mexican Restaurant from the other restaurants? Why should someone come to Adriana’s as opposed to another Mexican eatery in New Bedford or beyond? As you may have already concluded, it is very family oriented. Martha, Adriana and Fernando are all family, and also talk about their employees with considerable pride. I was introduced to each and every one of them by first name on my visit. They clearly see their employees as extended family. When you have a front end and kitchen that is happy and spreading the love, it spills over into the food and atmosphere translating into a smashing success.

In addition to the fabulous food, there is a full drinks menu that features all the classics like margaritas, martinis, mojitos, beer and wine, but has a few original drinks like Adriana’s mojito (Bacardi Superior Rum with Lime Juice and mint leaves). They serve a number of draft and bottled beers and of course Mexican beers like Tecante, Modelo, Presidento, Sol and more. Over 30 in all. If you are in a group, you will be delighted to find out that they serve beer buckets, and pitchers of beer, sangria, and margaritas. Yes, pitchers of margaritas!

In addition, there is aguardente if you are of the…ahem…clientele that enjoys that kind of thing. If alcohol is not your proverbial cup of tea, there are a handful of non-alcoholic choices like O’Douls, a Mexican Sunset, and Shirley Temples. Of course, there is coffee, espresso and cappuccino as well.

Martha shared a funny story about a day that she made some instant and regular customers. In the first week of opening, some sizzling fajitas coming to a table set off the fire alarm. They raced to get the key to shut it off, but by then the Fire Department had been alerted. Not surprisingly people kept eating – the food is so good that even a fire alarm will not stop you! Anyhow, the Fire Department arrived to a pleasant surprise: a Mexican restaurant that looked gorgeous and welcoming. They were so impressed that they requested a menu. They’ve been eating there ever since.

What Adriana, Martha, and Fernando have here is something special. An authentic family run Mexican restaurant that serves the genuine thing in an atmosphere that feels like home. Once you’ve sampled the mouth-watering fare at Adriana’s you’ll be adding another spot to your list of go-to Mexican restaurant destinations. Head down, tell Martha that hola and that Joe sent you!

Adriana’s Mexican Restaurant
1262 Acushnet Avenue
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Phone: (774) 425-3952

Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Thursday: 12:00pm-10:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 12:00pm-11:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm-10:00pm

Facebook: facebook.com/Adrianasmexicanrestaurant
Website: adrianasmexicanrestaurant.net/
Reviews: facebook.com/Adrianasmexicanrestaurant/reviews?ref=page_internal

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