Get a taste of Central and Latin flavors at Patio de Comidas: New Bedford Eats

It’s getting hot outside, which means it’s too hot to turn on the oven.  Thankfully, the area is full of mouthwatering culinary delights just waiting for you to try.

Not sure where to head to grab something to eat? There is an overwhelming number of places to choose from on the SouthCoast.

New Bedford Eats helps you narrow down the list of places to try by bringing you new menu items, food events, and specials popping up all over the area.

Whether you want to taste food from Latin America or want an easy dinner for the family, here are some great options to try this week:

Journey through Central and Latin America

Saturdays in the summer are for Patio de Comidas at Riverside Park in the North End of New Bedford. The community outdoor patio series is filled with mouthwatering Central and Latin American dishes, entertainment, and children’s activities. Join in on the fun from noon to 6 p.m. every Saturday (except July 6 and Aug. 3) through Aug. 24. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled to Sunday in the CEDC parking lot at 235 North Front St.

Date night at the tavern

Make your midweek special with a date night at Bittersweet Farm. Every Wednesday they have a 3-course prix fixe Date Night menu for $48 per couple. Start with fried calamari, bam bam shrimp, a stuffie and chowder combo, or a stuffed portobello to share; pick two entrees from baked New Bedford scrod, grilled salmon quinoa, Frenchy’s zuupa, chicken (parmesan, marsala, or piccata) or farmhouse tips; end your meal with either a brownie deluxe sundae or a bittersweet kiss. For a delicious date night head to 438 Main Road, Westport.

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Minion Madness

The Ice Cream Cottage is so excited about Despicable Me 4 coming to theaters that they are dishing up a Minion Madness Menu. You can get a Mini Minion Sundae with any ice cream topped with whipped cream and their minion candy topping ($5); a Minion Parfait with soft-served ice cream layered with banana pieces and topped with minion candy topping ($6.50); or the Minion Frappe with a blue raspberry frappe topped with whipped cream and yellow sprinkles. Get your minion treat today at 12 Ferry St., Fairhaven.

$10 lunch specials

For a tasty and filling lunch that won’t break the bank, head over to Riccardi's Italian Restaurant, 901 Hathaway Road, New Bedford. Available dine-in until 5 p.m. these meals are sure to hit the spot, choose from a meatball sub, baked lasagna, baked ziti casserole, chicken broccoli ziti, eggplant parmesan, fettuccini alfredo, and spaghetti or ravioli with meat sauce.

Wednesday are for pizza

Too hot to cook? Have no fear. On Wednesdays Ma Raffa's New Bedford has a summer take-out special. You get one large pepperoni pizza, one large cheese pizza and an order of mozzarella sticks for $24.99. Don’t miss out on this deal at 85 Rockdale Ave., New Bedford.

New Bedford Eats: New menu items popping up on the SouthCoast

Summer vibes on a plate

For a nice light and tasty dinner head over to Fireside Classic American Grille, 30 Bedford St., Middleboro. New to their menu is the Shrimp Noodle Bowl which is loaded with five sautéed shrimp, rice noodles, snap peas, and bell peppers tossed in sesame oil and a sweet soy glaze topped with scallions and sesame seeds for $28.95.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Date night, summer pizza, and lunch specials: NB Eats