A terrific lunch at Antonio's in New Bedford, MA
After wandering around the Allen Haskell Nursery, we gals were hungry for a good lunch. New Bedford has a large Portuguese community, as the Portuguese settled there many years ago to find their livelihood in the busy whaling and fishing industry. My hunger led us to the door of Antonio's, a popular Portuguese restaurant located on Coggeshall Street. I had heard good things about the place and it did not disappoint. The seafood that we tasted was impeccably fresh and very tasty.
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Well, let's see, 20 MINUTES from me is that wonderful New Bedford Whaling Museum! I have many tales to tell from the fine Alice Knowles Ship logged there. At home I still have a large whale's tooth and another made into a small harpoon. There is a pie crimper my ancestor Alphonso Spencer made out of ivory inlaid with designs of ebony. The whalers passed time on ship, creating such items with intaglio designs out of this whale ware to bring home to their lady pie makers!
There is also a delicate, hand painted jewelry box with layers of drawers he carried home from China. Also, in my charity shop, for sale, is a beauty of a camphor chest with brass corner brackets. This Chinese piece was used to keep the whaler's clothes fresh and bug free. To this day it still keeps my Weimaraners' toys a pleasure to present to the faces of visitors.
An exact mate to this chest, same crack in the top corner, is on display at the House of Seven Gables in Salem.
Tortoiseshell hair combs... grass wrapped mirrors at hand.... ships logs and sea beans conjured up from the sand, each steaming with stories dancing down in the deep...
....of men, our good fathers, now settled to sleep.
Alice P. Knowles
and the Ghosts of Good Men
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Posted by: Andrea Spencer | July 22nd, 2009 at 8:08 am
Hi Martha!
Just finished a nice comment to you about Antonio's Portuguese Restaurant and another glitch hit the computer erasing my comment before I could post it!
I had mentioned the waitress, Maria, and how nice that you mentioned her...they never get enough credit! I wondered where Rock and Ray were? guarding the vehicles, I suspect.
The owners, Ida and Tony, must have been thrilled to have you dine with them! And at the looks of the stains left behind on the place mat, it was all a great splash!
Not a clam lover, Martha, but your photos even tempted the likes of me...a bit squeamish on the half-shell!
And last but not least, the harbor master...there should be a woman at every port!
Thanks for the nice lunch!
Posted by: tinay | July 22nd, 2009 at 9:37 am
I love this--Martha is eating in a classic "diner-type" restaurant--the classic plastic soda cup, the paper placemat, the plates, the salt and pepper shakers--the whole 9 yards....
I love it...so good to see!
Posted by: Debbie Hudson | July 22nd, 2009 at 10:50 am
It was one gorgeous day when you visited Haskell's Nursery and Antonio's. It's as you said in yesterday's blog, it just doesn't get any better than that bright and sunny blue-skied day!
My choice, too, would've been the clams in the butter, versus a tomato base - that's just my usual preference. In addition, that lobster mounted on the wall is one BIG lobster! It's size would have satisfied many-a-hungry appetite!
I'm glad you're able to enjoy some down-time and have fun, although I know that your mind is always workingworkingworking... I know, too, that your offsite meeting today will be productive, with lots of good ideas emanating.
=^..^=
"Once we become interested in the progress of the plants in our care, their development becomes a part of the rhythm of our own lives and we are refreshed by it."--Thalassa Cruso
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | July 22nd, 2009 at 11:42 am
I live in Boston and have made the drive down to Antonio's several times. I love that place. Very homestyle, relaxed, and great food.
Posted by: Rhea | July 22nd, 2009 at 11:48 am
Well--------you "gals", looks like a better time could not have been had, especially when you could find a shade tree or two to park the vehicles under, that is a treat in itself on hot days. Glad everyone had an enjoyable time and thanks for sharing the fun.
Posted by: Margie | July 22nd, 2009 at 1:16 pm
hi Martha, so happy to read your report. The owners of Antinio's are relatives of my older brothers step daughter. I grew up in New Bedford. My mom still eats there. The day after your visit, At 7:30am central time my mom called me to tell me all about it and the photo in the paper. The Friday night before you had dinner at a friends house ...one of my very good friends is their private chef. Sounding quacky I know but in this big wide world you seemed so close! For the record, I am a huge fan...have a great evening Martha!
Posted by: Melanie Sirois | July 22nd, 2009 at 4:12 pm
The first clam dish looked luscious and wonderful. Thanks for sharing the photos and info about your great lunch.
Posted by: Sue Fawcett | July 22nd, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Martha out with the girls, Getting something to eat! Checking out some local establishments, sharing your review Classic! Thanks for it as well.
Posted by: kristin svens | July 22nd, 2009 at 7:03 pm
This restaurant looks wonderful. I must go there on my next business trip up north. Thanks
Posted by: thomas mercurio | July 22nd, 2009 at 7:53 pm
As the evening chills,the day expires.
The air is breathable,the sun retires.
When calmness overcomes the din.
I think of you.
Stars shine complementing the moon's glow.
A mystery that we don't speak,you can't know.
How heavenely you are me.
I think of you.
Another day is done,time slips into the night.
All errands run,many fought the good fight.
Stillness creeps into my soul.
I think of you.
It's lonely in the darkness,perhaps even madness.
Memories can't build,this only leads to sadness.
Then someone steals your heart.
I think of you.
Good things come to those who wait,such a crock.
All in good time,the sparrow overcomes the hawk.
Think not,some things can never be.
Still, I think of you.
Posted by: celia stock | July 22nd, 2009 at 9:14 pm
hii..martha. i'm mazni from Malaysia. i love your show.. i just wanna say hi to u.. Sorry,i can't say to much because my english little bad.. love u martha
Posted by: Mazni | July 23rd, 2009 at 4:27 am
Martha, Today you asked for our favorite hot dog places. Jumbo Dog in Newtown Connecticut is WONDERFUL!! every kind of dog you can imagine. It's on route 25.. A hometown dog place. ENJOY!
Posted by: mona Steele | July 23rd, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Absolutely the last place I would expect to find you! Well done!
Posted by: The Blushing Hostess | July 23rd, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Hi Martha, Thanks for taking us to another great restaurant-Antonios. It looks like all of you were having a great time. The food looks scrumptious and I would probably try it all. Is Hannah taking the pictures? I missed seeing her in the restaurant. Thanks so much for sharing. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | July 23rd, 2009 at 11:47 pm
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Celia,
Best yet, .... stamped and said.
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Posted by: Andrea and the Weimaraners | July 24th, 2009 at 7:19 pm