Experience North End's hidden gems with debut of New Bedford food tour. Here's what to expect.

NEW BEDFORD — New Bedford Food Tours is thrilled to announce the launch of their new North End Food Tour in New Bedford. The tour will take visitors to some of the best-hidden gems in the North End of the city, showcasing the diverse and delicious cuisine.

"I have to say that I am just so very excited about this new tour," said co-owner Pamela Shwartz.

"When we first came up with the idea of the food tours, everyone we talked to, including locals, would mention the North End and all of its amazing hidden gems," she said.

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Shwartz said she has always known that the North End has some of the best food in the city, but people were more interested in exploring the downtown scene first.

Working with TDI to connect with North End restaurants

"We weren't sure how to start a food tour there. The main reason being the language barrier, which can be intimidating for many people," she said.

To overcome this hurdle, Shwartz said she worked with Rosa Mendes, the TDI fellow for Mass Development.

According to Shwartz, the TDI (Transformative Development Initiative) program is working towards revitalizing the city's North End as a cultural and food hub. Mendes has been instrumental in helping them plan the tour and communicate with the restaurant owners in the North End.

"She believes it aligns perfectly with the TDI program's mission of promoting the North End as a food hub. So, we're really excited to be a part of this amazing campaign and showcase the diverse food options in the North End," Shwartz added.

What to expect on the North End food tour

Starting June 22, the North End Food Tour will feature a variety of cuisines, including Mexican, Guatemalan, Honduran, Portuguese and Cape Verdean.

"We will be starting at La Raza, a Mexican restaurant, and then heading to Casa Lempira, a Honduran restaurant, where visitors will get to try out an assortment of fresh juices, including cashew juice," said Shwartz.

Next, the food tour will make its way on foot to Europa Cafe, which serves authentic Portuguese food. Then, it will visit Morna Lounge and Grill, a Cape Verdean restaurant, before heading back to the Central American hotspot, Restaurante y Tortilleria Guatemalteco, for some fresh tortillas.

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Aside from the delicious food, the tour will also include stops at key landmarks, including the beautiful church in the North End. They will also showcase the changes taking place in the North End, such as the renovations at the Capitol Theater, which is run by the Community Development Corporation.

"And finally, we will end on a sweet note at La Fruta Loca, where visitors can indulge in their delicious mangonada, a popular Mexican dessert," she added.

Hoping to introduce people to the love in the North End

Shwartz said she wants visitors to leave the tour with a newfound appreciation for the North End and its vibrant, diverse community.

"The North End has always been a welcoming place for immigrants, and this tour truly reflects the cultural melting pot that it is," she said.

"We want people to come with an open mind and an empty stomach, and leave with a full heart and a satisfied palate."

Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports.Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.

This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: New Bedford Food Tours launching North End experience starting June 22