Since 2020, Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, P.C. has been happily supporting local food spots by spotlighting a new one each month. A local business, specializing in estate planning and elder law, they’re sending us out to fun local gems like Metta Market in New Bedford!
“No way, I can’t believe they have this!” Step into Metta in Downtown New Bedford, and it won’t be long before you hear someone say this about some offbeat snack food; that someone might even be you.
Metta has a magical collection of novel snacks and beverages. Each individually selected by Lita, owner of the market and Spicy Lime which is just next door.
When you walk the isles of Metta, you feel as though you’re walking through a museum with beautifully packaged items throughout. Pick up an item in the store and it’s more than likely there is a story behind the product. Take a closer look and you’ll see that the majority of the snacks in Metta are fair trade, minority-owned, or charitable organizations. This, of course, is by design.
Lita is passionate about artisanal items. Her favorite review was from a recent customer who came in and said, “lots of weird stuff.” She prides herself on offering something different and is always excited to tell you about the selection in her market.
We asked Lita what her favorite snacks are right now, and she heads straight for the Nora Seaweed Snacks and grabs two flavors of Root Foods Chips. As we continue to tour the isles, we begin to accumulate a stack of snacks to-go, including the recommended seaweed snacks (you gotta try them — they’re packed with flavor and have triple the crunch of potato chips!)
Here’s the real secret: at the checkout counter, you’ll see that Metta offers one daily lunch special, prepared next door at Spicy Lime. She always sells out her lunches! But if you call ahead, Lita will put something aside for you. Each day is something different. It’s like a game: will it be our favorite shrimp thai curry….or the crispy teriyaki…or the pad thai?!
One constant each day is the freshly made spring rolls. If you’re lucky enough to snag yours before they’re all gone, you’re very lucky. They are so light and crisp. Pair it with her peanut dipping sauce (with actual peanuts swimming in it) and it becomes a decadent treat.
Bottom line: Lita has surprises in store for you at Metta Market. We think you should go experience them!
Metta Market, 212 Union Street downtown New Bedford.
Photography by Liam Connor Photography.
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Last post in the series: Bun Buds in Fall River. Come for the fun vibes and keep coming back for the seriously good food! Dumplings, hot dogs, and bao buns… They have it all! Learn more.
We are anxious to try it, it sounds very exciting! My daughter likes different blends of culinary delights, and it sounds as though this little gem offers a lot! See you there