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@Food of New Bedford

Burger by dnb, photo by Kev Patrick Nunes. Bring your own appetite.

Burger by dnb, photo by Kev Patrick Nunes. Bring your own appetite.

There are times when I’d just like to knock Kev Patrick Nunes on his ass.

Like when it’s midnight and a picture of a pepperoni pizza from Ma Raffa’s pops up in my Instagram feed. Or when I’m stuck in a meeting and “BOOM!” – there’s a spicy meat pie from Celia’s…so close yet so far away.

For those readers who may also be followers, you know by now I’m referring to Kev’s @foodofnewbedford Instagram account. Just launched within the month, the well-traveled (and well-fed) Nunes has been hitting eateries around town and posting some great food photography for everyone to savor.

As of this writing, @foodofnewbedford already has 163 followers signing up for its mission. That would be to spotlight food made locally in and around New Bedford, Massachusetts.

It’s not just food porn – the mission statement explains that it’s an effort to drive customers to these fantastic establishments and valued small businesses. And, to help people eat more delicious food.

So, when I’m staring at a hot bowl of munchupa from Angelo’s Orchid Diner on a freezing winter evening – well past closing time for the restaurant – I quickly forgive Kev and salute his sense of duty. “I’m inspired and focused to expose New Bedford’s unique cuisine to our residents and outside consumers,” he wrote to me. And adds, “We’re just getting started,” teasing some future plans.

Grassroots Love

In a connected, Wi-Fi, social media world, it’s folks like him who take the initiative to share and disseminate information who are helping to propel our community forward. It’s easy to rage against globalization or wallow in a mythical past – but better to feel the burn of the here and now in New Bedford.

Our locally owned eateries mean something big to our city. They help define us – as well as feed us and employ us and all other sorts of good things. Going grassroots with the love like @foodofnewbedford does fulfills the promise of this social media age.

Kev Patrick Nunes and so many others are guided by better angels and use the tools of tomorrow to build the future – not Twitter it down. And anything that furthers a foodie and dining culture here is definitely helping to move the ball forward. Follow @foodofnewbedford here and get inspired.

And hungry. Sure, you may want to strangle Nunes during a blizzard this winter when a plate of corned beef hash over home fries from The Boat pings onto your smartphone. But trust me, that urge will pass as soon as your butt claims a booth seat after the streets are plowed.

Linguica Rolls and Ham & Cheese Croissants from The Baker; photo by Kev Patrick Nunes.

Linguica Rolls and Ham & Cheese Croissants from The Baker; photo by Kev Patrick Nunes.

Steven Froias