Popular Portuguese blog turning into new Somerset restaurant

A popular blog will soon be turning into what hopes to be a popular Somerset Portuguese Restaurant.

Piri Piri Kitchen is opening at the former Fork and Spoon location at 970 County Street.

While Piri Piri is new, part owner Sandy Batista is no stranger to the restaurant industry.

Batista gained her chops owning a restaurant in Rhode Island before beginning what soon became a popular blog called interestingly enough, Piri Piri. All while working full time at another restaurant.

Piri Piri derives from a tiny spicy pepper, according to Batista.

“In my family it meant bring the Tabasco or the Hots! Siracha, Tabasco, Malageta, Pimenta.”

While Batista was receiving positive feedback on her blog full of Portuguese recipes during COVID-19, along with a good following from her previous place in Rhode Island, she found a space she liked to begin her new restaurant journey.

Batista and partner Paul Andrade will be opening the doors to Piri Piri on Thursday September 10th.

PPK will be serving Portuguese staples such as shrimp or chicken Mozambique, bife a casa, pork with clams, and frango, in addition to chourico, bifana, prego, and alentejana sandwiches.

For now, Piri Piri will be curbside pickup, in-store pickup, or Door Dash delivery. Next week, the eatery plans to have a few tables set up to eat in where you may even be lucky enough to hear a tune courtesy of Sandy herself as she is not just a cook, but can also sing.

According to Batista, in addition to the regular restaurant menu, PPK will have a cod fish of the day, Portuguese staples for purchase in-store, fresh bread daily, and party platters. You may even find some malassada on Sunday.

“I am a mom with three kids myself, I know how time can be limited.”

If spicy is your thing, you can also request more spice on a particular dish.

PPK hours will be Monday and Wednesday 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM, Thursday 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM, Saturday 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM, and Sunday 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. They will be closed on Tuesdays. Batista stated that while those are the hours of operation, if there is a line out the door at closing time, they won’t be turning customers away.

There is limited parking in the front of the building with a handicapped ramp. There is plenty of parking in the back. You can call PPK with any questions at (508) 617-9168.