I posted this commentary on my Facebook page just now. It might be helpful to our blog readers to know what a great experience we had at the new and much anticipated Bishop’s Legacy restaurant in Downtown Lowell. There is truly a Bishop’s legacy in the Merrimack Valley and many want to have a re-do on the Bishop’s experience. Bishop’s Legacy is a great addition to the Downtown Lowell scene.

We had supper at Bishop’s Legacy after the 4 o’clock Mass today. Figuring that the Shrine probably had a 5 o’clock Mass, I opted to park on Merrimack Street in the open HP spot just before John Street…. an easy walk to BL. There was a pleasant buzz in the restaurant – half full at about quarter to 5 o’clock. We were seated at a table for 4 next to my Lowell State classmate Dottie Flanagan and her husband Bill. There were a few familar faces – but no one else I could call by name. The much smaller bar was full. No table cloths in the old Bishop’s style but nice, big white cloth napkins were wrapped around a knife & fork. The printed menu and drinks menu were presented by a young, attentive waitress. We ordered beverages and discussed the menu… I wanted lamb of some kind and finally opted for a double skewer, medium rare with French fries and a side-salad. Bill had his favorite “old” Bishop’s choice of haddock meuniere with french fries and a starter of (two) baked stuffed clams. Looking around we could see many pictures from the old days – including one near us with Drs. Freddie Arrigg – Senior and Junior and one with Abe Bashara with Anthony Athanas of Pier 4 – a nice decorating touch. Both of us were very pleased with our meals… the French fries were just as served years ago in Lawrence… the lamb was tender and sweet. I brought some lamb home. Dessert was available – made special for BL. Bill had carrot cake and I had a Boston Cream “Bomb”… tasty but when asked I advised that more cream filling was needed. The host/owner Chuck Saba – a Bashara grandson – spoke with us about the photos telling us that people had sent or given him many of them. I told him that I had one of Congressman Jim Shannon and his staff who gathered at Bishop’s many time for dinner and for fundraisers – he knew Jim as a good guy and would be happy if I e-mailed it to him and I will. Bill told him of the many Merrimack Valley and Greater-Lawrence Dental Society meeting he attended over the years at Bishop’s. He asked if Bill liked lima beans – Bill loves lima beans. He brought him a sampling of his large lima beans and rice in their special sauce… a big hit with Bill. He said the menu is a work in progress and he’ll be trying some specials – lamb chops I hoped! A beef special of the night before sold out quickly.

He’s a charming host who seemed very happy with his fully-seated restaurant with some parties waiting by the time we left at 6:30pm. There were two women from Waltham who had been regulars at the old Bishop’s who got a full court press from the Flanagans about coming back for the Lowell Folk Festival. There were many faces of DTL denizens as well as Greater Merrimack Valley folks – many were Lebanese ready to support Bishop’s Legacy. Good food, good prices, a welcoming feeling if a bit loud – but LaBoniche could be loud too! We will go back!

A Note ~ table service is now available after 4pm. For lunch you need to order at the counter.

Here’s the link to the website ~ http://bishopslegacyrestaurant.com/