OOliver's Profile
PVD/RI * March '12 * Open/Closed/Coming Soon
The Nathaniel Porter Inn is reopened, by a husband and wife who did mostly catering (he cooks she bakes). This is their first venture into a restaurant, and unfortunately I forgot the new name (it will always be Nathaniel Porter Inn to me, LOL!). Apparently, they did a bit of renovations, and the restaurant had a very nice write up in the Journal a few weeks ago, though I'm waiting for a review before I do go.
How is Wright's Chicken Farm?
This has got to be one of the funniest reviews I ever read! How did the Wedding turn out with the lunatic families? Is the couple still married? How did you become part of the wedding party? LOL!
L'Elizabeth's in Providence
The reviews for this place on the internet (trip adviser, yelp, yahoo, google) are mind boggling and entertaining. You wonder how in the world this place stays open. It must be a write off for some trust-fund baby.
PVD/RI * February '12 * Open/Closed/Coming Soon
Longtime neighborhood favorite "Mainelli's Restaurant" in Providence is gone; they apparently closed for good a few weeks ago. This restaurant was on the verge of closing in 2010, but then featured a year ago on 'Restaurant Impossible' on the Food Network to turn things around. Shortly after the ep ran a car drove through the side of the building. The most recent posting on their FB page says they may reopen at a new location in the future, in the meantime it instructs people to get refunds for gift certificates at restaurant.com. There was a 'property auction' notice in the ProJo recently for the restaurant.
"Meatball Mike's" on Cranston St. in Cranston was also shuttered, and their assets were auctioned off just a couple of weeks ago.
"Gauchos do Brazil" on Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick is also closed, and the assets up for auction as well.
"Angkor Express" on Smith St. closed right after they opened, it seems. I believe they opened in early January, and then closed about two weeks later. It looks like they cleared most of their stuff out the past week.
"Europe Cafe" (or 'Cafe Europe'?) on Douglas Pike is also gone for good (re-opened and closed a number of times the past few months) and notices in the ProJo say it's up for auction as well.
Tough times for restaurants, these days.
On a brighter note, 'The Nat Porter Inn' is taking shape, and signs outside the historic building in Warren says they will be reopening soon. This comes shortly after the reopening of 'The Wharf Tavern' down the street from them.
Roberto's or Persimmon for dinner in Bristol?
It's usually best not to try a place during 'Restaurant Week' (which is happening a little too often now). I (and others) have found in the past that they do indeed give you 'samplings' of their dinners and try to pass it off as the real deal for a 'special price' - which it is not. Avoid at all costs.
Providence - decent place for a group near the Convention Center
I have never been to Fire&Ice, but have always been intrigued to go. However, every time I mention it to any friends of mine the response is always the same - "It's Horrible!" Then i read how horrible it is here on the forum as well, so I'm glad I never went. So how does this place stay open, when I have yet to hear a good thing about it in the past ten years?
Casual/swanky dining in/near Providence
Fat Belly's in Providence offers what you're looking for as well. I had a great brurger there a few weeks ago, not expensive at all.
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Fat Bellys
254 Old Forge Rd, Warwick, RI 02886
It's St. Joseph's Day - who has the best Zeppole?
I've never heard of the place, but I will have to make a trip out there and grab some. I bought some more from DeLuise (not DeFusco!!!) this morning - and they are as delicious as ever.
Rye Bread in RI
LaSalle Bakery in Providence makes a very good rye bread, and they usually sell out quickly.
Easter buffet near Bristol RI
I believe Audrey's in Seekonk (owned by J&W) does a brunch/buiffet for Easter Sunday. Also, 1149 in Seekonk does Easter brunch/buffet as well - theirs is very good. Both are casual.
It's St. Joseph's Day - who has the best Zeppole?
Today is St. Joseph's Day and for us Italians (and those who want to be Italian today!) that means we celebrate with the delicious Zeppole! Who do you think has the best?
My family has been going to DeLuise Bakery (corner of Chalkstone and Mt. Pleasant Ave) forever, and I have to say nothing compares to their zeppole. They offer fried and baked, and I can't decide which one I like better - so I always have one of each!
Lately, LaSalle Bakery has gotten much attention for their zeppole since they do multiple flavors of the cream - to me it's not authentic. I never liked any of the ones from Lasalle, and quite frankly fined them over-priced (like the rest of their products). However, I'm sure LaSalle has their fans.
So grab a zeppole or two or three, and post which ones you like the best. And Happy St. Joseph's day to all!
Mainelli's, Providence RI
I've been back to Mainelli's a number of times since their 'renovation'. The food is delicious - really home-made Italian, not 'pretentious' (like some other restaurants offer). The prices are more than reasonable. Yes, a car ran into the building a few weeks ago (lesson learned: never use your cell phone when leaving a gas station?) and there was damage to the rear of the building, but they are still open for business.
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Mainelli's Restaurant
1366 Chalkstone Ave, Providence, RI 02909
Providence - help us branch out
I had my favorite - lobster mac-n-cheese (I raved about this before), while my friend got the steak special which she said was one of the best steaks she has had in a long time (she's a gourmet cook herself, and is hesitant about getting steaks in restaurants).
Providence - help us branch out
I know Chez Pascal gets all the attention on Hope Street, but I'm a bigger fan of the Rue at the other end of Hope Street. I met an out-of-town friend there this past Saturday night (good thing I made a reservation - it was Brown parents weekend, and the line was out the door) and the food was incredible. When we sat down in the packed dining room, we were afraid we would get 'lost in the shuffle', but we didn't - service was wonderful and the food came out in a timely manner. This is a great place to have dinner with a friend, or something romantic. The prices are very reasonable - they know what they are doing here.
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Chez Pascal Restaurant
960 Hope St, Providence, RI 02906
Everyman Bistro (Providence) - Closed for good
Another sad sign of the times - The Everyman Bistro on Valley St in Providence has closed it's doors for good. It opened in July, 2008.
I went there a number of times in the past two years, and the it was always hit-or-miss with food and service. They did a great bleu-cheese-stuffed hamburger, and great clamcakes, but they were very pricey for the portions they served. Service was either over-the-top, or non-existant. (Reviews on other sites suggest the same). I know other people who went there and loved it.
I think they went through an identity problem as well, in the past year - were they a bistro (as they started out)? a cafe (as they called themselves at lunch time)? a bar? They tried to be everything to 'everyman', but didn't seem to quite catch on. Still, it's sad to see another restaurant shutter after they took a gamble in a struggling economy (which only grew worse).
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Everyman Bistro
311 Iron Horse Way, Providence, RI
Meal with my Son in\near Warwick RI
LOL! I love the food at Cafe Itri, and the service is always great. However, I have learned to avoid it on Friday/Saturday eves because it's too crowded and way too loud if you plan on having any kind of dinner conversation with your companions. (If you don't want to talk to anyone at the table, then the crowded loud atmosphere is fine.) During the week it's less full and much quieter.
Newly ENGAGED!! Please recommend best, well-priced caterer in Rhode Island ....
I've been to a few events (one was a wedding last October at Belcourt Castle in Newport) which were catered by Pranzi Catering in Providence (near RIC). Each time, the food was incredible. One of the hosts of one of the events I went to (this summer) told me the owner is great to work with, and very reasonable. I think they are worth a phone call.
What if you gave a (So. N.E.) Restaurant Week and nobody came?
Providence had their "restaurant week" the end of July (though many restaurants are still advertising "Held over! Restaurant week!" which really kills the specialty of it). However, I didn't hear any family members or friends or customers (who always went) say they went this year! Pretty amazing, huh? I have a feeling - for a number of reasons - it was a flop this year for most places....maybe that's why they are still pushing it more than a month later?
40th Birthday Party-Providence
I think the Waterman Grill (East Side of Providence, near Henderson Bridge) could probably accomodate you. Not too long ago, I inquired about having an event there (the event ended up being cancelled) for about fifty people, doing drinks and apps and they were very helpful. I believe they said they have three different rooms which can be used for the occasion. You may want to give them a call.
I had the BEST "Lobster Mac-n-cheese" in RI at the 'Rue'
monkeyrotica - I've had the same experience in the past. That's why I had to write about the Rue's dinner - it really couldn't have been more perfect. The cheese was just right - not overpowering, not too "liquidy". It did what it was intended to do - compliment the lobster and pasta. De-lish-us!
I agree with JaneRI - I have had plenty of delicious dinners in restaurants which are no longer available to me (either the place closed, was something I happened upon in my travels, or the menu changed). It simply doesn't make sense to avoid other versions of the dinner - where does that leave you, but hungry?
Bristol RI-- Ricc's North End Trattoria
Yep- that lasted exactly one year, I believe. That's too bad but I did hear from a number of people that it was over-priced. Especially for that location.
Any good restaurants I can go to near The Westin Providence Hotel in Rhode Island.
Carrie's Restaurant on Douglas Ave is a very short cab drive from where you are and the seafood dinners are great (with very generous portions). I'm positive they do fried clams as one of their dinners (they do offer the 'fried dinner platter - if it's just fried clams you want, ask the waiter and that's what you'll get). It's a very casual restaurant, and prices are in line with other seafood restaurants. If it's a Friday or Saturday evening, you may want to call ahead for reservations.
I had the BEST "Lobster Mac-n-cheese" in RI at the 'Rue'
Forget the best lobster rolls in RI - lobster mac-n-cheese is what it's all about!
For the past few years, I have been ordering the 'lobster mac-n-cheese' at various restaurants since this has become "the new trendy" meal - comfort food with a twist - appearing on every menu from Northern Rhode Island to Newport. I have to say last night I found the BEST 'Lobster M-n-C' at the Rue De l'espoir in Providence.
My friend and I met there last night for dinner. I haven't been since last winter (it always strikes me as a winter/cozy place), but it's just as charming in the summer as it is in winter ...and on Sunday evening, not too crowded - but just enough people in the dining room which made a pleasant atmosphere.
I decided on the Lobster m-n-c because this has become a summer favorite. It was outstanding - by far the best I've ever had. A very generous portion of rigatoni pasta, and chunks of lobster, shrimp and scallops. All this baked into a very mild cheese sauce - many times the cheese is too sharp and overpowering to enjoy the lobster at other restaurants, and the portions of lobster and scallops are not that generous.
The dinner was part of the 'prix fixe' menu - for $28 you get the entree, choice of soup or salad (and it was a delicious salad!), and dessert (I settled for the fruit tart which was just a little disappointing - should have been served cold not 'room temp').
My friend had the rack of lamb special ($27), which she said was out of this world (it looked very good).The dinners came with hot crusty bread as well,
Service, as always, was perfect there (though my only, only, only complaint - I wish they'd hire a few cute waiters instead of all pretty waitresses!) . A very pleasant summer dinner experience which I recommend highly .
Dinner in Providence this weekend?
Another cab ride away (and worth it) is Waterman Grille at the end of Pitman Street; about a mile from the downtown area. The food is always great, the service is always outstanding, the views are beautiful for a summer night (overlooking the Seekonk River) and can be as romantic as you want it to be. It's owned by the same group who owns Hemenways and Inn at Castle Hill.
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Waterman Grille
4 Richmond Square, Providence, RI 02906
Hemenway's
121 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903
Papa Ginos
Speaking of local pizza chains, is anyone else repulsed by just the thought of macaroni and cheese as a pizza topping? Every time I see that commercial (for Domino's I think) I want to throw up. Has anyone here dared to get it ???(Please be honest and don't worry, we won't canecle your membership to this forum, LOL! We'll still consider you an exceptional "foodie" : ) )
Bottarga in Rhode Island
Try "Pauly Penta's" on Mineral Spring Ave in North Prov, or even "Shore's Market" on the same street. I have a feeling one of them will have it.
d.carlo trattoria smithfield ri- still awesome
Oh wow - this place sounds pretty tempting. I guess I'll see you all there on a Monday evening! Save a $9 filet for me! (Goodbye, d.carlo - hello Vintage!)
Effendi's (Cranston, RI) - what's the problem with seating?
Saturday evening, my long lost friend and I decided to meet at Effendi's in Cranston for a relaxing dinner and conversation (she's the one I haven't seen in 15 years, as I mentioned on another thread). Anyhow, we decided to meet at 5:30, knowing the dinner crowd wouldn't be there for at least another hour. We both noticed on the sign at the front door there would be live music that evening.
We told the hostess (who had to be in her mid-20s) that we wanted to be seated as far away from the live music as possible, since we wanted to hear ourselves talk. She agreed, looked around the restaurant and said "I know - follow me!" which was away from the front door and towards the back (kichen area, which was fine).
We got seated, ordered our drinks, apps and meals as the restaurant started filling up (as we expected). Between the apps and our meals, I notice instruments being set up right behind my dining partner (she had her back to the kitchen area, she was facing the front door). They were so close, i could throw a piece of bread at the drums and hit it easily. As we got served our dinners, the music starts up - with no other table to move to since the restaurant is filled. There was the end of our conversation.
The waitress then came over and asked if we wanted desert, which we told her we did but we refused to stay. We then told her about our evening - how we specifically asked NOT to be seated near the music - and that's exactly where the hostess sat us. She half-heartedly apologized. I won't be going back there anytime soon (the food was OK, not as good as it was when I went a month earlier on a Sunday evening - even though I ordered the same dinner.)
I stopped going to Baccarro for this reason as well.
I would ask for a certain waiter's table (who is a friend of mine - last time I even made a reservation ahead of time requesting his table! ) the hostess would look at her chart and seat us. I would ask the hostess once more - are you sure this is Andy''s (not his real name) table? "Yes it is' she would answer, drop us our menus , walk away - and sure enough someone else would come to introduce themselves as our server. When I would ask to be moved to Andy's section (and remind them I made a reservation to be seated at his section), they told me nothing was available. My friend and I got up and left the restaurant (Andy told me to do this once before when I told him my plight).
If you're going to a nice restaurant, and you specifically ask NOT to be seated somewhere, or ask /make a reservation for a particular waiter's table...how can there be such a disconnect with the host or hostess? How can they not know what you are asking for? Is it really that much of a big deal to be seated where you choose, since this is part of the dining experience? I don't think it's an unreasonable request (unless the restaurant is packed, and dyou didn't reserve something ahead of time).
Papa Ginos
Bob - Silver Spring Street is where LUMS was located, on the corner of Ledge Street (which runs between Charles St and SS St) near Chelo's. That LUMS closed in the early 1980s, and it's been an auto body shop ever since.
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Chelo's Restaurant
45 Newport Ave Ste D, Rumford, RI 02916
Lobster Shack btw Newport and Providence?
STELLA BLUE on Water St. in Warren RI has the best lobster roll, hands down. It's not a shack, but a very casual restaurant by the bay . It does have outside casual seating, and if you want to go closer to the water, I'm sure they'll pack your sandwiches for you.
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Water St Cafe
8 Water St, Ansonia, CT 06401
