Do you have specific recommendations for lunch?

Estragon.

My friend (coming from Connecticut) and I (coming from Boston) will be spending a few days in Providence (Monday, April 29 through Wednesday, May 1). We are looking for lunch/late breakfast and dinner recommendations for Monday and Tuesday. A year or so ago we spent a few weekends in Providence. We have had brunch at Julian's and Nick's, lunch at Harry's Bar and Burger, and dinner at Chez Pascal, Cook and Brown, Gracie's, the Providence Oyster Bar and Al Forno. We were not impressed with Al Forno (though it certainly wasn't bad). We were quite happy with the rest.

For dinner, we're considering Mill's Tavern, Farmstead/La Laiterie (not clear if these are separate restaurants), and the Dorrance. We'll be staying at the Biltmore and like to walk, but we will have a car. We like all kinds of food (and wine), and would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

How about Salts? I've done the tasting menu there. Lovely. There is no place in Boston like it.

How about La Voile?

Thanks, everyone. We had dinner at Rye and Thyme; I couldn't have asked for a better spot. They had their $1 oysters -- and my son loves oysters. Terrific steak frites. Small but nice wine selection. It was perfect for what I had in mind.

Does Dinosaur serve lunch? I don't see their hours on the website.

Yes. Lunch also.

Riviera Bakery. Pastel de nata and espresso.

(I won't be able to sleep knowing there are typos in my post -- and apparently I am too late to edit the original post.)

Hi, folks.

My son is a freshman at Fitchburg State, and Parents Weekend is next week. We would like to take our son out for dinner on Saturday. Recommendations?

My friend and I will be attending the Dodge Poetry Festival in Newark, October 11 through 14, and we are looking for dining recommendations. We were at the Festival two years ago; and I asked for your help then. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/737711 We appreciated your great reccs. Posters to that thread -- please accept my apology for not following up with a report on our trip. The highlights, in brief:

Seabra's Marisquiera. Good food and great service and atmosphere. We sat at the bar (twice). The first night we were there for seafood and vinho verde -- and were there again the next afternoon for their delicious leitao.

Krug's Tavern. For burgers and beer. The bartender/chef was a marvel.

Riviera Baker. Pastel de nata and expresso.

Will you help us again? Has anything changed? Anything new to try? -- or perhaps you'd like to reiterate your preferences. Our hotel is in Elizabeth, and we will be taking a shuttle to NJPAC in Newark. (There is also a shuttle from NJPAC to the Ironbound district.) The Festival is packed with readings and panels, so we will be looking for Newark spots. Though, as we will arrive a day early, and will have a car, we might also have one dinner in Elizabeth or vicinity.

I'm looking forward to your suggestions. And I promise to have a full report this year.

I've been to Fluke a couple of times and recommend it highly. Good food, interesting wine list, welcoming atomosphere -- and a great view.

The Blue Room. Great place to go before (or after) the movies.

A friend and I are spending Wednesday and Thursday in Portland, returning home Thursday evening. We're looking forward to Wednesday dinner at Bresca. Any suggestions for our Thursday lunch? I'd like a place where we could relax for a while (particularly if it is raining), good food, nice atmosphere (and a view would be a plus). I'm considering Sonny's -- but would welcome any recommendations. Thank you.

Crispy fried Maine clams -- the best fried clams I've ever eaten.

Thank you. I did make a reservation for 9:00 tomorrow. I'll report back!

If a friend and I stopped by Casa B on Friday, 9ish, what might the seating situation be?

I have to add:
Braised pork and veal meatballs with toasted orecchiette, maitakes and piave cheese @ Rendezvous

Crispy Fried Maine Clams @ Craigie on Main

Razor Clam app @ ICOB

Pig Ear Terrine @ Coppa

The Blue Room is terrific -- great food, great drinks, friendly atmosphere -- and an interesting wine list and by-the-glass program.

Thank you, all, for your suggestions. As Christmas approached, I found I had no time for wine shopping and so had to rely on my limited cellar. I decided to offer both a red and a white -- a Cotes-du-Rhone, the suggestion of a friend and wine professional, and a Savennierres (my pick). The Damien Laureau Savennières Les Genêts 2007, though a delicious wine, did not work with the meal. The spices fought the wine, making it taste a little sour. My red, however, the M. Chapoutier Côtes-du-Rhône Belleruche 2009, was a great match. Perfumy and soft -- just a little spicy -- it a near perfect partner for the za'atar and pistachio chicken.

Thank you for your advice and the lively discussion. Happy Holidays.

- Lauren

If your 9-year-old is not terribly picky, Chinatown might be an option. It is not very far away. When my kids were younger, we had wonderful, celebratory meals after theater events at East Ocean City. Delicious food -- and we were well taken care of.

What do you think of pairing with a Savennieres or Vouvray?

The poussin will be roasted skin on -- before roasting rubbed with butter and then za'atar and ground pistachios.

Interesting idea, Pinot. Thanks.

Thank you for your advice. I should make clear that the quince-rose jam will be served alongside the chicken; it is not a glaze. So perhaps it is less important to the pairing.

Doesn't that sound amazing? The recipe is from "Purple Citrus and Sweet Perfume" by Silvena Rowe. I will be serving the poussins for Christmas dinner. What are your pairing suggestions? Be creative!

Thank you so much, everyone. I was in Watertown for an appointment this evening and picked up my quinces at Russo's.

Can one find quinces at this time of year in Boston? Where would I find them?

Nah. It was called American Chop Suey on my New Jersey high school menu.

I agree with you, C. Hamster, on the Ashmont Grill. Though I live in the neighborhood, I too have not been back in the past couple of years. I was excited to see the initial post, thinking perhaps things had improved.

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Ashmont Grill
555 Talbot Ave, Dorchester Center, MA 02124