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bigmetfan's Profile

Bruna's Table--Westerly, RI Review

Alicia, I haven't heard that Bruna's was having problems - it was the Mermaid Cafe that I believe that Joey was referring to. We went to the Bridge about 5 times (including take-out) last summer and for the most part were pleased. Good, not great, and a bit inconsistent,. One really good meal, one bad one, and the rest were pretty good, but we liked the lower prices and more diverse menu as compared to the Up River. Clearly, the food is not as high-end, but for me it filled in some holes in the dining scene in Westerly. It is very vegetarian friendly, and has more fish/seafood (New England based, if not completely local) than any place in town, other than 2 little fish, a convenient, fun and attractive location, and is priced so that it isn't just a special occasion spot, like the UpRiver was. Kind of like what High St. Cafe was like 8-9 years ago, before the prices started rising and menu started changing in a heart-unhealthy direction (IMHO).

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Up River Cafe
37 Main St, Westerly, RI 02891

Bruna's Cafe
98 Bay St, Westerly, RI 02891

Soupy (italian sausage) in Westerly, RI

I hear ya - yes, it is Dippolino that I am referring to. I'm sure that it tastes great when you make it yourself. I am not native, and just discovered the stuff about 10 years ago, with Dipper being my #1 supplier. He is a talented guy.

Bruna's Table--Westerly, RI Review

thanks joey - will be back in westerly next weekend for a few days, and if they are still around, we will surely head there. would love to check out their johnnycakes w/ the maple syrup.

Chinese Food in or near Westerly, Ri

Totally agree that Golden Chopstix is terrific, and I am a full-time NYC resident who frequents the Chinatowns in both Flushing and Manhattan. Don't be scared off by the location or decor. I've been spending my weekends and any other free time in Westerly for the past 10 years, and would have never considered trying Golden Chopstix if it wasn't for this board. We checked it out about 3-4 years ago, and have been regulars ever since. Their food is Cantonese style, so it doesn't tend to be spicy, but if you look through their specials and ask for recommendations, it can get quite adventurous. They do wonderful things with tofu, fish, seafood, and unusual (for Westerly, at least) vegetables such as lotus root, snow pea tips (my favorite), etc. I am a vegetarian who eats fish and seafood (don't ask), and they will always customize menu items for me. One of their secrets is that they own the Asian grocery store in the same plaza, and people seem to travel a good distance to shop there, so they are able to source all sorts of goodies. One more thing - if like fish, an you ever see a special on their menu of fresh striped bass, steamed with ginger and garlic, make sure and give it a try.

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Golden Chopstix Restaurant
1666 Route 12, Gales Ferry, CT 06335

Bruna's Table--Westerly, RI Review

not sure how a year has passed and I missed this, but no, we haven't - tried the Mermaid, but sure plan on trying it soon. any feedback?

Soupy (italian sausage) in Westerly, RI

agreed, Joyce's has some great stuff - I hope that the area can support it. also, Vesta is no longer across the street from Ritacco's - they moved and are close to the train station, near the Knickerbocker. And I still stand my my assertion that Dipper makes the best soupy in town, as well as many other terrific things.

Bruna's Table--Westerly, RI Review

ate there again last night, for about the 10th time since it opened, and it was great, as always - and very vegetarian friendly, as they will customize their dishes for you. just love this place

Small october wedding in Central Park, late night jazz @ the vanguard...need a good restaurant in-between, 30 people...

La Lanterna is wonderful (and has great jazz, at reasonable prices) but is not what you are looking for. It is more of a coffee house/wine bar, with pizza's, salads, sandwiches, etc. Also, it is small and cramped, and would not be good for a large group. The food that they serve is very good, but not super memorable. As a jazz room, it is one of NY's true hidden gems.

Lobster Roll- Rhode Island

for the worst view, but maybe the best lobster roll around, try Sandy's (gourmet grocery store) on Rt. 1 in Westerly makes a great lobster salad sandwich on a soft roll, which is perfect for taking to the beach!

Westerly, RI

I had a chicken dish that had way too many ingredients - it was stuffed, and then sauced, and on a bed of something, and it just didn't work. We've grown sick of their signature salad, which is way too sweet, and getting tired of the beet strings, on everything. When they stick to simple preparations, they do better. We've had many good meals there, and it is fairly priced, with good service and caring ownership. We will try it again, and hope for better results. Perhaps they will take a hint from High St., and add more fish and seafood items to their menu. Local fish, simple preparations, avoiding overly rich and/or sweet, are what I'd like to see in Westerly.

RIBS!! Westerly, RI

maybe I need to try two little fish again - I could walk there, but it never does much for me. I prefer to drive 20 minutes either north or south, to Iggy's in Point Judith or Sea Swirl in Mystic. I will try Cap'n Jacks in East Matunuck - thanks for the tip

Soupy (italian sausage) in Westerly, RI

agreed, Ritacco's is a great place - we also love their made to order hot sandwiches, like the eggplant, sausage or meatball parmesans. also, for great soupy, try Dipper's Packing Company on Ledward ave. near the water tower and close to Ritacco's. He also makes great bread and rolls, and supplies many of the local restaurants. I think that he is only open Fri - Sun, but it is worth the trip.

Thai food in Westerly

I like it, especially for Westerly. Good food, decent prices, and a nice menu. I'm in NY during the week, and get plenty of Thai food there, but this is nothing to complain about, and we eat there often. I wish that they would have more seafood on their menu - with the great local flounder and striper that is available, you'd think that they could do more with their menu

Westerly, RI

84 High Street in Westerly has new owners, an expanded menu, and is really great, although more of a couples place. We were big Guyatannos fans until recently when we had a bad meal there - although we will give it a try again.

Mystic & nearby for meals that you still think

Yeah, the Water Street Cafe is the bomb, and one of the only places around that serves a late dinner. There is nothing better to cap off a Friday night drive up 95 from NYC than some fresh oysters and some cold beers at Water Street. We end up in Westerly, RI, but the entire town shuts down at 9 or 10pm, even in the height of the tourist season.

Maxies Bread RI

I'll second the Village Hearth in Jamestown - wonderful stuff, big wood fired brick oven, and an owner from Verona.