Nick's on Sunday -- again

There are some truly wonderful places to eat in Providence, places for just about any budget, and I'm confident in saying that their number is probably disproportionately high compared to the number of people living in the greater Providence area. So why do we keep going back to Nick's on Broadway for Sunday breakfast?

It's got the diner atmosphere, friendly and very competent service, and, its got extraordinarily good food. It always comes down to the food.

Of course it helps that it's only a three-block walk from our home.

So Susie and I strolled over to Nick's yesterday morning -- we arrived a little before nine and the "joint was jumpin'" already. Naturally the wait was already 15-30 minutes. But we didn't mind. With the layout at Nick's it's a great place to watch the food being prepared, the people eating it and to strike up the occasional conversation with a another "chowhound."

They finally called our name and we were soon ensconced at the bar -- our favorite place since you get to watch all the action -- and frankly on a busy Sunday morning that can be riveting.

But what to order? was our dilemma that morning; a dilemma we experience every time we go to Nick's. Derek Wagner's menus is creative, imaginative and full of wonderful ingredients. Of course it may seem rushed as you watch the choreography behind the counter but each dish is carefully and lovingly prepared.

Susie ordered one of the wraps: scrambled eggs and prosciutto with mozzarella I believe. They finish the wrap off on the griddle to give it a toasty and slightly warm edge. Incredible.

I ordered one of the specials, the potato-fennel cakes topped with a pair of perfectly poached eggs, finished off with Hollandaise sauce. For an added treat I also ordered a side of the scrumptious maple pork sausage.


Notice the greens? I asked what they were and even though Derek was moving in six directions at once, he explained that they were called "lamb lettuce," also known as "mache." His idea, he told me across two counters, was to provide both a pleasing color contrast and a refreshing crispness to the other elements on the plate. It certainly worked for me.

Oh, and we're not sure but we think we just happened to be sitting next to "Nick."

You just can't go wrong with a place like this.

Nick's on Broadway
500 Broadway, Providence 02909
ph: 401.421.0286

Wish you had been there,

Steve