Linear in Grand Rapids

We joined two friends for dinner at Linear along the Grand River on August 6. 

We've eaten here a number of times over the past few years. In fact, it has the distinction of being the last place we ate right before the pandemic hit. 

The food is always good, the service spot on and ambience less noisy that most restaurants these days.

One thing to bear in mind is the parking situation. Being close to downtown it suffers from a absence of dedicated parking although there is some parking allocated to the restaurant a short walk away near the public works building along Monroe Street.

My wife had the grilled salmon and I had a very tasty pasta with Bolognese (pork and tomato). The wines were reasonably priced as was the food. 

 

Bayberry Garden in Providence, Rhode Island

The Bayberry Garden offers pitchers of Mimosas for brunch (choice of juice) and they leave the bottle at the table along with carafes of juice. Very nice.

Dyer Street entrance

 

the Caesar consisted of grilled Romaine wedges with a healthy layer of cheese

shakshuka was incredible

Matunuck Oyster Bar in Matunuck, Rhode Island

 The Matunuck Oyster Bar in Matunuck, RI, suffered as serious fire back in May of 2025. But they have bounced back and are serving up great food once again under a bog tent across the road as they work on rebuilding.

good food always makes for smiling faces

the blackened chicken sandwich was authentic low-country style and very good

Yama Ramen in Killington

 The Yama Ramen is a funky place with outstanding Asian food -- the chicken veggie rolls are lovely and any of the Ramen bowls will please your palate.

view from the front porch

Lazy Hound in Bangor

Located in the heart of downtown Bangor the Lazy Hound's menu is innovative and yet full of comfort food selections. 

The wraps are HUGE and the smashburgers delicious. Service was harried but friendly and attentive.