tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40875227945661510112024-03-13T15:57:28.620-04:00Dining out in North AmericaJust one man's opinionSteve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-14462556055111462512015-06-13T14:47:00.003-04:002015-06-13T14:47:56.491-04:00Batavia, New York, Brantford, Ontario, Providence and Warren, Rhode IslandOK, so on a recent pair of trips out to New England from the Midwest and back I can safely say:<br />
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1. Batavia, New York: Skip the Applebees; it's way too loud with watered-down drinks, mediocre food and sketchy service.<br />
2. Providence, RI: Nami's on Atwell's Avenue is still a great place for terrific Chinese food.<br />
3. Warren, RI: Metacom Kitchen has a pretty mean burger and a great wine list. Oh, and their fish is superb.<br />
4. Brantford, Ontario, Canada: Gus and Guido's is just OK. Touted as a "Greek Italian Food Experience," it was a bit on the noisy side and the wines were lame but the food was not bad. The service was very friendly, though.Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-69470351252690992812015-06-07T20:58:00.000-04:002015-06-07T20:58:05.518-04:00The Gold Eagle Inn in Brookville, PennsylvaniaWhen it comes to food there's not much available in Brookville it seems. After trying a place in the heart of the village -- where no one was around and the smell was terrible -- we settled for the Gold Eagle Inn near our motel.<br />
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Service was nice but the restaurant itself was tired in appearance and even more so in its menu. When was the last time you can remember a relish tray being put out, and with ingredients straight out of a can (or jar presumably)? <br />
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The real failure of the evening though was the main course. My wife and I both ordered the cod -- pan-fried with a a crumb crust the menu claimed -- but when it came out it was inedible: wet, mushy, spongy, and no crust. Clearly their efforts at thawing the fish failed but the lack of awareness of that failure was appalling. We sent it back and ordered fish and chips. Basic, but OK.<br />
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If our experiences are any indication, there is little to recommend dining at the Gold Eagle.<br />
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<br />Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-4613428278311974822015-05-25T17:53:00.001-04:002015-05-25T17:53:09.702-04:00Food in Grand Rapids, Michigan -- this is gonna surprise you!The variety, quality and sheer volume of food available in Grand Rapids is nothing short of amazing -- pastries so far have yet to be explored and we'll get to that later this summer.<br />
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But otherwise, breakfast, lunch and dinner is available in so many places and of such high quality that it makes the move from Providence all that much easier.<br />
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Oh, and one place I didn't photograph this trip -- in early May -- but I posted it once before is Nonna Cafe in Ada. Outstanding.<br />
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Marco's for dinner:<br />
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Widow's Luncheon: pastries by the French Tarte:<br />
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Licari's for lunch with Virginia and Chuck:<br />
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Marie Catribe's for brunch, yes that's right with Chuck and Virginia:<br />
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Next up in June: that incredible chocolatier in Grand Haven and our search for French pastries.<br />
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Stay tuned!Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-91283855143762811112015-04-27T18:15:00.000-04:002015-05-25T18:16:25.371-04:00Metacom Kitchen in Warren, Rhode IslandBy last Saturday evening my body had conveniently moved to the recovery phase from some nasty respiratory virus that had plagued me for most of the week. Most importantly for a planned birthday dinner, my appetite was back -- as things turned out, I was going to need it.<br />
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We arrived at Metacom Kitchen right at 7pm and were seated at the food bar, in the back of the restaurant overlooking the kitchen. For the next 2-and-a-half hours this would be home. . . <br />
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The food was incredible: creative, delicious, and well-presented. The quality of the food was almost surpassed by the wonderful service. In a world where restaurants abound, many of them outstanding, Metacom is simply and absolutely one of the best. Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-17038557945403170552014-11-14T10:16:00.002-05:002014-11-14T10:16:47.546-05:00Enoteca Umberto on Federal HillThere are lots of Italian-themed restaurants on Atwell's Avenue but Enoteca Umberto is the only one that can claim to be authentic and regional.<br />
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Husband-wife team Lia and Umberto make you feel as if you're sitting in their dining room, just off the kitchen, and you've just dropped over for dinner after the evening <i>passagiata</i>.
The food they prepare and the wines they serve are all from southern Italy -- and in true southern Italian style eating is all about being together, sharing a lust for flavor and life, with gusto.<br />
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Go with no expectations and don't think traditional menu or seating arrangements; the place is small to be sure (you have to walk through the kitchen to get to the bathroom) but go and just enjoy what they offer you.
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the kitchen is small but Lia seemed at ease and unruffled by all the commotion in the dining room</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Collina antipasti -- formaggi e salumi</td></tr>
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<br />Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-75018924668042624052014-11-14T10:14:00.000-05:002014-11-14T10:14:13.917-05:00Rosalina's in ProvidenceHaving eaten recently at another local restaurant than can truly claim to offer authentic Italian-regional, I'm always curious as to what constitutes an "Italian" restaurant. When our server at Rosalina's brought the bread along with olive oil and noted the oil came from Greece, well right away I had to question the restaurant's right to be "Italian," whatever that means.<br />
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By-and-large our food was OK. The antipasto -- a baked eggplant dish -- and our pasta dishes (gnocchi and spaghetti con Bolognese) we all thought were simply too sweet. Otherwise we had not complaint about the food itself.<br />
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The wine list offered far too many American wines but the prices seemed reasonable.<br />
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Rosalina's is nicely decorated and well laid out but we were curious as to the value of a large TV set behind the bar.<br />
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Service was straightforward and a bit formal but I much prefer that to someone too friendly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">baked eggplant antipasto -- generous portion</td></tr>
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Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-43158353639822021612014-09-15T12:19:00.002-04:002014-09-15T13:27:40.921-04:00Al Forno in Providence, Dante's Kitchen in East Greenwich, Boat House in Tiverton and Sofra in CambridgeOne of the longtime stalwarts in Providence, Al Forno is upscale with a wonderful menu and decent wine list.
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A much more casual place, Dante's Kitchen in East Greenwich has real potential: imaginative menu, a cool space, good service, but the food was a mixed bag and the very small space was way too loud.<br />
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Susie had the fried green tomato BLT with hand-cut fries, which was tasty.<br />
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I had pulled pork hash with poached eggs and a grilled buttermilk biscuit (homemade of course. The BLT with hand-cut fresh fries was spot on but the hash was basically shredded pork on top of a handful of small, diced fried potatoes. Hmmmm. And then the eggs were small with very little yolk (an odd thing I thought).
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The Boat House in Tiverton serves up fairly standard fare in a gorgeous location overlooking Narragansett Bay. I had the tuna salad (flavorless) with their own handmade chips (tasteless and oily). Susie had the Jens & Marie veggie burger, which was also bland. Not an exciting meal to be sure but it was a gorgeous day to sip a glass of Rose by the water.<br /><br />
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Then there is Sofra Bakery & Cafe in Cambridge. We'd been here once before and after a stroll through nearby Mount Auburn Cemetery Sofra is just the place to have a delicious lunch. It's chaotic to be sure and the seating can be interesting to say the least. But it's worth the wait and patience. <br />
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Even if you don't want lunch you have to try one of their incredible and incredibly delicious pastries, most of which are Middle Eastern in origin, like the twice baked brioche (left below) with custard actually baked into the filling (how'd they do that?). I had the chicken Shwarma stuffed flat bread and Susie had a concoction of three cheeses with grated fresh squash on top wrapped in a burrito-like hint of dough. <br />
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Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-39233988698373163072014-08-20T14:25:00.002-04:002014-08-20T14:25:43.033-04:00The Parkside downtownSusie and I went here recently for dinner and had a wonderful meal.<br />
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The staff was friendly, the menu innovative and interesting, the food scrumptious and the wine list exceptional. In fact, I'd argue it's one of the best lists we've seen in Providence: a whole page of half bottles alone makes this place unique. The wines were well-chosen and reasonably priced.<br />
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We started off with chilled Lillet rouge, which we though pretty uncommon in a city that prides itself on the number of local mixologists.<br />
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For our meal Susie had the Chatham cod on shrimp grits and I ordered one of the specials: a jerk fish dish consisting of tuna and salmon chunks with shrimp in a cocoanut broth, finished off and served in a cast iron skillet. I also opted for their fresh, handcut frites. Everything was simply delicious.<br />
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We would like to go back and try one of the rotisserie dishes, something you can't find anywhere else in this city.<br />
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Oh, and the valet parking was free.Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-11407626135325257682014-01-05T22:22:00.000-05:002014-01-07T15:23:08.105-05:00Loie Fuller's in ProvidenceMy wife and I have been to Loie Fuller's restaurant a number of times over the years. Living close by on the west side it's been a source for drinks at the bar, an occasional dinner and one less-than-stellar brunch (some years ago, now).<br />
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Well, we returned recently for dinner and enjoyed ourselves immensely.<br />
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It was quiet with just a hint of Carla Bruni (how fitting) singing in the background, when we sat near the fire. The place is one of those truly rare gems in Providence: a French bistro that actually looks like one -- although it would be nice to see a picture of Loie Fuller hanging in a place of prominence.<br />
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The service was friendly and engaging without being cloyingly so -- a pleasant young woman whose answers to our questions and conversation hinted at a more interesting backstory.<br />
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The food was, in a word, delicious.
Beginning with bread from Foremost bakery (they're out to topple Seven Stars, no doubt) we moved quickly to the Cajun Shrimp, which came in a sauce that called for more bread, much, much more. This was comfort food at it's finest.<br />
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My wife had the veggie pot pie and I had the short ribs -- both dishes were well-prepared with just the right portions to get you back home on a winter's night.
For dessert we opted for the Gateau Basque -- one of the few (maybe only?) place in the city you'll find Gateau Basque and it was just a delectable as each main course.
We washed it all down with a French chardonnay by the glass.<br />
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Prices are reasonable and in line with other neighborhood eateries.<br />
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Parking is off-street right next door.Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-18357395825577516522013-12-09T11:39:00.000-05:002014-01-06T11:51:38.118-05:00Jacky's Galaxie in JohnstonOne night we had to get out of the house for an hour or so right around dinnertime so we thought why not try the new Jacky's Galaxie in Johnston. (Jacky's is a small chain of Asian eateries in Rhode Island.) The service was very friendly, ambience neat and clean and the food, while tasty, was generally unremarkable.<br />
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Still, the spring rolls were served with a very tasty crunchy peanut sauce rather than the ubiquitous orange "duck sauce." And the broccoli was just about perfect.<br />
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<br />Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-33872173372809370012013-12-05T11:55:00.000-05:002014-01-06T11:56:09.853-05:00Chez Pascal in ProvidenceSusie and I splurged recently on a Kermit Lynch wine dinner at Chez Pascal. It was a wonderful evening of delicious wines matched by equally delicious food, put on by the brilliant folks at Kermit Lynch. An importer of incredibly wonderful wines at a relatively decent price, Kermit Lynch has been one of those marques you find and never let go: you just know the product he selects and brings over here will be delicious and of good value; his organization has been a resource for us since we lived in Michigan.<br />
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During dinner we actually sat next to an Eisenhower, although she claimed that her branch of the family was very distant from the former President. There was really no resemblance, but still. . .<br />
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Unfortunately, the poor lighting and my mediocre photographic technique doesn't even begin to accurately depict the scrumptious food but I think you'll get the idea:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">beef short rib, white sweet potato gratin</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pear custard gratin with bleu cheese</td></tr>
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Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-48650310719792029552013-11-30T11:32:00.000-05:002014-01-06T11:36:32.077-05:00AS220 in ProvidenceAS220, part of the downtown Providence art gallery movement that has stalled somewhat in recent years, is probably one of the better known venues for appreciating local art. It's also got a nice little bar and counter cafe on one side of the fairly large ground floor space on Empire Street as well.<br />
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I went there for lunch and had the white bean soup -- loaded with green leaves, which I tossed out, and heavy on the garlic and semi-fried bacon, it tasted just OK. The toasted bread was good.<br />
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Oh, and since it's order at the counter and pick up your food when your "playing card" is called, I had very little observation of the level of quality of service. <br />
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But there's little else along Empire Street for a quick bite at midday. Just go without any great expectations.
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<br />Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-37252228717636904462013-10-30T19:00:00.000-04:002013-10-30T19:00:02.588-04:00Breakfast at Nick's on BroadwayBetween Sunday brunch and evening dinner I've eaten quite a few times at Nick's but even though I live just four blocks away, I've never gone there just for breakfast in the middle of the week. Until now.<br />
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This morning I met up with three colleagues from work to sit, chat and have a delicious breakfast. </div>
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It was worth the walk and the time.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ed had the frittata</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had an omelet (bacon, sausage and provolone)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff and Andrea had Eggs Benedict</td></tr>
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Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-91962149166918375582013-10-29T10:32:00.000-04:002013-10-30T10:32:43.507-04:00Westside Diner in ProvidenceLocated just a block from our house on Westminster the Westside Diner is only open for breakfast and lunch and that hasn't really fit in with our schedules. But when a pair of friends blew through Providence on their way from Vermont to Louisiana we took the opportunity to check the place out.<br />
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OK, the basics first: the diner itself is very 1950ish and, we thought, so was the food. But more of that in a moment.<br />
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Seating is a bit awkward for the newcomer: no sign to wait or seat yourselves and the staff didn't make things any clearer, at first. Anyway, after a few minutes a booth opened up and the four of us grabbed it.<br />
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The booths, tables and seats all moved, allowing flexibility I suppose. The seats we thought quite uncomfortable -- and I know I was sitting directly on springs. I noticed that while the diner was completely refurbished, from a total mess last year, there wee hints of scrimping: the top of the long counter appeared to have an old piece of linoleum (?) instead of new. The edges were curling and there were areas where the top was nearly gone, exposing the brown under layer.<br />
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The service was friendly and attentive.<br />
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The lunch menu was fairly limited: a few sandwiches, soup of the day and a few hot plate specials. It's the breakfast menu that take sup nearly two pages but they had stopped serving breakfast at 11:30 (they're only open until 2pm).<br />
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The four of us opted for sandwiches: I had the classic patty melt on toasted rye bread with 1000 Island dressing. Ed had the burger club (interesting), Chris had a wrap and Susie had a turkey sandwich. I was the only one who opted for the fries, the other 3 went for the homemade cole slaw.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">house made cole slaw</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">turkey club</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">classic patty melt</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">house made apple pie -- not good</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chocolate pudding -- also house made and also not good</td></tr>
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Quality of the food was good; both burgers were prepared as requested and tasty. The slaw, I was informed was quite good and surpassed expectations. The portions were just right as well. Prices ran about $8 per sandwich with sides, which we thought not too bad, particularly in Providence.Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-7290500954345402242013-10-26T10:31:00.000-04:002013-10-30T10:31:37.353-04:00Rasoi on the East Side of ProvidenceAfter living more than six years in Providence, we finally got to Rasoi, arguably one of Rhode Island's better restaurants and perhaps THE best Indian restaurant in greater Providence. It was last Friday evening, we had no reservations and the place was packed when we walked in the door. The hostess said there was a short wait or we could sit at the bar -- we chose the bar and it couldn't have been more perfect.<br />
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Although swamped with drinks and food the bartender was not only attentive but helpful in the extreme: He suggested cocktail specials for the evening and we give both two very big thumbs up -- I loath martinis as a rule but the special had (among other things) caramel vodka and apple cider. . . delicious!<br />
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When we asked about the nan bread for an app -- they have a variety of flavors - the bartender asked us what we were going to have with dinner (chicken). He suggested pairing the bread just like wine and he was right, of course: we ended up going with rosemary nan for our chicken dishes. Perfect!<br />
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We also tasted a couple of whites -- again at the bartender's suggestion -- to see which we would prefer with the meal and opted for a crisp, slightly tart sauvignon blank.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cauliflower 65</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chicken kebabs with mashed potatoes and lentils</td></tr>
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<br />Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-38721042478027808812013-09-20T11:12:00.002-04:002013-09-20T11:12:50.846-04:00Waterman Grille in ProvidenceLast Sunday evening, after a gorgeous day part of which was spent on the East Bay Bike Path, we couldn't quite bring ourselves to let go of it. So we opted to go to one of the better places to eat outdoors, Waterman Grille.<br />
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Now when I say better I don't mean the food is up to the same level as New Rivers, Broadway Bistro, Chez Pascal or Nick's on Broadway (four of our favorite haunts) but the location is quite nice and that's what we were after.<br />
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We started with a glass of prosecco and asked for a a hit of Aperol. They didn't have Aperol (hmmmm) but we substituted Camapari. They put in two or three drops (that's right, drops) just enough to turn the drink pink rather than red. Obviously making cocktails isn't one of their strong suits we thought. But the drink tasted OK so what the heck -- we were sitting outside on a lovely evening enjoying life.<br />
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Susie had the the fish tacos followed by a Caesar Salad; I opted for Harissa meatballs as an app followed by a burger and (frozen) fries -- meat night for me. Our server was pleasant and moderately attentive although he did remind us of his name at least three times. I guess we appeared to be a bit on the dumb side?<br />
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Anyway, as I said the food is OK but it's the ambience that's everything.<br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK so the view from the restaurant is Seekonk and not Manhattan, that's true</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">harissa meatballs on orzo salad == somewhat bland actually</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the salad was a bit boring but the anchovies lively</td></tr>
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<br />Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-32170474404012327552013-08-07T08:19:00.000-04:002013-10-30T10:42:06.513-04:00Hemenways in ProvidenceOur 30th anniversary meal was spent at Hemenway's. Part of the Newport Restaurant Group (which includes Waterman Grille and The Boat House in Tiverton), and specializing in seafood, Hemenway's overlooks the Providence River as it drifts down to the hurricane barrier and Narragansett Bay.
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The evening couldn't have been better (unless we were in Paris): food was very good, service attentive and the ambience fine. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">view of the river looking south</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">calamari, Rhode Island style with Banana peppers</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">house salad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halibut</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seafood casserole with fingerling potatoes</td></tr>
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<br />Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-45741281309172656282013-07-04T07:59:00.002-04:002013-07-04T07:59:43.160-04:00Birch in ProvidenceLocated in downtown Providence, right next door to Gracie's along Washington Street was Tini's, one of our favorite eateries. Launched by George Germon and Johanne Killeen (of Al Forno fame), Tini's was small and unique in design (a food bar really) but under the culinary direction of Darius Salko you could always count on not just good food but <i>great</i> food.<br />
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When Tini's closed earlier this year it left a big question mark in the minds of local foodies: what is going in to that tiny niche across from Trinity Rep Theater. Well, now we know.<br />
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Ben Sukle, who helmed the opening of the Dorrance Restaurant in downtown Providence, and his wife Heidi have taken the space and, keeping the same design (not much choice there!), launched "Birch" last month.<br />
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Susie, Andrea, Matt and I met up there the other day to taste test the food and get a sense of the new space. While we miss Darius' incredibly creative and tasty comfort food (my God his gnocchi and rabbit!!), still we found the food at Birch quite nice: imaginative, flavorful and priced to sell. A very nicely rounded wine list as well.<br />
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The space only seats about 15 people so I suspect that there will be standing room only before long. Oh, and parking is a challenge of course, it being Providence, so be prepared to be creative on a busy weekend.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt always has a way to make people smile</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tini's layout is still pretty much the same: u-shaped bar; kitchen is to the right rear</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no, that's not sausage but a roasted carrot with Point Judith Fluke!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shredded crab with potatoes, quinoa, green tomatoes and an egg yolk</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point Judith stripped sea bass with Hakurei turnips, mussels, Escarole and lovage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crispy Vermont quail</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">triple chocolate pudding with rhubarb sorbet, peanuts and oat snaps</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9MzMsR61c2Q/UdVb7FafzbI/AAAAAAABfTA/_pLHIvyR418/s1000/IMG_8023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9MzMsR61c2Q/UdVb7FafzbI/AAAAAAABfTA/_pLHIvyR418/s640/IMG_8023.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">unique take on cheesecake with glazed strawberries, sorrel and wild rose ice cream</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9r_PdsK6XSs/UdVb9M-pm1I/AAAAAAABfTI/IV1Bee-EjWA/s1000/IMG_8029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9r_PdsK6XSs/UdVb9M-pm1I/AAAAAAABfTI/IV1Bee-EjWA/s640/IMG_8029.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">raspberries with almonds</td></tr>
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<br />Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-40183654494874906042013-06-30T14:23:00.000-04:002013-07-04T14:23:38.163-04:00Nick's on BroadwayThe other day after worked Susie and I walked the four blocks from our apartment over to Nick's on Broadway, ostensibly just to have a drink. But, one thing led to another and we ended up eating for dinner. One of those last-minute decisions we've been making a lot of in our lives and so be it.<br />
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The service, like the food was worth it.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HxbXwJ7epAU/UdFetZx6geI/AAAAAAABfRU/hOVUAE0rJ0k/s1000/nicks02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HxbXwJ7epAU/UdFetZx6geI/AAAAAAABfRU/hOVUAE0rJ0k/s640/nicks02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a scrumptious veggie concoction: roasted potatoes in one bowl and a variety of veggies in another</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll take the fish please with fresh shelled peas and sugar snaps!</td></tr>
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Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-22663248859183265262013-06-20T08:13:00.000-04:002013-07-07T15:47:11.021-04:00Sophia's Tuscan GrillWe went there recently on a special wine tasting dinner so the menu we sampled wasn't typical of the usual fare.<br />
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Still. . .
The food was uneven: the risotto a bit too overdone for my palate although the sauce was very tasty.
The mock Bolognese was flavorful good but some at the table thought the pappardelle (handmade we were told) was a bit too al dente.<br />
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The fish course, salmon supposedly with a pistachio crust was in a delicious butter sauce although none of us could locate any pistachios.<br />
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Another course was a crispy Tuscan pork belly which we thought far too large a portion and fairly bland in flavor -- and what was the "Tuscan" thing? That word is abused and overused in today's American restaurant marketing and I'm afraid Sophia's is no exception.<br />
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The cheese course was "imported" gorgonzola (there's domestic I suppose) with figs on homemade fig jam. The figs were delicious as was the jam but we thought the gorgonzola was more like a neutral goat cheese than anything else -- it completely lacked any "blue" flavor at all.
The dessert was a bland cannoli -- typical old-guard Italo-American cuisine and not in keeping with the chef's marketing of his place as "new twists on Italian favorites."<br />
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The service was friendly, to be sure.
The noise level, however, was unpleasant, the lighting not terribly attractive and the seating, for me at any rate was quite uncomfortable and they did nothing to resolve that (we were a special group for the evening, with assigned seating).<br />
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Lastly, the wines were, by-and-large quite good -- although our table agreed that the Lambrusco was devoid of any character and the Amarone thin and lacking the raisiny body so typical of those incredible wines.<br />
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If you want food in an Italian style go to Bacaro's or Al Forno. I'd skip this place.<br />
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Oh, and sorry about the photography -- terrible lighting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qep39V5OevQ/UcYIDhQSyLI/AAAAAAABfJw/pvupBFYDGiA/s1600/sophias02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qep39V5OevQ/UcYIDhQSyLI/AAAAAAABfJw/pvupBFYDGiA/s640/sophias02.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lemon risotto with scallop</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6EXZt8bFiPQ/UcYIG1AJG1I/AAAAAAABfJ4/8pinqstec-k/s1600/sophias03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6EXZt8bFiPQ/UcYIG1AJG1I/AAAAAAABfJ4/8pinqstec-k/s640/sophias03.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">salmon in a butter sauce</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9N7OdW4QqW8/UcYIHWvYtUI/AAAAAAABfKA/mnsXX6j6jRQ/s1600/sophias04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9N7OdW4QqW8/UcYIHWvYtUI/AAAAAAABfKA/mnsXX6j6jRQ/s640/sophias04.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mock bolognese with homemade Papardelle</td></tr>
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<br />Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-63053037206382888522013-06-17T08:24:00.000-04:002013-06-23T08:25:59.402-04:00Brunch at Nick's on BroadwaySome things never change it seems, and in the case of brunch at Nick's on Broadway that's an incredibly wonderful thing.<br />
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A week ago today we returned to Nick's for the first time since our return from Paris. We thought we'd beat the crowd and get there right at 8am when the doors opened but when we turned the corner we found ourselves waiting in line. Yes, indeed, some things never change.<br />
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But the line moved quickly -- and while waiting we struck up a conversation with a fascinating young man, also, coincidentally, named Nick. Before long we were seated at the counter, sipping coffee waiting for our food.<br />
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As always, the food and service was worth the wait: Susie got one of Derek's great sandwiches and I opted for the "special plus," which consisted of home fries, wheat toast, two poached eggs and their homemade sausage. Deeeelicious!<br />
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<br />Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-13711335511005137522013-06-11T08:08:00.000-04:002013-06-23T08:09:09.320-04:00Broadway Bistro - dark and noisy but still good food<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ribs 'n grits - yeah!</td></tr>
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<br />Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-69913279768080012992013-04-30T06:18:00.004-04:002013-04-30T16:24:47.037-04:00Dinner at Andrea's HouseAfter a gorgeous day here in Providence, part of which we spent on the East Bay Bike Path taking in the budding of early spring, we had a lovely dinner at the home of a colleague.<br />
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The tasty food was matched only by the lively conversation. <br /><br />
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<br />Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-64426997371394470992013-04-26T06:44:00.000-04:002013-04-26T09:45:09.966-04:00Nami on Federal Hill in Providence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Smack in the middle of Italian Federal Hill Nami is a very cool space to have a special dinner with a loved one or share a meal with friends.<br />
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Recently opened on Atwells Avenue, this is a place to sit, relax have a glass of prosecco or, if you're adventurous, a cocktail made with hot or cold sake.<br />
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After being seated around a hibachi table -- you can choose to sit at a traditional table if you're not in to the tableside schtick -- we relaxed over a glass of sparkling wine in tall bud vases. They were so good we had a second round. Not long after we ordered drinks three young men, friends as it turned out, were also seated at our table. They were clearly locals and it was fascinating to see three seemingly stereotypical Federal Hill types love this place before the evening was out.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">vegetable tempura appetizer</td></tr>
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First up for us were the apps: the vegetable tempura and beef Nagamaki rolls for appetizers. Both were scrumptious and the beef especially was very different with a wonderful glazing sauce. Together they made for a very nice contrast: the crunchy smooth flavor of the veggies with the lusciousness of the beef.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no, really, I'm awake!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beef Nagamaki appetizer</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miso soup, that and a small green salad comes with the Hibachi dinner</td></tr>
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The hibachi portion of the evening was the real treat though.<br />
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We hadn't eaten this style for many years and over the wine we chatted about past experiences, our minds flooding back to the first time at a Benihana in Bethesda, Maryland and a favorite hibachi restaurant in Roanoke, Virginia. So, I ordered the filet and Susie had the mix of chicken and salmon; all with fried rice which was prepared right at the table as well.</div>
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Earlier in the day I happened to mention to my wife earlier that I wanted beef for my 65th birthday and since I also love Asian cuisine, especially Japanese and Chinese, the hibachi was the best of both worlds. (and frankly, I really wouldn't have wanted a traditional beef meal with heavy sides and even heavier sauces.) </div>
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The food was perfectly prepared, flavors spot on and the chef artistic and playful, shooting sake into the mouths of several other diners around our table, flipping shrimp in my direction to catch, that kind of thing. The hibachi portions were certainly enough for dinner so be prepared to take some home if you opt for an app or two.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">making the fried rice</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">filet mignon</td></tr>
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Oh, and on our way out the hostess-owner suggested that since we loved the Nagamaki rolls, next time (and there will be a next time to be sure) we should try the Crusted Salmon on the main menu. If I can stay away from the hibachi. . . </div>
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Our server was very nice, friendly, helpful and around when we needed her and understanding of our privacy when we did not.</div>
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They have valet parking but when we go to Atwells we park on a side street and walk a block or two.</div>
Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4087522794566151011.post-9143446915420235002013-04-18T06:56:00.000-04:002013-04-18T06:56:23.869-04:00The Grange on Providence's West SideWell, you've got to take a little bit of the bad with a whole lot of the good, I suppose.<br />
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Four of us met up at the new vegetarian restaurant on Providence's West Side last evening. The service was, in a word, great. Not pushy friendly but the kind of witty charm that I'd want my daughter to have (if I had a daughter).<br />
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The drinks were fine -- although the Eddy has, we all thought, a more sophisticated grasp of what a true cocktail should be.<br />
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Our food arrived in a timely fashion, although business picked up considerably after we arrived.
I had the Korean BBQ tacos and two of us had pomme frites. Another had the noodles, my wife had the scallion pancakes with sweet potato crostini, and a fourth had the soup special of the day (scrumptious cauliflower puree). All of us readily agreed that the food was delicious, well-prepared and nicely presented. to repeat, the menu is all vegetarian.<br />
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The atmosphere is funky with a corner near the front devoted to swings, small couches of the sort you'd see in someone's sunroom, that sort of thing, all making for a warm feeling, a welcoming touch to be sure.<br />
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The single negative vibe for the evening was the noise level.<br />
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As more people come in for dinner the noise level increased significantly, abetted by the background music playing -- a phenomenon we all remarked on. Why do so many restaurants play music in the background when you can't really make out who's singing/playing what because the rest of the place is so noisy? Odd we thought.<br />
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Oh, and parking is on a very busy street so be prepared to hunt around for a spot.<br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pomme frites</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sweet potato crostini</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8CyQSfrapzQ/UW_O5Y4n-BI/AAAAAAABdkY/5RtMR1keE_s/s1600/IMG_6424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8CyQSfrapzQ/UW_O5Y4n-BI/AAAAAAABdkY/5RtMR1keE_s/s640/IMG_6424.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">scallion pancakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Steve Soperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10805054068549522404noreply@blogger.com0