You shouldn't need an excuse like Restaurant Weeks to venture into this gem. It is hard to beat in Newport when it comes to amenities and dining. This former mansion houses a terrific restaurant called Muse by Jonathan Cartwright and a delightful Conservatory where they serve lighter fare. What's tempting? Mussels or the Waygu Beef burger with parmesan herb fries or the local crab cake or the...well, you get the point. That's why they give you two weeks for restaurant weeks...you may need more research! For more information, call 846-6200 or visit www.gracehotels.com.

 

The Conservatory at Vanderbilt Grace: 41 Mary St., Newport, RI

15 Point Road is terrific spot for those looking for twists on classics using local ingredients as the stars. The Restaurant Weeks dinner menu features several of these classic-sounding dishes. Start with the New England clam chowder or baked brie in phyllo dough. Move on to a hearty baked stuffed shrimp or petite filet mignon. And finally, finish the meal with a chocolate lava cake or their delicious beignets. However you choose, you will be happy! For more information, call 683-3138 or visit www.15pointroad.com.

 

15 Point Road Restaurant: 15 Point Rd., Portsmouth, RI

Delicious food and inventive cocktails never go out of season. Do they? When you take a beautiful location and add talented people good things happen. For restaurant weeks, their dinner menu is a tour of local food and it sounds tasty. Start with spring pea soup or artichoke salad or little vegetable empanadas. The entrees feature duck leg confit, braised oxtail, local fish and a "Farrotto" which is the grain Farro cooked risotto style. Cool! Desserts don't sound disappointing either. They feature a cool sounding Myer lemon crème brulee, a goat's cheesecake and a hazelnut/milk chocolate panna cotta. For more information, call 849-7778 or visit www.flukewinebar.com.

 

Fluke Wine, Bar and Kitchen: 41 Bowen's Wharf, Newport, RI

In "Rhode Island-ese," this restaurant is what is now in the former Tyler Point Grill location. You remember the beautiful views. They've made the food pretty darn good too. Their normal dinner menu features an eclectic selection of local fare that has something for everyone. On the Restaurant Weeks menu they have delicious-sounding shrimp and avocado lettuce wraps, a tempura lobster tail with coconut jasmine rice and, for dessert, a classic interpretation of Boston cream pie. Beef lovers should also check out the beef tenderloin Marsala. For more information, call 247-0017 or visit www.bluewatergrillri.com.

 

Bluewater Bar and Grill: 32 Barton Ave., Barrington, RI

This choice is classic Newport waterfront dining. For more years than we can count, the Mooring has been serving up gorgeous views and delicious food. Owned by the talented folks at the Newport Restaurant Group, the Mooring is one of their crown jewels. For Restaurant Weeks we picked the dinner menu. Start with their famous chowder or the fired oysters and spicy pickles. Entrée choices include their famous fish and chips and a chipotle flat iron steak. Finish the night with citrus-coconut pound cake or chocolate hazelnut gelato...they both sound delightful. For more information, call 846-2260 or visit www.mooringrestaurant.com.

 

The Mooring: 1 Sayers Wharf, Newport, RI