Five Things: Savor Providence
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
It was a bold move, two years ago, to create a new food event on the Providence scene, but Trinity Rep swung for the fences with Savor Providence, a chef's tour (literally!) of dozens of well-known restaurants around town, who donate "tastes" for paying patrons. Sean DeBobes wondered what some of the city's heaviest hitters would put out. Here are the five things he wants you to know, fresh from this year's event over the weekend.
1. Savoring Providence
A great foodie event and a great community event, Savor Providence gives a reason to yell What Cheer! I love any grounds to spend my afternoon wandering Downcity, when making frequent stops at the best restaurants in town to try their finest wares, even better. However, I was a little disappointed that 70 minutes before the listed end of the event, restaurants were sold out... it was indeed a beautiful day and no doubt those restaurants closest to the Trinity base got slammed, but let's try to work this out before next time.
2. Hydration: Vidal Blanc & Mint Chocolate Mojitos
There were plenty of delicious ways to practice hydrating throughout the day, starting with a glass of wine from the Sakonnet tasting table at Trinity. A glass of the (normally reasonably priced) Vidal Blanc always puts a smile on my face. The standout cocktail of the day, however, came from Hemenway’s (right). A mint chocolate mojito was a delicious surprise. This simple but stellar sip has me wanting to muddle every mint variety.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST3. Cafe Noir's Tag Team
Savor Providence was filled with many great dishes and many complimentary courses. Café Noir had a medley above the rest. Rare slices of steak were dressed in a rosemary, thyme, and oregano herb butter, and studded with chunks of cracked black pepper. Next-up, the cheese tart. Such a simple name hardly does justice to this great find. Chevre meets morsels of bacon and onion to create a rich and savory tart that you must try!
4. Parkside & Hemenway's: Saucy
Parkside (left) hit the mark with an orange/chipotle/ginger dipping sauce. Accompanying a Thai dumpling, the sauce stole the plate. Sweet and tangy... wait three seconds and the after-burn sets in. High marks as well to Hemenway’s Sriracha Tartar sauce. Sriracha is popping up everywhere these days, and it’s no wonder. Put a little of this in your fridge and you’ll be surprised at the everyday things that are kicked up with just a dash.
5. Red Stripe: Such Service
Cranky from sell-outs and still with tickets in hand, I decided to go a little off the beaten path, so up the hill to the Red Stripe I ventured. To my delight they still had half the listed menu available. I enjoyed a rich and bountiful pink chowder with huge pieces of shrimp and fish. The slightly peppery mix was a great close to my day, and while the kitchen had run out of one of their offerings, I was thrilled when they brought out a last-minute sub: a panko-encrusted crab and cod cake had a great smoky sear on the outside. Accompanied by a hot pepper oil, this was an excellent stand in. Love any chef who can think on their feet. (And kudos to Trinity Artistic Director Curt Columbus, right, who sous chefs to Derek Wagner in a tent demonstration!)
Would I go back? Definitely, and a year is too long to wait. Who wants to shiver around Downcity with me for a February Savor?
Hit “Save:” Savor Providence is a benefit for Trinity Rep, 351-4242.
Photos David Dadekian
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