Food Find: Providence Chauffeured Culinary Tour

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Sean DeBobes, GoLocalProv Dining Critic

A new culinary tour is gaining momentum in Providence. ROCKSTAR LIMO is currently offering a chauffeured, progressive dining experience in one of their well-appointed 10 passenger executive coaches. I recently hopped on the party bus with the folks from there to try a few stops. There are many packages available. We opted for a decadent six restaurant stops. The overall experience was great, with something memorable at every location.

Stop 1: Waterman Grill

The first stop we pulled up to was The Waterman Grill on the East Side. The service at the Waterman Grill is always expert, but tonight the food and drink take the point. Chef started us out right with a butter poached lobster tail. The butter was infused with vanilla – lending creamy and sweet notes to a delicate canvas. From the bar, I enjoyed a Whiskey Smash. Maker’s Mark meets muddled citrus and mint syrup. A splash of Lillet Blanc rounded out the sweet and bitter citrus flavors.

Stop 2: Ruth's Chris

Back on the bus, and down to the water basin. Our next stop was Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Coupled with one of the few waterfront restaurant views in Providence the group enjoyed a sampling of Ruth’s  Chris’ $7 Sizzle, Swizzle and Swirl menu. Two really stuck with me. A very tender and flavorful Waygu beef slider was absolutely delicious. I could have had a whole plate of these. Fortunately I saved room for the Tuna. Slightly seared, pepper-crusted, and served in a soy-ginger-mustard sauce, this dish struck a great balance between floral and fiery.

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Stop 3: Roma

Next up was a quick trip over to Atwells for a stop at Roma. I’ve had some great experiences at Roma in the past. Including a Vegas-caliber show by the Edwards Twins and La Vigilia (Feast of the Seven Fishes.  For this stop we kept it a little more low key. Sitting at the bar we could see the bartender masterfully creating 10 fresh sangrias, packing in enough fruit to fill an orchard, using Pinot Grigio, peach vodka, peach schnapps and an assortment of juices. You’ll need a sweet tooth for this stop but after trying this sangria you’ll be able to make lots of new friends very quickly.

Stop 4: Bravo Brasserie

Next we headed over to Empire & Washington.  It was time to pop in on Bravo, taking deep breaths and adjusting belts, to check out how they would stack up. All I really need to say is mini Beef Wellington. Oh

that’s right. I have heard whispers of this classic making its way back onto menus.  All I can say is please, oh please, return to menus. Bravo did a great job with this quick bite. Perfectly cooked, tender, flavorful pieces of tenderloin were encased in the traditional Wellington costume and finished with cabernet demi-glace, perfect.

Stop 5: Blush Winebar

Wheels up – time for the penultimate provisions at Blush Winebar. We decided to just go for the gold on this one. Dessert nachos and shooters! For the nachos Blush fries tortilla chips before giving them a treatment of chocolate ganache, powdered cinnamon-sugar, strawberry syrup and berry compote. Bon vivant be damned, that was just delicious. The waitress suggested, so we had to try a Boom-Boom shooter. Moet Champagne, Pama, Grand Marnier and orange juice.  As instructed we tapped the glasses on the table, twice (boom-boom).  The bubbles from the Champagne instantly enlivened the mix. This drink was very refreshing, and a bit of fun.

Stop 6: Bar Louie

Sated, but still willing, the wheels rolled back Downcity for a sojourn at Bar Louie. After such a sweet at the last stop we all needed some salt. Chef brought out the popcorn. Cue the mouth watering when he told us that the corn had a treatment of black truffle butter, parsley, and basil.  A perfect salty-savory end. Since the night started with a bourbon I thought it should end with one as well. I tried The Clover, a mix of Maker’s Mark, Hennessy, agave nectar and lemon-orange juice.

This experience was quite the epic. A six hour epicurean journey around Providence. While it is great the way it is, Rockstar is ready and willing to customize a tour for any group. The cost is $89.00 for 6 hours 6 restaurants.  That covers appetizers, driving and the tip for the chauffeur... but not alcohol. That cost is based on a group size of 10.

Swap out some restaurants, throw in a stop at a museum or head out of town. This is a perfect way to shake up that boring office holiday party, so give them a call.

Want to know more? Follow Sean DeBobes on the Five Things Facebook page, or on Twitter @SeanDeBobes.

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• Five Things: Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Providence
• Five Things: Via Roma, Providence
• Feast of the Seven Fishes on Federal Hill
• Five Things: Bravo Brasserie, Providence

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