New Lunch Shines at Providence’s Farmstead

Wednesday, October 03, 2012

Sean DeBobes, GoLocalProv Dining Critic

No one does a cheese or charcuterie board better than Farmstead--just put them in charge, sit back and enjoy. Photo: Farmstead.

A new player has entered the lunch scene in Providence’s Wayland Square. Well, this is an old pro at this point, but the lunch service is new. Wayland Square favorites Matt & Kate Jennings have recently expanded the service hours at their popular cheese shop/restaurant, Farmstead (note to La Laiterie lovers: the whole business is under the Farmstead banner now). Neighborhood dwellers, East Side lunch-seekers, and cheese enthusiasts alike can now enjoy a sampling of the region’s best cheese, charcuterie and now lunch fare.

It still begins with cheese and charcuterie

I recently stopped in for lunch to see what Matt & Kate were cooking and curating at the shop. I must say, as always the cheese and charcuterie were amazing. Faced with Farmstead's continually rotating stock of products, I find it not only easier but more fun to ask the server to send out a few items on those signature cheese boards. I tried a sampling including Dirt Lover, Divine Providence, Appalachian sausage and mortadella. What a way to start a meal! The sides of local honey, house candied nuts, spicy mustard and pickled vegetables ensure that you will have a memorable board.

New plates hit the mark

Anyone who has been to Farmstead knows that the cheese and charcuterie is worth the trip. Now, for lunch, something else is too. I tried two plates that I have been dreaming of since I left. A house made pasta dish made with corn meal had incredible fresh corn flavor. This was only elevated by the sprinkle of chopped 120-day aged pancetta. (Don’t we all have that in our cooler?) Now, the dish to write home about might be the Angus mini-burgers. In a city that loves high-end burgers and sliders, these can stand up any time. Starting with fresh-ground Angus beef and preparing it to your preference, the clincher is serving this on a house made, warm, fresh, cheesy-chive biscuit. The mealy texture and the great, savory flavor brought those little beef patties to new heights.

With fun area shopping and easy parking consider a trip to Farmstead for your next lunch. Be sure to stock up on plenty of artisan cheeses in the retail shop on the way out.

Farmstead, 186 Wayland Ave, Providence, 401-274-7177. Tuesday – Saturday 11am- 8pm Lunch served 11am-3pm.

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New Lunch Shines at Providence’s Farmstead

It still begins with cheese and charcuterie

New plates hit the mark

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