Great Date Restaurants
Friday, July 23, 2010
Whether you're single, married, or somewhere in between, you need a great date night. And we've got five great restaurants that are up to the job.
Spicy Fun in Newport: Perro Salado
Creative Mexican is the rule at Perro Salado, a fun and funky little gem a few blocks off Newport's oh-so-beaten path of clam shacks and loud seaside patios. Tucked into a circa-1700 historic house (reported to be haunted!), they're creating a buzz among locals and tourists-in-the-know for super-fresh, often organic and locally-sourced, and always delicious dishes. Chef Dan Hall has worked in kitchens in New York, Miami and Boston for the last 25 years, and those ethnicity-rich cities have clearly sparked a passion for creating vibrant and inventive Mexican fare. Start with the sticky pork ribs and you'll crave them again for days and weeks to come. The fish tacos alone will make you think you've died and gone to Baja.
Salado (Spanish for "Salty Dog") also sports an extensive tequila bar, Mexican cervezas, and handcrafted margaritas and cocktails. Options abound -- belly up to the bustling bar, people watch from the patio, or get toasty by the fire when the frost sets in. Even if romance isn't in the air, you're sure to fall in love with Perro Salado. 19 Charles St, Newport, 619-4777.GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST
Romance in Bristol: DeWolf Tavern
The atmosphere alone at DeWolf Tavern in Bristol would be enough. This long and narrow warehouse was built in 1818 by the DeWolf brothers, who were rum runners and slave traders. The rough-hewn beams and stone walls give a cozy and historic feel to the place, and in winter, the fireplace only adds to the charm.
But there’s the food. Chef Sai Viswanath hails from Madras, India and he has held positions at renown restaurants such as Indigo in Mumbai and Union Square Café in Manhattan. His worldview approach to cooking partners perfectly with the local seafood he’s so passionate about. The intensely high heat of the charcoal tandoor works wonders on the roaster lobster, which turns out succulent and flavorful in ways we Rhode Islanders aren’t use to.
There’s a reason Esquire magazine named this a top U.S. restaurant (and aren’t you the smart one for bringing your date here?)
Located adjacent to the Bristol Harbor Inn, DeWolf presides over a bustling, and delicious, little pocket of the Bristol waterfront. Toss in breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay, salty-air breezes, killer sunsets and the traffic of passing sailboats just steps from the door and DeWolf takes on a year-round appeal that’s hard to beat. 259 Thames St, Bristol, 254-2005.
Federal Hill Seen and Scene: Siena
It’s hard to find a restaurant on Federal Hill that’s not slamming on a Saturday night. But don’t take the line out the door as a sign that the food is top notch. Unless, that is, you’re standing in the doorway at 238 Atwells Avenue.
Siena hasn’t seen a slow night since they opened several years ago thanks to simply-prepared and always tasty
rustic dishes inspired by the Tuscany region of Italy. It’s impossible not to find something to love here. Pizzas and salads are perfectly sized to share. Pastas are hearty and rich (the Bolognese is the best in the city by far; the risotto side is a must-do should you go for a poultry or meat entrée).
Quiet types will appreciate the roar and superb people-watching at the always-packed bar. If you prefer to cozy up, things are quieter in the back room, though you may have to wait for one of the few tables back there. Whatever you choose, we suggest finishing the night off by sharing the Scripelle con Gelato, mini friend doughboys dusted with sugar and served with vanilla gelato and Nutella. Even if the date goes wrong, the meal with have the perfect finish. 238 Atwells Ave, Providence, 521-3311.
Cozy In: Providence's The Duck and Bunny
Even if the name is a little goofy, it’s hard to dispute that a place that calls itself a “snuggery” and makes blankets and pillows available to its patrons (ostensibly for the snuggling part) would make a logical place to take a date.
For the most part The Duck, set in a historic house on Wickenden Street, does not disappoint. It is plush and lavish in a funky kind of way. White candles add to the decadence. It might remind a girl of a dollhouse she played with as a child – delicate, charming, diminutive.
Beverages at The Duck run the gamut from tea to wine and beer. The menu does not disappoint, and while the novelty of tea sandwiches may tempt, most who come here will tell you it’s the crepes and cupcakes that are the must-haves. The crepes – the ham and gruyere with caramel mustard is among the best – are large and good for sharing. The day’s cupcake flavors are listed on a gold-framed chalkboard by the doorway.
Perhaps the nicest thing about The Duck is how unique it is – the name, the menu, the concept, the interior design. As you settle in, it all provides fodder for conversation, and the place’s charm tends to rub off on you, leaving you feeling all warm and uh, fuzzy. 312 Wickenden St, 270-3300.
After Sunrise in Providence: Nick’s on Broadway
Well, let’s just say it – Nick’s is wonderful for dinner, but should the date go well, nothing beats Chef Derek Wagner’s breakfasts.
The line will be out the door should you arrive mid- to late-morning on a weekend. For the most part it moves along quickly, and the bevy of West Siders in line will keep things lively while you wait. The hold-up inside is usually caused by diners who can’t decide what to order. Chef Wagner does for breakfast and brunch what other chefs in the city have done with dinner – raised the bar by using local, seasonal ingredients whenever possible, from the eggs to the maple syrup.
What’s popular? What isn’t? The pancakes, the black beans and eggs, the brioche French toast, breakfast wraps, omelets, those delectable home fries made with local white and sweet potatoes and onions. Should you arrive later in the day and lunch is in order, go straight for the slow-braised pulled pork sandwich with cheddar and caramelized onions. The dining room is tight and loud, but the meal with fortify you for the beginnings of a beautiful friendship, or…well, whatever. 500 Broadway, Providence, 421-0286.
Related Articles
- Best Summer Concerts
- Five Things: Nick’s On Broadway, Providence
- AS220 Reinvents the Jukebox
- Outdoor Movies for Summer Nights
