Five Things: Five Restaurants to Check Out for Providence Restaurant Weeks
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
With more than 70 restaurants participating in Providence Restaurant Weeks, it may feel like there's just too many fantastic places to fit into a nightly night-out schedule.
Have no fear. Sean DeBobes and Ann Martini put their heads together to bring you the five restaurants you need to tuck into. And look carefully when you do... you just might see them there. (Remember: these special dinner menus are a steal: $29.95 per person for three courses.)
One. Fun and funky
Iron Works Tavern, Warwick - Yes, it's right near the airport's new Interlink station, and worth the quick ride to explore this fun, upbeat spot featuring contemporary American cuisine, housed in the original RI Malleable Iron Works factory. RW menu picks: Lobster pot pie is a lovely RI touch on a classic comfort food; also don't miss the cabernet-braised beef short ribs with mashed potatoes... tender and savory. 697 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, 739-5111.
Two. Great flavors
La Masseria, East Greenwich - The offshoot of the popular NYC eatery is a local favorite on East Greenwich's Main Street, and this week's special menu highlights what La Masseria excels at: classic simple fare featuring fresh, full flavors. RW menu picks: Lucky for Restaurant Week patrons, La Masseria is featuring one of its best items on its special RW menu - Mazzarella Farcita del Giorno - homemade, stuffed fresh mozzarella. Why stop there? Go for the Gnocchetti di Patate all Sorrentina, a fantastically fluffy homemade potato gnocchi with tomato sauce and fresh mozarella. 223 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-0727.
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Centro, Westin Hotel, Providence - It's bright and making a splash on the downtown scene, and now's the time to get a look at the promising Italian-inspired menu at the Westin's new restaurant that has taken Agora's old space. RW menu picks: Start with a butternut squash soup, and make your second course a pappardelle in a classic Bolognese with beef, pork, veal, San Marzano tomatoes, grana padano and a touch of cream. The Westin Hotel, One Exchange St, Providence, 228-6802.
Four. Cozy in Blackstone Valley
Vintage, Woonsocket - This tucked-away gem does classic favorites with flair, and well worth the pilgrimage to Woonsocket. RW menu picks: Nothing better on a winter's night than a great soup, and you won't want to miss this week's creamy potato leek soup. Make the night complete with a comfort classic - meatloaf with country mashed potatoes. 2 South Main St, Woonsocket, 765-1234.
Five. Quiet excellence
Waterman Grille, Providence - A loyal core of followers love chef Marc Broccoli's fare at this often-overlooked fine restaurant on the banks of the Seekonk River. Restaurant week is the perfect reminder to tuck in and enjoy some outstanding tastes. RW menu picks: Beware (or worship) Szechuan beef skewers with a fiery peanut dip... they're positively addictive. For a sumptuous winter main, don't miss the Hereford top sirloin with cheddar, bacon, scallion mashed potatoes, crispy onion strings, and set off by a red chile-bourbon aioli.
Bonus items: Martini and DeBobes fought over what to include, and neither wanted to relinquish these favorite items featured on RW menus: Cappricio's crispy, fried risotto balls with crab and milk-fed parm... an old-school classic done at a restaurant that continues to do things right, year after year. Finally, a stone-baked pizza at Walter's Ristorante d'Italia, topped with chef Walter's own apple butter, chicken breast, and taleggio cheese. That, and a house-made potato gnocchi with sausage and eggplant ragu, baked in terracota.
Update: a number of restaurants are maintaining special deals and menus into next week. Check the Providence Restaurant Weeks site, here, for updates.
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