New Restaurants Popping Up in Providence

Dinner by Dames, the five-lady strong supergroup of local chefs are reprising their chef-driven multi-course collaboration, with a second meal on November 2 at Gracie’s. The Dames in question are Melissa Denmark of Gracie’s and Ellie’s Bakery, Jordan Goldsmith formerly of Garden Grille, Maria Meza of El Rancho Grande, Kaitlyn Roberts of Easy Entertaining Inc. and Jessica Wood of Fire and Water Restaurant Group. Highlights of the five-course dinner include a Pumpkin and Ricotta Gnudi, Heirloom Squash Custard and Bruleed Farro Pudding. The dinner will be $90 per person and an additional wine pairing is available. For tickets and further info, CLICK HERE.

Providence’s Newest Watering Hole
The Jewelry District is the focus of much ambition for Providence, and the site of so much change. Unsurprising then, that restaurants share that enthusiasm for economic growth. The area was quickly the number one choice for a brand new restaurant and live music space, The Village.

The site on 373 Richmond “had everything we were looking for” says owner Russ Hryzan. Newly opened in October, the location is safe, has a nice patio and is easy to get to. In addition to the pedestrian traffic, it’s just off the highway, with ample parking. Russ says the Jewelry District was attractive because it has “unmet demand for a diverse community.” But perhaps appetite is a better word because the focus of The Village is food, especially providing some new options for the lunch and weekend brunch crowd.

At the center of this food focus is executive chef Maura Shea. She describes the food style as American Bar or Gastro Pub style food. If you’ve had too many overwrought attempts at mac and cheese, “gastro pub” may tend to cause your eyes to glaze over, but in addition to more carefully prepared versions of the staples like pizza and burgers, there’s a bit more of interest here. Maura is known for her Arancini in a pink truffle sauce, as well as the LGBT, with lettuce, guacamole, bacon and tomato on Texas toast. For brunch she’ll be preparing eggs Benedict with a rotating selection of Hollandaise sauces, as well as Maple Bacon French Toast and Lemon Pancakes.

Finally, it wouldn’t be a village without a watering hole. First, the compulsory: there are eight beers on draught and a full wine selection. In addition there are espresso drinks, frozen drinks and more, but where Stacy Iasimone, Pride’s Bartender of the year, really stamps her own identity is through her mixed drinks and a killer sangria menu. 373 Richmond Street, Providence. 228-7222.

Pat’s Pastured’s Pawtucket Premiere
Pat’s Pastured cart, you know, the pasture-raised, crowd-sourced, pop-up, hyphen-rich purveyor of breakfast sandwiches rolls from the Hope Street Farmers Market and into the weekly rotation at the Pawtucket winters market in November. For information on when you can know the joy of eating a sausage and egg while buying sausage and eggs, check the Pat’s Pastured website, and stay tuned for news on their food truck.

Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market Opens
The Pawtucket Farmers Market returns in November, and thank god, because where else are you going to be able to buy a ukulele, learn how to weave a basket and buy pastured leg of lamb on a Saturday? All your old friends are there, but there will be some new faces too, like that Ziggy guy at Fox Point Pickles. Don’t make eye contact, you’ll buy pickles. 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket.

Clean Plate Opening
Clean Plate has moved in at the site of the now closed Deville’s on Water Street. Clean Plate RI offers traditional American lunch and breakfast Tuesday through Sunday from 8am to 2pm. Slated to open in October, at time of reading you ought to be able to test out their Reuben with Gruyère cheese on Iggy’s bread, or French toast breakfast sandwiches. 345 South Water Street, Providence. 621-8888.

Flan Y Ajo and Bodega Malasaña Finally Move In Together
Diego Perez, owner of both Flan Y Ajo and Bodega Malasaña has seized the opportunity to combine his two properties into one larger space. He probably didn’t need to spend time in the Knowledge District to consider the synergy of tapas and wine, but in addition to saving himself a walk, now all his faithful flaneurs will be able to enjoy wine pairings in a larger, but still intimate setting. The combined restaurant is expanding into part of the reconfigured former Tazza space, and, apparently a diva, is now simply named Flan. Flan will offer the same excellent locally sourced food combined with well-selected imports in a revolving tapas menu. 186 Union Street, Providence. 432-6656