West Warwick native Desiree Ross takes you to heaven with iconic cocktails at Chapel Grille's Cathedral Bar. She’s social and loves to interact with her customers, so don’t be shy. Be sure to check out the giant portrait of Priscilla Wescott and let Desiree know if you see any similarities.
How did you get your start in bartending?
Fourteen years ago I was waitressing at Buffalo’s Southwest Café in a small town north of Atlanta. I asked if I could get behind the bar and the rest is history. My family moved down south when my dad’s job transferred him there. I’ve been back in RI for six years now.
What road led you to Chapel Grille?
I saw an ad and applied. I had no idea how big and beautiful this place was. I’m definitely lucky to be working here.
What can customers expect here?
An upscale, beautiful bar that focuses on making quality, traditional iconic cocktails with clever names related to church. The atmosphere is breath-taking. From the dining room to the Cathedral Bar to the four seasons Skyline Terrace, each has its own ambience and special feel. The main dining room has a fireplace. The Skyline Terrace features a retractable roof.
There’s a retractable roof?
Yes, the roof retracts in sections and the walls all fold back. It’s built off the actual structure where we have patio seating and a really nice fireplace that’s built up higher so it’s visible throughout the Skyline Terrace. You can see the Providence skyline and Mount Hope Bridge in Bristol.
What’s your choice cocktail to enjoy on the Skyline Terrace?
The Redemption; it’s my favorite. It’s similar to a mojito, but it’s a little more tangy and refreshing. It’s made with key lime juice, Bacardi Limón, simple syrup and topped with soda water.
Why all the church connotations?
This was actually a chapel built by the prisoners in 1880 for the priest. It serviced the Sockanosset Boys Training School. Three of the five walls are original.
What would be a sin to miss?
The Rapture. It’s an excellent cocktail because it’s not overly sweet, but it does have fruit in it. It’s made with Stoli Razz, pineapple juice, Peachtree, triple sec, finished with a splash of prosecco and served in a martini glass.
What is your signature cocktail?
Strawberry Basil Margarita – silver tequila, triple sec, a dash of agave syrup, muddled basil and strawberries, a splash of sour mix and a dash of lime juice.
How are the cocktails here different from other fine dining establishments?
Our cocktails are original and feature ingredients grown here. The basil in the Strawberry Basil Margarita is grown out front in a garden maintained by our chef. Also, the cocktails are created through team collaboration here; we each had to come up with a cocktail.
What is the biggest challenge you have bartending in a fine dining establishment versus a bar?
It’s better than a regular bar. For me, I feel that it raises the bar on my job; it’s a higher expectation. People come in here expecting quality cocktails when they walk in the door.
What’s your favorite wine to have on a summer night here?
We have an award-winning wine list here. For a white, my favorite is the Gavi it’s a nice, crisp white that is simple and fruity. My favorite red is The Crusher – a full-bodied petite sirah that is creamy with a dry finish.
What’s your most memorable bartending experience?
Sometimes customers tell me that I look like the portrait of the woman over there. The portraits are of Priscilla and Stuckley Wescott. They are two of the original 12 landowners in Rhode Island.
When you’re not making iconic cocktails, you’re....?
Spending time with my family, friends and raising my five-year-old daughter. We enjoy going to the beach and kayaking. My passion is interior design. I’m artsy. I like creativity more than logic, that’s why I like making cocktails.
Chapel Grille. 3000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston. 944-4900. chapelgrilleri.com
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