THANK GOODNESS! It’s that time of year. Providence Restaurant Weeks (Winter Edition), the annual event that has the power to lift Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts residents out of the January doldrums, is back through the 22nd.
And the best part is that it’s heavy sweater season so no one will notice if you pack a few extra pounds on (long as you take it off by Providence Restaurant Weeks Summer Edition!) So go hog wild and take advantage of the numerous deals and specials the event brings. Order a little extra, visit an old favorite or try something new and really explore the local dining scene.
Many favorites are thankfully back. Camille’s, The Capital Grille, Jacky’s Waterplace Restaurant and Iron Works are just a tiny, delicious sampling of Providence Restaurant Weeks choices
Warning: when looking at the eclectic list of participating restaurants: DO NOT GET OVERWHELMED! Not easy to do when the pressure is on to pick where the dining dollars will be spent.
Instead, think of it like putting together this year’s team – almost the dining version of fantasy football! You can’t have them all, so pick a restaurant team and strategy that will service your needs at this time.
Our strategy here this year is variety. The need to hit several venues offering diverse dining styles and choice; some established and others new. That’s the plan in choosing the Winter 2022 team. Perhaps your team will duplicate some of our 2022 lineup, or perhaps not – doesn’t matter. You really can’t lose in this game!
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LITTLE SISTER:
737a Hope Street – Providence, RI 02906
An all day cafe and bakery with a decidedly Latin flavor that seeks to make you feel “like you’re hanging out at a friend’s house.” Pastries, Bolt coffee, brunch and lunch or, perhaps, tapas and wine in the evening – YES YES YES. Plus, anyplace that involves Providence’s former Rebelle Bagels Milena Pagán comes automatically with a stamp of approval (still nursing a broken heart over Rebelle, Milena)
BELLINI:
90 Westminster Street – Providence, RI 02903
In a fast,casual world, sometimes you just need to put on some finery, do up the hair (of course with the hair, this is Rhode Island!) and pamper the heck out of yourself. Bellini is a fine place to do just that. Located at the Beatrice Hotel, the restaurant spares nothing. The words “sophisticated” and “exclusive” aptly describe what diners are in for at Bellini. And “authentic Italian cuisine with a contemporary flair” is a deal-sealer for me. Sign Bellini up for the team – scouting report not even necessary.
OZ TACOS & TEQUILA:
200 Front Street – Lincoln, RI 02865
Gotta check this out. From the Chow Fun Food Group known for years for their high concept and delicious restaurants, Oz Tacos & Tequila is located somewhere over the rainbow near where the witch’s castle used to be and across from the old Almacs in Lincoln, RI. Can’t wait to peruse the variety of tacos and small plates. Plus, quite honestly, the extensive tequila selection also tends to be a bit of a draw. The selection’s gotta be good – I mean tequila’s part of the name for goodness sake! With Chow Fun’s record and the mouth watering menu, they’re definitely on my restaurant week team.
HEMENWAY’S:
121 South Main Street – Providence, RI 02903
Newport Restaurant Group’s Hemenway’s is the veteran All Star selection for my Providence Restaurant Weeks team this year. I mean it’s Rhode Island – we’ve gotta have seafood, right? And boy, does Hemenway’s do seafood right. They have been for over 35 years. I daydream about their Rhode Island Clam Chowder when I need a pick-me-up. If you haven’t been recently, then they should be on your team as well.
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No matter how you slice it, Providence Restaurant Weeks is just supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, and some participants have deals and specials on “to go” orders as well. Put together your own team and get out there and pamper yourself and your loved ones while supporting the restaurant industry. They need us now and, face it, we need them. It’s a mutual love-fest, so plan to make your January a delicious one.
