Since moving our family out of PVD to the wilds of Greenville a few years ago, my husband and I have lamented the loss of a wide variety of gluten-free dining right within walking distance. Color me thrilled when I discovered some new and excellent gluten-free al fresco dining options right within our summer work, […]
A couple of weeks ago I made dinner plans with two friends on a Saturday night. We wanted to try someplace new and different. Living in East Greenwich, which is halfway between Providence and Newport, there are a plethora of great dining options available to us. In true Rhode Island fashion, however, we didn’t want […]
The stretch of Hope St between Rochambeau and 10th St, on the East Side of Providence, is a charming little neighborhood and an untapped treasure for dining and boozing. I consider this to be the Goldilocks of destinations: It’s not too big, not too small, not too expensive, not too crowded, not too sketchy… it’s […]
Like two unwavering pillars of Indian cuisine guarding the north side of the Hope Street shops, Not Just Snacks and Not Just Spices are must-tries for any lover of Indian flavors. And if you think you’ve seen it all before, Not Just Snacks offers an experience unlike what you might expect at its upscale neighbors […]
When Rhode Islanders think of going out in Providence, few consider Hope St as their destination. It’s tucked away on the East Side, spanning just a few blocks with restaurants and stores — what’s there to do? How about Saturday morning farmers markets in Lippitt Park, ice cream at Three Sisters and coffee at Seven […]
The list in my hand was as straightforward as could be: masa, black beans (canned), avocados (3), jalapeños (2), plantains (a few) and cilantro (lots). In keeping with the when-you-go-shopping-for-others ritual, an inevitable phone call came through along with a request for a few more items – limes and adobo seasoning. Naturally, this after I […]
I never fail to surprise people with my enthusiasm for food. When my editors told me I’d be covering Eat Drink RI’s Grand Tasting event, I believe I squealed with joy. I think I even said, “This is the best early birthday present EVER!” (this undoubtedly was not part of their agenda. Not to mention […]
A few summers ago I went to North Conway on vacation with friends. They suggested — no demanded — that we eat dinner at The Flatbread Company. Not wanting to disappoint our traveling companions, we agreed. What started out as a simple vacation meal surprisingly morphed into a memorable evening, courtesy of the spectacular food, […]
At just over 5 feet, 9 inches tall, I currently hold the prestigious title of “Tallest Villari in Recorded History.” This, of course, is according to my father, Bobby Pastrami, who considers my half-foot advantage over him to be a definitive piece of evidence for his otherwise unsubstantiated claim. Another oft-cited “fact” being, “this is the […]
Has spring sprung yet? The bitch usually does with a sting, at least here in New England, where this idyllic season greets us with hearty slap in the face from sleet, freezing rain or a final snow. So aptly does this edition’s cocktail come named: Spring Stinger. The Stinger, a supposedly popular pre-prohibition drink, uses […]