OPEN
A new, family-owned restaurant, Cielito Mexican Kitchen, opened last month. A friend and I (Motif assistant editor Mara Hagen) accidentally stumbled upon this little corner spot late one night, hungry, and looking for something other than Fellinis. We discovered Cielito at 186 Union St, PVD. We easily devoured their delicious guacamole and a quesadilla, exclaiming, “We will be back!” @cielitomexicankitchen
Rhode Island’s first Argentine take-out and delivery-only restaurant opened last month, Gauchos. Order online or over the phone to get this yummy cuisine. 65 Bath St, on Smith Hill. @gauchos.ri
The Mexican-American restaurant, Casa Noble, opened last month at 761 Hartford Ave, Johnston. In the words of the owner, Ever, it is “a dream come true.” casanoblerestaurant.com
Rebel’s Rations, the food source at Scurvy Dog run by Dan Brown, is adding pop-ups at the Parlour and Tuesday nights at Myrtle in East Providence.
The Rose Room has taken over where The Shop was at 460 Wickenden St, PVD. The Rose Room serves coffee, pastries, and a quiet place to sit and get some work done. A place where “coffee blooms & conversations blossom.” theroseroomcafe.com
Everything in Wayland Square is closing, but don’t worry, something new is opening! Ocean State Spice & Tea Merchants at 225 Wayland Ave has just opened and is serving all you tea pirates out there. 401-424-9858
Wonder Food Hall takes over the old Cumberland Farms at 125 Newport Ave. in East Providence. The Wonder Food Hall is a nationwide chain committed to serving selections from some of the finest restaurants from across the country, by chefs like Gordon Ramsay … all in one place? We’ll see – it certainly makes one wonder. wonder.com
At the corner of Benefit and Transit St. is Brown Bee Coffee, a small place that has been closed for renovations the whole year, if not longer. On my drive to the Motif offices this morning, I noticed that the corner shop was no longer full of construction dust, but rather, people – meaning it was finally open! Stop in for their signature croissants. @brownbeecoffee
Ellies, a breakfast and lunch place that is “inspired by the Parisian way of life,” has moved to 250 Westminster Street. You may not be on an ivy-thronged terrace on the bank of the Seine, but it doesn’t hurt to close your eyes, nibble a handmade macaron, and pretend. @elliesprov
CHOP is an acronym for Culinary Hub Of Providence. The petite diner is nestled inside one corner of the Providence Public Library, with access from the street. They feature sandwiches, coffee drinks and artisanal baked goods with a bookish theme. See some great photos by Jay Ruzika on food blogger and Motif presenter Patty J’s pattyj.com
Johnson & Wales has just announced the launch of their new chicken coop. The home of the Rhode Island Red (present in the coop, along with other breeds) will have little cluckers running around as part of their sustainable farming program, which trains future farmers for the coming apocalypse. Or just to keep Rhode Islanders healthier. A name for the enclosure will be announced soon – possibilities include The Hen Den, Henway Park, Coop-aCabana, and the Center for Culinary Egg-cellence.
CLOSED
Helado Taiyaki, known in many minds as “the fish-cone ice cream place,” has announced that it is closing, but expects to reopen some time in the near future under new management. As of this writing, the newish Federal Hill location is playing out their inventory and posted that one of their employees loves the place so much, they’re taking over the business.
Federal Hill Taphouse & Kitchen at 279 Atwells Ave, according to WPRI, unexpectedly closed in September. Known for their expansive craft beer selection, this loss will be quite the bummer. Their website automatically redirects to Providence Burger Bar on Douglas Ave.
Substantiated rumors indicate that Macy’s in the ailing Providence Place Mall will be following Nordstroms down the river in the not-too-distant future. Official announcements have not yet been made, and there’s no word yet on what might replace the anchor story. We’re hoping it becomes housing (see OneMallPlace, the musical review at motifri.com/how-onecultural-moment-inspired-a-musical-the-story-behind-one-providence-place-a-mall-musical).
This one’s scary: After 39 years of jumping out of dark corners to frighten the pants off Halloween visitors, the Haunted Labyrinth on Dyer Ave in Cranston will not make it to 40. The Diocese of Providence pulled the funding for this mostly volunteer effort. The organizers have posted a lovely farewell video here: fb.com/hauntedlabyrinth
After 11 years, the Dublin Rose in Seekonk has closed its doors to the mournful tune of bagpipes and spilt beer. Supposedly, it is because a Whole Foods has bought out the building. Hope you enjoy shopping for your vegan goodies alongside the ghostly odor of corned beef.
The historic Wayland Diner closed its doors Oct first after what they called “failed lease negotiations.” The diner, owned by Michele Brunelle, was quoted in March by the Boston Globe as struggling financially. Before it was the Wayland Diner it was Rufful’s Restaurant, a beloved East Side institution; for 67 years, under both titles, it served the breakfast denizens of PVD. We here at Motif are sad to see it go, we just hope it isn’t replaced with a smoothie or juice bar (enough is enough!). This is at least the fourth Wayland Square restaurant to bite the dust within the past 5 months, following Minerva’s Pizza, Salted Slate, and Feed the Cheeks.
A South County staple known for its delicious local oysters and martinis, Two Ten Oyster Bar unfortunately suffered a fire in June. It has been closed since, but plans on reopening in Spring 2025. Jessica Santilli, the owner’s daughter and bar manager, says, “it will be back and believe me, it will be better than ever.” •
