Opened:
Royal Fried Chicken: Upon first inspection, I wasn’t sure if this place was real or not. But, judging by the Yelp reviews, it boasts amazing popcorn chicken, fries, coleslaw, and five-star reviews all around. Also one that says, “Perfect spot for a date night.” So grab your hunny, or some friends, and get some grub. Find their spot at 293 Newport Ave, Pawtucket.
Simha Indian Kitchen & Bar: An Indian joint that serves vegetarian dishes and is good for watching sports. These two things sound like reason alone to pay this spot a visit! Check out their insta, @simha_pvd to see some of their yummy options or drop by in person at 385 Westminster St, PVD.
Plaza Shawarma: Cape Verdean & Senegalese food comes to RI. Seems like the invisible hand of Yelp finds these morsels quite tasty and authentic. Their web presence is scarce, which must mean it’s good. Find their Pastels and Shawarmas at 146 Clay St, Pawtucket or their insta @plazashawarmari.
Closed:
The Old Canteen: A favorite of Buddy Cianci and Frank Sinatra, visited by John and Jacqueline Kennedy and Danny DeVito, and a meeting place for mobster Raymond Patriarca, The Old Canteen is turning off the lights after more than six decades of business. Started in 1956 by Joseph Marzilli, The Old Canteen has become an intrinsic part of the Federal Hill Italian food scene. It’s almost unthinkable to imagine Fed Hill without The Canteen, but I guess, as Dylan says, “The times, they are a-changin.” The Old Canteen will be replaced with a Wally’s Weiners, which will be their third location and is a tentacle of the Audrain Hospitality group out of Newport. In a Reddit post responding to this announcement, one poster wrote, “My nana’s rolling over in her grave as I read this,” and another said, “Who asked for hot dogs on Fed Hill?” True. Goodbye, Veal a la Sinatra (Frank’s favorite dish and re-named by Marzilli), and hello Dirty Dog (cheese-stuffed, quarter-pound hot dog). Ah, America, you really have turned into one dirty dog.
Tiffany & Co., Providence Place Mall: Things are shaking up at the PPM ever since it entered the ambiguous receivership. This is something that will supposedly bring the mall more money, but not enough money to get Tiffany & Co. to stick around. They’re jumping ship before the going gets rough, or rougher. Girls, wherever shall we go for our diamonds now? Or for breakfast?
Res American Bistro: A tasty spot for before or after a show at Trinity Rep, Res had some great cocktails and bites. I loved their Beets & Gin martini, and will long for it often. It’s a mystery why they are closing, all we can hope is that it won’t be replaced by a Wally’s Weiners. •
Photo via The Old Canteen.
