Friday, June 28, 2013

FRENCH TARTE OPEN FRIDAYS

The French Tarte at Hope Artiste Village (1005 Main Street, Suite 8226, Pawtucket  774-280-4803) is open Fridays through July (but not July 5). Start your weekend with fresh croissant, pain au chocolat, shortbread and financiers. Solve your "What should I bring as a gift?" question.

9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

www.frenchtarte.com


Monday, June 24, 2013

DOWNTOWN NOTES: CIRCE & THE DORRANCE

It's a good idea to give a restaurant at least a couple tries before sharing an opinion. That's my thought, ordinarily, but I'm willing to ditch the advice on occasion. Why? Dinner at a new place might be amazing and I want friends to try it right away. Or food is beyond awful. Or maybe a place is so dirty I don't want to touch anything let alone eat.

At The Dorrance (60 Dorrance Street, Providence  401-521-6000) I (we) were served flawless dinners, not a fault in the plates served (though the desserts were a bit precious, way over-thought). But the room - the look, chairs, style - all say wedding venue. It's like having dinner in a hotel ballroom.

www.thedorrance.com


Circe (50 Weybosset Street, Providence  401-437-8991) is the reborn DownCity Diner, sleekly painted in paler hues but pretty much the same. I understand the owners are going for "restaurant" but the feel is "bar" because that's where the noise is. On my first visit service was poor despite an empty room and nothing eaten at our table suggested come back again so I won't. 

www.circerestaurantbar.com

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

PLAN AHEAD: CHARLESTOWN BREWS AUGUST 10

The summer Rhode Island Brew Fest is August 10th at Ninigret Park in Charlestown. Rhode Island Brewers Guild members will present their beers as will craft brewers from across the borders. Lots of food, music, maybe even sunshine. Two sessions: 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

There are tickets for designated drivers, general admission goers and VIP big-shots. Prices begin at $15 for designated drivers who buy tickets online to $95 for VIP big-shots who pay at the door*.

Important to know: tickets are cheapest if you buy them now. * Number of VIP tickets (which get you into a private tent with special brews) is limited.

(www.ribrewfest.com)


BIRCH OPENS AT "TINI" LOCATION

•   Birch opens tomorrow at the Tini location - 200 Washington St, Providence (across from Trinity Rep). Benjamin Sukle, formerly chef at The Dorrance, and Heidi Sukle, are running it. Get a seat at the bar - it's a great location.  401-272-3105

www.facebook.com/birchprovidence