THE PANTRY AT AVENUE N

No offense to Whole Foods, Tony's Colonial or Venda Ravioli, but the prepared food market in Providence is pretty lame. Whole Foods has variety and the hot-meal selections will sustain you in a pinch but sustenance isn't much of a goal. Tony's and Venda will supply you with lots of tasty fats and carbohydrates but not much else. And "take-out" does not equal "prepared". Picking up "prepared" food is more like going to the bakery, perusing the goods and pointing at the exact cupcake you want.

So, welcome to Pantry (The Pantry at Avenue N) where you walk in, peruse the offerings, and head home with surprises. Pantry is alongside Avenue N (the deservedly popular restaurant owned by Nick and Tracy Rabar) at 20 Newman Avenue in Rumford (401-228-6691).  

Pantry posts a daily menu (http://www.avenuenamericankitchen.com/the_pantry.php)  and there are standby sandwiches and an eclectic mix of main dishes and salads. On a recent visit, just about closing time, there were turkey burritos, small-piece fried chicken, a gorgeous looking pasta, meatloaf, and many sides and salads. I chose the terrific (and large) turkey burrito, a corn and quinoa side dish and a chopped salad with tomatoes and red onion. This is soooooooo welcome.

Don't be put off by the location. Getting to Rumford (East Providence) is simple, especially easy from the East Side (over the Henderson Bridge to the last exit and straight up Broadway to the old Rumford mill at North Broadway and Newman. There is a Seven Stars bakery there too.

Hours: Monday-Friday  11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 
Saturday and Sunday  11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

2013 SUMMER FARMERS' MARKETS

On Wednesday, Gail Ciampa listed all the farmers' markets in Rhode Island and nearby Massachusetts - a true public service - in the Providence Journal. Here's the site:

http://www.providencejournal.com/features/food/content/20130702-a-bumper-crop-of-farmers-markets-in-r.i.-and-nearby-mass..ece

PROVIDENCE RESTAURANT WEEKS JULY 7 - 20

Close to 100 restaurants are participating in Restaurant Weeks this year, offering deals to entice summer city dwellers with three-course prix-fixe lunches for $14.95 and dinners for $29.95. Providence loses lots of residents in summer but even some vacation spots like Bristol offer deals. Complete list is on the site, http://www.goprovidence.com/RW/.

Among Providence downtown and East Side participants: Bacaro (http://www.bacarorestaurant.net), Cook & Brown (www.cookandbrown.com), Gracie's (www.graciesprovidence.com), Farmstead/La Laiterie (www.farmsteadinc.com/lalaiterie/),  and Pizzico (www.pizzicoristorante.com/)
If past history is a good indication Cook & Brown and Gracie's will treat you very well during restaurant week.

Across the highway: Loie Fuller's (www.loiefullers.com/)
I like this eatery on the artsy west-side where few restaurants participate (notably missing: Nick's, Julien's and Broadway Bistro).

Out of town: Hourglass Brasserie on Thames Street in Bristol (www.hourglassbrasserie.com/)
This is one I will book.

Expense account giants: Ruth Chris (www.ruthschris.com/), Capital Grille (www.thecapitalgrille.com) and McCormick & Schmick's (www.mccormickandschmicks.com)
Restaurant weeks are the only weeks when you can get sane prices at these tourist/business account/parent weekend haunts.

July 7 - 20

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

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

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