Travel → Rhode Island: The Ocean State →
Weekend: Providence, RI
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Sunday morning ... Already our last day, and it was clear there would be no way to visit all the restaurants and markets on our long list. We knew we couldn't leave without sampling the fine fare at Aspire Restaraunt (at Hotel Providence), though, so we opted for breakfast. We ordered a big variety, but did our best to take small bites from decadent platefuls of Belgian waffles, omelets, and fresh muffins.
We ate hot dogs for lunch -- but don't laugh, because these were no ordinary wieners. At Spike's Junkyard Dogs we learned a thing or two about teaching an old frank new tricks. The signature "Junkyard Dog" is topped with pickles, spicy peppers, house-made mustard, and scallions -- not for the faint of heart. Sauerkraut, teriyaki sauce, and buffalo-wing sauce and blue cheese are also on the menu. Or, for the purists among you, try one au naturel for a fresh taste of one of these smoky, spicy, 100 percent beef (no fillers, no sweeteners) wonders.
With the car packed, our last meal was at newcomer Temple Downtown, just steps from the Rhode Island state house. A curved, candlelit entrance winds into an elegant dining room, serving a menu created with locally sourced ingredients. Traditional stuffed clams get along well with tempura-battered, deep-fried broccoli rabe and thin, crispy steak frites. Were it not for the long ride ahead, we would have delved more deeply into the extensive wine and cocktail list, as well. Divine Providence indeed ...
When You Go -- Providence
Dining
Venda Ravioli, 265 Atwells Ave., 401-421-9105; vendaravioli.com
MuMu Cuisine, 220 Atwells Ave., 401-369-7040
Scialo Bros. Bakery, 257 Atwells Ave., 877-421-0986, 401-421-0986; scialobakery.com
Olga's Cup and Saucer, 103 Point St., 401-831-6666
Farmstead & La Laiterie, 186-188 Wayland Ave., 401-274-7177; farmsteadinc.com
Gracie's, 194 Washington St., 401-272-7811; graciesprov.com
Aspire Restaurant, 311 Westminster St., 401-521-3333; aspirerestaurant.com
Spike's Junkyard Dogs, 485 Branch Ave., 401-861-6888; 273 Thayer St., 401-454-1459; spikesjunkyarddogs.com
Temple Downtown, 120 Francis St.. 401-919-5050; temple-downtown.com
Lodging
Hotel Providence, 311 Westminster St., 401-861-8000; hotelprovidence.com
Hotel Dolce Villa, 63 DePasquale Square, 401-383-7031; dolcevillari.com
Providence Biltmore, 11 Dorrance St., 401-421-0700; providencebiltmore.com
Reader Comments
Comment from Denise Chamie on January 16, 2008
I am looking forward to my next visit back to my Home State and City....Thanks for the memories and thanks for loving RI so much............
Comment from Michelle Brenholtz on March 3, 2008
RI is great! And if you are one of those people who like fancy food chains or something you might have heard of, they have The Cheesecake Factory, Fire and Ice and Uno Chicago Pizzeria right on the street level of Providence Place. I am not a big chain person but Fire and Ice is an awesome experience. You pick your meet, your sauce and veggies and they stir fry it up for you right there. Lots of selections and options. And who can resist the cheesecake at the Cheesecake Factory? Tons of variety but expect a wait if there during a busy time. Enjoy!
Comment from on May 27, 2009
I am disappointed to find no mention of Roger Williams Park. I grew up in Providence and spent years of my chilhood and teen years admiring the beautiful gardens, zoo, museum, boating, ice-skating in winter, etc. but especially the wonderful carousel. As a mother living in NJ, visiting Providence regularly, I took my children there. At some point the carousel disappeared. Later when visiting my son in Richmond, VA, we visited King's Dominion Park for fun. What a surprise to find a the carousel there which had been for so many years in Roger Williams Park in Providence! A sign confirmed this and told of the history.
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