My wife and I were both born and raised in RI, but were able to “escape” Rhode Island’s magnetic attraction for more than a decade and lived and traveled throughout the country as a military family, but then settled back in the area in the early 1970’s and thus can officially call ‘Lil Rhody “home”. Unfortunately, many Rhode Islanders beat themselves silly with complaints (some valid, some not).
It’s a tiny state with some unusual (some say “provincial”) attitudes regarding distance. As an example, the running joke is that for someone in Providence to visit Westerly (in the southwest corner of RI) one must “pack a bag” and be prepared to spend the night after an exhausting journey of about thirty miles. Trust me it’s true. That level of silliness is why many native Rhode Islanders miss out on so much this wonderful state has to offer. Oh well, less traffic for us experienced (and non-provincial) types.
Providence is the capitol of this colorful state and is widely acclaimed as a foodie heaven..a well deserved moniker than has been earned over decades of food service ranging from fine dining to food trucks. The ethnic influences or a variety of cultures have become a mecca for chefs who often have been trained at Providence’s own Johnson & Wales University; one of the preeminent proving grounds for the hospitality industry. (We have run across J&W trained chefs in almost every corner of the world.)
We have attempted categorize this site into a series of destination and travel options that we have found worth recommending to others who have the ability and desire to discover new and different places around the world. This will always be a “work in progress” and will be tweaked as things change over time (like restaurants, hotels and attractions).
If you are visiting RI, welcome! It can be a “foodies” delight (if you are into food like me). Here are some places to visit (and eat):
Newport, RI
Vanderbilt Grill
November 2018
We had high expectations. Our usual, fine-dining options in Newport and Westerly were already booked when we searched for a table the night before (poor planning on our part). We had heard great things about Vanderbilt Grill but had not dined there, so it was a blessing to find a 6:15pm table instead of a 9pm elsewhere. The ambiance is five stars with a gorgeous dining room (fireplace, high ceilings, piano and art-deco artwork). The service was adequate. Jameson’s-on-the rocks instead of the ordered J&B, soup without a soup spoon, attempted premature table clearance (before all guests were finished their meals), (minor issues, but unexpected at a fine dining facility). The food was a mixed bag. My pork chop was delicious but took a steak knife to get through the outer crust. Our two orders of veal tortellini ($32ea for five pieces) suggested a tapas plate in which the pasta was just shy of being cooked. The tortellini and sauce was superb (although a tad undercooked), but was quickly gone. The Tre Monti Sangiovese was delightful although $52 for a $20 bottle seemed a bit steep, The entire wine list pricing was rather ambitious. Deserts were a highlight and consisted of beignets and ice cream with nuts. Yum.
The other pin in our balloon was the lack of a dress code for guests. Our fine dining expectation was tarnished further with the prevalence of denim, plaid flannel shirts, down jackets and men wearing caps. Perhaps that’s the style for Newport fine dining these days (although that has not been our experience) and it’s tough for management to police (if they really wanted to), but for over $100 per person, I guess I had expected something more.
My initial issues could be easily resolved with staff training. The dress options might be a bit more challenging. Vanderbilt Grill has enormous, up-scale potential but is not quite there. (Valet parking) Trip Advisor Review November 2018
Corner Cafe
Until I logged on to make this report on Trip Advisor, I did not know so many guests shared my delight with this terrific, unassuming corner of the world. It’s a one hour trip from home, but some Newport area friends told us we HAD to check out their breakfast (and other meals). Breakfast it was and what an experience. I wanted to try their huevos rancheros, but the Portuguese Sweet Bread FrenchToast Scramble caught my eye. and the Irish Fry Up suited my bride perfectly. Oh my. Lumberjack portions and delicious seasonings. Perfection on a plate. Can’t wait for an excuse to go back and try some other offerings (that all looked great as they headed for other guests). Over the years they have added several outdoor dining options that are worth the visit if the weather cooperates. Thanks to our local friends for this recommendation. Foodie heaven. Streetside parking.
Inn (and Dining Room) at Castle Hill
590 Ocean Ave., Newport
This is one of my two favorite places in Newport. The culinary aspects offered are only excelled by the view. In the summer you can dine and drink outdoors on the patio (or lawn) with unobstructed views up and down the Bay and out into the Atlantic. Winter dining is limited (obviously) to the interior dining rooms which each offer gorgeous views as well. The menu changes regularly and is generally not inexpensive but worth every time thanks to extraordinary service and presentation. Great for a romantic luncheon or dinner or simply a place to get-away.
The overnight accommodations are also a delight (although it has been several decades since we last used them).