PROVIDENCE – When the outside temperature heats up, savvy foodies know it is time to make plans to take part in Providence Restaurant Weeks. The Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau has created a cottage industry around the state by successfully producing what has turned into almost a two-week special anticipated by local restaurateurs as well as those who dine out often. Not only has it grown beyond a single week, the original dining special has spawned numerous knockoffs statewide all year long.
Restaurant Week has lasted almost 30 years in its original home of New York City. The promotion runs later in July and is priced at $26 for a two-course lunch and $42 for a three-course dinner. Out of 24,000 restaurants in New York, fewer than 400 take part. That works out on a percentage basis to less than half the number of Rhode Island restaurants during Restaurant Weeks.
The basics: Providence Restaurant Weeks, July 7–20, gives diners a chance to try more than 80 restaurants across the state who are offering three-course, prix fixe lunches for $16.95 and three-course, prix fixe dinners for $29.95, $34.95 or $49.95. Some of the restaurants customize and run two-for-one specials for the additional price point. Others offering an additional appetizer course or creative cocktail.
The summer version of Providence Restaurant Weeks started over a decade ago with many of the original eateries returning to offer the special menu. Two of the newest spots participating include Big King, which is the newest concept by James Beard Award nominee chef James Mark; the new Tavolo in Warwick; and the newest iteration of Trattoria Romana at the Tiverton Casino.
For a complete list of participating restaurants, special Providence Restaurant Weeks menus and more information, visit ProvidenceRestaurantWeeks.com.
Bruce Newbury’s “Dining Out” radio talk show is heard Saturdays at 11 a.m. on 1540 AM WADK, on radio throughout New England, through various mobile applications and his podcast. Email Bruce at Bruce@brucenewbury.com.
