It has been quite a summer in the local restaurant community, with some proprietors reporting record business and new places opening almost weekly.
But with this summer of 2007 flying by too quickly, there may be some old favorites you have missed. So before the season slips through your fingers like the sands of Scarborough Beach, here are some dining destinations you should visit (or revisit) around the Ocean State.
Start in Providence at the still-enchanting CAV (751-9164, www.cavrestaurant.com). Located on Imperial Place in the Jewelry District, the contemporary bistro lives up to its title, “Jewel of New England,” bestowed by a Boston reviewer. The art objects on the walls, the tables and hangings from the 12-foot ceilings are still captivating and, as always, available for sale.
The modern cuisine is classically inspired. Proprietor Sylvia Moubayed is as gracious as ever and welcomes you to enjoy her new “glorious” courtyard for al fresco dining or relax in cool comfort in the interesting dining room. A word of advice: Call for directions.
Make sure to head for Warren and set sail aboard the Bay Queen (245-1350, www.bayqueen.com). The good ship underwent a major makeover this winter and plies Narragansett Bay resplendent in her new decking, carpeting and furnishings.
The Queen has a new admiral as well. Operations of the cruise line were acquired last year by Rhode Island Cruise Co. of Newport. The luncheon and dinner-dance cruises are as popular as ever, with rave reviews for the new buffet menus that feature fresh local ingredients.
On the other side of the Bay is The Coast Guard House (789-0700, www.thecoastguardhouse.com) at the fabled Narragansett Pier. This seaside landmark also has just been renovated. Manager Jay Octeau calls it a “major” facelift, including a redesign of the main dining room and bar. Topside, the Anchor Room has been redone from top to bottom. There is also a new deck with its own kitchen serving casual fare that one would expect to find just off the beach: lobster rolls, burgers and calamari.
Both the original and the new decks – Deck 1 and Deck 2 for those in the know – offer spectacular ocean views. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
The Olympia Tea Room (348-8211, no Web site) in Watch Hill is enjoying “one of the best summers we have ever had,” according to chef-owner Jack Felber. The waterfront restaurant has seen quite a few summers. The name alone is 100 years old. Travel writers have traced the Olympia’s modern history back to 1939.
Felber says the Olympia is a tea room in name only. The eatery has evolved from a soda fountain and luncheonette into a contemporary eclectic bistro with an award-winning wine list. The menu appeals to all the senses, including one’s environmental conscience. Felber is a member of the so-called “slow food” movement, focusing on local, sustainable produce wherever possible. The result is food that is far removed from typical beach summer fare, much to the delight of locals and visitors alike.
Perched just steps away from the famous carousel, with tableside views of Little Narragansett Bay and the Watch Hill Yacht Basin, this is a popular spot. Surprisingly, the Olympia is the only full-service restaurant left in the village of Watch Hill.
Felber – just like so many of us – is looking forward to September. The pace slows, temperatures moderate, but our outdoor activities continue. Don’t miss these and numerous other restaurants throughout Rhode Island while there is still plenty of summer left to enjoy. After all, as the old-timers say, the water stays warm until November! •
Dining Out with Bruce Newbury can be heard on Talk Radio 920 WHJJ-AM Fridays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at noon.
E-mail Newbury at
bruce@brucenewbury.com.
