The Red Stripe | Providence

Brunch on a weekend morning is a special time under most circumstances and at this Providence bistro it's even better. The Red Stripe is like New York's Balthazar's but RI style - a touch of bohemia thrown in courtesy of renown restaurant owner Jamie D'Olivera. This morning I opted for poached eggs over pulled barbecue pork hash - eggness perfectly prepared and tasty as hell.

Another great dish we tried was codfish cakes with poached eggs - all accompanied with awesome breakfast toast and some of the finest bloody marys in town.

Funky menu with an inviting attitude makes Sunday morning fun at this cozy bistro.


Map (Providence and South County) | Website

Ebisu | Providence

Shabu Shabu - fun to say and even better to eat. Hot broth with vegetables you soak yourself - swish around super thin sliced beef to cook in that broth and you've got the idea. It's great. Simple and warm and tasty. We had appetizers too that were mighty fine; grilled octopus (yakitori) and spicy (crunchy) tuna tostadas. Accompanied by a coconut juice saki cocktail that was truly great.

If you saw "Lost in Translation" you may remember a scene where Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson were mad at each other -- this is what they were eating in the restaurant of that scene. Convinced? Authentic Japanese cooking sans sushi. Worth a visit.

http://www.ebisuri.com/ | Map

El Rancho Grande | Providence

It was a cold rainy Saturday afternoon and we needed some warmth so we headed to this family owned restaurant which was recommended by many.

Carne asada tacos, barbacoa gorditas, stuffed chiles, tamales and mole paved the way to a brand new attitude and the sangria helped.

Beans and rice with tortilla chips were present within this no nonsense authentic atmosphere filled with soccer on tv and mariachi music in the background. Warm smiles and warm bellies all around. We will be back.

El Rancho Grande is located in the Silver Lake area of Providence.

www.elranchogranderestaurant.com | Map

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