Chez Pascal | Providence

If you've been reading about the Hewtin's truck in Providence you might want to know that the chef that runs that is the owner of Chez Pascal on Hope Street. This great French restaurant is filled with hearty and thoughtfully prepared foods and drink. We opened the night with a selection of pate's and charcuterie made by Matt Gennaro - rabbit and duck and pork and fennel etc etc etc. My wife had a braised veal on a potato cake, green cabbage, served with a reduction sauce that was wonderful. I opt for my favorite French meal - a cassoulet with beans, duck and Chez Pascal made sausage. Not a light meal but a warmly satisfying one on a wintery windy cold providence night.

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La Arepa | Pawtucket

Arepas are wonderful white cornmeal sandwiches served with a variety of fillings and are native to Venezuela and Colombia. I am a big fan and lucky enough to have had them in Caracas (slideshow of Venezuelan food here). But when I have a craving locally - and that's often - this little restaurant is my destination.

Photo above shows three arepas: one with shrimps (camarones) and one with shredded roast pork (pernil), and lastly one with chicken salad with avocado called "Reina Pepiada" - considered the best after a late night - you know - after dancing your feet off and drinking whiskey all night. :-)

But u can eat them fine without all that. I recommend them. Go and be fed.

Map | Website

Phoenix Dragon | Providence

Dim Sum Dim Sum. Fun to say. Fun to eat. In RI it's hard to find it but Phoenix Dragon on Broadway is a great destination locally for this Chinese treat. For those of you who haven't had Dim Sum - think Tapas but Chinese style. Nearly everything is served in a small dish - in a bun or a dumpling or rice noodle wrapping. You dip in soy sauce and later compete with your fellow dinners for the last pieces. When in Boston, I will detour to Chow Chau City - but in RI the Phoenix Dragon fills the gap nicely. Order some baby bok choy (off menu item) stir fried in garlic to round out your feast.

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