Feast |
review
shop local, cook american... with a french soul
5 a place to go, to eat, to see, to hang out
Rue De L’Espoir American Bistro Cooking
open daily breakfast, lunch, dinner 99 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02906 info/reservations 751-8890 www.therue.com
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Available for House Calls, Parties and Business Functions
224 Thayer Street, Lower Level, Providence 481-5885 • Walk-Ins Welcomed
20% Off Student Special with ad
ing If you’re not e’Sa,t CASERTA you’re not eating pizza!
Shaved Scallop
but it paired well. I’ve spoken to a lot of people about birch since its opening; some people don’t know what to make of high-end cuisine housed in such a small space. After some consideration, I think it’s brilliant, and here’s why. Birch’s size creates a focused, deliberate environment in which diners can be immersed in the dining experience. You’re not being brushed by a large group as they are ushered to table 42. Nobody is shouting panicked orders across the restaurant and you won’t be neglected in a dark corner. You are always an arm’s reach from someone who knows the menu inside and out, and the front of the house staff operates in a calm, intentional way that sets diners at ease. Many other aspects of birch are intentional as well, such as the dishes, which were created for the restaurant by a Rhode Island School of Design potter. On my visits I’ve felt that each dish is an invitation to engage the senses - very consciously
conceptualized, composed and presented. The decor, natural and almost austere, allows food be the focus. A few tips: diners should be comfortable with bar seating. The Ushaped bar seats 20 and groups can be seated around a corner for easier interaction. Birch takes reservations on their website and I’d recommend reserving since seating is limited. These days you can often sneak in early without a reservation, but that probably won’t last. Since their menu is constantly evolving, I look forward to returning to birch because who knows what their food future holds. There is only one way to find out.
1. OFF
$ 00
A DELICIOUS 12-PIECE PIZZA
The ORIGINAL
CASERTA PIZZERIA
There’s Only One Caserta 121 Spruce St., Providence (On the Hill) Parking Available
A Rhode Island Tradition for over 50 years
Take out 272-3618 or 621-3618 or 621-9190
The Best Noodle Soup in Town
50 Ann Mary Street, Pawtucket (off N. Main) In former Shaw’s Plaza 365-6278 • phohorns.com
birch 200 Washington St. 272-3105 birchrestaurant.com
Now serviNg
browN rice
Mon-Thur 11am-10pm • Fri-Sat 11am-11pm Sun 11am-9pm
(temporarily stopping delivery service)
September 2013 | Providence Monthly
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