The Sublime Sophist icat ion By Deborah Chiaravalloti
of Rudi’s Port smout h
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When the New York Times and the Washington Post praise Portsmouth in their respective travel sections, you know it must be quite a place. When the Times says “Portsmouth is blessed with an absurd selection of restaurants…” you know it must be a competitive culinary landscape. When you hear a customer say “…think of a vibrant bar, bistro food, background jazz and just the right vibe over splendid drinks,” you know they must be talking about Rudi’s Portsmouth. ATNE Magazine • Portsmouth, NH 2013 • page 22
Owners Brook Gassner and Keith Prince describe Rudi’s as a restaurant with a charismatic atmosphere that serves up an eclectic mix of “downtown charm and uptown polish.” It most certainly does. The interior is classic, sophisticated and modern. The wine bar is cozy, charming and irresistible. Rudi’s Portsmouth opened in 2008 in the space formerly occupied by the stalwart The Metro, a well-known and well-respected restaurant that was open for 30 years. For some, that might feel like daunting shoes to fill. Not for Brook. She has created a restaurant that is confident in its niche and charismatic in its presentation. Rudi’s Portsmouth is the 2013 winner of a Certificate of Excellence from Trip Advisor and past winner of the