[Recchia]

eltron, on Jul 26 2005, 03:32 PM, said:

Two cents on pizza:

Providence is sorely lacking in just a good old reliable pie. I really like Caserta's, but its not really pizza - more like a donut with sauce on it.

Other than that, I've had alright pizza, but nothing reliable (not even Bob and Timmy's or Pizza Pie-er.) I've tried Sikar, and not that impressed. Sicilia's is awful. Ronzio is plain, though at least pretty cheap.

Damnit, does anyone have a definitive recommendation for really good pizza around here...!?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am totally and completely obsessed with Caserta's. There's nothing to compare to it, it makes me not ever want traditional non-Sicilian pizza.

I actually kinda liked Saki's a while ago. And there's Boulevard Pizza, on Allens Ave right at the Cranston/Providence border-good big NY style slices.

[gregw]

The best pizza I've had in RI is at the Village Hearth in Jamestown. They only have pizza on Sunday evenings. It's grilled and comes in two types: plain with cheese and whatever the special is that night, often something like spinach and garlic. Worth the trip.

[ruchele]

Lova, on Jul 26 2005, 02:47 PM, said:

Pho's aint really an asian restaurant. Its a bar with asian pub food, and  Great bartenders. They've never kicked me out.

Mkt on Hudson St behind the Armory. Smoked blue fish rules.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Maybe you are thinking of Pho Republique? That's kind of a fancy-shmancy Vietnam-themed bar/restaurant in South End/Lower Roxbury. Pho Pasteur is definitely a Pho restaurant- actually a small chain, with a couple of locations around Boston.

[ruchele]

Lova, on Jul 26 2005, 02:53 PM, said:

I forgot a good one: Tina's Jamaican Food, across from the Classical High sports field on Broad. They have excellent curried goat and spicy beef patties. But I go there for the Bedroom Bully. Its a home made Irish sea moss based drink that is like a liquid meal. Cures hangovers too.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for the rec! I get a pattie craving every once in a while- I don't know about that drink, though. I'd have to be REALLY hung-over. I'll give it a shot and report back.

And I agree with eltron on the Pizza thing- I can't stomach Caserta, and sometimes, you just need a good, cheap 'za, ya know?

This post has been edited by ruchele: 26 July 2005 - 01:46 PM

[Cotuit]

Lova, on Jul 26 2005, 03:05 PM, said:

NY Pizza (Italian style as opposed to the move common Greek): Bobby and Tims Grilled Pizza, off Atwells (was in Depesqualle plaze but moved across Dean St., Sikar (Atwells), Fellinies (Wickendon)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't really think of any of those as New York style, although I love Fellinies. Thankfully I don't work too close by anymore, I used to eat there far too often.

I actually prefer Greek Pizza, most of the pizza on the Cape is Greek (at least most of the good pizza), it's what I grew up on, so it's what I like best. Try Craigville sub and Pizza next time you're on the Cape.

[matt]

Cotuit, on Jul 26 2005, 04:12 PM, said:

I don't really think of any of those as New York style, although I love Fellinies. Thankfully I don't work too close by anymore, I used to eat there far too often.

I actually prefer Greek Pizza, most of the pizza on the Cape is Greek (at least most of the good pizza), it's what I grew up on, so it's what I like best. Try Craigville sub and Pizza next time you're on the Cape.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm a big fan of Fellinies, as well, and I too prefer Greek Pizza.

My favorite restaurant in Providence is still Cav. And if you can get there on a night when Joe Parillo is performing, its a fantastic experience. A little pricey, but worth it.

[Cotuit]

I've only been to Cav once and I had the whole meal comped because I's gots connections.

Needless to say, it was very good!

[Frankie811]

Has anyone tried A PRANO @ 385 Westminster St?

[Liamlunchtray]

Cotuit, on Jul 26 2005, 03:12 PM, said:

I don't really think of any of those as New York style, although I love Fellinies.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Have any of you tried Nice Slice? It's run by folks who used to work at Fellini's back when Fellini's was the hip place to hang out (before the remodel and whatnot). Its very similar - Super thin crisp crust. I dig it, although sometimes I want something that fills me up a little more and I grab a slice at Antonios instead.

Liam

[kinematix]

Just as a heads up, I know some people who are doing a new restaurant review book for at least Providence if not all of RI. Don't know when it's coming out as they are writing it right now but it'll be nice to have a new one.

[Cotuit]

Liamlunchtray, on Jul 27 2005, 09:35 AM, said:

Have any of you tried Nice Slice?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They're pretty good, but it's hard to beat Antonio's.

[KRC]

The trip across the bridge to Maderia for Portuguese is way worth the trip. The place makes the best brown gravy and potatos you've ever had. Of course, these items come with your choice of a whole animal cooked to your liking! Also, they have some of the best seafood you've ever had.

[Recchia]

KRC, on Jul 27 2005, 11:00 AM, said:

The trip across the bridge to Maderia for Portuguese is way worth the trip.  The place makes the best brown gravy and potatos you've ever had.  Of course, these items come with your choice of a whole animal cooked to your liking!  Also, they have some of the best seafood you've ever had.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not only is Madeira's food excellent, but the atmosphere there is awesome. A river and a boat--now that's atmosphere.

[megad]

I like the pizza at Jepetto's (right near Caserta's). Their grilled cheese pizza is great.


My type of food is really Japanese.

I think the best overall is Shogun in Warwick. Great experience... they specialize in steak and other grilled food, but their sushi is also exceptional. It's pretty pricey though. Average sushi meal will cost ya about $30.

My 2nd favorite is Sakura on Wickenden. The atmosphere is great and they are very friendly and have great service. I think Sakura has the best overall Sushi.

Haruki East Side and Haruki in Cranston are also very good... however I've noticed their sushi is inconsistent. Some days its phenominal, others it is piss poor. Maybe it's a specific chef that makes it good.

New Japan has amazing food but is pricey (all ala-carte).

Tokyo is good and gives you alot of food... (I often go on $50 lunch binges their and order 4 meals for myself ) However, their fish quality isnt the best. The other day I ordered sashimi and I couldnt really finish it because it really didnt taste good. But most days it is great.

I have yet to try Ren Zen... that will be my next stop.


In Boston though, you gotta try Fugakyu and New Ginza... those are my favorites.

[kinematix]

Sun and moon in East providence is about as good as it gets in my book for Korean. Its a husband and wife in an open kitchen and they cook the most amazing food and will even teach you the traditional way of eating certain dishes if you're interested. PS its BYOB

[Lova]

Yes, Pho Republique. I feel the love there.

Pizza: Pawtucket House of Pizza on Smithfield Ave, intersection of Mineral Spring. They're just-off-the-boat-Greek and have the best Special (everything) around. Piled high! You have to ask for anchovies.

For just the sauce I like Oli's Pizza, on the CF side of Pawtucket's downtown. I think it's on Broad St.

I don't like Twins. btw, the little Chinese place (Best Taste) across Mineral Spring from them is pretty good. And deliver.

Bedroom Bully (at Tina's) is made from Irish sea moss, peanuts, cinamon and misc spices, and Guiness. The beer adds an odd tang and mild fermentation that can be mistaken for a sour sample, but it's not the case. Also, there is a new Jamaican patty shop a couple blocks down Broad, across from the Duncan Donuts.

[Frankie811]

Lova, on Jul 28 2005, 10:02 AM, said:

Yes, Pho Republique. I feel the love there.



I don't like Twins.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You've got to be kidding!!!!!!! You don't like Twin's!!!??? May I ask why? I love their pizza and wished that I lived closer to them.

[Garris]

kinematix, on Jul 27 2005, 12:14 PM, said:

Sun and moon in East providence is about as good as it gets in my book for Korean. Its a husband and wife in an open kitchen and they cook the most amazing food and will even teach you the traditional way of eating  certain dishes if you're interested. PS its BYOB

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Absolutely correct. I think it was Gourmet Magazine that did a "best of" of each region, and the only two restaurants from Prov to be named were Mill's Tavern and Sun and Moon!

- Garris

[Garris]

I love Japanese too...

megad, on Jul 27 2005, 11:21 AM, said:

I think the best overall is Shogun in Warwick. 

Huh, I haven't heard of it... I'll have to try it...

megad, on Jul 27 2005, 11:21 AM, said:

My 2nd favorite is Sakura on Wickenden.  The atmosphere is great and they are very friendly and have great service.  I think Sakura has the best overall Sushi.

Agreed. Sakura is very good (for Providence)...

megad, on Jul 27 2005, 11:21 AM, said:

Haruki East Side and Haruki in Cranston are also very good... however I've noticed their sushi is inconsistent.  Some days its phenominal, others it is piss poor.  Maybe it's a specific chef that makes it good.

Also spot on... I think Haruki East (which is around the corner from where I live) has had sushi ranging from "good" to "poor." Never very visually interesting or imaginative... You're right about the inconsistencies, as one day I was there it looked like they cut their Maki rolls with a dull, dull knife. Really sloppy. They're also on the pricier end too...

megad, on Jul 27 2005, 11:21 AM, said:

New Japan has amazing food but is pricey (all ala-carte).

I haven't been for quite a long while... I don't remember them being very pricey. I'll have to go back...

megad, on Jul 27 2005, 11:21 AM, said:

Tokyo is good and gives you alot of food... (I often go on $50 lunch binges their and order 4 meals for myself )  However, their fish quality isnt the best.  The other day I ordered sashimi and I couldnt really finish it because it really didnt taste good.  But most days it is great.

I haven't been, but people I know who like sushi haven't liked it at all...

I have yet to try Ren Zen... that will be my next stop.
They're pretty good for a neighborhood place. I'd put them between Haruki and Sakura. I like the simple Japanese style, family owned atmosphere more than anything...

I'd also recommend, of all places, trying 10 Steak and Sushi downcity for sushi as well. Definitely pricey, but the rolls they give you are generously sized, taste really fresh, and are easily the most visually and compositionally imaginative in Providence. It's one of Prov's most underrated restaurants in my opinion. You never hear people talking about it, but the food is great and it's one of the few with that slick, NYC type atmosphere.

I do wish we had something like Fugakyu, though...

I really miss Japanese dining in, of all places, the Twin Cities. Forget the several amazing, high end sushi places. They also had not only one, but two outstanding restaurants that focused just on Japanese home cooking... Again, part of the Twin Cities trend towards hyperauthenticity. If you like Japanese, read the menu at this restaurant and weep that we don't have anything similar in the region...
http://www.floatingworldcafe.com

- Garris

[Lova]

I tried Twins twice. I like my "everything" pizza piled high, almost like a baked salad (Pawtucket House of Pizza style). I ordered the special and to be honest I forget the result but I wasn't impressed. Next time, I got a peperoni, onion and anchovie. They cut the anchovies into little pieces and placed them on the peps like little plates. It screwed up the flavor combo by keeping the fish out of the sauce and looked like the brain child of a... child. Pissed me off. It's been a couple years, so other than the fish-pep fiasco I cant give you details. Sufice to say I think the strength of their reputation is mysterious.