Providence: Insider Tips
By Jeff Book | Online Only | March/April 2009
Where To Stay
For well-appointed historic lodgings, stay at the Providence Biltmore (a Historic Hotel of America), the Renaissance Providence, or the boutique Hotel Providence (in the heart of downtown).
What To Do
For diversion, choose from innovative plays at the award-winning Trinity Repertory Company (in the old Majestic Theatre, which opened in 1917 as a vaudeville house), Broadway musicals at the Providence Performing Arts Center (in the restored 1928 Loew's Movie Palace), and edgier fare at AS220, an arts organization known for rescuing unwanted buildings.
What to Eat
On Federal Hill, watch the artisans at Venda Ravioli (265 Atwells Ave.)use old bronze molds to make divine pasta pillows. Buy cannoli at Scialo Brothers Bakery (257 Atwells Ave.), an Art Deco showcase for lovingly made pastries. Pick up a bottle of limoncello at Gasbarro's Wines (361 Atwells Ave.)
Downtown denizens can walk to distinctive restaurants such as Gracie's (194 Washington St.), where chef Joseph Hafner composes lyrical dishes from fresh regional ingredients. Local 121 (121 Washington St.) serves rewarding fare in a convivial, well-preserved (and retro-chic) interior. A new spinoff of longtime favorite Al Forno is Tini (200 Washington St.), which lives up to its name with small plates and ample martinis in a teeny space. Even teenier is the eight-stool Haven Brothers Diner, a shiny steel trailer built in the 1930s, which dispenses short order cooking.
For food across the river, two Eastside standouts are Mill's Tavern, 101 N. Main St., serving satisfying American contemporary fare in a handsomely updated 1852 mill; and Chez Pascal, 960 Hope St., known for hearty food and house-made charcuterie.
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