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EPISODES
    SEASON 1
    EPISODE 1 – THE OYSTER RENAISSANCE
    EPISODE 2 – THE REBIRTH OF BROADWAY
    Episode 3 – INTO THE HEART OF FEDERAL HILL PT. I
    EPISODE 4 – INTO THE HEART OF FEDERAL HILL PT. II
    EPISODE 5 – NEWPORT FINE DINING CLASSICS
    EPISODE 6 – ELEVATED IN DOWN CITY
    EPISODE 7 – A SOUTH COUNTY SAMPLER
    EPISODE 8 - SUMMER LOVIN'
    EPISODE 9 – SUMMER ON BLOCK ISLAND
    EPISODE 10 – ISLAND GEMS
    EPISODE 11 – ELEVATED IN DOWNCITY PT. TWO
    EPISODE 12 – A SOUTH COUNTY SAMPLER PT. II
RESTAURANTS
    Providence area
    Cafe Nuovo, Providence
    Caserta Pizza
    Camille's Restaurant
    Pane E Vino & Massimo
    Mill's Tavern, Providence
    Venda Ravioli
    Newport/Jamestown
    Boru Noodle Bar
    Flo's Clamshack
    Pour Judgment
    The Salvation Cafe
    South County
    Casa Della Luce
    Matunuck Oyster Bar and Farm
    Mew's Tavern
    The Nordic Lodge
    The Breachway Grill
    Watch Hill Oysters
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A Taste of Rhode Island TV series - Culinary adventures in the Ocean State
  • HOME
  • EPISODES
    • SEASON 1
      • EPISODE 1 – THE OYSTER RENAISSANCE
      • EPISODE 2 – THE REBIRTH OF BROADWAY
      • Episode 3 – INTO THE HEART OF FEDERAL HILL PT. I
      • EPISODE 4 – INTO THE HEART OF FEDERAL HILL PT. II
      • EPISODE 5 – NEWPORT FINE DINING CLASSICS
      • EPISODE 6 – ELEVATED IN DOWN CITY
      • EPISODE 7 – A SOUTH COUNTY SAMPLER
      • EPISODE 8 – SUMMER LOVIN’
      • EPISODE 9 – SUMMER ON BLOCK ISLAND
      • EPISODE 10 – ISLAND GEMS
      • EPISODE 11 – ELEVATED IN DOWNCITY PT. TWO
      • EPISODE 12 – A SOUTH COUNTY SAMPLER PT. II
  • RESTAURANTS
    • Providence area
      • Cafe Nuovo, Providence
      • Caserta Pizza
      • Camille’s Restaurant
      • Pane E Vino & Massimo
      • Mill’s Tavern, Providence
      • Venda Ravioli
    • Newport/Jamestown
      • Boru Noodle Bar
      • Flo’s Clamshack
      • Pour Judgment
      • The Salvation Cafe
    • South County
      • Casa Della Luce
      • Matunuck Oyster Bar and Farm
      • Mew’s Tavern
      • The Nordic Lodge
      • The Breachway Grill
      • Watch Hill Oysters
  • BLOG
  • ABOUT
  • SPONSORS
Episode 6 - Elevated In Down City, Providence area, RESTAURANTS, Season One

Cafe Nuovo, Providence

November 23, 2018 by admin No Comments

Twenty five years ago, when Cafe Nuovo opened in downtown Providence, it heralded a new era in the city’s culinary evolution: modern, creative, artistic creations using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. To be sure, there was a lot of wonderful food already in Providence and elsewhere in the state, but these mostly consisted of Italian, Portuguese, and classic New England seafood type places serving chowder, fried seafood, and lobster dishes. The chef-driven, farm-to-table organic movement hadn’t quite reached these shores. But Cafe Nuovo changed all that, and today, downtown Providence is home to not only some of the best restaurants in the state, but also in the entire United States, as chefs here have access to some of the highest-quality seafood, meats and vegetables in the country thanks to the myriad small-scale, non-industrial fishing and farming providers found here in Rhode Island. With a location directly on the Providence River – the perfect spot to view the famous WaterFire summer celebrations – and with a sophisticated, upscale atmosphere in a modern, sleek building, Cafe Nuovo quickly became a favorite among those seeking stylish food in a stylish setting. Twenty five years later Cafe Nuovo still serves some of the most beautiful, colorful, and flavorful food in Providence.

cafe_nuovo_crabcakes

Crab cakes with cucumber kimchi, pineapple ginger relish, corn chow-chow, & creole mustard sauce.

When we filmed at Cafe Nuovo recently for our upcoming “Elevated In Downcity” episode, we were blown away by the food. This place definitely draws the “suit and tie” crowd, with its location near the heart of the downtown business sector, but the menu was progressive and adventurous, combining classic Mediterranean cuisine with New American and Asian influences. A quick glance at the appetizer options gives you a sense of the varitey here: crabcakes with pineapple-ginger relish, corn chow-chow, and cucumber kimchi, a long-time favorite; octopus carpaccio with white bean ragout, citrus vinaigrette, olive caramel, fennel, and pesto; lettuce wraps with korean bbq sirloin, julienne vegetables, and mango chutney; and crispy spring rolls stuffed with spinach and feta. It’s an unsual combination of food traditions, but it works because, well, everything is delicious and exquisitely prepared. This is truly modern cuisine, not bound by any traditional conventions.

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Manny Largo, Executive Chef, Cafe Nuovo.

Executive Chef Manny Largo is originally from Texas and has trained and worked with the likes of Bobby Flay, brings a wealth of cooking knowledge and traditions to the kitchen at Cafe Nuovo. He prepared for us an incredible duck dish that we are still dreaming about: chai tea marinated duck is prepared two ways: the breast was seared perfectly, the confit duck leg was baked to crispy perfection but was still moist and fall-of-the-bone. It was served on a bed of braised winter greens, along with cauliflower and celery root mousseline, roasted carrots, brown butter almonds, beets, pomegranate, and finished with a luscious duck jus. It was a remarkable dish, with so many textures and flavors, unctuous and savory, bright and sweet with a crunchy pop from the toasted almonds and pomegranate.

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Chai-tea seared duck breast, confit duck leg, fall vegetables, pomegranate, duck jus.

While home to a variety of lovely, small plates and salads, there is also a wide selection of pasta and meat dishes such as the short-rib tagliatelle with house-made pasta; braised steak tips with root vegetables, fresh peas, and port-mushoom reduction; a lamb shank braised for 6 hours and served with toasted orzo, san marzano tomato braising sauce, parmigiano reggiano; and a gorgeous stuffed rigatoni of veal, prosciutto + portobello, endive, radicchio, fresh mozzarella, portobello-madeira sauce. Check online for their new fall menu, but definitely don’t overlook this iconic eatery in the heart of Downcity.

For more info: cafenuovo.com

  • Cavatelli, Cafe Nuovo
    with sausage, broccoli rabe, and pea tendril
  • duck_cafe_nuovo
    Chai tea seared duck breast, confit duck leg
    with winter greens, cauliflower, carrot, pomegranate au jus
  • manny_largo
    Manny Largo, Executive Chef, Cafe Nuovo
  • Rhode Island style fried calamari
    with hot peppers and remoulade
  • cafe_nuovo_crabcakes
    Crab cakes
    cucumber kimchi, pineapple ginger relish, corn chow-chow, creole mustard sauce
  • Fish and chips
    old bay "pommes frites", sherry vinegar mignonette, sweet pepper rémoulade
  • Chopped Salad
    tomato, cucumber, asparagus, snow peas, red peppers, sweet onion, feta cheese, basil + oregano, aged sherry vinegar + extra virgin olive oil
  • Blackened salmon
    with braised winter greens
  • steak_tips_cafenuovo
    Steak tips
    with autumn veg and fresh peas
  • short_rib_tagliatelle
    Short rib tagliatelle
    house-made fresh pasta, porcini, short rib ragout
  • Faroe Islands Salmon
  • Roasted beet salad
    gold, red + candy cane beets, feta, crema, frisee, candied pecan granola
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Reading time: 3 min
Blog, Episode 7 - The Fishermen of Galilee, RESTAURANTS, Season One, South County

George’s of Galilee

November 15, 2018 by admin No Comments

George’s of Galilee has one foot in the past, and another in the future. The Durfee family, which has owned and operated this spot since the 1940’s, can trace their local heritage, and even some family recipes, back to the 1600’s. For years George’s has been one of the most iconic seafood restaurants in the Ocean State, serving up authentic clam cakes, classic Rhode Island clear-broth chowder, and fresh seafood sourced directly from the fishing docks just steps from the restaurant. And today, George’s continues to set the standard for quality seafood by making a big push towards utilizing local, sustainable fish species such as skate, sea robin, and scup.

 

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Reading time: 1 min
Episode 10 - A South Country Sampler, Season One, South County

The Breachway Grill

November 13, 2018 by admin No Comments

A few minutes from Charlestown Beach is the Breachway Grill, one South County’s favorite local restaurants and watering holes. They take their food very seriously at the Breachway, and all ingredients are sourced with a great deal of thought and care. Originally founded on their signature fish tacos, which are now legendary amongst locals, they expanded the menu to include everything from fish and chips to gorgeous pasta dishes and some of the very best New York style pizza we’ve tasted. This is the social epicenter of Charlestown, in Rhode Island’s laid-back southern side of South County, and when you come here it’s as much for the company as it is for the food. Both are excellent.

 

  • breachway_fisht_tacos
    The famous fish tacos
    grilled blackened cod with rainbow slaw and cilantro cream sauce
  • The "Boss Man" pizza
    The Breachway is home to some of the best NY style pizza in RI
  • breachway_scallops
    Seared scallops, The Breachway Grill
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  • da_boys
  • Bacon blue cheese burger
    Burgers are made fresh daily with custom-ground patties.
  • Faroe Island Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon
    A local favorite, with light dijon glaze
  • Coconut Shrimp
    Hand dipped but of course
  • Fish and Chips
  • Oysters Rockefeller
    Oysters are sourced from just down the road
  • salmon_tacos
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Reading time: 1 min
Blog, Episode 4 - Into the Heart of Federal Hill, Pt. Two, Providence area, RESTAURANTS, Season One

Pane E Vino & Massimo

November 11, 2018 by admin No Comments

These two award-winning restaurants are both owned by the DeQuattro family. Pane E Vino, on the west end of Federal Hill, was opened fifteen years ago and features authentic, classic, Southern Italian cuisine inspired by the DeQuattro’s grandmother, who emigrated from southern Italy to Narragansett back in the early 1900’s. On the other end of Atwell’s, Massimo dishes up modern, regional Italian cuisine from all over Italy, or what the family likes to call “Italy to Table.” Pane E Vino is rustic, dark, and cozy, Massimo is open, bright, and modern. Just like good food with the right wine, they are a perfect pairing and wonderful addition to Federal Hill.

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Reading time: 1 min
Episode 1: The Oyster Renaissance, RESTAURANTS, Season One, South County

Matunuck Oyster Bar and Farm

September 27, 2018 by admin 1 Comment

The Matunuck Oyster bar is one of the most popular spots in all of Rhode Island. Founder and owner Perry Raso has created an amazingly ambitious operation that combines an oyster and shellfish farm with a full-service restaurant and two terrestrial farms for the ultimate pond-and-farm-to-table experience. Part three from our episode, The Oyster Renaissance, on our Rhode Island PBS series A Taste of Rhode Island.

For more info go to: rhodyoysters.com

  • Fried Oyster and cucumber
    with creme-fraiche, vocado and mint chiffonade
  • Steamed littlenecks
    with Portuguese chourice, white beans, and tomato
  • matunuck_oysters
    matunuck oysters
    are small, briney, and sweet
  • Pt. Judith calamari
    with fried peppers, capers, and citrus aioli
  • lobster_roll
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    oyster_rockefeller
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    oyster_stew
  • perry_raso
    perry_farming
  • scallop_ceviche
  • stuffie
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Reading time: 1 min
Episode 1: The Oyster Renaissance, Season One, South County

The Nordic Lodge

December 27, 2017 by admin No Comments

One of Rhode Island’s best kept “secrets” isn’t really a secret at all, but one of the state’s top culinary destinations. Nestled in the woods of Charlestown, the Nordic Lodge has been rated one of the top ten seafood buffets in the world by the Huffington Post. People flock here from all over the U.S. to indulge in all-you-can eat lobsters, crab legs, steak, and almost every kind of seafood you can imagine. Plus lots of world-class oysters from Watch Hill Oyster farm, just down the road and delivered fresh daily, straight from the salt pond. Family owned and operated by the Perssons, the Nordic Lodge is an epic, must-experience dining event when you’re in the mood for some serious food! Check out some of the offerings in the video above as we taste everything we can! Part of our “Oyster Renaissance” episode.

For more info go to: www.nordiclodge.com

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    Steve_lobster
  • perssons_nordic
    Steve_Lisa
  • nordic_raw_bar
    Oysters
  • Nordic_gazebo
  • Hot_apps
  • Steve_portrait
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Reading time: 1 min
Blog, Episode 1: The Oyster Renaissance, Season One, South County

Watch Hill Oysters

December 7, 2017 by admin No Comments

In the 1700’s and early 1800’s, Rhode Island, specifically Narragansett Bay, was one of the most productive oyster fisheries on the planet, and fishing and aquaculture drove much of the local economy. But the arrival of the industrial revolution and the mill and textile industries situated on waterways that led into the bay created massive amounts of toxic runoff that wiped out the oyster and fishing industries. But years of diligent clean-up strategies have restored much of the bay, and Rhode Island, with a big push from URI’s aquaculture program, is once again leading the country in aquaculture. Oyster farming is the star attraction, with farms established in various locations around Narraganset Bay, and also in the salt ponds along the shores of South County.

watch_hill_oysters

Watch Hill oysters ready for market.

Jeff Gardner established Watch Hill Oysters over twenty-five years ago, on Winnapaug Pond just outside of Westerly. He is one of the fathers of modern Rhode Island aquaculture, and his oysters are sought after the world over. In addition to being a wonderful character, Jeff is a wellspring of knowledge and experience. We spend a day with his hard-working crew and learn all about oyster farming and oysters, and what makes Watch Hill oysters unique. After harvest, we’ll follow the oysters to the world-famous Nordic Lodge, just up the road in Charlestown.

Go to Watch Hill Oyster’s website: www.watchhilloysters.net

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    Jeff_commute
  • little_oysters
  • watch_hill_oysters
    oystercrates_bay
  • watch_hill_oysters
    cu_bigoysters
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    travis_working
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Reading time: 1 min

Recent Posts

  • Mew’s Tavern
  • Cafe Nuovo, Providence
  • Casa Della Luce
  • Mill’s Tavern, Providence
  • George’s of Galilee

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