I live in Providence, RI. As you know it's a small city, in the smallest state in the Union, but that doesn't reflect the long list of great restaurants. Part of the reason a small state like RI is able to offer such a great selection of food with exceptional quality is because it is sandwiched between two other great food cities, New York and Boston. Also, real estate is less expensive so it gives talented chefs and restauranteurs a place to concentrate on great food and not staying afloat in a high rent area. Other than that, RI has Johnson and Wales University, with a great chef and restaurant management program to help staff all the delicious restaurants. The area that I live is right off of a street called Hope St. and it has an amazing stretch of gastronomic offerings. It has something for everyone's taste buds and wallets.Let me just tell you what's within a mile from my house... Garden Grille- great vegetarian, Rasoi- gourmet Indian, LJ's BBQ- finger lickin' good, India- healthy Indian, Chez Pascal- pricey but delicious french bistro, Restaurant Oak- all around good reasonably priced American bistro, Not Just Snacks- authentic 'brings you back again Indian, Seven Stars- awesome bakery, amazing coffee, bring your paper kind of long lines, Garrison's Chocolates- decadent artisan chocolates, Blaze- another great American fare bistro, Apsara- delicious Pan-Asian, get your order in early, everyone's calling! Hope St. Pizza- typical decent pizza, Pizzaco- upscale Italian with a phenomenal wine list. So there are even a few more that I didn't mention that are not bad in a pinch. I just concentrated on the stars of the street, there are many, all bustling. Can you see why we love to live near the "manga mile"! So come and find out, eat your heart out!NYTimes article on eating in ProvidenceA local blogger's guide to eating in and out RI style
