August 2005
Diner's update

Brunch in Providence’s Jewelry District just got that much better with the introduction of the Breakfast Club at Lot 401. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., patrons can watch a movie and read a complimentary Sunday paper while they dine on omelets, eggs benedict and other creations by chef Rachel Klein.

Venda Ravioli, on Federal Hill, offers a cooking demonstration by chef Russ Zito in conjunction with its Cheese of the Month Club. The August 6 demo runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and features Piacentino Saffron, a traditional Sicilian cheese that’s rare nowadays because of the high price of saffron. Joining the Cheese of the Month Club is free and gives you discounts on each month’s featured cheese. For information about the club, check www.vendaravioli.com or stop in at Venda and ask for Toni.

One of our favorite BYOBs now offers beer and wine. Garden Grille, in Pawtucket, has a wine list that specializes in organic and local wines and small breweries.

In Providence, Gracie’s has at long last opened in its new location, leaving its tiny Federal Hill space for the large downtown space left by the late Player’s Corner Pub. The chef is Christopher Carno, who has moved up from his position as sous chef.

Tiverton welcomes Christopher’s, a family-friendly restaurant serving pasta, steak and seafood for dinner and deli sandwiches, burgers and salads for lunch. The chef at the Main Road restaurant is Dan Jackson, former owner of Pete and Flo’s in Portsmouth.

In Westerly, My Mary’s has a new chef. Todd Taylor worked at Foxwoods and in Las Vegas before coming to Rhode Island. Look for a menu of traditional Italian favorites and a new wine list.

Got a comment or some restaurant news to share? Send e-mail to Paula M. Bodah.

A real deal

KJ’s Pub and Restaurant

What do you order when you’re one block from the ocean, paper fish are hanging from the ceiling, there are two giant saltwater tanks and a picture of a shark on the menu? Burgers, of course. At least you do if you’re at KJ’s and they offer something called 61 House – a slab of beef smothered under a smoldering heap of blue cheese, bacon and sautéed mushrooms ($7.95 with fries and a pickle). The other landlubber favorite is Oriental chicken salad, a bucket of teriyaki-marinated grilled chicken atop a spring salad mix, ginger-lime vinaigrette, crispy wontons, buckwheat noodles with sesame dressing, toasted almonds and sesame seeds ($9.95).

Of course, if you must sample the local waters, the clam chowder is among the best around ($3.95 a cup or $4.95 a bowl), with every spoonful so chock full of goodies it seems lifted from the bottom of the pot. And there are numerous more expensive specials. But why not fight the tide with a bountiful burger by the beach? –Daniel Asa Rose

61 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown, 848-9991. Open Mon.—Sat. 11 a.m.—1 a.m., Sun. 9 a.m.— 1 a.m. Reservations accepted. MasterCard, Visa, American Express accepted. Parking lot. Handicapped accessible.

– Daniel Asa Rose