Oct. 2005
Diner's update

Andrew Mitrelis and Mario Panagos, formerly partners in Paragon and Paragon East Greenwich (now Mario’s Paragon), have gone their separate ways, each maintaining control over their respective restaurants. Panagos is also in the midst of renovating 123 Empire Street (the downtown space formerly occupied by Empire). The restaurant, to be named Bravo Brasserie, is set to open by November and, with its turn-of-the-century Parisian bistro feel, will offer both lunch and dinner. The menu will consist of traditional bistro fare at affordable prices.

New England Travel and Life has named Raphael Bar Risto Providence’s best restaurant, citing its outstanding Italian cuisine and its "fashionably urbane dining experience." Raphael shares commendations with Newport’s The Spiced Pear, which was awarded best restaurant outside of the city.

The partnership behind Celestial Cafe, in Exeter, has recently opened Eclipse Bar and Grille, in Narragansett. The menu is similar to its sister restaurant, taking culinary cues from a host of cultures including Asian, Italian, Portuguese, Thai and Chinese. Eclipse also offers a wide range of fresh sushi as well as negimaki-style dishes of pounded filet with an assortment of vegetables.

Providence’s Rue de L’Espoir has announced new hours. The popular East Side eatery is now open seven days a week, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

There’s still time to enjoy Indian summer at the Boat House, managed by Newport Harbor Corporation, the same group that owns Castle Hill Inn and Resort, 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar and Grille and Blackstone Caterers. This Tiverton waterfront spot will continue to offer beautiful views of the Sakonnet River as well as fresh seafood through October. –Karen Deutsch

Got an opinion or some restaurant news to share? Send your thoughts via e-mail to Foodnotes@rimonthly.com.

A real deal

The Village Haven

Hard to believe, but in ten years of reviewing food for this magazine, I had visited more than 200 restaurants and never set foot in one of the most legendary all-you-can-eat bargains in the state. I had heard myths about The Village Haven shoveling forth non-greasy chicken for $8.95 (kids $4.95), including boundless portions of home-carved French fries, pasta shells, and salad that crackles with freshness and drips with dressing. I had even heard tales of Rachel, the owner, who has not only lived her whole chicken-loving life two minutes from the front door, but has managed to keep her brood of seven children and twelve grandchildren within three miles of the premises (not to mention her faithful chef of twenty-six years). But did I personally know that for less than a tank of gas, I could gleefully feed a family of four, complete with aromatic home-baked cinnamon buns and ice cream? Until last Sunday evening, I did not. So now the question is: Will I make up for lost time? Let’s put it this way: As I was leaving, an old guy was walking in with a T-shirt that read, "Ain’t No Stopping Me Now." My sentiment, exactly. –Daniel Asa Rose

90 School St., Forestdale, 762-4242. Open Wed. and Thurs. 4:30—8:30, Fri. and Sat. 4:30—9, Sun. noon to 8. Parking lot. Handicap accessible. All major credit cards accepted.