photo: Blue Moon over Downtown Providence by Nancy de Flon
Company events, department dinner meetings, and family get-togethers typically fall under a standard experience—a dinner at a venue everyone agrees to and if you are very lucky, maybe a local comedy show to follow. The biggest problem with these outings and special meetings is that no one really wants to deal with the many details of planning a unique experience. Fortunately, those of us bored to tears from the same old same old, are blessed to have ROCKSTAR LIMO, a company genius enough to offer, “the ultimate progressive dinner party!”
The concept behind this dinner experience (known in the UK as a safari supper), is to enjoy each course at the residence of a different host, in this case a different restaurant. ROCKSTAR handles all the details, including pick-up of your group, restaurant reservations, drop-off and everything in between. There is absolutely no reason not to try this unforgettable culinary excursion.
It starts at $89.00 per person, based on a party of 10 for pick-up in the Greater Providence area and includes your selection of 6 restaurants from a list of more than 12 premier locations. This is a perfect experience for an office party, business meeting outing, birthday or family/friend gatherings. The program can accommodate a maximum of 32 people and is available between Sunday through Thursday. The cost does not include gratuity and drinks.
Select six restaurants from a list of Providence’s premier locations and choose the tasting plates or select six restaurants and have the tasting plates chosen for you. But most importantly, do not eat ANYTHING, at least a few hours prior to this event. You will get an opportunity to try everything from seafood to steak to comfort food. The variety of tasting plates at each restaurant accommodates sophisticated palates, vegetarians, and those who find the kid’s menu to be more attractive.
To get an idea of what your experience may be like, view the details of my Providence Chauffeured Dine Around. I had the pleasure of tasting appetizers and the recommended drinks from six different restaurants throughout the city. Here are some of the highlights below:
Nestled on the East Side of Providence, Waterman Grille, overlooks the Seekonk River. It offers the perfect combination of quality fine cuisine with casual dining. I was very impressed with how prepared they were for the arrival of our group and seated us immediately.
Lobster Squash Ravioli: Vanilla butter-poached local lobster, butternut squash, toasted pistachios
Wild Mushroom Spring Roll: Baffoni Farms fried egg, truffle emulsion
Wood-fired Pizza Margarita: Marinara, fresh mozzarella, basil, olive oil
Drink: Ginger Pear Martini
Ruth’s Chris Steak House is located in the Capital Center District of Providence, at the new GTECH building. The restaurant offers striking views of the Capital, Waterplace Park, and Providence’s historic East Side. Don’t miss their Monday-Friday $7 appetizers include:
Seared Ahi Tuna: Spirited sauce with hints of ginger, mustard, and beer.
Kobe Beef Sliders: Salt and pepper on buttered bun
Filet Mignon Sandwich: strips of filet mignon on Italianbread
Drink: Glass of Wine or Pomegranate Martini
Trattoria Roma encompasses all of the traditions and ambience of Italian cuisine. It is a family friendly restaurant, with a decent sized bar, and features a small marketplace to pick from a variety of cannolis, pastas, and imported items from Italy.
Arancini: A Sicilian specialty, saffron infused arborio rice balls stuffed with fresh mozzarella, peas, bolognese sauce, and deep-fried until golden and crunchy, served with San Marzano tomato sauce
Broccoli Rabe Crostine : Imported smoked pancetta sautéed with broccoli rabe, garlic, e.v.o.o., and pepperoncini, topped with pecorino cheese
Drink: PEACH SANGRIA.
Located in the heart of Providence’s Theater District, this is a sure stop either before or after your show. In addition, the second floor features a banquet facility, overlooking downtown, and is FREE to use for rehearsal dinner, graduation luncheon, or corporate function. Voted “Best Private Room” by Rhode Island Monthly.
Bravo Mussels : Steamed mussels in a light tomato broth with chorizo and charred onions. Served with grilled Tuscan bread to dip
Beef Wellington : Tenderloin of beef with mushroom duxelle wrapped and baked in puff pastry, topped with a cabernet demi glace sauce
Grilled Pizza: Spinach, goat cheese, roasted red peppers and pancetta
Drink: Wine by the glass.
Bar Louie
Located in the Union Station in Downtown Providence, this bar is walking distance from the Kennedy Plaza and close to the convention center. An eclectic urban bar with great music, art work, and perfect for large groups that want to unwind and share large portion appetizers with an extensive selection of imports, microbrews, and signature martinis!
Truffled Butter Popcorn: warm popcorn, truffle butter, parsley, parmesan
Flatbreads: Verde Chicken, Roasted Vegetable, Italian Beef, or Buffalo Chicken
Spinach & Artichoke Dip: spinach, artichoke, parmesan, garlic, house made alfredo, tortilla chips
Bruschetta Pomodoro: tomato, basil, garlic, olive oil, parmesan crostinis
Drink: Hand-crafted cocktail
Blush Winebar
Blush Winebar offers Rhode Island’s largest selection of “Wines by the Glass”, as well as Wine Flights (samplers). In addition to over 100 wines by the glass from around the world, Blush proudly features RI’s ONLY “Bubble Bar” (Champagne Bar). With 25 Champagnes by the Glass, ranging in price form $8-$300 per glass, our Champagne selection is sure to satisfy even the most discriminating of palates.
-Anna Siradze
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