Haruki

Haruki is a bustling place that seems to draw in lots of wine-drinking, edamame-eating young people. At first glance, it doesn't seem like fantastic sushi should be coming out of the kitchen. But, believe you me, we had a dizzying and memorable meal with very fresh, shockingly reasonably priced sushi. A few items we ordered:


Thin slices of sea bass: we wanted to try something different in the appetizer department. Tasted clean and light. Originally we ordered fluke, but they were out!


Chirashi: more substantial than expected; we ordered 2 and had to wrap up the second one. And to think we had initially thought about ordering 3.


Uni: yes. I just say yes.

I'm heading back to Providence in the spring and hope to be able to stop by again. We ate ourselves silly and it was yet another Providence highlight to add to the list.

Haruki
172 Wayland Ave.
Providence, RI 02906
(401) 223-0332

Rhode Island Quahog Company

After seeing the shore in Newport, we stopped at Rhode Island Quahog Company for lunch (note: I believe the menu said quahog is pronounced "COE-hog"). Located near the wharf on Thames Street, this restaurant is probably not one for the locals, but I still enjoyed our meal.


Mussels with julienned vegetables: not sure why that garnish was necessary, but these tasted pretty good. The size of the mussels were smaller than expected, though.


Stuffed quahogs: my first time having these large clams. The meat was chopped up with the stuffing and baked into that hearty appetizer. And yes, the Family Guy town is the made-up town of Quahog, RI!


Clams casino: not quite the preparation I was expecting because I thought breadcrumbs were a major component in this dish. Still tasty.


Blackened salmon Caesar salad: not something I normally order but we were in the mood for a salad. Turned out surprisingly delicious, though there was a lot of dressing.

Though this place is probably not going to end up people's "must visit again" lists, it was a pleasant meal after a bit of time in the car and walking on the beach. I know some people have very strong feelings about eating in touristy parts of a town, but I didn't mind. After all, I was on vacation with my family, which is something that doesn't happen as often as I wish! And I'm pretty happy that I tried some quahog, which IS something I want to eat again on my next trip.

Rhode Island Quahog Company
250 Thames St.
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 848-2330

Brickway On Wickenden

If you're looking for a charming breakfast spot in Providence, Brickway is the place. Like nearly all the buildings in this quaint city, the restaurant is housed in a historical establishment that has witnessed many lively conversations and nursed many hangovers since probably something like the 1700s. Here's what we ate:


My Dad's Western omelet: quite a hefty portion of a classic.


My sister's S-Pet: poached eggs with spinach, tomato and cheese. I was surprised by the raw spinach, but my sister liked it.


My Brickway Benedict: smoked salmon eggs benedict. Rich and more than I could handle! But, I would've regretted not ordering it. As you can see, all of us got potatoes, which were well-seasoned and hearty.

Brickway is the kind of place that would make for a lovely break from studying or a well-earned reward after a grueling week of exams. The interior was darling (lots of brick and a sunken dining area that made me wonder if it was once a sitting room in the olden days); I wish I had snapped some shots. Guess you'll just have to take my word for it!

Brickway on Wickenden
234 Wickenden St
Providence, RI 02903-4330
(401) 751-2477

Legal Sea Foods

I just got back from Rhode Island, land of picturesque sailboats and scrumptious chowder. I think my heart may be meant for New England (although I may be singing a different tune after my first winter if I ever moved there). Our first meal upon arriving was at Legal Sea Foods, a family restaurant empire with many locations along the East Coast. I've been wanting to visit one of their restaurants ever since I saw Ming Tsai visit one on his show. And let me tell you, I was not let down.


A dozen mixed oysters that were all very fresh and briny goodness.


A dozen cherrystone clams. My first time trying raw clams and I liked them fine enough, but there was the slightest bitter afterate. I much prefer oysters!

We also had New England clam chowder (really fantastic with meaty clams, not those tiny chunks), lobster bisque and mussels, but I was too sidetracked by reverie to snap those photos. More RI meals to come!

Legal Sea Foods
2099 Post Road
Warwick, RI 02886
(401) 732-3663