Rhode Island's Best Date Restaurants
By Ann and Michael Martini, GoLocalProv Food Editors
Rhode Island's Best Date Restaurants
Nothing strikes fear in the hearts—and stomachs—of daters quite like picking the restaurant. The right place seems to fade into the background and make the night perfect. The wrong place, on the other hand, can make a bad date seem even worse. Well, have no fear, Ann and Michael Martini have picked 8 restaurants to help take the worry out of those special date nights.
Blind dates can be tough—full of awkward silences and pregnant pauses. Those difficult moments in conversation can be helped along by the destination you choose. For this category we chose two ends of the spectrum…one beautiful and formal, the other noisy and fun. The Inn at Castle Hill is situated on one of the most beautiful pieces of land in the state providing you with plenty of “Wow, isn’t this place gorgeous?” moments. And once you factor in the food of chef Karsten Hart, (local and seasonal with a Louisiana influence), or, in summer, the back lawn with its inviting Adirondack chairs, you have a perfect spot for two people just getting to know each other. Snookers, in Providence, is a cool, hip billiards parlor with a sports bar feel. You can watch the game amongst an always-enthusiastic (and sometimes downright loud) crowd, or grab a pool table, order a rack of sliders and spend a couple of hours toasting a potential new relationship. The Inn at Castle Hill, 590 Ocean Dr. Newport, 849-3800, www.castlehillinn.com Snookers, 53 Ashburton St. Providence, 351-7665, www.snookersri.com
Second date: Gracie’s and Café Paragon
A good second date requires little effort. This is that exciting time when everything is new and full of potential and all of your jokes are fresh. You want to impress but you want it to look effortless. In a restaurant setting, effortless means good service. The perfect second date doesn’t need a clumsy waiter interrupting at all the wrong times. Gracie’s has that perfect combination of knowledgeable, unobtrusive service and top-notch food that takes a lot of the pressure of that new relationship. For a more casual setting… well, we’re choosing this one based on personal experience and yes, we’re biased. Then years ago we chose a place that neither of us had ever been to before, Café Paragon, as our second-date place. A noisy bar scene allowed us to get close and share stories and laughs while we enjoyed the cocktails. Ten years later we have to say we’re happy Café Paragon is still standing…just like we are! Gracie’s, 194 Washington St. Providence, 272-7811, www.graciesprovidence.com Café Paragon, 234 Thayer St. Providence, 331-6200, www.paragonandviva.com
Making It Exclusive: Chez Pascal and Aspire
The first few dates have gone well and you’ve made the decision to make it exclusive. But where to go to celebrate your new-found love? You want it to be memorable because this is one you will look back on. Chez Pascal is a no-brainer here. The French influence makes things feel romantic, the cozy setting and dim lighting makes things intimate, and the creative but approachable food coming out of chef Matt Gennuso’s kitchen will make you both happy. Afterwards you can take a walk in the park across the street and seal the deal. We like the setting at Aspire, in the Hotel Providence, for getting cozy and romantic. Large, comfy banquettes allow you to tuck in and have some privacy while you plan your future together, or while away sipping cocktails and laughing. The restaurant debuts a new menu this month, which they promise will please every palate. And just think… if things go well you could head upstairs to one of the beautiful rooms. Just sayin’. Chez Pascal, 960 Hope St. Providence, 421-4422, www.chez-pascal.com, Aspire, 311 Westminster St. Providence, 521-3333, www.aspirerestaurant.com
The break-up: 10 Prime Steak and Sushi and Shogun.
Well it happened…things went south and you need to end the relationship. You need a vibrant, busy place where the drinks flow freely and there are lots of friendly faces to help ease your…er, pain. We’d do the deed at Ten Prime Steak and Sushi in Downcity. We argue it is the most fun bar scene in Providence, a perfect distraction that will make the healing easier.. It’s always busy and yet everyone seems to know everyone else. The drinks are strong and tasty (providing that much-needed solace) and the bartenders are fabulously friendly and flirty (providing that much-needed post-break-up ego boost).
