Bob Black- Prudential Gammons Realty, RI

Two weeks ago Melissa and I attended what has become a Summer and Fall Providence tradition, Waterfire. We started out with drinks at Olives on North Main St. It was Dirty Goose Martinis and a great little grilled pizza. Even though I think they forgot that we ordered the pizza because it almost 30 minutes to get it to us, it was still very good. As for the martinis, what can I say; they don't call the place "Olives" for nothing. Melissa and I have become self-proclaimed martini experts and Olives doesn't disappoint.

We headed over to check out the festivities. We came upon a traditional Incan group with dancers that just blew us away. Their sound was mesmerizing and the dancers where very impressive. After we listened and took pictures and videos we moved on to check out what it was we came to see, the small bundles of fire hovering inches above the surface of the water. If you've never been, I'd highly recommend getting down there and letting the trance-like music take you over. It's a perfect combination of elements.

There's plenty of food and drink to be had - like kettle corn, hand made chocolates and doughboys - just to name a few. Of course we tried almost everything.  For anyone who would like to experience Waterfire first hand, you're in luck. The 3^rd Annual Gloria Gemma Resource Foundation: Flames of Hope is taking place this Saturday October 11, 2008. There will be numerous events taking place including the lighting of the State House in a pink hue to honor the fight against breast cancer. It guarantees to be a fantastic night and 100% of the proceeds from the evening will go to benefit the Gloria Gemma Resource Foundation. I think that's amazing and I hope they raise a huge amount of money for a very worthy cause.

If you're thinking of heading DownCity for this noble cause, be sure to hit up Olives for a quick martini. Have fun!

Bob Black - Realtor
Prudential Gammons Realty
401.942.8844 ext 28

BBlack@PrudentialGammonsRealty.com

www.LivingInRhodeIsland.Blogspot.com

"Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate"

Last night, Melissa and I went out for dinner with our friend Julie.  We chose Andreas on Thayer Street in Providence.  I had never been, but my dining partners couldn't wait for me to try real Greek food.  I can't wait to go back!  We ordered a bunch of appetizers to share:

• Dolmathakia (Dolma)- both regular and vegetarian.  I prefer the vegetarian - more of a lemony flavor.  They are grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs and spices.  The non-vegetarian version comes with ground beef. 
• Fried Calmari - With cherry peppers.  Perfectly done, and not greasy at all.
• Spanikopita - Their version came in a wedge, and not too much phyllo. STUFFED with spinach, feta and herbs.  Also not greasy.
• Grilled Haloumi Cheese - They had a special last night - grilled Haloumi cheese with mint.  I really hope to see this on the menu again - or in a store so I can make my own!
• Sauteed Shrimp Santorini - garlic, sundried tomatoes and olive oil
• Greek Sausage Saute - with lemon, olive oil and pita
• Marathon Salad - Romaine with grilled figs, sundried tomatoes and gorgonzola.  I think the dressing was made with sundried tomatoes as well.  I didn't know I liked figs!

Everything was so fresh and perfectly cooked.  The table was covered with plates of food. It was a fun night and our server, Raul, was very attentive and helpful.  We all rolled out of there stuffed and happy. 

I haven't been able to find a website for Andreas, but here's a link to a review from the Providence Journal a couple of years ago, if you'd like to read more.

Bob Black - REALTOR
Prudential Gammons Realty

BBlack@PrudentialGammonsRealty.com

401.942.8844 ext 28

www.LivingInRhodeIsland.Blogspot.com

If you've ever lived in Rhode Island, chances are you've been to or at least heard of Twin Oaks Restaurant in Cranston. The Oaks has been around since 1933, with its speakeasy roots running back to 1928. William DeAngelus Sr opened his home to friends in '33 after Federal Agents destroyed his still. The original Twin Oaks consisted of two small dining rooms and one larger function room. Today in its current location, the restaurant seats close to 650 people in six dining rooms - not to mention the beautiful outdoor deck overlooking Spectacle Pond.

Melissa and I went for a late lunch/early dinner sort of thing last week. Earlier that morning I had seen Joe Zito, "The TV Maitre d'" eating out on the deck. He was enjoying a massive pile of the most succulent lobster salad anywhere in the Northeast! I would be willing to match this dish up against any other lobster salad in New England purely based on size although I'm sure they would compete successfully in flavor as well. It had just the right amount of mayonnaise, minced celery and seasonings. We made the mistake of each ordering one of these colossal plates without thinking. Once it arrived I think we both gasped a little.

Bite after bite I felt like neither one of us was making a dent. We finally asked our waiter for some grilled hot dog buns so we could make a lobster roll out of it. What a great idea this turned out to be. The roll was warm and buttered - it turned into the best lobster roll I've ever had. And being a life long New Englander I've had many a lobster roll. The Oaks does offer a lobster roll that's not actually on the menu but if you want more bang for your buck I'd recommend paying a few dollars more for the lobster salad and then asking for a grilled hot dog bun in order to build your own. It's fantastic!  There was no way either of us was finishing, and we brought the rest home - we were able to make 4 more rolls out of it the next day!

The service is always consistent and extremely good. They have the fastest most dedicated waiters anywhere. Anytime we needed anything they were there to take care of things. Bread, water, dessert  - you name it, they did it. Not only are you made to feel like a friend but also they make sure you don't leave hungry. Portion control doesn't exist inside these walls. 

If you do anything at all this summer or fall, please make sure to get to Twin Oaks for a little taste of how one of the best restaurants in the country does things. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Bob Black - REALTOR
Prudential Gammons Realty
401.942.8844 ext 28
BBlack@PrudentialGammonsRealty.com

We took a drive over to Jaswell's Farm in Smithfield, RI on Sunday. I wanted to throw some vegetables on the grill for dinner and it was late in the day on a Sunday so we checked Local Harvest to find out what farms in the area would be open. Turns out Jaswell's is open daily from 8-5.

When we got there, we saw a sign that told us that we could pick our own strawberries and raspberries. Melissa loves strawberries and was very happy to see that they offered an option to pick our own off the vine.

We were greeted by Allison, who gave us our container and showed us where to go. She explained that today would probably be the last day, as it was the end of the season, so we didn't expect much. When we got out there, we were happy to see that there were more than enough strawberries to fill our pint.

When we headed back to the stand (which is so much more than a stand... there are all sorts of fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cheeses...), we picked up our squash, corn and peaches for the grill. We also made sure we grabbed a pint of blueberries (which we snacked on driving home!) and a delicious apple pie for later. Their fruit butters are amazing, too and we were sure to get a jar of apple.

Allison and her nephew Paul rang us up and we talked about the documentary "Vanishing Orchards" that our friend Rachel the video editor worked on a few years ago that features the farm.

It's nice to see a family working together and it feels good to buy produce directly from the source. Food tastes so much better when it doesn't have to travel so far.

Jaswell's is celebrating their 110th anniversary. I recommend a visit - take the kids and pick your own fruit! Blueberry season is right around the corner...

Jasewell's Farm
50 Swan Road
Smithfield, RI
(401) 231-9043
www.JaswellsFarm.com

It was time for a date night. Melissa and I went out for dinner recently at Waterplace Restaurant in Providence. We decided to make the most of the evening and planned to be there for a while... drinks, apps, dinner, dessert, after dinner drinks, the works. Turns out we picked the perfect place to do so.

We had been once last winter, when Prudential Gammons Realty, had our holiday party. So we remembered how striking the interior was. 2 open levels, beautiful lighting and fabric hanging from very high ceilings creating a warm atmosphere in a large space. There is a bar on each floor; the second floor being more of a lounge area. They also have a wonderful patio area, which is very popular in the summer, particularly during Waterfire events.

We started out sharing the Gruyere Roasted Garlic and Truffle Fondue. It came with lots of different items for dipping, like broccoli, carrots, bread, apple slices, strawberries, grapes... delicious.

For dinner, Melissa went with the "Pillows from Above", which were pumpkin ravioli with toasted walnuts and a brown butter sauce. She was very pleased with her choice. I had the "Mediterranean Chicken Naploeon" which was out of this world.

If we get dessert, we usually share something but this time we got our own: Melissa got the peanut butter and jelly spring rolls with marshmallow dipping sauce (that's right!) and I had a carrot cake concoction which alone is enough to bring me back to this restaurant.

Waterplace Restaurant has definitely become a go-to for us now. So go check it out... but make sure you get your reservations in if it's a summer weekend evening!

Bob Black - REALTOR

Prudential Gammons Realty

"Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate"