Your Weekend Agenda

With the weather suddenly feeling summerish again, we urge you to embrace this weekend as one of the last real chances to get outside and enjoy the natural blessings of Rhode Island. This week's update will help.

Thursday: Since the weather might not be all you would like for an outdoor event on Thursday, head down to Westminster Street for some time in downtown Providence. While you're there, be sure to check out the free show by Afrosonic at the Black Rep. It's a free show that starts at 9:00, so you can check out other places and events while you're there.

Friday: Now head over to the West Side of Providence. Think about dinner at Julian's, then go to Firehouse 13 for a fashion show. Channel Zero will be the live band for both shows, which start at 9 and 11. It's $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

Saturday: First, head downtown and soak up the sights of the The Providence Street Painting Festival. More than 300 artists will gather at the skating rink to share their talents and create some incredible, if temporary, works fo art. So head downtown for this free event.

Stay downtown for the evening and attend one of the last Waterfires of the year. Fires will be lit at 6:30.

Sunday: If you're sick of the outdoors, head to Brown's Bell Gallery for an intense, unusual architectural environment by Yumi Kori.

If it's too nice for art, head to the Roger Williams Park Zoo for some fun with animals. New additions to the zoo include African wild dogs, a giant anteater, and a second baby giraffe, which was born this summer.

Go Right Now: Restaurant Oak

It's easy to find a nice formal place to have dinner in most places, and you can usually find good places to eat when you just want some simple food or pub fare. But in my experience, the real challenge is locating the restaurants that serve great food with a somewhat less pretentious atmosphere and price tag. In Providence, we're blessed to have a number of such places, and one of the newest and best is Restaurant Oak. This bistro-style eatery has been open over a year now, but judging by the crowds, you'd think it was still brand new. But it's worth putting in the effort, because Oak offers one of the best dining experiences in the state.

The first thing you'll notice about Oak is how pleasant it is just to be in the space. From the tables outside on the nice days, to the comfortable bar area, to the warm, colorful dining room, everything about the place invites you to forget the stresses of your life and just enjoy your meal and your company. The acoustics, are also great, which is somewhat surprising for a smaller place. Rarely does a neighboring conversation seem to intrude on you. The staff add to this relaxed vibe by being attentive, playful, but never overly intrusive, striking just the right tone. Oak even complements its decor by occassionally exhibiting work by local artists, and amazingly always pick pieces that add to the ambiance. (They are currently exhibiting some nice landscapes by Amy Ryan.


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The food is always outstanding. I've had romantic dinners and business meetings at Oak, and from the simple sandwiches and burgers to nicer dishes like their bacon-wrapped scallops or chicken-apple sausage appetizers and seared duck breast or five-cheese ravioli entrees, they shine with a wide variety of dishes. An accessible wine list and good assortment of specialty coctails round out the experience, as do a selection of decadent desserts.

In fact, if you're in the mood for a nice, long meal that covers all the bases, you can't go wrong with their Wednesday fixed price menu. A couple can share a bottle of wine and each get an appetizer, entree and dessert for only $50 (I believe). That's less than you'd probably spend for two entrees and an appetizer to split on a Friday night. And you'll avoid some of the weekend crowd that will keep you waiting otherwise. Of course, after you try Restaurant Oak once, you'll probably be back pretty soon.

The Essentials

Cost for two: If you get two appetizers, two entrees, and a bottle of wine, you'll probably be set back $80 to $100 with the tip.
Bar savers: This is a wine place, and I recommend the Conquista Malbec off their list: a glass is $6, and it goes great with many of their best meat and pasta dishes.
Eat me: Both the appetizer and entree takes on sea scallops are excellent (to the point that they sometimes run out by late in the evening).
Next Stop: Down the street back towards Providence a bit is the Ivy Tavern, a good place for a late evening beer or to catch a game on TV.

Bar Tabs: The Blackstone

Imagine if you and your friends decided to open up a bar, and you had no financial restrictions. What would you put it it? A pool table? Better make that two, and throw in foosball for a change of pace. A good jukebox? Of course. An area with comfortable chairs and couches you can just chill. Big TV's for watching the game. A stage for live music. A porch for smoking or hanging out on a nice night. Decent bar food. A nice wraparound bar with plenty of seats and a good beer selection. You would make it big enough that you always had room to move and relax. And you'd want it to be full of cool neon signs, some bar mirrors, and a general cool look.

Clearly, the people who run The Blackstone understand their audience, because their bar has all that and probably a few other nice features I'm forgetting. The Blackstone is the latest incarnation of a bar that has been open for quite a while, but in a couple of different locations. Now it has moved from Cumberland to a location within easy reach of anyone in Providence, at 1005 Main Street in Pawtucket.


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The Blackstone has quickly become my default watering hole. I enjoy it equally on the quiet weekday nights when I just want to drink a beer and watch a game with some company, and on the weekends when it is taken over by a stream of live acts, most of which are good to very good. (The only downside is that on Friday and Saturday, you'll likely to pay a $5 cover.)

A big part of the appeal is the space itself. The Blackstone is located in Hope Village, an old mill complex that is being redeveloped into living quarters, artists' space and shops. While much of it is still under development, dozens of businesses, most prominently the Blackstone, have already set up shop. The dimensions of the mill means that they have plenty of space to accommodate big crowds; the owners note that the bar is technically the third-largest live music venue in the state.

The crowd is very casual; jeans and t-shirts are the standard attire, though some of the bands may bring with them a more hipster or punk-ish crowd. But with so many things going on, you'll always be able to find a way to fit in and be comfortable here.

Your Weekend Agenda

Another week is sliding towards the weekend, and we are, as always, concerned about the quality of your entertainment options. Remember, you are liable to make bad decisions about how you spend these precious school- or work-less days, so just do what we tell you to do. Just like your mom keeping you from touching the hot stove, you'll thank me later.

Thursday: This weekend (like most of them) is shaping up to be expensive, so we found some free stuff to keep your Thursday reasonable. First, head to Wayland Wine Shop in Providence from 5 to 8 for a free wine and cheese tasting. Sure they'll want you to buy something, but you can make them earn it.

Once you've knocked back a few tiny glasses of wine, head out to Gallery Night for some more free sophistication. Start at the Bellini Ruggeri gallery in Wayland Square, and take the trolley to check out the other spots.

Friday: Listen, I'm not vouching for the quality of the competition when I recommend you check out the Providence Roller Derby, but this is their championship. The Mob Squad will take on the Old Money Honeys at 8:00. The match, which takes place at the Bank of America skating center in downtown Providence, costs $9 in advance and $12 at the gate. Soak up some fast-moving, girl-on-girl violence before heading out downtown for evening drinks. Across the street, McCormick and Schmick's has good bar specials late in the evening.

Saturday: After you've recovered from your Friday, embrace one of the great drinking traditions, Oktoberfest. The German Club on 78 Carter Ave. in Pawtucket will be holding its Blackstone River Oktoberfest festival Friday and Saturday night. On Friday, you can see Duke Robillard's band for $15, but we'd highly recommend checking out the three bands (The Stumbleweeds, Jesse Lege & Bayou Brew, Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble), which start Saturday at 4:30. It's $25, which is a hell of a lot cheaper than a trip to Germany this fall.

If you stumble out of Octoberfest and have a craving for more, head over to Club Therapy for some after-hours partying. The party doesn't start until 2:00 in the morning, located at 7 Dike Street in Providence.

Sunday: Time to get out of the city. From 1 to 6 today, head to Wickford Village for the Harbour Festival and the Wickford Cup Race. There's booze, music, and seafood. Get directions to Brown Street in North Kingstown if you're not sure how to get there. And even if the festival isn't mind blowing, Wickford Village is a really nice place to hang out on a nice Sunday.

I need this patch

So, the Rhode Island Air National Guard was mentioned in a recent Projo article. First of all, let me say that the following comments do not in any way mean I disrespect their service. In fact, I'm eternally grateful. But still, "Lobsters and Mobsters" as your unit badge? I'll let Ed Achorn explain:

I got a special treat: an opportunity to sit in the cockpit during takeoff, alongside the affable state AFL-CIO honcho George Nee. Our pilots — wearing the “Lobsters and Mobsters” patches of the Rhode Island Air National Guard — took us hurtling down the runway toward the Bay and then sharply up, into a blue sky with puffy clouds. Unclipping our seatbelts to stand behind the pilots, George and I had a spectacular view: the Newport Bridge on the left, the Jamestown Bridge on the right, and, soon enough, the morning ferry chugging in at Block Island.

I'm simply in awe. In my search for visual proof, I came across dozens of Army, Air Force, and Guard patches. Most expressed sentiments like 'duty', 'service', 'honor', and even 'professionalism'. I couldn't find anything that seemed close: The Big Red One is cool and unique, but not by any means goofy.

I couldn't find the patch (but if anyone can post it or send a link to me, I'll be eternally grateful, but I found an image that I have to hope is along the same lines. I share it for your enjoyment:

Rhody Culture

Just spent five minutes how to render 'culture' in the fabulous local accent. Colchah? Culshah? I gave up. Anyway, the accent is a bit overplayed, don't you think? You have to venture well into the Warwick/Cranston miasma to really get it full on. But when you do, it is every bit as glorious as it is said to be. (If you want to hear the mating call of the Rhode Island teenager, fully accented, spend a Friday evening at Garden City.)

Anyway, to deflect the charge that this blog is too wrapped up in the bar scene, here are some tips for high-brow entertainment happening now.

Two plays are getting a lot of buzz: The Elephant Man at the Gamm and All the King's Men at Trinity Rep. Of the two, I'd choose the Elephant Man if I have to. I bet All the King's Men is quite good (I'm going to check it out in the next week or so), but am betting they're using the occassion to draw "bold" comparisons to the Bush administration. At this point, we all get it, his Presidency is a wreck. So the parallels are likely to annoy rather than gratify. Still, the script is so powerful, it can't really be that bad.

Meanwhile, PPAC continues its run of, well, interesting shows with Pilobolus. This is one of those things you'll either like or hate. I'd hate it, but I bring it to your attention. In early October, they'll have the East Village Opera Company, which might be more my speed. But until I find some clips online, I'm withholding judgement. The lesson, as always, is that the PPAC is not the first place you turn for the most bang for your entertainment dollar.

In a bit less than a month, my droogies, you'll have a chance to hear the wonderful Ludwig Van. The Rhode Island Philharmonic will be doing Beethoven's 5th, as well as some Prokofiev and Strauss. It's opening night for their season on October 13th. The Philharmonic here is great. The tickets are pricey, but well-worth it. And with the new bar in the Masonic Temple hotel now open, I can incorporate a bit of my baser pursuits into the evening, as well.

That Morning Meal

It is easy to forget about breakfast. I spent most of college life and my early adult weekends sleeping well past the hour when any decent person considers eating cereal, eggs and pancakes. But as I age and wisen, I realize that there are very few pleasures (at least culinary pleasures) that compare to sitting down in the morning with a group of friends and chowing down on bacon, omelets, and hash browns, with coffee taking the place of alcohol as the social lubricant.

My absolute favorite breakfast place is the Modern Diner. If you summon up a mental picture of what a diner is, you will see, more or less, the Modern. (That's probably why it was the first diner put on the National Register for Historic Places.) But the nostalgia trip wouldn't be any good if the food wasn't first rate, and it certainly is that. While you wait for a table (and on the weekend, you will wait), you can check out the several dozen specials they have listed. All types of berry-stuffed pancakes, exotic omelets and creative waffles are there for the choosing. Or, you can just get a classic like scrambled eggs with a side of rye toast and a cup of joe and enjoyably waste away the first few hours of your morning.


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The other breakfast spot I keep coming back to is more of a hole-in-the-wall than a diner, strictly speaking. Ruffuls, in the Wayland Square neighborhood on the East Side, is a local institution that many people probably walk by without even noticing. However, once you walk in the first time and taste their hash browns, you'll be loyal for life. Amazingly, you can still have a meal for two at Ruffuls that will leave you completely stuffed and pay about $15, with tip. It would be almost impossible to splurge.


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I personally would be hard-pressed to pick my favorite. I think the Modern Diner might be a bit better for sweet stuff like pancakes, and Ruffuls has the market on omelets and hash browns. But either way, if you're looking to fight off a hangover or bond with family after church, either one of these spots will give you exactly what you want in before-noon dining.

Your Weekend Agenda

Welcome to Thursday, and to Rhody Rocks. Because we care about you, we try our damnedest to give you a shot at a good weekend. And we don't want to confuse you, so we weed through the dreck and tell you the best one or two things going on each day. If you don't listen, and your weekend sucks, go crying to the Projo or the Phoenix.

Thursday: Start the weekend off with a laugh, and go see Tony V at the Comedy Connection. He's a classic 'that guy' you've seen in a bunch of TV shows, and features in The Brotherhood on Showtime, a drama filmed right here in Rhode Island. The show starts at 8:00, and costs just $10.

Friday: Several of my Irish friends would treat me like Martin Sheen in The Departed if I didn't push for you to see the Dropkick Murphy's at Lupos. Tickets are $25 at the door, and the show starts at 8:30 with two opening acts, Horrorpops and Everybody Out. These guys have made some of the most adrenaline-pumping songs I've heard in the past few years: hell, one of their tracks plays as the Red Sox's Jonathan Papelbon makes his way from the bullpen to close out another win.

For a cheaper music fix, check out The 'mericans at Nick-a-Nee's in the Jewelry District. I haven't seen these guys live, but they seem like a decent band, though a few of their folky songs might create an irresistable desire to drink. But the show, which starts at 9:00, is free, so you can afford a few extra beers if needed.

Saturday: Fortunately for those who like their entertainment cheap, the Pawtucket Arts Festival rocks on this weekend. On Saturday, the Stone Soup Folk Fest takes over Slater Park from 1:00 to 4:30. The Dave Rowe Trio, the Magnolia Cajun Band, and Santa Mamba will all play, and it's free.

In the evening, its back to AS220, this time for a hip-hop/noise/unclassifiable show headlined by local ass-kickers Mahi Mahi. (Why ass-kickers? Go and find out.) The show costs $6, and starts at 9:00.

If unclassifiable music isn't your scene, let me recommend heading up to Pat's Pub on Smith Hill. They usually have decent free live music on Saturdays, have a cozy bar and a pool table, and are extremely convenient to the original New York Weiner System, which is quite simply the best drunk food in Rhode Island, and possibly the world.

Sunday: Time to culture you clowns up, and we have two options. First, you could go see, But for the Grace at the Pell Chafee theatre at 2:00. It is a one-man play exploring poverty and hunger issues, and tickets are $10.

Later, Trinity Rep is just getting its run of All the King's Men going, but the story is so good I'm willing to bet the play is a big hit. So it might be worth the $20 and up ticket prices to check it out. The Sunday show is at 7:00.

Go to Roba Dolce. Shun Cold Stone. Be a Good Person.

Do I think that people who like the Cold Stone Creamery are evil? No, of course not. That would be going too far. Well, it doesn't prove they aren't evil. Maybe...sometimes yes, I do think that.

I've been to the Cold Stone Creamery on Thayer Street once. I waited in line for almost ten minutes as a bunch of teenagers led by a psychotically cheerful fat woman belted out songs every time they got a tip. I think, at one point, the gates of Hell opened up behind the counter and melted some of the toppings, which caused further delays, during which there was more singing.

Contrast that with Roba Dolce across the street. Now, I'd never say the place is perfect: sometimes I think it feels a little too slick and polished, like it needs to age a decade before it feels like it belongs. Still, the atmosphere says 'good' and 'fun' without resorting to painful gimmicks or caddle-prodding the staff when they don't smile wide enough. And what's more, they serve light, fluffy gelato instead of the almost un-finishable mound of candy-stuffed ice cream you get at Cold Stone.


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The other nice thing about Roba Dolce (if you've been to their web site, it's technically Roba!Dolce, but that exclamation point is undercutting the 'not cheesy' part of my argument a little bit, so I'm typing it the uncrazy way) is that it is locally owned. They've got their headquarters in Providence, another store in Newport, and more on the way up in Boston.

So here's what you do, quick, before the summer is out. Go to Roba Dolce, choose from the 20 or so flavors (I recommend pistachio gelato), maybe get a coffee, and either sit out on the deck or walk up and down Thayer Street. While you won't feel like you're in Italy (the cliche you hear about every gelato place), you might convince yourself that the whole Renaissance City label is more than just a bit of Providence boosterism.

The Lost and Found Bin: Frog and Toad

by Kim Reed

Long before the Providence Place Maul overshadowed Downcity with its looming Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn adorned windows, Providence was the queen of hole-in-the-wall shops and boutiques. Much like the storefronts that have cropped up along Westminster that feature an array of magnetic poetry coffee mugs and spray painted tree branch votive holders, they sold unusual wares to tickle your fancy. Unlike this new breed, however, they were relatively inexpensive with more personality for your meager dollar. Instead of heading out to one of a thousand faceless retail establishments in the Providence area that boast slick, laminated shopping bags with their names emblazoned on the front, be a true Rhody shopper and patronize some the best itty bitty shops our miniature retail hub has to offer.

Frog & Toad
You don’t have to kiss a lot of toads to find a handsome price at this Hope Street curiosity shop. This whimsical store bears a collection of curious house wares, all joined together in one place. Almost like that shoebox you had under your bed as a kid, browsing through this shop is like looking at someone’s collection of sentimental doodads – making it the perfect place to find that odd yet charming gift for someone who loves curious things.


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For the wisenheimer coffee drinker, there is a collection of ceramic owl coffee mugs. For the lonely cat lover, there are pocket sized china kittens so they will never be without their feline friends. For those sushi loving expectant parents, why not slip some training chopsticks into their baby shower basket. From kimono clothe placemats to local artisan stitched handbags, Frog and Toad has something to please your sentimental side. Most prices range from $19.00 and up – which is a steal for handmade items. Bargains abound for vintage luggage tags, stickers and stationary – under $10.00 for the most part.

Make sure to check out the goldfish swimming in the flowerpot on your left when you walk in the door – it will inspire you to DIY at home – that is if you don’t have a pet. There’s also the best collection of cheapo jewelry ranging from $3.00 and up - at the front counter. The best part - the lovely people that work the counter will gift box and wrap even a $3.00 bracelet. Voile! You won’t have to share dinner with Fido to get your honey some sparkly wrist candy.

No guarantees you’ll turn into anything handsome or royal, but giving gifts from Frog and Toad will surely earn you some kisses, if not a little more pocket cash and a reputation as a thoughtful and creative gift giver.

Go Right Now: Caserta's Pizza

Perhaps this admission will make you trust this blog a little less, but I'm not what you'd call a gourmet. In other words, I don't necessarily appreciate the subtle differences between the porterhouse at two good steak places, or the sashimi at my two favorite sushi joints. Generally speaking, I'm looking for ambiance, quality, and value.

That said, there is no one in the great state of Rhode Island who could possibly confuse or compare Caserta's Pizza with that of any other pizzeria around. It's just in a league of its own. And I don't necessarily mean better, either, though it certainly has a special place in my heart. If you read the reviews on the page I linked to, you'll see a fair number of people who think it is way overrated, or possibly even GROSS.

So here's what you need to know...this is a pizza bomb, not an ordinary pie. Anyone on the Atkins diet would go into carb shock just walking to close to it. The pizza comes out in thick, heavy squares with sauce and cheese pouring over the top and sinking into the doughy crust at the same time. A large is so big that a group of six healthy eaters I was once with couldn't get through half of it; I took the leftovers and had four additional meals from it. (That experience also took three years off of my life, but it was worth it.)


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So get yourself up to Federal Hill and go. One block off the main drag (Atwells), Caserta's is basically a beer hall for pizza: one big room with a bunch of spare tables that give you no illusion it's about anything other than the food. So get a pizza with extra cheese, get a few good friends and a cardiologist to come along, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food.

The Details:
Drinks: Basic beer and wine options won't put you back much more than $5. Get a Peroni for the full on Italian experience
Food: Pizza's never expensive, and for under $20 you can easily order enough for 4 people, and you'll probably have leftovers.
Crowd: If you can't feel comfortable here, the stick up your ass is probably tickling your throat right now.
Pointer: After you're done, head around the corner to Dolce Vita for a coffee or cocktail to wrap up your night.

Your Weekend Agenda

Not that I'm in favor of conformity or anything, but I feel it is my job to make sure you don't completely screw up your weekend. With that said, here's what you'll be doing, if you know what's good for you.

Thursday: Drop a few bucks to go see The Arctic Monkeys at Lupos. It seems like they've been on the verge of blowing up for about a year, so you can be there before the crowds and the fame ruined them. The opening act, another British band called The Coral, goes on at 7:00.

Friday: Time to change pace, and go a little lighter on the wallet. Get to Tazza at 10:00 for some mellow hip-hop from SymmeTry, who has a new album out and a live band backing him up. At $5, you'll have money enough for a cocktail.

Saturday: Spend some of your day checking out the Dragon Boat Races, part of the Pawtucket Arts Festival. It's free, its from 9 to 6, and if it's anything like last year there will be other Taiwanese exhibits, food and the like. Maybe you'll even be able to help paddle one of the boats.

As night falls, head back to downtown Providence for Roots music at AS220, starting at 9:00. I never know quite what to expect when I check out a 'roots show', but I'm rarely disappointed. The 5 bands on the schedule feature some very talented musicians. If you're feeling a bit burnt out by all the live music and the attendant cover charges, I give you permission to head over to Muldowney's next door and do some karaoke instead.

Sunday: With Sunday here, you may want to watch some football. If you're at the Cape Verdean Festival in Pawtucket, though, they'll probably want to talk about that OTHER football. But you'll have more fun with the Cape Verdeans even with their questionable taste in sports, so head to 120 High Street from 12 to 6.

Crankin' Out Innovation

Providence is about more than nightlife. It is rumored that many people work as many as 8 hours a day here to support their social habits. That's why it's good to have institutions like the Business Innovation Factory. If you're interested in the way the business world is evolving, or the future of the local idea-based economy, it's worth checking out.

And because we're in the business of promoting Rhode Island happenings, I should add that they're holding a pretty kick-ass conference at Trinity Rep on October 10th and 11th. They even got Mark Cuban to make an appearance.

How to End a (Long) Weekend

Holiday weekends are always bittersweet to me, because it is so easy to be lulled into the feeling that your work life has been left behind, and your life now is all about hanging out, being outside, visiting with friends, anything but plowing through another day in a cubicle. Then that Monday afternoon starts slipping away, and you realize you'll roll out of bed the next morning, the weight of responsibility if anything a bit heavier, and do whatever it is you DO.

To stave off that feeling of impending dread, the best tonic is to slow down with a cold beer at a nice spot, and watch the sun set. There are some very nice locations around Newport and Narragansett to do just that, but if you're in Providence and want the best possible experience, you need the Hot Club.


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In the shadow of the new I-195 bridge, the Hot Club boasts a great view of the water, the power plant across the water, and the buildings of downtown. The whole building is oriented to take maximum advantage of this view, with a long outdoor deck (hey, you can still smoke!) connected to a small, cozy building with a long bar, a shelf overlooking the water, and a few booths. Sit outside if you can, both for the breezes and the good-bad 80's music playing from the outside bar.

The best time to go is about 45 minutes before sunset, especially if you can stay a few hours. You'll see the sun go down between the power plant and downtown, then the lights of the city and the plant kick in (the power plant is strangely beautiful at dusk) and throughout can watch the occassional boat go by or fish being caught nearby.

The crowd is as eclectic as Rhode Island, with young hoochies and the men who love them scampering around near hipsters and students, the motorcycle set, 30-something professionals, and the die-hard natives annoyed that every good place is too crowded.

As for eating and drinking, all the summertime coctails are passable, though you might get a plastic cup if they're busy or you look unreliable. The wine is pretty bland, but they have a decent beer selection and stock cheap Gansetts and other brews. A popular culinary feature is the free popcorn popped in an old-timey machine all day, and if you're too hungry to go somewhere more geared to food, they have an assortment of basic bar fare.

But all that seems almost incidental sometimes, as you're fortifying yourself for the week that's looming, and reminding yourself why you love it in Rhode Island.