City Life of Providence: Intimate and Entertaining

Described as the "Renaissance City," Providence continues to amaze even the seasoned resident with its life, character, and enchantment. For newcomers like myself, inspiration comes in the form of abundant palatial creativity, small-stage theatrical glory, and a local pride that rivals the likes of Boston and New York. Providence's downtown totals approximately 1 square mile, allowing it to boast big-city flavor and excitement within a reasonable and practical pedestrian environment. And while the heart of the city is certainly contained within this bustling center, the life blood of Lil' Rhody extends well beyond the high-density quarter-mile into the diversified and well-traversed urban neighborhoods. Yes, Providence is the perfect mix--a small-town, big-city marriage with friendly faces, art, culture, and cuisine abounding around every corner and a sense of place that will certainly stay with even the best of world travelers.

Quick Tips:

The best and most important tip: Get your hands on a copy of the Providence Phoenix. This weekly newspaper is the FREE publication for all that happens in the city. You will find reviews of the best restaurants, local events, and live-music listings. This is a must-read and can be found at almost any cafe, newsstand, and deli. The ultimate destination is Waterplace Park, which runs between the downtown and College Hill segments of the urban center. On Saturday evenings during the summer months, the nationally recognized art piece "Waterfire" lights the night and the hearts of all who witness it. Special renditions of this spectacle include city-wide block parties with live music, fireworks, and other wonderful events. Visit www.waterfire.org for a schedule. Also, for a sheer cultural pleasure, visit Trinity Repertoire Company for any of their many performances throughout the season. The creative ingenuity of this theater has brought it into the limelight as one of the best in New England. Students can buy tickets for to any performance and same-day tickets may be available, both for .

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get around the city is on the RIPTA bus and trolley service. In the center of downtown, one can find Kennedy Plaza, the public transportation hub of Rhode Island, complete with schedules and route maps. Regular fair is .50, but if you plan to do a bit of traveling, visitors can purchase a Key to the City pass for a discount.

Stepping into this purple-and-gold paradise ignites your senses in a foreign world of tastes, sights, scents, and sounds. Directly behind the Thayer Street sidewalk lies a world of enchantment known as Kabob and Curry. There are the scents of curry, raisin, and coconut, along with other unidentified and wonderful aromas, and the menu boasts of tandoori specialties, chicken, vegetarian, and beef dishes, and a keema mattar that is by far the best I've tasted. Also impressive is the long list of stuffed naan choices, including a delicious coconut, almond, and fruit mixture and the authentic mango lassi. If you are in the mood for an experience beyond the ordinary, visit Kabob and Curry for Indian cuisine unlike any you have tried. They also serve brunch from 11am to 2pm on weekends. For more information, visit www.kabobandcurry.com.

LJ's has moved! Make a note!

Get ready for taste-bud heaven. Off the beaten track and soon to move right outside of the city to East Avenue in Pawtucket, LJ's BBQ is more than just a good-old-boys, country-dumpling type of place. At LJ's it is all about home-cooking happiness for everyone. And everything at LJ's is homemade, including the delectable BBQ sauce and the sweet and succulent pickles. Home-cooked beef brisket, full racks, and half chickens can all be ordered by the hungry carnivore. While I often enjoy a BBQ pulled pork sandwich for dinner, brunch at LJ's is definitely my favorite meal. Selections include a range of eggs Benedict, my favorite of which includes poached eggs piled on grilled cornbread surrounded by pulled pork and smothered in chipotle sauce. Of course, pancakes, scrambled eggs, and other regular breakfast items are also available, but with options such as The Power Tool and Chili Omelet, who would want to be regular? Check out LJ's BBQ for the sweetest home style food in New England.

New on the Hill (Federal Hill, that is), Zooma is quickly taking its place as a top-notch Italian restaurant. The atmosphere is elegant, yet cool, and intimate, with a new metro appeal.

I have visited Zooma twice now—once for a friend's surprise birthday dinner, and once for Ladies' Night (probably the best deal in town). On both occasions the staff were more than accommodating, attending to our every need and desire. On a crowded Ladies' Night Wednesday evening, when all of the restaurant, except the bar area, was being used by a private party, the host was quick to finagle us a table and the waitress was attentive to when our wine glasses were empty and was quick to offer freshly grated romano and black pepper.

The food is amazing. While the menu is trattoria-style, where everything is ordered á la carte, the portions are perfect and special requests are heeded to without question. The dinner menu includes everything from appetizers, pastas, and main dishes, and for a party of ten, everyone was satisfied with their choices.

However, the most memorable aspect of our journey to Zooma was the dessert. On the second trip four of us shared a delicious and potent chocolate cake, and an out-of-this-world bread pudding. The chocolate ecstasy included layers of ganache between moist, rich chocolate cake. The bread pudding, my favorite of the two, and I am a chocolate fanatic, was moist and crisp  with a hint of caramel gooey fun. Yum.

Ladies' Night is every Wednesday evening. On this special night, unescorted ladies are free to choose any item from the Bistro menu for FREE. Expecting small portions and appetizer type foods, we were pleasantly surprised by pork tenderloin, panini sandwiches, and very large, gourmet pizzas. A glass of wine, or a cocktail, ranging from $7 to $12, is all you pay for. Probably the least expensive, gourmet dinner option in the city.

If you visit Federal Hill, be sure to check out Zooma for a refreshing, yet old-world feel. You will not be disappointed.

3 Steeple Street is located in the second oldest industrial building in the United States, and that is only a small portion of its charm. The dining room, with its wide plank floors, exposed brick and stone walls, post and beam ceiling, and expansive glass windows, overlooks the Waterfire canal and downtown. But the atmosphere, however dazzling it may be, seems minuscule when compared with the food.

I have only been to 3 Steeple Street for lunch, when the menu consists only of soups, salads, and sandwiches. However, even the lunch menu caters to every taste and each menu item is individually composed and inspiring. There is an array of salads, including a spring duck salad with duck confit, walnuts, and roasted red peppers; a Black and Blue Ahi salad with seared Hawaiian tuna, beets, carrots, and cucumbers; and Tropical shrimp salad with grilled shrimp, papaya salsa, mango, pineapple, and toasted coconut.

The sandwich options are equally indulgent. My absolute favorite item on the menu is the Grilled Cheese Steeple Street, made with tomato, bacon, and avocado. Other options include a Baja BBQ Chicken sandwich with cheddar, salsa fresca, and guacamole; an open-faced Crab Melt with Havarti, tomato, and pesto; and an array of burger choices. All sandwiches come with your choice of french fries, sweet potato fries, or vegetable.

Overall, I have been utterly satisfied with every aspect of the experience. There is also an extensive wine list, which is reasonably priced, and the service has always been exceptional.

3 Steeple Street is open in the winter for lunch Monday to Friday and dinner daily. The summer schedule is lunch Monday to Friday and dinner Monday to Saturday.

Walking into Sakura one almost immediately notices the hustle and flow of the unusually set up dining room. My first experience in this restaurant was clouded by the rushed demeanor of the waitress, however, the food was delicious.

The waiting area is hardly big enough to fit the line of people waiting to sit on a Saturday night. We were not greeted with a "How Many?" but a "howmany?wouldyouliketositatthebar?" and when we asked how long for a table, the staff rushed over to a party of two, who had just been seated at a table that would seat three, and asked them to move to a smaller table. The couple obliged, but it didn't seem as though they could have protested. We were rushed to the table and immediately asked for our drink order. Whew.

The menu was ample, but we were mostly in the mood for sushi. Along with the menus, was a long piece of paper and a pencil, listed with about forty different types of sushi, all of which you can order as single pieces of hand rolled sushi or a six pack. We chose the sixers of California (with crab and avocado), Cucumber and Avocado, and Spinach. We each also picked two of the appetizer selections—the lightly fried tofu slices and the steamed shrimp dumplings. There were approximately eight tofu slices in the order, however there were only three steamed dumplings, which would not have been enough for a larger party.

Interestingly, the sushi chefs prepare the food from a spot behind the bar, where most of the dining room can see them in action, however the folks at the bar have the best view. The presentation was also significant—neatly arranged, fancy plates, and pleasant arrangements. However, the sushi and dumplings were presented with some type of plastic leave, which seemed a little off.

The decor was a little, well, hole in the wall Chinese restaurant, with pictures of the sushi plastered on the walls and showing up on the table tents. They could have done more with traditional Japanese art to spice up the experience.

Everything at the table was delicious. The sushi was well prepared, holding together when picked up with chopsticks, and the dumplings were steamed perfectly. Overall, a good experience, but perhaps my next visit will be on a weekday, or during the day, as to avoid the rushed feeling, but maybe that is just the way it is at Sakura.

Where was I on the first amazing day of Spring? Where could I enjoy the sun beaming, flowers blooming, and coffee brewing? At Olga's, of course.

I had heard that Olga's was an oasis in the concrete desert, but I had no idea. It was my first trip, and walking in you can immediately smell the strong varietal coffee and oh-so sourdough bread. Being somewhat overwhelmed by all the delicious danishes, pastries and bagels available for breakfast, and since it was almost lunch time, I chose to sit at one of the window tables with a book and a mug of hot chocolate.

This is not your make-at-home, powder in a packet hot chocolate. It reminds me of a Mexican brew I had once - rich and flavorful, tasting of a strongly organic chocolate. It was frothy and delicious... the perfect pick. As I sat and enjoyed the budding tulips and flowering trees, all types of people came and went, either picking up coffee on their short breaks or sitting for breakfast (and then eventually lunch). Olga's is the type of place that everyone can feel comfortable.

When my hot chocolate had long since been hot, I ventured to the counter to order lunch. Being a bakery, I expected sandwiches and soups but, as I am finding more and more with Providence in general, I was pleasantly surprised. The menu (which is sitting in a box near the register and whose specials are listed on the wall) was chock full of favorites. Home made macaroni and cheese, salads in almost every topping combination unimaginable, pizzas, full-fledged entrees and more.

I chose the Cuban Panini, a delectable mix of pork, ham, cheese, cucumbers and this undefinable orange sauce. It was almost a 1000 island, but sweeter and spicier. It was served with a mayo-less cole slaw. All I can say is UNBELEIVABLE. The taste was like fireworks and waterfalls in my mouth (like that makes any sense). With a home-brewed ice tea, the meal cost about $11 and was very filling.

Olga's has fresh made breads, which they will happily slice for you, and that are also available at both of the Providence Whole Foods locations. You will be satisfied - trust me. One of my favorite edible wonders (that I buy time and time again from Whole Foods) is the whole ground wheat pizza shell. Mmmmmmm.

Olga's is not open on Sundays, but is open from 7am to 4pm every other day. It is the type of place to bring a book, a laptop, or a friend. You're going to love it.

A Cuban documentary plays on two television sets behind the deli-type counter. Cuban memorabilia covers every inch of every wall. The colors yellow, red, and green are splashed on everything, from menus to walls to tables and counters. The four specials are named "The Fidel," "The Bay of Pigs," "The JFK," and "The Malecon." There is Anti-Bush paraphernalia scattered somewhat unnoticeably on the walls. This place couldn't be more counterculture.

They have described themselves as "a return to an era when challenging the norm was the norm" and "reminiscent of a 1960s coffee house with the passion of a Latin beat." They have hit the nail on the head.

The place is small. Be prepared to overhear everything going on at the table next to you. Even the tables are small: the last time I visited, I bumped knees with the person across from me every time I tried to move. It is usually very VERY full, so if you want a table rather than a seat at the counter, get there early.

On all occasions, the waitress has forgotten some portion of the ordered meal. The most-recent visit resulted in no "Che Fries" (sweet potato), which were ordered with the meal, and the ordered drinks not being served until after the appetizer was finished.

You must be wondering, "Why did she recommend this place? Sounds like a disaster!"

I guarantee, the food will amaze. If you enjoy anything Cuban, this is your place. From the world's best line of sandwiches, which includes the Cuban, grilled chicken (my personal favorite), ham, steak, cheese, and turkey, to the tostones and maduros (fried plantains) and Havana chocolate cake, your taste buds will ignite. Cuban Revolution also makes their own very unique and very delicious milkshakes, in flavors such as guava, mango, papaya, passion fruit, and coconut.

The ambience appeals to me, if not to everyone. In the evenings, a solo guitarist plays and sings Latin love songs and dance music. During the day, a constant beat is held from the documentaries playing above and the music softly set in the background. And the hustle, closeness, and subversive nature give a feeling that something bigger is happening than just food service.

Being occasionally subversive and always in the mood for unique flavors and spices, Cuban Revolution holds a place in my repertoire of frequents. If you are an adventurer, or even just long for something out of the ordinary, try it. It is definitely an experience that will either bring you back to a far away time, or will give you some insight into what life was like before you were born.

Cuban Revolution is open Monday and Tuesday from 11am to 9:30pm and Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to midnight.

Improv Jones has been delighting Rhode Island audiences with improv comedy since 1992. It is very funny and always unpredictable. This cast of characters puts on an outstanding show for a mere $5 per person! This show can be seen in all of its humorous glory on Thursday and Saturday evenings at 10pm. A word of caution: while the show is amazing and the cast is spectacular, the accommodations are meager. Last time I was there, a small mouse ran across the stage just before the start of the show. It all adds to the charm--what do you expect for $5?

The Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, located in the Biltmore Hotel, is a haven from the hustle and bustle of a thriving city. My experience began on a rainy winter day, as everyone's does who attends the Red Door Spa, with free valet parking. A major theme at the spa is equality--whether you are simply getting a manicure or will be papering yourself with a full day of beauty, the staff at the Red Door Spa treat you as their special guest. On this occasion, it was my fiance who was pampering me, with a Shea Body Butter Melt, a facial, and a warm cream manicure.

At the spa entrance, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, yet modern and soothing. Customers enjoying spa services are led up a separate elevator to the main floor, whose ambience far exceeds any I've seen in luxury and relaxation. The changing area is like that of a personal living room, with coded lockers for storing valuables, and plush terry robes and comfy sandals are given to wear throughout your stay. As I was enjoying multiple services that day, I was able to spend time in the relaxation room, the Red Door's version of a waiting room, with pillowed seating, delicious lemon-lime water, and soothing music.

I am not a professional spa-service reviewer, so I do not claim to know how the services themselves compare to others done by other salons and spas. The Shea Butter Body Melt began with an exfoliating total body rub, and I was given the gloves that were used after the service was over. Next, a thick layer of butter was applied all over my skin. I was then wrapped in a warm plastic cocoon, and the esthetician gave me a gentle head, neck, and face massage while the butter set into my skin. After approximately 20 minutes, I was unwrapped and the butter was further massaged into my skin and then removed with a damp towel. My skin was soft all over.

I do not remember much of the facial, just that it was the ultimate in soothing. While the esthetician cleansed, creamed, and detoxified over and over again, my hands were also massaged and placed in warm gloves. When it was time to do the dreaded extractions, there was no pain because my face had been so properly prepared. It was perfect.

The manicure was also wonderful, if pretty standard. All I can say is that at the end of my day, I was at the peak of relaxation. All of the estheticians who performed the services were professional and friendly, not leaving me feeling exposed and making me feel at ease. I highly recommend the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa for the ultimate in pampering.

In the summer months there are a variety of locations where one can find delectable, farm fresh produce, meats, pasta, preserves, and more. These markets usually run during the summer and fall months, approximately June to October.

Broad Street Farmers' Market, Algonquin House, 807 Broad St., Providence, 273-9419, ext. 27. This market offers more than just produce. You can also find the occasional cooking demonstration, local musician, and activities for children.

Capitol Hill Farmers' Market, 1 Capitol Hill, Providence (across from State House), 222-2781. Thursday 11am-2pm.

DownCity Farmers' Market, 831-3771, 539-7043. This market moves around the city. For information, call.

Governer Dyer Cooperative Market, between Promenade and Valley streets, Providence, 273-8800. Daily. (I often hear of this market but have yet to actually find it...)

Hope High School, corner of Hope and Olney streets, Providence. Saturday 9:30am-12:30pm. I frequent this market most because it is close to my house. I am never disappointed with my finds and often spend a good amount of time just perusing and sampling.

Monday Market, 2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, 378-1882, Monday 2-6 pm. This market is in the very center of the city, in the park across from the Kennedy Plaza bus terminal. Check out the gourmet pasta offered here.

Wickenden Street Farmers' Market, 65 Brook St., Providence, 635-4274, Tuesday 2-6pm.

No matter which Farmer's Market you choose, you will be sure to find exactly what you are looking for.