Providence is THE place for foodies. Nestled in the heart of Rhode Island, this state capital is a quickly becoming a mecca for food lovers. Tucked around the colonial buildings on Benefit Street and the scenic Waterplace Park, there are a ton of great restaurants, culinary events, and local dining traditions that any food lover is sure to enjoy.
Fresh and Local
One of the things that makes Providence a unique food destination is the city's emphasis on local foods. "There are chefs who are absolutely, doggedly committed to the ingredients coming out of the farms and the oceans," says Andrew Zimmerman of 'Let Andrew Zimmerman Guide Your American Foodie Road Trip.' Providence is big on organic foods too. The city was just ranked as the third most organic city in America by AltHealthWorks.
Culinary Traditions
Rhode Island is a small state, but it is filled with a variety of culinary traditions and no place in the state shows that more than the state capital. Visitors to Providence can enjoy "quahogs", a local hard-shelled clam. Pronounced "kwah-hog" by the locals, these gems of the sea can be enjoyed shucked and served on a half shell, added to a red sauce and served over pasta, or as a "stuffie" - a local favorite that involves removing the clam from the shell, chopping it up with stuffing, and serving it on the half shell. Providence is also known for "coffee milk". This concoction, which is like chocolate milk only made with coffee-flavored syrup instead of chocolate, became so popular it was recently named the official state beverage of Rhode Island.
Great Italian Food
Providence, RI is home to one of Chef Mario Batali's favorite little Italy's outside New York, ranking alongside such traditional favorites Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Boston. One great way to check out all the Italian food choices Providence has to offer while taking in the sites is to go on a food tour. There is a Federal Hill food tour that leads Italian food lovers on a behind-the-scenes look at old world-style bakeries and Italian specialty shops. Led by a local Pastry chef, touring foodies get to enjoy a mix of wines, cheeses, cured meats, breads, and sweets.
Variety
Providence has a variety of food attractions. Visitors can also enjoy Del's Lemonade, a special frozen lemonade made from an old Neapolitan recipe, have a signature hot dog from the Olneyville New York System (made with onions, mustard, celery salt, and a spicy meat sauce), or visit the Haven Brothers Diner, a food truck that can be found beside Providence City Hall most nights. Foodies with a range of tastes may want to consider taking the Newport Gourmet food tour that tours the variety of restaurants along Riverwalk, from hamburger joints to haute cuisine.
From Italian cuisine to neighborhood diners, Providence is a great place for foodies to visit. Friendly, historic, and just a little quirky, consider checking out one of the many hotels in Providence for your next road trip or vacation and see all the city has to offer!
(Photo by danielmennerich via Flickr)
Article written by Miles Y.
One of the things that makes Providence a unique food destination is the city's emphasis on local foods. "There are chefs who are absolutely, doggedly committed to the ingredients coming out of the farms and the oceans," says Andrew Zimmerman of 'Let Andrew Zimmerman Guide Your American Foodie Road Trip.' Providence is big on organic foods too. The city was just ranked as the third most organic city in America by AltHealthWorks.
Culinary Traditions
Rhode Island is a small state, but it is filled with a variety of culinary traditions and no place in the state shows that more than the state capital. Visitors to Providence can enjoy "quahogs", a local hard-shelled clam. Pronounced "kwah-hog" by the locals, these gems of the sea can be enjoyed shucked and served on a half shell, added to a red sauce and served over pasta, or as a "stuffie" - a local favorite that involves removing the clam from the shell, chopping it up with stuffing, and serving it on the half shell. Providence is also known for "coffee milk". This concoction, which is like chocolate milk only made with coffee-flavored syrup instead of chocolate, became so popular it was recently named the official state beverage of Rhode Island.
Great Italian Food
Providence, RI is home to one of Chef Mario Batali's favorite little Italy's outside New York, ranking alongside such traditional favorites Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Boston. One great way to check out all the Italian food choices Providence has to offer while taking in the sites is to go on a food tour. There is a Federal Hill food tour that leads Italian food lovers on a behind-the-scenes look at old world-style bakeries and Italian specialty shops. Led by a local Pastry chef, touring foodies get to enjoy a mix of wines, cheeses, cured meats, breads, and sweets.
Variety
Providence has a variety of food attractions. Visitors can also enjoy Del's Lemonade, a special frozen lemonade made from an old Neapolitan recipe, have a signature hot dog from the Olneyville New York System (made with onions, mustard, celery salt, and a spicy meat sauce), or visit the Haven Brothers Diner, a food truck that can be found beside Providence City Hall most nights. Foodies with a range of tastes may want to consider taking the Newport Gourmet food tour that tours the variety of restaurants along Riverwalk, from hamburger joints to haute cuisine.
From Italian cuisine to neighborhood diners, Providence is a great place for foodies to visit. Friendly, historic, and just a little quirky, consider checking out one of the many hotels in Providence for your next road trip or vacation and see all the city has to offer!
(Photo by danielmennerich via Flickr)
Article written by Miles Y.
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