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 Williams & Stuart Real Estate 870 Oaklawn Ave Cranston, RI, 02920 | Work: 401.942.0200 ext 28 Mobile: 401.261.1599 Bob@BobBlackOnline.com | |
Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate       | ||
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
Bob Black REALTOR Williams & Stuart Real Estate 870 Oaklawn Ave Cranston, RI, 02920 | Work: 401.942.0200 ext 28 Mobile: 401.261.1599 Bob@BobBlackOnline.com | |
Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate | ||
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"
April 17, 2008
Right Now there are 606 listed single family homes in Warwick, Rhode Island.
444 of them are under $300,000.
203 of them are under $200,000
Right Now there are 96 listed condos in Warwick, RI
Right Now there are 30 listed multi family properties in Warwick, RI
Right Now there are 53 listed commercial properties in Warwick, RI
Right Now there are 27 listed pieces of vacant land in Warwick, RI
APRIL EVENTS IN WARWICK
April 20, 2008 (and every Sunday evening at 7:17 pm -
Unexpected Company Improv Performance at the Warwick Museum of Art
April 19, 2008 - 12-1 pm Roving Eye Documentary Film Festival at the Warwick Museum of Art
Leatherheads at the Warwick National Amusements
Bob Black - REALTOR
Prudential Gammons Realty
401.942.8844 ext 28
BBlack@PrudentialGammonsRealty.com
"Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate"
April 17, 2008
Right Now there are 443 listed single family homes in Cranston, Rhode Island.
312 of them are under $300,000.
94 of them are under $200,000
Right Now there are 86 listed condos in Cranston, RI
Right Now there are 87 listed multi family properties in Cranston, RI
Right Now there are 38 listed commercial properties in Cranston, RI
Right Now there are 27 listed pieces of vacant land in Cranston, RI
APRIL HAPPENINGS IN CRANSTON, RI
April 17th, 2008 - Comedy Factory, Balls' Sport Bar and Grill, 1150 Oaklawn Ave., Cranston. 734-9955, http://www.ballsri.com/. Open Mike Comedy Showcase featuring Melissa Bowler, A.J. Pleau, Nate DeSalvo, Greg Johnson, John Perrotta, Corey Guglietti and Andrew Max. Thu 8:30 pm. No cover.
April 23, 2008 - Family Fun Night at the Cranston Public Library Stories and a hands-on activity for the whole family. Register by calling 943-9080 x 5.
April 28, 2008 - City Council Meeting. Held on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:00pm Council Chambers, City Hall
Bob Black - REALTOR
Prudential Gammons Realty
401.942.8844 ext 28
BBlack@PrudentialGammonsRealty.com
"Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate"
Attention to detail, building personal relationships and hard work are part of my philosophy as a Real Estate professional. Call me to put these beliefs to work for you. 401.942.0200 ext 28
As a professional Realtor, I subscribe to the old adage, "If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life". It's this passion for what I do that translates into a successful home buying or selling experience for my clients. Having more than 17 years of overall sales experience has sharpened my sense of what my clients have come to expect and deserve. As an award winning sales executive, I have learned that it's the details that matter and I will go above and beyond to provide unbeatable service to every one of my clients.
Having been born and raised in Rhode Island, I'm aware of the intricacies and local details that set each area of the state apart. I'm an avid fan of the history of Rhode Island and its communities. My blog, Living in Rhode Island, is an inside look at what our great state has to offer. From Newport to Woonsocket and everything in between, I write about weekend happenings, upcoming events, restaurants, local stories and places of interest. Rest assured, if it's about Rhody... I'm talking about it. My clients can easily keep up to date with what's going on -- not only in RI, but in real estate, by visiting my website. I look forward to hearing from you.
I am a member of the Greater Providence Board of Realtors, Rhode Island Statewide MLS, the Rhode Island Association of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors as well as an e-Pro certified expert. I utilize the latest in technology in order to provide you with every tool possible to achieve your goals.
My free time is usually spent with my wife Melissa out on the hiking trail (weather permitting of course) or at a local art festival, farmer's market or museum. I can also be found at the Rhode Island Blood Center making my monthly double platelet and plasma donation. To say that I'm a sports fan is an understatement. Not only do I love the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics and Bruins - I'm a bit of a weekend warrior, and have the injuries to prove it.
Bob Black
REALTOR
Williams & Stuart Real Estate
870 Oaklawn Ave
Cranston, RI, 02920Work: 401.942.0200 ext 28
Mobile: 401.261.1599
Your Friend in Rhode Island Real Estate
"Dear Bob,
My parents were new to the area and did not initially have a clear idea in which town they wanted to buy a home. You were very helpful in identifying good towns and neighborhood for them to consider. After they focused on a couple of neighborhoods, you spent a lot of time identifying specific houses that would meet their criteria and budget and guiding them through placing an offer that was accepted. We all feel that they got a great deal on the home they purchased. When most realtors would have been done, you continued to help them by suggesting vendors in their new town to help with various projects they wanted to do before moving in to their new home.
Thank you again for everything you did. It sure took a load off of our minds, knowing that you were there to help them through the process. We will definitely recommend you to everyone we know.
Regards,
Jody and Erik Saarmaa"
"Bob,
I just wanted to say thanks again for all that you've done for me and my family. You've basically taken our life to the next level with all the amenities we could ever ask for!! Your hard work, dedication and persistence paid off for us more than we ever expected, not only did we get a new home, we also have a great friend that during these past few months has sort of become part of the family. I can't say thank you enough for all that you've done for us. We look forward to seeing you at the housewarming party. Thanks again!!
The Ellinwoods"
"I hired Bob in a buyer's broker capacity when I decided to look for an investment property. Bob immediately went to work, forwarding leads, and viewing houses at my convenience. Within a 1 month timeframe I had found and closed on a property that met my requirements. During the process, Bob went out of his way to view the property with me several times and expedited the closure date to meet my needs. In addition, Bob was extremely responsive in finding the answers to my various questions about the property and negotiating a purchase price on my behalf. I look forward to working with Bob in the future on the purchase/sale of additional real estate and highly recommend Bob for representation in a Buyer/Selling Broker capacity.
Sincerely, Steve Neri "
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