Providence, RI

I deem Oct 3, 2008 was a very important date. So I drove up to the State House and took a picture of it around 5Pm.

The picture was taken with my Canon 20D camera. Canon USM 17-85 IS lens. ISO100. F8.0.

The picture was taken in the parking of lot of RI Credit Union.

I did not do any editing at all except that I resized it using IrfanView. I know the tone is sort of sad but that was really what it was.

Welcome to a new series of posts regarding some of the more interesting spots in Providence.  Today, I decided to start with a place near my home to which I've walked several times.  I passed by today, only to learn that I had mis-remembered the hours, so I thought it made sense to share that, and more with you. 

The East Side Prescription Center is a pharmacy located in the Mount Hope neigborhood on the East Side of Providence.  One of the city's few independant pharmacies, and the only one on the East Side, it is a welcome respite from the corporate pharmacy chains that dominate that industry. 

The small store has a relatively wide selection of the kind of products you'd expect a pharmacy to have: over the counter medication, first aid supplies, spiral bound notebooks, and Chef Boyardee canned spaghetti. 

It has an even wider selection of something that you might not expect to see in a pharmacy - a great wine selection. 

How different is that?  Pick up your prescription and choose a bottle of wine or a 6-pack.  They even offer occasional tastings guided by their own sommelier, Daniel Nuzum.  In addition to roughly 500 wines and 75 beers, the store also carries a full selection of liquor for those so inclined.

The East Side Prescription Center is located at the corner of Hope and Elgin Streets, at 632 Hope Street.  It is open until 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and until 3:00 PM on Sundays. 

Enjoy!

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

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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"