Localism: Cranston, RI

Twin Oaks Restaurant, Cranston - a Rhode Island Institution

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:36:31 -0500

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
Prudential Gammons Realty
401.942.8844 ext 28
BBlack@PrudentialGammonsRealty.com

Cranston, RI: Real Estate Right Now

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:13:30 -0500

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"

Mulligan's Island - Cranston, RI - GOLF

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:42:57 -0500

Yesterday I had the opportunity to hit the driving range and get a jump start on getting my golf swing back in line. It was a beautiful day that naturally got colder once we arrived at the range. I say we because, yesterday was also my birthday and my amazing girlfriend took some time out of work week to spend the day with me. In fact it was her idea to go hit golf balls in the first place. How great is that! She's been reluctant to join me but has always told me that she would like to get out there someday. We went to a place in Cranston called Mulligan's Island.

It's a great family place that has a lot to offer even on a cold March day. Aside from the driving range they have two 18 hole mini golf courses and a batting cage. You'll also find a nine hole executive par 3 course as well as a pitch and putt. It's about a minute from Rt. 37 in Cranston on New London Ave. If you're in the area make sure to check it out...once it's warmer on a more constant basis or course.

Bob

Bob Black - Realtor

Prudential Gammons Realty

401.944.8822 ext 28

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Cranston, RI: Real Estate - Right Now

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 20:41:30 -0600

February 17, 2008

Right Now there are 455 listed single family homes in Cranston, Rhode Island.

314 of them are under $300,000.
95 of them are under $200,000

Right Now there are 60 listed condos in Cranston, RI

Right Now there are 38 listed commercial properties in Cranston, RI

Right Now there are 25 listed pieces of vacant land in Cranston, RI

Did you know that the first automobile race on a track was held in Cranston, Rhode Island on Sept. 7, 1896?

Did you know that in terms of population, Cranston is the third largest city in Rhode Island?

Did you know that the city of Cranston covers 28 Square Miles?

Town of Cranston, RI

State of RI

Bob Black

Realtor

Cranston Public Library Offers Free Museum Passes

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 13:56:36 -0600

Did you know that the Cranston Public Library (most, if not, all libraries actually) offers a program to those with a libarary card which offers free or discounted admission into these museums?

It's true! In fact, Melissa and I visited the RISD museum in January and also checked out the Providence Children's Museum when her brothers and nephew were visiting earlier this month.

The RISD Museum also offers free admission on the last Saturday of the month, as well as many other cool programs for kids. We spent an entire afternoon there. Our favorite exhibits were the Egyptian galleries, which featured the coffin and mummy of priest Nesmin, the Asian textiles gallery, and the gallery which housed only a 9 foot Buddha! We also read that there will be an exhibit in April that features the work of famous Seattle glass artist Dale Chihuly. This is definitely on our to-do-list.

The Providence Children's Museum February calendar is full of fun activities. It's a great way to spend an afternoon. I might suggest getting there early on a weekend or trying a weekday. It can get pretty crowded!

Have you checked out your local library lately?

Bob Black, Realtor

Prudential Gammons Realty

Cranston, RI