One-digit temps didn’t stop me from hitting the road and grubbing! From Coventry to Providence, Portsmouth to Newport, The Barbi Jo Show braved the bitter cold for the 92 PRO-FM Winter Tour! After a lot of feasting, I learned nothing hits the spot on a cold night like a hearty winter dish from some of our incredible restaurants. Here are my choice dishes guaranteed to warm-up your winter days!
First stop, the all-new T-Bonz Grill in Coventry! An indoor tropical oasis with tiki-shack tables and fun décor that had me dreaming of island-weather during a wintry storm! Owner Tony literally cooked-up a storm, too, with the BBQ Sampler! One bite and you’ll agree…AH-mazing! It’s a mouthwatering platter of pulled pork, chicken, smoked sausage and ribs that falls right off the bone. Seriously, a crowd-pleaser that could feed the entire family with delish sides like coleslaw, baked-beans and corn bread. C’mon, doesn’t everything taste better with cornbread? To top it off, I washed it all down with a T-Bonz Sangria! Located at 1080 Tiogue Ave in Coventry!
Next up, one of my go-to’s… Mare Rooftop! The view itself is worth the visit to the Eastside. Experience cozy, glowing igloos for a magical date night… I call it being ICE-olated… or dine inside the enclosed rooftop for a sophisticated affair! One taste of the Providence Restaurant Weeks Menu prepared by Chef Robert and you’ll be satisfied! I enjoyed the Eggplant Involtini app stuffed with cheesy goodness along with the fresh Seafood Risotto entrée! Can you say Mmmm x 100? I paired dinner with some French Rosé Wine and made a toast to the winter night! Mare Rooftop is located at 229 Waterman St. in Providence
Island Park Portsmouth was our next stop at the months-old Blue Anchor Grill… the definition of charm! Picture a fireplace nook surrounded by comfy chairs and peaceful dining room…even a patio with summer beer garden. Chef Geo delighted us with a new spin on some old classics like Tempura Shrimp Tacos and Baked Oysters…yum! But when it came to the Bang Bang Cauliflower… put it this way… I cleaned my plate. Of course, I had hungry eyes all over again when I saw the dessert tray! Try the homemade Beignets with banana… sinful! I paired with a Hibiscus-Raspberry Bellini! A must-try for Bellini-lovers! Blue Anchor Grill is located at 506 Park Avenue, Island Park Portsmouth RI
We closed out the tour in the City by the Sea at Tickets Bar & Grille… a familiar spot for me during my college years at Salve – then the old Sports Ticket. Downstairs a family-friendly establishment, upstairs a sports bar with views of the ocean – exactly what we need on a winter day. Bar food aside, the seafood is the real star! I’m almost positive I tried one of everything on the menu… Portuguese Littlenecks, Clam-Cakes & Chowder, the Scallops & Risotto… but it was the Lobster Roll that I lost my mind over. Chunks of lobster meat spilling over that will have me coming back for more. There’s no question, seafood is always in season at Tickets Bar & Grille! Located at 15 Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown!
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