Mediterraneo Caffe

Mediterraneo, which is owned by the same people who own Café Dolce Vida, Amici, and Wise Guys Deli, is located at the beginning of federal hill. The sales team decided to go out to dinner on the hill before an event at the Hilton and I, never passing up a chance to try out a new restaurant, went along.

 

We started out with drinks of course, and a couple of us ordered a pitcher of their white sangria. It was very sweet and didn't have much fruit in it, but was still a great choice and I would order it again.

 

 

Most of the people in our group ordered off of the pre fix three course menu, something they offer seven days a week, not just during restaurant week. Trying to be healthier I decided to just order an entrée, skipping the appetizer and desert that comes along with the three course meal.

 

I decided on the pork tenderloin marinated in honey, Dijon mustard and fresh herbs, encrusted with seasoned bread crumbs and oven roasted. It is served with grilled asparagus, Italian style roasted garlic mashed potatoes and a side of apple brandy cream sauce. I chose to get extra vegetables instead of the side of mashed potatoes. I have had them before however, and they are simply amazing.

 

 

 

The pork was tender, and very flavorful. The best part of this dish was definitely the Dijon rub on the outside. It added so much flavor to the dish that you didn't even need the apple brandy sauce.

 

The sauce however was delicious, and I loved that it came in its own server.


Our waiter Giovanni was very nice, and ended our dinner perfectly with a round of complimentary lemoncello shots. Belissimo.

 

 

 

 

 

Siena

In the midst of Providence Restaurant week I decided to take this opportunity to try out a restaurant on the hill that I haven't been to yet. With 48 different restaurants to choose from it can be a hard decision, but there was one spot that I knew I had to try. Siena has two locations, one in Providence and one in East Greenwich. Both are said to excel in flavorful Tuscan soul food, and a superb wine list.

The restaurant was crowded, understandably since it is restaurant week, but we were seated right away. We started off the night with cocktails. I got the white sangria which was garnished with sliced orange and pear. It was delicious, and one of the best sangria's that I have had.

 

We then ordered off the three course pre-fix menu. I started off with figs wrapped in prosciutto- one of my favorites, which was placed on top of a bed of mixed greens. The figs were perfectly ripe and the saltiness of the prosciutto balanced the sweetness perfectly.

 

 

For my main course I got the Pollo alla Sophia. This was a wood grilled sage & garlic marinated chicken breast with grilled asparagus and fresh mozzarella cheese topped with a red tomato and basil salsa. The chicken was tender and juicy and the green beans and polenta were perfect accompaniments.

 

I paired my entrée with a glass of Riesling, my personal favorite.
 

 

For my desert I decided on the Torta di Romana, a rich double chocolate tart served warm with vanilla bean gelato and a fresh raspberry Chambord sauce.

 

It tasted like a warm brownie taken right out of the oven. Amazing.

 

I paired my desert with an espresso and a glass of  Frangelico on the rocks.


Delicious food, great drinks, and fabulous company all made for an amazing dinner. I will definitely be returning to Siena, and would highly recommend it the next time you are on the hill.

  

Jacky's Galaxie

A little while back on my quest to find amazing sushi restaurants in Providence I made my way to Jacky's Galaxie on Exchange Street. When you walk inside, Jacky's emits a cool vibe with bright colors and a laid back atmosphere. Located right next to the Water-fire basins, this is the perfect spot for dinner on one of those beautiful nights. 

We were seated at a table right by the window in the main dining area. Funky orange lanterns hang from the ceilings and a mix of comfy booths and tables are scattered about the restaurant.

 

  

I went for lunch and opted for one of their two course lunch specials. 

I started out with the Miso Soup, which was very flavorful,  and
was presented beautifully.

For my main course I got the choice of two sushi rolls. I decided on the
tempura shrimp roll and the classic California roll. Both were fresh and
the house sauce on the shrimp roll was delicious. And again, the presentation
was beautiful. 

Along with a glass of Riesling, I thoroughly enjoyed my meal at Jacky's and I will definitely be returning to this spot on one of those days I have a craving for some sushi... which happens more often then it should. But with a great value like this Sushi Lunch Combo, I just might be able to give into my cravings more often.