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. 

XO Cafe

On my quest to find amazing new brunch spots, I decided to check out XO Cafe located right on North Maine street next to one of my favorite restaurants, Harry's Burger Bar. I have passed by it a million times and have never gone in, so I figured it was about time I tried it out. And boy was I glad I did! I called ahead inquiring about the availability, seeing as how it was mothers day and everywhere in Providence would be packed. They told us that there would be open seating at the bar, so we decided to go for it and head on over. We walked in and they said it would be about a five to ten minute wait for the bar. Perfect. We waited about twenty minutes, and then the hostess came over and seated us at a table next to the window. We ordered our food, which took about a half hour to get to us, and then chowed down. 

The Brunch Menu at XO Cafe is on point. They have a variety of different items to choose from on their menu from Creme Brule French Toast, to Omelets filled with pecan smoked bacon and cabot cheddar cheese. 

I ordered the XO Benedict which consists of  local short ribs,
chive potato pancake, and chipotle hollandaise on an english muffin

The boy ordered the steak and eggs and a side order of the
pecan smoked bacon

We also split an order of the pork belly and asparagus
hash. yum. 

Although the wait for the food was a little long, though understandable because it was mothers day after all, it was totally worth it. I would 100% recommend Xo Cafe for brunch and I am excited to go back and try their dinner menu. 

Hello My Name Is Casey,

...and I am addicted to Chipotle. 

I think it is about time I talk to you all about my one true love. It is more then just a quick service Mexican Restaurant, it is a way of life. Chipotle Mexican Grill is a company that not only serves amazing food, but takes a stand in a time when serving fresh, local ingredients isn't the first thing on a companies priority list when choosing ingredients. 

Chipotle recently came out with a video called "Back to the Start" featuring Willie Nelson's version of The Scientist. The video gives you an idea of their stance on genetically modified ingredients and their "eat fresh" initiative. 

This video gives a closer look into their "Food with Integrity" philosophy

Okay enough about the company, lets get to the reason why you are all here.. the food. When you enter a Chipotle you see the assembly line full of fillings for your burrito, taco, or salad. My personal favorite is the burrito bowl. You start off with the rice. You may choose either white rice or brown rice, and then you choose either black or pinto beans. Then comes the meat. You have a choice between chicken, ground beef, steak, carnitas, and barbacoa. I always choose either the chicken or the barbacoa. All of the meats are marinated to perfection, and have amazing flavor. Then you choose between mild, medium, hot, or corn salsa. Lastly, you have the choice of adding cheese, sour cream, lettuce, and guacamole. Now I could probably sit here and talk about my love for Chipotle's guacamole for hours, but I will just let you find out for yourself. 

Every ingredient that goes into that burrito bowl tastes incredibly fresh, and you can tell how much effort they put into each and every recipe. Just talking about it makes me want to go there right now, but unfortunately for me it is 1 in the morning. So there you have it, my addiction is out in the open. My name is Casey and I am a Chipotle addict. And I have no plans of giving it up. 

Olga's Cup & Saucer

Tucked away on Point Street is a little place called Olga's Cup and Saucer. Resembling a secret garden right in the middle of Providence with flowers and trees growing and outdoor tables strewn about, this artisan bakery/ brunch spot is nothing short of amazing. Inside, you see the bakery station chock full of a variety of different breads and pastry's. When you step to your left you see the hosts stand, and a dining area for brunch and lunch. Brunch is served from 9 am until 2 pm Saturdays and Sundays and serves lunch Monday through Friday from 11 am until 3 pm. The cafe is open Monday through Friday from 7 am until 4 pm if you are in the mood for a sweet treat. 

Their brunch menu includes items such as sourdough waffles, huevos rancheros, polenta and eggs, and omelets with a variety of ingredients to choose from such as portabella mushrooms or proscuitto. 

Two poached eggs on grilled scallion cheddar scones, served with applewood
smoked bacon, home fries which includes both roasted potatoes and sweet
potatoes, and a roasted tomato. 

I feel like I have become somewhat of a breakfast connoisseur. What was once my least favorite meal of the day is slowly becoming my absolute favorite. There is nothing like starting off your day with good company, a nice cup of coffee, and some amazing food. 

Julians

I can not believe it has taken me this long to write about the greatest breakfast establishment I have ever come across in my entire life. Located right at the beginning of Broadway sits the mother of all restaurants. If someone was to create a restaurant just for me, this would be it. Rock n roll pumping through the speakers, a friendly staff, laid back vibe, and a ridiculous menu are all the things that make Julians what it is. And with omelets called "The Sith Lord" and "Jedi Mind Trick" how can you go wrong. The inventiveness of the chefs is evident in their specials menu, which changes daily. Everything is made fresh including their house made ice cream. Paintings line the walls, all of which you can purchase.

They don't only do breakfast however. Their lunch and dinner menu, which includes items such as monkfish po' boy's with smoked onion rings are on point. The beer selection is also amazing including a ton of locally brewed ipa's. And do not forget about their desert menu. The items change, so be sure to try them before their gone. 

Desperado Eggs Benedict with avocado and salsa with a chicken,
basil, ricotta, and squash hash

The special; Korean Short Rib Eggs Benedict with a scallion hollandaise
sauce with a mushroom and boursin hash

Desperado Eggs Benedict with bacon and a mushroom and
boursin hash

Peanut Butter Creme Brule with chocolate smoked bacon and
house made marshmallows 

Julians Food Truck 

Pulled Pork with a apple slaw and chipotle aioli from the
food truck 

So I am going to tell you the same thing that I tell guests at the hotel when they come up to me asking for an amazing place to get some breakfast, lunch, or dinner that is out of the ordinary and has genuinely amazing food.. Hit up Julians, you will not be disappointed.