Surf Club, Newport 2022

 

What's better than a cheeseburger loaded with onion fries and the whole city walking by as you sit and dine? Maybe frozen drinks. Just check out the tiktok vid of our fun visit to Surf Club Newport.  

Plus, this is the only place in Newport where they have a booth table that sits twelve people.  Munch on fried shrimp or scallops and sip gin and tonics with everyone in, well, your immediate circle.

We also got a sneak peek inside the totally swanky new private club.  Very luxe and comfy.  Another tiktok Contact us for details.

Surf Club Newport

Lunch At La Forge, Newport

 

I went with the classic Club Sandwich, loaded with bacon and thick layers of turkey on a crisp bed of lettuce and toasted bread, smothered in mayo.  Delicious. Because that's what you do when dining at a classic spot:  La Forge Casino at the Tennis Hall Of Fame in Newport.

The courts were as green as ever.  We loved the Arthur Ashe tribute poster.  Really, if you ever play you must visit.  I mastered the art of the serve at Boston College.  There is even a video of me out there, somewhere, teaching people how to do it.  So, tennis is a love.

The cool drinks came in handy as it was a warm day.  That didn't stop us from shooting lots of video (follow us on Tiktok) and see the Philadelphia Freedom episode.

My dining companion went with the Reuben Sandwich.  If you're in Newport this summer you must stop in.  It's a classic summer lunch.  

La Forge Newport

Cheers,

William

Wines Of Rioja At 22 Bowen's, Newport

 

We raced off to our second wine dinner of the night at 22 Bowen's, luckily just around the corner.  We arrived just in time, breathless, to have a Chilled Peach Soup appetizer and Olive And Anchovy Crostini.  We were seated at the head of a long table and surrounded by an older, genteel crowd of locals part of a group hosted by an apparently very successful financial advisor.  One runs into these things in Newport.  The conversation and stories of exotic world travels over the decades, often dangerous, was fantastic.  One even shared gossip about a certain food "celebrity" in Boston who trashed her rental property while on vacation.  Fun stuff.

This Mushroom Torta was our first course.  Served with an ice cold Viura, Malvassia, Blanco, Finca Allende 2015 from Rioja, our wine sponsor for the dinner.  Maybe it was because it was a warm, humid night and we just ran for two blocks but it was the most refreshing, delicious drink I've ever had.  I am a white wine guy and Rioja is famous for reds.  I loved this.  The torta was served with a manchego cheese and almond pesto.  We gobbled it up.

Braised Cod was our second course.  A creamy pimento sauce and littlenecks encircled it.  We sipped 2015 and 216 Reserva.

The third course was an aromatic Roasted Leg Of lamb which we all so devoured that the room was literally silent except for the sound of knives hitting china plates.  Yes, we didn't even get a photo of this one.  

But we did get several photos of the Fruit Tart dessert paired with a Satinela 2020.  Not one to complete a dessert plate and already overindulged, I savored every, last calorie.

22 Bowen's

22 Bowen's Wharf

Newport, RI  02840

Telephone:  401.841.8884

A Taste Of Veneto at Giusto, Newport Part II

Our first full course at Giusto was this Scallop Crudo.  Served with a sea urchin salsa peverada, n'duja and cucumber.  Absolutely delicious and stunning on the plate.

In fact, it looked so good that even the staff took a moment to get some pics.

The Crudo was served with this Masianco Verduzo Pinot Grigio.  I don't know about you but I am definitely a Pinot Grigio guy and this one did not disappoint at all.  It was a chilled, refreshing sip on a warm summer night.

Casunziei Ravioli With Beet, Ricotta And Poppy Seed.  Very inventive and a great combination of flavors, this was one of our top tastes of the night. 

Along with the red beets the red wine began to flow including Campofiorin Valpolicella 2018 and a Costasera Amarone 2015, both substantial, rich reds.

At this point I was one happy camper but due to time constraints we had to part at this point to make it to yet another event.  We will, however, be back for a dinner soon and no doubt that ravioli will be on our table!

Giusto Newport

4 Commercial Wharf

Newport, RI  02840

Telephone:  401.324.7400

We would like to thank the Newport Mansions Preservation Society, Giusto and Masi Wines for inviting us to this event.

A Taste Of Veneto At Giusto, Newport

 The Newport Food And Wine Festival was different this year.  Gone was the always very crowded Grand Tasting and replaced with a number of smaller events and seminars that sold out quickly. The silver lining was a great restaurant program offering more intimate wine dinners sponsored by some fantastic wineries.  We attended one of them at Giusto sponsored by Masi, a family-owned, centuries-old winery just outside Venice, Italy.  And although we love the Grand Tasting, you know what?  We liked this program even better!

First of all, it's a limited number of participants.  Rather than fight the crowds ten deep at the popular restaurant and vintner's tables and guard a choice seat with a vengeance, it allowed for a much more gracious and relaxed atmosphere.  Giusto pulled out all the stops.  

The restaurant is fairly new and offers a prime location right on the water.  The sleek, contemporary design with both indoor and outdoor seating, plus a covered outdoor area where the event was held, proved to be a very coveted spot on this last weekend of summer and one that had many other events bringing in thousands of visitors.

The service was impeccable, the food a bright and inventive take on Italian cuisine and the crowd and atmosphere festive.  This is as good as it gets for late summer dining (and wining) experiences.  The young, friendly yet very professional staff was a welcome relief in these days of covid woes hitting the hospitality industry hard on the service front.

We were greeted with ice cold glasses of Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosé, a perfect choice.  Our first passed appetizer taste was this Fritelle.  The ricotta, honey and truffle in a fried crust was sublime, both rich and airily light at the same time, just packed with flavor.

Next was The Scotch Meatball, a menu staple.  Tomato, egg and salumi in, again, a perfectly crispy, not overly heavy, crust.  What a great start to the evening and a prelude to the four course dinner paired with some great wines!

Circle back later this week for A Taste Of Veneto, Part II.

Giusto at Hammets Hotel

4 Commercial Wharf

Newport, RI  02840

Telephone:  401.324.7400

The Newport Sweet Shoppe

Yes, we took Newport by storm last weekend along with thousands of others seeking to squeeze in one last weekend away before summer ends.  Our very first stop in town was The Newport Sweet Shoppe.

Their handmade chocolates, cookies and cupcakes are legendary ... and delicious, always fresh and one of our top New England favorites.

We snagged several chocolate cupcakes, some cookies dipped in chocolate and, of course, the Milk Chocolate Cashew Turtles which are always extraordinary.

Next time you're in Newport stop by on this little side street just off Bellevue Avenue for some nice, sweet surprises and some cool party ideas.

The Newport Sweet Shoppe 
82 William Street 
Newport,  RI  02840

Telephone:  401.619.4600

La Forge Casino: Classic Newport

 

Nestled into the Tennis Hall Of Fame is La Forge Casino, known to Newport insiders as THE place to go for great food, great service and all at a great value. It's not haute cuisine.  It's just a great, relaxing dine out.

We snagged a courtside table for a late lunch after heavy shopping and lots of walking all over this fabulous enclave, staying across from Hammersmith, spoiled with big breakfasts and long wine dinners.

Dean went with the Reuben Sandwich and Fries.  Grilled to perfection, I tried a bit.  

I went with the Classic Burger, of course, served with a side of Caesar Salad, drenched in Pecorino Romano and very fresh.

We were there in the late afternoon, as said, but the private club feel was there.  Tips:  call ahead for reservations because it gets packed, be ready to wait unless you know an insider or are a member, the bar is great.

La Forge casino

186 Bellevue Avenue

Newport, RI

Fresh Lobster

 

There is nothing like fresh lobster, caught off the boat, brought into the restaurant and cooked. The local fisherpeople in Newport are the best.  This was our view every morning, high atop Narragansett Bay. 

Lobster Roll at The Clarke Cooke House in Newport with fries and Cole Slaw.  We loved the vibe here, absolutely preppy central, classic Newport on a fine night.

Carol, Dean and Jason, all enjoying a glass of Riesling from Newport Vineyards.  Nice sip.  And, yes, we had the most enviable window table in the place.

Great dinner. Great laughs. Great friends.

The Vox Hunters

 

Armand Aromin and Benedict Gagliardi are The Vox Hunters.

The best part of traveling or being on vacation is often, for us, just wandering around looking for the interesting.  It could be a landscape or seascape, architecture, people or really anything unique that strikes our fancy.  And that is precisely how we discovered The Vox Hunters on our recent trip to Newport.  

The musical duo, native Rhode Islanders, are incredibly talented (both play multiple musical instruments) and perform an entrancing traditional folk music the likes of which you have never heard before and it truly tells a story.  A story of us.  

We caught up with them for a few moments before they began a quick rehearsal for a recent appearance at The Redwood Library And Athenaeum on Bellevue Avenue.  And how were they going to perform this concert?

Why, on top of a giant fluorescent yellow rocking chair, of course.  The 19 foot Windsor style rocking chair being painted the bright color was what, we have to admit, caught our attention.  We just had to stop and find our what it was all about!

We highly suggest you check out their music (and tap dancing) on the website and join us in becoming a new fan:  The Vox Hunters.  Happy summer travels, everyone!

Jo's American Bistro, Newport

On our recent trip to Newport we enjoyed dinner at Jo's American Bistro.  In fact, we spend so much time exploring the food scene there that people are starting to joke that we are also known as The Newport Foodie!  You may recall that we visited Jo's on our spring Newport tour and loved it so much we made plans to go back.

First off, it's in a great location just off Bellevue and around the corner from the Tennis Hall Of Fame.  The place is new and the design is clean and bright but classic, exactly what one would expect at a modern bistro.  Although we were dining fairly early the place was nearly full and by the time we left seemed at capacity.  

We began with the Seared Scallops.  These were served with an andouille sausage and corn puree.  There is no better combination than fresh scallops and sweet corn at the peak of harvest but that sausage added a new dimension we'd not experienced before.  It worked very well, playing off the saltiness, brine and sweet combination.

My main was the Grilled Shrimp And Risotto.  A perfect portion of nicely done shrimp on a bed of creamy risotto was, again, very well turned out and a great example of quality versus quantity.  I loved it and would go back for more.

 My dining companion went with the Tenderloin, a nightly special - in short supply.  The filet was melt-in-your-mouth good and the Scalloped Potatoes it was served with was layered beautifully, more like a croissant than the typical slosh of sliced potato.  Delicious.

Because we'd been tasting wines and snacking on numerous sweets all day we opted out on wine with dinner and for dessert we enjoyed the last few rays of sun over Newport Harbor.  A wonderful end to the classic and satisfying meal.  We also got the chance to say hello to owner Joann Carson, a legendary Newport food and hospitality pro.  After years owning and working in many local food establishments she has really hit the nail on the head with this classy yet casual setting serving fine fare.

Jo's American Bistro
24 Memorial Boulevard West
Newport, RI  02840
Telephone:  401.847.5506

Socials:
@thebostonfoodie
@theboysoftbf
@deano_iam
@josbistro

We were invited to dine here as members of the press/media with no promise of any editorial consideration or financial remuneration.  So, yeah, if we didn't like it you'd know that, too.

Breakfast At Stoneacre Brasserie, Newport

Early morning breakfast pastries at Stoneacre Brasserie, Newport.

We visited Stoneacre Brasserie in Newport for breakfast recently.  We'd been for afternoon snacks and drinks before but not for breakfast.  First of all, we love the design of this place.  It looks and feels like a traditional French brasserie, open early to late (12:30 AM on weekends) and serving solid fare. 

There are several dining areas within.  The front room is the main dining area, faces the street and is the spot for those fashionable types who want to be seen.  There is a quieter spot on one side and hi top tables on the other for a fun group dining experience and the back holds a more romantic nook where a thick drape could be pulled across for all you celebrities who want more private dining.

The cafe au lait is great, a good, strong cup with a nice foam, and the freshly squeezed orange juice may just be the best we've ever had at a restaurant.  We relaxed and perused the menu.  There was never any rush at all, just like service in Paris.  

They source locally as much as possible.  I went with the Cheesy Scrambled Eggs On Bolo.  The cheddar cheese was barely detectable to look at and delivered a smooth but unmistakable taste.  I loved the fact that this was served on a bolo roll with it's soft texture and sweeter taste.  Delicious.

My dining companion had the same eggs served with greens and toast, also done well.

Stoneacre also has a takeout case featuring freshly-baked pastries that we can assure you are out of this world.  No skimping on the freshest, highest quality ingredients here.  There is also a pantry where other local foods and goods are on sale.

It's classic, simple but sophisticated, quality food delivered on a consistent basis.  They also have an excellent wine list.  And, yes, we will be back again.  

Stoneacre Brasserie
28 Washington Square
Newport, RI  02840
Telephone:  401.619.7810

Socials:
@thebostonfoodie
@theboysoftbf
@stoneacrebrasserie