The challenge of the dog days of summer
Good afternoon dear readers. I'm Gail Ciampa, Journal food and dining editor.
Just in case you missed it, this is my colleague Kris Craig's incredible heat wave photo that appeared on the front page last week. Isn't it amazing?
Other than Kris's photo, that heat wave was just not fun. We are so lucky we don't have many of these stretches of 90-plus degree days in a New England summer.
The heat did not bring out the best in many people. I'm afraid I saw that first hand.
On Sunday, I ordered family dinner to-go from a neighborhood Mexican restaurant. As soon as I stepped in the door, I realized their air conditioning was not working there. It was just as hot inside as out.
The host was not at her station, and there were three men waiting to pick up ahead of me. We could see into the kitchen (and I can't imagine how hot it was in there), where she was packing up food.
Within the next few minutes, the first two men said they weren't going to wait any longer and left. They only told the two of us still waiting for our orders.The host brought out bags of food and called two names, but they were gone. What an awful thing to do to leave her literally holding the bags.
They could have just gone outside and waited in their air-conditioned cars a few minutes and come back in. Or they could have toughed out the heat. They thought only of their own comfort and not of the waste of food and cost to that little restaurant.
I think the chefs and servers who have let us not heat up our homes cooking dinner deserve our thanks, not our impatience.
A new Sarto at the Providence G
Last Thursday, friends texted they were coming from Narragansett and wanted to eat a 7 p.m. dinner in Providence. Could we meet for dinner at an outside table?
I suggested Sarto in the Providence G building because it only recently reopened. It has been closed all this time from the beginning of COVID. I wanted to give it a try because the location is so great for dining before shows at PPAC. If it's back, I wanted readers to know.
This was the third time I've been to a new "Sarto" as chefs have come and gone and menus and staff have changed. This time, I think they have a winning formula for modern Italian cuisine.
They have a lineup of refreshing spritz cocktails. I tried the Galliano Apertivo with bitter orange, and it was refreshing. But I also liked the plain Galliano Spritz. All the spritz drinks are topped with Prosecco and a splash of soda water.
Sarto also has mocktails, including Lavender Lemonade and a Blueberry Mojito. That fits the bill for many.
The appetizers have quite the appealing range from crazy delicious warm olives, to decadent Carbonara French Fries, with the fries topped with creamy fontina fondue, pancetta and some sharp Grana Padano. There is also an octopus dish. It's poached in olive oil and grilled and wonderfully tender.
For entrees, there is a Porchetta on polenta, a huge aged ribeye and plenty of pasta choices.
I had the Restaurant Week menu that started with a fab Panzella salad, so perfect for hot days. The dinner ended with a fresh blueberry olive oil cake. I don't see either on the menu right now, but I expect that they could be nightly specials. It was a special meal that included a bucatini aglio olio for a main course.
The new executive chef is a Johnson & Wales University grad, who hails from Connecticut. Andrew Capella has made a strong start with his appealing menu and well-composed, tasty dishes.
They serve dinner only, but open early at 3 for drinks at 86 Dorrance St., Providence, (401) 270-0790. They are closed Monday and Tuesday.
Ceviches by Divino - new in Providence
Brand new in Providence is Ceviches by Divino at 11 Point St. It opens tomorrow, July 28.
It is a Peruvian tapas restaurant that features refreshing ceviches, unique tapas, craft beer, cocktails and a full wine list. The owners, brothers Christian and Frank Encalada, have four restaurants in Florida, with three in Miami and one in Fort Meyers. This is the first outpost up north. Christian is the executive chef.
They call it a gastropub with an industrial design and a fresh take on Peruvian food.
I have not been yet, but have to say the photos make me anxious to get there.
The menu promises Peruvian favorites, including Lomo Saltado, a stir-fry made with beef, onions and tomatoes. Traditional ceviche, which is marinated lightly in lime juice and seasoned with Peruvian limo chili, is the star of the menu. They also have poke bowls.
Learn more online and follow them on Instagram.
Wedding bells
Congratulations to Daria Valles, daughter of Twin Oaks co-owner Susan DeAngelus Valles, and Twin Oaks executive chef Ryan Mancini. Daria and Ryan tied the knot earlier this month. That's keeping things in the family in a most lovely way.
The bride is an Instagram influencer extraordinaire and you can view some of her work, and wedding photos here. The maid of honor was Olivia Culpo, the bride's best friend since childhood, and the former Miss Universe.
Daria and Olivia even made it into People magazine with a photo.
Happy Birthday
I may be a bit prejudice having an August birthday, but sometimes I think all my fav people are born under the sign of Leo. They say we lions and lionesses are bossy and roar pretty loudly. But we get things done. We are also loyal lions, but only if you can keep up with us.
So happy birthday to my fellow Leos - Kristen Adamo, Jamie Coelho, Dale Venturini, Lisa Doucet-Albert, Cindy Salvato and Dana Slone. That is a media/hospitality list if ever there was one. A special happy happy to my friend Bob Adamo, who just went sky-diving on his 80th birthday.
I'm sure there are many other Leos out there. Raise your hand and roar.
Vacation time
Since I was a little child, the first two weeks of August have always meant summer vacation. First with my parents and Nana in Nantasket in the Massachusetts town of Hull. Then Cape Cod. Now with my family in Maine.
I won't be sending along my newsletter for a few weeks. You'll find fun stories from other writers at Gannett on the food pages on Aug. 10. But I'll be back.
I may be ready by then to tell you some exciting news about an event we have not had for two years, but will again. Sssshhhh. It's still a secret.
Roadtrip to Westerly
In the meantime, read my story on all there is to eat and drink and see in Westerly. You can go more than once if you want to try a bunch of fun spots. You need to go more than once. The town is becoming a real force in the dining scene of Rhode Island. Don't be left behind.
I just got a new phone after four years, and it has three lenses and takes amazing food photos. I love this one below. It focuses on the food, but leaves the background just so you can see the setting. I learned how to do this with a 35mm camera back at BU back in the day. But this is easier and offers instant gratification.
Here's my Westerly story.
More: Road trip to Westerly: Here's what you've been missing and 21 reasons to visit
Also, What's on Tap offers the latest news in new beers, events and collaborations.
More: What's on Tap in Rhode Island: New beers, collaborations and events
Stay cool my dear readers, and be nice to everyone. It's what separates us from the wild animals.
If you enjoy our time here, please tell a friend they can sign up here to receive my weekly newsletter, Gail's Food Feed.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: A Providence restaurant reopens and Florida owners expand to RI
