I know Newporters are savvy to NRW but guess what? So are the people who come into town-stay at our hotels and inns and dine for lunch or dinner in the over 50 restaurants involved this year.
I had the distinct privilege to go to the pre-NRW dinner at the Hotel Viking’s One Bellevue where the sponsors were treated to a fine dinner prepared by Chef Kevin Thiele with superb libations from Pernod Ricard USA and RI Distributing.
Theile wowed us with a fabulous Seared Sea Scallop on a Citrus Vanilla Beurre Blanc followed by a fork-tender Braised Short Ribs all made with Brancott Classic Marlborough Wines.
The sponsors also included Sam Adams, Kahlua and American Express who if you spend over $100 on your AMEX card you will receive a complimentary gift! How’s that?
Many of my guests (I am an innkeeper too) and friends dined this weekend and had great feedback. Bouchards “was amazing”, one friend said to me. “I forgot what a beautiful experience it is eating there.” And that’s just it! We forget-it’s a good way to visit a restaurant you’ve never been to or haven’t been back in a while.
I stepped out on Sunday. First of all, the parking at Bowen’s Wharf was comped for the first 3 hours by receiving a NRW stamp-cool! I headed up the stairs to Fluke where Jeff Callaghan greeted me with his familiar smile and waved to Exec Chef Neil Manacle.
Jeff told me they had done 165 covers on the night before. Those are summer numbers guys!
They print the menu daily so some additional items were added-nice touch! I dined on a Roasted Beet, Caramelized Fennel and Walnut Salad-my friend had Crispy Vegetable Wontons with a killer Spicy Cuke Dipping Sauce.
Pan Seared Scallop with Beluga Lentils sounded lush to me-tasted that way too! Grilled Spiced Pork was had by my friend and will be the “plat du jour” at Taste of Newport on Sunday at the Hyatt Regency on Goat Island.
This brings up a point of interest. Check each restaurant’s hours for the special before you go out and on the weekend make a reservation if you can. Fluke wants all to know they are closed for the event on Sunday.
Happy Dining Folks!
