Siena - East Greenwich, RI

Siena is a restaurant that describes itself as "Tuscan Soul Food". I have visited a total of 3 times. I'm not sure exactly why but I have been pretty hesitant to talk about this place. The reality is, it is not a chain. There is one location on Federal Hill and one location in East Greenwich.

I have only visited the East Greenwich location and I can honestly say I have never once had a bad bite of food there. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, the staff is high quality and knowledgeable. Good help is hard to find, but Siena has done it, and done it well. The staff pronounces the food properly in flawless Italian, this includes the lovely ladies running the bar!

To the food...

My most recent experience, pictured above was the push me over top dinner that made me decide to write about the restaurant. My appetizer, from the Menu di Enoteca, a piece of Taalllleeggggio....I just LOVE to say Taallllleeeggggio! Served with nuts, jam and bread...No way to mess it up, also no way to see if they know how to cook because the cheese stands alone...just fine!

Next up my entree...Bisteca Toscana. Grilled Tuscan herb rubbed 14oz Ribeye. Cooked to the temp I asked for, VERY important to this chef:) Topped with a lemon dressed arugula and tomato salad. I love the hot smoky item, topped with something light and refreshing...a really perfect meal!!

My first time was a series of meats and cheeses from the Menu di Enoteca and an appetizer that if I recall was called a Mushroom Crostini. PURELY SUBLIME.

The second visit was almost a year after the first...when I couldn't find the mushroom appetizer on the menu I wasn't too surprised. What did please me was when I explained to the waitress the dish I was looking for, she pointed me to the pasta dish "Schiaffoni alla Norcina" so delicious the pasta with creamy mushroom and truffle sauce. This is more than dinner, it is a life experience! You won't be disappointed!!

Finally the wine. I have never ordered a wine that I knew anything about here and likewise nothing that was on the menu. Go with the special offered that day. The price is never over the top and always delicious!

POLO GROUNDS - Newport, RI

I am actually smiling while I write this post! This is hands down the best Saturday afternoon you will ever spend! Come alone (alla Jana) or come with friends or come with family. Heck! Bring everyone! Its a bunch of people coming to see a polo match/drink/give their dogs a chance to breathe fresh air/drink/spend QUALITY time with their families/eat drink and be merry/and for some...even play dress up!

SO the Wandering Chef doesn't have a blog to write about horses and playing dressup! I am writing about my new (soon to be life long friends) Meg and Jerry! They have wonderful eats at the Polo Grounds every Saturday. House specialties are pulled pork and EXCEPTIONAL sweet Italian sausage! The food spans from Raw Bar, cheeses, dessert and countless grill options AND a weekly special depending on the opponent. I was lucky enough to attend when Ireland was the Opponent. Meg makes a positively UNBELIEVABLE Reuben "calzone" which is more like a turnover in fluffy buttery crispy pastry. PURE REUBEN HEAVEN!! Alas, try as I may for the general public (and myself) Meg does not make them on command :( I would imagine everything that comes out of their kitchen is delicious. I'll keep trying and update you. The key ingredient in this operation??? Love and happiness. Friends, this is all that matters when it comes to food! It is a "Like Water for Chocolate" theory...if you don't know the book ...READ IT. P.S. The movie fails in comparison! SO get to the Polo Grounds and say hello to Meg and Jerry!

Pa Pa Joe's Recipes - East Greenwich, RI

Reuben Sandwiches...you know how Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are the perfect marriage of chocolate and peanut butter??? Reubens are a perfect marriage of ....reuben ingredients... :)

Anywho...I have a recent affection for "Recipes" in East Greenwich. 1050 Main Street. On the corner of Forge Rd Heading to Goddard Park.

They make a great reuben...I have at least 2, if not more a week! I have tried some other stuff (a bite of what friends have ordered) and its safe to say everything is great! But true reuben lovers...will NOT be disappointed!

The Melting Pot - Providence, Rhode Island

I know this is a chain. The good thing about it...you may have one in your area! My dear friend and I had a "Night Menu" the current menu has a Latin flair. It is a lot of food, and fear not, you will pay the price.

First course: Four cheeses, beer and jalapenos - Dippers, Granny smith apples (favorite), Bread and Tortilla Chips. Was very

good...once we added all the jalapenos. We enjoyed it!

Second course: Ceviche Salad: Shrimp, avocado, greens - Delicious and refreshing!

Entree Course: Pork, shrimp, chicken and

beef marinated on the same platter. We did the "Court Boullion" cooking method. It comes with potatoes, mushrooms and b

roccoli. They give you the broth and the cooking times. I was hesitant about cooking in the broth. It was well seasoned but at the end of the day, boiled meat = not great,

bottom line. Might have been better using the oil method!

Dessert: Dark chocolate & Dulce de leche caramel with sea salt: Pure heaven. Dippers = Marshmallows, cheesecake, strawberries bananas. It was hands down the best part! Loved every bite!

So, overall a good experience. We agree the entree part of the meal could be eliminated without any issue. It's fondue, Cheese & Chocolate are the reason its famous! It makes me laugh that a restaurant with SO M

ANY opportunities for major injury and illness has made it a success! Our waitress Zena was very informative and gave us all of the necessary warnings! Fun for a group night out, not worth the price for just a random lunch date.

Long time no see!!!

It's been a while since my last entry. What can I say?!?! I've been busy...reintegrating into society! I can't believe I don't have the pics of my sausage & peppers guys from Fenway...Stand by I'll get some! If you saw the Boston News Channel 5 footage of opening day 2011, you saw me eating one! It's been my mission again of late to test some great food out there! I have my favorites and its all I can do to not go back to them so I can continue to try new things and share them with you! SO here it goes! Enjoy!