This Saturday Night's Pick-Rue De L'Espor

I am not sure, about you guys but it has been a long week. Bob and I were looking forward to a relaxing night with a nice meal and glass of wine. My turn to choose, I thought I would keep it local. Rue De L’ Espor, Creative Bistro Cooking, Restaurant & Bar in Providence on Hope St. Purple siding and paned windows create a little cottage look. We walked into the bar side of the restaurant, where a bunch of tables were set up for a party. The waiter behind the bar kindly sent us to the dinning side. We sat in a comfortable booth with a nice crisp linen tablecloth. Red wood panels and yellow walls give a comforting warm feeling. The jazz music in the background was a nice touch.

The waitress takes our drink order. I order the usual Pinot Noir and Bob goes with a girly drink, called Rue Juice. He really enjoyed it. After I tasted it, I wished I had ordered it. Another waitress is walking around with a quilted lined wicker basket. Inside is by far some of the best bread we have ever eaten, baked at Seven Stars Bakery. The bread was warm, with that hard crust and airy middle, “to die for”!

Off the “small plates” menu, (appetizer) we ordered the Roasted Marrow Bones, “parsley, shallots, olive oil, baguette toast”. ($8.00) I know what some of you are saying, marrowbones. Four marrowbones filled with shallots and parsley and roasted to perfection. Each one placed on top of a piece of the same incredible bread from Seven Stars Bakery. With one of those tiny forks, we scoop out the marrow and spread onto the bread. This we must say is fantastic! It tastes like the “deliciousness” at the bottom of your plate after Sunday dinner, when the roast was so good you wipe your plate clean with your bread.

For entrees, the menu is broken into two parts, Eat Seriously or Eat Light. Bob orders Brown Ale Braised Pork Shank, “wilted swiss chared leek, bacon, and mascarpone polenta”. (Eat Seriously $23) Bob really liked his dish except of course the swiss chared leek. Bob does not like anything green. The Pork he said was delicious and the polenta was drier than he expected it to be but tasted great.

I ordered the Duck Risotto, “duck confit, hen of the woods mushrooms, butternut squash, scallions” (Eat Light $22) Duck is one of my favorite meats. It may not be for everyone. A dark meat can be very greasy. This duck was cooked just perfectly the risotto was so good. The mushrooms gave it that woodsy taste, butternut squash and scallions how you can go wrong. By the way, I ate the swiss chared leek from Bob’s plate. How can he not like this green leafy vegetable? This meal was so comforting.

The dessert tray came by and well we had to do it. We ordered an apple torte. We shared so we would not feel so guilty. It was delicious. It was nice ending to a great meal. Once again, a great pick. Bob and I were both happy. Prices are on the higher end, but when the food is that good, its money well spent. With so many restaurants in RI to choose from the choice can be overwhelming. Most restaurants do a great job with their websites, so we always check them out to get a feel for place. www.therue.com

Breakfast & Weekend Brunch Monday-Friday 7:30-11:00 AM Saturday & Sunday 8:30-2:30 PM Breakfast is served all day long from 8:30 on the addition of brunch selection at 11:45.

Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30-5:00 PM Dinner Friday & Saturday 5:00-10:30 PM Sunday-Thursday 5:00-9:00 PM Cheese Board available during lunch & dinner