Loui Fuller or Local 121, Providence

[winedude]

I've seen the info from an earlier thread, but neither of these seem to have any web presence at all. I guess it's because neither is officially "open" yet?

Any updates appreciated. Has anyone been lately? Do they take reservations, and if so, are they necessary? I can't even find a phone number for either one.

[a l i c e]

Both restarants are most definitely open. Stopped into Local 121 on Saturday for some drinks only. It is a stunning, beautiful space, with an eclectic crowd. There is no drink menu, so we tried to order Dark and Stormys and a Jack Rose. No ginger beer and bartender didn't know how to mix a Jack Rose. We got beer and Sidecars instead. Tasty Sidecar. We perused the menu - can't recall any items, but we will definitely be back for the food.

I doubt Loie Fuller (or Local 121?) will ever have a website...I don't believe Lili Marlene has ever had one (same owner). Which I frankly love. People just need to show up to the restaurant without having done mounds of research into the menu, or forming any pre-conceived notions. I think it forces people to enjoy the experience of discovering the menu first-hand. I've not been in yet, but from a purely aesthetic point of view, it looks gorgeous, like the kind of place that you just can't wait to try out.

Local 121, 121 Washington
Loie Fuller, 1455 Westminster

[Frobisher]

Local 121 on the web: local121.com. I expect that it will have content, once the place has officially opened.

[LMWW]

I have to admit that I find this to be quite frustrating about restaurants in RI. It's not about doing advance research into the menu for me (well, not all the time anyway!), but a website is a convenient place to find important information such as restaurant hours, phone number, reservation information, etc.

[JaneRI]

I find it frustrating too, and sorta contrived ('we're hip and retro'). Why even show up at a restaurant if one has NO CLUE what type of food is served? Also, I plan a lot of business dinners and I need the info - w/out it, I don't send people there.

[basachs]

I dont find it to be contrived at all. The restaurants that want the business dinner clientele will have a website. While I know you are talking about this topic in general, I will offer that in the case of Fuller's, he could care less about a web site. He is located in the middle of a residential district. It is a neighborhood joint and has been slammed since they opened. No real need for a website at all.

[winedude]

That's not exactly fair. I'm not looking for a business dinner, just wanting to know what hours they're open, and where to call for a reservation, if they take them. Perhaps suggestions on parking. Doesn't seem like a lot to ask.

Does anyone know (a) if Loui Fuller takes reservations; (b) what the phone number is, or (c) if they're interested in my business?

[thinks too much]

I don't believe they take reservations. They open at 5 PM and are closed on Tuesdays. The restaurant facade is small and low-key.They're very friendly to people as they walk in, so yes, I think they want your business. We walked in around 6:30 on a Wednesday with no problem. I don't know the phone number. Since they have been open for two weeks, it's not posted everywhere.

They have a parking lot that probably parks 12-14 cars, a dining room that seats 40 and a bar that seats about 12. Salads and apps are priced between 6-12 dollars, main courses are 8-18, desserts are 3.50-6. Wines and draft beers are 6-8.

I don't review the website of everyplace I eat, but I agree that they can be convenient. The lack of a phone number can be disconcerting as well, but I respect a statement that runs counter to our commonly held assumptions? Can't we hold our breath and see if an alternative business model works in providing us with tasty, affordable food, a gorgeous setting, and a word of mouth marketing plan?

[winedude]

Thanks, thinks. This is enough info for me to check it out. The food sounds great. I'll report back after I've tried it.

[JaneRI]

"The restaurants that want the business dinner clientele will have a website"

Two words: Mills Tavern. Well, I don't send anyone there either.