Davio's at Patriot Place?

[Bob W]

I see that Davio's is now open at Patriot Place, the new shrine to capitalism (not to mention the three-time Super Bowl champion New England Patriots) adjacent to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough.

Is this a soft opening? Anyone tried it yet?

My brother Lurker W and I are coming up to Providence for a Pats game in October and I'd like to visit the Hall at Patriot Place that Saturday. So the question is whether I should consider using a precious meal there -- in lieu of one in Providence and environs.

[GSM]

Really lousy experience at the Patriot Place Davio’s this weekend. First off, it’s a drag to negotiate the traffic to get into the massive parking lots there. A companion tried to use valet service but were told valet was full (weird?). Entering the restaurant, we were really turned off by the incredible din in the bar/hostess area. Luckily, our table was far enough away from this area to avoid headaches. If you’re making reservations, I suggest requesting a table far from the bar.

Service was off all evening. It would appear they’ve had very little training in this area as the problems weren’t limited to our primary server. A ten-minute wait by the bar yielded no attention from the bartender. At the table, requests for bread were ignored, plates were cleared sporadically, no one could figure out which side to serve from. It was all a bit silly.

The food was underwhelming with hints of unpleasant (especially for the prices): salmon was terribly overcooked, served atop a flavorless risotto; scallops were oddly metallic tasting; truffled mac and cheese was greasy; a side of spinach also inexplicably greasy; the steak spring roll appetizer was repulsive—pre-masticated meat in a greasy wrapper. One companion enjoyed a steak which did appear to be cooked properly. Others tasting that steak were less impressed. Desserts show up on a cart (Why bother? Does this appeal to anyone?) and, again, were underwhelming.

I realize there’s a dearth of restaurants in that area and, given the crowds in this place, I suspect they’ll always have a captive audience. Still, I’m crossing Davio’s off my list.

[River19]

I think this location is enjoying the reputation of the Boston location, although if they all went to the Boston location they would realize the reputation is quite possibly overrated.

Steve

[sarabean]

If you're coming into town for the weekend, definetly don't skip Providence. All that nonsense up at "Patriot Universe" is still VERY new; not to say it's not worth a shot, but i'm sure they will be busy as heck while foodies cautiously opt for a sure thing.. Try East Ave Cafe in Pawtucket, or even the Chieftan just south of the stadium on rte1. if you have more specific preferences, there are many options... GO PATS!!!

[Bob W]

Thanks -- we're staying in Providence and doing lots of eating there. Saturday night supper at Chez Pascal. Saturday brunch probably at the Modern Diner in Pawt. Late night NY System weiners on Smith St. A between-meal snack at Rufful's at Wayland Sq, our old family hangout. Big bag of pizza strips to take up to Foxborough. And so on and so forth. LOL

One slot that is open for me is a solo dinner when I get into Providence on Friday night. I'm thinking about La Laiterie.