Providence - Anniversary Advice

[KingCarnivore]

Hi -
My wife and I are swinging down to Providence this weekend for our anniversary. After reading the posts here, we really wanted to go to Gracie's and were able to get an early table (hooray!). My mouth is watering just thinking about it! Our plan so far is:

Pre-dinner - wander westminster street shops
Dinner at Gracie's (6pm)
Dessert: ????

So - two questions for the Providence crowd on this board:
1)any don't miss items at Gracie's?

2)What should we do for dessert? Should we stay at Gracie's or go elsewhere? Since we'll be done earlyish, I figured maybe we'd go elsewhere. Thoughts and suggestions?

Thanks!
King Carnivore

[KingCarnivore]

Thanks for the ideas everyone. I've read great things about pastiche but it does seem more like a bakery than a place to go sit for a lounging dessert. Plan A will be to stay at Gracie's. I'll call to inquire about wine room and/or front booth. Saturday can't come soon enough!

[JaneRI]

You're spending a whole wkend right? If you like sweets, and you are walking around Federal Hill, definitely stop in at Pastiche....I love to get a cup of tea and a mini lemon bar and relax in front of the fireplace.

[malyna]

Maybe Pastiche for dessert...? I know they light the fireplace sometimes, and that is cozy/romantic

[invinotheresverde]

Pastiche is fine, but it's essentially a crowded bakery that has a few chairs and tables. It's bright and very loud.

I'd stay at Gracie's- their desserts are wonderful.

[Bluebird]

I second staying at Gracie's for dessert. I've had some really great desserts there. You may want to consider one of the chef's tasting menus. I have always enjoyed the chef's tasting's at Gracie's.

[JaneRI]

I agree in this context and I happen to love Pastiche. I don't know if Gracie's would do this, but see if you can have the wine room, even if it's just the two of you. Although if I recall they have a really cool booth at the front of the restaurant that is somewhat hidden by curtains - call and request and tell them it's your anniv.

[invinotheresverde]

I like Pastiche too. It's pretty much a win-win.

I'm almost 100% sure Gracie's won't give them the wine room for two people even if it's not previously booked. I have a friend employed there, and she told me there's a minimum person amount, but I can't recall exactly what it is.

[Bluebird]

My husband and I had an anniversary dinner for just the two of us in the wine room a few years ago. Nobody mentioned a minimum. Maybe things have changed or maybe because our reservations were on a weeknight so they relaxed their rules.

[invinotheresverde]

Things must've changed or my friend who works there is misinformed. But she works there, so I doubt it. The weeknight thing may have had something to do with it.