The Dorrance - Providence

[Frobisher]

Any one been? I understand they had a soft opening for lunch this week.

[javaandjazz]

Has anyone been here lately?

[wormwood]

we were there a couple weeks ago and it was good, but i was not blown away. the impression i got was that they were trying to awe you with the (admittedly) magnificent architecture, and abundance of lush ingredients (sea urchin and lobster chowder?) without actually having the chops to back it up. i enjoyed my dinner, but for the price i would much prefer chez pascal, nicks, cook & brown, broadway bistro etc. frankly i think the space is almost TOO nice for a regular dinner out; anything less than a tux and you feel underdressed in there.

i am way more impressed by someone who can take 3-4 relatively humble ingredients and elevate them to 5-star status, rather than throwing 10 big ticket ingredients in a bowl and hoping your wallet fools your tongue into thinking it tastes great.

[javaandjazz]

Thanks!

[ekim256]

hmm..good to know! the space is BEAUTIFUL though...I'm debating between this place and Gracie's

[Nl2012]

Go to the dorrance. Ben sukle and his team are incredibly talented, and the food he is doing is probably the best in the state. His meat and seafood dishes are great, but his vegetable dishes are incredible.

[dinnerdoctor]

Sorry, this comes a little late, but it's fantastic. Pretty easily the best food in Providence; really creative, great flavors, beautiful presentation. As a bonus, the cocktails are phenomenal and the space is very well restored.