Birthday dinner at Providence! 9 course tasting menu or 5 course with wine pairing??

[SherlockNoms]

Hi Hounds!

My husband is taking me to Providence for my 30th birthday and I'm trying to decide whether to do the 9 course tasting menu with a glass of wine, or the 5 course tasting menu with wine pairing. I'm leaning towards the 9 course with a glass of wine. Does anyone think I should consider otherwise? Also, please share any advice on how best to enjoy this gem of a restaurant (i.e. must try dishes). The cheese course is a must!

Thanks!!

[jaykayen]

The 9 course is too much food.

[SherlockNoms]

I don't know if there's ever too much food! :)

[ipsedixit]

My issue, in all seriousness, with the 9 course at Providence is the time factor.

It's literally 2+ hours long, and about 3/4 of the way through it I sort of wish the 7th or 8th course came with a Shiatsu massager.

[SherlockNoms]

Haha, I've definitely heard the excessive time factor is an issue for some. My husband took me to afternoon tea today and we spent a few hours there, so hopefully it will prep us well for the tasting (which I think is tomorrow!). I will report back with details!

[attran99]

They do afternoon tea? What's that like?

[SherlockNoms]

Oh, sorry! No, Providence doesn't do afternoon tea. I was just comparing the time it usually takes for an afternoon tea to that of the tasting.

I frequent afternoon teas (one of my favorite things!) so the time factor at Providence was not a problem! I've had ample practice at long, drawn out food fests!

[zack]

Another idea, go for the 9-course and order several half glasses of wine. Providence is extremely accommodating so it won't hurt to ask if that is an option.

The cheese cart is divine, a must have for any turophile dining there. It is included in full-tasting but not the 5-course, hence another reason to go 9.

[Rodzilla]

the food menu is what shines, not the wine selection. 9 course for sure!

[estone888]

I have greatly enjoyed the nine course and asked the sommelier to recommend a glass of wine that paired well with the first few plates, then another glass for the next few - not including dessert. I've done that twice and both times it worked out perfectly. I once did the 9 course tasting with a wine pairing and really should have taken a taxi home but was dumb enough, and lucky enough, to manage the drive.

[SherlockNoms]

Its sounding like the best option is definitely the 9 course with a glass of wine or a bottle for corkage! Thanks!

[Porthos]

Corkage is $30. Free on Mondays.

If you are only having a glass and don't know much about wine, you should ask for a recommendation for a glass from their list. A proper pairing can elevate both the food and wine.

[foodiemahoodie]

Another possibility - get one wine tasting and share it.

[prawn]

I'd also go with the 9 course but am admittedly not much of an oenophile. They do offer corkage if you'd like to bring your own.

[SherlockNoms]

Really?? I didn't know that! Do you know how much they charge for their corkage fee?

That would be the perfect combination! I do enjoy wine but I love and appreciate food more! I can't really tell the difference between a $20 bottle compared to a $60 bottle.

[jaykayen]

Call and ask, I think it used to be free on Mondays.

[Porthos]

The 9 course is great.

I actually like the 5 course which allows me to add a couple of irresistible supplents off the market specials section or just go a la carte and construct my own tasting. This lets me include stuff like the ugly bunch and the chitarra with truffles.

For your first visit, probably 9 course unless there are a couple of stellar dishes on the market specials side that you *need* to have.

[SherlockNoms]

Great advice! Thank you!

[ipsedixit]

I actually like the 5 course which allows me to add a couple of irresistible supplents off the market specials section
__________________

Nothing stops me from supplementing the 9 course tasting ...

[Porthos]

My gluttony must be waning with my increased age :(

[foodiemahoodie]

Fight it Porthos. I'm praying for you now.

[SherlockNoms]

Don't worry! I'll eat enough for us both!

[J.L.]

I too, usually go Gangnam Style when at Providence.

[attran99]

The ugly bunch is my favorite thing on the menu...I shared it with a friend last time...next time, I think I'm ordering one just for myself.

[Porthos]

Ugly bunch. So pretty. Clearly a single serving. ;)

[JAB]

Gold leaf?

[Porthos]

Yep. Tastes like chicken.

[attran99]

Not when you order the 5 course meal and tag on extra courses from the regular menu. Perfectly share-able if you and your dining companion are so inclined.

[Porthos]

Was just agreeing with your comment about getting one solo next time :)