Pane e Vino — Restaurant in Providence

Another night out with our friends Roland and Carol. Paula and I had visited Pane E Vino (Italian for Bread and Wine) with some other friends about a year ago, and really enjoyed it, hence bringing Roland and Carol there.

We arrived on time and were seated immediately. It's not a huge place so there's fairly close (but not too close) tables, and it can get a little loud, but there's apparently enough sound absorption so that it wasn't harsh, and I don't recall having to yell.

I honestly didn't pay any attention to the decor, I just wanted to eat. But I think I recall that it's fairly dark and warm colors. And as much as people like atmosphere, the most important thing IMHO is the food and drink, and of course the service.

Basically within one minute (if even) there was bread and dipping oil on the table, followed by another fellow pouring fresh water. Everyone was smiling and cordial. The bread, while not warm, was delicious and the oil (appeared to be mixed with balsamic vinegar) was a fine compliment to it. Oh, and there was a little bowl of the most delicious stone-in olives that I've ever tasted. Roland agreed. They were marvelous. I don't know if they make 'em themselves but I could eat those all day.

Drinkwise, the ladies almost always stick with water, and Roland and I ordered our typical drinks, Grey Goose martini, and a Maker's Mark Manhattan, respectively. I believe my Manhattan was a little heavier than usual on the Vermouth, but it was delicious nonetheless, and there was a premium cherry waiting at the bottom.

Our waiter (Juan) was a pleasant fellow, and quick to arrive and welcome us, and to take our food order. Roland ordered the Arancini appetizer, which was, in his words, the most delicious Arancini he'd ever eaten. I've not had a lot of experience with them, but I can at least say they were superb, and the best I've had so far. Oddly enough there was only three Arancini globes on the plate, though it worked out perfectly because Carol doesn't like risotto. But I mean seriously, when are there three people at a table? It's typically going to be a couple or two couples, right? Anyway ...

For the main course, Paula got the Chicken Parm, and Carol got the Veal Parm. Carol was hesitant at first to order it though because it's on the bone, and she thought it'd be too thick. But I asked Juan who assured her it was thin. Roland ordered the Special Stuffed Pork Chop, and I got the Pork Chop from the menu.

Roland really should've asked what the price on the Special was ($55!) because it was shockingly more expensive ($17 more!) than the one from the menu ($38). That must've been some kind of stuffing because it moved a PC into the pricing realm of a Filet Mignon (which I believe was $52) ... but at least Roland was really happy with the flavor and the portion.

Both Carol and Roland gave their meals 5 stars. Paula and I gave ours 3.50 stars, because both or ours were overcooked -- as in dry. The only thing that saved both of these dishes was the delicious red sauce on hers, and the yummy demiglaze on mine. That, and her pasta was perfectly al dente, and my gnocchi was nice and firm.

I'm sure we'll go there again, though hopefully we won't get overcooked dishes again.

I've included only a photo of...

PANE E Vino OMG!! At 365 Atwells Ave. in the heart of Rhode Island’s little Italy lies Pane E Vino a restaurant that’s a cut above the rest. Impossible to drive by without being captivated by this charming quaint building with cascading flowers from every windows flower box. The allure from the light of candles beckons you in. Once inside the aroma from the kitchen will delight your senses. The entrees exiting the kitchen are of the finest quality, beautifully presented, a masterpiece on a plate instead of canvas. All ingredients are bought fresh daily then prepared with the utmost care; mixing herbs and spices in such a unique way it leaves you wanting more. Each entree is paired with a different vegetables made to complement the individual dish. Simply amazing!

No matter what you select, be it Veal or Steak will melt in your mouth, the Seafood dishes are so fresh and clean tasting you can’t put down your fork and the pasta, well the pasta, goes without saying, “to the tooth”. Pane E Vino’s extensive menu has something for everyone. Portions are very generous and the prices are reasonable. The menu created by Executive Chef Joseph De Quattro is a stroke of genius. Pane E Vino undoubtedly deserves a MICHILIN STAR!

How do I know all this? I know because it was Mothers’ 90th birthday so my sister and I planned a very special event for her. Since we reside in Florida this was no easy task; except, we had the very good fortune to choose Pane E Vino owned and operated by Joseph and Esther De Quattro. I called the restaurant from Florida asking to speak with the event coordinator who happened to be Esther herself. Lucky us! To my surprise, Esther knew how to listen and when I explained what I wanted Esther simply replied. “I’m here for you please don’t worry I’ll do anything to help”. Immediately my fears were put to rest. Anything I asked of her from start to finish was never a problem. Even my decorating instructions, including the setting of the tables with the runners, napkins and flowers were handled impeccably. I couldn’t have been more pleased if I had done it myself. To my surprise the staff at Pane E Vino’s was NOT your ordinary, going through the motion workers; no, not at this restaurant. Every member exuded an air of pride in their job. All of them truly enjoyed working at this restaurant. Always smiling, happy to help in any way, and the camaraderie among them was sincere. They were as happy to be there as we were! Unbelievable!

I can’t say enough good things about Pane E Vino. Now two weeks later and my family and friends are still raving about the food, the wine and the service. Some of them have already returned for an encore. Pane E Vino is an experience in dinning. This restaurant a must. If you are traveling, take the time and detour to this restaurant. I promise you won’t regret it. P.S. A very special thanks to...

First impression was standing at the host podium for about 7 to 10 minutes with no one looking up to greet us, or anyone else. A young lady had worked the res system, bustled with menus, but never looked up at patrons. Finally, a young man I assume was the acting host appeared. He too immediately started tapping away at the reservation system without looking up at anyone, let alone me leaning on the podium. Finally, I asked if anyone wanted to check us in for our reservation and he seemed surprised that no one had greeted us. I told him our dinner res time and he says "thanks" and started pecking away, dismissing me...really?? I asked "are you running on schedule or behind? Should we come back in 15 mins at our time or longer?" "Thats a good idea" he says. What? Isn't that your job, to greet people and inform them, maybe welcome them to the bar? It wasn't just me, but people piling up in the door; no one had been greeted at all for the 10 or so minutes we stood there. The bar is small and packed. My wife and I left and had a drink at empty martini bar next door (bartender was talkative, attentive and nice). We came back at 7, this time hailing the host so as not to stand around again, and found out another 20 to 30 mins. Another couple in line chatted with us about a similar lack of attention. I dont care about a 20 min late after res since its common on a packed sarurday night. I was able to get to the bar to attempt to order a glass of wine for us. Neither of the bar tenders looked up at all. I stayed at the bar bc I thought it was interesting, this culture of not acknowledging customers. I asked a couple seated at the bar about it and they actually chuckled and agreed.

Finally seated, the meatball appetizer was very good (what makes this 3 vs 2 on rating) as was the caprese salad. The waiter was fine, although we waited 15 minutes for our drinks. When i reminded him, they appeared within a couple of minutes. The entrees were fine. I had the veal, ordered medium rare, but came out a strong medium. I didnt send back as we had a 90+ minute drive home. Taste was good, not astoundingly delicious. Service was fine.

This is a long review. I was so dumbfounded by the experience at the front desk, i felt compelled to get it out. I eat at the best restaurants across the country. My wife and i drove from central Connecticut to enjoy a Federal Hill experience. I tipped the guy who valeted my car 20 when i dropped off... we were celebrating our 22 wedding anniversary; a good reason to be optimistic and happy. To say this was a bit of a let down is an understatement. Regardless of how busy a restaurant is, the host must be customer focued, attentive, organized and warm. Maybe it was day 1 of the job, but it was a very...