Gracie’s designation as a “bar and grille” may be the reason for the TV above the bar, but it’s a strange note in an otherwise tasteful and elegant dining area. Large metal sculptures at each end of the room are elusive abstracts, perhaps flora, perhaps fauna. But a bit of glint from them matches the copper panels on the wood pillars, the glow of candles all around, and of course, the star motif so charmingly executed at Gracie’s. There are large stars on the wall, tiny ones on the wine glasses, and star-shaped cookies with the crème brulée.
Ah, that crème brulée! It was a trio offered with the three-course special, and that evening’s flavors were vanilla, coffee and chocolate-mint. It was exquisite. Bill enjoyed his chocolate-cherry bread pudding, and Jerry his apple gallette with vanilla gelato.
Gracie’s has an award-winning wine selection, and, in our book, award-winning desserts, all made in-house. The menu lists a half dozen more very appealing appetizers and entrées; the menu is printed daily so that Hafner can use the freshest possible ingredients. Overall, it was a very memorable evening; a few tweaks would have made it stellar.
Gracie’s Bar and Grille | 194 Washington St, Providence | Tues-Thurs, 5-10 pm, Fri-Sat, 5-11 pm, Sun, 4-10 pm | Major credit cards | Full bar | Sidewalk-level access | 401.272.7811
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Johnette Rodriguez: johnette.rodriguez@cox.net
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