As220

BSS quartley showcase. 6-9pm

Free Speech Thursdays at AS220 featuring: Providence Poetry Slam. 8pm $4

Stetson, This Just In, and Vudu Bevy. 10pm $6

115 Empire St. *401.861.9190 www.as220.org

Cable Car Cinema

Eldorado. 6:30pm

Le Voyage Aux Pyrenees. 9pm

204 S. Main St. *401.272.3970 www.cablecarcinema.com

Providence Public Library

Novels into Film Discussion Group. 7-8pm

150 Empire St. *401.455.8000 www.provlib.org

Trinity Rep

Twelfth Night. 7:30pm

Dead Man’s Cell Phone. 7:30pm

201 Washington St. www.trinityrep.com 401.351.4242

Perishable Theatre

I Shouldn’t be Telling You This. 7:30pm

Improv Jones. 10pm

95 Empire St. *401.331.2696 www.perishable.org

Local 121

Nightly DJ Series. DJs vary nightly. 10pm

121 Washington St. *401.274.2121 www.local121.com

The 201

10pm

201 Westminster St.*401.454.5481 www.the201providence.com

Friday  3.05

Perishable Theatre

Dance Dance Party Party. 5:30pm

I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This. 7:30pm

Live Bait. 10pm

95 Empire St. *401.331.2696 www.perishable.org

Dunkin Donuts Center

Providence Bruins vs. Manchester Monarchs. 7:05 $26 & 18

1 La Salle Square *401.331.0700 www.dunkindonutscenter.com

Trinity Rep

Dead Man’s Cell Phone. 7:30pm

201 Washington St. www.trinityrep.com 401.351.4242

As220

B Sharp Music Presents: The Butcherings, Reve a Deux, Idolands, and more TBA. 9pm $6

115 Empire St. *401.861.9190 www.as220.org

Local 121

The Speakeasy Music Series Presents O Trio featuring Dan Moretti. 9pm $10

Nightly DJ Series. DJs vary nightly. 11pm

121 Washington St. *401.274.2121 www.local121.com

The 201

10pm

201 Westminster St.*401.454.5481 www.the201providence.com

Saturday 3.06

Free Skating for Providence Residents

Providence Residents with valid ID receive free skating every first Saturday of the month.

Skate rental is half off. 11am-10pm

2 Kennedy Plaza *401.331.5544 www.ProvidenceSkating.com

Craftland School of Craft

Craftland School of Craft: Improvisational Patchwork 11am-4pm $225/$25

235 Westminster St. *401.272.4285 www.craftland.myshopify.com

Providence Public Library

Yoga Basics. 1-2:30pm $5

Writing Workshop: How to Finish What You’ve Started! 1-5pm

150 Empire St. *401.455.8000 www.provlib.org

Perishable Theatre

I’ve Written a Play, Now What? 1pm

I Shouldn’t Be Telling You This. 7:30pm

Improv Jones. 10pm

115 Empire St. *401.331.2696 www.perishable.org

Trinity Rep

Twelfth Night. 2pm

Dead Man’s Cell Phone. 7:30pm

201 Washington St. 401.351.4242 www.trinityrep.com

As220

Digital Camera Workshop. 3-6pm $35

Irish Traditional Music. 4-7pm Free

Big Tall Buildings, Mellow Howard, Ryan Powers, and Skinny Millionaires. 9pm $6

115 Empire St. *401.861.9190 www.as220.org

Cable Car Cinema

Le Voyage Aux Pyrenees 4:30pm

A  Prophet 9:30pm

The Beautiful Person 7pm

A Town Called Panic 2:15pm

Rick 12pm

204 S. Main St. *401.272.3970 www.cablecarcinema.com

Dunkin Donuts Center

PC Friars vs. Seton Hall

1 La Salle Square *401.331.0700 www.dunkindonutscenter.com

The 201

10pm

201 Westminster St.*401.454.5481 www.the201providence.com

Local 121

Nightly DJ Series. DJs vary nightly. 11pm

121 Washington St. *401.274.2121 www.local121.com

Sunday 3.07

Perishable Theatre

Improvisational Tribal Belly Dance with Neylon. 10am $13 to drop in/ $60 for six class punch card. 10am

Rush Hour Ballet Class. 12:30pm

Rio-Whirled with Marilynn Mair. 5pm

115 Empire St. *401.331.2696 www.perishable.org

Providence Public Library

Women’s History Month Concert by WomanSpiritRising. 1:30-2:30pm

Mindful Gardening – Introduction to the Art of Bonsai with Theodora Scobi. 2-3:0pm

150 Empire St. *401.455.8000 www.provlib.org

RISD Museum

Art Shots: Presence Through Process. 2-3pm

224 Benefit St. *401.454.6500 www.risdmuseum.org

As220

Gallery Opening. 4-7pm

The Empire Revue. 8pm $8

115 Empire St. *401.861.9190 www.as220.org

Trinity Rep

Twelfth Night. 7:30pm

Dead Man’s Cell Phone. 7:30pm

201 Washington St. www.trinityrep.com 401.351.4242

Dunkin Donuts Center

Providence Bruins vs. W-B/Scranton Penguins.

1 La Salle Square *401.331.0700 www.dunkindonutscenter.com

Local 121

Nightly DJ Series. DJs vary nightly. 10pm

121 Washington St. *401.274.2121 www.local121.com

Monday 3.08

Local 121

The Dreyfus Wine Society. Meets the second Monday of each month. Old World/New World comparison.

5pm $15 per session.

Nightly DJ Series. DJs vary nightly. 10pm

121 Washington St. *401.274.2121 www.local121.com

Cable Car Cinema

Sunset Boulevard. 6:30pm

204 S. Main St. *401.272.3970 www.cablecarcinema.com

Perishable Theatre

Introduction to Acting. 6:30pm

Playwriting. 7pm

115 Empire St. *401.331.2696 www.perishable.org

Providence Public Library

Evening Yoga Basics. 7:15-8:30pm $5

150 Empire St. *401.455.8000 www.provlib.org

Tuesday 3.09

Tango Tuesday at Bank of America Skating Rink

Glide to festive tango music during our lunchtime special. Discounted skating. $3 admission/$3 skate rental

11am to 10pm

2 Kennedy Plaza *401.331.5544 www.ProvidenceSkating.com

RISD Museum

Tuesday Talk Series: Museum as Muse. 1-2pm

224 Benefit St. *401.454.6500 www.risdmuseum.org

Perishable Theatre

Rush Hour – Belly Dance with Zaharah. 5:30pm $13 drop-in/$60 punch card of 6.

Introduction to Acting with Gloria Crist. 6:30pm

Burlesque: From Bumps to Boas. 7pm

115 Empire St. *401.331.2696 www.perishable.org

As220

Life Drawing. 6-8:30pm $6

Crunk Witch, 3D Mystery, and o.#+. 9:30pm $6

115 Empire St. *401.861.9190 www.as220.org

Cable Car Cinema

Sunset Boulevard. 6:30pm

2010 Academy Nominated Shorts- Animation. 9pm

204 S. Main St. *401.272.3970 www.cablecarcinema.com

Trinity Rep

Twelfth Night. 7:30pm

Dead Man’s Cell Phone. 7:30pm

201 Washington St. www.trinityrep.com 401.351.4242

Nightly DJ Series at Local 121

Nightly DJ Series. DJs vary nightly. 10pm

121 Washington St. *401.274.2121 www.local121.com

Wednesday 3.10

As220

Creative Incubators Panel Discussion. 3:30-5pm Free

115 Empire St. *401.861.9190 www.as220.org

Perishable Theatre

Rush Hour – Modern Dance with Nikki Carrara. 5:30pm $13 drop-in/$60 punch card of 6.

Harriet Jacobs. 7:30pm

115 Empire St. *401.331.2696 www.perishable.org

College Night at Bank of America Skating Rink

Valid Id required. 6-10pm $3 for admission/$4 for skate rental

2 Kennedy Plaza *401.331.5544 www.ProvidenceSkating.com

Trinity Rep

Twelfth Night. 7:30pm

Dead Man’s Cell Phone. 7:30pm

201 Washington St. www.trinityrep.com 401.351.4242

Trivaoakee at Fatty McGee’s

A twist on the normal Karaoke. Prizes all night long.

Every Wednesday. 9pm-12:3am

55 Union St. *401. 831-FATT myspace.com/fattymcgee

Speakeasy Series at Local 121

The Speakeasy Music Series Presents Jose Docen. Caroline Hecht opens. 8pm $6

Nightly DJ Series. DJs vary nightly. 10pm

121 Washington St. *401.274.2121 www.local121.com

A fire broke out at 100 Washington Street in Downtown Providence this afternoon.  What is rumored to be an electrical fire burned the second and third floor units on the East side of the building, leaving the West side seemingly unharmed.

Black smoke poured into the Providence skyline around 4:30pm this afternoon, and eighteen emergency vehicles filled the streets within minutes.  The fire was contained quickly by Providence firefighters, leaving them to sort through the wreckage.

The building contains four units on the second and third floor, and several businesses on the ground floor, including Downtown Liquors.

Residents of 100 Washington Street wait with friends, while firefighters finish putting out this afternoon's fire.

Tenants waited in the street for firefighters to clear the scene and assess the damage.  One tenant from a burned unit stood street-side, holding his pet rabbit that was saved from the fire.

A Dash Delivery bike messenger who occupies a unit on the West side of the building explained that the tenants had all just turned over, and he just recently moved in.  He waited on the curb in front of Local 121 with friends, and explained “All we can do is wait.”

The damage to the building’s second and third floors on the East Side appear to be severe, but Providence firefighters are still on the scene.

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Peter Green! Green, a Providence photographer, has made a name for himself with his Downcity Hawk exhibit, picturing the Red-Tailed Hawk that hunts in Burnside Park most winters and perches high on the State House.

This fall, Green announces his newest exhibit Providence Falcons, featuring a pairing of Peregrine falcons and their offspring, set against the Providence skyline.

The connection between the wild birds and their urban environment plays a huge role in the significance of Green’s exhibits.  Set against the historical architecture of Providence, the images reveal a world we don’t easily see from ground level.  One that compliments the architectural flourishes by forcing us to look at them through a new lens.

Green mainly photographs from the roof of the Peerless building on Westminster Street.  Initially holding his camera up to a telescope, Green’s passion for capturing these creatures on film was born. Now armed with a telephoto lens and hours of observation, Green is now keeping up with the fastest creatures on the planet, the Peregrine Falcons.

Interested in showing his work in the buildings where the Hawk and Falcons perch, Green strengthens the connection between the environment, the artist and the subject.  Green’s next exhibit will take place at the Cathedral of St. John, which is pictured in the Downcity Hawk exhibit.

Green’s Downcity Hawk exhibit first showed last year at the Peerless Building Atrium, and will show this month in Providence at the Cathedral of St. John on North Main Street, opening on Sunday, September 27th at noon and closing October 25th.  Prints, photo books and other merchandise are available on Green’s websites, www.downcityhawk.com and www.providencefalcons.com.

While attending college in Providence, Albuquerque, fell in love with the College Hill area.  After graduating, she decided to use her love of cooking to fill a need on Thayer Street for simple food, Crepes!  Their menu offers vegan and vegetarian dishes, as well as sweet and savory crepes and smoothies morning to night, staying open until midnight or 2am most nights during the school year. “Crepes can be a snack or meal,” Albuquerque explained, “They were my daughter’s first food.”  With fresh fruit and ingredients, crepes offer a pleasant alternative to the multitude of pizza-by-the-slice offered on Thayer Street.

In their thirteen years on Thayer Street, Creperie has maintained its Mom-and-Pop nature in the face of a mass commercialization of Thayer Street.  With very little advertising, they rely mostly on word of mouth, and wholly embrace their mission, to serve delicious, simple food, done in classic french style.  “Providence meets Paris describes it best,” Albuquerque says of their crepes, “We bring the authentic Paris food cart vendors’ taste to Thayer Street.”  Their quaint location, tucked in Fones Alley, just off of Thayer Street is reminiscent of European storefronts.  The cozy interior offers a layed back atmoshphere, with counter service and limited seating.  During the warmer months, Creperie has outdoor seating, as well.  Located just across the street from the trolley and bus stop, and just up the hill from Downcity, Creperie is a choice destination for fresh smoothies and sweet and savory crepes.

Creperie is the recent winner of RI World of Flavors competition this past July and is celebrated as Providence’s best “European” cuisine.  Visit them at 82 Fones Alley in Providence.

Atop College Hill on famed Thayer Street in Providence, is Kabob and Curry.  This Indian cuisine favorite has been a staple of the area for twenty-two years, and word on the street is that they ‘never disappoint.’

Tucked neatly next to Nice Slice and across from the Avon movie theatre, Kabob and Curry has a reputation as a favorite among locals and students, leaving it buzzing with activity most times of day.

Ask any Kabob and Curry patron, and they’ll tell you, it is really all about the food.  The atmosphere is cozy, with the tables tightly fit in the space, warm accents and friendly faces, but Chef and owner Sanjiv Dhar sets the unbeatable standard for Indian Cuisine in Providence with perfect portions of rice, dishes of creamy Korma, vegetable steamed to perfection and a wide selection of vegetarian and food-allergy sensitive dishes.

With trolley and bus service to Thayer Street, and pleasant walking and biking paths to Thayer Street, a summer stroll to quench that longing for a cool Mango Lassi should point you in the direction of  Kabob and Curry.

Kabob and Curry’s website allows for online reservations, and they also offer take-out and delivery.  They are open for lunch and dinner daily, and their brunch buffet is served on Sundays 11:30am-3:30pm.

Kabob and Curry is a recent winner of RI World of Flavors competition this past month and is celebrated as Providence’s best “Asian” cuisine.  Visit them at 261 Thayer Street or online at  www.kabobandcurry.com.

Nestled in the foodie hotspot of Federal Hill is Don Jose’ Tequilas, a Mexican cuisine gem, bursting with quaint character, traditional dishes and a deep appreciation for a drink steeped with the flavors of history, Tequila.

Welcomed out of the misty summer drizzle by Don Jose Tequilas’ staff, I was seated amongst the warm decor, wooden accents and lantern light.  The brick exterior, that on nicer evenings seats several tables, gives little clue to the transformation you will experience when walking in.  Once inside, the atmosphere is cozy and filled with the faint aromas of spice.  A definite versatile style, both classy and comfortable, gave me the feeling that had I brought a date, or family visiting the city, business dinner, or even just a friend for a casual after-work drink, this would have been a good choice.

My margarita arrived in a cactus-stemmed glass, and I sampled their mild homemade sangria while getting lost in their menu.  They offer shrimp dishes, enchiladas with goat cheese, tilapia, squid, pull pork, fajitas, flautas and more.  Everything is made in-house, including their hearty tortilla chips, served with salsa at each table.  Appetizers range from Tamales for $5 to Ceviche de Camarones for $12, and entree’s from $13-22 per person.  They also serve brunch on Sundays from 11am-2:30pm, offering dishes such as spicy Chorizo & Grilled Chicken Hash and Strawberry Lime French Toast.

Resuing me from having to make a near impossible decision, Don Jose’ Tequila’s owner Jaime Gaviria suggested one of their specialties, Molcajete Azteca, a mixed grilled with sirloin strips, chickenbreast, grilled cactus, shrimp, chorizo, and Viajero cheese; served over a hot Molcajete with a mild, medium spice, or extra spicy Chipotle sauce.  We ordered for two, but the large portion may have been large enough for four.

The Molcajete Azteca arrived at the table steaming in a large stone mortar carved in the shape of a pig.  The server explained that each item in the dish can be ordered individually on the menu, so this is

a great sampler to order and see what you like best.  The homemade chipotle sauce is testament to Chef Maria Hernandez’s talent for spices.  The chorizo, or mexican sausage was had a nice kick to it.  The cheese and shrimp were my favorite part of the dish, grilled to perfection and served with warmed soft tortillas and a side of rice and beans.

From where I sat, I had a pleasing view of the back-lit tequila bar, where roughly 60 different tequilas were displayed.  I watched as Gaviria made his way to each table with comfortable timing, chatting with guests, welcoming them to his establishment and commenting on the menu.  When it looked like we had done all the damage we could do to our Molcajete Azteca, Gaviria arrived at our table with three bottles of tequila, 3 different shades of clear and amber.  Gaviria had a light in his eyes, as he politely said, “Let me tell you about tequila.”  Gaviria explained that tequila is so much more than most Cuervo and Petrone. “It’s because they’re on TV, that’s why people know them,” Gaviria reasoned, “This…,” he said pointing to the bottles he brought, “…is tequila. 100% de agave.”  Gaviria explained about the city of Tequila’s patent to be the only place tequila is made, and the agave plant that grows in only three areas in Mexico and takes 8-10 years to mature.  He explained the cooking process and the distilling process, then the aging in wooden barrels to create the different sweet flavors and amber colors, and the differences between Tequila Reposado (rested) and Tequila Anejo (aged).  Tequila dates back to before Spanish inhabitation of Mexico, and as it happens it happens in the United States, National Tequila Day is July 24th.

Providence, a small city full of flavors finds its claim to culinary fame in small, privately-owned restaurants with character and charm.

I left Don Jose’ Tequilas feeling as though I’d discovered a new corner of the city that I will visit often, and be welcomed by Owner Jaime Gaviria and his lovely staff.  My next visit will be to sample their tequila bar, and learn for myself the differences in taste between Tequila Reposado and Tequila Añejo.

Don Jose Tequilas is a recent winner of RI World of Flavors competition this past month and is celebrated as Providence’s best “South of the Border” cuisine.  Visit them at 351 Atwells Avenue or online at www.donjoseteq.com.

]]> http://livedowncity.com/2009/07/23/don-jose-tequilas-best-south-of-the-border/feed/ 3 cornishlp http://livedowncity.com/2009/07/16/bsc-works-it-out-downcity/ http://livedowncity.com/2009/07/16/bsc-works-it-out-downcity/#comments Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:16:11 +0000 cornishlp http://livedowncity.com/?p=1325 ]]> The Boston Sports Club may be part of one of the top three corporate fitness companies in the nation, but their focus on Downcity’s growing community has made them into the neighborhood gym we never had. For those of us who live and work Downcity, excuses for not eating our veggies and going to the gym are becoming slimmer. With Downcity’s only food market, Gourmet Heaven, opening up on Weybossett last month and the Boston Sports Club, opening this past January several blocks away on Dorrance, Downcity folks can now have a more convenient and healthier lifestyle without leaving the area code.

Interestingly, Boston Sports Club’s second Providence location is situated in close proximity to a grocery market, as well. The East Side location neighbors East Side Market Place and Whole Foods, both known for their focus on organic, healthy bits and specialty foods. This speaks to the BSC’s commitment to promoting and facilitating healthy living. The BSC mission statement is Improving Lives through Exercise. “Most gyms rely on the fact that people will not go to the gym often, however we encourage and even incentivize members using the gym as often as possible,” Laura Hoover, District Manager explained.

If a desire to be healthier and more fit is what makes you join a gym, what actually makes you go to the gym? Rebecca Goodier, General Manager for BSC Downtown Providence, explained “Part of Boston Sports Club’s appeal is that we are ‘where you live and where you work.’ One of the main reasons why people join a health club is for convenience.” This is an element of living that’s been missing from Downcity, as of yet. For those of us who work and live Downcity, hiking it to the West Side, North Main Street or the East Side doesn’t seem like the most productive way to work out. We all know that going to the gym is often difficult enough, with our busy lifestyles and the hard new england weather. BSC chose Providence for their newer locations because of the population of commuters between Providence and Boston, as well as the growing population of residents and those who work in Downtown Providence.

I recently toured the space to find out for myself why out of 170 clubs in the North East region, BSC Downtown Providence is ranked number one in Member Satisfaction. The first thing that struck me was the sheer size of the space. With 23,000 square feet, there are two and a half floors of cardio, free weights, strength training, two group exercise studios, and locker rooms with fully equipped showers and a dry sauna. The interior is sleek, with an impressive amount of machines; treadmills, elliptical’s, and Precor machines with state of the art technology on each, including individual flat screen TV’s, IPod Chargers, and USB ports to track your workout and geek out while working up a sweat. There are 45 group exercise classes which are all included in the membership, as well as access to all of their clubs, including Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.

As I toured the space, I was greeted by familiar faces. The girl who makes my Americano in the morning, a local Arts Nonprofit coordinator I know, an intern who used to work at my company, a friend from twitter. It’s a neighborhood gym, a real strap on your sneakers, hit the gym and be seen kind of place.

Downcity is a new, budding neighborhood, and BSC recognizes the special, tight-knit community here. They have a willingness and enthusiasm to dive into community involvement. BSC currently offers free classes in Greater Kennedy Plaza, making fitness training available to the public. BSC management is also currently reaching out to the local business and residential community to find out how they can help the neighborhood grow and become a cog in the wheels of positive change for Providence. For more information on the free classes in Kennedy Plaza, visit www.kennedyplaza.org. And, for more information on Boston Sports Club’s Downtown Providence location and membership, visit www.mysportsclub.com.

Congratulations to Concetta Archer, the winner of 2 tickets to this Sunday’s World of Flavors Restaurant Competition!

RI WORLD OF FLAVORS
This Sunday, 1-6pm
Providence Skating Center

Last Chance to Buy Tickets Online and Get $10 Off! Just type in the code “Downcity” when ordering. www.riworldofflavors.com

QuickWhatsUp.com cordially invites you to sample food from dozens of the state’s finest restaurants in the first multicultural culinary competition in Rhode Island. The World of Flavors Competition will celebrate the state’s diversity by showcasing a broad cross-section of Rhode Island restaurants as they compete a $15,000 prize package. Restaurants from around the state will sample their food for voters who will pick the winner in each category: Americana, South of the Border, European & Mediterranean, and Asian & Indian. The event, hosted by Shawn Tempesta of the Rhode Show on Fox Providence and featuring music by Spogga, is a great way to kick off Providence Restaurant Weeks (July 12-25).

The Skating Center will be tented for this event and the weather report is calling for sunny skies in the afternoon! Tickets will be available at the door, but order them in advance online to get a special $10 discount.

AQUA AFTERPARTY: After the competition, mix and mingle with all of your favorite chefs at the Official World of Flavors After Party at Aqua!

Live Downcity readers use the code “Downcity” to get $10 off tickets! Visit www.riworldofflavors.com

WIN 2 FREE TICKETS! Just tell us what your favorite thing is about Downcity Providence. Post  your answer in a comment on this blog post or on twitter at www.twitter.com/livedowncity.  The winners will be announced via twitter and livedowncity.com Friday, July 10th at noon.