VIBE CHECK : Tucked away off Main Street in Warren , Hunky Dory is here to let you know that everything is going to be all right ( or should we say , hunky dory ?). The weathered wood-siding exterior and dark green wainscoting inside are nods to the restaurant ’ s Colonial New England locale , while subtle decor touches inside — delicate china , powder pink velvet cushions , small bottles of Crystal hot sauce and a shelf with Sean Brock ’ s tome to Southern cuisine , Husk — harken to chef Sam Duling ’ s time spent working at the restaurant as well as his roots .
GET : The bloody mary . It might not have the visual pizzazz of the loaded versions you often see on Instagram , but what it lacks in bijou it more than makes up for in flavor . Piney gin ( or vodka ) perks up the tomato base while flecks of fresh horseradish give it just enough kick . Saline and umami-laden with crunchy dilly beans poking out , it ’ s one of the best bloodys we ’ ve had . For apps , try the cornbread madeleines with smoked sea salt honey butter , or , if you ’ re not messin ’ around , get the drop biscuits with country sausage gravy . Then mosey on over to the brunch mains and take your pick . We recommend the fried green tomato B . L . T . ( in season ) for a creative take on the classic sandwich , or the country ham Benny : crispy
NOMI PARK
THE MENU : The boozy drinks will elevate your taste buds , while your chosen meal will bring you back down to earth . From contemporary American to seafood and vegetarian options , enter Nomi Park for a sophisticated but fun cocktail and cuisine experience . Brunch is available daily from 7 a . m . to 2:30 p . m . VIBE CHECK : The restaurant ’ s mix of modern and retro furnishings allows you to escape time on a laid-back morning or afternoon as you indulge in your meal . Make sure to choose a table in the sun-filled solarium to not only capture amazing food pics with brilliant lighting , but to really feel at home while surrounded by unique decor with friends or a significant other . GET : The stacked mortadella sandwich with fried egg and a brioche bun might require you to eat it with a fork and knife , but only if you don ’ t mind a little egg yolk dripping onto your fingers — that ’ s what makes it a true egg sammy anyway . The shakshuka — baked eggs cooked with tomatoes and cilantro and sprinkled with feta — pairs well with some toast for dipping ; think of it as a fancy tomato stew with eggs . BOTTOMS UP : Choose between the coffee milk brunch cocktail made with Rhode Island Spirits ’ Rhodium Coffee and Black Walnut vodka , Autocrat coffee cyrup and milk , and a cranberry mimosa combining prosecco , cranberry and Rhodium Rhode Island Red vodka . Cocktails on draft like the house punch and grapefruit spritz are also worth sipping . BRUNCH FOR TWO : $ 40 –$ 50 plus tip . FINE PRINT : No reservations are required but feel free to secure your table in advance . Make it a weekend with an overnight stay at the hotel , then roll out of bed and head downstairs for brunch . ● At the Wayfinder Hotel , 151 Admiral Kalbfus Rd ., Newport , 849-9880 , nomiparknpt . com — Edelinda Baptista
The stacked mortadella sandwich with fried egg and brioche bun and the coffee milk cocktail .
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l APRIL 2022 51