Chengdu Taste
The most authentic Sichuan food in Rhode Island can be found at the newly relocated Chengdu Taste , now in Providence . Embrace — or beware of — the spice factor . It ’ s best for those who can take the heat ( if you can ’ t , then stay out of their kitchen ). Turn up the fire with Chong Qing diced chicken and spicy cellophane noodles with minced pork . For milder appetites , the steamed pork and veggie dumplings are the best around as are the noodle soups and mainstream Chinese dishes like sesame chicken and beef with broccoli ( fine , the fire-fearing crowd can play too ).
THE PROCESS : Call to place an order and pay in person upon pickup .
DETAILS : 495 Smith St ., Providence , 729-5699 , chengdutasteri . com
The Square Peg
This cozy corner spot has been downtown Warren ’ s neighborhood restaurant for about a decade . Joel and Amy Cary keep the small waterfront town fed with juicy burgers , seafood and sandwiches in an unpretentious atmosphere . Must-have dishes include the Bang Bang shrimp appetizer or tacos , which involve plump pankocrusted shrimp with a sweet and spicy sauce . Burgers stacked with blue cheese , bacon and caramelized onion or fried pickles , bacon and ranch ( or plain if you prefer ) are always a crowd favorite . Grab quarts or single servings of boozy margaritas and the famous Pink Panther cocktails to go .
THE PROCESS : Order and pre-pay through the website , then pick up at the restaurant .
DETAILS : 51 Miller St ., Warren , 215-3831 , squarepegwarren . com
North and Big King
North is one of the only restaurants that sticks to takeout-only during the coronavirus outbreak . Owner James Mark and chef Andrew McQuesten make it a priority to keep team members and guests safe with contactless ordering through the website and pickup at the restaurant . You can still get the same dandan and hot flavor sesame noodles
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46 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l FEBRUARY 2021