Due to the pandemic and cold temperatures , HG80 took a break this past winter ; Berner refers to it as a hibernation . Despite opening up back in April , he plans to keep up with the Pay It Forward and Pay What You Can programs he put in place during the coronavirus outbreak .
“ It ’ s important to me that people who need a good meal can get one regardless of their ability to pay , and it ’ s so great to see the generosity of our guests ,” he says . “ Last year , we delivered more than $ 2,500 worth of meals to the National Guard , grocery store workers , and people in need . Plus , the staff at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island pitched in to buy $ 1,500 worth of lunches for Miriam Hospital employees .”
This summer , you can catch HG80 at the Narragansett Town Beach food truck nights every Wednesday and Friday and Buttonwoods Brewery on Fridays . Berner also plans to be a regular part of the Brewer ’ s Guild ’ s beer garden at the Providence Pedestrian Bridge as well as many other food truck events . In the meantime , he ’ s also booking private events like weddings , parties and staff appreciation lunches .
“ Food trucks are a nice alternative to traditional caterers ,” Berner says . “ It ’ s a little more casual , and definitely less expensive .” hg80food . com
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{ where to eat }
Apsara Want to slurp down some of the best bee bong in the state ? Head to Apsara , a flavor-packing restaurant that will have you raving over your noodle bowl . Try the aforementioned Vietnamese dish — a noodle salad prepared with soft rice noodles , coconut milk , bean sprouts and peanuts — or experiment with the Cambodian beef salad . All taste buds are covered , here . 716 Public St ., Providence , 785-1490 , apsarari . com .
Persimmon Piloted by James Beard Foundation Award-nominated chef Champe Speidel and his wife , Lisa , this modern eatery serves ingredient- and technique-driven American cuisine . Persimmon ’ s menu changes a bit from night to night , but Speidel ’ s culinary vision remains a constant , putting exceptional skill , passion and flavor into each and every dish . 99 Hope St ., Providence , 432-7422 , persimmonri . com .
Dune Brothers Sure , a city-based seafood shack might sound odd , but hear us out . Housed in Providence ’ s Innovation and Design District , Dune Brothers is bringing ingenuity to the Capital City with its charming walk-up window and its locally sourced eats . Try the cloudy New England chowder recipe , made up of fresh Rhode Island littlenecks and hand cut potatoes . 239 Dyer St ., Providence , 480-1269 , dunebrothers . com .
FURTHER AFIELD Vanda Cucina Despite its location on a busy rotary , this newer Italian trattoria is surprisingly cozy . Regulars will suggest you try the strip steak with sides of crispy truffle potatoes and broccoli and cauliflower . On the other hand , some say the Bolognese with hand-cut fettuccini is the best thing on the menu ; it ’ s also the most popular . 1 Centerville Rd ., Warwick , 921-3144 , vandacucina . com .
GottaQ BBQ Once named by MSN as one of the top fifty barbecue joints in the country , GottaQ cooks up authentic wood-smoked pork , tri-tip and beef brisket , baby back ribs and pulled chicken . Don ’ t skimp on sides like mac and cheese , barbecue pit beans , brisket chili and more . This is classic barbecue done right , but you ’ re just going to have to taste it to believe it . 2000 Mendon Rd ., # 10 , Cumberland , 475-4227 , gottaq . net .
Black Duck Tavern For a laid-back weekend bite , check out the Black Duck Tavern for a beer , a burger and some housemade chips . For a little more heat , try the hot Nashville chicken sandwich or if you feel like connecting with your Canadian side , there ’ s the duck poutine . 31 Warren Ave ., East Providence , 434-8703 , blackducktavern . com .
{ where to explore }
Roger Williams Park Zoo Discover more than 160 species of animals ( think : elephants , snow leopards , red pandas and even a Komodo dragon ) in naturalistic exhibits throughout the forty-acre grounds . Outdoor interactive play areas are available all year long and animal feeding opportunities and other special features are offered seasonally . 1000 Elmwood Ave ., Providence , 785-3510 , rwpzoo . org .
Providence Ghost Tour Take a walk on the spooky side of Rhode Island ’ s history with the Providence Ghost Tour . Beginning and ending at Prospect Terrace Park on the East Side of Providence , the lantern-lit tour , led by knowledgeable guides , follows in the footsteps of the area ’ s deceased-but-not-quite-departed residents . Congdon Street , Providence , 484-8687 , providenceghosttour . com .
La Gondola Interested in an authentic Venetian experience in the heart of Providence ? Take a relaxing journey with La Gondola along the Providence and Woonasquatucket rivers and see the sights of the Renaissance City from a whole new perspective . 1 Citizens Plaza , Providence , 421-8877 , gondolari . com
FURTHER AFIELD R1 Indoor Karting R1 Indoor Karting lets racers zoom around a kart track at blistering speeds . Equipped with the latest in go-kart technology , the electric vehicles have the power of a racecar without the fumes . The asphalt track is specifically designed for karting , meaning you ’ ll have a fast experience all around . While you ’ re there , also try your hand at axe throwing at the onsite Axe Bar or race against the
76 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l MAY 2021