HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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Hey, better late than never, right? It took awhile for me to go through all the new places we visited in 2011. Some I remembered fondly. Some, not so much. So I present you with a list of our favorites and the links to our complete reviews. We hope they give you some ideas for places to visit and enjoy.
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Delicious homemade pies in a lovely out-of-the-way location. Worth the drive to have the "hands down" best crust I've ever tasted. They're supposed to be opening a cafe on site. I'll be there.
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A gem of a bakery right in my own back yard. Besides having wonderful pastries, Continent also makes tasty sandwiches and Portuguese specialties.
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Bigger than it looks, this place has your every breakfast desire. You name it - from omelets to huge baked pancakes and everything in between. They also serve lunch and on some days dinner.
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This is my favorite find this year, maybe any year. Hands down the best pizza I have ever tasted. You wait awhile for them to be made fresh but ahhhhh ... it's so worth it.
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Bleu Squid is actually a 2010 best food find for their pastries, amazing cupcakes and cookies. This year we just had to choose them for their terrific grilled cheese sandwiches. Fresh baked breads and gourmet cheeses make an ooey, gooey, melty taste sensation.
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All your clam shack favorites in an upscale restaurant. Lots of indoor seating in a beautiful nautical setting, this place has the best seafood around. It also has a fresh seafood market complete with lobster tank. Best thing ... it's on the way to the Cape.
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Another favorite pizza find. This pizza couldn't be anymore different than Cape Cod Cafe's thin bar pizza, but it's delicious in it's own right. Old school, thicker crust, basic toppings and impossibly delicious. That it's on Federal Hill in Providence only adds to the flavor.
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The name of this place says it all. How can such a teeny, tiny cafe have such a selection of out of this world pastries? Fruit tarts, Italian specialties, cakes and more. Pastries that are works of art for the eyes and palate.
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Overlooking the water, outdoor seating, great coffees and pastries ... what a way to start your day. This tiny shop roasts its own beans all day long and the smell is intoxicating. Grab a goody and a coffee and go watch the seagulls.
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Great breakfast spot with the usual and "not so usual" morning fare. Specialty pancakes, eggs and things, light-style choices and upscale ingredients make for a very diverse and delicious menu. Come on, bacon, tomato and avocado omelet with a melon slice? Pleeeeze.
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Great upscale setting with a fantastic, different menu. German sausages and mustards, seafoods, beef and poultry dishes are all lovingly prepared and served. Great food.
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A small diner-like restaurant with a huge, interesting menu. Comfort foods, mainstream dishes and Greek specialities are all freshly prepared and attractively presented. Good food, good prices in a cute setting. No wonder that they're always busy.
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Now this is a busy place and good luck getting a parking spot on the street. However, it's worth the bother. All your Mexican favorites await you. The tacos, burritos, quesadillas, etc., are all freshly made with incredible ingredients. Portions are large and beer and wine are available. Cash only.
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Pulled pork, brisket, ribs, slaw - it's all here in a little storefront restaurant. It's a cafeteria style set-up but you won't mind getting your own food when it tastes this good. Don't forget the sweet tea.
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Housemade pastas, fresh ingredients, great sauces and tasty pizzas - what more could you want from a fine Italian restaurant? Throw in great service and an attractive setting and you've got a great night out.
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That's it for our favorite finds of 2011. We look forward to sharing with you our new 2012 adventures in food. Even though it's three weeks into the new year, I still want to wish you all good health, some wealth, and much happiness. Remember, keep eating!
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Don't forget our friends at MenuJoy.com for area restaurant menus.
