Another week in Providence

Another week gone by -- another week not knowing about my dad, another week of sitting in front of the computer shuffling stuff around on Amazon, eBay, craigslist, of working on photo books, photo collections, another week for Susie in the kitchen at Gracie's, another week of producing wonderful things for people to eat. (photo: Gracie's in the early morning.)

It's Friday, 22 February and the snow started falling early this morning, just before dawn in fact. Yesterday was an absolutely gorgeous day -- I find that's the way it works here: incredibly beautiful weather followed by a storm sliding up the coast from the east. Mind you, we don't take it personally that the folks out west keep dumping snow on us -- no, we bear no grudges and wish you all well. But please stop it.

Rosemary came by yesterday evening -- she had been staying with her sister down in Little Compton while she pushes forward with her plan for setting up bike tours through the farms and vineyards of southeastern Rhode Island. Anyway, she came by around 6 and we had a little wine and cheese -- and some wonderful bread from Seven Stars bakery just over on Broadway and caught up on all the news. Of course much of the conversation turned on what is happening in Winter Harbor with Gerrish's cafe -- plenty of speculation naturally -- and we all three agreed it was a really fantastic summer last year. I truly miss my daily walks out on Schoodic Point, that's for sure. We all wish Peter and Michael good luck in selling a real local treasure.

Anyway, the three of us chatted for a little while and then grabbed our coats and walked the three blocks or so to Nick's on Broadway for dinner. (Susie and I had eaten brunch there a couple of Sundays ago.) The place was virtually empty when we arrived -- although by the time we left it had started to fill up nicely.

We each had a glass of prosecco and continued our Gerrish talk -- and, as we usually do, just talked about food in general: how to make it, where to get it, that sort of thing. The wine list was short but well-priced, with a good selection by the glass and half-bottles; we settled on a half bottle of King Estate Pinot Gris in fact. Very nice touch indeed.

And speaking of food, Susan had the salmon, which looked delicious while Rosemary and I each had the roasted sea scallops on butter squash/sweet potato puree:

For dessert Susie and Rosemary split the trio special, sorbet, a bread pudding and chocolate pudding-thing quietly hiding under a massive layer of whipped cream:

The service was friendly, the food very good and the walk back to our flat bracing -- the night was crisp, clear with a nearly full (?) moon.

As thre three of us walked up to the front door (what we call the "hearse" door, under the portico), we said au revoir to Rosemary -- and wished her well in her new adventure.

And us? Our adventure continues -- every single day. . .

Wish you were here,

Steve