Lodging: Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel, Providence, RI

November 19, 2012 -- As you might already know, I'm a Platinum Elite Marriott Rewards member and I have several eCertificates built up that I need to use before they expire.  That was the case Saturday night.  I wanted to surprise my wife with a nice dinner in Providence followed by an overnight stay.  I used my expiring eCertificate for the Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel and later that afternoon we made the drive to Providence.  The area was hopping since their was a show at The Vet, a wedding in the hotel, and a dance competition held close by.  When we got to the check-in counter we were told that our room was not ready.  I was a little disappointed, but Amy at the front desk went to work making sure I would be able to check in.  While we waited, Casey (another front desk helper) asked what our plans were for the evening and I told her we were going to Hemenway's Restaurant for dinner.  She excused herself and quickly came back with a coupon for a complimentary appetizer!  Nice!

After a few minutes, Amy told me that she found an available room and said I'd be happy and surprised.  She handed me the keys and my wife and I headed for the elevators.  We arrived on the sixth floor and proceeded to walk the length of the hallway until we came to a set of double doors.  I checked my room key -- #616 -- and it was the same as the placard on the wall.  I'm having problems uploading the video directly to this blog, but if you go to my Facebook page you can watch it there.  You really need to watch this video to appreciate what we saw next!  Here are some pictures to hold you over:

Not only was the room ridiculous, but the whole staff treated us like we were royalty.  My wife and I were so happy with everything and you can bet that we will stay at the Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel again soon.  Can we get the same room, please?

Food: The Venus De Milo, Swansea, MA

October 9, 2012 -- Oh boy, where do I begin.  OK, let me start by saying that my wife and I have frequented the Venus De Milo many times in the past and it's one of the restaurants in our "rotation", you might say.  However, that might all change.  We visited the Venus this past Saturday night and when we got there the main dining room was under construction for remodeling.  I'm perfectly fine with a restaurant closing parts of its main dining area and kitchen to perform upgrades.  I'm also fine with a limited menu, decor, furnishings, staff, you name it, while the place readies itself for a re-opening.  I blame myself for not checking before I left for dinner.

This was the case on Saturday.  However, after being seated we were handed "new" menus.  As I just stated, I'm fine with limited offerings during a renovation.  Sadly, this wasn't the case; this was their new menu.  You know when you go to a specific restaurant to order that specific dish you can't get anywhere else?  The Venus De Milo just blew themselves up!  My wife and I went specifically for their signature Seafood Alfredo dish only to find it's no longer offered.  Furthermore, they have downsized their menu so much, nothing looked appealing.  Seriously.

Thoroughly disappointed to the point where I had to talk my wife into not getting up and leaving -- it would have been rude -- we decided to stay and choose something else.  After a long debate, we both settled on the Shrimp Scampi.  In the past, the entree came with a choice of soup or salad, and vegetable.  Not anymore.  Now let me say that I felt the meal was very good, but my wife was able to finish her whole plate then and there.  This is the same woman who takes home restaurant food in a doggy bag and eats it for three more meals.  What I'm saying is, the prices went up but the portions are smaller.  Furthermore, the new menu is a major step backwards in my opinion.

The Venus is also famous for their three-pound baked stuffed lobster.  The old menu prominently boasted this fact and that Emiril Lagasse gives it a big thumbs up.  The new menu has this listed inconspicuously on the bottom of the first page.  I hate to say this, but we're most likely not going back to the Venus.  Way too many signature dishes are gone -- signature dishes for crying out loud! -- and the new menu is lacking in quantity, variety, and portion size.  Very sad indeed.

Food: The Chateau, Andover, MA

September 6, 2012 -- Papa Jim has found a restaurant suitable to his liking!  Mr. Jim is very particular in his food intake, so trying to get him to the perfect place has been a little of a challenge.  The Chateau Italian Restaurant is now Jim's #1 food spot!  I have to admit, I like their food and menu myself.  I've had everything from steamers and stuffies, to New England clam chowder and minestrone soup.  Yesterday I had shrimp cocktail followed by Tuscany Styled Grilled Shrimp with grilled vegetables over rice -- fantastic!  However, I really like their Lobster, Shrimp, & Scallop Diavalo -- I've had this dish more than once!

Papa Jim has only had fried scallops and hamburgers, but he swears by them!  If Papa Jim says it's good, then you know it's good!  If you're around Andover, or anywhere in Massachusetts for that matter, give The Chateau Italian Restaurant a try.  You'll be glad you came!

Travel: Seaport Village, San Diego, Day 10

June 27, 2012 -- After settling in to the Manchester Grand Hyatt, me and AP ventured along the Seaport Village that extends along the boardwalk and San Diego Bay.  The Village reminds me of Brick Market Place in Newport, RI -- touristy shops, bars, and restaurants all along a beautiful body of water (yeah, that's my shadow in the photo below!)

AP, hungry as usual, led us to Joe's Crab Shack where we had pots of steamed crabs, clams, mussels, and shrimp, all layered in Old Bay seasoning.  We were so hungry that we forgot to take a picture of the food for the blog, but trust me it was delicious!

Food: Buon Appetito, Little Italy, San Diego, Day 9

June 26, 2012 -- By the ninth day in San Diego, I needed to satisfy my desire for pasta and seafood.  Thank God the city has an Italian section!  Rounding up the usual suspects, me, AP, and Enrique ventured to Little Italy.

On a recommendation by a co-worker, and confirmed by Enrique, we made reservations for Buon Appetito.  All I can say is wow!  We had huge tossed salads, fried calimari for an appetizer, and Linguine Boscomare -- shrimp, bay scallops, sun dried tomatoes, and asparagus in a brand pink sauce -- for dinner.  Absolutely fantastic!  We were so hungry that we forgot to take pictures of our food to upload, but trust me, the food was unreal.  If you ever make it out to San Diego, do yourself a favor and be sure to visit Little Italy, especially Buon Appetito.  And, as with just about everywhere in the city, the views are breathtaking.

Food: The Pasta House, Fairhaven, MA

Last week my wife watched an episode of The Phantom Gourmet and took an interest in one restaurant in particular, The Pasta House in Fairhaven, MA.  So this Saturday night we decided to give this place a try.  The restaurant is in a nondescript part of town, just off the main highway (Rt. 195/240 S).  We knew we were in for a long night when we saw the parking lot overflowing.  After talking to the host, we had a 1 1/2 hour wait but we had already made the trip and were committed, so we waited it out.  The bar was large, but not a seat available.  Still, we had some drinks and made the most of it.  We were not disappointed.  We started with crab cake appetizers, which were full of lush crab meat and cooked to perfection.  After salads, my wife had Seafood alla Vodka and I had Pasta Frutti di Mare.  All I can say is -- delicious!

If you're tired of the same old places and want to try something new, I'd give this restaurant a try.  Next time we go, and we will go there again, we'll be sure to call ahead and get our name on the list (they only take reservations for parties of six or more, so definitely take advantage of calling ahead.)