Buon Appetito!

One Stop Destination – Pearl Offers Fine Dining, Entertainment & Fun

By Donna Marie King

As soon as you walk into Pearl, you feel like you entered a whole new world. This top-notch establishment has become the premiere place to go out in style in Providence. Complimentary valet parking, gourmet food and an atmosphere that is second to none, this place will honestly knock your socks off. The interior will remind you as if you were in Las Vegas with its “wow factor”.

The interior is very tasteful using a combination of textures, lighting and illusionary design and will awaken your senses as you walk through the door. Their instinctive attention to detail is continuously put into play every day. People who go there for a night out find it affordable, delicious and very entertaining. Whether you dine inside or out on the patio, you will find this place the perfect setting for an outstanding evening.

Recently, I had a great experience at Pearl which influenced me into writing about it. I had been there before many years ago and it was really nice but, I am astonished on how good it looks now. On a Friday, I met a friend there after work and we planned on having dinner. We sat outside enjoying the beautiful weather and wanted to listen to the band. Back2Back played great music and it helped alleviate the stress that I had building up all week. This was just what I needed! Spotting a sushi bar on the way in – I had to order some. After looking over the Pearl Signature Roll menu, we decided on the California Rolls. They were extremely awesome and had a unique recipe. You definitely need to try some for yourself.

I got to meet with Renee Ackerman who is the General Manager of Pearl. She is in charge of daily operations and told me about all the exciting things going on there. The beginning of the week starts off with “Fortune Tuesdays” when for twenty dollars, you get all-you-can-eat sushi and sake. Wednesdays will soon feature “Primo Pasta Night” where all-you-can-manga Italian pasta is on the dinner table. This old fashioned night out will be great for families and couples alike.

Tribeca will entertain you on Thursdays, hence… the name “Tribeca Thursdays”. Friday is “Barry’s Retro Video Party” and need I say more. If you lived in Rhode Island long enough, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Remember “Barry’s Burgers” and all the balloons? Get there early because this place fills up fast – regular guests LOVE this night. The Pearl Concert Series kicks off Saturday evenings as live music fills the air. It is also “Ladies Night”. Sunday is a day of surprises with dinner specials and music. I live close by and never realized how much fun I was missing out on especially after learning that they make one hell of a “Bikini Martini”.

Just as Pearl is known for entertainment, it is also known as an excellent restaurant. Their menu is versatile with mouth-watering entrées prepared by professional chefs. I got the pleasure of meeting their Executive Chef, Stefan Afonso who has cooked for restaurants on Federal Hill and later worked for Wolfgang Puck. He has a wealth of experience in the culinary world. All you have to do is to take one bite to know that this restaurant is not playing around. I am still raving to friends on how good our dinner was. I had “Grilled Rib Eye Steak with Bourbon Demi Glaze and Deep Fried Polenta”. The steak was extremely tender and cooked just the way Ilike it – medium well-done. My friend tried a seafood dish that was one of the House Specials. It was a wonderful Caribbean creation and I was much too busy enjoying it to remember its name. Believe me when I tell you…. it was good.

Pearl is a one stop entertainment place for an ideal night out with all the glitz. Have an exceptionaldinner, sit out in the courtyard terrace listening to music or dance the night away in their ultra lounge. You can choose your experience from their different rooms each themed with a magnificent setting.

Their staff caters to private parties in the Executive VIP Room and can accommodate from 15 to 200 people. Careful planning and exceptional food will make your next venue a success. Reservations for dinner are recommended but everyone is always welcome. Pearl is located at 393 Charles Street in Providence. Call them at (401) 331-3000 or go online at www.pearlrestaurant.net. Pearl is now my favorite place for dinner, cocktails and relaxing under the stars.