Providence Restaurant Weeks pivot to new options

As businesses struggle with operating during this pandemic, having a restaurant week with dining deals sounds like the greatest of challenges. With limited dining-in or al fresco dining, and so many patrons preferring takeout, how could a promotion work?

But a new partnership with WhatsGood, a local online delivery service, and a lot of options promise that there will be dining deals, for a full month, in Providence, Warwick, Cranston and beyond.

At press time there were some 40 restaurants participating, but more are expected to sign on before the deals start Aug. 16. They run til Sept. 12.

WhatsGood has run a pilot program with family-style meals, delivered chilled and ready to reheat according to the chef’s instructions. They did it with Ellie’s, Yoleni’s and Plant City in Providence, Chaska in Cranston and Luigi's Restaurant & Gourmet Express in Johnston.

“Stay Local. Eat Well, ” is the pivoted Restaurant Week planned by The Providence and Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau, headed by CEO and president Kristen Adamo.

She’s most excited about the new delivery option. It was a success on all fronts during the pilot program.

“We now plan to roll the concept out to Restaurant Week participants and anticipate an enthusiastic response,” she said.

Restaurants will offer specials in any or all of four categories: breakfast, lunch, dinner or “Chef’s Choice.” This is a substantial expansion beyond the usual three-course fixed-price model that made Restaurant Week something both restaurants and diners have come to enjoy twice a year.

No such constraints are in place this year as restaurants may include specials on anything from takeout cocktails to a dinner for four.

The official website, ProvidenceRestaurantWeeks.com, lists all the participants and their offerings. It also includes a listing of restaurants partnering with WhatsGood. Those interested will be able to download the free app or visit SourceWhatsGood.com and click through to order meals for delivery.

“We are excited to empower RI chefs with our local food marketplace and delivery service during these trying times,” said WhatsGood CEO and co-founder Matt Tortora in a news release.

There are also creative and affordable packages at hotels throughout the Ocean State.

“Rhode Islanders can help support the local tourism industry and take a break from the stress of life in the COVID-19 world by enjoying a staycation,” said Adamo.

In Providence, the list includes: Bacaro Restaurant, Barnaby's Public House, Blake's Tavern, Camille's, Capriccio, Circe Restaurant & Bar, Ellie’s, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Gracie’s, Hemenway's Restaurant, Il Massimo, Mill's Tavern, Pane e Vino, Parkside Rotisserie & Bar, Persimmon, Red Stripe, Saladworks, Sin, Trattoria Zooma and Tavolo.

Participating in Warwick are Alice's Restaurant, Apponaug Brewery, Bertucci's Brick Oven Pizza & Pasta, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Elizabeth of Portofino's, The Greenwood Inn, Iron Works, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, PB & J, Sweet Dee’s Cafe and Cupcakery and Tavolo.

Cranston restaurants include Avvio Ristorante, Chapel Grille, Chaska and T's Restaurant.

In Pawtucket, 10 Rocks Tapas Bar & Restaurant will offer specials.

Circe Restaurant & Bar is participating in East Greenwich.

Luigi's Restaurant & Gourmet Express will offer specials in Johnston.

Tavolo in Smithfield is on the list for specials as is North Providence’s Tumblesalts Cafe.