Craig Fear (a fellow a-fish-ionado in western Mass and cookbook author) and I embarked to Providence with an edible “wish list”. Craig’s wish list included 1) experience a couple of variations of the Rhode Island-style chowder as research for his new cookbook on seafood soups, and 2) check out Providence’s hottest new club - I mean fish market! It’s called Fearless Fish Market.
My wish list items were to 1) try the fried dogfish sandwich at Dune Brothers, and 2) visit the newer location of one of my favorite restaurants, North.
To ensure the South Shore can savor locally caught lobsters and fresh fish at a reasonable price, Bernie drives into the thicket of Boston every Friday and every Saturday, picks up quality lobsters from the same three boats and brings them back to the customers waiting for him in the parking lot of 1095 Bedford Street in Whitman. Whitman knows him as "The Lobster Guy".
When he started his oyster farm in Wellfeet, some disapproving Fleetians made it known to him that he was considered a "Wash-A-Shore" (considered to be a derogatory term). Embracing his new title, Cummings named the business Wash-A-Shore Oyster Ranch. These famous Wellfleets are demanded by top restaurants in Boston and NYC, among other cities.
Gulf of Maine Sashimi is on a mission to do things differently with New England’s seafood. They’re focused on improving the value of local catch for fishers while providing top-quality sashimi-grade product for consumers and chefs. They’re new, they’re hard-working, and they are motivated to make seafood better for chefs, consumers, and especially local fishers.
North leaves an impression on you. While I recall the food being scrumptious, comforting, and completely restorative when I visited North 3 years ago, what I really remember and savored was the hospitality and humility of it all. They’ve changed locations, but their humility, hospitality, and amazing food (brown buttered monkfish and grilled squid!) is still what makes North a true favorite in Providence.
To be frank, RI-style chowder does not have the best curb appeal. It’s a bleak and grey looking soup. There’s not much color or contrast. And because it is light broth, all of the “goods” in the soup sink to the bottom. It makes sense why you don’t see this type of soup all over Instagram. HOWEVER, it does have great flavor!
