Ask anyone from Rhode Island about the most delicious falafel they've ever eaten, and they will surely get a dreamy, faraway look in their eyes and recall the best stuffed pita they've ever had—the one at East Side Pockets on Thayer Street in Providence. When I was in high school I went late in the afternoons, in between classes and play rehearsals. My order never changed: a falafel pocket with all the trimmings—hot sauce, hummus, lettuce, tomato, hot peppers, onions, pickles, tabouleh, tahini, and cucumber yogurt sauce. I've lived in New York City for six years now, and I've sampled falafel far and wide. While there are certainly some terrific options (my favorite is Bedouin Tent on Atlantic Avenue...
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Rhode Island gave us the diner. Who knew? According to the New York Times, "The Naugahyde and Formica restaurants that sizzle with breakfast all day long, and where the waitresses call you 'Hon,' had their start in Providence more than 130 years ago." Remarkably, "an estimated 75 to 80 diners and lunch counters still dot the state." Not only are the three diners mentioned in the story old and cool-looking, but two are owned by serious cooks trained at Johnson & Wales. (Diner contact info after the jump.)...
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