More New Dining

The autumn continues to be a busy season on the local dining scene, with several new openings over the past couple of months.

First, just about a year after opening The ROI in the Jewelry District, restaurateurs Paul Shire and Paul Roidoulis are at it again. This time they’re taking over a spot in East Providence to open the appropriately named 2 Pauls Good Food (315 Waterman Ave.). The location has been home to a number of restaurants over the years – most recently, Vine Yard East – but, depending on your age and East Providence roots, it is best remembered either for Cattails City Grill or Joseph’s Family Restaurant. While the former had its adherents based on its sophisticated city-style dining, Chef Shire promises that 2 Pauls will be closer to the latter, a neighborhood fixture he remembers from his childhood growing up in Rumford.

The menu will focus on what Shire calls “neighborhood comfort food,” meaning burgers, steaks, chicken pot pie, mac and cheese, and, of course, meatloaf – a dish for which Shire is known several restaurants over. The prices and atmosphere will be inexpensive, accessible and friendly – appropriate for two business partners who met on the golf course and bonded over a Grateful Dead cassette. They are open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

Back over the city line, Veggie Fun (123 Dorrance St.) has opened downtown in the former home of Asian Bistro. The new restaurant will continue to serve pan-Asian fare, but only vegetarian and vegan dishes. The menu features an array of familiar Chinese preparations like Peking Duck, General Tso’s Chicken and Orange Beef, but with wheat and soy based substitutes in place of the traditional meats. In addition to Chinese classics, they will offer a variety of dishes from around the continent including Korea (Bi-Bim Bap, a type of rice bowl), Japan (Udon or Soba Noodle Soup), Thailand (Pad Thai and Bangkok Fried Rice) and elsewhere (Singapore Style Rice Noodle, Malaysian Curry Stew). They’re open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Another new food truck has taken to the streets, as well – though it prefers to be called a “mobile café.” Acacia Café is based out of Little Compton and is the creation of Chef Dawn Brooks-Rapp, who is not only a culinary school graduate, but a registered nurse, too. As you might expect, the focus is on fresh, local, all natural and, whenever possible, organic ingredients. The menu will change seasonally, but primarily offers sandwiches, burgers and soups. Some examples include the JD Cuban with turkey, ham, Swiss, pickles and spicy mayo; their version of the famous Vietnamese sandwich Banh Mi with chicken; and a butternut squash and apple soup. Follow @AcaciaFoodTruck on Twitter for more info and locations.

One of the most unfortunate aspects of last year’s closing of DownCity was the fact that one of the city’s best restaurant spaces was left tragically vacant. Well, this month 50 Weybosset Street is officially back on the culinary map with the opening of Circe. It’s the culmination of several years of searching and planning by bartender-turned-restaurateur Carlo Carlozzi. He’s spent the last decade behind the bar at 10 Prime Steak & Sushi, but has long dreamed of owning a restaurant. When the space became available, he seized the opportunity, recruiting Kyle Poland from 10 to run his bar and Simon Keating from XO Café to head the kitchen.

After remodeling the spacious restaurant, he promises that it will be like “walking into a breath of fresh air.” DownCity’s signature orange has been replaced by white, the painted-over bamboo floors have been returned to their natural tone, and the upstairs mezzanine is now an area for private parties.

As for the food, Circe will offer what Carlozzi calls “American-infused Mediterranean” cuisine. Of course, there will be drinks too. He points out that while chefs usually open restaurants, it’s rare for a bartender to do so. “So, you know the drinks will be really good,” he adds. Indeed, the restaurant takes its name from Circe, the nymph in Greek mythology known for her magical potions. And good news for fans of DownCity: Circe will continue the former occupant’s tradition of featuring Sunday brunch with added entertainment. Alternating weekends will feature a DJ spinning ‘70s/’80s favorites and Michael Dutra’s Sinatra tribute.

“I’ve been in this business so long, one thing I’m good at is listening to people,” Carlozzi says. “I have something at this restaurant that everybody wants.”