Hemenway's — Review by Beryl Shereshewsky
Providence, United States — Seafood, Italian-American
The reviewer highlights Hemenway's elevated take on Rhode Island's official state appetizer - Rhode Island style calamari. The dish features squid lightly fried with compound butter, preserved lemon, nasturtium leaves, and Fresno chilies, delivering a perfect balance of textures and flavors that far surpasses traditional marinara-dipped versions. The reviewer gave it a perfect 10 out of 10.
What was great: The Rhode Island style calamari with compound butter, preserved lemon, nasturtium leaves, and Fresno chilies. The dish was crunchy, tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy with well-balanced flavors.
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The star of this review is Rhode Island style calamari, a regional specialty with deep historical roots. Rather than the common preparation of fried squid drowning in marinara sauce, this version features squid that is lightly fried and topped with banana peppers, sweet cherry tomatoes, parsley, salt, and olive oil. At Hemenway's, they elevate this classic dish further with the addition of compound butter, preserved lemon, nasturtium leaves, and Fresno chilies. The result is a perfectly balanced appetizer that hits multiple flavor notes simultaneously - it's crunchy from the fried squid, tangy from the preserved lemon, sweet from the tomatoes, and has a subtle kick from the Fresno chilies.
The Experience
Hemenway's is conveniently located just off Main Street in Providence, directly across from the Old Stone Bank, making it an easily accessible restaurant in the heart of the city. The restaurant appears to be an upscale dining establishment that takes pride in presenting refined versions of classic Rhode Island dishes.
Value and Pricing
While specific pricing is not mentioned in the transcript, the elevated preparation suggests this is a more upscale restaurant where dishes are carefully crafted and presented with attention to detail and premium ingredients.
Notable Moments
This is Rhode Island's official state appetizer. Does a state need an official appetizer? I'm not sure, but here it is.
It's crunchy, it's tangy, it's sweet, it's a little bit spicy. It hits all of the right notes, way better than having squid just dipped in marinara sauce.
The Verdict
The reviewer gives this dish a perfect 10 out of 10 rating. Hemenway's is recommended as the ideal place to experience Rhode Island style calamari in Providence, offering a sophisticated interpretation of this historic state appetizer. The restaurant is best for those seeking to understand and appreciate Rhode Island's seafood heritage and culinary traditions.