While I think I only ate once at the previous DownCity (located in a building that burned down due to some over-cooked brisket and an old, dirty greasy chimney), I can also say that since the new incarnation opened, it took me three+ years to eat there. Other people have eaten there that I know, and have had ok experiences. Often now, instead of taking a chance by spending my money at a place that may or may not deliver the goods, I’ve opted to spend instead at a place that is tried and true where I can’t go wrong. Not very adventurous, I know, but less disappointing, too.
All that said, when some friends suggested DownCity for brunch one Sunday, I was ready to give them a shot. Six of us met at a large table towards the back and we looked over their one-sheet brunch-only menu.
For those of you who haven’t been, the decor is fairly restrained. Orange is the main accent color, and the space is somewhat industrial – with exposed brick and beams, and an internal second floor, with an open two-story space to one side. It’s quite nice, and since it is downtown, one might even say “chic”. I think the decor and the location make the prices higher than they need to be, but whatever, it was an adventure.
Brunch items ranged from hash to poached egg options to some sandwich options, like a Croque Madam. Prices ranged from $10 to $16 for a fancy steak and eggs options. The coffee was good – strong and dark – and the waiter kept it coming. I was feeling very adventurous, and decided to go for a new menu item, the Chicken and Waffle.
A few weeks ago – December 31, to be exact – another group of friends had “Drunch” at Thee Red Fez. They were doing an adult dunner/brunch theme with great beer and mixed drink selections. A friend of mine had their Chicken and Waffles and quite liked it. I had a pulled pork and chipotle hollandaise over grit cakes option called the “Thunderdome” that was delicious. His Chicken and Waffles was the inspiration for me to try it at Downcity.
Maybe it’s a trend for Providence to start experimenting with normally traditional southern comfort food. Whatever it is, don’t stop. The fried chicken was very crisp, having been coated in what seemed to be corn flakes. They had a slightly sweet crunch. They were boneless, too, which was unexpected but great considered the crunchy coating masked what was underneath – I kept expecting a bone but wasn’t finding any. They had a light smear of apple butter on them, which was a great compliment. The waffle was unadorned save for the chicken on top. I would have actually liked some butter (though I was already in heart-attack city), but maple syrup helped the waffle go down and the syrup was a great addition to the chicken as well. It still couldn’t help the large, deep-pocketed Belgium-style waffle get a little old and rubbery, though. It was the only complaint I had about the preparation… and really, if the chicken wasn’t so good, the waffle wouldn’t have felt like such an afterthought.
All in all, a good experience on my part. My wife ordered the Corned Beef and Hash with a poached egg and liked it, but was a bit overwhelmed by the shear amount of meat and salt. Normally, one expects hash to have meat and potatoes, but the potato ratio seemed light and eventually the salty corned beef made it hard to finish, though she did by some miracle. Others at the table seemed to have a good experience as well.
The waiter was helpful and attentive. Nothing to complain about or give particular praise for. Water had to be asked for, which is something that peeves my wife… why can’t water be assumed?
One last note may be for the bathroom… they have pretty cool sinks that are worth a look, though the way they are built opens up possibilities for lots of splashback onto your pants. Be wary!
RI Foodies 