A Taste of Tapas

Most of the time one of the first tasks for a restaurateur is hunting for a good location. In the case of Bar 31, newcomer to State Street in the center of Bristol, they already had one. Over the years the property had hosted several different bars, most recently the British Beer Company, but the host and landlord had remained the same, one Michael Mizrahi. When BBC closed, Michael and his family decided to try out being restaurateurs themselves, and, as you’d expect they had just the place in mind.

In this instance, it’s a matter of function following form. The space was occupied by bars and not restaurants, and none had a kitchen of any significance. A lot of time and money was spent expanding the tiny kitchen to something more substantial, using all ventless cooking equipment. At that point their philosophy was to “not try to force it into one vision, but instead let it evolve,” according to Michael. The small kitchen lead to small plates, giving Bar 31 an on-trend niche that hasn’t been explored in the area. Bar 31 is a tapas bar, but with cuisine that is American rather than Spanish.

Michael had some very useful talent in the family to start Bar 31, which opened in November. Son Maurice had just graduated with an accounting degree, and was eager to cut his teeth on the books, functioning as both bartender and manager, and son Daniel was eager to gain experience as a sous chef. They brought in Chef Elser Ramirez who is making the step up to running a kitchen after working at Hemenways for years. They enlisted the help of Kim Anderson to design their modern, loungy interior.

Some favorites of diners thus far, according to Michael, have been the lollipop lamb chops, seared with a wine reduction, and their scallops over risotto. Almost all the menu items are priced under $9, allowing you to try a number of small plates over the course of your meal, or to accompany their drink menu, which features 12 different brews on draught, a solid selection of value wines under $10 a glass and an expanding list of cocktails.
At home in a lounge, Bar 31 has been hosting jazz nights every other Thursday and live music most Saturdays, always without a cover. They are starting up a new happy hour special in April, where every plate you purchase after your first is half off from 4-6pm, Sunday through Thursday.

Bar31
29 State Street, Bristol
401-297-0531

Midweek Dining Deals at The Mooring

The Mooring has introduced a series of weekly specials, bringing you the best of local seafood at attractive prices. On Mondays, they are rolling out a prix-fixe menu, with choice of soup or salad, entree and dessert, for $30. On Wednesdays, their raw bar, including top of the catch oysters, are half price. Finally, on Thursdays, bring a hot date, or your old abuelo to share some seafood paella, with whole lobster, clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari and sausage. When conversation falters, reach for the house-made sangria, it’s included with the meal for two for just $55.

The Mooring
1 Sayers Wharf, Newport
401-846-2260

Newport Vineyards Latest Addition: A Bakery

Newport Vineyards’ expansion has already brought us a stunning venue for a farmers market in the midst of wine tasting, as well as a brand new restaurant in Brix, but amidst all this change, it hasn’t forgotten an old friend. Fatulli’s Bakery and Deli has been neighbor to the vineyard for 17 years, and now the relationship is getting even cozier, with Newport Vineyards buying Fatulli’s. If you’re wondering whether your pastry will be the same, take comfort in the fact that Janet Fatulli is still running things, but in a far more scenic, and spacious environment, which will include seasonal outdoor seating.

Fatullis Bakery and Deli
909 East Main Road, Middletown
401-847-5166