Taste Test

11 Local Dishes Perfect for Any Holiday Party

Impress the host with these tasty shareable options

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Exactly how many holiday parties did you pencil in this season? I bet it’s a few too many. But, hey, it’s time to eat, drink and be merry. While you may not be able to cook a dish for every party you go to, you can pick something up on the way. In the spirit of giving, we’ve sampled portable and, more importantly, tasty dishes that will be a big hit wherever you take them. So bundle up, grab these to go options and arrive at your party with these yummy gifts in hand.


Toasty Warm
The bruschetta platter from Pauly Penta’s Gourmet Italian Deli dazzled us with the array of choices (you only see a sample here). There was an artichoke, roasted red pepper and mozzarella; sausage, caramelized onions, roasted red peppers and mozzarella; spinach, feta, sliced black olives and mozzarella; and a caprese bruscetta with fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. They were all crispy, delicious and a great holiday appetizer option. 1290 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence. 722-3222

Get Sauced
Need to bring a side dish to dinner? Pick up the tortellini with Bolognese sauce from the Italian Corner Deli. The tortellini was cooked al dente and the cheese filling did not overwhelm the chewy pasta. This dish traveled well and reminded us of our childhood, sitting around the dinner table. It’ll be a crowd-pleaser for sure. 10 Boyd Avenue, East Providence. 431-1737

Sprouting Joy
“These Brussels sprouts are perfect,” was the response by our resident Brussels sprouts-loving staff member to the Pantry at Avenue N’s Brussels sprouts with crispy pancetta. The sprouts were cooked perfectly, not too hard or soft, and had a great sear so that there was a bit a caramelization on them. The crispy pancetta added a great hint of salt and the right amount of savory. 20 Newman Avenue, Rumford. 270-2836.

A Side of Cheer
No holiday meal would be complete without tasty side dishes. And Via Roma’s broccoli rabe with house made Tuscan-style sausage really hit the spot. This garlic-forward dish with tasty bits of bacon really complemented the juicy, full-of-flavor house made Tuscan-style sausage. To top it off, the rustic bread had a great crust while maintaining a delightful chewy center. 310 Atwells Avenue, Providence. 331-1717 

Sweetening the Night
What better way to end the night than to nosh on desserts that you don’t have to make? L’Artisan Cafe and Bakery’s signature dessert platter really hit the spot. With choices like rich and creamy chocolate cheesecake, espresso-packed tiramisu, a fresh fruit tart, carrot cake and éclairs (only a few are shown), there is truly some- thing for everyone to enjoy. Now all we need is a nice cup of coffee to enjoy these delectable treats. 9 Wayland Avenue, Providence. 331-4444

 

All Wrapped Up
“Mmm, delicious,” was the general consensus of the Bacon-wrapped Scallops from DiMare. The big and juicy sea scallops had a great sear on the outside that provided a nice caramelization while maintaining a sweet and tender center. They also used thick-cut bacon that was chewy, smoky and just a touch sweet. 2706 South County Trail, East Greenwich. 885-8100


Scooping up Joy
Sometimes you just need a simple and bright side dish to round out a holiday 
spread, and the Roasted Butternut Squash Salad from Belmont Market filled that need. “Usually butternut squash is overpowering, but this is very well-balanced,” were the remarks of one of our staff members. The other fun flavors mixed into the salad were pear, pecans, currants and a lemongrass risotto. 600 Kingstown Rd, Wakefield. 783-4656


A Bite of Cheer
Finger foods never disappoint at a party and these Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms from Dave’s Marketplace were no exception. The two kinds sampled were spinach and cheese and bacon and cheese. What was nice about both offerings were that the mushrooms maintained their firm and meaty texture and the fillings were not skimped on whatsoever. 125 Tower Hill Road, Wickford. 268-3991


Simple Pleasures
The Pasta Primavera from Borelli’s Italian Bakery was a simple and straightforward classic side. Reminiscent of dinner around the holiday table, there were big pieces of al dente bell peppers and carrots all smothered in Italian dressing. It definitely took us back to our favorite comfort foods. 820 Boston Neck Road, North Kingstown. 294-0008


A Delicious Dunk
“Give me more,” was the general consensus of the seafood platter from Tony’s Seafood. It was a great representation of the bounty of Narragansett Bay. Between the creamy smoke salmon pâté, smoked bluefish and jumbo shrimp cocktail, there was a little something for everyone. All the seafood was plump, fresh and best of all, delicious. 1365 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk. 508-336-6800


A Bite of Cheer
No holiday would be complete without those little finger foods that whet your appetite before the big meal. The stuffed phyllo triangles filled with spinach and feta from Leon’s KitchenWorx really hit the spot. Once dipped in the lemony, dilly and cucumbery and not too garlicky tzatziki sauce, the whole dish really came together. And best of all, the phyllo dough remained crispy, buttery and tasty bite after bite. 230 Waseca Avenue, Barrington. 401-247-1660


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