Experience: Chef Eli Dunn’s Folklore Provisions in Bristol

With its picturesque, colorful storefronts, old-timey lamp posts, and signature red, white, and blue street lines, downtown Bristol is known for its classic Americana appeal, but a new neighbor in town with a bright orange facade infuses Azorean panache into the mix. Folklore Provisions has generated quite the buzz not only with its Portuguese-influenced menu but also with the return of chef Eli Dunn. His success with the former Eli’s Kitchen in Warren and victory on Food Network’s Chopped have made him a household name in Rhode Island.

This new venture, a collaboration between Dunn and his wife Rachel, is a casual dining experience ideal for both a daily coffee run or – in true European style – a drawn-out lunch complete with a glass of wine. Inside, guests are greeted by a pen-and-ink style drawing of hydrangeas along the wall, and blue and white tile lining the counter, where a host of eye-popping pastries are displayed. The dining room is adorned with photos of the couple and their family, giving the space a cozy, welcoming feel, the perfect setting for a long-overdue catch-up brunch with my brother.

We started off with a much-needed round of coffee – an iced oat milk latte with Borealis espresso and honey for me. We shared the Fried Mozzarella special with a tangy homemade marinara. I don’t typically start the day with fried cheese, but this dish was pleasingly light and great for an early lunch. I also enjoyed their classic BLT, which did not skimp on thick, crispy slices of bacon on lightly toasted bread. It paired wonderfully with the Caesar salad that had no business being as good as it was – the addition of capers and sundried tomatoes were a delightful surprise.

My brother had The Usual, a perfectly done two-egg breakfast with home fries and toast, with the Caçoila, a Portuguese-style pulled pork simmered with spices, sweet onion, and red wine that stole the show.

To round out a meal worth lingering for, we also sampled a few pastries from the bakery case that are made in-house by Folklore’s pastry chef. The toasted goat cheese and apricot scone was the perfect marriage of sweet and savory, while the fresh blueberry muffin was bursting with fresh fruit and flavor.

Though a recent addition to Bristol, Folklore oozes nostalgia, as if it’s always been there. For those, like me with Portuguese roots, a visit to this eatery – using only the best ingredients – is akin to a family visit and can’t be missed.

Folklore Provisions

301 Hope Street, Bristol

401-638-0111 • FolkloreProvisions.com