Local Small Business Stories
Underground GPub in Providence, R.I., Reaches New Heights in Gastro
Food Pub Favorites
Outside entrance to the Providence GPub.
Photo credit: GPub.
Article and photos, unless otherwise noted, by Eric Hurwitz. Article
created on 10/10/18.
Share
this
New
England travel article with your friends...
The first impression of GPub in Providence, R.I.
suggests something very different about this restaurant
and bar.
Black and white images of vintage Providence saturate the walls of the
main entrance, while a staircase leading to the lower-level eating and
drinking establishment hints at a 1920s
speakeasy-style restaurant. The large
placemat stating "Speak Easy, Eat Well" confirms
that observation.
Approaching the Providence GPub.
The 21-step staircase spans far longer than expected, adding to this
mystery
and hidden restaurant presence that descends about 50 ft. into the
former Providence Gas Company site.
About half-way down the steps at the GPub.
Although views of the bar and dining area aren't fully apparent while navigating the stairs, it's clear that GPub in Providence isn't your
basic cramped, claustrophobic basement restaurant.
Almost like a Wizard of Oz
scene where a black and white world turns to color, the enormity and
personality of the Providence GPub comes to life quickly when arriving at the destination. The space is
indeed large -- 10,000 sq. ft. -- with a glorious renovation that would
make the folks at HGTV mighty happy. Historic elements like exposed
ductwork,
columns and beams remain to create a retro, Roaring 20s foundation and
ambiance,
while the dining and bar area design offer a modern gastro pub look.
It's a truly inviting, warm scene.
Lively scene at Providence GPub. Photo credit: GPub.
Leather booths, tables, a long bar with back-lit frosted windows,
sports banners all over the place, 17 LED televisions, billiards,
foosball, air hockey and shuffleboard tables create the ultimate
restaurant and bar scene. The scratch
kitchen serves delicious food at the top of its genre to go along with the 50-plus beers
and seasonal craft cocktails.
B.L.T.A. -- Peppered bacon, arugula, fried green tomato, avocado crema on grilled multi-grain bread. Photo credit: GPub.
The space can accommodate up to 250 people
and brings in all walks of life -- from college students at Brown
University, Providence College and Rhode Island School of Design to
nearby theater and concert goers, families and small and large groups
from corporate businesses.
"When you walk in and before heading downstairs, you don't realize how
massive it is," said Brendan Chipley Roane, director of marketing and
communications at G Hospitality.
GClub is part of the Providence G
Building -- a restored
collection of historic properties that includes luxury apartments, a
concierge, fitness center and garage in the heart of the
city. In addition to the downstairs GPub which opened in 2013, there's the Rooftop at Providence G with enclosed glass, firepits and views of the Providence
skyline. The Ballroom at Providence G -- ideal for an event -- features
original marble floors, crystal chandeliers and Greek key molding. Soon, Sarto will open as a "Rhode Island inspired
osteria and salumeria" for breakfast lunch and dinner.
The mastermind chef behind the GPub scratch kitchen
Kevin Smith cooks at the Providence GPub.
GPub Executive Chef Kevin Smith, 40, cooked a lot on his own
when younger, but didn't get cooking in his career until many years
later. A Raynham, Mass., native, Smith loved cooking from ages 18-23,
but never formally entered the field. He worked in the mortgage and HVAC
businesses, however, and "just wasn't finding the niche."
"My dad, knowing that I liked cooking, encouraged me to get into the
culinary business," said Smith.
Following this dad's advice, Smith attended and graduated from Culinary
Arts at Le Cordon Bleu in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and then went to work
as a line cook for mentor Brian Rutherford at Bistro Mezzaluna, also in
Fort
Lauderdale. There, Smith learned all aspects of restaurant operations.
Smith came back to New England to work at the Fireside Grille in
Middleboro, Mass., in 2009, but then returned to Florida to work again for Rutherford.
"Brian was reluctant to take me back," said Smith. "He told me that because I had
already worked at his restaurant that I needed to get out and work somewhere else to advance in the field."
Smith followed Rutherford's advice by taking on more job responsibility as a sous
chef at Shula's 347 (owned by Miami Dolphins
legendary coach, Don Shula) in South Miami,
Fla. At the 347, Smith gained needed professional experience while also finding his personal life getting a significant upgrade. Smith met his destiny -- that is,
Destiny, a New England native and pastry chef with a degree from Johnson
and Wales University in Providence. They had their first date on New
Year's Eve, which would eventually lead to marriage and two daughters,
ages five and three.
"I went 1,300 miles to find a New England girl!" said Smith.
Eventually, Smith would transfer to the former 347 at
the Providence Hilton for two years. In 2013, he became an executive chef with Barrett's Alehouse
Corporation in Bridgewater, Mass., where he helped create menus for the
five Barrett's restaurants.
"I was like a swing chef at Barrett's, and helped them open the West
Bridgewater location. The schedule took a toll on me, though," said
Smith. "I found myself with little time outside of working. Home life
was not optimal and I took eight months off to reeavulate my direction."
Fortunately, Smith decided to continue in the food industry. The long
culinary road led to becoming the executive chef at GPub.
Pasta Affumicatti from GPub. Photo credit: GPub.
At GPub, Smith has
no allegiance to one style of food -- perfect for a restaurant that
prides itself on an eclectic mix of traditional pub favorites.
"I can create made-from-scratch pub food here,
braising our own meats,
picking our own vegetables.," said Smith.
"We get our own seafood from a business out of Warren, Rhode Island
(known for its local seafood). I just created a new menu. I love it
here."
Twisted shrimp small plate from GPub. Photo credit: GPub.
The new menu of small plates, bar snacks, flat bread, greens, sides and
soups, artisan hand-helds, tacos and main plates debuts creations like
maple ginger salmon and Pasta Affumicatti (gemelli pasta, slow roasted
tomatoes, roasted garlic, kale pesto, wilted mozzarella and options of
grilled chicken or shrimp) with old standbys like the delicious grilled
cheeseburger (Wisconsin cheddar, four pepper bacon, fried onion string
and sweet barbecue sauce) and fish and chips.
"We have taken the good from the old menu and added some really great
new items," said Smith. "We use cleaner ingredients, have seasonal
offerings and basically just elevated things to the next level," said
Smith. "I recommend dishes like the cured chicken wings, Whiskey Blue Burger, maple ginger salmon, chicken and waffles and the (sesame
crusted) tuna. There's so much more, though. It's hard to recommend
just one dish. A lot of hard work has gone into the new menu."
Providence GPub: A "Really Cool Place"
View from the opposite end of GPub.
Nora Grady, a Long Island resident with ties to Providence, now
regards the GPub as her family's go-to dining out place when in the
area.
"My family travels back to town for Providence College Family Alumni
Weekend every year," said Grady. "We are a large group (at least 12)
and range in age from three to 49, so it is not always the easiest to
find a restaurant that is suitable for all of us. We decided to take a
chance at the GPub for lunch before the PC game and we are so glad we
did! Awesome food, drinks, service and overall just a really cool
place. The food was delicious, we were all pleased with our meals.
Biggest hits were the G Nachos and Pulled Pork Tater Tot Poutine that
we all shared as starters. Everyone loved their entrees, a mix of
specialty burgers and sandwiches, and the kid friendly meals were
fabulous.
Whiskey Bleu Burger with homemade whiskey glaze,
Guinness caramelized onion, arugula, and smoked bleu cheese. Photo
credit: GPub.
As soon as our children finished their lunch, our awesome
server Bianca brought over board games for them to play and once they
finished that, they headed over to play pool," added Nora. "It was
perfect!! I loved
our lunch there so much that when I came back to Providence a few
months later, I organized a dinner at GPub for my friends. Can't wait to
go back next time I am in town."
Pool tables, foosball and air hockey at the Providence GPub.
Without the forced pretentiousness that many
modern gastro pubs share, Providence GPub, on the other hand, comes across like one
big happy
outing that somehow remains cozy and intimate despite the cavernous
surroundings. Additionally, the GPub commits to good value for the
money and a family-friendly atmosphere that also features a kids menu.
It might not be the prototype for an urban gastro pub, but
therein lies the vast appeal.
"There's something here for everyone," said Smith. "And then there's
the setting. Look at this place. It's amazing. Nothing like it!"
GPub is located at 61 Orange St., Providence RI. Tel. 401-632-4782. Web site: http://www.providencegpub.com.
Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/GpubProvidence. Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ProvGpub.
If you enjoyed this story on the providence GPub, please share the graphic below on Pinterest. Thanks!
If you
enjoyed
this article, please share through any of the social media buttons
below --
thanks!
Related article:
Enjoying
the old-fashioned neighborhood vibe of Oliva's Market in Milford, Mass.
Interested in
your local business
becoming part of our New England community?
VisitingNewEngland business partnerships differ than feature articles
previously posted on VisitingNewEngland.
Businesses pay a small, one-time fee to have pages like this appear,
and first must be accepted by VisitingNewEngland.com editor and
publisher, Eric Hurwitz, as a business he approves as part of "real New
England travel" to keep the integrity of the site. Businesses that sign
up for business partnerships receive priority by receiving more social
media exposure and link placement on VisitingNewEngland.com. Contact Eric
if interested in forming a business partnership.
Explore
Massachusetts travel! Read
the Massachusetts
Town Greens book -- Discover New England's first travel
attractions:
town commons. Includes a chapter on the Plymouth town green!
Stay
connected with VisitingNewEngland at 
Facebook
Twitter 
Pinterest
Google+
FREE
SUBSCRIPTION
Sign up for our
free VisitingNewEngland.com E-NEW ENGLAND TRAVEL NEWSLETTER
Featuring our
latest New England travel insider's news updates and stories, discounts
and coupons!
