Food News

Food News: Jamestown's Newest Restaurant

J22 Tap and Table sails onto Conanicut Island

Posted

In a state known worldwide for sailing – the Volvo Ocean Race being the latest example – it’s no surprise that bits and pieces of that culture have made its way into our everyday lives. From bros with boat shoes to sail handbag couture, it was only a matter of time until it literally came to the table. A J22 is a 22-foot sailboat that is very popular in both racing and leisure. Now, it’s a new restaurant in Jamestown.

J22 Tap and Table is the newest addition to Narragansett Avenue. It’s a farm-to-table restaurant with peak-of-the-season dishes like Black Sea Bass with Fresh Tomato Salsa and Sea Scallops with Olive Tapenade. Choosy locals with a hankering for fresh-from-the-bay seafood are sure to be satisfied. “Our homemade chowder, Jonah Crab crabcake and sauteed calamari are a couple of our most popular appetizers,” says owner Jackie Mignone. “Our fish entrees come strait from Point Judith to the plate. We receive small amounts of fish daily, so our fish is always fresh and never frozen.”

Beer lovers fear not: there are both local favorites and regional staples available in all their frothy glory. Newport Storm, Foolproof, Whalers Brewing, Narragansett and Grey Sail are just some of the choices representing the state. Another fine example of local love are Matunuck oysters – come in during appy hour for Buck-a-Shuck.

Housemade pastas, brioche buns, condiments, chowder made to order and more are a few things to look forward to at J22. Chef Christophe Jalbert works with about 30 farmers and describes the cuisine as “simply sophisticated and ranges from New American to Italian and French.” Christophe has been involved in farm to table restaurants since starting his career in 1996 at Fore Street restaurant in Portland, Maine.

As fall starts to rear her warm and cheery head, J22 will host regular wine and beer dinners. As if blending sail culture with food wasn’t enough, now we will contend with delicious dinner pairings at the turn of the season. Cheers to that. 22 Narragansett Avenue, Jamestown. 423-3709


Boutique Dining
There’s a new boutique hotel in town, and it comes with a side of surf-inspired bistro fare. The Break Hotel’s beach bistro is Chair 5 – aptly named for Chair 5 at Narragansett Town Beach. Chef Basil Yu has created a menu of surf and turf, with more emphasis on the surf, naturally. Think of it as bistro cuisine with a fine dining touch. Chef Basil hails from the Muse restaurant at the Vanderbilt Grace in Newport, after all. Look forward to hot lobster rolls, Narragansett Bay mussels and hanger steaks. Top it all off with a s’mores ice cream sandwich. The Break Hotel, 1208 Ocean Road, Narragansett. 363-9800, 



Transcending Tradition 
One of the great things about farm-to-table dining is that it transcends culinary traditions. Local produce, seafood and goods can be used in any type of cuisine, and Tate’s Italian Kitchen in Wickford does just that. It takes traditional Italian favorites like Eggplant Parmesan and Lasagna Bolognese and pairs it with inspired appetizers such as fresh mozzarella and farm tomatoes, roasted beets and a peach, prosciutto and Gorgonzola trio. Come for the tradition, stay for the creative dishes. 64 Brown Street, Wickford. 294-0000, 

J22, Tap and Table, Jamestown, sailing, Narragansett Ave, new, So Rhode Island

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here



X