Rustic Dining on South Water Street

Mike Braca

One of my favorite things about dining out is feeling satisfied when I leave. I feel satisfied when my meal has been prepared well, in a thoughtful way and introduces my tastebuds to a new experience. Milk Money checks all of these boxes.

For co-owner Jared Melei and Chef Antonio Wormley, they’ve put a lot of thought into the menu, and it shows. “We wanted a seasonal and local yet globally-inspired menu because we feel, for one, it is a great way to showcase what RI has to offer each season with a variety of different flavors,” they explain. “As for the small plate approach, we want to encourage a more engaging style of dining, and what better way to do that than with food? Whether it’s the food you’re talking about or not, we just want you to be present and talking.”

Trust me, you’ll be talking about the food. Think crispy pork with smoked bacon, cherry marmalade and roasted cauliflower; crisp Brussels sprouts with red wine vinegar, sea salt, curry and chili oil (one of Jared’s favorites); or whole roasted fish with leeks, parsley, ginger, thyme, Hawaiian pink sea salt and sesame soy served with lemongrass farro. Then again, for Chef Antonio it’s all about the grits. To him, they’re “refined nostalgia and utter comfort.”

Dessert is no joke either. Carrot cake is a wonderful thing. But imagine instead of the classic cream cheese frosting, goat cheese combines with whipped cream for a slightly savory and lightly sweet topping, which is then drizzled with caramel.

For them, the atmosphere is also a huge part of the experience, too. Think of a rustic chic vibe with wood, copper and warm lighting filling the space. It’s quite a departure from how Vanity, the previous restaurant, looked. They’ve opened up the windows, shedding new light on the place. “We’re simply aiming for those looking for an enjoyable experience,” they explain. “Be it with food or just drinks, your destination or stop along the way... come out and enjoy yourselves.” 566 South Water Street. 649-4667