Food Bites: Inventive Sushi, Sandwiches, and a Milestone

Sushi gets a next-level Caribbean twist

Two decades ago, I prowled Providence for sushi under the cheeky banner “Sushi Slut” for my column in this magazine. That pursuit for the freshest, most eccentric bites never left me, and walking into Yokomo Sushi Bar instantly rekindled that thrill. Just six months young, it’s the brainchild of Bryan Rivas of La Braza Bar & Grill and Club Live. True to its name, “I eat” in Spanish, this spot is a full family affair, with Rivas’ parents and sister in the mix. And what they’re serving isn’t your standard maki roll. Think Dominican salami, fried cheese, and sweet plantains wrapped in seaweed and rice – the Dominican roll. One bite, and it’s all there: sweet, salty, crisp, creamy. It’s umami dialed up with a Caribbean sass. Rivas puts it best: “It’s not fusion; it’s blending cultures and collaborating.” Yokomo is where date night meets family night, and the city suddenly feels deliciously unique again. 1230 Elmwood Avenue, Instagram: yokomopvd –Jacob Schiffman

Angell Street brasserie celebrates 20

“Since 2005, Red Stripe has been a gathering place for neighbors, students, and families for a quick weeknight meal, date night, and all of life’s important milestones,” says Hector Perez, general manager. “We are honored to have the opportunity to celebrate our own milestone with the community.” The Wayland Square mainstay has built a solid reputation for serving up creatively refined comfort food with an upscale French influence, and the menu boasts a mix of favorites, with seasonal and new items rotating in. The scratch kitchen uses fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced locally in each of its brasserie dishes, and the open kitchen hums with energy, making it easy to settle in and stay a while. The interior balances casual comfort with refined charm: mosaic tile floors, red columns, and dark wood accents give it vintage character, while crisp white tablecloths and fresh flowers add a touch of elegance. Don’t skip the giant cookie pie. 465 Angell Street.

Sublime subs downtown

Providence has plenty of sandwich shops, but let’s be honest, not many really stick the landing. That feeling changed when I hit Debbie’s and ordered the hoagie from the “Not Dogs” section of the menu. We’re talking four different meats stacked just right, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, that tangy “hoagie spread,” mayo, and a slick of Italian dressing. It’s the ultimate cold grinda’ – balanced, flavorful, and dangerously easy to crush in one sitting, which I did. Here’s the wild part: this was the only thing I ordered, and I’m already making plans to go back. The menu is sneaky-versatile with six different hot dogs (the APB has bacon-shallot jam, and there’s a broccoli rabe dog), sides like asparagus salad, and even pierogies. Owner Ed Davis, who’s logged serious miles in the restaurant industry, has created a little café that feels low-key but delivers big. Debbie’s is the kind of spot worth hollering about. 100 Washington Street, DebbiesRI.com –Jacob Schiffman