2021 Providence Journal

RI is a cradle of culinary ingenuity and groundbreaking dining. But when did it all start?

Then there is John Elkhay, who's still running five restaurants in his Chow Fun Food Group including Ten Prime Steak and Sushi, Xaco Taco and three Harry's Bar and Burger. His now-closed XO Cafe, opened in 1997, brought yet more legend to the North Main Street block that housed those other destination restaurants with menus unlike any other.

But he first came to Providence in 1987 to open In Prov, in the lobby of the Fleet Center.  It was a menu unlike any other with amazing tapas dishes instead of entrees, and 40 wines by the glass. 

He followed up in 1994 with an Asian-inspired and grilled menu in a nightclub-y atmosphere. That was Atomic Grill, with chef Jules Ramos at the helm. The address was 99 Chestnut St., which so fittingly, was where Joe's had stood so many years before. 

gciampa@providencejournal.com

Full Article: https://www.providencejournal.com/story/entertainment/dining/2021/01/26/looking-back-ris-culinary-giants-and-first-wave-ground-breaking-restaurants/4241575001/