Holiday dinner...where to go?

[Mr. Ritz]

Does anyone have suggestions on where to take a small group of five for a holiday dinner?

We're looking for a warm, intimate restaurant that won't completely break the bank and takes reservations on a Friday night in December.

[Solitude_Peace]

Warm and intimate? You'll find that lovely "NY Buzz" at Sienna. Chef Anthony does an amazing job there but its a bit more glossy than it is "warm and intimate".

Friday night in December is a challenge for intimate. Two tips for best results...
1. Choose an intimate time slot, either before or after the "rush" of 6:00 to 8:30.
2. Choose a recognized favorite (Chez Pascal) and go for their Prix Fixe menu, asking for a remote table.

Don't forget to compensate the staff that creates this atmosphere for you, please.

[Dave and Paul]

y not NEW RIVERS?

[Mr. Ritz]

I appreciate everyone's recommendations, but I went with Sienna on Atwells. Chef Joe of Gracie's once told me it was one of his favorite restaurants. I've never been there and I think a lot of Chef Joe and Gracie's, so I went with his suggestion.

[Mr. Ritz]

Critic, there are incidents of crime in every city. If you're scared of bad guys, you better stay under your blanket, locked up in the privacy of your own home.

Newport (population of 24,192) had 117 violent crimes commited in 2007*. Providence (population 173,719) had 973 violent crimes commited*. If you run the numbers based on the population, you'll see that Providence's crime rate isn't all that much higher than Newport's.

*Data source: fbi.gov

[Lisa]

Caffe Itri in Cranston http://www.caffeitri.com/Home_Page.php

[Mr. Ritz]

Thanks for the recommendations. I've lived all over the country and abroad...Providence is a fine city in which I've had zero "mugging" problems. Have you ever been mugged in Providence or been a victim of a crime?