I've known Ralph Conte for about 20 years now. Back in the day, Ralph owned Raphael Bar Risto in Providence. At that time, it was not only the best restaurant in town, but The Tunnel Bar at Raphael's was also the hottest singles bar in town.
My buddy, Charles, and I would spend every Friday and Saturday night there, from dinner until closing, chatting with the ladies, sipping cocktails, and enjoying incredible food. As much as that kind of lifestyle can take its toll on your health, so can running a restaurant like that. And after a number of years, Ralph decided to close the doors on our beloved restaurant.
I was heartbroken, not only because it was a favorite hang out at mine, but it was also where I met my wife!
Fast forward a half a dozen years later.
Running a restaurant is in Ralph's blood, so it was no surprise that he opened a smaller, family-run restaurant closer to home. Plum Pt. Bistro in Saunderstown became an instant hit with the locals and there's rarely any empty seat in the house no matter what day you go.
Plum Pt. Bistro is smaller and more manageable than the old Raphael's, and Ralph has his family to help him. His wife, Alyssa, daughter Zoe, and son Raphael, all work at the restaurant. The result is a comfortable atmosphere that makes you feel like you're home. Ralph's skills with Mediterranean flavors has not diminished in the least.
Although I love many of the standards that are on their menu, I always look to the blackboard first for the night's specials. On a recent trip, there was fresh locally caught striped bass, tuna, and black bass. The tuna tartare was sensational. The whole fried black bass, served in a lemon butter caper sauce, with fresh seasonal vegetables and potatoes on the side, was the best whole fish I've had in many years. My daughter devoured the fried zucchini blossoms stuffed with ricotta cheese, sitting on a bed of beautiful marinara sauce. And her favorite regular dish on the menu is the potato gnocchi with pesto. My wife had the lettuce wraps, which were surprisingly fresh and tasty, dipping them in the Asian-style peanut sauce on the side. And a beet salad was raised to the next level by adding a perfectly cooked marinated steak to it.
Plum Pt. Bistro has great bartenders that will make you your favorite cocktail, or create a new favorite for you. My buddy, Skip, from the Raphael days, still works for Ralph behind the bar. And they have a decent wine selection, too. Reservations are highly recommended. You need to call them since they don't offer reservations online.
Plum Pt. Bistro is on the mainland of Rhode Island, right at the end of the Jamestown Bridge...just a stone's throw from Wickford. Absolutely worth the trip if you're spending any time in Newport. Cross the bridges and get some amazing food! Hey...I live on the other side of the state and it's worth the trip for me!
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