Living in the city, good clam shacks can be hard to come by. Chef and owner, Ed Raposa, of Thee Red Fez in Providence has set out on a mission to change that. One of Providence's best spots to get a great bite to eat, have a cold 'Gansett and play hours of pin-ball, Thee Fez has been around for 10 years. It's located down a small side street, 49 Peck Street to be exact, in Downtown Providence and the only sign indicating it's location is a small red fez carved in wood hanging out front. Don't let this deceive you. Inside awaits one of Providence's dining gems in a quite, dark, ambient atmosphere. Head upstairs for a night out featuring the full menu until about 10 and then a late-night menu, full bar stocked with plenty of cold Gansett bottles, pinball and some awesome indie rock on the stereo. The decor consists mainly of stuffed hunter's trophy heads, one is even of a boar and vintage beer paraphernalia. Which take a look and you'll see the 'Gansett barrel radio, Gansett trays, a GIQ and more.
Their menu changes about once a month consisting of local fresh ingredients and cater to the tastes of the season. Some classics like grilled cheese, mac 'n cheese, and quesadillas are famous and always on the menu. But recently the Fez has been frying up some tasty Ipswich clams and becoming a clam shack for all to love. You definitely need to start off with their RI Quahog Fritters or a.k.a Clam Cakes. They come with a side of tabasco-remoulade for dipping and are packed with chunks of juicy clam pieces and some diced jalapeno to add a nice kick. Then choose between either the clam roll or clam plate, whole bellies of course, that comes with fries, slaw and more of that delicious tabasco-remoulade for dipping. The clam roll is pictured above and below is the basket of fritters or clam cakes. But you better get there soon. These clams are on special and too good to miss. They are open Monday through Saturday from 5pm to close. Make sure you tip your bartender and buy the kitchen staff a six pack of Gansett. It's the nice thing to do after all.
