Providence Bistro

This place was indeed a hidden secret. You can see Alex's review for a list of all the beers. Quite a nice selection! It pleased me to see all of those quality beers on tap in addition to the fact that those were the ONLY beers on tap. You've got to admire an establishment that has draft beer but which doesn't include any of the big 3. The head chef is a beer fan and subsequently uses these beers in some of the food offerings. Reading the descriptions was making my mouth water and further cemented my intentions of returning. I've got to try some of those dishes! Very casual, yet upscale decor with a Belgian theme and a fair amount of belgian beer breweriana. Most of the patrons of Providence Bistro are of the "high class" type, especially with it being located in Ballantyne... though it is hard to not feel distinguished while sipping on your goblet of fresh ABT 12.

NOTE: My rating for the 'Selection' category is based upon the fact that they only serve Belgians.

Located in a shopping center, the Providence Bistro is an absolute gem just waiting to be discovered. The restaurant is well-appointed, cozy, and warm feeling. The menu is upscale and the dishes are masterfully presented by a well-known chef who loves to cook w/ Belgian ales. Although we didn't eat this time, but the food coming out of the kitchen was beautiful. Menu prices for dinners range from $12-15 for pasta dishes and $18-25 for meats and seafood dishes. Everything on the munu has a very gourmet twist and looked well worth the price.

We sat at the bar where I immediately noticed the Rochefort, Chimay, and other Trappist decorations...sweet. There are only 10 taps, and they are all incredible: St. Bernardus Witte AND Abt 12, Maredsous 10, Chimay White, Val Dieu Blonde, Lindeman's Frambois, Brasserie Des Rocs Grand Cru, and a few other Belgian offerings. The worst thing was Stella Artois, sticking w/ the Belgian theme. Bottled offerings were Rochefort 8 and 10, Orval, Chimay Red and Blue in 12 oz, 750's, and big-ass magnum bottles, Westmalle Dubbel and Tripel, Duvel, Corsendonk, and a few others. The beer menu has a picture of a monastary on it and is aptly titled "The Abbey". I ordered the Abt 12 on draft and it was absolutely sublime! If you think it tastes good in the bottle, you need to try it on draft, simply unbelievable! The Des Rocs Grand Cru was also amazingly fresh and delicious. Nothing like the bottled version, which is still good. The St B 12 is served in a 9 oz St B tasting size goblet for $6.50, and the Des Rocs came in the appropriate Grand Cru goblet from Des Rocs for $5.50.

The bar menu was a little different from the regular menu and had such delights as jumbo sea scallops seared w/ bacon, celery, in St Bernardus Witte bier and Flemish beef stew made w/ Brasserie Des Rocs Grand Cru. Next time we go here we'll make sure we don't eat first! Overall this place kicks ass, I can't wait to go back!

http://abbey.providencebistroballantyne.com/