Mr. & Mrs. Pennypinchers

Castle Hill Inn (Newport, Rhode Island)

Establishment: Castle Hill Inn
Address: 590 Ocean Drive, Newport 02840 RI
website: http://www.castlehillinn.com/

Mr. P and I were very excited of the Newport Restaurant Week 2012. We actually wanted to try all the restaurants participating however, Mr. P is a hardworking man hence we only tried one and we picked the “preppiest” place.

When Mr. P proposed I moved to USA from United Arab Emirates. I was working as a Guest Relations Supervisor in a luxury hotel. I am obsessed with “preppies” and wanted to be one. Or at least dress like one. But, I cant. My idea of a preppy is a skinny girl with a stepford wife attitude. And, as I moved here I gained a lot of weight. I love eating. That’s why.

It was a rainy Saturday and I hate the rain. No offense to farmers. But I really do. When I was a kid in a small town in the Philippines, everytime it rains there is also a leak in our roof. It just makes me sad. Sometimes mad. But whatever the case may be, I just got a bit cranky on that specific Saturday.

Here’s a confession. As I googled their website I thought to myself, I think I would like to work there. As we pulled to the parking area (while it was drizzling) Mr. P wanted to strike a conversation. I snapped and asked him if he wants to have a talk in the rain. So I went ahead and he followed.

The Doorman/Bellman greeted us with a smile. I asked for the restaurant and he immediately escorted us to the Hostess’ desk. The Hostess (or whatever her position may be) was wearing a black suit/skirt and a red 3 inch heels, asked us if we have a reservation to which I replied NO and she told us of a 45 minute wait (perhaps because we do not exude the old money or perhaps because I am Asian) and as I see it, there were not a lot of people when we arrived. In all fairness, she suggested we dine at the Lounge instead of the 45 minute wait. Which was also convenient. Perhaps, I should have dressed in a cocktail and wore a hat like the one the Duchess of Cambridge wear. 

Anyway, Mr. P and I calmly went to the Lounge and the Bartender got a little confused as we were discussing if we can sit on the bar and further opted for a small table. The bartender was very helpful and appears to be professional. He took our orders and came back to ask if the food is fine.

There was a Manager who approached us as we are enjoying our appetizers and asked if we needed anything. He further offered a toast with Hawaiian butter.

Appetizers:

Littleneck Clams
(Smoked seaweed, garlic, red chiles, parsley, Vinho Verde broth)

Mr. P and I decided to order the same appetizer and we loved it. It was tasty and not as filling as a the clam chowder. Whenever I order a chowder I seem to be full and cant finish my main course. So the littleneck was a smart choice for me.

For our Main course:
 
Mr. P had the Reuben
(House brined & cooked Hereford brisket, sauerkraut, Jarlsberg cheese, marble rye)

I had the Scottish Salmon
(English pea risotto, pancetta, winter greens, bouillabaisse sauce)

We both love what we ordered. I specifically like the salmon which was cooked perfectly. Mr. P finished the plate which should be a kudos to the chef.

Dessert:
 

We both had German Chocolate Cake
(Pecan-coconut caramel, vanilla ice cream, toffee crunch)

Now this dessert is phenomenal. I love it. I love the explosion of coconut in my mouth. It was almost delirious! 

After much thought of how far I need to walk, bike or drive from our crib to this establishment, I decided not to pursue working in here. Not that I am already hired but I think there is a long list of the inconvenience it will bring plus the fact that the next hotel/resort called the Oceancliff looks way bigger. 

To sum it up, its a great place and the food was amazing. The service provided by the staff is above average (minus the red shoes which was really distracting) and I guess if I have my “hoity toity” friend from Canada visits I can recommend this place.