Guest blogger Leanne Orabona from AroundTheTableRI.blogspot.com returns today to share her most recent dining excursion that took her taste buds south of the border—Newport’s own Perro Salado.
Winter is actually one of my favorite times to visit Newport because there are less tourists and amazing local restaurants offer great deals, including Perro Salado. The Charles Street eatery offers a special menu on Tuesday night that includes select entrees at half price! Um...yes please. As Toby and I walked to the door, I swear to you I could smell the Sticky Pork Ribs wafting in the air. Is your mouth watering yet!? It was really busy for a Tuesday and we met our friends Evan and Renee who were at the back bar having a drink before dinner. This is one of my favorite rooms in Perro Salado. Yes, it is small, but that is the best part. There are a few seats at the bar and a few tables for dining (you'll find plenty of tables throughout the historic home turned restaurant). My other favorite part of this restaurant are the fireplaces—there is at least one in every room. When lit this time of year, it makes you feel at home.
We started off with some of Perro's famous margaritas. Toby usually opts for an original but I like to take a walk on the wild side. This time I ordered a cucumber and jalapeno margarita (it's not as spicy as you may think!)
Delish! Renee ordered a virgin blood orange margarita and Evan noticed the stellar beer selection on tap. After being seated, our server filled us in on some of the great half price specials, but I had to order the fish tacos; they are my absolute favorite. Toby had his usual Sticky Pork Ribs. We have probably been to this restaurant 50 times and he has gotten the same thing every time, they are just that good. He loves them so much I thought about getting them as a groom’s gift for him to be delivered to Belle Mer for our wedding in September (best wife ever!) We started off with chips and guacamole which was really the largest bowl of guacamole ever with a mound of chips piled on top. There were also tostones (fried plantains) which are delicious. Then dinner came (as I did a happy dance). The fish tacos were set in front of me and I could not wait to devour them! I usually prefer fish tacos grilled, but it is something about the way these are fried that make them light and airy. Tempura batter maybe? Next time I must to remember to ask their secret. My favorite part of the fish tacos are the pickled onions. It comes as a condiment for many dishes there. How have I never had these before coming here? They completely make this dish.
Now let's talk about what Perro is famous for- Sticky Pork Ribs. These are the best ribs I have ever had in my life. They are like a cross between Chinese sticky ribs and Southern-style BBQ ribs.
They instantly fall off the bone and melt in your mouth. The crunchy, charred outside adds so much flavor, and of course, paired with the pickled onions you cannot go wrong.
This was the first time I have ever got dessert here, and wow, have I been missing out. We ordered sopapilla (fried,puffy tortillas) that were drizzled with spicy chocolate and honey. It was a perfect end to a perfect evening! Big thanks to Renee and Evan for joining us. We ended up talking food all night! (Surprise - my favorite topic…)
Read more of Leanne’s culinary adventures at AroundTheTableRI.blogspot.com.