Contributing blogger Leanne Orabona from AroundTheTableRI.blogspot.com returns today to share her most recent dining excursion that took her to 22 Bowen's Wine Bar & Grille for the wallet-friendly, mouth-watering Dinner for Two special served up on Friday nights in winter...
My most recent assignment as a Stem to Stern blogger was to experience the Dinner for Two special offered 
every Friday night during these blustery winter months (who am I kidding, the weather this winter in RI has been amazing!) at 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille. I had been to 22 Bowen's once before during Newport Restaurant Week in 2010 and was overjoyed with the idea of eating there again.
Dinner for Two includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert as well as a bottle of Beringer Stone Cellars Cabernet or Chardonnay, all for only $65.22. I’m a sucker for a good prefix menu and let me tell you, these entrees were no run of the mill fare. It seemed like each dish outdid the previous one and by the time we finished reading the menu, my mouth was watering! This is hands down the best prefix Toby or I had ever seen--options included salmon, rib eye, sirloin, pork and lobster ravioli. Let’s start with the basics…
Atmosphere
There is something about Newport in the winter that makes me so happy. There are no tourists shuffling about and you don't have to wait for a table in a top restaurant. 22 Bowen's is located on historic Bowen's Wharf, which is arguably the hub of downtown Newport. The atmosphere is full of ornate wood and dim mood lighting. It is a perfect date night spot or a place to wow out-of-town guests. We were seated overlooking the wharf and my husband instantly commented on how comfortable the chairs were–an often underrated element in enjoying a great meal.
Service
Our waiter Fabio was incredible. I actually overheard the table next to us singing this man's praises. He was attentive all night and was so knowledgeable about the menu. Our wine glasses were never more than half empty as Fabio was never more than 10 feet away for a quick refill. His thoughtfulness was refreshing and his enthusiasm about the food was contagious. By the time we ordered our food we nearly giddy with excitement. And now for the main course…
Food
As with any restaurant review, all elements of the experience are important, but the food is king. In this particular case, that expression rings true because the meal truly stole the show. Absolutely every dish was amazing,starting with their rolls. You have to try these rolls. My favorites were studded with warm cranberries. Spread some of their whipped butter on them and you can officially die a happy foodie! You don't even need the dinner!
For appetizers, I ordered the New England style clam chowder and Toby had a classic Caesar salad. About the clam chowder: WOW. It was rich, creamy, and delicious, plus there was an abundance of tender clams and potatoes: perfect for 
a winter’s night in RI. Toby’s Caesar was done just right with thick slices of parmesan cheese and croutons with just the right amount of crunch. What was especially nice about the salad was the portion size. Too often we order salads that end up being larger than the entree. Not tonight, it was the perfect size!
On to the entrees…I ordered the pork with shredded potatoes and bacon and sautéed greens. The pork was tender, juicy, and flavorful. The potatoes were rich and the greens gave a nice contrast. The pork was covered in an apple cider reduction which cut the richness of the potatoes. There was so much food on this plate there was no way I could eat it all!
Toby decided on the grilled rib eye steak. The steak was cooked to a perfect medium temperature and the juices that ran when he cut into it just highlighted the amazing flavors. Looking at the photo you can tell this was no prefix menu-sized
steak. It was a solid 10-12 oz.—more than enough to feed most hungry husbands, and Toby's eyes lit up as it was brought to the table. It was served with gorgonzola mashed potatoes (cue eyes rolling back into your head in delight) stuffed into freshly made popovers. Seriously? Could this dish get any better? I have to admit, I ate almost all of his mashed potatoes while he was preoccupied with the steak. I couldn't keep my fork off of his plate. Popovers and potatoes; I’m going have to try this one at home!
We finished with the same dessert: Crème Brule (our favorite). As with Toby’s Caesar salad, these deserts were perfectly sized; a small portion for each of us with a few freshly baked cookies on the side. The final dish
offered a flawless creamy consistency and the sugar topping was torched to perfection (my favorite part!).
One last underrated feature of a good meal is the pace. Both Toby and I commented throughout the meal how well paced the meal was. The staff was not trying to turn over the table and we were not being rushed in the slightest. There was a perfect amount of time between courses so we were able to enjoy the night and get ourselves ready for the next course.
The overall experience of this meal was outstanding and I urge you to make a reservation for this Friday Night delight—there may not be a better deal in all of Newport. Better yet, get a few friends together and make a night of it. Have some wine, remarkable food, and enjoy the company and view. You will not be disappointed.
For more on lunch and dinner specials at 22 Bowen's visit www.22bowens.com. Read more of Leanne’s culinary adventures at AroundTheTableRI.blogspot.com.