Newport Restaurant Week 2014 and The Grand Budapest Hotel

Considering how long it has taken for Mother Nature to be kind this spring--loads of snow, wind, and rain--today was definitely one of the nicest days of the year so far.

Even better, it was the perfect day for a lunch at Castle Hill Inn for Newport Restaurant Week with Ryan.

With the exception of one occasion, Ryan and I have always done Newport Restaurant Week together (The Mooring, White House Tavern). I had eaten at Castle Hill Inn before, but since Ryan had not, the second last day of Newport Restaurant Week granted us the opportunity to enjoy one of Newport's most beautiful views and most delicious dishes.

The Drink: Spring Green Tea cocktail 

**If you love gin, you'll love this 

The Appetizer: Steamed Pei Mussels

Smoked seaweed broth, red chiles, toasted baguette

The Entree: Roasted Atlantic Salmon

Farro risotto, pearl onions, creamed escarole

Dessert: Vacherin a la Rhubarbe

Rhubarb sorbet, rhubarb jam, crispy meringue, vanilla Chantilly

We took some time before and after lunch to walk around Brenton Park before heading downtown to see a certain movie...

I really enjoyed The Grand Budapest Hotel, but I feel like you have to watch it several times to notice all of the subtle details that make the film a masterpiece. I would definitely recommend seeing it in the Jane Pickens Theater in Newport, which will be screening the film through Thursday April 24.