Three Upscale Rhode Island Restaurants Perfect For Business Meetings

Known to many as G Money, Ahmed Alomari is a businessman and consultant who epitomizes the American dream. From humble beginnings as a pizza delivery driver with a failed vending machine business, to a personal trainer-by-day, cab driver-by night, he is someone who started with little-to-nothing.

Things changed when he managed to convince the owner of the pizza shop he worked at to rent out half of the property to open up a smoothie shop of his own. It was with this first business endeavor that he learned what it takes to run a business. And soon thereafter he taught himself, along with the help of mentors, how to invest in and out of volatile liquid penny stocks.

After fortuitously coming across a viral story about a marketer who made $100k on Facebook, he pivoted and focused his efforts on social media content, marketing and celebrity news. Using the power of viral content and connections in the celebrity space, he created PrimeTime Media, a company that caught the eyes of former MySpace executives that ended up buying it in 2016.

Fast forward to today, he’s built multiple companies in the social media space, as well as in e-commerce, education and lifestyle spaces. He currently consults, mentors and coaches in the business world, sharing his inspirational story via motivational lectures and one-on-ones with hungry entrepreneurs.

When Ahmed Alomari is home, here are his three top picks for business meetings in Rhode Island.

Spain Restaurant

In the heart of Cranston, Spain Restaurant offers an upscale, fine dining atmosphere with a menu full of classic Spanish dishes. Perfect for impressing clients and students alike, the eatery serves up flavorful dishes that captivate with enticing aromas and spices. Popular starters include Portabella Spain stuffed with shrimp, sea scallop in a sherry cream sauce; Clams Casino stuffed with a blend of chicken, chorizo and pork; a selection of freshly baked empanadillas and more.

The extensive menu offers traditional Spanish entrees like Paella Valenciana with shrimp, sea scallops, clams, mussels, chorizo, chicken, calamari in a saffron rice; as well as dishes like Veal Spain Bone-in veal chop stuffed with lobster, shrimp, and smoked ham, topped with a roasted mushroom Malaga wine sauce; and Pollo Al Limon with lightly battered tenderloin cutlets, pan seared in a lemon white wine sauce, served with mashed potatoes. Be sure to leave room for dessert the Tres Leches is top notch!

Hemenway’s Restaurant

Another great restaurant in Rhode Island for a meeting is Hemenway’s, located on the river in downtown Providence. The premiere seafood destination is known for serving up the freshest and highest quality dishes in the area. They off a Power Lunch Special, which any entrepreneur will tell you is impressive. The first course starts with an option of award-winning chowders in either the New England Clam or Rhode Island Clam styles. Or you can opt for one of their salads like the classic Caesar.

For a second course choose from a range of options such as Pan Roasted Sea Bream with mixed grain and jasmine rice pilaf, baby arugula, green olive tapenade, lemon tarragon beurre blanc; or an incredible Smoked Salmon Salad with shaved fennel, pea greens, arugula, asparagus, shaved carrots, yellow beets, toasted almonds, and creamy herb dressing. The meal wraps up with a fresh baked cookie and coffee — the perfect way to end your meeting.

The Dining Room at Castle Hill Inn

Lastly, The Dining Room at Castle Hill Inn in Newport is one of the most impressive and memorable settings to enjoy a meal. Residing inside the historic Agassiz Mansion, built in 1875, here you will find a highly curated tasting experience. This is a true farm-to-table experience with local seafood fished from the waters around Aquidneck Island to orchard produce and artisanal cheeses, all sourced from around Rhode Island amd greater New England.

Indulge in Chef Lou Rossi’s six-course tasting menu that includes wine pairings that features items like Rhode Island oysters; farm fresh vegetables; chilled foie gras; Nishiki Rice alongside lobster and sea bass. Desserts finish up the delicious evening with canela paired with chocolate, strawberry, rhubarb and carrot flavored sweets.