When it comes to the Rhode Island food scene, Gracie’s has long been the ultimate in grown up restaurant experiences.

You didn’t have to be a card carrying foodie or social media sensation to appreciate the polished yet comfy interior, the bread basket (deserving of its own stand alone post quite honestly), the carefully curated menu, and their emphasis on local ingredients and sustainability. Speaking of which, one of the highlights of my entire 2016 was being part of a tour of their rooftop garden that sits a few blocks away at the tippity top the Peerless Building downcity.

It certainly wasn’t the kind of place you’d go and awkwardly contort yourself in order to take an Insta worthy food photo or “fandid” (aka, a faux candid) for Instagram, although for the record I have discreetly taken I-Phone photos here and there. (See below.)

It was a dine-in destination where you would ultimately put your phone to the side and truly focus on the phenomenal food, drink, and company — because frankly, you only took people there that you genuinely cared about. Your significant other. Or someone that you wanted to be your S.O.. That wonderful friend who would never think of ghosting you, even at your most annoying or neediest. Or a business associate you desperately needed to impress.

If it were a celeb, it would be Julianne Moore. Or Julia (Roberts). Maybe Meryl. (Remember when she played Julia Child in Nora Ephron’s last film, Julie & Julia? That one’s a must watch, or rewatch, right now.)

They were also the first restaurant to close when this all began.

Ellie’s, their sister eatery across from PPAC, has since opened for carryout and I am most definitely going to order something from there this weekend.

One of the first things I did this morning, though, was hop online and buy a ticket for the virtual wine event that Gracie’s is hosting this Saturday night at 7pm.

I mean, I’ve always wanted to learn more about wine.

And why not support an award winning Providence restaurant that’s been there for us for some of our best (happiest) times?

They deliver a bottle to your doorstep and then, on Sat. evening, you log into a Zoom class featuring Gracie’s certified sommeliers and also a special guest winemaker from Two Mountain Winery in Washington state.

Spots are limited (to only 14 in total, I believe), so check out their site sooner rather than later for ticket info and more deets.