There’s a brand NEW restaurant in the spot formerly occupied by Culinary Affair on Oaklawn Avenue, and my husband & I stopped by MAKMAK Eatery for an early dinner yesterday. (I was curious about the name and it’s apparently a nod to the owners’ son’s name, specifically his initials.)

The new owners have completely revamped the interior, adding more seating to the dining room area (hallelujah) , some big screens, new lighting (including candles on all the tables), and more, ultimately creating a cozy vibe and making it their own.

The hostess — also the co-owner and proprietor — greeted and seated us immediately, letting us know about how they source so much locally (including the bread which is from Seven Stars and their coffee which is from upper New England).

Let me just tell you that everything we ordered was super fresh and absolutly scrumptious.

I even LOVED the oil she brought out with the bread. Not sure what it was but it was both smooth and tasty.

Next Tom & I split a Caesar salad and proceeded to inhale an order of their tots made with crab meat (a nice seafood twist on traditional tots), stuffed mushrooms (delectable), and a cheese pizza with thin crust that was a DELIGHT. It was not loaded with layers of cheese and it just had so much FLAVOR.

I hear they’ll also be offering weekend brunch and I can promise you that we will go back in the near future for THAT.

Our meal was very appetizer or small plate heavy: If you’re looking for mains and such, rest assured that they have many of those for you, from burgers, chicken sandwiches, and pasta to fish n’ chips, lobster risotto, and a tomato bisque.

Again, they are open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

They are also taking online reservations which you’ll probably want to take advantage of, especially if you have a large group.

Find MAKMAK at 650 Oaklawn Avenue in Cranston, Rhode Island.

As always, if you go after reading THIS, please let them know you were inspired by Patty J and PattyJ.com.