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You Go Girl…. to OPA on Federal Hill!
Eat-Up & Belly Dance it off!!!
By GymChick



On any given Friday night you’ll usually find me dining out with my fellow gym-chicks on Providence’s Historic Federal Hill… Generally we like to keep dinner “light” since it usually takes us until well after 9 p.m. to decide where we’re finally going to go! But let’s face it… you just can’t catch a bad meal on “The Hill” – or at least I never have.

A few Friday nights ago was no exception when I stopped in at one of my “newest” favorite places called “OPA” -(The meaning of which translates to: To cheer good health or an exclamatory called out when people are enjoying a performer… More loosely translated it means “You go girl!”) The menu at OPA includes a variety of traditional Middle Eastern dishes such as stuffed grape leaves, tabouli, and hummus but also offers a wide selection of traditional and hearty Italian dishes as well. One of my healthy “faves” on the menu is the OPA salad… a mixed green salad with grilled calamari, salmon, shrimp and scallops. I particularly favor the seafood selection on the menu since it’s grilled and not fried -- Plus, all of the salads are served with homemade dressings that boast a healthy virgin-olive oil base - In addition, fresh pita bread is served alongside all salads and entrees. The salad menu is extensive and includes Salmon Salad, Grilled Calamari Salad, Greek Salad and Caesar Salad – just to name a few! Additional items on the menu include Veggie Pasta, Frutti di Mare, Grilled Chicken with Pine Nuts, Filet Mignon, Lamb and Mixed Grill Kebob… a mixed grill of lamb, filet mignon and chicken served with rice and spring vegetables. If you choose not to deal with the hassle of ordering, sit back and let the chef prepare a mix of twelve “Mezza” items… The “Mezza” consists of appetizers, salads, seafood, vegetables and a mixed grill of specials at just $35 per person (minimum 2 people) – Plus it includes the chef’s choice of dessert to top off your meal – a real treat!

The restaurant is owned by Aline Karam and her husband Joe Karam who is also the chef. Their 2 children Joyce and Francois also help out at the restaurant. OPA is located at 244 Atwells Avenue in the Historic Federal Hill District of Providence.

OPA also offers a full liquor and wine selection including homemade Sangria made with fresh fruit. The restaurant is cozy, romantic and fun all wrapped in one! It’s a great “date” place plus a fun place to just hang out with friends… But the best part??? Okay, aside from the food, it’s the entertainment!! OPA has belly dancing a few days a week -Not only is it fun to watch… but it’s fun to do and great for the abs! So check OPA out soon and feel free to burn-off some of those calories with a little belly dancing with me and my gymchicks some night at OPA! To make reservations call (401) 351-8282.