The Chanler at Cliff Walk

Start with a breathtaking setting. The Chanler was built in 1875 and stands at the foot of the Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile pathway that curves along the Atlantic Ocean with the opulent Newport mansions of the Gilded Age (1880-1920) overlooking.

Then consider the level of disappointment in an experience that offered history, scenery and lousy food. Such pressure is the burden of The Spiced Pear.
Howard Bryant
Senior Writer
ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine
Cellular: (413) 695-8142
Office: (413) 628-4544

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

The Spiced Pear, Newport, RI

Located in the splendid Chanler at Cliff Walk, The Spiced Pear offered a three-course dinner menu that was both solid and spectacular...
Howard Bryant
Senior Writer
ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine
Cellular: (413) 695-8142
Office: (413) 628-4544

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

The definition of spectacular...

I cannot speak for myself because of my numerous deficiencies and delinquencies. The Carpaccio Files was advertised as an "adventure in gastronomy," meaning it would be a running tale of wonder, of wondrous places and wondrous foods and some not so wondrous, but consistent with the theme that food, for better or worse, brings people together.

Instead, the blog has become sporadic, infrequent, ineffective - all because of me. It is my fault, and today, August 8, marks the day this blog returns to its mission, intent on reaching its full and hilarious potential.

Where are we? Newport, Rhode Island, 90 years beyond the Gilded Age, but still dining superbly. For my return, I present to you The Spiced Pear, located in the Chanler Hotel. The following will be a runway of gastronomic offerings...

Howard Bryant
Senior Writer
ESPN.com and ESPN the Magazine
Cellular: (413) 695-8142
Office: (413) 628-4544

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T