Open since the beginning of July, the new restaurant on the first floor of the Providence Public Library is sensational.

My friend KG and I were at CHOP (stands for Culinary Hub of Providence and run by the Genesis Center) yesterday for lunch, and the second I walked thru the entrance on Washington Street (yes, they have their very own entrance, separate from the main building), I was struck by how polished the interior looked.

I mean, this used to be a storage space for PPL, but now it’s a deliciously cozy destination with nods to the library (there are several areas where books have been incorporated into the decor), a variety of seating options (counter and table ones, as well as a living room type set-up with beaucoup leather chairs arranged near an enormous window overlooking Trinity Rep and the surrounding streets), and food and sips for every mood and craving.

If you visit one restaurant this month or this summer, take a page outta my book and make it this marvelous spot for breakfast and lunch spot.

They have coffee drinks. Baked goods (we split the salted chocolate chip cookie and I highly recommend copycatting us). The avocado and salmon toasts are both very popular. They also have salads and sandwiches including a Bombay Eggplant Parm that I’m getting next time I go.

KG and I both ended up ordering the Shakshuka, served with homemade focaccia and a green salad, and I loved it — so very tasty.

They are open Monday through Friday, from 10am to 4pm, so make plans to get over there with that friend who lives to try out brand new eateries or your significant other.

Or your old friend who works downtown that you haven’t seen in ages.

Find CHOP at 211 Washington Street in Providence, Rhode Island.

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