Twice a year, once in June and again in October, you have a chance to stroll through one of Providence's most cultural neighborhoods, discovering the treasures at a variety of restaurants, boutiques, and gourmet food shops. Of course you can do that any time, but during the Federal Hill Stroll, you can sample signature cuisine and fine products at 33 of the Hill’s best venues for only $20.

Though the Hill is traditionally famous for its Italian heritage, Indian, Chinese, Mexican, and Japanese cuisines are now part of the Atwells Avenue dining experience. With so many venues and so little time, guests can customize their Stroll route to fit their taste. One party may choose to explore family friendly restaurants like Caserta's Pizzeria, Chef Ho's, or Jessie's, while others may seek out upscale establishments like Eclectic Grille, Aqua Viva or the Blue Grotto. Why not do a taste test comparing different styles of Italian cuisine on the Hill, or be a rebel and visit all the non-Italian venues, such as Don Jose Tequila's, Mia Sushi Bar & Grille and Bombay Club?

I wanted to try them all, waiting impatiently outside Euro Bistro for 4:30. Actually, I poked into a couple of the shops along the way and asked questions. Boutiques and shops along Federal Hill that joined in the stroll offer special discounts, a few have wine and cheese, and one even had a strolling opera singer.

Finally 4:30 struck and the anxious and hungry diners hurried in to get the first samples. Nope, we didn't have a mad stampede like a bunch of rowdy British soccer fans, everyone was pleasant the entire evening. My first sample of the night was Pasta Frijole soup, described on the restaurant menu in simple english, bean and pasta soup.

Euro Bistro was among the most modest of the restaurants. Aqua Viva is part of a three-story dining experience. There, Chef Walter served up samples of chocolate bread pudding and told interested diners all about his excursion into the world of frozen pizzas.

The samples were as varied as the places -- sushi at Mia Sushi Bar & Grille, pasta at the Blue Grotto, bagel and pastries at Bagel Express & Deli, pizza at Sikar.

"The Stroll has become a staple on the Hill and draws visitors from all over the state and the region," said Lauren Nicholson, Director of Communications for the Providence-Warwick Convention and Visitor's Bureau. She explains that the stroll was Originally held only in June. "It has become so popular and the mailing list so long that a second Stroll was added for the Fall season. With Providence's growing reputation as a food destination, we love to showcase Federal Hill as one of the hottest spots to dine. It's a destination within itself and a cultural gem in Providence."

The price includes coupons for two free beverages. I went for a soda from Chef Ho's, chilled over ice down to near-freezing, actually a better choice than wine at one of the boutiques or something a little stronger at restaurants like Eclectic Grille and Naissance.

I ended my stroll, as did almost everyone, at Scialo Brothers Bakery. In total, there were 22 restaurants and 11 boutiques and shops. When 7:30 rolled around, the stroll was over, and I still hadn't sampled the food at Opa's.

Well, maybe next time.

Plan on joining me next time around on the Federal Hill Stroll by calling the Providence Warwick Convention and Visitors Bureau at 401-274-1636 extension 230 or 231, or by registering online at www.GoProvidence.com. Tickets are limited and usually sell out. [an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive]