Great Escape: Frou Frou at the Duck and Bunny

We’ve all had them, really bad days. Though unfortunately for me, I had an entirely miserable week. Anything that could go wrong certainly went wrong. My husband knew I had been having a really hard week, so while I was getting ready for work, he came in and suggested I take a mental health day. Though at first I felt guilty even contemplating the idea of skipping work for something so seemingly selfish, it didn’t take me long to convince myself that he was right.

So immediately I planned out my day.  My first stop was to my favorite salon, Detail Nails in Barrington. I love Detail Nails because when I step into the salon it’s just like as if I walked in the front door of “Cheers.”  The staff is always so happy to see me. They all know my name, and they are always glad I came.  I’ve been going there for years now and the reason I got back is the staff. It’s not one of those luxurious spas with high end clients with whom I would never have anything in common. But that’s really why I like Detail Nails.  It’s the type of salon you would find the average clientele looking to be prettied up within a reasonable amount of time for a sensible price. Whether you’re there for nails, toes or a wax treatment, the staff is always welcoming, though at the same time they are extremely professional. The best part about Detail Nails is that they accept walk-ins because I am certainly not good with keeping appointments.  

Because I arrived at the salon so early, I was the first (and only) customer. I didn’t have a problem with that.  Time with my “friends” at the salon was just what I needed.  No matter who does your nails, they always want to hear about what’s going on in your life. Though they see hundreds of clients on a weekly basis, they always seem to remember just where I left off.

 So since this was an out of the ordinary day for me, I felt that this time at the nail salon I would shake it up a bit.  Normally my nail color choice is dark and more suitable for winter.  But since warmer weather is around the corner, I thought that I should go with something a bit lighter. For my special day off I wanted a shade in which to immerse myself, and remind me of the concept of relaxation and rejuvenation.  “Bubble Bath” was my ultimate choice.  I always feel like a million bucks when I leave Detail Nails

Because I scurried out of the house so fast, with the fear that I might lose this opportunity to have a day to myself, I realized I left without eating.  So by noon I was quite hungry.  I thought to myself, “What should I do for lunch?”  I knew I wanted to go somewhere special…and not anywhere I had ever been before.  After short time thnking about it, I knew just where to go.  I remembered hearing about this new place.  My book club had gone there a few weeks before. They simply raved about it (of course I was too busy to attend my own book club meeting).  This great escape was called “The Duck and Bunny.” So I called a friend I hadn’t seen in a while and she was overjoyed to be able to join me. 

The Duck and Bunny is located at 312 Wickenden Street, on the East Side of Providence.  We found The Duck and Bunny nestled among the historic architecture. Upon walking through the front door, I felt as if I had found heaven on earth.  It features beautiful shabby chic décor with elegant touches of historic farmhouse charm and artistic uniqueness.  When we were greeted and asked where we would like to sit, we explained that we had never been there before, so the hostess kindly showed us around the restaurant.  Because The Duck and Bunny is a historic home turned restaurant it really does feel homey.  The lighting from the crystal chandeliers was dimmed and soothing music played in the background. The main room is filled with puffy white seating that extends along the length of the outside walls.

As much as I loved all the rooms, the lounge room was by far my favorite.  The lounge consists of giant cushy chairs which sit alongside of, get this…a fireplace!  How much more relaxing can you get then a fireplace?  Sitting on those chairs, knowing that I had the whole day off, my children were being well cared for, and at that moment in time, I did not have to worry about anything, it was just the medicine this stressed-out girl needed. 

As soon as we were snug and made ourselves at home, we decided to order lunch.  The menu featured so many delectable delights from which to choose, I had a hard time picking what I wanted.  But based on my first impression, I felt as if no matter what I chose to eat, I would not be disappointed. I ended up enjoying one of their signature crepe dishes called “The Gordon.”  The dish was comprised of two different items.  On the left plate was a light mixed green salad drizzled with sweet balsamic dressing, and on the right was a very generously sized crepe stuffed with the most perfect tuna salad, sharp cheddar cheese and slices of ripe tomatoes.  My friend claimed she wasn’t hungry, but I know because my meal looked so yummy, she could not help but to snag a few bites for herself.  She ordered a honey latte, which she praised with each sip she took. 

When we finished our meal, we were offered dessert.  Another signature item offered at The Duck and Bunny is their unique, homemade cupcakes.  We  were already very satisfied, so we opted out of dessert. Instead, the server gave us with our bill were two mini sizes of their top seller cupcakes.  We thoroughly enjoyed the sweet almond flavored red velvet cupcake with smooth cream cheese frosting along with the carrot cake cupcake again with the cream cheese frosting.  The cupcakes were the perfect sweet end to the perfect afternoon. 

Because of the comfortable atmosphere of the restaurant and the fantastic service we received we didn’t even want to leave, both of us were so entirely impressed by The Duck and Bunny, we actually sat there for 2 whole hours soaking in the eclectic ambiance. We were treated like guests in a home. It wasn’t even our birthdays, but the treatment was so special you might as well have thought it was. 

 My visit to The Duck and Bunny gave me the opportunity to do something for myself, which was completely necessary (especially being a mother of two young children, who works and attends school full time).  If you’re someone, anyone, who needs a place to go and soak in a relaxing atmosphere reminiscent of your grandmother’s cozy home, laced with stunning tea-room charm, then plan a visit to The Duck and Bunny.  I’m certain it is as close to heaven as we will find here on earth.