The Malted Barley

334 Westminster Street

Providence, RI 02903

https://themaltedbarleyri.com

I always thought that if I was to open a restaurant one day, I would focus on one specialty food that I served in creative and unique ways. In my opinion, a restaurant that specializes with one type of food, provides better quality dishes that a restaurant that attempts to fit a never ending amount of diverse options on their menu. The Malted Barley, in Providence RI, focuses all of their attention on created the most delicious gourmet pretzels and this focus allows them to create what I believe to be the best pretzels I have ever tasted.

The Best of the Malted Barley

Jalapeno and Cheddar Stuffed Pretzel with Spinach and Artichoke Dipping Sauce

In my opinion, jalapeno and cheddar is such a magical combination because the spice of the jalapeno cut the heavy, creaminess of the cheddar. Anything stuffed with cheese is obviously a good idea, and a pretzel is no exception. The creaminess of the spinach and artichoke dipping sauce perfectly matches as well as complements the creamy notes of the pretzel's filling.

Garlic and Parsley Pretzel with Pesto Dipping Sauce

This form of pretzel was simply coated in its flavoring rather than stuffed, but I believe that the lack of filling showcased the soft perfection of the pretzel's insides. The key to a perfect pretzel is a stiff and solid exterior, with a warm, pillowy interior. This pretzel paired so well with the pesto dipping sauce because the parsley and garlic flavors coating the pretzel, were mimicked by the flavorful herb combination in the sauce.

Chipotle Pepper and Smoked Gouda Stuffed Pretzel with Beer Cheese Dipping Sauce

Just as jalapeno's perfectly complement cheddar, smoked gouda is complemented by chipotle peppers. All of this pepper and cheese pairings is giving me a new idea for a cheese platter post (prepare yourselves!). Lastly, no pretzel tasting would be complete without a beer-cheese sauce to dunk in!