GoLocalProv | Politics | Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? – November 3, 2023

HOT

She’s From Cranston, He’s From the DR – Together, They May Have Created the Next Hot Restaurant

Nathaniel Lopez was born in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States when he was 21 — and always dreamed of owning a restaurant.

Michelle Gradus Parenteau grew up in Cranston, went to school for fashion marketing, and is now a top residential and commercial interior designer. 

And in typical Rhode Island fashion, they were introduced through a mutual friend.

Lopez — along with partner Henry Casso — was planning on opening “Nathaniel’s Bistro” in Lincoln, when he saw Parentau’s work.

“I did a kitchen in Cranston, and my client is a friend of Nathaniel’s, and I got a text message out of the blue from him,” said Parenteau, who owns Michelle Lee Designs. 

For Parenteau, it was a match made in heaven — when she first sat down with Lopez, he embraced her vision. 

“I always talk with the client about the story they’re trying to tell,” said Parenteau, whose interior design resume includes working on Wickford on the Water, Mesa Cafe in Cranston, Mews Tavern, and more.

“I love when they’re not afraid of color. They wanted wild and a wow factor at Nathaniel’s Bistro — I said I will create that ‘wow’ for you with materials and texture,” she said. 

And for Lopez, the recent opening is the culmination of a lifelong journey. 

“I have always dreamed of running a big restaurant like this,” said Lopez. 

READ MORE

Nathaniel’s Bistro. PHOTOS: Grace Lentini