Restaurant: Impossible

(Food Network, 2011-present) dining/renovation series

S1E2: Chef Robert Irvine helps owner Jerry Porcaro bring Mount Pleasant institution Mainelli's (1366 Chalkstone Avenue, Providence) back from a living death. Providence Journal food critic Gail Ciampa had a part in the show and she confirmed in a column that appeared in advance of the January 26, 2011, airing that much of the episode, despite its veneer of "reality," was heavily scripted. For instance, many problems that had already been solved by Pocaro were trotted back out to increase the before and after differences; a scene in the ProJo offices with Ciampa was staged for effect; and menu prices were set by producers at about double what Mainelli's usually charges. Filming took place in August 2010.

Despite renovations and a revamped menu, Mainelli's closed for good in early 2012. An incident on March 5, 2011, in which a car crashed through the side of the restaurant and into one of the remodeled dining rooms probably didn't help.