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Barrington: Watch incredible sunsets and
Barrington: Rumstick Point! Sun-filled classic
Barrington: The charm of yesterday with the
experience year-round season oceanfront beauty from one of Barrington’s rarest vantage points. Custom built in 2001, this 3+ bedroom, 2.5 bath waterfront property makes you feel as if you are on a yearly vacation. $1,375,000
1926 colonial with antique barn & stone walls. 1st floor master, bay windows, French doors, hardwoods, huge family room/kitchen, 1st floor laundry, open floor plan, high ceilings, brick patio, circular drive, beautiful private grounds. $819,000
amenities of today. 1930’s Cape Ann design with new kitchen (granite counters, custom maple cabinets, new appliances), fabulous master bath (airjet whirlpool, dual sinks, marble shower), 2 staircases, 2nd floor rec room. $799,900
Barrington: Walk to town or water from this
Barrington: Smith’s Cove – one of Barrington’s
Barrington: Immaculate gambrel style home on
very special, updated 1938 colonial in the heart of Rumstick Village. 3-4 bedrooms with 3 full baths, large eat-in kitchen, Wolf range, stainless. Slate patio and large, private back yard. $769,000
most desirable neighborhoods. Many features including an exceptional 25,801 sq. ft. lot, fenced yard with 20x40 in-ground pool, updated kitchen & family room, large screened in porch & deck. Very special! $759,000
unique cul-de-sac with ¾+ acres. Inviting floor plan with hardwoods, brick fireplace, gracious entry, sunroom and spacious office/guest room. Enjoy brand new master bath. Spectacular yard. Very special home. $535,000
Warren: Sophisticated single level corner unit
Bristol: Sunny North Farm townhouse with open
East Providence: Pretty as a picture 1940’s
with sunny, open floor plan. Cathedral great room with fireplace open to fabulous sunroom with walls of windows. Sunny kitchen with breakfast nook. Freshly painted interior, new carpet, 2 decks. Move in condition! $369,000
floor plan and water/sunset views. Move in condition. Fireplace, central air. Enjoy beach, bike path, pool, clubhouse & tennis. $259,900
cape with open floor plan, large kitchen and dining room. 2 full baths, 1st floor bedroom. 3 bedrooms plus multi use room on 2nd. Lower level rec coom. Hardwoods, beadboard, sprinklers. $224,900
259 County Road, Barrington, RI 401.245.9600 • ResidentialProperties.com Barrington • CumBerland • east greenwiCh • narragansett • ProvidenCe • reloCation
Experience Bristol Elements
March 10–April 29
Ponder the elements as filtered through the artist’s minds and hands. The opening reception on March 10, 4 to 8 pm, includes live music by Harpist Rebecca Blomgren.
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Contents Photography: (L) Melissa Stimpson, (R) James Jones
March 2012
17 This Month 17 Cheesemongers in Paradise
20 27 Live Well This Old House makes over a Barrington beach shanty 29 Connoisseur 30 Shop Around 32 Homestyle
Meet the folks who produce and sell cheeses that will make you melt
20 An Insider Look Take a peek at the fabulous homes of
35 Taste Experience Thailand in the East Bay 37 Review 39 Drink 40 Connoisseur 41 Newsbites 42 Dining Guide
these talented local designers
Every Month 8 The Bay List 9 Editor’s Note/Letters
45 Gallery What’s good for the goose is good for the gander at Island Moving Company 46 Calendar 48 Artistry 49 On Stage
50 Just Add Water Watch out for frostbite
11 The Buzz A community rallies to save a beloved store in Warren
On the Cover: Mark Lawton at home in South
12 On the Bay 14 Bay Views
Dartmouth. Photography by James Jones. March 2012 | The BAY
5
Olde China Trader High quality Chinese antiques and products reminiscent of the China Trade in the 19th Century Continuing to sell online and by appointment from our Bristol Warehouse
The Bay, 1070 Main Street, Suite 302 Pawtucket, RI 02860 • Fax: 401-305-3392 www.thebaymagazine.com thebay@thebaymagazine.com For advertising rates call: 401-305-3391
Contributor
Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer Matt Hayes John Howell Publishing Director Jeanette St. Pierre Executive Editor Julie Tremaine Assistant Editor Erin Swanson Special Projects Manager John Taraborelli
For appointment call:
mike 401-243-4511 | mary 401-378-8483 marie 401-499-7021 Warehouse: 244 Metacom Ave (Rt. 136) Bristol, RI oldechinatrader@hotmail.com
www.oldechinatrader.com
Art Director Alli Coate Assistant Art Director Karli Hendrickson
Judith Gardner Photographer
Judith Gardner launched her
South American Wine Dinner March 15th $60.00 per person
(plus tax and gratuity) seats are limited - call for reservations.
career as a photographer by spending eight years freelancing for East Bay Newspapers. She is an award-winning photographer who holds a Certification in Digital Photography from The Rhode Island School of Design. Whether capturing a windswept rocky shoreline, the spirit of a community or the joy of the seasons, her deep passion for the maritime history of Rhode Island is reflected in her photography. She spent her childhood summers in Jamestown, resided on Prudence Island, in Newport and presently lives in Bristol. She has a line of greet-
Full Menu 12pm-10:30pm M-Sat 12pm-9:30pm Sunday Breakfast Daily 7am-12pm DeWolf Tavern at Thames Street Landing 259 Thames Street, Bristol • 254-2005 www.DeWolfTavern.com • dewolftavern@yahoo.com 6
the Bay | March 2012
ing, post cards and prints in both traditional and digital art
Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas Graphic Designer Meghan H. Follett Account Managers Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher Nicole Greenspun Elizabeth Riel Dan Schwartz Sharon Sylvester Kim Tingle Jessica Webb Illustrator Eloise Narrigan Photographers Amy Amerantes Mike Braca Judith Gardner
James Jones Kate Kelley Laurel Mulherin
Contributing Writers Jamie Merolla Keith Andrade David Nelligan Michael Clark James Pierce David Dadekian Caitlin Quinn Meagan Gann Rebecca Remillard Dawn Keable Bethany Vaccaro Patricia McAlpine Andrea E. McHugh Interns Emily Gardner Samantha Gaus Courtney Little
Michelle Reis Eilish Shaffer
Member of:
available at Paper, Packaging and Panache in Bristol and Ship’s Store and Rigging in Portsmouth.
We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission. Copyright ©2012 by Providence Media, All rights reserved. Printed by Gannett Offset.
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Tips, Deals, Reviews, Events Calendar & Resource Directory For Everything Fitness In RI
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Get an Up Close and Personal Look
Bristol and Warren’s first Art Night kicks off in high style on March 29, as featured artists Debbie Gonville Miller and Janice Lee Kelly, both of Warren, offer open studio tours. The Bay is happy to sponsor the season: Art Night will be held throughout the year on the last Thursday of every month through November. Not only Providence Media can participants stroll through galleries, they can also have access to the artists’ Spot ads: 2.125" x 2.875" personal work spaces. A free trolley service will run and local shops and restauJanuary 4, 2012 premieres now–may 27 rants will offer incentives. Visit www.artnightbristolwarren.org for more details. Details are also available on our website at www.thebaymagazine.com, including January 10, 2012 Providence Monthly, February Issue profiles of the month’s featured artists and a map of participating galleries. MERCEDES BENZ
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Providence Media Spot ads: 2.125" x 2.875" January 4, 2012
and Community
The Newport Art Museum has been bringing art to Rhode Island for 100 years, enhancing the life of Newport and surrounding communities with its programming and exhibits. Join them in their 2012 Centennial Celebrations, which will be taking place all year long with a Centennial Gala to be held on July 7 at the museum. It will be an elegant evening with cocktails, dinner by Russell Morin Fine Catering and dancing to the Mac Chrupcala Orchestra. Details for the gala and the other celebratory events will be posted online at www.newportartmuseum.org.
BAY SPONSORED
A Season of Plays in Warren
The Bay is a proud sponsor of 2nd Story Theatre’s season. Recently staged productions have included Little Women, which Bob Colonna adapted for stage, and Richard Greenberg’s Take Me Out. Currently playing is Tracy March 13, 2012 Providence Monthly, AprilLetts’ Issue August: Osage County, now through April 1. Be sure to join us in supporting March 28, 2012 East Side Monthly, May Issue this worthy theatre. Tickets and showtimes are available online. www.2ndstorytheatre.com.
a restaurant
April11, 2012 Bay Magazine, May issue
READ MORE
Join us for live entertainment
Every Wednesday beginning March 13th 285 Water Street, Warren, RI 401-289-2265 • traffordrestaurant.com
8
the Bay | March 2012
Log On The Bay’s new website provides one more way for you to stay connected to the events and people that make the area so great. Log on to read restaurant reviews, see photo galleries or learn about the many events that are going on around town. Register via the link in the top left corner of our homepage so that you can comment on articles and post your own events on our user-friendly community calendar. www.thebaymagazine.com
Editor’s Note
Bay
Good Taste The design-inclined among us – or, at least, those of us who appreciate the design inclinations of others – dream of having magazine-ready homes, where everything is picture perfect and beautifully curated. This month, we look to the professionals of interior design for insight into their talent and aesthetics – but rather than have them just tell you how to decorate your home, we have them show you by
showing off their own homes. Read on for a glimpse into the private houses of local home aesthetes. Actually, there’s a lot of good taste in this issue. David Dadekian, our resident food writer, delves into the art of fine culture – cheese culture, that is, in his feature story. We also celebrate 30 years of the Island Moving Company, take a smarter look at shopping in Swansea and talk to a connoisseur
of handmade pasta. And, if you can’t wait to see how the renovated seaside cottage that’s the current project on This Old House turns out, we’ve got that, too. Enjoy the month.
I just finished reading your wonderful article about the Community String Project [“Playing with Heart,” February, 2012]. Thank you for telling its story. The pictures of the young children and their candid comments tell it all. Music is fun and rewarding and is available to all children as a result of this program. Bruce Carlsten Board member, Community String Project What a fantastic article and photos [“Playing with Heart,” February, 2012]. Please commend writer Michael
Clark and photographer James Jones for that excellent piece. The photos with quotes was a terrific idea. You have done a great service to our organization. Bob Arsenault Chair, Community String Project Sweet! I wanted to let you know that the article that Erin Swanson wrote about Uncle Matty’s Coffee Syrup [“Near and Dear to our Rhode Island Hearts,” February, 2012] was great and really well written. I thank you so much.
Check out these great deals in The Bay this month!
25% off hookah purchase
From Our Readers Music to My Ears
! s n i a g r Ba
My Shisha page 3 Winter Wonderland for All This year was an especially challenging one for Adopt-a-Family. We realize that economic issues affected many of our donors and volunteers, but that did not curtail your generous support. With Providence Media’s help, we provided a happy Christmas for 2,261 children. The Adopt-a-Family board members thank you for your support and dedication, and we look forward to working with you in 2012. Catherine Savage President
Matt McElroy Uncle Matty’s Company
Send us a letter
Email us a letter to the editor to thebay@thebaymagazine.com and it could be published in an upcoming issue.
Read us online
Full issues of all our magazine available on www.thebaymagazine.com
Find us on Facebook Reach out to us at the Bay Everyday
Buy 10 get 1 free Blue Buffalo Dog Food Woof! Woof! Pet Boutique and Biscuit Bar page 34
Free bottle of wine with 2 dinner entrees (Monday through Thursday)
The Wharf Tavern page 34
Get $5, when you spend $25 (March 17-23)
Children’s Orchard page 36
20% off your Prom Purchase Feminine Fancies page 40
March 2012 | The BAY
9
FirstWorks Presents
Photo by Paul B. Goode
A Master at the Peak of his Powers
presenting our seasonal specials
3-course prix-fixe menu
choice of starter, entree & dessert SERVED SUNDAYS - THURSDAYS / $19.95
lobster special
SERVED MONDAYS / $19.95
half price sunsets
join us during sunset at the bar monday - friday, from 4:00pm - 6:00pm for 1/2 price appetizers *offer
valid at the bar only, restrictions may apply
newport restaurant week march 23 - april 1
enjoy ten delectable days with three-course prix-fixe dinners expertly crafted by chef jon cambra.
Bill T. Jones /Arnie Zane Dance Company Story/Time World Premiere Tour
Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones layers movement, language and music for an exhilarating full company performance of 70 stories in 70 minutes.
March 10, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $18 vmari.com, 401-421-ARTS (2787)
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE SEASONAL PROMOTIONS
227 schooner dr. tiverton, ri 401.624.6300 | boathousetiverton.com *promotions
may not be available on holidays, other restrictions may apply
10
the Bay | March 2012
first-works.org
The Buzz
People and places on the bay
Photography: Judith Gardner
12
Saving an Institution
Warren residents recently banded together to boost a beloved business
March 2012 | The BAY
11
Buzz on the bay
20 YEARS STRONG
Children Can Play and the Mess Stays Away
SHOW SUPPORT
Community Rallies to Save Struggling Hardware Store On January 27, a call went out amongst friends on Facebook. William Schaff and Mark MacDougall posted: “This is a call out to those of us in Warren. Our beloved Mercier’s Hardware is looking like it’s closing down, after being a family run store for three generations… Let’s make it a point to go into Mercier’s on Wednesday, February 1, and each buy one thing. They are open from 7:30am-5:30pm. We can either keep them in business or at least send them out with a bang.” Within moments, 29 of their friends shared the status with their Facebook friends, and a movement was born. Mercier’s Hardware has been in business since 1923. Owner Gary Wagenbach says, “[February 1] was the best day I’ve had in five years.” The store was opened by his wife’s grandfather, and was run by both 12
the Bay | March 2012
his wife’s father and uncle until she and Wagenbach bought it over 20 years ago. “We were going to close a few times,” says Wagenbach. “It’s hard to survive out there. We’re doing everything we can to stay alive.” The store owner went on to say, “I was surprised to see so many people come in that day, even people who had never been in before.” The fact that Wagenbach notices (and personally interacts with) every person who walks through his doors says a lot right there about what kind of store Mercier’s Hardware is. There will be many heavy hearts if the shop eventually closes its doors for good. If residents of Warren and surrounding towns continue to rally together and support this familyrun spot, perhaps that won’t have to occur. 193 Water Street, Warren. 401-245-8964. –Erin Swanson
chine, shaped like an egg, can blow bubbles continuously and won’t cause a wet mess if tipped upside down. The additional new toys are the No-Spill Squeeze ‘n Blow PopUp Bubbles (a traditional twist top bubble container with a no-spill lid) and the No-Spill Bubble Whistle. Put your mops in the closet and let your little ones play worry-free. www.littlekidstoys.com. –Erin Swanson
GOOD CAUSE
A Horse is a Horse, Of Course Horse owners and enthusiasts should check out the Bristol County Horsemen’s Association Equipment & Tack Sale, to take place on March 18 from 9am-2pm at the Bristol County Agricultural High School in Dighton. Not only will there be great items for sale – everything from horse bridles and saddles to stirrups and riding clothes – but also exciting hourly raffles. Snacks and refreshments will be available to buy. Reserve a table and you’ll be able to sell your own unused horse items (and other household items,
for that matter) for cash. The price to reserve is $20 per table for individuals and organizations; BCHA members can reserve for $10 a table. Admission to the sale itself is free and open to all. The Bristol County Horsemen’s Association is as committed to its goals as it was when it first began 25 years ago: to support equine-related activities, safe riding practices, and responsible horse ownership in the Bristol community and beyond. 135 Center Street, Dighton; 508-252-5737, www. bchaonline.org. –Meagan Gann
Photography: Judith Gardner
Gary Wagenbach
One thing all children enjoy (besides asking, “Are we there yet?”) is playing with bubbles. Surprisingly, some of them come from our own backyard. Seekonk toy company Little Kids is celebrating its 20 years of No-Spill Bubble Fun with the launch of their “Only the Fun Comes Out” campaign, which includes the addition of three new No-Spill Bubble Fun toys. The No-Spill Bubble Ma-
Buzz on the bay INSIDE SCOOP
Go On, Take a Peek Inside Rhode Island has recently seen more and more gallery strolls and art tours, each showcasing local artists and promoting some of the galleries that were formerly just hidden gems. The towns of Bristol and Warren are taking things a step further with their new Art Night, starting March 29 and running through November on the final Thursday of each month. The advantage of participating
in this new event is being allowed to go behind the scenes and getting to see the artists’ work process. Each month will feature two different local artists who will share their time and space with visitors for an exclusive cultural experience; tour the studios on a more personal level and see the process of how the pieces go from conception to the gallery walls.
For this month’s event, the featured artists are air sculptor Janice Lee Kelly and painter Debbie Gonville Miller, both of Warren. Kelly utilizes average party balloons to craft stunning, floating sculptures and showcases an interaction between her work and the environment she places them into. Inspired by her home state’s beautiful beaches, Miller uses her oil paintings and distinc-
tive perspective to recreate some of the interesting people she has seen on the sand. Don’t miss your chance to go inside the studios and minds of these talented Ocean State residents while enjoying a few other incentives from local shops and restaurants; it will be an evening for all to enjoy much of what the East Bay has to offer. www.artnightbristolwarren.org. –Samantha Gaus
SWEET CHARITY
Sprint and Swing into Spring Road Race for Awareness Whether you’re a professional athlete or an occasional jogger, the Francis Farm 5K is your best bet for getting some exercise in the great outdoors this spring. This road race will take place at the Francis Farm in Rehoboth at 10am on March 25, and is geared towards individuals who want to build their confidence and self-esteem while participating in a sanctioned event. Runners will also enjoy a post-race cookout and an awards ceremony with finisher’s trophies. The entry fee is $30 if postmarked by March 15 ($35 on the day of the race); in addition, the first 200 people to register for this event will receive free t-shirts. Proceeds from the race will go to benefit organ donor awareness. $30-35 entry fee; 401-688-5779, www.oceanstatemultisport.com. –Meagan Gann Bid to Help Fund School Upgrades and Tuition Support A social highlight for many, The Prout School’s annual auction fundraiser is back. Swing into Spring will take place on March 30 this year at the Atlantic Beach Club in Middletown. Families, alumni and community members will all gather to help Prout fundraise so that students may receive the best education pos-
sible. Funds collected will be used to cover expenses associated with technological upgrades necessary to keep atop today’s competitive educational environment. Additionally, it will go towards the school’s fund of tuition support; Prout provides $250,000 to deserving students each year. In addition to helping this great cause, guests will enjoy a buffet dinner, silent and live auctions, raffles and entertainment by Prout’s own jazz band. $45 per ticket. 7899262 x514, www.theproutschool.org. –Erin Swanson Support Students and Get in a Workout If you’re looking to get some exercise while also donating to a great cause, the sixth annual Nayatt School 5K walk/run on Saturday, March 24, is the race for you. This beautiful course winds through the neighborhood surrounding the Nayatt School and along the banks of the Barrington River, and is open to all who wish to participate, students and teams included. Before the 5k ($25 registration fee), there will be three kids’ races: a one-mile run ($18), a one-third mile run ($12) and a 50-yard dash ($5). The top overall male and female racers in the 5K will receive a $100 cash prize, with anyone breaking course records winning an additional $200. Prizes will
Francis Farm 5K
be awarded for first, second and third place finishers in each age group. Tshirts will be given out on a first come, first serve basis. All proceeds from the
event go to the Nayatt PTO, which will help fund programs for the children of Nayatt School. http://nayatt5K.weebly. com –Michelle Reis
March 2012 | The BAY
13
Buzz Bay Views The Bay was proud to sponsor the Friends of the Bristol Animal Shelter’s 5th annual Mardi Gras Ball in February. The event, held at Linden Place, featured music by the Rockin’ Soul Horns. www.friendsofthebristolanimalshelter.org Photography by Judith Gardner
Eric Sponseller and Melissa Rieck
Mrs. Rhode Island Anita Seraichyk and her husband John
Shana Leffingwell and Jamie Medeiros
Manny and Courtney Canario
14
the Bay | March 2012
Bristol’s Animal Control Officers Jen Federico and Dyanne Gibree
Nancy Gibbemeyer and Elenor Lawton
upScale aSian cuiSine with SuShi BaR
complimentary valet parking after 5pm catering for all special events • live Jazz on thursday nights Open for lunch Mon-Fri • Reservations highly recommended • Gift cards available
Jacky’s Waterplace • 383-5000 200 exchange street, providence w w w. j a c k y s w a t e r p l a c e . c o m
J a c k y ’s G a l a x i e R e s t a u r a n t a n d S u s h i B a r BrIstOl • 253-8818 383 Metacom ave.
cUMBerlaND • 333-4700 1764 Mendon rd.
N. prOvIDeNce • 354-4570 1449 Mineral spring ave.
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Green and Sustainability Studies program courses!
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March 2012 | The BAY
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Gallery Eleven Fine Arts 11 state street, bristol
in original works of art ranging ecializes fr Art sp lic to pastels, monoprints and om c n Fine and acry Eleve ercolor, oil, ser as well as the art collector, exh eramics y r e l . ibits Gal n wat casual brow i t e a r t p i o r e n t s n i o s d f n t g a h el ns in paint ing to the ith fresh visio aditional and contemp ocal area. orary a w om th tr rt w Welc frequently its include bo allery Eleven partners include P ith e ib G . h g y t x i n n e a e ch ven d ser en, ceramics; Ja hyllis oy, an ry Ele ; Ellen Blomgr net Galle whimsy, j and acrylics il s Hallemeier, watercolor; Ginger Lac of a bit Adams, o nd oils; Heide y, a yn xton, oils and pastels; Sharlie Sudd s e l b S e b t y r o s a uth D pa ;M reau, ollage ompa, oils. galleryelevenfineart.c , om, Gend ints and c and Denise Z 1 1 3 9 . 6 9 3 . r 1 ; 0 r p ,4 o mono watercol fineart.com nd ven oils a alleryele a Walsh g i ci info@ g by Patr n i t Pain
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Muse
The Knotty Dog 6
Hope Gallery 435/437 hope street, bristol rsity and individuality omote dive , and is to pr t ission fine art and fine crafts. Established in 200 o 5 r y ’s m of Galle tive scope n thirty local, regional, national, and inte , Hope e p o a H istinc ts more th tic, and affordable art. Ev rnac e d l c e a , l a r offe represen ir origin ), the gallery features repre ery four t o y sented ng the ry Galle rtists, selli on a Saturda a ms showcased: la acrylic rtists ts. The mediu ally tiona eeks (usu theme exhibi ery, blown glass, designer je , n w i t s t h olor, pott welry eig theme exhibits and t artis stel, waterc g , n i s r u d e d u e w during and g tic, oil, pa t, can be vie ay f ar day, and Sund rom 1 p.m.–5 p.m us enca ed media esday, Thurs ., ix dn 6 p.m., or by appointment or chanc and m hours: We from 1 p.m.– eartfinecraft.com, trez88@ e n y i r f a y a r l d e l r u l aol.c reg Satu ay. hopega d n om, a d y Frida and Tues ay Mond 6.9117 9 3 . 1 0 4
4
Bristol Art Gallery
508 main str
The m jew ission fted o e andcra orig lry and f MUSE is to rican h showcase the finest Ame auty, value, 0 g in 10 Am ality, a ifts, carefully s be s n e l a e h m i t t r i s elected for the n e re wid rican a d craftsmans k of mo E offers a hip. MUSE carries the wor rti e S nd. MU t, as well as range sts, many of e 14k whom hail from New Engla of ste g d u b most ry rling sil uni and ver and vermeil jewelry for eve ction of the for q 18 colle cus ue and k gold piece nity s. MUSE features a diverse the opportu heir be to t s f a dre mers t autifully craf o l l e ted wedding bands as w band not o a dding ma ms. E work dire nd ctly with artists to create the we ver ss rica a d.com n Ame 401 -produ ything carr ied in the shop is hand-crafted i handcrafte ce .28 se 9.21 d or the pr u m . s w oduct of unfair labor la 50
11
IMAGO 36 MARKET STREET, WARREN
as founded by artists for e craft, w artist and fin of art rs were eight artists from Rhode Island a s in nd allery be O, a g nding mem s who saw the gallery as a place that ar G A t t M t u I he fo assachuse s could come together to learn, shar ists T . 3 200 stern M the art es important to t e ideas u s s i n t i u o b a a d y e e l t he e south se interes k cooperativ FA) remains pass world we hin for the Arts (I ho ionate and t nts, and t Foundation ly e isible and activ part of our commu ale ago niti and t Today, Im g the arts a v rough visual arts progra m n h . t i s y k n t , litera es, i i a live ted to m he commun r : T s h r u u r o s h d y a r y e l l s a t t 4 i –8 p.m y d s. G comm artists an ted initiative ., s ela m., and Sunday noon–4 p.m. ng servi and arts-r ys noon–8 p. llery@gmail.com, 401 . , 2 a a g 4 s d o 5 t r g . a n u 3 t 348 eve d Sa 4art.org, im ys an Frida oundation of imag
9
Mudstone Studios
2
STUDIO #129, 30 cutler street, warren
543 main str
B ri st n of Bris ol Art t tow Ga erfron ks of t r ric wat fine ol. The llery is locat ed in the heart of the histo original wo ga a h s e n trad rt in a llery offers a r f o n extensive collection of w using ny of i a ing, foc the tional r ide variety o f mediums, styles, and pric represent m hat ep f to are inest lo resentational ts t art. The gallery is honored known artis the ca w y l l ut yea ell est l artists as w a o n o h ell as regional and nati r, fe ablish r ou g h t d l e ows, e h h a spe d and hig e hly collected. Exhibits ar ists, juried s c turing a rt Prit ial exhi gallery artist bit s as well as invited guest Nancy c owner ques, and des hard an ions/events, d n a t s i t and fundraisers. Ar d ig anti in art, info n for m her husband, .9699 Frank, have been involved t, 401.396 or @b risto e than twenty ry.ne years. BristolArtGalle lartg allery.n et
Vie w me the art ic d w ceram and ium and ork of severa k in the rs classes l talented people who wor fe t t is s dios of ent; i the tudio a our their wor king studio. Mudstone Stu nal equipm new nd ex sio hibition . Mu , space with access to profes s program t to ds off-ca an amic r pur tone’s mpus locatio e w c h o t u h o n for RISD’s CE y s m sw r artist u m to em ue a ca ission is to p rovide a stepping- stone fo ce the medi in e re du ed Wa rging ar er in the cera mic arts as well as to intro lery is locat tis rr mu en’s art ts of all ages a ’s gal e n o t s d u M n . s d abilities d d ree. 12 f 4 x Cer stones istrict, so all a a 9 t . s i 7 tu rt purchased here .29 am m, 401 ics dios.com, e by J llen@mudstonestudios.co essica Kenyon
Don Rho Primian o d tha e Islan foun n d tha fifty ye Scho n2 ars, h 0 e ass 00 w is o stu ting ar rks o tis de has nt, wo ts in exh rker, a and ibite d p for rivate thro co tw cus enty-o llect ne y e tom a f k. k r itt aming Pai elart@ , s ntin g g by mai Kath y
7
RWU Art Gallery
12
Top Drawer at The BRASS
Beginning March 29 - Art Night 2012
CORNER OF HOPE AND WARDWELL STREETS (march only) the town of Bristol, RI, and N s served um ha artists David McCaul ew ay Muse xhibits, featuring l Art e merican Wilderne , Thomas risto tinued the exhibit “A ss,” b The B with con wman, and Bristol Art Museum is embarkin y Ne nd e h a t d l , r g 2 a 1 n E , How 1991. In 20 e of the c1860’s white barn at Lind g on s o r u en P Sgo dams, in tive us p e l l r y a g s p e s a a u c o e d h , l l s a i tudios, lace d it w lA Anse ovation an anent home; n e mission of the Bristol Art Museum m the re ir first per cture hall. Th nd appreciation of the arts thr is to e e l a , h n a t o i t d o o int s, an tion, prom munity outreach p ough a room tunities. Com rogram class ge the cre tional oppor gi s eir goal of enga ng diverse au ura uca enco on and ed central to th um.org, info@bristolart diences musu re it i use a b m i t s r h p a em.o i l x h o e rg tners time. brist r a p and our rts of the a .2250 53 401.2
1 OLD FERRY ROAD, BRISTOL (see map on reverse side)
Historic Preservation S re, Art and A hitectu school together t AHP of Arc ublic and the o add chool brings the p the arts, architecture, a r nd hist ess WU S ies e in oric The R vents Ser noted peopl of vening lectures, day-long or weeke cE nd Publi and works l formats – e employed each sem e r a – a s t r i s b e i h ester issue ation. Sev lti-week ex to rv mu for reflection for the School, prese nces, and d be available ersity is a leading inde University penden re an Univ t, confe iscussion er Williams s in the liberal arts and the g m a d o r g r R o r e . p fost mmunity y with o me community and globally minded iversit and c ational un tudents beco majors, an array of co-curric es uc coed ions wher wo academic ies on six continents, ular RWU s -t y s tunit r t e o r f p o p f o is a o pr With dy abroad . uccess of students and commit n s s n e h te d citize esand stu dicated to t v en tion. SAAHP e ts: i ti de activ mmunity -class educa v e e / n p h t s a a e s xhibits rld co olleges/ open iding a wo s/schools-c c v i o m r e p to cad edu/a rwu.
16 cutler street, warren
ironments (LIFE), Top Dr lfilling Env a g in Fu roviding art progr wer at h Livin visual arts center p ams f p wit ershi a nonprofit sabilities. Through the arts, the organ or n t r a AP S is ntal di nd self-empow ization is a S , y t i l e a u A d i v m i R d p n i o ermen n, The B ith devel t pressio dea that art is a universal huma . The tive ex sw ei adult ed to crea o promote th a bridge between n trait at st nd works as peop dedic wer work o one’s life a er is to unravel the traditio le and w t a a r r D e D p s o nal so Top es purpo n of T a missio iv tal disabilities h ve faced and reintr cial that g nities. The developmen od u bers of a community, where their uce ith role comm n adults w oductive mem r on” to “artist.” o s p r i e t , p a g d l n e l i iso work from “disab s a them sformed pace.com ran res has t er.squa t Estrada me ra w topd ng by Em i Paint
Bristol and Warren have joined forces to 10 offer nine “Art Nights” throughout The Sea Star2012, on the last Thursday of every month 30 Cutler from Street MarchGallery through November. 5
39 state street, bristol
Bon n he sea ie Blue d by t . inspire glass fe ate art art. The ga atures a var iety of local artists who cre ell and sea lle B sh t Tem lue st ry specialize a a e s d , s n n i u di s in mermaids, dolph p i re a ampsh om Rho le Tyle ed sculpture rS at the University of New H er of Arts fr ol. d st Tod e Islan chool of Ar t ’s to t in Rome; she received a Ma dS ay n artis ional me , Blue chool of Des t g y as a ign, focusing on technolo g both tradi apid focus tho r es on h in pro ds of er heart and her art by practic g and t p odelin The otyping ainting an d sculpting, as well as using 3D m ome see te S ry. C bbl ea Sta chnology to create sculpture and jewel ue@ r an d en sea. hea lingd joy a peaceful moment by the olphins .com, 401.714.8806
STUDIO #220, 30 cutler street, warren
30 C ists as utler S se art w tr in-hou reet is ork by t Gal ell as f eet Gallery s ea howcases a selection of w 30 Cutler S istoric le h y. a Cut ry is a tured artists s B ’ t n s a e E r from throughout the 10 le War ding has r Mills 0,000- square eart of e buil -foot mill located in the h Di e rty, th ss. 30 volved strict. A once e n prope C dilapidated and forgotte rt and busin ion in ct of m utler St to a bustling of a e l y l t i n o u c m m a r o n d eclectic c e g se d diver ializin in s ore tha et Gallery pro n fo vide space for a unique an wners spec mics, ig ss o era tex ns, fine rty artists, arti sans, and small busine , jewelry, c dows, t f hy furn iles, pa urniture, ballo win , l e ons, sculpture, photograp r a itur inting, p 30c e res gr ened ap utle torati aphic and web design, silk- scre nes. on va rstr eet.c , rowing rigs and copper weather om, cla rk@30cutlerstreet.com
www.artnightbristolwarren.org
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423 hope street, bristol
805 Hope Street, Bristol RI • 401.253.1566
Bristol Art Museum at Linden Place
As a ess painte r, e yea ntial ch Betty ar rs con as an acte ar ti she nued w tist. o t gra ook ad rking vanta dua g she ting f ro h to a as wo m Br r ke s wo torefro d in rk nt app . The S in W tu oint men dio i t. 40 1.
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TheBay
A Trip through
Cheese Country
Photo: Melissa Stimpson
Approaching a delicious kind of culture By David Dadekian Milk & Honey Bazaar in Tiverton Four Corners
There’s cheese, and then there’s cheese. But where do you buy the cheese you can’t find at the supermarket? You want cheese that’s been hand-made the same way for hundreds of years. Yes, that may cost $1.99 an ounce, but it’s worth it. Most people in the East Bay would say you need to drive “all the way” to Providence for excellent cheese, but those in the know know better. There are thriving cheese shops and artisan makers here; you just have to know where to find them. The cheese maker Shy Brothers Farm has been in business the longest, producing award-winning cheese for over five years now. The four Santos brothers – two sets of fraternal twins: Arthur and Norman and Kevin and Karl – were born and raised on their family’s 125-acre dairy farm in Westport. As the dairy farms around them went out of business, the brothers realized
they had to change in order to stay in business. In April of 2006, the youngest brother, Karl, travelled to France to see how dairy farms were making a profit by producing cheese. He wanted to make something not common in the U.S. and found a recipe for boutons de culotte: “trouser buttons.” These thimble-size cheeses are usually made from goat’s milk and are dry and salty. Karl decided to make them with the Santos’ cow milk and named them Hannahbells, after their mom. Hannahbells have become a huge hit, finding their way onto the menus at many of the region’s top restaurants from Persimmon in Bristol, to Gracie’s and New Rivers in Providence and at L’Espalier and Oleana in Boston, just to name a few. Besides being featured on cheese platters as a delicious and decorative element, because Hannahbells are made with a number of differ-
ent seasonings, chefs have used them melted into various dishes from risotto to cheesecake. The current flavors are Classic French, Shallot, Rosemary, Lavender and Chipotle. Shy Brothers Farm also produces Cloumage, a versatile artisanal curd that can be used in just about anything. Both the Hannanbells and Cloumage have won at the American Cheese Society competition, as well as regional and international competitions. Barbara Hanley, who acts as a PR spokesperson for the brothers says, “French is indeed the best seller. My favorites are Cloumage and Lavender Bud Hannahbells. Karl’s favorite is the pure French Hannahbells, which chefs tend to like the best. It’s funny, certain times of the year, different flavors are popular, and we haven’t been able to figure out why. For example, Rosemary is very popular right now, and will be again in the fall. Lavender Bud is very popular in
the warmer months, and around Valentine’s Day. Shallot is always popular in the stores, as is the French. Once people taste [the Cloumage], it flies off the shelf. Besides tasting sweet and tangy, it is extremely versatile to cook with. One chef calls it the gold standard of yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese, mascarpone and ricotta.” Contrary to their shy reputation, Karl did pick up the phone to say why cheese making appeals to him. “I like working with my hands. It’s always a challenge to come up with the perfect cheese because the milk changes, the weather changes. Week to week it’s never boring.” Looking to get your hands on these wonderful flavors of Shy Brothers’ Hannahbells or Cloumage, plus a whole lot more artisan cheese? Then stop into Persimmon Provisions in Barrington and Milk & Honey Bazaar in Tiverton and pre-
March 2012 | The BAY
17
Hannahbells from Shy Brothers Farm
Photo: Melissa Stimpson
pare to be wowed by their selections. Persimmon Provisions is truly an old school butcher shop on County Road in Barrington. If you think the name is familiar, that’s because its sister business is Bristol-based Persimmon, one of the finest restaurants in the country. Chef Champe Speidel and his wife Lisa had opened the restaurant a few years ago. Provisions came about as Champe envisioned a place that could be, “a pantry for the restaurant and an extra prep space that we could keep open during the day when we’re normally closed.” He then asked himself, “Why not have things to sell at the same time?” Speidel is quick to point out that Provisions is “a butcher shop that sells cheese, not a cheese shop that sells meat.” When the store opened in November 2010, there was a small section of cheeses available. “I wanted to bring in the types of cheeses that we use in the restaurant so I didn’t have to source them elsewhere.” Speidel says. “I could source them from myself and we could take care of them. We didn’t want to supply for other restaurants, we just wanted to have it available. For the restaurant we bring a certain amount in. We always have at least five different cheeses since we offer a 5-cheese or 3-cheese plate. So we always have a stock of something. We don’t print it on the menu, so we update it verbally and we pull from the shop. If I’m excited about, for example, this new cheese Challerhocker [from Cowgirl Creamery], which is this great Swiss-style
cheese we’re really excited about, we start putting that on the cheese plate.” At the Provisions store, cheese sales just kept growing and growing. Speidel continues, “We probably tripled the amount [of cheese] that we carried initially. We were just shocked and thrilled at the same time. There would be weekends where the guys would say we need a cheese order; we’d put it together and it would be two pages long. That was a real surprise. I’m thrilled people are looking for it and they don’t mind paying for top quality. I don’t know that Barrington is a community totally into cheese, it’s just a community starved of any decent cheese. People started asking for cheeses that they like.” When asked what sells the best, Speidel is able to quickly list some favorites. “The Quebec Seven Year Cheddar is definitely the top seller – incredibly sharp, great stuff. The Tomme Crayeuse is another huge seller. It’s a cow’s milk cheese from France, pasteurized. We sell a tremendous amount of blue cheese as well. I think my favorite blue is Fourme d’Ambert, a French blue that’s pasteurized. I’ve always loved the Jasper Hill Bayley Hazen blue which is a raw milk blue from Greensboro, Vermont. All their cheeses are great. For soft cheese I love the Robiola Bosina, just sheep and cows milk. It’s like a Brie but that much more intense. It’s only a double milk but just really nice. Bring it to room temperature and it’s fantastic. As far as hard cheese I think the Comté is my all-time favorite, and we sell a lot of Comté.”
Milk & Honey Bazaar in Tiverton Four Corners
18
the Bay | March 2012
Shy Brothers Farm in Westport
Speidel continues, “We sell a lot of different jams and jellies, some local and some imported. [We sell a] tremendous amount of crackers, biscuits, lavash – again, more than I ever imagined – as well as condiments: honey, honeycomb, almonds, dried fruits. So people must really be buying these cheeses and creating their own platters whether it’s just for themselves or entertaining. We do get a lot of people who are entertaining. Not only do they want cheese for a small party, but also to nibble on. And people who don’t want to go ‘all the way to Providence’ are thrilled to have it available right here. They’ll come back and say ‘I really loved that one but let’s try another sheep’s milk’ or ‘let’s try another goat.’ It’s nice to see people eating better made cheeses.” Milk & Honey Bazaar in Tiverton has been open in its current incarnation for a little over a year now. The shop had been there since 2006 and was going to close, when customers Cathi & Gerry Fournier purchased the business because they didn’t want to see it go away. The Fourniers renovated and reopened and have been growing strong. The store carries over 100 varieties of cheese and they add new items every week. Milk & Honey also features pâtés, charcuterie, olives, olive oils, vinegars, jellies, mustards, honey, chocolates, crackers and fresh baguettes. As Cathi Fournier says, “We try to keep our focus on the cheese and anything that goes with the cheese.” There’s clearly a strong customer base at Milk & Honey and since Fournier was once one of those passionate customers, she knew how to connect. “When I was taking over the shop,” Fournier said, “one of the things I noticed was people wanted their favorites, and then the next question they always ask is ‘what do you have new?’ I always try to bring in a couple new cheeses a month. Not just cheeses but maybe products that go with it, new crackers or chocolates, depending on the sea-
son. I try to post those on Facebook a couple of times a week and I get a people in the store that have come running in to get whatever I posted.” So what are the favorites on the eastern edge of Rhode Island? “The big favorite is Fromager d’Affinois which is a very buttery creamery cheese. That’s one of our top three sellers,” Fournier says. “Another big favorite is a hard Italian cheese Piave Vecchio. It was one of the former owner’s favorites and I think he turned a lot of customers onto it too. “People love the four-year Cheddar,” Cathi continues. “Most customers come in and pick and choose their cheeses for a special occasion. We do give them suggestions like if they buy a soft cheese this one would be really nice with a fig jam, or if you buy a Manchego you might want to put honey with it. We tell them about the different accompaniments which we sell in the shop as well.” Ultimately, for Milk & Honey it comes down to letting people try things and discover what they love. Fournier says, “We strongly encourage people to taste, and not to be shy about tasting the cheeses. I always tell them that just because you taste it doesn’t mean you have to buy it. I don’t want them to be shy.”
Shy Brothers Farm 1325 Main Road, Westport 508-333-2626 www.shybrothersfarm.com
Persimmon Provisions 338 County Road, Barrington 401-337-5885 www.persimmonprovisions.com
Milk & Honey Bazaar 3838 Main Road, Tiverton 401-624-1974 www.milkandhoneybazaar.com
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f03 The Bay Ad March 2012_Layout 1 2/20/12 4:17 PM Page 1
Rumstick Point
Barrington Elegant home on a manicured acre in desirable Rumstick Point. Living room with fireplace, gorgeous kitchen, library, den and family room with vaulted ceilings, four bedrooms, three full baths and two half baths. Stone terrace, pool and fenced yard. $1,795,000 274-1644 | D ETAILS @L ILA D ELMAN . COM
Local Legacy International Reachâ„¢
NEWPORT NARRAGANSETT PROVIDENCE JAMESTOWN WATCH HILL BLOCK ISLAND
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Portsmouth New construction 3,000 sq.ft. waterfront home with beach overlooking the Sakonnet Passage. Four bedrooms, three full baths and one half bath, living room with fireplace and fully applianced kitchen with pantry. Master bedroom suite with Jacuzzi and gas fireplace. Deck and 2-car garage. $939,000
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March 2012 | The BAY
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Life, By Design Inside the homes of local interior designers By Andrea McHugh • Photography by James Jones
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Only the Essentials Tanya Ouhrabka emphasizes decorating with the things you love most When Tanya Ouhrabka was young and her parents would go out for a bit, it wasn’t uncommon for them to return to a completely redesigned bedroom courtesy of Tanya’s vision and her sister’s affable attitude. “My passion for color and design flourished into adulthood, decorating one friend’s home at a time until I started my own design firm,” she says. Style Redesign is Tanya’s manifestation of the interior design genes that she says were inherited, describing her childhood home as “art filled.” (It helped that her mother worked for Christie’s, the legendary fine art auction house.) East Bay shoppers might recognize Tanya from Style Studio, the design store she opened in 2010 close to her home in Barrington, where clients came to appreciate her modern-meets-vintage twist on traditional style. Today, Style Studio lives online while the designer, whose philosophy is “renew, refresh, repurpose,” defines her chosen vocation not as interior design, but interior refining. “People don’t have to go out and buy all new things,” she explains. A chair with clean lines, a treasured piece of art – successful design, she says, is being surrounded by things of personal value. “If one chooses things for the home that have meaning, that bring comfort and happiness, then they aren’t trends, they are staples,” she says. Vintage fabrics and creative textiles are some of the most visually effective tools Tanya relies on to refine a space. She also looks to merge her creative eye with her client’s needs. “My projects are always a collaboration,” she says. “I feel that this is the most important aspect of any job I do. From onset to execution, I am learning about my client, not what color they like necessarily, but who she/he is, needs, is inspired by.” Even something as simple as a favorite t-shirt can be a room’s muse. “We only have one place in the world to call our own, to retreat to. We need it to be an extension of ourselves and make us happy – that’s my goal for my client’s finished product.” As a busy mom of three, Tanya sources online for fabrics, furnishings and inspiration, and stores treasures in a nearby warehouse. She constantly refines her own space, and works with clients to reinvent their own. Refining an interior doesn’t have to be costly, she says. First, cleanse and eliminate. “Keeping only the things that one really loves around them is the easiest and least expensive way to redesign,” she says. “Freshening up the space with paint is a budget friendly way to make a monumental change quickly. Adding pillows, mirrors, picture frames or lamps will make you feel like you have transformed the space immediately. There are so many great lines available for accessories now at low budget price ranges.” www.stylestudiollc.com/
March 2012 | The BAY
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Done to Perfection Kyla Coburn’s restaurant interiors are the epitome of good taste As one of the most sought-after commercial designers in the region, Kyla Coburn is consistently charged with reinventing spaces and creating a business’ ever-critical aesthetic, but it’s not a role she ever planned on landing. “While the design field is a natural place for me to be working, it was never an original goal,” she confesses. “It’s a crossroads where psychology, art and business intersect, and for me, the overlap is interesting.” With a varied curriculum during her formal studies at Wesleyan, Brown and RISD, Kyla says her wanderlust and lineage has equally shaped the way she approaches design. “I lived and traveled internationally which has shaped my aesthetic, but growing up the child of RISD grad artists in the antique world has had the greatest impact.” Crafting an identity for some of the most highly touted dining rooms in the region, Kyla approaches each design with a new set of eyes but armed with the basic fundamentals of what makes an interior connect with those experiencing it. “I do consistently like to see every detail considered, and I like an environment to feel rich – even if it’s minimal,” says Kyla. “The way a room is designed and feels is tremendously important to experiencing the space. People have a hard time really enjoying good food under florescent lights, or seated near a bathroom door. For me, along with great music and amazing food, beauty in our surroundings is part of what makes people present in their lives. I like to help create that, regardless of the particular theme of the room.”
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These are the elements that Kyla asks a client to consider when thinking long-term identity. Edge is good, but longevity is paramount. Though always a collaboration, Kyla concedes that an important part of her work is to get clients to step away from attachment to specific things, like a favorite color. “We work hard to help clients pare down the raw elements of what they really want and need from a space,” she says. “People think hiring a designer is a splurge, or a service reserved for the aesthetically impaired, but seeing a computer rendering a poorly chosen paint job before having paid the crew to do it is a budget saver. We provide design, not ‘decorating,’ and the deliverables of that product are very real. Investing in making the best use of space, flow, and function for one’s home or business through design is like wanting your car to get great gas mileage and look good.” Juggling projects with such a spectrum of visual interpretation makes it challenging for the designer to define her personal aesthetic in her East Providence home. “[It] is hard to pinpoint because the way a room feels is almost always determined by other people’s hopes for the space,” she says, but interesting finds are sometimes her greatest inspiration. “I like the hunt for good deals and unusual things.” Kyla cautions homeowners from creating the design of a space from any one place or catalog. “The personality of a room should look collected and developed, like the personality of its owner.” www. kylacoburndesigns.com.
The Curated Life Lisa Newman finds beauty in everyday treasures Oscar Wilde once said, To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect. For Warren’s Lisa Newman, it’s a philosophy that seems to sum up her design approach as blending complex, unexpected colors and textures together is her signature. “For example, I love silk, stone, wood and velvet all in the same environment,” she says. “Their contrasts complement each of the other’s beauty and unique characteristics.” Spaces should be as distinctive as the people living in them, she says. She aims for spaces to look loved and inviting, which is executed via family photos and unique art and artifacts meaningful to the clients she is working with. “On a practical side, I’m also a firm believer that form has to follow function, so I am very tuned in to how my client lives in the space. Families with young children require different things than a single professional who does an entirely different kind of entertaining.” Lisa’s unorthodox path to interior design began at Connecticut College, where she studied everything from art and graphic design to color theory to painting, each of which she credits with crafting the fundamentals of her successful design approach today. “I studied color theory, which gives me an appreciation for the power and science of color, graphic design, which gives me an appreciation for proportion and scale, [and] collage, which gives me an appreciation for dimension and texture. It has been invaluable. Learning the mechanics of the trade in the
trenches is what helps her connect with clients who may have a great sense of style or impeccable taste, but are unable to translate those elements in a space. “Some clients have a very clear vision of what they want but don’t know how to execute, kind of like being a great lover of food but not knowing how to cook it. In that case, my role is to get from them exactly what their vision is and then actualize the vision… At the end of any project, my goal is to have my clients feel like it is their space and that it delights them to live in it and share it proudly with others.” Lisa’s vision comes to life for shoppers at Homestyle, a fine art, furnishings and gift shop on Providence’s bustling Westminster Street that she opened five years ago. It’s where many go for inspiration and perhaps to seek some design advice, which she is always willing to share. She encourages people seeking an updated interior to take an objective inventory of what they already own. “Sometimes just moving things around and repurposing things can have major impact,” she says. Paint has the most inexpensive ‘bang for the buck’ in her eyes. Finally, she says, it is better not to look at decorating as a chore, but as a process. “New finds over time make a space much more interesting than walking into a store and buying a pre-packaged vignette or a suite of furniture. Collect art as you travel, pick up cool quirky pieces at flea markets, shop in your friends’ and family’s basements for treasure, frame your children’s artwork... and only buy what you love.” www.lisanewmaninteriors.com.
March 2012 | The BAY
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The Big Picture Mark Lawton focuses on small-scale design for a big impact Though he works from his South Dartmouth studio, architect Mark Lawton takes a global perspective when it comes to design. Studying in Italy, France and Greece as well as examining architectural footprints throughout the U.S., Mark says international explorations have ultimately broadened his design sensibilities. “I studied European architecture while living in Rome and experienced America on a twomonth road warrior trip across the U.S., sketching casinos in Vegas and timber frames in Yellowstone,” he says. “Design has always been in my blood.” After earning his architecture degree at Cornell with his twin brother by his side, Mark settled in the desert of Taos, New Mexico to build Earthships, selfsufficient dwellings made completely of recycled materials. “These houses were using green methods before it even became a buzz word,” he explains. His international and domestic experiences have shaped what he describes as a warm, modern aesthetic throughout his work. “I want my designs to be forward looking, clean and minimal [to] reflect a futuristic lifestyle but still infuse the feeling of home,” he explains. To execute this vision, Mark uses timeless materials including rich woods and textured stone while taking into account the critical components of well-proportioned space, cohesive color palettes and natural light. These elements are universal he explains, and big design isn’t exclusive to big space. Build smaller but better, he advises, and focus on high-quality materials. “I strive to create at least one wow factor on every project,” he says. Transforming a home starts with a dialogue, he says. “I listen to my clients and understand how they want to use the space, and how they want to feel in the space,” he explains. “I synthesize all this: flow of space, functionality, mood, aesthetic, and budget to arrive at an inspiring solution.” Getting started is sometimes the hardest part, he concedes. Instead of being overwhelmed, start small. “Think about what gets you excited. Gather photos or magazine images that capture a mood. Even a simple object or quote can jump start a project,” he says. “Don’t limit yourself to where you can find inspiration.” Take a moment to look around, he suggests, your muse might be uncovered in the most unexpected places. Mark adds, “Your environment really affects you on a daily basis, Why not be inspired?” www.lawtondesignstudio.com.
Online Exclusive For more photos, visit www.thebaymagazine.com
March 2012 | The BAY
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Join us
View complete list of events at www.ric.edu/pfa T I C K E T S W W W. R I C . E D U / P FA O R ( 4 0 1 ) 45 6 - 8 1 4 4 www.facebook.com/PerformingArtsSeries.RIC
Tuesday, March 20 7 : 3 0 P. M . | T H E AU D I TO R I U M I N RO B E RT S H A L L
Barynya, Russian Dance and Music Ensemble
a fresh point of view
weekly specials panini • Chowder • Burgers • seafood • Cocktails • mussels • nachos salads • Clam Cakes • daily specials • lobster rolls
thames waterside Bar and Grille 251 thames st. Bristol ri • 401-253-4523 26
the Bay | March 2012
Live Well
Photography: Janice Lee Kelly
Stylish finds for you and your home
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Old is New Again
A globally-inspired beachfront dining room
March 2012 | The BAY
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all new
TheBayMagazine Web exclusives • New content daily Register to post events & comments
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the Bay | March 2012
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Live Well Connoisseur
THE FIRST ANNUAL PROVIDENCE ROTARY
by Erin Swanson
Jazz legends concert
Wish Upon a Star
Photography: Amy Amerantes
Swansea’s Laura Cyr on how to shine Describe your Sea Stars earrings in three words. Simple, stunning and affordable.
credit to my best friend Jodie and my mom for helping me choose the creative names.
What materials do you use? They are made with my own secret formula… but I will say that I only use Swarovski crystal stones and surgical steel posts. Warning – they are highly addictive. So you’re addicted then? Yes, I wear them everyday and I’m obsessed with having them in every color and style. It’s great to hear people say, “I love your earrings. Where did you get them?”
How do you define your personal style? Eclectic preppy. Some days, I’ll wear my tiny Vegas studs, which are round and super shiny. On other days, I’ll throw on my super big Zsa Zsas to add extra sparkle to my outfit. I make the earrings in all different colors, shapes and sizes – there’s something for everyone. There are soft, neutral colors for when you’re feeling conservative and bright, sharp stones for when you want to add edge to your wardrobe.
How do you name your earrings? Each color has its own depth and sparkle so I thought they deserved really unique names. My best selling pair are the diamond Sea Stars I named Zsa Zsa. Other popular styles are Ruby Slippers, Marilyn Monroe, Grapefruit and Vegas. I have to give
Where can we buy Sea Stars? They’re sold at a few salons, stores and fitness centers in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Within the East Bay, you can buy them in person at Whimsies in Warren. They’ll be available soon at Main Street Fitness, also in Warren. You can purchase them
online at www.seastarsjewelry.etsy. com as well. I do custom orders for wedding parties; it’s great to help a bride and her bridesmaids feel beautiful on such a special day. What inspires you? I love being outdoors and I love the beach. I absolutely love anything vintage – some Swarovski crystals are vintage and limited stock, which makes hunting for them a competitive sport. Nothing is better than when the sun hits a Swarovski crystal. That is inspiring itself. I truly believe that everyone should sparkle. I hear you have a little girl. Is she a Sea Stars customer yet? My daughter Elle is three. She’d always say, “Mommy, I love your earrings. Can I have some?” She doesn’t have pierced ears yet so I was inspired to make my mini line of clip-on earrings. Now our tiny toddlers can sparkle, too. www. seastarsjewelry.etsy.com
Fifteen of RI’s most well-known Jazz Performers Featuring:
Greg Abate Harry Allen Dan Moretti Shawnn Monteiro Duke Robillard
Wednesday, April 25, 7:30 PM at the exciting new Fete, 103 Dike Street, Providence Tickets: $35 in advance; $45 at the door Special VIP event (6-7pm): $75 (buffet, champagne and meet the artists)
For tickets: Call 401-885-7017 or visit www.providencerotary.org/ jazz.cfm
Proceeds benefit Providence Rotary charities
March 2012 | The BAY
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Live Well Shop Around by Samantha Gaus LIFE COACH
adolescents & young adults
Harry Fish MA, BCC 80 Calendars, LLC 401-465-5491 80calendars.com
Juggling Instructor
Bill’s
Cigar Box East
(508) 336-6577 111 Taunton Ave., Seekonk, MA
Get Smart
A consignment shop for the well-dressed woman Stepping into a consignment
Gain Experience Make Connections Have Fun! Now Accepting Resumes for Editorial, Marketing, Design, Multimedia and Photography Internships Send your resume and sample work to: resumes@providenceonline.com
Providence Monthly | East Side Monthly SO Rhode Island | The Bay
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the Bay | March 2012
shop for the first time can be a little overwhelming. The clothes and accessories are previously owned, after all. For some, this would immediately put them off and send them running to the mall to spend a fortune on a brand new purse. Rest assured that there is nothing but trend, glamour and good taste at Smarty Pants Consignment in Swansea. This shop, relatively new to the area, but already popular amongst those who know about it, gives gently used items a new life. The boutique is run by the charming Alicia Roque, who comes from a family of consignors. She started her own career in furniture consignment, so she knew all about the business model, but her real passion lies in fashion. As a result, she never settles for less than fabulous when choosing stock. Roque says, “I like to see the variety of items that comes in and I love sorting through them and finding some really beautiful things. It’s always exciting.” Smarty Pants will only accept items that are in incredible condition and they are always conscious of current trends and styles. In addition to their large collection of women’s clothing (sized from 0 to 26/28), they also carry jewelry,
handbags, shoes, scarves, accessories, formalwear, maternity and some children’s items. Roque says that some of their best sellers include Vera Bradley, Cold Water Creek, Gap, Eddie Bauer, Kathy Van Zeeland and other top name brands. Many people walk into the store to rummage through their impressive jewelry collection, but leave with so much more. What are the hot ticket items this season? “Animal prints, scarves, unique belts and handbags are always selling fast,” Roque says. It is important in a consignment shop for the consignee to have impeccable taste; otherwise you can find yourself in a shop full of undesirables. Smarty Pants certainly knows how to pick their stock, gearing their items toward the classy, well-dressed workingwoman who cares about making an impression. They carry mostly modern looks, but if a well-kept vintage item comes in top condition, they know a good find when they see it. Roque uses style icons such as Audrey Hepburn on the shop’s Facebook page for reference. On working with customers, Roque is enthusiastic about what she does. She says, “I like dealing with people, and we have built up a wonderful va-
riety of consignors who are a joy to work with. Once I choose the things I love, I have so much fun arranging them in a way that is appealing for shoppers. Customers really enjoy coming here.” So now that you know it is somewhere worth shopping, you might be wondering how you can bring in your own items for consignment. Smarty Pants takes new consignors by appointment only, but after your first time, all returning sellers are welcome to bring in items anytime during store hours. Sellable goods are all kept for up to 60 days, then the original seller can pick up within seven days or they are then moved to the clearance rack for a short time. If they don’t sell from there, the items are donated to charity. This system means that there can be some real steals on the clearance rack. With seasonal sales and regular markdowns, a savvy shopper would do well to shop here. Even the name of the store alludes to this, and Roque says it was her sister Bekki’s idea. “We liked the idea that the name touched on the clothing aspect of the store,” Roque says, “and of course it also gets the message across that shopping consignment is shopping smart.” 312 Wilbur Avenue, Swansea. 401-378-6709.
Photography: Judith Gardner
Large selection of premium cigars Walk in humidor Gift items for the cigar lover
Alicia Roque and Bekki Neal
Elegantly Simple. Fresh Local Seafood Sunday Brunch Lunch & Dinner Specials Brick Oven Pizza
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enjoy a night of spring trends, runway looks, food, drinks & fun
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There's nothing like a good dose of retail therapy. Handpicked acceSSorieS, SHoeS, clotHing and more.
thursday, April 5 6-9pm at the studio
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18 State St, Bristol • 401.254.9333 18 State St, Bristol | 401.254.9333 | newleafhairstudio.com newleafhairstudio.com March 2012 | The BAY
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Live Well Home Style
by Andrea E. McHugh
THIS NEW HOUSE: A tiny Barrington cottage became a spacious waterfront retreat
Lights, Camera, Build
Building a home in an established neighborhood can sometimes feel a little like the eyes of the world are watching your every move. In the case of Geoffrey Allen and Michelle Forcier, that was exactly the case. The couple, both doctors with Rhode Island roots, had made nearly a dozen moves in the past 10 years, living in locales including North Carolina, Connecticut and Chicago. It wasn’t until the two spotted a 1925 ramshackle beach shanty overlooking Barrington Town Beach that their fate was solidified. Michelle, a Brown alum, says that she exclaimed, “That’s it.” And the popular PBS television series This Old House agreed. Before the sale, the couple was getting familiar with Barrington by renting there, unsure if they and daughter Riley, now four years old, would ultimately hang their hats in the comfortable coastal community, or on Providence’s highly desirable East Side. “But when we came to Rhode Island, we felt that – since the state is on the water – we ought to live near the wa32
the Bay | March 2012
ter,” says Geoff, who now counts Narragansett Bay as his front yard. Despite its long, dark and narrow kitchen, awkward layout, and largely ignored views, the couple could see the potential charm in the weather-beaten, two-bedroom cottage. It was a wonderful little beach shack but the rooms were really tiny and the couple couldn’t see any of the views. They turned to Mary Dorsey Brewster, AIA, of Brewster Thornton Group Architects in Providence to bring the salt-soaked Cape Cod style shanty into the 21st century, and Barrington builder Andy Tiplady to execute that vision. Together they married the 1500 square foot space with a tasteful 450 square foot expansion, which included opening up the first floor to take advantage of the panoramic East Bay view, expanding the second floor to gain two full baths and a third bedroom over the garage, and building a second-story deck off the master bedroom that faces the beach. Show producers found the property after an exhaustive search, which be-
gan with extensive outreach to the local building and architectural community. In addition, there was a public call for entries that yielded several hundred submissions from every corner of Rhode Island. When the producers discovered the Barrington beach house through Geoff and Michelle’s architect, they knew they’d found “the one.” Of course, the setting was perfect, but the couple’s preferred design aesthetic took a little convincing. “When they first start talking about it, they interview you and ask ‘What are you thinking about?’ and we were like, ‘Kind of a funky Asian beach shack,’ and the This Old House folks were like, ‘Huh?’” says Michelle with a smile. The show dispatched a handful of interior designers so that Michelle and Geoff could essentially interview them. Lisa Newman of Lisa Newman Interiors at Homestyle in Providence immediately grasped the eclectic design angle while acknowledging the home’s seaside environs. “The challenge for me was that because the house is at the
beach, I still wanted it to make sense; but they’re not the typical ‘New England beach cottage’ type people,” explains Lisa. “Because their artwork and their belongings are so Asian influenced, I tried to keep that feeling going through without being too obvious – you don’t want to feel like you’re walking through a pagoda. So it had nods here and there to an Asian aesthetic without being obvious.” Taking a cue from the sea, Michelle asked Lisa if the various wall colors throughout the home could be inspired by the inside of a mussel shell. On the first floor, calming hues let the crashing waves take center stage. The open floor plan allows the living room to blend into the dining space while the kitchen invites the outdoor in, with natural elements including soapstone countertops, a glass tile backsplash and cherry wood cabinetry, all unified by red oak floors. In the dining room, a design risk that has reaped great reward is an undulating wall made of small, deep gray stone tiles: an artistic
Photography: Janice Lee Kelly
This Old House sets their sights on a weathertattered beach shanty with oceanfront views
interpretation of a wave. Though captivating art peppers the living room – a casually elegant space – it is inevitably rivaled by what is framed by oversized windows. “We’ve oriented everything in this space to capitalize on the unbelievable view,” Lisa says, gesturing to the furnishings that face the West Bay. “It’s not an enormous space, but it feels very spacious.” Unlike other home makeover shows where homeowners have no idea what the end product will be, Geoff and Michelle worked with the builder, architect, designer and producers of the TV program to ensure the home was uniquely theirs and altogether livable. In fact, the tables were turned on Lisa
when the designer was only able to see the couple’s furniture and artwork that she had to work with about one week before the completion and final shoot date. “I didn’t know anything about Geoff and Michelle,” she explains. “I didn’t know anything about their style.” To her delight, the couple’s Asian, African and global-inspired taste excited the designer. “Their stuff is so cool,” she says candidly. During the course of the project, lurkers who heard about the decadesold home improvement show working their magic in Barrington would come to the site to check it out. People pointing and craning their necks to get the best vantage point became a
familiar part of the building process. Local contractors, including plumbing and heating consultant David St. Angelo of Delta Mechanical Contractors and electrician John Butterfield of Butterfield Electric, in addition to the show’s master carpenter Norm Abram, host Kevin O’Connor, landscape contractor Roger Cook, and plumbing and heating consultant Richard Trethewey, eventually grew accustom to gawkers. “I was definitely feeling like this is a fishbowl, and trying to decide if we’re the fish, or they’re the fish,” said Lisa with a smile. When the final shoot took place midJanuary, contractors, neighbors, crew, friends (and of course, Geoff, Michelle
and Riley) convened and took in the project-turned-home. “We’ve just had a very rich, full wonderful life,” says Michelle. “Coming home every night is a little bit like vacation.” The national premiere of the This Old House “Barrington Beach House” project aired in late January with nine additional episodes following, including five to air this month on Thursday nights (check local listings). New episodes are online every Sunday night at 7pm on www.thisoldhouse.com/toh.
Online Exclusive For more before and after photos, visit www.thebaymagazine.com
March 2012 | The BAY
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Seekonk Limit one per Square customer per day. GoodMon-Wed at participating stores. Not valid with any other offer. Other terms and conditions 9:00-5:30 apply. Offer good March 17-23, 2012. Stores are owned and operated by Children’s Orchard® franchisees. 20may Commerce Way Thursday 9:00-7:00 Seekonk, MA Fri-Sat 9:00-5:30 (508) 336-7757 Sunday 12:00-5:00
(401) 247-0202
*Qualifying purchase does not include sales tax and must be paid for with cash, check, or credit card only. Road, Barrington, RI Limit one per customer per day. Good at participating stores. Not280 valid County with any other offer. Other terms and conditions may apply. Offer good March 17-23, 2012. Stores are owned and operated by Children’s Orchard® franchisees.
(401) 253-4050 / 800-541-4593 495 Hope Street, Bristol, RI
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138a wayland ave providence 401.490.0200 opteyewear.com 36
the Bay | March 2012
The Bay march 2012 ad.indd 1
2/15/12 3:43 PM
Taste Eat
by David Dadekian
The Near East
Find a bit of Thailand at this hidden neighborhood gem Right at the end
Photography: Kate Kelley
of a stretch of shops on County Road in Barrington is a building behind Ace Hardware where you’ll find Tong-D, serving fine Thai cuisine. A group of us converged on the restaurant one wintery Thursday night, ordering up a large selection of plates to eat family style, to find out what a restaurant in this unassuming building had to offer. The outside may have been part of a shopping center, but the interior was very inviting. You enter to a full bar which then leads into the dining room, which was set with beautiful dark wood tables and chairs. Everyone in our group remarked at how nice the tables and chairs were, almost preferable to white tablecloths, especially since it was such a relaxed environment. There is some Asian artwork on the walls and a pretty glass chandelier-like fixture in the center of the room, but otherwise the dark wood was the focal point. As mentioned, there is a full bar with a cocktail list containing the usual suspects. There is also a short
Mango Curry
list of wines by the glass. Our server mentioned they are adding more, as it’s proving popular. We began with four of their starters and a soup. There was the Leek Spring Roll ($5) filled with leek, cabbage and glass noodle with guava vinaigrette; the Glazed Wing ($5) coated with sweet tamarind; the Scallion Pancake ($5) with peanut butter cream dipping sauce; the Steamed Shrimp Shumai ($6) with ginger-soy sauce; and the Dairyless Chicken Coconut-Galanga Soup ($4) with organic chicken, mushroom and cilantro. The starters were tasty, but didn’t bowl anyone over. We were all expecting more of a kick and instead we got a very solid but polite opening. The Leek Spring Roll and Scallion Pancake were good, the Shumai and wings were perfectly steamed and fried respectively, and the soup was flavorful and plenty. As it turned out the starters were exactly that, just starters. They led us in and then, wow. We were served five fantastic dishes. We had ordered Spicy Basil Leaf
Tofu and Vegetable Pad Thai
with Chicken and Jasmine Rice ($11.50), which was cooked with onion, sweet basil, bell pepper and bird’s eye chili-basil sauce; a special Wild Boar Basil, which was cooked similarly to the chicken dish; Koong Ob Woonsen ($14), sautéed large shrimp with glass noodles and herbs in sesame-ginger sauce; and Hot Basil Fried Rice ($9.50) with beef, egg, sweet basil, fresh ginger, pepper and bird’s eye chili sauce. Thinking that we should try the Pad Thai at a Thai eatery but wanting to get something that’s special to the restaurant, we decided the final dish would be the Crispy Pad Thai ($12) with shrimp, chicken, crispy egg noodle, bean sprout, egg, turnip and scallion. We all took a sampling from each platter and a hush fell over the table as everyone tasted the five dishes. This was the flavor we were hoping for, and not just heat, though there was certainly plenty of fire in the Spicy Basil Leaf and Wild Boar Basil dishes. There was an abundance of well-thought out and layered herbs and spices through each dish, even in something as basic and fundamental as the fried rice. It was immediately clear to everyone that we were being served quality food too, not something slapped together or fried quickly to order. The Koong Ob Woonsen may have been the favorite of the bunch, though it was tough to get a group consensus since every dish was so good. The Koong Ob Woonsen did have the best presentation and was beautifully delicate but still full of texture and taste. Speaking of texture, the crunch of the Crispy Pad Thai was a great alternative to the
rest of the dishes and I recommend it if you’re looking for Pad Thai but want something just a little different. Speaking of different, we tried a variety of desserts and the two cupcakes were very unique. They had a chocolate cupcake, but where’s the fun of that when there’s lychee or taro to try? We ordered both. I won’t say they were huge hits, but definitely well executed and nicely flavorful. When our server mentioned they had Fried Ice Cream, even though that’s far from traditional Thai, we had to give it a try and everyone agreed it was one of the better fried ice cream presentations any of us had tasted. The outside shell was perfectly crisp and the inside was cold and creamy. But the very traditional Thai dessert that you must try at Tong-D is the Mango with Sweet Sticky Rice. No better way to describe it than delicious. Sticky and sweet with a great piece of fruit, we all attacked this dessert after having a taste. Everyone in our group came away from Tong-D wanting to come back. The best endorsement came from one friend who said it was such a great neighborhood restaurant, he would get take-out from there at least once a week. I couldn’t have agreed more.
Tong-D 156 County Road Barrington 401-289-2998 www.tongdrestaurant.com
March 2012 | The BAY
37
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Gracious Saltbox. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths with 2700 S/F of living area and a 2 car garage. Amazing Sakonnet River water views and sunrises. Private corner lot, nearly an acre and well landscaped. Quality built 2x6 frame, with character throughout. Master suite with private deck overlooking the water. Deeded water rights. Offered at $599,900. Lisa 401-418-2525.
RI & MA 3030 East Main Road, Portsmouth • 401-683-6200
Taste Drink by Caitlin Quinn
SEX TO CHANGE THE COURSE OF THE WORLD
Rooted in Family
A Middletown winery preserves local land and legacy
Photography: Laurel Mulherin
If you live anywhere near AquidBy Peter Sinn Nachtrieb Directed by Fred Sullivan, Jr.
MAR 8 - APR 8 BUY TICKETS: 401-723-4266 gammtheatre.org
172 Exchange St, Pawtucket, RI John and Paul Nunes
than “manipulating the winemaking.” Nunes says, “Everything is meticulously groomed. We remove each leaf by hand to best expose the grapes to the sun and breeze. It requires a lot of attention and handiwork, but all of this helps the flavors and ripening progress.” The vineyard’s original winemaker, George Chelf, continues to employ traditional techniques on modern equipment to preserve the natural character of the grape and achieve the best quality wine, which is aged in 75 percent French oak barrels. When it comes to choosing a wine, Nunes doesn’t play favorites but makes his selection based on his meal and mood. He is proud to discuss the vineyard’s many accolades, though, saying that “Probably the most meaningful award was a couple years ago, when our riesling was chosen as best of show out of more than 450 entries. The competition was invite only and held in D.C. This really sent us to another level in terms of being recognized for winemaking.” In the year ahead, Newport Vineyards will release its 2011 vintages. The first is a moscato, a style of wine becoming more popular by the day. Years ago, the vineyard produced a dry version of this variety, but for the 2011 they chose to go sweeter in the vein of a dessert wine or aperitif. Excited about the release and pleased with the result, Nunes says “On the nose, it’s all wildflowers. It’s a
very interesting wine.” Should you find yourself in the mood for something other than wine, fear not; Newport Vineyards offers the homemade hard cider, Rhody Coyote. Made from handpicked apples from local orchards, the cider is made by fermenting the apple juice cold with champagne yeast. It’s then bottled quickly to preserve its fizz. “We have produced the hard cider for at least 10 years. It’s an easygoing beverage, not too sweet with nice acidity. It’s very refreshing and not high in alcohol,” says Nunes. He makes a point to say that the apple selection includes all the apples native to Rhode Island, not just the overabundant McIntosh. Rhody Coyote has been extremely well received and typically flies off the shelves of both the vineyard shop and liquor stores throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Regarding the future of Newport Vineyards, Nunes hopes to keep it in the family. “I have 52 cousins and most live around here. At the vineyard it’s primarily myself and my brother, but we get lots of help, especially when we first started and every year around the harvest. It’s nice to have a lot of family.” Newport Vineyards is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from noon to 5pm. Tours are available at 1and 3pm. 909 E. Main Road (Rt 138), Middletown. 401-8485161, www.newportvineyards.com.
Marc Dante Mancini, Gillian Williams
neck Island, you’re probably already familiar with Newport Vineyards – but what you probaby don’t know is that the expansive winery is among the largest in New England. Spanning 60 acres over three farms, the vineyard hosts more than 20 grape varieties that are used to make a wide selection of wines. Newport Vineyards is owned and operated by brothers John and Paul Nunes, whose family has been involved with the vineyard since its establishment in the 1977. Their history with the land goes back even further, to 1917, when their great-grandfather purchased one of the Middletown farms. The brothers formally acquired and branded Newport Vineyards in 1995 and have since partnered with the Aquidneck Land Trust and the State of Rhode Island to preserve the agricultural land. John was kind enough to speak with me about their vines and wines. Given our region’s rocky soil and topsy-turvy weather, it’s hard to believe that New England can support so much agriculture, never mind wine grapes, some of which are notoriously temperamental. However, Aquidneck Island happens to be well-suited for this venture, enjoying a microclimate ideal for growing grapes. Nunes says, “Being close to the ocean gives us a long, cool growing season to develop great aromas and flavors. It’s not too hot in the summer and the ocean provides protection from extreme cold and frost.” The white wine grapes that perform the best at Newport Vineyards – the “work horses” as Nunes calls them – are chardonnay, riesling and pinot gris. The red wine grapes lean toward the French style with merlot, pinot noir and cabernet franc, opposed to bigger reds such as cabernet, zinfandel and syrah, which require much more warmth to thrive than our summers offer. The white wine grapes are harvested at the beginning of October, followed by reds into November. A portion of the vidal grapes are left on the vine until they freeze, usually in December, and are then used to make ice wine. Newport Vineyards focuses on developing flavors in the vineyard, rather
Deliciously Gourmet. Stylishly Local. Gifts of Distinction.
301 Hope St. Bristol RI 401.253.3117 March 2012 | The BAY
39
Prom 2012
Taste Connoisseur
by Eilish Shaffer
Culinary Traditions
Phillip DeDucca on owning a kitchen that his own Nonni would be proud of
Kendall Jenner as seen in Teen Prom Magazine
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A specialty boutique Open Daily 10-5:30 Saturday 10-5 The Village CenTer 290 County road, Barrington 247-1087 40
the Bay | March 2012
What is your favorite item on the restaurant menu? My wife and I eat in our restaurant every day and so do our children and grandchildren. As a family-run business, we’re always here together. My favorite item
How is your pasta made? We make fresh pasta daily with water, eggs and semolina. I mix these items into the pasta machine until I get the consistency I want and then I feed it into the sheeter until I obtain the correct thickness. From there, I lay it out on my wooden pasta table and cut the pasta into sheets, which are then made and cut fresh into different types of pasta like spaghetti, fettuccini, rigatoni and pappardelle. Phillip DeDucca makes pasta from scratch We also make various flavors like sun-dried tomato, spinach, tomato basil and herb garlic, to would be the Veal Saltimbocca. I think name a few. Some of our pasta is made it is hard to get a veal dish when you go by hand, but most is made with what I out to eat that is as tender as the veal in like to call my post-World War II equipour dishes. We pound them so well that ment. They are 60-year-old machines they melt in your mouth. from Italy but they still work. What would you say is the best What one item do your customers thing about owning and operating a always ask for and rave about? restaurant? We’re known for our Eggplant ParmeThe company we keep. As a very comsan. We always hear from our customers munity friendly restaurant, we have that it is the best they have ever had; we met so many great people from all even sell it to local markets. I cannot tell over the state. We support our schools you our secret recipe, but I can say that and do fundraisers when we can. It making the dish is quite the process and makes me very proud that we have takes some time. become successful and I love hearing
how delicious someone’s meal was. I am so pleased that we are able to maintain the highest quality of meals at the most affordable prices. What do you think your Nonni would say about the restaurant and store today? If Nonni was here today, she would definitely be proud of me and the family oriented business I have created, as she was very big on family. However, she would be pretty strict on a few things, such as salt shakers on the table. Nonni believed that you were to eat the food exactly the way it was prepared. What is the best pasta dish you have ever eaten in your life? Where were you? My wife and I were at a little seaside restaurant on Elba Island in Italy. I got a dish with spaghetti and clams and she got fish. We were certainly surprised when they came out and my meal had black spaghetti (squid ink pasta) and my wife’s was a whole fish. But both were the best I have ever tasted. Let’s talk lasagna. How do you make yours at home? We pretty much make it the same way as we do at Nonni’s. Our ingredients are the same: fresh pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, sauce, basil, etc. The only difference is that at home we make one pan of pasta and one gallon of sauce at a time, but at the restaurant we make about 45 pans of lasagna a week and about 100 gallons of sauce at a time. Phillip and Cheryl DeDucca own Nonni’s Italian Kitchen and Pasta Shop at 1154 Stafford Road, Tiverton. 401-6243087, www.nonnispastashop.com
Photography: Amy Amerantes
What inspired you to open Nonni’s Italian Kitchen and Pasta Shop? I had been in the food business for quite a few years and I was fortunate to come across a fresh pasta shop for sale. Memories of traditional Sunday dinners with my Nonni DeDucca were the inspiration to open an Italian restaurant. I can remember sitting down to eat those home cooked meals that my Nonni took all day to prepare from scratch, and having such a comfortable and satisfying feeling. I knew I wanted to share that feeling with people. Italian food was a no-brainer.
Taste News Bites
COLEMANREALTORS.COM
by Julie Tremaine
Delicious Deals
Savoring the return of Restaurant Week
Georges Bank Scallops at the Boat House
Newport Restaurant Week
Photography: Kate Kelley
returns March 23-April 1, and brings with it countless opportunities to explore the local culinary landscape. The week offers three-course lunches for $16, and three-course dinners for $30. While all the standard favorites are on the roster for Newport – The Mooring, 22 Bowen’s Wharf, Café Zelda – there are plenty of participating restaurants in the East Bay, including Warren’s Trafford, Tiverton’s Boat House and Bristol’s Hourglass Brasserie. Full menus and the complete list of participants are available at www.gonewportrestaurantweek.com. A WINNING COMBINATION Foodies all over were abuzz with the release of the contenders for the James Beard Foundation’s Restaurant and Chef Awards late last month. Once again, the foundation has recognized some local culinary stars. Bristol chefs Champe Speidel, of Persimmon, and Sai Viswanath, of DeWolf Tavern have both been nominated as semifinalists for Best Chef in the Northeast. Both chefs have made recent appearances on the list. Speidel was a nominee last year, and Chef Sai was nominated in 2010. The list of 20 semi-finalists in this category will be narrowed down to finalists (that list will be announced on March 19) and winners will be announced at a May
Barrington: Nayatt Point! Period farmhouse colonial on 1¼ acres, 6 beds, 3½ baths, 3 fireplaces, 3 staircases. Needs updating, but great potential! Seller is open to providing financing! $595,000
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401-245-3050 210 County Road • Barrington, RI
event at the James Beard House in New York City. www.jamesbeard.org ABOVE AVERAGE Local chain Not Your Average Joe’s has recently opened a location in Seekonk. The company, based in Middleboro, Massachusetts, has a dozen locations, and offers affordable versions of upscale cuisine. While the menu definitely has a worldly perspective (dinner offerings include Mediterranean Chicken and Vietnamese Salmon), Not Your Average Joe’s also has a New England influence, serving Rhode Island Calamari and Chicken Mozambique, the perennial favorite Portuguese dish. The restaurant offers a happy hour deal weekdays from 3-6pm, when a selection of full-sized appetizers is available for half price in the lounge. 1125 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk. 508-343-5637. www.notyouraveragejoes.com SIP FOR LESS Trafford in Warren is offering a way to dine well for less. The chic restaurant is offering half-price wines by the bottle every Tuesday, Wedneday and Thursday through April. Now you have one more reason – besides the stunning view, beautiful interior and impeccable food – to treat yourself. 285 Water Street, Warren. 401-289-2265, www.traffordrestaurant.com
March 2012 | The BAY
41
Taste Dining Guide special advertising section ranked among the best restaurants in New England, and has been nominated for several James Beard Awards. BLD $$-$$$ JACKY’S GALAXIE 383 Metacom Avenue; 401-253-8818. Jacky’s offers an eclectic taste of Asia, including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Cambodian and Vietnamese. Enjoy traditional recipes combined with modern technique and flair for a unique dining experience. LD $-$$ LE CENTRAL 483 Hope Street; 401-3969965. Enjoy a variety of classic French staples from Coq au Vin and Croque Monsieur, to North African tajines in an intimate setting. They also offer a gourmet wine list. BRLD $-$$$
Hegeman & Co.
Est. 1970
Custom Design • Fine Jewelry Diamonds • Sapphires Pearls • Emeralds • Rubies
401- 831-6812 361 So. Main St, Providence www.hegemanandco.com
Sunnyside 267 Water Street, Warren; 401-247-1200. Daytime dining goes gourmet. Featuring innovative dishes and local ingredients served in a refined but relaxed atmosphere, this cozy waterfront favorite brings nighttime sophistication into the sunshine. BBrL $-$$
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(Next to Benny’s) • Mon-Sat 8:30-6:30 401-421-6196
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www.providencepictureframe.com 42
the Bay | March 2012
BILLY’S 286 Maple Avenue; 289-2888. Billy’s creates a warm, inviting family atmosphere and ensures the finest quality ingredients in everything from fresh salads to juicy burgers to pizzas and Italian entrees. Full bar available. D $-$$ CHIAzzA TRATTORIA 308 County Road; 401-247-0303. Chiazza provides delicious Italian American cuisine in an upscale setting nestled in the heart of historic Barrington. Enjoy brick oven pizzas, as well as antipasti, pasta, seafood and a full bar. LD $-$$ MADIGANS’S CAFE & WINE BAR 328 County Road; 401-245-1900. Enjoy upscale bistro cuisine with international influence, from a full breakfast menu to sandwiches, pastas, and chicken and steak entrees with a gourmet twist, plus excellent wine and beer selections. BLD $-$$ TONG-D 156 County Road; 401-2892998. Curry lovers and Asian food fanat-
Key
ics will go crazy for this authentic Thai restaurant. For great food and service in an upscale yet comfortable atmosphere, try Tong-D. LD $$ TYLER POINT GRILLE 32 Barton Avenue; 401-247-0017. With its nautical décor and open-air kitchen, Tyler Point Grille serves up contemporary Italian fare and classic seafood in a relaxed waterfront setting. You can even arrive by boat. D $-$$$
Bristol AGAVE 805 Hope Street; 401-256-1566. Agave presents an eclectic mix of flavors and influences, encompassing tapas, Latin food, Southwestern dishes, pizzas, local seafood favorites, even pastas, all with a great view of the waterfront. BLD $$-$$$ DEWOLF TAVERN 259 Thames Street; 401-254-2005. Serving contemporary American cuisine in a historic waterfront setting, DeWolf Tavern is consistently
East Providence ICHIGO ICHIE 5 Catamore Boulevard; 401-435-8989. The name roughly translates as “one encounter in a lifetime,” but you’ll want to visit again and again for the enchanting Japanese décor, and of course, the sushi and hibachi menus. LD $$ VINE YARD EAST 315 Waterman Avenue; 401-432-7000. Wine-influenced dining meets casual down home atmosphere, and an eclectic menu of regional fare like local seafood favorites and Italian and Portuguese classics. LD $$
Little Compton CROWTHER’S RESTAURANT 90 Pottersville Road; 401-635-8367. Crowther’s has maintained a tradition of quality dining and service in Little Compton for over 25 years, serving everything from small plates to seafood classics. LD $-$$
Middletown ATLANTIC GRILLE 91 Aquidneck Avenue; 849-4440. Since 1992, the Atlantic Grille has been a daily stop for locals in
Br brunch B breakfast L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
Photography: Kate Kelley
We buy DiamonDs, GolD & Precious Gems
THAMES WATERSIDE BAR & GRILL 251 Thames Street; 401-253-4523. Enjoy all your seafood and pub favorites – from lobster rolls to half-pound burgers, from pizzas to pastas – in an incomparable waterfront setting overlooking Bristol Harbor. LD $-$$
Taste Dining Guide search of a hearty breakfast, quick lunch or a special dinner. It’s always a hot spot. BBrLD $-$$
Portsmouth 15 POINT ROAD 15 Point Road; 401683-3138. If you’re not too entranced by the breathtaking view of the Sakonnet River, be sure to try the seafood, poultry and beef dishes that make up 15 Point’s signature selection. Traditional yet innovative cuisine at its best. D $$-$$$ FIELDSTONES GRILLE 980 East Main Road; 401-293-5200. The casual and lively atmosphere of Fieldstones is perfect for family dining, seven days a week. Choose from pizzas, pasta, seafood, steaks or their specialty fajitas, all made with the freshest ingredients. LD $-$$
Providence CAV 14 Imperial Pl.; 401-751-9164. The New York Times’ choice as one of Providence’s five best restaurants, CAV’s contemporary award-winning cuisine is available for lunch and dinner daily. They also feature Saturday/Sunday brunch. BrLD $$-$$$
Seekonk 1149 EAST 965 Fall River Avenue; 508336-1149; also 1149 Division Street, Warwick/East Greenwich line; 401-884-1149. Metropolitan chic comes to the suburbs – its second location, no less – at this super stylish restaurant with a raw bar, outstanding menu and some of the best cocktails around. LD $-$$$ OLD GRIST MILL TAVERN 390 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk; 508-336-8460. Built in 1745, the Old Grist Mill offers classic New England dishes to match the atmosphere. Come to the river’s edge for legendary crab cakes and lobster. LD $-$$$
South Dartmouth BLACK BASS GRILLE 3 Water Street; 508-999-6975. Located right across
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from Padanaram Harbor in South Dartmouth, this hidden gem specializes in inexpensive seafood, fresh off the boat. Be sure to try one of their creative nightly specials. BrLD $-$$$
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Swansea TICKLE’S TEA ROOM 2219 Grand Army Highway (Rte. 6); 508-379-0717. A cozy spot for tasty meals, Tickle’s features a variety of salads, soups, sandwiches and quiche. Enjoy a classic and delicious Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, or a fresh Apple Walnut Salad. L $
Tiverton BOAT HOUSE 227 Schooner Drive; 401624-6300. Enjoy views of the Sakonnet River as you sample fresh seafood and local produce. The award-winning clam chowder and prime waterfront location make this a quintessential New England restaurant. D $-$$$
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Warren TRAFFORD 285 Water Street; 401289-2265. While the bright interior space and beautiful waterfront deck are charming, the eclectic menu is Trafford’s specialty. The fresh seafood and seasoned wood grilled entrees are bold enough to match the decor. Valet service offered. LD $-$$$ WHARF TAVERN 215 Water Street; 401-289-2524. Fine American dining and fresh seafood are what distinguish the Wharf’s menu. You’ll find everything from soups and salads to classic surf and turf options in a beautiful waterfront location. LD $-$$$
Westport MARGUERITE’S 778 Main Road; 508636-3040. Chef Trafford Kane infuses classic New England comfort food with the flair of the Southwest and California. It’s no wonder Marguerite’s boasts about their “fresh ingredients, fresh air, fresh food.” BLD $-$$
Br brunch B breakfast L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
Always a Great Time.
Tues & Wed
Fajita Margarita Night Grilled Ch icken or Steak
13 95
Open 11am - 10pm daily 980 East Main Rd Portsmouth, RI 401-293-5200
www.fieldstonesgrille.com March 2012 | The BAY
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Bark All About It
6th Annual Great International Spring
AvAilAble At these estAblishments:
BEER FESTIVAL
Animal House of Grooming - Warren Pampered Pets - Seekonk Van Elger Pet Care - Westport Woof! Woof! - Warren
TheBay Your Guide to living Well on the east bay & south Coast Online at thebaymagazine.com
Join us View complete list of events at www.ric.edu/pfa
Monday, April 2 7 : 3 0 P. M . | SAPINSLEY HALL, NAZARIAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The Muir String Quartet T I C K E T S W W W. R I C . E D U / P F A O R ( 4 0 1 ) 4 5 6 - 8 1 4 4 www.facebook.com/PerformingArtsSeries.RIC
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the Bay | March 2012
Best of Summer Brews! BEER LECTURES BY PROFESSIONALS LIVE MUSIC! FOOD & UNLIMITED SAMPLING!
TWO GREAT SHOWS! Sat., April 14, 2012 1:00 - 4:30 pm 6:30 - 10:00 pm
MICRO & MACRO BREWERIES!
Style Unleashed - Barrington
250 BEERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD!
Bay State Veterinary - Swansea
Rhode Island Convention Center
Providence, RI
Call For Information 401-351-2632
$40 at the Door (includes taxes) or Purchase Online beerfestamerica.com
A portion of the proceeds to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.
Volunteers Wanted Or To Be A Vendor Call: 401-272-0980
Gallery
The best of March’s art and culture
46 52
Lights Amazing Up in Warren Maize
August: Osage County at 2nd Story Theatre
March 2012 | The BAY
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Gallery Calendar by Erin Swanson
March from previous page March 8-31: Come see August: Osage County, a “blisteringly funny” work about a non-present father, a pill-popping mother and three secret-harboring sisters. Performances are every Thursday at 7pm, every Friday and Saturday at 8pm, and every Sunday at 3pm. $25, $20 under 21. 2nd Story Theatre 28 Market Street, Warren. 401-247-4200, www.2ndstorytheatre.com. March 2 Like beer? Head to Landry Liquors for a beer tasting. This family-owned liquor store offers domestic, imported and microbrew. 4pm. Free. 134 Central Avenue, Seekonk. 508-3997171. March 3 For beginner or intermediate artists, this Watercolor Workshop with John Tolley offers an opportunity to enhance your skills in application, mixing color and glazing. 10:30am3:30pm. $75, $65 for members, $10 materials fee. Portsmouth Arts Guild Center for the Arts, 2679 East Main Road, Portsmouth. 401-293-5278, www.portsmouthartsguild.org. March 4 Grammy Award winners and stars of the Newport Folk Festival, Carolina Chocolate Drops offer (what Rolling Stone has deemed) “dirt-floor-dance electricity.” Prepare to be highly entertained. 8pm. $30 advance, $35 day of. Narrows Center for the Arts. 16 Anawan Street, Fall River. 508324-1926, www.ncfta.org.
shake up your fitness routine. Pilates will help you lengthen and tone your muscles in ways you never thought possible. 6am and 11:45am. Free for members. Newman YMCA, 472 Taunton Avenue, Seekonk. 508-336-7103, www. ymcagreaterprovidence.org. March 7 Local author Robert M. Clark will visit the Swansea Public Library for a book signing and talk on his new book, Dizzie Miss Lizzie. The book is about a 13-year-old girl named Kasey who spends the summer home alone in her family’s creepy old house. It’s a charming new twist on a ghost story, not to be missed. 7pm. 69 Main Street, Swansea. 508-674-9609, swansealibrarian@gmail.com. March 8 Join the Newport County Chamber of Commerce for a Young Professionals Brainstorming Session where great ideas are born. 8:309:30am. Newport County Chamber of Commerce, 35 Valley Road, Middletown. 401-847-1608, www.newportchamber.com. March 9 Children are welcome to join in the fun and make whatever they’d like from the library’s collection of Legos for Legos at the Library. 3:15-4:45pm. Bristol’s Rogers Free Library. 525 Hope Street, Bristol. 401-253-6948, www.rogersfreelibrary.org.
March 5 Hilary Easton and Company present Alive! Arts Dance at the Performing Arts Center of Roger Williams University. 7:30pm. Free. 401-254-3626, pdq.rwu.edu.
March 10 Gallery Eleven presents Elements, where the viewer can ponder the elements as filtered through the artist’s minds and hands. Opening reception includes live music by harpist Rebecca Blomgren. Exhibit runs through April. 4-8pm, 11 State Street, Bristol. 401-396-9311, www.galleryelevenfineart.com.
March 5, 7, 12 Because sometimes you just have to
March 10 For kids ages 8-13, the Westport Art
46
the Bay | March 2012
Group is offering an Animal Safari Art Class in which participants use pastels, paint and collage to create colorful safari animals and scenes inspired by the art of Matisse, Rousseau and their own imaginations. $30. 1740 Main Road, Westport. 508-636-2114, www.westportartgroup.com. March 10 Sandywoods Gallery presents Charlie Barmonde, ceramics and stoneware pottery artist. After this opening reception, the exhibition will be on display through April. 53 Muse Way, Tiverton. www.sandywoodsfarm.org. March 10, 24 “Shop local, eat local is a big trend.” Have you ever wondered what eating local meant in 1790’s Rhode Island? Come find out at the Historic Foodways and Hearth Cooking Workshop . Using American Cookery, the first American cookbook (published in 1796), you’ll prepare food by the hearth and eat it by candlelight. Reservations required, ages 16 and up. $60, $50 members. 3-8pm. 401-2539062, www.coggeshallfarm.org. March 23 A night of Irish music awaits you, as Internationally Acclaimed Irish Folk Musician Robbie O’Connell will take the stage and charm the shamrocks out of you. 7:30pm. $25, $20 members, free for Colt Circle members and includes a wine reception to meet the performer. Linden Place, 500 Hope Street, Bristol. 401-2530390, www.lindenplace.org. March 24 Join the Bristol Art Museum for An Afternoon of Readings with Rhode Island Poets and Writers. A reception will follow to meet the writers and poets, Alexandra vandeKamp, Kim Baker, Kathryn Kulpa, Kara Provost and Susan Hradil. 3-5pm. The Bristol Art Museum at Linden Place,
500 Hope Street, Bristol. 401-2530390, www.bristolartmuseum.org. March 24 Whether you like your tea for two or tea for one, join Blithewold for a Tea Tasting with Farmacy Herbs. During this tea and talk, you will gain a greater understanding of how herbs can be used to keep you healthy. 3-5pm. $20, $15 member. 101 Ferry Road, Bristol. 401-253-2707, www. blithewold.org. March 29 Check out Bristol and Warren’s first Art Night, which is touted as a gallery stroll with a twist. This event features open studio tours of Warren air sculptor Janice Lee Kelly and Warren painter Debbie Gonville Miller. 5-8pm. 30 Cutler Street, Warren. www.artnightbristolwarren.org. March 30 Opera Providence presents Murder & Mayhem, part of the Blithewold Winter Concert Series. 7pm. $40. Blithewold Mansion, 101 Ferry Road, Bristol. 253-2707, www.operaprovidence.org. March 31 Hippity Hop. Here’s a fun alternative to the traditional Easter Egg Hunt. Try a Camouflaged Egg Hunt where youngsters hunt for brown eggs in a natural setting and learn while having fun. Check in 9:30am, hunt 10am. $7 child, $5 member child. Ages 3-10. Registration required. Audubon Environmental Education Center, 1401 Hope Street, Bristol. Email Hope at hfoley@asri.org or go online to www.asri.org.
Got a cool upcoming event? Send the details, with plenty of advance warning, to erin@providenceonline.com
Gallery continued...
Dreaming of Spring At
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Summer is coming!
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Join Admiral Boat Club, conveniently located in Barrington Harbor. Direct River and Bay access
A New Take on Friday Night March 9: Sometimes you just need a date night. This time, drop your brood off at Bristol’s Audubon Environmental Education Center where their Parents Night Out Program is in full swing. Kids aged 6-10 will enjoy an evening of fun educational activities under the supervision of well-informed Audubon teachers. There will be hikes to be taken, games to be played, crafts to be crafted and live animal interviews to be giggled over. The night will wind down with snacks and a nature movie. By the time you pick them up, they’ll be happy… and ready for bed. It’s any parent’s dream come true. Your children may just encourage you to go out without them again (so long as you drop them back off at the Audubon center, that is). Advance registration is required. $25 member, $30 non-member. 6:30pm 10pm. 1401 Hope Street, Bristol. 401-2457500, www.asri.org.
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www.rumforddental.com • info@rumforddental.com March 2012 | The BAY
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Gallery Artistry by James Merolla fabric gallery In Store Design Assistance
21 Years Of Personal Design Assistance And Custom Fabrication Window Treatments, Bedding, Upholstery, Slipcovers, Woven Shades, Shutters , Duettes, Verticals First Quality Fabrics, Wallpapers, Trims In Stock and Samples
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90 Pottersville Road Little Compton • 401-635-8367 crowthersrestaurant.com 48
the Bay | March 2012
Larger than Life
A mural and street artist gains notoriety Most guerilla artists tag subways and city walls with spray paint. Often times the words and images are ugly, profane, angry or skewed. Tim Jewell became known – infamous, some would say – by trespassing and leaving his shadows behind. Eventually he was commended for his work and won artistic grants. Many never would have dreamed it possible. Jewell, 64, a Fall River native and resident, made his mark in New London, New York City and his own hometown by sculpting black silhouettes of human figures and drilling them upright into piers to greet the morning and evening sun (whether he had permission to do so or not). Jewell, who was educated at The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, went on to get his MFA from the renowned Cranbrook Academy of Art in Michigan. He began his public art career as a federally commissioned muralist in New London. “I painted two large murals in New London,” Jewell says. “I was popular in Connecticut. I was known there.” The subject of his large wall paintings was always the common man – the laborer, working and toiling. On the side of a downtown building, one of Jewell’s painted workers comprised the height and width of an average city-block: 3,500 square feet. It was impressive indeed.
Jewell then moved to New York City where he lived from 1982 to 1994. There, his oil paintings and sculptures were exhibited in Manhattan galleries and sold to private collectors. Returning home for family reasons, Jewell was soon at it again. “I drilled four wooden cutouts on some pilings on the Taunton River, on Davol Street right near the old Regatta Restaurant,” Jewell says. “I did it without permission, of course.” The local newspaper read: “A guerilla artist put up art on private property.” Jewell claims that the article said that if he turned himself in, police wouldn’t prosecute. He turned himself in. Then Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan told Jewell that he felt the art should stay up. “It stayed up a while, but between vandals and the wind, it eventually came down,” says Jewell. Because of the local notoriety, a contingent of art educators at UMass invited him to campus to discuss the grant application process. “I told them about what I call my conscience figures, which I had originally put up around New London,” Jewell says. “I installed seven figures on the water. The people at UMass went crazy for it,” Jewell adds. “Because of me they got that Adams Grant last year.” Jewell shared the grant with several local organizations.
Now with permission and even a blessing, Jewell put 20 silhouettes up all over Fall River – five for each of the four seasons, all in various poses and attire. “We made t-shirts, tote bags; the Herald News had a contest with clues. People could win prizes if they located the figures around the city,” Jewell says. “One is still up on the Herald News building in Fall River.” But Jewell has found it difficult lately to live on notoriety alone. While he has exhibited at The Narrows, and throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts, (including AS220 on Empire Street in downtown Providence), his sustainability as an artist has been slim, something his mother once predicted and feared. “My father was a cartoonist and I copied what he did,” Jewell says of his childhood artistic beginnings. “I was sick of trigonometry, English, Latin, math. My mother said I would starve in a garret.” Jewell’s sense of humor shows as he says, “My mom developed her vocabulary from Reader’s Digest. So, I came back home, have a studio in my basement, and, well, now I starve in a garret.” In the throes of winter, he was working on new ideas, paintings and collages in mixed media, while yearning to post some new exciting silhouettes, to draw a new crowd and survive. “Art is life,” says Jewell simply.
Photography: Judith Gardner
401-295-2760
Tim Jewell
Gallery On Stage by Patricia McAlpine
Real WoRld dog TRaining FoR liFe
Sunday april 22nd for seminar details visit
SolidK9Training.com or call 401.527.6354
Hop On Over…
Celebrating on Pointe Island Moving Company celebrates 30 years on the move
Photography: Alexander Nesbitt
Celebrating 30 years of dance, Island Moving Company (IMC) has a busy year ahead beginning with this month’s kickoff premiere production of Mother Goose at RoseCliff. This creative and highly interactive piece is suitable for children as young as three with matinee performances March 2 Sunday, March 4. Saturday, March 3 will be IMC’s Opening Night celebration featuring the company dancers with a performance of works from the repertoire and a champagne birthday toast. Mother Goose is choreographed by the company dancers and features Newport actress Lisa Reimer. It showcases creative collaboration among its dancers, something that Executive Director Dominique Alfandre says, “is close to our heart.” This creative collaboration has been the foundation of IMC for the past 30 years. Begun in 1982 by a group of Rhode Island dancers who wanted an opportunity to choreograph original work, IMC, under the leadership of Artistic Director Miki Ohlsen, has produced and presented dances by a diverse group of choreographers and has worked with poets, musicians and visual artists. Collaborative efforts have also extended out to the schools with creative movement education programs in Newport and surrounding communities
including Jamestown and Little Compton and as far away as Palm Beach, Florida. This year’s education program integrates themes of tolerance and unity into the schools anti-bullying efforts, using creative movement as the catalyst to teach the importance of teamwork and cooperation. This reach is also extended nationally through the company’s Great Friends Touring Project. In May, the whole company will fly off to Pasadena, California to perform with the Pasadena Dance Theatre. One of the highlights of the season will be the Great Friends Dance Festival to be held in July, which is a continuation of last year’s Great Touring Project. However, before traveling to Pasadena and the July Festival, the company will present all new works with IMC – 30 years of Great Dance in Great Places at the casino where it all began. Alfandre says, “This celebratory performance will serve as a fundraiser for the trip to Pasadena.” Rhode Island choreographer Colleen Cavanaugh will also return this year to finish a project she began last summer called Seaside Reverie, which she choreographed for a large cast and will modify for a smaller one so that the company can continue to perform the piece. Currently, IMC has
eight company dancers of its own. For the July festival, The Missouri Contemporary Ballet will join IMC dancers as this year’s resident company and will perform, along with The John Mark Owen Presents, a past participant in the touring project from New York. Alfandre explains, “It’s two weeks of dancers sharing and working together to bring a dance treat for all.” The project also helps the local economy, as the dancers are housed and fed in Newport while here. One of the most creative aspects of IMC is its site-specific choreography like that which will be featured at Rosecliff Mansion in the lively retelling of Mother Goose’s nursery rhymes this month. A similar staging of Dracula is slated for Belcourt Castle in the fall. Alfandre concludes, “It is this interactive and creative choreography that has attracted a diverse audience from all over.” Even the likes of The Today Show, and most recently Good Morning America, has featured the company’s production of The Nutcracker, which will once again be presented at Rosecliff to close this 30th anniversary season. For tickets to Mother Goose at Rosecliff or for more information about IMC’s 30th anniversary season, visit www.islandmovingco.org. 3 Charles Street, Newport. 401-847-4470.
Sweet Lorraine’s Candy Shoppe Featuring
The Finest Local Artisan Chocolates Penny Candy, Organic Candy, Sugar/Nut Free Candy, Gift Baskets 211 Waseca Ave. Barrington, RI • 401-694-1128 Hours: Mon thru Sat 10am-6pm
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Wild Flower Florist Ltd.
233 Waseca Ave • Barrington, RI 401-245-0880
March 2012 | The BAY
49
Just Add Water
by Dave Nelligan
Ice Water Crew If asked to name some winter sports that people from southern New England are fond of, most people would mention skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or sledding. But how many of you out there would add sailing to that list? It may come as a surprise, but sailing is just as much of a winter sport as any of the more traditional ones – especially to a certain crew. People who sail during the winter are known as Frostbiters. They are also known as kooky, batty, deranged and a bit loony. The name of the group itself implies that there is a possibility of getting frostbite. Who in their right mind willingly participates in such an activity? Almost no one does, which is exactly why Frostbite sailors are viewed by 50
the Bay | March 2012
most as odd. It’s okay, they don’t mind. The idea is simple: to continue sailing during the winter months against all better judgment and common sense. The goal is to make it back to the dock with the same amount of fingers and toes you started the day with, which is much easier said than done. With average water temperatures during the winter months being around 37 degrees Fahrenheit, there is no better name for this sport. For those of you not familiar with Frostbiting you may be thinking, what’s the big deal? They probably use the biggest boats possible where the threat of getting wet isn’t even on their minds. Well that’s where you are dead wrong. In fact, it is just the opposite.
Setting sail in Lasers, Sunfish, and even dinghies, you’d almost think it was a competition to see who can find the boat that can get them the closest to the freezing water. We are not just talking about a few rogue people here either. There are entire organizations all over the area dedicated to this crazy hobby, some with rich histories. Getting together every weekend for races, these people don’t just enjoy sailing, they live it – it’s in their blood. They aren’t going to be like most and let the calendar decide when sailing season begins and ends. With them, it’s always time to hoist the sails. Bundled up from head to toe, there is very little that will stop them from venturing out, even on the cold-
est days that Mother Nature serves up. Whether it was on a dare from one friend to another or a lazy sailor who just didn’t feel like winterizing his boat one year, the initial day that Frostbite sailing became a real sport may not be known. One thing is for certain though, it is not going anywhere. Attracting more brave participants each year – from beginners to old salts – there is a spot for everyone. Within this particular social gathering it does not seem to matter if you finish last every single race; the fact that you are out there is all that matters and will get you a nod from even the most seasoned pro. Check out www.bristolyc. com or www.barringtonyc.com/racing/frost/ for more information.
Illustration: Eloise Narrigan
For Frostbiters, the colder the water the greater the bragging rights
Here, it’s all about you.
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sandra sullivan • 401-575-1983
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david Barros • 401-595-5851
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Marilyn Weiner • 401-527-1995 License #:B 15068
2011 Century 21 Real Estate LLC. CENTURY 21 is a trademark licensed to Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Prices subject tochange. If your property is currently listed with a real estate broker please disregard this offer. ©
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