The Bay May 2023

MILUKAS STUDIO

Art sessions offered for all levels, weekly classes & private lessons.

Check website for events. Kelly Milukas is a multi-media painter and sculptor. 503 S Lake Rd, Tiverton • (401) 480 3536 kellymilukas.com/events • @kellymilukas

COURTYARDS

Celebrating 41 years in Tiverton 4 Corners! Courtyards offers an ever changing collection of home & garden goods and gifts, sure to entice everyone!    3980 Main Road • (401) 624 8682 courtyardsltd.com

TIVERTON FARMERS MARKET

A growing collection of food vendors, artisans & farms. Sundays 10am-1:30pm.

Winter season at Tiverton Middle School, 10 Quintal Drive, Tiverton.

Starting May 21 at Town Farm Rec. Area. www.TivertonFarmersMarket.com @TivertonFarmersMarket

THE CHEESE WHEEL VILLAGE MARKET

Over 200 cheeses, local meats & produce; house-made bread, sandwiches, soups & spread and meals. Custom charcuterie & cheese boards available. Call to order! Open 9-5 Tues-Sunday 3838 Main Road • (401) 816 5069      @thecheesewheelri

STUDIO BY THE SEA

Platinum “Royal Kashmir Blue” genuine sapphire and diamond ring: custom made for a very special anniversary! What can we create for you?

3848 Main Road • (401) 639 4348 @studio_by_the_sea • studiobytheseari.com

ASHLEY AINSWORTH ART & JENNIFER JONES RASHLEIGH

New Working Studio & Gallery

Save the Date! Grand OPENING, Saturday, June 17, 5-7pm 3848 Main Road  ashley-ainsworth.com • cedianpainting.com

ARCH CONTEMPORARY CERAMICS

Artist’s studio with shop & gallery showcasing a carefully curated selection of small batch pottery & unique ceramic sculpture from over twenty of the region’s best makers. 18 East Rd • @arch.ceramics archcontemporary.com

FOUR

CORNERS GALLERY

Collections of painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography & jewelry. Discover our new artists and the new work!

Hours: Tuesday-Friday & Sunday 11am-4pm Saturday 10am -5pm • 3848 Main Road fourcornersgalleryri.com • @fourcornersgalleryri

LOU LOU’S DÉCOR

Make your beach house a home with a cozy & fun addition from Lou Lou’s Décor with locations in Tiverton & Newport. Full interior design services available. 3913 Main Road • (401) 816 4362 loulousdecor.com • @loulousdecor

FOUR

CORNERS GRILLE

Offering fresh, quality food along with fast, friendly service at reasonable prices.   Featuring fresh, locally-caught seafood with an extensive & eclectic menu in a quaint, casual setting with a delightful patio. 3841 Main Road • (401) 624 1510   4cornersgrille.com

BANKING JUST GOT BETTER IN BARRINGTON.

and may vary after account opening. Freedom Checking: under $5,000 APY is 0.00%, $5,000 and over is 0.01%; Customer must open a new consumer checking account with funds from sources other than Washington Trust. Two direct deposits credited from payroll, social security, pension, or other government benefits are required within 90 calendar days of the account opening date. Deposits from Person-to-Person (P2P) services do not qualify e.g., PayPal®, Venmo®, and Zelle®. After the second direct deposit has been credited to your account, Washington Trust will make a $200.00 deposit within 30 calendar days. For additional information, please refer to the Consumer Terms and Conditions of your account. Minimum balance to open account is $25. Limited to one cash deposit bonus per tax reported owner per account. Not available to customers who received a cash deposit bonus on a previous Washington Trust account within the last two years of account opening date. O er is for a limited time and may be withdrawn at any time. Subject to 1099 reporting. Fees may reduce earnings. https://www.washtrust.com/free-checking. ‡Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is e ective as of 3/29/23 and may vary after account opening. O er available for new accounts opened with funds from sources other than Washington Trust. Washington Trust Checking account required. O er is for a limited time only and may be withdrawn at any time. No municipal or government funds. Minimum balance to open account is $25. Online account opening only. One account per tax reported owner only. If your daily balance is $25,000 or less, you will earn an APY of 3.00% on the entire balance. If your daily balance is $25,000.01 or greater, you will earn an APY of .05% on the entire balance. Minimum balance to earn stated APY is $.01. Fees may reduce earnings.

In This Issue

The Bay Magazine May 2023

34

Block Party

A world of flavors awaits along Newport’s busy Broadway

The Buzz

9 Middletown stationer rethinks packaging and seeks to inspire other brands

12 VOICES OF THE BAY: A Barrington librarian by day rocks out with his bands by night

14 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

16 RHODY GEM: Shop handmade inside a refurbished Warren church

18 FEATURE: Rewilding green spaces with ecosystems in mind

ON

Life & Style

25 HOME: Coastal chic inspo from a Middletown cottage renovation

30 FIELD TRIP: Bristol farm launches first-ever vintage market weekend

32 SHOP: Add branded mugs to your RI coffee cup collection

Food & Drink

41 Recharge with cold-pressed juice and coffee in Warren

42 EXPERIENCE: Plant-based gets a fine dining twist in Bristol

44 IN THE KITCHEN: A Riverside home cook’s Puerto Rican dishes

46 FOOD NEWS: Bakeshop returns to Warren, Wakefield food truck’s new digs & meal prep retail shop opens

Pic of the Bay

48 Snaps from Cheers to Leading Ladies, held in March at Aloft Providence

shine on TV

THE COVER: A bird’s eye view of Broadway.

Photo by Corey Favino, courtesy of Discover Newport

Photo by Mark Makes Media, courtesy of Lindy Lowney Design

Photo by Gina Pacino & Eric Hunter, @o cial_egphotography, courtesy of Empire Tea & Co ee

The Buzz

Buzz on the Bay Voices of the Bay Calendar Rhody Gem Feature

Drawing Interest

A Middletown-based paper goods company helps reduce plastic in their industry

Film bu s may remember the conversation in The Graduate, when a middle-aged partygoer utters one-word advice to titular character Benjamin. “Plastics,” said Mr. McGuire with intensity. “There’s a great future in plastics.” Jump-cut to 2023 and indeed the polymers are ever-present in our daily lives – their durability, light weight, and low production costs have led to domination in a multitude of uses but their sluggish-at-best (hundreds of years) decomposition rate is wreaking havoc on the environment. “The world is surrounded in plastic and it doesn’t need to be that way,” says Jenni Laundon, chief executive o cer at E. Frances Paper, a stationery brand based in an auto garage-turned-luminous studio and HQ in Middletown.

Photo courtesy of E. Frances Paper

A muslin bag holds the Cheerful gift set

The Buzz ON THE BAY

By Elyse Major

In her own little corner of the world, Laundon wants the “positive paper goods company” she runs with Alison Flippin (artist, chief creative o cer) and Emily Roberts (chief operations o cer), to “be the change.” Having spent a semester sailing as a biology student in college, Laundon saw with her own eyes the floating barges of plastic in the sea. “We realize we are part of the problem, so we want to be part of the solution.”

When the trio started their company in 2013, vendors demanded each product come wrapped in individual plastic cello sleeves to avoid damage from handling. Excited for those first orders, E. Frances Paper acquiesced: cards and notepads were stuffed into single-use plastic sleeves and all boxed sets like their popular Little Notes (as seen on actress Jennifer Garner’s Instagram account) were housed in clear plastic boxes. “Papyrus started this trend of cards in plastic sleeves about 25 years ago,” says Laundon of the company known for placing decorative embellishments like felt flowers and wood-cut ornaments on card fronts. Roberts chimes in, “Before that, cards were just sitting on shelves, no plastic sleeves.”

E orts to appease retailers while allowing the E. Frances Paper team to sleep at night includes implementing changes like housing

sets of cards in cardboard boxes with cutout windows, cardboard sleeves for notebooks, and low-tack sticker labels indicating what’s inside individual greeting cards – and no more plastic sleeves on cards. The company recently introduced plastic-free packaging with their gift tag boxes, and source only 100 percent cotton for gift tag string. Envelopes come from mills that practice responsible, sustainable forestry and are produced without elemental chlorine (PCF), and every e ort is made to choose paper that contains at least 30 percent post-consumer waste. The printing process relies on eco-friendly inks and soy-based solvents, which emit very low traces of VOCs (volatile organic compounds). E. Frances Paper also provides recycling for all pens, markers, and dental care products, and launched PaperNotPlastic.org to share their research and e orts in hopes to create a movement within their trade and beyond.

“Paper packaging is often a lot more expensive,” Laundon shares. “We can’t snap our fingers and expect our customers to be okay with completely new practices in the industry. What we hope is that with time, slowly using less and less plastic will lead to more awareness. So this will be a process. We just hope people are ready sooner rather than later.”

Adhesive tabs keep cards closed and are labeled with what’s inside

Tabs and window boxes hold cards rather than single-use plastic sleeves

Photos (L) by Elyse Major, (R) courtesy of E. Frances Paper

NPT PATCH HAT 50 percent of sales go to local nonprofit Clean Ocean Access

Sarah Hess Prints “Iris” Handmade Block Print @sarahvhess | sarahannehess.com

The Dapper Flapper Vintage Inspired Head

Wear and Accessories @thedapperflapper | h p://the-dapper-flapper.square.site

Mandalas Perfect

The Buzz VOICES OF THE BAY

By Nina Murphy

Librarian By Day, Musician By Night

Kyle Lee Sousa connects the community through tech services, and compares it to learning an instrument

Kyle Lee Sousa, full-time digital services librarian at Barrington Public Library, loves his career so much he allocates a lot of his free time juggling part-time gigs at the Tiverton and Portsmouth Public Libraries and Stonehill College Library in MA. His path to receiving a Masters in Library and Information Studies (MLS) from the University of Rhode Island in 2021 was not plotted overnight. Following his graduation from Eastern Nazarene College with a bachelor’s degree in music, Sousa spent over 10 years working a series of jobs, from restaurants and retail to the US Post Office, to save up enough money to pursue his MLS. As Sousa notes, local libraries are an integral resource to closing both an information and digital divide in communities.

GAME PLAN: The plan was always to be a librarian. I am a legacy librarian – my mother is a librarian at the War College, so I already knew about the discipline. My dad worked for the US Post O ce, so I kind of tried out both of their jobs. I was able to do the URI program online, which allowed me to work at other libraries part time while taking classes.

TECHIES NEEDED: I have been working in libraries since 2018; some places have a position with the title “digital services” and some places don’t, but it seems all libraries have use for someone with those skills. Even if it isn’t a position, per se, there’s always interest in someone who is technology forward. I’m of the generation that had the record player, CD player, and tape player. I grew up analog and switched to digital, so I’m accustomed to adapting to technology.

MUSCLE MEMORY: Everyone’s generally adept at something; it just might not be their phone and they get frustrated with it. I played the saxophone for years, and if I go to play saxophone now it’s squeaky. I play piano or keyboard more often, so I’m more

Photos courtesy of Kyle Lee Sousa

ready to play those; my hands and my mind are closer aligned with them. I relate it to that for people who come for Tech Class or Tech Help. You need to get your hands on the device, and once you play with it, you will feel better about it, it will come quicker to you.

LIFELONG LEARNING: The most popular class is for iPhone and then using Microsoft, Word, Google, Google Docs, and Gmail. Some classes are an intersection of a topic and how you can utilize apps to help you meditate, or learn about mindful wellness or cannabis. Since cannabis is now legal in Rhode Island, I thought that might be useful for people who don’t know anything about it and didn’t know where to go for information.

GENERATION DIVIDE: As a kid or as a parent of a kid, you’re in the library a lot.

LIBRARIAN GOES LIVE

When not in a library, the multifaceted musician performs with three groups: Montello North, the Johnny G3, and KLN Soul. Follow @kyleleesousa on YouTube, Instagram, and Soundcloud to keep up with Sousa’s music career.

After that, many adults are busy and don’t come through the building for a while. When they retire, they’re looking to make use of the time they now have. We are getting to a point where the expectations for people to know technology keeps increasing so it is more and more important for libraries to provide Tech Help Services.

KNOWLEDGE NETWORK: I think the mission of libraries is access to information – it could be education, entertainment, or enrichment. It’s also access to the community itself, bringing people together, and access even to things that people don’t have like a computer or a board game, or collections of books for reading literacy and classes for technology literacy. The more that people are able to use their devices and are able to read is in the best interest of the community.

By Ken Abrams

THE MUST LIST

Join Linden Place for cocktails and bites on Derby Day

May 13:

Rock out with Wilson Springs Hotel , a high-energy indie band from Richmond, VA featuring music from that place where rock, country, folk, and bluegrass come together. Warren, GalacticTheatre.com

May 14:

The Newport String Project presents the Newport String Quartet in concert with selections from Mozart, Dutch composer Henriette Bosmans, and Syrian-American composer Kareem Roustom. Tiverton, FourCornersArts.org

May 21:

Register early to support the Beavertail Lighthouse Museum at the annual family-friendly Walk-A-Thon , a brisk mile-long trek around the third-oldest lighthouse in North America. Jamestown, BeavertailLight.org

May 20-21:

Enjoy the bounty of local aquaculture in the Ocean State at the Bowen’s Wharf Newport Oyster and Chowder Festival , a free event showcasing the state’s 40+ oyster farms along with exhibitors and live music. Newport, BowensWharf.com

May 6:

Don’t miss the most exciting two minutes in sports at the fifth annual Derby Day along with a cocktail party and dinner featuring southern-inspired specialties prepared by Russell Morin Catering. Bristol, LindenPlace.org

May 10:

Get set for Mother’s Day with floral designer Hannah Araujo at Flowers and Flights. All materials for creating the perfect arrangement will be provided, along with a sampling of Vigilant’s best brews. Bristol, VigilantBrewing.com

May 11:

Legendary folk musician Tom Rush, known for his work with Joni Mitchell and originals including “No Regrets” and “Remember Song,” brings 50+ years of music and stories to his live shows. Newport, JanePickens.com

May 12:

The Cary Morin Duo plays roots-infused Native Americana with hints of bluegrass, folk, blues, and rock at the Jamestown Arts Center as part of Newport Live’s Indigenous Music Series. Jamestown, NewportLive.org

May 25-29:

The Rogue Island Comedy Festival, produced by Doug Key and Katie Latimer, returns for five days of live shows. Headliners Chris Distefano, Jordan Jenson, and Eagle Witt will perform at venues around Aquidneck Island. Newport, RogueIslandComedyFest.com

May 29:

The Barrington United Veterans Council invites veterans, neighbors, family, and friends to attend the Barrington Memorial Day Parade, from the high school to town hall, with a formal ceremony to follow. Barrington.RI.gov

Photo by Elyse Major

The Buzz

By Elyse Major

Tatters at The Church Palace Retail Shop

We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. Email or tag us on social media using #RhodyGem to suggest yours, and we might just feature it!

What it is:

A boutique of handmade goods housed inside a converted church.

Where to find it:

Look for the white church on Warren’s Main Street – it’s black and white awnings and colorful paint trim let you know it’s no longer a house of worship. Now called The Church Palace, find Tatters located inside.

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

Devotees of slow fashion, sustainability, and one-of-kind items will revel in the fact that every garment in Tatters was sewn and created by owner Carol Riley. Riley has built solid creds around the area as a creative and seller whose former Bristol home was featured in a national magazine for her salvaged style. The Rileys purchased the church in 2019 and have built a congregation of shoppers seeking unique wardrobe pieces and home goods. What began as a glorified hobby 30 years ago by taking vintage textiles and turning them into clothing, bags, and accessories, is now her livelihood. Customers are welcome to bring in things like vintage tablecloths and napkins for Riley to upcycle into bespoke apparel. Says Riley, “I’m hoping it’s a destination for anyone that loves things that are a bit different and one of a kind.”

Tatters

324 Main Street, Warren 401-561-3703

Photo by Kate Murphy, courtesy of Tatters at the Church Palace

The Buzz FEATURE

By Abbie Lahmers

Greener Gardening

From growing native plants to managing stormwater, sustainable horticulture is in

The sight of flowers blooming, branches budding new leaves, and songbirds singing this season inspires many to take up a trowel and carve out their own outdoor oasis, but despite the aesthetic appeal of greenery, green gardening practices don’t always go hand in hand with the vistas we’re used to viewing.

“I’ve become more aware of the environmental value of various plants and the destructiveness of others over time,” shares Sally Johnson, phoning from her tenth-of-anacre yard she’s transformed to host more than 200 species of flora and fauna. She interrupts her train of thought every so often to describe the quarreling swans and geese she’s observing or a cardinal on the feeder. “Increasingly people want to do the right thing.”

A master gardener and founder of Ecoastal Design based in Riverside, Johnson performs

site consultations with a focus on native plants, stormwater challenges, and climate change resiliency. “If they’re coming to me, it’s generally because they’re interested in increasing the environmental value of their property while maintaining something that’s also attractive to look at.” Her work extends to public spaces, too, like a project planting a native pollinator garden at Vintner Playground along the East Bay Bike Path, transforming an area infested with invasive species into a thriving (and beautiful) habitat.

Sustainable growing embodies a range of practices both simple and transformative, from the basic acts of not using chemical-based fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to re-landscaping lawns into native plant habitats. Heather Evans, a former marketing executive who launched the Dear

Avant Gardener blog, shares a surprising fact: “5 percent of all of the pollution in the country, according to the EPA, is from lawn mowers” and other garden equipment.

Frustrated by the abundance of online advice promoting trends damaging to the environment, the Bristol resident channeled her research and writing skills into Dear Avant Gardener, o ering guidance for rewilding yards and greenspaces. “Ecological gardening is about establishing and managing a plant community that thrives naturally in an area and once established, it requires relatively little work and inputs,” says Evans, whereas traditional American horticulture stems from colonialism, when European settlers brought over ornamental species, but often to the detriment of wild, ecologically valuable species once abundant in the region.

REWILD YOUR YARD

Ask your local nursery about native plant species, and mark May 13 and June 3 on your calendar for Rhode Island Wild Plant Society’s Native Plant Sales at Casey Farm in Saunderstown and the URI Botanical Gardens in Kingston, respectively. Pro-tip from RIWPS: Grow in multi-layered landscapes of trees, shrubs (like the pollinator-friendly Red Columbine), perennials, and ground covers (think Wild Strawberry), and aim for biodiversity that benefits wildlife.

Find these native species at Prickly Ed’s Cactus Patch and Native Plant Emporium in Barrington:

MILKWEED: Essential to the survival of Monarch butterflies (whose caterpillars depend on them as a food source), there’s a milkweed variety for every yard and garden situation.

CARDINAL FLOWER: Ideal for wet areas in a yard, these vibrant additions draw hummingbirds and butterflies from miles around and act as sponges to mitigate stormwater runo .

BLUEBERRY SHRUBS: Bees frequent early in the season, and later songbirds feast on the fruit you don’t harvest for yourself.

Pink Tickseed is a native flower growing in Sally Johnson’s garden

Photo by Sally Johnson, courtesy of Ecoastal Design

The Buzz FEATURE

FIND YOUR GREEN THUMB

By Abbie Lahmers

URI Master Gardener programming seeks to make sustainable practices accessible for any level of gardener. Here’s a few things to consider when plotting your posies this season.

START WITH SOIL

In addition to keeping food scraps out of landfills, composting has soil benefits. “You’re helping recycle wasted food, which avoids methane emissions and saves space in our landfill, which is set to close in 2040 with no viable alternative. In turn, the compost serves as a soil amendment, which helps soil retain moisture, sequester carbon, and retain nutrients,” says URI’s Venturini.

CLEAN WATERWAYS

“Everything you apply in the yard or garden can impact our waterways. By diagnosing plant problems instead of reaching for the chemicals, we can ensure our water stays clean,” says Venturini. Leaving grass clippings on the ground reduces the need for fertilizer, and “plants add texture to the landscape and slow down runo before it reaches waterways, allowing it to infiltrate back into the groundwater aquifer.”

TAKE A CLASS

Find workshops and resources via the URI Cooperative Extension, plus events like a Native Plant Talk in June, Gardening with the Masters Tours, and more. For inspiration, visit Kettle Pond or Trustom Pond in Charlestown to see native plant habitats maintained by volunteers. Web. URI.edu/coopext/events

SOWING THE SEED

The movement toward prioritizing native plants naturally starts with the seeds. The RI Wild Plant Society recently launched their five-year ReSeeding Rhode Island plan to make wild seeds native to Ecoregion 59 (the Northeastern Coastal Zone encompassing our state) more available, though the work of harvesting native seeds has been culminating since 2010 when field botanist Hope Leeson coordinated RI Natural History Survey’s biodiversity e ort Rhody Native.

“Genetically native plants are local to a specific ecoregion. The seeds of these plants are wild collected and contain the representative genes present in the wild populations of the region,” explains Leeson. “The first propagated generation of the collected seed is used for habitat restoration or diversification in order to maintain as much of that genetic diversity as possible.” The phenotypes expressed in these plants – such as physical traits and

flowering times – ensure optimum adaptive potential and that other native organisms, such as pollinator bees, are able to interact with the new plants propagated from wild seeds.

The Rhody Native initiative created a local model for reintroducing genetically native plants in habitat restoration and garden diversification. “There is much more awareness now of the importance of native plants for ecological reasons, as well as an understanding of the value of genetically diverse seeds,” says Leeson.

URI Master Gardeners programming also leads with the broader ecosystem in mind. “Native plants serve as the basis of the food web,” says state program leader Vanessa Venturini. “There are countless examples of the interconnectedness of nature. By selecting species of plants that are native to our ecoregion, we can help improve the survival of the other living things around us.”

Insects visiting blooms on a Swamp MIlkweed plant, available at Prickly Ed’s in Barrington

Photo by Cindy Moura, courtesy of Prickly Ed’s Cactus Patch Native Plant Emporium

The Buzz FEATURE

NO MOW MAY

By Abbie Lahmers

Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum is participating in No Mow May, a month-long initiative encouraging properties to keep their lawns unmown to help protect the habitats of early-season pollinator species and other wildlife by letting wildflowers bloom in your yard. Follow @blithewold_mansion to learn more.

RESOURCES

Blue Moon Farm Perennials BlueMoonFarmPerennials.com

Dear Avant Gardener DearAvantGardener.com

Ecoastal Design EcoastalDesign.com

Homegrown HomegrownPVD.com

Groundwork Rhode Island GroundWorkRI.org

Prickly Ed’s Cactus Patch and Native Plant Emporium PricklyEds.com

Rhode Island Natural History Survey RINHS.org

Rhode Island Wild Plant Society RIWPS.org

URI Master Gardener Program Web.URI.edu/mastergardener

BEYOND THE HEDGEROW

Sustainable landscaping isn’t just about native flora and home gardens; when it comes to city greenspaces, Providence-based Groundwork RI employs a many-pronged approach to equitable public spaces and creating job opportunities in the environmental services sector.

“The landscaping we do is not the usual ‘mow and blow’ lawn care people typically think of. It isn’t keeping a lawn perfectly manicured and green year-round to try and look like the English countryside,” says executive director Amelia Rose. Partnering with local experts in the field, they uplift practices like planting that fights erosion, keeping green infrastructure installations in good condition,

stormwater management, incorporating native species, and low-input agriculture.

Through job training funded by EPA Brownfields Job Training Grant, Groundwork RI collaborates with other agencies to work with unemployed or underemployed adults, justice system-impacted workers, and anyone seeking new opportunities – and many who graduate from the program are hired by Groundwork RI to continue the work.

In the same way that eco-gardening supports insect life – which Evans of Dear Avant Gardener emphasizes is the basis of our terrestrial ecosystem – sustainably built environments serve as essential human habitats. “Creating and preserving green space is really

an act of community-building,” says Rose. “It helps people feel glad to live in the community they’re in, creates places for people to gather and socialize, and to cool o in hot summer months.”

Echoing the rewards of rewilding, Evans shares that on an aesthetic level, the eye becomes attuned to the more authentic look of wild plants over time. “Abandon what you’re doing to force your yard to be perfect. Mow less. Leave leaves on your garden beds, stop using pesticides and fertilizer,” she says. “I think an important part of the aesthetic experience of an ecological landscape is that it’s alive; the buzzing bees, butterflies, and birds are all part of it.”

In partnership with the URI Master Gardener Program, Davis Park community gardeners are developing a meadow of native plants at the intersection of Chalkstone Avenue and Oakland Avenue in Providence

Photo by Lee Smith, courtesy of URI Masrer Gardeners

Life & Style

Home Field Trip Shop

Serenity Now

Plenty of storage and a neutral palette keeps a young family’s Middletown home calm and bright

When an Aquidneck Island restaurateur was shown a house on a whim by a family member, he says he “fell in love with the place and location immediately.” Nestled along the reservoir in Middletown, the 1935-built Cape brims with quintessential New England coastal charm: weathered shingles, a fireplace, and freshwater views. Says the owner, “It’s close to the center of Newport but far enough away to feel secluded. It is almost like we are in the woods, away from everything.” The family with two young children put in an offer ASAP with one contingency: approval to add a second floor.

Photo by Mark Makes Media, courtesy of Lindy Lowney Design

The living room was redesigned with storage space and ample seating while capturing the water view

Life & Style HOME

By Elyse Major

The light-and-bright modern coastal aesthetic was accomplished by expanding and connecting the kitchen and living room to the outdoor deck

Upon taking ownership, East Greenwichbased Lindy Lowney Design was hired to work her modern-coastal magic. The project entailed completely gutting the structure and expanding and redesigning the floor plan to create single-family style living. “I had worked with these clients before, helping the husband and wife redesign their first home in 2014. Two babies later, they were in need of a bigger space to accommodate their expanding family, all in the midst of COVID-19, and a red-hot real estate market,” says Lowney.

From the sunlight-drenched breakfast nook, to the mudroom addition off the front of the home, Lowney crafted each room with efficiency in mind. “At all times I tried to utilize all available space in the roughly 2,000-square-foot home. Wherever possible, custom built-ins were created to maximize storage for the family of four,” explains Lowney of the renovation that took approximately a year and a half from start to finish. “To expand small spaces with lower ceilings, keeping each room light and bright was crucial in creating the feeling of

a larger space,” Lowney explains, referencing white walls, lighting, and simple window treatments.

Beyond structural modifications, Lowney took her design direction from the waterside location. Spaces throughout the home boast clean lines with subtle touches reflective of the environment. “I blended neutral tones with coastal hues and lots of texture,” says Lowney of interiors that are at once a mix of streamline and warmth. “I landed on the modern coastal aesthetic early in the design process.”

Photos by Mark Makes Media, courtesy of Lindy Lowney Design

The light color palette helps expand the space while not competing with the outdoors

Life & Style HOME

Picture windows were added to the dining area to maximize coastal views

By Elyse Major

“The modern coastal home came together to create a family-friendly space that works in concert with my clients’ day-to-day lifestyle. I’m immensely proud of the end product,” says Lowney. And as for her clients: “We love that Lindy is able to take what she knows about us and apply it to our home and the style we like surrounding us. It feels rich and clean with lots of little touches that reflect both of us and our children.”

GET RHODY STYLE

Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.

LOCAL TALENT

For this project, Lowney collaborated with Herkworks Architecture, Middletown, and builder Gaudet Construction, Inc., in nearby Rehoboth, MA. Upholstery and pillows are by Kreatelier in Providence. Lowney is a Rhode Island-based Allied ASID interior designer and owner of Lindy Lowney Design. Since establishing her own design business, she has styled and designed residential homes for over 15 years, providing a modern coastal aesthetic for her clientele. Learn more at Bio.Site/LindyLowneyDesign

NEWPORT FAVES

“We frequent the local shops Anchor Bend, Man Overboard, and Bellevue Kids as well as our favorite restaurants The Landing and The Lobster Bar downtown, Midtown Oyster Bar, and Zelda’s,” say the homeowners.

Want your home featured in The Bay?

Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to learn more

Photo by Mark Makes Media, courtesy of Lindy Lowney Design

Life & Style FIELD TRIP

By Callie Bisset

Goodbye Brimfield, Hello Bristol

With food, live music, and vendors galore, planners have sights set on growing event into an annual festival destination

With retro treasures, food trucks, live music, and more, the inaugural Bristol Vintage Market at Mount Hope Farm seeks to bring a new multi-day festival to the Ocean State. Katie Blais, community events manager at Mount Hope Farm (MHF) and Jenna Kinghorn, owner of Riverside-based Blanc & Bleu, were inspired by vendor events such as The Profound Market, Vintage Bazaar New England, and the renowned Brimfield Antique Flea Market, to bring a similar experience to their own backyard. “There is really nothing like it here in the state except the Providence Flea, but we wanted to create a weekend filled with a mix of vintage, artisans, food, and entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting,” Kinghorn begins. “Plus, people can visit downtown Bristol for more shopping, great restaurants, and enjoy the beautiful water views.”

Blais and Kinghorn connected at MHF’s weekly farmers markets where Kinghorn launched her business selling upcycled furniture and goods sourced from visits to brocantes (open air marketplaces) in France. “Blanc & Bleu started as a partnership with my friend Rebekah Willenberg,” says Kinghorn. “We both had vintage booths in the area and decided to collaborate for a market at Mount Hope Farm. We practically sold out that day. So we did another one, and another one.” Kinghorn approached Blais with the idea to create a large-scale show. Both expressed a love of antiques and an appreciation for the pastoral location as a space to connect artisans.

The historic farm sits on 127 acres of pastures centrally located in Bristol, and the farm has its own lengthy history as a public space, including hosting weekly farmers markets for over a decade. “The farm is a non-profit organization with a mission to steward its land, landscape, and structures for long-term sustainability, while cultivating an appreciation of our agrarian, Native American, and colonial history,” Blais explains.

Blais recalls yardsale-ing with her grandparents as a child and developing an appreciation for “everything old,” which led to working at an antiques store in her hometown after college.

When she accepted a full-time position at MHF last fall, Blais and Kinghorn got to work brainstorming. Though the farm has hosted smaller-scale artisan fairs in the past, this will be the first dedicated vintage market of this size.

“Vintage market attendees can even get a piece of the farm’s history,” says Blais, referencing a booth devoted to o ering items harvested from the farm for sale. Kinghorn shares, “I will have a curated collection of vintage finds, handmade goods, furniture makeovers, and of course, French lifestyle essentials including my signature French market baskets.”

Held May 20-21, day and weekend passes are available with the opportunity to stay at the

farm’s historic inn and make it a weekend getaway or staycation. According to Blais, there will be a mix of vintage vendors, repurposed home decor, apparel including Coastal Brahmin from Cape Cod, jewelry artists, and floral vendors, along with food provided by nearby restaurants such as Hunky Dory, Borealis Coffee, the Gnarly Vines Farm food truck, and Two Gals cocktails, plus live music by Adelaide Punkin, Ocean State Ramblers, and Lady Anemoia. Blais adds, “Whether you love vintage, housewares, or history, this will be a fun event! We are hopeful this is the first of many Bristol Vintage Markets to take place!” For more information visit MountHopeFarm.org/BristolVintageMarket

Photo by Elyse Major

Blanc & Bleu at a MHF Farmers Market

Life & Style SHOP

By Shay Costa

Co ee Collection

For co ee lovers, there’s nothing better than a good cup of joe, especially when served in your favorite mug. Across the state there’s no shortage of cafes, roasters, and shops stocked with cups that are just as much souvenir as tableware. Add a new level of enjoyment to your morning brew by serving up the hot stu in branded style!

Avon Cinema

Providence

Bolt Coffee Co. at the Dean Hotel

Providence

Dave’s Coffee

Charlestown & Providence

Different Drummer

Wickford

Fundati Coffee

Lincoln

Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House

Warwick & Narragansett

New Harvest Coffee Roasters

Providence

The Nook Coffee House

East Greenwich

Oak Bakeshop

Providence

Seaworthy

South County

Springline Coffee

Newport

Thrive Tribe Cafe

Barrington

Caron Jewelers specializes in fine jewelry and estate pieces, custom wedding and engagement rings, luxury and vintage watches, artisan giftware, as well as its own Michi Designs featuring rare gemstones. In-house jewelry and watch repair, battery replacement, layaway and cleaning services available.

C

Br adway On

Iremember going to Salvation Cafe as a kid, when it was something of an outpost. Sue Lamond (founder and longtime owner) had some serious vision – and guts – and deserves a lot of credit for unlocking Broadway’s culinary potential,” explains Newport Mayor Xaykham “Xay” Khamsyvoravong of the popular Broadway spot that closed in 2021. “What’s evolved since is a culinary and creative corridor where one can walk from one end to the other, on any given night, year round, to the sounds of live music and the smells of dishes served in restaurants that have a neighborhood feel. Walking into Broadway’s restaurants makes you feel like you’re surrounded by friends and family, even if it’s your first day in town.”

For those new to the lively street, here’s a sampling of eateries from top to bottom. Of course Broadway is also dotted with unique small businesses perfect for visiting before or after dining.

BY

Newport is filled with delicious food and drink destinations – if we missed your favorite, let us know at Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com

200 Broadway PARLOR BAR & KITCHEN

The century-old turreted building at the corner of Broadway, Gould Street, and Dr. Marcus Wheatland Boulevard feels like the uno cial starting line of Broadway’s busiest, and most delicious, district. With a two-story mural by artist Chris Wyllie taking up an entire side of the building and Rhode Island’s first permanent rainbow crosswalk installation footsteps from the entry leading to Equality Park, Parlor (as locals simply say) has good vibes before you even open the door. Inside, Parlor is a curious amalgam of identities – part dive bar, eclectic eatery, chic space, and music venue, proving pool tables, chandeliers, tufted booths, and industrial design cannot only co-exist but harmonize, with the common denominator being next-level hospitality, as everyone is welcome here. Insider’s tip: don’t miss the Gobi Manchurian (fried cauliflower) or traditional Filipino lumpia, which you can’t get at any other restaurant in the city. But if you’re craving wings, pizza, or a burger, Parlor’s got you covered, too.

Within a small footprint, this flavorful corridor has everything a diner could want

ANDREA E. MCHUGH

Photo courtesy of Discover Newport

158 Broadway BEN’S CHILI DOGS

Many a hot dog fan has walked through the doors of the flashback-in-time Ben’s Chili Dogs since it opened its doors in 1969. The menu is simple: Chili Dog with Coney Island sauce, Chourico and Pepper Dog, Kraut Dog, a Bean Dog for the vegetarians, a plain dog and some combinations of the aforementioned, and the most popular, the Chili Cheese Dog. Ask for “The Works” if you want mustard, onion, and celery salt added. The fries and onion rings are crispy – and keep an open mind when it comes to the specials.

162 Broadway CALEB & BROAD

After a series of restaurant concepts didn’t stick at the corner of Caleb Earl Street and Broadway, Newport local Rich Willis knew exactly what this densely populated part of the City by the Sea needed: a fun and funky place with an interesting menu that stops short of eclectic and o ers a solid cocktail menu, seasonal dishes, and weekly specials (on Mondays, all entrees are $10; on Tuesdays, get half-price wines with an entree), cool bar snacks, weekend brunch, and an interior punctuated by pop art, street art, and…Mexican wrestling masks. This time of year, Caleb’s front patio space is the place to be, with a couple of hightops and handful of tables in the heart of the action.

162 Broadway LEO’S MARKET & RESTAURANT

Leo’s might be Newport’s most #IYKYK (If You Know, You Know) eatery. At the back of the market, past the wall of spices from around the world, shelves stocked with fresh baked pastries and an impressive variety of hot sauces, there’s the kitchen. When Alba and Juan Carlos Campos first opened the market a few doors down more than a decade ago, hot food wasn’t even a consideration, but the Salvadorian couple indulged customer demands after a larger, neighboring space became available. From morning to night, people flock to Leo’s for their homemade, traditional Latin American cuisine made using authentic recipes, either to go or enjoyed in the spacious adjacent dining room.

156 Broadway NOREY’S

One of the OGs of the North Broadway neighborhood that helped solidify this quadrant being dubbed “restaurant row,” Norey’s has evolved since first opening in 2000. Though the restaurant always had a next-level wine and beer list featuring tons of small, interesting producers, the restaurant now touts itself as a brewpub with tons of interesting craft beers. At press time, Norey’s was still closed for its winter break.

140 Broadway CABANA

It’s not easy to be the new guy in a space that was a beloved neighborhood restaurant for nearly 30 years, but Cabana is hitting its stride since opening last summer. With a seafood-centric starter menu (sake-steamed littlenecks, ceviche, tuna tartare, and sweet and spicy calamari) but plenty to please both vegetarians and landlubbing carnivores alike, Cabana’s a great spot for everything from date night to girls night out. Insider’s tip: the Spicy Watermelon marg hits perfectly on the back patio. Fact.

Photo courtesy of Norey’s

Photo courtesy of Ben’s Chili Dogs

Cabana

Photo courtesy of Discover Newport

Photo by Corey Favino, courtesy of Discover Newport

Caleb & Broad

111 Broadway THE FIFTH ELEMENT

Since changing ownership in the fall of 2021, The Fifth has been straddling a place that honors its deeply rooted past while reshaping its future. Newport might have erupted into a riot if staples like the spinach balls with balsamic vinaigrette, poutine, Element salad, margherita pizza, Fifth burger, fries with Grana Padano parmesan, and of course, it’s legendary sticky to ee pudding, went anywhere. But new additions like the Nashville hot chicken sandwich and drink tower menu (88-ounce beverage cylinders filled with mimosas, Palomas, margaritas, or the draft beer of your choosing) –the only one of its kind on Aquidneck Island – are quickly winning over the masses.

124 Broadway THE HUNGRY MONKEY

When the Food Network got wind of The Hungry Monkey’s King Kong Challenge, a 15-egg, five-pound stu ed omelet that if finished in an hour will land diners on the restaurant’s Wall of Fame, they descended on the restaurant to tell its tale. But you don’t need a gargantuan appetite to enjoy breakfast and lunch at this reliable Broadway staple. You might catch Mayor Khamsyvoravong sitting at the counter enjoying a club sandwich while reviewing his notes before a City Council meeting. Insider’s tip: look up on the blackboard above the open kitchen where you’ll find awesome specials, like Churro Stu ed French Toast.

104 Broadway

HUMMING BIRD

Jamaican-born chef Dezna Bowen has been sharing her authentic recipes passed down through generations at Humming Bird, named after Jamaica’s national bird, with her husband Abraham Parkes, since 2018. Traditional jerk chicken and jerk shrimp, curried goat, and tender oxtail served in a rich gravy exemplify the flavors of their homeland for lunch and dinner, while meat patties – flaky turnovers stu ed with seasoned beef or chicken – make great handheld snacks when on the go. Insider’s tip: while lines for breakfast form nearby, Humming Bird’s breakfast is a hidden gem. Don’t miss the omelets, sandwiches, flu y buttermilk pancakes, and French toast or chicken and wa es.

110 Broadway CORNER CAFE

If you have any trouble finding the Corner Cafe, just look for the swarms of people milling about outside on any given weekend (and in the summertime, weekdays), waiting to get their breakfast on. With hearty breakfasts (one of the few places in town to serve breakfast all day) like the Irish-inspired Fitzy’s Fry Up with two eggs, bangers (sausage), rashers (bacon), black and white pudding (we’ll let you Google it), grilled tomato, Irish brown bread, and a well-rounded lunch menu, it’s no wonder Corner Cafe has a cult-like following.

Humming Bird

Humming Bird

Photo by Ron Cowie

Photo courtesy of The Fifth Element

Photo by Ron Cowie

Photo courtesy of Bellevue Boards

Humming Bird

Photo by Ron Cowie

88 Broadway SCRATCH KITCHEN & CATERING

If you want to make the perfect slow-motion pull-apart gourmet grilled cheese sandwich reel for Instagram, look no further than Scratch. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, the menu on the chalkboard gives you the inside scoop on what from-scratch soups are served daily, in addition to the mondo breakfast burritos, stu ed French toast, bennies, and grilled cheese frittatas.

84 Broadway BELLEVUE BOARDS

Known for their stunning charcuterie boards and grazing tables (if you haven’t been at a get together with a grazing table, plan a summer soiree of your own STAT), Bellevue Boards crafts the perfect picnic provisions, hostess gifts, and party platters, all available for preorder. Owner Jackie Connor also o ers grab-and-go cups with a variety of cheeses, charcuterie, berries, and nuts.

66 Broadway TIJUANA BURRITO GRILL

Directly across from Newport City Hall, Tijuana Burrito Grill serves up burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas, empanadas, carnitas, barbacoa, nachos, and pupusas – a thick grilled flatbread filled with pork, cheese, and beans – plus street corn in a cup, Spanish-style rice, awesome guacamole, and even horchata, a traditional Mexican drink made out of rice, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Pro tip: order and pay in advance online to save a little and skip the line as it’ll be there waiting for you.

82 Broadway UMI ASIAN CUISINE

Lo mein, pad Thai, egg rolls, sesame chicken, a selection of sushi and sashimi in addition to special fusion rolls and hibachi dinners round out this diverse menu of Asian dishes. Also enjoy tasty bubble teas like mango, strawberry, and peach, and smoothies. UMI stays open until 10/10:30pm and delivers within a three-mile radius for a small fee.

WHAT’S NEW

With an anticipated opening this month, Bar 12 (12 Broadway) is expected to be a completely renovated cozy, speakeasy-style cocktail and wine bar with lounge vibes, a curated wine list, craft cocktails and a selection of small plates. Newly opened Get the Scoop (4 Broadway) serves up unique flavors using premium ingredients including coffee, birthday cake, lemon, mocha fudge, orange pineapple, toasted coconut, and more.

WHAT’S OLD

C.H. Charles 5 & 10 Convenience Store and Deli has been a fixture at 232 Broadway since 1948, and like its dime store brethren, boasts an unfancy food menu, only instead of a soda fountain, it’a grill, where there’s a morning rush of regulars ordering egg and cheese sammies. Some also order ahead for lunch, as the belly-busting sandwiches like the turkey club, toasted chourico sub, or the Steak Bomb. The best part? While you wait to hear “order up!” you can shop for everything from hardware to tableware and underwear.

Photo courtesy of Bellevue Boards

Photo courtesy of Bellevue Boards

Photo courtesy of Get the Scoop

Wor while Detours

WASHINGTON SQUARE + LONG WHARF MALL

28 Washington S are

STONEACRE BRASSERIE

Though it bills itself as a “classic neighborhood restaurant – elevated,” the exceptional whimsy-meets-industrial design is striking, the beverage list and bar scene exceptional, and the well-composed seasonally driven menu keeps things interesting. Make time for not just dinner but weekend brunch.

24 Washington S are LA VECINA TAQUERIA

Since opening just a year ago, La Vecina seems to really be hitting its stride, as evidenced from its crowd, which seems to grow each weekend. Led by chef Mariana Gonzalez-Trasvina, the authentic Mexican flavors at this casual eatery are from her family’s own recipes and the menu is perfect for sharing multiple plates.

22 Washington S are

BAR ‘CINO

Perhaps closest compared to an Italian osteria-style eatery, Bar ‘Cino’s menu is comprised of salads, sandwiches, shared plates (like the notto-miss baked clams pomodoro), pastas, and other entrees, including a pair of dinners for two, and ultra-thin grilled pizzas served with scissors for that Italian touch.

25 Broadway MEL’S CAFENIO

“On any given morning you’ll find me at Mel’s Cafenio for a classic diner breakfast – two eggs over easy with toast,” says Mayor Khamsyvoravong. You’ll find regulars at this generations-old, family-owned spot when it opens at 6am daily. A fixture that’s been relatively unchanged for its 41 years, Mel’s is the oldest diner on Broadway. Serving both breakfast and lunch, expect omelets (like the gyro and feta), egg sandwiches, cheese steaks, burgers, and housemade specials.

19 Charles Street

PERRO SALADO

While the Washington Square culinary scene has found its footing, Perro Salado, a stalwart just steps from the city center, seems to have been its anchor for the past 16 years. Savoring sticky pork ribs, fish tacos, house-made guacamole, or fajitas under the tree canopy on the patio in the summer or enjoying live music at the wood-encased back bar in this 300-year-old home is a dash of pure magic.

49 Long Wharf Ma

MOTHER PIZZERIA BY GIUSTO

“Highly anticipated” seems like a woefully inadequate way to describe the summer opening of this neighborhood pizzeria created by leadership at nearby Giusto. With a casual, urban feel, patrons will find Roman-style pizza at the to-go counter, while the dining room menu will focus on sourdough pizza using local stone ground wheat plus cured meats, tin and housecured fish, and local cheeses served with baked in-house breads. At the bar, think Italian-centric cocktails, approachable wines, and craft beers.

20 Long Wharf Ma

YAGI NOODLES

A one-time pop-up shop that’s found its permanent home on Long Wharf, the pedestrian mall bordering Washington Square and Brick Market Place, this rising star restaurant brings traditional Japanese and Chinese influences to an American ramen-focused menu – with a lot of fun along the way.

36 Broadway BORU NOODLE BAR

Classic and creative ramen takes center stage at this seemingly super casual, compact space, which has a hidden back dining room. The spicy miso ramen includes ground pork, corn sliced o the cob, and bean sprouts, while the black garlic beef ramen includes bok choy and seasoned egg. No meat? No problem – you’ll find a seasonal vegetable ramen on tap. Not a noodle fan? Share some basil chili chicken wings, Tokyo tater tots in takoyaki sauce, or the crispy brussels made with kimchi puree. And the pork buns. Get the pork buns.

32 Broadway POUR JUDGEMENT

If you’re wondering who’s bellying up to the bar at noon on a Friday, well, at Pour Judgement, the answer is: a lot of folks. Why? Because insiders know the food here is always on point. The blackened fish burrito with housemade kimchi. The hot pastrami and Swiss on rye. The fries swimming in gooey smoked gouda. The nori of the day served at night. All solid. With local beers on tap, including two of their own brewed by Grey Sail, how can you go wrong? Insider’s tip: don’t miss Closet Revival next door, an ultra cool consignment shop.

Photo courtesy of Boru Noodle Bar

Photo courtesy of Mel’s Cafenio

22 Broadway EMPIRE TEA & COFFEE

Empire has been Newport’s java joint for nearly two decades. Although you’ll typically spot plenty of regulars coming and going, or perched in the front window sipping lattes while they WFH, the co ee shop is deceptively cavernous with plenty of places to sit a spell and relax, scroll or read a magazine (ahem!). Co ee is roasted on site; a nearby second Newport location is at 112 William Street (perfect for people watching); and the third is along Bristol’s waterfront at 251 Thames Street.

16 Broadway TAVERN ON BROADWAY

One of the bigger restaurants on this Broadway block, Tavern is basically split down the middle, giving equal real estate to the bar and the restaurant, but there are a few window seats on the bar side that feel like the best of both worlds. The menu matches its pub vibe with plenty of indulgent apps, plus soups, salads, and sandwiches. The fig and goat cheese pizza with caramelized onion, arugula, and balsamic reduction is a local favorite, and Sunday brunch means Bloody Marys that should have their own zip code, but mark the calendar for Taco Tuesdays and buck-a-shuck Wednesdays, where oysters and clams are $1 from 5-9pm.

Street Cred

While the Gilded Age mansions, tony Bellevue Avenue, busy Thames Street, and the bustling wharves often take center stage in Newport’s story, Broadway sometimes gets overlooked – but it shouldn’t. Broadway’s role as a social and commercial artery dates back centuries. Despite all the fanfare The Point neighborhood gets for its pre-colonial history, Broadway’s Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, built circa 1697, is the oldest surviving house in Newport, and during the American Revolution, the Wanton family were known for entertaining French allies there. At the end of the war, a celebratory military parade marched down Broadway and today, many of the buildings housing today’s shops, eateries, and small businesses, date back two centuries.

1 Broadway THE FASTNET PUB

You might find a crowd with perfectly poured pints in hand at Fastnet as early as 8am here – but there’s a good reason for that. The Irish pub is well known for broadcasting rugby and football (soccer!) matches live from overseas, which can draw enthusiastic fans from far and wide. With more than 30 draft beers, live music, ping pong, pool, foosball, and darts, and dancing by night, Fastnet always feels fun. Insider’s tip: the back patio here is huge and perfect for families.

6 Broadway ROOT

Newport’s only exclusively plant-based restaurant, Root is well known for made-to-order juices and smoothies, nearly a dozen co ee drinks and teas, breakfast bowls, grain bowls, toasts, and salads – and locals aren’t the only ones taking notice. Yelp named Root amongst the Top 100 Places to Eat in 2023 – one of just five restaurants in New England to earn the honor. Don’t know where to start? Try the Arriba! Bowl, which is basically a deconstructed healthy burrito with cumin black beans, sweet potato, onion, tomato, avocado, pickled jalapeno, cilantro, and agave lime dressing.

Photo courtesy of Tavern on Broadway

Photo courtesy of Root

Photo courtesy of The Fastnet Pub

Photo by Gina Pacino & Eric Hunter, @o cial_egphotography, courtesy of Empire Tea & Co ee

Food & Drink Experience In The Kitchen Food News

Fresh Starts

Sunny Warren juicery has everything from cold pressed to cold brew

More warm days in the forecast means more cold drink cravings. Thankfully, Bevvies Bar in Warren has you covered with Riverside-based Borealis cold brew or nitro, Luluna Kombucha from Pawtucket, and then some. The juicery and smoothie spot specializes in fresh, made-to-order bevvies and bowls, using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients.

“We bring locals the most delicious products that also promote healthy digestion, immunity boost, and self love,” shares owner Emma McVeigh, whose shop is decorated with growing greenery and fresh florals to complement the colorful acai bowls and fruit smoothies coming out of the kitchen. Their juice is cold pressed in house, which means none of the nutrients and vitamins are lost in the process, and given infectiously upbeat monikers like Liquid Sunshine – a blend of strawberries, kale, orange, apple, and carrot. “It’s a great way to bring sweetness and greens into your day,” says McVeigh.

Acai bowls – featuring juice from the antioxidant-loaded superfood berry – are layered with delicately sliced fruits, seeds, and other healthy toppings, and taste like dessert. For instance, the “Chocolate Bowl, which is like a delicious vegan chocolate pudding,” says McVeigh, is a coconut, granola, honey, and banana-filled delight, topped with chocolate shavings, of course.

For breakfast on the go, there’s smoothies: “My personal favorite, which is made with all fresh fruits like the rest of our o erings, is the Island Breeze, with pineapple, mango, banana, strawberries, honey, coconut, and coconut milk. All of our products can also be customized since they are made to order.” Whether your wake-up ritual includes a ca eine fix or nutritious pick-me-up, a visit to Bevvies is a must. Follow @bevviesbar for seasonal specials and lemonades, and visit BevviesBar.com to order. |

By Abbie Lahmers

Photo courtesy of Bevvies

Food & Drink EXPERIENCE

By Maggie Pearson

Elevated Vegetables

Plant-based meets fine dining at a Bristol restaurant

Foglia, which is Italian for “leaf,” is the perfect name for chef Peter Carvelli’s innovative restaurant located in the heart of historic Bristol. The leaf motif was also the first thing I noticed when visiting the intimate 29-seat fine dining establishment, offering a subtle yet elegant nod to what makes Foglia unique: its vegetable-forward, fully plant-based menu.

Prior to opening the restaurant, Carvelli, who still works as a lawyer three days a week, was creating a name for himself within the food community by hosting plant-based pop-up dinners in Providence and Newport, as well as cooking as a private chef. Foglia o cially opened its doors last summer, and has been delighting guests ever since. Carvelli strives to incorporate as much local produce as possible into his menus, sourcing ingredients from nearby farms including High Tide Mushroom Farm in Coventry, Interstellar Microgreens in West Warwick, and Long Lane Farm in Warren.

As someone who isn’t a vegan eater but has an a nity for a diverse range of vegetables, I couldn’t wait to experience Carvelli’s food firsthand. To fully immerse myself in this culinary journey, I opted for the five-course tasting menu, available nightly with rotating specials.

While snacking on an amuse bouche of Chickpea Fries – a pleasingly crispy appetizer served with beet ketchup and roasted garlic aioli – I sipped one of their specialty cocktails. The Cozy Fire, made with Woodford Reserve, sweet vermouth, orange and cranberry bitters, and cherry and ginger ale, set the tone for the expansive palate to come.

The first two courses showcased two vegetables elevated in uniquely flavorful contexts. The BBQ Carrots, which Carvelli explains uses the entire carrot, features the

CUISINE: Creative plant-based fare ATMOSPHERE: Cozy and Intimate

Panisse (chickpea fries) with tomatoes

Fazzoletti e Funghi using local mushrooms

starring veggie in the form of fried peels and a smoked puree, with salsa verde made with the green carrot tops, as opposed to traditional parsley. Seared Roman Artichoke Hearts – which ended up being my favorite dish of the night – are served with black olive caramel, Kalamata olives, and garlic panko in a combination that’s surprising and spectacular.

Next came a plate of Ravioli with Pink Sauce, filled with tofu ricotta. The housemade pasta was cooked perfectly and the sauce was creamy and delicious – if I didn’t know any better, I wouldn’t have guessed the dish was vegan. To cleanse the palate before the fourth and main course, the kitchen brought out housemade blood orange sorbet – a simple yet refreshing delight that adds to the fine dining feel of Foglia.

Though already satiated, I was ready when the Lentil Shepherd’s Pie arrived, made with a wholesome medley of tender lentils, carrots, peas, and corn in a savory vegetable broth, topped with whipped mashed potatoes. The flavors were rich and comforting, and the lentils provided a nice meaty texture to the dish.

A grand finale of Baked Alaska was both

Must-Try Items

Chickpea Fries ($12)

Fries with beet ketchup and roasted garlic aioli

Seared Roman Artichoke Hearts ($14) Kalamata olives, black olive caramel, artichoke hearts, and garlic panko

Chef’s Choice Tasting Menu ($75 per guest, plus $30 for wine pairings)

Five courses, plus an amuse bouche and sorbet

beautifully presented and satisfyingly decadent. A chocolate cake base with housemade vegan cinnamon and vanilla ice cream was topped with a toasted eggless meringue. I couldn’t think of a better way to round out the evening of creative fare.

Whether vegan or just a lover of vegetables, Foglia is a must-visit for any foodie. Carvelli not only reimagines plant-based with sumptuous takes on ordinary ingredients but does so in an environment infused with warm hospitality.

Foglia

31 State Street, Bristol • 401-396-9220

FogliaRestaurant.com

Creative veggie-forward pasta entree from Foglia

Photos courtesy of Foglia

By Abbie Lahmers

Taking it to the Next Level

From online videos to national TV, a Riverside social media chef’s recipes are an ode to Puerto Rico

“I grew up in a household filled with women,” shares Omi Hopper, the makeup artist turned social media chef behind Cooking Con Omi on Instagram. You may have seen the Riverside rising star competing for judges including chef Gordon Ramsay on Next Level Chef this spring, but behind the numerous national television appearances and over 300K followers, Hopper traces the thread of her cooking origins to summers spent in Puerto Rico.

“My grandmother was a true matriarch –she was always the life of the party, and in the kitchen, it was a party; it was so much love, so much joy, dancing, singing,” Hopper continues. “I would always be that little girl in the corner just watching and wanting to

be a part of it, but I wasn’t old enough yet.”

Though Hopper came to Rhode Island when she was 11, homesick for Puerto Rico, she returned every summer until she was 18. There, she helped her grandmother on the farm and started learning and writing down her recipes. “That was my cooking course right there,” says Hopper, along with the meals her mother prepared. “There was always something fresh for us to enjoy at dinner. I love doing that for my boys now.”

Fast forward to March of 2020 – the beginning of many great pandemic-spurred culinary stories. For Hopper’s family, the di cult time was compounded by her husband recovering from a recent knee replacement surgery, leaving Hopper the only one working. With her

makeup studio on pause, she explains, “I remember having $35 to my name. That is what I used to go food shopping and then I went back home, I turned on my phone, and I said ‘Hola, mi gente! Do you want to cook with me?’ And that was how I started.”

Loyal followers will already be familiar with Hopper’s spirited trademark intro to the cooking instruction videos – in Spanish and English (and plenty of singing and dancing) – she started posting as often as she could.

“Launching my brand wasn’t a strategic move by any means. It was gradual and so organic. I didn’t really think it was going to be a pivot change completely,” Hopper says, but the testimonials she was hearing from viewers kept

From easy rice and beans to elaborate traditional dishes, Hopper does it all

Photos courtesy of Omi Hopper

her on the path. “It became very purposeful very quickly. It became larger than me.”

Hopper enrolled in the REACH program for small businesses in spring of 2020 to reopen her makeup studio, but that also set her on a path to Warren food incubator Hope & Main, applying for and being awarded a business adaptation grant, and launching her own retail product: Mi Sofrito Fresquecito, a traditional cooking base inspired by her grandmother’s recipe.

As Cooking Con Omi grew, national networks took notice. Hopper heard from Studio Ramsay in August of 2022, only months after turning down an o er from a di erent network when the interview didn’t feel right. In Next Level Chef, however, Hopper appreciated how real the whole experience was, and that she didn’t have to compromise.

“A lot of times, I forgot that there were cameras. It’s the real deal,” Hopper shares, explaining that every contestant gets 40 minutes to cook and 30 seconds to grab their ingredients from a platform. “There’s no one yelling cut, no pausing.”

Hopper admits that preparing food for Michelin Star chefs was intimidating, but her tunnel vision on the goal kept her focused, along with keeping in mind how she wanted to show up: “Am I gonna be my true authentic self? Am I going to represent for my people, for my family? What do I want to be remembered for?” She also brought her own style of cooking to the competition. “I don’t measure, I don’t have any special techniques, I do everything by memory, and did it work to my advantage? I really hope so!”

Though the show is sure to expand her audience, Cooking Con Omi’s mission of authenticity and dedication to tradition remain the same. Along with making everyday dishes, Hopper is perhaps best known for special occasion meals, like banana leaf-wrapped pastelles for Christmas that take more than a day to make, and many helping hands. “That’s what earned me the respect of mi gente, because it’s recipes that have been long forgotten or recipes that you don’t eat every day because they’re very special,” says Hopper. “Throughout the process, I show our culture, and I show how beautiful our food can be.” Catch Next Level Chef streaming on Hulu. @cooking_con_omi

Omi Hopper of Cooking Con Omi

By Ken Abrams

Beloved bakeshop returns to Warren’s Water Street

A major player on the Warren dining scene is expanding this June. Known for casual indoor and outdoor dining, Bywater is re-launching their bakeshop – originally born of a pandemic pivot – at 277 Water Street just across the street from the main restaurant. “We’ll have a limited seasonal menu of breakfast and lunch items, grab-and-go items like breakfast sandwiches, that kind of thing,” says Katie Dickson, owner of Bywater. Along with an extensive selection of coffees and teas, “we’ll have a couple of breads – we specialize in a dark sticky sourdough and also some laminated European-style pastries, croissants, and our spice buns.”

“The first floor has a lot of room, so we are also going to be adding groceries and provisions,” she adds. “We’ll have some farm fresh produce and pantry gifts, lots of different things.” Look for locally sourced products including fresh coffee beans, too. Warren, BywaterRestaurant.com

Meal prep biz opens brick-and-mortar retail in Pawtucket

Known for delivering wholesome, chef-prepared meals to your doorstep, Feast & Fettle recently opened its first retail destination, Neighborhood Fridge, located at Blackstone Place Plaza, at the intersection of Providence’s East Side and Oak Hill. Stocked with ready-to-go dinner, lunch, and breakfast items, plus local products and wine, the shelves are refreshed weekly to ensure customers always have new and exciting options to choose from. All of the food will be prepared in Feast & Fettle’s East Bay commissary kitchen.

“We’re always looking for new and improved concepts that allow the community to experience Feast & Fettle,” says director of new concepts, Becca Brady, who has led the expansion into retail. “Our Neighborhood Fridge is perfect for those who need a last-minute meal or prefer to stop in and pick up a quick item on the go.” Feast & Fettle is committed to supporting both the local communities they operate in and global causes, contributing $1 of every order to Edesia Nutrition to help battle malnourishment in children worldwide. Pawtucket, FeastAndFettle.com

Photos courtesy of Bywater

From food truck to South County storefront

Like many new food ventures, Purslane in downtown Wakefield is a product of the pandemic. Owners Matthew Brown and Freida Sahady are best known for their food truck ButterHead, which began serving customers in 2021. “We never intended on running a food truck,” the couple shares. “We saw an advertisement for the truck when COVID-19 was new and we thought ‘why not?’ It seemed less risky than a restaurant and a good jumping off point for us. A restaurant or storefront was always our real vision and intention. We’ve both been in the industry for such a long time we felt it was time to make something our own.”

Brown and Sahady look forward to serving small bites with a focus on seafood and local ingredients. “Our little sister ButterHead will be nearby cooking up those classics we’ve all come to love. Food from the truck will be available for eat in or take out on site at Purslane.” That means menu items might include kimchi hot dogs, roast pork, or sourdough grilled cheese. Wakefield, ButterHeadRI.com

Pic of the Bay

Scenes from Cheers to Leading Ladies, held March 23 at Aloft Providence

MIDDLETOWN – Corporate Place

Large Colonial on Corner Lot – 5 Beds/3 Baths – Close to Navy Base, Downtown Newport & O -Island Commuting

TIVERTON – Starboard Drive Villages at Mt Hope Bay – 2 Beds/2 Baths

Lovely End Unit w/Water Views Nicely Appointed – 55+ Active Community

PORTSMOUTH – Marial Rose Drive Spacious & Comfortable – 4 Beds/3.5 Baths – Nearly 4,000 Sq. Ft. – All the Comforts You Could Imagine

TIVERTON – Main Road

Condo Duplex – 3 Beds/2 Baths

Wrap-Around Porch Views of Mt. Hope Bay

BRISTOL – Woodlawn Avenue

Great Location! – 4 Beds/3 Baths

Whole House Generator

Incredible Back-Yard Oasis!

TIVERTON – Lake Road

Light & Bright! – 3 Beds/2 Baths

Beautifully Updated Very Nicely Landscaped

729 HOPE STREET, BRISTOL • 401-254-1900 | 2525 EAST MAIN ROAD, PORTSMOUTH • 401-683-4900