The Bay July 2024

WRIGLEY STUDIO & GALLERY

Brenda, a studio artist and educator hosts monthly visiting artists and weekly painting groups. Monthly Artist, Pat Warwick’s work will be on display for the month of July & for

Wing Gallery & Painting Groups

FOUR CORNERS GALLERY

New Artists & New Art Works!

Collections of painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography & jewelry

It's dress season! Find gorgeous summer attire,

PEAY JEWELRY & HEALING ARTS

Also featuring Crystal Bed Light Therapy and the artwork of Peter Dickison

CEDIAN PAINTING

Studio-Gallery of artist Jennifer Jones Rashleigh. Nature inspired wildlife painting, pillows & tiles. cedianpainting.com

TIVERTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY CHACE-CORY HOUSE or by appointment. $3/cash only Showcasing an educational & historic quilt

Walking Tours of Historic Tiverton Four

THE CHEESE WHEEL VILLAGE MARKET

Over 200 cheeses, Sandwiches, Soups, House-Made Bread, Local Meats, Produce & Prepared Meals

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.

FOUR CORNERS GRILLE

Offering fresh, quality food along with fast, friendly service at reasonable prices. Featuring fresh, locally caught seafood quaint, casual setting with a delightful outdoor patio.

Art sessions offered for all levels,

website for events.

and sculptor.

MILUKAS STUDIO

SALT

TIFFANY

LOU LOU'S DECOR

Te Buzz

7 Visiting elephant sculptures bring a mission of sustainability

10 THE PUBLIC’S RADIO: Newport ofcial says continued beach erosion could threaten the city’s water supply, way of life

12 Famed grass tennis courts prepare for final Hall of Fame Open

14 VOICES OF THE BAY: Life of service marches on for a Bristol retiree

16 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

Home & Style

A13 HOME: A Bellevue abode gets family-friendly for summer living

A18 Expert advice on where to hang art purchases

A20 A closer look at getting a fine line tattoo

A22 SHOP: Refresh with bath and body products made locally

A24 RHODY GEM: Stylish marine-grade goods on a Newport sidestreet

Feature

43 Flower growers and artisans in the business of beautiful blooms

Food & Drink

49 EXPERIENCE: Local ingredients take the helm at a Middletown hotel restaurant

52 IN THE KITCHEN: Inspired menus from an up-and-coming pop-up chef 55 FOOD TRENDS: Dockside

Cover Story: Summer Festivals

It’s a party out there with events across Rhody ofering something for everyone

Photo courtesy of Warren Folks Fest

Photo courtesy of Little State Flower Co.

Photo courtesy of Elephant Family

Photography by Gina Mastrostefano

THE COVER:

concert en plein air at Norman Bird Sanctuary. Photo by Lisette Rooney, courtesy of Newport Classical.

Photo courtesy of The Chart House

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Contributing Photographers

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Photography

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Contributing Writers

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Luis Hernandez

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THE BUZZ

Art | The Public’s Radio | Tennis | Voices of the Bay | Calendar

By Jenna Kaplan

ASculpting Change

Newport is the summer stop of a global exhibition designed to enlighten and motivate

s summer winds arrive, chart a course for Newport and prepare to be moved by a herd of artistic giants narrating a timeless tale of coexistence, conservation, and the immense power of community in safeguarding the natural world. In a striking fusion of art and conservation, Newport is making a significant impression this summer as it hosts The Great Elephant Migration , an art exhibition featuring 100 life-sized elephant statues curated by Art&Newport. Crafted by The Coexistence Collective – a team of over 200 indigenous Indian artisans – these statues serve as more than just a visual spectacle; they are a call to action, promoting the symbiotic relationship between humans and wildlife.

From July 4 to September 6, Newport’s renowned green spaces, including Rough Point, The Breakers, Salve Regina University, and Great Friends Meeting House, are transformed into a makeshift savannah. The elephant statues, each skillfully shaped from the invasive weed lantana camara, serve as ambassadors advocating for nature’s plea for coexistence. Utilizing this particular plant also helps clear protected areas of the weed, thus expanding habitats for native wildlife.

Organized by Elephant Family USA, a nonprofit committed to the protection of Asian wildlife, this initiative marks Newport as its inaugural venue and strives to have a profound impact. Through this exhibition, they

aim to spotlight the delicate balance between human development and wildlife preservation. It’s an artistic endeavor pulsing with life, resonating through Newport’s historic streets and encouraging onlookers not just to observe but to engage in the conservation. The project strategically places grand sculptures in key green spaces across the city, inviting both locals and tourists to explore Newport’s picturesque landscapes while connecting with the art.

Adding a local dimension, Elephant Family has established a partnership with Save the Bay, the Newport-based nonprofit dedicated to marine conservation. This collaboration is poised to amplify the exhibition’s impact

through a substantial $10,000 donation from Elephant Family, bolstering local ecology and emphasizing the interconnectedness of global and local conservation efforts.

As these elephantine figures make their stand in Newport, they carry with them stories of survival, harmony, and the intricate bonds that link us to the natural world. This exhibition serves not only as a cultural and artistic spectacle but also as a compelling reminder of the delicate balance between human development and wildlife preservation. Visitors to Newport are encouraged to witness and join these gentle giants in a march toward a more sustainable future. Learn more at TheGreatElephantMigration.org.

Photo courtesy of Elephant Family

A stampede at The Mall in London

Newport Ofcial Says Continued Beach Erosion Could Treaten the City’s Water Supply, Way of Life

“Can we renourish the beaches? Can we find a way to put back what’s been taken away over the years?” A talk with the city’s public services director about the ways Newport is grappling with the ongoing threat of coastal erosion.

In partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org • By

Luis Hernandez

Last winter’s storms took a heavy toll on the city’s beaches, including Easton’s Beach, which is located at the start of Newport’s famed Cliff Walk. The city’s public services director, Bill Riccio, is the person in charge of leading Newport’s response. As part of our ongoing series on shoreline erosion in the region, Riccio spoke with Morning Edition host Luis Hernandez about the road ahead for Rhode Island’s city by the sea.

Editor’s note: This story is part of Washout: Our vanishing beaches , a series about the reshaping of Rhode Island’s shoreline. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

TRANSCRIPT:

Luis Hernandez: Tell me a little bit about what you’ve been seeing over the years. Is it getting worse?

Bill Riccio: I think it is. For example, when the seas get rough, the sea walls along Ocean Drive down at Brenton Point are constantly getting, I’ll say tagged, if you will. Overtopped, just like to the seawall in Narragansett. Everyone focuses on that during an approaching storm or just heavy seas. We are regularly out on the drive, as we call it, cleaning rocks off the roads. Green Bridge is another section on Ocean Avenue that has been overtopped regularly, especially this past winter. It’s just a challenge everywhere, but we need to take appropriate actions to limit damages as we can or get out there as quickly as we can following or during to make sure roads are accessible.

Hernandez: I’m interested in what you’ve seen over the years [as a citizen] because I hear this from people in many places. They say, “I’ve seen more flooding. I’ve seen more intense storms. I’ve seen things today that I didn’t see 20 years ago.: How have things changed?

Riccio: Yeah. I mean, as a citizen, there are beaches I went to as a child that are no longer there. Obviously, as a citizen and a lay person, I say, “Hey, what’s going on?” As a child, I could walk down the beach at high tide and I can’t do that anymore because it’s up to the seawalls and there’s no beach access at high tide anymore. So in relation to Newport, where I’ve worked for 17-plus years now, the evidence is there that the tides and the amount of beach exposed at high tide has changed; looking at past photos of a beach day in July and how deep the towels are versus what they are now. We as an overall team are looking at ways to attempt to mitigate what’s going on because we have much we need to protect. There’s possible bigger effects to how we move around down at Easton’s Beach. The closer it gets to the road, the closer it’s getting to one of our drinking water sources. It’s things we’re thinking about. If people can’t move around, if people can’t do their daily tasks via roadways, etc., getting where they need to go – however, on foot by car, by bike, whatever – it’s going to change how people live now and into the future.

Hernandez: My understanding is the city has awarded a contract to bring in some experts on coastal modeling. What is that?

Riccio: One of the words utilized up and down the eastern seaboard is can we renourish the beaches? Can we find a way to put back what’s been taken away over the years? So we have recently hired an engineering team that is going to be working with the Woods Hole Group, who does a lot of shoreline modeling, to determine if there are ways for us, be it beach nourishment, bringing sand back, or creating dunes or recreating dunes, or making them bigger. We don’t know what the options are going to be that come out of the study, but we’re utilizing experts to sift through the research out there and try to develop options for us to look at, to protect not just the beach, but structures on the beach, what can be offered at the beach, the adjacent roadway, as well as the drinking water supply of the city.

Hernandez: I know one thing that some communities around the country are starting to talk about, but it’s a very difficult thing to talk about, which is managed retreat. I don’t know if Easton’s Beach is at that point, but has that even come up?

Riccio: The retreat conversation is out there, I think. I’m not sure if it’s out there as much for Easton’s Beach, but when you see other damages that our city has experienced along our coastline – the obvious one is damages to the Cliff Walk –retreat has been part of those conversations, as it should be. I think this is not just a coastal matter because the frequency of storm events are creating different levels of havoc, if you will, on the inland sides of things, too, with not just sea level rise, but more rain comes down, the rivers swell up, and the ancillary effects of so much on everyone, not just those that live along the coast.

This article was originally posted on May 30, 2024. Luis Hernandez can be reached at LHernandez@ThePubicsRadio.org

Photo courtesy of the City of Newport

An overhead look at storm damage at Easton’s Beach

Fresh

Soups,

Artisan

Game, Set, Match

Newport’s famed grass courts prepare for their open tournament swan song

By Andrea E. McHugh

There was a collective gasp heard amongst sports aficionados last November when the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport announced the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) would not be renewing the Infosys Hall of Fame Open after 2024. The organization’s premier tournament, a summertime stalwart since the late 1970s, brings the top male players directly from Wimbledon to Newport to play rousing singles and doubles matches for the only professional tournament played on grass courts outside of Europe. Thus, this year’s swan song tourney, happening July 14-21, will go out with a bang, punctuated by fierce competition, a festive atmosphere, a glamorous fashion-forward cocktail affair at one of the city’s most iconic mansions, and some of the best-known names in the game – including Andre Agassi, Kim Clijsters, Stan Smith, Tracy Austin, Rosie Casals, Gigi Fernández, Rick Draney, and Steve Flink – expected to be there to take it all in.

While it might be the end of an era, it’s also a new beginning, says tournament director and chief operating officer Brewer Rowe. “I would say it’s the end of a chapter, and we’re going to turn the page to a newly reimagined novel coming forward,” says Rowe, teasing a soonto-be-announced event featuring women’s and men’s professional tennis.

Until then, spectators and tennis legends alike will soak up all the fanfare this signature Newport event has been known to deliver, and for the players themselves, the tournament is a welcome change of pace in an otherwise grueling circuit.

“The players love it. [They] have been mostly traveling in Europe for multiple months in a row and then they get to come to Newport,” says Rowe. Not only do they stay locally, allowing them to walk from their hotels to the tournament, but, unlike many other tournaments, Newport’s daily play ends by early evening. “The players and their friends, their spouses, their significant others, get to go experience Newport. They get to walk downtown to the restaurants and experience everything that Newport and the community has to offer and it’s all within walking distance…

They also get a day off almost every other day, so they get to go play golf, go sailing, go to the beach. I mean, it’s definitely a unique week on the calendar.”

The International Tennis Hall of Fame is at The Newport Casino on Bellevue Avenue, the first commission of legendary architectural firm McKim, Mead & White and a National Historic Landmark. Opened in 1880, fans of HBO’s The Gilded Age will immediately recognize the Hall of Fame’s iconic Horseshoe Piazza and Court, the meticulously manicured centerpiece that was a setting in season two of the streaming period drama. Throughout tournament week, pop-up boutiques and exhibitors are strewn across the fan village, and while there are food and drink vendors serving cocktails, beer, and wine, there’s a new upgraded experience for fans being offered

this year. The 1881 Club, aptly named for the first US National Lawn Tennis Championship played in Newport that year, offers complimentary food and drinks with views of tennis action on the shaded Horseshoe Piazza.

On the evening of Friday, July 19, the frivolity moves to Rosecliff mansion for the week’s most fashionable fête. “Courting Fashion,” a swanky cocktail affair, puts on some of tennis’ most iconic on-the-court looks. “Pulled from the International Tennis Hall of Fame’s collection vaults, this year’s event will feature tennis fashions from current and past champions,” says JT Buzanga, the collections manager. “Some outfits that will adorn Rosecliff will be Coco Gauff’s 2023 US Open championship outfit, and Pete Sampras’ look from his first career Wimbledon championship.” Attendees can sip, nosh, and dance the night away

Photos courtesy of the International Tennis Hall of Fame

Fashions through the ages from the Hall of Fame’s collection. From left to right, the outfits belong to Tracy Austin, Judy Tegart-Dalton, and Maureen Connolly

#TENNISCORE

Fascinated by the sport after watching Challengers ? While the grounds and museum are closed to the public during tournament week (July 13-21), they’re generally open seven days a week to visitors for guided tours, court time, and more. Learn more at TennisFame.com

Top pros have headed to Newport each July to compete on the grass courts

Mon - Fri, Sun 11-4, Sat 10-5

Te New York Times picks Four Corners Gallery as a “Standout.” South Coast Open Studio Tour, July 20 & 21, Aug 17 & 18

while mingling with tennis glitterati.

The next morning welcomes the Brooks Brothers Brunch with Legends, where fans can reserve their spot alongside tennis greats as the Class of 2024 is presented with their official Brooks Brothers blazers by their fellow Hall of Famers.

“Tickets are going unbelievably fast, so we encourage you to come and purchase early and experience all the tennis and induction and come see the legends on the weekend,” says Rowe. “There’s no better way to spend a sunny July day than by sitting by the Horseshoe Piazza, watching some tennis, having some cocktails and a bite to eat, and hanging out with your friends for the afternoon. There’s no better place to be.” For more information and tickets, visit InfosysHallOfFameOpen.com

Voices of the Bay: Dick Devault

A military retiree continues to serve in leadership roles on Bristol committees

By Nina Murphy

When Dick Devault retired after 32 years of active military service, he discovered he had free time on his hands. It wasn’t long before he was filling his days as a member of the Bristol Fourth of July Committee – for which he served as the 2018 Patriotic Speaker and was a past recipient of the Hattie Brown Award – and the Bristol County Elks Lodge. The longtime resident has worn many hats in both organizations, whether serving on committees or in leadership roles all under the guise of his quiet demeanor and his dedication to service. A native of Maine, Devault received his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Gorham State Teachers College and taught English before enlisting in the United States Navy at the start of the Vietnam War. He and his wife Lydia are the parents of two grown children and grandparents to four.

WORK LIFE: My time was spent managing the Naval Reserves, a program where we have reserves activities and people would come in for a weekend drill. I worked my way from Commanding Reserve Centers to Districts to working for the Head of Naval Reserves before eventually retiring. I really didn’t have the opportunity to be involved as much as I would have liked when my son and daughter were growing up because most of the time I was away. If I could come home for a weekend, it would be a pretty brief visit.

NOW WHAT: After I retired I was looking for something to do and my barber, Burke, now deceased said, “Why don’t you join the Elks?” And so I joined the Elks over 25 years ago. I’ve been blessed by being in a situation at this point for a number of years. I can do exactly what I want to do [with my time] and have a decent lifestyle. I’m not a golfer and I don’t watch much basketball or football, so that gives me a lot of time.

SIGN UP: With the Elks, there are lots of ways you can help others. I have been involved with the scholarship’s program nearly all the time I’ve been there. I like to see the young people feel a sense of success when they receive an Elks scholarship. The Fourth of July celebration is a major part of the community and for those who help make it happen, it’s rewarding. There’s been a lot of change, positive change from my point of view, with the Fourth because you have people with different ideas and skills, aside from a longtime volunteer like myself getting involved.

WORKER BEES: While people want to be part of something, not everybody wants to be the people in charge, so it’s easy to become the General Chairman [Fourth Committee] or the Exalted Ruler [Elks], because not everyone is moving in that direction. I don’t mind doing it, so I’ll take that role on. My experience in working with

different groups is to work collectively and in doing so it is always a positive experience.

PERSONAL REWARD: When you move into a community (like we did) and don’t know a lot of people, volunteering allows you to expand your opportunity for friendships and meet a lot of people. We are grateful for the close friends we have made.

PARADE MARCHES ON: I was in uniform marching in the parade when I was the Patriotic Speaker and I realized the sole on one of my shoes had separated and continued flopping throughout the remainder of the parade. That was a march to remember.

The 239th Bristol Fourth of July Parade steps off Thursday, July 4 at 9am from Hope and Chestnut Street.

Photo by Nat Squatrito, courtesy of Dick Devault

Dick Devault

Te Must List

July 4: Enjoy the oldest and one of the grandest Fourth of July parades in the nation from the lawn of Linden Place at the Annual Picnic , which includes a continental breakfast and a picnic lunch. Bristol, LindenPlace.org

Through August: Don’t miss the family-friendly Outdoor Summer Concert Series & Artisans Market Sundays at Burr’s Hill Park with local bands including Street Survivors, Down City Band, East Bay Wind Ensemble, and others. TownOfWarren-RI.go v

Through August: NIMFest , a free live music series held on Sundays at the King Park gazebo, is back with local artists, including Chelley Knight, Chase Ceglie, and Los Duderinos gracing the outdoor seaside stage. CityOfNewport.com

July 7: Spend an afternoon at Myrtle with Day Drinkin’ with The Whelks , an East Bay band that plays a mix of swing, country, bluegrass, Irish, folk, and original songs in three-part harmony. East Pro v idence, GiveMyrtle.com

July 9: Tony Award-nominated actress Denée Benton , AKA Peggy Scott in the HBO drama The Gilded Age , will join the show’s co-executive producer and historical consultant, Dr. Erica Armstrong Dunbar, for an evening of dinner and conversation. NewportMansions.org

July 9: Enjoy a pint or two on board the Coastal Q ueen for an evening sail in scenic Newport Harbor with Turas , a Rhode Island-based band that plays traditional and modern Irish/Celtic music. Jamestown, CoastalQueenCruises.com

July 11: The Summer Concert Series at the Norman Bird Sanctuary welcomes Alisa Amador, a Boston native and 2022 NPR Tiny Desk Concert winner, who just released Multitudes , her first full-length album. Middletown, NormanBirdSanctuary. org

July 17: Head to the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium for their educational Bird Banding , where experts capture, band, measure, and release songbirds in order to record their movements. Bristol, ASRI.org

July 18: Corks + Cocoa pairs six wines from the Greenvale Vineyards with six chocolates from Vivilicious Treats in Bellingham, MA for a seminar led by Jonathon Alsop, founder of the Boston Wine School. Portsmouth, Green v ale.com

July 29: Music legend Joan Baez , who played at the first Newport Folk Festival in 1959, will sit down with National Book Award finalist Hanif Abdurraqib to discuss her new book. Newport, JanePickens.com

Photo by Corey Favino, courtesy of Discover Newport

Bristol’s Fourth of July Parade

IT’S FESTIVAL TIME

THE OCEAN STATE COMES ALIVE WITH SUMMERTIME EVENTS OFFERING SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

BY KEN ABRAMS

& Roots 2023

It’s summer, which means outdoor festival season has officially arrived in southern New England. One-of-a-kind spectacles featuring food, film, music, art, and more can be found all summer long around Rhode Island. Of course, the beauty of the festival is that there’s usually something for everyone. For example, if you’re not into the band playing on stage, wait 20 minutes or try a different stage. If you don’t dig oysters, there’s bound to be delicious pizza somewhere nearby. Not a fan of someone’s artwork? Head to the next tent. So get out and enjoy the season with our guide to the best summer festivals in Rhode Island.

Did we miss your favorite event? Let us know! Email Marketing@HeyRhody.com or tag #heyrhodyphotos on Instagram

Photo by Ken Abrams

Trombone Shorty performing at Rhythm

MUSIC

Newport Classical

JULY 4-21

The Newport Classical Music Festival returns to historic locations around the City by the Sea, including The Breakers, The Elms, and Castle Hill Inn. With 27 concerts, the festival has something for everyone, with renowned players, world premieres, and family programs. Highlights include the opening night Fourth of July Patriotic Pops concert; Opera Night with a performance of Bizet’s Carmen; Italian Strings in Nature, an outdoor concert at the Norman Bird Sanctuary; and Brazilian-American composer-in-residence Clarice Assad, who will be premiering a piece commissioned for the festival. NewportClassical.org

Kingston Chamber Music Festival

JULY 24-AUGUST 4

Under artistic director Natalie Zhu, this classical music festival of six concerts over more than 10 days brings veteran players and emerging artists together for specially curated concerts at the University of Rhode Island’s Edwards Hall. Highlights include festival founder David Kim and Friends, the Dover Q uartet, the jazz-influenced Shades of Blue, and Mediterranean Plectrum and Strings, an enchanting program with Israeli mandolin player Jacob Reuven and American guitarist Adam Levin. The festival closes with picks by Zhu: Natalie’s Favorites, an evening of Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Schubert. KingstonChamberMusic.org

Newport Folk Festival

JULY 26-28

The annual music festival at Fort Adams State Park, which sold out seconds after tickets went on sale, returns with a star-studded lineup of established stars and up-and-coming artists, many who go on to remarkable solo careers. In recent years, top artists like Dolly Parton, James Taylor, Paul Simon, and Joni Mitchell have arrived unannounced, thrilling festival fans. This year’s roster includes award-winning performers Black Pumas, Molly Tuttle, Orville Peck, Rhiannon Giddens, Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Adrianne Lenker, and Killer Mike. NewportFolk.org

Newport Folk Festival

Newport Classical

Photo courtesy of Discover Newport

Photo courtesy of Newport Classical

Newport Jazz Festival

AUGUST 2-4

Popular music festivals first appeared in the US in the City by the Sea, making the Newport Jazz Festival the granddaddy of them all. Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, Newport Jazz still serves as a model for how to run a music festival. This year’s edition continues to push the boundaries of jazz, something the festival has always been known for. Headliners include Andre 3000, Elvis Costello, Laufey, Nile Rodgers & Chic, Samara Joy, Kamasi Washington, and artistic director Christian McBride. Get your tickets soon as a sell-out is expected. NewportJazz.org

Folks Fest VIII

AUGUST 17

Experience the eclectic vibe of Warren at Folks Fest, a free day-into-night event with music, food, and art, including nine musical acts between two stages along with art and wares from over 30 Rhode Island artists and makers. There will also be a free kids’ crafts tent, recycle-a-bike, and great eats from local restaurants Chomp Kitchen & Drinks, La Piñata, Mac’s Screaming Street Corn, and Mumsy’s Ice Cream. The festival is a benefit for The Collaborative, an arts organization based in town. Warren, TheCollaborative02885.org

Rhode Island Folk Festival

AUGUST 25

Formerly the Providence Folk Festival, this free music festival features three stages of the best local and regional talent at Rose Larisa Memorial Park in Riverside, across the street from the Crescent Park Carousel. Headliners include regional all-stars Tom Rush, Dan Lilley, Tai & Moon, Michelle Malone, Dan Blakeslee, Divey, and more. Craft vendors and food trucks will be there. Bring the family and well-behaved pups. Riverside, RhodeIslandFolkFestival.com

Rhythm & Roots Festival

AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 1

Rhode Island’s homegrown Rhythm & Roots Festival is back Labor Day Weekend with an outstanding lineup for 2024. Headliners for the three-day festival include Emmylou Harris, Old Crow Medicine Show, Larkin Poe, Drive-By Truckers, and Shemekia Copeland, alongside traditional music from a slew of Louisiana bands who bring authentic Cajun and zydeco music to the Northeast. Come for three stages of music, stay for the food trucks, vendors, parades, and more. Camping at Ninigret State Park is available. Charlestown, RhythmAndRoots.com

Newport Jazz Festival

Warren Folks Fest

Rhythm & Roots

Photo courtesy of Discover Newport

Photo by Janet Moscarello Photography, courtesy of The Collaborative

Photo by Ken Abrams

ARTS

Wickford Art Festival

JULY 13-14

Over 200 artists will display their work in a variety of mediums at the annual event held in Wilson Park. Admission is free and you can purchase art in ceramics, wood, wearable and decorative fiber, furniture, fine jewelry, drawing, etching, glass, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, pyrography, and sculpture. And don’t forget to visit historic Wickford, just a quarter mile from the park, while you’re in town. North Kingstown, WickfordArt.org

FRINGE PVD

JULY 14-27

PVD’s eclectic summer festival celebrates its 11th year with numerous events featuring local, national, and international independent performing artists. Check out the extensive mix of magic arts, solo acts, and experimental multimedia works that cross – and even defy – genres. Performances take place around Providence’s Valley neighborhood, at locations including WaterFire Arts Center, Farm Fresh RI, and the Steel Yard. Pro v idence, FringePVD.org

Newport

Dance Festival

JULY 17-21

The Newport Contemporary Ballet hosts this annual event on an outdoor stage at the Great Friends Meeting House. Each evening performance features a unique lineup of dances drawn on the talent, artistry, and unique styles of the festival’s visiting dance companies, and the resident company, which performs year-round. Reserve your tickets; bring your own picnic, blankets, and lawn chairs; and enjoy world-class dance in a relaxed outdoor setting. NewportContemporaryBallet.org

Wickford Art Festival

Photos by Michael Masi, courtesy of Wickford Art Festival

Flickers’ RI International Film Festival

AUGUST 6-11

The Rhode Island International Film Festival is a major event held annually. The week-long program includes special showings across the state with premiere works in Providence. Flickers is the largest public film festival in New England and an Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences qualifying event in three categories. Check the website for films and locations. Film-Festival.org

Pawtucket Arts Fest

AUGUST 31-SEPTEMBER 8

One of the state’s largest festivals celebrates the historic city of Pawtucket. Running over a week, festivities include art installations, performances, music, food, and more. Dozens of events, including the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra’s Pops in the Park, Chinese Dragon Boat Races, Mixed Magic Theatre, Pawtucket Flavor Fest, live music, fireworks, local vendors, food trucks, and more, have all been a part of previous festivals. Check the website for updates. PawtucketArtsFestival.org

BE FESTREADY

Suggestions to make the day even better!

• Buy tickets early

• Dress comfortably

• Apply sunscreen and bug spray

• Bring cash

• Charge devices

• Stay hydrated

• Be patient in lines

• Check if pets are allowed

Pawtucket Arts Fest

Photo by Keith E. Fayan,

FOOD

Charlestown Seafood Festival

AUGUST 2-4

The award-winning festival was the first of its kind in the country and continues to be one of the most popular summer events in the state. Enjoy Rhode Island’s best lobsters, steamers, chowder, fish and chips, clam cakes, corn on the cob, and a raw bar with native oysters. Bring the family for amusement rides, rock wall climbing, kayaking, a car show, and live music with top bands on the midway. Stay late Saturday night for fireworks. CharlestownSeafoodFestival.com

Farm Fresh RI

Local Food Fest

AUGUST 13

Join local growers and producers at the annual Farm Fresh RI event to support the mission of the popular community-based organization. You’ll be able to meet Rhody’s star chefs and watch as they prepare meals, while enjoying local wine, beer, signature cocktails, and live music. The event takes place in Newport at Castle Hill Inn’s Chalet Patio and Lawn, with a gorgeous water-view setting overlooking the Newport Bridge. Advance tickets only. Newport, FarmFreshRI.org

Rhode Island

Seafood Festival

SEPTEMBER 7-8

A waterfront tradition since 2011, India Point Park in Providence is transformed into a seafood lover’s version of heaven with local restaurants serving up only the best the Ocean State has to offer, from lobster rolls to clam cakes and chowder, plus some fare for landlubbers. Drink vendors keep taps flowing with locally made beer, wine, and cocktails, and live entertainment ensures good times roll all weekend. RISeafoodFest.com

Charlestown Seafood Festival

Photos courtesy of Charlestown Seafood Festival

COMMUNITY

Cape Verdean Independence Day Festival

JULY 7

Did you know Rhode Island is home to the highest percentage of residents of Cape Verdean ancestry of all 50 states? Learn more about the Ocean State’s Cape Verdean heritage at the Independence Day festival at India Point Park with family-friendly activities including music, dance, and authentic Cape Verdean cuisine. Pro v idence, Facebook: Cape Verdean Independence Day Festival

Crescent Park Carousel

Summerfest

JULY 18-21

Crescent Park Looff Carousel celebrates 129 years of brass rings and rides with Summerfest. There’s live music all weekend, the area’s best food trucks, dozens of vendors, a carnival from Fanelli Amusements, and antique cars and a cruise night on Saturday, July 20. Riverside, CrescentParkCarousel.org

Washington County Fair

AUGUST 14-18

The state’s largest county fair returns to the Richmond fairgrounds for a week of family fun, celebrating the rural heritage of Washington County and benefiting area nonprofits. The fair is also the region’s largest agricultural event featuring tractor pulls, the farm museum, livestock exhibits, and presentations from local FFA and 4H chapters. There’s country music daily, great food, and a full midway with rides from Rockwell Amusements. Richmond, WashingtonCountyFair-RI.com

Washington County Fair

Photos courtesy of Washington County Fair

NK Turns 350

Since January, residents of North Kingstown have been celebrating like it’s 1674 to commemorate the sesquicentennial of the founding of their town. Look for a Family Day Celebration on September 14 and 350th Anniversary Parade on October 5, along with other activities. NorthKingstownRI.go v

Chinese Dragon Boat Race and Taiwan Day Festival

AUGUST

31

The Chinese Dragon Boat Race and Taiwan Day Festival is an exciting day of family entertainment with traditional dragon boat races, cultural performances, Asian cuisine, and the popular dumpling eating contest. The event takes place along the Pawtucket River on fiberglass Taiwanese-style dragon boats gifted from the Republic of China (Taiwan) that incorporate the skill of flag-catching in each race. Taiwanese arts and crafts tables, lion dancers, interactive games, and kids activities make this a special event. Pawtucket, DragonBoatRI.com

PVD Fest

SEPTEMBER 6-7

The weekend street party known as PVD Fest is back downtown with live music, dance, food, and art installations, with nearby eateries providing refreshments, and vendors lining city streets. Past performers have included Mavis Staples, Rebirth Brass Band, the Eddie Palmieri Salsa Orchestra, and Chachi Carvalho & the International Players. PVDFest.com

PVD Fest Chinese Dragon Boat Race and Taiwan Day Festival

Photo (top) courtesy of Dragon Boat RI, (bottom) by Matthew Huang, courtesy of PVD Fest

HOME & STYLE

Home | Decor | Trend | Shop | Rhody Gem

The Summer House

Making a Gilded Age home family-friendly is at the heart of a bold first-floor redesign

By Andrea E. McHugh

One of the most prolific architects of the Gilded Age, George Champlin Mason Sr. is responsible for a good number of Newport’s legendary jaw-dropping homes, which offer a snapshot of not just the Ocean State’s architectural history, but American history. Some of his best known properties include the Eisenhower House at Fort Adams State Park, the home that eight decades after its construction in 1873 would be used as the summer White House of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Chepstow, built in 1860 and today, one of the famed Newport Mansions. These, and the majority of Mason’s designs, embrace the Italianate or Italian villa style for which the architect is best known.

The Beeches, however, was built to be the summertime escape of New York City-based sugar merchant Moses Lazarus and his prolific family, including daughter Emma who penned the sonnet, “The New Colossus,” inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty. Considered contemporary when it was constructed (circa 1870), the manse is a Second Empire French or mansard, a Victorian style defined by a square roof with four sloping sides; dormer windows allow light and air to the top floor.

Similarly, today’s residents of The Beeches make the home – which boasts 9,000 square-feet of living space – a seasonal retreat; a gathering place for the multi-generational family who split their time between Palm Beach, Providence, and the City by the Sea. The owners turned to Ally Maloney Winzer of Maloney Interiors in Newport to fashion the six-bedroom, seven-bath home in their taste and style while also maintaining its architectural integrity, keeping its intricate moldings, paneling, trim, and other details front and center. “From the onset of the project, I knew that it

was important to keep those elements intact,” says Maloney Winzer. “While we painted much of the woodwork in order to brighten the interior, we did not demolish or replace any of those original details.”

While Maloney Winzer concedes a tony Bellevue Avenue address suggests an intrinsically formal aesthetic, she was also determined to make The Beeches approachable – and practical. Though fine textiles dress the windows and were used on some of the upholstery pieces, the designer ensured the selected furnishings were comfortable and family friendly.

The view from the main entrance sets a tone that is elegant and welcoming; metallics in hardware and picture frames connect spaces

Photos by Cate Brown Photography, courtesy of Maloney Interiors

A study in style

The patterned rug reads as neutral while blue accents add coastal allure. Warwick-based CertaPro handled paint and wallpaper installation.

Fringe benefits

Ally Maloney Winzer

Get Rhody Style

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

Local Accents

Maloney Winzer, whose interior design shop is located at 78 Thames Street, Newport, cites the following among her favorite small businesses: Gingy’s Boutique, Newport Sweet Shop, Newport Wine Cellar & Gourmet, and Sheldon Fine Art – where she sourced many pieces for this project.

Beyond Blue

“I love coastal style, but I also love to create unique spaces so that my client’s home stands out from the rest,” says Maloney Winzer, who adds that nautical style doesn’t have to mean blue and white.

Summer Vibes

Used primarily as a summer home, Maloney Winzer wanted to infuse a fresh, light, and airy tone. “I was also working with a home with historical significance, so it was very important to me that the design embrace and respect the existing architectural details,” she notes.

“I wanted the home to feel summery, fresh, bright, light, and airy,” she says. But light and airy doesn’t translate to boring: a zebra-print carpet runs the entire length of the stairwell. In the living room, a nearly wall-to-wall cheetah-print rug lends a chic and edgy pop to the space, punctuated by vibrant local artwork, textured wall coverings, and accessories. The upholstered furniture was done in shades of cream, beige, and light blue with color introduced via a selection of fine art pieces that were placed in the living room and study. “Newport has such a rich history – art, architecture, and maritime history,” says Maloney Winzer. “It’s a fun, laid-back place to live. I love to create beautiful spaces that inspire my clients.”

Making Arrangements

A Newport gallerist shares tips on selecting wall art

By Kristen Coates

While you can purchase art any season, summer is filled with outdoor shows replete with original paintings by regional artists ready to outfit our spaces. Bringing artwork into our homes adds personality and can act as a tangible memory, while also creating an opportunity to layer in elements of design. There’s no one way to approach selecting art for your walls, but there are a few things to keep in mind when putting pieces together, whether you want to make a bold statement or keep it subtle. It may be a little intimidating to get started, but once you have a few pieces you love and enjoy seeing every day, you won’t turn back.

Photos by Shannon Hammond, courtesy of Kristen Coates

BUY ART YOU LOVE

Is there a pattern in the colors, shapes, or artists you return to again and again?

I love seeing a home with artwork that is both personal and adds the final layer to home design. I find the through-line to a great collection is always the individual’s personality on full display. <

Follow that instinct. The Swiss-French architect, designer, painter, urban planner, and writer Charles-Édouard Jeanneret, known as Le Corbusier, said “The home should be a treasure chest of living.”

KEEP A CASUAL PLAN

Keep images of spaces in your home that need art – plus measurements and photos of color swatches – on your phone, so that you’re ready when that painting, print, or photograph catches your eye.

SHAKE THINGS UP

Art collectors move pieces around when they acquire something new or just need a change. Try reframing pieces from time to time for an update, especially if you introduce a new paint color in your home. Art is meant to be lived with, so don’t hesitate to try new arrangements.

HAVE FUN

If you live in a traditional home, add some modern photographs. All neutral? Be bold with your art and bring in pops of color with abstract paintings. Other contrasts include infusing warmth with rich landscapes, or whimsy with framed prints.

GO PRO

If you’re really not sure about how to make a selection, work with someone with an eye for design. This might be a stylish friend, but don’t shy away from talking to an art advisor or your local gallery. Curators have a wealth of knowledge and love talking about all the possibilities of art collecting and installation. Kristen Coates: 152 Bellevue Avenue, Newport; KristenCoates.net

A Fine Line

Local cosmetic tattooist brings the micro trend to pop-ups

By Jenna Kaplan

When you hear the buzz of a tattoo needle, you might picture bold, big, colorful designs. However, a new trend in the tattoo world are tiny tats, also known as micro tattoos. These small, intricately detailed images are a minimalist’s dream, and Andreea Furtado, known as @browtourage on Instagram, is behind some of the finest work.

Furtado’s journey to tattooing is unique. “Imagine a young girl who initially aspired to pursue fashion design but ended up in business school instead,” she begins. “I worked in finance for a long time, feeling unfulfilled.” Her true passion emerged when she discovered permanent makeup while trying to fix her mom’s eyebrows. This led her to fine-line tattooing, a practice known for script writing, symbols, and flourishes; after an 18-24 month apprenticeship, Furtado’s talent for doodling and drawing became her livelihood.

When not traveling across Rhode Island for pop-up events with her ink and needle in tow, Furtado can be found at her Seekonk, MA studio, BR Brows + Beauty. Ensuring a comfortable and positive experience is paramount for Furtado, and from the moment clients walk in, they are greeted with a spa-like ambiance, soothing tunes, and a cup of tea. “Think of it as a spa day, but with more needles,” she laughs. Besides fineline tattooing, she offers cosmetic tattooing services like microblading, nano brows, powder brows, and lip blushing. Her work goes beyond art; it’s about enhancing her clients’ natural beauty.

For my tattoo, I chose an outline of my two dogs’ ears to be placed on my ribs. Furtado’s precision and gentle touch maintained a serene experience throughout the entire process. Surprisingly, the actual tattooing felt more

like a mild irritation than the intense pain I had anticipated, rating a modest three on the pain scale. In just one hour, I was amazed to see a flawless and intricately detailed sketch of my dogs’ ears, with every line capturing their distinct shape and sharp contours.

Worried about the pain? Furtado’s got you covered. She guides clients through the process from start to finish, starting slowly and allowing for breaks as needed. For those considering their first tattoo, she advises careful thought regarding design, size, and placement. “Once it’s on, it’s not easy to remove,” she cautions. She ensures clients are satisfied with the end result by adjusting the stencil as many times as necessary until it’s just right. “I want you to feel as comfortable as possible,” she explains.

Preparation for a tattoo appointment is crucial. “Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!” Furtado emphasizes. Your skin should be moisturized, and your body well-hydrated. A hearty meal beforehand is also advisable to prevent dizziness. Comfortable, accessible clothing is key, especially for the area being tattooed.

Aftercare is equally important. “Treat it like a delicate flower,” she advises. Keep the tattoo clean, apply the recommended ointment, and avoid picking at it. No swimming or tanning while it’s healing, and minimal physical exertion. Her top tip for those anxious about the pain? “Engage in conversation during the process, take it slow, and take breaks if needed. And if all else fails, reward yourself with post-tattoo ice cream!”

For those overwhelmed by the permanence and decision-making involved, Furtado suggests taking a deep breath.

“Tattoos are meant to be cherished forever. Start small and think about what truly resonates with you.” Follow @browtourage for updates and events.

Good to Know

Tips for Your First Tat

Research Your Artist: Make sure they specialize in the style you want and have a portfolio to back it up.

Consider the Placement: Some spots, like ribs, can be more intense. Pick a location that balances visibility and comfort.

Prepare for the Session: Hydrate well, avoid alcohol, and get plenty of sleep.

Follow Aftercare Instructions: Clean and moisturize the tattoo according to your artist’s guidance.

Photos courtesy of Andreea Furtado

An application of aloe on a new tattoo

Andreea Furtado

The Summer Edit

End the chemical romance and refresh with local body products made naturally

By Callie Bisset

There’s nothing like summertime in the Ocean State: weekends spent exploring the coastline, farmers market trips for fresh produce and flowers, and sticky beach days with a Del’s in hand. Of course, these relaxing days often come with a healthy dose of prep work, packing for every scenario, and trying to remember if you’ve checked off every item on your list. To make things a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of some skincare essentials. Pro-tip: buy two of each favorite so there’s one at home and one in the beach or travel bag!

DEODORANT

Smell fresh on your outdoor adventures with natural ingredients and fragrant essential oils blended to create Beecher’s Botanicals Natural Deodorant. For those interested in making a nontoxic switch, the West Kingston brand focuses on offering clean and effective ingredients like coconut oil to act as an antimicrobial, arrowroot to absorb moisture, and baking soda for neutralizing odor. Online only with flat-rate shipping. BeechersBotanicals.com

SUNSCREEN

Being a longtime Narragansett lifeguard led Brian Guadagno to develop Raw Elements, a line of certified natural and organic sunscreens. Hypo-allergenic and safe for all

ages, choose from a variety of water-resistant and tinted options. The SPF 30 Face Stick is perfect for reapplying on the go, sans worries of sandy fingers, also available in SPF 50. Find at Warm Winds, Narragansett; Breakwater Surf Co., Newport; or RawElementsUSA.com

SHAMPOO

Trying to reduce single-use plastics from your life? The mother-daughter duo behind Birch Beauty has a shampoo bar that’s a travel bag essential. With no sulfates, parabens, or fillers, the small-batch line is safe for all hair types, plus the Coconut Eucalyptus scent makes that after-beach shower pure magic. Lincoln, BirchBeautyRI.com

SALVE

After long days in the sun, nourish your skin with Healing Salve from Island Mist. Located in and inspired by Block Island, products are developed by a certified herbalist and aromatherapist. Their handy salve is perfect to keep at the ready to soothe skin irritations as well as treat bug bites or heat rashes. Packed with natural herbs, it’s even safe for delicate areas including face and eyes. Block Island, IslandMist.com

RADIANCE OIL

The aptly named Pure Radiance Oil by Flo’s Daughter is a luscious blend of organic oils, including jojoba, rosehip seed, pomegranate seed, amla, vitamin E, and eight essential oils

sure to restore shine. Named as a tribute to her late mom, the Chepachet-based brand is a five-star Etsy seller. Use after toner and before moisturizer for best results.

Etsy: FlosDaughterRachael

SOAP

Born and raised in PVD, the New England shoreline continues to inspire Caroline Laye’s Atlantic Soap Co. Among the offerings are High Tide soap, a luxe blend of salt, citrus, and soft florals in a blue ombre bar that is a pretty addition to any soap tray, along with being great for body, hands, and face. Find at Matriarch, Newport; Stock Culinary Goods, Pro v idence; Block Island Trading Co. on Block Island; AtlanticSoapCo.com

Zürner Oceanic

Handmade Bags & Accessories

What it is:

A jaunty shop and studio where durable totes, backpacks, and more are made from reclaimed and vintage yachting materials.

Where to find it:

Using Newport’s Thames Street Post Office as your starting point, head up Franklin Street. The shop is a short walk from downtown parking locations, and free hourly parking is available at the top of Franklin Street and on Spring Street. A flag or two signals you have arrived!

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

Looking for a durable bag? You can’t do better than a backpack cleverly constructed from heavy-duty sailcloth with rope handles. The business – as seen in the Summer issue of VOGUE – started as the side-hustle of John and Jennifer Zuerner in 2017, and three years later they officially launched their brand and opened the studio and retail space on Franklin Street. “Every piece is one-of-a-kind and handmade on-site,” says Jennie. “We salvage marine-grade rope, hardware, and fabric from yachts around the world and delight in showcasing their unique properties. We take great pride in offering pieces you can’t find anywhere else.” Beyond totes, find modern-day sailor bracelets, keychains, and backgammon boards. “We offer free shipping for purchases over $300 and you can customize any bag with hand-painted monograms, zippers, and vintage patches,” Jennie adds.

Zürner Oceanic

40 Franklin Street Newport ZurnerOceanic.com; @zurneroceanic 401-324-5914

Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email Elyse@HeyRhody.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!

P hoto courtesy of Zürner Oceanic

Franklin Street, Newport 401-619-5639 • EmilyHirsch@hotmail.com facebook.com/athaliaofnewport

—Peter Attia M.D./ author

FEATURE

Field to Fete

Two East Bay flower farmers specialize in sustainable growing and artful arranging

By Emily Olson

The East Bay comes alive with flowers every summer, and Samantha Bowers – who co-owns the event styling and floral company

The Lilac Thief with her best friend, Sarah Augusto – says the region’s diverse terrain makes it an ideal place for making a business around growing blooms. “There are rural parts here where you have full flower farms, but there are also all these urban areas that make the industry exciting,” she says. “Sarah and I don’t have access to acres of land. We have a backyard. But you don’t need acres of land to make an impact.”

The Lilac Thief is just two years old and it was born from a fall equinox dinner party the pair of farmer florists hosted for friends. “We made an Instagram account with photos of our floral arrangements and tablescaping, and people showed interest in purchasing our services,” explains Augusto, who describes the company’s approach as nontraditional, wild, unstructured, and whimsical. “We have a particular vibe,” adds Bowers.

Their aesthetic leans into the more esoteric magical properties of the natural world.

“We incorporate witchy elements into our styling. We have a mutual interest in astrology, herbalism, and seasonal living, and we brought that all together into our brand.”

Emblazoned across The Lilac Thief’s website are the words “Botany. Maximalism. Magic.” and the latter reveals itself in myriad ways. The two women research the magical uses of the plant materials they source and then use that knowledge to create different products, from blessing bundles of flowers that carry a particular meaning to spell baubles – ornaments filled with dried plant material to help the users set intentions of strength, peace, and other invocations.

Photos courtesy of The Lilac Thief

The Lilac Thief owners Samantha Bowers and Sarah Augusto

Boquets by The Lilac Thief

Blessing bundles infuse a little magic into floral artistry

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Being able to share the spark of their friendship also adds to The Lilac Thief’s magic. “Together we’ve created a safe space where we both can explore our creativity,” says Bowers. Augusto agrees, saying, “During those moments when I can’t trust my own judgment, having another person validate my creativity is huge.”

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They bring that same sense of creativity and purpose into styling. “People today are putting so much intention into their events,” says Bowers, “and we can orchestrate the meanings of different flowers.” The artists place cards in the tablescape that describe the meaning behind the blooms used. But even if this isn’t a priority for clients, “We also just do pretty stuff,” Augusto says with a laugh.

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business started humbly 18 years ago in owner Anna Jane Kocon’s parents’ shed. Kocon noticed that there were no local wholesalers providing quality blooms to local florists, so she transformed the shed into a flower cooler and leased chunks of land in various parts of the state to grow her blooms. Flowers that weren’t immediately snapped up by local wedding florists went to the Aquidneck Farmers Market, and that’s where the public began to learn about Kocon’s business. “After we filled our wholesale orders during the week, we would go through the fields and I would show up to market every Saturday with the most amazing abundance of flowers,” she says.

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All the “pretty stuff” comes from Augusto’s 20-by-10-foot micro-farm in Warren, where she grows flowers according to the season. If Augusto has more flowers than space, they make their way to Bowers’ backyard. And when The Lilac Thief takes on a large event, they reach out to nearby farms to help supply the flowers.

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In 2018, she was able to purchase her field of dreams in Tiverton that she says was, at the time, a junkyard. “Back in the day, it seemed normal for people to just throw their trash into the woods,” she says. “To this day, I still find car parts on the land.” As she’s transformed her own little Eden, the town has become a huge source of moral support. “We have had neighbors and townspeople cheering us on as they’ve seen us working hard to clean up this piece of land. I feel fortunate to have been met with such kindness right here in our own town,” she says.

When the pandemic hit, Kocon placed a farmstand on the corner of her property and

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started selling flowers on the honor system. “It erupted,” she says. “People were stressed and sad because of the pandemic. This gave them a destination. They could take a drive, get some flowers, and bring them home or drop them off to a loved one. It provided a slice of happiness during such a dark time.”

In addition to providing flowers wholesale to florists and directly to consumers at her farm stand, Kocon sells DIY flower buckets to customers who are priced out of using a professional florist for their event but still want to decorate with a unique flourish. “Everyone

should be able to access beautiful flowers for their events,” she says. The two-gallon buckets are filled with seasonal blooms carefully curated by Kocon. “Anything can happen in nature, so I don’t make promises about availability. I might promise a flower and then a deer eats it,” she says, but Kocon does assure the flowers will be beautiful.

Part of being able to provide the most perfect bloom is farming sustainably. Kocon grows New England-hardy perennials – plants that come back every year – that thrive in our unique climate and soil culture. “I use perennials

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to stabilize my property,” says Kocon. “Every time you have to take out a crop or rototill a planting bed, you break down the ecosystem of your soil, damage soil structure, and can experience a lot more erosion.”

Sustainability also is a key focus for The Lilac Thief. They eschew floral foam and employ reusable materials in their arrangements. They even find ways to give a second life to floral arrangements after an event is over. “We do pressed frame art after a wedding for the newly married couple,” says Augusto. They also bridge the colder months by creating dried arrangements from

Photos courtesy of Little State Flower Co.

Anna Jane Kocon

Cuttings from Little State Flower Co.

spring and summer blooms or decorate with evergreens and moss rather than shipping flowers from warmer climates.

It makes sense that both businesses would value sustainability because as Kocon explains, artistry, farming, and being part of a community is more than a business. “Working with nature is a lifestyle choice because you are never, ever the boss,” Kocon says, explaining the fickle nature of the living world. But she remains grateful for the support of her community and family. “My husband and I call this farm our opus,” she says.

3124 East Main Road Portsmouth • 401-683-3124 Open Mon., Wed.-Saturday 10-5:30 Sunday 12-4 (Closed Tuesday) Shop on our new website www.coryfarmsri.com

FOOD & DRINK

Experience | In the Kitchen | Food Trends

At the Helm

New Middletown restaurant’s chef-driven menu showcases local flavors with elegant touches

By Gina Mastrostefano

Just over the Newport border, there’s a coastal oasis in Middletown, tucked away in recently renovated hotel The Pell, with a menu channeling the spirit of the City by the Sea. The open-to-the-public restaurant is a bright and airy space with large comfy leather booths, and Newport-themed accents like polo equipment and antique Newport Jazz Festival posters decorating the walls.

Upon entering The Helmway, my fiance and I agreed that the atmosphere is the perfect place to wind-down in the middle of a crazy week. Before putting in our food orders, I had a Whalers pale ale on draft while he sipped The Gilded Age, a take on the classic Manhattan perfected with a Luxardo cherry. Chef Will Wallbank came by our table to chat about the space and the positive response the restaurant has received since they opened last Fourth of July. He emphasized their focus on local ingredients and suppliers, and how it has made all the difference.

The menu is short and sweet but checks all the boxes for a savory dining experience. For starters, we got in more than our fair share of greens with a Grilled Caesar salad topped with crispy focaccia crumbs, and Fried Brussels Sprouts, which came with a condiment worth its own honorable

Blackbird Farm Steak at The Helmway

mention – Old Bay Mayo, lending a little spice. Wallbank sent out an order of the Fish Tacos, which were generously garnished with a fresh shipment of microgreens from West Warwick-based supplier Interstellar.

For our main course, I had the Scallops dish, which is prepared with a no-frills approach, complemented by corn and bacon to add a sweet-andsalty flair. My fiance had the Blackbird Farm Steak, a flat-iron panseared steak sourced from Smithfield, towered over a sweet potato and carrot puree with grilled asparagus and a

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basil butter. The freshness of the produce was undeniable, and left our taste buds feeling energized.

We couldn’t leave without trying at least one dessert, so we shared our server’s suggestion, the Cinnamon Bread Pudding.

Topped with French vanilla ice cream, it was the perfect palate cleanser after a delicious and decadent meal.

Despite being East Bay dwellers, Wallbank gave us a tour of the property after dinner. A stay-local visit at The Pell sounded enticing as we were getting ready to leave – and whether you’re a Rhode Islander or tourist, seafood lover or landlubber, The Helmway showcases fresh harvests that make the area special.

The Helmway at The Pell 425 E Main Road, Middletown TheHelmway.com

Fried Brussels Sprouts and the Grilled Caesar

Palate Cleanser

A former sous chef in Warren makes a name himself with creative pop-ups all over the state

By Ruthie Wood

Food has always been Taylor Pelton’s sanctuary. Growing up in a suburb of DC that was heavily influenced by Korean and Japanese flavors, he was surrounded by a diverse group of classmates – after-school snacks at friends’ houses could range from Costa Rican to Pakistani foods.

It wasn’t long before he found himself experimenting with recipes in the kitchen. “I’m someone who has ADHD, and cooking was always very stimulating,” Pelton explains. “I was really fortunate to have a great vo-tech program in high school. It was the only thing that really scratched that itch.”

That high school program drove home the idea that a dish doesn’t need to use bougie ingredients or to look like it was plated by a Michelin-star chef to be elevated to a high standard.

Photos courtesy of Tenny Cooks

Taylor Pelton presenting a menu of vegan delicacies for an event at Like No Udder

Slow-Roasted Cauliflower

An event at arc{hive} book + snackery in Warren saw 10 percent of proceeds donated to World Central Kitchen

The secret is in the way the ingredients and flavors are used. “There was a touring student from Johnson & Wales University who made this sweet potato bisque – that I still make at Thanksgiving – and I just remember tasting it and having never tasted something with that much depth of flavor. It blew my mind.”

It’s no surprise that Pelton chose to apply solely to culinary schools, including Johnson & Wales. Although he was initially not accepted, Pelton remembers calling the dean of admissions for two weeks straight – “He said he respected my persistence” – and he got in.

Persistence, or, perhaps, stubbornness, is an important trait to possess in an industry known for its grueling hours and low pay. Pelton started his professional career as a sous chef working under local celebrity chef Eli Dunn at nowclosed Eli’s Kitchen in Warren. “That restaurant was pretty unique in that he gave the cooks as much creative freedom as they’d like,” says Pelton, joking that the specials list was often longer than the real menu.

Following a period of burnout, Pelton

recently rediscovered the joy of cooking by doing it on his own terms. “I’m cooking the food I really want to cook, working with friends who I really love and appreciate and who share my values when it comes to the industry,” he relays. Through pop-ups, under the moniker of Tenny Cooks, he works with chefs and restaurant owners who host him in their space while playing with menu ideas, flavors, and concepts.

More recently, cooking has offered Pelton a different form of sanctuary in the midst of struggling with the state of global affairs. “I felt pretty helpless in regard to the Palestine situation, and I wanted to really contribute,” he says, “so I started doing pop-ups as a means of raising money for the World Central Kitchen,” donating 10 percent of proceeds from his events to the organization. Each location, menu, and theme are different, but with an enduring focus on seasonal ingredients. He employs a fusion of flavors and cultural influences, a throwback to the palate he developed growing up.

Through events, Pelton has gained name recognition as a private chef, too. “One pop-up led to me being the private chef for the Thomas

Dambo team, who built the trolls in Ninigret Park,” he explains. As the artists and builders had traveled all over the world, it gave Pelton the opportunity to incorporate Korean, Laotian, and Thai styles of cuisine, and flex his talents meeting the team’s requests, from developing a vegetarian menu to reducing food waste by making the most of ingredients across meals. One of these feasts was a Southern-style comfort food spread, complete with a black walnut lentil loaf with smoked maple ketchup glaze, smoked cheddar mac and cheese, collard greens, and a honey and bergamot whipped sweet potato casserole with pecans.

No matter the dietary needs or flavor desires, Pelton seeks to craft a “bespoke menu” for his clients. “I always want to know as much about the client as possible,” he says – what they love and don’t love, their culinary aesthetics, and more – so each dish served will be unforgettable.

From Like No Udder in Pro v idence to arc{hive} book + snackery in Warren, Pelton has cooked at venues across the state. To inquire about Tenny Cooks’ private chef services and find upcoming pop-ups, follow on Instagram at @tennycooks.

The Italian-inspired menu presented at arc{hive} included Duck Cotechino

Photos courtesy of Tenny Cooks

Lasagna

Hazelnut and Olive Oil Cake

Food Trends: Waterside Vibes

Make the most of the Ocean State’s moniker with dockside dining and summer sipping

The season for outdoor waterfront dining in Newport is short, but Rhode Islanders know how to make the most of every minute. With a magnificent view of Newport Harbor and plenty of outdoor seating, The Landing on Bowen’s Wharf has been a destination for tourists and locals for many years. “Our menu offers a variety of seafood, raw bar, bar snacks, and appetizers,” says marketing manager and bartender Ellie Mohanty. “Some of our most popular menu items include New England classics like our mouthwatering lobster roll, crispy fish and chips, and calamari.

We also have plenty of non-seafood options.”

For those who want to enjoy a drink on the patio, summer favorites include homemade Frozen Mudslides and the Spicy Pineapple Margarita, with bottled and local craft beer on draft also available. There’s live music day and night and a full kids’ menu, featuring the usual favorites like chicken fingers, burgers, and Kraft Mac and Cheese. “We also host weddings, rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, and corporate events” adds Mohanty. Newport, TheLandingRestaurantNewport.com | By Ken Abrams

Cocktails and harbor breezes in Bristol

With cool seabreezes filtering in from Bristol Harbor, the covered deck at Thames Waterside beckons summer sipping. “We are a contemporary casual waterfront bar and grill with a fresh seafood-centric menu, handcrafted cocktails, and live music,” says general manager Ben Wachter. Climb a set of stairs to their open-air bar with views of glistening water and boats petering by, and order off of their build-your-own margarita menu, which allows guests to choose from a list of tequilas, traditional or with fruit flavors, and rim seasonings, from salt to tajin. Also on the drink menu are the Empire Espresso Martini, Tiki Punch, Summer Sangria, and more, along with fancy mocktails.

Pair a refreshing bevvie with Thames Waterside’s all-day menu of classic New England fare and approachable bites, from Lobster Rolls and Stuffed Q uahogs to Shrimp Tacos with mango salsa and chipotle aioli, or the Tuna Poke Salad with spicy gochujang-marinated ahi tuna over baby greens, seaweed, and other fresh ingredients. Round out a rooftop outing with live music every weekend night. Bristol, ThamesWaterside.com | By Abbie

Lahmers

and scenery

Dockside dining and locally sourced seafood often go hand in hand, and The Boat House is no exception. With a focus on bounties of the sea prepared for an upscale-casual palate, the restaurant doubles as a venue, with a sweeping dock serving as the setting of scenic, quintessential New England wedding ceremonies. “Our outdoor spaces offer a panoramic view of the Sakonnet River and Mt. Hope Bay,” explains general manager Dan Reid.

To complement the locale, a raw menu of native littlenecks, oysters, and shrimp is a given, along with calamari, crab cakes, lobster rolls, and the like. The Boat House’s offerings are also in touch with the region’s terrestrial roots, featuring Blackbird Farms Beef Burger and Portabella Mushroom Milanese with a fried and panko-crusted portobello mushroom cap from RI Mushroom Co. For drinks, “Sweet Heat is crafted by one of our star bartenders, Kelly Adams, featuring Ghost Tequila, blood orange, coconut, and pineapple,” says Reid or try Cayce Kenny’s creation: Melon Ballah, with white rum and cantaloupe juice. Tiverton, BoatHouseTiverton.com | By Abbie Lahmers

Harborside dining for all ages on Bowen’s Wharf

Tiverton’s destination for seafood

PIC

THE BAY

Te Aquidneck setting sail near Fort Adams

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