The Bay October 2023

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

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

SALT

TIVERTON FARMERS MARKET

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

Upcoming: Garlic Roast Market - Oct. 15th

Tiverton Town Farm Recreation Area, 3588 Main Rd

Starting 11/5 Tiverton Middle School, 10 Quintal Dr tivertonfarmersmarket.com

@TivertonFarmersMarket

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

FOUR CORNERS GALLERY

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

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

CEDIAN PAINTING

Studio-Gallery of artist Jennifer Jones Rashleigh. Nature inspired wildlife painting, pillows & tiles. 3848 Main Road • @cedianpainting • cedianpainting.com

Celebrate the harvest with cozy sweaters, soft denim and lightweight jackets perfect for embracing fall. Accessorize with a great handbag or grab a unique gift!

3845 Main Road • (401) 816 0901 @salttiverton

TIFFANY PEAY JEWELRY & HEALING ARTS

Annual FALL SALE: October 1-9

Explore the power of gemstones with Tiffany’s handmade fne jewelry. Crystal Bed Light Therapy & Fine Art by Peter Dickison. 3851 Main Road • tiffanypeay.com (401) 816 0878 • @tiffanypeayjewelry

STUDIO BY THE SEA

I transform your ideas into heirlooms!

Internationally sourced Royal Blue Sapphire set with diamond components from an older family ring. What can Peter Tirpaeck, master jeweler create for you?

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

ASHLEY AINSWORTH ART & CÉDIAN PAINTING

Working studios of Ashley Ainsworth & Jennifer Jones Rashleigh

Fine art paintings, prints, pillows, tiles & notecards. 3848 Main Rd ashley-ainsworth.com • cedianpainting.com

In This Issue

The Bay Magazine

October 2023

Autumn Activities 21

The East Bay and Aquidneck Island have big plans for October!

The Buzz

9 New aquarium location means expanded marine exhibits

12 VOICES OF THE BAY: The artist and collector behind a Warren treasure trove

14 Meet the EP fashion designer showing up on celeb IG grids

16 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

17 RHODY GEM: A cooperative art gallery shines on Bellevue

18 THE PUBLIC’S RADIO: Priced out of Newport, Je rey Marcus calls his SUV his home

Life & Style

31 HOME: Foraged style inside a cozy Bristol Cape

36 STAY: A farm’s B&B provides pastoral lodgings in Tiverton

37 STYLE: Surround yourself in the season’s hottest hue

Food & Drink

39 Elevate pumpkin spice lattes with Caribbean-inspired syrups

40 EXPERIENCE: Creative and seasonal brews on tap in Bristol

42 IN THE KITCHEN: From restaurant hustle to East Bay seafood truck

ON THE COVER: An aerial view of Jamestown foliage.

44 FOOD NEWS: Pizza gets futuristic in Newport, Narragansett surf shack & Vietnamese eatery in PVD

Photo by Corey Favino, courtesy of Discover Newport

46 RHODY EATS: RESTAURANT GUIDE

Pic of the Bay

48 A stunning image from a local lens

Photo courtesy of Josh Berman

Photo by Kayla Mandeville

Photo by @k___elizabeth

Photo by David Lawlor

Ru n’ Wranglers® gives your pup more than just a leash walk – we give them an adventure! It starts when your dog is picked up from your home and whisked away to a doggie oasis, the Ru n’ Wranglers® Ranch in Rehoboth.

The 14.5-acre ranch boasts seven acres of fenced-in grassy fields and trees with amazing trails that were cleared by some of our own Wranglers. We have created such a beautiful space for your dog to run, play, and make furry friends.

Socialization, exercise, and freedom are crucial to your pet’s health, happiness, and your sanity!

Since 2007, the Ru n’ Wranglers® team has provided over 270,000 excursions. The Wranglers handle the pick-up and drop-o in our doggie outfitted SNIFF Mobiles and are hands on with all the fun at the ranch. The dogs have a better social life and exercise routine than most humans!

We know our clients’ dogs are their children. Our Wranglers are deeply invested in the dogs; there is no other team like them. They get to know each dog, their preferences, what causes them anxiety and what they love. They ensure every dog has the experience they crave…it may be extreme ball chasing, lots of kisses, wrestling, running through trails or just snoofing at their own pace!

We have dogs that have been with Ru n’ Wranglers® most of their lives and are still

at the ranch weekly! We are going to have to outfit a geriatrics SNIFF Mobile for those dogs and me soon! I had a vision for the company when I started it 16 years ago, but I really did not conceptualize where we are today.

We were full for about a year and a half and I said I would not buy another van, but I did! We have also added a few routes, so we are able to accommodate more dogs!

We not only provide excursions, but overnights to our weekly clients. When you travel, you know your dog is living their best life with one of our Wranglers in their home, being a part of their family and running at the ranch all day! It’s like being at a doggie camp while you are gone…they might ask you to travel more often!

I am so proud of our team of Wranglers and the leader of our pack, Austin Wright. He just celebrated his 11-year anniversary! There is absolutely no way we would be where we are today without his dedication to Ru n’ Wranglers®.

There is nothing like seeing pure joy in the eyes of a dog, and that is what we provide, joy...not bad for your daily gig!

We are so grateful for our loyal customer base, the Ruffin’ Wranglers® Family. We would have never accomplished what we have in 16 years without the support of our human and canine clients.

Ruffin’ Wranglers® covers the East Side, West Side and Downtown Providence, Oakhill in Pawtucket, Edgewood in Cranston, Riverside, East Providence, Rumford, Southern Seekonk, Barrington, parts of Rehoboth and parts of Swansea close to the ranch.

Austin Wright, Operations Manager, with Thor at the Rufn’ Wranglers® Ranch

Blythe Penna, Owner, with her sleepy Vizsla, Clara I Do Declare, in a SNIFF Mobile

Sadie Rose fying at the RW Ranch!

The Buzz

Under the Sea

A Newport aquarium prepares for an exciting move from Easton’s Beach to the city’s

RIPTA hub

Aquarist Adam Kovarsky’s colleagues at Save the Bay often quote him characterizing aquariums as a perfect blend of art and science. Topher Hamblett, Save The Bay director of advocacy and interim executive director, would add that a whole lot of community participation and input also has to be part of the mix.

Hamblett speaks from experience – Save The Bay is currently undergoing a massive project as it moves from its existing Exploration Center & Aquarium at Easton’s Beach to a new facility in downtown Newport. “Our current location is beautiful,” says Hamblett, “but it’s vulnerable.” The move was instigated, in part, by damage caused by Hurricane Sandy. “The Exploration Center was under three feet of water and one foot of sand, and the risk of that kind of damage is only going to increase over time due to climate change.”

The Hamilton Family Aquarium, slated to open in early 2024, will be located on America’s Cup Avenue on the first floor of the Gateway Transportation & Visitors Center. The new space is 5,000 square feet bigger than the current location, an exciting prospect for Hamblett and his team.

Voices of the Bay Influencer Calendar Rhody Gem The Public’s Radio

Photo courtesy of Save The Bay

The Buzz ON THE BAY

By Emily Olson

Along with the return of favorite experiences, such as the kid zone and the sand shark touch tank, the new facility means more exhibits, including the Bay of the Future, which explores climate change; the Big Fish of the Bay tank highlighting native striped bass and flounder; and the Bay at Night, giving visitors a peek at bottom-dwelling creatures. Observing the aquarium activity from above will be a locally built 14-foot model of a basking shark, one of 50 species of shark that swims in New England waters.

There will also be a community room, space dedicated to rotating exhibits from other organizations, and perhaps most exciting, three touch tanks with native creatures that will cycle from the bay to the tanks and back to their natural environment, which Hamblett describes

as the most ethical and humane way to house animals. “Behind the touch tanks are murals by local artist Amy Bartlett Wright,” Hamblett says of the Portsmouth-based painter. “The murals depict the preferred habitats of the creatures in the touch tank, so it will all feel very immersive.”

The touch tanks and aquariums will be sta ed by docents prepared to answer questions from visitors. “Unlike other aquariums that are designed just for observation, ours is sta ed by very knowledgeable educators excited to share information,” Hamblett says. Curious patrons will even have chances to peek behind the scenes in the operation rooms. “You’ll be able to see the filters, the pipes, and the holding tanks.”

It takes a boat-load of planning to retrofit

a building for use as an aquarium, which requires a lot of electricity and, of course, water. “The building also needed a strong floor to support the thousands of gallons of water in the tanks,” Hamblett says. “We had to take up the old floor and lay steel beams to support the weight!”

The infrastructure is now complete and ready for the fun part: preparing for animals and visitors. “Each week I go down there and see something new,” Hamblett says. “It’s really coming together, and the whole organization is jazzed about it.”

The current Easton Beach aquarium will remain open until closer to Save The Bay’s transition to the new space. Visit SaveBay.org to plan a visit, and follow for @savethebayri for updates.

Photo courtesy of Save The Bay

Work on the new Save The Bay aquarium is underway

The Buzz VOICES OF THE BAY

Treasure Trove

By Nina Murphy

The artist and collector behind a Warren antique shop

When the sandwich board open sign appears on the corner of Warren’s Water and Broad streets, it’s safe to say Nick Heywood can be found inside the Nick Haus Shop, a narrow two-story building featuring a treasure trove of antiques, art, and conversation pieces curated by the perennial collector. An adjunct professor of interior architecture at his alma mater Rhode Island School of Design, Heywood’s love of collecting started at a young age. As with any consuming passion, he needed a place where he could showcase items for sale; thus, a former piano tuner’s workshop dating back to 1890 became the home of Nick Haus Shop in 2016. NickHaus.com, Instagram: @nickhausshop

CHILDHOOD HOBBY: I have memories of collecting antiques when I was four, but it probably started before then. My mom was very into antiques. We spent a lot of time going to antique stores, and we always lived in old houses, which we were constantly working on. In the midwest, “old” to me was 100 years, so moving to Rhode Island was so extraordinary.

SWEAT EQUITY: In 2011, we bought our house with the intention of the little building to be a shop. It was really pretty derelict. The people we bought the house from tried a few times to tear the building down. Various people in the town said, “No, no, please don’t, we love this little building.” And they didn’t [tear it down], thank goodness! It had never had a foundation of any sort, just sitting on the earth and listing slightly. Every surface of the exterior had to be touched in some way. It was a labor of love. I opened [Nick Haus Shop] around 2016.

NEW GENERATION: I have a lot of younger shoppers. I get clients who have not conventionally bought antiques. They may wander in and see something they like. I carry things that are versatile and small, which sort of speaks to the contemporary moment even if those things are quite old.

ONE OF A KIND: I look for things I haven’t seen before. Often I hear people come in and say, “Oh, this is so curious. I’ve never seen anything quite like this or that” – and the reason is that neither have I. Currently I have a shark tooth sword from the Gilbert Islands dating back to the 1860s or ‘70s. It has grips made out of shagreen materials from animals who died 150 years ago.

LOCAL TALENT: I have several paintings by Henry Newell Cady who is a known late 19th

century early 20th century painter from Warren. The paintings are especially interesting because they are scenes that are quite local. Typically his oils are absolutely enormous. The paintings [which are smaller] are probably studies.

CUSTOMER CONFIDENCE: I think a real aspect of owning a shop is when someone adores something but they just don’t feel confident enough in themselves to take it home to enjoy; they need the confidence [from me] to love it.

Photo courtesy of Nick Heywood

Nick Heywood of Nick Haus Shop in Warren

By Ashley Erling

Meet Allison Kirwan AKA Wild World of AK

How did you get into the fashion industry?

I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the art world but was unsure of what medium to choose. I love photography, sculpture, illustration, and designing in general. I started out drawing celebrity mermaid characters like Biggie and Tupac, and printed a run of T-shirts and hoodies back in 2014. They luckily ended up gaining popularity online, so I kept on drawing more characters and taking requests, and eventually it grew into more products and more than 120 mermaid character designs. I then dabbled in making eclectic accessories, printed sweat suits, and home decor. I like to compare my brand to the Will Ferrell quote in Blades of Glory which is something like “No one knows what it means, but it’s provocative…it gets the people going!”

Where does your inspiration come from?

Most of my inspiration comes from childhood nostalgia, the ‘90s/2000s, maximalism, and pop culture. I have a vast array of interests ranging from wrestling to anime, so it makes for a very eclectic mix of designs. I aim to make fun, cozy conversation pieces. My brand is a reflection of my own strangeness. I also make custom print designs to help others’ unique or strange interests come to life.

You recently had your first runway show at StyleWeek Northeast, what was that experience like?

StyleWeek was such an incredible experience. I have not had a big runway show like that before, so it was a fun challenge to push the envelope and create more elaborate runway looks. The theme was “mismatched chaos,” which I think was achieved!

I had a great team of models, as well, who helped take the show to the next level by adding their own

personal flair to the looks. We all clicked so well and still hang out frequently (shout out to the model squad!). The whole StyleWeek team was amazing, from the hair and makeup to the backstage coordinators. It was also awesome to feature the handbags of one of my favorite designers, Kent Stetson, in the show. My lovely friends and family came out to support me as well, which was a great feeling. It was an experience I’ll never forget and a great event for the city. I’m a very lucky gal to have been a part of it!

You’ve gained quite a following, including celebs! Who are some of the memorable people you’ve seen rocking your designs? The most memorable would probably be Drea de Matteo, who played Adriana La Cerva in The Sopranos She wore a sweatsuit with her Sopranos’ character printed all over it and posted a photo to Instagram. I was so starstruck! The Sopranos is my favorite show, so that was definitely a pinch-me moment. It’s always fun to see celebrities wearing my designs. Kiernan Shipka, Ruby Rose, Tierra Whack, and a few SNL cast members have sported the designs, as well, which is mind-blowing to me. Although nothing is more exciting than seeing someone wear my stu out in the wild, it always makes my day!

As a Rhode Islander, what are some of your favorite spots and things to do in the state?

I love all the classic RI activities. George’s of Galilee chowder and clam cakes with my mom, visiting Newport, venturing to Block Island. I also love finding secret swimming spots, which I cannot reveal! I love to swim. I briefly moved to Denver and it really made me realize how much I loved and missed the Ocean State and being near the water. Learn more at WildWorldofAK.com

Photo by Myke Yeager, courtesy of StyleWeek Northeast

This designer is making a splash in fashion with her eye-catching and conversational designs, both in Rhode Island and Hollywood

Allison Kirwan

By Ken Abrams

THE MUST LIST

October 7:

The Pumpkin Weigh-O & Fall Festival at Pasquale Farms (previously held in Warren) features enormous gourds and their proud growers, a pumpkin smash, hay rides, kids activities, music, food, and more. Richmond, PasqualeFarmsRI.com

October 7-9:

The Scituate Art Festival is a Rhode Island tradition over the holiday weekend with over 200 artists, craftspeople, and antique dealers selling in an open-air market on the town’s village green; live music, a food court, and ra es, too! ScituateArtFestival.org

October 10:

Join journalist John Kostrzewa, author of Walking Rhode Island: 40 Hikes for Nature and History Lovers with GPS Coordinates, Photos and Trail Maps, for a presentation on hiking the Ocean State. Barrington, BLCT.org

October 13-15:

Experience darkness and humanity through music and movement when Ballet Rhode Island presents a world premiere performance set to Schubert’s “Death and the Maiden,” accompanied by Aurea Ensemble. Providence, BalletRI.org

Through October 31:

The annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular returns to the Roger Williams Park Zoo. This year’s theme, Pumpkins Around the World, features carvings representing the pyramids of Giza, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and more. Providence, RWPZoo.org

October 5-8:

The Rogue Island Comedy Festival is the state’s only stand-up comedy festival with local and national headliners including Dan St. Germain, Heather Shaw, and Kelly MacFarland. Newport, RogueIslandComedyFest.com

October 6-9:

Head to Misquamicut State Beach for Atlantis Rising , the second annual International Sand Sculpture Competition featuring competitors from around the world, along with a drone show, food trucks, and live music. Westerly, SouthCountyRI.com

October 6-9:

The Columbus Day Festival on Federal Hill features live music, chef demonstrations, carnival rides, the annual parade, and a taste of the Hill’s many restaurants over the three-day holiday weekend. Providence, FederalHillProv.com

October 18-22:

The URI Guitar Festival includes seven concerts, guest artist masterclasses, workshops, lectures, the Rising Stars Young Guitarists Program, and an online international guitar competition with world class artists. Kingston, URIGuitarFestival.org

October 21:

Get in the spirit of the spooky season at the third annual Witch’s Dance Parade, a family-friendly event in historic Wickford Village, with hundreds of witches from far and wide; rain date is October 22. Wickford, RIWitchesGuild.com

Photo courtesy of Greg Wojtera

Motor over to Wickford for the Witch’s Dance Parade

The Buzz

By Elyse Major

Spring Bull Gallery

Fine Art Gallery

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: Spring Bull Gallery is an artist-owned and -operated cooperative.

Where to find it: Find the gallery housed inside the brick Thomas Building, next door to the mysterious Miniature Occasions and Dolls shop and across from Redwood Library and Athenaeum.

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

“Our modest brick storefront might be easy to miss, but once inside, visitors will be wowed by the work of 17 outstanding artist members,” says artist member Linda Davey of Newport’s oldest gallery, named when it resided at the corner of Spring and Bull streets. Davey attributes the success and longevity of the gallery to exceptional fine art in a welcoming, friendly atmosphere. “Since we are an artist cooperative, each of our members takes turns working at the gallery. The guests get to speak to the artists themselves, and we enjoy the opportunity to both meet new people and chat with our regulars.” Visitors can expect to find fine art in a wide variety of media and styles, along with themed shows open to area artists. “We like to support and encourage the work of local artists, providing them with an opportunity to exhibit.”

Spring Bull Gallery

55 Bellevue Avenue, Newport SpringBullGallery.com

401-849-9166

To submit your Rhody Gem, please email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com

Photo courtesy of Spring Bull Gallery

The Buzz ON THE BAY

Falling Short: In Search of A ordable Housing

Priced out of Newport, Je rey Marcus calls his SUV his home

By Cheryl Hatch

On any given morning, Je rey Marcus might be found at Custom House Co ee in Middletown. He might be perched on a high stool or at a low table with his laptop, writing his blog on Medium, with a large paper cup filled with co ee. Or he might be up at the counter.

Je rey Marcus is such a regular here, he even has a drink named after him: the Je ocano.

When he isn’t at the co ee shop holding court on subjects ranging from urban geography to capitalism, he spends time at the library. He walks hours round-trip to his part-time job. Once in a while, he meets up with a group of friends to play Magic the Gathering or heads to the beach with a book.

But Je rey ends each day alone in his SUV, looking for a place to park in Middletown and hunker down for the night.

“I am really so grateful I have a car. Listen, I mean being unsheltered is terrible,” Marcus said.

Marcus has been living in his Toyota Highlander for more than two years. It’s cold in the winter, hot in the summer, and the close quarters with merely a foam pad for a bed take a toll on his 6-foot-four frame. Earlier this year, he was admitted to the ER with back pain.

“Sleeping is not easy in a car at any time of the year. Doesn’t really get nice ever,” Marcus said. “Privacy is always a problem. Quiet is a problem. Seclusion is a problem. Breaking the law wherever I park is a problem. Yeah, I mean, it still sucks.”

Marcus is 47. He grew up in San Diego and graduated from the University of California Berkeley. He moved to Rhode Island seven years ago because his now-ex-wife wanted to be closer to her family, and the couple wanted to escape the rising costs of living in LA. They divorced not long after arriving in Newport. Marcus, who says he had a high-paying management job in LA, eventually became unemployed.

“I found myself a stranger in a strange land. I had to reinvent myself,” Marcus said. “I had to create friendships, create social connections that are relevant to survival.”

Marcus lived in a small apartment in Newport, but the isolation of living alone and losing daily contact with his children took a toll.

He says he struggled with alcohol abuse

disorder, so he entered rehab. But after spending a significant portion of his savings on treatment, he ended up living out of his car in May 2021 and has been there ever since.

Marcus says some people might say he’s to blame for his situation, but he thinks his struggles have more to do with the fact that stable housing for people who have hit hard times is just not available. In Newport, there are less than 520 a ordable units in seven di erent properties, but more than 15,000 applicants are currently waiting for an opening. Marcus compares what happened to him to playing musical chairs.

“When the music stops, somebody is going to be without a chair. That’s built into the game,” Marcus said. “Nobody asks at the end of the game, ‘Well, how is that you didn’t have a chair?’ They might even be tempted to say something like, ‘Well, you’re too slow’ or ‘Maybe it’s because you’re on drugs’ or ‘Maybe it’s because you’ve made some bad decisions in your life and that’s why…’ But no one says to themselves, ‘Yeah, but there’s only three chairs and four people.’”

Securing stable housing is the first, most important step to long-term safety and success for people like Marcus, says Ashley Salemi Tarvis. She’s the director of Lucy’s Hearth in Middletown, which provides night-to-night emergency shelter for families experiencing homelessness. She notes that once they have stable housing, up to 90 percent of people remain housed and begin to find work, secure childcare, and improve their physical and mental health.

“First of all, I would like to say that it is such a feat that that gentleman is still sober, and he’s finding the will to move forward,” Salemi Tarvis said. “And I really hope that he is able to find housing and get to the next step. When your number one priority is survival, from day to day, you don’t get to thriving.”

When Newport Mayor Xay Khamsayvoravong took o ce last year, he made housing his number-one priority. With nearly 16 percent of its housing stock a ordable through subsidies and cost restrictions, Newport exceeds the state-mandated 10 percent. But Khamsayvoravong says the numbers belie an egregious lack of housing for year-round residents. Some

people who do have stable housing are stretched thin to a ord it. According to Housing Works RI, nearly a third of homeowners and close to half of renters are cost-burdened, paying at least 30 percent of their incomes toward housing.

“Newport can’t a ord to lose its middle class, because when it does, it will become a two-dimensional resort town. A situation we are dangerously close to getting to right now,” Khamsayvoravong said.

Part of the problem is Newport has little land left on which to build. The city has added only a net 24 housing units in more than two decades. Khamsayvoravong says the city’s critical need now is workforce housing for middle-income residents, like teachers and police o cers who want to live where they work.

That’s the idea behind the Coggeshall Elementary School project. It’s an unused, former school property the city wants to redevelop into workforce housing. The mayor says having more housing available for people on middle-level incomes at a place like Coggeshall could open up more units elsewhere for people like Je rey Marcus and help prevent the city from becoming the type of place people visit but don’t live in.

Newporter Conor Melville and his wife coown the company that was recently selected by the city for the renovation of the Coggeshall School. He wants to focus his e orts and expertise on workforce housing.

“Our goal is to have twenty-five hundred units in 10 years. Without pandemics and things that throw curveballs at us hopefully we can get that,” Melville said.

Photo by Cheryl Hatch

Je rey Marcus enjoys a co ee as he writes early in the morning at Custom House Co ee in Middletown

Melville previously renovated the former Calvert Elementary School that added 34 units to downtown Newport in 2022. At The Calvert, Melville charges eighteen hundred dollars a month for a one-bedroom apartment. That’s out of reach for Je rey Marcus, someone getting back on his feet with income from a part-time job. Still, Marcus says he feels fortunate, because he has his SUV, and he puts a positive spin on his situation.

“I really like having the freedom that I have right now. The world is my oyster in some regards. I do play my guitar in a park when no one’s there or sing into the waves when no one’s looking,” Marcus said.

It’s been a hard stretch for Marcus, but he’s made friends, found a job, and stayed sober. On a warm afternoon, before the summer beach parking fees kicked in, Marcus hung out at Surfers End at Sachuest Point in Middletown. He peeled o his shirt and stretched out on the sand with a view of the waves. He read a library book called The Myth of Normal about how toxic modern culture damages people’s mental and physical health. He spent the afternoon alone, surrounded by families and couples enjoying the beach, with the sun warming his body and the sound of the surf in his ears.

This story originally posted July 17, 2023 and is part five of the series “Falling Short: In search of affordable housing”. Cheryl Hatch can be reached at chatch@thepublicsradio.org

Fall Decor & Gifts to Decorate Your Home This Season

Open

OCTOBER’S BEST BETS

50+ activities to plan a month of fall fun

BY THE EDITORIAL STAFF

muses Anne Shirley, LM Montgomery’s endearing character in the classic novel Anne of Green Gables . While written well over 100 years ago, that phrase continues to be popular with fans of the tenth month. So why all the fuss about October? Along with closing with Halloween, it’s the month with the first frost of the year, which means the peskiest insects have left the building, nights are consistently cool enough to open the windows for the best sleeps of the year, and, of course, the foliage dazzles with the brightest orange and red hues of the year. We’ve compiled a list of season highlights – and we’re proud to be a sponsor of two of them – Coggeshall Farm Museum

Harvest Gala at Blithewold (October 7) and Night at the Mansion at Linden Place (October 28). So get ready to circle, highlight, and dog-ear pages, and enjoy experiencing all the things that make October so special.

FROM THE EDITORS

Please note that all events are subject to change. To avoid disappointment, we recommend first checking with any host venue for any details, restrictions, rain dates, and cancellations. For any ongoing restrictions visit COVID. RI.gov. If we missed your favorite event or activity, let us know! Email Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com

“I’M SO GLAD I LIVE IN A WORLD WHERE THERE ARE OCTOBERS,”

Photo by Kayla Mandeville

Ongoing Events

CARVE A PUMPKIN FOR A COGGESHALL HALLOWEEN: Carve designs on pumpkins and bring them to Coggeshall Farm Museum (October 19 & 20) to be displayed during A Coggeshall Halloween (October 20, 21, 27, and 28), a series of days filled with Halloween-themed fun, games, music, and treats for the entire family. Bristol, CoggeshallFarm.org

ENCHANTED HOUR IN THE MANSION: The Parlour at The Vanderbilt provides the moody backdrop for conversations with local medium Basil Love. Sit by candlelight on a velvet sofa and have your tarot cards read before heading to the bar for a special o -menu cocktail based on the theme of your reading. Newport, AubergeResorts.com

FALL RAILBIKE RIDES: Experience three miles of unique vistas along Narragansett Bay as you ride to the Bayside Station for a Fireside Tour, with a break for BYO s’mores over small campfires. Portsmouth, RailExplorers.net

JOHNSON’S ROADSIDE FARM MARKET: Just over the state line near Warren, pull over and explore the bounty indoors and out of this expansive market. Find fall decor, flowers, pumpkins a plenty, and treats like hot apple cider, warm apple cider donuts, candy apples, and so many Rhody-made goods! Swansea, MA, JohnsonRoadsideMarket.com

LIVE MUSIC & FOOD TRUCKS: Enjoy jazz tunes and delish eats from the Village Greek Food Truck or Newport Chowder Co. while sipping wine at Greenvale Vineyards on select weekend nights. Portsmouth, Greenvale.com

NEWPORT HISTORY TOURS: Learn the history behind burial grounds, legends and lore, and other local history with a variety of fascinating tours throughout October. NewportHistoryTours.org

PRIVATE ADIRONDACK EXPERIENCE: Along with first-come, first-served seating on the lawn at Castle Hill Inn, plan ahead and reserve a private group of chairs for six to 12 friends, with cocktail service and menu add-ons. Protip: plan for sunset. Newport, CastleHillInn.com

PUMPKIN PALOOZA: Celebrate fall with special events every weekend, from a ride on a magic pumpkin coach and pumpkin painting to a DIY scarecrow workshop. Warren, FrerichsFarm.com

RI LAND TRUST DAYS: Get outside with guided walks, wildlife hikes, and other nature programming in our state’s protected open spaces with all kinds of events facilitated by expert naturalists through October 29. RILandTrusts.org

RHODE ISLAND WITCHES GUILD: What began as a group of witchy women performing their spooky dance in Wickford has grown into a statewide guild of witches performing and hosting broom decorating workshops across the state throughout October. RIWitchesGuild.com

SUNDAY BIRD WALKS: Norman Bird Sanctuary leads guided morning walks throughout the conservancy for novice and expert birders on select Sundays through October. Middletown, NormanBirdSanctuary.org

STATEWIDE FRIGHTS & GHOST TOURS

BLOCK ISLAND GHOST TOURS BlockIslandGhostTours.com

FACTORY OF TERROR West Warwick, FactoryOfTerror.com

GHOSTS OF NEWPORT GhostsofNewport.com

HAUNTED BRISTOL AND WARREN TOURS

Facebook: Haunted Bristol Tours

PROVIDENCE GHOST TOUR ProvidenceGhostTour.com

SCARY ACRES RI Cranston, ScaryAcresRI.com

SEVEN CEDARS FARM Smithfield, SevenCedarsFarm.us

SLATER PARK

HAUNTED TUNNEL

Pawtucket, Facebook: Haunted Tunnel RI 13TH WORLD Cumberland, 13thWorld.com

WESTERLY GHOST TOUR SeasideShadows.com

TIVERTON FARMERS MARKET: Still held outdoors at the Tiverton Town Farm Recreation Area, Sundays through October host shopping for everything from baked goods to meats and seafood, honey, herbals, produce, and more. TivertonFarmersMarket.com

WEDNESDAY MORNING WALKS: Rise and shine mid-week to join naturist Laura Carberry on an outdoor walk for ages 14 and older. Locations across the state are determined weekly; advance registration required. Various, ASRI.org

Enchanted Hour at the Mansion at The Vanderbilt in Newport

Photo courtesy of Auberge Resorts

October

October 1

AUDRAIN NEWPORT CONCOURS AND MOTOR WEEK: Dining pop-ups, seminars, cocktail hours, and Gatsby-esque VIP parties are all part of this can’t-miss event for car enthusiasts, building up to a showing of rare and vintage automobiles. Newport, AudrainConcours.com

FOLK AT THE FARM: The Collaborative hosts a lineup including Jake Blount, The Whelks, The Vox Hunters, and The Atwater Donnelly Band at Frerichs Farm. Warren, TheCollaborative02885.org

FRENCH & BRETON BAL FOLK DANCE: Dance to the folksy sounds of French bagpipes, accordions, fiddles, and even the didgeridoo for this Bay Spring Community Center concert and dance instruction. Barrington, BSCCRI.org

GREAT TOWNIE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL: Along with decorating your own festive gourds, this family-friendly event at Crescent Park has a variety of vendors, games with prizes, food, and more planned. Riverside, CrescentParkCarousel.org

NORMAN BIRD SANCTUARY HARVEST FAIR: The 45th annual fair features craft and food vendors, hay rides, face-painting, and even a big ol’ messy mud pile. Participate in the home and garden competition and enjoy live music. Middletown, NormanBirdSanctuary.org

October 6-9

COLUMBUS DAY SIDEWALK SALE: Enjoy breezy browsing by the water at this annual event where participating shops put their wares outside and o er special discounts. Newport, BowensWharf.com

October 7

GREAT PUMPKIN HARVEST PARTY: Activities at this party geared toward ages two to 12 include face painting, mini golf, bouncy house obstacle course, scavenger hunt, and a costume parade at 3pm. Barrington.RI.gov

PUMPKIN PALOOZA PUFF PAINTING: Part of the Citizens Free Family Fun Day, kids can

enjoy a morning at the craft table, a nature story, animal interview, and more, all before using pu paint to render their own pumpkin pièce de résistance. Bristol, ASRI.org

October 7: COGGESHALL

FARM MUSEUM HARVEST

GALA AT BLITHEWOLD

Held at Blithewold Mansion, celebrate Coggeshall Farm Museum’s 50th at the second annual Harvest Gala. Festivities begin with an open bar cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres, and silent auction. Sandra Polanik, event coordinator at Coggeshall Farm Museum and Old Sturbridge Village says “guests can look forward to a lively auction, performances by TEN31, dancing the night away with the music of Honey Train, and more – all while experiencing the breathtaking views of Blithewold’s landscape,” adding that it will be “an extravagant night of celebrating with engaging experiences, exquisite food, and enticing cocktails.” Bristol, CoggeshallFarm.org

Photo (L) courtesy of The Collaborative, (R) by Brittany Adams Photography, courtesy of Coggeshall Farm

Harvest Gala Folk at the Farm

October 8

NEWPORT MARATHON & HALF MARATHON: Support local charities in this Boston Marathon qualifying race , or simply elevate your morning jog! NewportMarathon.com

October 8, 15, 22 & 29

WARREN WALKABOUT: Park, walk, take the free trolley, or hop on a pedicab to explore historic downtown at this annual celebration of arts, food, independent businesses, and history; live music all over town and artist demonstrations add to the scene, with each Sunday following a di erent theme. DiscoverWarren.com

October 9

INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY NATURE ACTIVITIES: Kids off from school? The Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium has you covered with a day of educational fun. Crafts, nature stories, animal interviews, and a fall foliage walk are part of the 10am-3pm agenda. Bristol, ASRI.org

October 10

FILM SCREENING: If David Byrne wearing a giant suit counts as a Halloween-themed event, we’re in. See the newly restored 1984 Talking Heads concert film Stop Making Sense by Jonathan Demme on the big screen. Newport, JanePickens.com

October 13-31

TRINITY CHURCH PUMPKIN PATCH: Each year 1 Queen Anne Square is filled with pumpkins as far as the eye can see. Also find gourds, mums, pickyour-own, and more. Newport, TrinityNewport.org

October 14-15

BOWEN’S WHARF SEAFOOD FEST: Sip on Whalers, listen to live music, and eat lobster rolls, fish tacos, calamari, and oysters to your heart’s content. Newport, BowensWharf.com

October 15

NEEDLE FELTED PUMPKINS: Artist and educator Tala Wunderler-Selby teaches how to sculpt small fuzzy pumpkins using simple tools and wool. Bristol, ASRI.org

Photo (top) courtesy of Discover Warren, (bottom) by Corey Favino, courtesy of Discover Newport

Trinity Church Pumpkin Patch

Warren Walkabout

Fall Feels

5 Ways to Make the Most of October

SLOW DOWN: Prime leaf-peeping spots might be closer than you think. On your next drive or errand, set your mapping app to “avoid highways” – a nice way to slow down and enjoy roads less traveled.

STOCK UP: Farm stands and farmers markets have di erent end dates, so if you pass by an “open” flag, be sure to stop and shop for small-batch favorites like local honey, preserves, and of course, produce.

GAME DAY: Have fun rooting for the home team by attending a URI football game. On October 7, the Rams play the Bears at Brown Stadium on the East Side of Providence. Don your blue and represent. Rhody, Rhody, Rhody! Tickets at GoRhody.com

MAKE STRIDES: Grab your Barbie pink and sign up for the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, held on October 15 in PVD. Participate solo or join or start a team for a day of celebrating and raising funds. ACSEvents.org

NOW SERVING: Don’t miss seasonal pop-ups like Jamestown’s Hard-Pressed Cider Company, which sells fresh cider donuts and non-alcoholic “sweet” apple cider, hot mulled cider, and cider slushies, only ‘til mid-December. HardPressedCiderCompany.com

Experience Matters

Hard-Pressed Cider Company

PELL BRIDGE RUN: Wake up early to participate in this annual bridge run, a picturesque four-mile journey, all while supporting dozens of nonprofit organizations. Newport, PellBridgeRun.com

TRUNK OR TREAT: This all-inclusive event presented by Crescent Park Carousel in partnership with Team No Filter is free, but all children must be registered in order to participate. Costumes are optional. Riverside, CrescentParkCarousel.org

October 17

GARLIC ROAST: Garlic lovers, this event is for you! Held at the Tiverton Town Farm Rec Area, this first-annual celebration of the mighty bulb includes vendors selling garlic-infused foods, a “Tent Talk” about the benefits of planting and eating, and more. TivertonFarmersMarket.com

October 21

HAPPY OWL-WEEN CELEBRATION: This all-ages costumes-encouraged event is sure to be a hoot with a day of fright-free tricks and treats along the Audubon trail. Outdoor explorations, games, crafts, and a series of owl presentations are planned. Bristol, ASRI.org

October 22

AQUIDNECK ISLAND HALLOWEEN FAMILY FESTIVAL: Trick-or-treating with over 25 vendors, crafts, food, and more are all part of this popular event held at Knights of Columbus #256. Don’t miss the costume contest at 12:30pm. Middletown, Facebook: Knights of Columbus - Middletown/Newport Council #256

October 26

FILM SCREENING: Filmmaker and URI assistant professor Jason Jaacks will be present for the Mount Hope Farm screening of his film In Search of Tzotz. The documentary follows a photographer and world-renowned scientist as they search for two of the rarest and largest bat species on Earth. Bristol, MountHopeFarm.org

October 27

FALL HIKING ON PRUDENCE ISLAND : If you’ve always wanted to explore the

third-largest island in Narragansett Bay, this planned Audubon hike is a great first foray. Hike five-to-six miles at a moderate pace, with views of coastline, salt marsh, and forest. Bristol, ASRI.org

October 28

THE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES: A NIGHT

AT THE MANSION: Revel in one of two dinner theater seatings, each accompanied by a multi-course autumn-inspired menu and unlimited champagne. Specialty cocktails, tarot and palm readings, and aerialists add to the ambiance. Newport, AubergeResorts.com

October 28: NIGHT AT THE MANSION HALLOWEEN HAUNT

The Federal-style mansion that appeared in the film The Great Gatsby will be decorated in hair-raising decor and aglow in creepy candlelight for the third annual Halloween party, which is sure to be a mix of spooky and elegant! If the mansion’s Derby Day Party in May sets the standard, attendees are sure to wow in costumes, so plan ahead. Enjoy tarot card readings, live entertainment, surprise guests, pop-up prizes, and more. Bristol, LindenPlace.org

October 29

HALLOWEEN PARADE AND PARTY: The Point Association hosts an afternoon parade and party sure to be brimming with New England charm, held in the neighborhood that boasts one of the largest concentrations of colonial houses in the US. Newport, ThePointAssociation.org

TRUNK OR TREAT: Rather than going door to door, head to Fort Adams State Park where kids get to visit a fleet of car trunks in this special edition of Cars + Co ee. Admission is typically a canned good. Newport, AudrainAutoMuseum.org

Audubon Society of Rhode Island

Linden Place

Photo (top) courtesy of Audubon Society of RI, (bottom) courtesy of Linden Place

Life & Style

Relaxed Rustic

An interior designer uses neutrals and foraged finds to create a calming family home

Bristol homeowner Jen Sedam confesses that she is known to pick up curbside furniture and fix it up; she also enjoys being outdoors and arranging flowers once back inside, so it’s no wonder that when she pivoted from having a private practice in psychotherapy and counseling to being an interior designer, she would name her business Forage House Design Co. “I decided to take the leap to a new career that I have always wanted to follow,” says Sedam, who completed training through the New York Institute of Art and Design, and has been working on residential projects ever since, starting with her own home.

New hardwood floors ground a playful mix of Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em accents

Photo by Adriana Owens Photography, courtesy of Forage House Design

Life & Style HOME

By Elyse Major

Since 2017, Sedam, her husband Joel, their three children, and English springer spaniel Sylvie have made their home in a snug three-bedroom Cape nestled in the historic town. Says Sedam, “It’s not a huge house, but it is located on a quieter downtown street close to the bike path, school, and baseball fields.” She notes that the home’s original wood floors were a big selling point, as was the first-floor footprint and backyard. Over the years, various updates have been made, including a complete basement renovation where Sedam served as designer.

“The trick [for the basement] was taking a

smaller home that needed cosmetic updates and making it functional while also warm and inviting for my young family. We kept the walls light overall so that we could showcase and bring color in through artwork. We also used a lot of wood items for warmth and a sense of neutral to balance the darker rug and stairwell.” This sensibility of layering neutrals with textures and airy artful compositions are signature elements of Sedam’s style, which she describes as layered, collected, and eclectic. “I blend heirloom pieces and kids’ artwork with modern and mid-century modern alongside traditional elements;

I tend toward a historic and organic feel with colors on the neutral side and add in splashes of color in artwork or small accessories.”

Among the homegoods that make her happiest are family-made heirlooms from her great grandfather: a farmhouse table used every day, a “really unique floor lamp,” and a tall blanket chest in the dining room that holds a record player. “These items are just really special,” she says with a smile. “I feel happy when I see my kids sitting and doing puzzles or reading books in the living spaces. The whole point of creating these spaces is to see them enjoyed and used.”

A mix of patterns keeps petal pink walls from getting twee

Vertical shiplap visually expands low walls; similar woods connect spaces

Photos by Adriana Owens Photography, courtesy of Forage House Design

Life & Style HOME

By Elyse Major

Gray Lake by Benjamin Moore provides nice contrast to the darker shade – a custom mix with a Hale Navy foundation – of the stairway

Neutral walls allow art and objects to stand out

GET RHODY STYLE

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

LOCAL LOVE

Around town, Sedam buys birthday gifts and cards at Paper, Packaging & Panache, makes quick stops at nearby kids’ consignment shops like Just Ducky, and enjoys breakfast at Sunset Cafe. Continuing onto Tiverton, Groundswell Table + Provisions, and The Art Cafe in Little Compton are go-tos. Regular antiquing haunts across the state line are Four Echoes in Seekonk and Antiques at the Cove in New Bedford.

STORIED VIBES

Sedam’s advice for achieving authentic waterfront style is to “stay away from the typical coastal look and think in terms of natural woods, deeper colors, and blues and greens you see around you in the ocean and foliage of the area; rather than cobalt blue and stripes and seashells, think of being in an old house on the water with wide plank flooring and a farm table with fresh cut wildflowers. Add in some wicker here and there and a vintage rug for a layered, more true Ocean State vibe.”

NATURAL ELEMENTS

Sedam gravitates toward natural wood furnishings, nautical maps and prints, earthy fabrics, and glasses and bottles is a sea glass palette. Learn more about her style at ForageHouseDesign.com

Life & Style STAY

By Meg A. Parsont

Pastoral Retreat

As New Yorkers in need of the occasional break from the hustle and bustle of the city, my husband Danny and I like to get off the beaten path when we travel. When I heard about the B&B at Ferolbink Farms in Tiverton, I thought it sounded perfect for a weekend getaway. A room in a house dating back to the 1840s on a working potato farm overlooking Narragansett Bay? Yes, please!

When we drove past farm outbuildings and equipment on the 170-acre property and saw the historic house and panoramic view in the distance of the Sakonnet River, we knew we were in for a memorable weekend. Pete Peckham, a vigorous 80-something potato farmer whose family has owned the farm and property since 1944, showed us to our suite on the ground floor of the sprawling house. With a bedroom and sitting room, huge bathroom, and access to the living room across the

ABOUT MEG PARSONT

Meg Parsont is an independent publicist and writer. Fans of the Late Show with David Letterman may recall her frequent appearances as Meg From Across the Street. While exploring the East Bay, Parsont would like to give shout-outs to favorites Blithewold, all things Groundswell, and Plouf Plouf Gastronomie.

hall, the suite was larger than our Manhattan apartment! Furnished with a comfortable four-poster bed, an eclectic mix of vintage pieces, and assorted easy chairs and couches, it was spotless and homey. And the water view from the porch just outside our room was stunning.

Early the next morning I wandered around the property and discovered bushes laden with blueberries and raspberries, and spotted apples on some trees. Breakfast on the porch was simple: coffee, as many freshly picked blueberries as we could eat, cereal, and a toasted English muffin with jam, enjoyed while taking in that glorious view.

As avid bird watchers and enthusiastic eaters, Danny and I were on a quest for bird sightings and good peaches, and Pete and his wife Deanna gave us suggestions for nearby nature preserves and produce stands. For the next two days we explored the surrounding area where we discovered secluded beaches, fresh local produce, a field of black-eyed Susans, succulent lobster rolls with a water view, a charming French bistro, and a spectacular public garden. We returned to New York City rested, restored, and well fed!

Ferolbink Farm

993 Puncatest Neck Rd, Tiverton Ferolbink@cox.net

Open May 1 to end of October

A potato farmer’s quaint B&B keeps travelers in the thick of Tiverton

Photos by Meg Parsont

Life & Style STYLE

By Elyse Major

Pink is the New Orange

Who knew that a movie about a fash ion doll experiencing an existential crisis would become a global phe nomenon? Written by real-life couple Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, Barbie is deeper than its sparkly pink media blitz might imply, but the film itself is empowering and fun – kind of like hiding broccoli in a Technicolor cupcake. So put a pin in those moody russet tones and surround yourself with the mood-boosting hue.

PINK METAL MUZEN BLUETOOTH SPEAKER & FM RADIO Barrington Books, Barrington

NEON PINK GLAM PARTY EARRINGS JoJoLovesYou.com*

SHUCK THE PATRIARCHY TOTE Matriarch , Newport

MINI LUNA BELT BAG LotuffLeather.com*

STRAW GINGER EARRINGS

Sara Campbell, Newport & Watch Hill

GLASS BEAD AND GOLD LINKS NECKLACE

Sara Campbell, Newport & Watch Hill

COVER-UP MAXI DRESS

The Salty Babe, Newport

*Available at various stockists

Rhody shops have what you need to embrace your inner Barbie this season

Food & Drink

Telling Stories with Syrups

Caribbean flavors and ingredients inspire a chef’s line of culinary and drink enhancers

Whether it’s a pumpkin spice or mocha caramel latte, there’s no denying – we Rhode Islanders love our flavored coffees. It’s also a niche that professional chef and Johnson & Wales University grad Savannah Campbell found space to experiment with her own spin on drink and culinary syrups infusing a spectrum of Caribbean flavors.

“As a Jamaican American, gardening and cooking were big parts of my upbringing,” says Campbell, who launched Caribe & Co. just over a year ago through Warren-based food business incubator Hope & Main. With a degree in Food & Beverage Entrepreneurship and experience working in restaurants and hotels across the country, Campbell saw the benefits in having versatile ingredients on hand – and wanted to find a way to make Caribbean flavors more accessible. “I knew having a multi-use product would be valuable, and so, our ‘culinary’ syrups were born,” she says, which are made with all-natural ingredients steeped in pure cane sugar syrup and ideal for a range of drinks and sweet treats.

Some syrups are inspired by foods Campbell ate growing up, like the Coconut Drop, based on a Jamaican snack with the same name, which offers a rich and nutty alternative to maple syrup when drizzled over pancakes. A crowd pleaser for cold brew is Creme Caramel Syrup, and the spicy Habanero Syrup adds a kick to cucumber mojitos.

But Caribe & Co.’s best seller is Sorrel & Ginger. “Sorrel, one of the many names for ‘hibiscus,’ is an important flavor that was brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans and has permeated the region and become a staple,” shares Campbell. The syrup is steeped with hibiscus and ginger to create a tart, sweet profile best served in cocktails or mocktails, tea, and over ice cream. “Caribe & Co. is an homage to the flavors I grew up with and have come to love. It’s a story, and a celebration, of what makes the Caribbean vibrant, where the staple flavors came from, and how they connect us all.”

Find Caribe & Co. syrups at Grapes & Grains in Barrington, Matriarch in Newport, and other retailers around the state and online at CaribeAndCo.com |

By Abbie Lahmers

Photo courtesy of Caribe & Co.

Food & Drink EXPERIENCE

By Abbie Lahmers

Follow the Stack

Craft beers in a range of styles and hoppiness are on draft at Unity Park’s upbeat brewery

On a late-summer Thursday afternoon at Pivotal Brewing Company, not only did it feel like the weekend had arrived early – but also the promise of fall, with many of the season’s trademark flavors maturing in tanks even as we spoke with Rebecca Ernst, who runs the Bristol brewery with Todd Nicholson. Moxie, a four-legged honorary member of the team, sat at our feet modeling perfect brewery pup behavior at the dog-friendly establishment. Housed inside a historic mill building in Unity Park, it’s hard to miss the brick stack towering outside Pivotal, but the inside is anything but antiquated – the cavernous industrial space oozes relaxed, mellow vibes with colorful mismatching chairs, string lights crisscrossing overhead, verdant ferns, and plenty of natural lighting beaming in through sweeping windows. Guests have their choice of cozy nooks with funky tables and armchairs or long beerhall-style seating

to accommodate the whole gang.

My partner and I are regulars at many breweries in our Providence neighborhood, so I brought him along on this sojourn to see how Bristol stacks up against some of our usual haunts. Ernst curated a muffin tin of flight glasses filled with frothy brews in golden amber to coffee brown, and we talked shop over first sips.

Sharing a complex with Brick Pizza Co. (which we visited afterwards for a bu alo chicken pie), vegan eatery Basil & Bunny, O’Brien & Brough distillery, and Borealis Coffee, it’s no surprise the Unity Park culinary scene overlaps – with menus at the door to order takeout to the brewery on days they aren’t hosting local food trucks – and collaborates. Ernst explained that August’s Ocean State Brewers Fest saw several businesses turn up in the shared Unity patio. Pivotal worked on a special limited-release

The taproom o ers a rotating selection of flagship and seasonal pours, with flights of six four-ounce tasters available. Grab a four-pack to go from the fridge, and watch for live music, events (like a Halloween party in the works!), and new releases by following @pivotalbrewingcompany on Instagram or Facebook.

fest beer, which was fermented in an O’Brien & Brough barrel that once housed a Summer Rye whiskey; then the brew was aged in coffee beans from Borealis – which had been aged in whiskey barrels from the distillery before being roasted.

Letting Ernst and Moxie get back to work, my partner and I brought our flights over to an orange couch and started by sampling their flagship: Hello My Name is Pivotal. We agreed this double dry-hopped (DDH) IPA brought the strongest pine aromatics while still residing firmly in the porch sipper category with a bright finish of stone fruit.

On the juicier end of things is the Bomb Cyclone, a DDH IPA for folks who think they

Photos courtesy of Pivotal Brewing Company

don’t like IPAs – the bitterness is balanced with a fruity explosion of flavor from citra hops. Danker and hazier than the Bomb, and with a satisfying velvety mouthfeel and complexity, the single-hop Shakedown Street may have been my favorite IPA.

I’m a sucker for a good fruited sour, and the Lovely Rita, a light (only 4.3 percent alcohol by volume) margarita-inspired gose, was refreshing without tasting artificial like some fruited beers; the lime and salt didn’t overpower the experience of drinking a high-quality wheat beer.

The color palette – and flavor palate – took a shift with Sir Completely. This creamy, malty red extra special bitter (ESB)

Beer Glossary

Terms you may encounter in the taproom explained:

Gose: Typically a light-bodied sour beer, often with fruit added

DDH: Double dry hopping means the hops are added at the end of brewing instead of during the boil, lending stronger hop aromatics and taste

ESB: English pale ales that strike a balance between hoppiness and malt flavor

Nitro: With a di erent carbonation process than most brews, nitro pours creamy with a full, frothy head

Lager vs. Ale: All beer is either one or the other of these categories, which have di erent fermenting processes; flavors can vary dramatically within each genre, but ales tend to lean toward the fruity yeast profiles while lagers accentuate the malt

ale is a foray into fall, without being so on the nose about it as a pumpkin ale served with spiced rim. No, this serious ale may trick you into thinking it’s a basic dad beer if not for the delightful twist of also pouring as a nitro, with a lingering frothy head, and a lot of character beneath the malt. Last, and certainly not least, was my partner’s favorite, the Midnight Bryter – a clean, balanced dark lager that’s flavorful with just a hint of malt sweetness and not too heavy.

Creativity and dedication to the process are trademarks of Pivotal, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find plenty of approachable, crushable ales on tap, too. I bought a fourpack to bring a little bit of the experience home. Cracking open a Truth Serum session IPA to finish penning this account, I can’t lie – Pivotal has easily risen to the ranks as one of my favorite Rhody breweries.

Pivotal Brewing Company

500 Wood Street, Building 111, Bristol 401-638-1100 • PivotalBrewing.com

By Ann Martini

Gone Fishin’

Chef Josh Berman doesn’t flounder when it comes to feeding the best bites to eager customers

Growing up in Elmira, New York, Josh Berman wasn’t your typical seven-year-old kid – he loved eating raw oysters. Suffice it to say his enthusiasm for food was established at a young age, and a career soon followed suit, beginning with earning a degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University, a stint cooking in Italy, and then, every chef’s dream – working the line at a Michelin-starred restaurant. It was there, at New York City’s Del Posto, that he met his wife, Nancy Martinez, also a talented chef.

After relocating permanently to Rhode Island and having two children (now ages five and eight), Berman worked at Restaurant Bouchard and the Revolving Door in Newport, and Gracie’s in Providence. But like so many in the hospitality industry, Berman had a change of perspective after COVID. “I learned that I liked cooking in peoples’ homes, in a more intimate and personal setting,” he says. So, in 2020, Berman and Martinez started their own business – JB Cuisine Personal Chef Services, and then opened Little Fish, a food truck serving tacos, ceviche, spicy lobster rolls and other locally sourced handhelds.

Everything is made from scratch by the couple and their team, right down to the salsa verde and the tortillas, with an emphasis on sustainability. “I focus on fish that aren’t meeting their quotas, such as scup, flounder, ocean perch, and yellowtail sole,” Berman says, listing varieties that aren’t overfished. Little Fish frequents farmers markets and other outdoor events, and you’ll often find Berman there perusing the farm-fresh ingredients, finding recipe inspiration at every turn.

When not working the food truck circuit, Berman is feeding customers in their homes, at intimate parties and events. On a recent warm summer night, for instance, JB Cuisine set up at a client’s Newport home for an outdoor soiree. His website makes it easy for potential patrons to envision their event; you can choose from themes such as a Japanese izakaya-style menu of small plates, brunch spread, cocktail party, or the whole fish menu centered around the stu ed seasonal catch. “I love doing parties for 50-100 people,” says

Berman. “It’s fun and fluid, and there’s an element of fine dining to it, but without the pretense and the sky-high prices.”

Berman loves cooking good, fresh food, and wants to make it more accessible. “I’ve worked in a lot of fine-dining restaurants, but I eventually got frustrated because my friends couldn’t a ord to come and eat my food,” he says. “Food is about community. You want to be able to give people great, fresh, local food at a price they can a ord.” At home, Josh focuses on the same ideas. “I’ll get some beautiful stu at the farmers market, and my whole focus is

getting it on the grill with some protein.”

Berman and Martinez’s ventures are a huge hit with customers, and they were able to pay o their loan on the Little Fish food truck in a couple of years. Occasionally, Berman feels nostalgia for his restaurant days, cooking for hours alongside other chefs at a fierce pace. He left his most recent gig as chef de cuisine at Gracie’s on excellent terms and with much admiration for owner Ellen Gracyalny and her team. “Every once in a while I’ll go back for a guest stint in the kitchen,” he explains. “You know, just to make sure I’ve still got it.”

Little Fish pops up around the East Bay at spots like Ragged Island Brewery Company and Sunset Cove in Portsmouth and the Aquidneck Growers Market in Newport. Follow @littlefishri on Instagram or Facebook for weekly schedules, and book JB Cuisine for your event by visiting JBCuisine.com

Chef-couple Josh Berman and Nancy Martinez

Photo courtesy of Josh Berman

By Ken Abrams

Newport restaurant puts the AI in pizza

There is a new member of the waitstaff at Antonio’s Pizza bringing a futuristic flare to the way slices and pies are served. Bruno the robot, along with fellow droids Tony and Antonia who work at other locations, serves mainly as back up during busy lunch and dinner hours, when the restaurant sees peak traffic. “The robot’s job is to assist the servers,” says general manager Derek Araujo. “Let’s say a guest orders six slices for their family in the self-serve area. Instead of having them come up six times for their slices, we can just put them on the robot, and send them out to the table.”

Bruno uses a finely tuned radar system and live camera, with a bus bucket attached, so he can clear tables as well. He plays music as he moves around the room, announcing his presence to staff and customers. Bruno is quite popular with patrons, especially younger diners. “So far, it’s been a lot of word of mouth,” adds Araujo. “People posting on social media. Kids absolutely adore the robot; they think it’s the coolest thing ever.” Newport, AntoniosPizza.com

A food truck’s permanent digs in Providence

A popular food truck is now serving customers from a brick-and-mortar location on Hope Street in Providence. Lotus Pepper dishes up Vietnamese cuisine including Fresh Summer Rolls, Fish Sauce Chicken Wings, rice and noodle bowls, and Banh Mi Vietnamese Sub sandwiches. Thang Huynh opened the restaurant with his mother Young, who grew up in Vietnam along the Mekong River.

“We started the food truck business in 2013,” says Huynh. “There weren’t that many Vietnamese food trucks or restaurants in Providence at the time. After 10 years, we gained a lot of followers on the East Side. That led us to move into a restaurant. We have a variety of items on the menu; banh mi is our best seller. So far, we have received a lot of positive feedback from customers. Our number one goal is to provide good food and great customer service.” Providence, LotusPepper.Square.Site

Photos courtesy of Antonio’s Pizza

French Polynesian cuisine with a surf theme in Narragansett

The Kitchen recently opened inside the newly renovated Surf Shack Bed and Breakfast in Narragansett. The surfthemed restaurant, open Thursday through Monday from 5pm-9pm and until 10pm on Friday and Saturday, boasts an oceanside location, within walking distance to the beach that’s pure South County, although the cuisine isn’t your typical snack shack fare.

“We feature a French Polynesian menu,” says Sela Lutterbeck. “Our chef MoMo Camara, originally from Côte d’Ivoire in West Africa, grew up in France and has a French cooking background.” The menu features specialty items with Asian-inspired notes, including Lobster Skillet Cornbread, Mochiko Cauliflower, Crispy Island Steamed Buns, and Huli-Huli Duck. Classic entrees like burgers, lobster rolls, and salads are also available. The restaurant is already popular among locals and tourists. “Lots of locals, Narragansett residents, were waiting for it to open. The owners are local and part of the community,” adds Lutterbeck. SurfShackNarragansett.com

season 4

SUNDAYS AT 7PM

STARTING OCTOBER 1

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Discover the flavors of Rhode Island! From fresh seafood shacks to farm-to-table eateries, little Rhody o ers a diverse culinary landscape that caters to all tastes. Indulge in delicious seafood, global cuisines, and locally-inspired dishes, and experience the culinary richness of the Ocean State with a dining experience that will leave you craving for more.

MainStreet Coffee

137 Main Street, East Greenwich

401-885-8787 |

MainStreet-Co ee.com

Casual co ee house meets hip martini bar. Best Espresso Martinis in Rhode Island.

All Favorites Cafe

1678 Broad St, Cranston | 401-941-3550 allfavoritescafe.com |

A Breakfast/Lunch restaurant serving a mash up of Southern and French inspired flavors. Everything from French Toast to Cubanos.

The Coast Guard House Restaurant

40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett | 401-789-0700

thecoastguardhouse.com |

Waterfront dining - local raw bar, lobster, pasta, steak & seafood. Award-winning wine list. Dining rooms, bars, patio & deck.

Mambo Sushi

380 Atwells Ave, Providence

401-642-8439 |

mambosushiprovidence.com

Peruvian Flair to Asian Cuisine

CAV Restaurant

14 Imperial Place, Providence | 401 751-9164 CavRestaurant.com |

Bistro style Brunch and Lunch. Fine Dining Dinner.

Dave’s Fresh Marketplace

Ten Locations throughout Rhode Island

401-558-0190 |

davesmarketplace.com/WeeklySpecials

Made fresh daily in our kitchens - 60+ Take Out Options!

Marcelino’s Boutique Bar

1 W Exchange St, Providence | 401-666-0088

marcelinosboutiquebar.com |

Craft cocktail bar serving Mid-Terranean Fusion Mezze and World-Class Craft Cocktails | #ItsMarcelinos

Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille

8 locations across RI!

Chelos.com |

A Rhode Island staple since 1955! Fresh, homemade deliciousness in every bite.

El Paisa Restaurant Patio and Bar

598 Dexter Street, Central Falls 401-726-8864 | ElPaisa.com |

Since 1978, El Paisa Restaurant and Bar has served home-cooked, classic Colombian recipes and cocktails with great joy.

New Harvest Coffee & Spirits

10 Sims Ave, Providence | 401 438-1999

NewHarvestCo ee.com |

Our flagship cafe accentuates the journey from co ee seed to cup and the journey of grain to glass.

Rise ‘N Shine Coffee Bar

97 Holden St., Providence | 401 340-5112

@RiseNShineCo eeBar |

Espresso bar with organic co ee, signature drinks and fresh pastries located in historic 1858 Christopher Dodge Carriage House.

Slice of Heaven

32 Narragansett Ave. Jamestown 401-423-9866 | sliceofheavenri.com

| Serving breakfast, lunch and daily handcrafted pastries. Family and dog friendly with a great outdoor patio.

Tallulah’s Taqueria

Three Locations:

West End • Fox Point • Jamestown tallulahstaqueria.com |

Order by App, Online, or In-Store. Chicano Street Food...Rooted in Hospitality.

Twin Willows

865 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett 401-789-8153 | TwinWillowsRI.com |

Water-view dining with fresh lobsters & steamers served daily in this casual sports bar/restaurant.

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Little Compton showing its fall colors!

Awkward millennial sarcastically MacGyvering my way through marriage, motherhood & life with my camera

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