The Bay December 2023 by Hey Rhody Media Co.

H A P P Y H O L I D AY S ! WISHING YOU and YOURS A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2023 HIGHEST SALE IN WESTPORT*

Eddie Rayden 425.894.6344

72 RUMSTICK ROAD SOLD: $1,560,000

Barbara Stamp 401.480.5574

Sold by Lisa Duffy 401.245.9600

74 ADAMS POINT ROAD $1,400,000 0.85 Acre Lot

Nancy Weaver 401.837.2355

BARRINGTON

33 MEETINGHOUSE LANE Rhonda Marvell $785,000 Commercial Space 401.965.4557

BARRINGTON NEWPORT

Sold by Jain Cern 508.961.7484

BARRINGTON

LITTLE COMPTON

BRISTOL

39 TOBIN LANE $1,275,000 3 BD 2 BA

1 WINSLOW ROAD SOLD: $2,500,000 4 BD 3.1 BA

BARRINGTON

17 WILLOW WAY PENDING SALE: $2,400,000

Sold by Kathy Santos 508.889.2517

CUMBERLAND

PROVIDENCE

1 SULLIVAN TERRACE $599,900 3 BD 1.1 BA

Kate Coogan 401.864.6180

EAST GREENWICH

LITTLE COMPTON

SOUTH COUNTY

WEST SIDE PVD

WESTPORT

Residential Properties is a licensed real estate brokerage and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws.

37 GLEN ROAD SOLD: $3,525,000 3 BD 2.3 BA

2023 HIGHEST SALE IN LITTLE COMPTON *

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ARCH CONTEMPORARY CERAMICS

LOU LOU’S DÉCOR

Make your holidays bright with beautiful place settings, unique gifts and holiday decor. Lou Lou’s Decor has locations in Tiverton and Newport. Gift Registry and Full interior design services available. 3913 Main Road • (401) 816 4362 • loulousdecor.com @loulousdecor

TIFFANY PEAY JEWELRY & HEALING ARTS

A carefully curated selection of unique ceramic sculpture & functional pottery, showcasing a wide range of ceramic techniques from two dozen regional artists. Find timeless, heirloom-quality gifts in store and online. 18 East Rd • www.archcontemporary.com @arch.ceramics

Explore the power of gemstones with Tiffany’s handmade fine jewelry. Crystal Bed Light Therapy & Fine Art by Peter Dickison. The Dapper Flapper hats available through the holidays. 3851 Main Road • tiffanypeay.com • (401) 816 0878 • @tiffanypeayjewelry

COURTYARDS

Courtyards celebrates the joy of all seasons with fun & unusual gifts for everyone for 41 years in Tiverton Four Corners. Open 7 days in December. Jess Polanshek illustration cards & prints available. 3980 Main Road • courtyardsltd.com (401) 624 8682

CEDIAN PAINTING

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

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 9:30am-5pm • 3848 Main Road fourcornersgalleryri.com • @fourcornersgalleryri

THE CHEESE WHEEL VILLAGE MARKET

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

STUDIO BY THE SEA TIVERTON FARMERS MARKET

A growing collection of farms, food vendors and makers. Sundays 10am-1:30pm. Seasonal indoor location: Tiverton Middle School, 10 Quintal Dr tivertonfarmersmarket.com • @TivertonFarmersMarket

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

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

Explore a vibrant village of shops, galleries, amazing food, antiques, handmade jewelry, home & garden and so much more. Enjoy open space in the beautiful farm coast of RI. #TakeARideTiverton4Corners •

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Tiverton: 3848 Main Road, 2nd Fl | 401.816.4060 Newport: 37 Bellevue Avenue | 401.849.3000

In The Heart of Historic Bristol, RI Featuring Art of All Mediums From More Than 30 Local Artists

Nasseramics Pottery Handcrafted holiday ornaments and kitchen decor @nasseramics | nasseramics.etsy.com

Mermaid Tears By MB Ocean Inspired Artwork for Your Decor @mermaid0102 etsy.com/shop/MermaidTearsByMB

Rush Brook Studio Unique Handcrafted Wire-Wrapped Jewelry @rushbrookstudio rushbrookstudio.com

John Gieg Life Is Too Short For Egrets - 9”x12”, Limited edition print john.gieg@icloud.com | redbubble.com/people/johngieg/shop

Chryssa Udvardy Ceramics Ceramic Artist @chryssaudvardy | chryssaudvardy@gmail.com

Salubrious Endeavors Functional Earthy Pottery & Ocean Life Castings @salubriousendeavors1 salubriousendeavors.wixsite.com

Firefly Mandalas Perfect Connection of Nature & Art @fireflymandalas | FireflyMandalas.com

Mariflor Joya Unique, one of a kind, hand-crafted jewelry for every occasion Mariflorjoya.com

Jen Charleson Mixed Media Art & Design Micro sized original art, signed & framed @contradiva | jennifercharleson@gmail.com

Open Year Round, Seven Days A Week | 10am - 6pm 39 State Street, Bristol | 401-410-2985 | HotpointEmporium.com

Is LOVE On Your Holiday Wish list?

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Photo by Katie Roach, courtesy of MarMar Boutique

WEB EXTRA: Artisan-run shops showcase local makers and goods in South County

Newsletter Photo by @sobrien0120

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The Bay • December 2023

E L E VAT I N G T H E E A S T B AY ’ S R E A L E S TAT E E X P E R I E N C E Tota l S a l e s Vo l u m e b y B ro k e ra g e

$900M 36 Jennys Lane, Barrington SOLD: $2,500,000

Rhode Island | 01.01.23 - 10.30.23*

$887M+

$800M $700M

$670M+

$600M $491M+

$500M

$435M+

$428M+

Mott & Century 21 Chace Seyboth Sotheby’s Intl. Team

Coldwell Banker Realty

$400M 50 Watson Avenue, Barrington SOLD: $1,200,0009

$300M $200M $100M

COMPASS 126 Anoka Avenue, Barrington SOLD: $655,000

Residential Properties, Ltd.

GET TO KNOW COM PAS S R HODE ISLAN D Compass, the Nation’s #1 real estate brokerage, continues to make great impact in Rhode Island’s real estate market.** Across the Ocean State, Compass owns & operates 12 offices, including Compass & Lila Delman Compass. Each day, our team of market leaders in drive by the same mission - to help everyone find their place in the world.

Compass Barrington

180 County Road

401.274.1644

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. *Data is based on sales volume of real estate transactions closed between 1.1.23 – 10.30.23 in the Rhode Island State-Wide Multiple Listing Service. Sales volume for Compass in Rhode Island includes Lila Delman Compass, Randall Realtors Compass, and Compass. **As of 2022, Closed Sales Volume, Source: RealTrends 3.9.23.

In This Issue

The Bay Magazine December 2023

Photo courtesy of Discover Newport

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE:

The Buzz

Your idea book for supporting small biz this season

37 December Happenings A month of merry events across the East Bay awaits!

Life & Style

9 Potato dough altarpieces

27 HOME: An East Bay designer

and ornaments carry on a local

puts a moody-modernist imprint

artist’s family tradition

on a Colonial reno

12 THE PUBLIC’S RADIO:

32 An alluring gift made in

Salve Regina University community

Bristol for the fisherman in

members offer prayers for people

your life

suffering the ravages of war and violence in Israel and Gaza

34 INFLUENCER: This Newport foodie is a rising star on

14 CALENDAR: This month’s

social media

must-do’s

16 VOICES OF THE BAY:

Food & Drink

Photo by Erin Little Photography, courtesy of Moore House Design

Boxing day with a Bristol

47 Build your own cheese board

packing store owner

with Jamestown experts

50 IN THE KITCHEN:

Pic of the Bay

17 RHODY GEM: Find your new

48 FOOD NEWS:

For holiday roasts, source cuts

56 A stunning image

fave mug in a Portsmouth corn

Wine paired with pizza,

from a Portsmouth farm

from a local lens

crib turned pottery studio

Gansett’s new sandwich shop & biscuit biz in PVD

18 FEATURE: Nonprofits to

52 EXPERIENCE: A Bellevue Avenue cafe

remember during the season

49 RHODY EATS:

beckons lingering,

of giving

RESTAURANT GUIDE

then exploring

ON THE COVER: Bannister’s Wharf aglow. Photo by Corey Favino, courtesy of Discover Newport

The Bay • December 2023

Ready to Shine for the Holidays? Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer Matt Hayes John Howell

General Manager & Creative Director Nick DelGiudice

Editor in Chief Elyse Major

Managing Editor Abbie Lahmers

Editor Ken Abrams Digital Media Specialist Jenna Kaplan Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas

Senior Editorial Designer Abigail Brown

Senior Designer Taylor Gilbert Account Managers Shelley Cavoli Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher Kristine Mangan Olf Chris Revill Interested in advertising? Email Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com

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Contributing Photographers Jenny Currier Shand Corey Favino Brittany Graf Photography David Hansen Cheryl Hatch

Erin Little Photography Kayla Mandeville Dezarae McMillan Mac Olink Katie Roach Ruthie Wood

Contributing Writers Ashley Erling Cheryl Hatch Nina Murphy

Emily Olson Jenny Currier Shand

Interested in writing? Email Abbie@ProvidenceOnline.com Interns Audrey Keefe

Ruthie Wood

Interested in an internship? Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com Subscribe Today! TheBayMagazine.com/MailToYou Looking for copies? Visit our offices at Beacon Communications: 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, Mon-Fri, 9-5pm PROVIDENCE MEDIA INC. 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889 401-305-3391 • Mail@ProvidenceOnline.com ProvidenceOnline.com Copyright ©2023 by Providence Media. All rights reserved. Proud member of the Rhode Island Press Association

The Bay • December 2023

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The Buzz Buzz on the Bay

The Public’s Radio

Calendar

Voices of the Bay

Rhody Gem

Feature

An Andean legend of the fox and the condor portrayed in one of Zuly Palomino Jimenez' retablos

Inside the Box A scuplture artist keeps a Peruvian legacy of crafting potato dough altarpieces alive Each of Zuly Palomino Jimenez’ framed works renders a scene of Peruvian life in miniature, straddling everyday settings and Andean legends, suspended in a moment of stasis – animal or human figures are captured dancing in a carnival or fashioning Andean masks, selling hats in a market or depicting mythic stories – inside ornate cedar boxes. Palomino and her family specialize in retablos, or altarpieces, which illuminate the Indigenous culture of Quechua. After her mother Eleudora, Palomino is the second altarpiece maker in her family and she is the only woman to create this popular art in the United States, which, Palomino notes, “is very male-dominated in Peru.” Her siblings Amalia and Sebastián Palomino have also taken up the mantle of crafting retablos. The scenes and stories portrayed in the altarpieces are as engrained for Palomino as the techniques of crafting the fine folk art – her grandfather Florentino Jimenez Toma was known as the Great Master Retablista. “I am the fourth generation,” says Palomino. “Since I was very little, maybe six or eight years old, I was very curious watching my parents, grandparents doing all the little figures. I used to follow them around the workshop they used to have in Lima at the time.” Photo courtesy of Zuly Palomino Jimenez The Bay • December 2023

The Buzz

ON THE BAY

By Abbie Lahmers

Palomino at work on a mask

The Bay • December 2023

figures staged in vivid, brightly colored scenes. She sculpts each individual piece using the process her family passed down – a method that requires patience, with each stage of construction necessitating the pieces to set overnight, from the torsos and limbs to the ponchos, dresses, and stout Peruvian sombreros. Once they’re dry, she paints them in vibrant hues. The doors of the boxes are adorned with flowers, which “mean good luck in the Andean culture,” Palomino says. “I spent a lot of time in Ayacucho, the hometown of my parents, always listening to my grandmother Amalia and grandfather Florentino,” she shares. “They used to tell me Andean legends and stories,” many of which are represented in retablos. Depicting the tale of the fox and the condor, one frame portrays a great party in the sky with all the birds of the Earth. A mermaid legend shows figures bringing their instruments to be enchanted on the banks of a waterfall. Palomino has also done restoration work for old retablos. “Most of my grandfather’s works are natural – made without plaster – just potato, so in Peru some of them have disappeared completely,” she laments. The

HANDMADE GIFTS

This season, Palomino is busy at work making owl ornaments with little nativity scenes for Christmas, as well as different sizes of nativity retablos and other decorations. These and other one-of-a-kind masks, sculptures, and more can be found at Hotpoint Emporium in Bristol, the Made in Warren Artist Cooperative, and online at RetabloPalominoJimenez.com

ones she still has – even though the color may have faded – are all the more special. Since moving to Rhode Island with her husband Brenton Leach three years ago and now working out of a home studio in Warwick, Palomino’s work has left an impression around the state and beyond. She’s hosted workshops at the Harvard Art Museum in Cambridge and more recently at The Collaborative in Warren to help keep the tradition alive for generations to come. “It’s very important to me that people don’t forget this art, to preserve the cultural heritage,” Palomino emphasizes. “It’s our family tradition.”

Photo courtesy of Zuly Palomino Jimenez

Her family had moved from their hometown of Ayacucho in the 1980s, fleeing political violence, but carried on the artform. The tradition dates back to the 16th century, when Spanish conquistadors brought retablos to Peru as small shrines for Catholic saints, though Indigenous Quechua people adapted them into their own culture, too. “These retablos are a mix of both cultures,” Palomino explains, and in traditional use, are viewed as protection during difficult times. Each hand-sculpted piece starts with a simple base: potato dough. “After boiling, you mash it, like making mashed potatoes, and mix it with plaster – in this case, I use plaster of paris. I make a paste; it has to be very soft,” Palomino explains. The use of the readily available food ingredient stems from her grandfather’s practice. “He didn’t buy too much; he made his own materials, his own brushes. I remember that he sometimes would use a little bit of cat fur – we used to keep lots of cats in our house – for the brushes. He said that was the finest brush.” Cats and dogs make appearances in some of Palomino’s more imaginative works, along with animal face masks, though the more classic retablos she constructs are populated with human

DEC. 15-24

PRESENTED BY

TICKETS AT: THEVETSRI.COM

“Awe-Inspiring!” Boston Globe

CHOREOGRAPHY BY YURY YANOWSKY

The Buzz

ON THE BAY

In Partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org

Salve Regina University Community Members Offer Prayers for People Suffering the Ravages of War and Violence in Israel and Gaza Students, staff and faculty gathered to pray for peace By Cheryl Hatch

The Bay • December 2023

Salve Regina University President Kelli Armstrong, left with jacket, and Chancellor Sister Therese Antone, in blue, sing near the close of a prayer service on campus on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023

tims of violence and inhumanity. Let us pray that all human life is sacred,” Cowdin said. Aida Neary wore a navy blue sweatshirt with the word “mercy” in bold white all-caps as she held her candle and sang “O Lord, hear my prayer.” “I am a mother of two,” Neary said. “And all I can think of are the parents who have lost children. I can’t, I can’t stop thinking about it… if somebody doesn’t stop the cycle of violence, it’ll keep going. And at this point, I feel helpless. And when I’m, when I feel helpless, I pray.” Jane Benz, a junior studying art history and philosophy, said she often comes to Sabbath Time. “It’s really, really nice just to be able to kind of take moments of peace with other people in an intimate setting or a natural setting,” Benz said. She doesn’t personally know anyone affected by the war, but she came to express solidarity and what’s in her heart in prayer. Salve President Kelli Armstrong stood next to Salve’s chancellor, holding a candle and singing as the service neared its end. They sang words adapted from St. Patrick’s breastplate: “Peace before us. Peace behind

us. Peace under our feet. Peace within us. Peace over us. Let all around us be peace.” “I think all of us who are watching the horrific violence and the terror and the sadness in the Middle East feel helpless. We want to be able to express, in community, how we are feeling,” Armstrong said. “As an institution, we welcome people of all faiths and those who don’t practice a faith tradition, who want to serve others. We’re about service and social justice.” Chancellor Sister Therese Antone had tears on her cheeks when the service closed. Her voice caught as she spoke of her time in the Middle East. “I have traveled in that region quite extensively. I’ve been to Israel, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and I have a lot of emotional feelings about the situation,” Antone said. “I was really thinking of the number of people that I have met in that region. And the kindness that I have always experienced from every individual that I ever came in contact with and so I was filled with really deep sadness.” This article was originally posted on October 20, 2023. Newport Bureau Reporter Cheryl Hatch can be reached at CHatch@ThePubicsRadio.org

Photo by Cheryl Hatch

Students, faculty, and staff arrived alone and in pairs for the Sabbath Time at Salve Regina University in Newport, on Thursday (October 19). They came from different directions on campus and entered a circle near a grove of trees behind Our Lady of Mercy Chapel. Linda Forsberg, the assistant director of the Mercy Center for Spiritual Life, welcomed everyone. “Thank you for coming. I know many of us have heavy hearts for all those affected in the land we all call holy,” she said. “We’ll begin with lighting a candle and sharing a simple song that we will all sing together that is in your program.” A woman distributed candles while another woman followed behind and lit them. The voice of cantor Carmen DeFabo rose with the breeze and floated over those gathered, whose voices mingled with hers in song. DeFabo is a sophomore who sings in churches and spaces at home and at school, including during the regular mass at Our Lady of Mercy chapel. Each week the university community holds Sabbath Time on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 1:45 to 2:15 p.m. No classes are scheduled at this time. “This is a time for reflection and prayer,” said Theresa Ladrigan-Whelpley, vice president of mission integration. “We called this Sabbath Time today a prayer for peace.” This Sabbath Time is dedicated to all those suffering violence and heart-rending loss in Gaza and Israel. Landrigan-Whelpley offered the gathering prayer: “As we gather in this time of Sabbath prayer, we offer together a Psalm of lament, a Psalm of mercy and a Psalm of peace.” Accompanied on piano by Matthew Kelly, DeFabo sang from Psalm 139:12: “Our darkness is never darkness in your sight. The deepest night is clear as daylight.” Daniel Cowdin, chair of the department of religious studies and theological studies, read prayer petitions from reflections by Pope Francis as well as the Sisters of Mercy. “In all these conflicts, women and children are the most vulnerable and the primary vic-

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The Buzz

CALENDAR

By Ken Abrams

THE MUST LIST 10 Essential Events This Month

December 3: The Newport Strings Quartet, which mentors student musicians, brings standard chamber music canon along with new and forgotten compositions to the Meeting House for an afternoon performance. Tiverton, FourCornersArts.org

December 9-24: Join the Warwick Center for the Arts and shop local artists at the Small Group Show, an exhibit of winter-themed works in the lobby of the Gamm Theatre during the production of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play. WarwickCFA.org

December 14: Bring a flashlight and blanket for the Norman Bird Sanctuary Owl Prowl, a dusk hike spotting native owls setting up their nesting territories, followed by a bonfire with hot chocolate. Middletown, NormanBirdSanctuary.org

December 15:

ide statew For a f events o listing online! s u it is v m ody.co HeyRh

Through December 23:

Through December 30:

December 16:

Mrs. Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge is a hilarous stage show with your favorite Christmas characters, along with disco dancers and more. Wakefield, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com

Indulge in a luxurious cup of cocoa by the crackling fire pit at The Chanler Hot Chocolate Bar, or bring your mug outside for a leisurely winter stroll along the Cliff Walk; adult bevvies available. Newport, TheChanler.com

Come home for the holidays and enjoy classic and original tunes with RI’s own Billy Gilman and his band The Ragged Impresarios. Singer-songwriter Kara McKee opens the show. East Greenwich, GreenwichOdeum.com

Through December 29:

December 2-3:

December 19-31:

Enjoy a proper Winter Afternoon Tea in the dining room at Blithewold every Tuesday through Friday with freshly baked scones and a three-tiered tray filled with sweet and savory treats. Bristol, Blithewold.org

Over 40 creatives from the artist enclave at The Mill at Shady Lea will be exhibiting their wares at the semi-annual Open Studios at the historic site. North Kingston, TheMillAtShadyLea.com

Enter a world of splendor and romance, eye-popping excess, glitz, grandeur, and glory when 10-time Tony Award-winning Moulin Rouge! The Musical comes to Providence. PPACRI.org

The Bay • December 2023

Photo courtesy of The Chanler

Sip cozy cups overlooking Cliff Walk at The Chanler

Bundle up and embark on a birding and harbor seal adventure with the Audubon Society of RI for Winter Wildlife on Prudence Island, an all-day excursion spying species in protected coves, marshes, and pine barrens. Bristol, ASRI.org

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Contact us for your personal tour TODAY! 401.475.6880 | theamericanwire.com 413 Central Avenue, Pawtucket, RI The Bay • December 2023

The Buzz VOICES OF THE BAY

By Nina Murphy

Send It From UPS worker to owner, an East Bay resident prepares for the busy season and shares packing tips It was October 2006 and Carmen Medeiros, recently unemployed, was driving down Gooding Avenue in Bristol when she spotted The UPS Store. She pulled in, spoke with one of the owners and walked out with a job. Twelve years later, Medeiros assumed the mantle of ownership when she purchased the franchise. The daughter of Portuguese immigrants and a graduate of Mt. Hope High School, where she was a state soccer goalie standout, Medeiros knows the value of hard work. Coupled with her focus on customer service, she’s attracted a loyal customer base from around the East Bay.

JOURNEY TO OWNERSHIP: The store had opened two weeks prior to my being hired. Everyone was green. We learned a lot of things together. Within three to four months, I was pretty much running the store. Every once in a while the owners would joke around that I should buy the place. At around year 10, I left the store for another opportunity. Seven months later, I was back. A year and half later, talk of buying became serious. SUPPORTERS: Wayne Clemens [one of the owners] and my father were my number one supporters. My mom was supportive, but

my dad was the one who said, “You’ve been running the store for 12 years already. You know what you’re doing.” Wayne told me, “You know the business. Don’t be scared.” GOLDEN RULE: I never treated the store as if it weren’t mine, which my bosses respected. My priority is customer service. We do not treat anyone any differently. I don’t care where you come from or who you are. Customer service is one of the biggest compliments we get. WALK THE TALK: The biggest thing in this community is knowing how to speak Portuguese. When people walk in and I can speak it, I can literally see the sigh of relief on their face. There is no language barrier when it comes to addresses, questions about what’s in the package, or the costs. It’s huge.

PACKING ADVICE: Don’t use towels and newspapers. Those are not proper packing materials. Many people don’t understand that when you pack a box, it has to withstand shock, compression, and vibration. The boxes go on conveyor belts; if it happens to tip over the side of the conveyor belt and has a four-foot drop, it needs to withstand that. Use bubble wrap and air packs. We use only vendor-approved boxes for the same reason. CHRISTMAS RUSH: If you don’t want to pay an arm and a leg, don’t procrastinate. UPS no longer guarantees any service except overnight. You need to give yourself some extra time. Shipping to the West Coast? I would suggest by December 13. Mondays and Tuesdays are hands down our busiest days.

The Bay • December 2023

Photo courtesy of Carmen Medeiros

PRO-TIP: The really cool Mickey Mouse pillow for little Johnny is humongous and needs to go into a box. That box is going to take up X-amount of space on the truck. It may only weigh three pounds, but because it takes up that much space, you are going to get charged that much more money.

The Buzz

RHODY GEM

By Ruthie Wood

DC Stoneware Ceramic shop

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

What it is: A woman-owned gallery and pottery studio.

Photo by Ruthie Wood

Where to find it: Just off East Main Road between Cory Farms Past & Presents and Cumberland Farms, look for a brown house with a red door. The blue DC Stoneware sign assures you’ve found it. What makes it a Rhody Gem? Lifelong Portsmouth resident Denise Wilkey found her calling after taking a high school pottery class. Hooked on ceramics, years later she transformed two historic buildings on her property into a gallery and studio space. “The gallery is an old Yankee workshop that still has many of the old tools and implements from generations ago,” Wilkey explains. “My studio used to be an old corn crib that was used as an art studio by my husband’s grandmother.” Her shop is filled floor to ceiling with ceramic works finished with her own unique glazes, as well as fused glass work, alcohol print paintings, and her sister-inlaw’s handmade lampshades. Her most popular pieces are also her personal favorites: mugs. “It’s kind of cool that I connect with so many people every morning when they use one,” she says of the stoneware vessels. To accommodate the holidays, DC Stoneware is open most days until Christmas, 10am-4pm, but it’s best to call ahead to make sure the shop is open.

DC Stoneware 3140 East Main Road, Portsmouth 401-824-6518 Facebook: DCstoneware

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

The Bay • December 2023

The Buzz FEATURE

By Emily Olson

Keeping the Lights On Three mission-driven organizations focused on helping neighbors in need live their best lives

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD FOOD PANTRY In his depth of experience working in food pantries, Donver Gardiner realized the need for nutrition was greater than many of these organizations were able to meet. With this in mind, in January 2023, he and six colleagues opened Your Neighborhood Food Pantry on Branch Avenue to serve Providence’s North End. “There is another food pantry in this neighborhood,” explains Gardiner, who serves as operations director. “It’s on the bus line, so people can access it, but it’s only open one day a week. Your Neighborhood Food Pantry is on the bus line, and it’s one of the few food pantries in Rhode Island that’s open three days a week.” Your Neighborhood Food Pantry also shares a block with the Boys and Girls Club and The San Miguel School. “We’ve reached out to both places to see how we can support their kids,” Gardiner says. “We’re trying to talk to different organizations in the neighborhood to let them know we’re here to help them.” The pantry is a member agency of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, which stocks the majority of their shelf space, but they also rely in part on Hope’s Harvest RI to fill the facility with fresh produce. “Over the last six or seven years, I’ve seen the need increase,” says Gardiner. “Every time I open the doors, I see new people who have never visited a food pantry before. Just

The Bay • December 2023

yesterday, there were 18 new faces.” He attributes this to the rising cost of food and stagnant wages. “People just aren’t making enough money.” Your Neighborhood Food Pantry gratefully accepts food donations from the community, but cash donations literally help keep the lights on. “We have to keep paying our rent and bills so we can be here for the people who need us,” Gardiner says.

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS For many, just staying in one spot can be a challenge, and it’s a struggle that Susan Jaquith, board president of Neighbors Helping Neighbors, is intimately familiar with. Her nonprofit was established in 2012 with the goal of reducing homelessness in South County by repairing homes free of charge. “We started out as a church organization helping people with home repairs two

Photo courtesy of Your Neighborhood Food Pantry

With higher-than-average inflation rates putting many individuals and families into budgetary corners, sometimes the best way to help is to start small. Many Rhode Island nonprofits are doing just that by focusing resources around small communities of neighbors, and although the need has always been great, over the last few years it’s become greater, with lengthy waitlists for help growing. With the holiday season upon us, those with the ability to give back can look to a few worthy causes that do a lot with a little – and despite difficulties of their own, are hoping to make positive impacts in their neighborhoods.

Keeping shelves stocked at Your Neighborhood Food Pantry

Spring Bull Gallery

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Paintings Sculpture Mixed Media l weekends a year, but we quickly realized that wasn’t enough,” says Jaquith. When she retired, she used her new-found free time to help expand the organization as a way to give back to the community. “Our mission is to keep structures livable and safe so that people can remain in their homes,” she says, describing everything from roof replacement projects and handrail installations to plumbing and electrical

OPEN 12-5:00PM Closed Tuesday 55 Bellevue Avenue Newport, RI 02840 (401) 849-9166

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Across from The Newport Art Museum

The Bay • December 2023

The Buzz By Emily Olson

HOW YOU CAN HELP For details on donating time, goods, and funds, visit each of these nonprofits online. Find more local nonprofits to support this holiday season and beyond by visiting 401Gives.org. NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS Charlestown, NeighborsHelpingNeighborsRI.org THE VILLAGE COMMON OF RI 401-228-8683, ProvidenceVillageRI.org YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD FOOD PANTRY 533 Branch Avenue, Providence, YNFP.org

The Bay • December 2023

Neighbors Helping Neighbors volunteers

repairs. “We’re currently installing a furnace for someone who has been without heat and hot water since July,” Jaquith says. The organization sometimes also sets up temporary structures, like a wheelchair ramp, so that a homeowner can be discharged from the hospital. “When they’re done with the ramp, we’ll take it back and store it for reuse,” she says. Jaquith acknowledges that her organization has a waiting list. “We do as much as we can with what we have, but while we work on four or five projects at a time, we often have a backlog of 12.” This summer’s torrential rains necessitated a lot of roof

repair work for the group. While cash donations certainly help Neighbors Helping Neighbors fulfill its mission, so do like-minded partners. “Much of the work we do requires a licensed, insured contractor,” she says. “We find that when these contractors meet the homeowners, they develop a real heart for the work and often donate a job a year or give us a break on labor.” Although their volunteers can paint a wall after a patch job, Jaquith says she would love to have a general handyman or carpenter on her list of volunteers who can take on the small jobs.

Photo courtesy of Neighbors Helping Neighbors

FEATURE

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Photo by Brittany Graf Photography

The Buzz By Emily Olson

VILLAGE COMMON OF RI Small jobs, like changing a lightbulb, are outside of the scope of Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ work, but that’s where The Village Common of RI comes in. With a mission of helping people age in place, the organization has “villages” in Barrington, Burrillville, Edgewood, Glocester, Providence, and Westerly, but beyond helping older adults stay in their homes rather than move into a care facility, volunteers strive to reintegrate older adults into their own communities. “There’s such a negative spin put on aging,” says executive director Caroline Gangji.

“Instead, I think a community should see examples of healthy aging.” The Village Common is driven by 275 volunteers organized into six villages with six more in development, including one dedicated to Spanish speakers and another dedicated to LGBTQ+ adults. Volunteers, who often join the organization after hearing about it through word of mouth, do things like drive older adults to appointments, take them grocery shopping, or bring their garbage cans to the curb. “Our volunteers do whatever is needed. They are an important lifeline for people,” says Gangji,

“and they’re the gems of our society.” Many of the people they support are older women living alone without family nearby or with family busy working and taking care of children. “A lot of what we do is mitigate isolation and loneliness,” says Gangji. Volunteers might organize a potluck, book club, or walking group. They sometimes organize virtual karaoke nights or film discussions. “Sometimes simply receiving an invitation reminds them they’re part of a community,” she continues. “For these older adults, our work can be life changing.”

The Village Common of RI organizes a range of services for seniors

The Bay • December 2023

Photo courtesy of Village Common of RI

FEATURE

2023

Holiday Gift Guide

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The Bay • December 2023

Life & Style Home

Maker

Influencer

A custom island with marble inlay and accents sourced from nearby antique shops outfit the kitchen with a sense of history

All is Calm A noted designer shares how an old home was reconfigured to embrace its roots while accommodating modern life For many New England homeowners, it’s not uncommon to live in a house that is 100 years old. Lifestyles were different back then and older homes often have original features that now seem curious to our modern eyes – like small narrow closets (does a bike go in there?) – or worse, rooms that received remodels in decades past with trappings and decisions that now seem odd and dated (hardwood flooring hidden beneath layers of carpeting and laminate). But what if your new home is old and you want to keep that vibe – but imbue a modern twist? This was the case for a young family who fell hard for a classic center-hall Colonial on Providence’s East Side. Built in 1920, the home had succumbed to some builder-grade renovations in the 1980s and bespoke millwork, solid cabinetry, and moldings had been removed. To course-correct, the couple turned to Moore House Design (MHD), a family-run business based half in Warren and half in New York City whose work they’d been admiring on Instagram. MHD has a holistic approach to creative and functional design that has landed them national attention, including being on an episode of Point of View: A Designer Profile for Magnolia Network on Discovery+. Says Blair Moore, founder and creative director, “Our goal was to bring this home back to life and back to its historic roots, but with some modern flair.” Photo by Erin Little Photography, courtesy of Moore House Design The Bay • December 2023

Life & Style HOME

By Elyse Major

Mounted lighting removes the need for dual bedside tables

Photos by Erin Little Photography, courtesy of Moore House Design

Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams gives the cabinet a sleek yet storied look

In a full-scale design, renovation, and furnishings project, the MHD team set a goal of transforming the home by “infusing it with only the most charming of details.” The first-floor expanded kitchen now boasts “sooty midnight” cabinetry and textural brick walls, while the second-floor main suite has built-in closets, which provide coveted storage while incorporating sleek colonial-inspired character. “The overall scope of this project required a hefty, multi-floor, full gut, or ‘floverhaul’ as I like to call it,” says Moore. “We overhauled the floor plan with attention to spatial flow and creating storage for the growing family. The kitchen, entryway, pantry, mudroom, dining room, and main suite were renovated head to toe.” So what goes into making an old house that was remodeled to look new, look old again? Moore shares that it begins with the “discovery” phase. “Our team does a lot of research about the home and the architecture type to be able to execute our interior architecture plans.” While Moore explains there were some major structural changes that her team made to the layout of the first floor, they didn’t want to lose that quintessential New England Colonial feel. Topping the MHD list was bringing back architectural features via installations of redesigned casework, millwork, paneling,

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Life & Style By Elyse Major

and crown moldings; they also moved structural walls so it looked intentional and like it had always been that way. “A lot of Colonials we work on have original brick but this house was stripped of it before we arrived, so naturally we wanted to add it back in in the kitchen and mudroom. We layered that with a limewash over the top that calcifies over time,” Moore explains. Once the heavy lifting was done, MHD enjoyed imparting what they refer to as their signature broody style. Says Moore, “it’s a term we coined to describe our mix of bright and moody, and it brings so much depth.” This is where paint and furnishings come in. “Our team is absolutely methodical when it comes to paint colors. We have a general gist of where we want the colors to land in every room from the beginning of our design journey, but right towards completion, our team swatches hundreds of colors and tests them over multiple days to make sure the color selected heightens the interior architecture, adds depth to the furnishings and fabrications, and works in every single type of light case that the weather can throw at us, always

choosing the exact right color for the space.” Moore shares that the architecture of a space always inspires how MHD places furniture and decor throughout the home in an artistic way. “Our firm has a love for selecting the perfect antiques from all over the globe and layering them with carefully proportioned custom pieces. We layer in a blend of our clients’ lifestyles as well as a very organic layering of custom and antiques to deepen the roots of the space,” says Moore. “We believe that every house should feel gathered and layered with elements of our clients as if they were to travel the world and collect all of these incredible treasures that just perfectly and effortlessly work within the home. Our goal is for the furniture to fit effortlessly within the architecture of the home.” Deemed the Colonial Modernist project, Moore reports that the homeowners are overjoyed with the results. Smiling brightly she affirms, “I always say if you don’t have the four components of your interior architecture right – walls, ceilings, floors, and windows – then it doesn’t matter what furniture you add into the space. It will always feel out of place and forced.”

GET RHODY STYLE Blair Moore shares ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State. OCEAN STATE OF MIND “Our firm is based half in Rhode Island and half in New York City and it’s always a breath of fresh air when we are at our offices here. The proximity to the water at every turn, the greenscapes, the friendly people, the New England history… you name it, Rhode Island’s got it!” MOORE TO LOVE “We love shopping at The Cottage and some of the antique shops in Tiverton, our own warehouse for Moore House Design, and selecting pieces from O&G Studio in Warren.” Even closer to home, the Moores recently launched ROWEAM, a furniture line they design and curate. Learn more at ROWEAM.com RHODY RESOURCES Cabinetry for this project was by Sakonnet Furniture Makers and Tiverton-based MTM Woodworking & Design, who also provided construction and millwork. FAMILY BUSINESS “We pride ourselves on design for generations. We create cohesive interiors that focus on function while layering organic and sustainable elements that bring depth and sculpture into your space. We think like architects, but we blend structure with design and comfort, taking a holistic approach throughout your home.” Learn more at MooreHouseDesign.com

Carimate chairs by designer Vico Magistretti surround a green soapstone dining table 30

The Bay • December 2023

Want your home featured in The Bay? Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to learn more

Photos by Erin Little Photography, courtesy of Moore House Design

HOME

28th Annual Bristol Merchants Association event

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Life & Style MAKER

By Audrey Keefe

Fisherman’s Catch A former boat builder makes a full-time career out of a hobby creating custom lures

G IFT I DEA For the fishing enthusiast that has everything, order a custom lure online!

The Bully: A full resin floating type of bait

The Bay • December 2023

“These lures are made to be fished,” says Alan Depalma, the entrepreneur behind Alan’s Custom Lures, who proudly notes that each lure is “completely handmade and rigorously tested” in his Bristol shop. Depalma, a former boat builder, spent many years making lures for himself and his buddies. “I saw there was a need in the market,” he explains, and in 2016 took the leap from hobby to full-time career. Depalma’s fishing lures, or plugs (hard-bodied), are designed to be completely customizable, with over a dozen different models and over 100 colors to choose from. “It started with two lures, then one thing led to another,” Depalma says with a warm chuckle. Alluring appeal aside, everything matters – from weight distribution to the coloring of the lure. “The most important aspect is the time I put into designing each style,” Depalma explains. To perfect each new model, he typically keeps his lures in the testing stage for a year and a half. Each new lure begins with an idea, which is then formed into a wooden master. The master is then shifted to a two-part resin mold that is tested in the water. “That’s when I have to adjust the weighting and the balances. I go

Photos courtesy of Alan’s Custom Lures

Combat: Mimics small fish that live in bays and rivers

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ATLANTIC-HEARING.COM through about 20 or 30 lures before I get one that I really like,” Depalma says. Alan’s Custom Lures offer customers a unique experience through the involvement they have in developing their lure. Customers can choose the type and color for customization, and even add a foil. Depalma shares that folks tend to get creative when it comes to this step, and there have been lures with the Del’s Lemonade logo, the Joker, various flags, and more. “You name it, I’ve done it,” Depalma says. Depalma’s personal favorite is known as The Combat, a smaller, wider lure employed mostly for striped bass and bluefish. “It’s very user-friendly, and one of those lures that can just catch fish,” he says. He works diligently to ensure all lures are not only inviting to the eye, but also do their job in the water. “All lures come with hooks all rigged up with the best components and three coats of epoxy that make them really strong,” Depalma says. “Plugs made by a serious fisherman for serious fishermen.” Find lures at AlansCustomLures.com and Ocean State Tackle, Providence; follow along on Instagram at @alans_custom_lures

Sparkle HOLIDAY

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Caron Jewelers YOUR TRUSTED FAMILY JEWELER SINCE 1956 473 HOPE STREET BRISTOL • 401-253-9460 • CARONJEWELERS.COM The Bay • December 2023

Life & Style INFLUENCER

By Ashley Erling

Meet Teon Cromwell 12 cocktails for 12 cookies and other treats are on this Newport content creator’s nice list

How did you get into content creation? My family and friends have always told me that I should make cooking videos for YouTube, but that always seemed too daunting to me; then TikTok came along and the idea of a 30-60-second video seemed much more manageable. In 2021 I did a 31 Days of Halloween Cocktails series which took off and became very popular. That’s when my little sister, Tia, told me that I should really lean into the cocktail-making videos, and I’ve been making them ever since. Although with a handle like @newportrifoodie, I’m definitely incorporating more food as my platforms grow. Does Newport help to inspire you and your content? Absolutely, I’m a Newporter born and raised. Whether it’s going out to a restaurant, driving along Ocean Drive, or taking walks along Washington Street and the Van Zandt Pier, I find inspiration all around me. When I was a teenager, I couldn’t wait to move to Manhattan; now that I’m in my late 30s, I have this huge appreciation and love for my hometown.

What are some flavors and ingredients you like to incorporate in recipes this time of year? When it comes to drinks, eggnog is a must! I love incorporating flavors like pomegranate, cardamom, or rosemary into cocktails. I’m working on a Sugar Cookie Martini recipe right now and plan on pairing 12 cocktails with 12 cookies, so we’ll see how that turns out.

Teon Cromwell, Jr. photographed on Goat Island

The Bay • December 2023

Do you have any local traditions around the holiday season? My family loves to cook! Some would say we cook for an army so there’s always a ton of food. Christmas was my mother’s favorite holiday, so I want to keep all of the traditions going: unwrapping presents at my parents’ house with my sisters, nieces, and nephew early in the day before heading over to my aunt’s house which is always packed with the rest of the family.

Photo by Dezarae McMillan, courtesy of NewportRIFoodie

Where are some of your favorite spots in the area that you like to visit? On Aquidneck Island, Le Bec Sucré, Le Bec Salé, The Roasted Clove, Ching Tao, and Anthony’s Seafood in Middletown. In Newport, Ben’s Chili Dogs is a classic! I also love Mother Pizzeria, Yagi Noodles, and Mr. R Fusion. In Providence, I really enjoy Cassarino, Bayberry Beer Hall, DenDen Korean Fried Chicken, and Troop, and Seven Moons in North Kingstown has an amazing Thai green curry chicken soup. Every Thursday my friend Dez and I always try to explore new spots.

SIX CONCERTS THIS SPRING

performed at the Newport Classical Recital Hall.

www.newportclassical.org

December 9, 10, 16, 17 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Visit the farm for a new Christmas tradition. Frolic through our pathway of trees, play traditional games, and listen to stories. There will be music, cheer, and fun for all ages! Get your tickets at WWW.COGGESHALLFARM.ORG

The Bay • December 2023

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The Bay • December 2023

Jingle All Month THE EAST BAY IS THE PLACE TO BE FOR MAKING MERRY IN DECEMBER

Photo by David Hansen, courtesy of Discover Newport

BY THE EDITORS

t’s the holiday season and across the East Bay, there’s a feeling of magic in the salty air! Local shops, venues, restaurants, and more have planned all kinds of experiences to get neighbors in festive moods, from bustling parties and street fairs to creating gifts and treats at workshops, annual performances, and so much more. And for those little believers, we’ve called out where to spot that jolly old elf by marking listings with SANTA! so you don’t miss “one of his helpers” in the wild. All of us at The Bay wish you health and happiness, and thank you for being valued readers, subscribers, and supporters.

Multiple Dates THROUGH DECEMBER 13

THROUGH DECEMBER 23

THROUGH DECEMBER 31

Holiday Wine Series: Spend an evening at Blithewold tasting wine and learning about perfect pairings for every holiday occasion. Wednesdays, Bristol, Blithewold.org

Bristol Santa House: This free-of-charge holiday destination is focused on creating magical Christmas experiences for children with special needs and their families, run entirely by volunteers. BristolSantaHouse.org

Miracle on South Division Street: The Nowak family’s faith is threatened when a confession causes their miraculous Christmas legend to come under scrutiny. NewportPlayhouse.com

THROUGH DECEMBER 30

Sparkle!: See the Blithewold Mansion and grounds aglow in thousands of lights and bamboo decorations. Stroll illuminated paths, sip hot chocolate, and try your hand at a scavenger hunt. Thursday-Sunday, Bristol, Blithewold.org

THROUGH DECEMBER 15 Annual Re-Tree Exhibition: The Tiverton Farmers Market sponsors this outdoor showcase of locally crafted trees made from recycled materials. Vote for your favorite and don’t miss the closing event and awards ceremony on the final night. TivertonFourCorners.com

THROUGH DECEMBER 16 Music in the Living Room Series: Immerse yourself in the spirit of Christmas as live music fills historic Blithewold, festooned in its holiday finery. Bristol, Blithewold.org

Holiday Lantern Tours: Learn about early American holiday traditions in Newport while exploring the city by lantern light during this special yuletide tour. Fridays and Saturdays, NewportHistory.org Sparkling Lights at The Breakers: The mansion’s grounds shine with thousands of holiday lights, an illuminated tunnel, and no shortage of glittering surprises. Plus, stop at any of the six fire pits for a s’mores kit, holiday treats, and even an adult bevvie. NewportMansions.org

THROUGH JANUARY 1 Holidays at the Newport Mansions: The magic returns to the mansions with twinkling lights, trimmed trees, decorated mantels, and a jaw-dropping display of poinsettias in the Great Hall of The Breakers. NewportMansions.org

Photo courtesy of Santa House Bristol

Bristol Santa House

Newport Nutcracker

AQUIDNECK FARMS Shop Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday 11AM-5PM Online Ordering and Delivery Available! www.aquidneckfarms.com

DECEMBER

Photo (top) by David Hansen, courtesy of Discover Newport, (bottom) courtesy of Tiverton Four Corners

DECEMBER 1 Wreath Decorating Workshop: DIY this holiday season with an evening wreath decorating workshop. While you’re at it, enjoy a cocktail and listen to some carols on this crafty night out. Bristol, MountHopeFarm.org

NewportContemporaryBallet.org 401-849-8473

Shop Fun Food Themed Gi!s For The Holidays!

{SANTA!} Holiday Bright Night: Charming Tiverton Four Corners is aglow for a magical night of shopping and strolling through lit galleries and retailers. TivertonFourCorners.com Newport Nutcracker: The Island Moving Company takes you through the ballroom, salon, and staircase of historic Rosecliff mansion during this unique, experiential production of the classic ballet. IslandMovingCo.org

APRONS COOKBOOKS AND MORE!

Exhibition and voting for Re-Tree December 1-15

DECEMBER 2 {SANTA!} Bowen’s Wharf 53rd Annual Christmas Tree Lighting: Newport’s historic waterfront is adorned in holiday lights and decorations for a special evening of music, caroling, tree lighting, and a visit via boat from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Newport, BowensWharf.com Christmas By The Sea: Stroll through iconic downtown Newport and shop your way through specially curated gifts by makers and artisans. Newport, BridalShowsByKelly.com

Grand Illumination and Parade: The East Bay’s long-standing yuletide tradition returns for an iconic Christmas tree lighting and parade. See it for yourself in person or enjoy the livestream on Facebook. Bristol, ChristmasBristolRI.com Lucy’s Hearth Designer Wreath Sale: Peruse gorgeous holiday greenery put together by the pros – or take a stab at making your own – during this annual event benefiting the children and families supported by Lucy’s Hearth. Middletown, LucysHearth.org

468 Thames Street, Newport MatriarchRI.com @matriarch.RI The Bay • December 2023

DECEMBER 3 Messiah at the Mansion: Handel’s iconic oratorio is performed at Rosecliff by Ensemble Altera, offering a boldly reimagined chamber version. NewportClassical.org

DECEMBER 4 & 18 {SANTA!} Sing Along with Santa: Bring the whole family for some good old-fashioned caroling with the beloved man in red, who will read The Night Before Christmas, followed by cookies and cocoa. Bristol, Blithewold.org

DECEMBER 5 Holiday Terrariums: Join Blithewold horticulturists for step-by-step instruction in creating your own themed terrarium. Bristol, Blithewold.org

SHOPPING SMALL Cory Farms Past & Presents

Holiday Wreath Making Workshop: Nothing beats the smell of wood fire and balsam, so follow your nose to Brick Pizza Co. for a cozy night of pizza and wreath decorating with Coastal Blooms. Bristol, Eventbrite: Holiday Wreath Making Workshop

DECEMBER 7

Hanukkah: The festival of lights begins at sundown. At press time events are unconfirmed, but be sure to go online for updates on city and town hall menorah lightings. RabbiWarwick.com

DECEMBER 9 Sensory-Friendly Winter Wonderland: All are welcome to celebrate the holiday season with photo booths, a visit from Santa, and sweet treats of peppermint wonders and sugarplum dreams. Warren, BiermanAutism.com

DECEMBER 9-10

A surprise Santa sighting at The Cheese Wheel Village Market

Festival Weekend: Enjoy a European-style Christmas market complete with wreath-making workshops, specialty-themed huts, unique photo ops, and traditional fare like mulled wine and apple cakes. Plus, discover holiday happenings at participating locales. ChristmasBristolRI.com

Photo (top) by Elyse Major, (bottom) courtesy of The Cheese Wheel

Cookie Decorating Class: Learn how to make sugar cookies and royal icing, and decorate desserts like a professional baker with tips and tricks on icing techniques – perfect for families, friends, or solo bakers. Bristol, MountHopeFarm.org

Discover the Magic of

LINDEN PLACE MANSION

at Christmas Time

SELF-GUIDED TOURS START NOVEMBER 21ST – DECEMBER 3OTH | TUES-FRI, 10AM-4PM, SAT & SUN, 12PM-4PM A towering Christmas tree framed by a 1840’s conservatory, elegant decorations on every mantle and in every nook and cranny, these are just some of the many delights that await you this Christmas season at Linden Place Mansion. The mansion’s parlors, bedrooms and magnificent halls are transformed for your enjoyment.

Annual Fireside Christmas Concerts with Michael DiMucci

Voices of Christmas Carolers Free Performance

Candlelight Tours of Linden P lace Mansion

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8, 7PM & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2PM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1PM-2PM

SELECT EVENINGS THROUGHOUT DECEMBER

Stop by Linden Place during the Bristol Christmas Festival for the Voices of Christmas performance on the front steps of the mansion. This performance is free and open to the public. Mansion tours will be offered at a special discounted family rate of $10 on this special Bristol weekend!

Get a glimpse of Christmas past at Linden Place’s Candlelight Tour. As you stroll through the decorated mansion rooms, you will learn all about the five generations of the DeWolf-Colt families who lived here and how Christmas was celebrated in Bristol in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

These fireside concerts in the carriage house style ballroom are a perennial sellout with a mix of classical numbers and Christmas standards.

500 HOPE STREET, BRISTOL FO R M O R E I N FO R M AT I O N & T I C K E TS V I SIT L IN D E N P LAC E .OR G OR C A L L (4 01 ) 2 53- 0390

Sponsored by

Tiverton Middle School, 10 Quintal Drive, Tiverton RI More info at www.TivertonFarmersMarket.com The Bay • December 2023

f 43

DECEMBER 17 {SANTA!} Meet and Greet with Santa Cruise & Holiday Bubbly Cruises: Mix, mingle, and get your jingle on aboard the Coastal Queen during this special cruise with Santa, hot chocolate, and candy canes, and a cruise with prosecco later in the afternoon. Newport, CoastalQueenCruises.com

DECEMBER 19 A Night with the Butler and Lady’s Maid: Step back in time with a special self-guided holiday tour by candlelight, detailing the lives and duties of Blithewold’s historic household staff. Bristol, Blithewold.org Meet Your Maker Winter Market: Hope & Main’s local food and beverage market features craft cocktails, familiar vendors, kids’ activities, and live music for a special holiday edition. Warren, MakeFoodYourBusiness.org

Hope & Main

Mount Hope Farm

DECEMBER 20-21

DECEMBER 21 Holiday Centerpiece Workshop: Craft a beautiful floral holiday centerpiece for your table with Thistle and Posy at Mount Hope Farm. Bristol, MountHopeFarm.org

DECEMBER 22 Holidays at the JPT – It’s a Wonderful Life: Share the experience of watching George Bailey and an angel earn his wings at this screening of the classic film. Newport, JanePickens.com

DECEMBER 26 Kwanzaa: At press time events are unconfirmed but follow Sankofa Community Connection for updates on 2023 events. SankofaNewportRI.org 44

The Bay • December 2023

DECEMBER 31 A Chanler Soirée for New Year’s Eve: Send the year off in style with a glamorous night that includes luxe-crafted cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres, and seafood stations before digging into a lavish four-course dinner. Dancing and a champagne toast caps the night. Newport, TheChanler.com

Five Course Meal at Castle Hill: The Dining Room at Castle Hill features a five-course menu including a main and dessert. Clink glasses at midnight with a complimentary champagne toast. Newport, CastleHillInn.com

New Year’s Eve at the Mansion: Endless champagne, handcrafted cocktails, indulgent dishes and live music from Golden Estate House Band set the stage for a fanciful fete. Tarot readings, festive surprises, and more are on the agenda. Newport, AubergeResorts.com

New Year’s Eve at The Viking: Ring in 2024 in Gilded Age fashion harkening back to the days of the Vanderbilts and Astors on Bellevue Avenue. Newport, HotelViking.com

Photo (top) courtesy of Hope & Main, (bottom) courtesy of Mount Hope Farm

Holidays at the JPT – National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Party: Sit back and relax at the Jane Pickens Theatre with live music, film screening, and cookies. Newport, JanePickens.com

Details

Matter.

Mickey Silva 401.464.2158

REALTOR® Managing Partner Serving Providence & Beyond

Give the gift

Give the Gift of Good Taste BUY $100 IN GIFT CARDS, GET A FREE $20 BONUS CARD BUY $500 IN GIFT CARDS, GET A FREE $100 BONUS CARD PURCHASE IN PERSON OR ONLINE, PROMOTION ENDS 12.31.23 SEE WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

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Food & Drink Food News

In The Kitchen

Experience

Brie Merry and Bright Make holiday gatherings extra special with free-form grazing and sipping “Holiday gatherings should be about more fun and less stress,” says charcuterie aficionado and Grapes & Gourmet manager Amelia Wilson, whose mission is to curate get-togethers that inspire “sharing, drinking wine, passing food, and telling stories.” The Jamestown wine and cheese shop takes the work out of foodie gift-giving and entertaining by offering special seasonal baskets of local bounties and imported goods, down to the artisan crackers and fresh flower centerpiece. “When picking wines, don’t overthink it,” advises Wilson. “There are so many amazing flavors on the table – one could drive themselves crazy trying to perfectly pair certain wines with certain flavors.” To please a variety of flavor palates, Grapes & Gourmet offers a gift pack of six wine picks, assembled with notes for each, and wrapped up in a branded tote bag. While assembling a snack board need not be a perfect art, Wilson suggests a winter centerpiece of baked Brie to wow guests. “It’s the perfect appetizer and you can make it look and taste super seasonal with candied pecans, thyme, cranberries, jam, and cinnamon – just delightful and very easy.” Can’t get enough of the melty goodness? Outfit a fondue spread with local bread stocked at the store and Alpine cheeses. “Everyone has their personal recipe to tweak it and make it their own but I stick to the classics: Gruyère Reserve, Appenzeller, and Emmental.” Build your own board for the holidays with Grapes & Gourmet’s customizable gift back that comes with it all: cheeses, meats, crackers, olives, a spread, nuts, and even the board. GrapesAndGourmet.com | By Abbie Lahmers Photo courtesy of Grapes & Gourmet The Bay • December 2023

Food & Drink

A wine for sipping with pizza expands statewide

PVD biscuit shop opens West End brick-and-mortar

Classic sandwiches in Narragansett

Pizza and wine: a match made in heaven. One Rhode Island company is embracing this love affair by offering a new canned beverage called Pizza Wine. The lightly carbonated drink is expanding to restaurants around the state after being piloted earlier this year when chef Robert Andreozzi and mixologist Jesse Hedberg began serving the bubbly beverage at Pizza Marvin in Providence. The team partnered with Elizabeth McDonnell, former owner of Providence’s Fortnight Wine Bar and the branding duo of Bristol native Alaina Andreozzi and Christiana Guzman. “The wine is made from grapes grown in the Finger Lakes (NY) region, called De Chaunac – a really beautiful, juicy, delicious, easy-to-drink wine,” says Andreozzi. “People who are newer to drinking wine have really responded to Pizza Wine; it’s been an entry point into wine for them,” says Andreozzi. “Reviews have also been strong from industry people, who may be more skeptical of canned wine. We‘ve seen positive feedback across the

If fried chicken and hot honey or country ham and eggs between two fresh-baked biscuit halves is your style of breakfast, a popular pop-up’s new brick-and-mortar will give you something worth waking up early for. Formerly occupying The Tailor Shop space on Broadway every weekend at brunch time since 2020, Irregardless Biscuits is stretching their legs in the former Kitchen, just a few blocks away on Carpenter Street. Owned by James Dean (of Slow Rhode fame) and Joe Hafner, the southern-style breakfast biscuit spot is led by head baker Erin Richer with an aim to “satisfy a taste of home,” says Hafner. “We are going to continue to offer the breakfast biscuit menu with a few additions, as well as adding some evening hours with new menu items we will announce when we open,” shares Hafner, estimating, at press time, a late November opening. “We had a lot of fun at the space on Broadway and we want to carry over that fun fast-paced atmosphere we had there.” Providence, @irregardlessbiscuit – Abbie Lahmers

A new sandwich shop in Narragansett is taking a back-to-basics approach by focusing on their specialty: delicious sandwiches. “We keep the menu pretty tight, with about eight or nine sandwiches,” says Philip Dimin, who opened The Salty General in August, after moving to Rhode Island with his family. The shop is popular among locals and URI students, and a welcome addition to the north end of the seaside community. Menu highlights include “the Roast Beef, which has horseradish aioli, cheddar cheese, pickled onions, tomato, and arugula,” says Dimin. “Another is the Calabrese, which is basically our Italian, with a Calabrian chili aioli so it’s got a little heat.” Dimin’s personal favorite is the Mortadella Fritto on 5/8inch bread, layered with provolone, salt and vinegar chips, and iceberg lettuce, which he describes as “crunchy and delicious.” “A sandwich is not rocket science, but a sandwich with a little extra thought, with

board.” Look for Pizza Wine to expand into area bars, restaurants, and liquor stores in the coming months. ItsPizzaWine.com – Ken Abrams 48

The Bay • December 2023

really good bread and a really good sauce can be special,” says Dimin. Narragansett, TheSaltyGeneral.com – Ken Abrams

Photos courtesy of Pizza Wine

FOOD NEWS

com

Discover the flavors of Rhode Island! From fresh seafood shacks to farm-to-table eateries, little Rhody offers 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.

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.

MainStreet Coffee 137 Main Street, East Greenwich 401-885-8787 | MainStreet-Coffee.com Casual coffee house meets hip martini bar. Best Espresso Martinis in Rhode Island.

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.

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.

O utdo o r D i n i n g |

C ur b sid e Pickup |

De li ve r y |

Ta keout |

Al l erg en Fri en d l y Op t i o n s

Food & Drink IN THE KITCHEN

By Ruthie Wood

Home on the Range A Portsmouth farm’s natural, regenerative methods yield high-quality cuts for the holidays and beyond

The Bay • December 2023

Pasture-raised cattle at Aquidneck Farms

Natural farming processes mean better-tasting meat

Photos courtesy of Aquidneck Farms

As the days grow shorter and the nights colder, many people turn to comfort foods for supper – heavy, rich meals that warm the hearth, heart, and belly, often centered around meats and smothered in a chunky sauce or savory broth. When it comes to sourcing cuts of meat for these winter indulgences, chain supermarkets may seem like the most feasible choice – but many don’t realize the abundance of more wholesome farm riches produced right here in Rhode Island. Mike and Lindsey, the farm and sales managers of Aquidneck Farms, are out to change that conception. Aquidneck Farms, located on Wapping Road in Portsmouth, is a “meat farm” – they sell beef, chicken, eggs, and pork – but what makes them unique is their mission of regenerative farming on conservation land, which is preserved by the Aquidneck Island Land Trust. In simpler terms: their aim is to keep things as natural as possible for the benefit of the Earth, their animals, and consumers. “We are healing the land,” Lindsey says, and cites the abundance of wildlife as proof: swallows, deer, turtles, and frogs are all signs that the environment is thriving. The farm team rotates their herd of 200 black angus cattle and 1,200 chickens through the pastures, building soil fertility through droppings, manure, and carbon deposits from root die-off. The team does not use pesticides or added hormones on the animals, instead working with nature to preserve the health of the herd; for example, the calves are not separated from their mothers – so they can gain all the antibodies they need from their mother’s milk – and are allowed to mature on a natural timeline of two to three years before slaughter, compared to just 16 months in a feedlot system. “Lots of people seek us out for the health benefits and know their beef is raised environmentally friendly and our animals are cared for,” Mike says, explaining that the care is in the taste. “Between being raised on pasture and slower growth, they really have a way better [flavor] profile than anything you can buy in the supermarkets.” You can see it in the dark reddish brown color of the beef, a lesser fat content, and marbling. Even though the

AUTHORIZED RETAIL DEALER FOR BYERS CHOICE CAROLERS & COLONIAL CANDLES

store freezes it, the meat itself is also fresher – from the farm to the butcher and back again, fewer steps mean less processing. Since the pandemic, Lindsey noticed people seem to be more interested in meat. Where their food comes from and how it’s processed are on top of mind, but trends like the carnivore diet of strictly animal products and waste awareness cooking, which means using the whole animal, are becoming increasingly popular. At the Aquidneck Farms store and farmers markets throughout the state, customers are buying nutrient-dense organ meat, such as liver and heart, as well as bones to make homemade stock. This winter and holiday season, Aquidneck Farms is offering quarter, half, or whole cows, which is great for large gatherings or for meal-prepping. For smaller gatherings or weeknight meals, Mike and Lindsey recommend chuck roasts for slow cookers and stews or brisket for southern-style comfort or sliders. With Aquidneck Farms located in a farming community on Wapping Road, visiting their farm store for the centerpiece of the table might just prompt an excursion to other farms for sides, accents, or finishing touches on your holiday table.

WE ALSO CARRY PATRICIA BREEN & RADKO ORNAMENTS

840 Main Street, Warren • (401) 245-3101 • AlfredsConsignment.com

Aquidneck Farms 333 Wapping Road, Portsmouth AquidneckFarms.com

The Bay • December 2023

Food & Drink EXPERIENCE

By Jenny Currier Shand

Picnic Perfect A quaint Newport cafe offers gourmet treats and encourages local exploration

Picnic Cafe is a hidden gem on Newport’s historic Bellevue Avenue that gives off European cafe vibes mixed with a quintessential New England atmosphere. The small white tables and chairs and chalk-drawn menu beside the door are invitations for passersby to pause en route to their destination, and perhaps even be rerouted after seeing the picnic baskets for sale right inside the dining area. Established in 2016 by John and Tracy Bach-Sorensen, the concept was a passion

The Bay • December 2023

project that allowed them to offer freshly baked goods and superior coffee, while sharing their love of the place where they live. Even though John was trained in the culinary arts in both Denmark and France, he lights up the most when talking about Newport. You’re likely to find him in the narrow cafe, grabbing a map of the area and guiding newcomers to must-see adventures, or connecting with locals, who flock to the shop, too. My husband and I visited for brunch on a Sunday afternoon. Having moseyed over

from Thames Street, with its crowds and impossible parking, we were shocked to find a spot right in front of Picnic. We were greeted warmly, and stood in awe of the pastry counter, filled with the most delicious eye candy: slices of chocolate cake, personal-sized pecan pies, blueberry turnovers,

CUISINE: Gourmet treats and picnic fare ATMOSPHERE: Cozy European cafe

Photos (L) by Jenny Currier Shand, (R) courtesy of Picnic Cafe

A full pastry case at Picnic Cafe

SEASONALLY INSPIRED; SCRATCH-MADE KITCHEN

TAKEOUT • BREAKFAST • BRUNCH LUNCH & COCKTAILS

NEW MENU GARDEN PATIO

VEGAN & VEGETARIAN OPTIONS

437 Main Street (In Historic Warren, RI) / Thursday-Monday: 8am-2:30pm (401) 441-5460 / uptownfoodandspirits.com

fruit tarts, and Reese’s Peanut Butter cookies, just to name a handful. It took us a minute to scan the variety of coffees and teas, sweet and savory bakery items, and list of sandwiches and salads that were available. All orders are prepared in to-go containers – just another nudge to have an impromptu picnic – but there is also a small seating area in the back, decorated with whites and blues and rustic colors reminiscent of the perfect beach home. This is a laptop-free

apparel

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423 Hope Street bristol * rhode island 401-253-1314 beaubleuboutique.com @beaubleuboutique Beau Bleu Boutique The Bay • December 2023

Food & Drink EXPERIENCE

By Jenny Currier Shand

Sweet treats are a Picnic Cafe staple

The Bay • December 2023

Photos courtesy of Picnic Cafe

zone, encouraging customers to savor the experience while dining. After much deliberation, we ordered a cinnamon roll specifically to dunk in our freshly brewed cup of coffee (this was John’s suggestion) – it was the perfect pairing! Since many of the bakery’s favorites are adorned with almonds, and I’m allergic, I lived vicariously through my husband. He ordered an authentic Danish Kringle, created by the Dane himself. “I didn’t know a Danish could taste so good!” my husband reported. “This makes me rethink everything I thought I knew – it’s juicy and sweet and soft and fluffy.” Shifting to savory fare, I ordered an avocado toast, served on multigrain bread, with a side of lettuce, tomato, and pickled onion. My husband took the advice of Bach-Sorensen’s eldest daughter, who was working behind the counter that day, and ordered the Blackened Salmon sandwich, served with picnic-favorite sides: coleslaw, potato salad, and a pickle. Although tempted to take our meals outside, I was lured to the back by the

The shows you love, made possible by you! Savory lunch fare selections

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Must-Try Items Danish Kringle ($4.50) Almond, custard, orange

Pain au Chocolat ($4.25) The quintessential chocolate croissant

HAPPY HOLIDAYS from all of us at

Roast Turkey Sandwich ($12.50) Cheddar, cranberry sauce, lettuce, tomato, and tarragon mayo

comfortably cushioned bench. We enjoyed our light fare and considered buying more treats for the ride home. It is, after all, a long drive back to Providence. Whether you choose to hole up this winter inside their cozy cafe or bundle up and grab a picnic basket lunch to enjoy at one of Newport’s picturesque backdrops, Picnic Cafe will give you all you need to savor the moment and the experience.

thepublicsradio.org

Picnic Cafe 28 Bellevue Avenue, Newport 401-619-1181 • PicnicNewport.com

The Bay • December 2023

Pic of the Bay

ABOUT KAYLA @k___elizabeth

A twinkling Tannenbaum brings the Christmas spirit to Barrington

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

28 Strawberry Lane | Portsmouth 5 BEDROOMS | 5 BATHROOMS | OFFERED AT $2,495,000 LISTED BY KYLIE MCCOLLOUGH | 401.864.8830 Brand new custom home with over 4,000 square feet of open living space with panoramic ocean views. High-end appliances and finishes, white oak hardwoods and beautiful millwork throughout. First floor primary suite features two walk-in closets, radiant bathroom floors and French doors opening to a gracious wrap around porch. Stunning sunsets overlooking state-of-the-art equestrian stables and world class Scottish links golf course and short golf cart ride from the exclusive The Aquidneck Club, which offers tennis, golf, boating, equestrian, dining and spa amenities with membership.

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Happy Holidays from Alicia Reynolds Sales Associate Licensed in RI, MA & CT 401-835-2605 areynolds@residentialproperties.com AliciaReynoldsRealtor.com