Hey Rhody February 2021 by Hey Rhody Media Co.

Flexible Hours. Faster Test Results.

For a List of Patient Service Center Locations: 401-793-4242 â&#x20AC;¢ 800-980-4244 LifespanLabs.org

History

meets

Luxury Living It’s everything you’re looking for. www.bradysullivan.com

Our historic mill properties in Rhode Island have each been transformed into chic, urban loft style apartment communities. All of our properties are animal-friendly and offer a variety of sizes and floor plans to choose from, with elegant features and amenities for a space you’ll be proud to call home.

Convenient On-Site Amenities: • Fully-equipped fitness center • Indoor basketball court • Courtyard with BBQ grill • State-of-the-art theatre room • Wi-fi hotspot • Community reading area • Community billiard room

• Community gathering spaces • Washer/dryer in every unit • Garage parking • Central air • On-site storage • Animal friendly • Fireplaces in select units

FEATURES

CO V E R S TO R Y

Rhody Gems: You Find, They Shine 30+ businesses you need to know about right now – and why

28 A R T & C U LT U R E

Maker’s Movement Warwick photographer captures creativity on 35mm

47 FOOD & DRINK

How Sweet It Is Inside the Wakefield kitchen of Sweenor ’s Chocolates

40 HOME & STYLE

Meet Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie Acclaimed author on finding happiness in Providence Photo by Erin McGinn

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

VI O

Come Alive at the Courthouse

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT • A TASTE OF WHAT’S TO COME

SAT 2/13 SAT 2/20 SAT 2/27

NYSOM - NEW YORK STATE OF MIND - BILLY JOEL TRIBUTE - 6PM & 8PM VAN MORRISON TRIBUTE - MOONDANCE - 8 PM JOURNEY TRIBUTE - 8PM

SAT 3/6

TOM PETTY TRIBUTE - RADIO PETTY - 8PM

SAT 4/3 FRI 4/9 SAT 4/10 FRI 4/16 SAT 4/17 FRI 4/30

ERIC CLAPTON TRIBUTE - BELL BOTTOM BLUES - 8PM AEROSMITH - DRAW THE LINE - 8PM AEROSMITH - DRAW THE LINE - 8PM ANDY GROSS - 7:30PM ELVIS & ORBISON - 8PM SOUL CRUISERS - MOTOWN CONCERT - 8PM

SAT 5/1 SAT 5/8 SAT 5/15 FRI 5/21 SAT 5/22 SAT 5/29

SOUL CRUISERS - MOTOWN CONCERT - 8PM EAGLES TRIBUTE - EAGLES EXPERIENCE - 5PM & 8PM AZTEC TWO STEP - 8PM GUNS & ROSES TRIBUTE - NIGHTRAIN - 8PM GUNS & ROSES TRIBUTE - NIGHTRAIN - 8PM SKYNRYD TRIBUTE - STREET SURVIVORS - 8PM

FRI 6/4 SAT 6/5 SAT 6/12

EARTH WIND AND FIRE TRIBUTE - 8PM CHERYL WHEELER - 7:30PM JONATHAN EDWARDS - 8PM

Digital Photography Classes 5 Weeks

Starting in March

PLEASE DONATE TO HELP US REOPEN: COURTHOUSEARTS.ORG

COURTHOUSE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

3481 Kingstown Road, West Kingston • 401-782-1018 • CourthouseArts.org 501C3 NON PROFIT PROVIDING FREE CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS IN MUSIC & ARTS

CONTENTS

News & Life

Art & Culture

Home & Style

Food & Drink

up to create local road trip agendas

30 The duo behind a Pawtucket design and build workshop

36 HOME: A Bristol

46 Kerri Cupcake delivers

cottage exudes romantic style all year long

pastry panache for sweethearts and singles

14 Travel influencer explores the beauty of Matunuck during winter

31 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

41 SHOP: Modern

48 The scoop on

32 RHODY READS: Six

heirloom lockets link state’s jewelry past and present

cocoa bombs and where to find them

books to give you all the feels

42 Date ideas that will

12 Tourism gurus team

16 How PVD’s Dr. Megan Ranney came into the national spotlight

17 Best sledding spots across the Ocean State 18 RHODY GEM: Try your hand at modern fencing in East Providence

have you crushing hard on Little Rhody

50 25K reasons why Providence restaurateur Bob Burke is smiling

51 #HEYRHODYPHOTOS : A colorful mosaic from local Instagrammers

On the Cover: A collage of 2020’s Rhody Gem designees

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

Clockwise from top: photography by Ingrid Brown; Mark Lohman, styling by Fifi O’Neill; and Heidi Hope Photography

CELEBRATING 65 YEARS!

CARPET REMNANTS PRE-FINISHED HARDWOOD • VINYL HARDWOOD • CERAMIC TILE LAMINATE • AREA RUGS

SALE: FABRICS & PILLOWS February 2021

Wallpapers • Window Treatments • Bedding Upholstery • Slipcovers • Draperies • Shades Trims • Shutters • Custom Lampshades

Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell

General Manager & Creative Director Nick DelGiudice

Editor in Chief Elyse Major

Editor Abbie Lahmers

Managing Editor Megan Schmit

Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas

Senior Editorial Designer Abigail Brown

Senior Designer Taylor Gilbert

Account Managers

Because Your Home Matters to You! At Devils Ft. Road New Traffic Pattern Call For Easy Directions

491 Davisville Road, North Kingstown 884-8300 • bartscarpet.com

606 Ten Rod Road, North Kingstown 401-295-2760 • fabricgalleryri.com In the back and to the left of the Lafayette bldg. Look for wood sign Fabric Gallery

Tuesday – Friday 10 – 5 • Saturday 11 – 3

Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher Kristine Mangan Olf Sascha Martin Elizabeth Riel Interested in advertising? Email Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com

Contributing Photographers

pamper your PUP at

FULL GROOMING MENU AVAILABLE

Amy Amerentes

Mark Lohman

Savannah Barkley

Wolf Matthewson

Mackenzie Bremges

Erin McGinn

Heidi Hope Photography

Sindayiganza Photography

Molly Lo Photography

Contributing Writers Ann O’Neill

John Taraborelli

Hugh Minor

Karen Greco

Ingrid Brown

Sean Morrissey

Looking for an internship? Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com

Distribution Services Special Delivery

Presented by Providence Media, publishers of The Bay, Providence Monthly, and So Rhode Island

DAYCARE | BOARDING | TRAINING | PUPPY PRESCHOOL

1070 Main Street, Suite 302, Pawtucket RI 02860 401-305-3391 • Mail@ProvidenceOnline.com HeyRhody.com

30 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick | 401-903-4900 | Dogtopia.com/Warwick

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

ONLINE

CONTRIBUTORS WOLF MATTHEWSON It was one of those magical evenings in Providence when award-winning photographer Wolf Matthewson captured restaurateur Bob Burke “sabering” a champagne bottle open and it began to snow. “It was quite the sight,” says Matthewson of the image featured in Pop the Cork on page 50, which tells of Burke’s lucky acquisition of funds for Pot au Feu.

HUGH MINOR Web Exclusive: From health food markets to meal prep, South County has what you need for a delicious and nutritious new year

NEWSLETTER:

An avid reader since as long as he can remember, Hugh Minor is always on the lookout for his next favorite book. This communications g uru enjoys spending his downtime curled up on the couch reading to his dog , Zee, who enjoys a wide range of subjects. Find his six heartfelt picks for Februar y in Rhody Reads on page 32.

ANN O’NEILL In Love Layers on page 46, Ann O’Neill writes about what Sweet Indulgence pastry princess Kerri Cupcake has in store for Valentine’s Day and beyond. When she’s not writing about food or participating in screenwriting challenges, this Harvard grad can be found in her kitchen perfecting from-scratch macarons and looking forward to a summer filled with beach days.

Beavertail State Park Subscribe to our free Hey Rhody email newsletter for: • Weekly must-do’s • Online exclusives • And more!

@HeyRhody HeyRhody.com

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

JOHN TARABORELLI John Taraborelli is a former editor turned freelancer at Hey Rhody. He returns to our pages this month to interview Brown University’s Megan Ranney, MD MPH, who has become a nationally prominent voice on pandemic response for her ability to translate complex health information for the general public. Read all about Dr. Ranney on page 16.

Always Surprising

PREMIER MATCHMAKING AGENCY FOR BUSINESSMEN & WOMEN

PRE-LOVED & VINTAGE WEAR

Make Me a Match Debra L’Heureux, Rhode Island’s top matchmaker for Get Ready To Date has been in the business of helping people find love for over 18 years! • She personally interviews and screens her clients prior to her experienced hands defining a match • Both men and women are guaranteed to meet potential partners • Hand crafted matches, no computer program or software

THE

CALL NOW FOR A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION

Thrifty GOOSE

WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY: 10AM-2PM

ST. MARTIN’S CHURCH

50 Orchard Avenue, Providence 751-2141 • stmartinsprov.org

401-569-8233

GETREADYTODATE.COM

ORGANIZE YOUR LIFE Custom Closet Geeks has the solution and it works!

Custom Closet Geeks

Working from Home These Days?

We do Offices!

MENTION THIS AD AND RECEIVE UP TO A

25%

DISCOUNT* *Minimum purchase of $1500. New orders only

Custom Closets Without The Custom Price CALL FOR FREE IN HOME CONSULTATION *Installation included

Call Wendy to schedule an appointment (508) 441-7301

www.CustomClosetGeeks.com •

customclosetgeeks

Showrooms Available: 685 Orchard Street, New Bedford, Ma | 74 Nooseneck Road, West Greenwich, RI *appointment only

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

NEWS & LIFE

J oy R i d e s | V i s i t M a t u n u c k | H e a l t h A u t h o r i ty | S l e d d i n g S p o t s | R h o d y G e m

14 The sleepy village of Matunuck has a lot to offer, even in winter P h o t o b y I n g r i d B r ow n

NEWS & LIFE

Hit the Rhode

R h o d e I s l a n d t o u r i s m o rg s c u ra t e “ j oy r i d e s ” t o h e l p re d i s cove r yo u r h o m e s t a t e By Megan Schmit

KNEAD Doughnuts

Photo (L) by Elyse Major, (R) courtesy of Providence Children’s Museum

inter might not seem like the ideal season for a road trip, but when cabin fever starts to set in (let’s be honest, we’ve been feeling it since last March), it might just be the perfect time to fill up the tank and buckle in for some local escapes. Thankfully, Providence War wick Convention & Visitors Bureau teamed up with the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council and City of War wick to put together some agendas – cheerfully titled Joy Rides – to satisf y ever y kind of wanderlust. The best part ? You don’t even have to cross the state border. “ These Joy Rides offer a safe and fun way for families to get out of the house, enjoy the sights and attractions in areas of the state they may not be familiar with, and support local small businesses – especially in what’s typically the slow time of year following the holiday rush,” says Kristen Adamo, president and CEO of the PWCVB in the initial press release. There are eight curated Joy Rides available at GoProvidence.com, each offering things to do, where to eat, and places to stay if you feel like turning the day trip into an overnight. Here’s a preview of what each has in store (visit online for full details, including hotels). 1. That’s the Spirit: Wine, Beer & More As the name might imply, this ride will have you sipping your way through the state, starting with Diamond Hill or Verde Vineyards in Northern RI and weaving through local craft breweries and distilleries in Pawtucket and Prov like The Guild and Rhode Island Spirits, and finishing at Proclamation Ale. Along the way, combine craft brews with equally delicious eats at Bayberr y Beer Hall in Prov or Apponaug Brewing Company in War wick. 2. Are We There Yet ? Yep: Fun with the Family A ride perfect for the kiddos combines active stops like Launch Trampoline Park in Warwick with historic walking tours, a visit to the Providence Children’s Museum, and indoor go -karting at R1 in Lincoln. Both kids and parents will love noshing on sliders at Harr y’s Bar & Burger and grabbing something sweet from KNEAD or PVDonuts.

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

Providence Children’s Museum 3. Tr y it & Buy it: Great Places to Shop The Warwick Mall kicks off this joy ride, a major shopping destination for national retailers; for local ones, the agenda points to Westminster and Hope Streets in Providence and Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket. While you’re sure to encounter plenty of eating opportunities along the way, they recommend CAV for its pretty interior (featuring antiques for sale!) or Vanda Cucina for elegant Italian in Warwick.

6. Breakfast is the Most Important Meal of the Day – All Day Who said breakfast food is just for breakfast ? Instead, make it a full-day affair with this trip touring classic Pawtucket diners like Modern and Miss Lorraine, elevated brunch fare at Nick’s on Broadway or quirky takes from Julian’s in PVD, and cozy eats from the Tree House Tavern unexpectedly nestled in a commercial chunk of War wick.

4. Caffeine & Sugar: What More Could You Ask For ? Cleverly described as a “java jaunt”, this route weaves from Coffee Exchange in Providence to West Shore Coffee Bar in Warwick, peppered with sweet stops for baked goods and more hot cuppas in between. There’s even something for those who prefer their caffeine steeped rather than brewed: BlackStone Herbs + Coffee Bar in Cumberland has a menu dedicated to hot loose-leaf and specialty tea blends.

7. Take it Outside The weather might be chilly – perhaps even snowy – but that doesn’t mean outdoor adventures are off the table. Drive to Rocky Point Park in War wick for the remnants of the former beloved amusement park, walk the trail along Blackstone Boulevard in Providence, or hike Lincoln Woods. Of course, Roger Williams Park offers a ton of recreation options in a single space, including the carousel, Museum of Natural Histor y and Planetarium, and zoo.

5. Comfort Food Across Cultures Besides beaches and being the smallest state, Rhode Island is known as a top-notch foodie destination that offers global cuisine in a smalltown package. Try seafood in Warwick at Top of the Bay or The Crow’s Nest, Peruvian and Bolivian at Los Andes in Prov, Korean fried chicken at Den Den on the East Side, and spice it up with Colombian at La Casona in Central Falls.

8. Rhode Island Classics Last but not least, this joy ride takes you through the Little Rhody we know and love : From strolling historic Pawtuxet Village and admiring the Rhode Island State House, to exploring Federal Hill and grabbing a hot weiner from Olneyville New York System or clam roll from Igg y’s, to name a few.

NEWS & LIFE

Travel RI with IngRId Road t r i p to M at u n u ck By Ingrid Brown

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

Find the mobile Surfside Coffee next to Matunuck Surf Shop

Photos by Ingrid Brown

he South Kingstown village of Matunuck is named after the Native American word for “lookout”. It’s known for incredible beaches, like East Matunuck State Beach, Moonstone, South Kingstown Town Beach, and Roy Carpenter’s Beach and cottages. Theatre by the Sea has its historic playhouse here, where patrons will hopefully see shows once more this summer. While we’re far from the hustle and bustle of warmer days, the seaside hamlet has a lot to offer even in winter. Let me show you a few things to do, places to dine, and photos to take!

EAT YOUR HEART OUT Matunuck might be small, but its food scene is mighty. Ocean Mist is a beach bar ser ving up summer vibes all year long in the form of

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

drinks, American eats, and even live music (on hold for now). Plus, you can’t beat the up-close view of Matunuck Beach. Across the street, find Matunuck Pizza Pie Co. with the warm, cheesy, pull-apart pizza of your dreams. Of course, there’s one restaurant alone that, in my opinion, is entirely worth the trip: Matunuck Oyster Bar, known for locally grown, fresh and farm-raised seafood – especially, no surprise, their oysters, which you can learn all about on their oyster farm tours.

SHOP TILL YOU DROP It might be too cold for beachcombing , so why not comb for store-bought finds and support small biz ? The Matunuck Surf Shop is open for all your water sporting gear needs, like surf boards and wax, plus graphic tees, footwear, and sunnies. Next door, the

Surfside Coffee Shop is a quick stop to warm up with hot chocolate or a latte around their makeshift barrel fire pit, and don’t forget to swing through Carpenter’s Farm on the way home for winter meat bundles, fresh produce, baked goods, and even hand-poured soy wax candles.

PICS OR IT DIDN’T HAPPEN A trip to Matunuck isn’t complete without proper documentation – that means whipping out the phone (or professional camera, if you have one) for a stunning sunset or serene winter shot at any of the beaches, Potters Pond, or wait for a pop -up from Moonstone Flower Co. to pose with some pretty blooms. Follow Ingrid along at @ingridbrown_ for tips on lifestyle, travel, home decor, and much more.

NEWS & LIFE

Meet Megan Ranney, MD MPH One of the leading national voices on COV ID -19 is r ig ht h ere i n Rhode I s l and By John Taraborelli

he pandemic transformed doctors into unexpected national and local celebrities. Think Anthony Fauci or Rhode Island Department of Health Director Nicole Alexander-Scott. Megan Ranney, MD MPH is another, a local doctor and educator who became a national authority on COVID response, appearing on CNN and being inter viewed by The New York Times and The Atlantic. “My work on COVID has, in many ways, taken over my life,” says Dr. Ranney. “I became a frequent commentator on national and local media, translating the latest science into comprehensible g uidance for the average American. We are going to continue to need strong science communication and clear g uidelines for policymakers.” She also founded a national nonprofit, GetUsPPE, in response to shortages of personal protective equipment on the front lines,

in addition to continuing to practice as an emergency room physician. Before the pandemic Dr. Ranney was planning to work on an entirely different set of intractable health problems. As director of the new Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health, which launched in July, she is managing 13 faculty and 10 staff tasked with the research and development of innovative, tech-oriented approaches to health. “ We have the potential to truly transform the creation, validation, and scaling of technolog y-augmented tools – things like apps, text-messaging , wearables, and social media – to improve health on an individual and so cietal scale,” Dr. Ranney explains. As the pandemic is brought under control (we hope), Dr. Ranney will be able to turn her attention – and newfound celebrity – toward other pressing health-related matters. “I’m going to continue with my own

research, clinical care, and ser vice to the community. I maintain my commitment to identif ying and implementing new techniques to prevent violence and related behavioral health disorders,” she says. “Finally, I’m committed to continuing to work to improve science communication – to be a public voice for public health and science.” Looking ahead, Dr. Ranney shares her optimism: “I’m excited by the potential to build a better society, together. When we look at histor y, we know that the greatest tragedies lead to the greatest innovation and growth. In 2020, we dealt with disappointment and tragedy, but I also saw individuals and communities come together to create good. In 2021, we have the chance to take this entropy and channel it – to create a more just, equitable, and healthy world. This po tential is what keeps me moving for ward.” Twitter and Instagram: @meganranney

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

Photo by Nick DelGiudice

Dr. Megan Ranney was selected as one of Providence Monthly ’s Who to Watch in 2021

NEWS & LIFE

Hey Rhody, Head for the Hills Best Sledding Spots in Rhode Island By Elyse Major

The Temple to Music slopes

Photo courtesy of Roger Williams Park Conservancy

hether you have a fancy toboggan, saucer, or plan to zoom the white stuff on a yoga mat, we have scoured the state with the help of our readers to offer a list of the best sledding sites around. Remember, these are word-of-mouth places taken over for the day by enthusiasts so please use your best judgement. Also, not to be wet blankets, but remember to always dress warmly in layers and wear a hat, helmet, and gloves. Slide feet first, and when marching back up the hill, keep to the side. Oh, and hot cocoa afterwards from your favorite local cafe is always a good idea! Did we miss your favorite sledding spot? Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com with location!

CUMBERL AND Diamond Hill Park, 4097 Diamond Hill Road Mercy Mount Countr y Day School, 35 Wrentham Road

BARRINGTON Rhode Island Countr y Club, 150 Nayatt Road

HOPE VALLEY Arcadia Management Area, 260 Arcadia Road

BRISTOL Columban Fathers, 65 Ferry Road Colt State Park, Route 114 CENTR AL FALLS Jenks Park, Broad Street

E AST GREENWICH Goddard State Park, 1095 Ives Road E AST PROVIDENCE Larissa Park, 701 Bullocks Point Avenue EXETER Yawgoo Valley Snow Tubing , 220 Yawgoo Valley Road GLOCESTER Durfee Hill Management Area, Reynolds Road

JAMESTOWN Fort Wetherill, 3 Fort Wetherill Road JOHNSTON Johnston Memorial Park, 1583 Hartford Avenue

CHEPACHET Pulaski State Park, 151 Pulaski Road

LINCOLN Chase Farm, Lincoln Lincoln Woods State Park, 2 Manchester Print Works Road

CR ANSTON Hugh B. Bain Middle School, 135 Gansett Avenue

NEWPORT Fort Adams State Park, 80 Fort Adams Drive St. George’s School, 372 Purgatory Road

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

NORTH K INGSTOWN Wickford Elementary School, 99 Phillips Street PAW TUCK ET Daggett Field, 401 Daggett Avenue PROVIDENCE India Point Park, 291 India Street Moses Brown School, 250 Lloyd Avenue Roger Williams Park, Temple Hill, 1000 Elmwood Avenue RIVER SIDE Silver Spring Golf Course, 3303 Pawtucket Avenue SMITHFIELD Deerfield Park (hill across from play area), Indian Run Road WARREN Burr’s Hill Park, off Water Street WARWICK Salter Grove Memorial Park, Narragansett Parkway WESTERLY Wilcox Park, 44 Broad Street WEST GREENWICH Big River Management Area, Nooseneck Hill Road WOONSOCK ET Cass Park, Cass Avenue

NEWS & LIFE

Photo by Amy Amerentes courtesy of Rhode Island Fencing Academy & Club

Rhode Island Fencing Academy & Club Fencing Studio What it is: Recognized as one of the premier fencing clubs in the country by USA Fencing , RIFAC offers classes for kids, teenagers, and adults, along with a retail shop stocked with gear.

W h e re to f i n d i t : Watch for the gray building with a streak of green along Almeida Avenue in East Providence, neighboring CrossFit.

W h a t m a k e s i t a R h o d y G e m? It’s never too late to don a fencing mask and try your hand at executing a parry or riposte, and for families with kids, RIFAC Director Jill Ripa explains that many young fencers carry lessons from the sport through their lives. The club offers beginners’ classes for all age groups, even adults, with all equipment provided, and a retail shop right in the studio is available for serious fencers looking to stick with it and compete. Small class sizes of around eight students ensure individualized attention and every COVID precaution is being taken to keep students safe, too. “Fencing is a wonderful modern Olympic sport that challenges both the mind and body,” says Ripa. “At RIFAC, we appreciate and respect each student’s individual ability and unique personality.”

Rhode Island Fencing Academy & Club 14 Almeida Avenue, East Providence RIFAC.com Facebook: RIFAC

Fencers sparring during a pre-COVID lesson; RIFAC currently welcomes students with all precautions in place

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

RHODY GEMS 33 businesses you need to know about right now â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and why By Abbie Lahmers and Elyse Major

“YOU ALWAYS FIND THE HIDDEN GEMS!” is something we’ve heard over and over again, year after year. While Hey Rhody may seem like a new publication, it’s part of the Providence Media family of magazines. The company, started by Barr y Fain, had its humble beginning over 40 years ago as East Side Monthly, a newspaper delivered to each home in the 02906 zip code. About 20 years later, Providence Monthly premiered to ser ve as a hip magazine for the city. By popular demand, the editorial footprint was soon expanded to ser ve other areas of the state : So Rhode Island for South County and The Bay magazine for the East Bay. Why all the backstor y ? So that when we tell you that people have been complimenting us for “finding the hidden gems,” it has real longstanding value and it’s why we created the Rhody Gem column. Ever y month, mostly by reader nomination, each of our four magazines features a business that seems undiscovered. Ever visit a small business and think to yourself : How did I not know about this place? I must share it with friends! That is the essence of what it means to be a Rhody Gem. It’s a physical place with a door, it’s in Rhode Island, and it’s special. The Rhody Gem columns launched in December 2018, and the first set of four were Wayland Baker y (East Side Monthly), Peaceable Kingdom (Providence Monthly), Bristol Oyster Bar (The Bay), and Compass Rose (So Rhode Island). Since then, we’ve featured nearly 100 cool and unusual, hole-in-the-wall places that make our state so special. In lieu of the big party we had planned for Januar y 2021, we want to take this issue to celebrate all of the Rhody Gems thus far, past and present, and thank them for being part of the dazzling entrepreneurial fabric of the Ocean State.

Therapy Boutique Photo by Savannah Barkley

JANUARY GOOD GAME GRILL

Find leveled-up diner fare ser ved alongside stacks of 200+ board games, organized by skill, type, and number of players, at Rhody’s first board game cafe. Besides being a unique concept, you can become a member for discounts and free rentals. 53 Weybosset Street, Providence | GoodGameGrill.com

ALMA JUICE BAR + MARKET

As its name implies, find cold-pressed juices, smoothies, prepared foods, and more in this somehow always sunny, well-stocked market. It received Rhody Gem status for being the perfect spot for guilt-free grab-and-go, including GF and vegan options. 2 Main Street, Wickford | @alma_juicebar

THERAPY BOUTIQUE To discover more Rhody Gems, visit HeyRhody.com or view back issues on Issuu.com. We hope you find new businesses to love, and keep those suggestions coming to Abbie Lahmers at Abbie@ProvidenceOnline.com.

We’re partial to any shop that has a special section called RI Love. Therapy is adored by locals for accessories; also find clothing, PJs, and homegoods. Bonus points for being along Bristol’s brisk and scenic waterfront. 18 State Street, Bristol | TherapyBoutiques.com

FEBRUARY PAPER CONNECTION INTERNATIONAL, LLC

This specialty paper retailer is described as a “candy shop for artists” with a showroom of 1,500+ papers housed in an unassuming building on the East Side. Visits by appointment only. 166 Doyle Avenue, 2nd Floor, Providence PaperConnection.com

THE STORE AT ALL THAT MATTERS

Through the orange door enter the retail side of the popular yoga studio and discover the perfect place to shop for someone groovy: find yoga mats, incense, local handmade goods, and more. 311 Main Street, Wakefield | AllThatMatters.com

PICCOLO CHILDREN’S BOUTIQUE

Piccolo’s is essentially a children’s department store in the heart of Barrington and is stocked with everything from clothes to books to toys. Great customer service, complimentary gift wrapping , and lay-away. 290 County Road, Barrington | @piccolochildrensboutique

MARCH JERRY’S ARTARAMA

The first floor of this locally owned art supply franchise is a veritable bazaar of supplies; the second is dedicated to framing and stretched canvases. During this time they are open and local deliver y is available. 653 North Main Street, Providence JerrysRetailStores.com/Providence-RI

HIGHER GROUNDS COMMUNITY COFFEEHOUSE Community is key for this coffeehouse, and owners Keith and Jenn Frost are beloved by customers, serving up positivity with each order of coffee, baked goods, and breakfast. 39 Kingstown Road, Wyoming | @HigherGroundsRI

LOOP BY LOOP STUDIO

Studio hours are currently paused at this contemporary rug-hooking shop, but you can still learn how to cut a rug with take-home kits; 10 percent discount with curbside pickup orders. 30 Cutler Street, Suite 216A, Warren LoopByLoopStudio.com

The Store at All That Matters Photography by Nick DelGiudice

Higher Grounds Community Coffeehouse Photography by Mackenzie Bremges

Rhody Craft Photography by Nick DelGiudice

JUNE

AUGUST

RHODY CRAFT

NAVA CLOTHING BOUTIQUE

THE NOOK COFFEE HOUSE

RHODE ISLAND SURF CO.

Looking for something unique, local, handmade ? Owner Kim Clark has filled her gift shop and galler y with all this and more (and sometimes she even sets up snacks outside!). 769 Hope Street, Providence | RhodyCraft.com

Locally made pastries, organic coffee, and a cozy atmosphere that includes supporting local art and causes have made The Nook a fave for five years now – happy anniversary ! 307 Main Street, East Greenwich | @nookcoffeehouse

JULY STUDIO HOP

Galler y meets retail at Studio Hop, a welcoming Hope Street fixture for over 20 years. The Teg u family have filled the space with fine art, period furniture, jewelr y, ceramics, and more. 810 Hope Street, Providence | StudioHopRI.com

BOOKS ON THE POND

Find the perfect read in this charming bookstore, which carries a range of genres. Housed in a trio of barns, a limited-capacity reading and writing room is available, which makes for a lovely little escape. 289 Narrow Lane, Charlestown | BooksOnThePond.com

CARMEN & GINGER

Owner Christine Francis has an eye for all things retro, antique and kitschy and you can find ever ything from dog and cat accessories to clothing and more neatly displayed at her shop relocated to Four Corners from the Arcade last year. 3842 Main Road, Tiverton | @CarmenandGinger.com

This lifestyle shop is more than a fashion-forward boutique; NAVA is a self-care haven with essential oils galore and homey vibes. Explore racks of chic clothing and a floor of fine rugs, plants, and decor. 197 Wickenden Street, Providence | ShopNava.com

Find your perfect surfboard with excellent customer ser vice at this family-owned water recreation shop that is surf culture savvy. Check out hand-crafted surfboards to begin your coastal adventures! 12A High Street, Westerly | RhodeIslandSurfCo.com

NEWPORT CAR MUSEUM GIFT SHOP The museum’s merch shop includes all the model cars you’d expect, plus games, books, art, and souvenirs. This shop is all about fun, even if you’re not an auto fanatic (but you might be one by the time you leave). 1947 West Main Road, Portsmouth | NewportCarMuseum.org

Carmen & Ginger

Lazy Dog Antiquities

SEPTEMBER LAZY DOG ANTIQUITIES

Lazy Dog is an antique shop filled with carefully curated furniture, decor, and knicknacks. The trio of women owners and pickers bring their passion for finding and reclaiming vintage treasures to the shop. 247 Rochambeau Avenue, Providence | 781-801-0535

CORK FASHION BOUTIQUE

Find all things cork in this tiny boutique nestled in Ocean Tile Gallery. From sturdy docksiders to sleek handbags and wallets, these Portuguesemade cork items are surprisingly sturdy yet breathable – and waterproof. 271 Post Rd, Westerly | 322-7000

THE BOOK NERD

This used bookstore is also an event space and specialty tea purveyor. If bookshops are your kind of respite, The Book Nerd’s mystery collection will easily keep you entrenched for an afternoon. 70 Maple Avenue, Barrington | TheBookNerdOnline.com

BROWN & HOPKINS COUNTRY STORE

One of the longest running general stores in the country, oldfashioned hospitality and rustic displays are all part of the experience. Peruse two floors of home decor, seasonal gifts, pantry goods, and much more. There’s even a candy counter! 1179 Putnam Pike, Chepachet | BrownAndHopkins.com

OCTOBER WHITE BUFFALO

Find a pair of funky socks or earrings, look through decks of tarot and oracle cards, and maybe pet the friendly shop pups. White Buffalo is your go-to gift shop for handmade, fair trade, and all around oddities. 498 Washington Street, Providence | @WhiteBuffaloRI

PASQUALE FARMS

A family-owned honor-system farm stand near URI offering fresh produce and more. Past the greenery and farm goods outside, inside this little lean-to are local makers’ wares like soaps and woodworking pieces. 190 Usquepaugh Road, West Kingston | Facebook: Pasquale Farms

BEACH BARN ART & GIFTS

Love handmade nautical art and gifts ? Plunders from our very own Rhody shores – think sea debris like glass and driftwood – are upcycled into home decor by owner Stephanie Figuerado. 17 Water Street, Warren | BeachBarnArt.com

THE TIME CAPSULE

Take a step back in time to a bygone era of records, cassette tapes, collectible toys, and retro video games at this long-standing comic book and collectibles shop stocking new releases and pre-owned acquisitions. 537 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston | TimeCapsuleComics.com

The Time Capsule

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

HUNGRY GHOST PRESS

WEST SIDE SEWING STUDIO

TOMAQUAG MUSEUM GIFT SHOP

STEMS

CLOSET REVIVAL

THE THIRD & ELM PRESS

An artist-owned studio specializing in apparel, patches, pins, stickers, VHS tapes, and upcycled pieces, HGP is a true maker space complete with photocopier for zines and original merch printed in-house. 60 Valley Street, Unit 2, Providence | HungryGhostPress.com

One of the state’s only Indigenous-owned and -operated businesses, which complements the museum, this educational and cultural center sells art, jewelry, handmade craftwork, books, and more by Native artists and makers. 390 A Summit Road, Exeter | TomaquagMuseum.org

Consignment clothes for women and men: casual or luxury, fresh or classic – Closet Revival does it all. Pro-tip: Don’t leave without peeking inside the Vintage Room, a repository of Hollywood glam. 30 Broadway, Newport | ClosetRevivalNewportRI.com

GINGERSNAPS BAKERY

This neighborhood bakery has a range of scrumptious treats like cupcakes, macarons, cinnamon rolls, mini pies, muffins, and more. Put in an order for custom cakes from the culinary prowess of Kayla Morris. 182 Front Street, Lincoln | GingersnapsBakeryRI.com

Gingersnaps Bakery

A sewist’s dream – whether you’re new or experienced – for instruction and student-use machines. Openstructured classes let crafters create their own curriculum around a passion project they want to pursue. 27 Sims Avenue, Providence | WestSideSewingStudio.com

Not your average flower shop, STEMS is an outlet for creativity and a gift shop, too. “Pick your own happiness” by choosing from a selection of blossoms to DIY your own personalized bouquet. 1171 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett | StemsRI.com

This historic landmark still houses a printing press and also an artist’s studio of prints and cards. All woodcut designs are handcrafted by Ilse Buchert Nesbitt and many capture Newport architecture. 29 Elm Street, Newport | ThirdAndElm.com

BLACKSTONE HERBS + COFFEE BAR Equal parts cafe, CBD shop, and art space with a holistic health angle and vegan eats. Lattes are crafted with mixologist care amid lush greener y and local art on the wall. 3 Dexter Street, Cumberland BlackstoneHerbsAndCoffeeBar.com

STEMS

ART & CULTURE A r t i s t P ro f i l e | M a ke r s | C a l e n d a r | R h o d y R e a d s

30 Ron Kuhn at work in Pawtucket woodworking studio Photos courtesy of Giossi and Kuhn Design

ART & CULTURE

Makerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Movement Erin M c G i n n documents the creative process in a new s erie s p h otog rap h ed on film By Elyse Major Photo by Erin McGinn

woman patiently indulges a pair of dogs as they vie for the cumbersome pumpkin she obviously wants to place on the doorstep of a weathered coastal cottage. Rogue oyster crackers, some smashed, are scattered on a table ready for a casual outdoor meal of clam chowder. A mother of the bride gazes adoringly at her daughter with a look that warns of a precariously held floodgate of tears. While these moments may not make the cut in another photographer’s portfolio, they’re front-andcenter for Erin McGinn, who embraces the imperfections of life with perfection. Based in the Lakewood section of Warwick, McGinn’s winding path includes a BS in Marine Biolog y from URI, working as a travel agent in San Diego, and returning to Rhode Island to become a prolific wedding planner – planning 40 in a single year, including her own to husband Nic – all while discovering a preference for the editorial aspect of events and all of their beautiful minutiae. She soon embarked on hands-on training , which involved assisting other photographers, completing RISD’s Continuing Education program in photography, and, as she recalls, “Shooting everything I could get my hands on.” Recently celebrating the 10th anniversary of striking out on her own, McGinn, who is well known for her alluring wedding and lifestyle work, is now setting her sights on a series she calls Maker’s Shoots. “I realized while shooting lifestyle work that my favorite part was documenting the process. Seeing how artisans make what they do: the arrangement of flowers, the sprinkle of salt,” she says. “Often, people invest in great shots of their final product, but the process is lost from their visuals. I think our society nowadays loves to see the experience of creation.” In the Maker’s Shoots series, subjects are featured in natural light, shown busy contemplating and creating. Says McGinn, “The entirety of their process is so intriguing to me. But if I had to pick one part, I would say hands at work. I think hands tell us so much and are so expressive. So whether it’s painting jewelry, or flipping through a palette of color, or sprinkling powdered sugar – honing in on that is one of my favorites, especially when those hands are full of ink or charcoal or calluses or icing !” McGinn is also drawn

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

Photographer Erin McGinn Photo by Molly Lo Photography

to how someone moves through their space. “ Whether it’s messy studios, crisp and clean cafes, their home kitchen table, every space will have its own spark and sentiment, which helps set the mood for the entire shoot.” In true makers-gonna-make spirit, McGinn shoots using analog film for the series. “I personally love the softness of film, the trueto -life color, and the imperfectness which I think mirrors the artistr y of the clients.”

She explains that to her, digital photography can feel cold and removed. “ Take 100 shots, look at the back of the camera to make sure it’s right, keep shooting. Film feels exciting and truly special. You don’t ever really know what you’re getting.” Pausing to reflect, she adds, “And if there is something one would consider a mistake like blurred motion or a light leak – those are often my favorite shots.” Learn more at ErinMcGinn.com

ART & CULTURE

Ingrained Techniques Two c ra f t s m e n u s e a g e - o l d wood wo r k i n g m et h o d s i n t h e i r dy nam ic furnit ure de s i gn s

Giossi and Kuhn in their Pawtucket woodworking studio

By Abbie Lahmers Photo courtesy of Giossi and Kuhn Design

urrounded by curled wood shavings and commissioned designs sketched out on paper, the two-man duo behind Giossi and Kuhn Design can be found hard at work in their Pawtucket studio where leaned up against the wall, beams of wood in all hues await their transformation into dining tables, cabinets, and all variety of furniture meant to stand the test of time. The vibe is collaborative. Shop dog Cooper lounges while the creative wheels turn as Matt Giossi and Ron Kuhn churn out precise joints and pieces using Old World hand tool methods. Their business came together after meeting during an apprenticeship with local master Hank Gilpin and a shared passion for the process – an assemblage of tricks, techniques, and materials that goes into furniture making. “I spent my formative years in historic Pawtuxet Village, surrounded by Colonial architecture and an abundance of antique furniture and early American art,” says Giossi, whose inspiration for woodworking starts with both personal and regional history. “I was always fascinated with

how those homes were built – constructed by hand using domestic hardwoods that early settlers had harvested from the surrounding forest.” With a stepmother who taught at RISD and a father who works in construction, Kuhn brings a background immersed in both art and building to the craft: “Furniture is really the perfect blend of both of these interests – there are seemingly endless ways to be creative, but the utilitarian qualities of furniture provide a challenging set of limitations within the creative process.” For both, the satisfaction is in cracking the code that each new design challenge presents. “Even a simpler piece requires a long list of decisions to make, problems to solve, and creative solutions to ponder,” says Kuhn of their process. “It’s a puzzle of chronological steps all the way through, and very often, if one decision changes, the rest of the puzzle changes with it. Being engaged in this process is the most cathartic way to spend our time working.” Giossi and Kuhn build with a method called mortise and tenon joinery, known for its durability

and elegance. Strong joints are fit into place and glued grain-to-grain to create a lasting bond even as the wood naturally expands and retracts. Part of the finished product’s visual interest comes from smooth details that can’t be replicated by a machine, and the structural elements the pair likes to highlight in their designs. Kuhn describes dream projects as one-offs that are technical and challenging , like a dining table their former employer Gilpin drafted that was tiled with 49 different species of wood. Custom commissions are welcomed, whether it’s a table that will be a fixture in someone’s home or a larger scale kitchen build. No matter the project, Giossi describes an approach that’s layered: “It’s the ancient details that a craftsmen, potentially hundreds of years ago, thought out and executed for practicality and beauty – the blend between creating something strong , that will outlast you, as well as something beautiful that our families have the pleasure of living beside and interacting with. I just find that so incredible.” Pawtucket, GiossiAndKuhn.com

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

ART & CULTURE

The Must List

ide statew For a f events o listing online! s visit u m ody.co h HeyR

5 essential events this month

Through February: Pair up with a goat on a leash – yes, you read that right – and take in views of the Narragansett Bay on Simmons Farm’s Goat Hikes every Saturday, weather permitting, with farmer Karla. Middletown, SimmonsOrganicFarmRI.com

T h r o u g h F e b r u a r y : Embark on

Photos courtesy of Simmons Farm

safe, curated road trips right in your home state all season long with the PWCVB’s winter initiative, Joy Rides, inviting folks to explore shops and destinations right in our backyards. JoyRidesRI.com

F e b r u a r y 6 : Eco-minded nonprofit Revive the Roots invites hikers to come out for a guided snowshoe walk through the wooded Mowry Commons where socially distanced participants can enjoy the peacefulness of the outdoors. Smithfield, Facebook: Revive the Roots

F e b r u a r y 1 3 : The Wilbury Theatre Group participates in the RI Council for the Humanities’ Culture is Key initiative to present Capture the Block: Stories from Ward 15, a digital collection of photos and stories from the neighborhood. Providence, TheWilburyGroup.org F e b r u a r y 2 8 : The 10th annual speaker series On Pettaquamscutt continues this winter with a presentation from South County Museum Assistant Director Heather Kisilywicz about local fishermen’s stories. Narragansett, OnPettaquamscutt.org

Grab a goat on a leash for a hike at Simmons Farm

ART & CULTURE

Rhody Reads These tales with local

connections will give you all the feels

By Hugh Minor

t’s February and love is in the air! And not just the romantic kind. This month’s Rhody Reads highlights six books that focus on amor and its many forms. Each of them is either written by a Rhode Island author or takes place locally (both real and imagined) – because home is where the heart is. Take a chance on falling in love with one of our recommendations – best enjoyed with a heart-shaped box of chocolates.

ROMANCE Looking for a traditional romance novel? Find it in The Edge of Winter by local author and New York Times bestseller Luanne Rice. Explore the natural beauty of South County while journeying along with Neve and her daughter Mickey as they struggle to understand and ultimately find the love in their lives. This hopeful and captivating tale will carry you from the chill of winter to the warm light of summer.

FICTION More of a bizarre love triangle, John Updike’s The Witches of Eastwick takes place in a fictional Rhode Island town that feels pretty close to the real thing (in ways both good and bad). In this magical story, three beautiful witches fall for the mysterious man who moves in just outside of town. Can this small, quiet community handle the force of their love affair? Fun fact, the movie was set to be filmed in Little Compton until controversy ensued over whether its Congregational church should be involved or not, causing shoots to be relocated to coastal Massachusetts.

A U TO B I O G R A P H Y Your Heart, My Hands: An Immigrant’s Remarkable Journey to Become One of America’s Preeminent Cardiac Surgeons is a story full of heart, literally and figuratively. Arun Singh, MD is a cardiac surgeon at Rhode Island Hospital and professor at Brown who

loves his work so much that he has performed more than 15,000 documented heart surgeries. Take the inspirational journey from his humble upbringing in India to his immigration to the United States to become one of the most prolific cardiac surgeons in US history.

FICTION Jodi Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper sets up the dilemma: When two parents love their daughter, how far will they go to save her? Set in a faux Rhody town, 13-year-old Anna is expected to donate a kidney to her older sister, Kate, who has acute leukemia. Anna is not so sure that’s the best decision for either of them. Seeking medical emancipation from her parents, Anna takes their family on a path of discovery that leads to a new awareness of what’s most important in life and love.

POLITICAL BIOGRAPHY For good or bad, Rhode Islanders loved former Providence Mayor Buddy Cianci at the height of his career. Mike Stanton’s insightful The Prince of Providence: The Rise and Fall of Buddy Cianci, America’s Most Notorious Mayor delves into the fascinating career of this powerful and power-hungry man who was one of the longest ser ving mayors in US history. He would do anything for the city he loved and, unfortunately, he often did.

L I T E R AT U R E A love affair is rekindled when members of New York high society vacation in Newport in Edith Wharton’s The Age of Innocence. Can the would-be lovers survive the restrictions and expectations of the late 19th century? Newland Archer is happily engaged to May Welland – until he meets her cousin the Countess Ellen Olenska. At a time when families must avoid scandal at all cost, how will Newland choose? Have a Rhody Read to suggest for Hugh? Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com

R E A D LO C A L . B U Y LO C A L . When you’re looking to purchase books by local authors – or any authors, really – support your local independently owned bookstores. The burgeoning book scene in Rhode Island provides you with a wealth of options. Barrington Books: Barrington, BarringtonBooks.com Book Nerd: Barrington, Facebook Books on the Pond: Charlestown, BooksOnThePond.com Books on the Square: Providence, BookSq.com Cellar Stories Bookstore: Providence, CellarStories.com Inkfish Books: Warren, InkFishBooks.com Island Books: Middletown, IslandBooksRI.indielite.org Island Bound Bookstore: Block Island, IslandBoundBookstore.com Lovecraft Arts & Sciences: Providence, WeirdProvidence.org Paper Nautilus Books: Providence, PaperNautilusBooks.com Riffraff Bookstore + Bar: Providence, RiffRaffPVD.com Savoy Bookshop & Cafe: Westerly, BankSquareBooks.com Stillwater Books: Pawtucket, StillwaterBooks.com Symposium Books: Providence, SymposiumBooks.com Twenty Stories: Providence, TwentyStoriesLA.com Wakefield Books: Wakefield, WakefieldBooks.com

Come find that unique gift!

390 A Summit Road, Exeter TomaquagMuseum.org/giftshop

BOOKS • CLASSES • TOYS • GAMES PUZZLES • ART • HOME & HOBBY • Currently Available Online or By Appointment •

914-450-9598 • BooksOnThePond.com 289 Narrow Lane, Charlestown

JULY 2020

Books on the Pond recognizes those gravely affected by Covid. We wish our customers, neighbors & friends continued safety and healing.

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

HOME & STYLE H o m e | I n f l u e n c e r | S h o p | D a te I d e a s

36 A Bristol cottage looks pretty in pastels P h o t o g ra p h y b y M a r k L o h m a n , s t y l i n g b y F i f i O â&#x20AC;&#x2122; N e i l l

HOME & STYLE

Isn’t It Romantic?

Put the a nc ho rs away; t h i s Br i sto l h o m e is a ll a b ou t p a stels a n d p atin a s

By Elys e Major | Photography by Mark Lohman, styling by Fifi O’Neill

“

ho says you need to outfit your home in white and navy when you live near the sea ? “ Vintage eclectic, with a little shabby chic thrown in,” is how Carol Riley describes the interior of the 1946-built Cape Cod style home she’s shared with husband Michael for over 25 years. The Rileys are known around the East Bay for their perfectly named bed and breakfast, Bristol Cottage. Carol recalls being instantly drawn to the house by its charming shape, architectural details, and a yard originally full of cherr y blossom trees. Inside the welcoming abode – just a five minute

walk from the waterfront – instead of crisp stripes, find faded florals; textures like damask, not driftwood ; and rather than on-trend blue-and-white rattan dining stools, pull up a weathered bench or bright turquoise kitchen chair. “I don’t like the coastal look to be honest, you know, anchors and lobsters are just not my thing.” Instead, ship -shape elements like open shelving , washable slipcovers, and piles of pillows abound. Splashes of dusty aqua on ever ything from furniture to the enclosed porch ceiling result in a pleasing look best described as bespoke beach house. Carol’s handiwork can be found around the house.

Above: Folding panels and a tall mirror create privacy with panache

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

HOME & STYLE

From her home studio, which she describes as her happy place, she fashions things for herself and for sale under her Tatters label. “I can go sit in the studio and lose myself.” This is where Carol designs clothing , accessories, and decor using vintage and new fabrics, salvaged trimming , and notions, along with painting the occasional piece of furniture. The entire Riley family recently transformed an old church in Warren to be Carol’s own boutique, named The Church Palace. Says Carol, “It’s a destination spot for anyone that loves things that are a bit different and one-of-a-kind.” Whether it’s clothing or rooms, a house or a church, a signature element of Riley style is layering. Carol will generally begin with an ivor y base and add interest with accents and embellishments. She expertly brings in a mix of patterns by sticking to a sing ular color way. “I swing between all neutrals,” she says with a Cheshire cat-like grin. “And then mad colors!”

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

Get Rhody Style Way s to b r i n g R i l ey ro m a n c e h o m e

Curb Appeal Take a second look at old wooden pieces of furniture on the side of the road, in a resale shop, or in your own home. A little cleaning and brushes of paint could render a shabby masterpiece.

Shop Vintage Carol likes to “make the rounds” at local thrift and antique shops to see what’s new; she also recommends Bristol’s Hotpoint Emporium, where she is a vendor, and her own shop The Church Palace in Warren.

Bright Idea Rather than a traditional lamp shade, Carol does things like outfit a wire frame with vintage trimming.

P a t t e r n P l ay By sticking to a limited palette, textiles in various prints and motifs can work together in a cohesive way. Not sure where to start? Pull colors from a favorite fabric.

HOME & STYLE

Award-winning author, PhD student at Brown, and busy mom enjoying life in Providence

Tell us something that illustrates your point about Providence not being small-minded. The murals grabbed me immediately. I took the bus from the South Side to the East Side a lot during my first year here and I saw art that made the things that are important to me visible. That art has multiplied since the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. The murals downtown, the broadsides made by the artists at AS220, murals about the Earth and our connection to it; all of these let me know that there is a community of artists who share the same concerns I have been writing about for the last 20 years. All the writing I do is connected to health, healing , wholeness, joy, and envisioning a just world. Your most recent work, children’s book Layla’s Happiness, was awarded the Ezra Jack Keats Honor for writing, a prestigious award given to writers and illustrators whose work reflects diversity. In a year like 2020, did this achievement have a special significance? Being awarded the honor for writing means a great deal to me, not so much because of the devastating year we just had but because of my journey. I had three books published before Layla’s Happiness. The Ezra Jack Keats honor meant that my work was being seen and being recognized in a way that had not happened before.

Learn more at EkereTallie.com

What are some of your favorite small businesses around Providence? The pandemic reminded me of how important herbal teas and tinctures are for maintaining my equilibrium so I’ve been going to Farmacy Herbs. I like many bookstores for different reasons: Symposium has a wonderful selection but they are also beautiful, welcoming, and warm. Riff Raff has great children’s books and poetry that you don’t find anywhere else – and they serve amazing drinks. Paper Nautilus is where my youngest daughter and I would go book hunting, and Books on the Square has a great story time on Saturdays!

Photo by Sindayiganza Photography, courtesy of Mariahadessa Tallie

Meet Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie

You have lived and taught all over the US and the world. What brought you to Rhode Island? I came to start my PhD at Brown University. I am a student in the Theater Arts and Performance Studies program. I like the smallness of Providence. It’s small but not small-minded.

Lockets of Love By Sean Morrissey

Gold & Diamond Starry Night

Secret Garden

Blue Enamel Ribbon Swallow & Crescent Moon

Matte Diamond Heart

una & Stella, a Providence-based jewelry brand founded in 2008 by Suzanne Ellis Wernevi, offers a selection of contemporary and antique heirlooms that convey a sense of permanence and nostalgia in their familiarity – something we are all looking for in these ever-changing times. We’re coveting their collection of one-of-a-kind vintage lockets, many of which were handmade in Rhode Island between 1860 and 1920. Each object is a piece of history that celebrates the deep-rooted legacy of our state’s jewelry

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

industry, and proudly carries a storied patina of the lives they’ve touched. “These lockets have lasted through wars and pandemics. When you put a new picture in them, the locket becomes a beacon for the next generation,” says Wernevi, who not only scours the market for these heritage treasures, but is also passionate about finding the right chains from which they’re strung. “Someone once told me ‘You can’t put a new chain on an old locket,’ and that really stuck with me.” Instead of chasing jewelry trends, consider investing in a vintage Luna & Stella

keepsake that promises to stand the test of time. Style with your go-to necklaces for a modern take, or wear them as a standalone statement. Luna & Stella offers photo customization for all lockets, and will scale, print, and place customer photos inside – making the most meaningful of gifts for yourself and loved ones. Select pieces are available at Talulah.Cooper, 5 Traverse Street, Providence, or find the full collection – including the Hope Anchor necklace where 50 percent of sales go to the RI Community Food Bank – online at LunaAndStella.com.

HOME & STYLE

Six Unforgettable Dates Wi nte r a ct iv it ie s aro u n d the st ate to exp e r i e n ce o n Valenti n e â&#x20AC;&#x2122; s D ay an d beyon d By Ingrid Brown

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

A helicopter tour gives you an aerial view of Watch Hill

Photos by Ingrid Brown

ho needs Rome when you have Rhode Island? If you’re looking for a romantic destination to enjoy with a partner, friend, family, or yourself, you can’t do better than our sweet little state. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, here are six unique ideas for getting dreamy-eyed on the 14th and all winter long. While we can’t speak for your love life, we can guarantee that you are sure to fall in love with Little Rhody again and again.

state is filled with both ice rinks and cafes, but Providence also has those adorbs bumper cars. Make sure to wear gloves, a hat, and a scarf because it gets chilly out there. We recommend trekking over to Ellie’s (across from PPAC on Weybosset St.) after to warm up with a cup of rich hot cocoa made with 66 percent chocolate and house-infused vanilla. Pair with a box of macarons or chocolate croissants for the ultimate winter date! TheProvidenceRink.com

SKY DATE

MYSTERY DATE

Take your relationship to new heights with a helicopter tour. Located at the Westerly State Airport, HeliBlock offers exhilarating trips starting at around $54 per person. May we suggest the Romantic Lighthouse tour? Take in aerial views of historic lighthouses throughout CT, RI, and NY. Complimentary mid-flight bottle of champagne and chocolates included. HeliBlockTours.com

Riddle us this? Do you like to play games? If so, check out The Riddle Room with locations in East Greenwich and Warwick. Collect clues all around the room and open secret passages to reach the end of the game before the clock runs out. Reward your efforts after with a chicken and waffle sandwich at The Patio on Main Street in East Greenwich. RiddleRoom.com

IGLOO DATE

PLAY DATE

Maintain your bubble with a scenic dinner featuring a bird’s-eye-view at Mare Rooftop Bar on Providence’s East Side. Mare was among the first to offer igloo dining in RI way before the pandemic and they’ve got it down. Be sure to visit online for Igloo reservation options and special menu. If you can’t reserve an igloo for V-Day, no worries, Mare’s domes aren’t going anywhere. For more igloo dining options, visit HeyRhody.com at Food & Drink. MareRooftop.com

Be kids again – or big kids, anyway – at R1 Indoor Karting in Lincoln. Get competitive driving go-karts at 45 mph. If you plan to dress up, you will be wearing a helmet, neck brace, gloves, and head sock; and ladies, no heels are allowed, so plan accordingly. There’s an axethrowing bar on site, too, but reservations are two months in advance so plan ahead for the next holiday. R1IndoorKarting.com

CITY DATE

Make a memory while learning a new skill with a painting class at Muse Paintbar. Plan ahead and book a private session in the Providence studio

What’s more romantic than skating in the city and warming up after inside a cozy bistro? The Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

MAKER DATE

where you can order beer, wine, sangria or soft drinks, and lite snacks – or even more romantic – order Muse To-Go where you pick the painting you want to make, and everything from supplies to instructions will be provided. Virtual options are available, too. Imagine a night at home of take-out and art making. Ooh la la! Editor’s Note: If you take our suggestions, we wanna know! Tag pics on Insta using @heyrhody or #heyrhodyphotos

READY SET DATE

Tired of dating apps? Wondering how to meet someone during COVID? Debra L’Heureux has made her passion for matchmaking into a business. GetReadytoDate.com

THE ULTIMATE GIFT FOR OYSTER LOVERS

Like A

Oysters? to open ‘em?

Over 1 MILLION oysters opened without injury!

Hello max refund. 1

Come in to get every dollar you deserve.

FAST, SAFE, EASY! Opens horizontally, keep juices in the shell Now ANYONE can open Oysters!

207-592-4775 207-563-1146 • 207-592-4775 207-563-1146 www.awshucksoysteropener.com www.awshucksoysteropener.com

Call or come by.

rtists

XCHANG

24 Salt Pond Road D5 • Wakefield, RI 401-789-7986

Looking Forward To 2021 Atlantic Animal Hospital & Wellness Center

COMPASS ROSE JEWELRY FOR ENGAGEMENTS & ALL SPECIAL OCCASIONS FULL SERVICE JEWELER | WATCH REPAIR LOCAL ARTISTS & ARTISAN CRAFTS 271 POST ROAD, WESTERLY (401) 637-4877 • COMPASSROSEWESTERLY.COM

Seychelle Hoffer, DVM, CVA Sheila Tucker, DVM

OFFERING CURBSIDE SERVICE ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS Surgery • Dentistry • Wellness Exams Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine Behavior and Nutritional Consults 5001B South County Trail, Charlestown 364-BARK (2275) • AtlanticAnimalHospital.com

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

FOOD & DRINK Swe e t Tre a t s | I n t h e K i tc h e n | Co co a Tre n d | Re s t a u ra te u r

46 On a pedestal sits a pastel pink dream of a cake Heidi Hope Photography courtesy of Kerri Cupcake

FOOD & DRINK

Love Layers Expre s s yo u r fe elings with chocolate treats and c u sto m V-Day c a kes ma de by Ker r i Cupcake By A n n O ’ N ei l l

f there was ever a time to go all out to tell our loved ones how we feel, it would be after nearly a year spent apart – or maybe too close together. That’s why one local business owner has decided the sky’s the limit when it comes to offering goodies for those who make us all gooey inside. Kerri Cupcake, as she’s been known for more than a decade, had just sold her Sweet Indulgence storefront in Pawtuxet Village right around Valentine’s Day of 2020. What was meant to be just a few weeks’ turnaround before moving into a new shop turned into nearly a year in transition. Without missing a beat, or losing her well-known sense of humor, she pivoted and stepped up her online presence. And

customers kept pace. They continued to place orders, however scaled down, to celebrate all their events and milestones. “ We love our customers,” Kerri says, taking a moment to set humor aside. “As one thank you we’ll be discounting our six-pack of Chocolate-Covered Strawberries to $20 this year.” A perennial favorite, and the best-selling Valentine item, that’s quite a gesture. She’s also planning to offer several versions of the viral sensation that is the Hot Cocoa Bomb (see page 48 for more on these trendy treats) and her always popular homemade Toaster Pastries. The biggest news – beyond how close she is to opening a brand-new brick-and-mortar (with a few surprises, including a top-secret

new name) – is that she’s not limiting her Valentine offerings to “specials”, beginning with a layered Neapolitan Cake. Three flavors of cake – vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry – slathered with generous layers of matching buttercream, should satisf y the most finicky family member or persnickety significant other. And if that’s not quite perfect, no worries. You can pick any flavor combination your heart desires for an order of mini cakes, all for just $35. That’s a small price to pay to turn that “same old Netflix and chill night” into something really special – even if you’re the only one in your jammies under that comf y throw ! Ordering available via email at KerriCupcake@gmail.com or Instagram @kerricupcake for delivery.

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

H e i d i H o p e P h o t o g ra p h y c o u r t e s y o f K e r r i C u p c a ke

Layered Neapolitan Cake

How Sweet It Is Valenti ne ’ s Day i s a l a b o r o f l ove at Swe en or ’ s C h ocolates Brian Sweenor filling hearts

By Karen Greco

Photos by Savannah Barkley

“

alentine’s Day is not your typical holiday,” says Lisa Sweenor Dunham. “The Christmas season will run for several weeks. But Valentine’s Day is a four-day madhouse.” “It’s more spontaneous,” adds her brother Brian Sweenor. As the fourth generation to run Sweenor’s Chocolates, Lisa and Brian know that Valentine’s Day is a holiday where candy reigns supreme, even in a pandemic. Rhode Island’s home-spun confectionery features plenty of sweet novelties geared towards love. South County residents are in the choicest spot for Sweenor’s hand-dipped, chocolate-covered strawberries. “Those are only available in Wakefield,” says Lisa. Because they are perishable, there are only two days to get them: February 13 and 14. Brian and Lisa’s grandfather, Walt, was a school teacher in Cranston who started a side hustle making candy out of his basement. He learned the craft from his father, who was employed by Kibbe Brothers Candy in Springfield, Massachusetts. Walt sold his confections wholesale to department stores like The Outlet and Gladdings. Then, in

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

1955, Walt retired from teaching and moved his kitchen into a retail store in the fledgling Garden City development. While much has changed over the past 65 years, Sweenor’s retains its smallbatch, preservative-free tradition. For Valentine’s Day, their biggest sellers are assortments of filled chocolates from the candy case. The decadent middles (think: coconut, buttercream, raspberry) are batch-cooked. Then small mounds are placed on the “enrober,” a machine used to coat candy. As the candy moves down the conveyor belt, they get a wash of chocolate from below. A chocolate waterfall covers the entire confection from above. Once coated, decorations are hand-piped onto the individual candies before they move through a cooling tunnel. “It’s a slow process,” says Brian. The cooling tunnel alone takes 15 minutes. “Candy is very temperature sensitive.” Underscoring that the most important tool in a candymaker’s toolbox is a thermometer, Walt’s neat handwriting shares precise temperature instructions on his original recipe cards. While some of Walt’s recipes evolved to meet

changing consumer tastes, plenty remain the same, including his famous Peanut Brittle. Brian’s eyes light up. “That’s so much fun to make. And I’ve got the burns to prove it.” A mixture of sugar, corn syrup, water, and peanuts is cooked in a copper kettle over an open flame to over 300 degrees. The molten mix is poured out and spread to cover a three-by-sixfoot greased metal table. The sheet is cut in half and then, in an act of daring , Brian shoves his forearms under the still-scorching confection and flips one half onto a second table. Then both halves are stretched by hand until they cover their respective tables. “The idea is to increase the space between the peanuts and the candy,” Brian explains. “You don’t want the peanuts to clump up in one area.” It’s this sort of hand-crafted tradition that makes candy from Sweenor’s a real sweet treat for your Valentine. At press time, both stores were open to the public, following the guidelines of limited capacity of one customer per 100 square feet; masks must be worn at all times, and orders can be placed ahead for pick up. Visit SweenorsChocolates.com for more information.

FOOD & DRINK

Cocoa Craze F i n d c re ati ve t a ke s o n t h e n ewe st t re n d i n h o t c h o co l ate a c ro s s t h e st ate B y A bbie La h mers

Gingersnaps Bakery’s Valentine’s Day offerings

aybe you’ve spotted these decadent confections on Instagram or spied them pop ping up behind display cases at your favorite bakeries. Hot cocoa bombs seemed like they were all the rage back in December, and they’re making a Valentine’s Day comeback with all the heart motifs, red and pink drizzle, and sprinkles you’d imagine. If these treats – on the one hand, chocolate candy ; on the other, a drink mix – haven’t breached your radar, the idea is genius in its simplicity : Pour hot water or milk over the rich chocolate shells filled with hot cocoa mix (and sometimes other edible surprises) and let it all melt to gether into a warm cuppa. Here’s a handful of spots offering their unique spins on the dessert, but be on the lookout at your neighborhood bakeries for more.

A PIEC E O F THE PUZ Z LE BA K E D G O O DS This home operation is inspired by baker Victoria Shemanski’s daughter, who is on the autism spectrum and instrumental in helping to develop new and festive hot cocoa bombs. Come Valentine’s Day, watch their Facebook feed for over-the-top heartshaped and candy-laden offerings. Warwick, Facebook: A Piece of the Puzzle Baked Goods

B LUS H BA KE S HO P Along with pink hot cocoa bombs glammed up in heart sprinkles, Blush will carry plenty of sugar cookies and donuts to fit the love-themed season. Plant-based eaters rejoice: All confections are vegan, too! These bad boys are first come, first served, so swing by early to pick one up for your sweetie. Providence, BlushBakeshop.com

THE C HO CO LATE B O UTIQU E The gourmet apple doesn’t fall far from the tree – while this family-owned chocolate biz is known for dipped fruit, their creative takes on cocoa bombs have been going strong since November. French Vanilla, Salted Caramel, and Hazelnut, all decked in sprinkles and swirls, are available for order by calling the shop. Cranston, Facebook: The Chocolate Boutique

G ING E RS NA PS BA KE RY Marshmallow- and ganache-filled hot cocoa bombs sold out almost daily through the holidays at this neighborhood bakery in Lincoln (also a Rhody Gem November 2020!), so you’ll want to get a jump on heart-shaped Pink Cocoa, Chocolate Raspberry, and Vanilla Chai offerings in store for V-Day. Online ordering will open the first week of February. Lincoln, GingersnapsBakeryRI.com

THE NE W PO RT SW E E T S H O P P E Known for a selection of handmade chocolates and sweets to rival the likes of Willy Wonka, molded chocolates are old hat to this candy shop on Bellevue that specializes in lobster, seashell, and sailboat shapes. Enter heart-shaped hot cocoa bombs, along with adventurous flavors like Strawberries and Cream and Cupid’s Cocoa. NewportSweetShoppe.com

SO PHIE’S B REW HO USE

Vegan varieties from Blush Bakeshop

For your dunking delight, this South County cafe is whipping up White Chocolate Oreo and Dark Chocolate Reese’s hot cocoa bombs for Valentine’s Day. Pro-tip: Pick up one of their 32oz growlers of your fave coffee and mix a little into the melted chocolate drink to liven up your morning. Exeter, SophiesBrewhouse.com

FOOD & DRINK

Pop the Cork During a challenging time, Providence restaurateur Bob Burke has 25,000 rea s o ns to ce l e b rate By Elyse Major

“

got an email from Barclays and almost deleted it thinking it was a credit card offer,” says Bob Burke, owner of beloved Providence bistro Pot au Feu. Like so many in the restaurant industry, the pandemic hit Burke’s business hard and despite all kinds of ingenious initiatives and pivots, survival hasn’t been a cake walk. However, Burke did open the email from the UK-based bank and turns out it was a call for entries for their Small Business Big Wins contest. The communication invited small business owners to submit an essay (up to 500 words) and a photograph detailing their personal tale of how the events of good ol’ 2020 affected their livelihoods and the plucky ways in which they responded. The entry period was brief – October 8 to the 31st. Having met the eligibility criteria, which included employing fewer than 100 people

and being located in the US, Burke got busy on the quick for the chance to win cash prizes up to $50,000. “The words just flowed,” begins Burke of composing the essay, which reads like a free verse poem. “There was so much pent-up frustration and pain. But once I began to gather all that happened in my mind, the ‘fog of war’ began to clear and I realized how many comrades in arms I wanted to thank.” Once all entries were received by Barclays, they were evaluated by a panel of judges based on benchmarks such as appropriateness to the theme, demonstrations of perseverance and innovation, and how the money would be spent. Next, a Top 10 was assembled; nominees were announced with a final round of public voting on the Barclays website for just 10 days in December to determine the winners. As one of the finalists, Burke began

making the local news and later that month, all winners were notified and then announced publicly. Pot au Feu won Second Place, garnering a prize of $25,000. Burke notes that his entry received votes from 19 countries around the world and more than 16,000 votes in all. The restaurateur known for being skilled at slicing the top off a bottle of Moët et Chandon champagne with a cavalry saber notes that all of the funds will go directly to payroll “to keep our amazing staff working.” With a bright smile, the man whose past year has endured an actual dumpster fire and boarding up windows at the 1875-built spot says, “I had a George Bailey moment and all I can say is it’s a wonderful life,” referencing the classic Frank Capra film. “We owe everything to the faithful customers who have been coming for 48 years. No one who has friends is a failure.” Learn more at PotAuFeuRI.com.

Hey Rhody FEBRUARY 2021 |

HeyRhody.com

P h o t o g ra p h y b y Wo l f M a t t h e w s o n

Bob Burke outside Pot au Feu

RHODY SNAPSHOTS I m a g e s v i a I n s t a g ra m h i g h l i g h t t h e b e a u ty o f t h e O c e a n S t a t e

@amanndaleigh_photography

@artisticgram

@sicalstyle

@jenspage28

@krypt1csauc3

@mindyb_photos

@distorted_perspective1

@jpacker_photography

@winslow_j

Use #HeyRhodyPhotos and you could be featured next!

Local Knowledge, Global Network SERVING ALL OF RHODE ISLAND

NEWPORT: Ocean Lawn Gated Compound Off Cliff Walk – $3,750,000

MIDDLETOWN: Bucolic Retreat on 11+ Acres – $2,850,000

NEWPORT: ‘Benjamin F. Downing House’ – $1,975,000

NEWPORT: ‘Hilltop’ – $2,999,000

NEWPORT: ‘Fantasy Rock’ Water Views from Treetop Oasis – $2,750,000

NEWPORT: ‘Nellie McMahon House’ on The Hill – $1,195,000

NEWPORT: Historic ‘Sanford-Covell House’ With Dock & Pool – $7,900,000

PORTSMOUTH: Tranquil Escape/3 Ac on the Sakonnet – $3,900,000

NEWPORT: Stylish Condos on Historic Hill (6 Units) – From $1,295,000

NEWPORT: ‘Samuel Barker House’ Fabulous In-Town Location – $1,300,000

NEWPORT: 401.849.3000 | TIVERTON: 401.816.4060 GustaveWhite.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated