Weddings Bridal Showers Engagement Parties
Dining Cathedral Bar Private Events Al Fresco Terrace
3000 Chapel View Boulevard
Cranston RI,02920
401.944.4900 www.ChapelGrilleRI.com
e r c p i a p t i o A n Month r e m o t s u C
douBLe PoInTs
Receive 2 points for every dollar spent all month long! ChoW Fun VIP ReWARds We make it easy for you to earn and use the points you deserve. After 500 points are earned a $35 credit will be applied to your account for your next visit. Members-only invitations to private tastings, beer & wine dinners and more. Sign up for VIP Rewards now chowfunfoodgroup.com/vip
ALL LoCATed In The heART oF PRoVIdenCe
Contents
Photography: (L) James Jones (R) Tiffany Medrano
January 2013
19 This Month 19 10 to Watch Our yearly guide on who to watch this upcoming year
55 39 City Style Bringing some California sun to the Ocean State 41 The Look 43 Shop Talk 45 Beauty
47 Feast New dining on the Providence waterfront 49 In the Kitchen 51 On the Menu 52 Behind the Bar 53 In the Drink 55 Review 57 Dining Guide
Every Month 6 Editor’s Note 8 PM List 9 Web List
11 Providence Pulse Cracking Roger Williams’s code 12 City 14 Malcontent 15 Scene in PVD
61 Get Out Funny up your Friday night 62 Calendar 65 Art 66 Music 67 Theatre
68 The Last Detail Thayer Street can be a scary place
On the Cover: Illustration by Jessica Harrington of ReStudios
January 2013 | Providence Monthly
5
Editor’s Note
PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell Publishing Director Jeanette St. Pierre Executive Editor Julie Tremaine Special Projects Manager John Taraborelli Art Director Karli Hendrickson Associate Editor Grace Lentini
A New Year of Big Ideas
Assistant Art Director Meghan H. Follett Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas Graphic Designer Veatsna Sok Caleigh McGrath
It’s been a tough couple of months for the Northeast. First Hurricane Sandy wrought its devastation, which will take a long time to recover from. Then one deranged man in Newtown, Connecticut delivered a whole different kind of devastation, the kind that it might not ever be possible to recover from. Our hearts go out to everyone touched by that tragedy. But, that said, it’s a new year, and time to make a fresh start. This month, we’ve got just the people to help with that. Our annual 10 to Watch is a list of people who have big ideas and the right connections and
knowhow to make them happen. Read all about them in our cover story, and then meet them at our 10 to Watch party at the Hope Club on January 14. For more information, check out page 10 of this issue. Here’s wishing all of you a happy, healthy 2013.
Account Managers Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher Nicole Greenspun Elizabeth Riel Dan Schwartz Chelsea Sherman Sharon Sylvester Kimberly Tingle Jessica Webb Illustrators Ashley MacLure Jessica Harrington Meghan Follett Caleigh McGrath Photographers Amy Amerantes Mike Braca Corey Grayhorse James Jones Janice Lee Kelly
Tiffany Medrano Laurel Mulherin Katie Poor Melissa Stimpson
Contributing Writers Linda Beaulieu Stephanie Obodda Jen Brister Jane Parisi Michael Clark Caitlin Quinn Emily Dietsch Cristy Raposo Ben Goulet Eric Smith Jane C. Govednik Erin Swanson Molly Lederer Vikki Warner
Contributor Jessica Harrington
Interns Nick Cantor Tioubba Parris Samantha Pezza Alex Palumbo Members of:
Cover Artist
Audited by:
Jessica Harrington, our cover artist, is an interior architect, artist, and avid skier who lives in Massachusetts. Her ReStudios word art landscapes are a creative outlet as a result of endless hours spent in Photoshop. Jessica grew up in North Kingstown, spending her summers at Narragansett Beach and winters in the White Mountains. Coming from a very creative family, Jessica’s take on art is expressed digitally. Her influences come largely from the design world, but she was originally inspired by the words and emotions that are evoked from a particular place. Although her prints mainly focus on Northeast destinations right now, she plans to expand across the country. If you can find her without a laptop, she’s likely hit the road for the beach or the ski slopes. etsy.com/shop/ReStudios.
6
Providence Monthly | January 2013
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER. PAPER CONTAINS 20-25% POST-CONSUMER CONTENT Providence Monthly 1070 Main Street, Suite 302 Pawtucket RI 02860 • Fax: 401-305-3392 www.providenceonline.com providencemonthly@providenceonline.com For advertising rates call: 401-305-3391 We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission. Copyright ©2013 by Providence Monthly, All rights reserved. Printed by Gannett Offset. Distributed by Special Delivery.
PROVIDENCE
Providence Restaurant Weeks presents
Restaurant Week presents
Take a Bite Out of Winter January 13 - 26, 2013
Providence Restaurant Weeks is heating things up this winter. Cure your cabin fever with a delicious meal at an affordable price. Whether you want to revisit old favorites or try something new, enjoy a great meal and a great value.
$14.95 for a three-course lunch $29.95 for a three-course dinner . For a list of participating restaurants visit
www.ProvidenceRestaurantWeeks.com
special advertising section
PM List
events / ProMotions / good deeds
It’s a Beautiful Thing
Dr. Arthur Mansolillo F Dr. Joseph Mansolillo F Dr. Jeffrey Mansolillo 1347 Hartford Avenue, Johnston F 861-1080 F 861-7643 F mansolillodental.com
Affordable Old World Italian Cuisine In A Relaxing Atmosphere
Come Visit Our Expanded Dining Room and “R” Bar!
The first ever Rhode Island Beauty Week is happening January 21-26. It’s a bi-annual statewide event celebrating health and beauty where local salons, spas and medi-spas offer a variety of full-service treatments and experiences at discounts
ranging from 20-70% off. Not only will the services leave you feeling refreshed, but a portion of all proceeds will benefit the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation. Check out participating businesses at ribeautyweek.com.
On the Runway Don’t count Providence out of fashion-forward cities. StyleWeek Northeast is announcing its sixth show running January 27-February 2 at the historic Biltmore Hotel. Check out our LOOK magazine tucked into this issue of Providence Monthly for the scoop on the designers, models, hairstylists and makeup artists that have worked tirelessly to put together this amazing show. For runway showtimes, accessory showcases and ticket information, check out styleweeknortheast.com.
Photography: Daniel Gagnon
Logo & Web Design by Rouge-Gorge Graphics
Wishing You Health & Happiness this New Year
Open Thursday Thru Saturday Join Us For Restaurant Week
310 Atwells Avenue, Providence • 331-5000 • RomaProv.com MODEL APARTMENT NOW OPEN! CALL TODAY FOR YOUR PERSONAL TOUR.
101 Highland Ave. Providence, RI 02906 (888) 493-0957 www.HighlandsRI.com highlands@hallkeen.com
8
Exclusively created to celebrate you, your wisdom, your spirit, and your life – The Highlands on the East Side is a newly designed Assisted Living residence with all the comforts of home…and more! With just 64 studio, one and two bedroom apartments in total, The Highlands represent a special opportunity for seniors to live in an intimate and comfortable community in the heart of Providence’s most vibrant neighborhood.
Providence Monthly | January 2013
Forward Thinking Rhode Islanders Every year we put together our list of the 10 to Watch this year. These are individuals who are not only doing great things in our state, but are adding to the quality of life we enjoy so much in Rhode Island. Join us as we celebrate their stories and accomplishments at our annual 10 to Watch party, this year being held at the Hope Club, 6 Benevolent Street at Benefit Street. For tickets go to providenceonline.com.
this month on
Providenceonline.com
Lupo’s
79 Washington st, providence
complete schedule at
lupos.com
FRiDAY, JAnUARY 18 • 9 pm
get the Led out
our Get y
fix dailyour
of y cal ite lo favor zine maga
THE AmERiCAn LED ZEppLin SATURDAY, JAnUARY 19 • 7 pm
Photo: Grace Lentini
RI on TV Read our interview with Bizarre Foods host Andrew Zimmern who was in RI shooting an episode.
the alteRNate Routes FRiDAY, JAnUARY 25 • 9 pm
citiZen cope FRiDAY, FEBRUARY 8 • 8:30 pm
grace potter Countdown to Midnight Check out our statewide directory of New Year’s Eve events
Photo: Hilary Block
maRtIN seXtoN
& the nocturnaLs SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 • 7 pm
Zappa pLaYs Zappa JUST ADDED ~ TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 • 8 pm
Statewide Restaurant Reviews Get our critics’ takes on the Rhode Island dining scene with reviews from our sister magazines in South County and the East Bay.
Community Calendar
Weekly Blog Posts
Register as a user to post your own events to our statewide calendar.
Stay updated between issues with posts on news, events, food and much more.
tickets at LUPOs.cOM, F.Y.e. stORes & LUPO’s January 2013 | Providence Monthly
9
The First Great Party of 2013! Mix and mingle with business leaders, artists, politicos and Providence Monthly’s
10 to WATCH
The
Hope Club
Monday, January 14 5:30pm-8:30pm $20 in advance $25 at the door Tickets available at www.ProvidenceOnline.com Proceeds to benefit the RI Urban Debate League Food by Cozy Catering
Providence Pulse
Original in the John Carter Brown Library at Brown University
CITY / MALCONTENT / SCENE IN PVD
Decoding Roger Williams History junkies rejoice. From the depths of the John Carter Brown Library at Brown University comes an unexpected discovery. When he died, Roger Williams left behind papers, letters and books covered in his strange and hectic shorthand, with no way to decode it. Until now. Three undergraduates, led by Lucas Mason-Brown, a motivated mathematics major, have cracked it. “An Essay Towards the Reconciling of Differences Among Christians,” a nearly 250-page volume with Williams’ notes on it, was donated to Brown in the 1800s. But what does this mean for the layman?
How does this impact the everyday life of the common Rhode Islander? We take great pride in saying what we mean and meaning what we say. We don’t take kindly to hypocrites and we certainly don’t appreciate a load of BS. These shorthand writings by Roger Williams were written towards the end of his life, and are his last known work of theology. They present within them are the same philosophies of religious freedom that our very state was founded on. What better exemplifies the Rhode Island spirit than the founder who stayed true to his beliefs until his dying day? If anyone was Providence, it was certainly him. –Grace Lentini
January 2013 | Providence Monthly
11
Pulse | City One Big iDea
Talking Local Politics with Mark Binder Year after year, we, the Rhode Island electorate, find ourselves asking the same questions: These guys again? Can’t we throw these bums out? The big question is: how do we get some new people with fresh ideas into office? We asked Mark Binder, because we thought he might have a few things to say. Running as an independent on the East Side with little name recognition and even less money, he managed to mount a formidable challenge against one of the three most powerful people in state government, Speaker of the House Gordon Fox. He almost won, too. Almost. • “The first thing you need to know is that you have to have an ego bigger than the state of Rhode Island. You have to actually believe that you are
the right person for the job. Are other people more qualified? Probably, but they’re not the ones running. You are. • The second thing is that unless you’re willing to be part of the machine, the deck is stacked against you. Heavily. • A reporter told me that the reason money was so important was because it was measurable. In other words, they can’t measure word of mouth or good feelings. They can say, “You’ve only got $200? You’re not a serious candidate.” • Find issues that are positive and attack your opponent. Yes, you can be nice and run a positive campaign, but you’ll get almost nothing in the way of “free” publicity. • You need to give powerful reasons for people to vote for you, not just
against your opponent. It also helps to be likable. • Start knocking on doors early. If you don’t enjoy walking and talking with people, don’t bother running in Rhode Island. • You also need to ask for money and volunteers. I hated this part, and did it poorly. If you want to ask for money or volunteers, get someone else on board right away who can do this. • No one in politics seems to have a sense of humor. When I tried to make jokes on the campaign trail, they were poorly received and then later used against me by my opponent. (For the record, no, I never really believed that a soda tax would solve our economic problems. Duh.) • Be prepared to be attacked. Be prepared to counter-attack. If you only
play nice, or if you’re attacked and take a high ground, you will get 8-9% of the vote. • Ask for supporters to be public early. Nobody is on your side until they come out publicly and say so. You can have conversations with people who will say that they support you, but until they write a check or agree to host an event or send out an email in your name, you can assume that they’re being courted by the other side. • Listen to the constituents. Don’t change what you’re committed to, but understand where they are. • Plan on winning.” For more advice on running for office and Mark Binder’s extended account of the campaign, visit providenceonline. com –John Taraborelli
THe WizaRDing WORlD OF PROviDence
Hermoine Granger Returns to Brown this Semester Great news everyone! We hear that Emma Watson1 is coming back to Providence this month, once again joining the ranks at Brown. Since it’s been a while since she’s been here, I wanted to go ahead and give Emma a list of places that have opened2 since she left town. The Dorrance The chic restaurant3 that now occupies the Federal Reserve building on Dorrance Street has been garnering accolades from local and national media, including James Beard Award nominations. Plus, the second floor function space is a perfect celeb dining spot for avoiding the gawkers.4 Teas and Javas I hear that Emma likes to hang out at East Side coffee shops, and this recently opened one has a full bar and is serving some creative coffee cocktails. It’s conveniently located next to parent company Alex and Ani’s Wayland Square store, so she can do some shopping5 after she’s done with her schoolwork.
12
Providence Monthly | January 2013
DSW The shoe megastore just opened in Providence Place.6 Granted, she can afford closets full of Jimmy Choos7 but she’s going to need some sensible, disposable winter shoes for slogging around College Hill in the snow. Butter Day Spa A totally unique spa housed in a Hope Street Victorian, Butter has been open for a little over a year. Its proximity to Brown and cozy private treatment rooms are perfect for avoiding the prying lenses of the paparazzi.8 Source at Reconstructure This interior design firm opened a North Main Street showroom last year, which is full of artful furniture, vintage items, gifts and jewelry. It’s a must-see when decorating a new home, like Emma will be doing this month.9 –Julie Tremaine
Emma Watson as Hermione Granger Did you know she’s the face of Chanel and Lancome? 4 Except we won’t sit up there when we go, because I want everyone to see us together. 5 And we can get matching “Best Friend” bracelets.
7 Closets that also have enough space to conceal a person… not that I know that or anything. 8 You have to deal with this kind of thing when your best friend is a celebrity. It’s tough, I know, but it’s all worth it in the end.
6 Totally within walking distance of her
9 Or she could just move in to my apart-
old apartment. (What? I had a perfectly
ment. I have space. I just need a little while
2 Places for us to hang out together.
good reason for staking out every condo
to hide all the Harry Potter paraphernalia. It’s
3 It’s totally fashionable, just like Emma.
in the city.)
totally not creepy… right?
1 My best friend* Emma Watson, that is. (*expected January 2013)
Pulse |
City
Think Spring...
WHaT’S neW in PvD
City Gossip for January Travel Channel star andrew zimmern was in town in December, filming an episode of Bizarre Foods America that will air in the summer. He made stops at the Wintertime Farmers Market, Federal Hill, JWU and Olneyville New York System. travelchannel.com/tv-shows/ bizarre-foods Chabot Art Gallery on Federal Hill is hosting a different kind of fundraiser this month. The Haiti art Sale will feature art created by Haitian children who are in the care of Haiti’s Child, a mission on the island. The one-night-only show is happening on January 19 and is sponsored by Concord Home Health Services. chabotgallery.com Wayland Square’s la laiterie is featured in the January issue of Food & Wine as having one of the best macaroni and cheese dishes in America. foodandwine.com Ravi Shavi, one of Providence’s most buzzworthy new bands, is releasing a self-titled debut album this month. They’re having an album release party on January 26 at Firehouse 13. ravishavi.bandcamp.com
Andrew Zimmern (right) at Hope Artist Village
PM exPeRiMenT
Squealing with… Something A taste of Johnny Rockets’ new Rhode Island burger
After Christmas Sale 20%-50% Off
Illustration: Meghan Follett, Photography: Grace Lentini
When i meet someone
new and tell them I’m from Rhode Island, I generally get one of two responses: “Oh, Rhode Island? I hear that FireWater thing is beautiful” or “Oh, Rhode Island? Didn’t one of your politicians go to prison?” I don’t often hear “Oh, Rhode Island. You have wonderful bacon there.” Which is why I thought it was so curious that Johnny Rockets would debut a new burger, with a patty comprising 60% beef and 40% bacon, and call it the Rhode Island Squealer Out of morbid curiosity and an equally morbid love of bacon, I took some friends to try the sandwich at the Thayer Street restaurant (there’s also one in the mall, but I wasn’t going anywhere near that place on a Sunday in December). We ordered a couple of Squealers and a plate of bacon cheese fries to round out the healthy meal. On first bite, the burger was solid: crisp tomatoes, lettuce and pickles sat on top of melted American cheese and the bacon burger itself. I got a strong hit of vinegar at first, but nobody else did, so I attributed that to a lot of pickles in one bite. As we ate, though, things kind of
New arrivals Daily!
A specialty boutique Open Daily 10-5:30 Saturday 10-5 went downhill. We could taste some bacon, but not as much as we expected, and there was sadly none on top of the burger itself. The flavor and quality of hte bacon itself was lacking, too. We all commented that the sandwich just made us want a really good bacon cheeseburger instead, and wondered aloud what made this a “Rhode Island Squealer.” A Google search, amid bites
of the delicious bacon cheese fries, indicated that Johnny Rockets isn’t serving this burger elsewhere. But if it were going to be a true Rhode Island burger, it would have something local on top. One of my dining companions suggested soupy, the Westerly version of sopressatta. My vote was chorizo. Are you listening, Johnny? johnnyrockets.com –Julie Tremaine
The Village CenTer 290 County road, Barrington 247-1087 Contemporary women’s apparel, lingerie, shoes and accessories
January 2013 | Providence Monthly
13
The very first step to your well-being begins just steps from your front door.
Pulse |
The Malcontent
by John Taraborelli
What’s the Story? How a narrative can change a city GATEWAY PROFESSIONAL GROUP SPECIALITY AREAS • Anxiety and Phobias • Career Issues • Child and Adolescent
Counseling • Couples Counseling
with Imago Therapy • Depression • Men’s and Women’s
Emotional Health • Parenting Issues • Social Issues • Stress • Trauma and Abuse
Seeking help from a therapist is a sign of personal strength and wisdom – recognition of the importance of your well-being… at Gateway Professional Group, you will find acceptance and help in overcoming life’s obstacles. Conveniently located on the East Side of Providence, we specialize in therapy for children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. appointments (401)728-4357 208 GOVERNOR STREET • PROVIDENCE, RI
Enjoy award winning house made pasta and Neapolitan cuisine served in a luxurious setting with two fireplaces. Private Room is available for up to 60 people. Winner Editor’s Choice “Best Pasta”
245 Atwells Ave. Providence, RI 401.383.2002 trattoriazooma.com Open Daily For Lunch And Dinner 14
Providence Monthly | January 2013
it is often said – usually by salespeople – that everything is sales. No matter your profession, no matter your role, it all comes down to sales – not in the literal sense of an actual transaction of goods or services for money, but in the sense of getting people to buy into you, your ideas, your mission. There’s something to that line of thinking, but I prefer to go one step further and say that everything is storytelling. Whether you’re a salesperson trying to close a deal, a doctor prescribing treatment, a marketing professional devising a PR campaign, a politician pushing for legislation, or even just a job seeker trying to nail an interview, you’re telling someone a story. Your success hinges on getting your audience interested and invested in your story, and that requires an effective, engaging and coherent narrative. I talk about Providence with a lot of people – and typically even more in the several weeks I spend putting together our annual 10 to Watch list. We talk about the city, what’s happening in it, what assets it has, what it lacks, what it can and should be, etc. One common theme that emerges in so many of those conversations is storytelling: Providence has a story, but what is it, and are we telling it effectively? These are important questions to ask, because a good story can have a profound impact on a place. We need look no further than our city’s own ‘90s Renaissance to prove this point. People remain divided on Buddy Cianci – whether he was good or bad for the city; how much credit, if any, he deserves for its revival; and so on. I won’t claim to have the definitive answers to those questions, but I know this much is true: no one was better at telling Providence’s story than Buddy, and that is both the reason why our city was perceived as having a Renaissance and why he was perceived as the driving force behind it. The guy tells a good story. That got people interested in Providence, it got them to believe in Providence, and thus the Renaisance story became self-fulfilling.
When you look around the country at the cities that are flourishing, that are attracting attention (and thus visitors, new residents and money), that have reputations as vibrant, exciting places to be, they all have good stories to tell. Many of them have the same problems as Providence – struggling economies, failing schools, lack of jobs – but they tell a better story and reap the benefits. Look at Cambridge, Massachusetts: it’s a small city in close proximity to Boston with a diverse population and heavy concentration of students; it’s home to both a traditional Ivy League university and a best-of-its-kind school on the cutting edge of technology and design. Sound familiar? So why is Cambridge nationally reputed as a nexus of innovation, an incubator of technology and entrepreneurship, while Providence is not? One big reason (among many) is that Cambridge is better at telling that story than Providence. Portland, Oregon is another success story: a small(ish) city with a population of well-educated, hip (and heavily tattooed) young professionals, a flair for the artsy and a flourishing local food movement – again, sound familiar? Yet Portland has established a national reputation as the city “where young people go to retire,” one of the top flight destinations for both the emerging creative class and progressive-minded foodies. Why isn’t Providence a bigger blip on that radar? Our city has problems, limitations and obstacles, but it also has all the resources and assets it needs to be a nationally reputed hotbed of talent, creativity and innovation – we just haven’t leveraged those things to their full potential. We need to build a narrative around our city’s best qualities and then tell it as often, as loud and to as many audiences as possible. That narrative should be concise, coherent and compelling. It should be about the kind of place where people want to be. If we learn to tell a better story, other people will believe it – including us.
Pulse |
Scene in PVD
Fusionworks Dance Company celebrated its 25th anniversary at Café Nuovo. After performing their concert at Rhode Island College, the dancers, along with alumni, board members and guests celebrated at the afterparty while noshing on culinary treats. Photography by laurel Mulherin
Tomasso Auto Swedish Motors
Celebrating 44 Years We service and repair ALL foreign and domestic models Toyota • Kia • Nissan • Chrysler Audi • Lexus • Infinity • Ford Volkswagen • Honda • BMW Chevy • Isuzu • Mercedes • Mini Prosche • Ford • General Motors Mazda • Saab • Volvo • Hyundai Saturn • Subaru • Mitsubishi
ASE Certified RI inspection and repair station #27b
401-723-1111
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm
729 East Avenue
Top of the East Side, next door to Rite Aid
vis-á-vis hair design 377 Broadway • Providence, RI 401.421.0123 visavishairdesign.com
Ask ABOUT OUR BLOW OUT PACkAGEs! Gift certificates Available Appointments helpful but not always necessary
January 2013 | Providence Monthly
15
BRING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH
CORE F o i d u t S itness NEW at Angell Street CORE BODY BARRE®
takes on a cardio element to the workout to create a high calorie/fat burning toning workout! Core is taking fitness fusion to a new level!
willPower infusion® An efficient and intense workout experience for the mind-body setting. infusion® is a pre-designed sequence of exercises which strengthen the entire body through controlled alignment-based exercises. This 90-minute workout combines precise, functional movement with Foot Fitness methods and empowering, affirming willPower philosophy. The goal is to stimulate your sensory integration system thoroughly, during the entire workout.
INDO-ROW Circuit Training Class
Prepare to engage in extreme cross training in this class. A total body circuit challenge employing the IndoRow machines as cardio conditioning, weights for total body movements, and core conditioning. This fun workout has a team oriented design.
Core’s Signature Services include:
Sports Specific Training • Personal Training • C.O.R.E Body-Barre State of the Art Keiser Indoor Cycle Program • MVE • Vinyasa Yoga Strength Training • Navy SEAL • Pilates • Run Group WillPower & Grace • TRX-Suspension Training • Indo-Row Barefoot Training • Zumba • Functional Movement Screening
No Membership Fee Group Fitness Classes $12
469 Angell Street Providence, Wayland Square 273-CORE
Owner, Den iSe
C
COR E
ian O ak h
BRING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH
o i d u t Pilates/Mind Body S
-Olney
Learn the foundational moves before joining our Small Group Classes! Call the studio for more information, advance registration is required.
Try one of our NEW Small Group Classes: • CORE Body-Barre/Reformer • INDO-ROW POWER CIRCUIT • CORE CYCLE TONE All fitness levels welcome • Parking available
For more information check out our website at
www.corefitprov.com or call our studio today!
208 Governor Street, Providence 273-CORE
to h c t wa r fo
2013
2012 was a tumultuous 12 months. Now that we’ve all survived the election, the fiscal cliff and the Mayan apocalypse, it’s time to start working on the challenges and opportunities of a new year. Here we present 10 people that we believe are uniquely suited to do so, providing leadership and innovation in areas ranging from education to entrepreneurship, city politics to state government, theater to philanthropy. We’re expecting great things from our 10 to Watch for 2013 – you should too.
[ by John Taraborelli • Photography by James Jones ]
FOLLOW US ON FOLLOW US ON FOLLOW US ON
FOLLOW US ON
FebruaryFebruary 21-24, February 21-24, 2013 2013
thUR - || Sa t 10 thUR -- Sat Sat 10 aM SUN aM -- 6 thUR 10 aM -- 8 8 PM PM SUN 10 10 aM 6 PM PMaM
RI RI CONveNtION CONveNtION CeNteR || ONe CeN 02903 RI CONveNtION CeNteR ONe SabIN SabIN St St || PROv PROv 02903
www.FlowerShow.com www.Flo www.FlowerShow.com 速 速
速
速
Hannah Chung & Aaron Horowitz
ip rsh u E En Epr r t En
Chief Creative Officer/ Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founders, Sproutel sproutel.com @DiabetesBear
What they do: Make toys and interactive learning games for children diagnosed with chronic illnesses. Their first product is Jerry the Bear, a teddy bear with Type 1 diabetes. “When a kid is diagnosed with diabetes, the education doesn’t go directly to them – it goes to the parent,” explains Chung. “It’s not kid-friendly. There’s nothing really intuitive or fun. Why can’t you combine this medical information and gaming?” Thus, Jerry has an interactive touchscreen that runs on an Android smartphone platform, teaching children the fundamentals of monitoring glucose levels, managing insulin injections and maintaining a healthy diet.
What they’re doing in Providence: The two met while attending Northwestern University, and began working together on Jerry the Bear through a student organization called Design for America, which Chung co-founded. Horowitz later spent a summer in Providence and fell in love with the community. “Everybody in Providence wants to help you because everybody wants to see Providence succeed,” he enthuses. “That’s the really beautiful thing about being here. Everybody has a vested interest in making this city an awesome place to be – and they’ll do whatever it takes.” They collectively decided to relocate here and were eventually accepted into Betaspring’s startup accelerator program. January 1 marks their one-year anniversary in Providence.
Why that’s significant: Chung and Horowitz represent the best and brightest from a small, but enthusiastic and growing community of tech- and design-savvy young entrepreneurs. “What it’s doing is something special, and in a way reinventing Providence,” Horowitz says of the startup community. “I see this as the next cycle for Providence to be born into. I think it has huge potential to bring jobs and a new type of economy.” The duo is living proof that Providence can attract the next generation of entrepreneurs who are more concerned about a vibrant environment, creative talent pool and easy access to people and resources than taxes or regulatory structures.
What’s next for Jerry: They’ve finalized the design. but are still testing him. (Rhode Island families of children with Type 1 diabetes
are welcome to participate in those tests.) They’re also hoping to hire an Android developer based in Providence, because they’d rather find homegrown talent than look elsewhere. If all goes according to plan, Jerry will be available through direct purchase on their website, and possibly through other diabetes supply distributors, by late summer/early fall this year.
Christine Lopes Executive Director, Rhode Island Campaign for Achievement Now (RI-CAN) ri-can.org @RhodeIslandCAN
What she’s doing: Taking the helm of a two-year-old statewide education advocacy group as its second executive director, after founding ED Maryellen Butke left seeking political office.
What RI-CAN is about: Choice, flexibility and accountability. It primarily serves as a mouthpiece for school change and choice across the state. Last year it made news by issuing “report cards” for public schools throughout the state. It has also been at the center of hot button educational policy discussions, advocating for things like Race to the Top and the Achievement First school network’s entry into Rhode Island as a mayoral academy.
Why she’s different: While her predecessor brought more of a purely educational background to the job, Lopes says, “90% of my work experience has been in the political arena.” That includes a mix of educational policy work, political campaigning, legislative advocacy and government accountability. She’s worked in the State House and gubernatorial campaigns of her native Massachusetts, done political consulting for the Service Employees International Union, spent four and a half years leading a statewide field campaign for universal pre-school in the Bay State, served as Executive Director of government watchdog group Common Cause RI, and was most recently Chief Strategy Officer of the Rhode Island Mayoral Academies. “I’ve worked in state government. I understand how the mechanism works, but also how to advocate on the outside,” she notes. “Public schools are now my candidate.”
Why that’s important: So much of educational policy and school governance is tied up in politics, whether at the municipal level, in the General Assembly, or dealing with the unions. Lopes has experience with them all, and knows how to speak the language of each group and situation. She believes she will be able to bridge the conversation between all sides. “I’d like to see a movement towards figuring out how some of the policies around public schools can be brought down to the school level,” she explains. “One thing I’ve learned is that no two schools are alike. The people on the ground really need to be in power to make the decisions.”
n
Ed
u
tio ca
January 2013 | Providence Monthly
23
wayland sq | providence
chapel view | cranston
www.teasandjavas.com | brought to you by Alex and Ani, LLC
What that job title actually means:
Jessica David Vice President for Planning, Strategy and Special Projects, Rhode Island Foundation rifoundation.org @JDinRI
David has worked her way up through the ranks of one of the state’s premier philanthropic organizations, starting as Special Projects Officer in 2006. Essentially her job (and her job title) has evolved around her as she has taken on more of what she calls “things that don’t fit neatly into our other areas.” Her responsibilities include innovative and promising new projects like the Innovation Fellowship, which began last year with two three-year, $300,000 awards to two creative ideas to improve Rhode Island, and the Make It Happen conference, which gathered 300 “key doers and thinkers” to brainstorm on ideas to rebuild the state’s economy.
Why these projects matter: For most of its almost 100-year history, the foundation followed the more traditionally reactive model of community philanthropy, but under its current strategic plan it is moving in a more proactive direction to respond to the issues of the day. “We continue to see our role as convenor, champion and catalyst - the connection point between people and ideas,” David says.
ila
Ph
y oP
hr nt
Perhaps the best example is the Innovation Fellowship: while only two fellowships were ultimately awarded, the foundation received 438 proposals, several of which advanced to subsequent rounds of the competition. “It generated interest and investment from a group of people we’ve never reached before,” she explains. “There were people who were not on our radar and brought this whole wealth of ideas and perspectives to the table that really hadn’t been there before. And we found that once they were there, they didn’t want to leave.” Some of the finalists and semifinalists have continued trying to bring their projects to fruition, with the foundation exploring the possibility of advancing some of them.
What comes next: David will oversee the next round of Innovation Fellowships in April, launching two new ideas as the 2012 winners start to bring their projects online. She has also been tending to the suggestions and discussions that came out of Make It Happen, as the foundation has $1 million set aside to initiate and accelerate some of those things.
Kevin Broccoli Founder, Epic Theater Company @Kevin0714
What he does: Theater, obviously. As a writer, director and actor he’s worked at many local theaters, including Perishable, 2nd Story, the Artist’s Exchange and Barker Playhouse. As founder of his own theater company, he’s produced his own work, including last year’s The Acting Company, which showcased 150 original monologues he penned just for that show.
What he’s doing next: Epic Theater, which is currently based out of Zabinski Music Studio in Pawtucket’s Hope Artiste Village, has a busy year ahead. Throughout the winter and spring, it will be presenting intriguing works staged by up-and-coming local directors, including The Edge of Our Bodies, a one-woman show about a teenaged girl traveling to New York to tell her boyfriend she’s pregnant, and Six Degrees of Separation, an American classic about race and class that hasn’t been staged in Rhode Island for some time. Broccoli seeks out unique, challenging works and stages them in a grassroots, low budget way, allowing him to take the kind of artistic risks that more established theaters can’t. “We’re never going to set up more than 30 chairs to start with because, realistically, that’s what we’re going to pull in,” he says. “But what that does is allow us to tell stories that you might not do if you had to pull in more than 30 people.” He points to a recent production called Mr. Marmalade, which he calls “the most offensive thing I’ve ever seen,” and claims, “I don’t think any theater in town could present it without losing money.” But Epic Theater can.
Why small theater is a big deal: Broccoli is attempting to establish an alternative model of how theater can be done in Rhode Island. By presenting challenging works and providing a showcase for homegrown talent, he is helping a community of emerging voices to coalesce. “I’m a huge bigmouth when it comes to the issue of using local talent,” Broccoli says. “If I wanted to use actors from out of state, I couldn’t. But what I’ve learned is that I don’t need to.” It might sound less than epic, but judging by the awe and adoration Broccoli inspires in his peers and the lines at his auditions, it’s filling a need in local theater. “As long as we’re presenting these stories honestly and getting really good actors, that’s all we should need right now,” he declares.
ts r A
Rhode Island’s ONLY Active Relaxtion Facility
Himalayan salt grotto Eucalyptus steam room Yellow tumeric heat sauna Dead sea salt oceanic room Heated urban hamman Black charcoal sauna Active relaxation room
Home of the $49 Relaxation Massage all day every day no membership required
Therapeutic Services Salt scrubs Facials Reflexology Hot stone massage Cranio sacral Indian head massage Structural intergration Neuromuscular therapy Thai yoga stretch And so much more...
As seen in Day Spa magazine
Raffa Yoga / Urban Sweat 19 Sharpe Drive, Cranston
Give the Gift of Health gift certificates available
Just 2.3 miles from our previous location. Plenty of parking.
401-463-3335 Schedule your class or massage online today!
www.raffyoga.com
Everything can be done better with relaxation
UnitedHealthcare is accepted at all Lifespan Laboratories.
Highest Quality, Easiest Access Lifespan, the name synonymous with Rhode Island’s best hospitals, has made it easy to find a convenient location and time for your laboratory testing. Lifespan Laboratories has 43 locations throughout Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, each offering a complete range of the most advanced laboratory tests. And because you never need an appointment at Lifespan Laboratories, there’s sure to be a location and time that suits your schedule. Some laboratory locations are even open on Saturdays. For more information, please call 401–793–4242 or 1–800–980–4244. www.Lifespan.org/services/labs
CRANSTON 1199 Reservoir Avenue Phone: (401) 946-8735 Fax: (401) 946-4675 Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday: 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CUMBERLAND 2140 Mendon Road Phone: (401) 333-9875 Fax: (401) 333-0429 Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Saturday: 7:30 a.m.–1 p.m. 2 Meehan Lane *NOW OPEN* Phone: (401) 658-1032 Fax: (401) 658-1274 Monday–Friday: 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. EAST GREENWICH 1672 South County Trail, Suite 203 Phone: (401) 398-7827 Fax: (401) 398-7829 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.–noon 925 Main Street Phone: (401) 884-8200 Fax: (401) 884-8270 Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed for lunch 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. EAST PROVIDENCE 400 Warren Avenue Phone: (401) 434-0993 Fax: (401) 434-0994 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Closed for lunch noon–12:30 p.m. 1275 Wampanoag Trail Phone: (401) 433-0908 Fax: (401) 433-0926 Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Barrington Medical Center 1525 Wampanoag Trail Phone: (401) 433-5149 Fax: (401) 433-4734 Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m.–11:30 a.m. FOSTER 142 A Danielson Pike Phone: (401) 647-7426 Fax: (401) 647-4869 Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Closed for lunch 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m.
JAMESTOWN 20 Southwest Avenue Phone: (401) 423-2520 Fax: (401) 423-9635 Monday: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Tues, Thurs & Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Wednesday: 8:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. LINCOLN 6 Blackstone Valley Place Phone: (401) 333-1051 Fax: (401) 333-1052 Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
PAWTUCKET 85 Pearson Avenue Phone: (401) 721-9824 Fax: (401) 721-9825 Monday: 12:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Tues, Thurs, Fri: 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Closed every Wednesday PORTSMOUTH 161 Chase Road Phone: (401) 682-1129 Fax: (401) 682-1664 Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri: 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. Wed & Sat: 7 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
1 Commerce Street Phone: (401) 335-1116 Fax: (401) 335-9020 Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.–noon
77 Turnpike Avenue Phone: (401) 682-2067 Fax: (401) 682-2321 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
2 Wake Robin Road Phone: (401) 333-3246 Fax: (401) 333-3562 Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday: 7:30 a.m.–noon
PROVIDENCE 44 West River Street Phone: (401) 272-1649 Fax: (401) 861-0957 Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
NEWPORT 11 Friendship Street– Newport Hospital Phone: (401) 845-1260 Fax: (401) 848-6036 Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.–noon NORTH PROVIDENCE 1515 Smith Street Phone: (401) 353-4812 Fax: (401) 353-4814 Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m.–noon NORTH SMITHFIELD 594 Great Road, Suite 101 Phone: (401) 597-5940 Fax: (401) 597-5941 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. PASCOAG 1 High Street, Unit #5 Phone: (401) 567-8790 Fax: (401) 567-8749 Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Closed for lunch 1 p.m.–2:00 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.–noon
146 West River Street Phone: (401) 793-3137 Fax: (401) 793-3144 Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. 111 Plain Street Phone: (401) 444-2084 Fax: (401) 444-2098 Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Medical Office Building 2 Dudley Street Phone: (401) 444-8323 Fax: (401) 444-8657 Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m.–1 p.m. 33 Staniford Street Phone: (401) 453-8218 Fax: (401) 453-8219 Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed for lunch 12:30 p.m.–1 p.m. 160 Wayland Avenue Phone: (401) 621-4120 Fax: (401) 621-5679 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Closed for lunch 12:30 p.m.–1 p.m.
Patient Service Center hours of operation are subject to change. Please call ahead to verify. *RI Health Ventures d.b.a. Lifespan Laboratories
PROVIDENCE continued 1195 North Main Street Phone: (401) 865-6693 Fax: (401) 865-6694 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.–12 p.m. 285 Governor Street Phone: (401) 861-2130 Fax: (401) 861-0896 Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Friday: 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m. 1 Hoppin Street Phone: (401) 793-8780 Fax: (401) 793-8303 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Shaw’s Plaza 208 Collyer Street, Suite 101 Phone: (401) 793-4615 Fax: (401) 793-4776 Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday: 7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. 148 West River Street Phone: (401) 272-1467 Fax: (401) 272-1460 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 1125 North Main Street Phone: (401) 793-2881 Fax: (401) 793-2882 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
SMITHFIELD 400E Putnam Pike Phone: (401) 232-0927 Fax: (401) 232-0576 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 28 Cedar Swamp Road Phone: (401) 231-4156 Fax: (401) 231-4285 Monday–Thursday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.– noon Saturday: 8 a.m.–noon TIVERTON *NOW OPEN SATURDAYS* 1800 Main Road Phone: (401) 625-1140 Fax: (401) 625-1144 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday: 7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. WARWICK 400 Bald Hill Road Phone: (401) 734-1831 Fax: (401) 615-2144 Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.–noon 1035 Post Road Phone: (401) 467-4730 Fax: (401) 467-2019 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
REHOBOTH 237 Winthrop Street Phone: (508) 252-3804 Fax: (508) 252-3824 Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday: 7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
1444 Warwick Avenue Phone: (401) 463-3675 Fax: (401) 463-3673 Monday & Wednesday: 7 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday: 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m.–noon Closed for lunch 12:30 p.m.–1 p.m. Saturday: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
RUMFORD 400 Pawtucket Avenue Phone: (401) 438-3409 Fax: (401) 438-2406 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
WEST WARWICK 186 Providence Street Phone: (401) 615-2800 x2193 Fax: (401) 615-2144 Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
SLATERSVILLE 905 Victory Highway Phone: (401) 765-0957 Fax: (401) 765-0392 Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–4 p.m. Saturday: 7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
WOONSOCKET 450 Clinton Street Phone: (401) 767-4100 x3054 or 3056 Fax: (401) 766-2624 Mon, Tues & Wed: 8:30 a.m.–8:00 p.m. Thursday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m.–noon
Lisa Ranglin President, Rhode Island Black Business Association ri-bba.com
What she does: By day, she works at Bank of America as Vice President; Capital Management Finance Manager.
Why she’s someone to watch: She’s the founding president of the Rhode Island Black Business Association (RIBBA).
What RIBBA does: It’s an advocacy and support group for minority business owners, particularly in urban areas. As a memberdriven nonprofit, it seeks to mobilize the community, providing advice and training, mentorship, business development and marketing strategies, and legislative activism to a largely underserved segment of the state’s economy.
What it’s done so far: Last fall, RIBBA celebrated its first full year in existence, during which it recruited more than 100 paid members. “Nothing exists, you don’t have anything in place, and you’re able to form an organization where you’re providing services to folks that need it – that’s a big win,” Ranglin boasts. “We’ve been able to mobilize the black and minority community around a common goal of empowerment, focusing on growing their businesses and ensuring that they’re able to build sustainable wealth.” The organization celebrated with an October awards gala honoring member business owners in front of a capacity crowd.
What it will do next: With its focus primarily on what Ranglin calls the “core urban communities” – Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Central Falls and West Warwick – RIBBA has formulated a comprehensive urban development strategy, reflecting both the unique needs of its minority constituents and the broader needs of struggling communities. It is already shopping the plan around to potential partners and collaborators, with a summit to discuss urban development in the works for later this year.
How this can create change: “This is much bigger than just the minority business owner – we’re talking about changing communities,” Ranglin emphasizes. “We’re talking about tapping an untapped asset. If we are able to tap into that, that is going to have a broader impact on the community in general.” RIBBA’s job is to do just that. By providing business development resources and helping business owners find access to capital, it aims to strengthen the economic base in urban communities. Through mentorship, it will identify and develop future leaders not just for urban, minority communities, but the entire state.
& ess y n i s it Bu un nt m m e Co pm o l e Dev
Mim Runey President/Chief Operating Officer, Johnson & Wales University Providence jwu.edu/providence @JWUProvidence How she came to Providence: “I went to college when I was 17 and I never left,” jokes the South Carolina native. After graduating from Clemson University, she began working for JWU Charleston in 1989. She came to Providence in 2006, ascending to the role of president in 2011. Unlike her predecessor, she does double duty as chief operating officer, not just for Providence, but the school’s network of campuses in Charlotte, Denver and North Miami.
What JWU will do under her leadership: Expand – not just in terms of its physical footprint, but also its educational offerings and community engagement. Plans through 2017 call for investing $300 million in new facilities, mostly in Providence, including the two parcels of 195 land JWU has already purchased. There will be a new parking garage with ground level retail space at the corner of Richmond and Pine Streets and new athletic fields at the Harborside Campus. A building on Clifford Street will be renovated to house a first-in-the-state physician’s assistant program, marking the school’s entry into health sciences. Other possibilities on the school’s wish list: a new academic building and a sports arena on the Downcity campus, more housing, another administrative building and the relocation of the School of Technology closer to Downcity. Then there is the oft-overlooked Culinary Museum. “I would like to see our museum take a step back and develop a very specific plan on its holdings, and possibly relocate Downcity,” Runey says. “We have some phenomenal holdings and we have not focused on the opportunities we should to share them with the city of Providence.”
What Providence gets out of the deal: Runey says that additional campus buildings will house commercial spaces and amenities that all of downtown will use. JWU’s increased focus on experiential learning (internships, community service, etc.) resulted in 160,000 hours of community service from the student body last year. The new Center for Physician Assistant Studies will help create the skilled job force we need to boost one of the state’s most important industries. “Johnson & Wales has a history of pursuing fields and degree programs which are in high demand from high school students and industry – health sciences is one of those fields,” Runey explains. “It’s not something that has been a part of our institution over the years, but one thing that has is the desire to capitalize on those fields of high demand.”
n tio a s uc Ed sinEs u &B
Handcrafted in small batches in southern Italy with a Sicilian pistachio infusion, Dumante Verdenoce is superb neat or on ice, as a martini with other fine spirits and ingredients, with coffee or espresso, and in main dishes, appetizers, and spectacular desserts. ASK FOR DUMANTE VERDENOCE AT YOUR FAVORITE BAR, RESTAURANT AND SPIRITS RETAILER. DISTRIBUTED IN RI BY RHODE ISLAND DISTRIBUTING COMPANY. ULTRA-PREMIUM PISTACHIO LIQUEUR • PRODUCED IN ITALY • DUMANTE.COM • PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Come and enjoy Our New Tasting Menu! LivE MuSic Thursday & Friday Open Tuesday-Saturday Beginning At 5pm
THE
dorrance kitchen & cocktails
60 Dorrance Street, Providence • 401-521-6000 thedorrance@gmail.com • www.thedorrance.com Follow us on
La La Love Your Hair in 2013!
La La Luxe Salon Gift Certificates & Blowout Memberships Now Available
383-3797
139 Elmgrove Avenue, Providence
Call ahead, Walk-in or Book online www.LaLaLuxeSalon.com W E USE
P R O D UCTS
32
Providence Monthly | January 2013
Why we’re interested:
Peter Marino Director, RI Office of Management & Budget
Marino is the first to serve the governor in this newly created position. “The idea was to think a little more strategically about how government operates and how it’s funded,” he explains. To that end, he will be responsible for development and oversight of the governor’s budget plan, monitoring program and service delivery by state agencies, managing federal grants, directing the remaining federal stimulus dollars, and working towards a business friendly climate through regulatory reform.
Why he’s the man for the job: Because the guy knows public finance. He comes to the job from the top seat in the Senate Fiscal Advisory Office, but he’s also been Director of Policy and Municipal Affairs at the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, and a Senior Budget Analyst in the State Budget Office.
What’s new about this: Marino’s office will have an unprecedented level of oversight of state finances. Not only will it monitor public expenditures and their effectiveness, but it will be responsible for helping State House departments spend wisely and keeping the public informed in a way
t
en
v Go
m ern
that is transparent, accountable and accessible. Furthermore, an administration that has struggled to sell its economic vision now has an advocate with the information and policy expertise the governor needs to push his agenda. “It allows the governor to have an individual that can coordinate the budget process, establish the necessary fiscal discipline, and work with departments to get that budget into a place where when he submits it in January it represents his key initiatives,” Marino says.
How you’ll know it’s working: As of press time, the governor’s target date to submit his budget to the General Assembly is January 17, which Marino believes will be the earliest any governor has ever done so. That kind of timeliness and predictability is something he sees as crucial to effective economic stewardship. OMB is also intended to be a source of information and advice for both government agencies and those seeking to navigate them. “If you want to achieve goals, it starts with a sense of fiscal discipline,” Marino maintains. “OMB can help departments and agencies think about how they can get there.” The level to which it’s called upon to provide those services will be a good indicator of both how well it’s working and how seriously it’s being taken.
Dr. Sheri MillerWilliams Executive Director, United Providence unitedprovidence.org/up
Who she is: Humbly describing herself as “an educator,” Dr. MillerWilliams has served at multiple levels in several of the country’s most challenging school districts. And she’s succeeded. Starting as a teacher at the same elementary school she attended as a child, Miller-Williams has gone on to a variety of administrative roles in both public and charter school systems, eventually providing leadership on school turnarounds in Detroit, Charleston, SC, Atlanta, New Orleans and Philadelphia. She most recently arrived in our school system to lead the newly created United Providence (UP) initiative. “I was attracted to UP because of the ability to create something from scratch, to take a business plan and breathe life into it,” she recalls. “It was also aligned with my passion of working in urban settings.”
What she’s here to do: UP is a first-of-its-kind 501(c)3 nonprofit that brings together both the public school system’s administration and teachers union as partners in school turnaround. “We are building the plane while we’re flying it, which is one of the most exciting endeavors I’ve ever been involved in,” Miller-Williams explains. The organization’s work will begin with three of the city’s most challenging schools: Carl Lauro Elementary, Gilbert Stuart Middle and Jorge Alvarez High School. If it works, it could become a national model for school turnaround, particularly in urban districts with strong unions.
Why it’s innovative: UP has been given autonomy to lead transformation in the three schools, each of which will be overseen by an Instructional Leadership Team co-chaired by the school’s principal and union delegate. Below that, every teacher in the school must serve on one of four advisory committees: culture/climate, academic and professional learning, operations, and parent engagement. In this way, change will come from the bottom up, not the top down.
Why we think it will work: All the decision makers are on board, including Superintendent Susan Lusi, Providence Teachers Union President Steve Smith, Mayor Taveras, the General Assembly, The Rhode Island Foundation and the American Federation of Teachers. And then, of course, there is Dr. Miller-Williams’ passion for the job. “I truly believe that every child has the right to a quality education,” she declares. “It’s a moral imperative. That’s my mission – to provide that.”
on i t ca Edu
101 orange street providence ri 02903 t. 401.808.6777 www.studio101ri.com If you would like to join our team, please forward resumes to: info@studio101ri.com
January 2013 | Providence Monthly
35
One of the great things about Rhode Islanders is our keen ability to celebrate the good times AND help one another when times are tough. While we may have different views, we share a passion for helping people change their lives for the better, forever.
YOU CAN CHANGE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF LIVES. ASK US HOW. www.LIVEUNITEDri.org
James Diossa Mayor-elect Central Falls centralfallsri.us @JamesDiossa
How he got into politics: Diossa grew up in Central Falls’ Columbian-American community, one of the city’s largest ethnic groups and an emerging power base. A product of the public school system, he went to Worcester’s Becker College to study criminal justice, but returned to his home city to serve it. “I always had that desire to give back to the city that’s done so much for me and my family,” he says. “It’s given me an excellent education. It’s given me the opportunity to grow up in a diverse community and learn different cultures. It allowed my dad to buy a house. It’s been a very good community to us.”
What we can learn from one square mile: If the smallest city with the biggest problems is able pull itself back from the brink, it gives hope to other struggling communities. Providence Mayor Taveras has been a supporter of Diossa, and having two young Latino mayors in charge of cities with large minority populations represents a real changing of the guard in local politics. Central Falls has provided valuable lessons for other urban communities grappling with similarly difficult circumstances, particularly Providence. “I think what everyone can learn is that we can no longer kick the can down the road as far as pension responsibilities – and most importantly, that all elected officials need to be held accountable for every decision that is made,” says Diossa. “We’re here today because of bad decisions, bad negotiations and false promises in the past. We were the canary in the coal mine.”
What he represents: Renewal for a city that’s badly in need of it. Diossa will be the first Latino mayor of this predominantly Latino city. As it begins to emerge from bankruptcy, Central Falls will have a mayor and govern itself for the first time since July 2010. Thus, the stage is set for a fresh start. “I’m not a huge supporter of what’s happened in the city,” Diossa says of the tumultuous last couple of years, “but I think it was necessary to find out what went wrong. That was very important to the city. I think it can start new. What’s happened is that the city has lacked a strong leader. That’s what we need now.”
s& c i y lit Po nit u mm sm i co tiv c A
Rhode Island
enter to Win a year’s Worth of Salon Services!
Beauty
Week
January 21-26 A week dedicated to beauty, specials and discounts at all your favorite salons, spas, and medispas throughout rhode Island Participants include: Studio B Eneida Vann-Salon-Spa Suite Tart Agape Medical Spa & Weight Loss Center of Warwick Providence Pin-up Facing Thayer Agape Medical Spa & Weight Loss Center of Fall River
SponSored by
A portion of proceeds will benefit The Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
City Style
AT HOME / SHOP TALK / THE LOOK / BEAUTY / GET FIT 1
3 2
About the Homeowners Lizzy Colley is a fashion stylist and blogger who runs theconnoisseurofcute.com. She lives in a West Side Victorian with her fiancé Sam Walker, and is opening a clothing and accessory store in the spring.
4
5
6
Photography: Melissa Stimpson
Inside the Dream Closet 1. Those are Doris Day and Rock Hudson Pillow Talk Barbies. I love Doris Day’s style, and Pillow Talk is one of my favorite movies. 2. Those are limited edition Hello Kitty for Doc Marten boots. Sam, my fiancé, got those for me as a surprise, but I’ve never worn them. I treasure them, but I’m too scared to wear them, I love them too much. 3. I got a set of six dry cleaning prints from the 1960s. When I found them, I thought, they have to go in my dream closet room. I don’t like closets because you don’t get to see everything, but with this room I can walk in and see it all. I love shoes and fashion, but they’re also
objects of art for me. It’s like my own little museum. 4. The fake cake was actually made by Amy Sedaris for Fred Flare. My mom surprised me with it for Valentine’s Day. Amy signed the bottom of the cake, and I just love her. It’s really special to me. 5. I love carnivals, so I collect stuffed prize poodles from the ‘60s and ‘70s. It’s the ultimate fun thing for me. 6. I got that Paradise bag before I went on my road trip this summer. It traveled all over the country with me – to Graceland and all over the South on my way to Texas, where I’m from. It looks like a postcard, so it was perfect.
January 2013 | Providence Monthly
39
full service offset printing full color printing high volume copying color copying large format printing mailing services bindery and finishing electronic file transfer layout and design letterhead
envelopes business cards invitations forms manuals booklets brochures catalogs postcards signs/banners
Happy New Year! B E C A U S E O F YO U.
102 Waterman Street Providence, RI tel: 401.421.5160 fax: 401.272.0686 email: print@allegraprovidence.com ...we print for your success
www.allegraprovidence.com
f
P R O V I D E N C E
173 WICKENDEN PROVIDENCE 401 421-5157 M-F 7:30-6PM SAT 8-5PM www.adlersri.com
w
AllegrA Print & imAging in Providence is indePendently owned And oPerAted
Dine or Cook With Us For the New Year Paint and Design Interior Design Color Consultation Fabrics Upholstery
Potenza
Ristorante-Bar 8190 Post Road, North Kingstown • 294-6100 603 Kingston Road, Wakefield • 515-2044 1107 Reservoir Avenue, Cranston • 943-1155
On Historic Federal Hill
286 Atwells Avenue, PVD • 273-2652 For More Information On Our Cooking Classes & Menu Visit Us At…
www.chefwalter.com • www.potenzaristorante.com
www.TheColorHouse.com 40
Providence Monthly | January 2013
Coming Soon Crush
speakeasy
City Style |
The Look
by Jen Brister and Jane Parisi
Invest in you...
Counseling & Life Coaching
Can this really help me?
Erika Dillon
Graphic Designer and Letterpress Printer Tell me about yourself. My design studio is Foxtrot Press & Studio [foxtrotpress.com]. I’m on a mission to make the world a lovelier place through design.
Count on it. Steven M. Kane, Ph.D. Providence, RI • 401.454.5700 kanesmk@verizon.net Inquiries invited
Spend Your Day in Splendor
Describe your style. It’s funky – and a little bad ass. Think punk meets prepster.
With a city this artistic, it naturally brings out the
individuality in me.
Is there a signature part of your style? I wear a lot of pom poms from ban.do. It’s an accessory I always feel comfortable wearing. They can be a little intimidating for some, but I recommend grouping them and wearing more than one. It seems to dress them up a little bit. Also, if you’re not feeling like you want too much attention, go with a monochromatic look. Try a black cardigan with a black pom.
Photography: Corey Grayhorse
How does your design work inspire your look? When I’m working with various patterns for my stationery line, I find myself always gravitating toward similar patterns in my wardrobe. I’ll start to use a lot of stripes in my work, and will find myself wearing stripes. But it works both ways. I can be really inspired to work with polka dots right after I happen to wear a polka dot shirt. How does living and working in Providence inspire you? I love the hustle and bustle of the city. I find inspiration easily – just by walking around downtown. There is so much creativity here and it makes me feel more confident to wear things that may be considered kooky or crazy. With a city this artistic, it naturally brings out the individuality in me. What is one thing you wear that instantly makes me you feel more confident? This green and blue skirt! Jane and Jen run the local fashion blog IamtheEverydayGirl.com
Holistic Therapies for Mind, Body & Spirit
Jennifer Ryall, LMT
145 Waterman St, Providence 401-439-1468 splendormassage.com
• Custom Résumé Writing • Career Coaching and Assessments • Interview Training • Dress for Interview Success
WALLY KEENAN
Certified Résumé Writer/Career Coach
1020 Park Ave, Suite 106 Cranston, RI 02910 (401) 461-8899 www.the-resume-connection.com
Sakura R e s ta u R a n t Japanese & Sushi
Visit our Tatami Room BYOB Lunch & Dinner
Open Daily 11am-11pm 231 Wickenden St, Providence 331-6861 • eatinri.com/sakura/
January 2013 | Providence Monthly
41
Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
d
C U LT U R E
A rare Providence appearance by
“The finest big band in the world today.” — The Daily Telegraph, UK
JULIANS RESTAURA NT & CATERING
318 broadway
providence Have us cater your Parties! Contact. catering@julianspro vidence.com
For everything else... juliansprovidence.com 42
Providence Monthly | January 2013
Enjoy an evening of fun, flash and exuberance!
January 27 at
Tickets: first-works.org or 401-421-ARTS
Photo by Clay Patrick McBride
foriondk
FirstWorks presents
City Style |
Shop Talk
By Erin Swanson
The Children’s Workshop We’re open when it snows!
Afternoon Sun Enjoy a slice of California on Weybosset
At The Children’s Workshop, we’re building more than snowmen, we’re building new friendships!
Now Open Go to www.childrensworkshop.com in Cranston!
Infants . Toddlers . Preschool . Pre-K Kindergarten . Before & After School
Providence . Pawtucket . Central Falls . Riverside 383-9958 728-3050 727-4474 228-6209
CELEBRATE A NEW YEAR AT “THE RUE!” reserve your table for new year's eve and new year's day
Rue De L’Espoir American Bistro Cooking
Noon Designs
Photography: Amy Amerantes
Close your eyes and
pretend for a minute that your toes are in the sand rather than the snow. Feel that sunshine warming your face. Thanks to Nora Alexander and Maie Liis Webb, Rhode Island has been California-ized. The East Coast natives and RISD grads have expanded their popular San Diego-based store, Noon Designs, by adding a third location right here in Providence. Offering handmade jewelry, unique body products, letterpress stationery and more, it’s the perfect spot for treasure hunting. Oh, and everything they sell is made in the U.S. As I wandered inside, the night air whipping my back, my first hint of sun came in the form of a lemon poppyseed body scrub. One of the best things about Noon is that it provides “try me” samples of any and everything that could and should be smelled: Soaps, candles and lotions all sit at wait. To accurately describe that lemon poppyseed tub of wonderful would be a challenge; let’s just say that I bought two. In all actuality, I fell in love with a few of the other scents too: Vanilla bean and chocolate coconut were both instant mood elevators. I was greeted warmly by Jessica Madore, Noon’s director of sales and marketing. She followed Nora and Maie Liis here to Providence. Madore was extremely helpful and accommodating, even offering to open inventory that was still boxed up in the stock room for my olfactory enjoyment.
“Don’t these scrubs smell amazing?” she asked happily, as I eagerly sniffed the newest holiday scents. “I think the gingerbread is my favorite but I’ll probably end up buying them all.” Madore pointed to the walls of displayed jewelry. “Nora makes all the jewelry herself,” she said, “and Maie Liis does all of the graphics.” Huh. I had noticed that the product labels and tags were quite cute and playful. Once again behind the counter, Madore explained that since opening the doors they’ve been quite busy – both with foot traffic and shipping products out. “We wholesale to over 200 boutiques across the country,” she said. Impressive. I stopped to inspect… and touch (seriously, I have a problem) all of the recycled journals, coasters and notepads. I spotted a dish filed with bronze letter charms, perfect for stringing a ribbon through and using to decorate the top of a gift box. I loved how everything was organized too: jewelry in one area, soaps and body products in another and paper and stationery grouped together at the right side of the store. It’s an obsessive compulsive’s dream. I should know. By the time all was said and done, I left with a bag full of goodies. In fact, I am wearing a few of my new “no pull” hair elastics on my wrist right now: They’re designed to look like ribbon jewelry and I’ve been stacking them like bracelets. I hear that’s how they do it out in California. 75 Weybosset Street. 455-1222, noondesignshop.com.
open daily breakfast, lunch, dinner 99 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02906 info/reservations 751-8890 www.therue.com
Leader’s in Eye Care Since 1927 Dr. David A. Vito Dr. John D. Corrow Dr. Carl D. Corrow Dr. J. Lawrence Norton • Emergencies Seen Immediately • Same Day Appointments Often Available • Evening and Weekend Hours Available • Glaucoma • Macular Degeneration • Cataract • Diabetic Eye Disease • Designer Glasses • Specialty Contact Lenses
331-2020 • www.AdvancedEyeCareRI.com 780 North Main Street, Providence Official Eye Care Provider of the Providence Bruins
trinity repertory
company Jan. 17 – Feb. 24
crime and
punishment
by Fyodor Dostoyevsky adapted by marilyn campbell & curt columbus (401) 351-4242 • www.trinityrep.com • 201 wASHinGton St. • proViDence • ri • SponSoreD by
• SeASon SponSoreD by
January 2013 | Providence Monthly
43
888.552.7822 44
Providence Monthly | January 2013
S ar a Z arel la P hotogr aphy
City Style |
Beauty
by Julie Tremaine
How Delicious A luxury treatment to end all others
theroiprov.com 150 Chestnut Street, Providence, RI
401.272.2161
Southern new england'S largeSt Ski and Snowboard Shop
We Fit Every Need Every Detail
Illustration: Caleigh McGrath
I have a confession
to make. I haven’t been taking the best care of my skin for the last couple of months. I know, I know. It’s been terrible. My stress levels have been in the red zone for a while now, and I haven’t had a lot of time or energy to invest into my skincare regimen. For a while, it was ok. And then it wasn’t. Breakouts, dark circles, dry spots and fine lines all started showing up. But everything I tried at home was too little, too late. My normal regimen, with an added occasional (very occasional) exfoliation or masque, just wasn’t cutting it. I needed to kickstart myself to take better care of both my face and my mind. That’s why I called Alayne White. Her eponymous spa just outside of Wayland Square offers big doses of great skincare treatments and relaxation. Her diagnosis for me: the Delicious treatment, a combination of a Best Facial and a Spassage, would give me three hours of both, and she promised I would leave feeling totally rejuvenated. I walked in on a freezing night in the total dark and immediately breathed a sigh of relief. The spa was so warm and cozy. “Isn’t it great?” Jenna, spa manager and my best friend for the evening, said. “I always love coming in here.” She placed a warm buckwheat and lavender pillow on my neck, and I sat in front of the wood stove in the front room for a few minutes. Then Jenna led me to the treatment room, instructing me to disrobe and get in the heated bed. We started with the Spassage, one of the spa’s signature treatments. It’s a massage, Jenna explained, but it’s meant to be more light, luxurious relaxation than deep tissue work. With lots of warm
jojoba oil, she started with my back, then moved to my arms, hands, legs and feet, incorporating warm stones collected from spa clients who bring them back from their travels. “Alayne thinks they bring a different energy to the spa,” Jenna said. I’m not a massage person normally – all that poking and prodding is the opposite of relaxing to me – but this was divine. Then, she switched gears to the Best Facial, which, true to its name, is amazing. More of those warm buckwheat pillows went on while Jenna went through more stages of pre-cleansing, cleansing and exfoliating than my blissed-out mind can remember. I do know that there was a scalp massage, two masks (a multi-vitamin mask and an oatmeal pack to hydrate and calm the skin) and, in a really nice, unexpected touch, hair brushing. (This is what I love about this spa, their nurturing touches. When was the last time anyone brushed your hair for you outside of the salon?) After Jenna was done, I felt more relaxed than I had in months. She offered to apply makeup, and then recommended some Dermalogica products for me, like the Multivitamin Microfoliant to help fade some of my post-breakout discoloration. To keep the fresh-from-the-spa look, she suggested Glam Glow, which is a new mud mask straight out of Hollywood that all the starlets are talking about right now. After, my skin looked better than it had since the summer, and I didn’t want to let it fade. I’m back to proper cleansing, regular exfoliation and night moisturizer. Turns out I just needed something Delicious to motivate me. 149 Elmgrove Ave, 272-1772, alaynewhite.com
» Custom Boot Fitting » Performance Tuning » Apparel • Skis • Snowboards • Rentals » Kids Packages and Leasing starting at $99.95 FREE lift ticket with the purchase of select items 95 to Exit 15 in Warwick • 105 Chestnut Street, Warwick Shop: (401) 781-4444 • www.RISkiShop.com
Come see what the buzz is about!
Kataifi wrapped sea scallops
Mile & A Quarter
Sophisticated dining on the riverfront 375 South Main Street, Providence • 401-331-1500 January 2013 | Providence Monthly
45
AProvidence Original
Tradition Celebration Resolution
Welcome 2013 with your auld friends at the Tavern. millstavernrestaurant.com 401.272.3331 101 N. Main Street
Comfort food prepared with care, using the best ingredients, to be shared with the ones you love. redstriperestaurants.com 465 Angell St. in Wayland Square Providence, RI 02906
401.437.6950 Open Sunday, including Brunch from 10am - 3pm
Feast
IN THE KITCHEN / oN THE MENu / bEHINd THE bar / rEvIEw / IN THE drINK
Photography: Tiffany Medrano
55
REVIEW Mile & a Quarter
Filet Mignon
January 2013 | Providence Monthly
47
Thank you for helping to make 2012 such a terrific year with over $25MM in property sold. We believe 2013 will provide even greater opportunity. Whether you are buying or selling, you can count on us to help you realize all your real estate goals.
SOLD IN 2012 East Side/Oak Hill 11 Belair Av 91 Grotto Av 18 Boylston Av 77 South Angell St 107 Prospect St 12 Blackstone Blvd 38 – 42 Jenckes St 152 Elmgrove Av 299 Doyle Av 29 Arnold St 53 Fosdyke St 77 Blackstone Blvd 22 Ogden St 2 Angell St 11 Everett Av 671-673 Hope St 56 Cooke St 74 Paterson St 37 Cushing St 28 Blaisdell Av 78 Capwell Av 139 Sheffield Av 400 Morris Av
ww
West Side/ Elmhurst 78 Modena Av 99 -101 Tobey st 12 -14 Willow St 128 Modena Av 25 Hammond St 19 Bianco Ct 186 Congress Av 52-54 Winthrop Av 23 Hammond St 300 Cornwall St 42 Hudson St 153 Modena Av 83-85 Messer St 47 Biltmore Av 1199 Eddy St 84 Harrison St 202 Nelson St 61 Tyndall Av 33 Robert St
Join Jo oin us View complete list of events at www.ric.edu/pfa
Monday, February 4 7 : 3 0 P. M . | THE AUDITORIUM IN ROBERTS HALL
East Bay/West Bay 12 Frederick Dr 11 Briarcliff Rd 35 Berwick Ln 14 Ferncrest Av 100 Sefton Dr 62 Grassmere Av 26 Glen St 8 Kirkbrae Dr 48 Inez St 40 Gardner Av 366 Fair St Massachusetts 27 Oak Bluff Dr 33 Fall Dr 194 Wheeler St
Markham + DeRentis Associates - Residential Properties Ltd. Jim DeRentis | Nancy Markham | Office: 401.274.6740 www.jimandnancysold.com
The Muir String Quartet T I C K E T S W W W. R I C . E D U / P F A O R ( 4 0 1 ) 4 5 6 - 8 1 4 4 www.facebook.com/PerformingArtsSeries.RIC
This Manhattan-style bistro, with a French twist, offers a wide array of upbeat foods, innovative pasta dishes & rotisserie meat items, not to mention our extensive drink & wine list and housemade desserts. lunch & dinner, rotating specials, and a comfortable, friendly atmosphere.
Enjoy
Experience the best dining in Providence Parkside Rotisserie & Bar • 401.331.0003
www.parksideprovidence.com
4-minute drive/8-minute walk from most local hotels, ppac, dunkin donuts center, convention center • minutes from Brown/RISD
48
Providence Monthly | January 2013
Holistic, Organic & All Natural Nutures Mind, Body & Spirit SkyTherapy is committed to sharing good health, harmony and balance to oneself by using a natural path to wellness. They provide all natural body products and ingredients that enhance the quality of your mind, body and spirit. Inquire about their home parties, spa packages and wholesale.
A Natural Path To Wellness 79 Carlson Circle, West Warwick • 323-4149
Feast |
In the Kitchen
By Stephanie Obodda
Greens and Grains
DELIVERS
Chef ricky wu on having fun with vegetarian cuisine
We do
Big Lunches.
Describe Veggie Fun. We’re a new restaurant in downtown Providence serving all vegetarian (and mostly vegan) Pan-Asian cuisine. We’re open for lunch and dinner daily. How did you decide to open a vegetarian restaurant? I have a lot of friends and relatives in Providence and many of them are vegan. Before I moved here, when I’d visit Providence and my friends would want to go out, we had a difficult time finding restaurants with a good selection of vegan dishes. I was living in New York at the time, and in New York there are so many vegan and vegetarian restaurant options. I wanted to bring more of that to Rhode Island. I moved to Providence just a few months before opening the restaurant, and I love it here. What cuisines are represented on the menu? Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Singaporean, Korean, Thai and Malaysian (and probably American too). Just a few examples are: Japanese Age-Tofu, Chinese Black Pepper Veggie Beef, Vietnamese Summer Rolls, Singapore Rice Noodles, Korean Clear Potato Noodles and Bi-Bim Bap, Thai Bangkok Fried Rice and Pad Thai.
Photography: Mike Braca
Have you had a good reaction from customers? We already have a strong customer following from people who are very excited about our vegan offerings. We’ve quickly been meeting so many vegans in the area! One of our favorite customers is Karen, the owner of Rhode Island’s famous vegan ice cream truck “Like No Udder” – she has been kind enough to spread the word to her vegan friends. Customers have been very friendly and happy to have us in town. You’re Kosher certified – what does that mean? A local rabbi inspects our restaurant on a regular basis, checking the kitchen and all of our ingredients. I think we’re the only Kosher restaurant in Providence - Wildflour bakery is also Kosher, but no other restaurants.
Sandwich Platters Casseroles Lasagne Cookie Trays And more! 401-272-2590 1253 N MAIN STREET PROVIDENCE • RI
Chef ricky wu
What are your most popular dishes? Pad Thai is a popular seller. Another favorite is the Smoked Teriyaki Soy Duck. This is one of our few dishes that is vegetarian but not vegan because the duck “meat” is made with whey protein (we indicate this on the menu). The dish consists of sliced smoked mock duck in teriyaki sauce served over steamed string beans. The sauce flavors the string beans very nicely. Some others are the Black Pepper Veggie Beef (black pepper seitan with broccoli), the Basil Soy Chicken, and the Sweet and Sour Sesame Soy Chicken, which gets its great flavor from fresh pineapple. We also have a lot of appetizers – a popular one is our Scallion Pancake, which is thin and topped with hoisin sauce and mango salsa. It’s our own unique invention. What kind of imitation meat products do you use? We use a few different products and all are GMO free. The “beef” is made with seitan, which is wheat protein, and the “chicken” is made from soy protein. We also have a “seafood” dish with imitation shrimp and squid. Our Moo-Shu contains a ham substitute. Even among the “chicken” dishes, we use different proteins. For example, the Sweet Citrus Soy “Chicken” is marinated so it has a different flavor, and the textures are slightly
www.ThESANDwIChhuT.COM different from dish to dish because of the way the proteins are processed. You have a great beverage list… We have a variety of organic hot teas as well as a selection of homemade iced drinks like fresh squeezed lemonade, iced mint tea made only from mint leaves and mango lassi using soy yogurt and soy milk in place of the usual dairy. We also make ginger ale from fresh ginger juice and club soda – raw sugar optional. Our Thai iced tea and coffee can be ordered with the usual condensed milk or as vegan versions with coconut milk or soy milk. Any advice for customers planning to dine with you? We’re open for lunch and dinner. After 5pm you can park in our lot across the street. We have really good lunch specials and students always get 10% off with ID. We’re waiting to get our liquor license – when we do, we’ll have a grand opening party - but in the meantime, we’re BYOB.
veggie Fun
20% Off All ServiceS
123 Dorrance Street 270-4700 veggiefunri.com
January 2013 | Providence Monthly
49
East Side Primary Care welcomes
Dr. Christoph Sahar, David Ramos, NP & Jason Xynellis, PA to our practice
DSC_8096.JPG
DSC_8098.jpg
Join us For an unForgettable Valentine’s Day Dinner
Free Flowers for the Ladies
• Colds & Flu • Minor Trauma • Sprains & Strains • X-Ray/Labs Available
Join Us For Restaurant Weeks January 13-26
• Workman’s Comp Exams • Immunization • DOT, School, and Sports Physicals
Same Day And Evening Appointments Available Monday-Friday: 9am to 8pm Saturdays & Sundays: 9am to 4pm
123 Empire Street • Downtown Providence • 401- 490 - 5112 www.bravobrasserie.com
DSC_8097.jpg
DSC_8101.JPG
Free Valet Parking
East sidE UrgEnt CarE The Right Care, Right Now
1195 North Main Street, Providence • 401.861.3782
!"#"$%"&'()*& +,%-"*&.Experience winter in a whole new way with EPOCH! The enriching, assisted living lifestyle at EPOCH of Providence allows you to leave the worries of winter behind and enjoy: s %XCEPTIONAL $INING
s 3CHEDULED 4RANSPORTATION
s %XCITING %NTERTAINMENT
s !CCESS TO A &ULL #ONTINUUM of Care
s "EAUTIFULLY &URNISHED !PARTMENTS
Full Gluten Free Selection
Catering Words for all occassions can’t express, see for yourse e m lf! co
s ! #ONVENIENT $ESIRABLE Location
#ALL TODAY TO LEARN MORE Assisted Living on Blackstone Boulevard
Assisted Living on the East Side
"LACKSTONE "LVD s 0ROVIDENCE 2) /NE "UTLER !VE s 0ROVIDENCE 2)
401-273-6565
www.epochblackstone.com
401-275-0682
www.epocheastside.com
Mass Relay – 711
!""#"$%&'(#)#*+','-%./01'230%','4%"5#$%','6#$*%""'2%*$%0
50
Providence Monthly | January 2013
New Winter Menu is Here!
Private upstairs lounge available for functions
181 George Washington Highway • Route 116 • Smithfield blackiesbulldogtavern.com • 231-4777
Feast |
on the Menu
By John Taraborelli
Federal Hill, old and New a native son returns to his roots
Photography: Katie Poor
There used to be
a lot of guys on Federal Hill like Andy Merolla, Jr. – guys who remember the golden age of Providence’s Little Italy; guys who learned good hospitality in restaurants where the owner would come over to your table and make it seem like he knew you, even if he didn’t (especially if you were with a pretty girl and looking to impress her). Andy Jr. was just a teenager then, but he remembers those days fondly. He looks back at the restaurateurs like his own father, Andino Merolla, who founded his namesake eatery and Joe Marzilli of the Old Canteen, as living “archives” of the neighborhood. Both of those men are gone now – they died within a couple of weeks of each other some years back – and whether he realizes it or not, it’s up to guys like Andy Jr., comparatively young in his 50s, to become the next generation of “archives.” In some ways, Andy Jr. is a perfect bridge between the old and new Federal Hills. Andy Jr’s Italian Restaurant (301 Atwells Ave.) is the newest eatery on a strip full of hookah bars, stylish lounges, art galleries, frozen yogurt shops and other things that would have been unthinkable just 15 years ago. But Andy’s roots in old Federal Hill run deep. He helped his family build – literally build, as in carpentry, painting, etc. – the famed Andino’s, which his brother continues to operate since their father’s passing. His grandmother owned a little frittata shop back in the day that my own father still talks about 30-plus years later. He grew up on Knight Street and hung out by the pool at the Zuccolo Rec Center. His new restaurant is a reflection of those roots. It was designed as a tribute to Italy, where Andy spent some time after leaving Andino’s. The bar is clad in wine boxes from Rome and the floor is tile from Florence. The menu is everything familiar, done well, simply prepared with fresh ingredients. It offers classic comforts, like meatballs that aren’t even on the menu, but are made according to a recipe so dear to him that he claims, “I threw the help out of the kitchen because I
andy Merolla, Jr. at his new Federal Hill restaurant
didn’t want them to see me make it.” Andy does the things he needs to do to be a restaurateur on the new Federal Hill: he offers $5 martinis on ladies night and discounts to Yelp reviewers, and on the day I visited was running a 50-foot Ethernet cable because his wireless internet wasn’t reliable enough to provide uninterrupted Pandora radio. But he’s also ensuring that a bit of old Federal Hill stays with us. He plans to start offering breakfast from 7-11:30am on Saturdays and Sundays (currently, he’s only open for dinner and drinks from 4pm-1am), making frittatas himself, just the way his grandmother did. And when you walk into his restaurant, there’s a good chance he’ll be sitting by the bar, waiting to greet you (and your date) as if he’s an old friend. “How many owners come over to your table?” he asks rhetorically. “I give people that presence that they’re family.” Andy Merolla Jr. grew up on Federal Hill, worked there for 20-plus years, left and has now returned. “I missed
it,” he says. “I missed the company of good people, making them feel at home and special.” Now that he’s got his own place, he can stick around and become a living “archive” unto himself. www.andyjrsitalianrestaurant.com CluCK You In other Federal Hill news, the former gas station at the corner of Broadway and Courtland may just be reborn. cluck! (399 Broadway) will be a retail shop for urban farmers and gardeners. Whether you’re growing vegetables in a community garden plot, raising chickens or bees in your backyard, canning your own produce or making cheese, cluck! will be able to provide you with the products, materials, expertise and service you need. Owner Drake Patten promises the property will go from “an abandoned gas station to an oasis of green. Asphalt will be replaced with trees, raised beds and unusual planters growing vegetables and herbs.” There’s just one little snag: she needs a zoning variance to open the property for retail
use, instead of strictly residential or office use as it is currently zoned. There has been some resistance from at least one local property owner, but Patten has been doing her due diligence, keeping the neighbors informed (as at a December 5 open house) and rallying supporters. If all goes according to plan, cluck! will be open for business on March 15. VERSIoN 2.0 Many of you know Linda Beaulieu from the pages of our magazines, where she’s been the restaurant reviewer for both this magazine, and our sister publication, SO Rhode Island, since the very beginning. But she’s also an award-winning freelance writer and cookbook author. Her Providence and Rhode Island Cookbook was first published in 2006, featuring some of her favorite recipes from around the state. Her second edition is out now. It’s been fully updated and now features beautiful, full color photography. It’s available at bookstores around the state, and on amazon.com.
January 2013 | Providence Monthly
51
Feast |
behind the bar
By Cristy Raposo
Speciality Food productS
Sampling Event:
Pizza’s by Bold Organics on Saturday, January 19, 10am-4pm Come sample their Veggie Lovers, Meat Lovers and Vegan Cheese Pizzas. All are dairy and egg FREE.
Just in time for SuperBowl Sunday! 80 Main Road, Tiverton • (401) 816-5844 www.healthyhavenRI.com
Get Your Abs On! Try the equipment Without a commitment!
FREE
PILATES CLASSES! at the new
Mind 2 Body Fit Studio on Providence’s West Side
www.mind2bodyfit.com 774-406-8222 60 Valley Street, Unit 27 Providence, RI
52
Providence Monthly | January 2013
Rhody Pride
david Crockenberg on serving up local beer Paint a picture of What Cheer Tavern for our readers. My wife Zoe and I opened the Tavern late summer this year. We’re a local craft beer bar with eight taps and are in the process of adding four more. I do my best to represent all Rhode Island beers. We locally source most of our food as best we can; the chicken is from Baffoni’s Farm in Johnston. You’ll experience a lively mix of people here from Edgewood, a spattering of locals, working professionals and the local college crowd. What’s on tap? Narragansett lager, $2 all the time, Newport Storm Seasonal, Grey Sail Brewing Company’s Flying Jenny Extra Pale Ale, Revival Double Black IPA (American Black Ale) from Revival Brewing Company in Providence (we use this beer to make our famous chili), Coffee Milk Stout by the Ravenous Brewing Company in Woonsocket and The Bucket Brewing in Pawtucket. I’ll have all six RI beers on tap pretty much all the time. Which bottled beers do you carry? I keep mostly IPAs, both local and from around the US – that’s my favorite style. The Tavern supplies Narragansett, a few German beers, a few Belgians and local craft beers. We have an interesting selection that’s constantly evolving. Of course we carry the usual suspects – Bud, Bud Light and Corona. What was the creative process for naming tavern “What Cheer”? We focus on local beers, so we wanted a name that would reflect that sense of community. ‘What cheer’ actually used to be the slogan for the City of Providence. You can still see it depicted on the City’s seal. Our state’s founder, Roger Williams, was cast out of Boston and forced to cross the Seekonk River into uncharted territory. Once across, the Native people welcomed him with the phrase “What Cheer, Netop;” Netop being the native word for “friend.” We thought it was great. That’s what we want to be about - a place where people from all over are comfortable. What’s going on in the kitchen? Zoe runs a bar food-plus menu. People have expectations that certain things
david Crockenberg at what Cheer Tavern
will be on a bar menu; the menu accommodates those expectations and then some. We added Pickled Eggs on the menu as a joke, but people really love them and get a kick out of them. They’re more popular than I’d thought they’d be. Our House Pickled Egg is spicy served with habaneros and jalapenos for only $1. As our clientele changes, we’ll adapt and evolve the menu to reflect that. For example, my wife created a veggie version of my famous chili upon their request. Which items are a must-try? Bacon Wings. I overhead a customer say, “I didn’t know you could make a chicken wing better.” Bacon Wings are fresh crispy fried wings that are tossed in a bacon hot sauce with crumbled thick-cut bacon. It doesn’t get any better than bacon seasoning and bacon hot sauce. What if you want something stronger than beer? I carry a lot of local spirits and bourbons, including Triple 8 vodka produced in Nantucket and Uprising Whiskey which is distilled in South Kingstown by the Sons of Liberty. They also produce vodka, Loyal 9, that I use to create a Liberty Mule. Thomas Tew Rum, distilled in Newport, is also fantastic.
What are some of your signature drinks? We make our own Bloody Mary mix; we soak Thai dragon chili and Serrano chili in vodka to create a Spicy Bloody Mary. Try the Michelada – our Spicy Bloody Mary mixed with Narragansett Beer, and served with a soy sauce peppercorn rim and a lime. What led to you opening What Cheer? I’m a wannabe beersmith. I love beer. We saw other guys opening their own bars and noticed that none of them focused exclusively on the local beer that I like. What are your New Year’s resolutions? Drink more beer (laughs). Learn more about bourbons and wines.
what Cheer Tavern 228 New York Avenue Providence 680-7639 whatcheertavern.com
Photography: Mike Braca
Rhode Island’s Only ALL Gluten-Free Health Food Store
Feast |
In the drink
By Emily Dietsch WWW.HARUKISUSHI.COM
The Science of Winemaking
a successful experiment in Johnston
Illustration: Ashley MacLure
“De gustibus no est
disputandum.” At Verde Vineyards, vintner and owner Jim Verde begins each tour with this maxim. “Concerning taste, there can be no argument,” he translates in his quiet, teacherly voice, before explaining that modern-day science has done much to unravel the myth of taste as subjective whim. He delves into a near-elegiac riff on sensory mechanisms, grape chemistry and a vineyard’s ecology, and loops these many strands back to his original point. “But I have to be careful about the Latin,” he notes with a touch of sheepishness. “People could think I’m being pompous.” Only the most blinkered observers would make that mistake. As a retired biology professor and lifelong curiosity-hound, Verde has hand-built a small vineyard on his Johnston property with the steady, measured zeal of a scientist in love with the way things work — and an urge to share that wonder with everyone he encounters. His vineyard is, in a sense, yet another classroom. Oftentimes a retirement foray into winemaking is the outcome of a longtime passion for wine, indulged when the money and spare time are finally available. Verde’s passion, however, was a new and recent discovery, sparked by a visit just over a decade ago to a Connecticut vineyard. It wasn’t the wine that captured him so much as a novel grape varietal, bred especially for New England conditions that prove too hostile for most vines imported from elsewhere. Called the St. Croix, the Rhone-style grape was developed in Wisconsin out of a series of crosses among wild, native species and cultivated European ones. “I thought that was just amazing,” Verde says. Verde took a clipping home and a vineyard was born. The St. Croix thrived since that initial planting, with a first harvest in 2004, and Verde gradually added a few European grapes to his crop for variety. “You can see how they struggle to fight off disease,” he notes, “whereas the St. Croix has a wonderful, rambunctious growth. I just love it.”
Visit us at the location of your choice... Haruki Cranston 1210 Oaklawn Ave Cranston 401.463.8338
Haruki ExprEss 112 Waterman St Providence 401.421.0754
Haruki East 172 Wayland Ave Providence 401.223.0332
In building a vineyard from the ground up, Verde chose to use green technology and practices wherever possible, but not as a bid for fashionability. Instead, he cites a simple, longheld belief in the integration of people within vastly larger yet delicate systems. Thinking for a moment, Verde relates a story of his first bee sting and a lesson from his grandmother, Raffaella, who assuaged his boyish anger with a story about the bee’s importance in the natural world. And besides, she told him, it was he who had startled the creature in the first place. Even now Verde tempers his anger towards the yellow jackets that desiccate his grapes from the inside out. The pests, it turns out, also happen to prey on other pests that could wipe out a vine, and function as a bonus addition to the integrated pest management that Verde employs, which avoids chemicals and other environmentally disruptive tactics as stridently as possible. Solar power produces the vineyard’s electricity, and temperature regulation comes from geothermal sources. Oenophiles in search of good local wine will thank that sun, too. Just a few months ago, Verde Vineyards attained a license as a “farmer winery” through the state’s Agricultural Act of
2008, thereby moving officially from amateur to pro status. There is nothing amateurish about Verde’s wines, however, now or before. His first wine, a medium-bodied, barrel-aged red made from (and named for) those inaugural St. Croix grapes, has netted multiple awards from marquee organizations like the American Wine Society. Verde promises a forthcoming expansion with two whites, likewise made from cold-climate grapes, and likely a blended red. Tours and tastings are available daily on weekend afternoons at Verde Vineyards, and free of charge for the time being since only the St. Croix is ready to pour. Once more wines are available Verde may implement a modest fee (probably very modest, given his nature.) Lessons on birds, bees and infectious wonder will, of course, remain priceless. At the end of our conversation, Verde announced that his glucose levels were dropping precipitously. “That’s a scientist’s way of saying, ‘I’m hungry and it’s dinnertime,’” he chuckled, and was off. Wines are available for purchase at Verde Vineyards, Gasbarro’s Wines, Scituate Liquors, and Tri-Town Wine & Spirits. 50 Hopkins Ave, Johnston. 934-2317, verdevineyardsri.com
A Unique contemporary dress shop featuring casual to special occasion dresses • Lilly Pulitzer • Nicole Miller • Shoshanna • BCBG • Milly • Tibi
288 Thayer Street Providence 401-331-9846 338 C County Road Barrington 401-245-3060 165 Main Street East Greenwich 401-398-1199
Visit us on Facebook
www.zuzusri.com January 2013 | Providence Monthly
53
Join Jo oin us View complete list of events at www.ric.edu/pfa
Monday, February 11 7 : 3 0 P. M . | SAP SSAPINSLEY INSLEY HALL, NAZARIAN CE CENTER E NTER R FOR F OR OR T TH THE HEE P H PE PERFORMING E RFO RF RMI R RM NG ARTS
Quality Chocolates
Gourmet Truffles Chocolate Novelties Candy Trays and Tins Gift Baskets Corporate Gifts Caramel Apples Sugar Free Chocolates Quality Chocolates Gourmet Truffles Chocolate Novelties Candy Trays and Tins Gift Baskets Corporate Gifts Caramel Apples Sugar Free Chocolates Quality Chocolates Gourmet Truffles Chocolate Novelties Candy Trays and Tins Gift Baskets Corporate Gifts Caramel Apples Sugar Free Chocolates Quality Chocolates Gourmet Truffles Chocolate Novelties Candy Trays and Tins Gift Baskets Corporate Gifts Caramel Apples Sugar Free Chocolates Quality Chocolates Gourmet Truffles Chocolate Novelties Candy Trays and Tins Gift Baskets Corporate Gifts Caramel Apples Sugar Free Choclates Quality Chocolates
A hip hop homage to Charles Darwin
The Rap Guide to Evolution T I C K E T S W W W. R I C . E D U / P F A O R ( 4 0 1 ) 4 5 6 - 8 1 4 4 www.facebook.com/PerformingArtsSeries.RIC
Quality Chocolates • Gourmet Truffles Chocolate Novelties • Candy Trays and Tins Holiday Novelties • Corporate Gifts Sugar Free Chocolates • Gift Baskets
We ship UPS anywhere in the US Garden City (942-2720) & Wakefield (783-4433) www.sweenorschocolates.com
Come bring in the New Year with one of our package deals!
1
Package Deal $100 Per Couple
A Four Course Meal and a Champagne Toast at Amalfi Oceanside Restaurant & Bar
FOOd - drInks - MusIc
2
Package Deal For $212
#2 includes choice #1 plus: A night stay with an ocean view room & king size bed at The Village Inn
The Village Inn Offers Continential Breakfast, Indoor Swimming Pool & Wi Fi. *choices include tax but excludes gratuity,you must call for reservation seating at either 6pm, 8pm or 10pm.
One Beach Street, narraganSett Amalfi Oceanside 401.792.3999 • Village Inn 401.783-6767 54
Providence Monthly | January 2013
Feast |
review
By Linda Beaulieu
Going the Extra Mile
a new restaurant opens in a much-loved location
Photograhy: Tiffany Medrano
Back in the day, just about everyone went to the Barnsider’s Mile & A Quarter, a restaurant so popular it had two locations in little Rhode Island, one at the old Rhode Island Mall in Warwick and the other off South Main Street in Providence. This was a classic restaurant of yesteryear, famous for having the best salad bar in the state. But salad bars became passé, and one by one the Barnsider restaurants closed. So anyone who’s been around for a while will be curious about the new Mile & A Quarter, which has opened in the same but totally renovated surroundings at 334 South Water Street in Providence. The restaurant’s name refers to the length of a horse race, but don’t expect that theme to be running through the stylish interior. This is a big, handsome restaurant with a large bar at the entrance and a spreadout dining area, offering river and city views from the best seats in the house. The colors are neutral with lots of dark leather and wooden floors. The walls are hung with oversized paintings and unusual posters. The craftsman-style lighting offers warm earth-tone touches of color. I especially like the small bar in the dining room, where you can enjoy a quiet aperitif or a nightcap. Virtually the same eclectic menu is available at lunch and dinner, with
additional entrees available at night, many with strong Mediterranean influences. Jeff Paquette, formerly of Andreas and Spain, is the talented chef in the kitchen, offering new and unusual dishes as well as Rhode Island staples such as Point Judith calamari and a grilled Margherita pizza. The more intriguing appetizers ($10 to $14) are the grilled octopus, kataifi (Greek pastry) wrapped sea scallops and lamb kefthedes. The latter was my favorite, a dish of small meatballs made from tender ground lamb baked in tomato sauce with feta cheese and topped with the most perfectly grilled garlic crostini I’ve ever had. There are four salads ($7 to $9) on the menu, and one soup, a shrimp and butternut squash bisque. Lunchtime sandwiches ($10 to $14) include a prime burger, all natural chicken, and a surprisingly sweet artisan BLT on focaccia bread – from the tomato jam, which I liked very much. The roasted mushroom melt is a panini, with a rich mix of goat cheese and Gruyere. The crab cake and avocado sandwich sounded so promising, but next time I would deconstruct it and remove the tomato and Bermuda onion that overpowered the delicate flavors of crab and avocado. On the side were some
Pan Seared Native Sea Scallops
Prime bistro burger
truffle fries, which were good but I would have liked more truffle flavor. The current dinner menu has ten tempting entrees ($15 to $24), a well thought out mix of beef, lamb, chicken, seafood and pasta. Filet mignon and Black Angus sirloin are listed for grilled meat lovers, both with potato puree and either wilted spinach or Brussels sprouts as the vegetable. Sure to be a popular winter dish is the Chianti braised Colorado lamb shank. The seafood possibilities include grilled Atlantic swordfish, panseared sea scallops and pan-roasted Scottish salmon. Italian food lovers will be interested in the rigatoni al carbonara, the rosemary noodle ragu and the wild mushroom risotto. We tried two of the three desserts ($7 each) on the menu, and they were fantastic. Three profiteroles, filled with mascarpone and ricotta cheese, were drizzled generously with a thick dark chocolate sauce. A thick serving of incredibly smooth cheesecake was even better than that, topped with a mixture of sweet berries. We hated to see it end. In keeping that unusual Mile & a Quarter name, perhaps owner Andy Mitrellis is hoping his place will be a thoroughbred in the city’s burgeoning stable of excellent restaurants.
Mitrellis has operated a number of restaurants on the East Side, including Andreas, Paragon, Viva, Spats and the Better Burger Company. The general manager is another familiar face – Mario Panagos, formerly at Paragon on Thayer Street. If you never went to the old Mile & a Quarter, you might find it a bit hard to locate. It’s tucked in between South Main and South Water streets. Just look for the big blue sign and the matching awning. If you time it right, you just might catch a spectacular sunset at dinner. Linda Beaulieu is the author of The Providence and Rhode Island Cookbook, Second Edition available at stores throughout the state. Follow Linda on Twitter @LindaBeaulieu3.
Mile & a Quarter 334 South Water Street Providence 331-1500 mileandaquarterri.com
January 2013 | Providence Monthly
55
oPening soon in the Providence ArcAde
southwestpassage.net
native american
Jewelery | Pottery | Fetishes Wayland Square
180 Wayland avenue, Providence • 751-7587
Let It Shine
We also offer high-quality automotive service at a fair price, utilizing the best in automotive technology!
Mobil Gift Cards & Gift Certificates Available
Kelly's Car wash Family Owned & Run for 38 years
200 Charles Street, Providence • 831-9199
Count on us for fair, friendly service!
56
Providence Monthly | January 2013
Feast |
dining Guide
special advertising section
We Buy, Sell & Trade New + Used Commercial Restaurant Equipment Custom Metal Fabrication Exhaust Hood Design & Installation From ranges to smallwares, we have it all!
pire expands with this comfortable neighborhood café serving “upscale diner food” with an emphasis on local ingredients. BBrl $ BETTER BuRGER CoMPANY 217 Thayer St.; 228-7373. With angus beef burgers that are juicy and tasty, this casual spot is a no brainer for anyone looking for a quick, delicious and affordable meal. Serving wholesome veggie, falafel and salmon burgers too. lD $
221 Admiral Street Providence, RI • 421-7030 (open to the public)
BEAUTIFUL
BRAVo BRASSERIE 123 Empire St.; 490-5112. Enjoy lunch and dinner at this American bistro with a French flair. Located downtown across from Trinity Rep, it’s the perfect place for a pre-theater dinner or cocktail after the show. lD $$-$$$
ANDREAS 268 Thayer St.; 331-7879. For a taste of Greece, head to Andreas. Their menu includes souvlaki, moussaka and a variety of kabobs, along with specialties like Lemon Oregano Lamb Chops and Spanakopita, an appetizer of spinach and feta in flaky phyllo dough. BrlD $-$$
Key
ASPIRE RESTAuRANT 311 Westminster St.; 521-3333. Aspire offers an exquisite fine dining experience with a number of delicious small and large plates, numerous fine wines and a full bar – with an emphasis on local ingredients. BBrlD $-$$$ BAKER STREET RuE 75 Baker St.; 490-5025. The Rue De L’Espoir em-
B breakfast Br brunch l lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
Tips, Deals, Reviews, Events Calendar & Resource Directory For Everything Fitness In RI
CAV 14 Imperial Pl.; 751-9164. The New York Times’ choice as one of Providence’s five best restaurants, CAV’s contemporary award-winning cuisine is available for lunch and dinner daily. They also feature Saturday/Sunday brunch. BrlD $$-$$$ CoSTANTINo’S VENDA BAR & RISToRANTE 265 Atwells Ave.; Costantino’s has expanded to include a brand new bar with a large menu of creative wood fired pizzas in beautiful DePasquale Square. D $-$$ DoK’S DElI 146 Ives St, 369-7633. Providence’s only New York-style deli lives up to a high gastronomic standard by using fresh, local ingredients and house-smoked meats. Try the Roadhouse, with housecured pastrami, corned beef, bacon and “Swayze sauce,” in homage to
www . r h o dy f i t n e s s . co m
BMW
BMW AUDI MERCEDES BENZ PORSCHE VOLKSWAGEN MINI COOPER
Photography: Tiffany Medrano
10 PRIME STEAK & SuSHI 55 Pine St.; 453-2333. Located downtown, 10 offers a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere, complemented by aged prime steaks, a full sushi menu and creative cocktails. lD $$-$$$
CASERTA’S PIZZERIA 121 Spruce St.; 621-9190. This Rhode Island tradition serves big pizzas with generous toppings and thick, rich tomato sauce. The Wimpy Skippy, a spinach pie with cheese and pepperoni, is not to be missed. lD $-$$
AUDI
MERCEDES BENZ
VOLKSWAGEN
MINI
We understand German Cars so you don’t have to. Owners since 1972, Gerry and Denis Moreau are Rhode Island's top experts on German cars. Along with their factory trained technicians they have the tools, technology and talent to solve any problem. For a quick, honest and expert opinion call, email or stop by today to book your appointment. Your car will run better. Courtesy drop-off to downtown.
G
E R M A N
Sales &
MO
T O R S
INC
Service
879 North Main Street, Providence, RI 0290 401-272-4266
Email us at: germanmotorshelp@gmail.com
January 2013 | Providence Monthly
Providence Media
BMW AUDI MERCEDES BENZ PORSCHE VOLKSWAGEN MINI COOPER
Providence
try a brick oven pizza cooked in the open air kitchen. D $$-$$$
Empire Loan 1271 North Main Street Providence, RI 02904
MERCEDES BENZ VOLKSWAGEN MINI PORSCHE
3 Luongo Square, foodbynorth@gmail.com. This hidden gem changes its menu every night, offering a mix of worldly, eclectic fare. Check foodbynorth.tumblr.com for the nightly offerings. brd $-$$$
ADESSo oN THE HIll 139 Acorn Street; 521-0770. The popular Adesso is back, in a new location. Come in for an elegant Italian dining experience;
JEWELRY
CAFé PARAGoN 234 Thayer St.; 3316200. This hip eatery serves sandwiches, pasta, and entrees at prices lower than the chic décor would have you believe. The adjoining Viva lounge is perfect for after-dinner drinks and private parties. BrlD $-$$
north
ABYSSINIA 333 Wickenden St.; 4541412. Enjoy the unique experience of Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine, using your fingers (and Ethiopia’s famed flatbread) to sample richly spiced meat, fish and vegetable dishes. (Forks are available, but less fun.) lD $-$$
PRE-OWNED
57
Feast |
dining Guide
the man himself. Meats, sides and house-made pickles all sold retail, too. lD $ DoN JoSE TEQuIlAS 351 Atwells Ave.; 454-8951. Don Jose’s digs a little deeper than your average Mexican restaurant, with all the basics you love alongside more artfully composed entrees and a wonderful selection of house-made tequilas. lD $$ THE DoRRANCE 60 Dorrance St.; 5216000. The Dorrance, a 2012 James Beard Foundation award semi-finalist (best new restaurant and chef), is known for its impressive architecture, hand-crafted cocktails and delicious modern American cuisine. lD $$-$$$ HARRY’S BuRGER & BAR 121 North Main St.; 228-7437. Harry’s features only freshly ground beef, Nathan’s hot dogs, a long list of craft beers and new twists on cocktails. A perfect quick bite or night out. lD $-$$ HARuKI EAST 172 Wayland Ave.; 2230332. For authentic Japanese dining, try Haruki’s large variety of sushi, sashimi, bento boxes, soba noodles and delicious specialty entrees. Enjoy the chic atmosphere and the freshest sushi around. lD $-$$$ JulIANS RESTAuRANT 318 Broadway; 861-1770. What began in 1994 as a small Federal Hill brunch spot has grown into a popular destination for award-winning brunch, dinner, desserts, craft beer and cocktails. Outdoor seating, vegan options. BBrlD $-$$ KARTABAR 284 Thayer St.; 331-8111. This European-style restaurant and lounge offers a full menu of unique dishes with Mediterranean flair and eclectic flavors. They also offer a top-notch wine list and martini menu. lD $-$$ lIM’S 18 Angell St.; 401-383-8830. Dive into the unique combination of Lim’s fine Thai cuisine and sushi served in an intimate and modern setting. lD $$ luXE BuRGER BAR 5 Memorial Blvd.; 621-5893. Luxe brings the classic burger to a new level. Their build-your-own burger list, which includes Kobe and Gold Labeled beef,
Key 58
Providence Monthly | January 2013
never ends, with countless possible combinations. lD $-$$ MIllS TAVERN 101 North Main St., 272-3331. The only restaurant in RI to receive The Mobile Four Star Award for five consecutive years, Mills Tavern provides traditional American cuisine in a warm, friendly setting. D $$-$$$ MuMu 220 Atwells Ave.; 369-7040. A Chinese restaurant with a hip urban feel and friendly, welcoming service. Serving up lunch specials and signature dishes at dinner, this spot is sure to please, seven days a week. lD $-$$ PARKSIDE 76 South Main St.; 3310003. Chef/owner Steven Davenport offers innovative and classic foods with eclectic flare. The menu also includes creative pasta dishes and, of course, the signature rotisserie meats for which Parkside is famous. lD $-$$ PoTENZA RISToRANTE-BAR 286 Atwells Ave.; 273-2652. Experience the authentic flavors of Chef Walter Potenza, a name long synonymous with Italian food in Rhode Island. This is a must-stop for foodies, and it caters to gluten-free diners. D $$-$$$ RED STRIPE 465 Angell St.; 437-6950. It’s classic comfort food with French influences. From their Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup to ten styles of Moules & Frites, Red Stripe’s menu is reasonably priced and made with passion. lD $-$$$ RICK’S RoADHouSE 370 Richmond St.; 272-7675. With hand-cut, fire kissed steaks, gut busting burgers and fall off the bone ribs, Rick’s brings the best slow-cooked cuisine to the Ocean State. lD $-$$ RoMA 310 Atwells Ave.; 331-1717. This old world banquet room and catering facility has been serving RI for over 20 years. Chef Domenic prepares meticulous international cuisine with an Italian flair. lD $-$$ RuE BIS 95 South St.; 490-9966. This intimate eatery provides breakfast and lunch in a cozy, neighborhood bistro atmosphere – all with the gourmet
B breakfast Br brunch l lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
Upscale Authentic Mexican Cuisine on Federal Hill Mon-Thurs
3 Course Dinner Special only$19.95 Serving Brunch
Sat & Sun 10:30am to 2:30pm pedigree of Hope Street dining staple Rue De L’Espoir behind it. BBrl $ RuE DE l’ESPoIR 99 Hope St.; 7518890. In business for over 30 years, the Rue has only gotten better. Beautifully prepared with the freshest ingredients, the innovative, constantly changing menu keeps diners on their toes. Superb brunch. BBrlD $$ RuTH’S CHRIS STEAK HouSE 10 Memorial Blvd. (at the GTECH Center); 272-2271. Come celebrate their fifth year overlooking Waterplace Park by treating yourself to the best USDA Prime steak in Providence. Change your life one bite at a time. D $$$
VENDA RAVIolI 265 Atwells Ave.; 421-9105. An Italian food emporium in the heart of Federal Hill, Venda offers gourmet pastas, olive oils, meats, cheeses, olives, espresso, gift baskets, cookbooks and more. $-$$ Xo CAFé 125 North Main St.; 2739090. XO Café celebrates fine food, wine and funky art. It features a seductive atmosphere, outmatched by playfully composed dishes inspired by natural/local ingredients. BRD $$-$$$
Margaritas & Sangria & Sangria Margaritas Excellent Selection of Tequilas Excellent Selection of •Tequilas 351 Atwells Ave. Providence 454-8951 www.donjoseteq.com
351 Atwells Ave. Providence 454-8951 • www.donjosetequilas.com
Tuesday special: Manicure and Pedicure for $28! Offering Shellac Manicure Pink & White • Acrylic Nails • Nail Overlay • Gel Nails Sculptured Nails • Manicure • Pedicure • Nail Art Air Brush Design • Waxing • Extra Massage Available
South County
Walk-Ins Welcome • Gift Certificates Available SAKuRA 231 Wickenden Street; 3316861. Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine, fresh sushi and sashimi in this casual, unpretentious neighborhood spot. Choose a comfortable booth or take your shoes off and have a seat in the tatami room. lD $-$$ SIENA 238 Atwells Ave.; 521-3311. Federal Hill’s Siena features authentic Tuscan cuisine in a warm and lively atmosphere. The extensive menu includes woodgrilled veal, steak and seafood entrees along with signature pasta and sauté dishes. D $$-$$$ TASTE oF INDIA 230 Wickenden St.; 421-4355. Providence’s first Indian restaurant delivers on its promise of serving real (and really delicious) Indian cuisine, with seafood delicacies and Tandoori specialties, made with authentic Indian spices. lD $-$$ THE RoI 150 Chestnut St.; 272-2161. Located in the charming Jewelry District, Chef Paul Shire’s 21st-century supper club serves up hot food and cool music. Modern day comfort food is always on the menu, as is a sleek bar with casual but hip surroundings. lD $$-$$$ TRATToRIA ZooMA 245 Atwells Ave.; 383-2002. Located on historic Federal Hill, Zooma offers award winning Neapolitan cuisine in a beautiful, upscale setting, specializing in house made pasta, local fish, meats, vegetables and authentic wood fired pizza. lD $$-$$$
ElEVEN FoRTY NINE RESTAuRANT 1149 Division St, (Warwick/ East Greenwich line); 884-1149. 965 Fall River Ave., Seekonk; 508-3361149. Metropolitan chic comes to the suburbs at this super stylish restaurant with a raw bar, outstanding menu and some of the best cocktails around. lD $$-$$$
Professional Nail Care for Ladies & Gentleman
401-861-8500 • 783 Hope Street, Providence
Monday-Friday 9am-7:30pm • Saturday 9am-6pm / Sunday 10am-5pm
Live in Wayland Square!
SIENA CuCINA 5600 Post Rd., East Greenwich; 885-8850. Siena features authentic Tuscan cuisine in a warm and lively atmosphere, plus over 20 wines by the glass and an Italian “tapas” menu. D $$-$$$
Studios, 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, and Private Penthouse
North BlACKIE’S Bull DoG TAVERN 181 George Washington Highway, Smithfield; 231-4777. This tavern specializes in comfort food and features a large selection of beer. Skilled bartenders, drink concoctions and live music make this the perfect happy hour spot. lD $-$$
west bay CHAPEl GRIllE 3000 Chapel View Blvd., Cranston; 944-9900. Nestled in the hills of Cranston’s Chapel View complex, this restaurant offers great food and views. Enjoy a Mediterranean inflected menu while admiring the Providence skyline in the distance. lD $$-$$$
24 Hour Fitness Center 24 Hour Concierge 24 Hour Emergency Service Restaurant on site Tailor Shop on Site Salon on site
All Utilities & Parking Included
Cafes & Boutiques right outside your door
500 Angell Street, Providence • 751-7700 www.waylandmanor.com • info@waylandmanor.com
ing If you’re not e’Sa,t CASERTA you’re not eating pizza!
1. OFF
$ 00
A DELICIOUS 12-PIECE PIZZA
The ORIGINAL
CASERTA PIZZERIA
A Rhode Island Tradition for over 50 years
There’s Only One Caserta 121 Spruce St., Providence (On the Hill) Parking Available
Take out 272-3618 or 621-3618 or 621-9190
January 2013 | Providence Monthly
59
Get Out
EVENTS / ART / MUSIC / THEATRE
Photo: Justine Bevilacqua
Laugh It Up
Everett Company Stage School
I got a joke for you: What washes up on tiny beaches? Microwaves! Okay okay, I got another: What do you call a dinosaur with an extensive vocabulary? A thesaurus! Get it? The dinosaur’s named after a book containing lots of... oh forget it, I’m no comedian. If you want real comedy genius, check out Friday Night Live happen-
ing from 7-8pm every – you guessed it – Friday night. For $5, you get a heavy dose of hilarity with FNL’s interactive scenes, on-the-spot musicals and improvised skits and dances. Plus, observing great comedy may even help you brush up on your own laugh-inducing abilities. $5. 7-8pm. 9 Duncan Ave. 831-9479, everettri.org.
January 2013 | Providence Monthly
61
Get Out |
Calendar
By Dale Rappeneau
This Month
January 1-13 The Yellow Peril Gallery presents the artwork of Gage Prentiss, a sculptor specializing in modern figurative surrealism. Exhibition features the artist’s paintings, mix media installations and more. 60 Valley St #5. 861-1535, yellowperilmedia.com. January 1-14 Visit the Gallery at City Hall to view Making Art Together: CityArts Celebrates Collaboration, an exhibition of works by Providence ¡CityArts! for Youth. Free. Mon-Fri, 8:30am4:30pm; First and third Wednesdays of the month hours are extended until 7pm. 25 Dorrance Street, 2nd Floor. providenceri.com/artculturetourism. January 1-31 The David Winton Bell Gallery continues exhibiting Until Kingdom Comes, Simen Johan’s collection of oversized photographs depicting animals at nearly life-size proportions. 64 College St. 863-2932, brown.edu/campus-life/ arts/bell-gallery. January 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 Cold weather can’t stop the fun. Thursdays on the Terrace has become Thursdays at the Biltmore. Indulge in cocktails and complimentary hors d’oeuvres while enjoying live jazz. Free. 5-8pm. 11 Dorrance St. 421-0700, providencebiltmore.com. January 5 Inject a little insanity into your life at Freakfest 2. Devil’s Feeback headlines with Dead By Wednesday, Sun Of Sound, Shred Of Salvation and many other gloomy-named bands. $10-12. 6pm. 1005 Main St, Pawtucket. 7291005, themetri.com.
62
Providence Monthly | January 2013
January 5-26 Work out those laughing muscles every Saturday night at Improv Jones, featuring some of the funniest local talent together as an award-winning improvisational troupe. $5. 10pm. 95 Empire St. 831-9327, improvjones.com. January 6 Head to Firehouse 13 for the Third Annual “A Heavy New Year” Tour, featuring such bands as Close To Home, We Are Defiance and One Year Later. Tickets are now on sale and expected to sell out. $10-13. 5:30pm. 41 Central St. 270-1801, fh13.com. January 13 Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel presents Yellowcard, a pop punk/alternative rock band, accompanied by Young Blood and Trophy Wives. $20-25. 7pm. 79 Washington St. 331-5876, lupos.com. January 15-20 The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet tells the story of a recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Check online for show times. $36-63. 220 Weybosset St. 421-2787, ppacri.org. January 17 Part stand-up comedian, part sketchcomedy player, Tracy Morgan has been a headline in the comedy industry for years, and now he brings his hilarious routines to the Comedy Connection. $45. 6:30pm. 39 Warren Ave, East Providence. 438-8383, ricomedyconnection.com. January 17 Attend RISD’s Ways of Looking course for a guided, introductory look at selected paintings and sculptures featuring European artwork. Advanced registration is required due to limited space. Free. 5:30-6:30pm. 224 Benefit St. 454-6500, risdmuseum.org. January 17-31 Come see Trinity Rep spin Fyodor
Snow Leopard
Snowy Wilderness January 1-31: There’s something magical about the Roger Williams Park Zoo during the snowy month of January. Maybe it’s the smaller crowds and less congestion. Maybe it’s the hot cocoa and warm cinnamon-covered pecans. Better still, maybe it’s the half-off admission as part of the zoo’s monthlong Winter Wonder Days program. Animals of all types will still be on exhibit, though the exact ones fluctuate with the temperatures and environmental conditions. If you get too cold, step into one of the heated exhibits such as the Elephant & Giraffe Pavilion or the Tropical America building, both offering an exciting escape from a gray winter day. $4.95-7.50. 9am-4pm. 1000 Elmwood Ave. 941-4998, rwpzoo.org. Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment into a 90-minute, three-actor theatrical presentation that builds to an explosive climax. Check online for show times and prices. 201 Washington St. 351-4242, trinityrep.com.
January 17-31 British playwright Howard Brenton puts a radically revisionist spin on the life and legacy of Anne Boleyn in this rollicking, often laugh-outloud funny theatrical drama. 172
Photo: Robert Lavoie
January 1-6 American Idol star and Tony Award nominee Constantine Maroulis joins Grammy Award nominee Deborah Cox for PPAC’s musical rendition of Jekyll & Hyde, a classic good-and-evil tale. $41-66. 220 Weybosset St. 421-2787, ppacri.org.
Get Out |
Calendar
Introducing The Wurst Kitchen at Chez Pascal
By Dale Rappeneau
Small open kitchen featuring hotdogs, house made sausages and sandwiches for lunch. For dinner enjoy sausages (served outside the bun on lovely wooden boards with condiments), cured meats and small plates of daily delicious ideas.
Wurst Days
Tues-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm
Wurst Nights
Tues-Sat 5:30pm-9:30pm
960 Hope Street, Providence 421-4422 • chez-pascal.com
Exchange St, Pawtucket. 723-4266, gammtheatre.org. January 18-20 Boating season is only around the corner, which means it’s time for the 20th Annual Providence Boat Show, featuring three days of seminars, presentations and plenty of great boating deals. $8-15. Fri-Sat, 10am-9pm; Sun, 10am-5pm. 1 Sabin St. 846-1115, providenceboatshow.com. January 18-27 The hilarious theatrical comedy I Hate Hamlet tells the story of Andrew Rally and how a ghost dressed in Shakespearean garb takes over his life. $1215. 350 Division St, Pawtucket. 7266860, thecommunityplayers.org. January 19 Travel back in time with 1964, a Beatles tribute band that has been hailed by NPR, CNN, The Nashville Network and many more. The band replicates the Beatles’ sound, energy and even their gestures. $26-36. 8pm. 28 Monument Sq, Woonsocket. 762-4545, stadiumtheatre.com. January 20 For their first performance, Seekonk’s School of Rock is performing Pink Floyd’s The Wall, an album as hallucinogenic as it is heavy. Come see what makes the School of Rock such a mind-blowing musical sensation. $10. 1pm. 103 Dike St. 383-1112, fetemusic.com. January 23 Dance, song and guitar combine at Paco Peña & Flamenco Vivo, a musical journey that transcends the archetypal Spanish art form of flamenco, featuring intoxicating rhythms and astonishing improvisations. $35-55. 7:30pm. 848 Park Ave, Cranston. 467-7275, parktheatreri.com. January 24 Enjoy an evening with folk artists at the Roots Cafe’s Peace Work “All
About Folk” event, featuring musicians Bill Monroe, Tracie Potochnik and Kate Katzberg. Free. 7-10pm. 276 Westminster St. 272-7422, rootsprovidence.com. January 25-27 Sick of the cold? Learn to make warm clothes at the 5th Annual Knitting Weekend, which kicks off Friday night with a lecture by Icelandic knitter Ragnheiður Eiríksdóttir. Pre-registration for Saturday or Sunday classes is required. $10-100. 67 Roosevelt Ave, Pawtucket. 725-8638, slatermill.org. January 25-27 A bourbon tasting kicks off the 10th Anniversary Sun Winefest on Friday night, followed by two days of outstanding wine tastings, seminars and celebrity appearances. $50-200. Fri, 6-9pm; Sat-Sun, 12-5pm. 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd, Uncasville, CT. 888-226-7711, mohegansun.com. January 26 Spend the day with Pot Au Feu’s chef John Richardson at a Cooking Class specialized in learning the secrets of fine French cuisine. Class includes hands-on instructions, a wine seminar and much more. $495. 11am-8:30pm. 44 Custom House St. 273-8953, potaufeuri.com. January 27 FirstWorks is proud to present Wynton Marsalis, described as the most outstanding jazz musician and trumpeter of his generation, with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. $23-68. 7pm. 1 Avenue of the Arts. 421-2787, vmari.com. January 31 Catch the latest in automotive ingenuity at the 2013 Northeast International Auto Show, a four-day event featuring hundreds of new cars, trucks, sport/utility vehicles, alternative fuel commuters and more. $4-9. 12-10pm. 1 Sabin St. 458-6000, providenceautoshow.com.
Brian J. Albano, D.P.M.
Podiatric medicine & Foot surgery
• Treating Heel Spur Syndrome/ Plantar Fascitis for failed conservative therapy • Noninvasive Radical Shockwave Therapy • FDA Approved (Not covered by medical insurance, payment plan available)
Elmhurst mEdical Building
1075 Smith Street, Providence • 401-273-0600
Now AcceptiNg New pAtieNts Welcomes Elizabeth Cappelletti, MD to our practice!
From birth control to pregnancy, from menopause to disease management, seeing you through all the stages of your life is our privilege. 297 Promenade Street :: Providence :: (401) 490.6464 www.center-obgyn.com
Save $5 with this ad.*
farmsteadri.com (401) 289-2102 Tues - Sat, 10 to 5 Sunday, 12 to 4
384 Market Street Warren, RI 02885 farmsteadri.com (401) 289-2102
Farmstead is a country shop with a twist with two floors of shopping; antiques, furniture, candles, gifts, original art, & more! Shop is closed January 9th-11th & 14th-18th. *Expires Feb 15, 2012. Must spend $25 or more. Excludes non-participating dealers. Promo: PRM1301 Limit one per customer. © 2012 Farmstead Mercantile LLC January 2013 | Providence Monthly
63
January 13th-26th
Bring this ad in for
$10 off
your dinner *Cannot be used on restaurant Week Menu
DeWolf Tavern at Thames Street Landing 259 Thames Street, Bristol www.DeWolftavern.com • 254-2005 64
Providence Monthly | January 2013
Get Out |
Art
DentPlus
By Emily Macaux
Dental Center
• Veneers • Crowns • Dentures • Family Dentistry • Tooth Whitening
Art in the Machine
Come in and Schedule an appointment today!
Performance and visual art at Yellow Peril
Where you’ll always find the brightest SMILES! Your DownCity General and Cosmetic Specialist 66 Kennedy Plaza Providence www.dentplus.net | 401-454-3000
ADESSO On The Hill
Signature Menu, Impeccable Service, Better than Ever! 139 Acorn Street Providence’s Federal Hill 521-0770
Engendered Machines and Humanbeasts
Photo: Eilzabeth Skadden
With the arrival of
the new year comes thoughts of a long winter ahead and… well, since we’re already getting ahead of ourselves, why not leap forward to a particularly bright spot on the season’s calendar? Pursuing its commitment to provocative new voices and visions in contemporary art, Yellow Peril Gallery will resume its invaluable COLLECT ART series of exhibitions with a January show devoted to Maralie Armstrong-Rial. This multimedia artist and performer is an increasingly vivid presence on the contemporary art scene, her riotously cross-disciplinary work revealing a distinct aesthetic ferocity and incisive intelligence. A graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute and RISD’s Digital + Media MFA program, Armstrong-Rial incorporates sculpture, installation and experimental music into work that interrogates and elucidates our technology-mediated culture and challenges norms of gender and identity. Audacious in both conception and delivery, her videos and performances conjure and confront us with
our own unexamined assumptions and shake loose the contents of our shared social unconscious. In her MFA thesis Engendered Machines and Humanbeasts, Armstrong-Rial drew on the early-20th century sound work of Elsa Von Freytag-Loringhoven, a German-born artist and poet who worked across creative categories and defied all manner of sexual and social conventions. Constituting what ArmstrongRial describes as a “short history of human-machine interaction,” Engendered Machines delineated what has since become [throughout her work] an essential theme: namely, the pervasiveness of technology and its implications in terms of the conception and expression of self. Within her fascinating and everevolving creative practice, Armstrong-Rial’s performances as the vocalist for Humanbeast are especially compelling distillations of her genrebending sensibility. Humanbeast, an experimental music/sound collaboration between Armstrong-Rial and Eli V. Manuscript, integrates synths,
electronic noise and heavy beats into bracing, utterly mesmerizing sonic mash-ups. The pair’s live performances are often full-on sensory assaults: Visceral, relentless, raw, they conjure a sense of both psychic torment and physical release. Humanbeast’s Queer Marriage (Gross Domestic Product, 2010) is perhaps its most “musical” project to date, a disc whose series of 10 tracks are discernibly song-like. Yet the artists’ sound remains, as ever, resolutely abrasive and mysteriously hypnotic, a sonic incarnation of an unforgiving emotional landscape. Yellow Peril’s January show, which will include live performances and recent works on paper, should serve as an exciting update on (or, depending on the viewer, introduction to) Armstrong-Rial’s shape-shifting creative endeavors. By giving its space over to this singular artist, Yellow Peril spotlights a riveting, resonant body of work. Opens January 18 at Yellow Peril Gallery at The Plant, Olneyville, 60 Valley Street #5, maralie.com
LIFE COACH
adolescents & young adults
Harry Fish MA, BCC 80 Calendars, LLC 401-465-5491 80calendars.com
Juggling Instructor Introducing
the hot shave…
And other fine services
a gentleman’s barber shop 91 Hope street Providence, RI 02906 (401) 400-5500 chez-moustache.com
January 2013 | Providence Monthly
65
Get Out |
This January 2013
Music
By Eric Smith
Celebrate with us! It’s our 11th Anniversary! ... Come in and experience our
New .Menu! .. online reservations at www.frescori.com
Chris Annunziato and Matt Trap
Piggin’ Out
Party Pigs bring the stupid 301 Main St., East Greenwich, RI (401) 398-0027 www.frescori.com
Join our text club, text FRESCO to 545454 to receive exclusive weekly offers. Gift Cards good at both locations Visit our sister restaurant DiVine on West Shore Road in Warwick!
fresco4-885x5-nov2012.indd 1
19 Sanderson Road !"#$%&'()*+,-++./012.21.3.2
12/11/2012 4:55:55 PM
19 Sanderson Road !"#$%&'()*+,-++./012.21.3.2
19 Sanderson Road Smithfield, RI 401.949.4849 Facebook.com/flauntri 66
Providence Monthly | January 2013
A long time ago there was this really great fuzzed-out garage band in Providence called Black Clouds. Black Clouds was an awesome experiment in rock minimalism: two guitars and a drummer who yelled things into a microphone. it offered up a great big wall of crunch and their shows were either epic disasters or crazy good parties. Black Clouds’ drummer/yeller Matt Trap thought there was way too much superfluous instrumentation going on with that outfit, so he pared the model down to just him and a tiny blue-eyed stick of dynamite named Chris Annunziato. They call themselves Party Pigs. Party Pigs has been making quite a name for themselves, playing every hipster basement in Providence. Most recently they packed the Speakeasy at Local 121 for a very special gig called “Born Pig,” which featured superheated sets of their dirty, filthy garage punk wedged between DJ sets of dirty, filthy hip hop from Born Casual. Though vastly different aesthetically, the music blended seamlessly. “We have a mixed crowd of people that like us a lot, and then some feel bad for us, and then some just plain hate us.” The pair sent me a clutch of material from some recent sessions at Pawtucket recording studio Machines With Magnets. Most tracks were unnamed, the ones with names were called “F--n’ Party” and “It’s Alright.” Their song that my iTunes is calling “track 02” starts out innocently enough, a great sleazy chugging riff and some nicely growled words from Annunziato about a “diamond in a rock... something something
(garbled) set you free,” who cares really, because soon enough the drums annihilate anything resembling a nice pleasant groove while blasting the song into the kind of mental garage rock territory that Matt Trap perfected with the Black Clouds. The aforementioned “F--n’ Party” is their Stoogiest of the lot. The opening salvo rings a lot like “Shake Appeal,” which, being one of my personal Stooges favorites, I can find nothing wrong with. But it’s “track 06,” with its curiously sunny California rock riff and galloping drums, that’s an odd standout here. It shows a sense of dynamic within the Pigs that may just catch a few people off guard. But then again, there are no lyrics on this track. “It’s Alright,” which features some excellently barked vocals from Tinsel Teeth’s Wil Sneep, finds the band falling ass-backwards right into one of its very best songs. It’s a blistering firecracker of a track that’s tight and extremely catchy. It has generous amounts of grungy riffage, caveman blues licks and enough vocal yelling to stay interesting throughout. It’s also kind of pretty, in a way. Trap sums up the Party Pig experience thusly; “We’re a band you go to see if you wanna party. Nothing about us is all that serious, that s--t bums me out. Rock n’ roll is fun.” Party Pigs have a second “Born Pig” crossover event at Dusk on January 25. Bring your parents - you’ve been meaning to do something nice for them. Check them out on Facebook and Reverbnation.
Get Out |
Theatre
A New York Style Deli?
By Molly Lederer
To Be or Not To Be
A Pawtucket theatre company takes a comedic spin on a classic In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the title character tackles weighty issues of grief, betrayal and revenge. In Paul Rudnick’s comedy I Hate Hamlet, a television actor faces the marginally lighter problem of playing the part onstage. Cast as the lead in a Shakespeare in the Park production in New York, Andrew Rally worries whether he can fill the big shoes of the Danish prince, a role relished by thespians throughout the ages. Cue the ghost of one such player, the famous John Barrymore. Sensing trouble, he rises from the grave — in tights — to rouse Rally to action. I Hate Hamlet opens at the Community Players in Pawtucket this month. And, after a hit Hamlet at the Gamm Theatre in 2011 and the creative Leigh and Melissa Present: Hamlette! at 95 Empire in 2012, local audiences can expect another royal treat. Director Eric Barbato notes, “The play offers something for everyone: a ghost, a few special effects, romance, extremely smart dialogue and a twist or two that will surprise and delight. The pace is quick and the laughs keep coming.” Playwright Rudnick’s inspiration for I Hate Hamlet struck in ’87, when he moved into Barrymore’s old Washington Square Park apartment. The actor had lived there some 70 years prior, around the time of his own acclaimed turn as Hamlet. The play takes place in the modern-day apartment, where the fictional Andrew Rally’s ambivalence about performing summons largerthan-life Barrymore. Upon seeing him, Rally sputters in disbelief, “You’re… dead.” Barrymore replies, “You know, occasionally I’m not truly certain. Am I dead? Or just incredibly drunk?” Handsome John Barrymore, grandfather to movie star Drew Barrymore, brought tremendous talent to the stage and screen until his death in ‘42. But a ruinous reputation of drinking, womanizing and carousing accompanied him. As depicted in I Hate Hamlet, his character is a devilish rake and a raging egomaniac — with a heart of gold. He struts in Elizabethan garb and earnestly attempts to improve Rally’s acting skills, insisting, “I do not overact. I simply possess the emotional resources of
Yes!!!
House Smoked Pastrami, Turkey and Chicken House Cooked Corned Beef House Cured Bacon and Ham Salads, Soups & Specials – Vegetarian Options – Meats by the Pound Catering Too!
369-7633 146 Ives Street, Providence www.doksdeli.com I Hate Hamlet
ten men. I am not a ham; I’m a crowd!” When I Hate Hamlet premiered on Broadway in ‘91, the volatile actor playing the volatile Barrymore exhibited increasingly bad behavior himself. In a witty New Yorker essay entitled “I Hit Hamlet”, Rudnick later recalled of Nicol Williamson, “His complaint was essentially that he was being asked to appear onstage with other people.” Williamson ended up whacking his co-star Evan Handler with a sword in the middle of a performance, prompting the latter to storm offstage and quit the show. Thankfully, at least as of press time, no such problems plague the Community Players’ cast and crew. Director Barbato reports, “I can’t say enough about how hard they work or how committed they are to putting on the best production possible.” The Community Players’ Ross Gavlin plays Andrew Rally, the actor debating whether “to be or not to be” Hamlet. He knows the part would impress his virginal girlfriend Deirdre (Christine Lariviere) and excite his agent Lillian (Susan Staniunas). Even his realtor (Erika June Pastel) wants him to do it. But he’s just not sure if he has the chops. Further discouragement, along with the temptation of television work, arrive in the form of his L.A. pal Gary Peter Lefkowitz (John Joseph Gomes). And, of course,
Rally must contend with the powerful, supernatural presence of Barrymore (C. Richard Koster, Jr.). As Barrymore points out, “You are Hamlet. A study in frustration. Thwarted action.” I Hate Hamlet is a lighthearted romp about the unlikely friendship between a contemporary actor and a star of yesteryear. It leaves the tragic side of Hamlet’s story in Shakespeare’s capable hands (and the tale of Barrymore’s downward spiral to history), humorously exploring themes like facing fears and finding self-confidence. “It’s about theatre and romance and what it means to be a success or a failure,” Greg Geer, the Community Players’ producer, explains. “And you don’t even need to know who John Barrymore was or anything about Shakespeare to enjoy the show (although you’ll get more of the jokes).”
I Hate Hamlet January 18-27 350 Division Street Jenks Auditorium, Pawtucket 726-6860 thecommunityplayers.org
Nominated Best Erotic Boutique in U.S., AVN Awards 2012
Mister Sister Erotica
More Toys than the Devil has Sinners Open Mon 12-8, Tue-Thur 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10, Sun 11-5
268 Wickenden Street Providence • 421- 6969 January 2013 | Providence Monthly
67
The Last Detail
Who doesn’t love
getting your blood pumping on a winter day by taking a brisk walk, grabbing a bite to eat, warming up with cup of hot chocolate and then dropping a warm load in your pants after being scared half to death by The Scary Snowman? Made famous by YouTube, The Scary Snowman has been hitting the streets all over Rhode Island and other parts of the country. Sitting on the sidewalk (usually on Thayer Street) in an unassuming, but kind of bomb, cos-
68
Providence Monthly | January 2013
tume, this snowman entices you to approach it and even touch it. Suddenly, maybe as you start to walk away or as you walk by, it moves! The reactions range from a slight startle to a full-on scream. It’s hilarious watching grown men and women get rattled by a snowman. Next time you see him on Thayer Street, I suggest finding a comfy spot to sit and get some prime time people watching in. Check them out on YouTube as “TheScarySnowman.” –Grace Lentini
Photography: Janice Lee Kelly
Frozen with Fear
Celebrate Valentine’s day on the hill reservations highly recommended
providence oyster bar 283 atwells ave, providence
279 atwells ave, providence
401-272-8866
401-454-8881
check us out our full menu online providenceoysterbar.com
dinner served Monday-saturday providenceprime.com
Freshest seaFood
high quality steak
Atwells Group Hospitality Management, LLC is a management company organized as a limited liability company, whose sole purpose is managing restaurants and facilitating their needs. There is no unity or commingling of corporate and financial interests among the management company and the managed restaurants. Each managed restaurant is a distinct, separate and independent business entity and enterprise with its own signature cuisine, exemplary quality and culinary experience. Each restaurant is individually owned and has its own fine reputation, personality and style. Enjoy them all.
Providence Byblos is Smokin’ Hot!
$10 Happy Hookah Hour – 3pm-6pm Daily Check Facebook for Daily Specials & Events Catering Available at Your Place or Rent the House For Private Parties
Chic Bar • Premium Hookahs Traditional Lebanese Lounge • Appetizers ‘12
Rhode Island's Original Hookah Bar
Voted Best Hookah Lounge by Providence Phoenix 2012
235 Meeting Street Providence 453-9727 • ProvidenceByblos.com Sun-Thurs 3pm-1am / Fri-Sat 3pm-2am
The Best Prices of the Year! Annual
Storewide Sale!
20% Off All Services *ends 1/31/2013
D RY D E N GALLERY
www.providencepictureframe.com Daily 8:30-6:30 • Sundays 12-5 Rte. 95, Exit 24, Branch Ave. (Next to Benny’s)
Premier Dining on Thayer Street RESTAURANT & UPSCALE LOUNGE
PARAGON
VI V
V
MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY! PHILIPPE’S ROOM
FOOD &
DRINK SPECIALS KITCHEN OPEN UNTIL MIDNIGHT EVERYDAY
IS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS
LIVE DJ EVERY
AMAZING FOOD SELECTION EXOTIC DRINKS & GREAT MUSIC
PROVIDENCE
FRIDAY, SATURDAY, AND SUNDAY!
RESTAURANT WEEK
AN UPSCALE ATMOSPHERE WITH DOWN TO EARTH PRICES
[ JANUARY 13 - JANUARY 26 ]
284 THAYER STREET, PROVIDENCE RI 331.8111 KARTABAR.COM
234 THAYER STREET, PROVIDENCE RI 331.6200 PARAGONANDVIVA.COM
-THREE COURSE LUNCH $14.95 -THREE COURSE DINNER $29.95 -LUNCH FOR TWO 14.95 -DINNER FOR TWO $29.95