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e to hist om or c l i e

Pawtuxet Village & Edgewood Explore the restaurants, shops and historic charm of this hidden Rhode Island gem

Bobby Pins Salon

The Edge Fitness for Women

Edgewood Wine & Spirits

2208 Broad Street, Providence 461-3400 bobbypinssalon.com

1856 Broad Street, Providence 749-3134 theedgefitnessforwomen.com

1992 Broad Street, Cranston 785-2286 Facebook: Edgewood Wine and Spirits

A boutique salon supporting the best in Aveda products,

Offering a boutique fitness experience where you will find

A full-service liquor store with a healthy wine selection,

Bobby Pins offers personalized cuts, colors and blowouts

a sense of community and personalized attention from

Edgewood Wine and Spirits is your one stop shop for adult

Tuesday through Saturday. Beloved for their attention to

qualified professionals. This studio will keep you accountable

beverages. Equipped with a knowledgeable, friendly and

detail, the small staff at Bobby Pins offers complimentary

and motivated for the long haul. Classes include: Spin,

helpful staff Edgewood is known for its selection of craft

hand and scalp massages, coffee and tea with every visit.

Barre, Boot Camp, Kickboxing, Strengthen and Tone, Cross

beers, including locals like GreySail and Foolproof.

Training, and Pound.

Elephant Room

Noon Design Shop

Twice Told Tales

2170 Broad Street, Cranston 461-2170 elephanttearoom.com

18 Post Road, Warwick 455-1222 noondesignshop.com

2145 Broad Street, Providence 785-9599 twicetoldtalesri.com

An all together unique storefront and studio that designs and

Featuring an eclectic array of clothing, jewelry and

fabricates jewelry, as well as letterpress greeting cards, home

accessories, Twice Told Tales also offers books, cards and

goods and more. Formerly located in Providence, they will be

gifts from local authors and artisans. With well-loved brands

relocating to Pawtuxet Village in mid-January, providing one-

like Uno de 50, Trollbeads and Crabtree & Evelyn, there’s

of-a-kind items for this one-of-a-kind neighborhood.

something special for shoppers of all ages.

Beloved for its minimalist style and zen atmosphere, the Elephant Room offers a tranquil experience for the avid tea drinker. In addition to premium French press coffee, tea-infused scones and small plates, this tearoom/creperie serves select wine, beer, and house-infused cocktails.

Contents

Photography (L) by James Jones, (R) by Stacey Doyle

january 2016

Our Ten to Watch

This Month 21 Ten to Watch

Federal Hill newcomer DaVinci makes a delicious splash

4 1 Feast The art of food on Federal Hill 42 Review 45 On The Menu 47 In The Kitchen 48 In The Drink 49 Rhody Bites

Meet the movers and shakers we’ve got our eye on for 2016

53 Get Out Getting coffee with the Feng Shui Police

Every Month

53 Calendar 57 Music 60 Theatre 61 Art

62 Savor Providence We hit the green smoothies hard while we’re still

6 Editor’s Note 8 Online Exclusives

psyched about our New Year’s resolutions

11 Providence Pulse Better Off brings an analog oasis to Broadway 12 City 17 Scene in PVD

29 City Style Getting back to basics with a new fitness routine 29 At Home 30 The Look 35 Get Fit 36 Shop Around 39 Beauty

On the Cover:

Cyd McKenna, Carlos Toro and Anthony Roberson are three of our annual Ten to Watch. Photography by James Jones.

January 2016 | Providence Monthly

Editor’s Note A New Perspective Like you and everyone else you know, Providence Monthly is taking some time at the New Year to think about new beginnings, especially when it comes to our city and state. There is so much to love about living and working in Providence, but there is so much work to do to make the city truly great. That’s where the Ten to Watch come in. Our annual list of influencers in the city identifies people who we think have the potential to accomplish great things over the coming year. For 2016, we’re especially hopeful about new initiatives for lowincome kids and families, and transparency inside

(and outside) City Hall. Read on, and then meet the Ten to Watch yourself at our party, Thursday January 21 at Hope Artiste Village. Find out the details on p. 9. Here’s to a safe and prosperous 2016 in Rhode Island.

PROVIDENCE MONTHLY

Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell

Media Director Jeanette St. Pierre @JeanetteSTP

Creative Director Julie Tremaine @JulieTremaine

Managing Editor Grace Lentini @Gracie_NomNom

Digital Editor Tony Pacitti @TonyPacitti

Editor Courtney Denelle @CourtneyDenelle

Art Director Meghan H. Follett

Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas

Assistant Art Director Veatsna Sok

Graphic Designer Katie Leclerc

Account Managers Shelley Cavoli: Shelley@ProvidenceOnline.com Louann DiMuccio-Darwich: Louann@ProvidenceOnline.com Ann Gallagher: Ann@ProvidenceOnline.com Kristine Mangan: Kristine@ProvidenceOnline.com Elizabeth Riel: Liz@ProvidenceOnline.com Dan Schwartz: DanS@ProvidenceOnline.com Kimberly Tingle: Kim@ProvidenceOnline.com Stephanie Oster Wilmarth: Stephanie@ProvidenceOnline.com Contributing Photographers Amy Amerantes Stacey Doyle Brad Smith Terace Greene Ian Travis Barnard Tony Pacitti Mike Braca Force 4 Photography Brian DeMello

Contributor Ali McGowan

Contributing Illustrator Alison Blackwell

Writer

Contributing Writers Keith Andrade @AndradeK

For this month’s PM Experiment (p. 14), Ali went under the needle to try the growing trend of IV vitamin cocktails. “[The] experience had me feeling like I was living in the big and booming Los Angeles, rather than the tiny, quaint Ocean State,” she says. “I was feeling generally well prior to my appointment, but I did leave feeling like I was way more aware of my surroundings and I had more mental and physical energy and willpower.” As this is our January issue, we asked Ali about her New Year’s resolutions. “I definitely want to become more mindful and I think part of that starts with temporarily breaking up with my iPhone.”

Stephanie Obodda @StephanieDoes

Erin Balsa

Cristy Raposo @foxywhite03

Alastair Cairns

Bill Rodriguez

David Dadekian @dadekian

Johnette Rodriguez Jenn Salcido

Emily Dietsch

Jen Senecal @JenSenecal

Claire Flanagan Amanda Grosvenor Molly Lederer Ali McGowan Interns Kelly Laske Brad McGarry

John Taraborelli @JohnnyTabs Elyena “Nellie” de Goguel

Samantha Westmoreland Kevin Patterson Members Of:

Audited by:

This Issue By The Numbers

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER. PAPER CONTAINS 20-25% POST-CONSUMER CONTENT

Influential people making PVD a better place in 2016 (p. 21)

Restaurants and bars stay open even in the worst of winter storms (p. 13)

Weeks we’ll make it into the year before bailing on our resolutions.

Providence Monthly 1070 Main Street, Suite 302 Pawtucket RI 02860 • Fax: 401-305-3392 www.providenceonline.com pm@providenceonline.com @pvdmonthly 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.

facebook.com/pvdmonthly

Providence Monthly | January 2016

@pvdmonthly

@HeyRhody

COLLABORATE LIKE A GIRL

Leadership program to india • Girls Who code clubs • save the Bay partnership Grade 8 program to the united nations • human rights curriculum reggio emilia program and The studio • edible Garden and outdoor classroom

saTurday, January 30Th • 1-3 p.M.

Mini-Maker Workshops & open house (LoWer & MiddLe schooL) Tours and sTudenT paneL (upper schooL)

a community event — all are welcome!

#onlyatlincolnschool

301 Butler avenue, providence, ri 02906 • 401-331-9696 • www.lincolnschool.org

w h a t ’s h a p p e n i n g o n

Providenceonline.com

WE’vE G Ot t h I S This month we’re rolling out our newest web feature, “We’ve Got This,” where we explore those quirky happenings you’ve always been curious about. This month we join the charitable, hungover ranks for a polar bear plunge. Plus, we dive into the world of big blockbuster movie marathons by strapping in for 20 hours of Star Wars at the Providence Place Mall.

‘GRAM It! We’re consolidating our Instagram power. Follow us – plus our sister pubs So Rhode Island, East Side Monthly, The Bay and Hey Rhody – all on one convenient Instagram feed: @heyrhody. Tag us on December 31 and let us see how you’re having the #BestNewYearEver

Toast Connect Taste

PA R t y W I t h US Join us for our Ten to Watch party on Thursday, January 21 from 5:30-8pm at Events on Main in the Hope Artiste Village. Meet the movers and shakers of 2016, enjoy food from ten of the city’s best and newest restaurants and be sure to stick around for the after party at Breaktime Bowl and Bar. Get your tickets at providenceonline.com

F O L LOW U S Because we’re awesome on social, too

facebook.com/pvdmonthly

@pvdmonthly

DINE WELL

Not-to-be missed events and city highlights delivered right to your inbox weekly

Our statewide dining guide will keep you informed and well-fed

Hey Rhody (at providenceonline.com)

Providence Monthly | January 2016

HeyRhody

RhodyBites.com

Toast Connect Taste Ring in 2016 with

Providence Monthly as we celebrate our

10 to Watch and sample food & drink from

10 of the city’s newest and best restaurants featuring:

Vinya, Ten Rocks Tapas Bar & Restaurant, Pizza J, Rasoi and more!

Thursday January 21, 5:30-8pm Events on Main at Hope Artiste Village • 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket Tickets: $30 now at ProvidenceOnline.com • $40 at the door Afterparty at Breaktime Bowl and Bar

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Pull the Plug It’s only a matter of time before the next iPhone is surgically implanted right into our cerebral cortex. Depending on how much you like cyberpunk, that’s either terrifying or the most awesome thing ever. Until then, Better Off on Broadway serves as a slow space, championing all things analog while we’re still able to unplug.

January 2016 | Providence Monthly

Pulse |

City

Continued from Page 11

Flex Your Wonder Muscles Going slow and steady to curate creativity at Better Off seems suspiciously precious. The space offers typewriters, analog cameras and tools for painting and illustration, with an atmosphere made complete with a lush synth-pop ambience emanating from a nearby record player. Immediately the space comes across as something ‘shareable,’ but don’t mistake this as an exercise in empty nostalgia – Better Off is the real deal, and it’s aiming to change the way we interact with technology, creativity and each other. Better Off is a hybrid gallery and art space on Broadway that offers much more than superficial pleasures. Conceived by Brandon Lane and Devin Durante, Better Off wants to start a conversation on how much digital media we consume and how we can invite slowness into our daily lives in order to reach what they call maximum creative potential. When inside of this zone, the owners of Better Off hope that individual creative output skyrockets while providing a generation obsessed with sharing

online experiences the opportunity to create something tangible. Each season, Better Off will host a residency with a new theme explored over the course of a four-week program. For the inaugural season, Brandon and Devan have chosen ‘slowness,’ and each week in the program focuses on a different aspect of this topic. “Distraction brings you in all these different directions,” says Brandon. “We call these typewriters and cameras ‘slow tech tools,’ and the great thing about them is that they specialize in one thing at a time. They limit this distraction. We use these constraints as a muse.” Outside of this residency, Better Off offers ‘slow hours,’ inviting visitors to go dark and exercise their creativity. “You can think about the residency as personal training,” explains Brandon. “Standard gym membership with Better Off is access to the tools and the space.” One thing that Brandon makes clear is the separation Better Off places inbetween these tools being seen as instruments of nostalgia and invitations

Better Off provides “slow tools” and other methods of eschewing digital distractions

for slowness into our future. “We draw this line through education and conversation. It reminds us that in the future we need to be more deliberate, more conscious about turning ourselves off as digital beings.” Brandon then goes on to describe what he calls a ‘post-wonder’ world: an era when people don’t need to wonder about the whereabouts of a letter or

the identity of a familiar actor whose name eludes you. “When you sit and think, you’re exercising your wonder muscle,” continues Brandon. “There’s a comfort to digital because it’s faceless and instantaneous. We want to take you out of that comfort zone. That’s where the good stuff happens.” 168 Broadway. 601-1293, werebetteroff.com –Kevin Patterson

Party On, Bus

You Down With OPPB? Meet your new designated driver, the Official Providence Party Bus The Achilles Heel of any great night out is getting home. In warmer months Providence is totally walkable, but this time of year even an otherwise short walk from one Downcity bar to another feels like an endless, frigid slog across the ice plains of Hoth. As for schlepping from the Harry’s on Federal Hill to the Harry’s on North Main on foot just to say you did it? Fughetaboutit. Enter the Official Providence Party Bus which is a legit GMC school bus that’s been refitted to cart you and your friends all over town for a safe night of poor decision making – we’re 12

Providence Monthly | January 2016

looking at you, guy who thinks the ladies love when you sing “Your Body is a Wonderland” at karaoke. The party bus makes eight loops every Friday and Saturday night (as well as select long weekend nights, like New Year’s Eve) consisting of 12 stops from the West Side to Wayland Square. Additional amenities include complimentary iPhone chargers, bottled water at a reasonable buck a pop and the comfort in knowing that at least you aren’t as drunk as that guy two seats up. Yeesh. $3 one way, $8 to ride all night. 7pm-3am Fridays and Saturdays. oppbusri.com –Tony Pacitti

The Official Providence Party Bus might be your new best friend

Photography by (Top) Tony Pacitti, (Bottom) Kristina Grande/Official Providence Party Bus

Everything about Better Off

Pulse |

City

Blizzard Shmizzard

Arctic Pub Crawl Grab a beer and a bite, no matter how much snow is on the ground It’s winter: you’re starving,

in hibernation mode and just want to give your belly its fill. Yet, the season just can’t help but bludgeon us with its mighty breath. When those dreadful snowstorms threaten to pummel you, you’re relegated to staying indoors – hopeful that the beastly weather will subside and allow you to reach a bar or restaurant that will open up once the roads are clear. But what about those of us who can push through the storm and don’t mind trudging through the bleakness of winter to grab a beer or a bite? Are there even businesses that stay open during these trying times? There always are. Pot au Feu Paris is a hike, regardless of whether or not there’s a foot or more of snow on the ground. But if ever you needed a reason to bundle up like the kid brother in A Christmas Story and bound into a blizzard snowscape,

Pot au Feu offers a taste of the City of Lights, plus free bread and milk* (*wine can be substituted for milk) during storms. Your friends might be scrambling for some actual dairy, but you’ll be sitting pretty with a nice red and some foie gras. 44 Custom House Street. 273-8953, potaufeu. businesscatalyst.com Julian’s Restaurant Has being snowed-in taken its toll on your fridge and liquor cabinet? Julian’s Restaurant is the one you’ll need on those cold stormy nights. With over 70 beers to choose from and a menu that’s filled with not-so-typical pub food such as Country Fried Chicken Livers ($10) for an appetizer, you’ll find the warmth you were looking for after a snowy trek up Broadway. 318 Broadway. 861-1770, juliansprovidence.com Los Andes If you’re looking for a more exotic bite

this winter, look no further than the Peruvian and Bolivian spot Los Andes. Be sure to book a reservation if you want a table; they’ll be sure to oblige you even during the worst storms. While you’re there, don’t forget to indulge in their Pollada ($13.95): fresh pan seared boneless chicken thigh topped with medallions of purple potatoes and finished with cream de rocoto. You definitely want to brave through the storm for this one. 903 Chalkstone Avenue. 649-4911, losandesri.com E&O Tap Looking for the perfect dive bar during the nasty snow? E&O Tap has all the ingredients of a mellow night out with friends if you’re looking for that icecold brew to warm you up. You might even find food truck excellence parked outside in the form of Poco Loco Tacos… assuming they got stuck there when the storm hit. 289 Knight Street. 454-4827, eandotap.com

Wickenden Pub If you need a place with over 99 beers from around the world, it’s a no-brainer to dive right into the, well, dive bar that is Wickenden Pub. With a super lively atmosphere to spruce up that winter spirit, you won’t be sorry if you stumble upon this pub in search of a cold one in the cold. 320 Wickenden Street. 861-2555. The Abbey A burger and beer joint will definitely hit the spot during those dreadful snowstorms. The Abbey is a onestop pub that grabs your tastebuds’ attention with their premium burgers and especially their beer flight options. Once you’re done, you’ll have reached the pinnacle of burger and beer nirvana to keep you endlessly warm as you return home in the snow. 686 Admiral Street. 3514346, 92beers.com –Brad McGarry

Filling the Void

New Shops on the Block Putting a buy local spin on the strip mall

Photography by Tony Pacitti

Strip malls are a ubiquitous part of life, a blur of neon colored fast food and chain retailers on the byways to Anywhere, USA. But this is Providence, and Providence doesn’t do ubiquitous. Case in point: Armory Revival Company’s new string of storefronts at 425 West Fountain Street. “You’ve got your parking in front, but it’s not a Subway next to a FedEx Office,” says Armory co-founder Mark Van Noppen. “It’s not your typical suburban strip.” Take the strip’s first tenant, DownCity Design, a non-profit that works with Providence youth to conceptualize and implement architectural improvements for public spaces. DownCity has been there since 2014, temporarily occupying the storefront closest to West Fountain’s

cobblestone streets while Armory worked to tailor their permanent home at the opposite end into the working shop they need, complete with small office, a learning space and a separate workshop in the back. “When we came here it was an empty, raw space,” says co-founder Adrienne Gagnon. “Luckily, so many of the people we work with are architects. They immediately saw the possibility of it built out.” During that time the other five storefronts received the same custom treatment, and the exterior of the building got an attractive new paint job from Buck Hastings and Providence Painted Signs. “We’ve been watching as it went from this big, empty garage space to getting to know our neighbors,” says Adrienne.

The other businesses run the gamut from urban cycling outerwear designer Cleverhood and brewery startup Long Live Beerworks to the zen and martial arts space, City Aiki, indoor cycling studio Devine City Cycles and a restaurant, West Fountain Kitchen. “I’ve always felt like this is an exciting part of town and you definitely feel the energy for business,” says Cleverhood owner, Susan Mocarski. “I like the quirky mix. It’s so classically Rhode Island.” “People are attracted to this side of town because of its quality – its diversity, its creativity, its affordability,” says Mark. “It’s an interesting place, and what you get are businesses that are attracted to that.” 425 W Fountain Street. –Tony Pacitti

DownCity Design’s new home at 425 West Fountain

January 2016 | Providence Monthly

Pulse |

City

PM Experiment

Not Your Typical “Cocktail” Dripping your way to better health Health hot spots throughout the country are adapting a new kind of bar, and I was admittedly surprised to find out Rhode Island is no exception. Hydration therapy, a treatment approach that offers a “cocktail” of vitamins intravenously, is just one of many services The Petteruti Center in Warwick offers, and one that my health repertoire had yet to acquire. In vogue for its remedy of everything from lackluster energy to regrettable hangovers, hydration therapy offers an individualized dose of therapeutic vitamins, amino acids and minerals directly to cells. “The gastrointestinal tract limits, and in some cases fully blocks, absorption of certain healing products,” explained Doctor Stephen Petteruti during my pre-drip consultation. By completely bypassing the digestion process, saline solutions served neat with vitamins are not only faster, but also more readily absorbed than over-the-counter alternatives. Although I’m one to avoid painkillers altogether – I’d rather spend $13 on a headache stick than pop an Ibuprofen – this type of remedy seemed more my style. “Patients choose from 13 different

drip varieties, each completely customizable to their specific needs,” Doctor Petteruti elaborated. Cocktails like the Pre- and Post-Flight Drips boost the body’s immunity during travel, while more specific combinations, like the Chronic Lyme Drip analyze a patient’s history to fight fatigue and potentially reduce or eliminate his or her adherence to long-term antibiotics. I’ll admit, I was slightly skeptical of the touted Hollywood service. As a health and fitness enthusiast, I wasn’t sure anything could serve me more than kale, kettlebells, vitamin D and eight hours of sound sleep. Could I really feel better? Was there even anything to ‘fix’? All it took was a slight pinch of the arm and a relaxing 15 minutes in the Peterutti Center’s comfortable Drip Lounge to prove me wrong. The most popular of the feel-good shooters, the Myers cocktail, called my name. Titled after the late John Myers, a Maryland physician who used IV injections to treat patients, this combination includes a mix of vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and various B vitamins (1, 6, 12 and Bcomplex) to enhance energy, improve

mental clarity and assist the body’s detoxification system. Chased with an extra 400mg shot of glutathione – an antioxidant that protects against free radicals, infections and cancer – this mix gave me more wings than any can of Red Bull I crushed in college. After the painless insertion of a hairthin butterfly needle, I experienced a common heat and flushing sensation that quickly subsided. The light smell and taste of the vitamin complex stayed with me for an hour after my visit, but my heightened energy lasted all day. I felt perkier, more aware of my surroundings and generally sharper on all levels before even stepping foot outside. Aside from the added spring in my step, the best part of my experience had to be the doctor’s orders: “Indulge in a real cocktail.” A lightweight lover of red wine, I was prone to the common sulfite headache even after just one glass, but not with my body’s new stores of vitamins and minerals to sweep out the heavy pour. Not only did I feel fantastic mid-glass, but the next morning also showed no lingering signs of my favorite vino.

Whether you like your energy restoration shaken or your pre-party damage control stirred, the Petteruti Center knows how to mix it. 250 Centerville Road, Building E. Warwick. 921-5934, thepeterutticenter.com –Ali McGowan

Malcontent

The Only Exercise Tip You’ll Ever Need The annual New Year’s Gym Migration is upon us as millions of Americans look for guidance on making this the year that they finally get fit. An infinite number of them will consult an infinite number of trainers and receive an infinite number of answers about the one right way to get in shape, many of them directly contradicting one another. Take running, for example. It was the first, and for a while the only, exercise I ever enjoyed, and it was one of the two major factors (the other being diet, of course) in my own major weight loss. Then one day I listened while a trainer railed against running as a waste of time and detriment to any effort to get in shape. How could the single exercise 14

Providence Monthly | January 2016

that helped me lose over 50 pounds be a bad thing? I wondered. Consulting the internet for some clarity, I found that a Google search for “running is good for you” yields 995,000,000 results. And a Google search for “running is bad for you” pulls up 1,070,000,000 results. So there you have it. In my fortunate role as the fitness columnist for this magazine, I have the opportunity to work with a different trainer and discipline every month. Along the way I’ve found that trainers are to fitness what Italian grandmothers are to pasta sauce: they all have their own way of doing it, and they’ll all tell you that theirs is the right way. Fortunately for you, dear reader, I can now

tell you, finally and definitively, the one right answer to all your fitness questions. It’s the only answer you need to help you achieve all your fitness goals, and no trainer or expert from any discipline can dispute it. Do what you enjoy. That’s all there is to it. People can argue over the respective benefits or limitations of running, weight lifting, yoga, CrossFit, Pilates or a million other exercises. They can tell you that what’s most important is strength, speed, stamina, form, cardio, whatever. They can cite research to show that X exercise is better than Y exercise to achieve Z fitness goal. The professionals tend to frame it as a choice between the wrong way or

the right way, but for most of us regular folks the choice is actually between doing something or doing nothing. What good is a perfect workout plan if you don’t enjoy it enough to keep doing it? If the only thing that will get you off the couch is running, Zumba, kickboxing or something else entirely, then do it and ignore any “experts” who deny its value. If you don’t enjoy exercise, you’re not going to stick with it – and sticking with it is truly the most important thing. The activity itself doesn’t produce results: results comes from the discipline to get up and exercise today, the motivation to improve upon what you did yesterday, and the joy that makes you want to do it again tomorrow. –John Taraborelli

Illustration by Alison Blackwell

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Marking 50 years since its inception in 1965, the Rhode Island College Foundation celebrated with a 50th Anniversary Gala on November 7. A crowd of 150 guests mixed and mingled to raise $90,000 for the foundation. WPRI Anchor and RIC alum Mike Montecalvo emceed the festivities, while RIC’s student a cappella group Tonally Awesome provided entertainment. Photography by Joe Gilbin

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Ten 2016 Wat c h ttoo

Our annual look forward at this year’s movers, shakers and rising stars By John Taraborelli • Photography by James Jones

ehind every great idea is a bright and bold, risk-taking individual. Lucky for us, Providence is full of these folks who are moving our city forward. From making City Hall run smoother to closing the word gap in low-

income families and fighting for equality within the Police Department – to name a few – here’s who to watch this year. We are expecting to see big things from them in the future.

Cyd McKenna, Carlos Toro and Anthony Roberson

ttoo 2016 Te n Watch 2016 Te

Watch Him Redefine Success in Central Falls:

Victor Capellan / Superintendent, Central Falls School District

Watch Her Fight for Working Families:

Rachel Flum / Executive Director, Economic Progress Institute Rachel Flum has her work cut out for her.

“This just feels right, personally and professionally. I am able to contribute and have an impact,” says Victor Capellan of his return to the Central Falls School District. After overseeing a three-year transformation plan at Central Falls High School as deputy superintendent, he left the district in 2014 to work for an education nonprofit in Massachusetts. Now he’s back as superintendent, a role in which he’s spent “the last six months trying to answer one question: What does success look like?” He set out to answer this at all levels – student, teacher, classroom, school and district – through an inventory of practices, policies, resources and materials. Some answers were simple: A successful classroom is neat, clean and orderly with a written agenda and informational charts to guide students. Others were more nuanced. “People always say, ‘Not everyone is going to go to college.’ That’s not the point,” Capellan admonishes. “The point is that they need to be prepared to make that decision.” Here are three ways he’s trying not just to define, but to achieve success:

Promising practices: As part of the partnership with RIC, Central Falls is able to get all teachers dual certification in ESL and their content area. In a district with a heavy concentration of Spanish and Portuguese Creole speaking households, the ability to lower the language barrier is an effective tool. There has even been some interest from philanthropic organizations in scaling this model to other districts.

Holistic approaches: Parent and family engagement is vital to supporting education, especially in low-income urban school districts. Despite the name, Parent College is a program that serves the whole family: parents participate in evening workshops on things like financial literacy and healthy lifestyles, while children receive tutoring – and all are offered a free, healthy dinner. cfschools.net

As the new executive director of the Economic Progress Institute, she takes the helm of an organization that was defined by her predecessor, Kate Brewster, who served 11 years in the same role. The Economic Progress Institute’s (EPI) mission is research and policy advocacy to improve the economic wellbeing of lowincome Rhode Islanders. Flum’s first year on the job will be a big one for EPI’s core issues: the presidential election is putting increased focus on the fight to increase the federal minimum wage; EPI will add to the big picture conversations around race and inequality with its latest report, “State of Working Rhode Island: Workers of Color,” highlighting wage, income and other disparities for Latino, black and other workers of color; and the fight continues over the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), one of Flum’s highest priorities. The Governor proposed a two-step increase from 10% to 12.5% in 2016, then 15% in 2017, but last year’s General Assembly only enacted half of that. “There was broad support for increasing the EITC,” she says. “Everyone understands that the credit is an effective way to help struggling working families make ends meet.” As Rhode Island workers continue to grapple with a sluggish economy and widening skills and wage gaps, EPI’s voice is as important as ever, and it’s Flum’s job to make sure that voice continues to be heard loud and clear. economicprogressri.org Want to learn more about economic progress? Read our full interview with Rachel at providenceonline.com.

Creative partnerships: The Innovation Lab is a multifaceted collaboration with Rhode Island College intended to create a two-way pipeline between K-12 and higher ed. Capellan sees both practical and symbolic value. It has allowed Central Falls High School to increase its dualcredit early enrollment courses, as well as gain conditional acceptance to Rhode Island College (RIC) for the top half of its graduating class. But the visual impact for students is just as important to him: “When you put yourself on a college campus and say, ‘This is it, I belong here,’ that adds a whole different level of motivation.”

And 10 more worth watching... >> Rich Pezzillo/Organizer, Downtown Neighborhood Association He’s an advocate for Downtown living and business, and his recent wedding, which earned coverage in the ProJo, was designed as a showcase for both.

Providence Monthly | January 2016

>> Anjel Newmann/Afterschool Director, AS220 Youth In a city that doesn’t acknowledge young black voices often enough, she’s a powerful one – both in her day job at AS220, and while moonlighting as rapper Medusah Black.

2016 T e n toto Wat c h 2016 Watch Her Be a Force In City Hall:

Cyd McKenna / Chief of Staff, Providence City Council The person McKenna is an urban planner by training, but she’s better known for some recent high profile gigs: first as campaign manager for Buddy Cianci’s 2014 comeback tour, then community outreach work for the new PawSox ownership group. The Providence native lived in Boston, San Francisco, Washington, DC and Durham, NC before returning home for this job; she is bullish, yet realistic, about her hometown’s prospects. McKenna believes Providence should focus on its strengths, and stop pretending we’re going to recreate Cambridge in the Creative Capital. “We need to have more confidence in who we are and stop trying to figure out how to be somewhere else,” she says.

The job The chief of staff appointment tops a major staffing effort by the council, which also includes a new Legislative Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations division and adding a press secretary. Under Council President Aponte, the 15-member legislative body has demonstrated that it is not content to simply work in the shadow of the mayor, as it often has in the past, instead taking a more active hand on issues like tax stabilization agreements, and hiring its own lawyer to look into Mayor Elorza’s dispute with the firefighters. McKenna’s job is to help craft policies, shape messaging and improve processes to ensure the council’s success. She sees her biggest challenge as “getting past the perception that the council doesn’t want to work with the mayor,” noting, “It’s not going to work without collaboration.”

The agenda “Thoughtful urbanist,” are the words McKenna uses to describe her new boss, Aponte. She believes he will have a synergy with Mayor Elorza that will be an improvement over past mayor-council president tandems. “I don’t think there’s been that same-page excitement and energy before,” she says. Her initial priorities look more towards the nuts and bolts than the big picture: a revamp of the Council’s website, an emphasis on improving internal systems and a big push on communications. “What I hope to do is incorporate modern thought processes into delivering what the City Council members need,” she explains. The council’s recently released economic cluster analysis, which identifies potential growth industries for the city, is a huge priority for her as well. More than just growing the city’s tax base, she believes it’s important to also ask, “What’s a tax dollar that can stay in Providence and actually improve the lives of Providence residents?”

Watch Him Build a Media Empire:

Torey Malatia / General Manager, Rhode Island Public Radio Chicago Public Media is a public radio powerhouse: It broadcasts on three signals across a wide swath of Illinois, offers robust web and podcast programming, and produces two of NPR’s most popular syndicated shows, This American Life and Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me. But when Torey Malatia joined that team in 1993, it was just WBEZ, a small, upstart NPR-affiliate. Now the man who helped build that empire (and co-created both nationally syndicated shows) is at the helm of Rhode Island Public Radio where he inherits a station that already broadcasts on three signals across the state. He sees the web as the most obvious place to build, but not in a “We ought to

>> Lauren Paola/Public Affairs & Special Projects Manager, Rhode Island Foundation The Foundation has stepped up its efforts around the Buy Local RI initiative, including last summer’s inaugural Indie Week, and Paola is at the helm.

get on this ‘Twitter’ thing” kind of way. He envisions Rhode Island Public Radio as a news organization that places digital on equal footing with broadcast so that the two inform each other, as well as the audience, and better serve listeners who have an unprecedented amount of choice about how they get their news, when and from whom. “There’s a way to use broadcast that supports people’s use of on-demand media,” he explains. “I think on-demand media are now the primary way in which people get the information they need. Broadcast tends to sum all of that up into a daily experience that is enriched substantially by all of this activity online.” ripr.org

>> Matt Bucci/Director of the Governor’s Office, State House Bucci is a promising young politico overseeing day-to-day operations for one of the rising stars of the national Democratic Party. January 2016 | Providence Monthly

ttoo 2016 Te n Watch 2016 Te

Watch Him Lead by Example:

Anthony Roberson / Detective, Providence Police Department to instill interest and appreciation in potential police recruits. Along with two other minority officers last year, he sued his own department over a sergeant’s exam they decried as discriminatory. It’s all part of working the beat for Roberson.

You’ve been critical of the department’s promotional process. How can it be improved? By making the process fair, so that it tests for intangible qualities directly related to leadership. Through a task analysis and assessment, these are qualities that can be tested. The current process fails to look for the most qualified officer for promotion.

Why did you choose to pursue a doctorate in education? Early into my career I realized that true community policing is multifaceted in its approach. Genuine solutions require looking beyond the arrest. A doctorate in education assists in organizational improvement, enhancement of my personal leadership skills and preparedness. Encouraging academic achievement is a cornerstone of how I police. Simply put, the more educated a person is, the less likely they are to be involved in street crime.

How will you put your degree to work? This upcoming spring semester I plan on teaching recently released incarcerated individuals seeking college degrees. The goal in part is to reduce recidivism.

Anthony Roberson understands the complexities of police-commu-

How can we foster better understanding on both sides of the policecommunity line?

nity relations – his life exists at the very nexus of them. After joining the Providence Police Department at 23, he patrolled the same Hartford Projects where he grew up and later served as a school resource officer at Perry Middle School, which he attended. His approach to community policing is holistic, encompassing education and community action as much as law enforcement and arrests. He has a master’s in criminal justice from Boston University, and is pursuing a PhD in education at Liberty University. He founded the Community Inspiration Initiative, which brings professional role models to Providence Public Schools to greet students face-toface as they enter the building, and the Community Policing Initiative, which tries

Communication is key in respect to both parties. The community should know that in addition to enforcing the law, police officers must wear a variety of hats: homeland security, conflict resolution, social work and a host of other practices. I wish the police better understood how complicated it is to live in a poor community – the fear of doing what should be considered routine things such as walking to school or going to a park, the fear of being shot. This is why it’s of great importance to understand the culture of a city you are sworn to serve and protect. Want to learn more about Anthony’s approach to policing? Read our full interview at providenceonline.com.

Watch Them Change the Furniture Game:

John Humphrey, Myung Chul “Bruce” Kim, Alec Babala and Jonah Wilcox-Healey of Greycork If you haven’t heard of Greycork, it’s probably because they haven’t shipped a product yet – but that hasn’t stopped the aspiring home furnishings brand from racking up press courtesy of Forbes, Fast Company, The Los Angeles Times, and influential blogs like Refinery29. Plus, they launched their prototype with a crowdsourcing campaign that brought in a whopping 460% of their goal. Founded by four young entrepreneurs with ties to Providence (three RISD grads and an RI native), Greycork makes no secret of whose market share they’re after, declaring outright that their furniture “serves as a better alternative to IKEA.” Their designs are simple elegant, manufactured in a family factory in nearby Fall River and will assemble in minutes with no tools. It’s not just an innovative approach to design that sets them apart, however. Greycork’s branding efforts are well-curated and demographically savvy: They’ve published two issues of their online “magazine,” which presents personal, design-centric stories that speak directly to Millennials, and the Greycork Loft in Providence not only serves as a showroom for their products, it’s also available for overnight stays on Airbnb. Their debut Living Room Collection ships this month, with more designs and products soon to follow. “We hope to be a company that reinforces Rhode Island’s design economy, helps others network with suppliers and brings more businesses to the state,” says Founder/ CEO John Humphrey. “We want to empower one another to keep working with our hands.” greycork.com Can’t get enough design talk? Read our full Q&A with Greycork at providenceonline.com.

>> Travis Escobar/Co-founder & President, Millennial Professional Group of RI Millennials are now the largest generation in the American workforce, and Escobar is tirelessly advocating for them to #ChooseRI.

Providence Monthly | January 2016

>> Caleb Borchers/Church Planter, The Feast Church His approach to spirituality is as much about asking questions as answering them, and his thoughtful, rational discussions of religion place it squarely in the context of modern life.

2016 T e n toto Wat c h 2016 Watch Her Design Opportunities for Local Talent:

Joye Whitney / Program Manager, DESIGNxRI

Watch Her Close the Word Gap:

Courtney Hawkins / Executive Director, Providence Talks The word gap Children need to hear about 21,000 words per day for their vocabularies to develop properly, but those in low-income homes hear fewer words than children in middle- or high-income households – to the tune of about 30,000 million fewer words by age four.

how providence talks is helping An early-intervention literacy program launched under Mayor Taveras that aims to close that word gap. The former mayor won $5 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies to launch the program, and the current mayor has recommitted to the program, appointing Courtney Hawkins as its first executive director.

the woman behind the talks DESIGNxRI is a nonprofit industry advocacy group that defines “design” broadly, encompassing everything from graphic and fashion design to product design, landscaping, architecture, urban planning, wood- and metal-working, advanced manufacturing and even designing processes. As Program Manager, Joye Whitney (herself a floral designer) is purposefully creating a big tent under which a wide variety of local entrepreneurs can gather and get to work.

How can we better leverage Providence’s robust design community as an economic engine? Design is one of the fastest growing sectors both locally and nationally; the need for good design is in demand. As this sector continues to grow, Providence can “export” this talent. Rhode Island has all the assets for becoming a national leader in design.

Courtney is a Rhode Island native and University of Rhode Island grad who went on to receive her Master’s in Social Work from Columbia University. She remained in New York for 14 years, managing human service programs that served 25,000 people per year. Providence Talks lured her back home because “you don’t get a chance to try something new very often. People talk about being innovative but there are usually so many constraints.”

how it works Families voluntarily enroll through one of four provider agencies (Federal Hill House, Children’s Friend, Family Service and Meeting Street). They get a “word pedometer” to count the child’s daily intake of vocabulary, and receive 13 in-home visits from a coach over eight months, working with parents to monitor progress, set goals and develop individualized strategies.

taking it to the next level Hawkins plans to add new provider agencies and develop new models, like group sessions at schools and churches, and interventions in full-time child care settings. “If you want to run something at scale in a city you have to have multiple strategies because one model isn’t going to be right for all families,” she explains. She’s also launching an aggressive outreach effort, including new marketing materials, advertising and community events. The goal is to serve 2,500 families by December 2017. “Providence is interesting,” she says. “Its size means that we can actually try to solve something that other cities across the country have been struggling with and become a model.” providencetalks.com

What is DESIGNxRI doing to make that happen? The Providence Design Catalyst is a new collaboration between the City of Providence, RISD, DESIGNxRI and Social Enterprise Greenhouse to help develop design businesses. It is a grant program for Providencebased design businesses using federal funds available for creative sector economic growth. It’s a six-month program with a cohort of 12-20 grantees who will catalyze ideas with the support of a mentor, educational workshops and professional development that aims to expand their businesses.

What’s next? DxRI is one of 26 grantees (through the State Department of Labor and Training’s Real Jobs RI program) implementing workforce development strategies and programs. There will be three phases of learning: exploratory design opportunities for high school students; fellowship opportunities within Rhode Island businesses for recent college graduates; and a professional development program for advancing mid-level careers. designxri.com Want to learn more about designing a stronger economy? Read our full interview with Joye at providenceonline.com

>> Andy Trench/Founder & CEO, XactSense He builds flying robots, and his cutting edge 3D mapping technology recently won $50,000 of equity-free cash from MassChallenge, the world’s largest startup accelerator.

>> Beth Cunha/Executive Director, Center of Dynamic Learning Her organization is bridging the gaps in STEAMM education through innovative programs both during and after school. January 2016 | Providence Monthly

ttoo 2016 Te n Watch 2016 Te Watch Him Take His Show On the Road:

Carlos Toro / Creative Producer & Director, Steer Digital Media You don’t know Carlos Toro

or his company, Steer Digital Media, but you may have seen his work. Steer has created engaging, resonant video narratives for local brands like Matunuck Oyster Bar and Studio Dunn Furniture, as well as a slew of 2014 campaign pieces for candidates like Angel Taveras and Mayor Jorge Elorza. And last November, Toro took home the award for Emerging Filmmaker at the Blue Ocean Film Festival (dedicated to marine exploration and ocean conservation) in Monaco with The Edge, a short film about shark conservationists that was broadcast on Oprah’s cable network and promoted on Discovery Channel’s website during Shark Week. With a growing company that operates squarely in the “knowledge economy” we so often cite as the key to revitalizing Providence, and a client list that goes well beyond our borders, Carlos Toro might just be the poster boy for the next generation of creative entrepreneurs in Rhode Island – if you could get him to stay put for long enough to take the picture. While Steer may call Rhode Island home, its work takes Toro around the world, with out-of-state projects comprising about 80% of his business. “I haven’t heard a good reason as to why a Providence-based team cannot regularly contribute on the global stage, and we’ve set out to make that happen,” Toro proclaims. “If you aren’t able to find the gold right beneath your feet, what makes you think you will be able to do it anywhere else?” steerdigitalmedia.com Want to see some of Steer’s work? Read our full story on Carlos and watch some videos at providenceonline.com.

Watch Her Make City Government More Effective:

Nicole Pollock / Chief Innovation Officer, City of Providence Nicole Pollock is City Hall’s

first chief innovation officer, a position that was one of Mayor Elorza’s signature proposals as a candidate. In short, her role is to use solutions that are both high tech and common sense to make government more efficient and responsive.

What does a Chief Innovation Officer do?

Are there any completed projects you can point to as examples of this? Less than two months into my job, we launched the City’s first open budget tool. That took a lot of work, delving into an unfamiliar budgeting process and figuring out a way to present that information in a digestible, compelling format. Another early success was launching a new training platform with Amica Insurance. That program has reached over 300 City employees thus far, and will reach another 1,200 in 2016.

People tend to think of innovation in terms of better websites or more effective data tracking, but how does innovation apply to city government, as it exists offline? A great example is signatures for approval. I have seen some forms that require five-plus signatures before they are approved, and it takes a lot of

>> Ed Pacheco/Associate Vice President of Advancement & External Affairs, Rhode Island College RIC has been there for generations of Rhode Islanders who were the first in their family to go to college, and Pacheco helps make that possible by building the RIC Foundation.

Providence Monthly | January 2016

time to get those signatures. Rather than focusing on digitizing that workflow, we first have to ask, “Why do we need five signatures? How can we get that number down to two or one?” Cracking that nut is going to save more time and money than digitizing the workflow for getting the five signatures. openpvd.com Want to nerd out on innovation? Read our full interview with Nicole at providenceonline.com.

>> Nick Kishfy/Founder & CEO, MojoTech With offices in Providence, NYC, Washington, DC, and Boulder, CO, his company is building apps and design software for startups and Fortune 500 companies alike.

Photo (L) courtesy of Steer Digital Media

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Living With Memories About the Homeowner Margot Warner moved back to Providence after eight years in Santa Fe. She lives in the Armory district in a very small old house that originally was a barn. She found it on the internet and bought it after seeing it for just 20 minutes.

The tin angel was a find with my daughter and grandchildren at the Providence Flea a few years ago.

The small painting on the table in the corner belonged to my grandparents. It’s a lovely painting of dunes somewhere in the South Dartmouth area. My grandparents had it on the same table in their home and it is a wonderful memory of them.

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Tell us about your outfit. It’s a blend of Express, J. Crew and Banana Republic, although locally I’m a huge fan of Marc Allen and Copa Menswear. I had purchased the red shirt initially for a holiday party but have actually gotten a lot of use out of it. I think the color really stands out, and that’s the idea behind a lot of what I wear. I also like to incorporate a lot of metallic pieces into my outfits, especially silver.

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How often do you wear ties? I tend to wear a tie most days when I’m at the office. The professionals who participate in LRI are impressive individuals, and you only get one chance to make a good first impression. My goal is to always challenge the notion that Millennials are lazy or self-entitled, and I think dressing professionally for work is a simple way to refute that stereotype. Tell us about #ChooseRI. #ChooseRI is a really interesting component of Millennial Professional Group of Rhode Island’s mission. I love that it’s a really simple concept to grasp (“Okay I get it, they want me to choose Rhode Island”), while yet underscoring a very complex issue. Why are young professionals not choosing Rhode Island as their ideal location to live and work? In a state with so many fantastic colleges and universities and students, why do most graduates leave the state? #ChooseRI is really about raising awareness of the opportunities available in our state. I vividly remember several of my friends from Johnson & Wales telling me after graduation, “I would’ve loved to have stayed in Rhode Island, but there were no opportunities there for me.” Yet at the same time we have top companies reporting that they can’t recruit young talent to work at their firms. #ChooseRI is about spreading the word that there are opportunities available, and changing that “anywhere but here” attitude that’s so pervasive in RI. What are some misconceptions about Millennials? That we’re self-entitled, or expect to be handed out stuff without actually having to work. The bigger issue is that a college degree is no longer as valuable as it once was, while at the same time being more expensive than ever to obtain. Millennials are graduating with unprecedented amounts of debt and living expenses, yet wages are flat. I have never heard a single one of my peers express frustration at having to work their way up within a company, but we do want a fair shot at a livable wage. Any resolutions for the New Year? Ha! If you print these I guess it means I’ll have to keep them. Definitely to hit the gym more often. I’d also like to volunteer more in the New Year.

Providence Monthly | January 2016

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Have you ever watched

a toddler running around and thought, I wish I could move like that? You were probably referring to their boundless energy, but there’s actually a lot to envy. It turns out that toddlers are badass ninja warriors who can instinctively perform feats of physical prowess that leave us feeble adults gawking. While that might be a slight exaggeration, the point is this: fundamental physical abilities like walking, running, balancing, jumping and climbing come naturally to us homo sapiens, hence the fearless and fully present movement of developing children. But as we get older and have less occasion to climb a tree, jump off a wall or throw a rock, we tend to lose touch with those basic physical competencies. That’s where Ryan McGowan of Laidback Fitness comes in. He offers a variety of classes for adults and kids alike, ranging from kettlebells and kickboxing to specialized training for obstacle races and “Ninja Essentials,” but the foundation of his practice is MovNat, a system based entirely on, as the name would imply, natural movement. MovNat emphasizes both locomotive skills (running, balancing, jumping) and manipulative skills (lifting, catching,

throwing), and Ryan strives for “physical competency” over fitness; he believes that if you master the coordination, balance and body awareness essential to natural movement, fitness will follow. We began with baby steps: crawling. I don’t know if you’ve tried crawling at any point since you were in diapers, but it’s harder than you remember. It engages your core and your coordination, which I learned as I struggled with a simple “right hand/left foot, left hand/right foot” sequence. We scrambled on all fours straight ahead, sideto-side, and rotated in a circle – and that was just one type of crawling. It turns out there are several other methods. Who knew babies were dealing with such complex stuff? Over an hour, Ryan took me through the Whitman’s Sampler of MovNat, moving on to balance, lifting and carrying, jumping, rolling, and finally a bit of climbing and swinging. Each one illustrated that so much of what our body is constantly doing is redirecting energy. Whether we’re bending our knees to absorb the shock of landing when we jump, or leaning slightly forward to push our center of gravity out ahead of our feet while running, this

fluid transference of energy is what allows both ninja warriors to effortlessly breeze through daunting obstacles and little kids to take a nasty spill without getting hurt. Just like a developing child, I was able to progress quickly from basic movements to increasingly complex physical competencies. At the beginning of the hour I struggled just to crawl; by the end, I was attempting to hang from a monkey bar, lift my knees up to my chest, swing back and then launch myself forward to grab the next bar. It took me a few attempts to get it right, but I was eventually able to stick the landing (once). Not bad for a grown-up. Join Laidback Fitness on January 1 for the first ever Frozen Clam Obstaplunge, a unique take on the traditional New Year’s Day “polar bear plunge.” This ¼-mile obstacle course ends with a dip in the icy waters of Goddard Park State Beach, and proceeds benefit the RI Mentoring Partnership.

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More than a year after a flood shut their doors, two Wayland Square shops reopen In September of 2014, a sprinkler malfunction caused significant flood damage in a number of Wayland Square businesses – closing some for months and others completely. But, it looks like the famed block on the East Side is beginning to brighten up again, with a number of those businesses returning and new ones popping up. With the recent reopening of Wendy Brown Home and Mrs. Robinson Fine Lingerie, Wayland Square is one step closer to being the vibrant shopping scene we know and love. Wendy Brown Home has been open for 15 years, selling beautiful bed, bath and table linens and home accessories, with a baby gift section as well as gift related items for the home. Wendy Brown caries the finest quality linens that have been in homes for generations, so you can fill your linen closet in one stop with the best quality products. The store is committed to creating a specific look for each customer, offering custom embroidery and sizing, creating fresh looks with ready-made collections that are unique to each customer’s style. After an arduous process dealing with the flood damage, owner Wendy Brown moved the store directly across the street. The store held its

grand reopening on December 3. “I’m thrilled to be open again,” says Wendy, “And it’s so nice seeing the square getting back to its old glory.” Wendy Brown Home, 190 Wayland Avenue. 455-4337, wendybrownhome.com Mrs. Robinson Fine Lingerie offers a selection of sleepwear, daywear, loungewear, bridal and imported foundations. After being closed for three months, Mrs. Robinson’s offers the same merchandise as always – a great selection of bras, fine silks and high quality cashmere, but with a bit of a younger feeling in a small boutique space. The new space is smaller and more intimate than the previous store, but it works – owner Melanie Elman says, “Business is booming.” She goes on to say of the changes in Wayland Square, “It’s just going to keep getting better and better. There’s a lot of positive energy that’s coming to Wayland Square right now and it’s long overdue.” Mrs. Robinson Fine Lingerie, 180 Wayland Avenue. 831-7740, mrsrobinsonfinelingerie.com If you haven’t been by Wayland Square in the past few months, it’s definitely time to check it out. After a difficult year, the area has proven its strength, coming back as strong and fun as ever.

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Providence Monthly | January 2016

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City Style |

Beauty

By Julie Tremaine

That Natural Glow Evolve Apothecary takes a holistic approach to beauty

Illustration by Alison Blackwell

It’s pretty easy to make

sure you’re eating well these days. One trip to Whole Foods on Sunday afternoon is proof of that. People are getting the memo that it’s important to pay attention to the quality of their food, to make sure it has more nutrients than chemicals. As long as you’re buying local or organic, it’s a safe bet that you’re making a good choice for your body. It isn’t quite so easy, though, with skincare. What you put on your body is just as important as what you’re putting in it. But when it comes to making safer, more mindful choices about products, it isn’t so obvious what’s better – and there aren’t many resources, especially in Providence, to seek out help. That’s exactly what Susan Benzuly and business partner Yolande Muoio had in mind when they opened Evolve Apothecary on Hope Street in November. The store specializes in natural, good for you beauty and home products. Trained as a registered nurse and a personal trainer, Sue says, “I became more and more interested in wellness, and how we prevent illness. The skin, the biggest organ in the body, has so much to do with that.” When I walked in the door, my eyes immediately landed on a huge display of Rhode Island products. That was the first good sign. The next good sign was that that display held every product that I have on my dresser at home. Evolve carries the full line of Farmaesthetics products, made in Portsmouth, and is the only place in Providence to have figured out how amazing their natural, botanical skincare is. Next to that: JAVA’s green caffeine body and face products, made in Wickford. Their body serum, an intensely moisturizing oil that hydrates and firms the skin, was a lifesaver for me last winter. Evolve also carries other Rhode Island products: Curious Nature Apothecary, Farmacy Herbs, Infinity Apothecary, Cathryn Violet Artisan Soap and The Jam Salves, as well as New Harvest Coffee. “It’s our offering to Providence,” Sue says. “Here’s your chance for wellness. We’ve done the very best we could to provide people with safe alternatives that really work.” Delving into natural products can be overwhelming – especially if you have dabbled before and not loved the results, which has definitely happened to

me. When natural and organic skincare first started hitting the mainstream, I tried out a lot of underwhelming and expensive products. That’s not the case anymore. What I liked so much about Evolve is that I recognized a lot of the names there, and that a lot of it was a lot more affordable than you’d think. But, it’s not just about skin care. Evolve stocks products to live a more holistic lifestyle. So yes, you’ll find hair products by Intelligent Nutrients, makeup by Jane Iredale and skincare by Dr. Hauschka, but you’ll also find dish soap, bamboo diapers and household cleaners. One thing Sue loves is the quality of her natural laundry soap. “It costs the same and it works as well,” she says. “It’s been such a surprise.” It’s also a great example of how being mindful about your choices has a bigger impact than just on personal wellness. Yes, fewer chemicals in your clothes and against your skin are good for you, but you’re also making a conscious choice to help the environment. “It goes into the drain,” Sue says, “into the ocean, and into the world.”

Evolve Apothecary 769 Hope Street 383-3089 facebook.com/evolveapothecary January 2016 | Providence Monthly

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Providence Monthly | January 2016

Feast

IN THE KITCHEN / oN THE mENu / rEvIEw / IN THE drINK

When Worlds Collide

Photography by Stacey Doyle

Federal Hill knows dining and nightlife, but at davinci they’re one and the same. Combining the flavors and quality you expect from The Hill with just the right amount of nightclub edge, davinci could be what you’re looking for when you’re torn on how to spend an evening out.

ribeye steak from davinci ristorante, Lounge and Cigar Bar

January 2016 | Providence Monthly

Feast |

review

By Stephanie Obodda

Stylish Dining davinci does fine dining with night club flair to the nightlife crowd than the foodfocused. But people are always asking for recommendations on Federal Hill, so I thought I’d try this relatively new restaurant. Located on a side street off Atwells, DaVinci opened early last spring after an extensive renovation. It’s owned by four brothers in the Rouhana family who have previous experience in the restaurant business. This restaurant is certainly opulent in its presentation, from the exterior stonewalls to the menu’s hyperbolic promise of a “total experience of unparalleled cuisine.” The chandelier, and every other piece of decor, does its best to convey luxury. We started with cocktails and I ordered the Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita ($13) made with Maestro Dobel tequila, which is billed as the “world’s first multi-aged clear tequila.” The glass was enormous and the heat just right. My husband was

in the mood for a dirty martini, so he tried a Dirty DaVinci ($13) made with Grey Goose and blue cheese stuffed olives. The house-made bread basket was fantastic: fluffy and fresh, and even better when dipped in the seasoned olive oil. Our appetites piqued, we tried the DaVinci Salad ($10), a house salad with a little bit of antipasto flair, incorporating olives and pepperoncini. We followed with the DaVinci Famous Meatballs ($11), two huge meatballs made from a mixture of beef and veal that could have been a meal on their own. Our favorite appetizer was the Rollatini Melanzana ($10), three eggplant rolls with mozzarella and ricotta. They were not greasy like some versions, but delicate and well seasoned. Along with the first-floor restaurant, DaVinci also has a cigar and hookah bar on the second floor, which made the restaurant smell

davinci Famous meatballs

faintly of cigar smoke. It didn’t bother me after a few minutes, but this might be a turnoff for sensitive noses. Seeing the large windows, I assume this is not a problem in the summer when fresh air circulates through the restaurant.

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ONE MORE BITE: DaVinci always has complimentary valet parking. 42

Providence Monthly | January 2016

We decided to take our time with an interstitial pasta dish: the Vongole Alla Linguine ($20). This linguine dish had a delicious wine-spiked lobster broth, plump in-shell clams and slices of Italian sausage. It was elegantly sized, a nice presentation instead of a giant pile of pasta. I’d happily order this again. At this point, we switched to the DaVinci Chianti ($32/bottle, half price Monday through Wednesday). No, it’s not made by the restaurant, but it’s a nice touch to include an eponymous wine on the menu. Vinci is a town in Tuscany, in the western end of the Chianti-growing region. For my entree, I chose the Center Cut Swordfish ($25), a large, thick piece of swordfish grilled and topped with a lemon butter caper sauce. On the side were carrots, broccoli and halved, roasted fingerling potatoes. My husband ordered the Stuffed Veal Chop ($30), an impressively large bone-in chop stuffed with proscuitto and fontina cheese, topped with a sherry mushroom sauce and whipped mashed potatoes on the side. When DaVinci opened there was a lot of concern on Atwells; other local

Photography by Stacey Doyle

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Bread Pudding

businesses feared a nightclub atmosphere and that a late closing time would attract a rowdy crowd. After visiting, I doubt this is the case – it seems like DaVinci’s owners have put a lot of effort into situating their business on the classier end of the nightlife spectrum. I do suspect, however, that this restaurant has a nightclub alter ego. The colored lighting gives the restaurant a sexy feel, but somewhat alters the dining experience. It made our food glow in improbable neon colors: the tomatoes and tomato sauce hot pink, and the carrots a glowing orange. But back to the food. Our waitress was wonderfully attentive and professional, she even talked us into dessert – an apple crisp ($10). It, like the rest of our experience, was over

the top: the large, shallow oval ramekin was filled to the brim with apples, topped with a crumble, and the two scoops of house-made ice cream poured over the sides onto the artful arrangement of napkins that covered the plate. The excess added a decadent edge to a normally rustic dessert. We woke ourselves up with two espressos ($4.50) with a lemon twist and prepared for our return to the much less colorful world outside.

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Feast |

In the Kitchen

By Nicolas Staab

Fresh and Focused

Chef willis Stepp of Public Kitchen and Bar on thoughtful cuisine Tucked inside the Renaissance Hotel, on the corner between the State House and Providence Place Mall, there’s a restaurant that’s trendier and more forwardthinking than you would think. Under the direction of Chef Willis, Public Kitchen and Bar has shown it can go toe to toe with some of Providence’s best, and far surpasses the expectations and tropes of typical “hotel restaurants.” We met up with Chef Willis to discuss how he approaches local ingredients with modern techniques, and having the patience to craft unforgettable dishes. How would you define the food mantra at Public Kitchen and Bar? The mantra at Public is food that people recognize, but done perfectly. We take local product, local produce, and enhance it by highlighting the best things about it. We make modern approachable to everyone. Take our Parmesan Pudding, for example. Instead of making a normal Parmesan cream sauce that covers the whole plate, we tighten it up using modern techniques. You can use a dab here, a dab there and make the dish much more interesting and intellectual. We separate flavors and manipulate dishes that have traditionally been pedestrian and bring them to a heightened sense.

Photography by Mike Braca

Where do you find your inspiration for creating seasonal dishes? We look at our product choices first, and then we construct what we’re going to do from there. I’ll go out to the farms with my wife and new baby to pick apples for the restaurant. That gives me a personal connection to what we’re serving. So if apples are the beginning ingredient, we build off that. Do we want to change texture? Do we want to add herbs? We’ll taste and see which way to go. That’s where the creative part comes in. What’s new and exciting on the menu? We do excellent handmade pastas here. Right now I’m doing a butternut, parsnip yogurt, Marcona almond and sage browned butter dish. The raviolis are tiny and light, so you can feel the other textures and appreciate the ingredients like the Marcona almond, which is a beautiful thing. You can have a little butternut here, a little browned butter there and they all complement each other.

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Is there a cooking technique you particularly enjoy utilizing? I love slow roasting. The natural sugars that are in, say, pork shoulder, become incredibly complex just with some oil, salt and low heat. People like to boil things and cover them up. But by slow roasting with a nice, even temperature, you can caramelize the meat. The natural beauty and composition of it will take on amazing flavors by being uncovered. Most people will be blown away because not many chefs take the time to slow roast pork shoulder for six or seven hours. What qualities does a chef need to run a kitchen and deliver amazing food experiences consistently? Patience, time and education. I’m from a science background, so I’ve learned that you can’t get from point A to point B with the best results unless you respect what you’re dealing with and take the time to understand it. You have to take a step back and say, “I need to wait an extra two hours on this lamb leg or pork shoulder.” That takes patience. It’s a craft. And that’s what chefs are – craftsmen. Are there any special menu changes we can look forward this month? New Year’s Eve we do awesome tasting menus. Last year we had oysters with foie gras, bing cherry mousse, things like that. [This year] we’ll utilize duck in several different ways. We’ll make stock with the feet, necks and bones; cure the legs for prosciutto or

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bacon; cook or cure the breast, too. We’ll use one duck in six or seven different ways. On the tasting menu, the “duo of duck” will incorporate an entire duck in one dish. Wintertime is when we utilize whole animals: pigs, half pigs, cows, ducks. That’s fun for us and keeps us moving.

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Do you have any favorite dishes? Our Baffoni Farms Chicken. We use the chicken skins to get extra crunch, local cranberries from Cape Cod and we make a porcini chestnut flan. Instead of making a sauce, we tuck it together with some eggs so it’s more rich. If it were a whole porcini sauce, or a big Gnocchi dish, you’d be overwhelmed. Our portions are generous, but we like to keep it focused. We take a lot of time in landscaping these dishes out. And we like to play and tease a little bit. Our Salmon Tartar, too. We use special Japanese ingredients and a Taray glaze. We use a special soy sauce and thicken it up so it doesn’t go everywhere on the plate. All the salmon tartar is broken down from scrap. We don’t buy kabobs or anything frozen. So it’s guaranteed to be the freshest tartar you’ve ever had.

Public Kitchen and Bar 120 Francis Street 919-5050 PublicKitchenProvidence.com

January 2016 | Providence Monthly

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Feast | on the menu

By Grace Lentini

Rustic Dining world cuisine meets local ingredients at milk money Cheat Day Eats Know what I love about New Year’s resolutions? Breaking them. My favorite way to break them is with comfort food I know I shouldn’t be eating when I’m trying to lose the ten pounds I put on over the holidays. I’m thinking that cheesy, gooey, carby things should do the trick. If I’m speaking your language, then head over to Say Cheese. This gourmet grilled cheese, mac and cheese and more shop has everything from the classic grilled cheese to guilty pleasure varieties like the Wildcat (barbecue pulled pork, pickles and cheddar cheese) or the Jersey (Taylor Ham pork roll, banana peppers, olives, onions and cheddar). They’ve even got heaping sides of build-your-own

mac and cheese (this writer recommends you add jalapeño and bacon) and salads too. But I have a feeling you’ll be heading over for a gluttonous rampage of dairy products and refined carbohydrates. 45 Weybosset Street. 228-6860, MacMeltsMore.com

Scotchy, Scotch, Scotch

Photography by (Top L) Mike Braca

milk money co-owner Jared melei and Chef Antonio wormley

One of my favorite things about dining out is feeling satisfied when I leave. I feel satisfied when my meal has been prepared well, in a thoughtful way and introduces my tastebuds to a new experience. Milk Money checks all of these boxes. For co-owner Jared Melei and Chef Antonio Wormley, they’ve put a lot of thought into the menu, and it shows. “We wanted a seasonal and local yet globally-inspired menu because we feel, for one, it is a great way to showcase what RI has to offer each season with a variety of different flavors,” they explain. “As for the small plate approach, we want to encourage a more engaging style of dining, and what better way to do that than with food? Whether it’s the food you’re talking about or not, we just want you to be present and talking.” Trust me, you’ll be talking about the food. Think crispy pork with smoked bacon, cherry marmalade and roasted cauliflower; crisp Brussels sprouts with red wine vinegar, sea salt, curry and chili oil (one of Jared’s favorites);

or whole roasted fish with leeks, parsley, ginger, thyme, Hawaiian pink sea salt and sesame soy served with lemongrass farro. Then again, for Chef Antonio it’s all about the grits. To him, they’re “refined nostalgia and utter comfort.” Dessert is no joke either. Carrot cake is a wonderful thing. But imagine instead of the classic cream cheese frosting, goat cheese combines with whipped cream for a slightly savory and lightly sweet topping, which is then drizzled with caramel. For them, the atmosphere is also a huge part of the experience, too. Think of a rustic chic vibe with wood, copper and warm lighting filling the space. It’s quite a departure from how Vanity, the previous restaurant, looked. They’ve opened up the windows, shedding new light on the place. “We’re simply aiming for those looking for an enjoyable experience,” they explain. “Be it with food or just drinks, your destination or stop along the way... come out and enjoy yourselves.” 566 South Water Street. 649-4667, MilkMoneyRI.com

On no, I don’t want a scotch flight, said no friend of mine ever. It’s good to know that I’m not the only one that’s a sucker for scotch, and any day I get to try multiple varities in a sitting is a good day. The Rosendale gets me, especially with their selection of Glenlivet, Macallan, Johnnie Walker and Sons of Liberty whiskeys and blended scotches. Accompany these with kicked up bar fare like Buttermilk and Herb Onion Rings, The Rosendale Meatball Plate and The Rosendale Signature Sandwich: a braised short rib and ground beef patty topped with a fried egg, applewood bacon,

Swiss cheese and pickled red onion. Catch the game or chill with a DJ and live saxophone while you’re at it for the ultra bar experience – there may even be leatherbound books. 55 Union Street. 421-3253, TheRosendaleRI.com

Delicious, Little Bites If dinner isn’t quite right unless you’re sharing, you’re in luck because there’s a new tapas restaurant in town. Vinya Tapas takes over the location shortly inhabited by Sushi Yama and previously by Flan y Ajo. Inspired by Barcelona cuisine, they source from local farms whenever possible. Think Artisanal Cheese and Charcuterie boards with cow, goat and sheep cheese options, Shrimp with Garlic and Habañero and Egg Battered Local Fish with Romesco Sauce. Specials like Braised Rabbit with Rosemary and Herbs,

Chorizo with Potatoes and an Egg, or Almond Custard for dessert will whet your appetite and get you in the mood for more. 225a Westminster Street. 508-942-8918, VinyaTapas.com

January 2016 | Providence Monthly

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Providence Monthly | January 2016

Don’t listen to holiday season naysayers. What’s the rush to put away our revelry until next year? Who is the enemy of joy? It ends when we say it does, calendar dates and adult restraint be damned. No, we’re not advocating that you be “those neighbors,” the ones who keep a weatherbeaten, inflatable Santa in their yard until June. (We’re busy passive-aggressively staring them down every time they leave for work in the morning, in fact.) You can stash the ironically ugly-but-whimsical sweaters until next year, and even commence dietary atonement if you like. But for heaven’s sakes, cling to at least one form of merriment as you wean yourself back to dull, grey normalcy. And, this being a drinks column, we recommend that it be of the boozy variety. Luckily enough, Philippe Maatouk, a.k.a. the man behind Thayer Street’s venerable Kartabar, is a like-minded bon vivant. He asked bartender Jasmine Hawkins to create something for us to help keep the spirit alive, and she answered that call with a fresh take on the bubbly cocktail. Known fact: sparkling drinks are a Surgeon General-endorsed vaccination to ward off The Ordinaries. Get your daily dose at Kartabar throughout the extended holiday season, or DIY at home with Hawkins’ formula.

New Year’s Cheer

Kartabar 284 Thayer Street 331-8111 kartabar.com

New Year’s Cheer Serves 2... because as a rule, festive cocktails should come in pairs

to create a very thin layer. Wet each flute’s rim, and dip in the sugar to coat. Set aside.

Choose a dry or extra-dry Prosecco for a drink that’s sprightly rather than saccharine.

Meanwhile, muddle the blackberries lightly in a small glass or jar. Spoon desired amount into each of two champagne flutes, using more if you want a fruit-flavored cocktail and less if you want just a tinge. (Take care not to knock off the sugar rim in the process) Add a splash of St. Germain to each flute, and top with Prosecco. To get the most out of your herbs, compress the sprigs lightly in the palm of your hand before adding as a garnish.

• • • • •

A handful of blackberries A splash of St. Germain liqueur Prosecco for two 2 sprigs of rosemary (or thyme) 2-3 Tbsp raw sugar

Start with the sugar rim by pouring enough raw sugar on a saucer

Photography by Brian DeMello

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RHODY BITES A Sponsored Statewide Dining Guide

view our full restaurant Profiles on RhodyBites.com

Kabob and Curry Chef/owner Sanjiv Dhar opened his first restaurant, Kabob and Curry, on Thayer Street in Providence in 1987. The restaurant, serving classically prepared, enticing Indian food, is now Rhode Island’s longest serving Indian restaurant. Serving lunch and dinner seven days a week, Kabob and Curry is a lively destination any day or night. In addition to serving classic Indian dishes like saag, tikka masala and vindaloo, Kabob and

Curry also serves Tothali combination plates, which are samplers that allow you to experience a lot of different tastes for a low price, and naanini (sandwiches made with naan, and stuffed with either chicken and peppers or paneer cheese and chick peas) and has an extensive selection of gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan choices. Instead of the lunch menu on Sundays, the restaurant offers an allyou-can-eat buffet.

Can’t miss dish: Manglorian Malai Shrimp – A coconut reduction with portabella mushrooms, red chili and ginger served over jasmine rice

261 Thayer St, Providence • 401-273-8844 10 Prime Steak & Sushi Gourmet steaks and sushi. 55 Pine St, Providence, 4532333. LD $$$ Angelo’s Civita Farnese Restaurant Italian American comfort food classics. 141 Atwells Ave, Providence, 621-8171. LD $-$$ AQUA Poolside cocktails with seasonal American cuisine. 1 Orms St, Providence, 272-2400. LD $-$$ Aruba Steve’s Island cuisine, handcrafted cocktails and Caribbean flair. 520 Main St, Warren, 289-2677. LD $-$$ Aspire Seasonal Kitchen Contemporary New England fare. 311 Westminster St, Providence, 521-3333. BBrLD $$-$$$

Kabob and Curry

Cranston, 270-5533. BBRLD $-$$

St, Providence, 228-6802. BLD $$$

Bluefin Grille at the Providence Marriott Downtown Seasonal and sustainable seafood in an elegant atmosphere. 1 Orms St, Providence, 272-5852. LD $-$$

Champlins Seafood Dockside fresh seafood serving easy breezy cocktails. 256 Great Island Rd, Narragansett, 783-3152. LD $-$$

Breachway Grill Classic New England fare, plus NY-style pizza. 1 Charlestown Beach Rd, Charlestown, 213-6615. LD $$

Chez Pascal/The Wurst Kitchen Seasonal farm-to-table cuisine with a French accent. House made sausages, hot dogs and accoutrements. 960 Hope St, Providence, 421-4422. LD $-$$$

Café Nuovo Contemporary New World cuisine. 1 Citizens Plz, Providence, 4212525. LD $-$$$ Capriccio Upscale international food with a northern Italian/Mediterranean accent. 2 Pine St, Providence, 421-1320. LD $-$$$

Besos Kitchen & Cocktails Tapas and eclectic cuisine and cocktails. 378 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-8855. BrLD $$$

Carriage Inn & Saloon Regional comfort food accompanied by a whiskey bar. 1065 Tower Hill Rd, North Kingstown, 294-8466. D $-$$

Bistro 22 New American rustic cuisine in Garden City. 22 Midway Rd, Cranston, 383-6400. LD $-$$

CAV Eclectic cuisine and art in an historic setting. 14 Imperial Place, Providence, 751-9164. BrLD $$-$$$

Black Bass Grille Classic seafood, historic waterfront setting. 3 Water St, South Dartmouth, MA, 508-999-6975. LD $$

Celestial Café Organic farm-to-table fine dining. Oak Harbor Village, 567 S County Tr, Exeter, 295-5559. BrLD $-$$$

Blend Café Modern Latin-American infused fare. 745 Reservoir Ave,

Centro Restaurant & Lounge Contemporary cuisine and cocktails. 1 W Exchange

Chapel Grille Gourmet food overlooking the Providence skyline. 3000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, 944-4900. BrLD $$$ Circe Restaurant & Bar South Beach meets New England seafood favorites. 50 Weybosset St, Providence, 4378991. BRLD $-$$$

The Dorrance Fine dining with exquisite cocktails. 60 Dorrance St, Providence, 521-6000. D $$$ Eleven Forty Nine City sophistication in the suburbs. 1149 Division St, Warwick, 884-1149. LD $$$ Ella’s Fine Food & Drink Elegant dining meets international cuisine. 2 Tower St, Westerly, 315-0606. D $-$$$ Flatbread Company Artisanal pizza, local ingredients. 161 Cushing St, Providence, 273-2737. LD $-$$ Fresco Italian American comfort food with international inspirations. 301 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-0027; 140 Comstock Pkwy, Cranston, 228-3901. D $-$$

Clean Plate Delicious comfort food in a casual setting. 345 S. Water St, Providence, 621-8888. BBrLD $$

George’s of Galilee Fresh caught seafood in an upscale pub atmosphere. 250 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett, 7832306. LD $-$$

Decadent Designs and Cafe Custom cakes and pastries alongside a fresh cafe with soups and sandwiches. 1285 Park Ave, Cranston, 942-9300 BL $

Harry’s Bar & Burger Handcrafted sliders, brews and pub games. 121 N Main St, Providence, 228-7437; 301 Atwells Ave, 228-3336. LD $-$$

DeWolf Tavern Gourmet American/ Indian fusion. 259 Thames St, Bristol, 254-2005. BLD $$-$$$

Haruki Japanese cuisine and a la carte selections with casual ambiance. 1210 Oaklawn Ave, Cranston,

Key: B breakfast Br brunch L lunch d dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+

January 2016 | Providence Monthly

RHODY BITES Continued

Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House Classic clam shack fare, plus famous doughboys. 889 Oakland Beach Ave, Warwick, 737-9459; 1157 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 7835608. LD $ Iron Works Tavern A wide variety of signature American dishes in the historic Thomas Jefferson Hill Mill. 697 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, 739-5111. LD $-$$$ Jacky’s Galaxie Local Pan-Asian chain offering sushi and classic entrees in a modern atmosphere. Locations in Providence, North Providence, Bristol and Cumberland, jackysgalaxie.com. LD $-$$$ Jigger’s Diner Classic ‘50s diner serving breakfast all day. 145 Main St, East Greenwich, 884-6060. BL $-$$ Julian’s A must-taste Providence staple celebrating 20 years. 318 Broadway, Providence, 861-1770. BBrLD $$ Kabob and Curry Award-winning Indian food serving Providence since 1987. 261 Thayer St, Providence, 2738844. LD $-$$ Kartabar Mediterranean-style cuisine, chic setting. 284 Thayer St, Providence, 331-8111. LD $-$$ KitchenBar Contemporary comfort cuisine. 771 Hope St, Providence, 331-4100. BrLD $$ Laurel Lane Country Club Upscale pub cuisine overlooking a picturesque golf course. 309 Laurel Ln, West Kingston, 783-3844. LD $-$$ Legends Pub and Grub Hometown pub food and brews with ample sports viewing. 1458 Park Ave, Cranston, 270-4170. LD $ Lim’s Restaurant Upscale Thai and fresh sushi. 18 South Angell St, Providence, 383-8830. LD $$ Luxe Burger Bar Build your own creative burger. 5 Memorial Blvd,

Providence, 621-5893. LD $ Maharaja Indian Restaurant Indian cuisine and traditional curries in a warm setting. 1 Beach St, Narragansett, 363-9988. LD $-$$ Malted Barley American craft beer, gourmet pretzels and creative sandwiches in downtown Westerly. 42 High St, Westerly, 315-2184. LD $$ McBride’s Pub Traditional Irish pub fare in Wayland Square. 161 Wayland Ave, Providence, 751-3000. LD $$

Parkside Rotisserie & Bar American bistro specializing in rotisserie meats. 76 South Main St, Providence, 331-0003. LD $-$$ Pat’s Italian Fine Italian favorites, natural steaks and handcrafted cocktails. 1200 Hartford Ave, Johnston, 2731444. LD $-$$$ Phil’s Main Street Grille Classic

Providence Monthly | January 2016

Pho Horn’s Fresh authentic Vietnamese dishes in a colorful setting. 50 Ann Mary St #403, Pawtucket, 365-6278. LD $-$$ Pizzico Diverse Italian and fusion cuisine in a rustic yet eclectic atmosphere. 762 Hope St, Providence, 421-4114; 308

Worth The Drive:

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steak Mixed grill selections and signature fish dishes sourced locally and seasonally. 11 Dorrance St, Providence, 351-4500. BLD $$-$$$ Mia’s Prime Time Café Upscale café cuisine by the Pawcatuck River. 1 West Broad St, Pawcatuck, CT, 860599-3840. BLD $$ Mill’s Tavern Historic setting for New American gourmet. 101 N Main St, Providence, 272-3331. D $$$ Napolitano’s Brooklyn Pizza Classic Italian fare and traditional New York-style pizzas. 100 East St, Cranston, 383-7722; 380 Atwells Ave, Providence, 273-2400. LD $-$$ Nordic Lodge Surf and turf buffet selections perfect for family gatherings. 178 E Pasquisett Trl, Charlestown, 783-4515. LD $$$ Oceanside at the Pier New England fare overlooking the Atlantic. 1 Beach St, Narragansett, 792-3999. BrLD $$ Ocean State Sandwich Company Craft sandwiches and hearty sides. 1345 Hartford Ave, Johnston.155 Westminster St, Providence, 2826772. BL $-$$ The Olive Tap Extra virgin olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars and gourmet food and gift selections. 485 Angell St, Providence, 272-8200. $$-$$$ Paragon & Viva Contemporary dining and nightlife. 234 Thayer St, Providence, 331-6200. BrLD $-$$

The Coast Guard House

The Coast Guard House The Coast Guard House, nestled alongside Narragansett Beach, is a Rhode Island institution. The iconic restaurant has reopened its doors in 2013 after being devastated by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, and features a new lounge, kitchen and renovated dining area with double the ocean view. Sip on a Bloody Uprising (made with locally crafted Sons of Liberty whiskey) in their first floor dining room while taking in the sights of Narragansett Town Beach, the Newport Bridge and Beavertail Lighthouse. A new, diamond-shaped bar captures the fabulous panorama, where

visitors can enjoy a selection of local craft beers, a Coast Guard House Chardonnay created by Newport Vineyards, a Coast Guard House Mudslide made with Dave’s Coffee Syrup, or any other of their thirstquenching selections. Regulars are asking about the house-made lobster ravioli, seared scallops and organic chicken dishes that have been longtime favorites. Yes, those dishes have returned, and the new menu items include shrimp tempura, crab mac ’n cheese, a fried oyster po boy sandwich and a double baked potato with lobster.

Can't miss dish: House Made Lobster Ravioli with peas, scallions, shallots, brandy cream, lobster claw garnish

40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett • 789-0700

For full restaurant profiles, go to RhodyBites.com 50

comfort food; great rooftop patio. 323 Main St, Wakefield, 783-4073. BBrLD $

Photography by Michael Cevoli

463-8338; 172 Wayland Ave, Providence, 223-0332; 112 Waterman St, Providence, 421-0754. LD $-$$

County Rd, Barrington, 247-0303. LD $-$$$ Providence Coal Fired Pizza Old world coal-fired pizzas, appetizers and entrees made from scratch. 385 Westminster St, Providence, 4547499; 6105 Post Rd, North Kingstown, 885-7499. LD $-$$ Public Kitchen & Bar American food with changing daily inspirations. 120 Francis St, Providence, 919-5050. BrLD $-$$ Rasa Authentic and contemporary Indian. 149 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2822. LD $$ Rasoi Vegetarian-friendly Indian cuisine. 727 East Ave, Pawtucket, 7285500. LD $$ Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 4376950. BrLD $$ Rick’s Roadhouse House-smoked barbecue. 370 Richmond St, Providence, 272-7675. LD $-$$ Roberto’s Italian fine dining and large wine selection in the scenic East Bay. 450 Hope St, Bristol, 2549732. D $$-$$$ Sa-Tang Fine Thai and Asian fusion cuisine with gluten-free selections. 402 Main St, Wakefield, 284-4220. LD $-$$ Scampi Seafood and Italian cuisine with expansive water views. 657 Park Ave, Portsmouth, 293-5844. LD $$ The Sea Goose Seafood with New England and southern flair. 265 Post Rd, Westerly, 315-0788. LD $$-$$$

and lunch. Locations in Cranston, East Greenwich, Narragansett, 9465900. BL $ Taullulah on Thames Farm-driven, a la carte and prix fixe menus in a simply decorated setting. 464 Thames St, Newport, 849-2433. BrD $$$

Ten Rocks Tapas Bar Cape-Verdean inspired small plates, handcrafted cocktails and frequent live music. 1091 Main St, Pawtucket, 728-0800. BrLD $-$$ The Coast Guard House Modern New England Fare with Bay views. 40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett. 789-0700. LD $$-$$$ Tortilla Flats Fresh Mexican, Cajun and Southwestern fare, cocktails and over 70 tequilas. 355 Hope St, Providence, 751-6777. LD $-$$ Trinity Brewhouse Rhode Island’s original brewpub. 186 Fountain St, Providence, 453-2337. LD $-$$ Twin Willows Fresh seafood and water views in a family-friendly atmosphere. 865 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett, 789-8153. LD $-$$ Vanuatu Coffee Roasters Artisancrafted, single origin coffee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches. 294 Atwells Ave, Providence, 273-1586. BL $-$$ Vetrano’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Italian cooking like grandma would make. 130 Granite St, Westerly, 348-5050. LD $$ The Village Casual dining and live entertainment. 373 Richmond St, Providence, 228-7222. BrLD $$ Vittoria’s NY Pizza Best pizza north of Manhattan. 224 Post Rd, Westerly, 322-1901. LD $-$$

Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich, Smithfield, 521-3311. D $$-$$$

Waterman Grille Riverfront New American dining. 4 Richmond Sq, Providence, 521-9229. BLD $$$

Simone’s Gourmet brunch followed by upscale Mediterranean cuisine. 275 Child St, Warren, 247-1200. BBrLD $$-$$$

Wes’ Rib House Missouri-style barbecue, open late. 38 Dike St, Providence, 421-9090. LD $$

T’s Restaurant Plentiful breakfast

Dine In Take Out or Have us Cater

Tavern by the Sea Waterfront European/American bistro. 16 W Main St, Wickford, 294-5771. LD $$

Theatre 82 & Cafe Hybrid art space with all day breakfast, coffee and theatre-inspired entrees. 82 Rolfe Sq, Cranston. 490-9475 BL $

Sophia’s Tuscan Grille BYOB eatery with classic Tuscan dishes and homemade desserts. 1729 Warwick Ave, Warwick, 732-6656. BLD $-$$$

Fine Thai & SuShi ReSTauRanT

Whiskey Republic Delicious dockside pub fare. 515 South Water St, Providence, 588-5158. LD $-$$ XO Cafe Creative cocktails and New American fare. 125 N Main St, Providence, 273-9090. BrD $$

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Get Out

EVENTS / ART / MUSIC / THEATRE

Get down with the finest suds the Ocean State has to offer at Rhode Island Brew Fest on January 30

Wintry Revelry in January 1.

January 30: Three cheers for beer, as the Pawtucket Armory Arts Center opens their doors for the fourth annual Rhode Island Brew Fest featuring some of the best the Ocean State has to offer – what, with a staggering 175 brews to sample from – all in celebration of American craft beers. $50 general admission in advance, $65 at the door; $15 for designated drivers in advance, $25 at the door. Session One 1-4pm, Session Two 5:30-8:30pm. 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket. ribrewfest.com

Photo by Melissa Barker

January 7: Community abounds at The Midday Social, hosted at The Met. New England’s fastest growing music-related networking event, it features live performances and industry panels that are sure to empower the Y in DIY. 7pm-12:30am. 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. 729-1005, themetri.com

January 7-31: Meet Deb – the heroine in the Gamm Theatre’s Grizzly Mama – who is a divorced suburban mom reinventing herself following the death of her mother in this black comedy that explores the themes of motherhood, feminism and sound-bite politics. $30-$49. 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket. 723-4266, gammtheatre.org

January 21: All that Matters Holistic Health Center and Yoga Studio hosts a Live Music Yoga Class with Trinity Flow. Experience a transformative yoga practice threaded with live devotional music that’s sure to enlist you in the Good Vibe Tribe. $16 drop-in, $5 donation for musicians greatly appreciated. 5:457:15pm. 782-2126, allthatmatters.com

January 31: Don’t miss the unstoppable energy and grace at the Vets as London’s BalletBoyz take to the stage with their all-male lineup of ten dynamic dancers that smash stereotypes and lend a fierce power to a traditionally feminine modality. $18-$75. 7:30pm. 1 Avenue of the Arts. 421-2787, vmari.com

January 2016 | Providence Monthly

Get Out |

Calendar

By Courtney Denelle and Erin Balsa

January

January 2: Love exploring nature on a crisp winter day? Audubon’s Winter Big Day 2016 is a popular van trip that takes participants across the state in search of owls, birds and more. $50$60. 8am-5pm. 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield. 949-5454, asri.org January 2: When John McCauley’s in town you go see Deer Tick at Lupo’s. You don’t ask why, you just do it. Be there, or… Just be there. We can discuss consequences later. $25 advance; $28 day of. 8pm doors; 9pm show. 79 Washington Street. 331-5876, lupos.com January 2-3: Don’t miss the chance to catch the last few performances of The Heidi Chronicles on stage at Trinity Rep’s Dowling Theatre. The story is a bold and relevant examination of the crest of second wave feminism as seen through the eyes of a woman looking for identity, truth and family, and confronting what it takes to have it all. $35-$71. 2pm and 7:30pm show times. 201 Washington Street. 351-4242, trinityrep.com January 2: Love to ice skate? Love free stuff? Swing by the Alex & Ani City Center on the first Saturday of the month to Skate for Free. Lace up your skates and let that Triple Toe Loop fly! Or, at the least, try not to fall on your face. $6 skate rental fee. 2 Kennedy Plaza. 3315544, alexandanicitycenter.com January 2-30: Since 1992, Improv Jones has been gathering together the area’s best improvisational comedy performers for a weekly Comedy Show at the Empire Black Box. Each Saturday, immerse yourself in a fantastically

funny world that switches up week to week. $5. 10pm. 95 Empire Street. 8319327, improvjones.com January 3: We’re midway through hockey season already so if you haven’t yet seen a game this year, there’s no time like the present. Head to the Dunk to catch the Providence Bruins take on the Rochester Americans. 5:05pm. 1 LaSalle Square. 331-6700, dunkindonutscenter.com January 3-31: Were you the child who dreamed of fluffy tutus and delicate sugarplum fairies? Well, it’s never too late to become a ballerina. Every Sunday snap into that leotard for a drop-in Beginner Ballet class with Stephanie Albanese at AS220. $13. 10:30-11:30am beginner; 12-1:30pm intermediate. 95 Empire Street. 831-9327, as220.org January 4-5: The Gallery at City Hall will be lined with the rudiments of myth and lore in the form of the paintings, photographs and miniature sculpture comprising Memories, Myths & Sacred Objects, featuring the work of artists Polly MacGregor Ford, Phyllis Trelli, Sara Argue and Kerri King in celebration of the Creative Capital, itself. 8:30am-4:30pm. Providence City Hall, 25 Dorrance Street. providenceri.com January 8: Attention bookworms! Attend the monthly Athenaeum Book Discussion Group at the Providence Athenaeum. This month the group is reading The Other Side of the Bridge by Mary Lawson. New readers are always welcome. 10am. 251 Benefit Street. 421-6970, providenceathenaeum.org January 8-23: The EPIC Theatre Company presents Great Expectations, a play based on a novel of the same name about an orphan called Pip. Considered one of Dickens’ most masterful works, this production is a must-see. $12$15. 8pm Fri & Sat; 3pm Sun. 82 Rolfe Square, Cranston. artists-exchange.org January 9: Gather ye rosebuds, gang, and join the literary set at Books on the Square as they welcome author Amos Kamil in honor of his recent publication,

January 30: Festival Ballet presents Hansel and Gretel, an adaptation of the famous and magical Grimm’s fairy tale, told through dance with dreamy costumes and set designs that are sure to delight audience members of all ages. 825 Hope Street. 353-1129, festivalballetprovidence.org

Great is the Truth. The book uncovers the decades-long pattern of sexual abuse at the prestigious Horace Mann School in the Bronx in an effort to understand how elite institutions can fail their charges, and what can be done about it. 4pm. 471 Angell Street. 3319097, booksq.com January 9: Hit the snow-dusted trails of Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge on the look out for birds, deer and other creatures at Animal Tracks and Signs for Families. Explore track patterns, investigate artifacts and make plaster tracks to take home. 2-4pm. 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield. 949-5454, asri.org. January 9: Mic check, one two, one two! For the love of local hip hop, don’t miss Joyner Lucas, Lingo and the Grindmode Affiliates and more as they grab the mic and take the stage by storm at Simon’s 677. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. 7pm-1am. All ages. 677 Valley Street. keynotecompany.net January 16: If your New Year’s Resolution included, “Be more metal than ever,” don’t miss the blisteringly melodic and hard-hitting savagery of Motorhead, Type O Negative and Pantera as covered by the tribute bands

Bomber, Black No 1 and Trendkill at Firehouse 13. For those who are about to rock, we salute you. $12. 8pm-2am. All ages. 41 Central Street. fh13.com January 17: For a soulful start to 2016, Lupo’s is the place to be for the tight tunes and deep feels of St. Paul and the Broken Bones, live and direct. Ripe with the bone-jangling potency of Muscle Shoals, this band is sure to pour it on and have you moving and grooving into the wee hours. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 7pm. 79 Washington Street. 331-5876, lupos.com January 17: Say yes to the dress! And the floral arrangements… and the party favors… and the caterers… at the 22nd Annual Southern New England Bridal Expo. Featuring over 140 exhibitors, the Expo is a one-stop shop that’s sure to have your big day be one to remember. $15 for adults, free for children under 7. Brides can pre-register for $3 discount. 10:15am4:30pm. 1 Sabin Street. 885-8788, southernnewenglandbridalexpo.com January 21: For a high-powered blast of boot-stompin bluegrass and folk straight from the shores of the Saco River, don’t miss the Ghost of Paul Revere

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE For an up-to-date statewide calendar and to submit your own listings, visit providenceonline.com 54

Providence Monthly | January 2016

Photo courtesy of Festival Ballet

January 2: If you’re into adding variety to variety shows, don’t miss the first ever New Year Vaudeville SpecCAKular live on the AS220 Main Stage, featuring Viking Jesus, The Sugar Cones, Druid Electronic and more, as well as vendors like Art on the Spot and Chainsaw Mascara. Audience members can pay their way with a donation of a canned good or non-perishable item for Amos House and receive a discount on admission. $10 general admission, $5 with donation of a canned good. 7pm-1am. 115 Empire Street. as220.org

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Looking for a new hangout? Try our laid back pub. Salads• Grilled Pizza • Legendary Burgers • Hotdogs • Sandwiches

as they take the stage at the Met, along with Cactus Attack and Back Rhodes. $8. 8pm. All ages. 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. 729-1005, themetri.com January 21: The popular Drag Bingo features surprise guests, musical interludes, witty jokes and over $2,000 in cash and prizes. The fun goes down the third Thursday of each month. Arrive early – it fills up quickly. $20. 6pm doors; 7pm start. 1612 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston. 521-3603, aidscareos.org January 21-31: The Wilbury Group presents Stupid F#*%ing Bird, adapted from The Seagull by Anton Chekhov. Called a “funny, moving slugfest” by The Washington Post and “The best Chekhov adaptation in two decades” by LA Weekly, it’s a must-see. 393 Broad Street. 4007100, thewilburygroup.org January 23-31: In an exhibition that’s part cute, part curious, The David Winton Bell Gallery presents Dead Animals, or the Curious Occurrence of Taxidermy in Contemporary Art. Come learn all about the resurgence of interest in this artform. 64 College Street. 863-2932, brown.edu January 24 & 31: This year it’s time to

pick up your camera once and for all. Hunt’s Photo and Video invites you to its Beginner Photography class, a two-session hands-on workshop that will leave you adjusting aperture with the best of them. $99. 9-11am. 571 North Main Street. 751-5190, huntsphotoandvideo.com January 27: Brace yourself for the uproarious comedy stylings of everyone’s favorite ventriloquist as he takes the stage at the Dunk in Jeff Dunham: Perfectly Unbalanced, armed with his popular brand of hilarity and colorful cast of characters. $50. 7:30pm. 1 LaSalle Square. dunkindonutscenter.com January 29: Go on and boogie your way into February, and join in the power pop fun with icon and cult fav The Paul Collins Beat as they take the stage at Dusk in high style – flanked by Providence’s Thee Itchies, Pyramid and Hott Tramps. 8pm. 301 Harris Avenue. Find them on Facebook January 30: Families are invited to make crafts together at the Artists’ Exchange for a free Craft Bash. Little fingers will keep busy as bodies and minds play, learn and create. Craft bashes are held on the last Saturday of every month. 11am-2pm. 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston. 490-9475, artists-exchange.org

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January 26-31: Don’t miss the chance to see the Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of Cabaret, as they kick off their national tour on stage at PPAC. Set in 1931 Berlin as the Nazis are rising to power, the story is steeped in flirtatious, provocative and racy song and dance numbers as the tale unfolds amid the debauched nightlife scene at the seedy Kit Kat Klub. $44$81. Show times vary. 220 Weybossett Street. 421-2787, ppacri.org

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Get Out |

Music

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Feng Shui Police on the Chinese government, Star Wars, and, to some extent, music In our local music cover story a few months back, 75orLess Records founder Mark MacDougall called the Feng Shui Police a band to watch in 2016. He also called them “A trio of Brown University too-young-to-care weirdos.” Given such ringing endorsements from Mark, plus that fact that their new EP Coffee With the Feng Shui Police dropped recently, I figured who better to kick off this column for 2016. I’m very happy to report that they didn’t disappoint: These dudes are total weirdos. Fittingly, I met the Feng Shui Police for coffee at L’Artisan Cafe in Wayland Square where, upon meeting them, I was presented with a hardbound copy of Ultra in the West: The Normandy Campaign of 1944-45, a book written by a former British code-cracker. “It’s a campaign that’s dear to Evan and me,” said Dash Elhauge, the band’s lead singer and guitar player. “It’s one of our favorite WWII campaigns.” I didn’t get the impression that either of them had read the book, but drummer Evan Harris added very matter of factly, “It’s important to know about.” This was already my favorite interview ever. Before the actual interview began we ordered coffee. I had a latte. The band split a cappuccino, and while we talked they passed it back and forth like across the table like a paper football. “I think it’s one of the better cappuccinos the Feng Shui Police have experienced,” commented bass player Hariz Johnson. A fitting lead into my first serious line of questioning: Why is coffee so important to the band? Between the title of the album, interstitial dialogue between songs and frequent references within their lyrics, the band seems to have coffee on the brain. “We’re very serious about coffee,” Dash tells me. How serious? Keurig serious. The group agrees that the Breakfast Blend is up there as the flavor to beat, though they had their fair share of Caramel Vanilla Cream while recording the EP because Dash’s mom likes it and they recorded in her basement.

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For two weeks they pretty much just woke up, went straight to the bottom of whatever Keurig cups they could get their hands on and pounded out the five track oddity that is Coffee With The… From a production standpoint it’s rough around the edges, but polish would only take away from its smartass charm. “We spent a lot of time trying to get the sound right where we wanted,” said Dash. “It’s still in the basement, but we really tried to get the parts perfect.” That sound is decidedly on the poppier side of lo-fi punk (you know, songs about girls.) Thematically, this is in line with their previous work. Songs like “Happy” and “The Other Guy” fit in well with the rest of the FSP catalogue, which includes the Weenlike “Shit, Man,” or the five second micro-song “Texting My Ex-Girlfriend,” which might just rank up there with Hemingway’s “For sale: baby shoes, never worn” as the greatest piece of short prose ever composed. “It’s boring if a song doesn’t have an element that seems a little out there,” Evan points out. None of their material is lacking in the “out there” department. By this point, the boys had finished their cappuccino and the conversation began to take weird(er) turns. I disappointed Hariz when he asked what kind of beer I liked and I told him that because of Celiac disease I

haven’t had a real, good beer in almost six years. Tensions became palpable when Star Wars came up, with expectations at wildly different levels depending on which bandmate you asked. When Hariz suggested that even the original trilogy wasn’t that good, Dash and Evan responded in shocked silence and my headline attempted to write itself: “Have the Feng Shui Police Gone Too Far?” Looking ahead to the new year, Dash offered that he’d like to see the band further solidify their sound. Listening to Coffee With The… and their first record, Thank You, already shows an evolution towards a more consistent, specific kind of noise and weirdness. “We need to be more political,” said Hariz, suggesting that the band needed to be more controversial. “I think we need to make a statement. Should we pick a fight with the Chinese government?” Dash agreed. “Why not? What have they ever done for us?” “I feel like we should support the Chinese government,” said Evan, confirming the old adage that it’s always the quiet ones. “Wouldn’t that be more controversial?” Have the Feng Shui Police gone too far?

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Providence Monthly | January 2016

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Since Shakespearian times, even the so-called “groundlings” could afford a world-class live theatre performance, albeit one that involved several hours spent standing smushed in a crowd, craning your neck above the heads in the audience. In fact, an inherent aspect of theatre itself has always been making concessions to make it affordable for all. Out Loud Theatre is one of those collectives, and they’ve just announced that their upcoming 2016 season will be “conceptualized, created and experienced [entirely] for free.” It’s the group’s fourth complete season, and Out Loud has been “slowly moving towards creating more devised work,” according to Artistic Director Kira Hawkridge. Collectively, they had a light bulb moment when it came to what they consider a “free for all” initiative. If they truly wanted to create art for the people, they needed to knock down any remaining barriers to accessibility. “We want to draw attention to the public domain mentality and fully embrace it all the way through the season. It [is] an opportunity for us from an artistic standpoint, too – a way to challenge ourselves, as well as our audiences,” says Kira. The company doesn’t take issue with operating on a shoestring budget, says Kira. Out on the fringe circuit, there’s not much call for heavy set pieces or a library of costumes, particularly when you don’t have a resident space to call your own. Company members are donating their time, and props and costumes are minimal, often on loan from other collectives. All of the plays – Sophocles’ Antigone, Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Shakespeare’s Coriolanus – are available in the public domain, meaning the company

pays nothing to acquire, much less produce, the scripts. “I’m personally really excited about creating under these circumstances,” Kira says of the free season, “and finding ways to make the story effective while also embracing the overall arch of what we’re looking to do with our season.” It’s plain to see that Out Loud, as a rule, is more interested in the process of asking and answering questions than pinning down concrete answers. It’s certainly true this season, which has a sort of meta-analytic component for Kira; namely, she and the company want to know how things do (or don’t) change for the audience when a production is produced and performed entirely for free. “Does it change your connection to the piece? Does it change your relationship to the story or the experience? We’ll be having talkbacks throughout the season – and we’re looking to have this conversation on a community-wide basis: what does it mean when you just open the doors and tell audiences, ‘This project is just as much yours as it is mine?’” she asks. It’s not to say that if you’re impressed by what you discover, you can’t contribute to the group, Kira adds. But more so than that, by removing the nominal ticket price for admission, Out Loud showcases an investment in examining what kind of an audience dynamic and experience they can grow and cultivate on the broad stage of the Creative Capital, itself – theatre by the people, for the people.

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Photography by Brad Smith

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Providence Monthly, January Issue East Side Monthly,January Issue Bay Magazine, January Issue

Get Out | Art

Explore new worlds at the...

By Elyena “Nellie” de Goguel

The Art and Science of Adornment Sculpture collides with jewelry in the one-of-a-kind pieces of Islay Taylor

Photography by Terace Greene

Parachute cords

and fluorescent nylon arborist rope – the same kind used by mountaineers – wrap around the rosy throat of Islay Taylor like a brilliant collar, a tiered necklace of a most unusual kind. This complex creation made with non-traditional materials is the subject of one of Islay’s recent Instagram posts and represents her recent jewelry collection, currently in-progress. “I’ve been working on this stuff [but] I don’t really know what it is yet… it’s necklaces and jewelry made out of unexpected materials, which is a common thread in my work,” explains the native Rhode Islander from inside her West Side studio. Islay’s contemporary artwork is meant to adorn the physical form, but she began her career pursuing a degree in graphic design from Alfred University. “It turns out I really hated being in a computer lab – quiet and working on this two dimensional screen – so switching my focus to sculpture and printmaking was a reaction to that,” she says, detailing why she eventually changed majors. “[Sculpture is] dirty – all of it is really dirty – and that’s the kind of environment I like to be in.” After graduating in 2002, Islay returned to Rhode Island where she experimented with creating smaller sculptural items that were designed to be worn. “At the time, being a sculptor really wasn’t viable given my small studio situation in South County, so I took classes at RISD continuing education in jewelry,” she recalls. “It’s a perfect downscaling of sculpture and printmaking and many of the processes are the same. Instead of putting things on a pedestal or in a gallery, it’s going on the body and out into the world.” Islay’s skill with material manipulation makes for visually evocative and compelling work, so much so that her bracelets, necklaces, earrings, knuckle dusters and other varieties of flauntable items feel like they belong on the walls of a gallery. Whether it be her brass plated rings with hand-painted

SHORTs * FEATURES WORKSHOPS * PRESENTATIONS

Jeweler Islay Taylor marries sculpture with ingenuity in her bold, one-of-a-kind creations

acrylic nails set in the center featured in the pages of Vogue Italia, or her Natural History collection presented last year at AS220 featuring designs reminiscent of traditional accoutrements found in indigenous cultures, each piece is a work of art, in and of itself. “[That show] was very much all organic materials – hair, metal, feathers,” Islay explains while fingering some of her older pieces inspired by the work of photojournalist Jimmy Nelson. “Now I want to take the organic out of it because, let’s be real, I’m not someone living in a rainforest making things out of parrot feathers. I’m someone from Rhode Island. I wanted it to be truer to where I am now.” Beads of various shapes and colors and thick nylon strings decorate her workspace and offer insight into what the artist has planned for herself over the next few months. It generally takes 40 hours to complete a single piece and Islay will remake something repeatedly until she feels comfortable with it. “It frustrates people – my boyfriend and I get into fights over it,” she says laughing. She hopes to have her next collection, about nine pieces or so, finished by springtime. “The jewelry makers I appreciate the most are those who are reflecting

their environment,” says Islay. “The people who are observing the world around them and using that in their creative process.” When she’s not immersed in a semimeditative state for her detail-oriented creative processes, Islay takes on an administrative role as Program Director at The Steel Yard, an industrial art non-profit based in Providence. Not only does the Steel Yard offer courses in blacksmithing, ceramics and metal casting, they also do job training in welding and hope to launch a similar program in jewelry. “It would be a stipend opportunity for Rhode Islanders who are living at or below the poverty line,” she explains. If owning a piece of Islay’s one-of-akind wearable fine art piques your interest, the artist is accessible online via her website. Although she rarely does custom items, past work may be still be available for purchase. But rest assured, this prolific artist is continually looking to the future, so there’s always the promise of something new right around the corner.

Islay Taylor islaytaylor.com January 2016 | Providence Monthly

Savor Providence

By Julie Tremaine

Drink Your Vegetables Did you resolve to eat better this year? It all starts with getting enough fruits and vegetables. Nutrition experts say you should be getting between five and nine servings every day. Start your morning with one of these healthy drinks and you’ll be on track for a day of good eating choices.

<< Rainforest Smoothie From Garden Grille, Pawtucket gardengrilleri.com To a 16 oz glass, add: • 1/2 frozen banana • Fill to the top with frozen mango • Fill halfway with coconut milk • Top off with orange juice Into the blender, add: • a hearty stalk of kale, stemmed • a handful of spinach

Cherry Chocolate Decadence Smoothie From Bnourished Holistic Wellness and Nutrition, Saunderstown bnourished.com • • • • • •

4 cups frozen cherries 2 cups water I cup spinach (optional) 2 Tbsp hemp or sunflower seeds 1/4 cup raw cacao powder 1 fresh date or 1 Tbsp of pure maple syrup

Blend until smooth.

Providence Monthly | January 2016

Green Detox Juice

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From The Power of Juice, Middletown thepowerofjuice.com

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• 1/4 pineapple, cut into cubes • 8 oz organic kale, ends trimmed and thoroughly washed • 1 organic cucumber, washed with skin on • 1/2 lemon, trimmed of outer skin but with white pith intact • 1 oz mint, washed with any black stems removed • 1 oz ginger, washed with skin on

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