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Contents
Photography (L) by Brad Smith, (R) Stacey Doyle
MAY 2016
26
High school students get a taste of the stage with help from The Gamm
This Month 26 A Theatrical Education
47
Eat up classic Italian favorites at Pat's
37 City Style Prepare for Thunderdome at Training for Warriors 37 At Home 39 The Look 40 Get Fit 43 Shop Around 44 Beauty
The Gamm Theatre jumps off of the stage and into the classroom
31 The City’s Big Moment Over the last year PVD has been raking in
47 Feast Gift coffee to anyone with this homebrewed app 48 Review 50 On The Menu 53 In The Kitchen 54 In The Drink 55 Rhody Bites
national accolades. Are we about to be the country’s next It City?
Every Month 6 Editor’s Note 8 Online Exclusives
15 Providence Pulse Discover the green innovations coming out of Riverzedge Arts
59 Get Out Meet the minds behind Frog and Toad’s quirky kitsch 60 Calendar 62 Music 64 Art 66 Theatre
68 Taste Test Tacos for days, just in time for Cinco de Mayo
On the Cover: Jackelyn Dacanay and Justin Fortin catch a ride through America's next It City with Sol Chariots. Photography by Stacey Doyle.
17 City 23 Scene in PVD May 2016 | Providence Monthly
5
Editor’s Note We’re Kind of a Big Deal I have a theory: Providence is going to be America’s next It City. Call me biased – after all, it’s my job to be a cheerleader for all of the awesomeness contained in our 20 square miles – but I see something happening here. A new energy and enthusiasm. A new wave of people moving here, who are willing to risk a shaky job market for high quality of life, but who make the job market stronger by widening the talent pool. A new group of developers willing to invest in the city’s potential. Providence has enjoyed lots of positive attention from the national media over the last couple of years, and people are finally getting the memo. In this month’s cover
story, we explore all of the pieces of the puzzle that are coming together to give Providence its national moment. Are we going to be the next Austin. I think so. I hope so. Because what could happen here means great things for all of us.
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 Terace Greene Ian Travis Barnard Tony Pacitti Mike Braca Force 4 Photography Brian DeMello José Navarro-Robles Stacey Doyle Contributing Illustrators Lia Marcoux
Contributor Lia Marcoux
Contributing Writers
Illustrator
Keith Andrade @AndradeK
Ali McGowan Stephanie Obodda @StephanieDoes
Erin Balsa
Lia is one of our illustrators, contributing regularly to our Beauty column and “East of Elmgrove” over in East Side Monthly. A Rhode Island native, Lia currently resides in Somerville, MA where she works as a freelance illustrator and part-time art educator. “One of my favorite things about working for Providence Monthly is that when an illustration involves a character my art director gives me a lot of control over what that character looks like – they guide me for content and composition, but I can explore drawing different faces, which I really enjoy. Another is that, since I grew up in Rhode Island and visit regularly, me or my family are often directly affected by the stories I’m illustrating.”
Alastair Cairns
Cristy Raposo @foxywhite03
David Dadekian @dadekian
Jenn Salcido
Elyena “Nellie” de Goguel
Charlotte Seley
Emily Dietsch
Jen Senecal @JenSenecal
Claire Flanagan Amanda Grosvenor Molly Lederer Interns Cameron Bryce Kendra Genereux Katlynn Grenier
Nicolas Staab John Taraborelli @JohnnyTabs Mollie Stackhouse Samantha Santos Samantha Westmoreland
Members Of:
This Issue By The Numbers
Audited by:
65
17
100
Number of articles, shout outs and national accolades for PVD in 2015, including “Coolest City in America” (GQ), “America’s 10 Greatest Coffee Cities” (Thrillist) and “Top City Overall” (Travel + Leisure)
The temperature outside during the photo shoot for our balmy May cover this month. Thanks climate change!
Things to do in PVD before you die according to local writer Rebecca Keister (page 20)
Facebook.com/PVDMonthly
6
Providence Monthly | May 2016
@PVDMonthly
@HeyRhody
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER. PAPER CONTAINS 20-25% POST-CONSUMER CONTENT Providence Monthly 1070 Main Street, Suite 302 Pawtucket RI 02860 • Fax: 401-305-3392 www.ProvidenceOnline.com mail@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. Copyright ©2016 by Providence Monthly, All rights reserved.
Sign up for a table here: tinyurl.com/risdstudentartsale16
w h a t ’s h a p p e n i n g o n
Providenceonline.com
RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN
spring student art sale
H E y r H O Dy ! Think fresh thoughts for your home and garden with the latest issue of Hey Rhody, featuring gorgeous RI homes, tips on creating your own patio oasis and the secret to a perfect dinner party.
May 7th from 12-4pm Benefit Street between College and Waterman
MOrE ONLINE Want to know more about the
RISD Students $30 Brown Students $50
Brown senior/rapper who was selected to record at Abbey Road? Check out our full Q&A with DAP at ProvidenceOnline.com.
Jazz Brunch Every Sunday 10:30 am - 2:30 pm Live Music featuring "The Travis Colby Trio"
NEItHEr cOOLEr, NOr WarMEr. DIScUSS The state’s new tourism slogan got run out of town real quick. Head to ProvidenceOnline.com to see some of our backup slogans.
FO L LOW U S Because we’re awesome on social, too
Facebook.com/PVDMonthly
@PVDMonthly
HeyRhody
DINE WELL Our statewide dining guide will keep you informed and well fed
RhodyBites.com
401.521.6000 | thedorrance.com 60 Dorrance St. Providence
SIGN UP Not-to-be missed events and city highlights delivered right to your inbox weekly
Hey Rhody (at ProvidenceOnline.com)
8
Providence Monthly | May 2016
MEDICAL SPAS
Lose the Razor and Get the Laser Laser Hair Removal Special Buy one area and get the second area FREE! No need to keep shaving, plucking and tweezing! Get laser hair removal from Agape Medical Spa in Warwick for smooth and silky skin.
MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT CALL TODAY 401-737-SKIN Agape´ of Warwick 401-737-SKIN 400 Bald Hill Road, • Warwick, RI 02886 (Behind the Warwick Mall in the Urgent Care Building) www.agapemedical.com
DERMATOLOGY
SERVICES INCLUDE: Psoriasis Contact Dermatitis Melanoma Wart Removal Mole Evaluation & Removal Botox & Juvederm Restylane Acne Treatments Skin Exam Eczema Skin Cancer Phototherapy Xtrac Laser Dysport Chemical Peels
Agape Dermatology accepting new patients and all insurances plans. Agape´ Dermatology of Pawtucket 401-396-2227 115 Newport Ave. Pawtucket, RI 02861
Agape´ Dermatology of Fall River 774-488-5888 191 Bedford Street • Fall River, MA 02720
Agape´ Dermatology of Providence 401-396-2227
49 Seekonk Street Suite #3 • Providence, RI 02906
www.agapedermatology.com
May 2016 | Providence Monthly
9
SUMMER Go to ProvidenceOnline.com for our camp directory
rtists’ e XCHANGe
Learn tO
Nobody does summer FuN Like dream big gym
FenCe!
1/2 or FuLL day sessioNs Boys & Girls aGes 4 and up
Camps start
For more info visit our website dreambiggym.com RegisteR online! oR call 229-8946
June 27th
41 ComstoCk Parkway, CraNstoN Open Enrollment For Our
Spring & SummEr ClaSSES
An exceptional camp experience for boys and girls of all ages and skill levels, led by Brown University’s varsity coaches, their staff and current Brown athletes. Baseball • Basketball • Fencing Field Hockey • Football • Ice Hockey Lacrosse • Rowing • Rugby Soccer • Squash • Tennis Volleyball • Water Polo • Wrestling
We have both Learn to Swim AND Swim Teams available
For Kids ages 8 & up Full & Half-Day Camps Beginner through Advanced Professional Coaches
Openings In Class Levels For Any Age And Every Ability Level
TWO LOCATIONS
Convenient location in East Providence
McDermott Pool 975 Sandy Lane, WarWick • 286-4107
Cumberland High School Aquatic Center 2600 Mendon road, cuMberLand • 632-2744 Facebook “f ” Logo
CMYK / .eps
www.enviousswimming.com
Facebook “f ” Logo
CMYK / .eps
RIFAC.Com • 401.434.2404
BEST HOOPS Basketball Camp
Now in its 26th Year!
At Bishop Hendricken HS, Warwick, RI
ExpERIENCEd CAmp STAFF oF CollEGE, HIGH SCHool ANd mIddlE SCHool CoACHES.
3 Great Sessions At Southern New England's Top Instructional Basketball Camp For Boys & Girls
BEST HOOPS
Sponsored by the Brown University Department of Athletics and Brown University Pre-College Programs. BROWN UNIVERSITY SPORTS CAMPS ARE OPEN TO ANY AND ALL ENTRANTS.
Monday-Friday: 9am-3pm July 18-22, July 25-29 & August 1-5 Camp Levels & Ages: Grade School 8-10, Middle School 11-13, High School 14-18*
*The High School Level Has A More Advanced Schedule of Instruction
Cost: $210 (Family and 2 and 3 week discounts available) (Separate instruction for girls)
www.besthoopsbasketballcamp.com • 463-6490 • besthoops@email.com
Camp Directors: Coach Steve Ceseretti & Coach Jamal Gomes
CAMPS Go to ProvidenceOnline.com for our camp directory
Summer Camp Monday thru Friday June 13 – Aug 19 9am-2:30pm Will add Aug 22-26 if 5 or more kids sign up
empowering young minds Facebook Like Button
CMYK / .eps
Offering: Boarding, Training and Lessons
Faith Hill Farm
524-1788 • 2056 Division Road East Greenwich
GORDON SCHOOL
summer program 2O16 at www.gordonschool.org/camps
Nursery to eighth grade, East Providence, RI 401-434-3833
“Imagine a Place...” committed to teaching children ages 4 to 15 skills for life through an authentic New England summer camp experience
OPEN HOUSE Sun May 1st Sun May 15th
11am-3pm
d #1 Vote mp Ca Day A in M ts en n Par Bosto aper P
Less than 30 Minutes from Providence, Transportation included!
781-694-5829 • Take a virtual tour at EverwoodDayCamp.com
Find us on Facebook Badge
CMYK / .eps
SUMMER CAMPS Go to ProvidenceOnline.com for our camp directory
East Side Monthly Camp Ad 3_16_Layout 1 3/7/16 10:17 AM Page 1
ROWING & SCULLING CLASSES
Lincoln School
P ROV I D E N C E summer camps ROBOTICS
Open tO bOys & girls ages 13-19 years Old
surfing
No rowing experience necessary LITTLE LYNX
Sign up for an introductory rowing lesson at 9:00, 9:45, 10:30 and 11:15am for these Open HOuse dates
SQUASH ACTING
April 30 • June 4 • July 23
For more information, including class schedule and rates, call or visit our website: Located on the East Side of Providence
www.RowNBC.org 401.272.1838
FOUR CAMPS FOR GIRLS—PLUS, OUR COED LITTLE LYNX FOR AGES THREE THROUGH SIX! Learn more and register: www.lincolnschool.org/camps
metro image N0572460.tif of a PIG her website colors are orangish and brownish w a grey background text below
Warm & Fuzzy Animal Adventures
Summer Camps Ages 6-12
Learn responsibility while interacting and having fun with animals!
ur Host Yo day h t ir B t Nex re! e Party H
Visit today to see our Pig, Hedgehogs, Ferrets, Turtles, Bunnies & so much more! 487-7184 • 231-4366 115 Pleasant View Ave., Smithfield warmandfuzzyanimaladventures.com
Learn To Sail! In Providence
RISD
YOUNG ARTISTS
CAMPS & CLASSES
Youth Summer Sailing Camp Adult Evening Lessons Too! NEW - Kayaks!
FO R K I DS & TEENS AGES 6–17
CE. RISD.EDU Learn more: 401.454.SAIL (7245) • www.communityboating.com
U N YO WHE ISTER BY G RE 30
IL APR
U N YO WHE ISTER BY G E R 31
MAY
web.uri.edu/alton-jones-camp
TO R EG I ST E R A N D F I N D M O R E I N FO R M AT I O N
great gifts Jewelry T-shirts Journals fine art cards Prints handbags homegoods magnets bath & body baby: bibs onesies Plushes aprons wood wallets glass ceramics candles this, that & more
shop local
T-Shirts: S-XXL
A Carefully Curated Collection of Fun, Colorful & Unique
780 HOPE STREET . PVD . www.rhodycraft.com
Providence Pulse
Photography by JosĂŠ Navarro-Robles
CITY / MALCONTENT / SCENE IN PVD
Seeing Green At the Riverzedge Arts Green Design Lab, local teens are rolling up their sleeves to help save their little piece of the planet. From brainstorming to installation, these kids are getting hands on with every stage of production to make Rhode Island a greener place. Riverzedge members Chant Smith (left) and Cassaundra McDermott ready the beds for plants May 2016 | Providence Monthly
15
THE FLEA
RETURNS IN JUNE
GASTRO. GAMES. GETAWAY. LUNCH
MON-FRI STARTS AT 11:30AM
EVERY SUNDAY JUNE 5 - SEPTEMBER 11
YOUR PERFECT WEEKDAY LUNCH DESTINATION AND AFTER-WORK PLAY DATE
EVERY MONDAY
10 AM - 4 PM RAIN E SHINE
NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT
across from 345 south Water St.
Every Monday night, GPub and Narragansett Beer team up to bring you $12 beer pitchers, $2 tacos and free games.
providenceflea.com
Indoor & Outdoor Seating
EVERY WEDNESDAY
MAJOR LEAGUE WEDNESDAYS
Every Wednesday, join us for ballpark inspired specials, $12 Bud Light pitchers and giveaways while watching your favorite baseball team on our 17 LED TVs.
LUNCH WITH US. PLAY WITH US. FOLLOW US.
2
1
&
t
gpubprovidence
Ov
er
e s ta
h blis
me
n
@ProvGPub
@ProvGPub
TaCO Tuesdays WIng Wednesdays WhISkey Thursdays Facebook “f ” Logo
CMYK / .eps
Facebook “f ” Logo
CMYK / .eps
Local Craft Beer • Fine Cocktails • Totally Decent Food 228 New York Avenue, Providence • 680-7639 5-close Tuesday - saTurday (4 on Friday)
16
Providence Monthly | May 2016
61 Orange Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903 401.632.4782 | providencegpub.com
Pulse |
City
Continued from Page 15
Cultivating Environmentally Conscious Youth Riverzedge Arts and its youth members are making their community greener Did your first job involve saving the world? “I get to play the part of an environmental hero and [give] people another chance to help the Earth,” says Chant Smith, 17, about her job at the Green Design Lab (GDL) at Riverzedge Arts. Chant, along with her colleagues, saves the world every time they work, which is undeniably pretty cool. Green Design Lab got its roots in 2009, as a governmentally funded program for at risk youth in Woonsocket. “We specifically developed environmental programs for this population to deploy the powerful healing effects of nature through outdoor learning, reversing the direction of our traditional lenses,” says Riverzedge Arts Executive Director, Rebekah Greenwald. The program was so well-received by the community, that in 2012, it was integrated into Riverzedge Arts’ Studio Arts & Enterprise Project as the fifth studio, along with Graphic Design, Visual
Arts, Digital Media and Screen Printing. Teen members are team members at GDL. “They do everything,” John Speck, Green Design Lab Director says, “from brainstorming, sketching and writing, to scale drawing or 3D models and then building in the wood shop or installing environmentally beneficial landscape improvements with good old manual labor.” Summer is the GDL’s most crucial season, due to the high volume of outdoor work, and they thrive on their youth colleagues’ innovation and participation. “The teens are the creative talent, working and learning collaboratively with their Industry Mentor studio leads,” says Rebekah. Teen involvement was always at the core of GDL’s development. John commented, “The youth in the program seemed to lack any connection to their surroundings. For them, nature was not something they could find in Woonsocket; it was something that they traveled elsewhere to experience.” GDL has successfully transformed the way many in the area, from teens to adults, think about the environment. “Nature is more than a pretty flower you smell, or pick and give to a friend,” says GDL member, Cassaundra McDermott, 14.” “[It’s] something that gives life to another creature.” The team of youth members have a heavy hand in making Woonsocket a greener place, installing rain gardens at Woonsocket High School and the Woonsocket Police Department headquarters, to name a few. In addition, they maintain on-site flower and vegetable gardens. While many of the GDL’s future projects are top secret, they have a full month lined up for May, with rain garden designs for CH2M’s Woonsocket waste-
Riverzedge members D’Zia Morales (front) and Dionisia Santiago, work to find green solutions in Woonsocket
water treatment plant and an initiative to double their production of food growth on-site. “We hope to have a significant food-growing operation that produces a meaningful quantity of fresh food during the summer and fall, John says, “If we reach our goals in the greenhouse, we should be able to sell or donate plants to the community.” Green Design Lab at Riverzedge Arts, 196 2nd Avenue, Woonsocket. 7672100, RiverzedgeArts.org/Services/Green-Design –Charlotte Seley
Night Night
Blink Four Times to Say Good Night Photography José Navarro-Robles
Flashing city lights tuck Hasbro Childrens Hospital’s patients in Steve Brosnihan is inviting
“anyone who has line of sight and the will to help a hospitalized child” to participate in Good Night Lights. “It’s easy,” he says, “you flick a light on and off four times and you’ve done your job.” Steve has been volunteering as a cartoonist in the Healing Arts Department at Hasbro Children’s Hospital since the early ‘90s and six years ago created this initiative to bid goodnight to the patients every evening at 8:30pm. “It’s already a great show,” he says, thanks to the
dedication from multiple community members, including the Hot Club, Providence Steamboat Company, Tockwotton on the Waterfront, The Brown University Sciences Library and most recently, The East Providence Police Department. “A chief with a huge heart immediately agreed that he wanted his department to do what it could for this display,” which has culminated in a weekly Wednesday night ritual. The chief leads six cars to an overlook pointed at the hospital to flash their red, white and blue lights, looking like “a fireworks display for the kids.”
Now, Steve hopes the Providence Skyline, which “looks like a bunch of big brothers to the hospital,” will get involved. Steve recounts one seven-year-old patient witnessing the lights for the first time: “The kid went nuts! He couldn’t sit still because he was trying to [see] every signal.” This child’s reaction clearly articulates the potential of Good Night Lights. Steve concludes, “I think it’s more than a project. I hope it becomes a tradition.” –Samantha Westmoreland
May 2016 | Providence Monthly
17
Pulse |
On the Hill? PRO VID ENC E
City
Geek Out
Neo-Providence is About to E.X.P.L.O.D.E. Providence Anime brings niche nerdery to Brook Street
APRI l 20 16 #2 34
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After Acme Video
closed two years ago, Providence stared at the empty storefront wondering what would take its place. The wait is over, as 137 Brook Street is lively and once more filled with DVDs and Blu-Rays, albeit of a very specific fashion. Providence Anime owner Adam Anderson opened the store after seeing a gap in Providence’s market. A tried and true anime fan since the age of seven when he first started watching Dragon Ball Z on Toonami, Adam
recognized that while there may be a couple discs of One Piece or Naruto shuffled into the stock of some stores there was no place truly dedicated to his favorite sub-culture, even though almost every college in the state has a club dedicated to anime. This was Adam’s goal when he chose to fill the hole left behind by Acme Video – to make a place where people could walk to and find great anime. Additionally he sells tabletop
games and cards, because, in his words, anime and gaming are both part of a “weird collective family.” The store is set up with several tables ready to use for any of the games available either to buy or rent in store, or you can bring in your own. Renting a table is just $5 per person. Feel free to bring take out and snacks, just leave the adult beverages at home. 137 Brook Street. 351-1200, Providence-Anime.com –Kendra Genereux
So is
Local Maker
ProvidenceOnline.com
18
Providence Monthly | May 2016
Seeing the Moon and Stars Cranston’s Luna & Stella makes fashionable, meaningful jewelry for moms and kids Sometimes jewelry
isn’t just jewelry. Sometimes a necklace is a meaningful gift, or a ring is a family heirloom. Suzanne Ellis Wernevi, founder of Luna & Stella, knows that the things we wear often mean more than decoration. “I believe relationships – between parents, grandparents, children, partners, siblings and friends – are what life is all about,” she says. The jewelry she designs: rings, necklaces and charms in celestial shapes, and with birthstones of your own or your loved ones, represent connections between people. “My most prized possessions are two rings, one that was my grandmother’s, and one that my mother-in-law gave me on my wedding day, a ring that was her mother’s,” Suzanne says. “I never take them off.” You might have seen Luna & Stella jewelry on kids’ fashion blogs. Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise, arbiters of mother/daughter fashion, which is really a thing, have been seen wearing the star necklaces with each others’ birthstones in them. “When I was a little girl, my mother
was always suggesting that we should get mother-daughter outfits, to the point that it became a running joke,” Suzanne says. “While I never wanted to dress like my mother, I always loved her jewelry collection, much of which she had inherited from her own mother. It got me thinking about the timelessness of jewelry, and the ability for it to hold meaning across generations.” For the last year, she’s been working on Luna & Stella’s “mama + me” collection, which debuted this spring. The line includes girls sizes of heart and star stacking birthstone rings, and mama + me bracelets and necklaces using the brand’s signature moon and stars designs: a moon for mom, and a star for her girl. “Being a mom myself now, I can relate to the appeal of the idea of wearing something that connects you to your child,” Suzanne says. “Wearing jewelry that symbolizes a connection is a much more subtle way of celebrating the mother-daughter relationship than wearing a matching outfit.” And way less embarrassing, too. LunaandStella.com –Julie Tremaine
Photo courtesy of Luna & Stellla
Angelo’s Civita Farnese Restaurant Bob & Timmy's Pizza Bombay Club • Caffe Dolce Vita Camille's • Cassarino's D'Amico & Burchfield Don Jose Tequilas Federal Hill Wine & Spirits Federal Taphouse & Kitchen Gallery Z • Harry's on the Hill Las Margaritas • Nami Napolitano's Brooklyn Pizza Opa • Providence Oyster Bar Pane e Vino • Pastiche Professional School of Bartending Providence Oyster Bar Providence Prime • Roma Rosebud Salon • Sicilia's Pizzeria Tammany Hall •Tony's Colonial Toro Restaurant Trattoria Del Mare Trattoria Zooma Vanuatu Coffee Roasters Venda Ravioli
Pulse |
City
Malcontent
Dumber and Smarter
Join us for the 51st annual celebration of the burning of the HMS Gaspee.
What can we learn from the tourism campaign meltdown? In the immortal words
of Ron Burgundy, that escalated quickly. When Commerce RI unveiled the new state tourism campaign in a suspiciously timed 5pm press conference on March 28, the negative reaction was swift and unmerciful. The mistakes were many and well documented, and the outrage voluminous, so we needn’t wade through the muck again. Nor do we have any desire to be another gun in the circular firing squad of discourse about this campaign. Let’s focus instead, on the lessons to be learned here: 1. Stop looking outside RI for a savior. The governor and Commerce RI must have thought they had a slam dunk when they landed Milton Glaser to design the new logo and slogan. After all, this was the guy who created perhaps the most successful tourism campaign of all time, “I Love New York.” Now he was going to work that same magic for Rhode Island. That’s one way to look at it; another is that they hired an octogenarian with no connection to Rhode Island whose most significant work was almost 40 years ago to do a job for which any number of locals were eminently qualified. We might as well have hired Neil Diamond to write a new state song. The decision had echoes of both the infamous Providence rebrand of 2009, in which thenMayor Cicilline hired a Tennessee firm to come up with an orange ‘P’, and the 38 Studios debacle, in which the EDC (now Commerce RI) sank a bunch of taxpayer money into a big name outsider. Design is one of our strengths in Rhode Island. The governor probably could have stumbled over someone capable of a better logo while getting her morning coffee. Hell, it might have even been the person serving the coffee. 2. Don’t make things harder than they have to be. Rhode Island is pretty damn good at design and branding. Hospitality and tourism are also strengths for us. Tourism is already our second biggest industry, and we have eight regional tourism boards (six of whom had their budgets cut to help pay for this campaign) that manage to do a lot on limited resources. We also have a wide network of business
owners, creative professionals, media outlets (ahem ahem) and local boosters who know how to showcase the best this state has to offer. Investing $5 million in consolidating those efforts, and drawing upon that expertise for a statewide campaign, would have been money well spent. 3. If you want us to embrace something, make us feel like a part of it. Rhode Islanders are fiercely proud of their state and probably would have been ready to support a coordinated effort to showcase it – if only the leadership had made an effort to activate that pride. Had this campaign felt even the least bit organic and homegrown – and if the logo actually looked cool – you would have seen people sporting it on t-shirts within a week. 4. We crave a reason to be outraged. Sometimes I wonder if Rhode Islanders love complaining about government incompetence more than they actually hate government incompetence. This bungled campaign was a time for thoughtful criticism and holding our leaders accountable, not gleeful schadenfreude. This campaign was embarrassing enough, but we compound the humiliation by coming off like a mob of torch-waving villagers. 5. We still need a (good) statewide tourism campaign. Despite all that our state has to offer, we sorely lack the pretty, shiny packaging we need to properly sell it. The problem is that this effort was so poorly executed that we still need a good rebranding – and now there won’t be the political or popular will to do so. Any further effort at promoting the state is going to carry the 38 Studios-like stink of institutional incompetence, and taxpayers are going to instinctively recoil from the thought of spending another dollar. 6. We love our state. People really do love this place, and they’re eager to talk about it. Beneath the anger and know-it-all spitefulness, there was an undeniable sense that everybody understands what’s wonderful about Rhode Island and knows how to express it – everybody except the people who worked on this campaign, of course. –John Taraborelli
Celebrating our place in history. gaspee days May 4 – June 12, 2016
Arts & Crafts Festival May 28 & 29 / 10 am – 5 pm May 30 / 10 am – 4:30 pm Narragansett Parkway, Warwick
Allan & Edna Brown 5K Road Race Saturday, June 11 / 9:30 am Broad Street, Cranston to Narragansett Parkway, Warwick and return
51st Annual Gaspee Days Parade Saturday, June 11 / 10 am Along Narragansett Parkway, Warwick into Broad Street, Cranston
For a complete calendar of events and more information, visit: www.gaspee.com 401.781.1772
May 2016 | Providence Monthly
19
Pulse |
City
Check It Off
The PVD Bucket List Author Rebecca Keister has written the definitive Providence checklist It’s easy to take our small city – and state – for granted. We’ve been there, done it all and are happy to settle into our regular PVD patterns. With the release of 100 Things To Do In Providence Before You Die, author Rebecca Keister has given us all a practical guide to rediscovering what we love about the city and things to do with out of town guests besides just going to the Hot Club (Thing To Do #11 “Sip a Summer Cocktail” and #37 “Make Your Own Movie Tour.”) Broken down into five categories – food and drink, music and entertainment, sports and recreation, culture and history, shopping and fashion –
the book definitely highlights PVD’s greatest hits, but also branches out beyond the city. “There are things like take a beautiful day trip to Block Island,” Rebecca tells me over coffee at Seven Stars (#37 and #82 “Pass the Bread”) “Or other places where you could spend a day like Narragansett, Newport and Bristol.” True story: I’ve never been to Block Island (#60) but Rebecca hasn’t scored a perfect 100 either. “I’ve never had a New York System hot wiener,” she concedes, promising to cross #10 off of list ASAP. “I was a vegan up until very recently.” Whether you’re new to town and looking to
explore or you’re a lifer looking to rack up some bragging rights, we suggest keeping a copy of 100 Things To Do In Providence Before You Die in your glove box or next to your RIPTA pass. You haven’t experienced Providence until you’ve experienced it “all the way.” Check out our full Q&A with Rebecca at ProvidenceOnline.com. 100 Things To Do in Providence Before You Die is available online and at both Barrington Books locations, Books on the Square and Wakefield Books. Follow Rebecca on Twitter at @RebeccaKeister for more info about book signings at some of the locations mentioned throughout the book. –Tony Pacitti
East Side Hip Hop
From Thayer Street to Abbey Road A local musician gets the opportunity of a lifetime
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Providence Monthly | May 2016
DAP and producer Mark Ronson outside the legendary Abbey Road Studio last fall
not let that opportunity slide.” Once there he couldn’t help but be in awe of the mythology of the place, but at the same time he couldn’t let the memories that linger in its walls distract him. “I know better than to be overly intimidated by a space because of who has been there before me and throw away such an opportunity,” he offers pragmatically. “I was very very inspired and from the moment I walked in I was already making music in my head, but what I found was that I was completely ready. Playing the piano for already almost two decades at age 22 made me more than ready to take full advantage of the opportunity.” By the end of the documentary, things are still up in the air. He did well on his LSATs and is ready to settle into the waiting game that so many graduates and soon-to-graduates have to play. After a life of schooling it’s uncomfortable to exist in a state of academic ambiguity, but for DAP there is a powerful constant: music. “I am ready, I always have been, and I was always meant to do this. It was never really up to me. Music is my purpose.” Watch The Undergraduate and read our complete interview with DAP at ProvidenceOnline.com –Tony Pacitti
Photo courtesy of Converse
Dolapo Akinkugbe was born in Nigeria, classically trained in piano and attended boarding school in England. Now he’s a senior at Brown, about to pass through those vaulted Van Wickle Gates. Law school may be in his future, but so might a career in music. Known on stage as DAP, Dolapo is a rapper who was selected by Converse Rubber Tracks last fall for an all-expenses paid recording session in an iconic studio with an influential producer. His experience was captured in the online documentary released by Noisey in March called The Undergraduate, where he juggled familial expectations and school with the opportunity to record at Abbey Road (yes that Abbey Road) under the guidance of “Uptown Funk” producer Mark Ronson. “Firstly I think it is important to mention that I have the most incredible parents, have never wanted for anything, and have always had full support in whatever I do,” explains DAP, who was set to take the LSATs just one week after a whirlwind trip to the legendary studio. “They realized that I really live and breathe music, simply in the decision to fly to London that weekend and
Summer [suhm-ma] noun
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May 2016 | Providence Monthly
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Scene in PVD
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For 60 years now the Providence Preservation Society has been working to maintain the city’s architectural history. In honor of the occasion, PPS threw its annual anniversary bash on February 20 at The Steel Yard. This year’s theme was A Steampunk Soiree, which found partygoers and cosplayers decked out in Victorian Era sci-fi finery. And goggles. Lots and lots of goggles. PPSRI.org Photography by Mike Braca
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Providence Monthly | May 2016
Providence College cheerleaders Kellie Condon, Mindy Tran, Taylor Dimond, Meghan Cadagan
PROVIDENCE MONTHLY PRESENTS
From THe
sTAGe To THe
ClAssroom THe GAmm IS BRINGING
sHAKesPeAre TO
PROVIDENCE sTUdenTs BY AmAndA m. Grosvenor x PHOTOGRAPHY BY BrAd smITH
T
he world has changed considerably since William Shakespeare’s time on Earth, but adolescents and teenagers in modern America’s fast-paced digital culture still find themselves grappling with the same types of urges, emotions, confusion and issues that Shakespeare captured in his plays and sonnets – which is precisely what makes them timeless. American youth, raised on instant gratification, might initially balk at the idea of delving into centuries-old British writing and performance, only to find themselves weeks or months later unexpectedly enthralled by the chance to explore such rich themes in a visceral way, through the arts. One local theater is honoring the transformative power of language and performance by using a national grant to imbue the lives of local teens with a little hands-on Shakespeare immersion.
The GranT Pawtucket’s Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre has held a strong presence in the Providence area theater and nonprofit scenes since 1998 (with origins dating back in various iterations to 1984). For its 31st season, The Gamm has brought to life a diverse spectrum of stage oeuvres spanning from classic to modern, including A Streetcar Named Desire, The Rant, Grizzly Mama and A Skull in Connemara. The final play in the lineup – Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale – has
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Providence Monthly | May 2016
something that the other runs do not: it will be used as part of a special teaching workshop for students at ten different high schools and middle schools in Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence and Cranston. Education Director Susie Schutt has worked at The Gamm for five years total and in her current position for close to two. A sociology major in college, she also studied plays and directing concurrently with her schooling, and directs other plays within the Providence community as well. “It’s so important for my department to have a positive impact on our community and to enact exchanges in a really proactive way; with my sociology background, that is of major interest,” says Suzie. The Gamm’s community-driven Shakespeare workshops and classes are made possible through a $25,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. The Shakespeare in American Communities grant is a well-known 13-year-old national award given to 40 nonprofit professional theater companies in 26 states nationwide. The Gamm previously received the same grant two years ago, when the company ran Macbeth as part of its 2014 season. The theatre’s 2016’s instruction of The Winter’s Tale will be modeled after the previous grant application, with the advantage of some experience already under its belt.
“
It’s so important for my department to have a positive impact on our community and to enact exchanges in a really proactive way – Suzie Schutt, Education Director of The Gamm
The sTudenTs Some might wonder, “Why Shakespeare in particular?” “Shakespeare’s work is absolutely worth studying because it gives you a chance to think about topics like your own humanity, the English language and its origins, self-expression, poetry and history,” explains Suzie, who herself studied Shakespeare in high school and college and participated in a Shakespearean summer camp in her youth. “The roles in his plays also give students the chance to explore and experience heightened emotions in a safe and interesting way. It gives them a unique opportunity to really tap into themselves.” The content and tones of the individual plays themselves are also more important than readers may realize if they are not already well-acquainted with Shakespeare’s body of work. Whereas Macbeth is one of the most familiar titles in the Western world and taught in schools across the country, The Winter’s Tale is far more obscure and rarely makes it into English class curriculums. Because of this, says Suzie, “It’s exciting for the students to get to have this particular work as something they’ve worked on going forward. We did the play last summer with The Gamm Theatre camp, and that’s kind of how I fell in love with it.” “It’s such a beautiful play; it taps into a range of human emotion and
The Gamm’s Suzie Schutt
experience in a profound way. You get to look at the sources of jealousy, forgiveness and other big topics that our students are also experiencing deeply and personally in their own lives. The Winter’s Tale has forbidden love, overprotective parents and children rebelling; it has fight scenes and people going mad, and all of that intensity can really engage students in that age range,” explains Suzie. “Even though it’s a 400 year-old text, it’s still incredibly relevant at an emotional level, and it’s exciting to watch as the students realize that and then use it as a vehicle to channel and explore their feelings through the arts.” Most of the changes between the
2014 and 2016 programs will be administrative: the Cranston residency is new, for example, and some of the schools on the list will be different than before. “Because the grant is extremely generous, it becomes a big puzzle,” says Suzie. “It’s all about juggling the schedule and allocating resources.” Different schools have different numbers of classrooms participating: one has six, while another might have two. The ten-week classes have already begun and will continue through June, taught by two people in The Gamm’s education department, and two freelance teaching artists have been hired to help out. Teaching Shakespeare in schools is very different than teaching his works at the summer camp, Suzie finds. The four-week, seven-hours-a-day camps are elective and have participants working to stage and produce two plays concurrently. The school program works in partnership with the classroom teacher, which means a stronger focus on the study of the text and understanding its themes. Most students at the school are also not electing to be there; the program is a mandatory part of their English class. Many of them initially question why they have to be there at all. “What I’ve found teaching Shakespeare in public schools,” says Suzie, “is that during the week or so leading up to their performing the play, none of them have that question anymore. They all realize why they are there and why this is important. And that’s the moment when I feel the luckiest to be doing what I do.”
The play In addition to studying the text, having students stage the play is a major part of the program. For some of them, it is their first exposure to acting or theater
production in any form. Another key element of the in-school workshops is when students travel to The Gamm to see the same play that they are working on staged by professional actors. “We wouldn’t be doing this project if we weren’t performing Shakespeare on our own stage,” says Suzie. “We share this incredible work of art with our patrons, and all of our students come and see it and get to interact with the actors. Students playing roles get so excited to see professional actors portraying the same parts and then ask them questions afterwards; they become really engaged.” She notes that the timing of the professional viewing has a big impact on the class overall, and it can be tough to find the right date: “Ideally, students come see the play when they’re almost ready to perform theirs and have almost everything in place. If they see the professional one first, then they just work on copying; if they view it too late, they’ve already disconnected from the material. We’re trying to talk all of the schools into that sweet spot.” Schools participating in 2016 are JM Walsh Arts High School, Tolman High School, Blackstone Academy Charter School, Slater Junior High School, Nathan Bishop Middle School, Classical High School, Roger Williams Junior High School, Paul Cuffee Charter School, Central Falls High School and Cranston East High School. In addition to this program and the Gamm Summer Intensive camp, the theatre has recently started partnering with local school districts and offering in-house after school programs taught by resident actors and teaching artists to elementary and middle school students, as well starting a Gamm Summer Intensive Jr. for middle school students in 2015. www.GammTheatre.org
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May 2016 | Providence Monthly
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o t y a w e h t on
Why the biggest town in the smallest state is about to be America’s next It City By Julie Tremaine • Photography by Stacey Doyle
i
f you’re from here, you’re familiar with Providence’s inferiority complex. We’re a small city, and in fairness, we have our share of issues and loud opinions, especially on parking meters and, apparently, on state branding. But if you moved here from somewhere else, you probably have a lot more optimism about the city than anyone who lived through the worst of the Know-A-Guy years. In particular, people outside
of Rhode Island view Providence positively. So positively, in fact, that just last year we were America’s Favorite City in Travel + Leisure, GQ’s Coolest City in America and one of The New York Times’ 52 Places to Visit in 2016, in the entire world. It’s the kind of talk that made Austin the country’s It City in the 2000s, and that has Portland, Oregon on the tip of everyone’s tongue right now. People talk about visiting those cities
Kristin Adamo from the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau brings visiting journalists to Venda Ravioli to introduce them to the city
for the food, the culture, the music. They talk about living in those cities because of the quality of life, the walkability, the affordability. But we’ve got all of those things, too. Providence is unparalleled in its culinary scene, its historicity, its concentration of colleges and universities, its unique cultural character in things like WaterFire, Big Nazo and the RISD Museum. “We have everything we need to compete with any of these booming cities,” says Mayor Jorge Elorza. “Most of the cities I’ve visited have nothing on Providence.” As for the things we don’t have: jobs, housing, student retention… well, let’s just say there are improvements on the horizon. That’s why Providence is about to land on America’s radar in a big way.
on the y d a e r l a ce is “Providen ork that w e h t h t i map, but w and celebrating ng, going we’re doi e r ’ e w , have what we e in the d i r t s t x e tn e Elorza to hit tha ayor Jorg M – ” . ome years to c
Word is Spreading About Us There’s hardly a week when Providence isn’t on some new national list: for best coffee, pizza, burgers; as an affordable family vacation, or a gayfriendly city; as a must-see college town or a historic preservation leader. Those big three are huge, but there have been 65 others in just a year. “The city sells itself,” says Kristen Adamo, Vice President of Marketing at the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB). “The passion of the people who live here takes over. I don’t think you get that in bigger cities.” Part of the CVB’s work is to spread Providence’s message across the country. When they host reporters (57 in 2015), they connect them to the right PVD people. “We have a lot of unique people with stories to tell,” Kristen says. “What reporter isn’t going to love [AS220’s] Bert Crenca?” She also uses the city’s connectivity – our “one degree of separation” – as a selling tool. “I can get the mayor to come to something,” Kristen says. “You can’t do that in other big cities. You go up to Federal Hill, and those guys will come out of their stores to say hello. Writers from New York come here, and they’re a little jaded, and by the end they’re like I want to move here.”
May 2016 | Providence Monthly
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Where food was once the leader in garnering national interest, fashion is our next big topic. All eyes are on Alex + Ani, our neighborhood billion dollar brand, amid whispers of an IPO. Last year, Forbes and Marie Claire did pieces on StyleWeek, and the CVB is doing a lot to promote our vintage scene, including digitizing the Guide to Providence Vintage that Christine Francis-Barta from Carmen and Ginger put together. Their work landed Ann Hood a feature in the upcoming summer issue of National Geographic Traveler about why she loves this city. The CVB’s next big push is historic preservation, in which Providence is a national leader; they brought Brent Runyon from The Providence Preservation Society to New York for “desksides” with editors last month.
People are Moving Here Chris and Angie Cunico were headed to Boston last fall, where Angie had gotten a job as in-house counsel for Santander Bank. They were headed to Boston, until they figured out that would mean a long commute to an outer suburb. “We were going to be living in a neighborhood we definitely didn’t want to live in,” Angie says. “Between the two of us, we’d lived in Houston, Austin, Charlotte, DC, Nashville, Baltimore, Philadelphia and New Jersey,” Chris says. “We had a feel for how much city we actually wanted, and Providence appeared to be that.” After just a few months, they knew they wanted to stay. “It was appealing because we could find something we liked, and be comfortable, and be in a nice neighborhood,” Angie says. “We have the kind of day to day lifestyle that we want to have, but long term, we can afford to buy a house here. There
aren’t many places on the East Coast right now where that’s the case.” While they love it, the Cunicos are making real sacrifices to make Providence happen. Angie works in Boston, while Chris is still working as in-house counsel in Newark. “It would be nice to work here,” he says. “It’s really a function of the number of bigger companies there are. They’re very good, and they’re very big, but there aren’t many of them.” “We’re doing some pretty interesting life gymnastics to make it possible to live here, but it’s worth it to us,” Angie adds. “We don’t like that he’s in New Jersey three days a week, but he spends the other four here. We have a great social life, we can go to restaurants, he can park the car when he comes home on Thursday night and walk everywhere that we go.” “The quality of life here is really good,” Chris adds. “People don’t get it unless they’ve visited. If you can get people to support a workforce that will come and stay, I think a lot of people would. Where else can you drive to the beach, or to another major city, and you have the easiest airport in the country?” To be able to move to Providence, Rich Pezzillo and Michael DeGrandpre had to do something similar: telecommute from their jobs in Washington DC. Rich, a North Providence native, left in 2001. When he and then-fiance Michael were looking to relocate to New England, the search came down to Providence and Portland, in Michael’s home state. “When we were talking about our future,” Michael says, “one of the things we had as a core value was the quality of life and the quality of people that you encounter in Rhode Island. This is a place that is unlike anywhere in the world.” Considering they
Recent transplants Michael DeGrandpre and Rich Pezzillo are helping make Downtown a real neighborhood
Chris and Angie Cunico moved to Providence by way of Austin and Nashville
both travel extensively for work - Michael, until recently, for 30 weekends a year in different cities – they’re qualified to make that distinction. “Would we have been able to move here without our jobs in DC? Probably not,” Rich says. “I think that’s what people are going to need to do to make it work here, is to work remotely and establish themselves.” Though neither he nor Michael immediately got a job in Rhode Island – Michael recently started working for a Providence-based marketing firm, after a year of telecommuting, while Rich still works for the Hemophilia Association of America in DC – they didn’t see that as a bad thing. Because they were working in their living space, the two would leave for lunch every day, and got to know their neighbors through those interactions. “It was amazing to be able to work and live in the same space, to enjoy this unbelievable neighborhood that we have around us,” Michael says. The two were so taken by Providence, and by their neighborhood, that they dove into enhancing the community, helping to found the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) in October. In less than six months, they’ve established a Downtown Neighborhood Crime Watch, gotten
to see d u o r p e r “We’ . As g n i t i s i v people ’s our t i , s t n e d resi adors s s a b m a s job a t going.” a h t p e e k to Pezzillo –Rich
the decorative lights restored and graffiti cleaned up, set up rush tickets for Downtown residents at PPAC and started “socials” where residents meet up in groups at neighborhood restaurants on slow nights. The DNA is just one force aimed at making Downtown more residentfriendly. The Providence Foundation is working with the Downtown Improvement District and the Downtown Parks Conservancy to develop Downtown outdoor spaces, adding public art, and making them feel clean and safe. “What we’ve found nationally is that the quality of public space is a necessity when you want to attract people and attract companies,” says The Providence Foundation’s Dan Baudouin. “The quality of public space is very important: parks, sidewalks, cafes on sidewalks – people want it to be clean, interactive and fun.” “It’s such a great feeling of being in a city where things are still developing, but there are so many supporters behind them,” Rich adds. “We’re firm believers that the biggest cheerleaders are those who move here and fall in love with it. Rhode Islanders are Providence’s worst critics.”
...But Those People Need Houses
As more young people move here – and as graduates from our schools are incentivized to stay, but more on that later – the talent pool is getting bigger. But what happens then? Some projections from Rhode Island Housing indicate a 20% surge in Providence households over the next decade, according to Executive Director Barbara Fields. Our vacancy rate is chronically low, just over 4%, so it’s hard to find an affordable apartment or buy a house in the city.
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of the l l a s a h ce pot“Providen s e h t d n s, a ingredient o shift t g n i t r a t light is s Christine West .” – over to us ...And Most Importantly, They Need Jobs
Christine West of KITE Architects helped design the first building going up on the 195 land
“We see housing as an essential piece of the puzzle in trying to build the economic strength in Rhode Island,” Barbara says. “We create jobs when we invest in housing. We want people to stay here, and they need housing within their reach if we want them to spend within the local economy.” To encourage that, RI Housing offers money to homebuyers: forgivable loans up to $7,000 for recent graduates; $20,000 grants for purchasing foreclosures; mortgages for first time homebuyers. “Last year, we put over $500 million dollars in the Rhode Island economy,” she says. The incentives are appealing, but that doesn’t solve the problem of where these people are going to live. That’s Christine West’s job. “My sense is that people are ready to invest,” she says. “There’s value to be unlocked in Providence. The smart developers are doing it.” A principal and co-owner at KITE Architects, Christine and partner Albert Garcia led the team that designed the first approved construction on the I-195 Redevelopment Project, on Parcel 8. The building includes 80,000 square feet of new construction, with retail and office space on the lower levels and apartments above, and those LED lights that have people buzzing. Other projects, like the mixeduse redevelopment at 32 Custom House Street with ground-floor retail space, are being announced by KITE in quick succession. “Our
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Providence Monthly | May 2016
firm is spectacularly busy,” she explains. “All of my architect friends are. When we get busy, in two years people start seeing things happen.” There are no cranes in the sky yet – just ask any of the mayor’s detractors – but there are about to be soon, and will be for a long time. “We’re under capacity,” Christine continues. “We don’t have enough housing for all of the people who want to live here. It drives the economy, but it does mean that while we’re under supplied, prices are going up.” The rent increase between 2014 and 2015 was the biggest we’ve seen in a decade, according to RI Housing, and tax increases are pointing to higher rents this year, too. Realtors, especially on the East Side, are busier than they’ve been in years. But the concern,aside from schools, which is a conversation for another time, is attainable price points for all of this new development. Yes, it’s great that people are moving here, but eventually they could price us out of our own city. “The only way you can keep the rents approachable is to make the units smaller,” Christine says. “There is a trend toward smaller housing, but you trade off space for proximity. That’s the nature of cities.” Given the perpetual waiting list for micro-lofts at The Arcade, it only reinforces the need for smaller space development, like the apartments going in at 95 Chestnut Street, which are right-sized for more economical living.
So we’ve got pieces in place: the talent pool, the positive messaging about Providence and the places to house everyone. Then there’s the elephant in the room – there still aren’t enough jobs to go around. “When you think of what we need in Providence to kickstart our economy and reverse the brain drain, we need something like Wexford Properties,” says Mayor Jorge Elorza of the science and technology development going into the 195 space. “That’s a game changer. They do shared workspace, but they do shared workspace supercharged,” he explains. “They also do programming to facilitate the ideas of one institution mixing with the ideas from another.” Wexford will develop the two largest parcels of 195 land in three phases. The mayor also cites successes in workforce development, like the culinary program at Providence Career and Technical Academy, which trains the next generation of restaurateurs, as an investment in future jobs. And, there are large corporations investing in the city, like Deepwater Wind, which is building the nation’s first wind farm off Block Island and assembling the turbines in Providence. “In assembling these massive wind turbines, they’ve put 300 people to work,” he explains. “This is the first time in the nation this Deepwater Wind project is happening. If this works, there’s potential for great growth for the state.” Particularly exciting, especially for a foodie city, is the new Cromwell development in the Armory District: 40 residential units, and the entire first floor as shared space for chefs to try out new concepts before launching their own restaurants. “They’re Brooklyn developers,” the mayor explains. “This has been successful in Brooklyn, and they have big plans for Providence.” Cromwell also plays to our strengths, which according to the Brookings Institution study commissioned by Governor Raimondo, are shellfish and design (among others). “We’re not a corporate town,” Christine West says. “Everyone I know has a really interesting job. There’s a correlation there. Providence is where people who want to do what they want get to do it.” She suggests the idea will become more of an asset as our national star rises. “People can have creative and unique jobs, and it’s the kind of
culture that promotes that,” Christine explains. “I know people who make money handcrafting jewelry, or in fashion or photography. To be neighbors with an oyster farmer? Come on. If that’s our strength, then the branding can be that you can choose your own destiny in Providence.” To that end, the City has just rolled out the Providence Design Catalyst Program, intended specifically to promote these creative, innovative jobs. A collaboration with RISD, the Social Enterprise Greenhouse, DesignxRI and the Community Development Block Grant, the program gives entrepreneurs grants of up to $35,000, plus technical assistance and mentorship. The stipulation is that recipients have to live in and do business in Providence. The program is just one thing in place to help alleviate brain drain from departing graduates. “I’ve met with all of the university presidents, and in our first conversations I told them that more than anything, I want their students to stay here. They’re willing to partner with us to help develop the local economy and make it a more receptive, inviting place for graduates to stay.” Mayor Elorza also has a five year plan in the works to make Providence a hub for innovations in the technology surrounding aging, connecting Dementia and Alzheimer’s research at Brown with senior housing design development at RISD, with physical therapy innovation at URI, with food as medicine study at JWU, to make Providence the center for innovators in that industry.
Can PVD Be the Next Austin? One major piece of national visibility that we’re missing is a marquis festival, like Austin’s South by Southwest. This year’s PVD Fest on June 4, building on the resounding success of last year’s Providence International Arts Festival, is built with scalability. Austin’s music festival grew to a week of SXSW Interactive conferences just beforehand. “There’s nothing stopping us from doing something similar,” Mayor Elorza says. “I came back thinking Austin is a great city, but in terms of raw materials, there’s nothing that they have that we don’t have that can help us develop a festival,” he says. The comparisons to Austin don’t end there. “One of the things that’s so appealing to me about living here is that it feels like Austin did in the ‘90s,” just before its SXSW and tech booms, Angie Cunico says. “It’s the same kind of indie, artistic, higher education focused city. I see that growth for Providence.” But, she says, “As many things as we liked about Austin…” Chris continues: “We like being here more.”
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Providence Monthly | May 2016
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City Style
AT HOME / SHOP TALK / THE LOOK / BEAUTY / GET FIT
Shades of Grey Patrick Adam works at High Output, an event lighting company. He lives in a 1925 Colonial – bought just six months ago – in Mt. Pleasant.
I got this in an Indianapolis salvage yard. It was the P in a sign for an auto parts company. I was out there doing a Super Bowl for work three years ago, and shipped it back on one of our trucks.
It was surprising to find a house of that age that has a fairly open floor plan. That, and the grey color scheme throughout, really helped me bring in a modern aesthetic.
I thought this chandelier was a cool cross between modern and industrial, the style I like. The house has really high ceilings so I was able to take advantage of that.
That’s an old film lighting fixture. It’s been rewired so it’s not as bright as it should be for a film set. Up close it’s really cool – it has all this chipped paint and goes along with my career and personal style.
Photography by Mike Braca
This gear is from a factory in Colorado. I just came across that in a shop. I love antique industrial decorations.
The house has these gorgeous inlaid hardwood floors throughout. I was fortunate to buy the house with them like this. It’s been a fun project so far.
May 2016 | Providence Monthly
37
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Providence Monthly | May 2016
City Style |
The Look
Joseph Phommasith Founder/Managing Director at JaiCG
By Jeanette St. Pierre
S P O N S O R E D CO N T E N T
EXPERT ADVICE
Shape Up With Cheryl Turnquist of Providence Pilates
Tell us more about your look here. It’s my don’t-have-a-meeting-today-but-just-incase look. Staying relaxed, but ready. I do this with a Black Scale Ulai shirt from Sneaker Junkies on Thayer (much love to my fellow small-biz owner, Bilal), J. Crew jacket, Marc Allen pocket square, Benrus watch on my wrist and leather Nike Air Royals on my feet – also from Sneaker Junkies. How would you describe your personal style? I’ve heard edgy, urban and even preppy. To me, it’s all about adaptability. Having versatility to present at an 8am board meeting, direct an on-site taping in the afternoon, write on the office sofa and hit the town that same night. How does your work attire differ from your non-work? Out of college, it was suit and tie, M-F. My attitude’s evolved since starting JaiCG in 2012. Now, I strive to look “professional” but not stiff. It’s what you do and produce that matters – which is how we think at JaiCG. Taking what exists and challenging ourselves to make it our own, or do it better. It’s not being rebellious; it’s just refusing to blindly conform. That’s how true authenticity happens. What does Jai mean? Jai is a Laotian word for “heart.” Jai is also one of my three adorable nieces. JaiCG is short for Jai Communications Group. We’re selective of the organizations we work with because having heart in what you do is possible only when you believe in it. What’s your favorite season in Rhode Island? What do you look forward to wearing? A tie between summer and winter. I have a collection of Kobe 9 sneakers in different colorways. For colder climates, I have multiple J. Crew coats and limited edition Timberlands that make me feel like an astronaut/arctic Alaskan.
Photography by Brad Smith
Why Providence? Grow Smart RI‘s Scott Wolf often says, “RI has many strengths and untapped potential.” I 100% agree, and believe that JaiCG is helping to unleash that in our own special way. For a more visual response, check out our #ShareCommunity campaign for Grow Smart RI. What do you like to do when you’re not working? Being in the creative space, work never really stops. A billboard in Boston or a musical score from a movie can spark inspiration. Good people make me happy. ESPN’s First Take is enlightening. Therapy comes from boxing, scratching on my turntables (I DJ’ed from seventh grade through college), wings and potato chips.
What’s the advantage of Pilates? Pilates is a great complement to other forms of exercise; it is a toning and total body conditioning program that requires a mind/ body connection to be performed correctly. It focuses on proper alignment, activation of core muscles, and proper movement technique to strengthen, lengthen and tone the body. The lessons of Pilates carry over to other movement /exercise/sport experiences.
Does Pilates burn fat? We like to focus on a healthy body and we want our clients to walk away feeling stronger and healthier than when they arrived. That being said, Pilates will not necessarily show pounds lost, but it will help with inches lost and muscle tone. Muscle weighs more than fat, so you will be building muscle and changing the shape of your body. After one session, clients will report breathing better, and having better posture and body awareness.
What does your studio do differently? We are a fully equipped Pilates studio. All of my instructors have certified through a 600 hour training program. Most of my instructors are certified in Power Pilates. We also offer classes in Barre, Spin, Pilates Tower, Zumba, Bhangra and pre-natal mat Pilates.
Providence Pilates Center 189 Cole Ave. Providence providencepilatescenter.com • 480-0193
May 2016 | Providence Monthly
39
City Style |
Get Fit
By John Taraborelli
Warrior Training Unleash your power at TFW
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Providence Monthly | May 2016
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I don’t consider myself
much of a warrior. So I approached TFW Providence with a bit of trepidation. TFW stands for Training for Warriors, a fitness regimen developed by strength trainer and javelin thrower Martin Rooney. TFW Providence is the third in Rhode Island. It was started by Mike Cronin, a National Strength and Conditioning Association-certified specialist, grad student in kinesiology and former mixed martial arts fighter. I was pleasantly surprised to find that TFW Providence is much more Average Joe’s than Globo-Gym. Currently, Mike runs his classes at Next Level Fitness in Johnston, as he works towards opening his own studio in Providence next fall. I arrived to meet the other “warriors” I would be training with: one guy a little older than me and another a little younger, both recovering from injuries; two women I would estimate to be in their 60s, one of whom was overcoming Lyme disease; and a roughly 12-year-old kid. If we were going to be a team of warriors in some sort of post-apocalyptic thunderdome, I didn’t like our odds. Fortunately, these warriors were there to take on personal challenges, not motorbike-riding berserkers.
Warriors lift heavy and sprint The TFW approach is based on alternating days of strength and speed training, with the added bonus of a “Hurricane,” which mixes sprints with bodyweight exercises in a kind of fast-paced interval training. (That’s the class I tried.) “Everybody wants to have the physique of an athlete – lean with muscle,” says Mike. “How do athletes get that physique? They lift weights two days a week and they sprint two days a week.”
The Hurricane was built around the latter half of this principle. There were three rounds of sprints, two 80-yarders and one 60. Each sprint was followed by two different strength exercises such as medicine ball figure eights, push-ups or reverse crunches. Warriors don’t get injured Mike is diligent about protecting his warriors. “Why do we warm up?” he asked the class during a set of jumping jacks at the beginning. “So we don’t get injured,” they responded in unison. He emphasizes proper warm-ups and recovery to stave off the ravages that hard training can inflict. He also tailors the workout to each person’s individual abilities and fitness level. At every step, Mike encouraged us to focus on our form – not just doing the exercise, but doing it right. A warrior’s last set is the best TFW preaches the gospel of finishing strong. Throughout the workout we were encouraged to be deliberate and focus on form during the early sets, rather than going top speed out of the gate. Once we had the form, we could max out our efforts on the final sets. TFW Providence is a welcoming place where anyone can do their thing. And if you really want to train for the thunderdome, Mike can probably tailor a workout to you, too.
TFW Providence Located inside Next Level Fitness 12 Industrial Lane, Johnston 978-987-0005 TFWWestside.com
Photography by Amy Amerantes
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Providence Monthly | May 2016
City Style |
Shopping
Collaborate
By Claire Flanagan
Innovate
Celebrate
A New Chapter Barrington Books opens a new Garden City location
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Photography by Tifanny Axtmann
Barrington Books Retold puts readers inside their favorite stories
Barrington Books Retold’s manager Jennifer Massotti describes the vibe of the store, an offshoot of the original Barrington Books in Barrington, as “unexpected” – and it certainly is. While it appears to be an ordinary bookstore, the new location in Cranston’s Garden City Center is packed with unexpected and delightful finds. For example, upon entering the 5,000 square foot space, you’re immediately greeted by a vintage red and white French car. Yes, a real, full-sized car inside the store. The store carries over 20,000 titles of new books here, everything from adult fiction and nonfiction to children’s picture books and young adult reads. As you walk farther in, you find yourself in a gorgeous gift section, which carries adorable finds of all kinds. Cute Rhode Island, New England and nautical themed gifts and goods are also scattered throughout. There’s everything you’d need for gift giving, like fun cards, wrapping paper, bows, ribbon and gift bags. The entire back of the store is dedicated to the children’s section. Built around a fun tree sculpture that marks the reading area where a children’s story hour is held every Monday and Friday, and carpeted to look like a sandbox with grass in the middle, the whimsical kids’ section is packed with games, toys and essential children’s reads for every age. The cozy cushioned benches in the story section are all fitted with wheels, so they can be moved out of the way to accommodate a larger audience for bigger author events that Barrington Books Retold frequently hosts. Every detail of Barrington Books
Retold is beautifully thought out. “Each section of the store has a surprise to happen upon,” says Jennifer. The tables and shelves in the store were all carefully selected aesthetic pieces – like an antique rickshaw – or specifically made for the store. Jewelry displayed in the gift section is mounted on an eye-catching art installation made of vintage books – highlighting “that the soul of the store really is books,” Jennifer explains as she points out the piece. Around every corner is something unexpected, making Barrington Books Retold a delightful place to wander and browse. The original location has been open for almost 30 years, its interior space constantly growing and adapting physically, but this new space, open since October, was really a blank canvas. It presented a unique opportunity to be able to build on the type of merchandise and style that had been created at Barrington Books. “It really is Barrington Books but reimagined for busy, young families,” says Jennifer on the new location. Barrington Books Retold definitely does offer the perfect one-stop visit for any kind of gift you’d need, with an incredibly attentive and knowledgeable staff. Special events are always happening at both Barrington Books locations, so check out the website to see what’s going on.
Barrington Books Retold 176 Hillside Road, Cranston 432-7222 BarringtonBooks.com
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May 2016 | Providence Monthly
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City Style |
Uno de 50 • Trollbeads • CrabTree & evelyn
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Providence Monthly | May 2016
By Julie Tremaine
Pins and Needles Finding inner balance through acupuncture So there I was,
laying on a cozy table, with 20 needles sticking out of my feet, my knees, my hands, my face. And all I could think was one thing: this is so cool. I had been curious about acupuncture, but I always found less stabby things to do with a spare hour. But since I completed All That Matters’ 40 Day Revolution in the fall, I’ve been more interested in mindfulness and natural health. So when I recently met Hadley Clark of Zenkai Acupuncture, the timing seemed right. That’s how I found myself with all of those tiny needles sticking out of me, simultaneously surprised that being a human pincushion didn’t cause me any pain at all and overtaken by a feeling of serenity. Acupuncture treats almost any ailment you can think of, whether it’s emotional or physical: it alleviates pain, reduces stress, improves headaches and arthritis, and countless other things. When I went for my first session, I wasn’t even really clear what I wanted to treat. After Hadley’s full battery of questions about my physical and mental state, we identified some specific things to work on first: a red-alert stress level, a drained spirit from some tough personal things, and a persistently cranky knee, probably from way too many long days in heels. Hadley placed a needle in the center of my head first, then my hands and feet, explaining that we needed a base level of energy balance in my body before we could treat specifics. Hadley comes from a Western medicine background. When she first heard of acupuncture, “I was
skeptical because it didn’t fit with my understanding of the world,” she says. But after seeing the benefits of acupuncture, she was intrigued. Now, she holds graduate degrees in Chinese and Japanese Acupuncture, and Chinese Herbal Medicine, as well as certifications in Reiki and Medical Qi Gong, and has been practicing for six years. Once the needles were in place, she left me to rest for a while, then came back to add needles to my knee to get the energy flowing properly in there. As she explained, “Acupuncture grows momentum. The results get better after several sessions. It’s like getting in shape.” So during the first session, I was excited by the newness of the treatment, and felt relaxed afterwards, but I didn’t feel any major long term alleviation. But after my second session, I felt completely different: relaxed and simultaneously energized, and with measurable reduction in my knee pain. I’m looking forward to seeing how I feel after a third, which I will definitely be doing soon. “I love the science, the art and the holistic philosophy of Chinese medicine,” Hadley says. “Working with clients to overcome health issues that have been stopping them from living the life they want is incredibly rewarding.”
Zenkai Acupuncture 2 Richmond Square, #205 Providence 318-8399 ZenkaiAcupuncture.com
Illustration by Lia Marcoux
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Parkside Rotisserie and Bar 76 South Main Street • Providence, RI 02903 • 401.331.0003
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Feast
IN THE KITCHEN / oN THE mENu / rEvIEw / IN THE drINK
Whet Your Appetite
Photography by Stacey Doyle
Providence, Johnston, Cranston. These are the state’s go-to cities for Italian cuisine. regardless of the excitement around new restaurants, the hungry faithful return time and time again to established favorites. Turn the page to read all about one of them: Pat’s Italian restaurant.
Pasta Miscuglio from Pat’s Italian Restaurant
May 2016 | Providence Monthly
47
Feast |
review
By Stephanie Obodda
Ciao Italia
old world classics meet new world favorites at Pat’s Italian restaurant
Veal Christine
a fantasy version of the mozzarella sticks of our childhood, giant and fresh. Both appetizers were served with a saucer of Pat’s signature tomato basil sauce. The Polpette ($8.95), a special, featured three giant meatballs swimming in sauce with a dollop of Narragansett Creamery ricotta. The meatballs were airy, as if whipped, with a soft, velvety texture. Pat’s famous tomato basil sauce enhanced all three of these appetizers. Once named “Best Sauce in Rhode Island” by readers of the Providence Journal, it is light and uniform with a hint of sweetness. This lightness was appreciated; we must have had a jarful with our appetizers alone! To drink, we shared one bottle, and then another, of the Sensi Cupido Sangiovese ($27). It was dry and smooth, able to cut through rich food. Pat’s entrees come with a choice of soup or salad. The rest of my table chose the salad with creamy Parmesan peppercorn dressing. I tried the
RI Calamari
chicken soup, a traditional version with plenty of small Acini di Pepetype pasta. For my main, I ordered the Vitello alla Sorrento ($21.95), a breaded veal
cutlet topped with mozzarella, ricotta and breaded eggplant, served in sauce. The size of this dish was impressive, the cutlet pounded to the size of a dinner plate. My husband’s Inferno di Pollo del David ($19.95) had plenty of character. The large chicken breast was topped with prosciutto, tomato, fresh mozzarella and scattered with hot pepper rings. One of our friends had the Cotoletta di Pollo Parmigiana ($16.95), which you probably know as chicken Parmesan. This, too, was served with melted mozzarella and tomato-basil sauce. These three entrees came with a choice of pasta, potato or vegetable. I recommend upgrading to one of the homemade pastas ($1.95 surcharge): radiatore, bucatini, rigatoni and pappardelle. I loved my radiatore, which were playfully large, almost the size of ping-pong balls. This quirky pasta shape is named after a radiator. Just like a radiator’s folds increase surface area to provide more heat, the squiggles of this pasta increase surface
ONE MORE BITE: Feeding a crowd? Pat’s can cater events with trays of your favorite entrees, like eggplant lasagna, chicken marsala and veal parmigiana. 48
Providence Monthly | May 2016
Photography by Stacey Doyle
Our stomachs were grumbling as we pulled up to Pat’s, which is a good way to begin an evening of serious sampling. Pat’s strip-mall location may be unimpressive, but as we entered, we were soothed by the comfortable, nicely-decorated and surprisingly spacious interior. Pat’s has expanded to take up the entire strip mall, making room for not only plenty of dining tables and booths, but also a lounge with a large bar and lower seating area, as well as a banquet room which seats over 50 people. Though the parking lot was full on a Friday night, we only waited a few minutes to be seated. As we ordered appetizers, I eagerly attacked the bread basket and could have eaten a loaf of the wholegrain bread myself. It was just a delicious, old-style slice. The Arancini ($7.95) were served four to a plate. I liked that these fried rice balls had plenty of cheese and incorporated fresh spinach in place of peas. The Mozzarella triangles ($7.95), also an order of four, were
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Inferno di Pollo del David
area to soak up more sauce. Both my husband and our friend chose the pappardelle. It arrived on a platter, family-style, with a huge scoop. Our fourth dining companion had a pasta dish for her entree. The Butternut Squash Ravioli ($17.95), a firsttime special, were not only filled with butternut squash, but also had squash in the dough. The brilliantly orange ravioli were tossed with slices of grilled chicken breast. She was happy with her choice, and jealous glances from nearby tables told me this special might make a repeat appearance. We shared two desserts. Our Spumoni ($4.95) was a classic version of the layered ice cream treat made with chocolate, pistachio and cherry ice cream, drizzled with melba sauce. The Mud Pie ($7.95) had a chocolate crust filled with coffee
and chocolate ice cream, topped with milk chocolate. We enjoyed these with cappuccino ($4) and coffees ($2, free refills). Our young server, who was exceptionally attentive, was a highlight of our experience. We also appreciated the restaurant’s commitment to source local ingredients, including meat. Pat’s Italian’s tagline is “nobody leaves this kitchen hungry,” and they certainly deliver on that promise. Not only did we leave full, but carrying bags of leftovers.
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Feast | Thinking of Selling This Spring? Planning Works. Our Team Works. We Love What We Do!
on the menu
By Grace Lentini
Kindness Through Coffee Gifting your favorite cup of joe is more than cool beans Coffee is the ultimate equalizer.
David Hasslinger
401.465.8625
B eth Mazor
508.878.3929
We give it as gifts, accept it as peace offerings, pour over it in times of distress and take in all its glory in moments of joy. There are coffee runs, coffee breaks and coffee dates. You can even engage your social conscience by only drinking locally roasted, fair trade coffee from third wave shops or forego it and get it extra extra. However, something seems to be missing, almost as if it’s on the tip of our tongue, or perhaps our fingertips. It seems the evolution of any movement must be digital, and coffee is no exception. In an effort to move coffee forward – as well as our interaction with it – Warwick entrepreneur Paul Haun of local startup Kaneland just launched Nack. “Every morning I would pick up a coffee on my way to work. The thought of buying a cup for a co-worker, secretary or even a client would always pass through my mind,” Paul says. “However, not knowing how they liked their coffee, or if they already grabbed a cup for themselves, it was always difficult to turn this thought into action. I soon came to see these disconnects as missed opportunities to share simple acts of kindness. I started to think about an app that could enable anyone to express their knack for kindness and forever change and enhance the social experience around coffee.”
Entrepreneur Paul Haun created the Nack app so you can gift coffee
Nack is an app where anyone can gift a cup of coffee to anyone else. Imagine gifting a cup to your bestie on their birthday. Owe your coworker a few bucks? Gift them a cup of their favorite joe. Want to give back to the community you live in? Gift a cup of coffee to a specific café. Need to sweeten a deal? You get the point. It all works through PayPal, so it’s legit, quick and delish. The user easily and safely deposits money from their PayPal account to the recipients. “A free cup of coffee will bring a smile to your
face and maybe even turn your day around. Coffee is a perfect gift in that it is relatively inexpensive and most people drink at least one cup a day,” says Paul. “Every now and then, I used to buy a cup for the person behind me in the drive-thru. Now with an app like Nack, mobile technology makes it even easier to share some positivity with friends and even strangers instantly from wherever you are. Hopefully, those receiving coffee will be inspired to pay-it-forward and buy a cup for someone else.” GetNack.com
local food isn’t affordable. A few examples of questionable items are honey and corn. EcoRI News co-founder and Executive Director Joanna Detz explains that, “In our reporting, we’ve uncovered that some local honey isn’t really local. Some honey producers repackage honey from as far away as North Dakota or even Argentina and Brazil and pass it off as local. GMO’s are also of concern. “Consumers concerned about GMO’s may be getting GMO corn when they shop at a farmer’s market. This GMO corn reduces the need for spraying pesticides because of an insect-killing protein produced in the kernels,” Joanna says. As to what we as consumers can do, just ask a lot of questions. She recommends talking to farmers and asking what farming methods they use. Ask what your
farmer’s market manager does in order to ensure that farmers are actually selling what they say they are selling. Also, know your growing season. If you see “local” farmer’s market strawberries in September, chances are, they’re not local. May 18. 5:30-8pm. Tickets are $5 for students, $10 general admission. 115 Empire Street. EcoRI.org
Rebecca Mayer
401.447.8040
50
Providence Monthly | May 2016
Photography (Top) by Mike Braca
Is Our Local Food Really Local You shop local, think local and eat local. But is it enough? Believe it or not there’s yet another level to be concerned with when it comes to what we put in our bodies. While most of what is purchased at farmer’s markets or specialty shops is surely local, made with care, concern and a commitment to correct labeling, there are those few bad eggs that have to go and ruin it for the rest. Ruining it to the point where EcoRI is doing something about it. On May 18, they’re hosting the inaugural Happy Hour Speaker Series: The Dark Side of Local Food with a panel of experts. The panel will address questions ranging from how consumers can know what they’re buying is truly local, how to define local food and is local food better for the environment to who is left out if
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Providence Monthly | May 2016
Feast |
In the Kitchen
By Nick Staab
Couples Stay Together at
Dough Nut
Chef Christie Flanagan highlights NY-style crust Spacious Apartments • Chef-Prepared Meals • Housekeeping 24-Hour Licensed Care & Assistance • Scheduled Transportation
Our personalized levels of care and assistance meet each spouse’s needs while promoting independence, making Blackstone Boulevard perfect for couples to safely live – and thrive – together. Napolitano’s is taste of Brooklyn on Federal Hill
Have you ever tried to give a pizza recommendation to a New York transplant in Providence? It’s nearly impossible. They all have harsh critiques and faraway nostalgia for the “perfect slice” back home. But no more, folks – we have a legit New York-style pizzeria on Atwells Ave. Chef Christie Flanagan of Napolitano’s Brooklyn Pizza tells us how this iconic pizza is done right.
Photography by Mike Braca
Tell me about the distinctive qualities of New York-style pizza. You have to have the right crust to start. It can’t be soft; it can’t be dry. It has to have the right consistency to hold its shape, so when you pick up the slice it doesn’t flop down. And it must be chewy with a little bit of crisp. After that, the mozzarella cheese, which is basic. A lot of places around here use different cheeses on their pizzas, like cheddar. I think most New Yorkers would die a little if they saw cheddar cheese on a pizza. We don’t mix and match here. If you want to sprinkle parmesan on your slice after the fact, that’s your decision. But it’s mozzarella – that’s it. If you had to choose one, what’s your favorite slice of pizza? Cheese. Three key ingredients: cheese, tomato sauce and dough. If you can’t make cheese pizza, you can’t make pizza at all. A lot of places will throw weird ingredients on a slice to make it taste good, but for me, if you want to eat pizza, you have to order a slice of cheese first. If that tastes amazing, you know the rest of the pizza is great, too. You have to have a good base and then build off it. How do New Yorkers eat pizza? You have to fold it. Crust-to-crust; not crust-to-point. It’s the easiest way to eat
a slice. When you pick it up and fold it (if you have a good piece), it’s not going to flop down at the tip. It’ll maintain a nice structure and then you can walk around, get on the subway, read the paper and you’re on your way. I don’t know why New Englanders have trouble with that concept. I’ve had plenty come in here and fold the pizza the wrong way. New Yorkers will try to school them on how to eat a slice the right way. It’s pretty funny. What’s another must-try on the menu? I’d say the homemade gravy with the meatballs and sausages. It was a staple every Sunday at my house when I was a kid. You could smell it cooking in the morning and knew around two or three o’clock you were going to sit down and have some type of macaroni or ravioli with meatballs. We make the sausages in-house; it gives the gravy a really nice flavor.
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What’s the type of feedback you like to see from area pizza lovers? My favorite is serving another New Yorker a slice, especially when they haven’t had it in years. He or she will come in and look around, like, “is this for real? I don’t believe you.” Believe me, this is the real thing! Then they take the first bite and they’re like “Oh my God, it’s been so long.” Sometimes it’ll be ten, 20 even 40 years since they had a New York-style pizza. So that’s great to watch.
BREAKFAST • LUNCH • CATERING Napolitano’s Brooklyn Pizza Locations in Cranston and Providence NapolitanosBrooklynPizza.com
1345 Hartford Avenue Johnston 282-OSSC (6772)
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sandwichri.com • oceanstatesandwich@gmail.com May 2016 | Providence Monthly
53
Feast | In the drink
I Cuore (E) Mom
By Emily Dietsch
Island Vibes
Ten rocks captures Cape verde in a martini
At GAllery Z 259 Atwells Avenue, Federal Hill, Providence • www.dreamyvenice.com
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Ten Rocks infuses Cape Verdean rum into delicious cocktails
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joint just over the Providence border in Pawtucket, a Cape Verdean-inspired tapas bar called Ten Rocks is quietly flipping a lot of scripts. It’s a bit more upscale than what its neighborhood was used to, for one, after transforming a dingy nook into something brighter and finer. Second, it’s mainstreaming Cape Verdean culture in a place that still bears its very blue collar, very blue-plate-special roots. And, last but not least, it’s garnered the first endorsement of a flavored martini that this column has ever put on record. Let’s pause while that sinks in. Some background: Most cocktail enthusiasts and, ahem, booze columnists wince at “martinis” that bedazzle the drink’s classic formula of gin or CMYK / .eps
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Providence Monthly | May 2016
vodka, vermouth and bitters. (See for reference: Chocolate-tini) The proper reaction is almost always a shudder – and yet, somehow, Ten Rocks serves up a tamarind rum-based version that totally charms. Named for Brava, one of the ten Cape Verdean Islands where tamarind grows wild, the cocktail is a heady mix of sweet, sour and a little sticky. Ginger and lemon keep it this side of treacly, and the homage to home is hard to resist. Even hardened-liver, hard-nosed critics can be swayed, it seems.
Brava Serves one The anchor of this cocktail is a tamarind ponche, made by infusing the region’s local rum (called grogue), with tamarind. Plenty of DIY recipes float on the internet, but charisma and a good tip might buy you some in a pinch. Or, you could sidle up to the bar at Ten Rocks any night of the week but Monday, and enjoy their handiwork.
Ten Rocks 1091 Main Street, Pawtucket 728-0800 • 1.5 oz tamarind ponche • .5 oz vodka, plain • .5 oz orange-flavored vodka • Splash of ginger liqueur • Squeeze of lemon Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass, then garnish with lemon. Ten Rocks uses a wedge, but a thin strip of peel would work nicely, too.
Photography by Brian DeMello
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RHODY BITES A Sponsored Statewide Dining Guide
view our full restaurant Profiles on RhodyBites.com
What Cheer Tavern & Taqueria A landmark in Providence’s bar scene is reinventing Mexican food for foodies everywhere. The new menu features classics like Queso Fundido, tortilla chips with melted cheese, but takes them up a notch with poblano peppers, nopales and chorizo verde. The new menu also has completely unique concoctions like the Mexicali Ramen. It’s an innovative dish of noodles, broth, chicken, cabbage, avocado, cilantro, onion and jalapeño that
A beer lover’s dream, now with tacos, at What Cheer Tavern & Taqueria
only a mad scientist could have come up with. While the food menu is awe-inspiring, What Cheer Tavern & Taqueria is just that, a tavern. As always the bar features some Rhode Island-made beers like Proclamation Tendril on tap along with national crowd pleasers like Maine Beer and Co. What Cheer is a safe haven for foodies and bar hoppers all over Rhode Island with reasonable prices and a phenomenal staff.
Insider Tip: Don’t know your brews? Sample a beer before committing to a glass, so there’s no guess and check.
228 New York Ave, Providence • 680-7639 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 $-$$ Besos Kitchen & Cocktails Tapas and eclectic cuisine and cocktails. 378 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-8855. BrLD $$$
Photography by Mike Braca
Bistro 22 New American rustic cuisine in Garden City. 22 Midway Rd, Cranston, 383-6400. LD $-$$ Black Bass Grille Classic seafood, historic waterfront setting. 3 Water St, South Dartmouth, MA, 508-9996975. LD $$ Blend Café Modern Latin-American infused fare. 745 Reservoir Ave, Cranston, 270-5533. BBrLD $-$$
Bluefin Grille at the Providence Marriott Downtown Seasonal and sustainable seafood in an elegant atmosphere. 1 Orms St, Providence, 272-5852. LD $-$$ Breachway Grill Classic New England fare, plus NY-style pizza. 1 Charlestown Beach Rd, Charlestown, 213-6615. LD $$ Café Nuovo Contemporary New World cuisine. 1 Citizens Plz, Providence, 4212525. LD $-$$$
S County Tr, Exeter, 295-5559. BrLD $-$$$
casual setting. 345 S. Water St, Providence, 621-8888. BBrLD $$
Centro Restaurant & Lounge Contemporary cuisine and cocktails. 1 W Exchange St, Providence, 228-6802. BLD $$$
DeWolf Tavern Gourmet American/ Indian fusion. 259 Thames St, Bristol, 254-2005. BLD $$-$$$
Champlins Seafood Dockside fresh seafood serving easy breezy cocktails. 256 Great Island Rd, Narragansett, 783-3152. LD $-$$
The Dorrance Fine dining with exquisite cocktails. 60 Dorrance St, Providence, 521-6000. D $$$ Eleven Forty Nine City sophistication in the suburbs. 1149 Division St, Warwick, 884-1149. LD $$$
Capriccio Upscale international food with a northern Italian/Mediterranean accent. 2 Pine St, Providence, 421-1320. LD $-$$$
Chez Pascal/The Wurst Kitchen Seasonal farm-to-table cuisine with a French accent. House made sausages, hot dogs and accoutrements. 960 Hope St, Providence, 421-4422. LD $-$$$
Carriage Inn & Saloon Regional comfort food accompanied by a whiskey bar. 1065 Tower Hill Rd, North Kingstown, 294-8466. D $-$$
Chapel Grille Gourmet food overlooking the Providence skyline. 3000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, 944-4900. BrLD $$$
CAV Eclectic cuisine and art in an historic setting. 14 Imperial Place, Providence, 751-9164. BrLD $$-$$$
Circe Restaurant & Bar South Beach meets New England seafood favorites. 50 Weybosset St, Providence, 4378991. BRLD $-$$$
Fresco Italian American comfort food with international inspirations. 301 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-0027; 140 Comstock Pkwy, Cranston, 2283901. D $-$$
Clean Plate Delicious comfort food in a
George’s of Galilee Fresh caught
Celestial Café Organic farm-to-table fine dining. Oak Harbor Village, 567
Ella’s Fine Food & Drink Elegant dining meets international cuisine. 2 Tower St, Westerly, 315-0606. D $-$$$ Flatbread Company Artisanal pizza, local ingredients. 161 Cushing St, Providence, 273-2737. LD $-$$
Key: B breakfast Br brunch L lunch d dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
May 2016 | Providence Monthly
55
RHODY BITES Continued
Harry’s Bar & Burger Handcrafted sliders, brews and pub games. 121 N Main St, Providence, 228-7437; 301 Atwells Ave, 228-3336. LD $-$$ Haruki Japanese cuisine and a la carte selections with casual ambiance. 1210 Oaklawn Ave, Cranston, 463-8338; 172 Wayland Ave, Providence, 223-0332; 112 Waterman St, Providence, 4210754. LD $-$$
Maharaja Indian Restaurant Indian cuisine and traditional curries in a warm setting. 1 Beach St, Narragansett, 3639988. LD $-$$ Malted Barley American craft beer, gourmet pretzels and creative sandwiches in downtown Westerly. 42 High St, Westerly, 315-2184; 334 Westminster St, Providence, 4900300. LD $$ McBride’s Pub Traditional Irish pub fare in Wayland Square. 161 Wayland Ave, Providence, 751-3000. LD $$
Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House Classic clam shack fare, plus famous doughboys. 889 Oakland Beach Ave, Warwick, 737-9459; 1157 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 783-5608. LD $
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steak Mixed grill selections and signature fish dishes sourced locally and seasonally. 11 Dorrance St, Providence, 351-4500. BLD $$-$$$
Iron Works Tavern A wide variety of signature American dishes in the historic Thomas Jefferson Hill Mill. 697 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, 739-5111. LD $-$$$
Mia’s Prime Time Café Upscale café cuisine by the Pawcatuck River. 1 West Broad St, Pawcatuck, CT, 860-599-3840. BLD $$
Jacky’s Galaxie Local Pan-Asian chain offering sushi and classic entrees in a modern atmosphere. Locations in Providence, North Providence, Bristol and Cumberland, jackysgalaxie.com. LD $-$$$ Jigger’s Diner Classic ‘50s diner serving breakfast all day. 145 Main St, East Greenwich, 884-6060. BL $-$$ Julian’s A must-taste Providence staple celebrating 20 years. 318 Broadway, Providence, 861-1770. BBrLD $$ Kartabar Mediterranean-style cuisine, chic setting. 284 Thayer St, Providence, 331-8111. LD $-$$ KitchenBar Contemporary comfort cuisine. 771 Hope St, Providence, 3314100. BrLD $$ Laurel Lane Country Club Upscale pub cuisine overlooking a picturesque golf course. 309 Laurel Ln, West Kingston, 783-3844. 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 $
natural steaks and handcrafted cocktails. 1200 Hartford Ave, Johnston, 2731444. LD $-$$$ Phil’s Main Street Grille Classic comfort food; great rooftop patio. 323 Main St, Wakefield, 783-4073. BBrLD $ Pho Horn’s Fresh authentic Vietnamese dishes in a colorful setting. 50 Ann Mary St #403, Pawtucket, 365-6278. LD $-$$
Providence Monthly | May 2016
Pizzico Diverse Italian and fusion cuisine in a rustic yet eclectic atmosphere. 762 Hope St, Providence, 421-4114; 308 County Rd, Barrington, 247-0303. LD $-$$$ Providence Coal Fired Pizza Old world coal-fired pizzas, appetizers and
Worth The Drive:
Mill’s Tavern Historic setting for New American gourmet. 101 N Main St, Providence, 272-3331. D $$$ Napolitano’s Brooklyn Pizza Classic Italian fare and traditional New Yorkstyle pizzas. 100 East St, Cranston, 383-7722; 380 Atwells Ave, Providence, 273-2400. LD $-$$ Nordic Lodge Surf and turf buffet selections perfect for family gatherings. 178 E Pasquisett Trl, Charlestown, 7834515. LD $$$ Ocean State Sandwich Company Craft sandwiches and hearty sides. 1345 Hartford Ave, Johnston. 155 Westminster St, Providence, 282-6772. BL $-$$ The Olive Tap Extra virgin olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars and gourmet food and gift selections. 485 Angell St, Providence, 272-8200. $$-$$$ Opa the Phoenician Authentic Lebanese food served in a fun atmosphere with hookahs. 230 Atwells Ave, Providence, 351-8282. D $-$$$ Parkside Rotisserie & Bar American bistro specializing in rotisserie meats. 76 South Main St, Providence, 3310003. LD $-$$ Pat’s Italian Fine Italian favorites,
Neighborhood seafood favorites abound at The Black Bass Grille
The Black Bass Grille Black Bass Grille is a gem hidden away in a cozy little corner of South Dartmouth overlooking the water. With fresh-off-the-grille steaks and freshout-of-the-ocean seafood, you could want for nothing in this small Padanaram Village restaurant. Enjoy classic New England dishes like crab cakes and lobster rolls or explore the more adventurous side of the menu with a mix of Portuguese and Italian flair. Try
their Arancini, an Italian tradition of fried risotto balls with an ever changing mix of ingredients that is worth asking your server about. They even serve brick oven pizza with artisanal level ingredients like their Great Hill Fig Pizza featuring sliced figs, Great Hill blue cheese, caramelized onions and mozzarella. With a wide arrangement of salads and burgers there is something for every picky eater in your family.
Can’t miss dish: The Black Bass Burger, which is gaining reputation as one of the best burgers in the area by both locals and tourists, with a 1/2 Pound Black Angus Burger, crispy fried onions, cheddar cheese, creole mayo, lettuce, tomato and onion all served on a fresh roll.
3 Water St, South Dartmouth • 508-999-6975
For full restaurant profiles, go to RhodyBites.com
56
Pizza J A fun, upbeat atmosphere with thin crust pizza, pub fare and glutenfree options. 967 Westminster St, Providence, 632-0555. LD $-$$
Photography by Force 4 Photography
seafood in an upscale pub atmosphere. 250 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett, 783-2306. LD $-$$
entrees made from scratch. 385 Westminster St, Providence, 4547499; 6105 Post Rd, North Kingstown, 885-7499. LD $-$$ Public Kitchen & Bar American food with changing daily inspirations. 120 Francis St, Providence, 919-5050. BrLD $-$$ Rasa Authentic and contemporary Indian. 149 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2822. LD $$
The Best Noodle Soup in Town
Putnam Pk, Smithfield, 349-3888. LD $-$$$ Tavolo Wine Bar and Tuscan Grille Classic Italian cuisine with an extensive wine and beer list. 970 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, 349-4979. LD $-$$ Ten Rocks Tapas Bar Cape Verdean- inspired small plates, handcrafted cocktails and frequent live music. 1091 Main St, Pawtucket, 728-0800. BrLD $-$$
50 Ann Mary Street, Pawtucket (Off N. Main in Job Lot plaza) 365-6278 • phohorns.com
Rasoi Vegetarian-friendly Indian cuisine . 727 East Ave, Pawtucket, 7285500. LD $$
The Coast Guard House Modern New England fare with Bay views. 40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett. 789-0700. LD $$-$$$
Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 437-6950; 455 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2900. BrLD $$
Theatre 82 & Cafe Hybrid art space with all day breakfast, coffee and theatre-inspired entrees. 82 Rolfe Sq, Cranston. 490-9475 BL $
40
Rick’s Roadhouse House-smoked barbecue. 370 Richmond St, Providence, 272-7675. LD $-$$
Tortilla Flats Fresh Mexican, Cajun and Southwestern fare, cocktails and over 70 tequilas. 355 Hope St, Providence, 751-6777. LD $-$$
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Roberto’s Italian fine dining and large wine selection in the scenic East Bay. 450 Hope St, Bristol, 254-9732. D $$$$$ Sa-Tang Fine Thai and Asian fusion cuisine with gluten-free selections. 402 Main St, Wakefield, 284-4220. LD $-$$ Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich, Smithfield, 521-3311. D $$-$$$ Simone’s Gourmet brunch followed by upscale Mediterranean cuisine. 275 Child St, Warren, 247-1200. BBrLD $$-$$$ Sophia’s Tuscan Grille BYOB eatery with classic Tuscan dishes and homemade desserts. 1729 Warwick Ave, Warwick, 732-6656. BLD $-$$$
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Trattoria Del Mare Traditional Italian cuisine with a focus on seafood in an elegant yet relaxing atmosphere. 145 Spruce St, Providence, 273-7070. LD $$-$$$
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Vanuatu Coffee Roasters Artisancrafted, single origin coffee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches. 294 Atwells Ave, Providence, 273-1586. BL $-$$ The Village Casual dining and live entertainment. 373 Richmond St, Providence, 228-7222. BrLD $$
T’s Restaurant Plentiful breakfast and lunch. Locations in Cranston, East Greenwich, Narragansett, 946-5900. BL $
Wes’ Rib House Missouri-style barbecue, open late. 38 Dike St, Providence, 421-9090. LD $$
Taullulah on Thames Farm-driven, a la carte and prix fixe menus in a simply decorated setting. 464 Thames St, Newport, 849-2433. BrD $$$
What Cheer Tavern & Taqueria Neighborhood gastropub, taqueria and beer garden. 228 New York Ave, Providence, 680-7639. D $-$$
Tavern by the Sea Waterfront European/American bistro. 16 W Main St, Wickford, 294-5771. LD $$
Whiskey Republic Delicious dockside pub fare. 515 South Water St, Providence, 588-5158. LD $-$$
Tavern on the Water A fusion of Portuguese and French cuisine in an upscale American atmosphere. 743
XO Cafe Creative cocktails and New American fare. 125 N Main St, Providence, 273-9090. BrD $$
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EVENTS / ART / MUSIC / THEATRE
Huh... Peter doesn’t sound bald. See the cast of NPR’s news quiz live this month at PPAC.
Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! 1.
Photo courtesy of Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me
May 12: The NPR news quiz comes to PPAC, bringing along host Peter Sagal and friends as they crack wise about the week’s headlines. Test your own knowledge and public radio wit through Lightning Fill in the Blank, Limerick Challenges and other games you all know and love. 7:30pm. 220 Weybosset Street. 421-2787, PPACRI.org
2.
May 1-29: The Gamm Theatre marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death with The Winter’s Tale. King Leontes imprisons his wife, banishes his daughter and tries to murder a lifelong friend, reassuring audiences that though their family might be crazy, it isn’t Shakespeare crazy. 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket. 7234266, GammTheatre.org
3.
May 13: Friday the 13 gets extra spooky this month as Vudu Sister drops their newest album, Mortis Nervosa, at the Columbus Theatre. Brace yourself for an evening of haunting gothic folk from Keith McCurdy and friends, as well as acoustic performances from Bloodpheasant and Pixels. 8pm. 270 Broadway. 621-9660. ColumbusTheatre.com
4.
May 15: Put on your highest heels and do your makeup for Guys as Dolls Drag Extravaganza at Comedy Connection. This 90-minute show is full of costume changes, sparkle and glam. Come say hi to Sabrina Blaze, Ladiva Jonz and Haley Star. 7pm. 39 Warren Avenue, East Providence. 438-8383, RIComedyConnection.com
5.
May 21: The Providence Artisans Market is back, just in time for opening day of the Hope Street Farmers Market. The market offers paintings, ceramics, jewelry, glass, vintage and much more, doing for your aestehtic what the farmer’s market does for your fridge. There is definitely something for everyone. 1015 Hope Street. Facebook.com/PVDArtisansMarket
May 2016 | Providence Monthly
59
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Calendar
By Katlynn Grenier & Mollie Stackhouse
May
May 7: Okay, so technically it’s Siete de Mayo, but a party’s a party so we’re not about to split hairs. Head down to downcity for their annual Cinco de Mayo Block Party, featuring a fleet of food trucks, a bar at Grant’s Block and the Rock ’n Roll Yard Sale. Free. 11am-6pm. Westminster from Dorrance to Mathewson. InDowncity.com May 7: Ocean State Theatre Company is thrilled to announce the return of LuckyBob. This magician/juggler/comedian will give you a night of awe and laughs. The show is fun for everyone as he interacts with the audience and incorporates children and adults. He juggles, reads minds and makes things vanish. Is there anything he can’t do? 11:30am. 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick. 9216800, OceanStateTheatre.org May 8: Do the little ones want to make something for Mother’s Day? Bring them to the Providence Children’s Museum for Mother’s Day Bead Making. Sculpt your own beads from clay, paper and other materials and use them to make necklaces and keychains. Admission is free for mom and grandma. 100 South Street. 2735437, ChildrenMuseum.org
May 8: It’s time to treat your mom and Celebrate Mother’s Day with Tea at Lippitt House. Enjoy an afternoon with tea, sweet and savory delights, signature cocktails and a relaxing Jazz quartet led by James Scott Chowning. This event will give your mom a day to remember. 12:30 and 4pm. 199 Hope Street. 453-0688, LippittHouse.org May 11: It’s a beautiful time to walk amongst the flowers. The Spring Blooms Walking Tour at Swan Point Cemetery allows you to do just that. The guided tour that is offered will spotlight mid-spring blossoms in a historic garden cemetery. Find life on this tour. Free. 2pm. 585 Blackstone Boulevard. Reservations at 272-1314 or anitav@swanpoint1846.com May 11: Lupo’s gets loud as it welcomes Eagles of Death Metal back to PVD. Bang your head and rock out, but don’t let the name fool you. These dudes aren’t here to scare you, they’re here to get you to party. 8pm. 79 Washington Street. Lupos.com May 12-31: Connected and communicating, As One and Many by Shari Weschler Rubeck looks at how we have communicated collectively and individually in the past and how we will in the future. These paintings are filled with draping imagery that symbolizes a veil that is being covered or lifted. How has technology affected the way we communicate face to face? 999 Main Street, Unit 105, Pawtucket. 533-8825, CanditaClaytonGallery.com May 14: The Urban Pond Procession is a growing event that takes place
May 12: Want an event that has it all? Come to the Sweet Little Variety Show where there are musicians, comedians and more. This monthly show promotes local artists as a feminist, anti-racist, queer-positive and body-positive cabaret. Featured this month are Lara Herscovitch, Reece Cotton, Bernard Morton and Host, Nicool. This event is 18+ unless attended by an adult. 8pm. 276 Westminster Street. 272-5723, AuroraProvidence.com
each year to celebrate and cultivate public interest in the health of the Lower Pawtuxet River Watershed. The Procession goes through neighborhoods around Mashapaug Pond and Roger Williams Park. There will be food, music, environmental health updates and art from local artists and youth. UPPArts.org May 18-31: Catechism classes are not considered to be fun, but with Trinity Rep’s Late Nite Catechism your perspective might change. This interactive hit comedy will bring back memories to anyone who went to school with an all-seeing nun. 201 Washington Street. 351-4242, TrinityRep.com
May 15: For the first time in nearly two decades, the Chorus of Westerly will be performing in Providence. Guest conductor Maestro David Hill will lead a stirring performance of Verdi Requiem as the chorus takes the stage at The Vets. Use the code PM20 at checkout for 20% off tickets. 2:30pm. One Avenue of the Arts. TheVetsRI.com May 15: Calling all runners and walkers. The Kids Klub Fundraiser is holding its Klub House Rock! 5k. Along with the run there will be face painting, games, a raffle and other fun activities. All of the proceeds go to The Kids Klub Fund to provide students with tuition
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE For an up-to-date statewide calendar and to submit your own listings visit ProvidenceOnline.com 60
Providence Monthly | May 2016
Photography by Mike Braca
May 1-22: Anything goes at Ocean State Theatre Company, that includes their production of Anything Goes. Set aboard the ocean liner S.S. American with nightclub singer and evangelist Reno Sweeney and her friend Billy Crocker, who stowed away to be with his sweetheart, Hope Harcourt. Unfortunately, Hope is engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh so things don’t go exactly according to plan. 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick. 9216800, OceanStateTheatre.org
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Calendar
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scholarships, field trips and educational enrichment programs. 8:30-11:30am. 1583 Hartford Avenue, Johnston. 7232277, KidsKlubRI.com May 17: Come see the magic of improvisation at Ryan Kowal’s Improvisation Extravaganza. Some of the Providence area’s best musical improvisers come together to create a unique and unforgettable performance. 9:30pm-1am. 115 Empire Street. 831-9327, AS220.org May 20: Cat Country 98.1 presents Stars with Guitars. In this event the musicians will all be on the stage at
the same time, laughing, telling stories and singing songs. The concert features stars like Trace Adkins, Jon Pardi, Lindsay Ell and Easton Corbin. 7:30pm. One Lasalle Square. 3316700, DunkinDonutsCenter.com
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May 21: You may know him as Agent Jack Bauer from 24 but this actor has more to give than his onscreen talents. With his debut album Down in a Hole, Kiefer Sutherland makes his way to The Met. Don’t miss your chance to see this actor/musician in person. 8pm. 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. 729-1005, TheMetRI.com
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Music
By Tony Pacitti
Ghost Songs Vudu Sister trades grunge for gothic folk
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Providence Monthly | May 2016
with Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark?” Vudu Sister’s Keith McCurdy asks me this early in a conversation that had already found itself wandering in and out of childhood reminiscing (he’s got an impressive collection of Super Nintendo carts). Of course I’m familiar with Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. What ‘90s brat isn’t? “Those original illustrations were so visceral,” he says, and I get chills just thinking about them. The black and white illustrations featured phantasms and horrors that often seemed like they’d be a better fit for a Hellraiser movie than a kid’s anthology, but therein lay the beauty of them. “I was flipping through it and looking at the titles of the stories and thought ‘some of these sound like cool song titles.’ I never write a song based on a title but sometimes it’s a fun exercise, so I decided to do that. Then it just got ahead of itself.” Mortis Nervosa might draw from a beloved piece of Gen X pop culture, but it completely abandons the grunge trappings of Vudu Sister’s 2013 rocker Household Items. Mortis Nervosa goes for straight folk with a sinister twist, sounding more like traditional ballads than even Vudu Sister’s debut, Bastard Children, which lands more in the orbit of Americana and folk revival. Populated by murderers and ghosts, Mortis plays like the horror anthology that inspired it, with beautiful string arrangements to compliment the dark, often grisly subject matter. Like a raspy-voiced stranger on a dark country road, Keith leads listeners from one macabre tale
to the next. Songs like “White Satin Evening Gown” and “He Heard Footsteps Coming Up the Cellar Stairs” – lots of dead children in that one – calls out to that part of us that will always be uncomfortable in our own basements or nervous about being home alone after dark. On the flip side, “Raven-haired Girl” and “Rings on Her Fingers” feel more indebted to Poe’s gothic tradition than the gorier spooks and horrors elsewhere on the record, though they certainly don’t lack for their own kind of sorrow. “Some of it’s gruesome,” Keith says. “But most of the material on this album is me trying to find disturbing themes and work with them in a way that’s beautiful. A lot of the subjects are disgusting, but [the songs] aren’t overtly disgusting. It’s trying to find the beauty in decay.” Vudu Sister will be releasing Mortis Nervosa at the Columbus Theatre on Friday, May 13 (of course). Joining them will be Pixels and Bloodpheasant, each performing acoustic sets which kind of blows my mind. In the meantime, you can stream “White Satin Evening Gown” from their website to get a taste of what you’re in for. Draw the curtains and light some candles, set your phone in the middle of an Ouija board and hit play… if you dare.
Vudu Sister VuduSister.com Mortis Nervosa release show Columbus Theatre May 13 8pm-12am
Photpgraphy by Tim Siekiera
Vudu Sister debuts Mortis Nervosa on Friday the 13 at the Columbus
May 2016 | Providence Monthly
63
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Chris Milko, Maret Bondorew and Asher Schofield create the quirky – and relevant – designs at Frog and Toad
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Providence Monthly | May 2016
E
forefront of the cultural discussion and the idea was to push that conversation around a little bit – this is actually such a thing now that we’re making greeting cards saying ‘Thank you for being my court-appointed attorney?’” Another recent Frog and Toad creation was a direct reaction to the atrocities happening in Flint, MI. There is nothing funny about the “Stand Up For Flint” patch, as there is nothing funny about what it represents. Instead, the image of a fist in the air is bold, strong and fearless. “One day as she’s wont to do, my wife and co-owner Erin said we need to do something about this – I don’t know what – but we need to do something for the people of Flint’,” explains Asher. “I brought the sentiment to work one day and immediately Chris said we should do a patch. We can use this voice that we have, this talent that we have, to do something that has some sort of tangible effect.” The patch itself sells for $5 and can be found at the store or online, with all of the proceeds sent directly to help the people of Flint. Asher even mailed one to Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. “Maybe this is something that somebody is wearing at their coffee shop and a conversation is started based on that,” considers Asher. “It’s like a tool, something to further the conversation to increase awareness. It’s been a really exciting new thing that we’ve done and it’s shown me this is something we can do again in the future.”
Frog and Toad Press 795 Hope Street 831-3434 FrogandToadStore.com
Photography by Tiffany Axtmann
Did you know that 2 out of 3 children living in poverty live in homes without books? You can help.
in bright colored curls over white cardstock. “I think it’s a good representation of MAY 1 – JUNE 10, 2016 our values and our humor,” expresses Mawww.LIVEUNITEDri.org ret Bondorew in reference to the greeting Book card. “I’m pretty proud of that one.” Collection Sites: Maret, Chris Milko and owner Asher Photo: David O’Connor Schofield are the collective creative force behind much of the amusing and ChildrensBookDrive_Ad3.indd 1 4/5/16 1:51 PM culturally relevant merchandise found at Frog and Toad. From slices of stationery that congratulate that special someone on their rap career, to pencils with the phrase “F*ck Yeah Rhode Island!” to politically minded patches urging people to “Stand Up For Flint,” all of these items Colds & Flu are conceived and executed with careful consideration by the aforementioned Minor Trauma trio under the name Frog and Toad Press. Sprains & Strains While Asher has designed for his shop since the beginning, it wasn’t until Maret joined the store almost two years ago that F&T Press was established. “She started working here and slowly over time I realized that somehow we had Workman’s Comp been delivered this amazing artist. We arExams rived with where we’re at now – having a studio and making our own merchandise Immunization – just by evolving with Maret and seeing DOT, School & Sports her work as an artist,” says Asher. Physicals Most – if not all – of the Frog and Toad Press line is light hearted in nature, but some items have a deeper meaning than what’s drawn on the surface. “We felt like appointments avaiLabLe foR tRaveL medicine something that was missing in the greeting card market was the mass incarceration niche,” says Asher while discussing a new collection of stationery that feature phrases like “Two words: Conjugal visit,” and “That judge totally had it out for you.” “Developing a line of cards that spoke Mon-Fri: 9am to 8pm to that community is relevant. [AmeriSat & Sun: 9am to 4pm ca] has such an issue that it’s at the
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BEAUTIFUL JEWELRY
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Cabral was cleaning his office. A collector as much as a teller of stories, histories and rich cross-cultural experiences, one can only imagine what treaIn this economy taking care of what sures such a space might hold, you own is money in the bank. ready to be uncovered at any For honest and expert repairs call, moment. email or stop by today In this particular moment, to book your appointment. Len recalls, two letters came Your car will run better. tumbling out from a portfolio. Courtesy drop-off to downtown. They were both from the late G E R M A N M O T O R S INC Senator Claiborne Pell, the adSales & Service vocate of education and arts whose legacy is honored each 879 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 401-272-4266 year by Trinity Repertory ComEmail us at: germanmotorshelp@gmail.com pany. Fitting, since Len was recently named one of the two Rhode Island Pell Award for ExProvidence Media 1 FREE cellence in the Arts recipients Spot ads: 2.125" xCLASS 2.875" to be feted at the 2016 gala, March 31,2016 held this month in Newport. With Len had met Pell on two occathiS Ad! sions: once when Len received April 1, 2016, East Side Monthly, May Issue the Jefferson Award, an award April 5, 2016, Bay Magazine, May issue honoring citizenship, and again April 8, 2016, Bay Magazine, May Issue when he emceed an event in honor of the Senator’s retirement. “I’m honored to receive the award,” over 25 years of experience Len says. “[Senator Pell] was a good inducted into Martial Arts hall of Fame man, and I was glad that he was from Training celebrities locally and nationally! Rhode Island. He was someone I could Sign up online For our Biggest Loser Session today brag about when I traveled around the rkblive.com • 272-KICK (5425) country.” 12 SunnySide Avenue, JohnSton It’s safe to say that many Rhode Is562 CASS Avenue, WoonSoCket landers feel the same way about Len. He’s a recognizable figure in the Providence arts scene – his decades-long storytelling career has gone hand in hand with his work for the Providence Inner City Arts Council (PICA), a nonprofit multi-cultural community organization he founded in 1971. Through PICA, the city has enjoyed festivals like the Florentine Faire, the Jazz City now accepting resumes for: series, two years of programming Editorial & Marketing internships at the now-shuttered Roots Cultural Center downtown and other projects that have borne Len’s stamp. “It feeds my soul, on a personal level,” Len says when asked about what makes the arts so important. And Send reSume TO what about the arts in Providence Grace@providenceonline.com and in Rhode Island, the place he calls
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Providence Monthly | May 2016
them that other types of people, and that other paths, exist apart from the majority. From a young age, he realized the importance of storytelling in this mission – he found that he was most interested in classes where teachers approached education with a storytelling bent. He would go on to reflect that philosophy in his own teaching, whether with PICA, throughout the state in his own performances, or in his work as an early childhood educator (“On a wing, I took this job at a daycare center, and I was in charge of 15 five-year-olds. That’ll make you a storyteller”). With a resonant voice, an open, expressive face that’s easy to break into a warm smile, you can see that Len makes the ideal teacher. To see him on stage is to become enrapLen Cabral believes in celebrating diversity, and that the modern world tured with whatever story he’s can still learn from folklore spinning – he prefers folklore, fairytales, myths and the like. It home? “There’s so much diversity in seems impossible to not connect. And Rhode Island. It should be highlighted, that’s what he’s hoping for, he says. but we don’t talk about it,” he says. That despite the disconnect of the For Len, advocating for the arts – for modern world, and despite the bubthe value of showcasing and reveling bles that we impose upon ourselves, in the human experience in all its fac- that we’ll be able to learn how to listen ets – is advocating for diversity in the – and that we’ll all be better for it. arts. An African-American whose own “We’re all connected through these cultural heritage reaches back on both stories. People have been telling them sides to the Cape Verdean islands, this since the beginning of time. Before is a deeply felt responsibility. people knew how to write, they told “It’s discouraging to see the lack of stories,” he says. “Many of the themes diversity in Rhode Island in the arts, in the stories are share, be kind, take in education and in business. This is care of the environment, take care of my home,” he says. “You walk through each other, be helpful, don’t be greedy. downtown, and you’re like, where are Don’t be a bully. All these things are the people of color? Where are the right there in folklore from years gone black professionals? Where are the by. I feel a lot of the answers to toblack artists? It’s not inviting. The day’s problems are in these folktales places I go into, it’s [often] just me and that people have been telling since the a cup of coffee.” beginning of time.” An integral part of changing that, Len says, is to actively encourage the celebration of our differences. He feels that it’s our duty to expose our young people to as many experiences and stories as we can find – to show LenCabral.com
Len Cabral
Photography by José Navarro-Robles
Pell Award recipient Len Cabral on diversity and the importance of storytelling
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Savor Providence By Cameron Bryce and Grace Lentini
Much More Than Fourth Meal Nothing says comfort and deliciousness better than Mexican food. From tacos to nachos, salads to rice dishes, we tasted the gamut of Mexican specialties. With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, there’s no time like the present to dig in.
Crispy, Crunchy Comfort
More Than A Side
What was once just a food truck, Paco’s Tacos now has a brick and mortar restaurant and another food truck on the way. After sampling their crispy taco, it’s pretty clear why they’ve expanded. The heavenly crunch of the taco never got soggy as it held the beef, lettuce, cheese, pico de gallo and cotija cheese. Plus, the fried poblano rings on the side left everyone wanting more. 100 East Street, Cranston. 463-7226
It can’t always be about tacos. After tasting the cactus salad from Chilangos, it shouldn’t be. Tangy and crisp thin slices of cactus were paired with tart grapefruit bites to add a surprisingly refreshing bite. The sprinkling of sliced almonds was also a nice touch. Needless to say, it whet our appetite for more. 447 Manton Avenue. 383-4877
Simple Pleasures
Homemade Happiness
The tacos at Tortilla Flats, packed to the brim with flavorful, juicy ground beef, lettuce and cheese, left us satisfied and craving more. With a choice of soft or crunchy hard-shelled tacos, spicy sauces, sour cream, beans, tomatoes and other delicious ingredients, we had lots of tasty options. 355 Hope Street. 751-6777, TortillaFlatsRI.com
Viva Mexico Cantina Grill delivered the ultimate balance of homemade food at a high quality. The crunchy taquitos were cheesy and crisped to perfection, while the enchiladas verdes packed a spicy kick. Lastly, we dug into rice, refried beans and the spicy, sauce-covered soft tacos that everyone should go try now. 129 Washington Street. 369-7974, VivaMexicoCantinaGrill.com
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Providence Monthly | May 2016
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