& FOOD DRINK

Dock and Dip

A nautical ice cream cafe and art space serves up scoops with water views

As “Captain Tom” and Kristin McGinn know all too well, a day on the docks is best enjoyed with a cold scoop of ice cream – or better yet, a classic Rhody cabinet. That’s why the couple opened The Landing a year ago during Memorial Day weekend to complement their other two businesses, The Providence River Boat Co. and Providence Kayak, whose docks are just across the street.

More than an ice cream parlor, The Landing doubles as an art gallery selling locally made nautical-inspired crafts, gifts, and jewelry and a cafe serving Providencebased New Harvest coffee, plus treats from Rhode Island businesses like Thrive Cakery, Diva’s Dips, and The Perfect Parcel. “In addition to our cones, sundaes, affogatos, and cabinets,” shares Kristin, “we will be making our own waffle cones this season, along with Crazy Cabinets – over-the-top shakes topped with cake or pie, candy, and sweets, that are meant to be shared. It’s a monster mashup of drink meets dessert!”

Conveniently located close by river views and downtown attractions, there’s no excuse not to take a city stroll without an ice cream cone in hand. “As the warmer weather approaches, we will expand our menu to include over 25 Maine-based Gifford’s Ice Cream flavors, like Toasted Coconut, Cannoli, Sea Salt Caramel Truffle, Maine Wild Blueberry, and Peanut Butter Pie,” says Kristin.

“We truly love Providence, and consider our businesses, captains, and crew to be ambassadors to our thriving tourism and hospitality industry,” she continues, “so it was only natural for us to create a space that showcased our community.” Find out more about ice cream specials, renting The Landing for your event, and rotating gallery schedules by following @thelandingpvd on Instagram | By Abbie

Lahmers

Colorful Creperie

According to owners Adam and Anne Buck, Café Zoey is “the most colorful coffee shop in Rhode Island!” Setting foot inside the cozy nook on Hope Street – with its funky murals and lush greenery – I was quickly convinced of that claim.

Having never experienced crepes before, this visit to Café Zoey was particularly special for me, and it was refreshing to see

CUISINE: Crepes and locally roasted co ee

ATMOSPHERE: Eclectic, family-friendly cafe their menu is mindful of customers’ di erent needs – with certified kosher, vegan, and gluten-free options available – and they were happy to accommodate my allergies.

I decided to bring my young nephew along and was pleased to find such a kid-friendly vibe. We were seated at a table with a RI-themed Monopoly board – with nods to Del’s Lemonade, the Big Blue Bug, and more – beneath glass and the pieces nearby.

While the spot is an extension of Small Point Café, Café Zoey has its own distinct personality. The Bucks enlisted their close friend and Manhattan artist John Adam Fahey to cover their walls in abstract shapes and lines in every hue, creating a vibrant, eye-catching backdrop to a menu that’s equally whimsical. Lining the perimeter are plants that complement the look: succulents, peace lilies, cacti, and even flora cleverly potted in coffee decanters.

After ordering, we delighted in catching glimpses of the magic happening behind the counter while sipping co ee – a special brew from local roaster Justin Enis, designed for the cafe. The rich, aromatic style is perfect

...is a word that is both used and abused these days. But I want you to know that I really am dedicated to my customers and to my profession. If a real estate transaction is in your future, let’s talk. Then you can decide for yourself if you really believe that I am... Dedicated… for co ee fanatics like me, and luckily you can purchase their custom-blended beans by the bag (with peel-away artwork by Fahey).

I took my hot co ee in the form of a cappuccino, savoring the bold espresso and light sweetness. My friend enjoyed the Golden Latte, a smooth and flavorful blend of turmeric, ginger, and steamed milk, and my nephew savored every drop of his cup of hot chocolate, with creamy mocha flavor that became more potent and sweet as he got to the bottom; we learned that the raw sugar was imported from the Dominican Republic with fair trade mocha.

Though there’s plenty of sweet versions, we started with savory crepes. The Mount Hope came stuffed with spinach, creamy cheddar, tomatoes, red onion, and egg; the crepe was soft and thin with a lemony taste. Our table also indulged in two Japanese-style hand-held cone crepes: the Breakfast featured cheddar, egg, veggies, and vegan sausage, which I adored, and the Funghi was filled with fresh cucumbers, pickled carrots, arugula, and a medley of sauteed mushrooms that brought a nice umami finish.

Must-Try Items

Mount Hope ($9)

Crepe with spinach, red onion, mushroom, cheddar, tomato, and egg

Funghi ($11)

Cone-style crepe with pickled carrots, arugula, cucumbers, scallions, and mushrooms

Ambrosiac ($8.50)

Crepe with strawberry and peach jam, honey, and ricotta

We couldn’t end the visit without a sweet bite, and the Ambrosiac was a wholly satisfying blend of creamy ricotta, peach and strawberry jam, and honey. It tasted like a fresh fruit stand. For a family-friendly destination with tasty treats and no shortage of colorful and fun sights to behold, Café Zoey is an easy choice.

Café Zoey

791 Hope Street • 854-5885

CafeZoey.com