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Contents

Photography: Stacey Doyle (left), Kate Kelley (right)

JULY 2011

24 This Month 21 What Happened to ArtTix? The demise of a local arts advocate

24 The Superlative Issue And the winners are…

Every Month 6 Editor’s Note

39 31 City Style Channeling a woman’s inner goddess 33 The Look 34 Beauty 36 Shop Talk

39 Feast Rumford’s hot new neighborhood kitchen 41 In the Kitchen 42 On the Menu 44 Behind the Bar 47 In the Drink 48 Review 50 Dining Guide

55 Get Out Fun and excitement for the most patriotic month of the year 56 Calendar 59 Theater 60 Art 63 Music 64 Movies

8 Feedback

66 The Last Detail

13 Providence Pulse

A wild and wooly festival

Summer music that’s made in the shade 13 City 16 Malcontent 19 Scene in PVD

On the Cover: Photography by Stacey Doyle. Trophy courtesy of American Trophy.

July 2011 | Providence Monthly

Editor’s Note

Providence MONTHLY

Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell Publishing Director Jeanette St. Pierre

That’s Super Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Class of 2011. Our first-ever Superlative Issue highlights people, organizations and ideas that are really exciting right now, from the queen of local comedy and king of Providence theatre that you see on the cover to a nonprofit aimed at helping underprivileged city students get into college. We think these people are so worth some recognition that we went ahead and gave them classic high school titles – because, hey, if two people who fell in love because of Providence Monthly aren’t the city’s cutest couple, then who is?

Executive Editor Julie Tremaine

This month, we take a look at what happened to ArtTix, the now nearly defunct organization that was created to heighten public awareness of smaller arts organizations in the city. We also travel to outer space at this year’s Wooly Fair; enjoy al fresco music at the John Brown House; eat at Nick Rabar’s buzzworthy new restaurant; and get back to Providence’s acoustic roots in Waterplace Park. Enjoy.

Special Projects Manager John Taraborelli Art Director Alli Coate Assistant Art Director Karli Hendrickson Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas Graphic Designer Meghan H. Follett Account Managers Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher Nicole Greenspun Nellie Lima Dan Schwartz Sharon Sylvester Elizabeth Riel Jessica Webb Illustrators Karli Hendrickson Ashley MacLure

Read us online

Full issues available on www.providenceonline.com

Find us on Facebook Reach out to us at ProvidenceMonthly

Photographers Kate Kelley Jonathan Beller Laurel Mulherin Mike Braca Dan Schwartz Stacey Doyle Contributing Writers Andrea E. McHugh Linda Beaulieu Stephanie Obodda Emily Dietsch Cristy Raposo Scott Duhamel Jen Senecal Dawn Keable Alyssa Smith Molly Lederer Vikki Warner Michael Madden Daniel McGowan Interns Emily Nissensohn Thomas Anderson Chelsea Sherman Erin DeVito Christopher Sionni Nathaniel Fuller Kim Tingle Devin Karambelas Rebekah Lindquist

Contributor Jonathan Beller

Members of:

Photographer

A longtime PM photographer, Jonathan is an awardwinning photographer who works for ad agencies and editorial clients on a national level. He has done extensive work for all of our publications, including SO Rhode Island and The Bay. Jonathan has also been working on a long-term book project on fans, and is a self-described closeted Star Wars fan. Last year, he took a month-long trip to West Africa working on the documentary film Leh Wi Tok (Let Us Talk) about the power of community radio in Sierra Leone. This month, Jonathan went downtown to Movies on the Block to capture some of his signature portraits.

Providence Monthly | July 2011

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER. PAPER CONTAINS 20-25% POST-CONSUMER CONTENT Providence Monthly, 1070 Main Street, Suite 302 Pawtucket RI 02860 • Fax: 401-305-3392 www.providenceonline.com providencemonthly@providenceonline.com For advertising rates call: 401-305-3391 We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission. Copyright ©2011 by Providence Monthly, All rights reserved. Printed by Gannett Offset. Distributed by Special Delivery.

American Express® Presents

July 10-23, 2011

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Restaurant Weeks

THREE COURSES! LUNCH: $12.95 DINNER: $29.95

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Providence is one of the nation’s hottest culinary destinations, ranking #3 in the U.S. in a recent Travel + Leisure poll. Find out what the fuss is all about during Providence Restaurant Weeks. Choose from mouthwatering menus at nearly 100 restaurants. With three-course lunches at $12.95 and three-course dinners at $29.95, you’ll fill your belly without emptying your wallet.

Online reservations are strongly suggested, and may be made after July 1. American Express® Cardmembers may make their reservations two weeks prior to the general public, beginning June 17.

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A Fashionable Affair StyleWeek Providence returns for its third installment from August 28-September 3, and Providence Monthly is thrilled to be the exclusive print sponsor. For the first time, the public is welcome to purchase tickets for the fashion shows, with at least two every night. It’s an opportunity to see the newest and most stylish selections from local, regional and national designers. Tickets are limited, and if the response to last summer and winter’s StyleWeeks were

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Providence Monthly | July 2011

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Celebrate Providence 375 Providence Monthly is proud to be one of the sponsors of the grand, season-long commemoration of our fair city’s 375th anniversary. There is so much history, culture, art and food to celebrate, plus so many events participating in the effort. How can you keep track of it all? By picking up your free copy of Providence 375, our official guidebook to this momentous occasion. If you missed the copy inserted into our June issue, it’s still available at art venues, community centers, hotels and much more throughout the city, as well as the Convention and Visitors Bureau’s

welcome booth at the Convention Center. Participating Providence 375 events will also be offering them, so pick one up today and join the festivities.

SUMMER FUN

Head South for the Summer It’s that time of year when, as much as we might love Providence, we just need to head outside city limits sometimes to enjoy the miles and miles of beaches, plus all the waterfront fun, that the southern part of the state has to offer. That’s why our sister magazine, So Rhode Island, launched its first-ever summer guide to South County, So Summer. It’s the musthave visitor’s guide to all the shopping, dining, art, culture and, of course, beaches in southern Rhode Island. Pick up your free copy at hundreds of locations from East Greenwich to Westerly.

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2011 the class of

Presenting the inaugural class of what is to become our annual superlative issue. We’re taking it back to high school with accolades like “Most Likely to Succeed” and “Most School Spirit,” but this time, instead of that mean girl Tiffany bullying all her “friends” into voting for her, we’re giving them out to people and organizations that really deserve the attention. Take note, because next year you might just get to weigh in on the selection process. Michael Townsend

Barbara Byers

most artistic

Michael Townsend & Friends

Pamela Baron

Colin Bliss

After 23 years and countless rolls of tape, Michael Townsend describes tape art as a medium that “begs for collaboration.” Along with fellow artists Barbara Byers, Pamela Baron and Colin Bliss, he has created an enormous tape mural as a 375th birthday gift to Providence, completed at the end of last month. This work, on display at the skating rink in Kennedy Plaza, pays homage to the history and profound impact of Roger Williams. Townsend and his talented group have traveled across the country creating tape murals ranging from memorials dedicated to the rescue teams involved in the Oklahoma City and 9/11 terrorist attacks, to memorials for the animals of Roger Williams Park Zoo, to collaborating with the Hasbro Children’s Hospital in creating murals designed by the patients and staff. Though Townsend favors tape art due to its ability to unite diverse groups through the process of creation (and destruction, as he equally enjoys witnessing groups of people ripping up massive amounts of tape), his vast artistic pursuits include sculpture, installation art, dance, filmmaking and digital media. (He was one of the artists living in the infamous apartment in Providence Place Mall’s parking garage.) At Wooly Fair on July 30 they will also unveil their crash site installation sculpture of a Providence spaceship bound for the moon. Townsend is especially thrilled when opportunities arise to give back to his beloved city through these collaborative art projects. As for the next tape art mural we can expect, he simply notes, “There are a lot of blank walls out there.” tapeart.com –Kimberly Tingle

biggest flirt

Karlie Girouard

You don’t need to be a professional matchmaker to know that meeting people isn’t easy – especially in a town as small as Providence. But Karlie Giourard is helping people find love, one match at a time, with her statewide dating service, It’s Right. It works like any other online dating service, but Girouard personally makes the matches based on information you provide and in-person interviews. “I had introduced quite a lot of people who got married, even before I launched,” she says. “It was a matter of getting behind the relationship, and making sure it was a good match. I saw that that could be successful here as a service.” Since It’s Right launched a year and a half ago, people have really responded to having a local dating option. “Clients are constantly telling me how happy they are to have another option for dating in Rhode Island,” she says. “It’s not the bar scene. You find out everything about someone that you’d find in the first three dates before you meet. It makes the process a lot easier.” itsrightri.com –Julie Tremaine

Providence Monthly | July 2011

biggest overachiever

Yarrow Thorne

It’s difficult to summarize exactly what it is Yarrow Thorne does – which is exactly what earned him this superlative. As a full-time RISD student (back to finish his BFA in Industrial Design after dropping out ten years ago), he graduated from Leadership Rhode Island’s college program, and started two clubs: RISD Art Walls, working with the school to create its first public art policy allowing students to work in large, public formats; and Human Powered Design, to foster collaboration between departments on a human powered machine to compete in engineering competitions. He also has three companies: Thornedale, a commercial property manager providing space to small businesses and community gardens; Yarrow’s Cans, working with the local graffiti community to educate people about the positive impact of public art; and Yarrowsport, a small line of performance auto parts. Somehow he also finds time to volunteer with the Community Boating Center and City Arts. “I really enjoy working with people and helping them solve problems,” Thorne says, adding that one future goal is to “work to do less things, better.” yarrowsport.com; yarrowscans.blogspot.com –John Taraborelli

John Surrette

most outgoing

TryRI

most athletic

Timothy Bigelow

Rajiv Kumar

Six years ago, Brown undergraduate Rajiv Kumar founded Shape Up RI, a nonprofit organization geared towards encouraging Rhode Islanders to be more active and improve their fitness. The idea was that if people gathered their friends or co-workers to work towards a common fitness goal, they would encourage each other and persevere. It worked. The program sees 15,000 participants a year in various programs (there are separate initiatives for kids, businesses, families and doctors, among others) and the average person loses seven pounds per session. “That weight loss is exactly on par with Weight Watchers,” Kumar says, “and I think people have more fun this way.” Recently, Shape Up RI launched Healthy Deals, which is based on Groupon’s model, but offers local discounts specifically aimed at living a healthier lifestyle, like deals on gym memberships, yoga classes and rock climbing. “There’s this misconception that fitness has to be expensive,” he says. “It’s true that it can be expensive, but we’re trying to remove this barrier and bring affordable opportunities to people trying to improve their health.” The deals are open to anyone (sign up at ShapeUpRI.org), and follow Shape Up RI’s tradition of thinking outside the box about health. Several of the deals so far have been for local restaurants, like Los Andes. “The deal was for anything on the menu, but they created healthy Shape Up RI meals that they encouraged people to order,” Kumar explains. “When people think about getting healthy, they think about cutting out eating out at restaurants.” But, he says, it doesn’t have to be that way. In addition to running Shape Up RI, Kumar is a doctor (he just graduated this past May) and also runs ShapeUp.com, which is a website that expands the Shape Up RI model internationally. The numbers aren’t so bad for that, either: “We have 2 million users in 93 countries.” shapeupri.org. –Julie Tremaine

Stephanie Federico

Rhode Island has a notoriously bad reputation as a place to do business (or not do it.) The folks behind TryRI are trying to change that. While in Leadership Rhode Island’s 2010 class, John Surrette, Stephanie Federico, Loriana De Crescenzo and Timothy Bigelow had the idea to create a welcome wagon of sorts for business people who might consider relocating to our state. By forming a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy group to promote economic development, TryRI can highlight the resources and benefits Rhode Island has to offer, and connect business people to them in a very personal and finely tailored way. When the owner of a Philadelphia-based prison supply business came to town, for instance, TryRI not only arranged for him to see office space in Pawtucket’s Hope Artiste Village, but put him up in free lodging for the night, and because he is also an avid food blogger, lined up fellow foodies who took him around to eateries he could write about on his site. Though the project is still in its infancy, the idea is a potentially powerful one, particularly because the group can recruit “ambassadors” from Leadership Rhode Island’s approximately 1600 alumni, tailoring the TryRI experience to each visitor’s needs and interests. They are also developing relationships with similarly business-minded groups like local chambers of commerce and the Economic Development Corporation, and developing a marketing plan with the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center. “In order to promote the state, we all need to be proponents of it,” Surrette emphasizes. “By bringing together our network of volunteers, and contributing our time to further the economic base of the state, we are hoping to inspire others to take action.” tryri.com –John Taraborelli

July 2011 | Providence Monthly

most outspoken

Karina Holyoake Wood

Meredith Pearson

Delia Rodriguez-Masjoan

Damian Ewens

BetterProvidence

These are turbulent times for our fair city. Regardless of political affiliation or stance on a particular issue, all can agree that major change is afoot and big decisions are being made on vital issues that affect all residents. Now more than ever, we need to foster civic engagement, say the folks who comprise BetterProvidence: founders Lorne Adrain and Meredith Pearson, board member Damian Ewens and newly minted executive director Karina Holyoake Wood, plus a steering committee that includes about seven other activists. The nonpartisan grassroots public advocacy group (a 501c3 nonprofit), founded in 2009 as Citizens for a Better Providence and relaunched in January as simply BetterProvidence, has been at the forefront of public policy discussion this year, organizing (or co-organizing in concert with other advocacy groups) events like a parental engagement forum on schools, a “Budget and Beer” talk with Mayor Taveras, and most recently, a community forum about the proposed I-195 redevelopment in the Jewelry District. For their next move, they will host a forum on the financial state of the city, including the mayor’s proposed budget, property tax hikes and the bankruptcy option. The group’s goal is not to take a stand on any one issue, but rather to increase government transparency, inform the public about crucial issues, encourage civic engagement, and provide a vehicle for dialogue between residents and their government. As they begin to raise funds (and awareness of their efforts) to implement their first-year plans, they will work toward goals like live-streaming City Council meetings, gaining taxpayers a seat at the table during negotiations for municipal contracts, increasing volunteerism in public schools and conducting a citywide survey – with all neighborhoods represented – of public concerns and priorities. In short, says Wood, “Our mission is to put the public in public policy in Providence.” betterprovidence.org –John Taraborelli

most musical

Reza Clifton

There are a lot of musicians in this town, so winning this superlative requires more than just jamming with a few bands or singing at open mics. It calls for someone who is multi-talented, wears a lot of hats, and helps connect the dots between musicians, venues, promoters, radio stations, etc. Reza Clifton is that kind of person. She is a co-founder and member of Isis Storm, a female collective including poets, rappers, musicians, writers, artists and producers. She organizes and participates in a twice-monthly drum circle at the Roots Café. She is DJ and host of an online show on Brown Student Radio. The area where she can have perhaps the biggest impact, however, is as the artistic director at the Roots Café, where she is working on a slate of programming that will nurture and network local artists and musicians. Reza says she wants “to create space for hearing and sharing community stories and new ideas,” adding, “We bring an attention and appreciation for diversity that goes deeper than musical genres.” –John Taraborelli

class drama queen

Alexander Platt

You might have noticed a new face in town. For the last theatrical season, Alexander Platt has been dramatic both on and off stage. In the winter, Platt directed the 2010 Go.Go Plays at Elemental Theatre. This spring, he starred in two remarkably different shows at the Gamm: as the Apostle Paul, who is forced to examine the basis of his faith, in Paul, and as a mentally unstable suspected terrorist in Why Torture is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them. This summer, he plays the titular character in Perishable’s Hedwig and the Angry Inch. But the thing is, he’s not new in town (being the Artistic Director and playwright for Elemental and a graduate of the Trinity Rep Conservatory), he’s just everywhere right now, and for good reason. Next, Platt will be working with Elemental to foster new play development. “There’s a lot of positive theatrical energy in this town, and we’re trying to help find homes for all of it,” he says. elementaltheatre.org –Julie Tremaine

Providence Monthly | July 2011

cutest couple

John and Kate Richard We’ll admit it: we’re biased about our cutest couple… but that’s because we can basically take credit for all of their current and future happiness. John (J.R.) was on the cover of our February 2006 issue as one of PM’s Most Eligible Singles; he and Kate met the day that issue came out. “Everyone was coming up to him with the magazine, everyone knew who he was,” Kate recalls. “I had just moved to town four days before, and I was like, Who is this guy?” He proposed to her a year later, on the anniversary of the issue’s release. Now, J.R. co-owns The Avery, a chic West Side watering hole, and can often be seen around town guest bartending or spinning records. Kate is the Chief Operating Officer of Beauty and Main, a Massachusetts-based chain of cosmetic stores that’s a sponsor of StyleWeek Providence. “While I didn’t seek him out because of his hot sweater cover, it was a great catalyst for conversation,” Kate says. “The rest is history.” –Julie Tremaine

biggest cheerleader

Mike Ritz

You might say he’s a passionate guy. By day, Mike Ritz is the Executive Director of Leadership Rhode Island, a program that connects up and coming professionals and enlightens them about current issues in the state. By night, he’s working to promote any one of his various causes. “I’m into passionate people,” he says. “I’m interested in people who are genuine about that. If I see a lot of honest truth and passion behind something, that usually gets my attention. It’s lacking in society to a certain extent.” The biggest of his causes is I Heart Providence, an annual free celebration at City Hall featuring live music, food, entertainment and various ways to express your love of the city. “I’m on a mission to defeat cynicism and increase optimism in society. I Heart Providence is an example of that,” Ritz says. Other things for which he’s a big cheerleader: his neighborhood (through the annual West Side Caroling event), underappreciated local food (his Rhody Food Tours, which brought people to South Providence for international cuisine) and Rhode Island (through Leadership RI, he’s working to create an international relationship with another leadership program, so the two can learn from one another). “I find it really interesting to help people connect to one another. I have the opportunity to pull all of these people together, and I think that’s pretty cool.” leadershipri.org –Julie Tremaine

biggest gossip

Audrey McClelland

Social media is a bit of a mystery right now. Almost everyone uses it, and people understand how important it can be, but – it seems – not everyone can figure out how to profit from it. Not for Audrey McClelland. This mother of four young boys makes her living completely through social media. “I’m the sole provider of our family through making a living as a digital mom,” she says. That means compensated promotion in the form of advertising and spokesperson work through Facebook and Twitter, as well as event planning and social media consulting. McClelland also has a book coming out this month, The Digital Mom Handbook. “Social media has come a long way over the last year and it’s incredible to see the evolution of it,” she says. With her mother and sister, McClelland also runs MomGenerations.com, a website for mothers to get fashion and beauty advice, which is so popular that it has recently spun off other web presences, like the Facebook group Rhody Mamas. “Social media had been good to me,” she says, “and I want to share my knowledge of it with all moms.” momgenerations.com –Julie Tremaine

July 2011 | Providence Monthly

Simon Moore

Tyrene Jones

Deborah Steinberg

Margarida DaGraca

most school spirit

College Visions

Remember what the college application process was like? The tests. The essays. The visits. The cost. Now imagine that you’re the first member of your family to even consider going to college in America. How much more arduous a process would that be? Perceiving the need for help from those students, Simon Moore founded College Visions in 2004. The Providence-based non-profit guides high school students from low-income and first-generation families through the college application process. “The students who come to us are talented, motivated, have so many assets,” Moore says. “But there’s a huge disconnect between having those talents and succeeding in higher education, and our students recognize that.” To that end, there are two main functions that College Visions provides: support to current high school students through the College Access Program, and guidance for those students once they’ve been accepted into a school in the College Success Program. CV also partners with other youth-focused organizations in Providence, like New Urban Arts, Youth in Action and Community Musicworks all of which encourage students to focus their energies into creative, productive pursuits (and thereby bolster their college applications). What they’re doing is working: over 94% of CV participants have enrolled in college, with 75% attending four-year universities like Brown, RISD, George Washington and Boston University. The organization even sends care packages to students living in dorms for the first time. “I grew up in Providence. I think growing up in a city like this, you see way too many talented young people who are capable of succeeding in college and don’t make it there. That puts major limitations on where you can go from there,” he says. As much as this program benefits students, Moore recognizes the bigger picture, too. “If we can have more young college grads in the area and some of that needs to come from people who live here and who are sticking around – that leads to economic growth, and it also leads to a more civically engaged city as well. collegevisions.org –Julie Tremaine

Raul Cervantes

class clown

Melissa Bowler

How does one make a name for herself on the local comedy scene? How about making a living on the local comedy scene? Perhaps most importantly, is there a local comedy scene? The answer is yes: a handful of clubs, several improv troupes, some theater productions and variety shows, the annual Providence Improv Fest (going into its eighth year) – and Melissa Bowler has made people laugh at just about all of them. She’s performed stand-up at places like East Providence’s Comedy Connection, Twin River’s Catch a Rising Star and the Sweet Little Variety Show at Local 121. She’s a member of several improv troupes, including Thibowla Virus, The Trumans and probably the city’s best known group, Improv Jones. She’s done sketch comedy at AS220’s Empire Revue, burlesque at Perishable Theatre, and plays with the Manton Avenue Project, Elemental Theater, Theater of Thought and the Gamm. In short, it takes a lot of laughs to make a living. “I love what I do,” Bowler maintains. “Quite frankly I wouldn’t choose any other life, but a girl’s got to eat.” melissabowler.com –John Taraborelli

Providence Monthly | July 2011

Sean Larkin

most social

Cristy Raposo

best dressed

Rosanna Ortiz Sinel

Calling someone the life of the party has certain connotations associated with it. But creating the party itself is something different altogether. Cristy Raposo is the kind of woman who always knows what’s happening – usually because she’s planning and promoting the event. “It seems that if I’m not organizing an event myself, I’m attending one or I’m helping promote someone else’s,” she says. Among her regular events: Vino Versity at Waterplace Restaurant, their Martini and Manicure Nights, and various parties for 4zero1.com. Often, she’s putting her social power to good use. “I love putting together fundraisers,” she says. “In February, I did Cocktails & Kisses, a Valentine’s Day themed party that raised $2,000 for Deanna Cruz’s Leukemia and Lymphoma Society cause.” She’s also working on a Halloween Bash for the Tomorrow Fund. “It keeps getting bigger every year,” Raposo says. -Julie Tremaine

StyleWeek Providence, the year-old, weeklong showcase for local and regional designers heading into its third installment next month (August 28-September 3), is such a natural fit for the city, such an asset to its creative community, such an immediate success, it’s a wonder someone didn’t think of it sooner. It took Rosanna Ortiz Sinel, a relative newcomer to the city with a background in marketing and PR, to see the opportunity and make it happen. By leveraging the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of Providence’s design community, as well as the good will and spirit of collaboration inspired by the chance to showcase local talent, Sinel was able to launch an event that came together so quickly and completely, it almost seemed like it had been here the whole time. And that’s just the idea: to establish StyleWeek as not just a creative outlet, but an economic driver worthy of its inspiration. “I want StyleWeek to be for Providence what Fashion Week is for New York,” she says. “I want it to be part of Providence for years to come.” styleweekprovidence. com –John Taraborelli

Owen Johnson

most likely to succeed

Revival Brewing Company

Sean Larkin is the master brewer at Trinity Brewhouse and the brains behind Narragansett Beer’s seasonal craft brews. Owen Johnson is a managing partner of Betaspring, a nonprofit entrepreneurship program and start-up accelerator. What happens when they combine their efforts? Revival Brewing Company, which is soon to launch its first locally brewed beer, Revival Saison, an American farmhouse ale. Given Larkin’s sure hand as a brewer – Trinity’s beers have won several awards and Narragansett has adopted his recipes for mass production – and Johnson’s track record for launching start-up companies through Betaspring, which was recognized as part of President Obama’s Startup America initiative, Revival Brewing seems preordained for success. In addition to releasing four styles of beer over the next year, Larkin and Johnson hope to establish a production facility that Revival and other local brewers can use to produce beer – and jobs. “Local food production has gained momentum over the past few years,” note the partners. “We believe the time is right for this momentum to spill over into beer.” revivalbrewing.com –John Taraborelli

July 2011 | Providence Monthly

125 Sockanosset Cross Rd, Cranston, RI 401.270.5500 winesandmoreri.com

Join us during the month of July for our Summer Survival celebration! Save big on these great summer favorites and many more!

a Providence classic

Fish Eye Mionetto All Types 3 Liter

14.99

Prosecco Brut 750ml $

10.99

Flip Flop

Mionetto

All Types 750ml

2/$

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

The Patio is the perfect spot to enjoy Providence in the Summer. Live entertainment with local favorite, Steve Palumbo, on Wednesday evenings, 6-9 p.m.

BAR MENU

choice of appetizers for $6.00 each Sunday - Thursday | 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

IT O U R S I V

il Prosecco or Moscato 750ml $

9.99

SUMMER SURVIVAL CE Jose N T E R Malibu Cuervo Ready to Drink

Golden Margarita

All Flavors 1.75L

1.75L

13.99

17.99

HALF-PRICE RAW BAR Join us on Mondays as we celebrate the fruits of the sea with our half-price raw bar offerings. Offer not available on holidays. Valid with purchase of beverage in the bar or with purchase of entree in the dining room.

121 South Main Street . Providence, RI 401-351-8570 . hemenwaysrestaurant.com

Corona

Extra or Light 18pk Bottles

A Newport Restaurant Group property

Providence Monthly | July 2011

17.99

Harpoon All Types

12pk Bottles or Cans

13.99

City Style shop talk / beauty / the look

For Your Ocean State Summer Summer is in full

swing and while you might already be stocked with seasonal essentials like white jeans, wedges and frocks, you probably need some accessories. These necklaces offer that must-have nautical theme, while maintaining their unique and stylish flavor – no coastal kitsch here. Venus In Furs, a jewelry designing/making partnership between Hannahclaire Wood and Johncurtis Mertzlufft, offers a variety of looks hand fashioned using trinkets found

all over New England. Inside the lockets are prints of maps and ocean themed photos, some taken from authentic travel maps dating back to the 1600s. The sea creature charms that dangle below the lockets only add to their seafaring charm. These fun and affordable accessories can be purchased through their website, as well as at the upcoming City Arts Festival on Saturday, August 6 at the Providence Biltmore. VenusInFursJewelry.Etsy.com –Emily Nissensohn

July 2011 | Providence Monthly

UNMATCHED WATERFRONT DINING

in the capital city

$24.95 3-course prix-fixe menu served sunday - wednesday sunday brunch overlooking the seekonk river 1/2 price appetizers served Mon - Fri, 4-6pm in the bar

join us for your next event

AT THE GATEHOUSE ON PROVIDENCEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EAST SIDE 4 Richmond Square | 401-521-9229 watermangrille.com

Providence Monthly | July 2011

AT WAT E R M A N

City Style | The Look

by Caitlin Quinn

Lolita Healy Owner, Designs by Lolita/Artist Tell me about your fashion background. I have a four-year degree in business and fashion marketing and 10 years experience in the industry. I worked with Dior perfumes and cosmetics at first, but I knew I was an artist and wanted to get more into fashion. I went to work for Donna Karan for three years when I was 26. I was the regional sales manager for one of her licensees, Hanes hosiery, and I represented her and her hosiery and accessory collection in the field. After I left Donna Karan in 1999, I went to work at a Memphis ad agency as an account executive, which isn’t on the creative side, but I learned about what consumers want and how to drive sales. What was it like to work with Donna Karan? It was fascinating. I got to know her and her design team well; she kept it close knit. I learned a ton about licensing and everything about how to develop a brand and position it. She was the designer, but she didn’t have to produce everything herself. She trusted others.

I believe in investing in good shoes and handbags. You’ll wear them forever.” How did you come up with your business? I decided to stay at home when I became pregnant. I did murals for a while, but it wasn’t what I wanted. I had a business model in the back of my head but I didn’t have a product. I went to a gift shop one day and saw all this hand-painted crap and had an idea. Then I went out for a girls’ night – this was back in 2001 during the Sex and the City days – and saw a martini menu for the first time. I realized that all my friends ordered something different that fit their personality. The glasses looked naked to me. I thought I could put a pattern on them and the drink recipe on the bottom. I started painting a line of martini glasses and it took off. My goal from the beginning was licensing, but I started by hand painting each glass for four years. I got to 1000 glasses per month! Now it’s a $68 million, worldwide business, and I’m now doing acrylics and a line of jewelry that actually just launched in Dallas.

Photography: Stacey Doyle

How do you come up with your designs? For every design I think about the woman that might buy that wine glass, and who she is. For example, is she a hot momma? A city girl? There’s a reason for every design based on a personality or a moment. I like to appeal to people’s emotions, and celebrate who the customer is. It’s a happy thing to celebrate. Describe your personal style. It’s pretty simplistic, very feminine and girly. I don’t wear a lot of patterns because they make a woman look bigger than she is. I like solid colors with lots of ruffles. I tend to go for classic and simple, like I was trained at Donna Karan, and mix a little bohemian in here and there. Usually that’s where a little pop of color or something fun comes in. I’m always looking for new and upcoming designers too. I’m really into Rebecca Taylor right now. But I love my Louboutin shoes and Chanel purses. designsbylolita.com

Royal Crustacean Charters 401.742.3978

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July 2011 | Providence Monthly

Make the Trip to

Mister Sister Erotica

Welcome to

Baker Street Rue

City Style | Beauty

by Julie Tremaine

Your Neighborhood Bistro

75 Baker Street Providence, RI 02905 t. 401-490-5025 / f. 410-490-5026 open mon-fri. 7:30-4:30 sunday brunch 8-2:30

the newest member of the

Rue De L’Espoir Family

The Water’s Fine The spa treatment goes elemental

and don’t forget our little sister bistro

More Toys than the Devil has Sinners

95 South Street Providence, RI 02903 t. 401-490-9966 / f. 410-490-9955 open mon-fri. 7:30-3:30

Now Open Monday 12pm-8pm! Tue-Thur 11-9 Fri-Sat 11-10, Sun 11-5

Rue De L’Espoir American Bistro Cooking

open daily breakfast, lunch, dinner 99 Hope Street Providence, RI 02906 info/reservations 751-8890 www.therue.com

Party in Style Providence Pin-up

photo: Corey Grayhorse

celebrates its third birthday

with Fourth Fridays

Friday July 22 9pm-2am

at The Salon 57 Eddy Street, Providence Featuring DJ Andys Candys (aka Andy Morris)

Hosted by

The lovely Ms. Lulu Locks

No cover! Burlesque Gansett Girls Games Pin-ups Treats from the Cupcakerie and more!

www.andymorris.info • www.providencepinup.com • www.thesalonpvd.com 34

Providence Monthly | July 2011

Think about your happy place. Wait, let’s try this one more time. Get your mind out of the gutter, and now think about it: what’s the thing you think of that will instantly de-stress you, the one that helps lull you back to sleep when you can’t sleep at night? Mine has to do with water. The most relaxing thing I can think of in times when I could really use some relaxation is floating in the ocean, summer sun shining down, letting the warm waves take me wherever they want to go. Sounds pretty nice, right? It’s something I think about a lot more often than I actually get to do – so when I learned about the Hydrotherm spa treatments at Blue Sky SpaWorks in Warwick, I was immediately intrigued. Could I really experience that kind of relaxation without a trip to the beach? As an Aveda spa, Blue Sky is all about using nature (think natural botanicals, organic ingredients) to pamper and treat people’s needs – but Hydrotherm takes it one step further, actually utilizing water in the treatments in a totally unique way. The description of the Hydrotherm Massage promised that something called a “hydrotherm cushion” would “conform to [my] body,” but I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, or how water could integrate into your average massage. It turns out hydrotherm cushions are giant, heated water bottles, laid out on the massage table. The massage therapist explained to me that I would lie on those – face up – for the entire hour-long treatment. Heated to about 100 degrees, the pads were hot and soothing. This treatment was designed to relieve stress

on the spine during a massage, and to relieve the masseuse’s own back and arm strain. Rather than pushing down onto my back and neck, she reached between the pads and me, pushing upwards into my muscles for a completely different take on the medium-pressure massage. For an hour, she worked out the kinks in my back and neck, but also my arms, legs, hands and feet, using warm massage oil, including an essential oil (an energizing geranium/lemon-lime) that I had chosen myself at the aromatherapy bar before my treatment. Laying on the undulating water pads completely changed the experience of an ordinary massage; not only was it a uniquely soothing experience to feel warmth and waves, but the weightlessness of it really added to the feeling of my muscles releasing their tension. Next, we moved onto a Hydrotherm Facial, which is Aveda’s Elemental Nature Facial, but also using the sensation of water to enhance relaxation and reduce joint stress. The esthetician used the same essential botanicals from the massage, but integrated them into a facial that included deep cleansing, exfoliation, a steam treatment to open my pores and facilitate extractions, hydrating face masks, and more totally irresistible hand and foot massage. I left the spa that evening feeling more relaxed and refreshed than I had in quite a while – almost like I had been able to spend the day at the beach in the water… but with much healthier, more pampered skin. To get back to nature, visit blueskyspaworks.com.

Illustration: Karli Hendrikson

268 Wickenden Street Providence 421- 6969 •

What could possibly be better than burgers and beer?

Monday Dont Whine! Every Monday 50% off all wines by the bottle

Cheap burgers. Craft Beer.

Wednesday Ladies Night! Complimentary 3 course tasting menu for ladies

Friday Bar Fling! Bar menu 1/2 priced from 5-7pm

sunday Pajama Brunch! Wear pajamas & get a complimentary mimosa or bloody Mary. 11am-2:30pm Get Exclusive Deals:

xocafe.com

newly renovated patio!

Honest, Authentic, Messy BBQ, Great Burgers and Aged Steaks.

Plenty of outdoo

r seating!

Check o

ut upcom

ing even

ts on Fa

cebook!

out check ily a our d ls! a i c spe

On May 7, 2011, more than 700 supporters and

benefactors of Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island descended upon a transformed One Citizens Plaza to celebrate the “Sweet Life,” a fundraiser for the state’s oldest and largest hospice and palliative care provider.

In a style reminiscent of the 1960s

and a Roman movie premiere, centered around the theme of

the Fellini film, La Dolce Vita, guests were greeted by paparazzi on the red carpet, flowing Prosecco, and culinary creations catered by the award-winning staff of Café Nuovo.

Kendra Fujumoto and Stephen Palmer

olyn Rafaella of Giovanni Feroce and Car itto, President of nch Fra na Dia , Alex and Ani of HHCRI HHCRI, Chuck Iacono, VP

er and Andi Gutbrod Josh Slepkow, Oni Spring

Jim Verity of Verity Design

repy, Dana Jasilli, Lauren Sousa, Alexys Gar y and Nuno Sousa rep Gar n Bria sa, Sou n phe Ste

or Group and Robert Grieco of Metro Mot Alicia DuBois

l Bulman

Jacklyne Tasca and Michae

Robert and Jacqueline Nar

Waste, Chuck Iacono, Michael Piccoli of Decco py thro lan Phi VP of

bins and

Chris Marsella, Arthur Rob John Macliver

dolillo

David and Kelly Tober

“The partnership between Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island and Café Nuovo is something very special. For Dimitri to close his restaurant to host our event speaks volumes for his support of the work we accomplish at HHCRI every day of the year,” said Charles P. Iacono, Vice President of Philanthropy. Guests enjoyed music performed by The Manhattan Touch of Boston, and were treated to “swag” bags filled with gifts from Alex and Ani and Gents Barber Shop and Salon. For more information and to see additional photos, guests can visit the Home & Hospice Care of Rhode Island Facebook Fan page or www.hhcri.org.

Jameson McNeill and Kaitlyn Roberts of Easy Entertaining

n and Joshua Narcisco, Stephe Cathy Gaskin

Stephen and Patricia Soscia

1085 North MaiN Street ProvideNce, rhode iSlaNd (800) 338-6555 | (401) 415-4200 www.hhcri.org

Visit Providence Byblos for a Warm Atmosphere and Great Conversation!

$10 Hookahs – 3-6pm Daily (Specials cannot be combined) Ladies Night Every Thursday – Half off Appetizers

Wi-Fi access!

Chic Bar • Premium Hookahs • Outdoor Patio Traditional Lebanese Lounge • Appetizers

235 Meeting Street Providence 453-9727 • ProvidenceByblos.com Providence’s Original Hookah Bar

Mon-Thurs 3pm-1am / Fri-Sat 3pm-2am / Sun 3pm-1am Check Facebook for Daily Specials

Stay and Dine in Beautiful Narragansett

• Walk to the beach • Great romantic getaway • Continental breakfast • Newly renovated rooms • Indoor swimming pool

• Authentic Indian Cuisine • Alfresco dining with an ocean view • Tandoori (charcoal-grilled) • Mughlai dishes

Atlantic House

Village Inn Hotel

& Conference Center One Beach St., Narragansett www.v-inn.com 1-800-843-7437

• Historic charm with modern amenities • Oceanview Suites with balconies and sitting areas • Short walk to the beach and shopping

One Beach St., Narragansett (401) 792-3999 www.maharajari.com

85 Ocean Road, Narragansett, RI 401-783-6400 www.theatlantichouse.com

We are one of the Nation’s Oldest and Largest Sources for Artwork & Custom Framing A Providence Original Since the 1800’s Custom Framing Experts 30,000 sq. ft of:

Designers Welcome Custom Gilded Frames True Museum Standards

Framed Mirrors Ready Made Frames Original Works of Art Posters/Limited Edition Prints

Corporate Art Services Professional Installation/Delivery Art Consultation View of The Arcade, Circa 1828 – The Birthplace of Providence Picture Frame

401.421.6196 Rte. 95, Exit 24, Branch Ave. (Next to Benny’s)

D RY D E N GALLERY

Monday-Saturday 8:30-6:30 www.providencepictureframe.com

July 2011 | Providence Monthly

City Style | Shop Talk

shop local cook american... with a french soul

by Erin DeVito

Tomasso Auto Swedish Motors

Celebrating 41 Years We service and repair ALL foreign and domestic models

Rue De L’Espoir American Bistro Cooking

open daily breakfast, lunch, dinner 99 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02906 info/reservations 751-8890 www.therue.com

ASE Certified RI inspection and repair station #27b

401-723-1111

Mon-Fri 8am-6pm

729 East Avenue

Top of the East Side, next door to Rite Aid

N ow

n Ope

East Providence’s Newest Restaurant Lunch and Dinner with some unique twists on your favorite seafood, burger and pasta dishes Join our Wine Club for giveaways and your own etched glass!

Kid friendly, Take out available

315 Waterman Ave. East Providence | 432-7000

www.vineyardri.com made by Guido Rus www.de-rus.nl

Providence Monthly | July 2011

Make Yourself Comfortable Casual, modern menswear finally pops up downtown Supplying contemporary, wellmade clothing and wares for men, Wharf may just be what downtown was missing. A refreshing addition to Providence’s prime shopping district, Wharf makes it easier for men to find affordable, stylish clothing that is made to fit and made to last. Rhode Island native Rob Babigian first opened Wharf Clothing and Wares in Warwick last September. After successfully selling his merchandise in a Providence antique shop and realizing the demand for high quality, modern men’s clothing, he opened up shop on Westminster Street in the heart of Downchity June. The classic and comfortable clothing furnishing the shelves and racks of the corner store epitomizes Babigian’s personal style. “There’s nothing in here I wouldn’t wear,” he boasts. Available in an array of colors, patterns and fabrics, the oxford buttondown shirt is a Wharf staple. Many of them are Babigian’s originals, impeccably stitched in a shirt factory in Fall River. Precisely folded on shelves throughout the store, the oxford shirt was carefully designed to fit the average man, modeled by Babigian himself. Other Wharf trademarks are ties and

duffel bags, all of which he had a hand in creating. Classic closet essentials are plentiful at Wharf: jeans, sweaters, jackets, tees and casual footwear, all crafted by quality, mostly American-based brands, carving a niche of simple, seemingly effortless clothing. Hand-picked to fit the budget and style of many, the store offers “basics that stand the test of time” for the man who strays away from flashy, but takes pride in his appearance. It is no surprise that Babigian grew up on the water: Wharf’s décor is nautical and much of it rich in the history of his family seafood business (from which the store got its name). The aesthetic is a clean, modern take on traditional maritime accoutrements. Custom-made shelving and coal drawings sketched by Babigian’s friend adorn the store, as well as an old trunk that belonged to his grandfather and a couch from his childhood home. Wharf’s merchandise is true to its motto: “The center of your style.” In a town that has plenty of original boutiques for women, but often short on menswear, it’s a welcome addition. 212 Westminster Street. 272-1231, shopwharf.com

Photography: Laurel Mulherin

a place to go, to eat, to see, to hang out

Toyota • Kia • Nissan • Chrysler Audi • Lexus • Infinity • Ford Volkswagen • Honda • BMW Chevy • Isuzu • Mercedes • Mini Prosche • Ford • General Motors Mazda • Saab • Volvo • Hyundai Saturn • Subaru • Mitsubishi

Join us for Providence Restaurant week

July 10-23

Casual Lunch

q q q

Enjoyable Dinner Award Winning Brunch Great Cocktails & Bar

Here, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about you.

ELEVEN FORTY NINE 1149 Division Street Warwick, RI 401.884.1149 ELEVEN FORTY NINE EAST 965 Fall River Avenue Seekonk, MA 508.336.1149 www.elevenfortyninerestaurant.com July 2011 | Providence Monthly

Al Fresco • • • HOT

SPOTS • • •

AQUA. One Orms Street, at the Providence Marriott; 553-0409, www.aquaprovidence.com Savor the summer nights as you gather around a fire pit enjoying innovative cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Win a cruise! Check Facebook for details. D $-$$

1 Citizens Plaza, Providence; 421-2525. cafenuovo.com. World-class contemporary American cuisine on the Providence Riverwalk. Enjoy generous cocktails, heavenly appetizers and desserts while the river rolls by. LD $$-$$$

71 Bradford Street, Providence; 751-4812. camillesonthehill.com. Camille’s stunning Roman Gardens Terrace is now open. Experience their new and approachable alfresco lunch and dinner menu, cocktails and appetizers. LD $$-$$$

312 Wickenden Street, Providence; 270-3300, www.theduckandbunny.com Experience the tranquility of the outdoor seating in the English garden. Separate lounge for drinking and cigars. Open until midnight! BBrLD $-$$

172 Wayland Avenue, Providence; 223-0332. www.harukisushi.com. Haruki East provides delicious sushi and Japanese-inspired cuisine in an upscale, yet comfortable atmosphere. LD $-$$

5 Memorial Blvd. Providence; 621-5893, www.luxeburgerbar.com Providence’s most outrageous menu of buildyour-own burgers, sandwiches, and shakes, at less-than-outrageous prices. Bring your pup and enjoy the patio! LD $-$$

393 Charles Street, Providence; 331- 3000, www.pearlrestaurantri.com Drink, relax and dine on Pearl’s courtyard terrace. Enjoy cocktails, delicious sushi, an assortment of appetizers and incredible nightly specials! D $-$$$

762 Hope Street, Providence; 421-4114, www.pizzicoristorante.com Enjoy Pizzico’s sophisticated experience outdoors with romantic sidewalk seating. Authentic Italian dining with an expansive wine selection make the evening special. LD $$-$$$

Walter's

Ristorante d'Italia

370 Richmond Street, Providence; 272-7675 (PORK), ricksroadhouseri.com Roll up your sleeves for an authentic messy BBQ experience in a warm, lively atmosphere indoors or on the patio. Bar’s open till they kick you out! LD $-$$

265 Atwells Avenue, Providence; 421-9105, www.vendaravioli.com You’ll think you’re in Italy when you dine on authentic Italian food in the flower-filled DePasquale Plaza, day or night. LD $$

286 Atwells Ave, Providence; 273-2652, waltersonfederalhill.com Dine, drink and escape at the Garden Patio at Walter’s, Providence’s best-kept secret. Enjoy dinner or just relax with a cocktail under the stars. D $$-$$$

B Breakfast Br Brunch L Lunch D Dinner $ under 10 $$ 10-20 $$$ 20+

Providence Monthly | July 2011

zbar & grille 244 Wickenden St., Providence; 831-1566 Boasting a beautiful outdoor patio and one of Providence’s best (and most eclectic) menus, the Z Bar and Grille is a local summer favorite. BrLD $$-$$$

Feast

IN THE KITCHEN / on the menu / behind the bar / review / in the drink

Photography: Kate Kelley

48 REVIEW Avenue N

Pan Seared Filet of Salmon

July 2011 | Providence Monthly

Attention Restaurant Owners & Employees

We Can Help You!

Services offered Restaurant Consultants Food Manufacturing Restaurant Menu Development Food Styling & Photography Culinary Training Gold Standard Recipes Nutritional Analysis Media Training

Let Us Develop Your Next Gold Standard

Nutrition / Diabetes Celiac Experts

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Food • Drink Live Music Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Live Entertainment (check out our website)

Outdoor Dining • Full Menu ‘til 10PM • Open 7 Days 294 Great Island Road • Narragansett, RI (in Galilee next to the Block Island ferry) 401.783.9600 • www.ClamJammersRI.com 40

Providence Monthly | July 2011

Feast | In the Kitchen

Summertime Fun!...

by Stephanie Obodda

Slow Down Andrea LaFazia-Cipolla of The Locals wants to make you an omelet the right way

Photography: Mike Braca

Tell me about your background and how you started The Locals. The Locals was built out of a desire to make farm food more accessible and less intimidating to the general public. I felt farm food was becoming a sort of elitist movement. While there were pockets of people who knew a lot about farms and locally produced foods, most people were not familiar with the concept and immediately reacted as though it were sort of a scam to get consumers to spend more money. My journey to find affordable and accessible local food was a long one, especially once I became a mother. As a single girl it wasn’t such a big deal to shop in specialized markets. Once I had a family it wasn’t as practical to spend quite so much on food. I bought shares in local farms (Community Supported Agriculture) and bought from buying clubs and co-ops (Market Mobile and Urban Greens), and I even ran a small co-op for myself and my friends. I learned to cook creatively and buy thoughtfully. I went to Johnson and Wales with a desire to not only hone my culinary skills, but also leave with a culinary degree that could help me work in the field. At first I was reluctant to open a restaurant, but when my husband found our current space I was sold. I’ve found that I’m doing exactly what I set out to do: bringing reasonably priced and easy-to-find farm food to Rhode Island – but a little differently than I originally imagined. We’ve managed to offer a great deal of locally farmed foods with breakfast and lunch for under $10 and dinner from $8-18. Who are your food influences? My first food hero was Alice Waters. I saw an interview with her around 10 years ago when she started a curriculum for a kitchen classroom and an “edible schoolyard” in a junior high school in California. As I researched this woman, her slow food and farm-to-table philosophies rang true to me. She was purposeful and committed and I related to the way she was propelled by her convictions. What does “Slow Food” mean at The Locals? We have a sign in the restaurant that reads “Kick back and relax; you have just joined the slow food move-

ment.” We make everything to order. As we’re still pretty new, we often have one cook (me) in the kitchen, two on the busy weekends. Nothing happens quickly at The Locals. There are plenty of places to get a quick meal wrapped in paper to eat on your way to work. I want to cook my farm fresh eggs when they’re ordered, lovely and fluffy fresh from the pan. (Baffoni’s Farm sends us the most beautiful eggs.) I want to make your roast tomato and spinach omelet for you, when you order it. I don’t want to just heat a pre-cooked omelet. When you come to The Locals, you can exhale, have a cup of coffee and hang out. You’re in my living room and I’m making you something to eat, maybe not quickly, but thoughtfully and with a good measure of love. Is there a restaurant that inspired you? I lived in Brooklyn for a few years. Down the street from my apartment was a cafe that served some cool sandwiches, great coffee, and had live music and drinks at night. There are lots of places like this in New York. It was nice to have a room where you could get a great cup of coffee (I hate bad coffee) in the morning and a mixed drink and some good music later that night. You could be by yourself if you wanted to, or hang out with the rest of the neighborhood. I’m proud to see we are quickly becoming a space like that.

What are some of your favorite local ingredients this season? Summer squash is all over the menu. Garlic scapes are a favorite of mine. I love pea greens and the lettuce growing in my own garden is unbelievable – sweet and buttery. I love it. I’ve been just dying for sweet corn bisque; I’ve got a bit of a wait, but, man, am I eager for it. What’s one of your most popular menu items? The Sweet Potato Melt: we roast sweet potatoes with butter and tarragon. When they are good and soft we mash them with pure maple syrup. We add onions that we caramelize in our cast iron pot with herbed butter and sage along with sautéed spinach. We heap the mashed sweet potatoes on a piece of toasted country loaf, layer on our spinach and onions, cover that with Swiss cheese and pop it in the oven to melt.

The Locals 11 Waterman Avenue, North Providence 231-2231 eatatthelocals.com

Selected Spring & Summer Merchandise on Sale

A specialty boutique Open Daily 10-5:30 Saturday 10-5 The Village CenTer 290 County road, Barrington 247-1087 July 2011 | Providence Monthly

Welcome to Paradise

Try one of these delicious tropical inspired cocktails

Feast | On The Menu

by John Taraborelli

Eat Well for Less The best deal in dining returns for its summer session

2 parts ABSOLUT ORIENT APPLE 2 parts Cranberry juice 2 parts Ginger Ale Garnish with a lime wedge

Restauant Weeks in DePasquale Square

ABSOLUT BLUSHING GINGER

2 oz. SAILOR JERRy SPICEd RUM ¼ oz. Orange Curacao Squeeze of Fresh Lime juice Splash of Pineapple juice Splash of Grenadine Serve on the Rocks

SAILOR JERRY SPICED MAI-TAI

Providence Monthly | July 2011

In its 2010

“America’s Favorite Cities” readers’ poll, Travel + Leisure magazine ranked Providence in the top ten for all four food categories (#10 for big name restaurants, #8 for farmer’s markets, and very respectable #3 for both ethnic food and neighborhood joints), bringing our fair city to #3 in the overall rankings, behind only New Orleans and San Francisco. (Voting for the 2011 edition is still going on; visit www. travelandleisure.com to cast your vote for your hometown.) That culinary treasure trove is why Providence Restaurant Weeks have been so successful. The now semiannual event (the first winter Restaurant Week was in January) provides costconscious (or even just curious) diners an opportunity to experience some of the finest (and often most expensive) restaurants in the city with little risk to their budgets. From July 10-23, nearly 100 restaurants in and around Providence will offer three-course, prix-fixe lunches and dinners for a mere $12.95 and $29.95 respectively. Restaurant weeks have sprung up around the country, especially in most major cities, as a way to both showcase food scenes, and keep restaurants humming in a bad economy or slow month. Here in Rhode Island, the restaurant week idea has already spread to Narragansett, Newport and the East Bay. But enough back story – you just want to know what you’ll be eating this month. Here are some of the highlights: The best part of Restaurant Weeks is eating at otherwise expensive places for only $30. To that end, Cook and

Brown Public House (959 Hope St., 273-7275), neighboring Chez Pascal (960 Hope St., 421-4422), La Laiterie at Farmstead (184-188 Wayland Ave., 274-7177), Siena (238 Atwells Ave., 5213311) and Bacaro (262 South Water St., 751-3700) are all offering dinner only. For lunch options (as well as dinner), there are Capital Grille (1 Union Station, 521-5600), Rue De L’Espoir (99 Hope St., 751-8890), Capriccio (2 Pine St., 421-1320) and Ten Prime Steak and Sushi (55 Pine St., 453-2333). Continuing its tradition of trumping everyone during Restaurant Weeks, Pizzico (762 Hope St., 421-4114) is making its entire menu fair game for the meal deal. Also, several highly regarded restaurants outside Providence are throwing their hats in the ring, including DeWolf Tavern (259 Thames St., Bristol, 254-2005), La Masseria (223 Main St., East Greenwich, 3980693) and 1149 (965 Fall RIver Ave., Seekonk, 508-336-1149). Eat up. MORE DEALS FOR DINERS XO Café (125 North Main St., 2739090), which just made its welcome return to the local restaurant scene after morphing into Café Noir for a couple of years, is now offering Daily Dining Deals in addition to Sunday brunch. On Monday, all bottles of wine are half off the list price. On Ladies Night (Wednesday), women can enjoy a complimentary three-course tasting menu, with selections changing weekly. From 5-7pm on Bar Fling Fridays, all bar menu items are half-price. Finally, on Sunday’s Pajama Brunch, all guests

who show up in their PJs receive a complimentary mimosa or Bloody Mary. JOIN THE PARTY Whole Foods Waterman Street will host the third annual East Side Block Party on Sunday, July 17 from noon4pm. Waterman Street will be closed from Wayland Square to Butler Street for food, music, live performances from Everett Dance Theatre and the Rhode Island Kung Fu Club, wrestling demonstrations from Heatwave Wrestling Federation and an outdoor art gallery. It’s a great family event and proceeds will benefit Everett and the Carriage House. UP ON THE ROOF On July 31, Gracie’s (194 Washington St., 272-7811) goes sky high with its first ever rooftop wine event, Wines of the World, on the roof of the Peerless Building, where the restaurant maintains a garden. Guests will enjoy 50 wines, craft beers and spirits selected by Wine and Spirits Director Brendan Roane, as well as hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment. Tickets are $75, and are available by calling 272-7811. L.A. COMES TO PVD That famous Los Angeles treat, Pinkberry, the frozen yogurt and upscale dessert chain, arrives not quite in Providence, but close enough, this month. On July 9, their first Rhode Island location opens at Garden City Center in Cranston. The company launched in West Hollywood in 2005, and has since become a sensation, with over 100 stores around the world.

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Feast | Behind the Bar

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Providence Monthly | July 2011

What’s the E&O like and when can we find you there? Fridays from 4pm to close. We call it “Family Fridays.” It’s a family-run establishment. I bartend the first shift with my 74-year-old dad. They call him “The Rev” because he’s a minister. I work the second shift with my sister; we’re called “The German Twins.” My brother owns it. It’s mainly a beer and shot sort of place. It’s diverse, friendly, totally kitschy, but really fun. After 9pm it gets pretty loud. I love how wonderful afternoon hours are – very relaxed and friendly. It’s a great time to experiment with cocktails. We’re keeping the neighborhood at shot mentality, but the spirit shelf is getting more artisanal and interesting. When did you become interested in the art of creating cocktails? My dad taught me how to tend bar. He and my brothers have worked in bars for over 15 years. As far as getting into the creation of a cocktail, I owe that to my mom. I grew up on an herb farm in Rehoboth; my mom is an herbalist and midwife. She was always making infusions and medicines. The combination of dad bartending and mom mixing things up inspired me. I come at cocktails with a different mindset: don’t drink to get drunk; drink for the experience and the taste and the good company. What else inspires your cocktail creations? I went to a farming boarding school in Vermont. Students help run the kitchen there. Sometimes you were in the kitchen crew; sometimes you were in the barn milking. I’ve always been a total foodie and wanted to learn more about how food pairs with beverages. In 2007, I studied Slow Food in Italy, an organic farming movement. That’s kind of where my senses woke up. Tell me about this cocktail competition you won. RISD hosted a contest to name the official cocktail of the museum’s Cocktail Culture exhibit; it was sponsored by Bottles Fine Wine. My winning cocktail is The Benefit Dram: Smith & Cross Rum (Jamaican rum aged in white oak), sweet vermouth, fresh lime juice, native honey, Peychaud bitters. Shake it up and serve in a coupe glass with a lime wheel. It

tastes like a variation of a traditional daiquiri, leaning toward a Mai Tai. What do you do when you’re not creating cocktails? This summer I’ve started doing private cocktail catering and consulting. The name of my company is Little Bitte. Bitte is the German way of saying “welcome.” It started this spring with people asking me to help build cocktail lists for college graduation parties. I really love to use fresh juices. Using the freshest ingredients will create the best cocktail. What is your favorite summer artisan cocktail? The Punch Drunk West Sider, made with rum, fresh pineapple juice, cognac and Apry (apricot liquor). I muddle lemons and granulated sugars as the base. How will E&O be celebrating Providence 375? With a cocktail: The Knight Street Old Fashioned, named for the street E&O is on. Old Overholt Rye Whiskey muddled with orange peel and sugar, whiskey barrel-aged bitters and soda. One of the best Old Fashioneds in town – something I think Roger Williams would enjoy.

How do you convince someone to put down their usual cocktail try something new? Start a conversation. It becomes a dialogue on what their tastes are. For me it’s getting them excited to try something new, something that isn’t entirely out of their realm of taste. For someone that likes gin and tonics, I’ll make them a Bitter Saint: an original cocktail of St. Germain liqueur, gin, Campari and lime juice. It tastes like grapefruit juice. It’s so delicious. A Sidecar is a great gateway cocktail: brandy, lemon juice, triple sec and a sugared rim. You can also catch Willa at Lili Marlene’s (422 Atwells Ave.) on Monday and Thursday nights, and Cook & Brown Public House (959 Hope St.) on Wednesdays.

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Feast | In the Drink

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Farm to Bar Summer cocktails get an herbal makeover

Illustration: Ashley MacLure

In July, when heat

and humidity in the Ocean State reach mathematically impossible heights, embracing a seasonal drink becomes less a matter of fashion than survival. Nevertheless, the familiar routine of summer drinks – taller, lighter, colder, brighter – becomes drab without some attention to the next new thing. Summers have witnessed a revival of Tiki-bar tackiness, for example, or a vogue for European summer ales. This year, if frequent appearances on local bar menus and national magazine pages are any indication, fresh herbs are a suddenly chic, seemingly new way to channel summer in a glass. Consider a monotony-busting gin and tonic, for instance, which takes the summertime classic through the garden. Drinkers revere the original for minimalist perfection, yet I find its syrupy sweetness off-putting, and feel a Groundhog Day kind of weariness about the drink’s June-throughAugust ubiquity. Chatting with a friend and avid G&T fan, I waged these complaints and received an intriguing suggestion: Add thyme. Fresh thyme, he promised, cuts a G&T’s thick sweetness and elevates it from humdrum to sublime. Experiments with a sprig from my backyard garden proved him correct. After smashing thyme leaves in my palms to release their essential oils, I added the greens to a tumbler filled with tonic water ice cubes, over which went gin, tonic and lemon juice. (Yes, lemon. No lime. London’s foremost newspaper once proclaimed the presence of lime in gin and tonics “proof of our degraded times,” and exaggerated only a touch in doing so.) Just as foretold, a thyme-laced gin and tonic leaps over the basic original – not so much a different animal altogether, but a muchimproved kin. Thyme somehow tempers tonic’s sugary excess, marries well with lemon, and lends new dimensions to a conventional drink. All this, catalyzed by a few green leaves. By no means limited to a gin-andtonic 2.0, herbal drinks are part of a broader movement within contemporary cocktail culture that emphasizes “real” and seasonal ingredients versus pre-packaged, preservative-laden simu-

lacra. Notice a glut of fresh mint at the bar these days, from mojitos to juleps and southsides? Such a thing was virtually unthinkable several years ago. Too delicate, expensive and labor-intensive, herbs were often either nixed or replaced with cheaper, easier and inferior

bottled syrups. In an extreme example, the Maker’s Mark bourbon company devised a mint-flavored bourbon intended as a sort of insta-julep. It tastes precisely as one might expect: viscous and cloying as melted candy, and nothing at all like the real McCoy. Thankfully, days in which such things

were marketable, let alone conceivable, seem more behind us than not. Yet if a contemporary embrace of all things real and fresh counts as a trend – and let’s hope not, for the short-lived faddishness that word implies – they’re a return to historical practices rather than immaculate modern conceptions. What is gin, after all, but neutral grain alcohol doctored up with botanicals? Since devising gin’s punchy burn centuries ago, Britons by and large forgot Plain Jane alternatives like vodka. Or consider tinctures and bitters, which use herbs to lend flavor and (somewhat dubious) medicinal benefits to any manner of booze, and have since before the Middle Ages. Yet even if herbal drinks aren’t wholly novel, their renaissance in bar culture does have driving factors rooted in the present. Namely, its coincidence with a boom of urban agriculture in recent years suggests an agrarian zeitgeist at work. If cocktail trends tend to begin or coalesce in cities, after all, it was only a matter of time until bar mavens harnessed asphalt greenery for their own, ever-so-slightly unwholesome purposes. Providence itself is no stranger to urban farming, with community gardens seemingly everywhere, and committed urbanites flexing green thumbs to grow sliver-sized vegetable patches. Translating that bounty from the ground to our glasses is only natural.

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Feast | Review

by Linda Beaulieu

Electric Avenue Chef Nick Rabar’s new restaurant is an instant hit expectations, having watched chefowner Nick Rabar for the past decade paying his dues at Providence restaurants, most notably those of the Chow Fun Food Group. Rabar is out on his own now, and I was not disappointed. Every step in our dining experience at his brand new restaurant was interesting and exciting. Rabar did make one big mistake: his restaurant is way too small. Culinary talent this big needs more than 45 seats (including about 10 spots at the bar). Thankfully, there are an additional 30 seats on the patio, which is fine for right now, but what will we do come winter? Since opening in May, Avenue N has been jammed with Rabar fans as well as Rumford residents hungry for a really good local restaurant. Avenue N is on the street level of Rumford Center, an old baking powder factory that’s been converted into apartments, condos, office space and retail shops. The restaurant’s concept originated with Rabar and his wife Tracy, who in her own right has more than 20 years experience in the restaurant business. Their concept of “an American kitchen” was brought to fruition by the Judd Brown design group. The end result is a contemporary bistro that pays homage to the building’s industrial roots. Exposed beams and ductwork, warehouse lighting and reclaimed

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Providence Monthly | July 2011

wood add up to a charming mix of old and new. At six-foot-four, Rabar is a towering figure in his semi-open kitchen. It’s easy for him to see who walks into Avenue N, and he’s quick to pop out and greet his guests whenever possible. Attired in blue jeans, white shirts and long bistro aprons, the wait staff is attentive and friendly. Paul welcomed us with the oversized menus and promptly brought us our drinks. He smiled broadly when I warned him that we were going to order a lot of food because it was all so intriguing. The Corned Beef Reuben Sliders ($8) are precious little sandwiches of buttery rye bread, bulging with tender corned beef, melted Gruyere cheese, braised sour cabbage and Thousand Island dressing. You might end up with a little heartburn, but trust me, the Hand-Battered Corn Dogs ($7) are so worth it, especially when dipped into the chipotle ketchup. The Stuffed Chicken Wings ($9), a labor-intensive dish if there ever was one, consists of four wings, deboned and stuffed with a finely chopped mixture of shrimp, pork, black mushrooms and peanuts. This is tasty enough to stand on its own, and even better with a quick dip into the accompanying sweet and sour sauce. When it comes to salad, it’s hard for us to resist anything with beets. At Avenue N, Roasted Schartner Farm

Block Island Black Bass

Beets and Roquefort Cheese ($9) are combined for a slight change up (most chefs pair beets with goat cheese) with pleasing results. A beautiful dish, the ultra-thin slices of red and golden beets are crowned with a generous medallion of tangy blue cheese, then topped with lolla rossa, a frilly Italian lettuce with a mild green taste. Thinly sliced dried figs are strewn about the plate. Sherry vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and sea salt make the flavors pop. Like many modern restaurants, Avenue N has a limited number of entrées, eight on the menu plus specials. Rabar offers – with dazzling accompaniments – a free-range organic chicken, hanger steak, beef short ribs, three seafood options, a spring pea and ricotta ravioli, and the signature Avenue N Burger ($11), crafted from Meyer Farm beef. This is the kind of burger you need to hold on to with both hands, and be prepared for meaty juices to run down through your fingers. It’s piled high with applewood bacon, Vermont cheddar cheese, grilled Vidalia onions and a smoky chipotle aioli. A real tongue twister, the Block Island Black Bass (the most expensive item on the menu at $24) has five different flavors going for it. First, the fish: a delicious saltwater fish, the black striped sea bass of the Atlantic move into Block Island waters every May. Despite its name, the flesh is creamy white with a mild, sweet flavor. At Avenue N, the fresh fish is a thick filet pan seared until golden and served over a heartier-thanusual new potato puree. On the same plate, you’ll find a finely chopped sweet and sour red cabbage and squiggles of horseradish aioli. No ordinary garnish here – Rabar finishes the dish with a trio of exquisitely crisp fried oysters. The fish, the potato, the cabbage, the horseradish, the oysters: five divergent flavors that meld beautifully for a most

satisfying taste experience. Another gorgeous presentation, the Pan-Seared Filet of Salmon ($21) starts with a vibrant green base of fava bean succotash and North Country bacon. A thick slab of pan-seared salmon is draped over the succotash, an old Narragansett Indian dish in a modern setting. Sitting on top of the vibrantly colored salmon are two plump Red Ruby shrimp, intertwined almost suggestively. The salmon, the shrimp, the fava beans: everything is cooked to perfection. Desserts are very limited, with only two available the night we were there. One was chocolate chip cookies warm from the oven served with ice-cold milk from Munroe Dairy. The other, more to our liking, was the Cupcake Sampler ($7). One cupcake was lavender, the other was a wonderful combination of dark chocolate and orange flavors. Both were topped with thick, not overly sweet buttercream. It’s easy to see why this little neighborhood restaurant is always packed. Avenue N is a lot like an exciting new recipe. All the key ingredients are in place, and so are the Rabars, with Nick in the kitchen and Tracy at the front of the house. Every night that recipe turns into a remarkably delicious dining experience. Linda Beaulieu is the author of The Providence and Rhode Island Cookbook, available at stores throughout the state.

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Feast | Dining Guide

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Providence Monthly | July 2011

Ruth’s Chris Steak House 10 Memorial Blvd. (at the GTECH Center); 272-2271. Come celebrate the restaurant’s fifth year overlooking Waterplace Park by treating yourself to some of the best USDA Prime steak in Providence. Change your life one bite at a time. D $$$

Providence 10 PRIME STEAK & SUSHI 55 Pine St.; 453-2333. Located downtown, Ten offers a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere complimented by aged prime steaks and a full sushi menu along with creative cocktails. LD $$-$$$ Andreas 268 Thayer St.; 331-7879. For a taste of Greece, head to Andreas. Their menu includes souvlaki, moussaka and a variety of kabobs, along with specialties like Lemon Oregano Lamb Chops and Spanakopita, an appetizer of spinach and feta in flaky phyllo dough. BrLD $-$$

Aspire Restaurant 311 Westminster St.; 521-3333. Aspire offers an exquisite fine dining experience with a number of delicious small and large plates, numerous fine wines and full bar – with an emphasis on local ingredients. BBrLD $-$$$

BAKER STREET RUE 75 Baker St.; 490-5025. Chef Twillia Glover expands the Rue De L’Espoir empire with this comfortable neighborhood café serving “upscale diner food” with an emphasis on local ingredients. BBrL $

ASIAN BISTRO 123 Dorrance St.; 3833551. Chinese, Japanese and Thai, hibachi and sushi – they’re all under one roof at Asian Bistro. For the freshest flavors in a convenient downtown location, this is the place. LD $-$$$

BOMBAY CLUB 145 Dean St.; 2736363. Taste authentic North Indian cuisine in the cozy atmosphere of Bombay Club. The extensive menu includes Indian specialties such as lamb, seafood, vegetables and more. Weekends offer a lunch buffet. LD $-$$

ASIAN PALACE 1184 North Main St.; 228-7805. All the flavors of Asia are here: from Chinese classics to new Thai favorites to fresh, impeccably prepared sushi. The gorgeous banquet room is available for private functions. LD $-$$$

BRAVO BRASSERIE 123 Empire St.; 490-5112. Enjoy lunch and dinner at this American bistro with the French flair. Located downtown across from Trinity Rep, it’s the perfect place for a pre-theater dinner or cocktail after the show. LD $$-$$$

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BYBLOS 235 Meeting St.; 453-9727. Providence’s original hookah lounge offers more than just a relaxing smoke and chic atmosphere. You can also enjoy classic Lebanese dishes and light cuisine with your cocktail. LD $ Café Paragon 234 Thayer St.; 3316200. This hip eatery serves sandwiches, pasta, and entrees at prices lower than the chic décor would have you believe. The adjoining Viva lounge is perfect for after-dinner drinks and private parties. BrLD $-$$ CASERTA’S PIZZERIA 121 Spruce St.; 621-9190. This Rhode Island tradition serves big pizzas with generous toppings and thick, rich tomato sauce. The Wimpy Skippy, a spinach pie with cheese and pepperoni, is not to be missed. LD $-$$ CAV 14 Imperial Pl.; 751-9164. The New York Times’ choice as one of Providence’s five best restaurants, CAV’s contemporary upscale cuisine is available al fresco for lunch and dinner daily. They also feature weekend brunch. BrLD $$-$$$ DON JOSE TEQUILAS 351 Atwells Ave.; 454-8951. Don Jose’s digs a little deeper than your average Mexican restaurant, with all the basics you love alongside more artfully composed entrees and a wonderful selection of house-made tequilas. LD $$ DOWNCITY 50 Weybosset St.; 3319217. DownCity has raised the bar for downtown dining with a menu makeover by Chef Gordon Ramsay of Kitchen Nightmares. Enjoy creative New England fare in a gorgeous, high-energy setting. BrLD $$-$$$

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GOURMET HOUSE 787 Hope St.; 8314722. Beautiful murals and decor set the mood for delicious Cambodian and Southeast Asian cuisine, spicy curries and noodle dishes. The tamarind duck is a must. LD $-$$

McFADDEN’S RESTAURANT AND SALOON 52 Pine St.; 861-1782. Looking for a great sports bar that also offers top-notch dining? Look no further. For game night, a quality lunch or dinner, or a great after-work cocktail, stop by McFadden’s. LD $-$$

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MILLS TAVERN 101 North Main St., 272-3331. The only restaurant in

only freshly ground beef, Nathan’s hot dogs, a long list of craft beers and new twists on cocktails. A perfect quick bite or night out. LD $-$$

RI to receive The Mobile Four Star Award for five consecutive years, Mills Tavern provides traditional American cuisine in a warm, friendly setting. LD $$-$$$

HARUKI EAST 172 Wayland Ave.; 2230332. For authentic Japanese dining, try Haruki’s large variety of sushi, sashimi, bento boxes, soba noodles and delicious specialty entrees. Enjoy the chic atmosphere and the freshest sushi around. LD $-$$$

MU MU CUISINE 220 Atwells Ave.; 369-7040. Get a true taste of China in the heart of Federal Hill. Mu Mu mixes the best of familiar stateside favorites with a selection of authentic Chinese specialties. LD $-$$

HEMENWAY’S 121 South Main St.; 3518570. A true Providence classic, Hemenway’s has been serving top-notch seafood for 20 years. Their oyster bar features everything from the famed Prince Edward Island variety to the local favorite, Poppasquash Point. LD $$-$$$

NEW RIVERS 7 Steeple St.; 751-0350. Long considered one of Providence’s finest restaurants, the James Beard Award-nominated New Rivers serves creative New American cuisine with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients in an intimate setting. D $$-$$$

HUDSON STREET DELICATESSEN 68 Hudson St.; 228-8555. For a true neighborhood deli, head to the West Side. Try one of their delicious specialty sandwiches, using only quality Boar’s Head meats, including the biggest and best grinder in town. BLD $

NOT JUST SNACKS 833 Hope St.; 8311150. Indeed, it’s not just snacks, but rather some of the tastiest, most authentic Indian food around served in a comfortable, homey setting right in the heart of Hope Street. LD $-$$

Kartabar 284 Thayer St.; 331-8111 This European-style restaurant and lounge offers a full menu of unique dishes such as Champagne Sea Bass and Gorgonzola-stuffed Filet Mignon. They also offer a gourmet wine list and martini menu. LD $-$$

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351 Atwells Ave. Providence 454-8951 • www.donjosetequilas.com

LUXE BURGER BAR 5 Memorial Blvd.; 621-5893. Luxe brings the classic burger to a new level. Their build your own burger list, which includes Kobe and Gold Labeled beef, never ends, with countless combinations. LD $-$$

PARKSIDE 76 South Main St.; 3310003. Chef/owner Steven Davenport’s Parkside offers innovative foods ranging from spicy crab cakes to grilled tenderloin and Portobello salad. The menu also includes creative pasta dishes and Parkside’s signature rotisserie meat. LD $-$$

Br Brunch B breakfast L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+

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FLEMING’S 1 West Exchange St.; 533-9000. Fleming’s is an ongoing celebration of exceptional steak and wine. Located downtown, the elegant atmosphere perfectly accentuates the quality of their prime steak and fine dinning. D $$-$$$

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July is

Feast | Dining Guide

For each Specialty Burger purchased, $1 will go to the Wounded Warrior Project. woundedwarriorproject.org/ 52 Pine St, Providence • 401.861.1782 • www.mcfaddensprovidence.com

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Red Stripe 465 Angell St.; 4376950. It’s classic comfort food with French influences. From their Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup to ten styles of Moules & Frites, Red Stripe’s menu is reasonably priced and made with passion. LD $-$$$

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Perishable Theater in Association with Trinity Repertory Company, Presents:

June 23 - July 31, 2011 Directed by Megan Sandberg-Zakian. Music directed by David Tessier. With the original Perishable cast, featuring Alexander Platt as Hedwig

all tickets are $25 www.trinityrep.com or (401) 351-4242 Located At: Trinity Rep’s Pell Chaffee Performance Center, On Empire Street, Providence. Located one door down from Perishable Theatre.

Providence Monthly | July 2011

Pizzico Ristorante 762 Hope St.; 421-4114. Pizzico sets the standard for Italian cuisine on the East Side, with award-winning food, a wide variety of wine and a rustic yet eclectic atmosphere. LD $$-$$$

RICK’S ROADHOUSE 370 Richmond St.; 272-7675.With hand-cut, fire kissed steaks, gut busting burgers and fall off the bone ribs, Rick’s brings the best slow-cooked cuisine to the Ocean State. LD $-$$ RUE BIS 95 South St.; 490-9966. This intimate eatery provides breakfast and lunch in a cozy, neighborhood bistro atmosphere – all with the gourmet pedigree of Hope Street dining staple Rue De L’Espoir behind it. BBrL $ Rue De L’espoir 99 Hope St.; 751-8890. In business for over 30 years, the Rue has only gotten better. Beautifully prepared with the freshest ingredients, the innovative, constantly changing menu keeps diners on their toes. Superb brunch. BBrLD $$-$$$ Siena 238 Atwells Ave.; 521-3311. Federal Hill’s Siena features authentic Tuscan cuisine in a warm and lively atmosphere. The extensive menu includes wood-grilled veal, steak and seafood entrees along with signature pasta and sauté dishes. D $$-$$$ TAMMANY HALL 409 Atwells Ave.; 831-3180. This Irish pub and parlor is the place to be for food, drink and a relaxing smoke. Enjoy their friendly service and great pub fare while lighting up your favorite cigar. LD $

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TASTE OF INDIA 230 Wickenden St.; 421-4355. Providence’s first Indian restaurant delivers on its promise of serving real (and really delicious) Indian cuisine, with seafood delicacies and Tandoori specialties, made with authentic Indian spices. LD $-$$ TRATTORIA ZOOMA 245 Atwells Ave.; 383-2002. Located on historic Federal Hill, Zooma offers award winning Neapolitan cuisine in a beautiful, upscale setting, specializing in house made pasta, local fish, meats, vegetables and authentic wood fired pizza. LD $$-$$$ United BBQ 146 Ives Street, 7519000. Barbecue is an art form here. Feed the inner man with a classic rack of ribs (sold in half or whole racks) or make it light with a “Tofurkey” kielbasa sandwich from the menu’s Weird Stuff section. They deliver. LD $-$$ WALTER’S RISTORANTE D’ITALIA 286 Atwells Ave.; 273-2652. Experience the authentic flavors of Chef Walter Potenza, a name long synonymous with Italian food in Rhode Island. This is a must-stop for foodies, and caters to gluten-free diners. D $$-$$$ WATERMAN GRILLE 4 Richmond Square; 521-9229. An exquisite waterfront dining experience, Waterman Grille offers a plethora of delectable dishes including grille and seafood plates with a focus on seasonal flavors and local offerings. BrD $-$$$ WINGS AND THINGS 250 Brook St.; 369-7551. This family run business offers fresh, never frozen, chicken wings bathed in hot sauce made by hand from freshly ground chili peppers, plus 20 sauces, appetizers, sandwiches and soups. LD $ XO CAFÉ 125 North Main St.; 2739090. XO Café celebrates fine food, wine and funky art. Featuring a seductive atmosphere, outmatched by

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East Bay DECK FORTY TWO 28 Water St., East Providence; 270-4245. Enjoy fresh seafood and Italian favorites at family friendly prices, along with the best waterfront view of the city. It’s a convenient trip from downtown, just off the East Bay bike path. LD $-$$$ HORTON’S SEAFOOD 809 Broadway, East Providence; 434-3116. Enjoy the finest of fresh seafood at this familyowned-and-operated restaurant. Horton’s is famous for their fried clams and fish and chips, and offers takeout. LD $-$$ Ichigo Ichie 5 Catamore Blvd., East Providence; 435-5511. The name roughly translates as “one encounter in a lifetime,” but you’ll want to visit again and again for the enchanting Japanese décor, and of course, the sushi and hibachi menus. LD $$ JACKYS GALAXIE 338 Metacom Ave., Bristol; 253-8818. Jacky’s offers an eclectic taste of Asia, including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Cambodian and Vietnamese. Enjoy traditional recipes combined with modern technique and flair for a unique dining experience. LD $-$$$ VINEYARD EAST 315 Waterman Ave., East Providence; 432-7000. Wine-influenced dinning meets casual down home atmosphere, and an eclectic menu of regional fare like local seafood favorites and Italian and Portuguese classics. LD $$

South County ELEVEN FORTY NINE RESTAURANT 1149 Division St, (Warwick/East

Greenwich line), 884-1149. 965 Fall River Ave., Seekonk; 508-336-1149. Metropolitan chic comes to the suburbs at this super stylish restaurant with a raw bar, outstanding menu, and some of the best cocktails around. LD $$-$$$ FLARE 577 Tiogue Ave., Coventry; 615-8577. Using only the finest ingredients, this bistro offers the traditional tastes of house made pasta, fresh seafood, and handmade pizza. This brick oven bistro is truly a pizza lover’s heaven. LD $$ SIENA CUCINA 5600 Post Rd., East Greenwich; 885-8850. Siena features authentic Tuscan cuisine in a warm and lively atmosphere, plus over 20 wines by the glass and an Italian “tapas” menu. D $$-$$$

101 Dyer Street Providence (Next to Capriccio) 331-0044 • www.sherriscafe101.com

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North THE LOCALS 11 Waterman Ave., North Providence; 231-2231. Have a taste of locally grown food from an extensive menu at reasonable prices. The Locals offers live music and a great sense of being a part of the neighborhood. BLD $-$$ RASOI 727 East Ave., Pawtucket; 7285500. Rasoi, Hindi for “kitchen,” is the fruition of a dream by Chef Sanjiv Dhar to balance healthy food, personalized service and Indian culture. Featuring a full bar and famous weekend buffet. LD $-$$

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Live in the Square!

West Bay CHAPEL GRILLE 3000 Chapel View Blvd., Cranston; 944-9900. Nestled in the hills of Cranston’s Chapel View complex, this restaurant offers great food and views. Enjoy a Mediterranean inflected menu while admiring the Providence skyline in the distance. LD $$-$$$

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July 2011 | Providence Monthly

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Get Out

Events / art / music / MOVIES / theatre

Celebrate with a Bang July 4:

For the city of Providence, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s difficult not to have a psychological complex when it comes to celebrating the Fourth of July. Neighboring Bristol has all but trademarked the right to hosting the patriotic festivities with their charming tri-color lines painted on Hope Street and 226-year legacy as the oldest continuous celebration in the country. Big deal. This year, the capital city is offering a melange of evening activities that are sure to entertain (and give Bristol a run for its money). The merriment begins

with a special 7:30pm performance from the Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops which will include such classic favorites as America the Beautiful, Stars and Stripes Forever, Tchaikovskyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1812 Overture and more. Afterwards, you can enjoy the awe-inspiring pyrotechnics of the fireworks display at India Point Park. The dark horse of patriotic partying, the Providence Independence Day Celebration is the place to be this year. Performance at 7:30pm, fireworks at 9pm. Free - Devin Karambelas

July 2011 | Providence Monthly

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This Month Through August 14 Find your funny bone at the Newport Summer Comedy Series, then exercise it frequently. newportcomedy. com July 4 Hear and see the rockets’ red glare at the Rhode Island Philharmonic’s pre-fireworks performance at India Point Park. goprovidence.com July 8-9 Gallop into the plastic fantasy world of glittery mane styling during the My Little Pony Convention at Hasbro. mylittleponycon.com July 9 Powwow with the Affiliated Tribes of New England in Kennedy Plaza, while waiting on your bus. goprovidence.com July 10 Remember that shouting “Only 50 miles to go!” is not the encouragement the athletes of the Ironman 70.3 need. ironmanrhodeisland.com

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Providence Monthly | July 2011

by Dawn Keable

July 22-24 Chat up the wind gods to make sure the conditions stay favorable for the Hot Air Balloon Festival at URI Kingston. southcountyballoonfest.com July 28 Make a heartfelt toast to the belugas during Cocktails with the Whales at Mystic Aquarium. mysticaquarium.org July 30-31 Stowaway on the Amtrak 40th Anniversary Exhibit Train, chugging into the Providence station. amtrak40th.com Got a cool upcoming event? Send the details, with plenty of advance warning, to dawn@providenceonline. com.

Under the Tent

Through July 29: Forget about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). For the past 15 years, Rhode Islanders have been suffering from Summer Institution Closings. Yes, that’s right, SIC. You remember when it all started don’t you? Mmm-hmm, right around 1996 to be exact, with the shutdown of Rocky Point. And indeed, while you were bummed about not being able to cool off on the flume, you had perspective. There was still the Warwick Musical Theatre and its revolving stage, after all. Unfortunately, the live music venue only lasted three more years, until September 1999, when it shut down for its final season. But this summer, thanks to The Tent: Life in the Round, an exhibit showcasing one-of-a-kind artifacts, including signs, photographs and the original chairs, you can pretend for a while that nothing has changed. Tuesday-Saturday: noon-4pm; documentary screening at 1:30pm daily. Free. Warwick Art Museum, 3259 Post Road, Warwick. 737-0010, warwickmuseum.org

food. drink. music. The gorgeous Stage Door Restaurant and Lounge, in the Park Theatre building, provides the perfect setting for lunch or dinner before an event at the Park Theatre. Food, drinks, live music and a great time! Visit our website for upcoming shows. 848 Park Avenue, Cranston 401.467.7275 www.ParkStageDoor.com Follow Us on Facebook!

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Providence Monthly | July 2011

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Get Out | Theatre

by Molly Lederer

Alexander Platt as Hedwig

Rock, roll and a quest to be whole

On Stage

Heard the news?

See what’s going up this month

Hedwig is back. She was the most popular transgender gal in town last spring, and she plans to hang onto that title. If you missed this little lady before, here is your chance to see her sing of love, loss and life after a sub-par sex change operation. The East German songstress and her powerful punk band return as Perishable Theatre, in association with Trinity Repertory Company, remounts the hit rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Hedwig opened off-Broadway in 1998, with music and lyrics by Stephen Trask and book by John Cameron Mitchell. Brown grad Megan Sandberg-Zakian directs the original cast and crew from last year’s Perishable production, including Alexander Platt as Hedwig. Both took the time to chat with PM about what new and returning audiences can expect. Hint: the summer’s coolest concert. More Room to Rock Out The biggest change from the previous version of the show is the performance space. Perishable’s black box theatre housed an intimate dive-bar setting last year, but this year the cavernous Pell Chafee Performance Center provides new acoustics and options. Sandberg-Zakian doesn’t want to give away too much, but promises new staging with a specifically local slant. She says, “Everyone can look forward to the same innovation, high level of skill, and fabulousness that we had the first time around.” A Well Oiled Machine If acting is a muscle, Alexander Platt thoroughly stretched it before donning Hedwig’s blond wigs and hot pants again. After directing Elemental Theatre’s new play festival this winter, he starred in back-to-back productions at the Gamm Theatre this spring: first as the title character of the drama Paul, next as a suspected terrorist in the comedy Why Torture Is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them. So he didn’t have time to “sit around and get lazy,” as he puts it. Nor did he adopt a rock-and-roll lifestyle as a fun form of Method acting. Instead, he cut down on coffee and ran 25 to 30 miles a week. Platt and the rest of the cast remain onstage throughout the play, as they would if performing a regular concert, so they need stamina. “There’s a lot of sweat going on,” he reveals. “You don’t want to lose steam during the show.”

Hot Jams The score of Hedwig sets it apart from traditional musical theatre, with influences ranging from Greek philosophy to ‘70s glam rock. Platt notes that it incorporates beautiful ballads and aggressive anthems, summing it up as “phenomenal, just kick-ass music.” A group of local performers comprise the band, dubbed the Angry Inch after what remains of Hedwig’s post-op male member, with David Rabinow on guitar, Brandon Capaldo on drums, Paul “Zeus” Souza on bass and music director David Tessier on keyboard. Liz Gotauco sings back up as the sexually ambiguous character Yitzhak. A Refreshingly Original Story Between songs, Hedwig talks about her past as a young man in East Berlin. She fell in love with an American soldier and changed genders to escape with him, only to be abandoned a year into their marriage. She also reminisces about her best frenemy Tommy, the boy who stole her heart and songs and became the star she never could. She uses music to battle heartbreak, rejection, oppression and prejudice. A Chance to Get Your (Inner) Freak On Of Hedwig, Platt says, “I think she represents the freak in all of us. As much as we’d like to believe that we fit in all the time, secretly a lot of us actually believe that we are just faking it and we don’t fit in. I think Hedwig represents that part of us that doesn’t fit in.” Platt suggests that there may be something healthy about watching Hedwig act as freakish as we feel – and it being okay. More than okay, actually. Pretty freakin’ cool.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch Through July 31 Perishable Theatre in Association with Trinity Repertory Company Pell Chafee Performance Center, 87 Empire Street 351-4242 • trinityrep.com

by Dawn Keable

Through July 16 The Impossible Dream for South County during the summer? Not getting caught up in beach traffic. The musical Man of La Mancha, offers a different possibility. Theatre By The Sea, 364 Card’s Pond Road, Matunuck. 782-8587, theatrebythesea.com

July 6-30 The Brown/Trinity Playwrights Rep is a cross between a secret theatre club and summer camp for the writers working on She’s Not There, The Killing of Michael X and My New Best Friend. Leeds Theatre, 77 Waterman Street. 863-2838, brown.edu/btprep

July 26-27 Shakespeare’s King Lear, performed by the Mixed Magic Theatre, shows what happens when a snow job gets in the way of divvying up the kingdom equally among your daughters. Slater Park, 137 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket. 305-7333, mmtri.co

July 27-31 It’s summertime and young Zoe is bored. Sound familiar? Only her imaginary world, Cirque du Soleil: Quidam, is probably a bit more fantastic than your childhood escape. Dunkin’ Donuts Center, One LaSalle Square. 331-6700, dunkindonutscenter.com

July 2011 | Providence Monthly

Photography: Terry Higgins

Hedwig Rises Again

Get Out | Art

by Vikki Warner

Exhibits Get inspired at this month’s artsy events by Dawn Keable

Clockwise from top left: Works by Rebecca Adams, Jillian Clark and Emeline Allen

The Feminine Mystique Three prolific artists offer their takes on womanhood The essence of femininity

is elusive; artists have represented it in limitless ways since the dawn of art itself. Beginning July 1, Rebecca Adams, Jillian Clark and Emeline Allen are putting their own depictions of women together, capturing a slice of the multiplicity of femininity with Collections, a show of paintings and drawings scheduled to run through July at Machines with Magnets in Pawtucket. These three local artists had been amassing work for years, and longed to show it. Adams began planning a solo show, but wanted a more filled-out offering, so she invited Clark, who asked Allen to join them. With that, Collections was born. The artists’ various backgrounds and educational leanings show in their work. Clark, a Rhode Island native who studied biology at Boston University – and who is now in nursing school – uses an analytical eye, considering the design of the female form, depicting its ornamentations in oil paintings that glow with subtlety and a sense of humor and darkness. Collections will feature some of her larger paintings, as well as smaller, tighter detail work. Adams is into repetition. Her five series of black and white acrylic paintings, totaling about 60 pieces, will be a major focal point of Collections. These generally small works depict 1950s era women on the phone, crying or gasping into balled-up tissues, or holding cigarettes, all looking somehow like they’re waiting for someone or something, and disappointed that it (he?) hasn’t yet arrived. Adams, a Virginia-raised RISD photography grad,

Providence Monthly | July 2011

obviously loves the look of these women, but her work goes a bit deeper to touch on the rigidity of that world and the manufactured drama of how we look back at 1950s culture. Allen, on another note entirely, gives her subjects beyond-human characteristics (horns, wings, hooves) that speak of folktale magic and alchemy. She mixes in a contemporary sensibility, coyly modernizing traditional subject matter, and inferring that modern women, though perhaps further from magic in their everyday lives, still hold a mystical sway. A recent Brown grad (in Urban Studies) and Providence native, Allen plans to show drawings and watercolors as part of Collections, her first show ever. The show’s title comes from the large volume of work the three have generated in recent years, the collections of their own work that seem to accumulate around them. Adams says they’re thrilled to present something “finished” to the art community, although all three know that the urge to make art will mean that their respective “collections” will never truly be finished; they’ll get thankfully larger all the time. Collections, featuring the work of Rebecca Adams, Jillian Clark and Emeline Allen, will be on view in the Main Gallery at Machines with Magnets, 400 Main Street, Pawtucket, through July. An opening reception will be held Friday, July 1 from 7-10pm. Visit machineswithmagnets. com for more information.

Through July 6 Escape from the small black and white print that normally mars your visit to the bank with Upstream with Wanda and Lenny, paintings by Ricky Gagnon, supplying needed color and whimsy. BankRI Gallery, 137 Pitman Street. 456-5015, bankri.com

Through September 5 Wonder why no one’s ever thought of this before, as the fourth largest privately owned yacht in the world docks for Art Newport, along with its 28 designed galleries. SeaFaire, One Perry Mill Wharf, Newport. 239-495-2024, expoships.com

Through September 10 Celebrate eco-friendly, local style with Creative Collective: An Anniversary Exhibit, showcasing the work of 28 artists. Candita Clayton Studio, Hope Artiste Village, 999 Main Street, Unit 105, Pawtucket. 533-8825, canditaclaytonstudio.com

July 9-10 Fresh air makes everything taste better, but does it affect visualization in the same way? Test the theory at the Wickford Art Festival welcoming 250 artists from ‘round the world. Wickford Village, areas of Main and Brown Streets, Wickford. 294-6840, wickfordart.org

July 22 Sure, you can use the living art by Ten 31 Productions during Zoo ARTyssey to threaten your kids, but when no character steps down from their pedestal, it’s on you. Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Avenue. 785-3510, rogerwilliamsparkzoo.org

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Providence Monthly | July 2011

now serving late night appetizers

Get Out | Music

by Alyssa Smith

Concerts Check out this month’s awesome shows by Dawn Keable

Josh Cournoyer

Putting Down Roots

The local Americana scene gets its own festival

Photography: Erik Schiller

Thanks to artists

like Deer Tick and Brown Bird blowing up nationally, Providence is getting some heavy musical props. Due in part to their success, the city continues to cultivate artists following in the footsteps of these national acts, creating a robust folk/Americana scene. While big time shows like the Newport Folk and Jazz Fests are cherrypicking this crop of new, young artists, Providence radio is also stepping up to showcase native talents. WBRU has been working with several artists to produce the WBRU Acoustic Roots of Providence Festival, a celebration this organic and fast-growing movement. The free festival, which kicks off July 15 at 7:30pm at Waterplace Park, will feature some of the most promising artists on the scene, such as Penn Sultan of Last Good Tooth, Chris Rosenquest of the Tower and the Fool, and the two artists who took the reins to help make the festival possible: Joshua Cournoyer and Daniel Chase. Daniel and Joshua have been extremely active in promoting the scene, first orchestrating a successful monthly series entitled “The Live Room” at the Met. “Josh and I started doing the ‘Live Room’ show to get up-and-coming talent in one good room,” Daniel recalls. “We

thought if we could get a number of great acts together, we could really do something.” After more artists and fans came out each month, their series inevitably sparked the interest of several media outlets, including WBRU. “They seemed to like what we were doing and they wanted us to do something with roots. We want to show people that there is actually a scene happening not unlike what happened in Greenwich Village 30 years ago,” Daniel says. While it might seem surprising that local artists could get so much attention, Joshua believes the series and scene receive fanfare because of general dissatisfaction with popular mainstream music. “I think a lot of artists playing shows have started looking backwards, because for a while it didn’t look like anything exciting was happening,” he notes. “The only thing left to do was to look at the ‘60s and ‘70s when the music industry was in its heyday.” He further proclaims that this scene is not populated by passive, mellow guitarists, but with proactive artists who want others to hear their voice. “It’s about a community of artists who are going back to their musical foundations and roots, but at the same time everybody is kind of throwing their weight behind it and giving this

scene a jumpstart to get Providence to the next level,” Joshua explains. While Providence might now be littered with ladies in vintage dress and men with insane lumberjack beards and flannel, most of the music is hard to dismiss as just a meaningless, passing trend. For instance, Daniel’s smoky, soulful voice and adept plucking on his acoustic make his sound a standout among many traditional singer/songwriters today. Penn Sultan of Last Good Tooth also puts his own twist on Americana, with intense fiddling and quirky tracks like “Inigo Montoya.” Theoretically, if enough people respond positively to this show and the movement as a whole, it runs the risk of becoming another grunge or noise scene, co-opted by corporate music giants, mass-production and copycats. How do these artists plan to fight this off and stay distinctively Providence? By trying as hard as they can to remain genuine and open, Daniel says. “Music gets jumbled up when certain people from the industry get hold of it. Right now, we’re genuine musicians making music from our hearts. It’s honest and we’re doing it from the beginning.” For more information about the Acoustic Roots of Providence Festival, go to ww.wbru.com/events/concerts.

July 6 What would Los Lobos do? Now that’s the question that the artists of the world should be asking, if they want a solid, steady career, now 40 years strong, instead of the normal crash and burn. Park Theatre, 848 Park Avenue, Cranston. 467-7275, parktheatreri.com

July 8 Enter into the temple of hip-hop where legendary rapper KRS-One, the one-time leader of Boogie Down Productions, continues his teachings with political lyrics and social conscious raps. The Met, Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. 729-1005, themetri.com

July 10 See how far (or close) the apple fell from the tree as one of Bob’s more successful scions, Stephen Marley, brings his Root of Life Tour to town for Sound Session. Lupo’s, 79 Washington Street. 331-LUPO, lupos.com

July 16 Truthfully, who wasn’t slightly intimidated by Pat Benatar back in the day? Blame the killer combo of leather and power vocals. There’s nothing to fear, here, with hubby Neil Giraldo on lead guitar. Twin River Casino, 100 Twin River Road, Lincoln. 233-8958, twinriver.com

July 29 If anyone else but Steely Dan appointed themselves the jazz-rock ambassadors to the galaxy, it would be a little pretentious, but for them, it fits. MGM Grand Theatre at Foxwoods, 39 Norwich Westerly Road, Mashantucket, CT. 1-800-FOXWOODS, foxwoods.com

July 2011 | Providence Monthly

Get Out | Movies

by Scott Duhamel

Film Here’s what’s showing on the local big screen. by Dawn Keable Green Lantern

The Light Goes Dim The galaxy of comic book movies gets less stellar every summer Someone stop the bleeding.

Well, most comic book heroes don’t actually bleed, but the movies that feature them seem to be dead on arrival: big punchy exercises in warmed-over mythos accompanied by predictable palettes of shiny unitards, recycled plot threads, formulaic rock ‘em sock ‘em, good vs. evil battles, and warmed over CGI effects. The failures are too numerous to count and the mediocre efforts seem to be mounting, yet comic book movies are still eking out a decent box office life. Green Lantern, the newest, is more middle-ofthe road swill, and hopefully another nail in the potential coffin of this out-of-control modern movie genre. In this humble observer’s opinion the genre needs to bite the dust, as soon as possible, before it might become plausible again, or at least watchable. The Green Lantern character belongs to DC Comics, and after first seeing light in the ‘40s he’s been revived and reinvented a few times, most notably in 1959, most recently in 2005. He’s one Hal Jordan, a hot shot fighter pilot who becomes the first human selected by the socalled Guardians to be handed an emerald ring powered by a lantern that will allow him to be a sort of intergalactic super cop, with (of course) a motto all his own: “Let those who worship Evil’s might, beware my power – Green Lantern’s Light.” Green Lantern is embodied by Ryan Reynolds, he of the sculpted torso and continually sardonic but hypnotizing toothy smile. As bad as the movie is, one can’t really blame Reynolds, who might have been on-target casting if the final product had some balls or verve or even went whole hog into the campiness it only hints at. Reynolds’s charm only goes so far, and it can’t bring a pulse to a basically lifeless exercise. Mark Strong, An-

Providence Monthly | July 2011

gela Bassett and Tim Robbins are also wasted in perfunctory parts, although Peter Sarsgaard manages to punch his mortal-into-alien baddie role up with a bit of that ol’ Christopher Walken-style hamminess. Blake Lively, an actress of no discernable talent, fits in seamlessly with the overall tone of substandard hokiness. When I mentioned that my assignment for this month’s column was Green Lantern, one of my fellow cinephiles questioned the validity of 650 words or so devoted to such blatantly unfulfilling movie handiwork, offering me his own piquant summation: “Perhaps you could do The Year of the Shitty, Perfunctory, Blatantly Made to Cash In On a Potential Franchise That No One Asked For Comic Book Movie.” In the immortal words of Stan Lee, ‘nuff said. The ultimate irony for me personally, is that I grew up during the true golden age of comics, the mid ‘60s through the mid ‘70s, and my brother and I were avid collectors and fastidious readers. During that fruitful period one of the biggest complaints among the fanboys (who hadn’t been tagged with the label yet) was how Hollywood just didn’t get it: comics were ripe for natural big screen adaptations, with their visual panache, social undercurrents and strength of characters. As a preteen and then teen I firmly believed the cinematic possibilities for comic book translations were virtually endless, a bold new cinematic form was possible if only the right filmmaker took hold. Alas, outside of the occasional Tim Burton, Richard Donner, Christopher Nolan, Jon Favreau or Bryan Singer, the well has run dry. What’s next on the comic-into-movie to-do list? As one of my long time heroes, Lou Reed, once sang, “And me, I just don’t care at all.”

Through August Cult Classics hit the big screen at midnight on Friday and Saturday nights for the bargain price of $2, so cheap you won’t feel bad if you do doze off. Cinema World, Lincoln Mall, 622 George Washington Highway, Lincoln. 333-8676, cinemaworldonline.com

Through September Is there any way you haven’t tried to smuggle snacks and beverages into a movie theatre. Your skills aren’t needed at the newportFILM Summer Screening Series, with free movies shown at outdoor locales that double as picnic spots. 649-2784, newportfilm.com

Through September Cancel your Netflix subscription until the fall in favor of the quality roster of free Movies on the Block, every Thursday at dusk. Grant’s Block, corner of Westminster and Union Streets. 421-3300, indowncity.com

July 3 In 1927, when the silent movie Sunrise was released, the soundtrack came from the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. Hear it again, as Dr. Steven Ball provides accompaniment. Stadium Theatre, 28 Monument Square, Main Street, Woonsocket. 762-4545, stadiumtheatre.com

July 15-17 You’ve always claimed to do your best work under pressure. Prove it during the 48 Hour Film Project, where dark under-eye bags become badges of honor. Pawtucket Armory Center for the Arts, 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket. 48hourfilm.com/providence

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July 2011 | Providence Monthly

The Last Detail

Photography: Stephanie Ewens

Party in Outer Space A good festival can have a potent effect on a place. It can be a city’s defining tradition, like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It can make a previously under-the-radar locale a cultural hotspot, as South By Southwest did for Austin. It can even turn an arid desert wasteland into a bustling community (however briefly), as Burning Man does for Nevada’s Black Rock Desert every year. Most importantly, however, a festival can be a catharsis, an excuse to put on some ridiculous garb, drink a bit too much, whoop it up in the streets, dance badly and for just a few days or hours forget everything but the pleasure of the moment. In short, a festival can be a reason to go a little crazy. If there’s any city that needs a reason to cut loose this summer, it’s Providence. We’ve got a crippling financial crisis, double-digit unemployment, schools in shambles, and to top it all off, it’s our birthday – 375th, that is. We need a reason to cel66

Providence Monthly | July 2011

ebrate, and on Saturday, July 30 the crazed band of creative misfits behind Wooly Fair will give us a good one. “Providence’s own do-it-yourself art carnival” is truly all of those things: distinctly Providence in its wild and wooly aesthetic; born of the grassroots efforts of a creative community; a showcase for art that is interactive and aggressive in the best possible way; and an all out carnival that would make any city proud. This year, The Woolies (as the organizers are known) are going “To the Moon” with an outer space odyssey-themed bacchanal that is both family-friendly (daytime) and more adult-oriented (after dark). The centerpiece for the event will be the Wooly Space Station, assembled from 21 individual pods created by participants. It’s fun, crafty and completely crazy – but the good kind of crazy, the kind we need right now. 2pm-1am. The Steel Yard, 27 Sims Avenue. thewooled.com -John Taraborelli

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