The New Costantino’s Ristorante On Beautifu
l DePasquale Plaza, Federal Hill
Live Entertainment Every Night Sundays: Michael Dutra Mondays: Ronnie Sands and Chris Jason Tuesdays: Tom Conte Wednesdays: Night Life Big Band Thursdays: Tribeca Fridays: Ambrosiani Saturdays: Ronnie Sands and Lady D
Costantino’s Ristorante
265 Atwells Avenue, Providence, RI • 401-528-1100 www.costantinosristorante.com • Open At 5pm Daily Until Closing
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The Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau Presents
PROVIDENCE
Restaurant Weeks July 8-21, 2012
THREE COURSES LUNCH: $14.95 DINNER: $29.95
or look for 2-for-1 specials
For menus and more info visit
ProvidenceRestaurantWeeks.com or call 401.456.0200
Providence is one of the nation’s hottest culinary destinations. 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 $14.95 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, 2012. American Express® Cardmembers may make their reservations two weeks prior to the general public, beginning June 17, 2012.
For menus & reservations visit ProvidenceRestaurantWeeks.com
Contents
Photography: (L)Corey Grayhorse, (R) Tiffany Medrano
JuLy 2012
31 This Month 26 Eating Well on Thayer Whether or not you’re on a college budget, dining options abound
31 The Best of the Bunch See this year’s batch of shining stars in our annual
60 47 City Style An Oak Hill fashion haven 47 The Look 48 Shop Talk 50 Get Fit 51 Beauty
53 Feast A top-notch chef works his magic in a new Hope Street kitchen 55 In the Kitchen 57 On the Menu 58 Behind the Bar 60 Review 61 In the Drink 62 Dining Guide
Superlatives Issue
67 Get Out
Every Month 8 Editor’s Note
The Steel Yard employs chrome and horsepower to raise money for the cause 68 Calendar 71 Music 73 Theatre 74 Art
11 Feedback
76 The Last Detail
12 PM List
Independence Day celebrations are popping off at India Point Park
17 Providence Pulse Crack is whack, but art is smart
On the Cover: Photography by Corey Grayhorse
19 City 22 Malcontent 25 Scene in PVD July 2012 | Providence Monthly
7
Editor’s Note
PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell Publishing Director Jeanette St. Pierre Executive Editor Julie Tremaine Special Projects Manager John Taraborelli Art Director Alli Coate Assistant Editor Erin Swanson Assistant Art Director Karli Hendrickson
That’s Super There are a lot
of great things about Providence, but I would argue that the very best thing about this community is all of the genuinely interesting, varied people that comprise it. There are so many, in fact, that it’s difficult to find ways to include them all in the magazine. That’s what inspired the Superlatives Issue, which is now in its second year: we wanted a way to recognize people who are doing interesting, innovative, cool things for and in the city. This year we’ve got a Class Historian who’s working hard to bring historic preservation into the 21st century, a Party Ani-
Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas Graphic Designer Meghan H. Follett
mal making huge donations to local animal charities, a Most Active community group working to make a model of volunteerism for the city and a Most Musical band ready to music bomb a crowd at any given moment. Read on to meet the Class of 2012.
Account Managers Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher Nicole Greenspun Elizabeth Riel Dan Schwartz Sharon Sylvester Kimberly Tingle Jessica Webb Illustrators Karli Hendrickson Ashley MacLure Photographers Amy Amerantes Laurel Mulherin Mike Braca Dan Schwartz Corey Grayhorse Tim Siekiera Tiffany Medrano Melissa Stimpson Contributing Writers Linda Beaulieu Stephanie Obodda Michael Clark Jim Pierce Jane Couto Caitlin Quinn Emily Dietsch Cristy Raposo Ben Goulet Eric Smith Molly Lederer Vikki Warner Interns Amy Beaudoin Dale Rappaneau Emily Payne Don Previe
Contributor Emily Dietsch
Members of:
Writer
Displaying
strategic
thinking
and
louche inclinations by equal measure, Emily Dietsch has chosen twin professions – academics and writing – that justify deviances like midday drinking as sound careerism. She studied general miscellany at Brown, and finessed those skills into her current, slow-burn doctoral candidacy in American Studies.
Find her do-
ing “research” at a local pub, book in hand, or read her handiwork in our monthly column “In the Drink.”
8
Providence Monthly | July 2012
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 ©2012 by Providence Monthly, All rights reserved. Printed by Gannett Offset. Distributed by Special Delivery.
Cirque dU Square July 20-22 Sidewalk Sale & Entertainment
Angell Nails
Books on the Square
Boston Sports Club
15 South Angell St.
471 Angell St.
135 Pitman St.
490-3137
331-9097
Tuesday Special: Manicure and Pedicure for $30. Walk-ins welcome.
351-2449
Something’s always happening at our neighborhood independent bookstore, celebrating 20 wonderful years in Wayland Square.
Bring this ad in to receive a 1-week pass! (See Katie to activate)
www.booksq.com
www.mysportsclubs.com
Butterfield
Clad In
McBride’s Pub
187 Wayland Ave.
497 Angell St.
161 Wayland Ave.
273-3331
454-8442
Palm-readers! Interior Design! Love! Peace! Butterfield celebrates Cirque du Square.
Summer Sale 25% off Select Merchandise Now through July 22
www.butterfieldprovidence.com
www.cladin.com
751-3000
Celebrating our 1 year Anniversary during Wayland Square Days – Specials, giveaways, and live music, including GARDA July 21 from 3-7pm on the patio www.mcbrides-pub.com
Minerva’s Pizza
Mrs. Robinson
opt eyewear
20 South Angell St.
190 Wayland Ave.
138a Wayland Ave.
831-7740
272-2279 Grab a slice, salad, or one of our authentic Lebanese dishes. Great for take out, delivery, or sit on the patio!
490-0200
Our annual Sidewalk Sale...beautiful lingerie, great prices, don’t miss it!
www.minervapizza.com
Pow! Science! 192 Wayland Ave.
432-7040
Science Birthday Parties, Summer Workshops and a Simply Amazing Selection of Educational Kits & Toys! www.powsciencetoys.com
Opt’s 2nd Annual SPEC-tacular July 20th22nd! Up to 75% off designer frames.
www.opteyewear.com
Reliable Gold
Strands Salon
181 Wayland Ave.
489 Angell St.
861-1414
421-1975
20% off on one non-sale gift item during the weekend of July 20-22
An innovative salon where the styling needs of women and men are achieved
www.reliablegold.com
www.strandsri.com
now on
Providenceonline.com
Two more FREE summer evenings. Too much fun.
our Get y
fix dailyour
of y cal ite lo favor zine maga
Summer Music
DESIGN THE NIGHT
TEXT
JUL 19 | Thu 5–9 pm
TRENDS
AUG 16 | Thu 5–10 pm
Check out our guide to free summer concerts around the city
Holiday Happenings Be on the lookout for our roundup of July 4 celebrations
Enjoy live music, films, and more. risdmuseum.org
Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am–5 pm; until 9 pm every Thursday. 224 Benefit Street, Providence, RI
10
Providence Monthly | July 2012
Statewide Restaurant Reviews Get our critics’ takes on the Rhode Island dining scene with reviews from our sister magazines in South County and the East Bay.
Community Calendar
Weekly Blog Posts
Register as a user to post your own events to our statewide calendar.
Stay updated between issues with posts on news, events, food and much more.
Feedback Don’t Let the Fat Go to Your Head I’m sure Mr. Taraborelli meant no harm in his recent column, [“The Biggest Loser,” The Malcontent, June 2012] wherein he boastfully mocks the overweight through his descriptive writing style, which he cooked up over the years while searching for the next gourmet dinner of fried chicken skins and pork belly & egg sandwiches. In fact, he likely sees this article as some form of motivation akin to a sadistic boot camp fitness class that forces its participants to sweat it out in a Dunkin’ Donuts parking lot while ordering their coffee, “Extra! Extra! Read all about it! I lost weight!” We are proud of you, Tabs. Ya done good! Now, how about transferring that “powerful personal inspiration” into something positive and inspirational for others? Eh, forget it, that’s not what The Malcontent is about. Let’s grab a drink. Mike Ritz
You, My Friend, Are a Sinner It is simplistic and uninformed for John Taraborelli to believe that “being overweight is a choice” [“The Biggest Loser,” The Malcontent, June 2012]. Born again, he is. “I was a sinner but now I have found God, or at least a low-carb diet. Repent your fat-eating ways, I say, Repent!” Holly Moore www.hollyeats.com
Tongue in Cheek… We Think Remember when you were young and felt like you had to earn a spot at the
cool kids table? Well, your last cover story [“Your Summer Itinerary,” June 2012] is giving everyone a seat. I’m not sure what Erin Swanson is trying to do with her insightful and informative suggestions, but – gawd – if I can’t get in to my favorite places around town, she may be hearing from my social secretary! Like Russian nesting dolls, there are more layers beneath the surface of her recommendations: like beer dinners at Julians and cooking classes at Potenzas. Did you know they have stand up comedy at Harry’s? They do! But if you keep telling your readers about all of it, how will we be able to tell who the “cool kids” really are? James Nightshade
Boating Bliss Thank you for the fabulous cover shot and editorial coverage [“Your Summer Itinerary,” June 2012]. We greatly appreciate your help and the great work of your team. Our sailboats look great on the skyline! Thanks again. John O’Flaherty Executive Director Community Boating Center
Nice One I wanted to thank Julie Tremaine and Jim Pierce for writing about our lacrosse club, The ‘Gansett Grays [“Net Loss,” PM Experiment, July 2012]. The article was nice and also, I really like the artwork of our logo – very cool. Stephen Danyla
Send us a letter
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July 2012 | Providence Monthly
11
special advertising section
PM List
events / ProMotions / good deeds
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whose mission is to care for people who are living with a serious illness when time matters most. Available in Alex and Ani stores and online at www.alexandani.com
Summertime at the flats... and the Livin’ is Easy
RI Food Fights is back with their Ice Cream Throwdown, scheduled for Saturday, July 21 from 5-8pm in Wayland Square (in the parking lot of the RI Eye Institute). All your favorite ice cream shops will be on hand, serving up their best flavors with hopes of taking home the win. Much like the Great Cupcake Challenge, ticket holders will be allowed to sample all the scoops; they’ll also
choose the “people’s choice winner.” A panel of judges will pick the overall winning shop. This event will happen along with Cirque du Square, a Wayland Square celebration that will happen July 20-22; expect sales, specials, live entertainment and all sorts of merriment from palm reading to strength tests. rifoodfights. t i c ke t l e a p .c o m / i c e c r e a m t h r ow down; waylandsquare.org
Return of Style StyleWeek Northeast (formerly StyleWeek Providence) is gearing up for another fabulous week of fashion. Check out the newest fabulous styles by many talented designers including Jonathan Joseph Peters and Peach Carr (both of Project Runway fame). From August 26-September 1, enjoy runway shows, an accessory showcase and an opportunity to chat with local artists and fashionistas. The event will go down inside the swanky and historic Biltmore Hotel. Go online to buy your tickets; this is one stylish event that you definitely do not want to miss. styleweekprovidence.com.
100 Years of Art and Community 355 Hope Street, Providence 401.751.6777 12
Providence Monthly | July 2012
The Newport Art Museum has been bringing art to Rhode Island for 100 years, enhancing the life of Newport and surrounding communities with its programming and exhibits. Join them in their 2012 Centennial Celebrations, which will be taking place
all year long with a Centennial Gala to be held on July 7 at the museum. It will be an elegant evening with cocktails, dinner by Russell Morin Fine Catering and dancing to the Mac Chrupcala Orchestra. newportartmuseum.org.
For use against a white or light background
Limited Time Offer - Act Now! Place a NEW subscription order* for the Taco/The White Family Foundation Broadway Series and BE OUR GUEST for JERSEY BOYS returning to PPAC in August! Call the Box Office at (401) 421-ARTS (2787) or Direct Response at (401) 574-3136 for complete offer details and to order. (Summer Box Office Hours: M-Th, 10A – 3P; Direct Response Hours: M-F 9A – 5P)
Join us for the 2012/2013 Season!
For use against a black or dark background
* Valid for NEW subscriptions for the Taco/The White Family Foundation Broadway Series priced from $338 - $399 only.
BROADWAY SERIES Catch Me If You Can
Memphis
Million Dollar Quartet
Jekyll & Hyde
Sister Act
October 7 – 14, 2012 National Tour Opens at PPAC!
December 4 – 9, 2012
Elf
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April 9 – 14, 2013
Season Media Sponsor:
June 5 – 9, 2013
November 4 – 10, 2012 National Tour Opens at PPAC!
January 15 – 20, 2013
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CONTEMPORARY CLASSICS SERIES Jersey Boys
August 15 – September 2, 2012
Fiddler on The Roof
November 23 – 25, 2012
Peter Pan
April 26 – 28, 2013
Contemporary Classics Series Media Sponsor:
SPECIALS American Idiot
February 8 – 10, 2013
Blue Man Group March 1 – 3, 2013
For more information, visit www.ppacri.org To become a subscriber, please call the Box Office at (401) 421-ARTS (2787) or Direct Response at (401) 574-3136. For group sales (20 or more tickets), contact Paul Hiatt at (401) 574-3162 or phiatt@ppacri.org
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facebook.com/ProvPACRI and
twitter.com/ProvPACRI
hope s t reet THE ART OF THE KITCHEN
BLAZE EAST SIDE
BLUE COTTAgE RESTAURANT
776 Hope St., 277-2529
CHEZ PASCAL
748 Hope St., 383-7307
960 Hope St., 421-4422
951 Hope St., 383-7105
www.blazerestaurants.com
Serving the best breakfast to
This longtime casual neighborhood
www.chez-pascal.com
www.theartofthekitchen.com
Rhode Island. Open 7 days a week
Designing a kitchen is an exciting
favorite serves delicious creative
Chez Pascal is French influenced,
7am-2pm . Also offering lunch!
process with many options and
worldly fare and refreshing
New England grown and inspired
Great food at great prices!
events to coordinate. Their experts
cocktails. Lunch Tuesday thru Satur-
by our local farmers. Dinner Mon-
will take you from dream to kitchen.
day. Dinner Tuesday thru Sunday.
CLAUDIA CURL SALON
COIFFURIUM
FRESH PURLS
FROg AND TOAD
800 Hope St., 331-1115
769 Hope St., 270-8220
795 Hope St., 831-3434
www.coiffurium.com
www.freshpurls.com Your neigh-
www.hopestreetprov.com
Coiffurium welcomes their new
borhood yarn shop. Providing
A special little neighborhood
stylist and accomplished makeup
quality yarns, knitting and crochet
shop with an ever-changing
artiste Jessica LaMarre. Bring in this
supplies with friendly, knowledge-
selection that ranges from odd
ad for $10 off services with Jessica
able service and a smile.
to incredible and features tons of
744 Hope St., 421-4432 www.claudiacurl.net Treat yourself to a new look! Celebrating their 9th year in the heart of Hope Street. $5 OFF any service for 1st time guests with
day-Saturday starting at 5:30pm.
mention of this ad.
(good through August 15, 2012).
gOURMET HOUSE
gREEN RIvER SILvER CO.
HOPE STREET PIZZA
787 Hope St., 831-3400
735 Hope St., 621-9092
772 Hope St., 273-5955
www.gourmethouseri.com
www.greenriversilver.com
www.hopestreetpizza.com
The neighborhood’s most popular
Direct importers of fine, afford-
Great pizza, grinders, salads and
authentic Cambodian and Pan
ably priced sterling silver jewelry
comfort food like fish and chips
Asian cuisine. Recently renovated
from around the world. Open 7
and lasagna in a family friendly
for a comfortable and affordable
days a week!
setting. New menu includes wheat
dining spot.
locally-made goodness.
crust pizza and panini.
INDIA RESTAURANT 1060 Hope St., 421-2600 www.indiarestaurant.com Come swing outside! Featuring garden patios with swing seats and water fountains. New menu includes summer salads and vegetarian choices.
For more, including links to business websites, visit providenceonline.com
is what’s happening Explore the East Side’s most charming street
J. MARCEL
JUSTINA NAIL AND SPA
KITCHEN BAR
KREATELIER
808 Hope St., 383-9777
742 Hope St., 272-5072
771 Hope St., 331-4100
804 Hope St., 432-7995
www.hopestreetprov.com
www.justinanails.com
www.kitchenbarri.com
www.kreatelier.com
Name brand and designer shoes
New salon offering pedicures, mani-
Jaime D’Oliveira lends his 38 years
Kreatelier offers unique fabric
at 40-60% off retail everyday,
cures, paraffin, spa mask and more.
of restaurant expertise (former
creations for life and home as
plus great accessories!
July special: with a pedi/mani you
owner of Red Stripe and Mills
well as home interior services and
get a complimentary paraffin wax
Tavern) consulting for Kitchen Bar.
creative sewing workshops.
or spa mask. (good Mon-Tues)
New menu and vibe.
NOT JUST SPICES/NOT JUST SNACKS
PIZZICO RISTORANTE
RAN ZAN
SEvEN STARS BAKERY
836/833 Hope St., 351-6555/831-
1084 Hope St., 276-7574
www.pizzicoristorante.com
820 Hope St., 521-2200
1150 Enjoy authentic Indian
An award-winning Italian restau-
cuisines including biryani, kebabs,
rant serving some of the best
naans and curries. Cross the
Italian food with a wide variety
street to shop for the ingredients
of wine in a rustic, yet eclectic
to make your own.
atmosphere.
SPITZ-WEISS REALTORS
762 Hope St., 421-4114
www.ranzan.net
www.sevenstarsbakery.com
Ran Zan takes pride in bringing
Serving locally roasted coffee
you the colors, flavors and ambi-
along with breads and morning
ance that are the hallmarks of
pastries, all made from scratch
truly enjoyable Japanese dining.
and baked fresh daily.
THREAD
THREE SISTERS
785 Hope St., 272-6161
194 Hillside Ave, Pawtucket
1074 Hope St., 273-7230
WINgS OvER PROvIDENCE
www.spitzweiss.com
475-9878
www.threesistersri.com
725 Hope St., 274-9464
Your friendly neighborhood real
www.salonthread.com
Whether for morning coffee and
www.wingsover.com
estate agency. Family owned and
Experience the ancient art of
breakfast, delicious lunch, signa-
Regular and boneless chicken wings,
operated for over 50 years. As-
eyebrow shaping and facial hair
ture homemade ice cream or eve-
savory ribs, sandwiches and burg-
sisting buyers, sellers and renters.
removal at the East Side’s newest
ning cappuccino, Three Sisters is
ers. Delivery to all of Providence
threading salon.
the perfect spot any time of day.
(until 3am Thursday-Saturday!)
For more, including links to business websites, visit providenceonline.com
( )
5 . 5 9 (( WBRU ))
T H G I N FRIDAY S E I R E S T R E C N CO
, M AY O R S A R E V A T L E ANG
M P 0 3 : 7 I E E R F I K R A P E C WAT E R P L A
S T I B B A R E WHIT JUNE 29
E V O L P U O GR LY 6 JU
N O O M E H T WA L K JULY 13
S E K A C E C I THE R JULY 20
W W W. P R O V I
DENCERI.CO
M
Providence Pulse CITY / MALCONTENT / SCENE IN PVD
Pour it On Thick
A New Harvest latte throwdown
The Providence Coffee Society is a group of people who share a love for all things java. Hipster-haters may poke fun of the term “barista,” but anyone who’s ever spent time behind the counter at a Starbucks (or Seven Stars, or The Coffee Exchange, or White Electric) knows how much knowledge and practice it takes to pour that perfect cup. New Harvest Coffee Roasters, which is housed inside Hope Artiste Village, has
been organizing barista-focused Latte Art Throwdown events for five years now. VP Gerra Harrigan says, “We saw the specialty coffee communities growing in different parts of the country and decided to take the lead in developing one in the Northeast.” New Harvest’s ambition has resulted in a monthly battle, in which baristas compete to see whose latte art reigns supreme. The prize? It’s $5 to pour, and the winner
July 2012 | Providence Monthly
17
continued on page 19...
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Extraordinary Water Views Indoor Olympic Style Riding Ring Private Beach Club Championship Links Golf Course
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Defining lifestyle. The Tower at Carnegie Abbey
1-4 bedroom penthouses in Newport’s finest five-star luxury building starting at $465,000.
The Carnegie Abbey Club Extraordinary Water Views Championship Links Golf Course Room Service / Concierge / Private Cabanas
401.848.2500 www.thecarnegieabbeyclub.com
125 Cory’s Lane
•
Portsmouth, rI 02871
Pulse |
City
LeT’S GeT iT CrACkin’
continued from page 17... takes all. “The winner also gains possession of the coveted green coat, which he or she adds flair to, and then passes on to the next month’s winner,” Harrigan laughs. The first year or two were a struggle. Harrigan says. “The same 20 people would come out to pour latte art, but as the years progressed we were able to get more and more baristas engaged.” Now, PCS sees 75 or so folks at each of the Tuesday night throwdowns. New Harvest hosted the most recent event at its training center, also located inside Hope Artiste. Harrigan tells me that baristas-in-training come from all over New England to
use their facilities and expertise. “We also organize the Mid-Atlantic Northeast Artisan Coffee Conference, which brings together about 200 people for an annual event here at New Harvest,” she says. The focus of this event is to bring education, lectures and handson classes to the local coffee artisans and to help further the interest and enthusiasm for the craft. PCS’s Latte Art Throwdowns are open to the public, with no cover and free beer. Each month sees a new location, but one thing is always consistent: great people are having fun… while checking out that tricked out coat. pvdcoffee.tumblr.com –Erin Swanson
A Local Art Addict Creates Fun Urban Streetwear “I was in high school in my graphic design class,” Pawtucket resident Dionte Noble, 24, recalls. “A friend and I were working on a project when he said, ‘Yo, that’s crack!’” Noble laughs. “Back then, that was the cool word of choice to describe dopeness. I then said, ‘We some crack artists’ and that was the start of the idea.” While still in high school, Noble began constructing iron-on designs. Once in college, at Johnson & Wales, he met co-founder Michael Ghattas and the two took it to the next level, producing and selling shirts and jackets under the brand name of Crack Artist. Their playful nomenclature refers, of course, not to the addiction of drugs, but instead to art, success and impacting others to be successful. “Art is what you like to do,” Noble explained to the crowd during his collection release party at Sneaker Junkies on Thayer. “If you like talking, be the best talker. If you like walking, be the best walker… Just whatever you do, be the best at it.” It’s a positive message from a guy who does his best to give back to the community – currently a
studio director at RiverzEdge Arts, Noble has volunteered at South Providence’s Neighborhood Ministries, helping with their anti-bullying conflict resolution group. “The kids are the future,” he says, “and I’m just trying to show them the ropes.” Crack Artist has printed 24 designs for sale thus far and has recently brought on Providence resident Gibran Borbon to assist in the growing business after Ghattas moved out of state. Noble’s favorite design? “Our first… Crack was abbreviated as “CRK” and Artist was spelled out. Then our logo, the pencil, was clipped into the letters.” Crack Artist is currently available online on Karmaloop; prices range from $25-250. (A few pencils are included with every order.) “We just want people to know that everything we do comes from the heart and soul,” Noble says emphatically, imploring others to set and work towards their goals, too. “You won’t know until you try, and you can’t win if you don’t play.” To see footage of the collection release party, check out vimeo.com/39009220. Crackartist.com –Erin Swanson
A POSh Life
Poolside Fashion Escape the city for a few hours with a trip into the oasis that is the Marriott Downtown’s outdoor bar, Aqua. Located on Orms Street, this poolcentric spot is the perfect place to relax after work without dropping your savings on a fancy vacation. Starting on July 5, Aqua features Poolside fashion Thursdays, a night
of mini fashion shows that explore emerging trends from local designers. Each week you can enjoy the fashions, the interactive entertainment, and as always, the great food and tropical drinks. The fashion show starts at 5pm, every Thursday throughout July and August. 1 Orms Street. 272-2400, marriottprovidence.com –Amy Beaudoin
Gibran Borbon and Dionte Noble
July 2012 | Providence Monthly
19
Pulse |
City
PM exPeriMenT
Gain Experience Make Connections Have Fun!
A Ghost of a Chance
Now Accepting Resumes for Editorial, Marketing, Design, Multimedia and Photography Internships
i love spicy food.
Providence Monthly | East Side Monthly SO Rhode Island | The Bay
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20
Providence Monthly | July 2012
A lot of people say that, but I’m an extreme case. What I find to be a pleasant rush of heat is often spicy to the point of being inedible to most people. I use Sriracha like others use ketchup. I buy habaneros at the grocery store as if they were tomatoes or cucumbers. There is an entire shelf of my fridge dedicated to various hot sauces, along with several more in reserve on my pantry shelf. So, when I heard that Hercules Mulligan’s on Thayer Street was offering hot wings made with the legendary ghost chili, I knew I had to try them. First, a bit of science to put things in perspective. The Scoville heat unit (SHU) is the standard measurement of the spiciness (or, if you want to be technical, piquance) of a chili pepper. It indicates the amount of capsaicin present, which is the chemical that gives chilis their heat. A basic bell or sweet pepper has a Scoville rating of zero. Your standard jalapeño, which is plenty hot enough for most normal people, averages 2,500-5,000 SHUs. Habaneros, probably the hottest pepper with which most (sane) people are familiar, run in the 200,000-300,000 range. The ghost chili (actual name: Naga Bhut Jolokia), which like all peppers varies in heat, can easily climb upwards of 1 million SHUs. Yes, that’s a million – or roughly 400 times hotter than Tabasco sauce. It’s a hybrid pepper cultivated in northeast India and Bangladesh. In 2007, the Guinness Book of World Records recognized it as the hottest pepper in the world (though it has since been surpassed by various hybridized Frankenpeppers), and in 2009 India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation announced plans to weaponize it by creating non-lethal ghost chili grenades for use in riot control. Hungry yet? Hercules Mulligan’s chef TJ Gianfrancesco devised the wings out of a bizarre sense of what qualifies as fun. He used a similar recipe – starting with a base of Frank’s Red Hot, and adding jalapeño, habanero, cayenne and, of course, fresh ghost chili – at his former restaurant in Wrentham, which
attracted a bit of notoriety and cult following among thrill seeking foodies. He brought it with him to his new endeavor to continue the fun, adding, “Honestly, it’s good for beer sales.” The challenge is to finish an entire order (10 wings), but, as this was not an episode of Man v. Food, I decided that three would be more than enough to satisfy my curiosity. That turned out to be a wise move: after several people succeeded at the ghost pepper challenge a few months back, Gianfrancesco decided to tweak the recipe for even more heat. “This is absolutely the hottest I’ve ever made,” he informed me. “I don’t think I could do three.” After signing a waiver of responsibility (seriously) and donning a pair of protective gloves (for real), I tore into the first wing. They were deceptive at first. The aroma didn’t quite sting the nostrils the way I’d expected, and the rush of intense heat upon the first few bites didn’t even remotely prepare me for what was to come. The first wing went down quickly and easily, the heat blistering, but not unbearable. Then came the second wing – that’s when everything truly caught fire. The burning sensation from the capsaicin became overwhelming and all-encompassing, spreading beyond my taste buds to my lips and eventually my entire
face. My eyes were bloodshot and watering. My forehead began to sweat profusely. By the third wing I was physically shaking. I suspect that had I attempted even six wings, I would have passed out from pure shock to my system. Upon completing my third wing, I guzzled an entire quart of milk to try to cool the heat. It was the most effective remedy possible, but still pretty much powerless in the face of the ghost chili. All I could do was pace around the restaurant sweating and shaking, downing glasses of water until my stomach couldn’t hold any more liquid. “How did they taste?” my companion asked, and I honestly didn’t know – the heat was so devastating that I was incapable of registering any other sensation. The burning persisted like that for probably 20 minutes before settling into a nice, potent scald that seemed tame by comparison. All that was left to do was shake Gianfrancesco’s hand and begin mentally preparing myself for the, shall was say, aftermath. I’m perversely glad that I now know the power of the ghost chili, but I can sum up the whole experience in two simple words: never again. Want to feel the burn yourself? Try the ghost chili challenge at Hercules Mulligan’s, 272 Thayer Street. 432-7182, herculesmulligans.com –John Taraborelli
Illustration: Ashley MacLure
Send your resume and sample work to: resumes@providenceonline.com
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July 2012 | Providence Monthly
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Pulse |
The Malcontent
by John Taraborelli
My Proposal to the eDC
Can I have $75 million, please? in light of the recent 38 Studios disaster, there is a lot of talk about economic development in this state, and how best to achieve that goal. The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation kind of owes us one now, seeing as how it, along with the governor, former director Keith Stokes, the local media, the Bilderberg Group, George Soros and pretty much everyone other than Curt Schilling, brought about the untimely demise of such a promising and financially viable company. Now that the State of Rhode Island is unlikely to remain in the MMORPGCF (massively multiplayer online roleplaying game clusterf**k) business, it will likely be looking for new opportunities to invest the taxpayers’ hard-earned money in dicey, unproven companies with inexperienced chairmen operating in highly competitive markets with huge development costs – and I believe I have the next $75 million idea. If the EDC will simply hand over a blank check, I will immediately begin the process of relocating my innovative startup with huge growth potential from its current home in my daydreams to some swanky downtown real estate (I’m looking at you, soon-to-be-vacant Superman Building), bringing with it hundreds of (potential) jobs, millions of dollars in (hypothetical) tax revenue, and several (on layaway) air hockey tables. People of Rhode Island, say hello to the next Enron, Worldcom, Pets.com and Bernie Madoff’s hedge fund all rolled into one. Prepare to witness an explosion of growth and investment in the new Knowledge District, a dramatic drop in the unemployment rate, streets paved with gold, pennies from heaven, a chicken in every pot, 40 acres and a mule, free health care for everyone and lotto scratch tickets that are all winners. I’m talking, of course, about VagiTech. Think about it: what are America’s 22
Providence Monthly | July 2012
two most innovative, high-tech, rapidly growing industries? Biotech and porn. VagiTech combines both. By using embryonic stem cells to develop synthetic, on-demand vaginas, my company will provide a valuable, recession-proof product, create jobs (in China), pay (zero) taxes (in the Cayman Islands) and capitalize on a trending Twitter topic (#VaginaMovieLines) – all the necessary ingredients for real economic development (in my checking account). Now, I know what you’re thinking – plenty of entrepreneurs come to the EDC hat in hand, looking for some tax dollars to bankroll their hairbrained schemes. So what makes mine different? First of all, I’ve followed the 38 Studios blueprint and brought in some top-flight “visionaries” to ensure that VagiTech has the talent, experience and drive to win a wild card playoff berth, overcome a 3-0 deficit in the ALCS against our archrivals and go on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series of Economic Development. Just look at my company’s roster: former Red Sox backup catcher Doug Mirabelli, CFO; Red Sox mascot Wally the Green Monster, Senior VP for Operations; a bloody sock, VP of Marketing; the cryogenically preserved head of Ted Williams, Senior Product Manager; and Sully, that guy who calls into WEEI every day to yell about trading Kevin Youkilis, running the mail room. We. Can’t. Lose. All that’s left now is for the governor and several prominent members of the General Assembly to publicly lobby in favor of this flagrantly dubious plan, while privately engaging in shady backroom horse-trading and pressuring the EDC to greenlight a deal that will shamefully be made law with an eleventh hour vote that everyone involved will subsequently disavow. Then, VagiTech is open for business. In the meantime, anybody wanna buy a motion picture tax credit?
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Pulse |
Scene in PVD
StyleWeek Northeast celebrated its second anniversary at the RISD Museum on June 9. Guests had their photos taken on the red carpet, then moved inside to the grand gallery, where they enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres by Catering Gourmet, live music by Miss Wensday and the chance to bump elbows with some of the best dressed people in town. The event was sponsored by PM and Scott Volkswagen. Photography by Mike Braca. Curtis Robinson, Kate Richard, Shawn Simmons, Corey Grayhorse
Racquelle Martins, Bianca Jones-Pearson
Miss Wensday Jonathan Joseph Peters explains a fashion installation
Rosanna Ortiz Sinel, Paul Brooks, Jennifer Showstead
John Teltsch, Gina Ciavarelli
July 2012 | Providence Monthly
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Eat Your Way Through
Thayer Street by Benjamin Goulet • Illustration by Alli Coate
No matter how much energy (and money) the college students bring to the city every school year, there’s an undeniable sigh of relief from us year-rounders when they pack up and split each summer. On College Hill come June, minor headaches become simple pleasures: Easy parking! Open tables! Spots at the bar! Here’s an easy guide so that you can become reacquainted this summer.
Mediterranean & European
Paragon and Viva are two fun places to meet friends after work or get dinner before heading downtown. Paragon is a self-described “European bistro,” while the attached Viva offers a more sophisticated experience, with a wide variety of tasty Mediterranean appetizers and dinner items, all reasonably priced. Kartabar has become a hot property as of late. With their doors wide open to the street, it serves as both a fun hang out for drinks and a nice place to have dinner. Paragon/ Viva, 234 Thayer, paragonandviva.com; Kartabar, 284 Thayer, kartabar.com
Pubs
Spats has been serving up food and drink for many years. Stop in for a draft beer or a tube special – 100 ounces of Sangria or Mojito, perhaps. Hercules Mulligan’s is newer to the hood but well-received. Stop in for some wings and an Irish pint. Guinness anyone?. Spats, 182 Angell; Hercules Mulligan’s, 272 Thayer, herculesmulligans.com.
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Providence Monthly | July 2012
Indian
A Thayer Street institution, Kabob and Curry has been a reliable stop for some of the best Indian food in Rhode Island for over 20 years. The menu offers up meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes for both lunch and dinner, and their friendly staff are always helpful with suggestions if you want to try something new. Make sure to download their handy new iPhone app for easy ordering. 261 Thayer, kabobandcurry.com
Frozen Yogurt
Although ice cream and summer feel inseparable, your hard-earned beach body will appreciate a healthier alternative: Frozen yogurt. Juniper Frozen Yogurt is a family-owned business that serves up organic frozen yogurt, toppings and healthy smoothies. Juniper is easy on your waistline – a half-cup of their yogurt is under 100 calories. Froyo World offers up a variety of flavors and toppings with large tubs to pile it all in. Your edible art project is then priced by its weight. Froyo World, 219 Thayer, froyoworld.com; Juniper Frozen Yogurt, 229 Thayer, juniperfrozenyogurt.com
Greek
One of the fancier restaurants on Thayer, Andreas is the perfect spot when you want a nice sitdown experience with a unique menu of Greek-American cuisine. They are known for their comfortable outdoor seating, too. Besides lunch and dinner on weekdays, Andreas serves authentic Greek breakfasts on weekends. 268 Thayer, andreasri.com
Burritos
Found in the same location as Antonio’s Pizza, Gordito is an affordable place to get a massive burrito, all made fresh with options for meat lovers and vegetarians. Although a nationwide chain, Chipotle serves up good Mexican food and the company has adopted many sustainable practices into its business model. Baja Tex-Mex is the place to hit late night. Familyowned and affordable, Baja offers Mexican, but also burgers, wings and more. It’s a great spot to stop into during a night out on the town. Bagel Gourmet’s breakfast burritos are large, portable treats: take yours to go. Gordito Burrito, 258 Thayer; Chipotle, 235 Thayer, chipotle.com, Baja Tex-Mex, 273 Thayer, bajastexmexgrill.com; Bagel Gourmet Ole, 288 Thayer.
Falafel
With their quick service and late hours, East Side Pockets is a great place to satisfy a falafel jones and their grape leaves and tabouleh are equally delish. Esquire magazine called their gyro “the best Syrian street food outside Damascus.” Providence Byblos, Rhode Island’s first hookah lounge, serves traditional Lebanese cuisine, all made from scratch. With two bars and an outside patio out back, Byblos offers a quiet retreat from the city bustle. East Side Pockets: 278 Thayer, eastsidepocket.com; Byblos, 235 Meeting, providencebyblos.com
Pizza
With pizza names like “Bounty Killer” and punk rock decor, Nice Slice stands out as the hippest pizza joint in Providence. They offer a nice selection for vegans and gluten-free diners, too. Antonio’s is fast-paced and energetic; their wide variety of pizza selections makes it easy to find something you’ll like. Visit their hypnotic online “pizza-simulator” to get a sense of what they can do. Newly opened Coco Pazzo offers pizzas baked in a Mugnaini wood fired oven. Nice Slice, 267 Thayer, niceslice.com; Antonio’s, 256 Thayer, antoniospizza. com; Coco Pazzo, 165 Angell.
Asian
If you crave Asian food and you’re on Thayer, you’re in luck. Within a half-block radius, there are four places to choose from. At Shark Bar and Grill, house music pumps through the dark interior (but there is the option to sit outside). Sushi Express is super tiny, so take out is a smarter bet. Shanghai Restaurant’s food is a mix of Chinese and Japanese. Did we mention they make a great Scorpion Bowl? At Soban Korean, the portion sizes are typically large and at reasonable prices. Shark Bar and Grill, 275 Thayer, sharkbarandgrill.com; Sushi Express, 283 Thayer; Shanghai Restaurant, 272 Thayer, shanghairi. com; Soban Korean Eatery, 272 Thayer.
July 2012 | Providence Monthly
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made in
RHODE ISLAND - Great Products Created Locally SWEENOR’S CHOCOLATES
In 1955, Walter Sweenor, a second-generation confectioner, opened Sweenor’s Open Fire Candies in Garden City. In the years since, the family has continued to focus on quality, using only the finest ingredients and no preservatives. Now in two locations and on the web, Sweenor’s offers delicious boxed chocolates, bark, fudge, gift baskets and corporate gifts.
autocrat
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For 57 years, Gem has been offering fresh gourmet ravioli. Their pastas, which also include manicotti, stuffed shells, tortellini and gnocci, are all-natural, with no preservatives or additives. Gem prides itself on using only local vendor and is one of the only local pasta makers offering fresh, not frozen, ravioli daily.
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Autocrat, a local family operated company since 1895, proudly manufactures Autocrat coffee syrup the main ingredient in coffee milk, the Official State Drink of Rhode Island. Coffee milk has received national media attention as a unique taste “sensation.” Pick up this perfect mixer today at your favorite retailer or order online to ship throughout the continental United States.
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Visit the Factory Store at 2239 Mineral Spring Ave., North Providence (401) 231-9290 YachtClubSoda.com
For more on these great local products, visit providenceonline.com
made in
RHODE ISLAND - Great Products Created Locally OCEAN COFFEE ROASTERS
With 60 years of experience, Ocean Coffee Roasters, a Rhode Island-based company, produces micro-roasted coffee unlike anything you have tasted. Each bean’s nuanced flavor is coaxed out using an unparalleled hand-roasted system, often in batches less than ten pounds, so as to artfully craft each distinctive blend. Shop online and use the coupon code “provmonthly” while placing an order to save 10%.
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Providence Monthly | July 2012
class of 2012 Meet the upperclassmen of our annual Superlatives Issue By Julie Tremaine and John Taraborelli Photography by Corey Grayhorse
Class Overachiever
Bruce Kaplan With last year’s inaugural class, we established this as the superlative for the person who makes us scratch our heads and wonder, He does what now? In Bruce Kaplan’s case, that (admittedly incomplete) list includes: corporate law, presiding over the Central Falls Public Library’s operational board, developing a fabrication lab within the library, working to bring municipal wi-fi to Central Falls, helping to launch the Fertile Underground grocery co-op in Providence’s West Side, assisting with the creation of community gardens in the South Side and at Dexter Park in the West Side, and his shadowy involvement with something called the Zombie Booze Cruise (which he describes as, “[redacted] on the Blackstone River with [redacted]”). Though his work helping to save the Adams Library in our state’s smallest and most cash-strapped city is what brought Kaplan to our attention, we were astounded to find out just how many projects he’s juggling. What impressed us most, however, is how much fun he seems to be having while he attempts to leave the world (or at least his corner of it) a better place than he found it. “It’s really communal energy that’s going to hold this country together through tough times,” he notes, adding, “So, we might as well enjoy it.”
Class Sweetheart
“They take a bite and lose their minds a little bit.”
Jill Puleo Celiac Disease, the autoimmune disorder that makes a person unable to process wheat, is a bigger part of the food conversation than ever before – which is why Jill Puleo’s gluten-free Sugarbird Bakery is such a welcome addition to the Providence culinary scene. “When I got diagnosed [with Celiac in 2001], things were much worse in terms of product availability, package labeling and information exchange in gluten-free land,” Jill says. “I remember standing in the aisles of a local supermarket and crying my eyes out because I couldn’t figure out what to buy. All of that whining left me feeling sorry for myself, but still pretty damned hungry.” So, she took her lifelong love of baking, and set out to make herself food that was not only safe to eat, but delicious. Ten years later, Jill decided to take what she was doing at home and turn it into a business. “I have been steadily hacking every conventional baking technique or recipe that I found interesting or worthwhile,” she says. “I break them down, tear them apart, and build them up again in a way that works without gluten, but not without staying loyal to the original integrity of the dish.” Sugarbird has a storefront in Johnston that’s open on Saturdays, but Jill is baking for special orders daily – making confections like the Ultra Cookie (with pretzels, M&M’s and potato chips), saffron shortbread and lemon olive oil cupcakes. “It has to be great,” Jill says, “gluten-free or not.” How sweet. sugarbirdbakery.com
July 2012 | Providence Monthly
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class of 2012 Biggest Gossip
Peter Haas People in this town love to talk. While that talk has long been in the stereotypical hushed tones and backroom chatter of our state’s “I know a guy” culture, a new generation of young, highly social professionals is eager to network out in the open. Though events like Pecha Kucha and the Business Innovation Factory Summit appeal to this crowd, TED, the internationally renowned idea sharing conference, remains the gold standard for drawing together innovative thinkers to tell stories, examine problems and discuss solutions. Thus it was only natural that Providence should host a TEDx conference, an independently organized event operating under the auspices of the TED brand. “For me one of the most exciting things about TED is the fascinating people you meet and the fodder for conversation provided by the talks,” says Peter Haas, a TED senior fellow and executive director of an international development charity, who earlier this year launched TEDx Providence. (Full disclosure: Providence Monthly was a sponsor.) Bringing together a series of talks from local entrepreneurs, educators, architects and activists interspersed with videos of international TED Talks, the event sold out RISD’s Metcalf Auditorium a month in advance, and next year’s installment is already in the works (at a bigger venue). “There is so much happening right here in Providence that you rarely hear about,” enthuses Haas. “It is great to have a forum to bring some of those stories forward.” tedxprovidence.com
Best Dressed
Jill Marinelli There are people who have effortless style, who always look polished and put together no matter the occasion. Then there are the rest of us. Personal stylist Jill Marinelli (who is decidedly in the former category) has made it her life’s work to teach people how to dress better – though it didn’t always come naturally to her, either. “As a kid, I was always self-conscious about my clothes and appearance, and I spent a lot of time distracted and worried about how I looked,” she says. “When I started figuring out what worked for me (and what didn’t) and why, a whole world opened up to me.” With her company JM Stylist, the process is extensive, involving questionnaires, mood boards and personal shopping; she also does closet consultations that are a lesson in what to keep, toss and donate out of an existing wardrobe. Marinelli is a fixture on The Rhode Show, has a new radio gig every Wednesday morning on 92 PRO FM, and is in the process of developing a hush hush television show that will premiere locally this fall. “There is a freedom that comes with looking and feeling good,” she says. “You’re no longer obsessing about clothes, and you can focus on the things that really matter. I love helping other women discover this. It’s incredibly empowering.” jmstylist.com
Class Historian
James Hall
“Preserva have alwa tionists interpreytse been of cultur rs e.”
You’d be forgiven if the words “historic preservation” bring to mind dusty, dowdy society types fussing over old buildings, but with executive director James Hall at its helm, the Providence Preservation Society has made the cause more dynamic, engaging and even a bit younger. You might say he’s helped make historic preservation cool. With his natty wardrobe (including signature bowties and colorful socks) and cool air of both confidence and competence, Hall is shaping up to be the leader PPS needed to take its efforts to the next level. The organization is no longer simply trying to preserve historic spaces and architecture; it’s engaging community leaders – particularly the emerging generation of them – to keep Providence unique and thriving by being stewards of its landscape. “Preservation has to always redefine itself,” Hall explains, “and remind each successive generation of why we are an essential part of the mix of a healthy city.” The organization has been at the forefront of these conversations. Its events like the Winter Bash, Festival of Historic Houses and “Make No Little Plans” symposium attract not just well-heeled donors and architecture wonks, but regular people who want to experience and maintain the unique character of this city. And words like “economic development” are becoming as central to PPS’ conversations as “historic preservation.” As Hall notes, “Is there economic development in Providence that is not related to historic preservation?” ppsri.org
July 2012 | Providence Monthly
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JU LI E
“We wanted an old boys club for ladies in Providence, but with a glass of champagne.” Sierra Barter
SY G IE L
class of 2012
Biggest Cheerleaders
EL I C ZA U B N E H TH A
SI ER R A
The city has no shortage of meet-up groups like Providence Geeks (a monthly dinner for tech talk) and Drinking Liberally (where members talk politics over a pint), but the Providence’s newest – and arguably most enthusiastic – is the PVD Lady Project. Started this year by two young entrepreneurs – Julie Sygiel of Sexy Period (which makes underthings for that time of the month) and Sierra Barter of Clementine Lime (a home organization service) – PVD Lady is a networking event designed to introduce and energize like-minded women in the city who are looking to make connections and make things happen. “Julie and I got together one day last fall and brainstormed the idea,” Barter says. “We wanted a place where women of all backgrounds and industries could get together in an unstuffy, welcoming environment and learn from each other.” June’s Three by Three Brunch at Local 121 featured three-minute presentations by spa owner Alayne White, super-blogger Audrey McClelland (last year’s Biggest Gossip) and West Side State Rep candidate Libby Kimzey. “There are so many great networking events in Providence, but Julie and I both felt something missing for young women, particularly for entrepreneurs,” Barter explains. “So many of our friends are photographers or graphic designers or bloggers. We wanted a place where we could all get together, cheer each other on, and best of all, work with each other.” pvdladyproject.com
B A RT ER
PVD Lady Project
“We believe in the potential of each child as an individual and work with them to broaden their horizons.” Elizabeth Cunha
Most School Spirit
K EV IN
C U N H A
Center for Dynamic Learning
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Providence Monthly | July 2012
In an era of consistent cuts to education – particularly to arts and extracurricular programs – alternative models continue to arise and fill in gaps. Since 2003 the Center for Dynamic Learning has been toiling quietly along the margins that traditional schools aren’t reaching, and producing dramatic results. “Our three departments – Traveling Theatre, Imagine Productions and SLIDE (Science, Learning, Industrial, Design, Engineering) – work collaboratively to bridge the educational gap youth are facing in the arts and sciences,” explains founder and executive director Elizabeth Cunha. “Young people are exposed to elements in our programs which are not traditionally accessible in the school day.” Traveling Theatre provides younger students with the opportunity to explore performing and visual arts through education and hands-on experience. Imagine Productions takes that to the next level, allowing older students to work with teaching artists, examining social issues and creating community discourse through their projects. And SLIDE is a 1250 square foot engineering lab that offers fun, creative vocational training in a variety industrial arts and sciences through projects like solar electric go-karts and mini wind turbines. To date the program has served over 5000 Rhode Island students and boasts graduates who have gone on to pursue engineering, advanced manufacturing, community service, education, the arts, entrepreneurship and the military. Plans for the summer include serving 400-plus youth who will do things like build and (safely) race solar electric vehicles and stage summer theater productions. cdlri.org
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A Providence Original
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Providence Monthly | July 2012
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“We can have neighborhoods full of interesting shops.”
class of 2012
Most Outgoing
Soren ryherd, the retail project In the wake of the 38 Studios disaster, there’s a danger that “economic development” may become a dirty word in Rhode Island. With a few good business plans and a whole bunch of money (courtesy of his recently awarded Rhode Island Foundation Innovation Fellowship grant), Soren Ryherd hopes to reverse that trend. His award-winning idea (to the tune of three years/$300,000) is the Retail Project, which aims to develop Rhode Island-based brands producing or selling products worldwide through the online marketplace, and then reverse engineer them into bricks and mortar stores. Successful execution of the project would mean real economic development in a number of ways: more jobs and a stronger tax base provided by successful businesses, more outside dollars coming into the state from worldwide buyers, and less empty storefronts in our communities. The first two brands (TBA) are slated to launch in early fall, and with the backing of his fellowship, Ryherd will be there to shepherd them from the seed phase right through to the grand opening. The Retail Project: coming soon to a community near you. retailprojectri.com
Most Social
Ava Martinelli Image you or a loved one is serving in the military overseas, and missing the folks back home. Text message and Skype are two of the easiest and most preferred ways to stay connected these days, but each has its limitations: text messages are convenient, but short and a bit impersonal; Skype is wonderfully personal, but must be carefully scheduled. Ava Martinelli has created a third option that combines the best of both: Face Message is an ad-free app that allows users (of iPhones or iPads) to send video messages of up to three minutes, as well as share them on social media. Think of it as Skype without the scheduling – you can record your message now, send it instantly, and when the recipient has some free time, they can watch it and respond. “For military families, this app will be a great way to communicate back and forth without relying on live face-to-face communication or connections,” says Martinelli. The app was launched in earnest this past March, after an initial launch that led her to go back to the lab and improve the functionality, and it now boasts over 3000 users in more than 27 countries. But Martinelli, who dreamed of being an entrepreneur since age six and owned a mortgage company for 20 years before selling it in 2008, won’t stop there. “Obtaining a minimum of 1 million users is the goal,” she declares, adding, “and endless ideas await for additional apps.” facemessage.blogspot.com
Most Outspoken
John Marion Regardless of your party affiliation, political persuasion and the lofty ideals of our democratic experiment, John Marion is your true representative at the State House. As executive director of Common Cause RI, the local chapter of a national nonprofit “good government” group, Marion is the chief watchdog for openness and honesty in a state with a reputation for neither. His work is nonpartisan, meaning he’s not so much interested in politics but process: is what the General Assembly is doing fair, transparent and legal? This type of dispassionate, observe-and-report approach to government is especially important in an election year. “We don’t get involved in backing candidates,” Marion says of his organization. “We make sure the election laws are the best we can be so that everyone can cast an informed ballot. We fight for better campaign finance laws to limit the influence of money in politics.” He’ll take his mission further this year: this past spring Mayor Taveras appointed him to chair the Open Providence Commission on Transparency and Accountability, and by the time you’re reading this he hopes the ink will be drying on what he calls “one of the strongest campaign finance disclosure laws in the nation.” Advocating for open government may not be an easy job, but here in Rogue’s Island, Marion never has to worry about running out of work. commoncauseri.com
July 2012 | Providence Monthly
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class of 2012
“We’re all really proud of the community work we do.” Party Animal
alice nichols
“When we reach out to help one another, we help our society as a whole.” James Verity, President of A Fair Share
JO H N
TA R R AT S
What started as a hobby for Alice Nichols – hand-sewing custom dog collars in her basement – has turned into UpCountry, a nationally recognized maker of collars, leads, accessories, beds, treats and toys for dogs and cats. “We grew up in my family bringing in animals,” Nichols says. “We were always taking in strays. It’s always been part of my life: caring about animals.” The East Providence-based company is almost 30 years old now, but UpCountry keeps things fresh by working closely with the community: consulting with textile designers at RISD and charities like the Providence Animal Rescue League, the Potter League in Newport and the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which is the company’s next door neighbor. Nichols donates a new collar and lead to every pet adopted from there. “Being so close to the Rhode Island SPCA, we go over there all the time and we see the great work that they do,” she says. “It’s so easy for us to do the partnership that we’ve set up. People literally pick up their adopted dog, walk across the street to us, and pick out a new collar and leash. It’s really fun to see people with their new dogs. They’re always so excited: the owners are excited, the dogs are excited. The people that work here get to see how much people appreciate getting a cute collar and leash for their new rescue dog.” upcountryinc.com
A Fair Share Anyone who has worked in the service industry has seen the huge quantities of food that get thrown away – food that is still perfectly good, but no longer up to the strict safety requirements that restaurants are required to follow. John Tarrats, a longtime server at 10 Prime Steak and Sushi, watched meal after meal go to waste – until he decided to do something about it. “Approximately 160-295 billion pounds of food per year is wasted in America,” Tarrats says. “The surplus food could be re-directed to local area food pantries and public charity missions to feed people.” In response to that, he and a group of concerned people started A Fair Share, an organization that connects places with surplus food to charities who feed the hungry. While this kind of work was once not possible because of liability issues with food donation, as board member Sheila Guay explains, “Organizations are eager to participate in our program when they learn that they are protected from liability under the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, and that otherwise wasted food from their event will be re-purposed and put to good use. The positive response each time that I have asked an organization to participate is very motivating.” afairshare.org
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Providence Monthly | July 2012
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Most Musical
Extraordinary Rendition Band We award this superlative not simply for having the most talent or playing the best songs, but for making music happen. That’s exactly what ERB has been doing since it was founded in 2009 by a ragtag bunch of socially conscious musicians who wanted to bring music to public spaces. “We have brought a band to the Providence music scene,” say the members, “that is spontaneous, outrageous, weird, shocking, goofy, silly, serious, unique and highly motivated to use music to make our city a better, safer, healthier place.” Their signature “music bomb” – wherein they seemingly descend from out of nowhere on an event or place, play a few raucous songs and then disappear just as quickly – has made them a fixture around Providence. The band recently celebrated its third anniversary, having grown from six regular musicians to about 20, with over 40 musicians and dancers weaving in and out of the mix – and it still maintains open practices every Thursday night, when anyone is welcome to jam out for a night, a week or a lifetime. The band’s latest project is ERB Labs, an “experimental music exploration” at Fete the second Monday of every month with a revolving cast of guests and collaborators. Summer is of course the loudest and busiest season, with festivals, block parties and myriad other events carrying right up the next Providence Honk Fest in October, so look for ERB everywhere. If you listen carefully, you might even hear them approaching from a distance, about to music bomb wherever you happen to be. extraordinaryrenditionband.com
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July 2012 | Providence Monthly
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B EA L C A R O LY N
B EA L D AV ID
N IL SS O N W EN DY
D A N IE L
PO TT ER
class of 2012
Most Active
“Most people who’ve trekked here are quite pleased to see art with a different point of view.” Vanphouthon Souvannasane
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Providence Monthly | July 2012
M C VA Y
V SO AN U PH VA O N UT N H A O SA N N E
YO U N G JE N
R O B ER T
ST A C K
The way Friends of Brown Street Park (FBSP) Chair Wendy Nilsson puts it, the idea was simple: “A few different neighbors who thought someone should do something about a run down park in our community connected with the Parks Department and decided to be the somebodies that should do something about the park.” In reality, over 75 local businesses, schools and community groups – not to mention countless volunteers – have all contributed to make Brown Street Park a thriving, revitalized community space that now offers daily fitness classes, childrens’ programming, a skating rink in the winter and a gathering place for everyone in the College Hill neighborhood. “The response was always positive,” says board member Kate Bothe, “but grew more and more positive as word spread. We have noticed that over time the users in the park are from farther and farther away – someone from Barrington who comes up to work out on the adult equipment, families coming from different parts of the city.” Now, FBSP is working with the City on the Partnership for Providence Parks, a group meant to help foster the same kind of neighborhood investment in some of the other 92 parks in the city. As Bothe explains, “The park is all about partnerships and the power of community.” To get involved with the Partnership, contact wnilsson@cox.net. friendsofbrownstreetpark.org
“Word has gotten out that BSP is a great place to be.” Wendy Nilsson
M A R C EL
Friends of Brown Street Park
Most Thoughtful
Yellow Peril Gallery Art is beautiful and decorative, but art is also challenging, socially aware and ever-evolving. Yellow Peril Gallery, which opened late last year at The Plant in Olneyville, uses art to encourage social discourse on difficult topics. “Yellow Peril is not afraid to display work that takes a critical look at our society as a whole and how we are continuously influenced - negatively or positively - by the people, places and events that take place around us,” explains gallery director Vanphouthon Souvannasane. “Our goal is to ignite conversations long after people have left the gallery, and to engage with people about the influence of pop culture in our society.” The current exhibition, Love and Equality, comprises photography by Natalie Gruppuso that shows the faces of same-sex marriage and runs through July 15. (Many of those faces are Rhode Island residents). Yellow Peril also hosted #OCCUPY earlier this year, which featured artwork inspired by the Occupy movement and saw 500 attendees. As part of that social awareness, the gallery requires that artists donate 10% of sales from their show to a nonprofit of their choosing. Vanphouton also encourages artists to use the gallery to host fundraisers during their shows. As he says, “social responsibility is an integral part of our DNA at Yellow Peril Gallery.” yellowperilgallery.com
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July 2012 | Providence Monthly
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Top 5% in the nation. Only hospital in Rhode Island. HealthGrades, the leading provider of information to help consumers make an informed decision about a physician or hospital, has named Kent Hospital the only hospital in Rhode Island (and one of only 263 in the country) a recipient of the 2012 HealthGrades Patient Safety Excellence Award™ indicating that its patient safety ratings are in the top 5% of all U.S. hospitals.
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Providence Monthly | July 2012
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City Style
AT HOME / SHOP TALK / THE LOOK / BEAUTY / GET FIT About the Homeowner Cassandra Duguay is a self-employed fashion stylist who also works with StyleWeek Northeast. She lives in Oak Hill in Pawtucket.
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Photography: Melissa Stimpson
Vintage Fab 1. I found this clothes hanger at a local store called Simple Pleasures. They were having a big warehouse clearance sale. It’s from France and was made in the 1920s. 2. As a fashion stylist, I often have pieces I acquire from photo shoots or from designers I’ve worked with in the past. The white camisole has asymmetrical beading and is a designer piece, while the dress is a vintage find. 3. These mirrors were thrift store finds, as were the porcelain hand and the antlers. I redecorate my house all the time; sometimes I hang antlers on the wall. I chose these items against the black wall to bring in some light. I also have a bay window across the room, which brings in even more light. 4. One of these necklaces is actually a belt. I try to use anything
in an unconventional way in the styling world. It makes things come alive again. I have several Chanel pieces here. 5. This dress form was a thrift store find. I was on a road trip in South Carolina. The piece really spoke for itself: it was a diamond in the rough. 6. The photo on the left is of my maternal great grandparents. The other I bought at Mignonette on Wickenden Street. I used to go in there and ogle it. When the owner revamped the shop, she called me. 7. The fireplace is not functional so I chose to decorate it heavily to bring it back to life and make it less sad. I live across the street from a cemetery and they were doing routine maintenance. I noticed several birch trees had been chopped down. I just asked for them.
July 2012 | Providence Monthly
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Providence Monthly | July 2012
City Style |
The Look
by Caitlin Quinn
Toni Lyn Spaziano
LIFE COACH
Fashion Designer
adolescents & young adults
Harry Fish MA, BCC
Have you always loved fashion? For as long as I can remember. At the age of eight I decided I wanted to be a fashion designer. I remember making clothing for my Barbie dolls and having play runway shows! It was my dream.
80 Calendars, LLC 401-465-5491 80calendars.com
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What inspired you to become a designer? I had many different jobs in the sales industry and fundraising for non-profits, but it was my husband who ultimately inspired me to be a designer. He knew how badly I wanted it and really wanted to see me live out my dream. Where did the name of your line come from? Aside from the inspiration from my husband, there is another very special person in my life who motivates me everyday: Chance. Chance is a special needs little person who holds a very special place in my heart. His ability to overcome obstacles and keep a positive outlook on life is inspirational. Our major goal at Chances R Designs is to help children in need, and a portion of proceeds from the line goes to The Painted Turtle, a summer camp for special needs children. I want to give them what Chance has given me — the chance to follow their dreams.
Chanel is timeless and iconic. Who wouldn’t look up to that? Speciality Food productS
What’s the Chances R Designs aesthetic? I love classic design that is chic and elegant, but with a modern day perspective. I design ready-to-wear dresses and separates with a strong influence stemming from the 1960s era. I also design for women of any age, shape and size.
What can we expect from you at the upcoming StyleWeek? I am so excited to be showing at StyleWeek for the second time! I will be showing my second ready to wear collection — Spring 2013. You will see a lot of similarities to my fall collection, but in lighter colors and fabrics. The Upper East Side, Mad Men-esque aesthetic is still apparent throughout the collection.
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Tell me about this look. The blouse is my own design. I love black and white and think it is so chic and classic. The print of the blouse is bold so I paired it with a simple pair of wide leg pants and black pumps. This outfit is definitely appropriate for day-to-evening wear. A few extra accessories and I would feel ready for a night out in the city!
Sampling Event by: Shabtai Gourmet Saturday, July 14, 10am - 4:00pm
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Is this different from your personal style? I’m turning 40 next month and have definitely noticed that with age (and the inevitable change to my figure) my personal style is changing and evolving. I have definitely come a long way from my hippie chic days to a more tailored and mature look, similar to my collection, but I personally have a bit more of a bohemian twist.
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Shop Talk
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Providence Monthly | July 2012
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Curatorium on WIckenden Street
The Curatorium is a
fabulous little place where schtick reigns supreme. Owner Matthew Bird believes that “everything deserves curation,” and in that vein, carefully hand-selects each and every kitschy treasure himself. While it’s not a large store, The Curatorium is well-stocked and neatly filled to the brim with one cool find after the next. Bird describes the space as, “part design store, part natural history museum, part smalltown gift shop.” I challenge you to enter and leave without spending a dime: sort of like one of those Coney Island hot dog eating contests, it’s next to impossible. The collection of merchandise caters to those of us interested in decorating in a way that screams, “I’ve grown up, but I haven’t grown old.” First stop, kitchenware. I don’t cook worth a salt, but if I did, I’d simply have to have a set of ceramic bird-on-tree nesting measuring cups (no pun intended). And speaking of salt, Bird stocks an adorable set of S&P shakers, fashioned to look like number two pencils. No, I’m not erasing your omelet, honey, I’m just salting it. While I have no illusions of being the next Julia Child, I am pretty confident I could give Cedric a run for his money, as I do love to entertain. If you do too, pick up a set of whiskey stones and use them to chill (and class up) booze for when your friends Jack, Jim and Jose swing by. Be sure to grab a few of Bird’s killer rainbow-hued glass tumblers. The colors are concentrated at the bottom of the glass for a sophisticated yet fun and eye-catching effect. If your guests aren’t impressed, kick them out of your house immediately.
Deck your halls with funky hanging light fixtures that put the ones you bought last year at Ikea to shame. Or, pop a fresh-cut bunch of red roses into a white ceramic vase fashioned to look like three pistols, pointing towards the sky. If that doesn’t show the world that you’ll make it rain – even if you have to shoot those drops right out of the clouds yourself – I don’t know what does. Is your bathroom in desperate need of a major renovation? Hide that hideous pink tile behind a shower curtain designed to teach you to speak German, Italian or Chinese while you wash up. If you have found yourself “with child,” you might as well make the best of it. Dress that lil’ cutie up in one of the Curatorium’s many hilarious onesies. Each has a slogan (like, “I have more Facebook friends than you do”) or an image (such as a QR code), designed to encourage the growth of your baby’s sense of humor. Your children will surely be cool as cucumbers if – instead of giving them boring ABC blocks to tinker with – you hand them a stack of XYZ blocks, featuring images of zombies. (At least they’ll be prepared for the impending plague.) “I love selling trophy-like pieces,” Bird says, pointing to a group of mounted animal heads. But don’t worry, there’s no taxidermy here; his trophies are made of ceramic and cardboard. The cardboard version is one that you construct yourself, like a puzzle; it’s a perfect gift for all ages. Speaking of gifts, they’ll wrap yours for free. It’s one-stop shopping for you and your inner child. What’s not to love? 197 Wickenden Street. 453-4080, thecuratorium.com.
Photography: Laurel Mulherin
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July 2012 | Providence Monthly
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Providence Monthly | July 2012
Back when you were in grade school, did you think of going to the playground as a good way to sneak in a workout? Probably not. If you were like me, it was a chance for you to run around with friends, climb the jungle gym, maneuver the monkey bars and fly high on the swings. In short, it was a lot of fun. But if you think about it, those activities also got your heart pumping, helped build strength and improved agility. And since these qualities do, in fact, make for an effective workout, it makes sense that one of the latest fitness training trends is bringing adults back to the playground. To learn a bit more about this type of training, known as Parkour, I recently met up with Jonathan Montalbano at Brown Street Park in Providence. Jonathan, a highly trained gymnast, runs Parkour classes each Saturday morning at the park, sharing his passion for this noncompetitive skill sport with anyone who
wants to learn, for free. If you’ve never heard of Parkour, but you’ve seen the show American Ninja Warrior on television, then you’ve caught a glimpse of the philosophy behind the movement: to move from one obstacle to another as quickly and efficiently as possible, using both your mind and body. The concept of Parkour is derived from French military obstacle course training. It requires running, jumping, rolling, climbing and balancing, so a playground is a great training ground for both new students and “traceurs” (experienced Parkour practitioners) alike. Brown Street Park is particularly ideal since it’s equipped with a jungle gym, monkey bars, parallel bars, a climbing robe and hanging rings. I watched in awe as some of the more advanced students swung effortlessly across the hanging bars and back-flipped off the monkey bars. But knowing I was a newbie, Jon-
athan was really good about keeping things at a beginner’s level for me. First we worked on precision jumps – jumping from one stationary object to another one, either higher or lower than where you started, with the goal of sticking the landing. It requires a lot of focus and balance, and believe me, it’s harder than it sounds. Then I worked on my climbing and agility skills, hoisting myself to the top of the monkey bars as quickly as I could. I thought I was fairly strong, but this attempt humbled me. Let’s just say there’s room for improvement. After one session with Jonathan, I’m nowhere near the ninja-like moves that he and the other traceurs have perfected. But one great thing about fitness is that there’s always something more to learn. If you’re looking for a new fitness endeavor and if you miss acting like a kid at the playground, Parkour just might be perfect for you.
FIT NEWS On Sunday, July 1, Ocean State Bikram Yoga in Pawtucket is celebrating its one-year anniversary. Join threetime National Yoga Asana Champion and 2011 International Yoga Asana Champion Joseph Encinia for a free demonstration and Q&A session from 1-3pm. Save yourself a spot by calling the studio at 743-5405 or sending an email to info@oceanstatebikramyoga.
com. There will also be a Shakti Activewear trunk show from 9:30am to 4:30pm. 560 Mineral Spring Avenue #104, Pawtucket. The summer is the perfect time for an urban paddle with The Woonasquatucket River Water Council. Join them on Monday, July 16 at 6pm for a canoe/kayak trip that will give you a new perspective on the city as you head past Providence’s old mills,
through Waterplace Park and into downtown Providence. The complete round trip is about four miles. Children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The cost is $20 a person if you are using one of the Watershed Council’s canoes or kayaks, or $5 a person if you are bringing your own. Life jackets and advance sign-up required. 481-1376, etalley@wrwc.org.
Photography: Amy Amerantes
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City Style |
Beauty
Private Sailing Charter
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Pretty Necessary
Aboard “Victoria”
When aesthetics go from luxury to necessity
Illustration: Karli Hendrickson
Regular readers of this
column know that I spend a lot of my time trying out new ways to look and feel good: spa treatments, hair styles, makeup techniques. It’s all fun and all frivolous – and I love every minute of it. Then, in one unlucky moment, I went from enjoying the luxury of beautification to needing a way to look and feel better. So I’m going to be serious this month, and talk about a different kind of beauty. This is what happened. In April, I spent a weekend in Montreal: a picturesque, historic city paved in equally picturesque, but notso-well-maintained, cobblestone. Walking to dinner on Saturday night, one accident-prone girl (guess who) tripped over one broken stone (you know where this is going) and before I knew it I didn’t have any front teeth. At all. In a foreign country. As far as these things go, I was in good enough shape. I wasn’t really bleeding except from my split lip, and I wasn’t in any pain (I’ve heard a lot of horror stories since then; the fact that my tooth broke a millimeter away from the nerve without exposing it can only be attributed to some kind of miraculously good luck). But I had still knocked out both of my front teeth on a Saturday night. In Canada. And, if we’re speaking figuratively here, I was a little bit freaked out about it. Fortunately, I have the nicest dentist in the world, who gives his patients his cell phone number for emergencies. I had only been to him for a couple of cleanings, but I didn’t hesitate to call Dr. Jeffrey Mansolillo of Mansolillo Dental in Johnston for some advice. He said that not being in pain was an excellent sign and that he would clear his Monday morning to see me – which, given my experience with other dentists, was a genuine surprise and an even bigger relief. So trip cut short, I sat in Dr. Jeffrey’s chair Monday morning. The news was actually pretty good: he could fix
everything, I wouldn’t have to go to an oral surgeon, and I would be leaving the office that day looking pretty close to normal (though I did take a lot of what can only be described as “hillbilly chic” pictures beforehand, which are hilarious, and which I will show you if you ask me). It was, though, going to be a long – and, he warned me, unpleasant – experience: drilling, filing, molds, temps, the dreaded root canal. But the fact that Dr. Jeffrey took a lot of time to
fully explain the process and assuage my growing fears made me feel indescribably better. I had walked into his office terrified, and left knowing that I would be taken care of by someone who not only could create perfect new teeth for me, but who really wanted to take good care of me. That makes all the difference, and it’s why I wanted to write about this experience. I left that day with New Teeth 1.0, which were made of bond, and would stay in place for about three weeks: a week before the unfortunately necessary root canal, and a couple of weeks after to allow for proper healing. They didn’t look precisely like my old ones, but they did look like normal, legit teeth, which was much better than the gaping hole in my smile that I walked in with. Everyone I talked to about this, which, in my normally oversharing way, ended up being everyone I talked to, told me in gory detail how terrible my root canal was going to be. I mean everyone. Commentary ranged from “it’s going to be awful for three or four days, but you’ll be fine” to “it was agony for
me, it’s going to be agony for you.” (Remember what I said about horror stories? I wasn’t kidding.) So I was understandably scared when it came time for the procedure. Like, shaking in the chair scared - that is, until I realized that the only pain I was going to feel through the whole thing was one tiny needle sting. I immediately relaxed and concentrated on what was happening, which turned out to be quite interesting. Dr. Jeffrey, realizing that he had someone in his chair who actually wanted to have the process explained, narrated the whole thing. I even made him stop to take pictures so I could see the inside of my tooth. I might be the only person to have ever left a root canal and immediately called a friend to say, in all seriousness, “that… was… awesome.” I don’t know if I just have some magic tolerance to pain or whether Dr. Jeffrey is just really good at what he does, but the recovery didn’t hurt at all. I took maybe six Advil over the course of three days, and I could have easily lived without them. Considering that I have a life crisis over a hangnail, I’m guessing that it’s the latter of those two options. (What? They’re totally painful.) The lack of any real discomfort lasted through recovery, through the drilling down of my tooth remnants into tiny nubbins, through the molding process, through the acrylic set of New Teeth 2.0, through the removal of those and the installation of the permanent New Teeth 3.0. They’re made of porcelain and have been custom color matched by a lab in Smithfield. Before he cemented them, Dr. Jeffrey and I talked at length about the adjustments he wanted, making sure they were also what I wanted, and that I felt completely sure they looked and felt right. They’re perfect. And I feel unbelievably grateful to have been so well cared for by such a genuinely kind and concerned (and talented) person at the time when I needed it most. That’s a beautiful thing. 1347 Hartford Avenue, Johnston. 861-1080, mansolillodental.com
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Feast
IN THE KITCHEN / oN THE mENu / BEHINd THE Bar / rEvIEw / IN THE drINK
Photography: Tiffany Medrano
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July 2012 | Providence Monthly
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Feast |
In the Kitchen
DentPlus
By Stephanie Obodda
Dental Center
Savoir-Faire
Chef Nat Hughes on the mediterranean taste What is the vibe like at Kartabar? Kartabar has been on Thayer Street for over 10 years. I feel a bit silly saying it, but it’s a hip, trendy place. There’s always an eclectic mix of people; it’s like a cross section of Providence, with people of all ages and professions. Thayer has a lot of energy: there’s always something going on day and night. Unlike some other places, we’re just as busy in the summer, especially with our great outdoor seating. Describe the menu. Our menu focuses on Mediterranean food. Lebanese cuisine has a special influence since our owner, Philippe Maatouk, is Lebanese. We feature items such as hummus, baba ganoush, tabouli and kebabs. We have something for everyone – pastas, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, pizza – with specials every day. We have a very serious regular crowd; I’ve seen people come in twice on the same day. Some regulars want the same thing every time and others come for the specials. It’s important for us to please both.
Photography: Mike Braca
What are some popular dishes at the restaurant? Definitely the gorgonzola stuffed filet mignon, which is cut open and stuffed with gorgonzola before grilling. It has a red wine glaze and is served with mashed potatoes and vegetables. The hummus appetizer is also a favorite. It comes with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, homemade pita chips and pita bread. This hummus is amazing. It’s the same recipe that Philippe used back when he owned Hot Pockets on Thayer. It’s the best I’ve ever had, and that’s coming from someone who grew up in the 1970s with a mother who cooked macrobiotic and health food, and who made plenty of hummus at a vegetarian restaurant in California. It’s especially good here and definitely something we’re known for. Do you have any dishes that are popular in this warmer weather? Now that summer is here, our salads are very popular. One favorite is the poached pear salad. The pears are poached with red wine, sugar, cinnamon and cloves. They are served over mesclun greens with a raspberry vinaigrette, golden raisins, walnuts and goat cheese, and topped with fried onion strings. Other favorites are our tomato
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basil soup, the gnocchi with chicken and a pesto cream sauce, and of course our cocktails. Where were you before Kartabar? I’ve been back on the East Coast for the last 12 years and at Kartabar for a year and-a-half. After attending Johnson and Wales, I was the executive chef at Parkside for a number of years and the executive chef and general manager at Gatehouse (where the Waterman Grille is now). I opened and ran United BBQ in the Fox Point neighborhood for about two years. Right before Kartabar, I was at a restaurant at Twin Rivers casino. Were you always interested in the food industry? Yes. My first summer job was as a pushcart vendor for a Mexican restaurant (which was more of a rarity back in the 1980s) in a fishing town outside of Boston. I washed dishes, prepped, and pushed the cart around, selling tacos and other items. The next summer, I worked my way inside the restaurant, being a prep cook, then a line cook. It was always a job I came back to in the summers during school. When I was looking at culinary schools, I chose Johnson and Wales because it’s a great school and also because my family is originally from the Boston area, so it was an opportunity to move back and
be closer to my family. Does your diverse experience in food service help you in your job today? Definitely – I’ve been everything from a dishwasher, a prep cook, line cook, general manager, a server, a barback and executive chef. I’ve seen things from every angle, in and out of the kitchen. Being on the floor helps you understand the customer experience, which you don’t really get to see from the kitchen, so you develop an appreciation for meeting the customer’s needs.
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What do you like to do when you’re not at the restaurant? Usually this time of year I’m outside in the garden. I grow a few vegetables, like tomatoes, eggplant and peppers. Carrots don’t last too long with the rabbits around here, but half the fun is planting everything; if you get something, it’s a bonus. I’m married with two children, and love spending time with my family.
Kartabar 284 Thayer Street Providence 331-8111 kartabar.com
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Feast |
on the menu
By John Taraborelli
Taste of Summer The return of restaurant weeks means the season is in full swing There are certain sure signs of summer in the city that we can count on year after year: WaterFire lighting up the rivers, air conditioners dotting the windows of homes and apartment buildings, a full deck at Hot Club on Friday afternoon, the line at East Side Pockets only reaching halfway out the door instead of all the way. Now we can add another indicator to that list: the return of Providence Restaurant Weeks (July 8-21). For the better part of a decade, the event has grown bigger and more popular, showcasing the best dining the city has to offer. It now runs for two full weeks twice a year (the other installment is in January) and includes 50 restaurants; the summer edition remains the flagship, with eateries throughout the city packed during a time when diners might otherwise be looking towards South County or Newport for a night out. The concept remains as simple as it is enticing: some of the city’s best and, in many cases, priciest restaurants offer three-course prix fixe lunches and dinners for $14.95 and $29.95 respectively. Restaurants for whom those price points are already above average often opt for a two-for-one deal instead. It’s a great opportunity to treat yourself to a night of fine dining without breaking the bank, or break out of your routine and try something new without much commitment. Some of the most buzzed about restaurants in and around Providence, as well as some old standbys, are participating. East Side favorites on this summer’s roster include Chez Pascal, Cook and Brown Public House, Duck and Bunny and Rue De L’Espoir. Menus haven’t yet been announced, but check www. providencerestaurantweeks.com as the date approaches for updates and more information. ETHIOPIAN AMBASSADOR Abyssinia opened on Wickenden Street last year as the first Ethiopian restaurant in Providence. Despite its popularity elsewhere in New England, particularly in Boston, the East African cuisine hadn’t yet taken hold here – and despite Abyssinia’s popularity, for many people it still hasn’t. (Afri-
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can food in general is sadly scarce in the Providence area. Elea’s in South Providence is a popular neighborhood spot for Liberian food. Village provides some Nigerian specialties in Pawtucket, and the excellent Senegalese restaurant Dakar was unfortunately short lived in Central Falls.) That’s why Ben Thorp, one of the proprietors of Abyssinia, is launching the restaurant’s food cart this month. It’s expanding on the business’ twofold mission: to help popularize the cuisines of Ethiopia and neighboring Eritrea in Providence, and to cultivate what Thorp calls a “social entrepreneur business,” which employs refugees and immigrants to use and share the culinary skills developed in their home countries. The modified hot dog cart will make many of the usual food truck rounds – special events, College Hill, farmer’s markets – serving a variety of Ethiopian specialties, with a focus on the wats, or stews, for which the cuisine is best known. The restaurant already has a loyal fan base, and the ability to go mobile will allow Abyssinia to bring what is arguably one of the world’s most underrated food cultures to more people in more places. It’s the first step in what Thorp envisions as a fleet of mobile eateries, all employing refugees to share the foods of their home countries, and he’s trying to secure nonprofit funding to establish training programs. Be on the lookout for it this summer, because if you’re one of the unfortunate souls who still hasn’t tried Ethiopian
food, now’s the time to change that. Check www.abyssnia-restaurant.com for updates and menus. A COOL, REFRESHING (AND HEALTHY) TREAT With last summer’s opening of Pinkberry in Garden City qualifying as Probably the Best Thing to Happen in Cranston Ever, the popularity of urban/Asian-style frozen yogurt shops continues to rise. There are already Juniper and Froyo World on Thayer Street, and now the north side of town is getting in on the action with the opening of Hot & Cold at 895 Smith Street, a combination coffee and frozen yogurt shop (hence the name). Open since the spring, Hot & Cold maintains the tradition established by operations like Pinkberry of offering healthier, more thoughtfully sourced treats. In addition to high quality frozen yogurt, a more waistline-friendly alternative to ice cream, they feature fresh fruit toppings that are replenished throughout the day, as well as organic coffee. Co-owners Vicky Fernandez and her brother were inspired by their time living in New York and California respectively, and their goal is to bring a product that is better for you and better for the environment to the neighborhood – which, considering the shop’s proximity to LaSalle Academy and its popularity with the students, qualifies as both a smart plan and an admirable one. Got food news? Send it to John at onthemenu@ providenceonline.com.
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July 2012 | Providence Monthly
57
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Behind the Bar
Fiesta Time
amy deSantis on tequila and tortas Who is Lola? There’s a little bit of Lola in everybody. Okay then, what’s Lola sipping on? Our margarita list is reflective of an attitude: Lola wants to know how you are feeling. Are you feeling spicy today? There’s a drink for it. The BadAss Margarita is made with whiskey and not tequila. What’s the most interesting tequila you offer? Romance… it has a chocolate flavor to it and it comes in an interesting bottle. People always go for Patron, but try Milagro. It’ doesn’t sit in your throat or come back up later; it’s smooth and goes down nicely. We never have fewer than 20 tequilas on hand. Besides all that tequila, why does everyone seem to flock to Lola’s? Lola’s opened last July and it’s been busy every day. When it’s nice out, it’s insane here. On Margaritaville Mondays, appetizers are half off ‘til 7pm. Stop in on $2 Taco Tuesdays and enjoy your tacos with a $4 margarita. On Thursdays, it’s Burritos & Blue Grass – enjoy local live blue grass music while you munch on a burrito. Keep your eye on our calendar; we have big block parties coming up in July and August. Lola’s has such a festive design. Who created the look and feel? Lola’s was designed by Taniya Nayak, who is featured on HGTV’s Designed to Sell. She was responsible for all the pieces of art that you see, from the crazy Mexican hats to the fun chili peppers. A local artist, Ian Gaudreau, painted the fantastic murals you see on the walls.
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58
Providence Monthly | July 2012
By Cristy Raposo
What are your chefs serving up at the cantina? Our menu was created by Executive Chef Jonathan Beres. He’s from out west, so his experiences growing up and eating Mexican food is totally reflective of that. His version of Mexican is California-style. I’m from Texas – it’s a little different from our version of Mexican food. Our items are fresh and handmade daily. What’s your favorite dish? The Super Torta. It’s a traditional Mexi-
can sandwich with carnitas, avocado, pico de gallo, shredded romaine and lime-garlic mayo. It’s delicious. Even though it’s not on the menu, Lola will make you a quesadilla; you can’t go wrong with that. Nachos are always a fan favorite. Our menu doesn’t list many vegetarian items, but many of our servers are vegetarians and they can come up with anything and make it delicious. How did you get into making margaritas? I’ve been bartending too long to say – 12 years. I attended Johnson & Wales University where I earned a bachelor’s in hospitality and then a master’s in education. I worked my way up from door girl to a bartender to management. I’ve worked in Boston, hotels and on the Hill; I love it. What is the key to making the perfect margarita? Lots of tequila! If you’re making it yourself, use fresh limes. Fresh lime juice and fresh everything will make your margarita 10 times better. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new tequila. Salt or sugar rim? Half salt, half sugar. Meet in the mid-
dle. When you want salty, you can drink from one side. When you want sweet, you drink from the other. What do you love about working here? I’m obsessed with Lola’s. Even when I’m not working, I’m here. This is the only job I have ever had where the staff genuinely cares about the success of this place. We’re always looking to learn and grow; we do all sorts of new things to make Lola’s a better place. Parking is available and if you valet at Whiskey Republic, we will validate parking for you. Boats too!
Lola’s Tequila Bar & Cantina 525 South Water Street, Providence 383-0220 lolascantina.com
Photography: Mike Braca
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Feast |
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59
Feast |
review
By Linda Beaulieu
Elevated Cuisine
an expert chef takes an already good menu to the next level corner restaurant and the way the angled main entrance welcomes customers in from the busy street. Such is the case at the relatively new Kitchen Bar on the corner of Hope and Burlington in Providence. The big news there is that Jaime D’Oliveira is now in the kitchen as a consulting chef. D’Oliveira is the entrepreneurial chef who brought Mill’s Tavern and Red Stripe to life in the capital city. Prior to that, he cooked at the legendary Angels (now XO Café) and Al Forno. He was also a key player in opening the first Capital Grille, learning all he could from founder Ned Grace, the quintessential restaurateur. D’Oliveira’s stellar resume makes him eminently qualified these days to work here and there as a consultant. Quick… before he moves on to the next project, get yourself over to Kitchen Bar for some of Jaime’s famous food. Kitchen Bar opened last November with owner Sammy Katsaras making a transition from running a pizza joint to an upscale East Side eatery. It was a bit of a struggle, and a mutual friend suggested that D’Oliveira help Katsaras turn his restaurant into a more successful enterprise. In six weeks, D’Oliveira did just that. The restaurant itself has a clean, modern look that appealed to D’Oliveira. The dining areas are to the left and right of an L-shaped bar, with pub-height tables and chairs on the left and regular tables and plum-colored booths on the right. There’s seating for 70 with another 36 seats out on the sidewalk. Since the interior met with his approval, D’Oliveira was able to focus on the menu, which he has radically changed. Some of
Jerk Pork Tenderloin
60
Providence Monthly | July 2012
Katsaras’ favorite dishes remain on the menu (especially his excellent pizzas), but D’Oliveira’s choices dominate at brunch, lunch and dinner. The brunch menu is D’Oliveira’s favorite, he says, and it’s easy to see why. People are raving about the Crème Brulee Challah French Toast with crushed pecans and warm maple syrup ($9) and the Carrot Cake Pancake with vanilla whipped cream cheese and orange blossom honey ($8.50). I can’t wait to try the Chorizo Hash ($10), served with soft poached eggs. I ate lunch at Kitchen Bar with a foodie friend who is one of D’Oliveira’s biggest fans. We were not disappointed. Her Watermelon Frisee Salad ($9) was unlike any salad on any local restaurant menu. The salad started with a base of sliced watermelon topped with frisee lettuce, jicama, goat cheese, toasted almonds and white balsamic basil vinaigrette. The watermelon and goat cheese are wonderful taste counterpoints. I was in the mood for a great sandwich, and that’s just what I got with the Deli Reuben ($11). I needed two hands to handle the thick layers of pastrami and corned beef on rye with just the right amount of Dijon mustard. Out of curiosity, we shared the Chicken Tips ($9), shamelessly consuming a full pound of lightly fried chunks of boneless meat, served with Asian and buffalo sauces: totally addictive. On my next visit, I had to have the retro Green Goddess Chicken Salad ($13). One of life’s mysteries, for me at least, is why green goddess dressing isn’t offered in every American restaurant. Named for its light green color, this dressing is said to have originated
dakos Greek Salad
in 1923 in San Francisco. Its key flavor components are garlic, anchovy, garlic, tarragon, and yes, garlic. At Kitchen Bar, the house-made dressing coats mixed greens, tart apple slices and celery. A marinated then grilled boneless chicken breast is shingled across the salad mixture and garnished with pecans and feta. I will be tempted to order this entrée salad every time I have lunch at Kitchen Bar in the future. Other first course possibilities are the Mediterranean Antipasti, Stuffies, Dakos Greek Salad, and Lamb Meatballs (all in the $7 to $11 price range). The usual suspects are present in the antipasti, which is brightened by an apricot and charred onion relish. The stuffies are dotted with bits of chourico and dusted with smoked paprika. The secret to this ocean-fresh dish, D’Oliveira reveals, is the use of chopped clams instead of quahogs. The mountainous Greek salad starts with a base of grilled pita and is then layered with all the expected ingredients. The meatballs are decidedly Greek in flavor with the addition of tzatziki sauce. The kitchen wisely cross utilizes ingredients. Pork has a leading role in three winning dishes: Jerk Pork Tenderloin, Pulled Pork Sandwich and Louisiana Pulled Pork Wontons (all in the $8.50 to $18.50 price range). Two of the most popular menu items are the New England Seafood Boil ($21), which comes with grilled bread for sopping up the zesty broth, and the Baked All-American Chop Suey ($12), pure comfort food with its layers of elbow macaroni, meaty marinara sauce, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and buttered panko bread crumbs. The totally satisfying Eggplant Rollatini ($14) is a
big bowl of penne pasta and marinara sauce topped with rolled up eggplant slices that have been stuffed with spinach, roasted red peppers, ricotta and Parmesan cheese, and then fried. If after all that you somehow have room for dessert (and I do hope that you do), you must have Auntie Lisa’s Carrot Cake ($8). The recipe comes from D’Oliveira’s sister, so being a great cook definitely runs in that family. I would go back to Kitchen Bar in a heartbeat just for that moist carrot cake studded with shredded coconut and plump raisins. A close second is the Old School Chocolate Bundt Cake ($7), three thick slices of deep dark chocolate cake drizzled with a sugar glaze. While you enjoy your dessert, put in an order to go for one of Sammy’s famous pizzas or calzones ($6.95 to $15.75). The Mediterranean is my favorite pizza, topped with tender chicken, feta, tomatoes, black olives and hot pepper rings. It’s one way to extend your delightful dining experience at Kitchen Bar. Linda Beaulieu is the author of The Providence and Rhode Island Cookbook, available at stores throughout the state. Follow Linda on Twitter at LindaBeaulieu3.
Kitchen Bar 771 Hope Street 331-4100 kitchenbarri.com
Photography: Tiffany Medrano
There’s something about a
Feast |
In the drink
By Emily Dietsch WWW.HARUKISUSHI.COM
In Defense of Vodka Finding redeeming qualities in an oft bland and misused potable
Illustration: Ashley MacLure
Midwestern and middle-aged, my mother is not the type one expects to drink vodka cocktails like a champ – and yet, like a champ she does. “Why vodka?” I asked once. In the households I knew to that point, Scotch and gin were grown-ups’ only cocktail-liquor options, unless one was Russian and possibly also a Communist; my mother was neither to my knowledge, hence my curiosity. “Because it doesn’t taste like anything, and mixes with everything,” she answered, quite matter-of-factly. Relating my mother’s words to a barkeep friend, he hung his head and emitted a long, “Ugggggggggh.” I nodded in commiseration. Vodka’s long been liquor non grata among folks who take cocktails seriously, and for the very reasons that most of the public downs rivers of it (see above). All the same, most of the denunciations I’ve heard lately treat vodka like it’s a lost cause from square one. It’s become the thing to do, or at least a thing to do. So, how much does an anti-vodka stance owe to trend hunting, or face-saving, rather than to legit objections? This is not an anti-snobbery argument… not exactly, anyhow. More often than not, vodka snobbery has grounds that would dwarf the Soviet hinterlands. For starters, thanks to an astounding hundredfold sales increase in the ‘50s, vodka usurped top spot on America’s collective liquor shelf from whiskey, the nation’s original spirit of choice (and arguably its best one). Booze historians point to that moment as a triumph of marketing and function over craft and taste, bringing recovery from Prohibition’s bad-liquor plague to a screeching halt and setting misguided standards that are still with us despite the cocktail renaissance’s best efforts. And why, exactly? Vodka is often poorly made and overpriced for what it is, taking advantage of consumers who don’t know about or expect much from liquor production. By definition, vodka is near-flavorless, a simple union of ethyl alcohol and water that gets a person smashed, fast, and without the taste of alcohol to muck things up. As Imbibe magazine
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wrote recently, vodka’s “epicurean value [is] on par with that of a Hostess cupcake.” In fact, Hostess cupcake-flavored vodka is likely coming soon to a liquor store near you. All of this works perfectly for people like my mother, as well as closet alcoholics, and anyone who is likely to appear in a Girls Gone Wild video. (Oh, vodka: awkwardly uniting incompatible demographics since 1955.) Most in-the-know boozehounds, by contrast, embrace a radically inverse logic. We prefer liquors made with skill and principle, which not only taste like something, but something worth tasting attentively. Quality gins and whiskies, for example, each have complex flavor profiles that can be savored, sussed out, and easily tied to a particular region or company. Vodka, on the other hand, tends to be like a scrubbed fingerprint, blank and unable to be placed, and more than a little suspect of heinous crimes. Traveling in northern Europe, however, in dark and cool places like Iceland, Norway, Denmark and Sweden, I’ve seen quite a different side to vodka. In the so-called “Vodka Belt,” where viticulture is nearly impossible given cool temperatures and short growing seasons, vodka is king; rich cultures have even been built up around it. Granted, quite a lot of
rotgut vodka is also tipped there, with no embellishment and no fanfare. Yet akvavits, which begin with decent vodka, acquire real personality by harnessing local produce, herbs and spices. They’re part of beautiful toasting traditions and treated with reverie. And, they point the way for vodka to be more than merely the Hostess cupcake of liquors within U.S. boundaries. What’s more, vodka’s friendliness to local economies and small businesses is an often unsung yet very of-the-moment plus. Though its cheapness and ease of production partially contribute to its bad name, those qualities are good ones in the right hands. The spirit is tailor-made for farms and fledgling distilleries that need supplemental income, since it needs far less capital and labor investments than most other spirits to achieve the same level of good quality. South Kingstown’s Sons of Liberty produces Loyal 9 Vodka, and Farm Fresh RI (farmfreshri.org) lists five other local vodka producers, all located within 100 miles, some of which sell the vodka straight from their farm stands. Pick up some seasonal pickings alongside it, and mix yourself a bloody good infusion. No apologies. And no toga parties.
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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 $-$$$ ASPIRE RESTAURANT 311 Westminster St.; 521-3333. Aspire offers an exquisite fine dining experience with a number of delicious small and large plates, numerous fine wines and full bar – with an emphasis on local ingredients. BBrLD $-$$$
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Providence Monthly | July 2012
311 Iron Horse Way; 865-6186. With its swanky circular booths, fireplaces and gilded art, you’ll be swept back in time. The menu, featuring daily specials, is inventive and expertly prepared. LD $$-$$$
Providence 10 PRIME STEAK & SUSHI 55 Pine St.; 453-2333. Located downtown, Ten offers a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere complemented by aged prime steaks, a full sushi menu and creative cocktails. LD $$-$$$ ABYSSINIA 333 Wickenden St.; 4541412. Enjoy the unique experience of Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine, using your fingers (and Ethiopia’s famed flatbread) to sample richly spiced meat, fish and vegetable dishes. (Forks are available, but less fun.) LD $-$$
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ANDREAS 268 Thayer St.; 331-7879. For a taste of Greece, head to Andreas. Their menu includes souvlaki, moussaka and a variety of kabobs, along with specialties like Lemon Oregano Lamb Chops and Spanakopita, an appetizer of spinach and feta in flaky phyllo dough. BrLD $-$$ ASIAN BISTRO 123 Dorrance St.; 383-3551. 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 $-$$$
B breakfast Br brunch L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
BRAVO BRASSERIE 123 Empire St.; 490-5112. Enjoy lunch and dinner at this American bistro with a French flair. Located downtown across from Trinity Rep, it’s the perfect place for a pre-theater dinner or cocktail after the show. LD $$-$$$ BRICKWAY 234 Wickenden St.; 7512477. Breakfast is the specialty at Brickway, a cozy neighborhood eatery known for its extensive menu of comfort foods made with a creative edge. Brunch offered on Sundays. BBrL $ BYBLOS 235 Meeting St.; 4539727. Providence’s original hookah lounge offers more than just a relaxing smoke and chic atmosphere. You can also enjoy classic Lebanese dishes and light cuisine with your cocktail. LD $ CAFé PARAGON 234 Thayer St.; 331-6200. This hip eatery serves sandwiches, pasta, and entrees at
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The american
prices lower than the chic décor would have you believe. The adjoining Viva lounge is perfect for afterdinner drinks and private parties. BrLD $-$$ 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 $-$$ CAV 14 Imperial Pl.; 751-9164. The New York Times’ choice as one of Providence’s five best restaurants, CAV’s contemporary award-winning cuisine is available for lunch and dinner daily. They also feature Saturday/Sunday brunch. BrLD $$$$$ CHEZ PASCAL 960 Hope Street; 421-4422. Chef Matt Gennuso’s East Side kitchen offers French food with a modern twist. Try the Bistro Menu (Tue-Thur), which features three courses for $30 per person. Delicieux! D $-$$$ CRESTA BAR & RISTORANTE 100 Main St.; 722-2151. Enjoy a full menu of classic and innovative Italian dishes in an inviting atmosphere in downtown Pawtucket. For those warm summer nights, eat outside on the gorgeous terrace. LD $-$$ DON JOSE TEQUILAS 351 Atwells Ave.; 454-8951. Don Jose’s digs a little deeper than your average Mexican restaurant, with all the basics you love alongside more artfully composed entrees and a wonderful selection of house-made tequilas. LD $$ THE DORRANCE 60 Dorrance Street; 521-6000. The Dorrance, a 2012 James Beard Foundation award semi-finalist (best new restaurant and chef), is known for its impressive architecture, hand-crafted cocktails and delicious modern American cuisine. LD $$-$$$ 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 $-$$ HARRY’S BURGER & BAR 121 North Main St.; 228-7437. Harry’s features only freshly ground beef, Nathan’s hot dogs, a long list of craft beers and new twists on cocktails. A perfect quick bite or night out. LD $-$$ HARUKI EAST 172 Wayland Ave.; 223-0332. 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 $-$$$ JACKY’S WATERPLACE 200 Exchange St.; 383-5000. Experience sushi, Chinese and Japanese food, noodles and much more in a stunning atmosphere, right in the heart of Waterplace Park. Sip an exotic drink while taking in the spectacular view. LD $-$$$
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JULIANS RESTAURANT 318 Broadway; 861-1770. What began in 1994 as a small Federal Hill brunch spot has grown into a popular destination for award-winning brunch, dinner, desserts, craft beer and cocktails. Outdoor seating, vegan options. BBRLD $-$$ KARTABAR 284 Thayer St.; 331-8111. This European-style restaurant and lounge offers a full menu of unique dishes such as Champagne Sea Bass and Gorgonzola-stuffed Filet Mignon. They also offer a gourmet wine list and martini menu. LD $-$$
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KITCHEN BAR 771 Hope Street; 3314100. Offering contemporary comfort cuisine in an elegant setting, Kitchen Bar features daily specials and take-out. Acclaimed Chef Jaime D’Oliveira has been brought on to consult, so expect exciting new options and flavors. LD $-$$ LUXE BURGER BAR 5 Memorial Blvd.; 621-5893. Luxe brings the classic burger to a new level. Their build your own burger list, which in-
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dining Guide
cludes Kobe and Gold Labeled beef, never ends, with countless combinations. LD $-$$ MILLS TAVERN 101 North Main St., 272-3331. The only restaurant in RI to receive The Mobile Four Star Award for five consecutive years, Mills Tavern provides traditional American cuisine in a warm, friendly setting. D $$-$$$ MUMU 220 Atwells Ave.; 369-7040. A Chinese restaurant with a hip urban feel and friendly, welcoming service. Serving up lunch specials and signature dishes at dinner, this spot is sure to please, seven days a week. LD $-$$ NOT JUST SNACKS 833 Hope St.; 831-1150. Indeed, it’s not just snacks, but rather some of the tastiest, most authentic Indian food around served in a comfortable, homey setting right in the heart of Hope Street. LD $-$$ OPA 230 Atwells Ave.; 351-8282. Visit Lebanon for dinner. Select from a menu of authentic dishes or let the chef prepare a platter of 12 “mezza” items ranging from salads to seafood to grilled meats. D $$-$$$ PARKSIDE 76 South Main St.; 3310003. Chef/owner Steven Davenport offers innovative and classic foods with eclectic flare. The menu also includes creative pasta dishes and, of course, the signature rotisserie meats for which Parkside is famous. LD $-$$ POTENZA RISTORANTE D’ITALIA 286 Atwells Ave.; 273-2652. Experience the authentic flavors of Chef Walter Potenza, a name long synonymous with Italian food in Rhode Island. This is a must-stop for foodies, and caters to gluten-free diners. D $$-$$$
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RASOI 727 East Ave., Pawtucket;
Key
728-5500. Rasoi, Hindi for “kitchen,” is the fruition of a dream by Chef Sanjiv Dhar to balance healthy food, personalized service and Indian culture. Featuring a full bar and famous weekend buffet. LD $-$$ 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 $-$$$ RICK’S ROADHOUSE 370 Richmond St.; 272-7675. With hand-cut, fire kissed steaks, gut busting burgers and fall off the bone ribs, Rick’s brings the best slow-cooked cuisine to the Ocean State. LD $-$$ 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.; 7518890. In business for over 30 years, the Rue has only gotten better. Beautifully prepared with the freshest ingredients, the innovative, constantly changing menu keeps diners on their toes. Superb brunch. BBrLD $$-$$$ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE 10 Memorial Blvd. (at the GTECH Center); 272-2271. Come celebrate their fifth year overlooking Waterplace Park by treating yourself to the best USDA Prime steak in Providence. Change your life one bite at a time. D $$$ SIENA 238 Atwells Ave.; 521-3311. Federal Hill’s Siena features authentic Tuscan cuisine in a warm and lively atmosphere. The extensive menu includes wood-grilled veal, steak and seafood entrees along with signature pasta and sauté dishes. D $$-$$$
B breakfast Br brunch L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
Finally - Ethiopian in Providence!
333 Wickenden Street, Providence • 454-1412 www.abyssinia-restaurant.com
THE ROI 150 Chestnut St.; 272-2161. Located in the charming Jewelry District, Chef Paul Shire’s 21st-century supper club serves up hot food and cool music. Modern day comfort food is always on the menu, as is a sleek bar and casual but hip surroundings. LD $$-$$$ TRATTORIA ZOOMA 245 Atwells Ave.; 383-2002. Located on historic Federal Hill, Zooma offers award winning Neapolitan cuisine in a beautiful, upscale setting, specializing in house made pasta, local fish, meats, vegetables and authentic wood fired pizza.LD $$-$$$ XO CAFé 125 North Main St.; 2739090. XO Café celebrates fine food, wine and funky art. Featuring a seductive atmosphere, outmatched by playfully composed dishes inspired by natural/local ingredients. BRD $$-$$$
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SIENA CUCINA 5600 Post Rd., East Greenwich; 885-8850. Siena features authentic Tuscan cuisine in a warm and lively atmosphere, plus over 20 wines by the glass and an Italian “tapas” menu. D $$-$$$
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North BLACKIE’S BULL DOG TAVERN 181 George Washington Highway, Smithfield; 231-4777. This tavern specializes in comfort food and features a large selection of beer. Skilled bartenders, drink concoctions and live music make this the perfect happy hour spot. LD $-$$ TRATTORIA ROMANA 3 Wake Robin Road, Lincoln; 333-6700. This Italian restaurant offers fresh, homemade food by Italian-born Chef Luciano Canova in a comfortable atmosphere with moderate pricing. With friendly, attentive staff, you’ll feel just like family. LD $$-$$$
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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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LE CENTRAL 483 Hope St., Bristol; 396-9965. Enjoy a variety of classic French staples from Coq au Vin and Croque Monsieur, to North African tajines in an intimate setting. They also offer a gourmet wine list. BrLD $-$$$
ELEVEN FORTY NINE RESTAURANT 1149 Division St, (Warwick/ East Greenwich line); 884-1149. 965 Fall River Ave., Seekonk; 508-3361149. Metropolitan chic comes to the suburbs at this super stylish restaurant with a raw bar, outstanding menu, and some of the best cocktails around. LD $$-$$$
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BILLY’S 286 Maple Ave., Barrington; 289-2888. Billy’s creates a warm, inviting family atmosphere and ensures the finest quality ingredients in everything from fresh salads to juicy burgers to pizzas and Italian entrees. Full bar available. D $-$$
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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 $-$$
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Get Out
EVENTS / ART / MUSIC / THEATRE
Cruise on In You should already visit the Steel Yard to check out the art installations and chat with the creative folk who hang out there – but now there’s yet another reason to swing on through. On July 13, the arts non-profit is hosting its 7th Annual Cruise Night (put your life jackets away, it’s not that kind of cruise), showcasing classic cars and motorcycles. The event is an important part of the Steel Yard’s Works in Progress fundraising
series, as it drives people to the site, where visitors can learn about the organization and course offerings. Come check out this display of chrome and horsepower: over 70 custom and classic vehicles will be on hand. Studio tours, raffle prizes, greasy grooves and food by Haven Brothers will round out the affair. Although admission is free, there is a $5 suggested donation. July 13 , 5-9pm. 27 Sims Avenue. thesteelyard.org
Steel Yard Cruise Night
July 2012 | Providence Monthly
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Get Out |
Calendar
By Dale Rappaneau
This Month July 5 The Pawtucket Arts Festival teams up with McCoy Stadium to present the band Furthur, featuring former Grateful Dead members Phil Lesh and Bob Weir. $56.50. 5:30pm. 1 Columbus Avenue, Pawtucket. 724-7300, pawsox.com.
July 1 Stop into the Providence Art Club’s Opening Reception for its two new exhibitions. Check them out through July 20. 2-4pm. 11 Thomas Street. 331-1114, providenceartclub.org.
July 5 Head to Fete for General Assembly – a changing weekly showcase of alternative bands for just $3. 8pm. 103 Dike Street. 383-1112, fetemusic.com.
July 1-29 On Sundays, set sail on the Blackstone Valley Explorer Riverboat Tour, a 45-minute narrated cruise. $8-10. 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. Central Falls Landing (at Broad and Madeira), Central Falls. 724-2200, rivertourblackstone.com. July 1-31 Take the kids to MetLife Family Friday at the Providence Children’s Museum every Friday night in July for free admission. 5-8pm. 100 South Street. 273-5437, childrenmuseum.org. July 3-31 Every Tuesday, grab your pencil and pad and head to AS220 for a Figure Drawing Class with live models. 6-8:30pm. $6. 115 Empire Street. 8319327, as220.org. July 4-28 Every Wednesday and Saturday, stock up at the Hope Street Farmers Market. Buy local fruit, vegetables, poultry and more while listening to live music. Wednesdays 3-6pm. Saturdays 9am-1pm. Lippitt Park, Hope at Blackstone. hopestreetmarket.com.
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Providence Monthly | July 2012
July 5-28 Get laughing every Thursday and Saturday night with Improv Jones. $5. 10pm. 95 Empire Street. improvjones.com. July 6 Show off your spoken word poetry talents on the first Friday of every month for the Spoken Word Poetry Open Mic Night. 7-9pm. 265 Oxford Street. 785-2320, nonviolenceinstitute.org. July 6-27 Every Friday night, come get your mind blown at Hardcore Comedy. 10:30pm. Comedy Connection, 39 Warren Avenue, East Providence. 438-8383, ricomedyconnection.com. July 7 & 21 The Blackstone Valley Leisurely Bicycle Tours features an enjoyable four-hour bicycle ride that is appropriate for all fitness levels. $20. 9am. 175 Main Street, Pawtucket. 7242200, cycleblackstone.com. July 7-28 Get in touch with your Irish roots, or just come to appreciate some Irish
Wayland Square
Hip to be Square July 20-22: Wayland Square may have recently lost a few of its staple stores, but it’s still going strong as ever and holding a huge block party to prove it. Check out Cirque du Square, a fun-for-all event in which shops will hold sales, restaurants will offer specials and live entertainment will fill the streets. Adding to the carnival feel will be palm reading, face painting and a strength test. While the festivities occur all weekend long, you’ll be sorry if you skip the RI Food Fights’ Ice Cream Throwdown on July 21 from 5-8pm. Ticket holders can sample ice cream from some of the best shops around and then vote to select the People’s Choice winner. Don your party hats and bring your appetites. Come celebrate the coolest square on the East Side. Waylandsquare.org.
Photography: Dan Schwartz
July 1-31 Experience America’s favorite pastime in a stadium where nosebleed seats are unheard of. Cheer on the Pawtucket Red Sox at McCoy as they play. $5-11. 1 Columbus Avenue, Pawtucket. 724-7300, pawsox.com.
Get Out |
Calendar
By Dale Rappaneau
ProvidenceOnline.com
Leaders in Eye Care Since 1927 Dr. David A. Vito Dr. John D. Corrow Dr. Carl D. Corrow Dr. J. Lawrence Norton Traditional Music every Saturday at AS220. Free cover. 4-7pm. 115 Empire Street. 831-9327, as220.org. July 7-28 Get outside on (most) Saturdays for the River Romp Family Kayak Tour at the Community Boating Center. Ages 8+. $55/member, $65/nonmember. 9-11am. 109 India Street. 949-5454, asri.org. July 11 & 25 Head to the Roger Williams Park Zoo for a Sunset Safari, featuring a themed twilight tour, a snack and story time. Reservations required. $22-$37. 7-9pm. 1000 Elmwood Avenue. 941-4998, rwpzoo.org. July 12, 19, 26 The Rhode Island Historical Society continues its Concerts Under The Elms music series with the Carlos de Leon Latin Jazz Band, the Duke Robillard Band, and Magnolia. $10. 6:30pm. 52 Power Street. 331-8575, www.rihs.org. July 13 Check out some local rock that rules. Six Star General cranks out the tunes at the firehouse. 8pm doors, 9pm show. $5. Firehouse 13, 41 Central Street. 270-1801, fh13.com.
#5. 861-1535, yellowperilgallery.com. July 20-29 The Community Players are proud to present The Boys Next Door, a comedy directed by Tom DiMaggio. $1215. 8pm. Jenks Auditorium, 350 Division Street, Pawtucket. 726-6860, thecommunityplayers.org. July 20 & 27 Head to the Knight Memorial Library for the Summer Concert Film Series, featuring Monterey Pop on July 20 and Gimme Shelter on July 27. 8:15pm. 275 Elmwood Avenue. 4672625, provcomlib.org. July 21 The Met serves up its second “Outside in the Met Courtyard” show of the summer: Andrew Bird. $32.50-35. Doors 6pm, show 8pm. 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. 729-1005, themetri.com. July 21 You helped The Silks raise money to record their first album; now that it’s done, come party with them in the place it all began. $10. Machines with Magnets, 400 Main Street, Pawtucket. 9pm. facebook.com/thesilksmusic.
July 19 Head to RISD’s Chase Center for a screening of Typeface at the Metcalf Auditorium. 6:30-7:30pm. 20 North Main Street. risdmuseum.org.
July 22-Aug 9 The Rhode Island Watercolor Society presents the open juried art competition Water. Tues-Sat: 10am4pm. Sun: 1-5pm. Slater Memorial Park, Armistice Boulevard, Pawtucket. 726-1876, riws.org.
July 19 Check out art by Rodrigo Nava at the gallery night reception at Yellow Peril. His exhibit, Visible Force, is running through August 12. 60 Valley Street
July 30 Drop it like it’s hot, kids – Snoop Dogg is in town. $35-45. 8pm doors, 9:30 show. Lupo’s, 79 Washington Street. 331-5876, lupos.com.
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Providence Monthly | July 2012
Get Out |
Music
By Eric Smith
The Rice Cakes
Snap, Crackle, Pop The Rice Cakes combine youthful energy and endearing lyrics
Photography: Tim Siekiera
Of all the young
bands making Providence their home with the hopes of playing the big shows someday, it’s Roz Raskin and the Rice Cakes, whose instantly accessible indie jams can already be heard daily on the radio, that seems to have the best chance. While this may be irksome to hipster-purists whose tastes run more towards this city’s primary love of metal and country (and who may find the Rice Cakes’ youthful eclectic exuberance a touch too adorable), well then it’s those folks’ fault for being so old. Irrelevant jaded oldsters aside, there’s every indication that the Rice Cakes just might make it – and it’s not really their fault for being so young, talented and hungry. Even a passing listen to their previous long player, 2009’s The Friend Ship, reveals a band that’s brimming with boundless energy. You get the sense that the band is just getting all this really good music out of the way in preparation for the really really good stuff that all bands hope lie within their grasp. The Rice Cakes firmly believe that this greatness is within them. They must, because they’ve been at this for a grip of years now, having released a full-length record and two EPs: They’ve toured the country,
earned radio play and amassed a fervent local following. That youthful energy of theirs is condensed and compressed into sometimes raging, sometimes overlyspastic (but always endearing) teenage symphonies whose heart and reach may just remind listeners of the heart and reach they themselves once had. Take the track “Magma” from their latest and most progressively experimental EP Monster Man and you will hear a young band moving firmly and confidently from your basic Yeah Yeah Yeahs sound into Yeasayer territory, well before anyone gave them permission to do so. The swirling and kaleidoscopic multi vocal sing-alongs, plink plonk organ, monstrous bass and complete disregard for genre and convention are the stuff that can make older bands weep for their lost and wasted youth. Plus it sounds like they’re, you know, having fun, which sort of makes intellectual critique of their art feel like to paraphrase Dave Eggers - assaulting an ice cream cone while wearing a suit of armor. The band is currently recording a new record and according to singer Roz Raskin, they are taking the process into their own hands this time around. “We are recording at Salvation
Recording Company,” Raskin says, “a super awesome independent label and studio out of New Paltz, NY. In the past few years, we’ve been self-recording and releasing music at our bassist’s hand-built studio in Central Falls. Both Feel Like Human and Monster Man were recorded there. It was a great learning experience for all of us; mixing and organizing our sound, especially on Monster Man, which we recorded, mixed and mastered ourselves.” Roz and her Rice Cakes are enjoying their ascent into local popularity: “We’ve been touring for the past few years – definitely some of the most fun experiences we’ve had,” she says. “We have been lucky to meet a ton of amazing, awesome and generous people on the road. The hardest part of touring is finding something to tour in; we are going to be saving up for a van so we can do some a bunch of touring in the fall.” Raskin continues, “We also recently won the WBRU Rock Hunt and will be playing their Summer Concert Series on July 20 in Waterplace Park. We’re stoked to work with them… being played on their radio station four times a day is kinda blowing our minds right now.” Catch Roz Raskin and The Rice Cakes at Waterplace Park on July 20. thericecakes.com
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Providence Monthly | July 2012
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Get Out |
Theatre
By Molly Lederer
Behind the Scenes at Playwrights Rep An inside look at three brand new shows Forget the air conditioning.
If you want to feel cool this summer, snag a seat for the new season of the Brown/ Trinity Playwrights Rep. Featuring world premiere shows from three fierce young talents, the series promises to be a blast of fresh air. It’s billed as a place “where the stars of tomorrow come out tonight,” and has spawned many a hit play over the past seven years. This time, founder and co-artistic director Lowry Marshall says, “It’s going to be one of the top summers that we’ve ever had.” The program brings together three professional dramatists each season to develop exciting new work. Each play runs for a week, and then they run together in repertory, including a marathon day (August 4) when audiences can catch all three. As director Heidi Handelsman explains, it’s a unique setup. “Whereas other theatres offer up-and-coming playwrights a reading or a workshop of a new play - something private and tucked away from the public eye - Playwrights Rep puts that play right on stage, where it belongs. A play isn’t fully developed until the play and the audience meet.” Handelsman, an MFA candidate in Directing at Brown/Trinity Rep, helms Principal Principle by Joe Zarrow. Opening July 11, Handelsman describes it as a dark comedy about a new English teacher plunging “down the rabbit role of the public education system.” She notes, “This play hit me immediately when I first read it. My sister teaches third grade in a New York City public school, so I’ve heard a lot of tales from the trenches: overcrowding, insufficient supplies, meaningless standardized tests, and a room full of students living below the poverty line.” Handelsman continues, “Every story coming out of these schools is a war story, and Joe’s play is no exception. The play asks some big questions: How do you do the right thing when your sense of right and wrong are being constantly challenged? How do you maintain your integrity while you are being constantly worn down? What’s the greater sin – breaking the rules, or following rules that are not worth following?” Zarrow drew inspiration for Principal Principle from his own experience teaching in Chicago public schools – a job the Brown grad originally hoped would be a career. When school politics and con-
flicts left him feeling burnt out, he wondered how anyone managed to teach long-term. He explores these issues in his play, but doesn’t intend it to be a strict criticism of administration. He tries to incorporate different perspectives, noting that he can’t stand the “cheesy martyr
serves as co-artistic director and apprentice company director of the Playwrights Rep this season, thinks audiences will identify with the rollercoaster ride of emotions that Reunion’s characters take. As an adult, you may distance yourself from the raw vulnerability of adolescent
Playwright Rachel Caris Love
stories” seen onscreen in films like Dangerous Minds. His take, he says with a laugh, is more like Glengarry Glen Ross and Welcome Back, Kotter combined. Another dark comedy, Reunion by Gregory Moss, opens July 18. A graduate of Brown’s MFA in Dramatic Writing, Moss also performed as an actor in the Playwrights Rep back in ’07. He found the seeds of the idea for Reunion in a Nathaniel Hawthorne story about wasting second chances. In the play, Moss further examines themes of growing up, manhood and male bonding, the unreliability of memory and the need to make amends. “There’s a bunch of contemporary plays that show ‘men behaving badly.’ I wanted to investigate that form, and, to some extent, subvert it,” he explains. “The characters - three men in the their late 30s who have gotten together to attend their 20th high school reunion - are all negotiating with their past selves, either clinging to, or running away from, what they were as kids.” Director Kenneth Prestininzi, who also
highs and lows but the depths of those old feelings hold a certain attraction. A reunion offers a risky chance to dive back in. As Prestininzi puts it, “Are you going to throw your equilibrium off again? Is it worth it to feel the intensity of the emotions that you felt in high school, when you were so alive and your relationships were the most important thing?” Next comes Timeshare, a farce about family by Brown alum Rachel Caris Love (opening July 25). Love reveals that she’s obsessed with family dynamics (“Not just my own family: everyone’s family.”) and cites Alan Ayckbourn, Woody Allen and her dad as comic influences. Her story takes place over the course of a weekend in a remote vacation house. With too many people in too small a space, nothing goes as planned. She reveals, “The play, like all farce really, is built for speed: very little time to breathe or recover. Writing it, I felt like I was playing with dominos, trying to set them up just so, such that when you tapped one you’d threaten to topple the whole lot.”
For Love, a highlight of the Playwrights Rep process is working with director Lowry Marshall. During the isolated time Love spent writing Timeshare, Marshall’s feedback was key. As Love recalls, “So I’m in rural Ohio (where I know exactly one other person) and I’ve got these crazy characters banging about in my head and I’m just churning out material and there are days it’s exhilarating and others when it’s kind of lonesome. But then I’d have a marathon phone call with Lowry and I would leave feeling a tremendous amount of support. And that’s just priceless – to have someone in your corner – someone who is approaching your work with intensity, pushing you and asking lots of great questions.” Marshall also directed Love’s summer ’08 solo show You’re Eating God (Painting/ Eating), and reports that it was a huge hit. Recognizing Love’s comedic talent, Marshall wanted to give her former student a chance to return to Brown and develop a full-length play. She calls the results wacky, way-out, and one of the funniest plays she’s ever read. Directing Timeshare marks Marshall’s last turn in Playwrights Rep for a while, as next season she leaves artistic direction of the program in Kenneth Prestininzi’s capable hands. She anticipates seeing her grandchildren and traveling more during the summers, and looks forward to watching the Playwrights Rep succeed under Prestininzi’s leadership. As she says with characteristic enthusiasm, “I know he’s going to help it continue to grow it in ways that I would never have thought of.”
Principal Principle (July 11-14, August 3-4) Reunion (July 18-21, August 2-4) Timeshare (July 25-28, August 1-4) Leeds Theatre at Brown University 77 Waterman Street 863-2838 brown.edu/btprep
July 2012 | Providence Monthly
73
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Providence Monthly | July 2012
Get Out |
Art
By Erin Swanson
Three Wheel Studio
Be One With the Clay A studio potter offers whimsical yet functional pieces on Wickenden Dwo Wen Chen has a bit of a cult following in this city; fans of his clay creations flock to buy his whimsical teapots, bowls and cups at the twiceannual RISD Alumni Sale or at galleries such as Studio Hop on Hope Street. Fans of Chen’s work will be delighted to learn that they can now stop into his new Three Wheel Studio at 436 Wickenden, where they can not only chat with the artist himself, but also peruse an expansive selection of his work. Chen’s handcrafted treasures seemingly call to the viewer with their vibrant colors and enchanting compositions. His body of work is the perfect marriage of clay and paint, and of form and function; in conjunction with his humble upbringing, this union makes absolute sense. “I was born in a small farming village in the southern part of Taiwan,” Chen says. “I was very fortunate to have a loving family that indulged me in my artistic tendencies. I still carry with me wonderful memories of many field painting trips all around those bygone quaint villages.”
As that simple environment encouraged Chen’s boyhood creativity, so did his formal academic training in the medium of oil paint. (Chen received a master’s degree in Art Education from RISD.) And it was there that he was introduced to “the wonderful world of clay.” Chen says that since clay is a very forgiving medium - meaning that it’s so easily manipulated, time and time again - it seemed a natural fit for an “ever-curious” artist such as himself. “I like to think that the most important way my RISD education has affected me was to enlighten me, opening my eyes to all things old and new and beautiful in its own way,” Chen says, almost poetically. “Since I was not classically trained as a potter, I see no dos and don’ts in my pottery making.” Hence, Chen’s functional art pieces, which blend his prowess in both sculpting and working with a paintbrush. Chen found someone who shared his appreciation for the important role that the arts play in the community, and credits that person - his landlord,
Louis - with helping to get the gallery up and running. “Currently, I make about 70% of the ceramic work in here,” Chen says, noting that he often jokes with customers by saying that he has “no other talent but making pots.” He’s been a studio potter since 1995, making limited edition handmade pottery. Clearly, it’s both his technical aptitude and personality that draw in customers and other artists alike. What’s in store for Chen going forward? “As the gallery grows, I am inviting more potter friends, as well as artists in other disciplines, to show their work here at Three Wheel.” Chen is also presently signing up students as he’ll soon be teaching his first pottery class. “I’ve been in Providence for the past 24 years and I’m loving it still,” he says. “[Opening this studio] has been a wonderful adventure.” Dwo Wen opened Three Wheel Studio at 405 Wickenden Street last July but moved a few doors down, to 436 Wickenden last month. 451-2350, threewheelstudio.com.
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The Last Detail
If you’re like me,
you can’t listen to classical music without the soothing visual accompaniment of professional-grade explosions. Call me old fashioned, but there’s something about pyrotechnics fluttering through the night sky like flaming butterflies that sets my mind into the ideal state for Tchaikovsky or Walton. Thankfully, as part of the
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Providence Monthly | July 2012
Summer Pops Concert Series, the RI Philharmonic Pops Orchestra is performing a free concert at India Point Park on July 4, as part of the Bank RI Independence Day Celebration, immediately followed by fireworks. It’s as if the orchestra’s resident conductor Francisco Noya shares in my plight. 7:30pm, riphil.org. -Dale Rappaneau
Photography: Ray Larson
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