Providence Monthly July 2013 by Hey Rhody Media Co.

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Contents

Photography: (L)Corey Grayhorse (R) Tiffany Medrano

JULY 2013

Cheer on our 2013 Superlatives

This Month 23 The Third Annual Superlatives Issue Our annual shoutout to the people who make Providence a better, smarter, cooler place to live

Enjoy the atmosphere at Potenza’s new location

33 City Style An East Side blend of vintage and modern 35 The Look 38 Get Fit 40 Shop Talk

43 Feast A taste of Chef Walter’s new restaurant 45 In the Kitchen 46 On the Menu 49 Review 50 Behind the Bar 52 In the Drink 55 Dining Guide

Every Month 6 Editor’s Note 8 PM List 9 Feedback

59 Get Out Join in the laughs at Providence Improv Fest 60 Calendar 63 Theatre 65 Music 66 Art

68 The Last Detail 200 reasons to celebrate

13 Providence Pulse A new kind of market downtown 15 City 16 Malcontent 18 Scene in PVD

On the Cover:

Patriots Cheerleaders Jodi Ricci and Brittany Dickie photographed at Classical High School. Photography by Corey Grayhorse. Props courtesy of Frog and Toad.

July 2013 | Providence Monthly

Editor’s Note

PROVIDENCE MONTHLY

Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell

Publishing Director Jeanette St. Pierre Executive Editor Julie Tremaine Associate Editor Grace Lentini Special Projects Manager John Taraborelli Digital Manager Samantha Pezza

Three Cheers for Providence Ok, ok. I know there are Patriots cheerleaders on the cover of this magazine. But really, let’s not make this a true high school experience, where all eyes are on the pretty girls in tiny uniforms cheering from the sidelines. While Brittany and Jodi landed on our annual Superlatives list as having the “most team spirit” – which they do, and totally deserve – there are lots of other people on that list worthy of your attention, too. We’ve got fantasy geeks starting up a Lovecraft convention, a home ec pro sharing her skills outside the classroom, an art star with an exhibition at the MFA and a volunteer group doing great things for the community. And those are just four of the superlatives we’ve given out this year. There were almost too many people doing cool, interesting, innovative

things to narrow it down. If reading about them isn’t enough, come meet them at the Coolest Party Ever on July 9 at Aqua, which we’re throwing to celebrate both our Superlatives Issue and the 200th issue of Providence Monthly, which is the one you’re holding right now. You know, no big deal. Read about it on p.19 and buy your tickets before they sell out. We’ll see you there.

Art Director Karli Hendrickson Assistant Art Director Meghan H. Follett Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas Graphic Designer Veatsna Sok Account Managers Louann DiMuccioDarwich Ann Gallagher Nicole Greenspun

Kristine Mangan Elizabeth Riel Dan Schwartz Kimberly Tingle

Illustrators Alison Blackwell Ashley MacLure

Christina Song

Photographers Amy Amerantes Tiffany Medrano Mike Braca Katie Poor Stacey Doyle Tim Siekiera Corey Grayhorse Dawn Temple James Jones Contributing Writers Keith Andrade Sarah Bertness Michael Clark Emily Dietsch Molly Lederer

Contributor Jen Senecal Writer

A longtime contributor to PM – since 2004, to be exact – Jen Senecal is a writer, blogger, graphic

Stephanie Obodda Cristy Raposo Jen Senecal Eric Smith Erin Swanson

Interns Adam Baffoni Desiree Hodge Jacleen Charbonneau Jackie McGee Sameet Dhillon Courtney Melo Jessica DiPietro Alex Speiss Sarah Frazier

Members Of:

designer and mom to three young girls. She’s also one of the forces of nature, with Audrey McClelland, behind RhodyMamas.com. Somehow, amidst all of this, she finds time to be a fitness junkie, too. (Jen just completed her first Tough Mudder, and is training for the Spartan Beast in September.) This month is her first story as our new Get Fit columnist. “Exercise is my sanctuary,” Jen says. “I’ve always been someone who finds motivation from others challenging themselves in ways I want to challenge myself. The importance of health and wellness can’t be stressed enough. I hope that by writing about the endless unique fitness offerings Providence has, it might motivate someone else to find their own sanctuary.”

Providence Monthly | July 2013

Audited by:

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Wayland Square Summer Days Celebrate all that Wayland Square has to offer!

Taste of Wayland

Sidewalk Sale

Saturday, July 27th 12-4pm

Fri-Sat, July 26th & 27th All Day

Wayland Avenue will be closed from Waterman to Angell Street Rain or Shine

let’s have an oth er ro u n d

The PM LIST Web • Social Media • Promotions • events

On Instagram @PVDMonthly

What We’re Sharing We caused quite the commotion during our cover shoot at Classical High School. Who knew a bunch of high schoolers would be so distracted by a couple of Patriots Cheerleaders?

At ProvidenceOnline.com Free Summer Cinema

Providence’s First Street

Movies on the Block is back and this season’s lineup offers a little something for everyone. Showings are every Thursday at dusk at the corner of Westminster and Union Street. We’ve posted the complete schedule on our website so you always know what’s playing – just be sure to pack some extra popcorn for us.

Have you heard about the new South Main Street walking tours? The Rhode Island Historical Society, the Merchants of South Main Street and the Providence Foundation are offering the chance to experience this historic part of Providence in a new way. Get the full story on our website.

On Facebook www.facebook.com/provmonthly

What We’re Posting Our fans know that we love a good giveaway. Last month we asked fans a bit of PPAC trivia for the chance to win tickets to the opening night of War Horse. Question: What was the theater’s original name when it opened in 1928? Fan Jess Audette won with her answer: Loew’s Movie Palace.

Returns September 21-28 For participation call 401-305-3391 or email johnt@providenceonline.com cocktailweekprovidence.com

Providence Monthly | July 2013

What We’re Sponsoring

Join us for our Superlative Party to celebrate this month’s cover story (pg. 23). We’re not trying to make a big deal of it or anything, but it’s probably going to be the coolest party ever. Sip cocktails and enjoy some snacks by the pool at Aqua on July 9, the Providence Marriott Downtown’s gorgeous outdoor bar and lounge. Celebrate the movers, shakers, creators and, yes, even cheerleaders you read about in this issue. Tickets are $15 in advance and $25 at the door (if they’re still available). Purchase them now at pmsuperlatives. eventbrite.com before it sells out.

Feedback A Piece of the Pot I wanted to thank you for your piece on pot decriminalization [“Clearing the Air,” May 2013], especially the broader theme of American immaturity, which sometimes makes me want to ball up my tiny fists, jump up and down, and scream like a little girl throwing a tantrum. When I used to work in a cinema, the owner remarked on how patrons seemed to have an unlimited tolerance for violence, but much less for anything even whiffing of sexuality. I’ve long ascribed that to Americans being generally uptight about sex, or translating unfocused sexual tension into violence, or both. In any case, yes, the country needs to grow up, in a lot of ways, and this is just one of them. Cheers to Theatre in the Park Just saw your wonderful piece on The Rhode Island Shakespeare Company’s Midsummer Night’s Dream [“Shakespeare in the Park, Providence Style,” June 2013]. Our thanks to all concerned. Bob Colonna and TRIST Cluck Yea A hearty hell yeah to that article [“Cluck You,” June 2013] you penned lambasting those ***holes opposing cluck! Reading it, I felt like Luke must have felt when Han Solo came back to knock Vader off and spin him into space. Bruce Kaplan Ruffled Feathers Your article on cluck! [“Cluck You,” June 2013] bothers me for a number of reasons. For the record, I used to live on the West Side of Providence and care very much about the area. You should also know that have no objection to cluck! As an unbiased reader, here is how I

understand the story: Elias Ayoub and Drake Patten obtained a zoning variance to convert a former gas station to an urban farm supply store. Four residents and a church successfully helped to reverse the zoning boards decision primarily because Mr. Paterra and Ms. Monaco were not notified about the initial zoning hearing, which is required by law. The residents and the church cite traffic/ parking congestion, vermin infestation, noise and “not preserving the City’s vision for the neighborhood” as being the primary objections to cluck!’s presence. These are the facts as I understand them and if there are any serious omissions, please let me know. The claim: “A small business owner shouldn’t have to endure months of legal fights.” Reality: Ms. Patten did not exercise total carefulness when she submitted her original petition to the zoning board. It’s unfortunate and I wish that she didn’t have to endure all of this, but to imply that those residents and a church are responsible for personal and financial burdens is way out of line. The claim: “You essentially forced yourself into the position of arguing that an abandoned gas station was somehow better for the neighborhood than a gardening supply store.” Reality: While following this story, I remember thinking, “wow, the process actually works.” No, it wasn’t one of those “the minority gets screwed” or “behindclosed-doors BS stories.”Cluck! made a compelling case for rezoning the land, several community members objected through legal means and ultimately the zoning board grants the variance which is probably best for the neighborhood. Democracy in Providence? Think big picture…

Send us a letter

Email us a letter to the editor to providencemonthly@providenceonline.com and it could be published in an upcoming issue.

happy hour eat, drink, and be

when you spend an

or two at our bar.

$7 Sizzle, Swizzle & Swirl® Happy Hour Daily 4-7pm | Available at the bar

Join us as we present “Strictly Sinatra” featuring Michael Dutra from 7-10pm on: July 12th, July 26th, August 2nd August 9th, August 23rd, August 30th

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Providence | 401.272.2271 | 10 Memorial Blvd.

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July 2013 | Providence Monthly

hope street! BLAZE

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748 Hope St.,

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800 Hope St., 331-1115

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www.coiffurium.com

This

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Under new management. Serving

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hood favorite serves delicious cre-

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Elle Magazine as one of the top 100

ative worldly fare and refreshing

week! Come in and try the new

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www.hopestreetprov.com

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Creatoyvity specializes in quality, cre-

Your neighborhood pharmacy car-

A special little neighborhood shop

The neighborhood’s most popu-

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ries a full selection of fine wine,

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lar authentic Cambodian and Pan

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KITCHEN BAR

746 Hope St., 453-2222

772 Hope St., 273-5955

1060 Hope St., 421-2600

771 Hope St., 331-4100

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www.hopestreetpizza.com

www.indiarestaurant.com

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hope returns: kids thrift and gifts.

Great pizza, grinders, salads and

Come swing outside! Featuring

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Featuring many fine locally hand-

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garden patios with swing seats

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lasagna, gyros and souvlaki in a

and water fountains. New menu

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Also specializing in upscale resale

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ership thanks all their patrons dur-

children’s clothing and gear.

bar with flat screens.

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comfort

eat. shop. play.

On Providence’s East Side

LuLi Boutique 7 8 2 H o p e S t r e e t, p r ov i d e n c e

KREATELIER

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804 Hope St., 432-7995

782 Hope St., 369-4332

www.kreatelier.com

www.luliboutique.com

Bird

PIPPA’S PAPERS

NOT JUST SPICES/ NOT JUST SNACKS

780 Hope St., 331-0990

836/833 Hope St., 351-6555/831-1150 www.pippaspapers.com Custom designed monogrammed Enjoy authentic Indian cuisines

offers

A fun fab funky boutique! Featur-

unique fabric creations for life and

ing lines Moontide Dyers, Bryn

home as well as home décor and

Walker, Luna Lutz, XCVI, Magdela-

including biryani, kebabs, naans and stamps. Stationery from Paris. Art curries. Cross the street to shop for papers from Italy. Paper arts work-

upholstery services and creative

na , Habitat, local artists and more!

the ingredients to make your own.

Mobiles!

Kreatelier

shops, like decoupage, calligraphy and bookbinding. Custom invita-

sewing workshops.

tions starting under $2/ea.

PIZZICO

RAN ZAN

SEVEN STARS BAKERY

SPITZ-WEISS

762 Hope St., 421-4114

1084 Hope St., 276-7574

820 Hope St., 521-2200

785 Hope St., 272-6161

www.pizzicoristorante.com

www.ranzan.net

www.sevenstarsbakery.com

www.spitzweiss.com

An award-winning Italian restau-

Ran Zan takes pride in bringing

Serving

coffee

Your friendly neighborhood real

rant serving some of the best Italian

you the colors, flavors and ambi-

along with breads and morning

estate agency. Family owned and

food with a wide variety of wine in

ance that are the hallmarks of truly

pastries, all made from scratch

operated for over 50 years. Assist-

a rustic, yet eclectic atmosphere.

enjoyable Japanese dining.

and baked fresh daily.

ing buyers, sellers and renters.

STOCK CULINARY GOODS

STUDIO HOP

THREE SISTERS

ZACKS CAmERA REPAIR

756 Hope St., 521-0101

810 Hope St.,

1074 Hope St., 273-7230

791 Hope St., 273-7247

www.stockpvd.com Stock Culinary Goods is devoted to kitchen culture, with tools, gifts and resources for those who love to cook. Now offering a wedding registry of Rhode Island and New England crafted gifts.

621-2262 Studio Hop blends contemporary fine art, jewelry and fine crafts with period furniture and jewelry. They also feature unique wedding and engagement rings and handmade clothing.

www.threesistersri.com

www.zackscamerarepair.com

Ice cream, breakfast, coffee, baked

Old images moving or still or old

goods and lunch… all made in house

sound recordings you can’t play

with love. Get happy and healthy

anymore? Zacks can rescue and

with your Three Sisters!

convert them!

locally

roasted

Providence Pulse

Photography: Stacey Doyle

CITY / MALCONTENT / SCENE IN PVD

Shopping in Sunshine The Providence Flea happens every Sunday on South Water Street

Forget flea markets of old, laden with wares covered in a thick coat of dust. Enter the new, accessible, interesting and engaging

Providence Flea, which takes a page out of high-end antique fairs like Brimfield. Turn the page and read how it came to fruition.

July 2013 | Providence Monthly

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Providence Monthly | July 2013

1149 Division Street, Warwick, RI 401.884.1149 www.elevenfortyninerestaurant.com Take I-95 S To Exit 9 (RI-4 S), Then Take Exit 8 (RI-401) Restaurant Is Immediately Off Exit

Pulse |

City What’s new in PVD

From page 13

By Grace Lentini

A New Kind of Market

The Providence Flea brings artisan shopping outdoors It may be on a smaller scale, but the Providence Flea echoes the spirit and style of Brimfield and Brooklyn, those two flea and antique biggies, and it does so with signature Creative Capital flair. Located on the Providence River Greenway (behind Bacaro) every Sunday from 10am-4pm through August 25, the P-Flea showcases local talent and offers an eclectic mix of old and new, recycled and upcycled, in a scenic, family-friendly setting. A “love poem to the Brooklyn Flea,” creator and manager Maria Tocco’s passion project combines antiques, fashion, jewelry, crafts, art and more with food trucks, PVD Pops, a river view and the most treasured of all city finds: free parking. Vendors can commit from only one Sunday, to all of them, which means shoppers can count on a refresh of sellers and goods each week. Some of the vendors have a physical storefront, like pet boutique Plaid & Stripe, some have a warehouse, like local design star Kyla Coburn. Others are showing in person for the first time, like Vintage Infused Accessories by Emily. All agree: It’s great to finally have a place to show in Providence. And shop. While eating. Sounds good to us. providenceflea.com -Jennifer Smith Braga

After much hemming and hawing, cluck! is officially open. This woman-owned startup urban farm supply store at 399 Broadway has everything the city boy or girl needs to start their own garden, chicken coop or beehive. They even have a garden startup kit to attract butterflies or bees. How sweet is that? Finally, someone has moved into the McFadden’s space on 52 Pine Street, and that someone is Hanley’s Ale House & Cigar Shop. This new hangout is great for watching the Bruins ‘Quest for the Cup’ or sitting back and enjoying a nice cigar with a bourbon or scotch. Whatever your poison, Hanley’s Ale House will provide. Check out Federal Hill’s newest frozen yogurt spot, Snogi. Located at 262 Atwells Ave, it has a popular buffet-style layout, with six different flavors of frozen yogurt and an assortment of fruit and candy toppings. This summer, head to Snogi for a quaint and quick treat. If you’re looking for modern American cuisine that is accessible and environmentally engaging, birch, at 200 Washington St., is the place for you. The twice nominated Chef Benjamin Sukle (for Food + Wine magazines People’s Best New Chef) creates a menu that follows the seasons and is true to New England. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@birchpvd) for more updates.

PM Experiment By Jeanette St. Pierre

The Ripple Effect

Illustration: Christina Song

Day-tripping at the Grist Mill Pool & Tennis Club As a modern mom with two kids, the question I dread every Saturday morning is, “where are we going today?” So last summer when a good friend asked me to join her family for the day at the Grist Mill Pool & Tennis Club, I jumped at the opportunity. As a season member, she’s allowed a handful of guests, and on that fine summer’s day my brood soaked up the benefits of her membership. Upon entering, I was immediately surprised by the sheer size. The sweeping outdoor space has three swimming pools and surrounding lounge areas, a covered picnic area, a playground and clay tennis courts. The large main pool (Olympic size, no less) was full of action. There’s a large enclosed splash area for babies and toddlers, and a kiddie pool that’s three feet high for mini swimmers in training. My kids, four and six, jumped in the learning pool and seemingly grew fins immediately. For me, I lounged poolside with my friend as we watched our kids frolic.

Once noon hit, we walked over to the Luxury Box’s adjoining outdoor window and ordered sandwiches and beers with limes in them. Already adapting to the aquatic life, I convinced my kids that if they had a hot dog each, we’d stay another hour. But then something happened. The hours just kept going by, and my kids didn’t want to leave. And neither did I. It was one of those rare family activities that each of us enjoyed. A birthday party was happening in a covered area. Music was playing overhead. Families were picnicking. When I walked in I was expecting all pool, but was surprised to find a welcoming social club. It was much more community than exclusive and pretentious. David Tapalian, a young father of two who owns the club, tells me that a new patio with charcoal grills will be available this summer, along with a full event calendar. Indeed, membership surely has its poolside privileges. 320 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk; 508-336-0577, gristmillpool. com -Jeanette St. Pierre

July 2013 | Providence Monthly

Pulse | City Malcontent By John Taraborelli

The Batman Conundrum

The Age of the Superhero (or villain) is upon us proven a surprisingly sturdy and effective way to explore the fraying edges of American society – the western and the hardboiled crime flick being two of the best examples. Though they vary in quality from popcorn flicks to prestige pictures, the familiar stories, tropes and character archetypes create an effective and easily relatable framework for filmmakers to ask tough questions and provide social commentary – think of the way The Searchers deals with our country’s ingrained racism and cruelty or Scarface’s funhouse mirror take on the American dream. These days, the comic book movie seems the genre best suited for such filmic explorations. Indeed, we are living in the Age of the Superhero, not only because these splashy, big budget franchises have become one of Hollywood’s most reliable money makers, but because they have taken on a level of pedigree and complexity that is new and unusual for what have traditionally been popcorn flicks. Big stars and serious actors like Christian Bale and Robert Downey, Jr. are anchoring franchises helmed by critical darlings like Christopher Nolan and Joss Whedon. And in between flashy action set pieces, these films are exploring weighty issues and posing difficult questions. In director Zack Snyder’s reimagining of Superman, the titular Man of Steel grapples with arch villains and existential angst alike, just as Nolan’s Batman found Gotham City plagued not just by crime, but post-9/11 dread and paranoia. The comic book genre is capturing the zeitgeist like never before. Perhaps this is because the narrative framework, origin stories and archetypes of the comic book world are uniquely suited to deal with the complex and often bewildering state of hyper-reality in which we now live. From Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg to Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, from Al-Qaeda to the hacker group Anonymous, never before in human civilization have individuals and small groups held such power to disrupt the status quo and reshape society for either good or bad. Zuckerberg has completely altered our

Providence Monthly | July 2013

relationship to privacy, just as Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin did for our relationship to information. Assange and Anonymous have proven that information is a weapon. Al-Qaeda has demonstrated that a small group of zealots can strike fear deep into the heart of even the most powerful nation. While their powers may not be “super,” per se, they are far beyond what was ever thought possible and our existing societal institutions and conventions are ill-suited to deal with the ramifications. In short, our world is struggling to keep up with their ability to change it. Of course, the common thread in all of these – even, to a certain extent, AlQaeda – is the Internet. The superheroes (and villains) of the future will do battle online. Take, for instance, Anonymous a worldwide hacker group shrouded in mystery, a leaderless, decentralized network of anarchists and activists, vigilantes and pranksters. They’ve been in the news a bit lately. First, there is the Steubenville rape case, in which an Ohio town attempted to sweep the rape of a teenage girl under the rug until public outcry – much of it fueled by the Internet – forced the police to do their job.

Anonymous stepped in to push the case for justice when the police wouldn’t, exposing the alleged attackers and leaking social media evidence implicating them in the crime. Now, there is a chance the hacker who led the effort, and has since gone public, may serve more jail time than the convicted rapists. Most recently, when a sweeping and scary National Security Agency surveillance program was exposed, then vigorously defended by the Obama administration, Anonymous quickly dove into the fray, leaking top secret documents related to the program. The questions we must ask here are the very same ones posed by the darker and more psychological superhero stories – perhaps most trenchantly and saliently by Nolan’s Batman trilogy: When the law no longer serves justice, who or what will? When an independent actor flouts the letter of the law in order to serve its spirit, do we condone or condemn him? Can we allow the power to mete out justice to rest with someone who answers to no authority but his own – even if he uses it in service of the greater good? And what of the villains? Again, they force us to wrestle with moral

and existential conundrums that find their closest analogues in the pages of comic books. Just as X-Men’s Magneto is a dastardly madman driven by clannish righteousness and a sense of selfpreservation forged in the persecution of the Holocaust, the origin story of Osama Bin Laden’s villainy is rooted in his days as a “freedom fighter” working side by side with the Americans to resist Soviet tyranny. Perhaps more frightening is the potential for villainy that lurks behind the noblest of causes. In Watchmen, the villain is revealed to be one of the good guys, driven to madness and atrocities by his single-minded quest for world peace. Google’s Page and Brin and Tesla Motors’ Elon Musk are similar to Watchmen’s Adrian Veidt/Ozymandias: brilliant and determined pioneers of powerful technology with the potential to reshape the world, utopian visionaries with an unswerving commitment to their idea of the greater good. But can they be trusted? Will they know where to draw the line between determination and ruthlessness, between utopia and tyranny? Only time will tell. Until then, I’ll see you at the movies.

Illustration: Alison Blackwell

Genre movies have always

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July 2013 | Providence Monthly

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Raise a cheer for our annual Superlatives Issue by John Taraborelli & Julie Tremaine Photography by Corey Grayhorse

mOSt pLAyFuL Surprise Ride

Donna Khalife

Rosy Khalife

onna and Rosy Khalife play with toys for a living. It’s important work for their social venture startup, Surprise Ride, which delivers boxes full of fun, learning and a bit of whimsy to children on a monthly basis. The toys, games and activities contained in each box center around a theme – say, Vincent Van Gogh or how birds fly – and provide an opportunity for quality time between parent and child or independent exploration for the little one. “We always look for open ended play in every box,” says Donna. The idea is rooted in their childhood, when the sisters’ dad, a full-time artist and stay at home parent, would encourage them to find creative ways to entertain themselves. “We sort of grew up with a craft store in the basement,” Donna recalls. “We took it for granted – I

thought everyone had that,” adds Rosy. The subscription service, which is designed with gift-giving in mind, launched in December of last year, and the young entrepreneurs emerged from Betaspring’s startup accelerator program in May. Now, they’re looking to secure funding to scale up. The boom in tech-oriented subscription services, from Netflix for movies to Birchbox for beauty products to Manpacks (another Betaspring alum) for socks and underwear, seems promising for Surprise Ride. In the meantime, they’ll be in their little toy-laden office space, rigorously testing products to make sure they meet Surprise Ride’s exacting standards of fun and wonder. “We’re a for-profit but we have a social mission,” notes Donna. “We want to make an impact on kids and families.” surpriseride.com

July 2013 | Providence Monthly

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Providence Monthly | July 2013

mOSt WeLL-reAD NecronomiCon-Providence

Niels Hobbs

P Lovecraft is Providence… At least it says so on his tombstone. Sadly, his life, legacy and literature seem to inspire a much more devoted following around the

Carmen Marusich

world than in his own hometown. The folks behind NecronomiConProvidence aim to change that. “He was born and spent most of his life in Providence, and so many of his

Anthony Teth

writings are infused with the experiences he had here,” explains organizer Niels Hobbs. “The odd thing is, despite the singular connection to this city, so very little awareness seems to ex-

mOSt CrAFty Leah Kent, Skill It

Leah Kent

here are those of us who aspire to be Martha Stewart – to have domain over all manner of domestic goddess-dom, cooking every meal from scratch, making our own craft projects, living in immaculately organized homes. Then there are those of us who live in the real world, and don’t exactly have the time (or the full-time staff) to live a completely “whole living”

life. (Let’s be serious. When you get a hole in your sock, you probably don’t shear a sheep in your yard, spin that wool into yarn, dye it with berries from your yard and sew it back into life. You just replace it with a new one from the store.) Luckily, we have Leah Kent, the creative force behind Skill It, to show us how to add elements of Martha-ness into our already full lives. On her website,

ist locally, and, worse still, so much of the global fame he now enjoys has been successfully capitalized on by seemingly everyone but Providence.” He ought to know: Hobbs claims he moved here roughly 15 years ago “largely because of Lovecraft.” So, he and some fellow Lovecraft fans have plotted a grand welcome home for a local author whose works have been celebrated in places as far away as Phoenix, Arizona and Stockholm, Sweden. There will be panels, talks, walking tours, gallery showings, movie screenings, the unveiling of a bronze bust, and collaborations with WaterFire, the Athenaeum and the Rhode Island Historical Society. With over 1,000 attendees anticipated, NecronomiCon could be the biggest Lovecraft gathering in New England, if not the world. “Apart from being the single most notable American author of imaginative fiction since Edgar Allan Poe, he’s also a remarkable spokesman for our fair city,” Niels maintains. “Finally, we decided the stars were right for Lovecraft’s return to Providence.” August 22-25. necronomicon-providence.com

SkillItRI.com, Leah offers online courses like “Heart and Soul Cooking,” a seven-day lesson in cooking delicious, healthy food with love. During the week, Leah sends her students a daily note that includes inspiration, helpful tips and recipes. She also offers similar workshops in creative lunches, holiday cooking and home decorating. “I always knew I would find a way to teach the things I love doing most – those old-fashioned talents like cooking in the kitchen, creating with a sewing machine or digging in the garden,” she says. “With Skill It, I get to be the Home Ec teacher I know I was meant to be.” skillitri.com

mOSt WOrLDLy The Rhody Center for World Music & Dance “I grew up always playing some sort of instrument or another,” says Julie Raimondi, executive director of the new Rhody Center for World Music and Dance, which offers lessons in multicultural experiences like Bollywood and Stomp dance, and a West African ensemble of music and dance. “An egg slicer and a Smurf guitar were my first two instruments.” She studied music at URI and ethnomusicology at UCLA, playing in Near East and African ensembles, and, she adds offhandedly, “a couple of gamelans.” (Indonesian orchestras, if you’re not up on your musical

assemblies.) After college, Julie moved to New Orleans, where the inspiration for the Rhody Center struck. “In New Orleans, perhaps more than in most places, music brings people together on so many different levels,” she says. “I learned about the role of music in the community, and about how music, dance, food and other parts of culture are inseparable.” Now, Julie offers this philosophy to Rhode Island. “I’m proud of my home state; we appreciate art and culture, and we have an amazing and unique multi-cultural make-up,” she says. “But I couldn’t find anything quite like the Rhody Center,

where musical and dance traditions can be practiced, learned and celebrated.” Her instructors not only teach dances, but the history and culture tied to them, “so students get an understanding of the social and historical contexts of the art forms they’re learning.” But, Julie insists, you don’t need to have a particular tie to it to try, say, belly dancing. “Music and movement are as natural to us as eating and walking,” she says. “Everyone can do it. Study after study shows the myriad health benefits of participating in music and dance, so really there’s no reason not to try.” therhodycenter.org

Julie Raimondi

July 2013 | Providence Monthly

mOSt ArtiStiC Dwo Wen Chen

eramic artist Dwo Wen Chen (or “Luke,” as he is more commonly known) may look like a nice, unassuming guy, but within lies the heart of a samurai… Or at least that’s how we choose to interpret the fact that the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston commissioned him to contribute pieces to its current exhibit, Samurai! The Taiwanese artist was trained as a painter. He came to the US for what he calls “a more

Dwo Wen (Luke) Chen

inspiring educational environment,” which he naturally found at RISD. “Being from a small farming village, seeking a higher education in the arts could be perceived as frivolous at the time,” he recalls. “Thankfully, I have a very supportive mother and family who encouraged my American dream.” He graduated from RISD in 1990 working as a studio potter, and has made clay his medium ever since. Two years ago he opened Three

mOSt muSiCAL New Providence Big Band

Pete Williams

Katie Kleyla

sually, someone has to die for you to get into a big band,” explains Katie Kleyla, the vampy chanteuse at the front of the New

Steve Leonard

Providence Big Band. Opportunities for brassy jazz vocalists can be hard to come by, but fortunately, in this case there were no fatalities; Katie simply

linked up with a family friend. Trombonist Steve Leonard and Trumpeter Pete Williams formed NPBB in 2012, but they had been playing together in

Wheel Studio on Wickenden Street to showcase the work of both local and national artists primarily working in clay – along with his own pieces, of course. His relationship with the MFA also began a couple of years ago when the president of the museum was given one of Luke’s works, then proceeded to buy several more as gifts for others, eventually asking him to make works for display. For Samurai! (on display through October 15), Luke is creating bamboo and Suzuki grass plates. While that might make him more artist than warrior, we think having the MFA come calling on you is still pretty badass. 436 Wickenden St. threewheelstudio.com a variety of jazz bands since 1967. Steve had known Katie since she was a kid, and she was looking for a change from the cover bands in which she had been singing. “If I had to sing ‘Superstition’ one more time I was going slit everyone’s throat,” she jokes, adding, “And I love me some Stevie.” Katie had fronted a big band at URI, which made her a rare find. “This is not a format a lot of people have heard, let alone can excel in,” notes Pete. Now the band boasts 18 members, and they crank out standards like “In the Mood,” “Birth of the Blues,” and Katie’s personal favorite, “All That Jazz.” (Her bandmates say she owns that one.) Though it can be tough to find venues that can accommodate a band of their size, NPBB has been building a following at places like The Met and Roots Café. “The rush you get from 18 pieces is unbelievable,” Steve says. You can experience that rush yourself at Venda on July 24, or the North Scituate Gazebo on August 28. facebook. com/newprovidencebigband

mOSt COmmunity Spirit The West Broadway Neighborhood Association

Manuel Cordero

Lauren Sanford

here are community groups, and then there are community groups: populated by people who are passionate about their neighborhood and are devoted to making it an even better place to live and work. The West Broadway Neighborhood Association (WBNA) is decidedly in the latter category. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the WBNA is all about

Providence Monthly | July 2013

Kari Lang

John West

revitalizing the area of the West Side that includes Broadway, Westminster and the Cranston Street Armory. Well, scratch that. Thirty years ago, the WBNA was all about revitalization. Now, it’s all about making sure that the West Side remains a great place to work and live. Organized neighborhood cleanups are a regular occurrence, as are frequent annual events like May’s Yard Sale and Stroll

Jen Shimkus

Sara Emmenecker

(an organized, neighborhood-wide yard sale and sidewalk shopping event). The WBNA’s fourth annual Block Party on June 29 promises to be bigger than ever, with an impressive roster of local bands, food and family activities. But it’s not all about having fun. The WBNA has proved to be an impressive force when it comes to supporting local businesses in the neighborhood. Take, as evidence,

Patrick McEvoy

their instrumental involvement in establishing Fertile Underground, the neighborhood’s only grocery store. They also helped put in place the pilot program for overnight parking and are working to build a fountain in Luongo Square (replacing the one for which West Fountain, one of the bordering streets, was named). Sound like enough reasons to celebrate? wbna.org

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mOSt AtHLetiC Rhode to Wellness

Jennifer Spaziano

hen it comes to yoga, there are three kinds of people: devotees who can tadasana until the sun comes up, people who will never be cajoled onto a yoga mat, and those curious dabblers who would like to know more, but have no idea how to choose between Vinyasa, Iyengar and Hatha. For this third category, there’s the Yoga and Pilates Passport, made by Jenn Thomas and Jennifer

Spaziano of Rhode to Wellness. “It’s really hard to know what kind of yoga to go to,” Jenn says. “It keeps a lot of people from even trying it, because it’s daunting.” The passport is basically a pass into hundreds of yoga and pilates classes around the state, either for free or at a hefty discount. As anyone who’s been to a few classes can attest, yoga gets pricey, and fast. “Part of my interest in this project is that we both understand that there’s so much more to yoga,” Jenn says. “Having the encouragement to go try out all different kinds is really beneficial on so many levels, because you’re choosing what’s best for your own fitness, whether you need to build strength in your own body, or engage with the more spiritual side of practice.” The statewide book encourages people to try different studios and find what fits best for them, if they decide they like knowing their way around warrior one and warrior two poses. As Jenn says, “Rhode Island is amazing with how much yoga we have here. I can’t live without it. It’s really a way of life for me. It reminds me to be mindful everywhere.” yogaandpilatespassport.com

mOSt LikeLy tO BingO Shae McWilliams

love words, both written and spoken,” says Shae McWilliams, Rhode Island’s top-ranked competitive Scrabble player. While it seems like everyone and their brother is playing a Scrabble-inspired game these days – mostly due to a certain smartphone app involving “words” and “friends” – Shae is traveling to tournaments, playing 20 games in a weekend, for the chance to win money (though not enough to cover the traveling expenses in most cases), fame (insofar as winning a PM superlative is fame) and bragging rights (those she has, in spades). “I got serious in high school,” Shae says. “I had a couple of friends and we played constantly, I mean constantly. During winter break it was a six-day marathon.” Then, in 2002, her best friend and Scrabble opponent Jackie called her: “She said ‘you have to get this book Word Freak. These are our people. We can go to tournaments, and win money.’ I thought, ‘it’s like Shangri-la!’” Since, she and Jackie have played 18 tournaments together, the most out of any two people anywhere in the world. “On a tournament weekend, we’ll play eight games, go out to dinner and drinks, and then say ‘let’s

Shae McWilliams

play!’ There’s no end to the enthusiasm, at least among my friends. I might be mentally drained, but I’m always up for the next game. Perhaps that makes me a word freak. That must be where the title comes from.” While Shae’s Scrabble ranking puts her at the mid-range of the national scale, it’s enough to make her top-ranked here. “It’s only because I live in Rhode Island,” she says. “And it’s so small. I’m staying here and holding on to that until I die.”

mOSt OutSpOken Maryellen Butke, Josephine O’Connell & Matthew Lannon

Maryellen Butke

ne of the most profound moments of the fierce debate over marriage equality in Rhode Island was when 12-year-old Matthew Lannon testified before the State Senate, declaring, “If there is one thing you don’t mess with in

Providence Monthly | July 2013

Josephine O’Connell

life, it’s love.” The child of two moms, Maryellen Butke and Josephine O’Connell, themselves both passionate voices on the issue, Matthew was so well-spoken and composed, his words so heartfelt, that a video of his testimony went viral and the

Matthew Lannon

story got picked up by national media, including Huffington Post. “The entire process really strengthened us as a family,” Maryellen says. “It forced us to articulate what we believed, who we were, and what really mattered to us.” The fact that Matthew’s

loving parents couldn’t marry certainly mattered to him – so much so that when Maryellen informed him that she would be testifying at the State House, he insisted that he should too. “He wrote the speech that night, and practiced it the next day at school,” Maryellen recalls. “One of the most powerful moments was when a Senator shared with him that a colleague who was unsure about marriage equality was moved by Matthew’s testimony.” Now that marriage equality is the law of the land, it doesn’t mean this family is ready to ride off happily into the sunset. In fact, since then Matthew has contributed an essay to Rhode Island NPR’s “This I Believe” series. “We all agree that speaking up against injustice is something we are committed to doing,” Maryellen explains. “Matthew and I have discussed other issues he is passionate about as he thinks about what is next in his life.”

BeSt tASte Foremost Baking Company

Peter Kobulnicky

Ian Cappelano

aking is a precise art, and needs careful attention to be done correctly. But Ian Cappelano, Mike Lingwall and Peter Kobulnicky of Foremost Baking Company aren’t just

interested in baking well; they’re interested in doing business well in Providence. “We decided that we wanted to pursue a different path in baking,” Ian says, “trying to give people the freshest

Mike Lingwall

stuff possible, really authentic stuff that was a little bit more handmade and locally oriented.” The three met as bakers at Seven Stars, and opened Foremost last fall in Butcher Block Mill. They supply

mOSt SOCiAL Clambake

Matt Grigsby

he design community is one of Rhode Island’s unheralded economic strengths, claiming architects, industrial designers, illustrators, working artists, furniture designers, videographers and many more among its ranks. Unfortunately, these professionals often work in separate silos, unaware of the potential connection points around them. That is where Clambake comes in. The monthly networking event aims to bring all sectors of the design community together to meet, share ideas and maybe even generate a bit of interest

beyond their niche demographic. “The goal is really to help people remember how many great things are happening here – even though many professionals are so busy working on projects they don’t have the time to get out to social events,” explains organizer Matt Grigsby, an industrial designer. He launched the event at ANCHOR, the innovative office and workspace for design-centric startups that he co-founded; it is an offshoot of Rally RI, local entrepreneur Allan Tear’s initiative to foster similar events and communities around industries in which Rhode Island is uniquely talented. Matt notes that we have nationally recognized talent and industry leaders right in our own backyard, but local awareness of their work is often scarce. That is why each Clambake features keynote presenters like Martin Keen, a Jamestown resident whose Oregon-based Keen Footwear has grown into a $300-million company, or Boris Bally, an awardwinning designer who recycles materials like street signs into cool home goods in his Atwells Avenue studio. “These are incredibly talented professionals who have had massive impacts in their fields,” Matt says. “We want to show people what the Rhode Island creative community is really about in an honest and engaging way.” clambakepvd.com

bread and pastry to restaurants and cafes like White Electric, Coffee Exchange, Broadway Bistro, North, The Grange, The Dorrance and the Café at Easy Entertaining. (Plans to open a retail component to the bakery later this month are in the works.) “We bake at 2pm and deliver at 4:30pm, so it’s quite literally the freshest bread in Providence,” he says. “One of the reasons we like working with chefs so much is because of the weird things that they want. It really pushes our creativity in a different and challenging direction, and furthers our desire to be a niche, small batch, highly specialized bakery.” You might notice that those restaurants are local, independent, communityminded businesses, which is a priority for the guys. “We only supply to businesses that have the kind of mindset that we do,” Ian says. “We’re trying to bring cool things to Providence and we want to support people who do that.” They also get their supplies locally, from the likes of Farm Fresh RI, Schartner Farms, Wright’s Dairy Farm and Baffoni Farms Poultry. “We want people to support the community. If we’re not going to, how can we ask our customers to?” Find Foremost Baking Company on Facebook.

BiggeSt CHeerLeADer Jim Nellis

here are a lot of “best-ofs” around Rhode Island, most of them of dubious merit. (“And the award for Best Blueberry Vodka Cocktail Served on a Tuesday Night by a Bartender Named Stephanie goes to…”) But Jim Nellis, through his RI Food Fights events, wants to settle these arguments once and for all. “We’re just trying to have fun and figure out who really is the best in Rhode Island,” he says. Drawing competitors from all over the state, RI Food Fights have settled the score for things like cupcakes, cookies and ice cream. What really impresses us about Jim, however, is not just the events themselves, but his constant rah-rah-ing for any and everything he deems cool, fun or interesting in Rhode Island. “RI Food Fights began as an experiment to prove that social media could quickly, cheaply and relatively easily bring a large group of Rhode Island foodies together,” he explains. And it has. His tireless cheerleading on social media has not only brought sellout crowds to Food Fights in Wayland Square and Fête, but provided a boost for dozens of small, local food businesses, many of whom are just starting out. Furthermore, the West Side resident shines a

Jim Nellis

light on neighborhood issues through his “West Side of Providence” Facebook page, and was instrumental in rallying neighbors to cluck! when the embattled urban farming supply store was trying to overcome old guard politics. He has similarly brought well-deserved attention to the Central Falls Chess Team as it tries to raise the money to attend a national tournament. Though the ladies on our cover might have the pom-poms, we think Jim Nellis is this year’s biggest cheerleader. rifoodfights.com

July 2013 | Providence Monthly

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mOSt teAm Spirit Jodi Ricci & Brittany Dickie

odi Ricci and Britanny Dickie are two local girls – excuse me, they are encouraged to refer to themselves as ladies, not girls – who made it to the big leagues. The Lincoln natives have been dancing for years, but now they put their moves to work supporting New England’s favorite team, the Patriots. (Sorry, Red Sox.) Jodi is entering her third year as a cheerleader on the sidelines (there is a four-year max), and Brittany is a rookie. “I’m excited for that feeling, getting butterflies in your stomach when you see that arena full of people at game time,” she says. Jodi adds, “You can’t really explain it – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime

feeling.” While it might seem like a plum gig, Jodi assures that it’s a “part-time job and a full-time commitment.” In addition to their rigorous physical fitness and dance training, the ladies work on public speaking and run media drills to ensure a squad of well-rounded representatives for one of football’s elite organizations at their many appearances, including promos and charity work. The demanding schedule does have its benefits, however: Jodi has had the opportunity to travel to London, Jamaica, China and a Superbowl in Indianapolis. Next up, they were off to St. Lucia to shoot the team swimsuit calendar. Not bad for a part-time gig.

mOSt tWeeteD ABOut RI Problems

here are a lot of uniquely Rhode Island problems. “When you’re out of state and you ask for coffee milk but you get a coffee and a milk,” you’ve got one, at least according to Erin Meehan and Russell Chiulli, the tweeters behind RI Problems (@ RIProbz). See also: “There is no GPS that can pronounce anything in Rhode Island;” “When you’re the only one who understands the jokes on Family Guy;” and “We stop at the sign of the lemon instead of at actual stop signs.”

Sounds familiar, right? They also sound familiar to the 25,000 followers that RI Problems has on Twitter. Of course, there are plenty of actual Rhode Island problems, and the handle doesn’t shy away from those, tackling issues like Curt Schilling’s 38 Studios debacle and lending its support to good causes. (We’ve seen everything from promotion of local businesses to support of worthy charities to rallying votes for local contestants in the Miss USA pageant.) Really, it’s just a fun way to share

BiggeSt OverACHieverS The Woolies

hat do you do when the one-day “pop-up art carnival” (aka one of the biggest, boldest and wildest festivals Providence has ever seen) you’ve created becomes simply too big to manage? Simple: you take a year off… then come back and

John Foley

expand it to three days. That’s just what the merry band of free spirits, artists, pranksters and makers behind Wooly Fair did after the wild success of 2011’s installment, “To the Moon.” (Each Wooly Fair has a theme.) “A bunch of us echoed the recurring sentiment from past Wooly

Stef Grant

Gil Poulin

Jodi Ricci and Brittany Dickie

our collective Rhode Island experience; one soldier deployed in Afghanistan recently tweeted to them as a reminder of home. After all, who doesn’t “give

directions based off of places that don’t exist anymore”? As Erin and Russell say: “Smallest state. Longest name. Shortest motto. A lot of problems. #RIprobz”

Fairs, which was, F—k, that’s a lot of work for just one day,” explains founder Sam White. “We needed to re-organize and come back stronger. Wooly Fair doesn’t need to be bigger than it was. It needs to be better.” Of course, it’s both. The celebration has been redubbed Wooly Town, and The Woolies, a core group of artists, craftspeople and designers augmented by dozens of volunteers, have organized departments like “Power & Lights,” “Public Safety” and “Propaganda” to handle the workload. This year’s theme is “Off the Grid and On the Lamb.”

That reflects The Woolies’ continued mission to be grassroots and handmade. The festival will be entirely self-powered, using something called “crank-a-watt” generators to run everything, including the stage and the lighting, on pedal and hand-cranked power. “Every attendee will be invited to step right up and power Wooly Town with body movement,” Sam notes. It’s a lot of work, but if you’ve ever been to a Wooly Fair before (or go to this year’s), you’ll know it’s worth all the effort. August 16-18 at The Steel Yard, 27 Sims Ave. woolytown.com

Sam White

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July 2013 | Providence Monthly

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City Style

AT HOME / SHOP TALK / THE LOOK / BEAUTY / GET FIT About the Homeowners 2

Brett Smiley owns a small business in Providence and is chairman of the Providence Water Supply Board. His husband Jim DeRentis is a realtor with Residential Properties. Both Jim and Brett are active with many local advocacy organizations and supportive of Rhode Islands many artists. They live in a historic Victorian on the East Side.

Photography: James Jones

Vintage Urban Chic Brett: 1. This painting is a Mark Freedman original and is a part of a series of Brooklyn cityscapes. The true grit of urban life is captured in the shadow of the train, and the old woman pushing a shopping cart. 2. The ceiling medallion was actually a reproduction that was done during the apartment’s most recent renovation. It surrounds an authentic street lantern we got from an antiques dealer in Hudson, NY. 3. This gray paint is one of four transitional grays that go from room to room. It makes for a subtle palette that allows the bold artwork and classical décor to do all the storytelling. 4. This gigantic Way O’Malley painting is actually on blankets and not traditional canvas.

While Jim loves the work, I’ve had to learn to “coexist” with the loud colors and whimsy. You’ll find something different in this painting each time you look at it, and the intricate design keeps you studying. 5. These sage leather chairs are from my grandmother, and are vintage pieces. They help to accent the hints of green in the Oriental rug. 6. The earth-toned Oriental comes from Rustigian Rugs in Fox Point. We can’t take any credit for choosing the rug – Roz Rustigian recommended it, and it anchors the room’s colors beautifully. 7. This mid-century glass coffee table has also been in my family for some time. My grandmother gave that to me, and the glass star piece on it.

July 2013 | Providence Monthly

Live tabLe games coming to rhode isLand earLy summer

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City Style |

The Look

by Alicia Kamm

Forever Young

Lisa Newman Paratore

Photography: Corey Grayhorse

Interior decorator and owner of Homestyle

What’s your personal style philosophy? To have a core wardrobe that I love season after season: For instance, a great leather jacket or little black dress that I mix up with accessories as trends change. I prefer simple, well-made garments that have an interesting, somewhat architectural design and can be reinvented with different accessories. Tell us about what you’re wearing. I’m wearing a pair of jeans and a knit top. It’s a simple outfit and a backdrop for fun accessory pieces. I’m a shoe collector and often wear heels six days a week. These particular wedges have a fun sculptural detail in the heel and a delicate modern bow detail on the front. I’m not a girly girl, but I love subtle feminine details. The necklace and bracelet are both from Homestyle. They’re a real expression of my personality. The necklace is a perfect blend of modern and vintage and the bracelet is made entirely of Barbie shoes! Where do fahion and interior design meet? It’s my job as a designer to draw out my client’s personal style and bring it to life. In my opinion, there’s no difference between fashion and interior décor. Good classic design is timeless and will always be appreciated for its integrity and beauty. Beauty transcends time. I don’t subscribe to fads in fashion or interiors. Trends yes, fads no. Trends that are worth following are those that are an innovation or reinterpretation of good classic design. You sell unique, statement pieces at Homestyle. How important is it to be unique when it comes to fashion? As the daughter of an artist, I grew up in a house where I came home one day to find my father painting clouds on the ceiling “just because it was too white up there.” Needless to say, I was raised in a think-outside-the-box environment. It’s important to acknowledge that a good sense of humor walks hand-inhand with good style. Often, people feel as though they have to be somewhat reserved so that they’re not judged as being in poor taste. Take this Barbie shoe bracelet. It has the ability to transcend the plastic, juvenile, over-the-top realm, and find itself firmly on the side of fashion because it’s constructed thoughtfully and paired with the right outfit.

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Providence Monthly | July 2013

City Style |

Get Fit

By Jen Senecal

Put ‘Em Up

Learn some killer dance moves and self defense in one class If you’re anything like

me, you have an entirely prepared arsenal of swift and sharp body movements, should you suddenly be assaulted on the way to your car while leaving the library at 2:00 in the afternoon. While some may think it’s because I have an overactive imagination and too much Portuguese blood running through my veins (and perhaps am a tiny bit crazy), you can never be prepared enough to guard your precious cargo. Lucky for us, there is a place where you can hone those tough-girl skills while getting a killer workout at the same time. I knew I was in the right place when I pulled into the small warehousestyle lot on a backstreet in Johnston and saw an open garage and a herd of exhilarated and sweaty ass-kickers making their way to their cars. I was heading to Rondeau’s Kickboxing for a Hip-Hop Fitness Kickboxing class and I was excited to get my blood flowing with some punches and kicks. I’ve taken some real-deal boxing classes before and there is nothing quite as liberating as channeling all of your day’s stresses into the motion of a strong swing (provided you don’t miss your target and knock out the person behind you). When I walked through those doors and immediately saw a shirt that read, “Fight like a Girl,” I knew I was in for a treat. Christina Rondeau, owner of Rondeau’s and professional boxer, kickboxer and coach (and all-around badass), is the pioneer of “Fitness Kickboxing” and the creator of the first ever kickboxing and boxing gym that is open 24 hours a day, seven

Do YoU DARE? If you like adventure (and reality TV), you’ll love Urban Dare – the Amazing Race style event where smart can beat speed. Part trivia, part photo, part mental and physical challenge, teams of two solve a set of 12 clues to run, walk or use public transportation to get to checkpoints where they must take photos or perform dares, like climbing a wall or solving a riddle, to move forward. On July 7, join Urban Dare in Providence for

Defending yourself is fun at Rondeau’s Kickboxing

days a week (with a ladies-only VIP membership). I chatted with Christina for a bit before we began and she walked me through their class area and 24-hour gym, which consisted of high-quality punching bags, cardio equipment and a free weight and bench section. I loved the nitty-gritty feel and “realness” to her gym – it was one that exuded strength and drive, but without any intimidation. I knew I was going to put in some work here. Which is exactly how a gym should be. Christina told me that their focus is to teach certified kickboxing moves that empower, boost self-esteem and give confidence while promoting fitness and health. I was a fan. Class began as our instructor, Shawna, took the reigns. I loved Shawna. She talked to us straight (no sugarcoating), pushed us hard and made us laugh. After a warm-up that consisted

of ab, core and arm work, she cranked the hip-hop music and had the large group of us pair up as we ran through different combinations of jabs, crosses, hooks, uppercuts, roundhouses, slips and more. We didn’t stop moving for an hour – as we took turns with and motivated our partners – and Shawna walked around to be sure each of us were doing things correctly. The cool thing about hip-hop kickboxing is that Rondeau’s has an actual DJ come in to play during class (the line-up hadn’t started yet as of the date I took it, but check back to their FB page for more info on who will be coming). And, yes, there were guys taking the class, too. Being a badass has no boundaries. At the end of the fitness kickboxing, I felt energized, strong and like I could take anyone on. The library parking lot better watch out. 12 Sunnyside Avenue, Johnston. 272-5425, rkblive.com

a day of fun (and don’t forget your phones, because you can use them to help with clues). There are also three- and four-team member family registration options and you’ll cover about five to seven miles in two to four hours. urbandare.com

posts on training, fitness solutions, nutrition, workouts and common topics of conversation in the health world. Find everything from motivational pieces to actual facts and knowledge on ways to improve your workouts, along with client success stories, services (did you know they offer massages?) and apparel. DTC’s summer cardio class schedule also boasts new classes that include kettlebells, boot camp and core. dextertrainingconcepts.com

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Photography: Amy Amerantes

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Agape´ of Providence opening soon at Synrgy Fitness in Davol Square!

City Style |

(401) 289-2102 384 Market Street Tues - Sat, 10 to 5 Warren, RI 02885 Sunday, 12 to 4 farmsteadri.com

Shop Talk

By Erin Swanson

Annual Yard Sale Aug. 10 & 11 Learn more at farmsteadri.com A country shop with a twist! Two floors of shopping; antiques, furniture, candles, gifts, original art, and more.

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Providence Monthly | July 2013

bananas is your one stop shop for all things cute, fun and unique. Owner Lizzy Colley, known around town and on her blog as “The Connoisseur of Cute,” has been collecting adorable things since childhood. “I’m a lover and hoarder of cute, whimsical, novelty clothing and accessories,” she says. “You’ll go bananas for everything in my store!” People have been going bananas over the Texas native for years now. She’s made a name for herself as the go-to model for Project Runway and Pretty Snake/World of JAS designer Joseph Aaron Segal… you know, the crazy kitty sweater guy. “I met Joe three years ago, and he said, ‘Hey, would you like to model for me?’ We totally hit it off. He jokes that the sweaters don’t sell unless they’re on me.” With her meticulously cut bob, her wide smile and her seemingly effortless sense of style, she truly is a vision of delight. But don’t worry – you can learn to up your adorable quotient too. With every item you buy (or contemplate buying), Lizzy happily provides individualized styling tips. Inside her West Side boutique, dressed in a ‘50s style swing dress and trendy creepers, she reaches for a cropped gray t-shirt that’s bedecked with a glittery design. “If you want basics, go to The Gap. Everything here has that little extra pizzazz,” she says, holding up the tee. “You could wear this with some high-waisted denim shorts or with a long, flowy maxi skirt and wedges.” After going to school for fashion

merchandising and retail marketing at JWU, Lizzy worked in retail for years, honing her unique aesthetic as an employee at several antique and vintage stores. “While I don’t actually sell anything vintage here, lots of the items are vintage inspired.” As you first enter the store, a glass cabinet of accessories screams for attention with its candy colored selection of earrings, necklaces and rings. Upon closer inspection, I see that one pair of earrings is made out of actual candy. “Aren’t those fabulous?” Lizzy asks. “They’re doorknocker earrings made from real rainbow jimmies! I’d wear them with a bright solid color dress, a topknot, a pink lip and a bold shoe.” Named after her father (they used to call him Dr. Bananas in the 1970s), the boutique opened its doors in April. “I decided to open my own store because it’s always been a dream since I was a little girl. I really wanted to share my unique vision with the world.” She squats down to arrange some vinyl iPod cases into a neat row. “I love clothes and I love people. Also, I’m a shop-a-holic! I’m always searching for items that you won’t find anywhere else in the city. I want to show the world that anyone can dress more fun.”

bananas 381 Broadway, Providence 272-6800 shopatbananas.com

Photography: Corey Grayhorse

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Providence Monthly | July 2013

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Feast

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

Photography: Tiffany Medrano

49 REVIEW Potenza Ristorante

Canestrelli Tartufati: Pan-seared sea scallops with fava beans over braised citrus fennel risotto

July 2013 | Providence Monthly

Feast |

In the Kitchen

Summertime Fun!...

By Grace Lentini

Meat the Chef

Lou Cruz dishes on his love for creative cuisine

Lou Cruz at the grill at 10

Lou Cruz knows restaurants. He started as a busboy at 13, and attended Johnson & Wales. He is now the Executive Chef at 10 Prime Steak & Sushi. How did you know you wanted to be a chef? I was raised by a single mom and our babysitter was an old Italian lady. One day I was sick and unable to play outside, and she was cooking for everyone. It intrigued me. I wanted to know what she was doing and how she was doing it. I started helping her and haven’t stopped cooking ever since.

Photography: Mike Braca

Tell me about your cooking style. It looks simple, but that doesn’t mean that the components are simple. A sauce could take multiple days to make. I don’t want to overcomplicate a dish; I strive for balance. What keeps you going in this industry? I literally want to learn everything about the restaurant business. I love being a chef and putting a smile on everyone’s faces. Food hits people personally and makes them happy. How do you decide what cuts of meat to use? It depends on what I feel like using at the time. I could be cooking at home, using

a different cut of meat and think, “that would be great for the restaurant.” What is your favorite cut of meat to use? Rib-eye is my steak. I love it. It has that marbling of fat throughout the entire cut that other cuts, such as sirloin and filet, don’t have. All that marbling is from the feed the cows eat. Did you know that Kobe beef cows are actually massaged? Happy cows are the best cows. Tell me about a dish that has been locally-inspired. I marinated lamb with garlic-infused oil and fresh herbs, grilled and then roasted it in the oven. I served that over polenta, ramps (wild leeks), fiddleheads, shallots, cherry tomatoes, oyster and shitake mushrooms and a little pureed jalapeño for heat. What’s an easy recipe for the do-ityourself home cook? Garlic-infused oil. It’s very simple. Take about 25 cloves of garlic in a small sauce pan, cover with canola oil – stay away from olive oil because of its strong flavor – and put it on a grill or stovetop until it simmers (about 10-15 minutes). Turn off the heat, and let it cool. Just don’t let the garlic brown or burn. You can store any extra in the fridge.

Where do you find culinary inspiration? From the customers, suggestions from the servers, what is seasonally and readily available at the farmer’s markets and local produce companies. I want our menu to reflect the seasons, so we take new ingredients, bring them in, cook them in new and fun ways until the dish is ready to go on the menu. Is there someone who inspired you to go after your dream of being a chef? My mother is my main inspiration. She said, “If you love it, go for it.” Coming from a family with a single parent, she’s the one that pushed me the most to go for what I wanted. Cooking should be fun. It should be something that you share with your kids or significant other. You have to enjoy life, and I can’t see myself doing anything else.

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Feast | DEL IV E R S

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Providence Monthly | July 2013

on the menu

By Sarah Frazier

Cookin’ in the Fire

Neapolitan-style pizza comes to the biltmore Garage Some people just have to do things a certain way. You try to shake and break them, but they stay stubbornly cemented to their certainty. While for many this may seem a sort of stunted growth, for Kara and Frankie Cecchinelli it’s taken them from the shores of Cape Cod to the streets of Providence. Raised in the traditional wonders of wood fire grilled cooking, Frankie continues to uphold the culinary customs of his family. Once owners of a catering company based out of Cape Cod, operating out of the back of their trailer on a makeshift wood fire grill, the Cecchinellis saw the potential for their business to grow and began looking for a more permanent location. The search originally had them seeking in-state, towards more metropolitan locations like Boston. However, as Kara explains, “Boston just didn’t feel right,” and so they eventually found themselves in Providence. Brought into contact with Cornish Associates, who are developing in the Biltmore Garage, the realtors informed them, to their surprise, that a pizzeria was being actively sought for that location. As if sanctioned by the fates, the signals couldn’t have been clearer. From a tiny trailer in Cape Cod, the Cecchinellis have now built a new hip location for pizza lovers in Providence, Figidini Wood Fire Eatery (67 Washington Street in the Biltmore Garage). Currently seeking VPN pizza certification for their margherita and marinara pizzas, Figidini takes their reputation as a premier pizza establishment very seriously. VPN certification, which is essentially a legally documented seal of approval from a group of pizza masters out of Naples, based on the use of authentic Neapolitan pizza ingredients and preparation (seriously, look it up), shows how dedicated Kara and Frankie are to providing quality and authenticity to their customers. Figidini’s assortment of pizzas, from a simple Margherita to specialties like Sweet Potato and Fresh Ricotta, demonstrate with every bite the genuine Neapolitan-style approach that the Cecchinellis strove for from their days in Cape Cod. And everything, literally everything, is grilled

Frankie Cecchinelli in the kitchen at Figidini

on their wood fire grill. Figidini’s also has a variety of unique salads, and of course other grilled items such as shrimp, calamari, brandt skirt steak, sausage, lamb and grilled asparagus and broccoli rabe. Offering one creatively delivered dessert per night, usually consisting of wood grilled fruit with homemade yogurt or some other delicious concoction, every experience is unique, with menus changing every season. Food For THE Soul If pizza isn’t your food of choice, try the newly opened Succotash (373 Richmond Street). Operated by executive chef Ryan Keough and Umberto Sorbo of Coco Pazzo, this venue offers a variety of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and also includes a full service bar. With culinary that is described as “southern-flare soul food,” this location offers favorites like fried chicken and waffles and cornmeal crusted catfish salad, to a variety of delicious vegetarian and vegan options. Dinner is served after 5pm with succulent entrees like the Apple Brined Calabrese Pork Chops with creole mustard, which can be paired with any of their southerninspired sides. If you’re an early bird and want to do breakfast as big as they do in the South, try some of their fluffy banana and berries waffles and

pancakes or smoked salmon omelet. Even their juices have a unique twist, like Little Havana, a mixture of banana, lime, mint, pineapple and coconut – a refreshing taste of the tropics for the summer heat. Soon to provide special discounts to students around the area, including Johnson & Wales and Brown University, you’ll be sure to see plenty of hungry mouths there. FrESH Food FroM our FarMErS Looking for a little more than just a sit down dinner? Try the Providence alternative Market (the Arena Lot, North Main Street). Every Saturday between 10am-2pm from now until October 26, this “alternative” farmer’s market provides food trucks such as Mijos Tacos and Rocket Fine Street Food, other food vendors, artisans, musicians, crafts and local farmers’ produce. Browse the various artisan pieces and musical performances, all while enjoying a fist full of food in each hand. So what makes this market so alternative? “We’re shooting for the full package,” says Richard Suls, “with workshops almost every week, food trucks, musicians and ample parking. It is really an evolution of the farmer’s market.” To find out which businesses and vendors are coming each week, simply log on to the Providence Alternative Market Facebook page at www. facebook.com/ProvAltMarket.

Photography: Katie Poor

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July 2013 | Providence Monthly

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IntroducIng

Chef MassiMiliano Mariotta

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Providence Monthly | July 2013

Feast |

review

By Stephanie Obodda

Mangia, Mangia

Potenza’s ristorante stays true to its roots in a new location Chef Walter Potenza has

Photography: Tiffany Medrano

been delighting Rhode Island diners since the mid-1980s when he opened his original location, Walter’s, in East Greenwich. This April, after many years in the heart of Federal Hill, he moved his restaurant, Potenza Ristorante, to a quieter location in Cranston. We’d had several memorable dinners at the Atwells Avenue location, from restaurant week to a fivecourse Tuscan Christmas dinner, so I was looking forward to another visit. You might drive by the new location and not even realize it; from the outside, it could pass as a modest house in a residential neighborhood. But once inside, we were surprised by the size and good use of space. The restaurant seats over 30 guests and has additional seating on the upper floor for events. The layout is intimate but comfortable, with wellspaced tables that don’t leave you feeling like you’re on a date with your neighbors. We arrived early enough to enjoy our dinner in warm, natural light amplified by the cheery sunny walls. It’s a marked contrast to the Atwells space, which was dark with extremely high ceilings. Though smaller in size, the new location helped the restaurant shine.

The size and layout compliment the boutique menu and made us feel like Chef Walter and his wife Carmela were welcoming us into their home. In fact, Carmela was so friendly, I worried that she knew why I was there. We were welcomed with eggplant and mushroom bruschetta, wine recommendations and a genuine smile. My suspicions eased when I saw other diners receive the same welcome. Chef Walter’s approach makes for an intriguing menu. First, his focus is on regional cuisine and specialties, such as those from his native Abruzzo. While many of Providence’s restaurants serve classic Italian fare replete with red sauce and meatballs, Chef Walter offers flavors, sauces and presentations you don’t see on most menus, even offering several out-of-the-ordinary culinary experiences (see information at bottom). Second, his food seems to be healthy without sacrificing flavor, using topquality ingredients and not relying on loads of fat or giant portions to impress. He is sensitive to dietary needs and offers celiac and diabetic friendly options. To start, we each ordered a flight of wine to pair with our appetizers, a great way to audition your ideal

Torta Pan di Spagna with amarena Cherries and vanilla gelato

glass. Our first appetizer, the Triade d’anatra ($12), was a combination of three duck preparations served with arugula - duck salame, duck proscuitto and smoked duck breast; the prosciutto was especially tasty. The Caprino nel Coccio ($11) featured a fresh Vermont goat cheese baked in a terracotta dish, topped with a red sauce and a dollop of pesto. I was glad I saved some of the house-grilled focaccia for the last bit of sauce. For my entrée, I chose the Canestrelli Tartufati ($26), described as “pan-seared sea scallops with fava beans over braised citrus fennel risotto infused with marjoram, saffron and vermouth.” This dish was fresh and light, a good choice for warmer weather. I didn’t distinctly taste the aN EVEN MorE MEMoraBlE MEal Specialty culinary experiences can be ordered for two or more guests with 48 hours advance notice: • •

medaglioni di vitello: veal paillard with a lemony cream sauce, Pantelleria capers, sautéed organic spinach and oyster mushrooms

• •

Sephardic Italian-Jewish Historical Renaissance Dinner Chef Series Tasting Menu Abruzzo Regional Cooking

saffron or marjoram, but the overall flavor was well-balanced and enjoyable. My companion opted for the Medaglioni di Vitello ($21), thin slices of veal with a lemony cream sauce, capers, sautéed spinach and mushrooms. I’d like to come back for my own dish – the veal was cooked perfectly and the velvety sauce had a well-balanced acidity. In addition to these entrées, Chef Walter sent out a complimentary dish of escarole, simply prepared and full of flavor. Because the dishes were so mindfully portioned, we had just enough room for dessert. We ordered two: a chocolate ganache torte and the torta pan di spagna, a vanilla cake cut into cubes, topped with vanilla gelato and the most luscious preserved Amarena cherries we had ever tasted. We were told these are increasingly difficult to import, but even if you miss them, I’m sure Chef Walter will have something equally memorable on the menu.

Potenza ristorante 162 Mayfield Avenue, Cranston 273-2652 potenzaristorante.com July 2013 | Providence Monthly

Feast | • Custom Upholstery And Slip Covers • Custom Window Treatments • Blinds And Shades • Upholstered Antique Restoration • Area Rugs And Wall To Wall • Headboards • Bedspreads & Shams

behind the bar

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Providence Monthly | July 2013

Fabihene Cordova is originally from the West Coast but can now be found behind the bar at The Thirsty Beaver all day and night on Mondays and Wednesdays. How’d you get behind the bar? I actually started in my uncle’s restaurant in Los Angeles. I would watch everyone, hang out there, hostess, service, clean up the patio and bartend; whatever they needed, I did. Why’d you leave the West Coast? I did a brief stint at URI, then went back home to LA. I applied to RISD to explore my love for photography, was accepted and here I am again! What’s your signature cocktail? A Dame to Kill: Bombay Gin, Ketel Citroen, freshly squeezed grapefruit and lemon juice shaken, and a splash of St. Germain liqueur. What’s The Thirsty Beaver all about? Welcome to Rhode Island’s only log cabin on Atwood Avenue in the middle of a city. It’s a bar that’s not age or type specific. We’ve created something where everyone can feel comfortable whether you are young or old. It’s a clean, bright bar. You walk in and automatically feel good. We have trivia, karaoke, live music, DJs and more.

The owners grew up here in Cranston, so all the menu items have local names. Food and drinks are named after streets and Cranston inside jokes. People get excited when they read our menu. What does it bring to Cranston? It’s totally different. I’m obsessed with Disney; It reminds me of Splash Mountain complete with our own personal mascot, The Thirsty Beaver, who could come at any given time; if you don’t see him, ask for him. Watch out though – he’ll dance with you. What are you serving? We serve beefed-up bar food. We have nachos, wings and even grilled chicken tenders tossed in sauce for those who don’t want to eat excess batter. Our pizzas are amazing. St. Mary’s Margherita Pizza is the most popular; served with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, balsamic and roasted garlic aioli. What’s on tap? The Thirsty Beaver Ale made exclusively for us by Trinity Brewhouse. It tastes like a Miller Light but with more body to it. Our tap selection is great. We picked beers that would appeal to all demographics including non-alcoholic and gluten-free beers.

What if you’re not in the mood for a beer? Order the Park Ave Lemonade (Cirôc Peach, Grey Goose Cherry Noir, lemonade, Sprite) or the Moose Knuckle (Captain Morgan, Cranberry, OJ, Sprite). Or try the Thirsty Beaver – for only $8, it’s the bartender’s choice, so you better be nice! What’s a good reason to leave Providence to come here? It’s like a mini vacation. You don’t need your heels and business suit to come here. Pick your own music, play some Golden Tee, have a good time. What have you learned about rhode Islanders? Everyone knows everyone. Each city is its own little community. No one is afraid to talk to you. It is fun and different. Coming from LA, it’s culture shock. You’re in your car alone most of the time and people don’t tend to be social with strangers.

The Thirsty Beaver 288 Atwood Avenue, Cranston 270-7686 thirstybeaverri.com

Photography: Mike Braca

Spring Special One-Hour Consultation $50

Fabihene Cordova and the as-of-yet unnamed mascot of the Thirsty beaver

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Feast |

In the drink

By Emily Dietsch

Fizzy does It

a simple summertime drink you can bottle at home al fresco drinking season (open to the public)

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Providence Monthly | July 2013

is upon us. Sadly, for discerning drinkers, boozy outdoorsmanship can be an iffy prospect. Beer and wine can get rather ho-hum as the season grows long. Pitcher drinks define “summery,” but are travel-challenged. As for cocktail options, Solo cups and Igloo coolers have been put to creative ends in a pinch – but the charm of drinking like it’s sophomore year has limits. We’re better than that, dear readers. Happily, inspiration struck when I realized that the at-home bottle cappers used by craft-brewers could easily bottle just about anything. Namely, individual cocktails, ready-made for popping and swilling just about anywhere summer might lead. Advantages aplenty danced in my head: No sloppy ice cubes or watered-down drinks. No uninvited grass clippings or martyred gnats to muck things up, either. Visually-dispiriting, environmentally-unfriendly plastic cups? Be gone, along with on-site mixing and botched ratios. Thanks largely to the craft beer revival, at-home bottling equipment is available on the cheap from uber-mainstream. A few clicks on Amazon and less than $50 scored me a capper, reusable glass bottles and a surplus of caps, all delivered promptly to my door. Given the bottles’ old-fashioned Coca-Cola shape, boozy sodas felt like the most natural route to take. Fizzy drinks are a core part of the nation’s cocktail heritage, cropping up in the 1800s and quickly becoming all the rage. Our forefathers in the pre-AC era likely created them to combat infernal mugginess, which sounds about right. With more liquid volume and a lower alcohol percentage than liquor-only cocktails, fizzes are built for heat relief. At its most basic, the fizzy cocktail category involves three things: booze, a neutral fizzing agent like seltzer or soda water, and flavor agents that range from juices to bitters and herbs. Somewhat shockingly by 21st-century standards, cocktail guides from two centuries ago typically recommended fizzes for breakfast. More fun than Wheaties, yes, but far more practical is the lunchtime recommendation found in a vintage gem called The Home Bartender’s Guide and Songbook. Printed in 1930 to put a thumb in Prohibition’s eye, its

authors note that, “if the reader has never tried a gin fizz, we really can see no reason for your reading this book.” (A solid start.) They go on to recommend the fizz to-go with deli sandwiches, which sounds a hell of a lot more enticing than straight-laced soft drinks and a nice change of pace from beer. I’m on it, fellas. Olneyville’s muchrespected new addition, Justine’s, has a fairly faithful adaptation of the Southside cocktail on their menu that’s a nice place to begin. As fizzes go, it’s a streamlined version that’s consummately refreshing without a mess of bells and whistles: Just gin, simple syrup, mint, lime and soda water. Seeking slightly more playful combinations, I looked to Tazza’s summer lineup, which reliably features a few inventive fizzy numbers. Among this year’s offerings, the Ginger Smack! first caught my eye. The former proves whiskey is friendly to bubbles, making over the standard wintertime hot toddy – made with whiskey, hot water, lemon and honey – into a cold drink with soda. The Orange Blossom charmed me, too, with a spicy-sweet mixture of housemade orange-infused liquor with ginger liqueur, muddled oranges and soda. Inspired, and sticking to my gin-loving roots, I chose to go with a grapefruit and thyme sparkler for my first test-run. Thirsty friends guzzled my

first six-pack in no time flat, which I took to be a good sign – but let the drinker beware: post-guzzle naps on the grass were required.

GIN Soda WITH aNd THyME Makes a six-pack

GraPEFruIT

Equipment: Funnel, glass bottles and caps, at-home capper 1 c gin (preferably something neutral like Beefeater or Plymouth) 1 c grapefruit juice (preferably fresh or not-from-concentrate) ½ c thyme syrup ½ c fresh lime juice 6 c soda water Make the thyme syrup: Boil 1 cup each of sugar and water with five sprigs of fresh thyme until sugar dissolves. Let cool. Store excess syrup in the refrigerator for future use. Make the sodas: Mix together syrup, gin and juices. Pour into bottles using a funnel, then top off with club soda. Cap immediately per capper’s instructions, then refrigerate. Capping as quickly as possible after adding the soda ensures maximum carbonation.

Illustration: Ashley MacLure

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www.RowNBC.org 401.272.1838 July 2013 | Providence Monthly

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Providence Monthly | July 2013

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Feast |

dining Guide

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Tomasso Auto at this cozy diner. It’s a good breakfast at a fair price in a family friendly setting. Daily specials. BBr $ BoMBay CluB 145 Dean St.; 2736363. Located on Federal Hill, this Indian restaurant features dinner everyday and a buffet lunch on weekends. Try the specialty Bombay Mix Grill with an assortment of kebobs on a sizzling plate. ld $$-$$$ 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 $$-$$$ CaFé ParaGoN 234 Thayer St.; 331-6200. This hip eatery serves sandwiches, pasta and entrées at prices lower than the chic décor would have you believe. The adjoining Viva lounge is perfect for afterdinner drinks and private parties. Brld $-$$

basta 2195 Broad St. Cranston; 461-2300. This Cranston gem is as down-home Italian as it gets. Their menu offers housemade and imported pastas from Italy. Perfect for a business lunch or dinner! LD $-$$

Providence 10 PrIME STEaK & SuSHI 55 Pine St.; 453-2333. Located downtown, 10 offers a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere, complemented by aged prime steaks, a full sushi menu and creative cocktails. ld $$-$$$

Photography: Tiffany Medrano

adESSo oN THE HIll 139 Acorn St.; 521-0770. The popular Adesso is back, in a new location. Come in for an elegant Italian dining experience; try a brick oven pizza cooked in the open air kitchen. d $$-$$$ 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

Key

Chops and Spanakopita, an appetizer of spinach and feta in flaky phyllo dough. Brld $-$$ aSPIrE rESTauraNT 311 Westminster St.; 861-8000. Aspire offers an exquisite fine dining experience with a number of delicious small and large plates, numerous fine wines and a full bar – with an emphasis on local ingredients. BBrld $-$$$ BaKEr STrEET ruE 75 Baker St.; 490-5025. The Rue De L’Espoir empire expands with this comfortable neighborhood café serving “upscale diner food” with an emphasis on local ingredients. BBrl $ BluE CoTTaGE 748 Hope St.; 3837307. Enjoy a bed and breakfast style morning meal or deli sandwich

B breakfast Br brunch l lunch d dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+

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CaSErTa’S PIZZErIa 121 Spruce St.; 621-3618. This Rhode Island tradition serves big pizzas with generous toppings and thick, rich tomato sauce. Their famous Wimpy Skippy, a spinach pie with cheese and pepperoni, is not to be missed. ld $-$$ CaV 14 Imperial Pl.; 751-9164. The New York Times’ choice as one of Providence’s five best restaurants, CAV’s contemporary award-winning cuisine is available for lunch and dinner daily. They also feature Saturday/Sunday brunch. Brld $$-$$$ doN JoSE TEQuIlaS 351 Atwells Ave.; 454-8951. Don Jose’s digs a little deeper than your average Mexican restaurant, with all the basics you love alongside more artfully composed entrées and a wonderful selection of house-made tequilas. ld $$ THE dorraNCE 60 Dorrance St.; 5216000. 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 $$-$$$

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July 2013 | Providence Monthly

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Providence Monthly | July 2013

dining Guide

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 $-$$

$799,000

Serving Providence’s East Side & West Side, Elmhurst, Edgewood and Oak Hill

JULY 13

Feast |

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 $-$$$ JulIaNS rESTauraNT 318 Broadway; 861-1770. What began in 1994 as a small Federal Hill brunch spot has grown into a popular destination for award-winning brunch, dinner, desserts, craft beer and cocktails. Outdoor seating, vegan options. BBrld $-$$ KarTaBar 284 Thayer St.; 331-8111. This European-style restaurant and lounge offers a full menu of unique dishes with Mediterranean flair and eclectic flavors. They also offer a top-notch wine list and martini menu. ld $-$$ KITCHEN Bar 771 Hope Street; 3314100. Offering contemporary comfort cuisine in an elegant setting, Kitchen Bar features daily specials and take-out. Try their Clams Zuppa or Coriander Encrusted Flat Iron Steak or have the kids order from the kids’ menu. ld $-$$ lIM’S 18 Angell St.; 383-8830. Dive into the unique combination of Lim’s fine Thai cuisine and sushi served in an intimate and modern setting. ld $$ luXE BurGEr Bar 5 Memorial Blvd.; 621-5893. Luxe brings the classic burger to a new level. Their build-your-own burger list, which includes Kobe and Gold Labeled beef, never ends, with countless possible combinations. ld $-$$ MCBrIdE’S PuB 161 Wayland Ave.; 751-3000. McBride’s is a traditional Irish pub serving all the classics from Fish ‘n Chips to Corned Beef and Cabbage. They offer live entertainment on Tuesdays and Saturdays. ld $-$$ MIllS TaVErN 101 North Main St., 2723331. The only restaurant in RI to receive

Key

The Mobile Four Star Award for five consecutive years, Mills Tavern provides traditional American cuisine in a warm, friendly setting. d $$-$$$ NaMI 198 Atwells Ave.; 383-6559. A chic Japanese restaurant on Federal Hill, Nami features a variety of sushi specialties and numerous mouthwatering entrées. Enjoy a fun and delicious hibachi experience in this beautifully decorated restaurant. ld $-$$$ ParKSIdE 76 South Main St.; 3310003. Chef/owner Steven Davenport offers innovative and classic foods with eclectic flare. The menu also includes creative pasta dishes and, of course, the signature rotisserie meats for which Parkside is famous. ld $-$$ PHo HorN’S 50 Ann Mary St.; 3656278. Pho Horn’s offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine, including traditional dishes like the popular Pho (noodle soup) and Rice Chowder with Pulled Pork. It’s a delicious choice for anyone looking for something different. ld $-$$ ProVIdENCE oySTEr Bar 283 Atwells Ave.; 272-8866. Visit this unique restaurant for a taste of the sea, featuring “Today’s Catch” and specialty Shrimp and Fish Tacos. “Appy Hour” from 4-6:30pm features a sushi and raw oyster bar. ld $-$$ ProVIdENCE PrIME 279 Atwells Ave.; 454-8881. At this finest USDA steakhouse, the atmosphere is fresh and sophisticated. With award winning steak, fresh seafood and a collection of over 300 bottles of wine, it’s the best in its class. 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 $-$$

B breakfast Br brunch l lunch d dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+

Ship Street Square could be the site of your next event

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 $$ ruTH’S CHrIS STEaK HouSE 10 Memorial Blvd. (at the GTECH Center); 272-2271. Come celebrate their fifth year overlooking Waterplace Park by treating yourself to the best USDA Prime steak in Providence. Change your life one bite at a time. d $$$ SaKura 231 Wickenden Street; 3316861. Enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine, fresh sushi and sashimi in this casual, unpretentious neighborhood spot. Choose a comfortable booth or take your shoes off and have a seat in the tatami room. ld $-$$ SIENa 238 Atwells Ave.; 521-3311. Federal Hill’s Siena features authentic Tuscan cuisine in a warm and lively atmosphere. The extensive menu includes wood-grilled veal, steak and seafood entrées along with signature pasta and sauté dishes. d $$-$$$ TaSTE oF INdIa 230 Wickenden St.; 421-4355. Providence’s first Indian restaurant delivers on its promise of serving real (and really delicious) Indian cuisine, with seafood delicacies and Tandoori specialties, made with authentic Indian spices. ld $-$$ TraTTorIa ZooMa 245 Atwells Ave.; 383-2002. Located on historic Federal Hill, Zooma offers award winning Neapolitan cuisine in a beautiful, upscale setting, specializing in house made pasta, local fish, meats, vegetables and authentic wood fired pizza. ld $$-$$$ VaNITy rESTauraNT & louNGE 566 South Main St.; 649-4667. Seeped in the “speakeasy” style of the 1920s; Vanity is nothing to keep quiet about. Featuring

a mobster-themed menu with Americana favorites and seafood like the Joe Pesce: A medley of clams, shrimp, calamari and fish in a spicy pomodoro sauce and finished with a veggie risotto. Their nightlife brings modern fun into a world of nostalgia: fuhgeddaboudit! d $-$$$

Located at the intersection of Ship and Richmond Streets, across from Alpert Medical School, Ship Street Square is a Brown-owned and maintained public space that is available for events, casual gatherings, and your lunch break. For more information or to reserve the space, contact the community liaison at Jennifer_Braga@brown.edu or (401) 863-3717.

Xo CaFé 125 North Main St.; 2739090. XO Café celebrates fine food, wine and funky art. It features a seductive atmosphere, outmatched by playfully composed dishes inspired by natural/local ingredients. Brd $$-$$$

Live in Wayland Square! Studios, 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, and Private Penthouse

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 $-$$

24 Hour Fitness Center 24 Hour Concierge 24 Hour Emergency Service Restaurant on site Tailor Shop on Site Salon on site

All Utilities & Parking Included

Cafes & Boutiques right outside your door

Spa Citron now located on the 1st floor! 500 Angell Street, Providence • 751-7700 www.waylandmanor.com • info@waylandmanor.com

South County

Introducing The Wurst Kitchen at Chez Pascal

ElEVEN ForTy NINE rESTauraNT 1149 Division St. (Warwick/East Greenwich line); 884-1149. 965 Fall River Ave., Seekonk; 508-336-1149. Metropolitan chic comes to the suburbs at this super stylish restaurant with a raw bar, outstanding menu and some of the best cocktails around. ld $$-$$$

Small open kitchen featuring hotdogs, house made sausages and sandwiches for lunch. For dinner enjoy sausages (served outside the bun) and small plates of delicious ideas.

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 $$-$$$

Wurst Days

Tues-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm

Wurst Nights

Tues-Sat 5:30pm-9:30pm

chez pascal

west bay CHaPEl GrIllE 3000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston; 944-4900. Chapel Grille’s menu features their own take on traditional Medittereanen items accompanied by artisanal ingredients and dishes made from scratch. Whether it’s in their stunning dining hall or their Cathedral Bar, what the Chapel serves up is sure to be heavenly. Brd $-$$$

960 Hope Street, Providence 421-4422 • chez-pascal.com

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July 2013 | Providence Monthly

The Ocean State boasts a wide variety of fine dining establishments along with some nationally recognized restaurants. In support of our capital city and its superb dining venues, Taco is a proud sponsor of Providence Restaurant Weeks. This month come out and sample the three-course, prix fixe menu offerings at participating establishments. It’s a great value and it helps our economy.

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Not only are these bars healthy and delicious, but the packaging is biodegradable and comes from Jennifer Rose Packaging in Providence. The labels were

created by Fox Tag & Label in Warwick. The nuts, seeds and raisins come from Virginia, Spanish Peanut in Providence, and the coffee beans were

locally roasted by TLC Coffee Roasters in Kingston. We're keeping ourbusiness in RI and keeping carbon footprint small!

Garden City • 401.942.2720 | Wakefield • 401.783.4433 WWW.sWeenorsChoColates.Com 58

Providence Monthly | July 2013

Get Out

EVENTS / ART / MUSIC / THEATRE

Greased Lightning

The Steel Yard’s Cruise Night

July 12: Roll up your t-shirt sleeves and slick back your hair – you’re about to be transported back in time by way of 70 custom and classic vehicles at the Steel Yard’s 8th Annual Cruise Night fundraiser. The family-friendly event promises lots of polished chrome, “greasy grooves,” raffle

prizes, artist studio tours and food vendors. Drool over some of the coolest cars in New England and then take a tour of the Yard and see what’s new in terms of course offerings. $5 suggested donation. 5-9pm. 27 Sims Avenue. 273-7101, thesteelyard.org.

July 2013 | Providence Monthly

Get Out |

Calendar

By Erin Swanson

This Month Now – July 31: Register through the end of the month to participate in the Cycle Out Cancer bike-a-thon at Bryant University on August 11. LIFEcycle, Inc. is inviting you to participate in the Ride ‘Round Rhody Bike-a-thon, to raise money to be distributed to hospitals around the state to provide funding for cancer treatment. Riders choose routes of 25, 50 or 75 miles, and must each raise $250 to become registered. Come help this great cause in our state’s fight against cancer. 7 Kristen Drive, North Providence. 4376934, lifecycleinc.org July 1-3: For three nights in a row, McCoy Stadium will be lighting up the Pawtucket sky with Post-Game Fireworks. Whether you’ve got a seat in the stadium or you’ve scored a section of curb, you’re in for a treat. Free. 1 Columbus Avenue, Pawtucket. 724-7300, pawsox.com. July 1-19: Join the David Winton Bell Gallery for its Kelli Rae Adams: Breaking Even, a collection of several thousand ceramic and clay objects and several hundred jars of local produce canned by the artist. Free. 64 College Street. 863-2932, brown.edu/campuslife/arts/bell-gallery. July 1-31: Every day this month (with the exception of July 4), the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium will offer a Planetarium Show. It’s the perfect way to break up an afternoon. 2pm. 1000 Elmwood Avenue. 7859457. providenceri.com/museum. July 1-31: Be one with the animals this month via Roger Williams Park Zoo’s daily animal feedings. Feed giraffes or seals depending upon the day. Feeding tickets must be purchased in person on the day of your visit. $20. 2pm. 1000 Elmwood Avenue. 941-4998, rwpzoo.org. July 2-30: Every Tuesday at AS220 you can take a Street Funk Dance Class with Genesis Camille of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew. Drop in for a class to try your hand at hip-hop, pop, Latin, vogue, runway and more. $13. 6:45pm. 95 Empire Street. 8319327, as220.org. July 2-30: Head to Trinity Brewhouse every Tuesday night for Stump! Trivia. This team trivia contest will test your

Providence Monthly | July 2013

knowledge on a variety of subjects from anatomy to history. Winning teams go home with prizes so bring your smart friends. 8pm. 186 Fountain Street. 453-2337, stumptrivia.com. July 2-30: Head to the Jewelry District for some outdoor play at the Providence Children’s Museum’s Get Out! program. Each Tuesday kids can wiggle with worms and blow giant bubbles in the museum’s garden. 1-3pm. 100 South Street. 273-5437, childrenmuseum.org. July 3: Join The Great Baldini and his assistant Skinny at the Mt. Pleasant Library for a magical adventure in reading. As the audience chants Skinny’s name, the magic begins to happen. 2:30-3:30pm. 315 Academy Avenue. 272-0106, provcomlib.org. July 3: See singer, songwriter and guitarist Boz Scaggs onstage at Twin River. He’s known for his R&B, jazz, blues and rock music and his hit song “Lowdown” won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song. $35-$75. 8pm. 100 Twin River Road, Lincoln. 723-3200, twinriver.com. July 3-27: Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s Summertime Farmers’ Market takes over Lippitt Park every Wednesday and Saturday. Stock up on greens, meats, breads and more. Rain or shine. Wednesdays 3pm-6pm; Saturdays 9am1pm. 1059 Hope Street. farmfreshri.org. July 4: Celebrate the Fourth with Cumberland’s long-running Arnold Mills Parade. Started in 1927, the day kicks off with a road race at 9am, continues with the parade at 11am and finishes with a concert at 1pm. Free. Nate Whipple Highway. 331-1381, arnoldmillsparade.com.

See fireworks from India Point Park on the Fourth

Show Your Stripes July 4: It’s the land that we love, so let’s get out and celebrate the Fourth of July with The Bank RI Independence Day Celebration at India Point Park. The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra will kick off the night with a patriotic concert to be followed by a dramatic 25-minute fireworks display, set to music. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and access the park via the walking bridge located at East and Wickenden Streets. Pyrotechnics: the perfect way to commemorate our nation’s birthday. Free. 7:30-9:40pm. 680-5770, providenceri. com/artculturetourism. July 5-26: On Fridays, the Artists Exchange hosts Bring Your Own Improv, an interactive show where audience members can participate through clapping, yelling suggestions or jumping up on stage. $7. 10pm. 82 Rolfe Square, Cranston. 490-9475, artists-exchange.org.

July 6-27: Saturday Nights bring Improv Jones to the 95 Empire Black Box. Some of the finest improv comedy performers come from all over New England to create a fantastically funny world that’s different every week. $5. 10pm. 95 Empire Street. 831-9327, improvjones.com.

July 4-25: Each Thursday, blow off some steam after work by heading to the Burnside Park Beer Garden Music Series featuring food trucks, draft beer and a different band each week. Free. 4:30-7pm. 2 Kennedy Plaza. 331-5544, kennedyplaza.org.

July 5-26: Drop in the Providence Athenaeum on Friday evenings for the weekly Salon Series, a chance to engage in conversation with experts in the fields of art, literature, science, history, music, theatre and philosophy. Free. 5-7pm. 251 Benefit Street. 4216970, providenceathenaeum.org.

July 6-27: The new kid in farmers market town is the Providence Alternative Market. Each Saturday, shop locally for healthful foods while supporting RI artists, craftsmen and charities. 10am-2pm. 1111 North Main Street. provaltmarket.com.

July 4-25: The kids are out of school and you’re running out of ways to keep them busy. Bring them to Burnside Park for Kidinfo Providence Storytime, an all-ages story hour followed by activities. Free. 10:30am-12:30pm. 2 Kennedy Plaza. 331-5544, kennedyplaza.org.

July 5-27: Try before you buy. Swing by Bottles for a weekly beer or wine tasting. On certain days you can even Skype with a faraway winemaker as you sip his wares! Free. Fri beer tasting 3:30-7:30pm; Sat wine tasting 3-7pm. 141 Pitman Street. 372-2030, bottlesfinewine.com.

July 7: On the first Sunday of each month, from now ‘til forever, head downtown to AS220 for its Empire Revue, a night of sketch comedy, improv, music, burlesque and magic. $8. 8-11:30pm. 115 Empire Street. 8319327, as220.org.

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Calendar

July 10-28: Go blonde this summer (just be sure to avoid chlorinated pools). Legally Blonde the Musical hits the stage at the Ocean State Theatre Company. If you loved the movie, you’ll love this musical. 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick. 921-6800, oceanstatetheatre.org. July 11: Join the Audubon Society at its Fort Nature Refuge for a Twilight Hike, a chance to walk the trails at dusk with naturalist Kim Calcagno. $8 members; $12 non-members. 7-9pm. 1443 Providence Pike, North Smithfield. 949-5454, asri.org. July 11: The Rhode Island Historical Society presents an evening with the Carlos de Leon Latin Jazz Band as part of it’s seasonal Concerts Under the Elms festivities. Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket or lawn chairs. $10. 6:30pm. 52 Power Street. 331-8575, rihs.org. July 11-25: Summer means lazy afternoons and outdoor binge drinking. At Thursdays at the Biltmore you can indulge in fancy cocktails and complimentary hors d’oeuvres while enjoying live jazz. Free. 5-8pm. 11 Dorrance St. 421-0700, providencebiltmore.com. July 11-25: Visit Dexter Training Ground Park this summer for the weekly West Side Thursdays featuring live bands and a chance for kids to learn about music via interactive educational programs prior to each performance. Free. 73 Dexter Street. wnba.org. July 11-25: Make the most of the weather and stop into Armory Park on your way home from work for the Armory Farmers Market held each Thursday throughout the summer and early fall. 3:30-7pm. Parade and Hudson Streets. farmfreshri.org. July 12: Thank goodness for free outdoor music. 95.5 WBRU does it again this year with its annual summer concert series at Waterplace Park. Closing out the series is the uber popular Cold War Kids. Free. 7:30pm. Waterplace Park. wbru.com. July 12-21: The Community Players present Hollywood Arms, a comedy based on Carol Burnett’s memoir One More Time. This show will have you rotfl. 2pm & 8pm show times. $12-$15. Jenks

By Erin Swanson

The Bootlegger Garden is Now Open at

Auditorium, Division Street, Pawtucket. 726-6860, thecommunityplayers.org. July 13: The river is ablaze for Waterfire and it’s calling visitors from near and far to its side. This full lighting will feature live performers, food and drink for sale, relaxing music and more. Free. 8:21pm. Waterplace Park to South Main. waterfire.org.

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July 13: For the love of all that’s glittered and teased and neon, do yourself a favor and head to Foxwoods for a performance by ‘80s star Cyndi Lauper. $40. 8pm. MGM Grand Theatre, 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket, CT. 800-200-2882, foxwoods.com. July 18: Have you ever fantasized about being an art buff? Try out the monthly Gallery Night Providence, a two-hour tour on which you’ll board the art bus and go. Free. Tours leave every 20 minutes between 5:20-7pm. One Regency Plaza. 490-2042, gallerynight.info. July 18: Join the RISD Museum of Art for its Design the Night Block Party, the easiest way to get your recommended dose of art along with fun activities, lessons, food trucks and live music by Joe Fletcher and the Wrong Reasons. Free. 5-9pm. 224 Benefit Street. 454-6500, risdmuseum.org. July 26: From American Idol, Elise Testone & Her Band will perform at The Met. Her rich soulful voice and meaningful lyrics will win you right over. All ages. $10. Doors 7pm; show 8pm. 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. 729-1005, themetri.com. July 27: Celebrate creativity in all its wondrous forms at the 3rd Annual Sea Star Marketplace, at Ninigret park in Charlestown. Explore an old fashioned marketplace, with fine arts and crafts, local food vendors, live entertainment, special events and activities for kids throughout the day. Right next to the Frosty Drew Nature Center & Observatory, kids and adults can gaze through its 16-inch telescope at the vast expanse of our solar system’s planets and stars. Free. 9am-4pm. Old Post Road, Charlestown 364-1227, frostydrew.org

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Theatre

By Jenn Salcido

Sidewalk Dining in Wayland Square

Laugh Out Loud

Providence Improv Fest marks its tenth year Anyone who has ever

been in the audience at any live performance knows that they’re part of something special, something unique. There, in that moment, you’re part of something that hasn’t existed before – and will never exist again. At no point in time has that precise combination of audience, performers, story and endless other ingredients been configured in precisely that way. Perhaps this holds most true for improvisational performances. Those are intricate webs, spun seemingly out of nowhere, and all on the spur of the moment. It’s often hilarious, often surprising, and always impressive. It’s no wonder that the improv scene is growing in Providence. Casey Seymour Kim, a 14-year veteran of the seminal Providence collective Improv Jones, says that our vibrant arts community is perfect for these fearless, DIY-minded performers for whom comedy is a serious business. Well, they don’t take themselves too seriously, of course – that would be bad form. But let’s just say that these folks know from funny. And this month, there’s going to be a lot to laugh about. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the Providence Improv Fest, a two-weekend event chock full of denizens from the local improv scene, as well as some representatives from farther afield. According to Seymour Kim, the festival began ten years ago, incubated by Mauro Hantman, also a member of Improv Jones. Seymour Kim says that Hantman was inspired by the growing presence of local improv options, and wanted to organize a festival to showcase the groups. “It was hugely successful,” remembers Seymour Kim. “We were packed. So then [Hantman] said, ‘you know, we could keep doing this.’ And the next year we just opened it up, and we were surprised at how many groups were looking for festivals and wanted to come out.” Seymour Kim says that the growing improv scene has fit in nicely with the cultural revolution; within three years, the festival had grown to the point where it was attracting international groups. But that growth hasn’t come at the expense of intimacy. In fact, Seymour Kim says, she’s consistently

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received feedback from both patrons and participants that the cozy feel and friendly atmosphere of the festival, which attracts an audience averaging from 500-600, is one of its most loved attributes. This year, the festival will feature more than 40 acts hailing from all over the country. Headlining the festival this year are Jill Bernard, The Neofuturists, Airwolf and The Magnet Tourco. Tim Thibodeau, one of the PIF organizers, says that audiences will be experiencing “the best of the best” of the national scene from the headliners, who offer a mix of styles, as well as local groups like Improv Jones, SkyPunch!, Bit Players, Thibowla Virus and local teen teams including Friday Night Live, Swine Flu and Trinity Zoo. If my recent experience at the Providence Improv Guild (one of the sponsors of the festival) is any indication, collaboration and community are common side effects of improv. On a rainy night in June, I was fortunate enough to sit in and watch two levels of classes (there’s an educational component to groups like PIG as well as with the festival itself, which offers public workshops for $5) “play” onstage with one another, as they say in improv parlance. I was amazed at how quickly everything congealed – not just on stage, but in the audience as well. Though you start out as strangers, you start to feel invested, acquainted. Audience members interacted with the performers, offering

them suggestions for scene titles and topics along with the requisite hoots and hollers of approval. The sense of teamwork loops back to the performers, as well. As Seymour Kim rattles off the names of some of the groups popping up all over the state, she points out that there’s often an intersection of people. A prime example is Melissa Bowler, who created PIG and serves on the PIF committee. Bowler was on hand at the PIG performance, greeting audience members, adjusting lighting, announcing cast members, and watching husband (musician and fellow improv performer) Keith Munslow on stage with an “open jam” group – a randomly assembled group of performers whose on-the-spot creations underscored the beautiful symbiosis that happens in these rooms. “Even if [the performers] fail, it’s gorgeous to see them try,” Seymour Kim says of improv, where the art of authenticity is paramount. She laughs, remembering how when she first started out in the form on auditions in California, she was terrified, saying that if she trusted the words that were going to come out of her mouth, she wouldn’t need a script.

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Music

Want to get

By Eric Smith

HOT? at the

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The music of Sara Azriel comes to life

Photogarphy: Tim Siekiera

According to family legend, Providence songstress Sara Azriel’s bohemian parents were so sure of their impending progeny’s musical talents that they gave her the middle name Azriel hoping she’d choose that as her stage name when the time came. Young Sara’s earliest memories are of sitting with her father, a composer and multiinstrumentalist, at the piano while joyfully accompanying him by plonking out his melodies on a baby piano. Later they had to teach her how to operate the record player herself, since she insisted on listening to Stevie Wonder’s “Happy Birthday” over and over again. She began performing publicly at ten, voraciously working through the piano, marching band, choir and seemingly every other outlet the gifted young musician could wrap her talents around. This heartfelt and emotional lifelong connection to music is beautifully evident while listening to Sara Azriel’s self-titled debut; a gorgeous and all-too-brief trek through a handful of styles, from breezy country a-la Norah Jones on the excellent opener “Lake Michigan” to the modern electronic tinged “We’re Alive,” whose understated, simple, burbling synths and stuttering drums deftly accent a really great pop song. Ms. Azriel is a fan of classic soul music and jazzy torch songs. She names a few of her influences: Joni Mitchell, Nina Simone and Jeff Buckley, but also somewhat surprisingly, acts as diverse as Neil Young and Michael Jackson. She spent years listening to tons of jazz as well as experimental and improvisational world music. Although some of these more “out-there” influences don’t necessarily take center stage on her recordings, her EP is definitely the work of an artist who has dabbled in a vast array of music, giving her oeuvre a well-rounded sense of tastefully bright musicianship and enough variety to keep the record entirely interesting after multiple listens. Sara Azriel is an artist who likes to invest in her work both emotionally and spontaneously. To craft her songs, she starts fiddling with one of her instruments, usually the piano but sometimes her guitar or ukelele. She hears melodies in her head and slowly, deliberately, starts to improvise with them. As the songs develop she does

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the same with the lyrics, although she admits, “The whole process is such a mystery to me, often it’s just a bunch of vowels and word shapes, like a made up language.” She describes the process as a sort of channeling, or “downloading” of the song from some mysterious ether. “Each song is like an incredibly complex puzzle I try and put together,” she says. Her debut was recorded with four different producers over three years in multiple states, and with a dizzying array of collaborators and coconspirators. “Lake Michigan” was recorded in Lakeville, Massachusetts with Marc Friedman of The Slip, and was only one of many songs recorded over a feverish seven months. “Be With Me,” is an achingly sad ballad of heartache and loss recorded with Davy Nathan, who is also Toni Braxton’s musical director. Here, and on the rest of the record, Sara’s voice is absolutely gorgeous, perfectly tuned and attenuated to whatever mood she so effortlessly evokes. “We’re Alive” was tracked and co-written in both Brooklyn and Providence by Andrew “Moon” Bain of party torchbearers Boo City, while the simple and beautiful “Gloria” was recorded by Sara

alone, on a Fender Rhodes piano while living at Firehouse 13. That song, one of her oldest, is a tender ballad; brilliantly highlighting her incredible lyricism and stunning Jeff Buckley-like vocal gymnastics. “Little Wilted One” (as perfect an album closer as there could be) has been a live favorite of Sara’s featuring the incredible guitar work of Providence’s walking anachronism Tyler-James Kelly of The Silks along with Jess Powers and Caroline Hecht. An amazingly brisk, jaunty and thoroughly enjoyable old-timey sounding masterpiece, she was so enamored of their take on the song she brought them all into the studio to record this excellent version. Finally, the EP was mastered by James Wisner, who has worked with Amy Winehouse and Justin Timberlake, to sweeten and polish the record into the little gem that it is. Over the next year, Sara Azriel plans on dividing her time between teaching piano, voice and songwriting lessons, making another record and plans to get her songs heard wherever she can, hopefully releasing another record as inspired and beautiful as her debut. Sara Azriel’s self-titled debut album can be downloaded at www.saraazriel. bandcamp.com

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Art

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Providence Monthly | July 2013

As I approach the lilac and lime green sign that reads: “Re-use, Re-purpose, Re-cycle. Recaptured Originals” I find myself a bit green to the appeal of repurposing. Sure, I’ve watched my fair share of HGTV, yet I possess zero confidence in my own artistic abilities (read: inabilities). As I open the glass door to the shop I am immediately greeted with the hospitality of a charming boxer named Maggie. “She’s our store mascot,” explains Claudia, one of the store’s owners. I immediately know I’m in good company. Claudia DeCesare and Ken Craft of Recaptured Originals stay true to an earth-friendly philosophy. The duo works exclusively with found and sustainable materials. They take old, unwanted and once-loved items and turn them into pieces that have newfound purpose. Ken specializes in woodworking and stained glass while collaborating with Claudia and her eye for design. A charming teal dresser with accented drawers is one of their recent joint efforts. “It’s one of a kind,” Ken says, “you won’t find another one like that. You can go into a Cardi’s and you’ll find 50 of them in a back room and they all look the same... That’s the only one like that, and it’s the only one that will be like that.” The pair enjoys working with found art that they feel is well-made to begin with. And since the materials they work with usually cost them nothing, they manage to keep prices modest for pieces that boast such attention to detail and craftsmanship. When asked what their specialty items are, Claudia gives me a laundry

list, “Furniture, home furnishings, recycled clothing, jewelry, cloth…” the list goes on. “I don’t think there’s anything I don’t like,” says Ken of the custom works they have for sale. He motions to one hanging on the wall: “I’m not fond of that style, but other people like it. So I don’t judge it.” Claudia chimes in, “I’m more up to say ‘I don’t like it so I don’t want it in the store,’” she laughs. “It’s a good balance. Sometimes I need a reminder that not everyone has the same eye.” When asked about their favorite item in the store, DeCesare points to a corner cabinet piece. “It really illustrates exactly what we’re talking about: that literally was found on the side of the road. It’s so solid it takes two or three people to move it. It’s a period piece, definitely made in the ‘50s or ‘60s, and it still has the look of that time period. And with very minimum woodwork, “just some sanding, stenciling and interesting colors that make it a standout” it didn’t take much to make it a unique piece.” She continues, “We really want to preserve the integrity of the pieces that we work on so that they are beautiful in the way they were intended when they were originally made.” And suddenly, I have insight into how appropriate the signage outside is to the essence of Recaptured Originals.

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July 2013 | Providence Monthly

The Last Detail

The Providence Monthly Yearbook Committee While we’re celebrating our Superlatives this month, we’re also celebrating something else: 200 issues of Providence Monthly. And it really couldn’t come at a better time. When you think about it, we do sort of function as Providence’s yearbook committee. We’re always there to capture the city’s best and brightest (alternately: worst and most embarrassing) moments… usually with a drink in our hand, but still. After over 16 years, 200 issues, roughly 100,000 stories and over 50 awards, we could say something here about the state of print journalism, and 68

Providence Monthly | July 2013

how we believe that magazines will always have a readership and a place in pop culture. But what we’d rather talk about is the city that makes this magazine possible. Without the abundance of arts, culture, dining, events and ideas in Providence – and the people who make those things happen, and who constantly invest in making this city a better place to work and live – we wouldn’t have made it this far. So thanks, Providence, for giving us 200 issues worth of good stories. We think you’re pretty great. -Julie Tremaine

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667 & 673 Kingstown Rd Wakefield RI 401.783.4555 401.783.7388

World class medical imaging...focusing on you. Rhode Island Medical Imaging combines nationally and internationally recognized doctors with the newest imaging technology, including the only two state-of-the-art 3T MRI systems in a community setting. You and your doctor can be confident in our team of highly trained radiologists, whose diagnoses impact the direction of your care. You have a choice in your imaging provider. Ask your doctor to send you to the premier radiology group in Rhode Island.

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401.432.2400

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