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Contents
Photography: (L) James Jones, (R) Stacey Doyle
JULY 2014
Check out our Superlatives Hall of Fame. Cake by Sin Desserts
21
This Month 21 Our Hall of Fame Superlatives Issue
44
The Wascally Wabbit at GPub
43 Feast A kickstarter-funded taqueria opens on Ives Street 44 Review 47 On the Menu 48 In the Kitchen 50 In the Drink 51 Behind the Bar 52 Rhody Bites Dining Guide
Meet awesome people doing awesome things in PVD
Every Month
55 Get Out Go outside and listen to some free music 56 Calendar 59 Art 60 Music 63 Theater
6 Editor’s Note
64 Savor Providence
9 ProvidenceOnline.com
Stuff your face full of food truck food
Providence Pulse Big changes at RISD Museum 13 City 15 Malcontent 17 Scene in PVD
31 City Style At home at the Regency Plaza 32 The Look 37 Get Fit 39 Shop Talk 40 Beauty
On the Cover:
Kristen Minsky of Chifferobe, Barnaby Evans of WaterFire and Sass E. McNasty of Providence Roller Derby celebrate their big anniversaries. Photography by James Jones.
July 2014 | Providence Monthly
5
Editor’s Note
PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell
Publishing Director Jeanette St. Pierre @JeanetteSTP
Executive Editor Julie Tremaine @JulieTremaine
Digital Manager Elyena de Goguel @edegogs
Associate Editor Grace Lentini @Gracie_NomNom
The Best, Coolest, Most Awesome Issue Ever There are a lot of superlatives we could use to describe the people and organizations in our fourth annual Superlatives Issue. Our criteria for choosing them is essentially “find awesome people who are doing awesome things in the city.” The hard part isn’t finding enough of them, it’s narrowing it down – because, let’s face it, there are always a lot of great things happening around here. This year, though, we’re doing superlatives a little differently. Instead of picking brand new things you may or may not have heard of, we’re giving some love to Providence institutions that just so happen to be celebrating big milestones this year. Call it coincidence, but there are a lot of them happening in 2014. So instead of highlighting things we
think are going to be big, we’re celebrating people and places that are already doing great things for our city, and have been doing them for a long time. The fact that we get to call them Drama Queen and Class Clown? Just a bonus. Read on to find out all about them and the awesome things they’re doing in Providence.
Art Director Meghan H. Follett Assistant Art Director Veatsna Sok
Writer
A longtime contributor to PM – since 2004, to be exact – Jen Senecal is a writer, blogger, graphic 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 second Tough Mudder.) She also writes our Get Fit column. “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.”
6
Providence Monthly | July 2014
Graphic Designer Caitlin Musso
Account Managers Louann DiMuccio-Darwich: Louann@ProvidenceOnline.com Ann Gallagher: Ann@ProvidenceOnline.com Nicole Greenspun: Nicole@ProvidenceOnline.com Kristine Mangan: Kristine@ProvidenceOnline.com Courtney Melo: Courtney@ProvidenceOnline.com Dan Schwartz: DanS@ProvidenceOnline.com Elizabeth Riel: Liz@ProvidenceOnline.com Kimberly Tingle: Kim@ProvidenceOnline.com Contributing Photographers Amy Amerantes Mike Braca Stacey Doyle Corey Grayhorse James Jones Force 4 Photography
Tim Siekiera Brad Smith Melissa Stimpson Contributing Illustrators Ashley MacLure
Contributing Writers Keith Andrade @AndradeK
Stephanie Obodda @StephanieDoes
Anita Baffoni
Cristy Raposo @foxywhite3
Erin Balsa
Contributor Jen Senecal
Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas
Tony Pacitti @TonyPacitti
Sarah Bertness @SarahBertness
Dale J Rappaneau, Jr
Michael Clark
Jen Senecal @JenSenecal
David Dadekian @dadekian Emily Dietsch
Jenn Salcido
John Taraborelli @JohnnyTabs
Molly Lederer Interns Alexander Castro Audrey Faulk Claire Flanagan
Ashlyn Mooney Kristine Parker Nina Perotta Members Of:
Audited by:
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER. PAPER CONTAINS 20-25% POST-CONSUMER CONTENT Providence Monthly 1070 Main Street, Suite 302 Pawtucket RI 02860 • Fax: 401-305-3392 www.providenceonline.com providencemonthly@providenceonline.com @pvdmonthly For advertising rates call: 401-305-3391 We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission. Copyright ©2014 by Providence Monthly, All rights reserved. Printed by Gannett Offset. Distributed by Special Delivery.
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Plus: Celebrate milestone anniversaries of PVD institutions, play an artistic game of putt putt and get the lowdown on the city’s decadent food-truck burgers
PA R T Y W I T H U S • Join us for the Coolest Party Ever on July 15 at the rooftop of The ProvidenceG
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9
hope street Explore our diverse group of independent shops, restaurants and more!
BLAZE
CHEZ PASCAL
EAST SIDE PRESCRIPTION
FROG & TOAD
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960 Hope St., 421-4422
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www.blazerestaurants.com
www.chez-pascal.com
www.eastsiderx.com
www.hopestreetprov.com
This longtime casual neighbor-
Also home to the Wurst Kitchen/
Your neighborhood pharmacy car-
A
hood favorite services delicious
Window, a cozy open kitchen lo-
ries a full selection of fine wine,
shop with an ever-changing se-
creative worldly fare and refresh-
cated in Chez Pascal. House made
craft beer and spirits. Prescriptions
lection that ranges from odd to
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filled for all health plans.
incredible and features tons of
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Thanks their customers for 15 years
Half price burger summer special
Experience Hope Street’s hottest
Kreatelier offers unique fabric cre-
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11:30am-4pm daily! Serving craft
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brews, plus unique fare like oysters
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fort food like fish and chips and
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rific bar area, outdoor seating &
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Sunday brunch 11am-3pm!
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NBX BIKES
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782 Hope St., 369-4332
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XCVI, local artists and more!
Professional skate sharpening too.
curries. Cross the street to shop for
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THE PIZZA GOURMET
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SEVEN STARS BAKERY
SPITZ-WEISS REALTORS
820 Hope St., 521-2200
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Your friendly neighborhood real
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A boutique real estate firm that
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Providence Pulse
Photo: Courtesy of RISD Museum
CITY / MALCONTENT / SCENE IN PVD
The RISD Museum’s Big Redesign
The Giant Buddha at the RISD Museum
When the new RISD Museum debuted in 2008, there were some familiar characters missing: namely, the giant Buddha and the mummy, which were superstars of every field trip to the museum up to that point. Last month, the museum unveiled renovations seven years in the making. Turn the page to read about the eight new galleries. (Spoiler alert: the Buddha and the mummy are back.)
July 2014 | Providence Monthly
13
Pulse |
City
From Page 13
The Fine Art of Fine Art
Inside the RISD Museum’s new galleries
Raw BaR BRews By ‘gansett Live aCts CooL PRizes ...and otHeR Roof toP ReveLRy
On June 13, the RISD Museum welcomed visitors for the first time to the newly renovated sixth floor, which features refinished galleries for Egyptian art and Asian art, as well as new spaces for costumes and textiles exhibits. The opening of the sixth floor marks the completion of a seven-year, $8.4 million renovation and restoration of the Eliza B. Radeke Building, first initiated in 2006 by a Challenge Grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Radeke Building is the central structure of the museum’s five buildings and home to some of the its most significant treasures. The new presentations explore the objects’ histories and cultural functions,
focusing on the artists’ tools, techniques and training. “Encountering novel objects in museums often elicits questions such as: ‘How was that made?’” says Director of Education Sarah Ganz Blythe. “Art in the new galleries is arranged in such a way that the role of the artist and the act of making take center stage.” Visitors can see old favorites presented afresh: the coffin of the Egyptian priest Nesmin (over 2,000 years old!) is displayed open for the first time, and the monumental Dainichi Nyori Buddha statue now presides over a meditative gallery space of Asian devotional art. Spend some time there. 224 Benefit Street. 454-6500, risdmuseum.org. –Ashlyn Mooney
Nerd Alert Appreciating B-Movies at AS220 While most of us save our horror movie intake for the month of October, the Arkham Film Society spends the whole year celebrating grindhousestyle cinema. Born from a mutual love of horror, exploitation and cult film, Joshua Gravel and Scott Lefebvre took it upon themselves to share that love with Providence and to restore a key missing component back to the city’s movie landscape. “Up until the early 2000s the Avon and Cable Car would do regular midnight movies,” says Josh, who along with Scott has fond memories of catching classics like Akira and Day of the Dead during weekly midnight screenings. “We were heavily influenced by the type of programming
we used to see there.” “The type of midnight programming that we would go to in our late teens [and] early 20s wasn’t being supplied in Providence,” adds Scott. “We decided to try to do what we could to bring that back.” There’s a wild, anything goes sensibility that comes with the midnight movie. The screening I sat in on, for example, was a 1973 Turkish action film called 3 Dev Adam (translation: 3 Giant Men), a glorious piece of underproduced copyright infringement where Spider-Man, here a murderous criminal mastermind, does battle with Captain America and the Mexican luchador Santo. A typical screening might be the underwater
Nazi zombie film, Shock Waves, or a little known Italian horror flick, either way the odds are pretty good that it won’t be anything like what’s playing at the mall. For Josh and Scott, toeing that line between accessibility and obscurity is one of the rewarding challenges that comes with planning out AFS’s programming. “We’re always trying to hit that niche where it’s obscure enough that not everyone has seen it but notorious enough that people will want to come out,” says Scott. Arkham Screening for July: My Name Is Jonah. July 7. $5, Doors at 8pm; screening at 8:30pm. Upstairs at the Empire Black Box at AS220. 95 Empire Street. arkhamfilmsociety.blogspot.com -Tony Pacitti
Coming Soon To PVD There’s a lot of talk about the lack of businesses downtown, but someone’s finally trying to do something about it. The Downtown Improvement District and the Providence Foundation have launched Bring Your Company to Life, a new ad campaign is encouraging businesses to ditch the suburbs for downtown Providence. Bring Your Company to Life is aimed at out-of-
14
Providence Monthly | July 2014
state businesses, emphasizing the lively, youthful, cosmopolitan energy of Providence as a perfect fit for office space. The city’s scrumptious food, large collegiate population and dense, walkable downtown are all singled out as plusses in the new campaign, which pits Providence’s cool urbanity against the nondescript sameness of the suburbs. This confrontational approach has
irked some folks in digital peanut gallery, but the campaign maintains that it’s not trying to appeal to everyone. There’s even a meme-loaded Tumblr featuring images of “suburban office plants” suiciding to escape the doldrums of office life. Indeed, this isn’t your grandpa’s ad campaign. bringyourcompanytolife. com –Alexander Castro
Photo: Courtesy of RISD Museum
Promoting Business in the City
Pulse |
City
Malcontent
Providence Monthly presents
The (Tall) Boys of Summer
Photo: Julie Tremaine
The Great ‘Gansett Shandy Debate There has been a fierce debate raging through the Ocean State so far this summer. No, not about the governor’s race, the 38 Studios investigation, pension reform or anything like that. It’s about the merits (or lack thereof) of Narragansett Beer’s new Del’s Shandy. Is it good or bad? A great idea or a cheesy gimmick? Does lemonade belong in beer? Where can you even find it? A Del’s Shandy in its native That last question reflects habitat at the Ocean Mist one thing about which there is no debate: the shandy is a hit. It’s been selling out throughout the the Ocean Mist, as it inevitably will be. state, and it seems like bars are running The point is that Del’s Shandy does out of it almost as soon as they can an- not need to meet the connoisseur’s nounce that they have it. It’s gotten a capital-letter standards of Great Beer fair amount of press, too, and not just to be a success. It’s intended to be from the local media. Judging purely on a great summer drink – and on that popularity, there is no doubt that Del’s level, it succeeds smashingly. With Shandy is an unqualified success. this latest release, ‘Gansett has not The larger, more controversial simply managed to capture summer question is: is it any good? Should in a can – they’ve managed to capadulterated beer like this even exist? ture summer in Rhode Island in a can. There are staunch factions of beer It epitomizes so much of what is great purists who believe that any form of about both. Rhode Island is not about fruit in beer is apostasy. On the op- high-minded sophistication (though posite end of the spectrum are the it is capable of that); it’s more ramlegions of drinkers who prefer their shackle and rough around the edges. drinks sweet and fruity, indirectly re- Just as summer isn’t about formality sponsible for the existence of things or fuss; it’s about what’s fun and falike Swedish fish vodka, “dessert miliar. Summer seafood, for instance, martinis” and Bud Light Lime-arita. is not about an impeccably prepared Del’s Shandy is clearly aimed more sushi grade tuna steak on a pristine at the latter than the former, but that white plate – it’s about hot, fresh doesn’t mean it’s bad. (For my part, I clamcakes from a grease-soaked paam writing this as an unabashed en- per bag and chowder in a Styrofoam dorsement of ‘Gansett’s latest incar- bowl. ‘Gansett Shandy would make a nation. Simply put, it’s a brilliant idea perfect pairing with the latter. and an excellent product.) Look, I get beer snobbery. I love the Of course, that doesn’t necessarily serious appreciation of beer that is mean that Del’s Shandy is truly great brewed using only the finest ingredibeer. It’s not. Like most American- ents and the most exacting standards. style lagers, it is light, even a bit wa- But that’s not what summer is about. tery, without much depth or body. Summer is about reaching into your This is not going to be the beer con- cooler and cracking a cold one on the noisseur’s drink of choice this sum- beach while you watch the sun set mer. BeerAdvocate.com gives it a and decide whether to go for clamrating of 78 out of 100, which is de- cakes and chowder at Aunt Carrie’s or fined as only “okay.” Iggy’s. In that time and place, do you Then there is the concept itself: want to be carefully pouring some brilliant in its obviousness. In fact, the top-fermented Trappist ale from Belmost amazing thing about the Del’s gium into a tulip-shaped glass so you Shandy is the fact that the folks at can fully appreciate its aroma and Narragansett – didn’t think of it soon- head? I don’t. I’d much rather be sliper. I can already envision the label tat- ping a ‘Gansett Shandy tallboy into a tooed on some patron of the E&O or koozie. Bottoms up. –John Taraborelli
JULY 15 5.30-8.30pm
ROOFTOp AT THE pROVIDENCE G 100 DORRANCE sTREET Tickets $15 Now at ProvidenceOnline.com
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July 2014 | Providence Monthly
15
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Pulse |
Scene in PVD
The movers and shakers of tomorrow celebrated The Night is Young at the ballroom at The ProvidenceG. The fundraiser, which happened in late May, was held by the United Way of Rhode Island’s Young Leaders Circle to benefit the Hasbro Summer Learning Initiative. uwri.org Photography by Tim Siekiera.
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Saturday
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Roomful of Blues
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Photography: James Jones. Cake courtesy of Sin Desserts
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SuperlativeS
2 014 Hall of Fame Edition By John Taraborelli & Julie Tremaine Cake by Sin Desserts
For our fourth annual Superlatives Issue, we decided to change things
up. Instead of talking about all the new kids on the block who are doing cool things in Providence, we decided to give some love to some of the, say, more established kids. Every person or organization in this story is celebrating a big milestone this year. After all, there wouldn’t be any new awesome things happening in our fair city if there weren’t awesome things that came before them.
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Providence Monthly | July 2014
superlatives 2014 • hall of fame edition
t s e
Farm Fresh RI
Taste
Photography: James Jones
B
Best taste
Farm Fresh Co-Executive Directors Jerry Rye and Sheri Griffin
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Farm Fresh RI has become so thoroughly ingrained in our food systems and culture, it almost seems like the organization has been here the whole time. These days farmers’ markets are a familiar, almost unremarkable, sight in almost every corner of the state. But before Farm Fresh launched ten years ago? Not so much. The organization has been one of the driving forces in making Rhode Island a model local food movement. Now they’ll celebrate that decade three times over: at their annual Local Food Fest at Castle Hill Inn in Newport on August 5, again at Watch Hill’s Ocean House on September 7 and then again in the fall at the Armory Park Farmer’s Market. What will the next ten years hold for Farm Fresh? “I would like to see Farm Fresh continuing to push the boundaries of the local food system, in ways that grow the local economy and increase healthy food access for all Rhode Islanders,” says co-executive director Sheri Griffin. “We have to ask for these changes to make them happen. They will not happen on their own, but they are so worthwhile – and taste good to boot!” farmfreshri.org
Class Clowns
Most likely to suCCeed
Has it already been 20 years since those two lovable idiots, Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunne, first strutted their furry-booted way into our hearts? The Farrelly brothers disavowed a previous studio-driven attempt to cash in on the ten year anniversary of their debut with Dumb & Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd, but with the original cast back together in November for Dumb & Dumber To, they’re proving that dumb never gets old.
It can be hard for a school to stand out when it’s just down the hill from an Ivy League university and one of the most prestigious art schools in the world – even its centennial is being marked in the shadow of Brown’s 250th. But, if there’s anything this city loves more than art, its food, and with an economy so heavily dependent on hospitality and tourism, having a world class culinary school and hospitality program churning out hundreds of graduates every year is a great recipe for continued success. jwu.edu
Dumb & Dumber
Johnson & Wales
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The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre
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The Gamm doesn’t deal in light entertainment or effervescent musicals. What they do instead is seek out the boldest, most thought-provoking, most off-kilter plays and stage them in ways that elicit a visceral reaction from the audience. They’ve been doing it for 30 years now, and it’s never been easy, but it’s always been vital, enthralling and worthy of our attention. gammtheatre.org
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Biggest do gooders Olneyville Housing Corporation
After 25 years, it can sometimes feel like this community development organization’s work is just getting started. In that time, they developed 45 first homes for low-income buyers, 118 affordable rentals and over 11,000 square feet of office and commercial space. Olneyville as a neighborhood may still have a long way to go, but Olneyville Housing will be there every step of the way. olneyville.org
25 July 2014 | Providence Monthly
23
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Providence Monthly | July 2014
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party with them july 15 at the providence g rooftop Most sparkly
Most HeroiC
After five years, this traveling vintage nightclub and variety show continues to take on new forms and spin off new iterations: from its original jazz era theme, Chifferobe has morphed into everything from southern gothic to ‘40s USO show to murder mystery to old time circus. And just when we think she can’t possibly have any tricks left up her sleeve, founder and director Kristen Minsky (pictured below) goes and launches Chifferobe Kids. chifferobeevents.com
In March, the Providence Fire Department celebrated its 160th anniversary, making it the second oldest continuously operated professional fire department in the country. That’s a lot of fires extinguished, a lot of lives saved and a lot of cats rescued from trees – and more than worthy of a good, old fashioned salute. providenceri.com/fire
Chifferobe
Providence Fire Department
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Most aCadeMiC Photography: James Jones
Brown University
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Most artistiC
Photography: James Jones
FirstWorks
Over the last ten years, FirstWorks has fulfilled its mission of “connecting art with audiences” in increasingly bold and exciting ways. From convincing the legendary Yo-Yo Ma to launch his North American tour in Providence, to its innovative Pixilerations new media festival, to hoisting aerial dance troupe Bandaloop 30 stories over Kennedy Plaza, the organization has continued to find unexpected creativity, and present it in unique, engaging settings. Not content to rest on its laurels, the organization plans on celebrating its ten-year anniversary with the FirstWorks Decade Bash from September 18-20, including an Urban Carnevale with music from Australia, Morocco, Italy and, of course, Providence. Beyond that, Executive Artistic Director Kathleen Pletcher is not exactly holding back on the next season of programming, calling it “our boldest, most exciting ever!” There will be premieres of new works by local ensembles, including an opera; a celebration of composer Philip Glass, featuring a performance by the man himself; and a Jazz + Math education project in partnership with Jazz at Lincoln Center; and much, much more. Plus, they’ve got plans to turn last year’s festival at Kennedy Plaza into a biennial. Bravo, FirstWorks. first-works.org
M oT s
250
As far as institutions in Providence go, they don’t get much older than Brown, which is in the middle of celebrating 250 years of producing the smartest kids in any given room. The school may have been founded in Newport, and didn’t start classes in Providence until 1770, but it’s as integral to the landscape of the city as College Hill itself. brown.edu
tistic r A
FirstWorks Artistic Director Kathleen Pletcher and Managing Director Peter Bramante
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Biggest kids at Heart Rhode Island Kids Count
This children’s policy and advocacy organization turns 20 this year – which means some of the children they were fighting for in the beginning are now old enough to be working for the organization, advocating for the next generation of kids. And with the continued struggles in our schools and health care systems, their work counts now more than ever. rikidscount.org
20 July 2014 | Providence Monthly
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Providence Monthly | July 2014
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superlatives 2014 • hall of fame edition Most atHletiC Providence Roller Derby
t s oA
Photo: George Ross Photograpy
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thletic
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The most amazing thing about Providence Roller Derby celebrating its tenth anniversary is not that the organization has managed to last this long, but that the competitors have managed to survive this long. Simply put, these ladies are tough. But that endurance is evidenced by more than just the bumps and bruises they sustain on the track: they’ve also grown and expanded their membership, fan base and organization to a level that is amazing for what was a fringe sport just a decade ago. PRD’s home season has almost 50 women skating – and it’s not just the young students that made up their core at the beginning, but doctors, lawyers and mothers. Meanwhile the travel team has skated in competitions around the country and even internationally. So are they planning anything special to mark this milestone? “Well, we can’t shut up about it,” jokes Sass E. McNasty of the Old Money Honeys. “We have a reunion planned for all of the alumni, which should be pretty special, different activities planned for the bouts and a commemorative t-shirt already available.” We wouldn’t dream of getting in the way of that party. providencerollerderby.com
Biggest winner
Biggest spenders
Was there really ever life before Powerball? Those numbers that glow down at us from the billboard on 95 South have been granting wishes to lucky Rhode Islanders for 40 years. Casinos come and go, but scratch tickets are here to stay. rilot.com
Remember back in the Stone Age, when we had to drive all the way to Warwick to get our Orange Julius fix? Neither do we. (Well, we do, but we’re trying to forget.) Fifteen years ago, Providence Place added the phrase “I’m just going to run over to the mall on my lunch break” to the city’s vocabulary. Its landscape has changed a lot over the last year or so, adding stores the likes of which we’ve never dreamed of getting - hello, Sur La Table - and edibles like Crumbs Bakery cupcakes and Cheeseboy gourmet grilled cheeses. If in all 15 years you haven’t figured out that the view from the third-floor Nordstrom Cafe is one of the best in the city, now’s your chance to finally check it out. providenceplace.com
RI Lottery
Providence Place Mall
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Biggest Heart
Photography: Melissa Stimpson (Julians, Right)
Hasbro Children’s Hospital
20
Leave it to the marketing geniuses at Hasbro to take your mom’s favorite warning – “it’s all fun and games until someone pokes out an eye” – and build a hospital around it. In all seriousness, Hasbro Children’s Hospital has been doing great things for Rhode Island’s sick kids and their families for 20 years. Let’s take a minute and thank them. Then you’re allowed to wonder exactly how many Mr. Potato Head pieces have been removed from kids’ nostrils there. hasbrochildrenshospital.org
too Cool for sCHool Julian’s
For 20 years, that striped awning on Broadway has meant one thing: deliciousness. Julian’s has been a West Side mainstay since before there was a “West Side.” Their brunch is the stuff of legend, but it’s the restaurant’s commitment to welcoming all kinds (gourmands, beer snobs, vegans, gourmand vegan beer snobs) that’s really worth noting. juliansprovidence.com
20 July 2014 | Providence Monthly
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superlatives 2014 • hall of fame edition Best (puppy) eyes
Providence Animal Rescue League PARL might not have 101 dalmatians running around, but it does have 101 years of rescuing the city’s stray animals under its belt. While national websites can help you find exactly the breed of adoptable dog you’re looking for, when you adopt from the Providence Animal Rescue League, you’re taking a dog (or cat, or other lovable furry creature) directly off the city streets. That’s something to bark about. parl.org
Most CHaritaBle
Best liMeligHt
You see their name everywhere - on billboards, on the sides of buses (including their own giant pink Hope Bus), on the State House during Flames of Hope, their signature event. Unless you’ve had need of their services, you probably don’t know what the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation actually does. What do they do, then? Good work. For ten years now. Gloria Gemma provides support and information to families of those diagnosed with breast cancer, spreads awareness about the disease to the public and implements public programs to bring free screenings to the uninsured. gloriagemma.org
If you polled the entire state, you probably wouldn’t find a single native Rhode Islander who hadn’t been to at least one performance of A Christmas Carol at Trinity Rep. The show – and the theatre – are as integral to our state as Del’s and jokes about political corruption. The season that closed last month (that included a show helmed by company alum and Oscar nominee Richard Jenkins and his wife Sharon) was Trinity’s 50th. We could talk all day about what the theatre has done, but we’re more interested in what they’re doing – more innovative shows, more collaborations with the Brown/Trinity Playwrights Rep (also turning 10 this year), more work to bring theatre into Providence’s public schools. That calls for some applause. trinityrep.com
Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation
Trinity Repertory Company
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Photo: (Left) Tiffany Medrano
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Kitty Litter
The first lady of Providence is celebrating 50 years of fabulousness in 2014. (“I gave myself that title when David Cicciline first became mayor,” she says. “He was single and I thought the city needed a first lady. I don’t think he was as excited about it as I was.”) While Kitty Litter’s birthday bash was in June, she’s always got a party dress on, and it’s usually for a good cause. What started as a one-night-only show at an AIDS benefit 15 years ago has turned into 500 appearances at fundraisers in New England. By day, Stephen Hartley is the development director for AIDS Care Ocean State; by night, he’s Providence’s most fabulous drag queen. Good thing she uses her powers for good. Catch Kitty Litter performing regularly at the Comedy Connection in East Providence, the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket and as the host of Gay Bingo for AIDS Care Ocean State. “At times I’m exhausted,” she says, “but then I think of why I am doing this and for who. I’m thankful that Rhode Island has accepted this old drag queen for so many years, and has supported a lot of the fundraisers I have done.” aidscareos.org
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Providence Monthly | July 2014
50
DramA
Queen
Photo: Daniel Gagnon Photography
draMa Queen
party with them july 15 at the providence g rooftop
s u o M i e D Taste t s o
Most deliCious Angelo’s Civita Farnese
Photography: James Jones
lic
When you think about “keeping it in the family” on Federal Hill, you probably don’t immediately think about red sauce – but Angelo’s Civita Farnese, one of Atwells Avenue’s foremost Italian restaurants, has been doing just that for 90 years. In 1924, Angelo Mastrodicasa started serving simple, delicious food from his native Farnese, Italy. His four daughters worked in the restaurant and took over for him when he retired in the ‘60s, and Bob Antignano (pictured), a nephew, and his family took over in 1988. Today, Angelo’s is still the goto spot for family dining on the Hill. Oh, and that quarter you dropped to make the train go around the restaurant last time you were there? It goes to children’s charities in Rhode Island. Angelo’s has donated over $15,000 to date. We’ll raise a glass of house red to that. angelosri.com
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Most popular Barnaby Evans
Most people who tried to make a living setting things on fire in public would have long since wound up in jail, but not Barnaby Evans. Twenty years after the first lighting, the man who created WaterFire continues to expand and explore his concept for a fullscale public spectacle, and though us jaded locals might occasionally whine about the traffic and blocked streets, we’re still always drawn to the elemental power of the flame. waterfire.org
Photography: (Left) James Jones, (Right Top) Mike Braca, (Right Bottom) Ray Larson
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Most MusiCal
Rhode Island Philharmonic The state’s most classic (or most classical) organization is starting its 70th season in September, and it’s a big enough deal that Yo-Yo Ma made an appearance at last month’s Grand Gala to celebrate and raise money for the orchestra’s Music School. The philharmonic isn’t just buzzworthy because it’s a collection of highly trained and talented musicians performing some of the most challenging music ever written. It’s also worth noting how the orchestra makes that music accessible to the public: through shorter Rush Hour Series concerts, affordable (or free) performances at Open Rehearsals and the Summer Pops, and through the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School, which is training future generations of orchestra members. ri-philharmonic.org
July 2014 | Providence Monthly
29
City Style
AT HOME / SHOP TALK / THE LOOK / BEAUTY / GET FIT About the Homeowners Brian O’Toole is the owner of MaidPro, which is located in the same building he lives in, the Regency Plaza. He lives with his partner Tom St. Germain, who styles hair at Suite Tart.
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Photography: Melissa Stimpson
Lights, Camera, Style 1. I have a huge passion for architecture. I love buildings and high-rises. One of the things I was looking for when I was apartment hunting was a view of the city. That’s also a source of inspiration for my artwork. I also have little sculptures of buildings scattered throughout my apartment. 2. I like putting neutral items together. I like something that looks very comfortable, that you can live in and that looks nice as well. It’s also really convenient to live and work in the same building. 3. We spend hour after hour sitting next to each other in the chairs in front of the window enjoying the view and drinking glass after glass of wine. It gets us away from the TV and we can sit and chat all night long. Some of our favorite moments with each
other have been sitting in front of the window without cell phones. 4. I do tend to have an appreciation for wine. One of mine and Tom’s favorite bottles we drank was Oyster Bay. We love sauvingnon blancs from the Marlborough region of New Zealand. 5. I do have a green thumb but Tom is the one who takes care of the plants and he’s incorporated them into the environment here. He brought the pottery crocks here. They have been in his family since the 1900s and are antiques. 6. We both enjoy movies. The table looks like an old film strip and the legs are like a tripod stand. It’s like an old fashioned camera. I loved the whole look of it. I really felt like it fit in with the scheme of the apartment.
July 2014 | Providence Monthly
31
City Style |
The Look
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Nightlife impresario, Vanity Supper Club and the Thirsty Beaver Vanity and the Beaver have two very different vibes. Do you incorporate those into your own personal style? Vanity Supper Club was inspired by the 1920s and Prohibition. This was a very fun era to grab some style from. I enjoy wearing vests and dapper hats from this time period. On the other hand, the Thirsty Beaver’s attire is inspired by the woods/outdoors and wilderness, and the décor is a log cabin, so I really had to step up my flannel game. I enjoy getting the opportunity to switch up my attire at both places. The Italians are big on the concept of sprezzatura – this idea of having a certain casual nonchalance about your wardrobe. How does that factor into your style? I think it’s a great concept and, being half Italian myself, I am familiar with it. I never really cared what other people thought about my outfits until high school. Growing up playing hockey we had 6am practices before school, so after practice we came to school in flip-flops and swooshy pants with a hoody. After a little while I realized I was being judged for this type of attire, especially at that age. It is important to dress how you want to be perceived, so I would start to bring better outfits to practice. When I graduated college I moved to LA, which is a huge factor in my style today. LA is also where I got into thrift shopping for both furniture and attire. A blue blazer is one of the most versatile items in any man’s wardrobe. How do you work this one into your daily wear? The blue blazer goes with almost anything. It’s great because it can make a t-shirt formal, or can be put on when I am leaving the Thirsty Beaver mid-shift to check in at Vanity.
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Providence Monthly | July 2014
What are some of the ways you bring color or flair into an outfit? Pocket squares are always a good accessory to add color. Colored laces with dress shoes are a new trend. Funky colored pants are also making quite the comeback. I enjoy wearing a nice pair of red pants or mustard colored pants with a fun blazer. Be different and have fun, but most importantly, be you.
Photography: Corey Grayhorse
GiRlS niGHt out
Jeans have gotten more diverse, and more acceptable as part of dressing up – i.e. pairing them with a blazer. What makes a good pair of jeans for you? I enjoy shopping local. One of my favorite stores – and the store where I bought this outfit – is Ntrendsic in the Providence Arcade. Vicky does a good job of sizing your attire custom to you, and if it doesn’t fit right she won’t sell it to you. A nice pair of jeans is not too tight but not too loose, and long enough that you can cuff them up.
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City Style |
Get Fit
By Jen Senecal
Kicking It
A sweaty start to your Saturday morning When I first contacted
Photography: Amy Amerantes
Master Park’s Champion Taekwondo Center and spoke with Master Kas about taking his XCKB Fitness Kickboxing class (Extreme Cardio Kickboxing), I was excited to try a workout that incorporated not only kicking and punching, but also flexibility training, strength training, plyometrics, meditation and even elements of hapkido, judo, yoga and tai chi. I think what intrigued me the most about this kickboxing class was that we only made contact with targets, bags and other equipment (not each other) while working in other various disciplines of training. Which is awesome because I only physically assault other human beings when I am out of popcorn kernels or am interrupted during Diners, DriveIns and Dives. It was far too early in the day for either one. Master Park’s school (or, dojang, as it’s called) is centered on the teaching of better mind/body awareness, and physical, conditional and mental health through a curriculum of sportsside and traditional taekwondo. The school’s heart and soul, in both the taekwondo and kickboxing programs, lies in local community involvement and martial arts training and fitness as a whole – a small piece of which is competitive (and that competitive side boasts a rich pedigree in tournament accolades). In other words, taekwondo students of Master Park’s school learn the Korean martial art of combat and self-defense mixed with sport and exercise, using zero brutality and a whole ‘lotta grace. I’ve known Master Kas for quite some time, so I already knew what kind of energy I’d be engulfed in for his 9am Saturday morning extreme kickboxing class. He is the type of guy who everyone immediately likes and his positivity, humor and insane amount of liveliness
can’t help but to draw you in and motivate. Starting his martial arts career in 1990, he competed regionally and nationally until the mid-2000s, and during his training for those early competitions, he began a fitness/aerobic curriculum to speed-boost his teammates. This eventually led into a full aerobics martial arts program, of which he’s taught for 20 years. The first thing I noticed when I walked into the school was how clean the mats were. It might be the mom in me (since my floors are never that clean), but I was impressed by that bright blue ground. I was greeted by Kas and the influx of class members – some of which were black belt instructors themselves. Everyone was so incredibly friendly as they welcomed me as a new class member. I made my way out to the mat and was smiling and ready to go, until I noticed what we’d be doing for the first three straight minutes: The jump rope. Or as I like to refer to as, “the thing that you never give a mom who’s had three children.” Having had to use a jump rope more than once in the last few new fitness routines I’ve ventured out on, I needed to just get over it. Kas cranked up the deep house music (reason enough to visit them again) and I began to jump. Carefully. As I watched everyone else, I was blown away. There is some pure magic in watching experienced jump ropers. Their feet and hips dance with that rope, their bodies never missing a beat. It was like watching a beautifully orchestrated rope dance, if one existed. I made it through my three minutes and vowed to work on it on my own. (Maybe.) We ran through different types of stretching, posing and flexibility training (ever see other grown adults do splits?) and began our kicking series. First, it was while bouncing on our feet,
Run by the Shore If there is ever a race to train your body to blast out ten miles for, it’s the Blessing of the Fleet Road Race on July 25. Ranked as one of the top three races of its distance in New England, this ten-mile scenic and historic route of Narragansett hosts 4,000 runners and culminates in a seafood festival street party. Did we mention it’s by the ocean in the summer? narragansettlionsclub.com
Kick the crap out of an imaginary foe in East Providence
kicking out to different levels (low, knee, high), which worked up a serious sweat. Then, it moved on to punching and kicking with the kicking targets. Master Kas took time to instruct proper technique as I pushed myself to focus on making repeated and significant contact with that target, while keeping my form intact during the combos. After the series, he incorporated planks and more funky body positions (which I’m sure have a proper discipline name) that worked muscle mobility and tested strength. The class continued on like this: faster movements to slower ones, bouncing to holding, syncing technique to techno and working every ounce of your body. One of my favorite details of class was a meditation piece, where we visualized
as we moved our arms and hands, with our feet planted, our eyes closed and our ears filled with trance. At the end of class, I was a sweaty mess. I felt energized, clear-headed and ready to tackle the rest of my day. Whether it’s a straight sweat session or a more disciplined martial arts focus that you’re looking for, Master Park’s Champion Taekwondo has it all.
Master Park’s Champion Taekwondo 10 Pier Road, Apt #1 East Providence 714-0422 championtaekwondo.org
Adult Crafts On July 20, join other locals in the Providence Rink as they run for beer. Get the hard work out of the way by completing 3.2 miles and then enjoy live music, food vendors and 20 local breweries, during the craft beer festival. Ok, non-runners can partake too, but runners can squeeze an extra beer in without guilt. craftbrewraces.com
July 2014 | Providence Monthly
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www.parksideprovidence.com 38
Providence Monthly | July 2014
City Style |
Shop Talk
Trinity
By Erin Balsa
Beads and Baubles Flaunt what your mama gave you
Brewhouse Rhode Island’s largest b
rewery
Serving award-winning beer and tasty pub-inspired entrees
for nearly
20 yearS
rotating selection of fresh brew
186 Fountain Street, Providence 401.453.2337 • www.trinitybrewhouse.com
Photography: Amy Amerantes
Bling it up at Flaunt Boutique
Your best friend is hosting a cookout and you’re dressed in a cute, new chevron maxi with your favorite beaded sandals. And although you’re already running an hour-and-a-half behind, you stall in the full-length mirror, staring at your reflection in dismay: something is definitely missing. You’re just not sure what it is. If Amanda Doumato were standing beside you in your bedroom, she’d size you up (in the nicest way possible, of course) and tell you to pile on the bling. The striking brunette is a walking advertisement for her own business – Flaunt Boutique, a successful jewelry and accessory shop that has recently opened its second retail location inside the Providence Arcade downtown. “My outfits are usually based on the jewelry or accessories I want to wear that day,” Amanda states. ”I enjoy getting dressed up and wearing big statement headbands, stacks of bracelets and always super high heels. I try to shop locally for unique clothes… I think it’s important to be well-dressed and put together no matter where you’re going.” Flaunt sells jewelry, handbags and other fashion accessories. It carries wellknown brands such as Alex and Ani, Vera Bradley and Jojo Loves You in addition to more uncommon statement lines like Virgins Saints and Angels, Esmeralda Lambert and Uno de 50. “I love finding unique charity-based lines such as The Giving Keys, which helps people transition out of homelessness,” Amanda says. Currently, Flaunt carries several local lines including Andrea Valentini
handbags and tech cases, and also Java Coffee Infused Skin Care, both Rhode Island-based businesses. “We are also the only store to carry PINI, a local clothing designer who has shown at StyleWeek for the past three seasons,” Amanda says proudly. So what’s hot for summer? Statement necklaces, gold jewelry, bold bangles and cuffs, colorful beaded jewelry and natural stone pieces are must-haves this season. Try pairing an airy pastel sweater with some Ikat printed shorts; top it off with an eye-catching polished stone statement necklace. Try layering gold and fabric-wrapped bangle bracelets on your arm to dress up a simple white tank and jeans or a solid-colored cotton jumper. “Our wide variety of lines allow us to have a very diverse customer: the high school girl keeping up with the current trends; the independent woman looking to set her own style; the chic mom staying current with her classic look; and the forever young grandmother that knows how to keep up with them all!” Amanda says. Put simply, there’s something for everyone. Pencil in a visit to Flaunt this month. Your summer wardrobe will thank you.
Flaunt Boutique The Arcade 65 Weybosset Street Providence 949-4849 flauntri.com
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July 2014 | Providence Monthly
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City Style |
Local Expertise. World Class Results.
Island Realty
watch the passing boats
near the beach
Beauty
by Julie Tremaine
The Good Dirt
JAMESTOWN. Waterfront cottage with three bedrooms & oversized deck. Enjoy sunsets & views of Plum Beach Lighthouse. $929,900
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334 South Water Street, Providence • 401-331-1500 www.mileandaquarterri.com 40
Providence Monthly | July 2014
dig in and get your hands dirty… even when it comes to spa treatments. Still, when Dawn Buchanan at Spa Tir Na Nog told me I wasn’t going to believe how amazing her Moor Mud Wrap was, I was dubious. I’m not what you might call “someone who likes filth.” In fact, an elementary school teacher once dashed my childhood dreams of being Indiana Jones when she said to me “Julie, you can’t be an archaeologist. You’d have to get dirt on you.” Still, I was willing to give this wrap thing a shot. Dawn may have wanted to swathe me in wet dirt, but she was promising fancy wet dirt: Austrian moor mud, taken from river beds through which animal and plant matter have been flowing for thousands of years, resulting in highly mineralized mud that’s good for your skin and your health. It’s so rare that only one other place in the state, in Newport, offers it. That? That I’m willing to get messy for. I met Dawn in the 18th century colonial on South Main Street that houses Spa Tir Na Nog (the name comes from Irish folklore – Tir Na Nog is the mythical island of perpetual youth). The building isn’t your typical bamboo-and-fountainfilled spa – fireplaces abound, and the rooms are bright and sunny, offering gorgeous, uninterrupted views of the Providence River. It was time to get down to business. I got undressed and laid down on a spa bed covered in a giant piece of mylar, covered just by a towel. As Dawn applied the warmed mud to my body – warmed only by a water bath, not the microwave, which kills all of the active ingredients in the mud – she explained its health benefits. The purifying mud detoxifies the
system, tones and firms the skin, and rebalances the hormones. It’s also such an effective anti-inflammatory that she has used it extensively on cancer patients to relieve chemo-induced swelling and water retention. She discovered the mud, Dawn explained to me, when she trained in France and Austria after graduating from beauty school here in Rhode Island. Which brings me to my next point: you can’t be shy when you’re getting a mud wrap. The first time I had a body wrap, it was done by a demure American girl, and she only touched my arms, legs and back. This time, I was having a body wrap done by someone who comes from the European (read: less modest) school of beauty. I had that mud everywhere. I mean, everywhere. Because Dawn is such a pro, and was so good at making me feel comfortable, I didn’t mind the nudity, but I’m not going to say it wasn’t a surprise. She wrapped me up and left me under a heat lamp for half an hour. I don’t know if I slept or if I just went into a meditative trance, but I felt great when I woke up. After showering all the black mud off, I got back on the table for a liberal application of Phytomer’s Gommage Corporel, a seaweed-based moisturizer. After, my skin felt amazing, but more than that, I felt like I had more energy when I left the spa, like my body was more balanced. Totally worth getting a little bit messy.
Spa Tir Na Nog 403 South Main Street 454-7546 spatirnanog.com
Illustration: Ashley MacLure
A mud wrap to clean out the body
r e s ta u ra n t
Enjoy the flavors of the season with 1149 Delicious Food • Exceptional Service Beautiful Atmosphere
Specializing in social and corporate functions For groups of 15 to 100+ guests
Contact the Sales Team at 401.884.1149
1149 Division Street, Warwick www.elevenfortyninerestaurant.com Take I-95 S to Exit 9 (RI-4 S), then take Exit 8 (RI-401) Restaurant is immediately off Exit July 2014 | Providence Monthly
41
One Week
Summer Camp Pam Maloof has coached URI Equestrian Team for over 10 years
Facebook Like Button
CMYK / .eps
Offering: Boarding, Training and Lessons
Go to ProvidenceOnline.com for our online camp directory
Learn to Row in Providence
Faith Hill Farm
524-1788 • 2056 Division Road East Greenwich
young artist summer camps for kids and teens ages 7–17
Rowing & Sculling claSSeS Sign up for an introductory rowing lesson at 9:00, 9:45, 10:30 and 11:15am for these
Located on the East Side of Providence
Open HOuse dates: JuLY 26 • sep 6
For Adults & Kids
For more information including class schedule and rates, call or visit our website:
No rowing experience necessary
www.RowNBC.org • 401.272.1838
(13-19 Years Old)
ARTISTS’ EXCHANGE
continuing education
401-454-6200
ce.risd.edu
ART
THEATER
What Are Your Kids Doing This Summer?
JUNE 23
SUMMER CAMP 2014
ROCK ‘N’ ROLL
E R M S U MM P S C A
CERAMICS through
AUGUST 22 ages 5 – 15 one and two week camps Monday - Friday, 9am-3pm Extended care available 8-9am & 3-5pm
www.artists-exchange.org 50 ROLFE SQ CRANSTON 401.490.9475
Learn To Sail! In Providence Youth Summer Sailing Camp Adult Evening Lessons Too! NEW - Kayaks!
Learn more: 401.454.SAIL (7245) • www.communityboating.com
42
Providence Monthly | July 2014
We offer traditional day camps, dozens of specialty camps and a resident camp. All are filled with adventure, excitement and new friends. Activities for all ages range from art and music to sports and water fun. To register or for more information, visit gpymca.org. Barrington Cranston Warwick Providence South County North Kingstown Seekonk, MA
YMCA of Greater Providence is a 501c3 organization. Financial assistance available.
Feast
Photography: Mike Braca
IN THE KITCHEN / oN THE mENu / bEHINd THE baR / REvIEw / IN THE dRINK
Kicking it Gourmet-Style Chef Jake Rojas opens up his Kickstarterfunded taquiera on the East Side
It’s finally here. Tallulah on Thames chef Jake Rojas’ vision for his taqueria has come to life after a successsful Kickstarter campaign funded by the people for the people. Read all about his new brick-and-mortar location on Ives street (page 43) and check out his recipe for pork carnitas.
July 2014 | Providence Monthly
43
Feast |
Review
By Stephanie Obodda
Below Ground But Above the Bar This underground hideout won’t stay a secret for long
tween Dorrance and Orange Streets. The old National Grid building, the skinny historic Teste Block and the Narragansett Hotel Garage were renovated into a luxury residential complex with over 50 apartments, amenities like a fitness center, and – to my interest – spaces for three restaurants, including an enormous rooftop dining space. The first restaurant tenant, G Pub, occupies the basement of the complex. Giant vintage Providence photos make the descent into G Pub welcoming. Once at the bottom of the stairs, we were surprised by the size of the space. A glossy cement floor and subway tiles make this feel like a reclaimed stop on the subway system Providence never had. Many lower-level restaurants have a claustrophobic feel, but G Pub seems designed to avoid it. Frosted windows behind the bar are backlit from the garage, and the opposing wall is nicely outfitted with a
bacon-wrapped meal Loaf
light source, which shines between the cracks of the wood. All three of us were fairly hungry, so we ordered three starters. The You Must Be Nuts ($5) was seasoned and roasted pistachios in their shells. Served warm, the nuts were soft and flavorful. The Chips and Dip ($3) featured house-made potato chips with a cheddar stout dip. The chips were perfect but the dip tasted zesty and light, like a cheesy ranch, instead of the darkly rich orange dip we expected. The four Corn Dogs ($9) came stickend up in a lacquered box, dipped in a green chili marmalade and garnished with thin strings of carrots. A tasty batter and homemade sausages, which were chorizo rather than the usual hot dogs, made this an especially delicious version of the freezer-box standard. The restaurant has plentiful seating. Along one long side is a sizeable bar and bar tables. The bar is divided by a handrail from the dining area, which has many booths and some large tables
The Corn dogs feature chorizo instead of hot dogs
with low stool seating. Several televisions are mounted along each wall,
making G Pub a good place to watch a game if you’re looking for a location nicer than the average sports bar. On a previous visit we’d tried burgers and sandwiches, but this time we all decided on larger entrées. The menu’s variety makes G Pub a good place for all budgets, with burgers and hot dogs under $10 and larger entrées between $10 and $20. I had the Braised Pork Shank ($18), a large bone-in shank tenderly cooked with barbeque sauce, served with Vermont sharp cheddar risotto and sautéed spinach, and garnished with pickled green cherry tomatoes. The meat was cooked well and fell off the bone. I was skeptical of cheddar risotto, but it totally worked. With our entrées, we enjoyed some selections from their draught list, including Stoudts Fourplay IPA ($6) and the Two Roads Ol’Factory Pilsner ($5). The beer list has around 20 draughts, about as many bottles, and a handful of cans. The Farm House Fried Chicken ($17),
ONE MORE BITE: The far end of the restaurant has pool tables and shuffleboard, as well as three rooms for private karaoke. What better way to finish dinner than by rocking the house? 44
Providence Monthly | July 2014
Photography: Stacey Doyle
The ProvidenceG project recently transformed the block be-
Live in Wayland Square! Studios, 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, and Private Penthouse All Utilities & Parking Included
Cafes & Boutiques right outside your door
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Brunch Saturday & Sunday white Trash Trifle: butterscotch pudding layered with
Photography: Stacey Doyle
brownies and blondies, house made toffee and fresh whipped cream
served with mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach, sounded mouth-watering but was not as flavorful as we hoped; we found both the breading and the white Tabasco pepper gravy underseasoned. The Meat Loaf ($18) was a favorite at our table. In this fancier take on a homey dish, G Pub substitutes ground dryaged ribeye for ordinary ground beef, stuffs the loaf with smoked gouda and wraps it in house-cured bacon. The flavor was rich and the gouda oozed out of the centers of the five generous slices. This dish came with roasted fingerling potatoes and sautéed spinach, and the plate was brightened with a smear of spicy ketchup. All three of our dishes were generously sized. We took some to go so we’d have room for dessert, and I’m glad we did. The White Trash Trifle ($8) requires a
sweet tooth. A large mason jar was filled to the brim with layers of butterscotch pudding, brownies, blondies, toffee and whipped cream laced with whiskey. The Wascally Wabbit ($8) was subtler – a round of carrot cake bread pudding was topped with three scoops of excellent cream cheese ice cream and fried strings of carrots. With our dessert, we enjoyed Rhode Island’s most popular harbinger of summer 2014 – a Narragansett Del’s Shandy ($5). Now that summer has finally arrived, hiding underground at G Pub will be a good way to escape the heat with plenty of provisions.
Margaritas & Sangria Over 70 Premium Tequilas!
351 Atwells Avenue, Providence • 454-8951 • donjosetequilas.com
Seek Better Headache Care, Naturally Dr. Mark Alano has been named by Rhode Island Monthly Magazine as one of the "Top Chiropractors" in Rhode Island! Specializing in the gentle & specific Upper Cervical Care called NUCCA. Please visit coastalchiropracticgroup.com to learn more!
G Pub 61 Orange St. 632-GPUB (4782) providencegpub.com
Dr. Mark Alano Coastal Chiropractic Group 576 Metacom Ave., Suite 8 Bristol, RI | 401.253.1130
July 2014 | Providence Monthly
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Providence Monthly | July 2014
Feast |
on the menu
By Alastair Cairns
A Fresh Twist on Pub Food Farm to fork comes to Hanley’s ale House
Photography: Stacey Doyle
If we’re playing Taboo
and I say sports bar, nightclub and cigar lounge, responsibility might not be your first guess. Hanley’s Ale House located downtown wears all those hats. But since April, the chef’s hat at Hanley’s sits atop someone pretty big on responsibility, Executive Chef Michael Oozoonian. Determined to defy the connotations of a sports bar in terms of food, Michael’s sense of responsibility goes beyond just his job description. Instead, he feels a responsibility to the community through food. Michael’s overhaul of the Hanley’s menu and introduction of more local sourcing aren’t so much a rebrand as a prerequisite of him taking the job. “Farm to fork is a responsibility, not a hook or gimmick,” he says. This responsibility is not just about food quality, but the whole health of the local food community and economy. Michael uses local producers like Schartner Farms, Great Hill Farms, Rhody Fresh and the Rhode Island Mushroom Company not just because they are the best available, but because the whole of the food scene is healthier when your local farmer is in a job. The same goes for seafood, like Rhode Island mussels and calamari. Like his ingredients, the team he has put in place is local, composed of Johnson & Wales graduates. Do not worry that Hanley’s has gone and got all precious on you. While Michael is emphatic that this is “not the old McFadden’s,” which used to occupy the site, and that he “must do something he can stand by,” he is happy to stand by a sports bar. Just because you are there to watch a game, just because the food isn’t fine dining, “doesn’t mean it should just be slung at you.” The menu is the mix of comfort and pub foods you’d expect, but made with the care perhaps you are conditioned not to. A signature example is the Duo of Pork Belly braised with local honey mustard and mac and cheese. Everything is made from scratch, from their own ricotta, to salami to sausage, even the condiments. Michael knows the Providence food scene and his admiration for his former employer, Gracie’s, is obvious, but the lion’s share of his experience was in Boston, at Z-Bar and Boston Chops. He sees opportunity in Providence not only because it’s a chance “to stand out and put
Gain Experience Make Connections Have Fun! Now Accepting Resumes for Editorial, Marketing, Design, Multimedia and Photography Internships Send your resume and sample work to: resumes@providenceonline.com
Providence Monthly | East Side Monthly SO Rhode Island | The Bay
Chef michael oozoonian completely revamped Hanley’s menu
his footprint in the city,” but because he believes that the food scene is primed for more growth. Michael sees opportunities in the huge space Hanley’s boasts, whether it’s a farmers’ market by day, twerking by night or for hosting an industry night where local producers and chefs can blow off steam and continue to move Providence food forward. A more extensive craft beer selection highlighting local breweries is now in place, worthy of the Hanley building’s history as a brewery. Local beers become ingredients as well, with beerbattered fish, mussels flashed in beer rather than wine and even Kingston’s own Sons of Liberty whiskey making its way into some ice cream. That’s drinking responsibly. 52 Pine Street, Providence. 861-0001, hanleysalehouse.com. Dave’s Coffee Marches North Dave’s Coffee, whose roadside farmhouse coffee shop in Charlestown is a South County landmark, is expanding to the SoMa neighborhood. While the aesthetic of Dave’s in Charlestown is very much South County, their quality approach to sourcing, roasting and brewing make them well prepared for big city. Dave’s Coffee recently gained national distribution of their coffee syrup via Crate & Barrel and are now going from strength to strength with this new retail space. Dave’s will be featuring a pour-over coffee bar using their own blended and
single origin roasts, rather than compromising with batch brew. At the heart of their espresso bar will be a custom made Slayer espresso machine, the price-is-no-object Seattle-based challenge to the Italian giants. For the summer months, Dave’s has one of the best cold brewed iced coffees around, and he expects to be open this month. 341 South Main Street, Providence. davescoffeestore.com. Ben Lloyd Buys Farmstead Ben Lloyd makes his first foray into restaurant ownership by purchasing the prize piece of Wayland Square real estate formerly occupied by Matt and Kate Jennings’ beloved Farmstead. With the Jennings moving on to a new restaurant in Boston, Ben will be putting his stamp on the neighborhood with a contemporary American restaurant, the Salted Slate. Gone will be the cheese and charcuterie section of the space, making for a total of 60 seats. Chef Ben has been a fixture of the Providence restaurant world for over a decade; most recently he was the Executive chef at Tazza. 186 Wayland Avenue, Providence.
Not wearing it? Consider selling it.
We’ll buy the jewelry, diamonds and watches you no longer wear. Large diamonds our specialty. Always buying gold and silver. Immediate payment. Call for a FREE consultation, or stop in Tuesday – Saturday. No appointment necessary. We also offer an extensive collection of vintage and antique pieces. Visit our website to see a sample.
Buyers, Sellers and Appraisers of Estate Jewelry
Hanley’s Ale House 52 Pine Street 861-0001 hanleysalehouse.com
3228 Post Road Historic Apponaug Village, Warwick (800) 910-4869 or (401) 738-0511 placejewellers.com Lic.#92365
July 2014 | Providence Monthly
47
Feast |
indianrestaurantsri.com
Three Convenient Locations
149 Main Street East Greenwich 398-2822
From El Paso to the East Side Chef Jake Rojas launches gourmet mexican street food Jake Rojas is originally from El Paso, TX and grew up surrounded by Mexican cuisine. As a teenager, he was in and out of school until he enrolled in the Academy of Science and Technology. There, he joined the Culinary Arts program and the instructors pushed him to compete in SkillsUSA VICA, through which he earned a scholarship to the Art Institute of Dallas Culinary Program. Without that experience, cooking never would have been an option for him. Now, after working in kitchens across the country he’s the head chef of Tallulah on Thames in Newport and has just opened Tallulah’s Taqueria on Ives Street. Why open in Providence? The opportunity to open in Providence was always something my wife and I had been thinking to do. So when we found the amazing space in Fox Point, it just felt right.
261 Thayer Street Providence 273-8844
727 East Avenue Pawtucket 728-5500
15% off
your food bill whEn you MEnTion ThiS Ad* (* valid July-4-6 at all three locations)
What was your inspiration for opening a taqueria? Tacos are the food I’m most comfortable with being that I’m from Mexican descent. How is the taqueria menu different from what you serve at Tallulah’s on Thames? The taqueria’s menu is much more streamlined but has the same attention to detail with respect for the growers, farmers, fisherman and ranchers that supply us. What ingredients do you find yourself using again and again? Onions, chiles and tomatillos are my “Mexican mirepoix.” We use them in everything we do. Have you spent any time in other parts of the country that has inspired the way you cook? I think I got my best training in Mexican cuisine by watching my mother and aunts cook dinner for my family daily. I’ve lived in many cities in this country and constantly searched out the best Mexican cuisine in those areas. I would have to say right behind El Paso, [the best Mexican cuisine] has got to be in east Los Angeles.
48
Providence Monthly | July 2014
By Grace Lentini
Chef Jake Rojas creates gourmet tacos on Ives Street
Chef Rojas’ Pork Carnitas makes 30 tacos
Tell me about the different drinks you make. We offer various Aguas Frescas. The agua de melón is made with fresh cantaloupe juice and is one of our staples. How do you choose whether you use corn or flour tortillas? All of our tacos are served on double corn tortillas. That’s the only way it should be. The corn adds texture and flavor. Flour tortillas are for burritos and burritos only. Do you have any favorite items you love to use? Limes or any type of acid/vinegar are the most amazing [ingredients] to brighten the flavors of any dish. I see you have some killer tattoos. Are they food-related? Some of them are food related for sure. The words vivir para cocinar and cocinar para vivir are my way of showing my commitment to my craft: Live to cook, cook to live.
1 bone-in pork shoulder 10 whole dried pasilla chiles 5 cloves of garlic chopped 2 medium Spanish onions diced 2 Tablespoons Mexican oregano 2 Tablespoons salt 1 Tablespoon smoked paprika 1 Tablespoon ground cumin 1 gallon water oil Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a large roasting pan over high heat, add enough oil to coat the base of the pan. Season the pork with salt and begin to sear until all sides are browned. Remove pork. Add onion and chiles and cook over medium heat until caramelized. Add garlic and continue to sauté. Deglaze the pan with water and bring to a boil. Season the pork with the dry spice mix and reintroduce the pork to the roasting pan. Cover with foil and roast in oven for 4-5 hours.
Tallulah’s Taqueria 146 Ives Street Providence 849-2433
Photography: Mike Braca
Open All Day On July 4th
In the Kitchen
L’Arte Della Cucina Napoletana
TM
Passionately authentic Neapolitan dining.
Authentic Neapolitan dishes & wood-fired pizzas ■ Award-winning handcrafted pastas Fine Italian wines & liquors ■ Flights of top-ranked Wine Spectator selections House made desserts ■ Vibrant atmosphere ■ Al Fresco dining Private dining rooms for up to 50 people
© 2014 Trattoria Zooma
Fettuccini, like all of our pastas, is handmade in our Pastificio.
LUNCH & DINNER DAILY | 245 Atwells Avenue | Historic Federal Hill | Providence | 401.383.2002 | ZoomaTrattoria.com
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.
www.taco-hvac.com
At Taco we believe in RI.
July 2014 | Providence Monthly
49
Brown / TriniTy
PlaywrighTs reP
Feast |
In the drink
By Emily Dietsch
July 9th - august 2nd, 2014
see Bat fly
July 9th - 12th, august 1st written by
directed by
Kathryn walat
aubrey snowden
Berry Good
Reimagining the classic mojito at mile & a Quarter
indian summer
July 16th - 19th, July 31st written by
gregory s. moss
directed by
Kenneth Prestininzi
The droll
July 23rd - 26th, July 30th written by
directed by
meg miroshnik
mia rovegno
all Three shows augusT 2nd
PlaywrighTsreP.com leeds TheaTre • 83 waTerman sTreeT • Providence, ri Box office: (401) 863-2838 The Strawberry mojito is a refreshing twist on a familiar cocktail
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www.ChildrensWorkshop.com 50
Providence Monthly | July 2014
Let’s play a game of Boozy Word Association. I say “summer,” and you say... “mojito,” of course. When we asked Mile & a Quarter bartender Andrew Iannotti to create a summer cocktail for us, the Cuban classic was where his imagination naturally landed, too. “It’s refreshing, but at the same time... it’s got some alcohol in it,” he says, winkingly. But rather than stick with the minty, lime-y, rum-based original, Andrew decided to get mildly heretical. Let’s walk through his iconoclasm one step at a time. Step one: Iannotti adds strawberries for a version that’s less ordinary but not bonkers. Step two: He uses a mix of vanilla- and berry-based vodkas to complement that fruit profile better than rum could. And step three, he finishes with an eyebrowraising Sprite topper: “It’s my secret,” he says. “I make all my mojitos with it.” As with all forms of heresy, don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it.
Mile & a Quarter 334 South Water Street 331-1500 mileandaquarterri.com
Strawberry Mojito serves 1 Andrew recommends building this drink in whatever glass you plan to serve it in, to get portions right without the fiddly-ness of measuring tools. Feel like having a pro mix yours instead? Order them from the Mile & a Quarter’s featured cocktail program until summer runs out. • 3 lime wedges • 2 fresh strawberries, whole with greens removed • 6 fresh mint leaves • 1 ounce simple syrup • 1 ounce Stoli vanilla vodka • 1 ounce Ciroc red berry vodka • Ice • Soda water or seltzer (plain) • Sprite Equipment: pint glass, cocktail shaker, cocktail strainer Place fruits and mint in a pint glass and top with an ounce of simple syrup. Muddle that mixture until the mint is very fragrant and the fruit is a bit mashed – but don’t be violent about it. Add a decent amount of ice but leave room for the liquor, which goes in next. Transfer to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously, then strain back into the pint glass. Top with soda water and a splash of Sprite, then serve.
Photography: Froce 4 Photography
The Children’s Workshop
Feast |
behind the bar
DentPlus
By Cristy Raposo
Dental Center
• Veneers • Crowns • Dentures • Family Dentistry • Tooth Whitening
Divine Imbibing
Redemption now available in cocktail form at Chapel Grille
Come in and schedule an appointment today!
Where you’ll always find the brightest SMILES!
West Warwick native Desiree Ross takes you to heaven with iconic cocktails at the Cathedral Bar. She’s social and loves to interact with her customers, so don’t be shy. Be sure to check out the giant portrait of Priscilla Wescott and let Desiree know if you see any similarities.
Your DownCity General and Cosmetic Specialist 66 Kennedy Plaza Providence www.dentplus.net | 401-454-3000
BEAUTIFUL
How did you get your start in bartending? Fourteen years ago I was waitressing at Buffalo’s Southwest Café in a small town north of Atlanta. I asked if I could get behind the bar and the rest is history. My family moved down south when my dad’s job transferred him there. I’ve been back in RI for six years now. What road led you to Chapel Grille? I saw an ad and applied. I had no idea how big and beautiful this place was. I’m definitely lucky to be working here.
PRE-OWNED JEWELRY
Empire Loan 1271 North Main Street Providence, RI 02904 desiree Ross of Cathedral bar mixes up cocktails worth sinning over
Photography: Mike Braca
What’s your choice cocktail to enjoy on the Skyline Terrace? The Redemption; it’s my favorite. It’s similar to a mojito, but it’s a little more tangy and refreshing. It’s made with key lime juice, Bacardi Limón, simple syrup and topped with soda water. Why all the church connotations? This was actually a chapel built by the prisoners in 1880 for the priest. It serviced the Sockanosset Boys Training School. Three of the five walls are original.
What is your signature cocktail? Strawberry Basil Margarita – silver tequila, triple sec, a dash of agave syrup, muddled basil and strawberries, a splash of sour mix and a dash of lime juice. How are the cocktails here different from other fine dining establishments? Our cocktails are original and feature ingredients grown here. The basil in the Strawberry Basil Margarita is grown out front in a garden maintained by our chef. Also, the cocktails are created through team collaboration here; we each had to come up with a cocktail. What is the biggest challenge you have bartending in a fine dining establishment versus a bar? It’s better than a regular bar. For me, I feel that it raises the bar on my job; it’s a higher expectation. People come in here expecting quality cocktails when they walk in the door.
What’s your favorite wine to have on a summer night here? We have an award-winning wine list here. For a white, my favorite is the Gavi it’s a nice, crisp white that is simple and fruity. My favorite red is The Crusher – a full-bodied petite sirah that is creamy with a dry finish. What’s your most memorable bartending experience? Sometimes customers tell me that I look like the portrait of the woman over there. The portraits are of Priscilla and Stuckley Wescott. They are two of the original 12 landowners in Rhode Island. When you’re not making iconic cocktails, you’re….? Spending time with my family, friends and raising my five-year-old daughter. We enjoy going to the beach and kayaking. My passion is interior design. I’m artsy. I like creativity more than logic, that’s why I June like making cocktails.
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There’s a retractable roof? Yes, the roof retracts in sections and the walls all fold back. It’s built off the actual structure where we have patio seating and a really nice fireplace that’s built up higher so it’s visible throughout the Skyline Terrace. You can see the Providence skyline and Mount Hope Bridge in Bristol.
What would be a sin to miss? The Rapture. It’s an excellent cocktail because it’s not overly sweet, but it does have fruit in it. It’s made with Stoli Razz, pineapple juice, Peachtree, triple sec, finished with a splash of prosecco and served in a martini glass.
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What can customers expect here? An upscale, beautiful bar that focuses on making quality, traditional iconic cocktails with clever names related to church. The atmosphere is breathtaking. From the dining room to the Cathedral Bar to the four seasons Skyline Terrace, each has its own ambience and special feel. The main dining room has a fireplace. The Skyline Terrace features a retractable roof.
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July 2014 | Providence Monthly
51
RHODY BITES A Sponsored Statewide Dining Guide
view our full Restaurant Profiles on RhodyBites.com
Flatbread Company Everybody serves pizza,
but it can be harder than you think to find a place that focuses on serving great pizza. Flatbread Company does just that. The oven fresh flatbread pizzas are made with organic ingredients and free-range meats. The primitive clay stone oven bakes the pizzas to perfection with a combination of melty cheese, warm crust and thoughtfully sourced toppings. It all starts with choosing one of the regular flatbreads, or one with Flatbread
Company’s organic wood-fired cauldron tomato sauce. You can personalize your pizza down to each detail, with ingredients like whole milk mozzarella, fresh organic rosemary and homemade garlic oil. Whether you want simple and classic or creative and complex you can find it on the menu or create it yourself. The Flatbread Company can be found in several northeast locations, but each location is truly its own. The Providence one upholds that with art and decorations that fit the city.
Can’t-miss dish: Jimmy’s Free-Range Chicken: Oven roasted free-range chicken, black beans, organic cilantro, tomatoes, roasted corn, whole milk mozzarella and parmesan cheese and sour cream lime drizzle. mopsy’s Kalua Pork Pie
10 Prime Steak & Sushi Gourmet steaks and sushi. 55 Pine St, Providence, 4532333. LD $$$
Breachway Grill Classic New England fare, plus NY-style pizza. 1 Charlestown Beach Rd, Charlestown, 213-6615. LD $$
Dragon Palace Fresh sushi and Asian cuisine. 733 Kingstown Rd, Wakefield, 789-2308. LD $-$$
Guytanno’s Cafe Inspired international cuisine. 62 Franklin St, Westerly, 3846221. LD $$
2 Pauls’ City Grille Comfort food with a family feel. 315 Waterman Ave, East Providence, 228-7285. BrLD $-$$
Caprice Restaurant & Bar Upscale Italian, romantic atmosphere. 455 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2900. D $$-$$$
Eleven Forty Nine City sophistication in the suburbs. 1149 Division St, Warwick, 884-1149. LD $$$
Hanley’s Ale House Full service pub, great fun. 52 Pine St, Providence, 8610001. LD $-$$
Andreas Authentic Greek food since 1966. 268 Thayer St, Providence, 3317879. BrLD $-$$
Casa Della Luce American/Italian bistro and gourmet pizzeria. 105 Franklin St, Westerly, 637-4575. LD $$
Enn Japanese Creative sushi and Japanese food. 600 George Washington Hgwy, Lincoln, 333-0366. LD $$
Harry’s Bar & Burger Creative sliders and cocktails. 121 N Main St, Providence, 228-7437. LD $-$$
Arturo Joe’s Italian food close to the beaches. 140 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 789-3230. LD $$
CAV Eclectic cuisine and art in a historic setting. 14 Imperial Place, Providence, 751-9164. BrLD $$-$$$
East Side Creamery & Diner Neighborhood diner and ice cream shop. 170 Ives St, Providence, 865-6088. BrLD $
Aspire Seasonal Kitchen Contemporary New England fare. 311 Westminster St, Providence, 521-3333. BBrLD $$-$$
Centro Restaurant & Lounge Contemporary cuisine and cocktails. 1 W Exchange St, Providence, 228-6802. BLD $$$
Fieldstones Relaxed family setting, something for everyone. 980 E Main Rd, Portsmouth, 293-5200. LD $$
Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House Classic clam shack fare, plus famous doughboys. 889 Oakland Beach Ave, Warwick, 737-9459; 1157 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 783-5608. LD $
Besos Kitchen & Cocktails Tapas and eclectic cuisine and cocktails. 378 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-8855. BrLD $$$
Chapel Grille Gourmet food overlooking the Providence skyline. 100 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, 944-4900. BrLD $$$
Flatbread Company Artisanal pizza, local ingredients. 161 Cushing St, Providence, 273-2737. LD $-$$
Black Bass Grille Classic seafood, historic waterfront setting. 3 Water St, South Dartmouth, 508-999-6975. LD $$
DeWolf Tavern Gourmet American/ Indian fusion. 259 Thames St, Bristol, 254-2005. BLD $$-$$$
Giros Hometown Grille Pub-style food, friendly service. 501 High St, Peace Dale, 887-752-0794. BrLD $-$$
Bon Asian Bistro Sushi and hibachi, stylish bar scene. 1386 Atwood Ave, Johnston, 270-0777. LD $$
DiMare Seafood Fresh seafood restaurant and market. 2706 South County Trail, East Greenwich, 885-8100. LD $$-$$$
Gourmet Heaven Deli, salad bar and prepared foods. 173 Weybosset St, Providence, 536-9000. BLD $
Kartabar Mediterranean-style cuisine, chic setting. 284 Thayer St, Providence, 331-8111. LD $-$$ Kon Asian Bistro Sushi and hibachi, stylish bar scene. 553 Main St, East Greenwich, 886-9200. LD $$ Lim’s Restaurant Upscale Thai and fresh sushi. 18 South Angell St, Providence, 383-8830. LD $$ Lobster Pot Serving traditional New
Key: b breakfast br brunch L lunch d dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+ 52
Providence Monthly | July 2014
Photography: Katie Poor
161 Cushing St, Providence • 401-273-2737
England classics and seafood since 1929. 119 Hope St, Bristol, 253-9100 Br L D $$-$$$
Paragon & Viva Contemporary dining and nightlife. 234 Thayer St, Providence, 331-6200. BrLD $-$$
Scampi Seafood and Italian with expansive water views. 657 Park Ave, Portsmouth, 293-5844. LD $$
The Sea Goose Seafood with New England and Southern flair. 265 Post Rd, Westerly, 315-0788. LD $$-$$$
Luxe Burger Bar Build your own creative burger. 5 Memorial Blvd, Providence, 621-5893. LD $
Parkside Rotisserie & Bar American bistro specializing in rotisserie meats. 76 South Main St, Providence, 3310003. LD $-$$
Seasons Fine dining at the Ocean House. 1 Bluff Ave, Westerly, 5847000. BLD $$$
The Twisted Vine Romantic wine bar with tapas and full meals. 3 Canal St, Westerly, 596-4600. D $$
Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. locations in Providence, East Greenwich, Smithfield. sienari.com D $$-$$$
Two Ten Oyster Bar & Grill Enjoy fresh seafood and sushi by the salty water. 210 Salt Pond Rd, Wakefield, 7820100 L D $$-$$$
Mariner Grille Creative seafood, pub atmosphere. 140 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 284, 3282. LD $$ Meeting Street Cafe Huge sandwiches and cookies. 220 Meeting St, Providence, 273-0166. BLD $ Mews Tavern Family dining, with a whiskey bar. 456 Main St, Wakefield, 783-9370. LD $-$$ Mile & a Quarter Eclectic cuisine and wine bar. 334 South Water St, Providence, 331-1500. LD $-$$ Mill’s Tavern Historic setting for New American gourmet. 101 N Main St, Providence, 272-3331. D $$$ MuMu Cuisine Asian fusion cuisine specializing in sushi, Chinese fusion and Thai. 220 Atwells Ave, Providence, 369-7040 L D $$-$$$
Pavilion Steakhouse & Banquets Grand, banquet-hall style dining. 15A Frontier Rd, Hopkinton, 377-9900. BrLD $$$ Phil’s Main Street Grille Classic comfort food; great rooftop patio. 323 Main St, Wakefield. 783-4073 B Br L D$ PJ’s Pub Mediterranean cuisine in a casual, pub atmosphere. 135 Boon St, Narragansett. 783-3200. LD. $$ Public Kitchen & Bar American food with changing daily inspirations. 120 Francis St, Providence, 919-5050. BrLD $-$$ Rasa Authentic and contemporary Indian. 149 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2822. LD $$
Nami Fun, stylish sushi and hibachi. 198 Atwells Ave, Providence, 383-6559. LD $$$
Rasoi Vegetarian-friendly Indian cuisine. 727 East Ave, Pawtucket, 7285500. LD $$
Nonni’s Italian Restaurant Traditional Italian eatery and pasta shop. 1154 Stafford Rd, Tiverton, 624-3087. LD $$
Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 4376950. BrLD $$
Oak St. B&B Delicious, inventive burgers and breakfast. 87 Oak St, Westerly, 315-2520. BLD $
Rick’s Roadhouse House-smoked barbecue. 370 Richmond St, Providence, 272-7675. LD $-$$
Oceanside at the Pier New England fare overlooking the Atlantic. 1 Beach St, Narragansett, 792-3999. BrLD $$
Rue De L’Espoir American cooking with French soul. 99 Hope St, Providence, 751-8890. BBrLD $$
Sweet Cakes Coffee shop and gourmet bakery. 1227 Kingstown Rd, Peace Dale, 789-5420. BL $ T’s Restaurant Plentiful breakfast and lunch. Locations in Cranston, East Greenwich, Narragansett, 946-5900. BL $ Tara’s Tipperary Tavern Oceanside Irish-American pub fare. 907 Matunuck Beach Rd, Matunuck, 284-1901. BLD $ Tavern by the Sea Waterfront European/American bistro. 16 W Main St, Wickford, 294-5771. LD $$ The Cafe at Easy Entertaining Locally sourced, freshly made bites for breakfast and lunch. 66 Valley St, Providence, 437-6090 BL $-$$ The Dorrance Fine dining with exquisite cocktails. 60 Dorrance St, Providence, 521-6000. D $$$ The Malted Barley Gourmet pretzels and craft brews. 42 High St, Westerly, 315-2184. $ The Restaurant at Weekapaug Inn Quintessential New England fare. 25 Spray Rock Rd, Westerly, 322-0301. BLD $$$
Trinity Brewhouse Rhode Island’s original brewpub. 186 Fountain St, Providence, 453-2337 LD $-$$ UMelt Fun twists on grilled cheese. Providence and Kingston, 383-6732. LD $ Vetrano’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Italian cooking like grandma made. 130 Granite St, Westerly, 348-5050. LD $$ Vittoria’s NY Pizza Best pizza north of Manhattan. 224 Post Rd, Westerly, 322-1901. LD $-$$ Waterman Grille Riverfront New American dining. 4 Richmond Sq, Providence, 521-9229. BLD $$$ Wes’ Rib House Missouri-style BBQ, open late. 38 Dike St, Providence, 4219090. LD $$ Whiskey Republic Delicious dockside pub fare. 515 South Water St, Providence, 588-5158. LD $-$$ XO Cafe Creative cocktails and New American fare. 125 N Main St, Providence, 273-9090. BrD $$ Zooma Trattoria Fresh Italian using house-made pasta. 245 Atwells Ave, Providence, 383-2002. LD $$
Worth The Drive:
Nonni’s Italian Restaurant & Pasta Shop
Photography: Rupert Whiteley
At Nonni’s Italian Restaurant & Pasta Shop, husband and wife team Phil and Cheryl DeDucca prepare everything from scratch, just like Phil’s Nonni used to. The menu at Nonni’s features homestyle Italian classics, along with pizzas, burgers
and upscale pub fare. Their bar offers over 50 wines and 12 craft beers on draft. Nonni’s in-house pasta shop offers fresh pasta, sauces, oils, vinegars and more. At Nonni’s, they do everything the way their namesake would have: with love and care.
Can’t-miss dish: Chicken Nonni: Chicken, sausage, artichokes and roasted red peppers in white wine sauce over cavatelli. veal marsala
For full restaurant profiles, go to RhodyBites.com
1154 Stafford Rd, Tiverton • 401-624-3087 @RhodyBites
facebook.com/RhodyBites
July 2014 | Providence Monthly
53
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Providence Monthly | July 2014
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Get Out
EVENTS / ART / MUSIC / THEATRE
BankRI 4th of July Celebration at India Point Park
Top 5 in July 1. Photo: Courtesy of Michael Christofaro
July 4: Don’t blow a finger off in a fireworks accident – let someone else do it. Head down to India Point Park for the annual family-friendly BankRI Independence Day Celebration. The event features the Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops, conducted by Francisco Noya, a huge name in the New England music scene. The orchestraic festivities come to a brightly-colored end when the sky’s lit up with a fireworks display set to music. Bring a blanket, bring some snacks and come ready to celebrate our nation’s independence in the classiest of ways. Free. 7:30pm concert; 9:15pm fireworks. Gano Street. 680-5770, providenceri.com.
2.
July 25: Thank you again, WBRU, for bringing free live music to the masses. Don’t miss the Kongos with opening act Satellites Fall as part of the Friday Night Concert Series at Waterplace Park, one of the best summer events in our city. Free. 7pm. wbru.com.
3.
July 5: Enjoy views of Gaspee Point, Hog Island, Prudence Island and Conimicut Point on a three-and-a-half hour Northern Bay Lighthouse Tour. You’ll see 10 active and inactive sites and stop for a tour of Pomham Rocks Lighthouse. $40-$45. 1-4:30pm. 100 Save the Bay Drive. savebay.org/northern.
4.
July 9-31: The Brown/Trinity Playwrights Repertory Theatre presents three new plays produced in rep. Indian Summer (July 16-19 & 31), See Bat Fly (July 9-12) and The Droll (July 23-26 & 30). $12 general; $10 seniors; $5 students. 8pm Wed-Sat. Leeds Theatre. 77 Waterman Street. 863-2838, playwrightsrep.com.
5.
July 5-26: Visit Lippitt Park on Saturdays to browse handmade arts and fine crafts at the weekly Providence Artisans Market. It takes place alongside the Hope Street Farmer’s Market so be sure to bring a few reusable shopping bags. Free. 10am-2pm. 1059 Hope Street. mikebryceart.com.
July 2014 | Providence Monthly
55
Get Out |
Calendar
By Erin Balsa
This Month July 1 & 15: Take a Guided Architectural Library Tour at the historic Providence Public Library on the first and third Tuesday of every month. Free. 10:30-11:30am. 150 Empire Street. 455-8000, provlib.org.
Friday and Saturday for a free Wine Tasting. It’s the budget-friendly way to kick off your weekend. You may even discover a new favorite blend. 225 Westminster Street, Providence. 521-2000, enofinewines.com.
July 1-29: Take a look at the night sky every Tuesday night at the Ladd’s weekly Telescope Observing Night, weather permitting. Free. 9-11pm. 210 Doyle Avenue. 863-2323, brown. edu/Departments/Physics/Ladd/.
July 5-26: Saturday Nights bring Improv Jones to the 95 Empire Black Box. Enjoy a fantastically funny world that’s different every week. $5. 10pm. 95 Empire Street. 831-9327, improvjones.com.
July 2: Register your children (infants to teens) for the Summer Reading Program at Olneyville Library. Enjoy entertainment, free books, activities and refreshments. Young readers have a chance to win prizes like an iPod Shuffle. 3pm. 1 Olneyville Square. 4214084, provcomlib.org. July 2-30: Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s Summertime Farmers’ Market takes over Lippitt Park every Wednesday and Saturday. Rain or shine. Wednesdays 3pm-6pm; Saturdays 9am-1pm. 1059 Hope Street. farmfreshri.org. July 3-31: Each Thursday stop into Bin 312 for a free Wine Tasting. The shop is full of eclectic, exclusive and interesting wines. Find your new favorite… and be sure to share. 312 South Main Street, Providence. 5-8pm. 714-0040, bin312.com. July 3-31: Feel like a high roller with Thursdays on the Terrace at the Biltmore Hotel. Indulge in cocktails and complimentary hors d’oeuvres while enjoying live jazz. Free. 5-8pm. 11 Dorrance Street. 421-0700, providencebiltmore.com. July 4-26: Drop on into ENO every
July 6-27: Every Sunday at AS220 you can hop into your leotard for a drop-in Beginner or Intermediate Ballet class with Stephanie Lion-Albanese. $13. 10:30-11:30am beginner; 12-1:30pm intermediate. 95 Empire Street. 831-9327, as220.org. July 6-27: On the first Sunday of each month, from now ‘til forever, head downtown to AS220 for its Empire Revue, a night of sketch comedy and more. $8. 8-10pm. 115 Empire Street. 831-9327, as220.org. July 7-28: Got music? The Spot Underground does. Check out Dropout Night each Monday with hosts Kris Hansen and Big Jon Tierney. You never know who might drop in to play. Free. 7pm. 101 Richmond Street. 383-7133, thespotprovidence.com. July 8: With fresh rhymes and a distinctive voice, Deltron 3030 is sure to put on a great show. He comes to Fete with Kid Koala. $20 general admission; $44 reserved seating. 7:30pm doors; 8:30pm show time. 103 Dike Street. 383-1112, fetemusic.com. July 9-27: Don’t miss Guys and Dolls at the Ocean State Theatre Company. This Frank Loesser masterpiece combines gangsters, showgirls, cops and missionaries in this summer musical comedy. 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick. 921-6800, oceanstatetheatre.org. July 11-31: Legendary Chilean-born director Alejandro Jodorowsky returns
July 10: Get hot and spicy with the Carlos de Leon Latin Jazz Band as part of the Rhode Island Historical Society’s Concerts Under the Elms series on the lawn if the John Brown House Museum. Carlos de Leon is a latin jazz master who also plays the trumpet and leads the band. To top it off, he has over 30 years of experience playing music professionally. $10. 6:30pm. 52 Power Street. 331-8575, rihs.org. after a 23-year hiatus to bring us the Dance of Reality, an artsy and thoughtprovoking film that was shot in the desert near where he grew up. $7-$9.25. 204 South Main Street. 272-3970, cablecarcinema.com. July 14: Older adults will enjoy a Bastille Day Wine Tasting at Hamilton House. The event will pair French wines with a light supper and is sure to sell out so please register early. $18$20. 5-7pm. 276 Angell Street. 8311800, historichamilton.com. July 15: See the legendary Crosby, Stills and Nash at the PPAC. The trio will perform hits from their decadespanning career as well as several new songs. 7:30pm. 220 Weybosset Street. 421-2787, ppacri.org. July 17: Rhode Island’s blues titan Duke Robillard brings the noise as part of RIHS’s annual Concerts Under the Elms series on the lawn of the John Brown House Museum. $10. 6:30pm. 52 Power
Street. 331-8575, rihs.org. July 17: It’s the third Thursday of the month, which means it’s Gallery Night Providence. Hop aboard the art bus and visit 26 urban galleries. Tours begin at 5:20 and leave every 20 minutes ending at 7pm. One Regency Plaza, Providence. gallerynight.org. July 17-20: There are four opportunities to see the Pawsox take on Buffalo this month. Dress in red and white and head to McCoy Stadium for a night of fun for all ages. 7:05pm Thur & Fri; 6:05pm Sat; 1:05pm Sun. 1 Columbus Avenue, Pawtucket. 7247300, pawsox.com. July 18: Like cars and motorcycles? Check out the 9th Annual Cruise Night at the Steel yard. The fundraiser includes custom and classic vehicles plus greasy grooves, raffle prizes, studio tours and food trucks. 5-8pm. 27 Sims Avenue. 273-7101, thesteelyard.org.
ONLINE EXCLUSIVE For an up-to-date statewide calendar and to submit your own listings visit ProvidenceOnline.com 56
Providence Monthly | July 2014
Photo: Courtesy of Carlos de Leon Latin Jazz Band
July 1-29: Head to Trinity Brewhouse every Tuesday night for Stump! Trivia. Winning teams go home with prizes so be sure to bring your smartest friends. 8pm. 186 Fountain Street. 453-2337, stumptrivia.com.
Get Out |
Calendar
By Erin Balsa
THIS SUMMER AT OSTC! Join Nathan, Sky, Sarah and Adelaide in this Tony® Award-winning masterpiece!
JULY 9 - 27
Enjoy our fully air-conditioned state-of-the-art facility
July 18 & 20: Opera Providence performs La Traviata by Verdi featuring Natalie Polito, Giovanni Formisano, Rene de la Garza, Jason Connell, Felicia Gavilanes, Ian Pomerantz and Jason Shealy. Columbus Theatre, 270 Broadway. 331-6060, operaprovidence.org. July 19: 94 HJY Metal Zone presents Killswitch Engage with Unearth, After the Burial and Code Orange Kids at Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel. $25 advance; $28 day of; $30 reserved. 5pm doors; 6pm show. 79 Washington Street. 3315876, lupos.com. July 24-26: The Wilbury Group presents fringePVD, Providence’s fringe theatre festival. Go online for details. 393 Broad Street. 400-7100, thewilburygroup.org. July 25-31: The Artists’ Exchange presents the 9th Annual One Act Play Festival. See one act plays of all genres – a collection that offers something for everyone. $15 advance; $20 door.
For tickets, call 401.921.6800 or visit OceanStateTheatre.org
Theatre 82, 82 Rolfe Square, Cranston. 490-9475, artists-exchange.org. July 26: He’s the comedian who got famous from his show about nothing. Don’t you dare miss Jerry Seinfeld at Foxwoods’ Grand Theatre. $82.50$150. 8pm. 350 Trolley Line Boulevard, Mashantucket, CT. 800-200-2882, foxwoods.com.
1245 JEFFERSON BOULEVARD, WARWICK Professional theatre with a personal touch
Fine Thai and SuShi ReSTauRanT
July 27: On the last Sunday of the month stop in at Wildflour Vegan Bakery for a free tarot card reading. Simply sign your name on the list and grab a coffee while you wait. 4-6pm. 727 East Avenue, Pawtucket. 475-4718, wildflourveganbakerycafe.com. July 31: Put your hands together for !!! (pronounced Chk Chk Chk). The California-based dance punk band performs onstage at the Columbus Theatre. $13 advance; $15 day of. 8pm doors; 9pm show. 270 Broadway. 6219660, columbustheatre.com.
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30th Anniversary
Photo: Courtesy of Cirque du Soleil Varekai
Charlestown Chamber of Commerce
August 1, 2 & 3 2014
Varekai
July 1-6: The Dunkin’ Donuts Center invites some of the world’s most talented acrobats for Cirque du Soleil presents VAREKAI, a show set deep in a forest. $40-$150. 1:30pm, 4pm, 5pm and 7:30pm show times. 1 LaSalle Square. 331-6700, dunkindonutscenter.com.
Friday 12:00 to 11:00 saturday 11:00 to 11:00 sunday 11:00 to 10:00
Friday, august 1st, 12-4pm ride all the rides for
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Fireworks Midway shows
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NiNigret Park CharlestowN, ri • 401-364-3878
charlestownrichamber.com/seafoodfestival July 2014 | Providence Monthly
57
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Providence Monthly | July 2014
Get Out |
Theatre
By Jenn Salcido
Acting Out
Fiber Works > July 14 – August 2
OPENING RECEPTION
A one act festival takes the stage in Cranston
Photo: Christina Monahan
during Gallery Night Providence 150 Chestnut Street, 3rd Floor in Providence’s Historic Jewelry District
Just because the weather
has finally decided to catch up with the calendar and more and more locals are seeking fun out-of-doors doesn’t mean the theatre season in Providence is winding down. In fact, for some local arts organizations – the Artists’ Exchange for instance – the action is just starting to heat up. The group will be putting on its ninth annual One Act Play Festival this month, bringing 16 one-act plays by playwrights hailing nationwide and from Canada to local audiences over two weekends. “It’s a nice balance,” says Jessica Bradley, artistic director for the One Act Play Festival and theater manager for the Artists’ Exchange. “It will be a fast-paced and fun festival. We cover a broad range of topics.” Although there truly does seem to be something for everyone in the lineup – plotlines run the gamut from ferreting out a larcenous lunch thief in an office to a look at the lives of bugs living in a jar together – Jessica says that, after the plays were selected, it seemed there was one discernable through line after all. “We found that the festival is very relationship-centric,” she says. “And that’s exciting to us.” Whether it’s exploring the relationship between families pre- and postfinancial windfall (More Than Money, written by J.J. Steinfeld and directed by Kate Lester) or watching two men explore their relationship while sitting on a log (The Last Two, written by Kevin Broccoli and directed by Jack Read), the idea of relationships is particularly poignant for this small arts organization, which has been part of a much larger relationship with its community over its ten years in existence. Jessica, who came on board at the Artists’ Exchange last year, describes her role as helping to facilitate the collaboration between the Exchange’s resident theatre company, Epic Theatre, and area artists, as well as bringing in local theatre groups who make use of the spaces in the exchange’s Black Box Theatre 82. But the community that comes and goes through the Artists’ Exchange is more than just local theatre artists looking for a home for their work. Throughout the year, the Exchange employs several trade artisans who
July 17, 5-9 pm
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The two-person play Free Hugs, written by L. H. Grant, is part of the One Act Play Festival and runs July 25, 26 and August 1 and 2.
teach classes for the community – “theater art, felting, clay, you name it,” she says. Jessica also goes on to say that the Exchange is part of a larger umbrella organization called Gateways to Change, which she describes as “a human service agency of sorts.” When not putting on productions, the Artists’ Exchange works to provide classes for clients of the Gateways programs, offering adults with disabilities the chance to take classes in arts, theatre, ceramics, music, crafts and so on. When the Artists’ Exchange puts on a production (as it does with the one-acts, or when Epic Theatre holds their shows), the clients are integrated in that process as well. “The arts and being creative are important for everyone,” she says of why it’s important to offer artistic programming for the clients they serve. “Our clients astound us daily. They are talented, smart, warm and giving people, and we give them the capacity to be free. We provide a nurturing space for anyone to participate in the arts.” Part of that nurturing space is definitely carved out in the cast and crew of the Festival, as clients and community members alike of all ages and abilities are part of the productions. Jessica says the Exchange always holds community auditions for the annual festival, and this year those auditions produced a range of skills and
ages. Not only is the Festival aimed at audiences of all ages, the cast is, too – the youngest member of the cast is nine-years-old, whereas the eldest is 79. Some haven’t been on stage before, while some are veteran theatre professionals. Each show will utilize cast members to move set pieces and create transitions from show to show, making use of minimal set pieces and props inside the Black Box Theatre. Marshaling the casts of 16 plays – directed by seven different directors – is not without its challenges, Jessica says, although that can be said of any production. But the rewards she reaps from organizing the festival are many, particularly owing to its collaborative spirit. “It’s exciting for us, as artists, to have this kind of atmosphere,” she says. “We’re allowed to play more and have more artistic license. And the community looks forward to it, too.”
Artists’ Exchange Ninth Annual One Act Play Festival July 25 – August 16 Fridays & Saturdays at 7pm Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door Theatre 82 & Café 82 Rolfe Square, Cranston www.artists-exchange.org
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July 2014 | Providence Monthly
59
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Get Out |
Music
By Tony Pacitti
Hot Fuzz
Monument Thief debuts their shoegazing manifesto
More Toys than the Devil has Sinners
Mon 12pm-8pm, Tue-Thur 11-9 Fri-Sat 11-10, Sun 11-5
Order Online mistersistertoys.com 268 Wickenden Street Providence • 421- 6969
There’s just something about fuzz. The buzzsaw guitars. The angst. It’s introspective and sensitive one minute, an aggressive wall of distortion the next. Sometimes both at once. It makes me nostalgic for music I was too young to appreciate when it was new and the radio was louder. Fuzzier. Thankfully Monument Thief scratches that wistful itch with their debut record, Your Castle Comes Down – 13 tracks of shoegazing goodness. Monument Thief’s mad scientists, Bill Paukert and Jeremy Withers, have been slugging it out in the Providence scene together since 2000 in bands like Ellison and the synth-rock, outfit The Incline. As students of American and British indie/alt rock the decision to go whole hog on the fuzz was inevitable. “I love fuzz very deeply. I love that sound of distorted instrumentation,” says Jeremy. “I’m like a song squirrel. I stash little bits and pieces around. So I had all of these ideas that I knew I wanted to do something with but I didn’t know what the format was going to be. But I knew I wanted to go back to my old college, indie-rock-shoegaze kind of days. That was our early notion. That was going to be our bedrock.” From one musical permutation to the next, Bill and Jeremy remained each other’s creative constants and together 60
Providence Monthly | July 2014
honed a deep creative connection. Your Castle Comes Down is a testament to that partnership. “The album is kind of an investment in us. We put time into it, money into it. I built a studio to make it happen. Even down to some of the guitars I play are guitars that I built. Some of the effects that we play through are effects that we built. We really own that stuff wholeheartedly. It’s not just music for music’s sake. That’s one of the things I get out of it. I like going deep on that stuff.” Kicking off with “A Scene,” the album’s first handful of tracks are effects drenched rockers. Flavors of R.E.M. and Dinosaur Jr. pop up throughout, while the record’s stand out track, “Coming On Way Too Fast,” brings an unexpected surf rock stank to the table. By “Twisting the Constellations” the record slows down a bit, tackling some of those more introspective themes before “Another Faded Song” kicks off a three song build up to “Just To Be Wrong,” an album capper in the vein of Smashing Pumpkins. My concern with name-dropping other bands is the implied suggestion that the music sounds derivative of Band X, but, as Jeremy put, “Somehow it all fits in. It’s gotta at least, in some way, inform it. Because otherwise why are you doing it?”
When discussing what he loves about fuzz he mentions Dinosaur Jr., and how they played to the influence Black Sabbath had on them, which in turn brought the long frowned upon solos back into jangle rock. Bill talked about growing up with oldies, and the influence is particularly clear in “Coming On Way Too Fast.” As he puts it, “all those hooks and licks that became the backbone for everything [in rock] that came after that automatically gets ingested into what I do. I see this as an opportunity to take all of those things and make something out of it.” Popular music as a whole is a sort of Frankenstein’s monster comprised of seemingly disparate vital organs. Monument Thief might not draw from as large a swath of body parts, but Your Castle Comes Down is a monster nonetheless, its stitches and neck bolts expertly hidden under the slick, fuzzy skin of its creators’ encyclopedic knowledge of rock and clear vision for what they wanted their album to be. “It’s all about having a vision and feeding into the vision,” says Bill. “Or if you don’t have a vision be like, ‘This is really cool, I don’t have any idea what I’m going to do with this thing but I’m just going to let it explode in anyway it can.’” monumentthief.bandcamp.com
Photo: Courtesy of Monument Thief
Monument Thief
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July 2014 | Providence Monthly
61
2014
Rendezvous &
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Photograph by Onne van der Wal
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Opera Providence Presents
Verdi Doughboys & ChowDer house Enjoy Clam Cakes & Chowder Overlooking Narragansett Bay
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La Traviata July 18 & 20, 2014
Columbus Theatre – 270 Broadway, Providence Tickets: $35 & $60 Call: 401.331.6060 www.operaprovidence.org
Natalie Polito, Giovanni Formisano, Rene de la Garza, Jason Connell, Dan Lama, Felicia Gavilanes, Ian Pomerantz, Jason Shealy
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iggysdoughboys.com 62
Providence Monthly | July 2014
Director: Nathaniel Merchant Musical Director: Anthony Torelli Costumes: Everett Hoag Lighting/Sets: Mike Regan
Get Out |
Art
By Elizabeth Lorenz
Harvesting Creativity
Mattie Volkswagen Audi
NEWPORT SUMMER COMEDY SERIES presented by
Coastal Financial Group
Food-inspired art from Jessica McGuirl
Newport Yachting Center
JuLy 17
Photography: Brad Smith
It’s hard to imagine a cute asparagus, until you get a tea towel from illustrator, surface designer and prolific foodie Jessica McGuirl. Although her work is digitally printed, every card she makes exudes a warming, homemade aesthetic that makes you feel like your grandmother lovingly sketched each one by hand. Many of her designs do begin in a sketchbook. She uses it as a visual record as well as a way to think things out by drawing them, making lists and allowing herself to make mistakes, which she will return to later; “it’s like a visual diary,” she says. When Jessica is feeling the artists’ doldrums, she will return to her sketchbooks to rejuvenate ideas and she will sometimes make new realizations about her work. Jessica has been making art with many different mediums since she was young, but she realized that she was going to make a career out of it when she was applying to colleges, “No one told me no, so I never thought about not doing it,” she said. She graduated RISD with a BFA in illustration in 2007, but her artistic development was only just beginning. Jessica’s art underwent a metamorphosis during her second sixmonth visit to Japan. After having an incredible experience during a winter-session course coordinated through RISD, she returned to Kyoto Seika University in 2009 to take an open-ended course that allowed her to propose her own project. After becoming fascinated with Japanese mythology and monsters, Jessica worked on a series that explored storytelling in both Eastern and Western cultures.
JuLy 26
AuGuST 8
Humphrey’s Night
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MIKE BIRGIBLIA
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AuGuST 17
AuGuST 22
AuGuST 30
JIM JEFFERIES
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Peoples Credit Union & Clements’ & Lee’s Markets
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NewportComedy.com 800.745.3000 Newport Yachting Center Box Office Providence artist Jessica McGuirl draws
Produced by Bill Blumenreich Presents & RocJo Productions
inspiration from all types of food
After she returned, Jessica shared a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) package with a friend and she began to draw the vegetables that she received each week. “I started documenting [them] and I realized that I really like drawing food. It is more playful than other things,” she says. Colorful fruits and vegetables are now frequently integrated into her patterns; her use of watercolor adds soft texture and the bold definitive lines add a cheerful quality. She also designs custom family recipes through her Etsy shop, emu attacks. After receiving a recipe, she will do research on the country the dish is from and how it is traditionally used in order to develop the colors and
aesthetic of the piece. Jessica loves making custom recipes because “it is a way of passing on tradition and celebrating with people; there is something really joyful about that.” Jessica keeps her hands busy by designing textile patterns, which she prints through Spoonflower, juggling freelance projects and trying out new recipes. She recently won a design competition on ModCloth, an indieinspired online clothing store. She designed a dress that was inspired by Twin Peaks; it was moss green, nestled beneath a forest of navy evergreens, starry-eyed owls, coffee cups and adorable logs. The dress is expected to be available on ModCloth this summer. Why First Pancake Studio? It is a running joke in her family; she is the first child, which she relates to the first pancake that hits the griddle and doesn’t come out quite like the others (as many other first children feel). But in many ways, it is just like her process as an artist. The designs in her sketchbook may not always come out perfect, but after reflecting and refining, Jessica has come up with many original patterns, characters and designs.
First Pancake Studio Her sketch book contains page after page of inspirational doodles
Taking Food Further One Season at at Time
a place to go, to eat, to see, to hang out
Rue De L’Espoir American Bistro Cooking
99 Hope St., Providence, RI 02906 info/reservations 751-8890 therue.com open daily breakfast, lunch, dinner
www.firstpancakestudio.com jessica@firstpancakestudio.com July 2014 | Providence Monthly
63
Savor Providence
By Grace Lentini
A Moveable Feast
A Bite of Awesome
Get Stacked
To infinity and beyond were our thoughts when we tried Rocket Fine Street Food’s Parisienne Burger. We loved the caramelized onions resting on top of the melted Gruyère because it matched so perfectly with the Niman Ranch hormoneand antibiotic-free Angus beef patty. It had just the slightest sear on the outside, which once we bit into it, led us to the juicy center. We also loved the schmear of garlic aioli on the soft buns. Seriously, go out and get this. @rockettruck
Nothing says Portuguese food quite like putting an egg on something. The food truck Portu-Galo nailed this and more with their specialty cheeseburger. Their all beef patty was topped with St. Jorge cheese (imagine cheddar with a bit more salt), red onion, mixed greens and tomato all on a sweet bread roll with a garlic, paprika aioli. This monster of a burger was straight up delicious. It was juicy and savory with the right hints of salty and sweet. @PORTU_GALO
Fine Feasting
Flavorful Fusion
This gourmet creation from Plouf Plouf Gastronomie was out of this world. From the brioche bun and prime beef patty topped with Swiss speck, wild mushrooms, aged French goat cheese, red and yellow pepper compote, veal demiglace and grilled saucisson, to the truffle fries that are organic and hand cut then topped with parmesan cheese and pure truffle oil, the general consensus was, “Oh my god, it’s so good,” and, “They put a lot of things on here but you can taste them all individually.” If you want to indulge in pure hedonism, this is the burger for you. @ploufplouftruck
For those of us who had never had bahn mai, this sandwich from Acacia Café was a great introduction. And for those of us who have had it, this was a fantastic and fresh twist. The bread (from Crugnale) was so delicious and preservative-free. The pork itself was juicy, seeing as it had been marinated in lime juice, oil, fish sauce and lime zest. It was topped with lime mayo (also super tasty), organic salad greens, cilantro, shredded carrots, daikon and cucumber with a sweet, salty and sour special sauce. “It’s amazing the quality that comes out of these food trucks,” a satisfied staffer said. But you don’t have to take our word for it. @AcaciaFoodTruck
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Providence Monthly | July 2014
Photography: Meghan H. Follett
We’re just gonna say it: Food truck food rocks our world. The quality you get for what you pay for is ridiculous. These people put their heart and soul into their food and you can taste it. But hey, maybe we’re biased: we just like good food. That’s why we stopped by four trucks recently to sample some serious sandwiches. (Follow the trucks on Twitter to find out where they’ll be on any given day.)
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