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Luxe for Life
In the heart of the Jewelry District, an artisanal brand is a hidden gem
By Cheikh Higgs
Among the diverse businesses that make up the pulse of Providence’s Jewelry District is the showroom and studio of Bela Monde, an IYKYK fashion brand founded by creative luminaries Lisa Limer and Johnnie Chace. The duo’s endeavor seamlessly weaves together the worlds of photography, interior design, and ethical sourcing into every thread of its exquisite creations, and it all happens inside a historic brick Federal-style house on Chestnut Street.
The genesis of Bela Monde was sparked by a convergence of passions and a pivotal realization about the changing landscape of media. Limer, formerly a globe-trotting magazine photographer for publications including Conde Nast Traveler and Harper’s Bazaar , recalls the moment that ignited the idea for the venture. “The magazine world was in transition,” she begins. “The best years in that industry were ending with the advent of ubiquitous phone images replacing coffee-style magazines.” With an extensive collection of work, she decided to pivot to fabric, digitally printing her photographs onto 100 percent silk, which are then hand-sewn into scarves and loungewear.
Photo courtesy of Bela Monde
Chace, with her background in historical projects and interior design, shared a similar affinity for textiles and color. Reflecting on their partnership, she emphasizes their complementary strengths. “Lisa’s attention to detail and my intuitive sense of color are key to our successful partnership,” she says. Together, they have meticulously crafted collections that blend Limer’s non-traditional patterns with Chace’s expertise in aesthetics, and a reverence for sustainable alpaca fiber. Popular signature items like Bela Monde’s oversized “boyfriend” coats are made from soft alpaca boucle yarn with smooth silk linings depicting Limer’s travel photos.
“In January 2024, we journeyed to the highlands at 13,500 feet to visit Pacomarca,” says Limer of the sustainable alpaca network based in Peru. “These animals live harmoniously with their environment,” she marvels. Limer has a deep family connection to the South American country, having visited and at times lived there since the late ‘70s. “Since environmental and social responsibility are core principles, working with the breeders and weavers of alpaca in the highlands of Peru was a natural alliance,” she says of the collaboration used for the brand’s coats and jackets.
“One of the core principles of our business is to design timeless pieces that remain
fashionable for years,” Limer emphasizes. This commitment to longevity, sustainability, and quality resonates deeply with their clientele, who value both the aesthetic allure and ethical integrity imbued in each garment. Looking ahead, Bela Monde is poised for expansion and innovation. “Our creativity has only improved with age! We have exciting collaborations in progress and new designs set to launch this fall,” she shares enthusiastically. Upcoming collections and events promise to elevate their presence nationally while staying true to their ethos of sustainability and craftsmanship. Learn more at BelaMonde.com.
Photo courtesy of Bela Monde
Johnnie Chace (left) and Lisa Limer at their Jewelry District showroom/studio
Op-Ed: The Doctor Isn’t In – But They Could Be!
How a URI medical school could contribute to a stronger healthcare system
By Barry Fain and Steve Triedman
It’s a classic Rhode Island “good news versus bad news” scenario: the good news is that thousands of patients outlived their primary care physicians, who retired! The bad news? You can’t find a doctor. Many are bounced around practices that they’ve been loyal to for years. Hold times on the phone regularly exceed 30 minutes, and often by the time you get an appointment, you feel fine or can’t remember why you called! Urgent care center wait times go into hours and even at hospitals, hours can become days. It’s a point of constant conversation and frustration as practices have struggled to replace a whole generation of primary care providers.
Talking to ourselves – since there’s rarely a doctor nearby – we offer our thoughts on what a medical school at University of Rhode Island could do on many levels, which might also help provide the impetus to get medical reimbursements at levels comparable to Massachusetts and Connecticut, keeping our own specialists here rather than opening surgical centers just across the borders. In some cases, doctors earn almost 30 percent more by performing procedures just outside the state – and Rhode Island has a “critical shortage of primary care physicians” with few solutions in sight.
Mention this concept and there are some immediate negative thoughts: “too expensive, will not attract top-notch students unless top-notch faculty, and will not attract top doctors as faculty unless they are associated with a teaching hospital.” Similar sounding thoughts arose when Roger Williams started its law school in 1993, and, by all measures, it’s a success today.
But here’s how it becomes a win-win for Rhode Island. Graduates would follow the established protocols by the US Armed Forces whereby students get a subsidized or no-cost medical education, and when they graduate with their MD, they have an obligation to provide medical service in Rhode Island for seven to 10 years, not counting medical school, internship, or residency. Tuition is doubled for students who don’t accept the obligation, and this number would be limited to 30-40 percent. Medical school acceptance rates
are very low, so we know that there is still a large highly capable market.
Medical school classes changed during COVID and show no signs of going back to the old in-person protocols for the first two years. Everything is filmed and available 24/7, except for labs. URI already has excellent lab space and other medical infrastructure in place to support the nursing school, and naming rights, combined with “line item” support from the state should provide enough money to prime the pump.
Both Lifespan and Care New England’s academic hospitals serve as teaching hospitals for Brown medical students, and the two hospital systems both serve as primary university collaborators for research. Since they all require state support, an arrangement to include URI medical students into the equation should be workable.
Former RI Department of Health Chief Dr. Michael Fine weighed in, pointing out that, “We need to triple or quadruple the number of primary care residency slots, which we can do without spending one more penny of public funding, by regulating hospitals differently. Residency training is all funded by Medicare to hospitals and there is no federal oversight of how hospitals spend that money, so they spend it on specialty training because specialists make hospitals money. The State regulation of
in RI
hospitals could easily change that.”
Rhode Island could use its size and uniqueness to be a national research lab with each resident’s health information being part of a single electronic medical record system. “Such a process would let us track health outcomes in the population over time, which no one else in the nation can do,” Fine adds.
Contrary to politician’s dreams of a biotech wonderland, Fine notes that “our obsession with biotech is a colossal waste of money. Biotech creates products that make healthcare more expensive but rarely improve public health. It creates jobs, though, and profits for investors.”
“We already know how to prevent or effectively treat most heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, and prevent lots more cancer and infections than we do,” Fine continues. “We just lack a coherent way to get all this evidence-based prevention to the population who needs it. If we invested in doing that, we’d turn ourselves into that national research laboratory, lower the cost of health care significantly, and improve our measured public health.”
RI is not going to get rid of biotech and pharma, and probably won’t create another Harvard Medical School, but we could create generational change for our residents and create a win-win scenario with a medical school at URI.
by Elyse
Photo
Major
‘Cabinet of curiosities’: A tour of the rare books, art and oddities at the Providence Athenaeum
The cold, austere exterior of the Greek temple-like building is a contrast to the warm, sunny interior of this private library that dates back to 1836. A tour of the Athenaeum’s rare collections of art, books and a few oddities.
In partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org • By Luis Hernandez
The first time I walked into the Providence Athenaeum, I was taken aback by its grandeur. It looks like a classical Greek temple on the outside, with a high ceiling inside that reveals what appears to be endless rows of books.
“When people first walk up the granite staircase into the temple, they usually just stand in awe of everything that they see around them,” said Kate Wodehouse, director of collections and library services at the Athenaeum. “The books that line from floor to the ceiling, and the artwork. And it’s just a magnificent scene, and it contrasts with the exterior of the building, which can be sort of cold and austere. But it’s a really warm, welcoming place, and like nearly everyone says to us that comes in, it’s what a library should look like.”
All around the place, often hiding in plain sight, are fascinating pieces of art and history. I asked Wodehouse to show me some of the artwork and books in their special collections. We started upstairs with a tiny painting that’s just three-and-a-half by five-and-a-half inches.
“It’s a tiny little sliver of ivory, and hand painted with watercolor,” she said. “It’s painted by Edward Malbone, who was a well known Newport artist, and he painted it in 1801.”
It’s called “The Hours” and it depicts three women in delicate robes with curled hair. Edward Malbone died young of tuberculosis, and his sister tried to sell the painting to the Athenaeum for $1200. But the library couldn’t afford it.
“A young teenage daughter of one of the board members overheard her father speaking about this, and her name was Eliza Patton,” Wodehouse told me. “And she decided that she would take it upon herself to raise the money to acquire the painting, because she wanted it to come here to Providence and be in the Athenaeum. So her father sort of laughed at her but she was dogged and determined, and she took the painting, carried it in a little green felt bag, and went door to door around Providence collecting money. Her
mother said, ‘if you manage to collect $1000, I will contribute the last $200,’ which she did. And the painting came to us in 1854 and has been in this elaborate walnut carved case ever since.”
Next, Wodehouse took me to a small room, bathed in natural light, with shelves of books and several portraits. Two of the portraits are of Edgar Allen Poe, one of the more famous people known to have visited the library.
“He was here in 1848, courting a local poet by the name of Sarah Helen Whitman, who lived down on Benefit Street,” Wodehouse said. “So you can see her portrait up on the wall here. She is wearing a bonnet with pink ribbons streaming down, and that was a portrait taken about ten years before they met.”
While Poe was attempting to woo Sarah Helen Whitman, they would meet at the Athenaeum.
“And on one of those occasions, Sarah Helen Whitman took a book from the shelf. It was a journal called American Whig Review . And she turned to a page, a poem called ‘Ulalume,’ a ballad, and she asked Poe if he knew who had written it because it was published anonymously. And he said he indeed had been the author of it, and he
signed his name at the bottom of the page, Edgar A. Poe,” Wodehouse said. “And we know this because she recounts this story many years later to one of Poe’s biographers. And, in doing so, she says she went back to the library to look for the volume, and there it was, almost 24 years later, still on the shelf. And at that point, we took it off the circulating shelves and moved it down to a more secure area, but it’s still here today.”
But romantic encounters over poetry at the library were not enough for Poe to capture her heart.
“I should tell you that they were briefly engaged to be married, but the stipulation from Sarah Helen Whitman was that he abstain from alcohol,” Wodehouse said. “But alas, that was not to be.”
We headed down to the lower level to see the special collections room. As you walk in, there’s a gigantic cabinet decorated in the style of Egyptian hieroglyphics. It was made to hold The Description of Egypt , a 25 volume work from the early 19th century created by French scholars during Napoleon’s occupation of Egypt. It’s one of the treasures of the Athenaeum’s rare book collection. Another is a collection of poetry, biographies and criticism of
Photos by Nat Rea, courtesy of the Providence Athenaeum
The Providence Athenaeum sits at the corner of Benefit and College streets in Providence
The interior of the Athenaeum is bathed in natural light. Kate Wodehouse says “nearly everyone who comes in says It’s what a library should look like.”
the Scottish poet Robert Burns. There’s also a first edition of Herman Melville’s Moby Dick .
“Because our readers are very active, many of our first editions like Moby Dick from 1851 is in a bit of a shambles, I would say,” Wodehouse said. “But that’s part of the charm of our circulating collection, because we were buying things at the time that they were being published and they were popular, and they circulated because we are a reader’s library first and foremost.”
I asked Wodehouse if she has a favorite item in the special collections.
“My favorite item in the collection is Albertus Seba’s ‘Cabinet of [Natural] Curiosities,’ which is a four-volume set that was donated in the early 20th century,” she said “They are large folio, red Morocco leather-bound books with gilt, and they represent an apothecary’s collection of natural specimens that he collected, and it was produced between 1730 and 1760. And they’re beautifully illustrated copper plate engravings, and then all hand colored. And they’re really whimsical, artistic, and that has been my top thing that we have down here.”
Albertus Seba was an apothecary and a gentleman scholar, and in the fashion of the day he had collected many rare plants and taxidermy animals from all over the world. This was his “cabinet of curiosities.” The books
were his way of showing off his collection.
“So here, inside, this one has mostly flora and fauna,” Wodehouse told me. “It’s not a natural scene, but I think they are spectacular. And they’re so colorful, and they’re known more for the arrangement of the objects on the page than they are for sort of scientific integrity.”
There are pictures of animals from all over the world, but many of them don’t look quite right. The monkeys have very pinched faces. There’s some sort of marsupial that has a long, rat-like tail. And then there are some animals that were completely fabricated.
“This is the seven-headed hydra. So this was meant to sort of awe people about the amazing things that Seba had collected, but it is a fraud, of course,” Wodehouse said. “And an item like this was sold by someone – I can’t remember exactly where off the top of my head – but it’s parts of different animals stitched together. And it’s the kind of thing that, you know, you would marvel at, at the time.”
Reproductions of The Cabinet of Curiosities are now on display. You can find more information at Pro v idenceAthenaeum.org.
This article was originally posted on May 23, 2024. Luis Hernandez can be reached at lhernandez@ripr.org
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Neighborhood News
A space made available to Providence’s neighborhood associations free of charge.
HOT TOPICS
An overview of what’s happening around the city right now
A sewer runs through it: a closer look at Fox Point stormwater management
Fox Point’s past is defined by its two rivers, but the future of the city’s oldest neighborhood could be shaped by two manmade rivers you will never see that stretch for 5.2 miles underground. The first runs three miles from near the State House to the Fields Point treatment facility and has collected 1.6 billion gallons of sewage and stormwater since opening in 2008. The second tunnel runs along the Seekonk River for 2.2 miles to the Bucklin Point treatment plant in East Providence, and it’s due to go online in 2028.
The goal, at a cost of nearly $2 billion, is to undo the damage done by 300 years of population growth and industrialization. In June, Jamie Salmon, public affairs manager for the Narragansett Bay Commission, took Brown sociologist Scott Frickel and Fox Point Neighborhood Association (FPNA) communications director Peter Phipps down 300 feet for a tour during a dry day in the tunnel, but it was a different story on May 23, when torrential rains swept across Rhode Island. On Brook Street at Campus Fine Wines, the owners piled sandbags in front of their doors to hold back the rush of stormwater.
To protect the plant and the tunnel, operators had closed dozens of emergency gates in the Narragansett watershed. Sewage and stormwater flushed out into the bay. When the weather cleared, the operators started pumping the sewage up to the treatment plant to be cleaned. The system isn’t perfect, but Salmon and other Narragansett Bay Commission officials are proud of the results. The commission says it has cut discharges by 60 percent, the state now allows 110 more days of shellfishing a year, and Governor Dan McKee announced that Crescent Park Beach in East Providence would be opened for swimming in 2026. And what about a beach at India Point? “I think there’s good reason to be optimistic,” Salmon said.
Mile of History improvements continue on Benefit Street
The Mile of History Association’s (MoHA) Heritage Signage project is proceeding, albeit slowly. A few of the signs will be installed on public property, which required approval of government officials, a process that has delayed the installations and ribbon cutting. MoHA appreciates the contributions and efforts of the many neighbors who are supporting this project. Those who walk along Benefit Street are well-aware of the hazardous condition of the sidewalk in many areas. For the past several years, MoHA has been advocating to the City of Providence, which is responsible for maintaining the sidewalks, to address the problem, and hopes that this will be the year the city takes constructive action.
Former MoHA president Vincent Buonanno recently hosted a garden party with the neighbors at the northern end of Benefit Street, celebrating the restoration of houses in the area over the past several years and the contributions of those who attended to sustain the legacy of the historic street. Roz Rustigian also hosted a garden party at her home toward the southern end of Benefit Street, featuring remarks by Senator Whitehouse on the state of affairs in Washington, DC.
The Jewelry District Association addresses quality-of-life projects
In spite of the heat, the Jewelry District Association (JDA) is hard at work on a number of fronts on its own and in partnership with other organizations. Foremost is updating the Providence Comprehensive Plan. This massive and vital document has run through numerous iterations, often with scant time for neighbors to digest the proposed changes ahead of hearings. A draft went to the City Council on July 11, and the JDA is prepared for a new round of hearings before it becomes final, emphasizing how crucial it is to “get it right” because it sets the rules for development in the city for the next 10 years.
Discussions recently resumed on a plan called E183 Undergrounding to bury the high-tension power lines that run across the Providence River and tower over India Point Park. The JDA has been working with the Friends of India Point Park for 22 years to make this significant quality-of-life improvement to the neighborhoods.
The JDA continues to encourage RIPTA to rethink the future of transit as it relocates Providence’s bus station from Kennedy Plaza to a new site. It’s an opportunity to make the city’s transit system truly intermodal, which is why the transit hub needs to be close to downtown and the Providence Train Station. Parcel 35 in the Jewelry District meets neither of these conditions.
Also high on the list is licensing cannabis retail locations. The JDA is urging that the regulations stipulate the same public scrutiny as liquor stores. Proposed regulations give applicants free reign in D-1 zones. The JDA wants neighborhoods to have a say in granting these licenses by requiring special use permits.
Facebook: Downtown Providence Neighborhood Association IG: @DNAPVD
Email: DNAPVD@gmail.com
ELMWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Jen Vincent
JenniferDaltonVincent@gmail.com
Facebook: Elmwood Neighborhood Association PVD
FOX POINT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Meeting Date: August 5
Peter Phipps
P.O. Box 2315
Providence, RI 02906
FoxPointNeighborhood@gmail.com FPNA.net
JEWELRY DISTRICT ASSOCIATION
Sharon Steele
Sharon@sharonsteele.com
JewelryDistrict.org
Facebook: Jewelry District Association Providence, RI
MILE OF HISTORY ASSOCIATION
Charles Hewitt, Secretary C/O One Governor Street, Providence
MOUNT HOPE COMMUNITY CENTER
401-521-8830
MHNAInc@gmail.com
Facebook: Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc.
NORTH END NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Providence City Councilor Justin Roias 401-282-9978
JustinRoiasWard4@gmail.com
OLNEYVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Yuselly Mendoza, Program Director 401-228-8996
Yuselly@ona-providence.org
ONA-providence.org
PROVIDENCE COALITION OF NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS
Info@provcna.org ProvCNA.org
RESERVOIR TRIANGLE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
David Talan
25 Santiago St., Providence, RI 02907
401-941-3662
DaveTalan@aol.com
SMITH HILL PARTNERS’ INITIATIVE
Wole Akinbi
400 Smith Street
Providence, RI 02908 Suite #1
AAkinbi@half-full.com
Facebook: Smith Hill Partners’ Initiative
SOUTH PROVIDENCE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 5653
Providence, RI 02903
401-369-1334
SouthProvNeighbors@gmail.com
Facebook: South Providence Neighborhood Association
SUMMIT NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 41092
Providence, RI 02940
SNAProv@gmail.com
SummitNeighbors.org
WASHINGTON PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
BettyLinda@aol.com
Facebook: Washington Park Association
WAYLAND SQUARE NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Katherine Touafek
Facebook: Wayland Square
Neighborhood Association
WaylandSquareNeighbors@gmail.com
WEST BROADWAY NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
1560 Westminster Street
Providence, RI 02909
401-831-9344
WBNA@wbna.org • WBNA.org
Photos courtesy of GoProvidence
And if your needs change, we’re here for you every step of the way. See what the good life looks like. Schedule a visit and you’ll discover all we have to offer.
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T e Must List
August 1-4: Explore the beauty of biodiversity in OVO , Cirque du Soleil’s breathtaking show about the daily life of insects featuring the troupe’s trademark acrobatics that highlight the unique personalities and abilities of various species. AmicaMutualPavilion.com
August 1: Join the Providence Preservation Society for Welcome to Snowtown , a guided walk at the head of the Providence Cove, once home to a diverse mix of laborers, entrepreneurs, and immigrants who lived and worked in a neighborhood of boarding houses. PPSRI.org
August 2: Waterplace Park hosts Teatro en El Verano (Theater in the Summer), with RI Latino Arts and Trinity Repertory presenting ¡Alguien Más! , a modern, Spanish-English retelling of George Bernard Shaw’s You Never Can Tell RILatinoArts.org
August 4: The annual Hope Street Summer Block Party returns to the East Side with live music, theatrical performances, specialties from area restaurants, food trucks, beer, cocktails, artists, makers, and more. HopeStreetPVD.com
August 8-18: The Academy Players of RI present a summer stock performance of The Prom , the story of four eccentric Broadway stars who take up the cause of two girls planning to attend the prom as a couple. AcademyPlayersRI.org
August 10: The Ocean State Brewers Fest celebrates Rhode Island breweries and brewers exclusively, highlighting nostalgic beers and more from participating vendors, plus the chance to network with industry professionals. RIBrewersGuild.org
August 10-11: Fans of Apple TV’s Ted Lasso won’t want to miss award-winning actor and comedian Brett Goldstein , AKA Roy Kent, in town for a two-night stand at the Providence Performing Arts Center. PPACRI.org
August 11: The Dominican Festival of Rhode Island honors Dominican culture and heritage with a parade down Broad Street that concludes with a celebration at the Temple to Music in Roger Williams Park. Facebook: DominicanFestivalRI
August 24: Raise a mug at Roger Williams Park’s Brew at the Zoo , with over 170 beers, hard seltzers, and ready-to-drink cocktails from over 100 local, regional, and national brewers, plus live music, animal encounters, and more. RWPZoo.org
August 25: Bring the family to the Crescent Park waterfront for the Rhode Island Folk Festival , showcasing the best local and national performers on three stages, including headliners Tom Rush, Mark Cutler, and Michelle Malone. Riverside, RhodeIslandFolkFestival.com
Photo courtesy of Hope Street Merchants Association
COCKTAIL CULTURE
WHETHER SHAKEN, STIRRED, MUDDLED, OR EVEN CAGED, DESTINATIONS ACROSS THE STATE ARE PUTTING THEIR STAMPS ON CLASSIC DRINKS
BY GINA MASTROSTEFANO
From housing one of America’s oldest breweries to being one of the most defiant states during Prohibition, you could say Rhode Island itself is perhaps the biggest speakeasy of the Northeast, hiding in plain sight. Though often celebrated for our small-but-mighty dining scene, food isn’t the only thing this state’s crafty industry professionals have gone to great lengths to perfect. Local restaurateurs and mixologists are shaking up creative takes on beloved boozy beverages and taking risks with unexpected flavors and techniques. Whether you’re new to the cocktail scene, or ready to try something different, here’s a splash of places worth giving a shot!
The Café
EPICUREAN FOR THE
While there is no shortage of alcohol to be consumed on Broadway, BAR 12 is tailored to guests looking for a peaceful oasis to wind down after work, or get some preor post-dinner drinks with friends. The smooth, modern atmosphere makes you feel relaxed before alcohol even touches your lips. They also offer a limited food menu that pairs perfectly with their creative catalog of cocktails. Seating is first-come, first-served, and reservations are not accepted, so plan accordingly, and check out enticing Date Night Thursday deals.
ORDER THIS: The Shrub It Off is a spicy margarita lover’s dream, offering an elegant and refreshing twist on the genre with lime and yuzu soda, 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeño Tequila, and a homemade shrub made up of muddled strawberry, habanero peppers, and vinegar. The rich cocktail is served with a cilantro, cucumber, and black strawberry salt garnish. For a smokier iteration, the bartender recommends subbing the tequila for mezcal.
PAIR WITH: When in Newport, you can’t go wrong with some Shrimp Cocktail. The refreshing raw bar staple is served with a homemade cucumber and tomato horseradish salsa that complements the spicy and saltiness of the Shrub It Off. Alternatively, go for the Deviled Eggs that are thoughtfully garnished with pickle salsa and microgreens sourced from Interstellar Microgreens in West Warwick. 12 Broadway, Newport
SHRUBBING IT OFF WITH LIGHT BITES AT BAR 12
by Gina
Photography
Mastrostefano
EXPLORER FOR THE
If you plan to visit PALO TAPAS BAR in Providence, make a reservation ASAP because you rarely see an empty seat at this downtown gem, and for good reason. Palo has become a favorite amongst locals for their eclectic tapas (small plates) with international flavors, and an unmatched cocktail menu. From the food to the drinks to the quaint and artistic ambiance, Palo scores a 10 across the board.
ORDER THIS: The Cubano Viejo is a take on an Old Cuban, a mojito-like cocktail that consists of white rum, dry Spanish vermouth, lime, mint, and cava – a Champagne-like sparkling wine – and garnished with lime and bitters. The secret, according to owner Samir Zaiter, is not to skimp out on the mint. The drink is vibrantly green, and insanely refreshing. It’s everything you love about a classic mojito, but better.
PAIR WITH: You can’t go wrong with anything off of Palo’s rotating tapas menu, but classics like the Torreznos/Crispy Bacon and Costillas de Maíz/Corn Ribs are solid choices. Torreznos are twice-cooked fatty bacon strips with apple, celery, and herbs, served with an apricot mustard that is the stuff of dreams. Pair that with a towering basket of corn ribs, wash it down with the Cubano Viejo, and you will be making your next reservation at Palo before you even leave. 3 Steeple Street, Pro v idence
PVD’S OWN BELLINI
The pretty blush drink made from fresh peach puree and Prosecco known as a Bellini was invented by Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Venice, Italy’s famed Harry’s Bar. Find the original cocktail and more at BELLINI , the fourth-generation Cipriani family Italian restaurant housed at The Beatrice boutique hotel in Providence.
Photography by Gina Mastrostefano
¡SALUD! WITH A CUBANA VIEJO AND G&T AT PALO
EXTROVERT FOR THE
Since opening its doors in June, THE SOCIAL HOUSE in the Apponaug neighborhood of Warwick has quickly become a happy hour haven. Unrecognizable from its previous life, the property was transformed into a stunning and soulful space with warm woods and brick, tropical wallpaper, ample seating, and elegant light fixtures. Everything is a vibe and oh-so Insta-worthy, including the drinks.
ORDER THIS: The Jungle Bird tastes as exciting as it looks: a rum cocktail served in a black bird cage. The flavor is a mod version of a Piña Colada, consisting of Madagascar Vanilla Bumbu Rum, campari, brown sugar, and pineapple, with a frothy finish and fresh fruit garnish. The Jungle Bird is a showstopper, both as a delicious drink and conversation piece.
PAIR WITH: You’ve seen charcuterie with cheese and meat, but how about something a little sweeter?
Pair The Jungle Bird with a dessert board of small treats, cookies, and pastries, gorgeously presented on a cutting board to share with your flock. 3295 Post Road, Warwick
by Gina Mastrostefano
Photography
LUMINARY FOR THE
In the heart of downtown Westerly, THE CAFÉ evokes a kind of old Hollywood glamor. The perfect storm of delicious food and drinks, dim lights, and comfy seating just might make you miss your showtime at the connected UNITED Theatre. The Café has an upscale vibe with a down-toearth feel; it’s a place where you can grab an afternoon snack at the bar in your work clothes or celebrate a milestone dressed to the nines.
ORDER THIS: Before you can understand the Dipper’s Sipper, you must first have a lesson on soupy, a coveted dry-cured pork sausage that Westerly-ians (predominantly of Italian heritage) have made for decades. There’s even a Soupy Fest, which sells out instantly. Dipper’s Sipper would be your typical old fashioned, but in a traffic-induced fever dream, Stephen Corrigan, the manager of The Café, thought “What if I fat-washed bourbon with soupy?” And so, the unique cocktail was born. The drink pays homage to the local tradition and does it with style.
PAIR WITH: Keep it classy and pair your Dipper’s Sipper with a classic 10-ounce Seared New York Strip. The classic steak dish gets a fanciful twist with a pea and parsley puree, king oyster mushrooms, a vinaigrette made of foraged ramps, and wild rice. Steak and the fat-washed cocktail is a carnivore’s delight. 3 Canal Street, Westerly
Photography by Gina Mastrostefano
ELEGANT BITES AND SIPS AT THE CAFE
RHODY RESOURCES
A SMATTERING OF SPOTS FOR MORE CREATIVE SIPPING
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COCKTAIL BARS
Clementine Cocktail Bar, Pro v idence
Courtland Club, Pro v idence
The Dean Bar, Pro v idence
Jefferson Speakeasy, Warwick
Justine’s, Pro v idence
Marcelino’s Boutique Bar, Pro v idence
Needle and Thread, Pro v idence
BARS
Askew Bar & Lounge, Pro v idence
The Avery, Pro v idence
The Eddy, Pro v idence
Kimi’s, Pro v idence
Lucky Enough, Pro v idence
Nolan’s Corner Pub, Pro v idence
Red Door, Pro v idence
Tiny Bar, Pro v idence
The Walnut Room, Pro v idence
DISTILLERIES
Dark Outpost Distilling, Pawtucket
The Industrious Spirit Company, Pro v idence
O’Brien & Brough, Bristol
Rhode Island Spirits Distillery & Tasting Room, Pawtucket
Sons of Liberty Spirits Co., South Kingstown
South County Distillers, Westerly
White Dog Distilling, Pawtucket
Working Man Distillers, Pawtucket
COCKTAILS SERVED HERE
Audrey’s Coffee House & Lounge, South Kingstown
Casa Azul Taquería, Pro v idence
CAV Restaurant, Pro v idence
Crepe Corner, Pro v idence
Ella’s Food & Drink, Westerly
Great Northern BBQ Co, Pro v idence
Main Street Coffee, East Greenwich
Maria’s Seaside Cafe, Westerly
Moonshine Alley, Pro v idence
New Harvest Coffee & Spirits, Pro v idence
Perks & Corks, Westerly
The Slow Rhode, Pro v idence
The Surf Shack Bed & Breakfast, Narragansett
Viva Mexico Cantina Grill, Pro v idence
Photos (top to bottom)
courtesy of Marcelino’s Boutique Bar, courtesy of Tiny Bar, and by Gianguzzi
Photography, courtesy of Sons of Liberty
MARCELINO’S BOUTIQUE BAR
SONS OF LIBERTY SPIRITS CO.
TINY BAR
COCKTAIL COUTURE
BY ELYSE MAJOR
While there’s no need to get fancy for your next trip to the bar, a dress code that calls for cocktail attire generally implies something semi-formal, polished, and poised. Dressing for late afternoon “cocktail hour” dates back to the 1920s with women donning short sheaths with matching accessories to private parties and speakeasies during Prohibition, but the label truly became a thing when designer Christian Dior referred to one of his designs as a cocktail dress, and marketers were off and running. “A cocktail dress typically suits any woman, regardless of her age,” says fashion designer Tatyana Ayriyan of T Ayriyan women’s clothing boutique in Newport. “It gives you an elegant and feminine look and is usually accompanied by heels and a small handbag. The length of this dress can vary from above the knee or below the knee to reach the middle of the calf. A cocktail outfit can also be a set consisting of a skirt and a blouse.” And for added bling, slip on a beautifully ostentatious cocktail ring, and you’re ready to go!
AQUAMARINE COCKTAIL RING FROM TIFFANY PEAY JEWELRY, TIVERTON
T AYRIYAN COCKTAIL DRESSES AS SEEN ON THE STYLEWEEK RUNWAY
SOCIAL MIXER
NORTH KINGSTOWN-BASED ELECTRICAL ENGINEER SPARKS JOY WITH BIWEEKLY COCKTAIL CLUB
BY ELYSE MAJOR
“Hello, everyone! My name is Jamie. I’m happy to start this new event for everyone!” begins Rhode Island Cocktail Club’s February 2023 introductory post on Instagram. The event is a biweekly meet-up open to all, occurring the second and fourth Friday or Saturday of every month, curated by electrical engineer Jamie Long, who has two other foodie platforms: Tasting RI (food) and Hoppy Purrfection (craft beer), founded in 2017 and 2023 respectively.
Originally from Middletown and eager to traverse the state from her recent home base of North Kingstown, Long’s posts on Tasting RI featuring cocktail bars often led to friends and followers mentioning that they’d like to experience these places but didn’t want to go alone. This sparked the idea to create a social gathering to introduce new spots and bring people together in a safe space. “We welcome everyone 21+ to socialize and drink together with no memberships, fees, or RSVPs,” says Long of RI Cocktail Club.
“A lot of time goes into scheduling and planning with each cocktail bar,” says Long, who is the sole organizer, and often relies on the connections she’s built over the years as an emerging local social media influencer in the foodie space. All events are arranged with the establishments weeks or months in advance, and because not all club members imbibe, selected venues offer mocktails. “On occasion, cocktail bars will adjust their hours to accommodate us,” says Long. “Cocktail bars have the opportunity to create specials for us, which has been positively received by attendees.”
When it comes to Long’s current favorite cocktails, she is quick to cite a creamy espresso martini with real espresso; pickle-tinis (found at Rhode Island Spirits and Working Man Distillers); or anything with gin and elderflower or banana. “I’m known for my love for banana-flavored drinks!” she exclaims. Long is a fan of the summer drink trend of floral beverages like lavender lemonade, which she’s seen appearing on specials boards.
The best part for Long is meeting new people and witnessing friendships and connections made through the club. “It’s exciting to find and try new places together, and each gathering is filled with excitement,” she says. “Attendees are always inquiring where the next RI Cocktail Club will be!”
MAI TAI OLD FASHIONED
RI SPIRITS PICKLETINI
ALE HOUSE ESPRESSO MARTINI
MARCELINO’S APRICOT
JAMIE LONG
Photos courtesy of Jamie Long
I’LL HAVE WHAT SHE’S HAVING
Jamie Long, founder of RI Cocktail Club shares a few favorites:
BLACKSTONE HERB + MARTINI BAR
Reese’s Espresso Martini: Loaded with Reese’s peanut butter, it’s delicious. When I’m feeling indecisive, this is the perfect spot. Food and drinks are available in flights so you can try everything! Co v entry, BlackstoneCo v entry.com
THE EDDY
Temperance Hill: They recently refreshed the menu and this one immediately spoke to me, with floral, lavender notes – yes, please! The Eddy is a small bar with great drinks and small plates. The menu changes on occasion and always has great hits. Pro v idence, EddyPVD.com
THE JEFFERSON SPEAKEASY
Sazerac: This classic cocktail of rye whiskey, absinthe, and bitters is for anise lovers! Hidden below a restaurant, find a wide variety of cocktails, great playlist, and warm vibes at The Jefferson Speakeasy. They’re a proud supporter of RI Cocktail Club and I’m grateful for our friendship over the years. Warwick, JeffersonSpeakeasyRI.com
MARCELINO’S BOUTIQUE BAR
Apricot: This cocktail uses an apricot-infused gin to create a tart, fruity, and bitter beverage that is great all year long, and perfect for a date night. Think low lighting and comfy seats. You can cozy up with a drink and their tasty food menu. Pro v idence, MarcelinosBoutiqueBar.com
WHITE DOG DISTILLING
Old Fashioned: Order it traditional or with fun twists. Technically, this distillery and tasting room isn’t a cocktail bar, but it’s my favorite spot in Rhode Island. I discovered them in 2020 and I’ve never had a drink I didn’t like from them. Warm hospitality makes you feel right at home. Pawtucket, WhiteDogDistilling.com
One of the oldest homes in Wakefield gets a functional facelift that celebrates its past
By Ann Martini
hen retirees Maria and Jim Burdett had the opportunity to buy a 300-year-old Wakefield house nearly three years ago, it felt like kismet, and like coming home. “We fell in love with this house over 40 years ago,” explains Maria, when they met and became friends with its then-owners. “Every time we stayed in the house, it just felt so welcoming and special. It was the house of our dreams.”
But like anything so old, the house, one of the oldest in Wakefield, needed some careful attention. Enter South County-based architect Laura Krekorian, who appreciated the house’s exposed timber, wide-plank flooring, and beautifully proportioned spaces and details. “It had a lot of character and good bones, but the house is old!” Over the years, messy additions and changes left the circa 1721 house less than functional.
The scope of the new design includes the entry and porch, an expanded kitchen, relocated interior stairs, a renovated first-floor bathroom, and a renovation of the second-floor master bathroom. Notably, the new expanded kitchen addition incorporated with the porch also allowed Krekorian to re-envision and streamline the exterior. The goal?
“To make the house beautiful again with additions that look like they belong,” says the architect.
Maria and Jim respected the history of the house
as well as so many of its quirky details. “We didn’t want a museum, but a home that was functional and easy to live in,” says Maria, especially when hosting their three grown children and their families. It became about embracing the new while preserving the old; a bright white spacious kitchen addition coexists with “the 300-year-old beams in the oldest part of the house that have Roman numerals carved into them as building assembly marks,” Maria notes. “Talk about old and new!”
BEFORE AND AFTER
An addition accommodates a modern kitchen, small mudroom, and new entry.
“When working on a special property like this, our intention is always to make upgrades that look timeless and original,” says Krekorian.
Photography by George Gray Photography,
courtesy of Laura Krekorian Architect
Legged furnishings create the illusion of more space
A newly expanded primary bathroom seamlessly connects historic spaces with modern comfort
by
Maria, an avid gardener, also wanted to remove the boundaries between outside and inside so that the landscape was part of the house. “I removed all window coverings in the downstairs living areas to let as much light in as possible,” she explains. “It is really cool to view the outside world through the vitrified glass in the old windows.” Krekorian, an expert in working with coastal and agrarian landscapes, pulled in nature. “I think the lighter colors and tones in the kitchen and the baths, the shell tones in the backsplash, and the soft hues in the
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The relocation of an interior stairway facilitates the addition of a modern kitchen and invites natural light into a new connection to the existing dining room
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Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
Outside In
“We live in a beautiful coastal place,” says Krekorian. “With every project, I try to bring that view or landscape feature into the home by carefully placing windows and openings, and sensitively locating spaces to be able to take in the perfect sunset, a beautiful view, and the best natural lighting.”
Discover Wakefield
“There is something very relaxing about the area’s slower pace,” says homeowner Maria Burdett. “Most roads have a 25 miles-per-hour speed limit so you have to slow down and take in the beauty of your surroundings. Being so close to the beaches also offers opportunities to enjoy the ocean breezes and take walks in all seasons.”
Clear Favorities
“We love Wakefield and its charming downtown,” says Maria. “We can walk to get coffee, ice cream, or dinner!” They have also found a place to add to their growing glass collection. The Glass Station on Wakefield’s Main Street is a gallery featuring the works of national and local glassblowers.
countertops in combination with the natural wood on the island and stair rail give the home a coastal feel but one that is comfortable and timeless,” she says of Maria’s design choices.
“We have embraced the history of the house by keeping its integrity, yet made it so much more functional and comfortable,” says Maria. “I think this translates to guests when they walk in; they are awed by the traditional features and eased by the modern improvements.”
Photography by George Gray Photography, courtesy of Laura Krekorian Architect
Harwood Putty by Benjamin Moore is used throughout spaces
Meet Matty Durgin
This affable bartender/general manager shares what’s shaking in the city’s tiny cocktail bar
By Elyse Major
What can first-time visitors to Tiny Bar in Providence expect?
Tiny Bar is a little oasis serving handmade craft cocktails in the heart of the Jewelry District. We have six seats indoors at our main bar and an expansive outdoor garden space that allows for drinking al fresco. Soon, we will offer additional seating in our new glass house structure, featuring a retractable roof!
What are your favorite cocktails to make, and why?
My favorite cocktail to make is the Mai Tai. There have been innumerous versions and variations of the drink since its creation. I believe wholeheartedly in Trader Vic’s original 1944 formula. Although the original rum used has long been obsolete, we serve ours with a blend of exotic rums that does the recipe justice. It requires just the right amount of crushed ice, just the right amount of shaking (so as not to over-dilute), and it’s always a turn-on for firsttime imbibers. It may be a tropical drink but it’s a solid choice for any season.
What’s the perfect summertime cocktail?
Personally, I always lean into tropical preparations. We also offer three ever-changing frozen drinks. As of this chat, we offer a frozen Cucumber + Mint Moscow Mule, a frozen Painkiller, and our frozen Tiny Bar Margarita. That said, I think a spritz cocktail is always the drink of summer.
When you’re not mixing things up on Richmond Street, what do you like to do around RI?
As uninteresting as it may sound, I take long walks around the city. I live in Fox Point, so I frequent Twenty Stories, which is an awesome independent bookshop. I enjoy a glass of wine and a burger at The East End on a Sunday afternoon, and occasionally I indulge in a little treat from East Side Cheese. All that said, I’m usually with my daughter at the skatepark or at the beach. Time is precious, so I try to make the most of it.
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Six suspenseful thrillers sure to keep you at the edge of your beach chair
By Robin Kall
Rhody Reads W
ho likes to guess who the murderer is as they are reading? Sometimes I can’t help myself, but I prefer the full effect of the reveal. Whether it’s the soaring temperatures, longer days, or simply the time to keep those pages turning, August is made for thrillers! We still have plenty of sunlight left, so whether you love to read at the beach, snuggled in a hammock, or in your favorite indoor spot with the air conditioning blasting, here are six thrilling novels to add to your stack!
The Next Mrs. Parrish is the long-awaited follow-up to Liv Constantine’s bestselling novel, The Last Mrs. Parrish . While her latest novel is a stand-alone, there is extra fun if you’ve read the first book. I’ve been known to read out of order, which gives a whole other perspective on the characters. While Constantine’s books are fast-paced and plot-driven, it’s the deep dive into the characters that keeps me turning the pages.
Love a good domestic suspense novel? Kimberly McCreight of A Good Marriage and Friends Like These (the titles alone, right?) brings us Like Mother, Like Daughter . This gripping novel by the New York Times bestselling author taps into all of the high notes: fraught relationships, misunderstandings, and a mother who will protect their child at whatever cost. This propulsive read will keep you up, so don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The Hollywood Assistant by May Cobb is one of those novels you read and think: well surely, we’ll be watching this on the screen sometime soon; think Devil Wears Prada meets The White Lotus . As the subtitle teases, “her big break will lead to big trouble,” which is what happens to Cassidy Foster when she lands what seems to be her dream job in Hollywood working for a famous couple. When one of them is found dead, Cassidy is a suspect!
Lily Samson’s debut novel The Switch is a seductive dance involving obsession and two couples, so buckle in because it is quite a ride! The plot centers on Elena and Adam, a young couple who are house-sitting in a posh London neighborhood; when Elena meets their neighbors, she becomes obsessed with the pair. The four become fast friends and a secret partner swap is suggested. What could go wrong?
Another debut is Knife River by Justine Champine, the haunting tale of Jess and Liz, two teenage sisters whose mother goes missing after a walk. Fifteen years later, when they learn their mother’s remains have been found, younger sister Jess must return to the small town she fled and finds Liz frozen in time and obsessed with missing persons cases. Jess plans to stay until the case of their mother is solved, but the sisters have old wounds to heal, wrongs to right, and perhaps a chance at a new life.
From the beloved author who brought us The Guest List , it’s The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley. This locked-room murder mystery has all the elements of the perfect whodunit. It’s the opening night of The Manor, a luxurious resort where guests have come to rejuvenate and relax, but old friends and enemies are afoot, and when a body is discovered it’s anyone’s guess as to which guest is guilty.
ABOUT ROBIN KALL
Taking the advice of her mother, Robin Kall never leaves home without a book. “People want to know what I’m reading,” says the “fairy book mother” widely known under the moniker Reading With Robin (RWR). Based in East Greenwich, since 2002 Kall has been connecting readers and writers via author events and interviews, book clubs, giveaways, a podcast, and online platforms. A self-made force in literary and publishing circles, Kall receives advance review copies of books, and hosts popular events that have included authors Wally Lamb, Jodi Picoult, and Alice Hoffman, among many others.
READING WITH ROBIN EVENTS
Please consider patronizing your local independent bookstore when making book purchases
On August 23, from 9am-4pm, join Robin Kall and publishing coach Lisa Tener for the Seaside Writing Retreat for Creative Flow. This one-day event in Narragansett includes lively discussion, a delicious lunch, writing prompts, a Q&A, writerly swag, and more. Learn more and register at LisaTener.com.
Oh, What a Beautiful Day
An attainable afternoon escape awaits in Richmond
By Elyse Major
Recently a TV commercial from 1978 enjoyed a moment on TikTok. A blurry upload shows a screen split into four with images of highway traffic, a crying baby, what looks like an angry boss holding a telephone, and a barking dog. In the center foreground, a woman dressed for a day at the office in a silky tie-neck blouse has clearly had it, and yells to the camera, pleading, “Calgon, take me away!” Jump cut to her smiling, sans clothes, in a tub full of bubbles, someplace fabulous; the box of Calgon strategically placed in the frame. “Lose yourself in luxury.” End scene.
Forty-six years later, we all still experience those moments of wanting some pampering, and an escape from drudgery and distractions, even if just for a few hours. Of course, this is where spas come into play. However, if you are looking to linger for longer than a massage or pedicure, a day pass to OH! Spa at The Preserve in Richmond might be the takeme-away-cation you seek.
At press time, day passes to OH! Spa are $100, require reservation, and guests must be 18 years of age. From 9am to 6pm, you have access to the rural resort’s whirlpool, steam room and sauna in both the men’s and women’s
locker rooms, the co-ed whirlpools, the cold plunge shower, and infinity pool. The spa is located on the lower level of the Hilltop Lodge, the hotel at the gated 3,500-acre property. Arrive, pour a glass of fruit-infused water, and check in at the spa reception desk. If you schedule a service, you’ll wait in the common relaxation room nibbling on dried fruit and nut mixes on a tufted chaise lounge chair, or head directly to the locker room to slip into a white robe before retrieving the provided slippers and grooming necessities from your locker.
Before dipping into the whirlpool, wander
Leaving the world behind at OH! Spa whirlpool
over to the Lily Pad, a luminous space within the spa facility with floral decor cascading from the ceiling. Depending on the day, tables of sweet treats and refreshments like mimosas are offered. After your dip in the water, no need to worry about bringing home a wet bathing suit because there is a bathing suit dryer in the locker room – so just drop it in, close the lid, and the extractor spins out most of the water. If you find yourself sitting in a white robe, sipping a mimosa with your legs dangling in the whirlpool, you will truly feel taken away.
“My goal is to bring my client’s vision to life and create an extraordinary, stylish and authentic wedding or event that will not only be cherished,
Be a Passenger Prince/Princess
Imagine getting picked up in a luxurious Bentley car and being driven to and from your spa treatment? Well, it’s a thing if you book one of the OH! Spa’s Beauty & Bentley Experiences. Pick-up location must be within 15 miles of The Preserve. Learn more at OHSpaAtThePreserve.com.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Cell phones are not allowed in any areas of the spa.
• Allow 24 hours notice to change or cancel a reservation to avoid being charged in full.
• There’s a spa boutique where you can buy bath and body products.
• Swimsuits are required in all co-ed areas.
• The spa cannot be responsible for any loss or damage or personal articles, so leave the valuables at home.
Benches with towels are at the ready
Photos courtesy of The Zimmerman Agency
Teddy Bearskins
Children’s clothing boutique
What it is:
A family-owned children’s clothing store.
Where to find it:
Teddy Bearskins has two storefronts –Wickford Village and inside Benny’s Plaza in East Greenwich – and a warehouse store at 135 Frenchtown Road open on Fridays. All locations have parking and adorable window displays of children’s clothing.
What makes it a Rhody Gem?
Looking for quality kids’ clothing, accessories, and toys, paired with knowledgeable customer service and gift wrapping? Founder Deb Semple has been selling children’s goods for 40 years. “We’ve seen generations come through the store, so we’ve watched the kids grow from babies up to being parents themselves,” Semple begins. “That’s the most rewarding thing to see: the kids that we dressed, now dressing their kids.” Inside, goods fill the shop in displays that are playful and organized without being overwhelming. The North Kingstown location near scenic Wickford Cove provides a breezy vibe to the storefront. “The beauty of this state is unbelievable,” says Francie Christophersen, the store manager who has been with the company for 39 years. “We’re very, very lucky to be able to live here with all this beauty around us.”
Teddy Bearskins
5600 Post Road, East Greenwich 17 Brown Street, North Kingstown 135 Frenchtown Road, EG/NK line TeddyBearskins.com
Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email Elyse@HeyRhody.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!
Photo by Ella Corrao
Discover the flavors of Rhode Island! From fresh seafood shacks to farm-to-table eateries, little Rhody offers a diverse culinary landscape that caters to all tastes. Indulge in delicious seafood, global cuisines, and locally-inspired dishes, and experience the culinary richness of the Ocean State with a dining experience that will leave you craving for more.
Bistro style Brunch and Lunch. Fine Dining Dinner.
8 locations across RI! Chelos.com |
A Rhode Island staple since 1955! Fresh, homemade deliciousness in every bite.
The Coast Guard House Restaurant 40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett | 401-789-0700 thecoastguardhouse.com | Waterfront dining - local raw bar, lobster, pasta, steak & seafood. Award-winning wine list. Dining rooms, bars, patio & deck.
Dave’s Fresh Marketplace Ten Locations throughout Rhode Island 401-558-0190 | davesmarketplace.com/WeeklySpecials Made fresh daily in our kitchens - 60+ Take Out Options!
137 Main Street, East Greenwich 401-885-8787 |
MainStreet-Cofee.com
Casual cofee house meets hip martini bar. Best Espresso Martinis in Rhode Island.
Marcelino’s Boutique Bar 1 W Exchange St, Providence | 401-666-0088 marcelinosboutiquebar.com | Craft cocktail bar serving Mid-Terranean Fusion Mezze and World-Class Craft Cocktails | #ItsMarcelinos
Twin Willows
865 Boston Neck Road, Narragansett 401-789-8153 | TwinWillowsRI.com |
Water-view dining with fresh lobsters & steamers served daily in this casual sports bar/restaurant.
MainStreet Cofee
Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille
Specializing In Custom Cakes and Delicious Desserts
How two East Providence business owners are navigating bridge woes – and why their places are worth sitting in traffic for
By Emily Olson
When the westbound lanes of the Washington Bridge were abruptly closed last December for repair, social media feeds were flooded with tongue-in-cheek goodbye messages from East Providence residents to their friends and family across the bridge, while the rest of the state responded with promises to still visit. But those messages were short-sighted – East Providence is alive and well, and woe to those who would let traffic stand between them and their next favorite spot. As long as you have a good podcast and a passing knowledge of surface roads, East Providence remains a draw for those outside of the neighborhood.
Brian Dwiggins, owner and roaster at Borealis Coffee Company, says that the bridge closure has caused some internal headaches, but business remains strong. “We’re a community-driven shop, and local commuters still stop by on their way to work,” he says, noting that the bridge construction has created a slight decrease in the shop’s after-work and weekend traffic. Luckily, Borealis’ Riverside Square location is right on the East Bay Bike Path, so those who want to skip car traffic altogether can still get their caffeine fix.
Photo by Cate Brown Photography, courtesy
In addition to small-batch roasted coffee – sourced Fair Trade through partnerships in Colombia and Guatemala – Borealis serves a limited menu of baked goods that are produced in the kitchen of Borealis’ more recently opened Bristol location, which Dwiggins points out is just a quick seven additional miles down the bike path. The Riverside location opened in 2016, so this isn’t the first storm the coffee shop has weathered. Restaurant closures due to the pandemic certainly made an impact on the coffee shop, but it survived the pandemic because of its Pawtucket roastery, which churns out freshly roasted beans four days a week. “We opened the roastery just before COVID hit,” says Dwiggins, “but it worked out well because when the cafe closed, we kept roasting and sold our coffee wholesale.”
Photos courtesy of Borealis
Brian Dwiggins with Guatemalan coffee partners
Inside Borealis’ Riverside cafe
THREE DAY TRIPS IN EAST PROVIDENCE
Snag a parking spot during off hours and map out an itinerary for morning coffee, shopping, and lunch, or go for a stroll and see where it takes you. Who knows? You might find a new favorite spot. Here’s a few itineraries to get started.
NEW AND OLD FAVORITES
SWEET TREATS:
Taunton Avenue Bakery, 217 Taunton Avenue
BREAKFAST:
The Rhody Hen, 615 Waterman Avenue
LUNCH:
Jeff’s Pizza, 127 Waterman Avenue
BEERS:
Crook Point Brewing Company, 65 Massasoit Avenue
ENTERTAINMENT:
The Comedy Connection, 39 Warren Ave
LIVE MUSIC: Myrtle, 134 Waterman Avenue
RUMFORD WITH THE FAMILY COFFEE:
Seven Stars Bakery, 20 Newman Avenue
SHOP:
The Pantry at Avenue N, 20 Newman Avenue
LUNCH:
Uncle Tony’s Pizza and Pasta, 260 Newport Avenue
ENTERTAINMENT:
United Skates of America, 75 New Road
DINNER: El Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 335 Newport Avenue
ALONG THE BIKE PATH
COFFEE: Borealis Coffee Company, 250 Bullocks Point Avenue
SHOP:
Tall Tumbleweed Modern + Vintage, 279 Bullocks Point Avenue
LUNCH:
Sake Cafe, 275 Bullocks Point Avenue
SCENIC VIEW: Pomham Rocks Lighthouse
DINNER:
Union Square Bistro, 332 Bullocks Point Avenue
The roastery continues to serve its wholesale customers, which include PVDonuts, Oak Bakeshop, and Plant City. “We used to deliver our coffee beans to cafes and stores twice a week, but since the bridge closure, we only go out once a week,” Dwiggins says. He’s also adjusted the work schedules for his employees, many of whom live in Providence. “We either give our employees longer shifts so that dealing with the traffic is worth their while, or we adjust their shift start and end times to help them avoid heavy traffic.”
Natalie VanLandingham, who owns the East Providence retro bar Myrtle with her husband, Tommy Allen, has also weathered the storm by
forging relationships in the neighborhood. In fact, although she isn’t a Rhode Island native, community is one of the things that drew her to the state. “You feel responsible for each other in a way that I didn’t get in the big cities I’ve lived in before,” she says.
She and her husband, both musicians and artists, opened their spot on Waterman Avenue just last year in a building that was a shoe store 100 years ago. Theirs is an eclectic cocktail bar that hosts a variety of free events, from burlesque brunches to touring bands to talent shows, and they even have a small vintage shop tucked inside. “We’ve had a very warm reception,” says
by Abigail Brown
Photo
Avocado toast at Borealis
VanLandingham, who also says that the neighborhood bar draws people from New York, Boston, Connecticut – and, of course, Rhode Islanders from across the Washington Bridge.
But despite drawing people from miles around, the community where Myrtle exists is a tight-knit and supportive one. “We all know that the area was abandoned for a long time, so we stick together and support each other,” she says, name dropping Jeff’s Pizza, Rosa’s Tavern, and Red Bridge Tavern. “The city has spent a lot of time and resources building the street up, so we’re excited to see what happens.”
Dwiggins says the same of Riverside Square. “There are a couple of institutions that have been around forever,” he says. “But there are also a couple of new restaurants that are going to bring new life into the square. It’ll be cool to have new little places to check out.”
As for the Washington Bridge construction and its impact on the business community, VanLandingham is philosophical. “As a small business owner, you know that there are always going to be things coming your way that you have no control over,” she says. “But the best thing you can do when that happens is create something that you’re proud of and hope the things you can’t control don’t deter you from your mission of making good food, good drinks, good art, and doing interesting things for the people in and around your community.”
EP cocktail bar Myrtle
Photos courtesy of Myrtle
Cocktails at Myrtle
FOOD & DRINK
Drink Cart | Experience | In the Kitchen | Food Trends
Drinks on the Move
From espresso martinis to candy-garnished mocktails, a pop-up beverage cart has sips for all preferences
By Cynthia Munrayos
Aprim white drink cart known as Sippin’ Pretty has been rolling up to parties big and small across the state, serving up themed beverages for all ages that are as Insta-worthy as they are delicious. The woman behind the mini-bar is Nichole Bonollo. A drink connoisseur, she started her journey into mixology as a bartender, and the serial entrepreneur has owned small businesses since age 23, thriving in the hospitality sphere and dipping her toes in everything from beauty to catering, including a meal-prep concept called Just Like Mom’s Catering. Along the way, she began participating in pop-up vendor events and later teamed up with her friend and business partner, Caitlin Carlia Weakley, to create All in Fun events.
“I always just wanted to show other people my talents and love for hospitality, and that you can do whatever you want to do,” says Bonollo. All in Fun is the umbrella company that provides comprehensive party-planning services for organizing special events, and includes the beverage-focused Sippin’ Pretty. Bonollo leads the drink program, while Weakley specializes in graphic design and handles the decorating, invitations, and signage. The dynamic duo curates personalized experiences for their clients with an eye for all the details. “It didn’t make sense for me to launch just Sippin’ Pretty when Caitlin is so good at all of the other things that have to do with parties,” relays Bonollo.
Their drink menu can be catered to the client’s preference, from custom drinks to tried-and-true favorites. “An espresso martini is my most requested wedding beverage,” says Bonollo. For summer, a popular choice is vodka with fruit puree of choice, topped off with a splash High Noon hard seltzer.
Sippin’ Pretty parties aren’t just for adults. For kids, she mixes up the boozefree Shark Attack – blue lemonade, Sprite or sparkling water, Swedish Fish, and a fun straw to tie it all together. “When I started Sippin’ Pretty, I never imagined that I would be doing kids’ birthday parties, but they are a lot of fun,” Bonollo explains.
When they’re not busy working weddings and birthday party gigs, Sippin’ Pretty also frequents the brewery circuit serving up non-alcoholic beverages. “People love mocktails,” says Bonollo, explaining that patrons have myriad reasons for not wanting to drink, and offering elevated booze-free options is essential. She uses non-alcoholic spirits such as Ritual Zero Proof products in place of tequila, gin, and rum to reinvent classics like margaritas. “I think the mocktail game has definitely elevated since I started, and they’re more crafted now that we have more options for non-alcoholic spirit alternatives.”
Follow @sippinprettyri to see where the cart will be popping up next, and visit AllInFunEvents.com to learn how to book Sippin’ Pretty for your event.
Themed drinks from a decorated cart breathe life into any party
Photo courtesy of Sippin’ Pretty
Just Our Jam
The foodies behind Dames Who Dine RI visit a Fox Point cafe with folksy vibes
By Melissa Brusso and Dennise M. Kowalczyk
Fleetwood Mac is having a moment right now (when are they ever not?), so when we spied the beautifully tiled floor inside the floral-adorned cafe known as The Rose Room, the song “Gypsy” came to mind – we like to think Stevie Nicks may have been singing about a similar floor and some paper flowers when evoking the gypsy she was.
This was our first visit (but certainly not the last) to the Wickenden Street cafe, which opened its Providence location in March, following the success of its first in Webster, MA. It is, quite simply, one of the sweetest spots, and the perfect place to duck into on any given morning of shopping and strolling around Fox Point.
Must-Try Items
JAMMY BISCUIT: House-made honey and buttermilk biscuit with goat cheese and seasonal jam
COOKIE SAMMY: Two mocha sugar cookies and house-made vanilla cream
CUISINE: Specialty coffee and cafe bites
ATMOSPHERE: Rustic, folksy, and inviting
Jammy Biscuits at The Rose Room
P hotos by Dennise M. Kowalczyk
4 Richmond Square, Suite 150 Providence |
MoonanStratton.com
MAKE EVERY DAY A SPECIAL OCCASION
who like to explore Rhode Island and eat good food. Follow along with their adventures on Instagram at @dameswhodineri
From the aforementioned patterned floor to the windows decorated with an illustration of a girl in a dress flanked by marching strawberry and teacup friends, owner Jess Sabine has created a warm aesthetic with the space, but pretty surroundings don’t mean a thing if the coffee is just meh. Rest assured – the coffee is delicious. Sourced from MA-based Atomic Roasters and perfectly prepared by a skilled barista, the coffee hits just right with a rich and slightly woody flavor. All flavored syrups, from maple to salted caramel, are made inhouse, too. We sipped our beverages of choice – a hot decaf cappuccino and an iced maple latte – while waiting for our snacks.
The house-made rhubarb jam was an easy choice when we ordered a round of Jammy Biscuits, which are scratch made using honey, buttermilk, and a wheat-blend flour, then slathered with goat cheese and jam. As long as it’s in season, we’ll never not choose the rhubarb jam to complete this fruity and
creamy combination. Next, Sabine brought us a wedge of the house special: the Sour Cream Coffee Cake. She explained that it’s made using her grandma’s recipe, passed down to her mom, and now to her. This hugely popular item represents the quintessential Rose Room experience of sharing a special treat with friends or family and making a marvelous memory in the process.
We’re glad Sabine decided to bring The Rose Room’s fantastic coffee, baked goods, and community spirit to the East Side. Whether meeting a friend there or making one in line, this charming cafe offers an ideal setting for connecting over a cortado inside or people-watching outside when the weather is right. We think it has all the trappings of future nostalgic song lyrics.
The Rose Room Cafe
460 Wickenden Street
401-537-7218 • TheRoseRoomCafe.com
Sweet treats in the bakery case
P hoto courtesy of The Rose Room
Known as Dames Who Dine RI, Melissa Brusso and Dennise M. Kowalczyk are two dames
Lager than Life
A former Cranston brewery triples in size without sacrificing vibes at new Sims Avenue location
By Abbie Lahmers
In a beer scene saturated with hoppy IPAs, a recently relocated brewery is a breath of fresh air for lager lovers in Providence. Expanding from their former Cranston digs, Buttonwoods Brewery adds square footage to their operation in the new Valley neighborhood space, where Revival Brewing Company used to be. Owner and head brewer Morgan Snyder explains that, among other advantages, this gives them the opportunity to build out their existing lager program since the style of beer takes more time in the tanks.
“We always have been fairly lager heavy,” relays Snyder. Their German pilsner (a style of lager) is a flagship for a reason – the “no frills, no thrills” brew embodies Snyder’s belief in keeping things simple. But that doesn’t mean he shies away from leveling up classic recipes. A Czech amber lager, for instance, uses a process called decoction that adds another layer to the brew. “We’re very excited to flex our brewing muscles a little bit more and dive into some older techniques and make some fun, interesting old-style beers.”
Buttonwoods’ taps are flowing with a range of styles, including plenty of IPAs, ales, seasonal sours, and more. Another flagship is Object Permanence, which uses “a simple singular hop called Citra. It’s a very nice bright fruity tropical New England IPA,” Snyder explains. “Our motto is ‘beer with meaning’ so everything that we put on the menu has a purpose, a place, or tells a story.”
Regardless of what you’re drinking, part of the lure of Buttonwoods is the vibe. Snyder shares that it was no small feat to translate the “warm and fuzzy” feel of the former 2,500-square-foot taproom to 7,500 square feet of brick and concrete housed in Sims Avenue’s historic manufacturing facility. But the eclectic collection of odds and ends, mismatched tables and chairs, sweeping wood bar, and subdued gold and black color scheme instill a homey vibe.
In electric blue-and-red graffiti script, the Screaming Unicorn kitchen just beyond the bar is hard to miss. Chef Stephanie Rapoza’s menu of elevated pub-style food offers up “anything you would want to snack on while drinking any of Morgan’s beers,” she says. “Now that I have a much
P hotos by Maxwell Snyder, courtesy of Buttonwoods Brewery
Cozy vibes inside Buttonwoods Brewery’s spacious new digs
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bigger space and a bigger team, I’ve settled on a permanent menu of about 20 items,” from woodfired pizzas to shareable apps and handhelds, like a smash burger with special sauce and tomato jam.
The name is a nod to a tattoo Rapoza got many years ago, but it also speaks to her style of cooking. “A unicorn is considered rare or unique, and I like to think that my food is something you can’t find everywhere.” She draws inspiration from chefs she’s worked with over several years as a sous chef to channel big, bold flavors. For the woodfired Calabrian Chili Wings, Rapoza explains, “I first confit them in duck fat, which I kind of borrowed from one of the chefs I used to work with, Chris Kattawar, who owns Cook & Dagger now,” a restaurant in Greenville. “I’ve been fortunate to work with a lot of creative people and draw a lot of influence from them.”
Snyder looks forward to not only expanding on creative ideas for beers but also opening up
TAPROOM HAPPENINGS
Along with bring-your-own-vinyl Sips & Rips events Thursdays, Trivia Night takes place every Wednesday at 6:30pm, hosted by Sean Fitts. Watch for movie nights with PVD Horror, live music, and drag nights with Yung Onyx coming soon. Save the date for Oktoberfest on September 14.
their taps for guest breweries, and hopes to integrate collaboration releases with occasional tap takeovers. A music lover, he often names beers after songs or artists he loves, and that passion extends to his goal of hosting regular live music, too. A broken record player during the move temporarily paused the vinyl night tradition, but Thursdays have once again been relegated to patrons spinning their favorite albums on the turntable.
“The old space was kind of like Cheers ,” Snyder says with a laugh, referencing the 1980s sitcom. “It’s that sense of community, of sitting around enjoying beers that are meaningful and are part of the conversation, or not part of the conversation. I think that’s kind of our driving force – trying to build a bigger sense of community in a bigger city.”
Buttonwoods Brewery
50 Sims Avenue
ButtonwoodsBrewery.com
P hoto by Maxwell Snyder, courtesy of Buttonwoods Brewery
Food Trends: Mocktails on the Menu
Providence cocktail bars serving playful zero-proof bevvies for all palates
By Abbie Lahmers
If your idea of winding down involves sipping in the shade of lush fronds, Bayberry Garden offers a dreamy setting and inclusive bevvie options. Alongside cocktails that can be prepared sans-alcohol, the Free Spirit mocktails tease the flavors of the season and get inventive with substitutes. “We seek out products that aren’t necessarily found at every bar, and do our best
to make as much as we can in-house. We take products we’re excited about, like amaro or gin, and make our own non-alcoholic version of those in house,” says owner Tom Dennen.
Bayberry Garden always has at least four zero-proof options, including the Juniper + Tonic with juniper syrup. That’s Amaro uses their house-made non-alcoholic spin on the
Italian liqueur to create a drink perfect for negroni lovers, and La Terrazza is a summer sipper with tomato and balsamic. Says Dennen, “we want anyone abstaining from alcohol to feel included and cool, and not that they are having a ‘fake’ version of something, but instead a fun and thoughtful version.” 225 Dyer Street, BayberryGarden.com
Porch sippers for free spirits in the Innovation District
P hotos by Corinne Perreault, courtesy of Bayberry Garden
Bayberry Garden’s zero-proof That’s Amaro
Big Easy libations minus the booze in Federal Hill
Head west on Atwells Avenue and you’ll stumble upon Providence’s own French Q uarter. The Royal Bobcat is a swanky-yet-casual bar known for “the classic cocktails one could find strolling the jazz-filled streets of New Orleans, including our house Hurricane, Vieux Carre, and Sazerac,” says cocktail manager Shannon Oldham, but the experience need not be boozy. “We have been quite successful in tweaking most of our cocktails to be just as enjoyable by simply omitting the alcohol, reworking the recipe into a non-alcoholic version of itself, and even creating a one-of-a-kind beverage for a guest.”
Their thoughtfully curated mocktail menu incorporates house-made syrups and fresh fruit to elevate lemonades and tonic drinks, from the sweet and herbal Blueberry Lemon Basil Sipper to the Tropical Mocktail with a mix of fruit juices and garnished with an orange slice, lime wedge, mint sprig, and mini parasol, just to name a couple. “We love to have fun creating new, interesting riffs on classic cocktails that just seem to make sense.” 422 Atwells Avenue, TheRoyalBobcat.com
Mixology demystified with fresh twists in Downcity
The mission at Clementine Cocktail Bar is simple: “our goal is to find the right drink for you,” relays bar manager Karael Mistivar. “We love guiding our customers through our menu and finding new flavor profiles they’ve never tried before.” Seeing a growing demand in the industry for zero-proof beverages, he ensures the mocktail choices at Clementine are equally as unique, delicious, and high-quality as their cocktails.
Of the three signature mocktails offered, two stand out for summer: the Floreale is a bright and floral choice with citrus and white cranberry notes, while Morning Dew is “a fruity and bubbly concoction perfect for some harmless fun in the sun,” says Mistivar, describing its hint of honeydew and lime zest. For aperitif lovers looking for something not so sweet, the booze-free Negroni is the ideal after-dinner sipper. Says Mistivar, “we try to be as approachable as possible, as we know sometimes trying new things can be intimidating – especially in the world of mixology.” 200 Washington Street, ClementineCocktailBar.com
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ABOUT DAVID @runofthemillshop
David Lawlor is an avid filmmaker and documentarian who lives in Providence, with an interest in telling the stories of places undergoing transformation and historic mill buildings.
