From strategic pricing to perfecting presentation, I prioritize every aspect of your home sale, delivering an elevated experience and exceptional results.
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News & Culture
11 Walking tours invite all to experience art on Brown’s campus
16 OP-ED: A crisis for commercial taxpayers is coming to a head
18 THE PUBLIC’S RADIO: A conversation with a PVDbased hot jazz collective
24 NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Hyper local news and contact listings
28 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s
Home & Style
63 HOME: A Mt. Hope couple enlists a woodworker to smooth rough edges in the kitchen
72 RHODY READS: Six thrilling book picks, plus upcoming author talks
74 SHOP: Buy-local picks for back to school
76 RHODY GEM: Explore a world of rugs on North Main Street
78 MAKER: Latest enterprise finds artisanal bakers making bags
Feature
83 Centennial programming uplifts a library’s storied past
Food
& Drink
95 Cookout vibes at a Pawtucket brewery
102 EXPERIENCE: A taqueria in Washington Park moves down the street
106 IN THE KITCHEN: Olneyville’s go-to for smoked barbecue meats
110 FOOD TRENDS: Corn on and of the cob at city eateries
Destination PVD 2024:
Our second annual guide to experiencing the best city on Earth
112 PIC OF PVD
Photo by Zach Pona
Photo by Elyse Major
110
Photo by Jesse Dufault Photo & Film, courtesy of Aguardente
Photo courtesy of Casa Azul
20 FAIR OAKS DRIVE, LINCOLN Offered at: $1,595,000
15 MORGAN COURT, LINCOLN Sold: $1,300,000
183 GRAND AVENUE, PAWTUCKET Sold: $525,000
103 FORESTWOOD DRIVE #1A, NORTH PROVIDENCE Sold: $400,000
Arts | Op-Ed | The Public’s Radio | Neighborhoods | Calendar
Meet You at Bronze Bruno
Student-led free public tours on the Brown campus highlight outdoor works of art
By Ken Abrams
new program at Brown University aims to share some of the school’s hidden gems scattered around the East Side campus: its public art installations. Launched in April, the Brown Arts Initiative offers student-led public art walking tours; free tours are held on Saturdays and Sundays through November, and are intended to make art on the Ivy League grounds accessible to visitors, potential students, and the larger community.
Photo by Nick Dentamaro,
“It’s really a nice way to connect Brown with the community,” says Nicole Wholean, Brown’s registrar and curator of campus collections, who also serves on Brown’s Public Art Committee. “We’ve had families, people that are visiting the college, people that have just moved to Providence, and former professors on the tour.”
The program has its origins in the pandemic, when the state’s Take it Outside campaign was in full swing. “I recognized a need for some public programming,” says Wholean. “During
the pandemic, I thought it would be safe to have tours of our outdoor art collection.”
She began working to develop a pilot tour with students, including Béatrice Duchastel de Montrouge (class of 2023), who now works at the Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket. Research included experiencing public art tours around the region first-hand, with visits to Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA and the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln, MA,
among others. Says Wholean, “I took a tour at Princeton and it was the same model; people just show up and it happens. The free tours are fully accessible, and can be adjusted on the fly to accommodate all visitors.”
These efforts led to the development of 40-minute tours, each designed by the students who lead them. “We have a cohort of 15 trained interpreters, who were instructed to use the pilot tour developed by Duchastel de Montrouge or develop their own,” says Wholean who notes
Photo by Nick Dentamaro, courtesy of Brown University
Sunday tours begin on the Campus Green at Circle Dance
that most of the students opted to plan and curate their own tour. “Students are encouraged to select about six or seven works of art and talk about those on their tour.”
Each tour is unique, but many stop at notable works found on the Brown campus, from classical statues including the stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius, unveiled on campus in 1908, to more recent works including Martin Puryear’s Slavery Memorial , an iron and stone sculpture
that acknowledges the university’s connections to the trans-Atlantic slave trade, as well as the contributions that Africans and African Americans made to building the university.
Bronze Bruno , the giant bear who once stood guard at Marvel Gym on Elmgrove Avenue and is now located under the Faunce Arch, is the start point for the Saturday tour, while the Circle Dance sculpture by alum Tom Friedman is where the tour begins on Sunday.
“People enjoy visiting Brown’s campus. The tours are designed to speak to all ages; we’ve had children attend. It’s a nice way to learn a little more about the institution,” says Wholean. “Brown has a really great public art collection, and I don’t think a lot of people know about it.”
Take a Brown Public Art Tour any Saturday or Sunday beginning at 1pm. No advance registration is required, rain or shine. Learn more at Arts. Brown.Edu/spaces/public-art/public-art-tours
Discussing the Marcus Aurelius statue at the rear of Sayles Hall
Photo by Nick Dentamaro, courtesy of Brown University
Wright, Operations Manager, with Thor at the
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Since 2007, the Rufn’ Wranglers® team has provided over 300,000 excursions. The Wranglers handle the pick-up and drop-of in our doggie outfitted SNIFF Mobiles and are hands on with all the fun at the ranch. The dogs have a better social life and exercise routine than most humans!
We know our clients’ dogs are their children. Our Wranglers are deeply invested in the dogs; there is no other team like them. They get to know each dog, their preferences, what causes them anxiety and what they love. They ensure every dog has the experience they crave…it may be extreme ball chasing, lots of kisses, wrestling, running through trails or just snoofing at their own pace!
We have dogs that have been with Rufn’ Wranglers® most of their lives and are still
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Ruffin’ Wranglers® covers the East Side, West Side and Downtown Providence, Oakhill in Pawtucket, Edgewood in Cranston, Riverside, East Providence, Rumford, Southern Seekonk, Barrington, parts of Rehoboth and parts of Swansea close to the ranch.
Austin
Op-Ed: Providence on the Brink
A crisis for commercial taxpayers is coming to a head
By Barry Fain and Steve Triedman
Unless it’s an immediate crisis, politicians often view systemic problems as an inconvenience that can be ignored until they’ve moved on and it’s become someone else’s problem. Unfortunately for first-term Mayor Brett Smiley, one of those systemic problems is coming to a head and it could be very troubling as it would affect every homeowner in the city.
Providence commercial property owners have long subsidized the residential owners with one of the highest tax rates in the US. Since COVID, however, remote working has given way to hybrid working, which has created excess office space. This has pushed vacancy rates up dramatically, and now it’s showing up in valuations. Notably, the bond rating agency downgraded Providence Place, which is expected to lose its major anchor, Macy’s (the mall has a tax agreement that goes through 2028, but a major revenue jump would appear highly unlikely). And we won’t even discuss the vacant Superman building!
A number of property owners are currently engaged in appeals, which could become lawsuits over commercial valuations; if they are successful, the city’s balanced budget could take a significant hit.
Commercial real estate makes up over 35 percent of the city tax revenue, and the Tangible Property Tax, which largely comes from commercial property tenants, accounts for another 18 percent of the revenue and is also expected to take a substantial hit.
While there are hundreds of more units under construction or in planning stages, many of these projects have tax abatements or will take advantage of the 8 Law. This law, passed in 1995, allows developers to pay 8 percent of their annual rental income in lieu of paying the commercial rate, as long as the development is designated
for low-income housing. Part of the controversy with this law is that it does not define how “affordable” the apartments have to be, nor does it explicitly say that all of the units in the building have to qualify in order to receive the more favorable tax treatment. That’s a huge problem.
On the positive side, the residential side of the tax base is very strong. Prices remain high and inventory, while up slightly, is still low.
According to Zillow, Providence is the fifth hottest housing market in the US with average values up 12 percent this year following several years of in a row of double-digit increases. As it stands today, residential property taxes make up 44 percent of the city’s revenue.
Providence’s major revenue problem is that non-profits, which do not pay taxes, own close to 40 percent of the city’s taxable property. If the non-profits were properly taxed, Brown University, Johnson & Wales University, Providence College, Rhode Island School of Design, and the hospitals would contribute over $150 million annually.
Instead, the city receives around $34 million from the state through the PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) program (about 27 percent of the difference), plus additional annual payments from the institutions, but nowhere near the lost value. The major non-profits have worked
out deals that came with costs and favors, offsetting a portion of the actual hard dollars. But every additional dollar was a battle.
This is not just a local problem, and legislatures in other states are looking at creative ways to help their cities and towns. In Massachusetts the legislature is considering a bill that would let cities mandate PILOT payments equal to 25 percent of what they would otherwise pay in property taxes. Another bill would target an annual 2.5 percent excise tax on the endowment fund revenues to support public education.
We believe that the mayor must bring the Providence legislative delegation together sooner rather than later, and start examining viable solutions to what will become a crisis for taxpayers. While the annual tax increase is capped at 4 percent, the city still needs to have a balanced budget and the cuts could be draconian.
Bottom line, the non-profits need Providence and Providence needs the non-profits, but the costs need to have some degree of equity.
Op-eds express the authors’ opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of Hey Rhody Media. Readers are welcome to send responses or letters to the editor to be considered for print publication in a future issue or posted online. Letters can be emailed to Abbie@heyrhody.com
Photo by Steve Triedman
Studio Session
Providence Hot Jazz Collective Paper Moon
In partnership with The Public’s Radio • ThePublicsRadio.org • By Luis Hernandez
Luis Hernandez talked with guitarists Providence-based “hot jazz” band Paper Moon’s John Birt and Dylan Harley, who describe the band’s music as a kind of time travel back to the sounds of early jazz and artists like Django Reinhardt. This interview was edited for length and clarity.
JOHN BIRT: We really dug into the music, kind of pre World War II, and particularly jazz that involves the guitar, and it really includes the acoustic guitar. So really getting into that world of acoustic strings, you’re kind of playing music from the songbooks of the 20s, 30s, and 40s. And really just exploring amazing sounds, and things from our favorite artists really, like Django.
LUIS HERNANDEZ: What is it about that era for you, Dylan?
DYLAN HARLEY: I really like the simplicity of being able to just show up with two guitars and cause a scene and make a ruckus. And also that there is something timeless about it. That is, when you’re playing it, you do feel like you’re traveling through time or can be transported and you can see that happen for people who are listening to it as well. So between the simplicity and the kind of deep impact that that simplicity has, especially in this highly advanced technological age we’re moving in towards. Drums were my first true love. But it’s a bit cumbersome to move drums around all the time. So as a lazy musician, I really enjoy just showing up with the guitar.
HERNANDEZ: Tell me a bit more about that interplay between the two guitars, and, you know, what you can and can’t do with that.
HARLEY: Sure. my job, so I play rhythm guitar in it and, as I said, drums were my first instrument. And so I’m really approaching it sort of playing the guitar as a drum set or playing it as a drummer. So my job is really to lay down the foundation of the rhythm for John to wild out over and get crazy on.
BIRT: He’s really the thing that’s driving everything. And then what Django Reinhardt was doing, and also what I’m trying to do, is to kind of fill in the gaps. To add different textures, to add different kinds of things to kind of accent what he’s doing and really kind of fill in the space.
Photo courtesy of The Public’s Radio
Paper Moon Jazz Band
HERNANDEZ: Tell me a bit more about that era and some of the performers you admire most.
BIRT: Well, I mean, Django Reinhardt’s kind of the beginning of a lot of our sound. And then really the sound world that he was obsessed with is really kind of, he’s learning about jazz through recordings. So Django’s hearing all of this in Europe. And he’s hearing Louis Armstrong, he’s hearing Duke Ellington, he’s hearing all these different sounds and reacting to it as someone who grew up in Europe playing mostly kind of folk music. So he hears all of this, he hears the sounds of jazz, he hears the note choice, and he just kind of goes off and does his own thing. So that kind of sound world, plus once you add in stuff on Grappelli, like the interplay of an instrument that has sustain, like a violin or an accordion, plus what we’re doing with the guitars, really ends up kind of completing the picture.
BIRT: I mean, I feel like I probably got into Django’s music heavily maybe about five years ago, six years ago, it’s always something like I knew about, but I really, I started trying to play it with some friends and I was mostly doing it on electric guitar. And I was like, no, this isn’t really, this isn’t the sound yet. I’m working on it. And then when COVID happened, that was kind of where I had the moment to kind of hit a hard reset as far as how I play. And I was like, Oh, well let’s really get into that acoustic sound. Let’s get into this technique that you need to be able to really amplify what you’re doing and get that kind of sound.
HERNANDEZ: What is it that drew you into this music though? What is, like, is there a moment you’re just like, oh my gosh, this is, this is everything?
HARLEY: One moment that’s clicked for me is playing live for people because this music is its immediacy.
BIRT: It’s kind of a visceral ness to it. It’s music that really drives forward. You know, even when it’s slow, it always feels like it’s a little bit ahead of the beat. And I think, too, it’s music that’s kind of meant to be experienced live. I think the recordings do it justice. And really, when you hear Django play the same song in multiple takes, they’re completely different. So there’s just constant playfulness, there’s constant interplay between the two of us, and the more people that
we play with, the better. but yeah, it’s music that just kind of, to me the thing that probably drew me in the most was the colors that, that Django decided to use in his chords, and in his melodic ideas is that he’s really, he’s taking ideas from the blues, but he’s also doing and using notes that normal American blues players would not use.
HERNANDEZ: I want to switch over and ask you about the scene, the music scene here in Providence and again, you both have been involved in a variety of bands over the years. And then you mentioned the pandemic and I was thinking about the impact that that had on so many of us, but on artists, especially because you’re talking about performing live and for a while we couldn’t. And so I’m wondering, what would you say about the current state of music right now and how it was shaped over these last few years with everything that’s happened?
HARLEY: I think that we’ve seen a real need for live music. One thing that I really love about this music that we’re playing in particular is that it’s great as background music. People can be having their date night. It can also be a focal point for people to listen to and, you know, hear what we’re doing. And meanwhile, we’re having fun
doing it no matter what’s going on in the room.
HERNANDEZ: But you said there’s a need for it. Is that, is it something from, from the performers or from the audience?
HARLEY: I think both. I think that just being in a physical space with other people. And feeling the actual pulse and vibrations of music and the pulse and, you know, coming from our end and the pulse and vibrations of love or laughter or food or plates clinking coming from the audience’s end. That’s food. You know, that’s, you can’t see it, you can’t touch it, but that’s actual food. There’s so many times that before going to the gig, I’ll be like, I’m tired from work. I don’t want to do anything. And then as soon as I get there, all of that washes away and I go home with more energy than I had walking into it. And I’d like to think that that’s the same for the people who come to see us play as well. Paper Moon Jazz Band performs Wednesdays from 7:30-10pm at The Royal Bobcat, 422 Atwells Avenue.
This article was posted on July 4, 2024; the episode originally aired on January 18, 2024. Luis Hernandez can be reached at LHernandez@ThePubicsRadio.org
Paper Moon plays Wednesdays at The Royal Bobcat in Providence
Photo courtesy
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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
Fox Point parks get a facelift
Two parks and two playgrounds in Fox Point are set to be rebuilt for about $4 million this year. The work in India Point Park will be the largest, with a budget of $1.6 million. The rebuild of Brassil Playground was completed in late July, and work on Gano and Cabral Parks will follow. Overall this year, the city says it has committed nearly $12 million to improve 29 parks. Last year, 39 parks got $13 million in improvements. “When we invest in our parks, we are making tangible quality-of-life improvements,” notes Mayor Brett Smiley.
Now 50 years old, India Point Park is a waterfront destination that Parks superintendent Wendy Nilsson refers to as “everyone’s favorite spot.” Work will include an expanded and re-landscaped picnic grove, more tables and trees, swings big enough for adults, and shoreline work to protect the park without fighting with the bay. Public toilets are not in the plan. “It’s an issue that needs to be solved at some point,” Nilsson says. There’s also no money in the plan to remove pilings, and the 20-year fight continues to bury the utility towers. However, David Riley, leader of the drive to remove the towers, seems hopeful. The mayors of Providence and East Providence, he explains, have committed to work to bury the power lines. The improvements at Brassil Playground include a new slide, more swings, a bigger sandbox, a picnic area, playhouses, and climbing stations, for a total of $485,000. For about $1 million, Cabral Park, next to Vartan Gregorian School, is getting a full rebuild. The chain-link fences are coming down, the sprinklers from the water park are being moved to scattered sites, and the ballfield and the playground are being rebuilt. At Gano, for $800,000, the plans call for moving the ballfields, rebuilding the basketball courts, and landscaping.
Crime watch organization in South Providence addresses systemic disadvantages
Established in 2012 at the request of Mayor Tavares’ administration, the Elmwood and South Providence Neighborhoods Crime Watch (ESPNCW) has, from its inception, been an advocate for safe, inclusive, and healthy communities. ESPNCW understands that crime is only a part of a constellation of systemic factors, rooted in historical legacies such as structural racism and red-lining, that must be addressed to build healthier communities for everyone. Systemic disadvantages include, but are not limited to, poverty, disinvestment, healthcare, homelessness and lack of affordable housing, problems of opportunity access, equitable educational opportunity, political underrepresentation, recreational access, library services, access to growing your own food, lack of green spaces and street tree cover, gun violence, the availability of street drugs, and public transportation. ESPNCW works directly with Providence police, elected officials, residents, nonprofits, and business owners to move the needle of change. A weekly neighborhood newsletter is published featuring local organizations that are making a difference, along with relevant news and environmental items, things to do, ways to engage and a weekly crime report. To receive this newsletter, contact Doug.crimewatch@gmail.com.
Annual yard sale in Summit neighborhood returns
For the first time, Summit Neighborhood Association’s (SNA) annual community yard sale will be happening over two days. Held on Saturday and Sunday, September 14-15, from 9am-1pm each day, yard sale participants are invited to set up shop either or both days. To join the map, register online at SNA.Providence.RI.us/yard-sale-registration-open/.
SNA is also seeking additional neighborhood volunteers to help deliver their triannual newsletters, which are typically published and distributed in March, August, and November, and they can always need more hands (and feet) to help make sure all Summit neighbors receive them. Contact SNAPro v @gmail.com to join the newsletter delivery group, or to join the general v olunteer email list for more opportunities as they arise.
The Jewelry District goes green with litter pick-up initiatives
Helping to drive the Litter Free Rhode Island program forward, RIDOT launched initiatives to strengthen the fight against the plague of trash on our streets and roads. A team from RIDOT came to the Jewelry District Association’s (JDA) monthly meeting in July to make one of the first public presentations of the online Trashboard. Led by David Walsh, RIDOT’s assistant director of administrative services, the team showed how this Internet-based utility tracks data from a wide range of Litter Free RI initiatives, from the total weight of trash picked up and the number of bags that have been filled to the locations where public and privately organized cleanups have taken place across the state. For example, by the end of July, RIDOT had picked up 15,446 45-gallon trash bags on our highways in 2024.
In this “disposable society,” highways and city streets are often favored spots for discarding unwanted items. Governor Dan McKee and wife Susan McKee launched the Litter Free RI initiative and an associated grant program for clean-up events. RIDOT is continuing the initiative and adding its own special efforts in making it a success.
Surprise guests joined the meeting to the delight of the JDA members and attending public. Unannounced, the celebrated Big Nazo troupe, including Rusty Dog himself, appeared carrying the message that tossing trash in public places is much more than a minor nuisance. The Big Nazo characters interfaced with the laughing, cheering audience, marking a new high point in the organization’s meeting history.
Photo by Peter Phipps
The beloved India Point Park sees improvements this year
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: September 2
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
Big Nazo characters demonstrate litter clean-up at a JDA meeting
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
Meeting Date: September 16 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
Photo by Margery Winter, courtesy of JDA
GERRI SCHIFFMAN
T e Must List
Through September 8: The Pawtucket Arts Festival celebrates the regional arts scene with several all-ages events, including the Slater Park Fall Festival, Pops in the Park, the River Bend East Songwriters Festival, and more. PawtucketArtsFestival.org
September 5-22: POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive is the side-splitting story of a presidential PR nightmare that evolves into a global catastrophe, and the women tasked with damage control. TrinityRep.com
September 7-8: India Point Park is the place to be for the best seafood, craft beer, wine, and more from dozens of vendors at the 14th annual Rhode Island Seafood Festival , with live music from local favorites. RISeafoodFest.com
September 6-7: The city’s signature event, PVDFest , returns to downtown with spectacles like eVenti Verticali, where aerial dancers perform at 60 feet suspended by crane; multiple stages of local and international acts, Food Truck Village, vendors, and more. PVDFest.com
September 8: FADED is a day-long buy-sell-trade event with over 150 vendors at the WaterFire Arts Center showcasing the art and business of vintage clothing including a rooftop party, DJs, a bar, and food court. FadedShow.com
September 14: Influential New England altrock bands Belly (“Feed the Tree”), whose members all hail from the East Bay, and Boston’s Buffalo Tom (“Sunflower Suit”) take the stage in energized sets certain to bring back those ‘90s vibes. FeteMusic.com
September 14: The Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra kicks off its 80th season with a diverse program, including works from Nelson, Hovhaness, Rachmaninoff, and Gershwin’s beloved favorite “An American in Paris.” TheVetsRI.com
September 19-22: One Pro v idence Place - A Mall Musical is a stage production loosely based on the true story of a group of courageous artists who famously carved out an apartment in the downtown mall in the early 2000s. HarpiesPro v.com
September 20: Ladies R&B Volume 2 brings together five of R&B’s most iconic voices for a night of soulful sounds with chart-topping artists Monica, Dru Hill, Mya, H-Town, and Case. AmicaMutualPavilion.com
September 21-28: The inspiring story of the Brooklyn native who became a rock icon told through story and hit songs, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical , launches its national tour at the Providence Performing Arts Center. PPAC.org
Photo courtesy of PVDFest
FirstWorks spectacle eVenti Verticali aerial dance at PVDFest
Destination:
PROVIDEN THE ULTIMATE SOURCE FOR EXPLORING OUR FAVORITE PLACE ON EARTH
BY ELYSE MAJOR
Since being setted in 1636 and incorporated in 1832, Providence has had many lives. It’s been described as everything from a beehive of industry, to the jewelry capital of the world, to an armpit on the way to the Cape. It’s been branded the Renaissance City and rebranded The Creative Capital, and recently got some major shout-outs in both Vogue and CNN Travel by East Side-based writer/photographer Christine Chitnis. No matter what anyone calls us, we’ve always known Providence is the greatest city in the world.
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
The aim of this guide is to encourage exploration across the city; it is not a directory, so listings provided are just the tip of the iceberg of the many wonderful and unique small businesses you will find in Providence, Rhode Island! Please let us know your favorites by tagging Pro v idence Monthly social accounts and using #heyrhodyphotos
TOP 10 WALKABLE CITY
A USA Today Readers’ Choice article named Providence on the 10 best walkable cities for tourists in the United States. The article (June 2024) notes that the list was selected by a panel of travel experts and readers, and judged based on things to do, restaurants, and places to stay, all connected by pedestrian-friendly streets.
by Zach Pona
Photo
CE
COLOR KEY
The city is divided into four colors to help you find where you want to be! All listings in this article are color coded by location.
GETTING AROUND
Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) is a system of buses and trolleys providing lowcost transport around the city and state with the hub currently located at Kennedy Plaza . Buses are bike-friendly, and there are vanpool options, handy for commuters. Connecting carriers include departure points for Peter Pan and Greyhound bus lines. Visit RIPTA.com to easily access maps, or download the WAVE app to pay for bus fares with an Earn As You Go feature. For riding the rails, Providence Station (near Providence Place Mall) is served by Amtrak and the MBTA, and has the charming Cafe La France inside!
Kennedy Plaza
Providence Station
Dining Dining
The word “craft” easily and aptly describes Providence’s restaurant scene, which makes sense for such an art-infused city. Without pretension, everything from coffee to cocktails, brews to baked goods, burgers to bibimbap, and pizza to pistachio ice cream sandwiches (on Madagascar vanilla cookies) is executed with artisanal flair. Whether you’re seeking cozy, elegant, eclectic, or grab-and-go, PVD’s cafes, restaurants, bars, and more satisfy a variety of palates and price points.
COFFEE
BOLT COFFEE
CAFE CHOKLAD
CAFE ZOEY
COCO’S CAFE & BAR
DAVE’S COFFEE
LITTLE CITY COFFEE & KITCHEN
NEW HARVEST COFFEE & SPIRITS
THE NITRO BAR
RISE ‘N SHINE COFFEE BAR
THE ROSE ROOM
SMALL FORMAT
Founded to be a welcoming hang-out for the queer community, Small Format hosts events like group knits, speed dating, and art exhibitions. Hot coffee, cool cocktails, and “weekend brunchy specials” keep everyone coming back. 335 Wickenden Street
SMALL POINT CAFE
SEVEN STARS BAKERY
SYDNEY
WHITE ELECTRIC
COCKTAILS
345 BY PLANT CITY
THE AVERY
BELLINI AT THE BEATRICE
THE BOOMBOX
CAFE ITALIA
CAPRI SEAFOOD
CLEMENTINE COCKTAIL BAR
THE EDDY
GLOU
THE INDUSTRIOUS SPIRIT
COMPANY TASTING ROOM
JUSTINE’S
KIMI’S
LAYALI RESTAURANT BAR
MARCELINO’S BOUTIQUE BAR
NEEDLE & THREAD
OGIE’S TRAILER PARK
THE RED DOOR
THE ROYAL BOBCAT
SARTO
TINY BAR
THE WALNUT ROOM
Admirers of dramatic interiors (take note of chiaroscuro, art students) will delight in the dimly lit Walnut Room, where gilded touches and velvet furnishings create the kind of shimmering drama one craves while sipping a cocktail, glass of port, or Super Bock. 245 South Main Street
XO BAR
The Walnut Room
Small Format
Photo courtesy of The Walnut Room
Photo courtesy of Small Format
Breweries
BUTTONWOODS BREWERY
Exposed brick painted in a pattern of gold and black and assorted wood furnishings make Buttonwoods’ enormous new taproom feel like a coveted neighborhood rec-room. Vinyl spinning, delicious lagers and ales, and tasty pub grub confirm: this is where it’s at. 50 Sims Avenue
THE GUILD PVD BEER GARDEN (THROUGH OCTOBER)
LONG LIVE BEERWORKS MONIKER BREWERY
NARRAGANSETT BREWERY
ORIGIN BEER PROJECT
PROVIDENCE BREWING COMPANY
TRINITY BREWHOUSE
UNION STATION BREWERY
Pizza
ANTONIO’S PIZZA
Antonio’s is the perfect place to explore new toppings with 30-50 different pies at the ready, including gluten- and dairy-free options. In addition to the classics, discover unique mash-ups like the Potato Cheddar, Chicken Parm, and Artichoke Pesto. 256 Thayer Street & 125 Wickenden Street
CASERTA PIZZERIA
DOWNCITY PIZZA & SANDWICHES
FELLINI’S PIZZERIA AND CAFE
FIGIDINI
FLATBREAD COMPANY
HOTLINE PIZZA
NAPOLITANO’S BROOKLYN PIZZA
NICE SLICE
PIZZA J
PIZZA MARVIN
PIZZA PIE-ER
PROVIDENCE COAL FIRED PIZZA
SAL’S BAKERY
SICILIA’S PIZZERIA
Photos (top) by Maxwell Snyder, courtesy of Buttonwoods Brewery, (bottom) courtesy of Antonio’s
BUttonWoods Brewery
Antonio’s Pizza
Sweets
ALEPPO SWEETS
FEED THE CHEEKS
KNEAD DOUGHNUTS
L’ARTISAN CAFE & BAKERY
MADRID EUROPEAN BAKERY AND PATISSERIE
OAK BAKESHOP
PASTICHE FINE DESSERTS
PVDONUTS
SIN
Look for the sign featuring a red three-layer cake with a devilish tail and you’ve found Sin. While the bakeshop is known for its custom cakes, you can also take a seat at the bar to enjoy bakery treats, coffee, and cocktails! 1413 Westminster Street
Ice Cream
BIG FEELING (OPENING SOON)
HELADO TAIYAKI
KOW KOW
Sugar or waffle cones are standard options, but head to Kow Kow for fresh bubble waffles holding scoops of ice cream that are as yummy as they are pretty to look at and easy to hold. 120 Ives Street
LIKE NO UDDER
NEWPORT CREAMERY
TIZZY K’S CEREAL
ICE CREAM
TRICYCLE ICE CREAM
THE WRIGHT SCOOP
GLOBAL EATS
APSARA ASIAN RESTAURANT
CASA AZUL TAQUERÍA
DEN DEN CAFÉ ASIANA
AND DEN DEN KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN
DOLORES
HARUKI EAST
HOMETOWN POKÉ & BUBBLE TEA
Hometown Poké & Bubble Tea is the ideal place for a mood reset. The interior is bright and welcoming, and the menu is filled with colorful raw bowls (and veggie options) that make eating healthy look easy and delicious. Don’t miss the cute merch. 185 Camp Street
INDIA
KIN SOUTHERN TABLE & BAR
LAMEI HOT POT
LOS ANDES
MOKBAN KOREAN BISTRO
THE VILLAGE PVD
VIVA MEXICO CANTINA GRILL
WOK & POT
Y NOODLE BAR AND
Y SHABU SHABU
XACO TACO
Photo (top) courtesy of Sin, (bottom) courtesy of Hometown Poké & Bubble Tea
Geoff’s SandwichesSuperlative
BLACK LEAF TEA CAFE DEADBEATS
STRIVE KITCHEN + BAR
FRANK & LAURIE’S
Chef Eric Brown recently opened his highly anticipated Frank & Laurie’s. An homage to his grandparents, it’s designed to be a neighborhood lunch spot, but this is not your nana’s luncheonette! Dinner served on Fridays. 110 Doyle Avenue
GIFT HORSE
IRREGARDLESS BISCUIT
JUNIPER BAR
MAVEN’S DELICATESSEN
THE PATIO ON BROADWAY
PROVIDENCE VEGAN DELI
THERE, THERE
Iconic Eats
AL FORNO
ANGELO’S RESTAURANT
THE CAPITAL GRILLE
CAFE NUOVO
COSTANTINO’S VENDA BAR & RISTORANTE
GEOFF’S SUPERLATIVE SANDWICHES
Grilled chicken, melted Muenster, lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, and Shedd’s sauce (a horseradish-mayo) on a bun make up our namesake sammie, and you can only order a Providence Monthly at Geoff’s. It’s the place to get 90 types of unique sandwiches and a complimentary pickle from the barrel for over 40 years. 401 South Main Street
JOE MARZILLI’S OLD CANTEEN
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
OLNEYVILLE NEW YORK SYSTEM
THE SANDWICH HUT
Photo by Connor Beebe, courtesy of Frank and Laurie’s, (R) by Ken Abrams
Frank & Laurie’s
INSTA-INSPO
EATERIES
1.
9. Rosalina 10. Sarto
FLOWERS
11. Blooming Blossoms
12. The Floral Reserve
13. Four Buds Floral Design
14. Jephry Floral Studio
15.
16.
17. The Arcade
29. Ladd Observatory
30.
31. Providence Athenaeum
Hotel lobbies
42. The Beatrice
43. The Graduate
44. Renaissance Providence
Scenic Views
45. Bellini Rooftop
46. India Point Park Pedestrian Bridge
47. Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge
48. Prospect Terrace
49. Riverside Park Community Garden
50. Roger Williams Park
51. Roger Williams National Memorial
52. The Steel Yard
53. Neutaconkanut Park
54. Wanskuck Park
55. Waterplace Park
Storefronts
56. Craftland
57. Dash Bicycle
58. Dolores
59. Frog & Toad - East
60. Kreatelier
61. Providence Shoe Repair
62. RISD Store
63. Rocket to Mars
64. Simple Pleasures
65. Symposium Books
66. Queen of Hearts
Streets
67. Arnold Street
68. Benefit Street
69. Blackstone Boulevard
70. College Hill
71. Federal Hill
72. Ives Street
73. Olneyville Square
74. South Main Street
75. Thayer Street
76. Wayland Square
77. Westminster Street
78. Wickenden Street
Shop
For those who enjoy getting their shop on, you can’t do better than Providence. There are stores for all kinds of styles – from fancy to funky, affordable to pricey – featuring famous labels and one-of-akind handmade finds. The city’s streets were designed long before the automobile, resulting in a layout that is compact and wonderfully wonky, which means shopping districts tend to have businesses sprouting like mushrooms off main thoroughfares, so don’t overlook Rhody Gems that could be nestled in the smallest of side streets. We’re looking at you, Traverse, Peck, and Mathewson streets.
Apparel
BERK’S SHOES & CLOTHING
CAPUCINE
GARBOLINO BOUTIQUE
GREEN INK BOUTIQUE
J. MARCEL
Whether you are looking for a new pair of jeans, a pretty dress, or sparkly earrings, J Marcel has it all and then some. This women’s boutique, which just turned sweet 16, is a reliable source of cool gifts and accessories, relaxed atmosphere, and of course, The Back Room – a treasure trove of discounted items, samples, and much more. 808 Hope Street
LOLA
LULI BOUTIQUE
MARC ALLEN
MRS. ROBINSON
NAVA
THE NEST
PRETTY SNAKE
STEWART HOUSE
QUEEN OF HEARTS AND MODERN LOVE
BOOKS & RECORDS
ARMAGEDDON RECORD SHOP
BOOKS ON THE SQUARE
BROWN BOOKSTORE
HEARTLEAF BOOKS
LOVECRAFT ARTS & SCIENCES
OLYMPIC RECORDS
PAPER NAUTILUS BOOKS
RAH-COCO’S COLLECTIBLES
RIFFRAFF BOOKSTORE AND BAR
On the corner of Valley and Delaine streets in Olneyville, you’ll find The Plant, a historic mill complex turned mixed-use development, and inside is Riffraff. This bookstore, cafe, bar, and event space always has something going on, thanks to Ottavia De Luca and Lucas Mann, who are preparing to celebrate their first anniversary as owners. 60 Valley Street, Suite 107A
STAGES OF FREEDOM
SYMPOSIUM BOOKS
J. Marcel
RiffRaff Bookstore and Bar
Photo (top) by Ti f any Axtmann, (bottom) courtesy of Ri f Ra f
HOME, GIFTS & MORE
ADLER’S DESIGN CENTER & HARDWARE
ASTERFIELDS
BALÉ HOMEWARES
It’s so nice to have a furniture store downtown again, especially when pieces are handmade and built to last.
Providence is one of two showrooms of Balé, a company that uses sustainably harvested teak for furnishings made in Indonesia using generations-old methods. A visit to the light-filled store is sure to inspire. 326 Westminster Street
THE CAMERA WERKS
CAMPUS FINE WINES
CRAFTLAND
FOX POINT GROCERS
FROG & TOAD
HOMESTYLE
KNIT CLUB
KREATELIER
PH FACTOR
RHODY CRAFT
RUSTIGIAN RUGS
SANCHEZ MARKET
STOCK CULINARY GOODS
THEA PLANT CO
WHITE BUFFALO
Jewelry
BRAVE DAUGHTERS
COPACETIC JEWELRY
GREEN RIVER SILVER CO.
HEGEMAN & CO.
RELIABLE GOLD LTD.
For four generations, family-owned Reliable Gold has been offering all things jewelry. In addition to fine and estate pieces, services include custom design, appraisals, cleaning and maintenance checks, and more. Free gift wrapping and a layaway option are hallmarks of their commitment to customers. 9 Wayland Square
SPEIDEL
TALULAH COOPER
Photos courtesy of Balé Homewares
balé homewares
SPORTING GOODS
CIVIL
Civil was founded 10 years ago by two pals to fill the need they saw in alternative sport stores.
The shop has three locations with products reflective of each: Main Street (East Greenwich), and beach (Westerly), and city. Providence’s Civil specializes in skateboards, footwear, and apparel, and they are authorized dealers of every brand they carry, so no fakies here. 231 Westminster Street
CLEVERHOOD
DASH BICYCLE SHOP
LEGEND BICYCLE
PROVIDENCE BICYCLE
TREK BICYCLE
CIVIL
CIVIL
Photos courtesy of Civil
Parks rule
Inventive programming keeps the city’s outdoor spaces happening spots year-round
BY ALEXANDRA ASHE
Setting 195 District Park aglow last winter with enchanting rotating prisms, Lumina, a month-long festival, succeeded in its plan to lure folks out of their cozy abodes to marvel at rotating Prismatica light displays, ice skating performances, and more. The event was the brainchild of Nora Barré, executive director of the Downtown Providence Park Network (DPPN), and she’s got plenty more projects in the works, all designed to encourage people to enjoy downtown and partake of nearby businesses –many offering event specials – while they’re in the city.
Since 2021, DPPN has worked closely with various community nonprofit organizations, including The City of Providence and the I-195 District Park, to bring vibrancy, community, and pride to Providence’s downtown public spaces, such as the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Bridge, Greater Kennedy Plaza, Waterplace Park, and smaller neighborhood parks.
Along with programing like the Meet Us Downtown: Burnside Concert Series, Barré shares the DPPN is working on a city-wide project that includes lamppost banners to “unify the downtown parks, traffic mitigation, and provide better wayfinding,” plus efforts to revive Market Place near RISD this fall, with vendors, music, and a beer garden. She says, “We’re all connected, and collaborations make Providence shine brighter!”
Le
Libre
MICHAEL PEKALA 05 IL
DIANA HALL 94 JM
YUH OKANA 91 TX
Photo courtesy of DPPN
Patin
performing at Bank Newport Center during Lumina
Vintage
BANGLED TIGER
Just celebrating its first anniversary, vintage boutiquemeets-modern consignment shop Bangled Tiger received an organic boost when actress Jamie Lee Curtis raved about it to her 5.8M followers on IG while in the city filming Ella McCay . Stop in and you’ll see why. 200 South Main Street
FOUND
HALL’S ON BROADWAY
NOSTALGIA ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES STORE
OLD BAG VINTAGE
POP EMPORIUM
ROCKET TO MARS
URBAN THREAD
THE VAULT COLLECTIVE
POP Emporium
Bangled Tiger
Photo courtesy of POP, (R) @BangledTiger via Instagram
PLAY
When it comes to things to do, Providence is filled with attractions and experiences for all preferences. Feel like attending a rousing Broadway show, the solitude of an art gallery, or a night in a small club seeing a local band play their hearts out? Yup. We’ve got that.
Galleries
AS220 GALLERIES
ATRIUM GALLERY
BANNISTER GALLERY AT RHODE ISLAND COLLEGE
BERT GALLERY
DIRT PALACE
GALLERY NIGHT PROVIDENCE
PROVIDENCE ART CLUB
The Providence Art Club comprises four unique buildings on Thomas Street. Chances are good that the unique yellow-and-timber Fleur de Lys Studios has caused a double-take or two. While some PAC amenities are members-only, the three galleries are open to the public and feature work of member-artists plus a roster of special exhibits. 11 Thomas Street
PUBLIC SHOP & GALLERY
RISD MUSEUM
STUDIO HOP
Photos by Michael Rose, courtesy of Providence Art Club
Providence Art Club
Trust Dr. Alyssa Findley, a board-certified Dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, for precise skin cancer treatment to ensure high cure rates with minimal removal of healthy tissue, delivering optimal results.
“An excellent experience from start to finish. Dr. Findley removed [a squamous cell carcinoma] with Mohs surgery, and, almost 6 weeks afterwards, you'd never know I had anything done!” -Joe
PERFORMING ARTS
AS220
BALLET RI
ICYMI: a few years ago Festival Ballet was rebranded Ballet RI.
More than a simple name change, under the leadership of director Kathleen Breen Combes and artistic curator/resident choreographer Yury Yanowsky, the performance calendar of classics is peppered with shows and statewide locations designed to beckon first-timers to experience the art form. 835 Hope Street
LIT ARTS RI
PECHAKUCHA
(ROTATING LOCATIONS)
PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
TRINITY REPERTORY COMPANY
WATERFIRE ARTS CENTER
WILBURY THEATRE GROUP
TEATRO ECAS
VETERANS MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM
THE WURKS
Make Art
ANYHOW STUDIO
We first covered Liz Welch and Anyhow Studio in January of 2019 after spotting her work at Dye House. Since then, the enterprise has expanded in both staff and space, offering memberships and drop-ins and hosting regular events. Save the date for September 18 when Anyhow Studio will be a stop on the Gallery Night tour. 25 Acorn Street
AS220 COMMUNITY PRINT SHOP
EAST SIDE ART CENTER
GATHER GLASS
MUSE PAINTBAR
THE STEEL YARD
Photo (top) courtesy of Ballet RI, (bottom)
RELAX & REFRESH
AYURVEDA FOR ROSEBUD SALON
BE WELL CHIROPRACTIC + HEALTH
THE BODHI SPA
CHRISTIAAN SALON
CLAUDIA CURL SALON
LOTUS SALON
LOVE CULTURE SALON
It’s always refreshing when a salon has stylists who understand all kinds of hair, and that’s what you’ll find – along with a mission of sustainability and good vibes – at Love Culture Salon. A peek on the ‘gram (@loveculturesalon) shows many a curly-friend smiling, tresses of various hues from golden to green, and expertly hand-painted balayage, blowouts, and more. 506 Broadway
MARIAMA’S HAIR STORE & BRAIDS
MOSS SALON
THE NORWICH SPA AT GRADUATE PROVIDENCE
ST. GERMAIN STUDIO
Photo courtesy of Liz Kelley
Photo courtesy of GoProvidence
Love CUlture Salon
SPECTATE SPORTS & MORE
What do the PC Friars and Elvis Presley have in common? They’ve played the multi-use entertainment arena now known as The Amica Mutual Pavillion. The AMP is home to the AHL Providence Bruins and the Big East Providence College Men’s Basketball team. The site hosts a wide variety of sporting events, concerts, family shows, trade shows, and more. This month look for Ladies R&B Volume 2: MONICA, Dru Hill, MYA, H-Town, and Case; and Boston Bruins Black & Gold Game. 1 LaSalle Square
Listen Up
ALCHEMY
ASKEW
Nestled in the Jewelry District, Askew is one of those cool/cozy lounges that every city should have. Art from locals lines the walls, there’s a menu of bar bites and drinks, and programming ranges from open-mic comedy to live bands to dance nights including being the home of groovy Soul Power. 150 Chestnut Street
FETE MUSIC HALL
MOONSHINE ALLEY
NICK-A-NEES
THE PARLOUR
THE SCURVY DOG
THE STRAND BALLROOM
Gay Bars
THE ALLEY CAT / THE DARK LADY
DIVA ROYALE
EGO PROVIDENCE
MIRABAR
PROVIDENCE EAGLE
THE STABLE
The Stable
On busy Washington Street next door to The George, look for two lucky horseshoes flanking the name of this popular bar and you’ve found The Stable. All are welcome at this LGBTQ+ space to enjoy its delish drinks, selection of beer and wine, and entertainment in a party atmosphere. Don’t miss Sangria Sundays with guest bartenders! 125 Washington Street
Askew
Photo (L) by Jen Bonin. (R) by Ken Abrams
DEACON TAYLOR HOUSE
9 OPEN STUDIOS
SATURDAY
SEPTEMBER 7TH
PVD ART CLUB
BLOCK PARTY
SATURDAY
DESIGNWEEKRI
ALWAYS OPEN BY APPT OR BY CHANCE!
SUZANNE REEVES
LESLIE GERNT
LINDA MCDERMOTT
JOAN MCCONAGHY
PAM STANTON
VERA GIERKE
JUDY VILMAIN
ALISON DALE
CRAIG MASTEN
KELLY MCCULLOUGH
Staff Picks
Seeking more things to do for your friend crew or fam? Provided are suggestions from your pals at Pro v idence Monthly :
FREE PLAY BAR & ARCADE
The ultimate retro hang-out for pinball, dancing, and games. 182 Pine Street
GRANT’S BLOCK
A dog park and event space. Westminster/Union Streets
PROVIDENCE RIVER BOAT COMPANY
Narrated themed boat tours. 101 Dyer Street
PROVIDENCE
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
Tactile fun for littles and their grown-ups. 100 South Street
PROVIDENCE FLEA
Shop unique goods in open air Sundays. 195 District Park
PROVIDENCE WALKS
A full menu of self-guided historic walking tours. GoPro v idence.com
ROCK SPOT CLIMBING
Reach new heights at this bouldering gym. 42 Rice Street
Providence Children’s Museum
Providence Flea
Photo
(top) courtesy of Providence Children’s Museum, (bottom) courtesy of PVD Flea
All Wednesdays 5:30pm-6pm gentle movement 6:15pm-7:15pm meditation.
All bodies, all levels welcome to sit! Donation based
SPA YOGA
A sensory, all levels, class leaves you feeling like you just visited the spa. Fridays, September 6th & September 13th, 7:30-8:30pm, $20
TAOIST HEALING PRACTICES
Come learn energetic cultivation for mental, emotional, and physical health you can use every day. Saturday, September 14th from 2pm-4pm $30
Sunday, September 22nd from 1pm-4pm,
A fun date night exploration and connection by glow sticks and candlelight. Friday, September 27th, 6:30pm-8pm, $70 per couple GENTLE BREATH WORK & SOUND BATH Saturday, 9/29 6-7:15pm
HOME & STYLE
Home | Rhody Reads | Shop | Rhody Gem | Makers
Sage Advice
A couple turns to a woodworker to make sense of their circa-1900s Providence kitchen
By Ann Martini
Alejandro Brambila and Rachel Hallock were living in San Francisco when they decided on Providence – one of their “favorite cities on the East Coast” – as the location of their wedding. Friends living on the East Side told them about a house that was available in the Mount Hope section and they decided to take a look, as they’d wanted to buy a house but couldn’t afford much in California. “The house needed a lot of work, and we weren’t sure we wanted to take on such a big project as our first home,” says Hallock, “but when we started looking at other houses over the next six months, we kept comparing them to this house, and in the end we couldn’t resist.”
“It’s a really quirky house,” says Hallock of the circa-1900 three-bedroom. “The rooms don’t all make sense, and it’s clear that the original builder changed plans last-minute to include indoor plumbing, but it’s forced us to get creative with how we use the space. The other big appealing factor was that the kitchen was basically non-existent — the owner who sold it to us had started to remodel and never finished. It was basically a blank slate for us to work from.”
To help decode some of the design challenges, Brambila and Hallock enlisted the help of nearby artisan furniture designer Matthew Soule of SouleWork, a firm in South Elmwood offering custom cabinetry and millwork. “Designing a modern kitchen that blends well with the style of an existing old home is a fun challenge, and I think the
result was a success for this project,” Soule says. The work included creating functional space by removing a wall, installing updated light fixtures, and custom cabinetry. The main entrance to the kitchen might have been a sticking point, but Soule designed curved cabinets – using a bent lamination technique – to service the flow.
A curved-end cabinet, hand-turned island legs, range hood, and large three-inch endgrain butcher block bring bespoke cohesion and flow to the kitchen
Photography by Christian Scully, courtesy of Design Imaging Studios
Brambila, an agroecologist for the Trustees of Massachusetts, and Hallock, a software designer, set out to curate their own interior aesthetic. “We like to collect things from flea markets, antique stores, and from our travels,” she explains. “Our decor ends up being pretty eclectic, and also kind of permanently unfinished.” When it came to selecting paint, the couple considered of-the-period colors, “but we’re not militant about it,” Hallock shares. “We painted one room lavender because we’d never painted a room purple before and new colors are fun.”
Photography by Christian Scully, courtesy of Design Imaging Studios
Command by Benjamin Moore was applied by Fresh Paint RI
Now, two years later with a baby in tow, the couple is delighted with the choices Soule and team made for the house. They enjoy spending time cooking, learning about the craft of home restoration, and gardening, with Brambila tending to the property’s various fruit trees, and beekeeping, and Hallock planning a year-round garden. Says Hallock, “There are people who have lived here forever, and there are new people like us here, too. That mix of people creates such an interesting community.”
by
Photography
Christian Scully, courtesy of Design Imaging Studios
The three-inch-thick butcher block was made from hard maple and finished with a food-safe oil-wax blend
by
Photography
Christian Scully, courtesy of Design Imaging Studios
Get Rhody Style
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
Heart
and Soul
Matthew Soule has been practicing the craft of woodworking for as long as he can remember. “I grew up a carpenter’s son, so I was exposed to building and working with my hands early on working with my father.” He returned to it in Los Angeles before moving back to Rhode Island and building out his first shop in Providence. “We make everything from architectural millwork and custom cabinetry to artisan tables and chairs, custom furniture designs, and smaller products like lamps and decor. Find Soule’s work at his shop at 95 Hathaway Street by appointment, at Inhabit in Warren, or online at SouleWork.com.
Patterns of Use
For the custom kitchen, Soule started by listening to the couple’s needs and laying out a kitchen that functions according to their lifestyle. “The conversation typically moves from function to form and any special details they had in mind or if they are open to any unique design details I might envision,” he explains. The maker’s personal favorites are the curved cabinet and the three-inch-thick butcher-block island. “It was a challenge,” he admits, “and it came out beautiful.”
Discovering Hope
Homeowners Brambila and Hallock enjoy exploring the ever-evolving East Side. “We love getting little treats from Stock Culinary Goods, and fish from Fearless Fish Market on Hope Street. We’re super close to Nikki’s Liquors [Branch Avenue] and they have a great selection of beer and interesting liquors.”
Rhody Reads
Thrilling reads by women authors and a fall line-up of author panels
By Deborah Goodrich Royce
Here’s to the beauty of fall in Rhode Island. As I write this, I’m looking at Watch Hill Lighthouse on a sunny summer day, but autumn is just around the corner and with it comes a host of great books. Here is a list of enticing mysteries, one by a Rhode Island author and two by authors who will be part of the Ocean House Author Series.
Rhode Island’s own Juliet Grames released The Lost Boys of Santa Chionia on July 23. In a remote Italian village – with no running water, doctor, electricity, or even mail delivery due to a recent flood – an unidentified skeleton turns up, three men go missing, the villagers hold secrets, and a young American turns amateur detective. Grames, along with Liv Constantine, Sara DiVello, Elise Hart Kipness, Jean Kwok, and Luanne Rice will join the Ocean House Author Series Thriller Panel on Sunday, October 27.
For fans of Liane Moriarty ( Big Little Lies ) – and who isn’t? – her newest twisty tale, Here One Moment , comes out on September 10. If you knew your future, would you try to fight fate? When a group of passengers on an ordinary flight are each informed of the exact moments of their coming deaths, how do they react? How would you? These are the questions posed in this deft exploration of free will and destiny, grief, and love. It is fresh, original, and surprising.
The thrills keep coming when September 17 brings The Night We Lost Him by New York Times bestselling novelist, Laura Dave. Liam Noone, a hotel magnate with three ex-wives, falls to his death on the California coast. The authorities ruled it an accident. But is it? His adult children Nora and Sam overcome their estrangement to solve the mystery of their father’s death. But along the way, they uncover a family secret that threatens to change everything.
I am a serious fan of Alfred Hitchcock, the British film director known as the “master of suspense,” and I am very excited for the release of The Hitchcock Hotel by Stephanie Wrobel on September 24. In it, a fan with an ulterior motive invites friends for the weekend at his remote themed hotel in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The agenda is all Hitchcock, all the time with screenings, props, and memorabilia at every turn. There’s even an aviary filled with crows. What could possibly go wrong?
Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White team up again on The Author’s Guide to Murder (November 5), a locked-room mystery (and literary satire) set in Scotland. Kat, Cassie, and Emma – writers who share little affection – are thrust together at Castle Kinloch. The owner, literary superstar Brett Saffron Presley, is murdered. Suspicion falls on each author as the investigation ensues. Join me and Team W for our special holiday event at the Ocean House Author Series on Thursday, December 12.
In another type of mystery, Lili Anolik examines the complicated friendship of Joan Didion and Eve Babitz in Didion and Babitz (November 12). Didion rose to the pinnacle of literary success throughout her life; Babitz, in contrast, was found dead amidst the ruin and filth of her apartment. But a sealed box was also found, packed by Babitz’s mother years before, of her insightful and incisive letters revealing more of Didion than she herself had ever done.
ABOUT DEBORAH GOODRICH ROYCE
Deborah Goodrich Royce’s thrillers examine puzzles of identity. Reef Road, a national bestseller, was named one of the best books of 2023 by Kirkus Reviews and an Indie Next pick by the American Booksellers Association. Ruby Falls won the Zibby Award for Best Plot Twist, and Finding Mrs. Ford was hailed by Forbes , Book Riot, and Good Morning America . Royce began as an actress on All My Children and in multiple films, before transitioning to the role of story editor at Miramax Films. With her husband, Chuck, the couple restored the Ocean House, United Theatre, Martin House Books, and numerous Main Street revitalization projects in Rhode Island and the Catskills. She serves on multiple governing and advisory boards. Learn more at DeborahGoodrichRoyce.com
OCEAN HOUSE AUTHOR SERIES
Please consider patronizing your local independent bookstore when making book purchases
The Ocean House Author Series – a salon-style conversation that Royce hosts in partnership with Bank Square Books – brings world-class authors to the seaside location of Watch Hill. It has featured a wide range of fiction and non-fiction writers including Chris Bohjalian, Katie Couric, Emma Straub, and many more. The OHAS also airs on WCRI, Rhode Island’s classical music station. Upcoming events include the Thriller Panel and Brunch on October 27 at11:30am and The Author’s Guide to Murder Holiday Event December 12 at 6pm. Learn more at OceanHouseEvents.com.
The Back-to-School Edit
Buying local is where it’s at for cool supplies and more
By Abigail Clarkin
School is back in session and whether you’re headed out of state, attending a local college or university, or simply want to add some academic atmosphere to your life, a shopping trip along Westminster Street in Providence is a great place to shop small and buy local. Within a small footprint, you’ll find tasty snacks, wardrobe musts, and items that show your love for Lil’ Rhody. Looking for a book on practical magic, a mini Bluetooth speaker, a gorgeous pair of new kicks, or a sturdy backpack? Skip the big box stores and head downtown (AKA downcity). For upcoming events and more, visit InDowncity.com or @InDowncityPVD
Fjällräven
Mandarin
Rhode
Sneakers
Spell
Loominous
Rug Gallery
What it is:
A family-owned retail store and showroom offering an extensive collection of antique, contemporary, and custom rugs from around the world.
Where to find it:
Just past Moss Salon and LOLA, find Loominous at the corner of North Main Street and Hammett Lane. You can’t miss the red and silver art deco entrance. Older locals might know the spot as what was once ‘50s dance club Sh-booms.
What makes it a Rhody Gem?
“A rug is artwork for your floor,” says Susan O’Gorman, Loominous manager and custom work coordinator. “When you’re renovating or decorating, sometimes it’s easier to start with the rug. Find the one you love and work around it.” The retail space and showroom located in College Hill is the shared passion of brothers Behboud and Behrouz Sarlak, who source fine handwoven, hand-knotted, and vintage rugs in various piles, palettes, and patterns from textile regions around the globe. Says Behboud, “your house, your room, even your dorm is your refuge where you want to relax, you want to recover, you want to get your energy; a rug is the best investment you can spend.” Loominous also offers professional rug cleaning services and restoration with drop-off or pick-up options. Online closeouts are available, too.
Loominous
126 North Main Street 455-1010
LoominousRugs.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 for Hey Rhody Media Co.
In Stitches
By Elyse Major
Olga Bravo and Rebecca Wagner are perennial vendor market stalwarts. On Saturday mornings, you might find the artsy pair at Casey Farm in Saunderstown, Tiverton Farmers Market, Aquidneck Growers Market in Newport, or other destinations –courtesy of their trailer. Under brand name The Golden Trout, the trained mixed-media artists sell one-of-a-kind handbags stitched at their Hope Valley studio from a stash of burlap sacks, plastic feed bags, textile remnants, hardware, and pieces of suede hand-stamped
with their alluring logo of a fish.
Long before Bravo and Wagner were making totes, they were baking artisanal bread in the small building next to Walker’s Roadside Stand in Little Compton. In the early 1990s, they opened Olga’s Cup and Saucer in Providence’s Jewelry District, which was a huge success that received national attention. For years, they served a wildly popular menu of sandwiches on oven-fresh bread and baked goods like tomato-corn pizza, scones, and pies, along with coffee, salads, and more.
While the two loved the rush of the restaurant
business and the smell of bread baking, rising costs and piling bills rendered them receptive to a change when a friend shared news that Johnson & Wales University was seeking instructors. On a lark, Bravo and Wagner applied to be adjunct professors. The two laugh as they describe the comedic hijinx during the serious bench-test of having to bake a range of goods on demand and clean up on the spot for their interview. Both were hired and decided to part with Olga’s Cup and Saucer (the space is now inhabited by both Tiny Bar and Seven Stars Bakery on Point Street).
The pair behind a beloved bakery-cafe pivot to making bags at their home studio
Olga Bravo and Becky Wagner inside their Hope Valley studio
Photography by Elyse Major
Finished
While running the cafe, Bravo and Wagner lived in Providence, and often sought refuge from the kitchen and the city by not only vending at weekend markets, but also kayaking Wood River through Arcadia Management Area in Hope Valley. When Wagner spotted a fixer-upper for sale on a 1.3-acre lot that included a trail down to the river, plus a few small outbuildings perfect for her-and-her studios, they were sold. Not long after moving in, the perfect storm of a plastic bag ban, a pandemic, and time at home with piles of burlap sacks saved from the cafe by an employee sparked an idea. “I wanted to make bags,” says Wagner.
“Growing up, I made my own clothes,” Bravo begins, “but I hadn’t sewn in years.” What she did remember, she showed Wagner, who began creating simple totes. Before long, they were both all in; next came an industrial sewing machine, and friends and colleagues shipping empty bags to their Hope Valley HQ from all over the world.
“This one is from Africa, this one is from Portugal,” says Bravo, pointing to their collection of materials. She notes that they make what they make, no custom orders.
When it was time to name the business, an encounter with a man by the river proudly holding a shimmering fish provided the inspiration. “We asked if it was a golden trout, and he said ‘yes!’ They’re a big thing around here. If you catch one, you get a prize,” Wagner says, referencing the annual RIDEM fishing challenge. And thus, The Golden Trout was born.
Today, the Bravo-Wagner homestead is a maker’s compound. The old house was torn down and rebuilt using historic plans; a two-story barn was constructed that houses Wagner’s studio, where she paints and does metalwork; and a small garage serves as the sewing studio, with totes and cross-body bags displayed on metal rods, and artful open storage of vintage spools holding belt webbing, galvanized tins of supplies, and a worn cookie tray that Bravo utilizes as a design board for plotting her next bag. There’s also a storage shed painted a glossy gray adorned with a pair of watering cans on hooks that match the tiger lilies in the patch of garden below.
In the main house, decorated in a minimalist-meets-historic aesthetic, loaves of rustic sourdough bread rest on cutting boards and there are handfuls of zinnias and hydrangeas placed in canning jars. The vibes of all things Olga’s past and present are strong. Follow on Instagram @thegoldentrout for upcoming vendor markets and more.
by Elyse Major
caption
Photography
studio
DECADE OF DREAMS
FEATURE
A Knight’s Tale
An Elmwood library celebrates its storied history by honoring its neighborhood and planning for the future
By Emily Olson
Knight Memorial Library, one of the nine branches of the Community Libraries of Providence, marked its centennial with an exuberant celebration earlier this year that honored the diversity of its neighborhood. The free outdoor event featured performances by local lion dancers, the award-winning Domican-American salsa star EhShawnee (who grew up spending time in the library), DJ Trackstar, and the Providence Drum Troupe. Local elected officials were in attendance, as was Tropicana Danny, the TikTok dance sensation who spent the summer touring libraries. More than 200 people attended the gathering, complete with food trucks and a bounce house, that kicked off a year of programming designed to shine a spotlight on the architectural treasure that is the library and the vibrant community it serves, and perhaps lay the groundwork for a capital fund drive that will fully restore the historic building.
Doug Victor is a member of the Friends of the Knight Memorial Library, a group whose mission is to support and advocate for the library’s staff, collection, and building, and develop a foundation from which to build the future of the library. He notes that the event’s turnout demonstrates interest. “The library and what it’s offering speaks to the different cultural groups that live in the South Side of Providence,” he says.
The Knight Memorial Library opened its doors in 1924. The four children of Robert Knight –who with his brother, Benjamin, founded B.B. and R. Knight, the largest textile manufacturing company in the world – and Josephine Webster Knight dedicated the library to their parents. Upon its completion, Robert and Josephine’s children turned the library over to the city, along with an endowment for its support.
GET A LIBRARY CARD
Whether signing up for your first library card or renewing an expired one, this ticket to knowledge works at all nine Community Libraries of Providence and is easy to get! Bring your personal ID with your current address and a second verification of your address, fill out a registration form, and you’re ready to check out books. Temporary cards are also available for visitors and patrons without a current fixed address. Learn more at CLPvd.org/Services/Getting-Library-Card/
Photo courtesy of Knight Memorial Library
The ReadMobile brings books to the people
Festum Teatro performs at South Providence Library
FEATURE
The building itself is an architectural marvel, designed in the Beaux Arts style, which also appears in the main Boston and Providence public library branches. This style is a showcase of European elegance, blending the symmetrical precision of Greek and Roman architecture with the rich influences of the French and Italian Renaissance and Baroque periods, marked by grand columns, arches, and an intricately decorated facade and interiors. Among its many treasures, the Knight Memorial Library boasts a charming fireplace in the children’s room, adorned with tiles illustrating beloved characters from classic children’s literature.
The library’s collection had a more humble start. Elmwood resident Emma Shaw saw a need for improved education among local children, and recruited a committee of women interested in social causes to build a library. The collection they established in 1915 was housed in the local fire station and was open to the public four days a week. When the Knight Memorial Library opened, Shaw’s collection moved to the new building.
Meanwhile, immigrants from across the globe were flocking to Rhode Island, eager for work that the factory mills promised. To this day, many of their descendents live and
Photo courtesy of Knight Memorial Library
Knight Memorial Library’s architectural grandeur
RHODY RESOURCES
The best way to learn more about your local library’s unique services and programming is to visit. The Community Libraries of Providence network includes the following entities, and you can visit CLPvd.org for a full schedule of events.
Fox Point, 90 Ives Street
Knight Memorial, 275 Elmwood Avenue
Mount Pleasant, 315 Academy Avenue
Olneyville, 1 Olneyville Square
Rochambeau, 708 Hope Street
Smith Hill, 31 Candace Street
South Providence, 441 Prairie Avenue
Wanskuck, 233 Veazie Street
Washington Park, 1316 Broad Street
work nearby Knight Memorial. Victor relays, “In a neighborhood that is as demographically and culturally diverse as ours, there isn’t one place people come together except the library. Neighbors come together as a community to meet each other and take part in our events.”
“One goal of our centennial programming is to make our presence better known in the community,” says Mary Hollinshead, also a member of the Friends of the Knight Memorial Library. “Some local immigrants are not familiar with the concept of a public library and don’t know they’re entitled to use it. So we’re adding fun, interesting content to encourage people to engage with the library.”
Banish all thoughts of towering, dusty book stacks with dour librarians insisting on total silence. Today’s library is a hotbed of activity, fiercely devoted to meeting the needs of its community. Cheryl Space, director of the Community Libraries of Providence, says, “Libraries have continuously innovated. At first, we were repositories for books and reference hubs, but now we’re a community hub. We’re clean, we’re open, we’re safe – it’s a place where people can spend the day.”
Communications and marketing manager Janet Fuentes agrees. “I think what’s special about the Community Libraries of Providence is that we work very hard to get to know our communities and find out what their needs are. Each of our libraries have different offerings, depending on their community. One might be a center of arts, another is a place to go for jazz,
Friends of Knight Memorial Library and politicians gather at the celebration
Photo courtesy of Knight Memorial Library
The crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable at Knight Memorial’s centennial
and many of them have maker spaces.”
Knight Memorial Library also hosts an entrepreneurship program and the weekly Sankofa World Market held Wednesdays on the lawn. As part of their centennial programming, funded in part by a grant from the Providence City Council and State Delegation, the library developed ABC at Knight, which invites local leaders to talk about their relationship with the library, as well as sending the ReadMobile, a mobile library, to parks during the summer. The library recently hosted a youth poetry
slam series, karaoke, and a summer concert series. The live music shows are funded by a grant from the Rhode Island Foundation, and illuminated by outdoor lighting provided by Friends of Knight Memorial Library that not only makes the building’s exterior beautifully visible, but also reacts in time to the music.
The sheer breadth of programming the library provides seems an impossible feat for its dedicated staff, but somehow, they pull it off with grace. Michelle Freeman, library manager of Knight Memorial, says that although
Photo courtesy of Knight Memorial Library
the library can’t be all things to all people, it can always provide space. “I’m interested in strengthening our community partnerships so that community businesses and organizations see us as an asset,” she explains. “We can’t give vaccines, but we’ve partnered with and provided the space for those who do. We provide space to Dorcas International so that they can use the library to welcome immigrants to the community. We partner with DESIGNxRI and give them space for their mentorship programs.”
INTERIOR DESIGNERS OF RHODE ISLAND
Knight Memorial illuminated for the special evening
PLACE FOR SUSHI
Michael Bordonaro, director of philanthropy at Knight Memorial Library, reminds people, “These programs are all free. There’s no barrier to participation at the library. It truly is an open gathering place to explore and flourish.” Libraries are also the ultimate repository and gathering spot for ideas, and in an age when many are too quick to stifle ideas, libraries stand as fierce protectors of information and exploration.
“The library has an important civic role. It
allows people to interact with their elected representatives. Staff members can help people register to vote. Libraries help people be informed, and we defend the freedom to read, which is under attack in the US,” says Space. “All of our staff members recognize the importance of our collection’s diversity. We have not had censors come after us, but we have to take a strong stand. We will represent our community, and although we are not partisan, we are not neutral.”
Photo courtesy of Knight Memorial Library
Singer EhShawnee took the stage
FOOD & DRINK
Pop-Up | Experience | In the Kitchen | Food Trends
Little Bit of Soul
A pop-up chef brings cookout vibes with Latin flavors to a Pawtucket brewery this season
By Jenna Kaplan
What began as a pandemic pivot project, Latin Soul BBQ has gone from popping up around the state to finding a summer home base at Foolproof Brewing Company in Pawtucket. “I was laid off during COVID and always wanted to do something on my own,” says owner Jose Rodrigo. He started small, selling plates out of his apartment, and quickly grew into the pop-up scene in 2022 to reach a larger audience. Today Rodrigo is fully committed to his barbecue dreams. “I wanted to do something a little different but still familiar so people wouldn’t stray away,” he continues.
Channeling his love for cookouts and passion for smoking meats, Rodrigo masterfully blends barbecue with Latin flavors to craft a menu that is both inventive and comforting. He’s perfected four specialties that now appear on the pop-up menu. “The most popular item is the Smash Burger, seasoned with the Latin spices I grew up with,” Rodrigo shares. The menu also includes the Chopped Brisket Sandwich, smoked the previous day and doused in ancho-barbecue sauce; Grilled Wings tossed in peri peri sauce; and the Latin Dog wrapped in bacon.
Chopped Brisket Sandwich
Photos courtesy of Latin Soul BBQ
Jose Rodrigo, the chef behind Latin Soul BBQ
Teaming up with Foolproof has been pivotal for Latin Soul BBQ's success. “After talking with Casey [Wright], the manager at Foolproof, it was an easy decision. They wanted to help us grow and gave us the opportunity to cook there every Saturday through the summer,” Rodrigo says. To complete the backyard grilling experience, he set up shop on the outdoor patio and started serving summer barbecue fare. Running a pop-up barbecue business comes with challenges. “The biggest issue so far is the weather. We have a tent, but rain isn't our friend,” Rodrigo admits. Looking ahead, he hopes to find a bar with an open kitchen to
Photos courtesy of Latin Soul BBQ
Barbecue sandwiches channel cookout vibes
Let’s save more while using less.
Every transformation begins with a single act. And when it comes to saving energy, money and the
Let’s make waves.
partner with next, where he’ll be able to continue
In the meantime, Rodrigo relays that seeing people enjoy his
and having family support at pop-ups has been incredibly gratifying. “My family drives from
Photos courtesy of Latin Soul BBQ
Grilled meats are elevated with Latin spices
he says. “I
House of Frida
Art, culture, and great tacos are at the heart of a Mexican eatery on Allens Avenue
By Kou Tukala Nyan
On a sunny afternoon in Washington Park, a friend and I set out for a taco lunch at Casa Azul Taquería – our first time visiting. From the upbeat bachata and salsa music, lively decor, and, of course, the smell of the flavorful foods, we knew we had come to the right place.
Casa Azul was opened in July 2020 by Alejandra Ruelas and Javier Soto, who are both from Mexico City and met in the United States. Ruelas, with a 20-year background in bartending, and chef Soto decided to open their restaurant despite the pandemic raging on, and faced the uncertainties of the time with the support of their family and community.
Photos courtesy of Casa Azul
Birria Ramen Soup
Tres Leches Cake
Must-Try Items
BIRRIA RAMEN SOUP
( $14.25 ) Slow-cooked beef birria stew with ramen noodles topped with red onion, cilantro, shredded beef, and jalapeños, served with a side of salsa and limes
THREE BIRRIA TACOS AND CONSOMÉ ( $14 ) Melted cheese and slow-cooked beef birria in corn tortillas, topped with cilantro and onions, with a side of consomé, limes, and homemade salsa
Cuisine: Authentic Mexican fare Atmosphere: Lively taco joint
Discussing the inspiration for the name and the breathtaking, colorful art filling the walls, Ruelas told me, “I grew up around Frida Kahlo’s house, La Casa Azul. I wanted someone to represent us, and Frida was my first choice –an exceptional artist, very proud of her Mexican heritage. She was a resilient woman who was ahead of her time. She is an all-around inspiration for us.” Ruelas shared that their team started with five people and has since grown to 15, and consists of mostly women. “We support each other and grow together.”
The positive energy was contagious as a friendly server showed us to our table, and we put in a drink order. I knew I had to start my visit with the award-winning Wicked Tamarind Margarita. Served in a festive skull vessel and garnished with an orange slice, blueberry, cherry, and fresh lime, the refreshing beverage combines Hotel California Blanco tequila, Grand Marnier, and fresh tamarind puree, complemented by a little spice from the tajin rim.
We snacked on fresh-made crunchy tortilla chips while we sipped. The house salsa and hot sauce, along with warm cheese offering a slight kick, made up a simple but yummy appetizer to prep us for our main course. Ruelas shared, “Our vision is to transport our guests – through our food, beverage, and service –to Mexico City, to share our culture, art, flavors, and hospitality.”
This sentiment certainly resonated when our entrees came out. My friend enjoyed the Birria Ramen, a popular special that combines slow-cooked beef with Asian noodles. One taste of this soup felt like being hugged
from within. I had the other favorite, the Birria Tacos and Consomé, featuring three tacos filled with the tender beef tucked inside double-layered tortillas, which were soft with a slight crisp at the edges. Soaking the tacos in the consomé with a squeeze of lime drew out the deep, savory umami flavors.
We rounded off our visit with a couple of delectable desserts. I indulged in the Churros and Caramel, which were served warm with an almost buttery soft center and a thick, crunchy exterior covered in cinnamon sugar. Next came the Tres Leches Cake, an irresistible vanilla-flavored sponge cake baked with
cherries and blueberries. Decadent yet light, this treat was topped with whipped cream and drizzled with caramel.
For those familiar with Casa Azul’s vibrant eatery on Allens Avenue, be on the lookout for updates as they get ready to move into their new home just down the street this season, where you can expect the same energetic atmosphere and menu of authentic Mexican fare made with love.
Casa Azul Taquería 840 Allens Avenue (new address) 414-7799 • CasaAzulRI.com
Birria Tacos and Consomé
Photo courtesy of Casa Azul
Turning up the Heat
Olneyville’s beloved barbecue joint fires up the smoker under new ownership
By Jenny C. Shand
Since its reopening under new ownership in January, the renovated Wes’ Rib House has been delighting barbecue lovers with fresh new recipes and familiar flavors alike. The Olneyville staple’s main draw is right in the name: the ribs at Wes’ are cooked up Carolina-style, which operating partner David Bertolini describes as a giant version of St. Louis ribs: “You can put two hands on it like corn on the cob.”
Wes’ Rib House has been a flagship for barbecue in Rhode Island since 1973, originally under the moniker of House of Bar-B-Q on Broad Street, but reestablished as Wes’ in 1983 in its current location. It was originally opened by Missouri native Wes Brewster who missed the southern comforts of his home state’s barbecue. Over the past 50 years the restaurant has grown and changed, most notably after a yearlong closure when it underwent renovations via Crisp Restaurant Group, known for other popular restaurants like Providence’s Coal Fired Pizza and Barnaby’s Public House. The new operating partners – including Ed Restivo, Mike Santos, Aaron Jaehing, and Everett Abitbol – were no strangers to Wes’ Rib House of yore, and they wanted to preserve the history and “honkey tonk” feel of the old mill while also breathing fresh life into the space.
Patrons who were familiar with the former iteration will “see the light” the moment they enter the downstairs section of the restaurant, which was once dark and cavernous but now features wall-length windows that brighten the space. With exposed brick and wooden accents, along with more TVs for sports lovers, the renovations highlight the historical aspects of the building while thrusting it into the 21st century. The upstairs, however, remains true to its origin, and folks who love the old saloon bar will feel transported to an earlier time.
In order to revamp the menu, which Bertolini described as “very ‘90s” in that it featured a little bit of everything, they decided to focus solely on the barbecue crowd. With new
P hoto courtesy of Wes’ Rib House
Smoked meats and sides at Wes' Rib House
FOOD & DRINK
"Ciao,
I'm Nadia. In need of a wedding planner? Let's work together to create your perfect wedding. Contact me to get started!"
– Nadia Sorvillo, Founder/CEO
recipes, a giant smoker, and a new pit, their offerings are more akin to what Wes Brewster would have seen growing up in Missouri. Family platters of pork ribs, brisket, pulled pork, chicken, and sides – from traditional collard greens and cornbread to Wes’ waffle fries –are great for feeding big crowds. By offering to-go catering and the option of renting the upstairs space for private events, there’s plenty of southern lovin’ to go around.
For those who aren’t familiar with barbecue lingo, the Missouri-style barbecue that Wes’ specializes in involves smoking the meat and then cooking it over wood. “There’s actually a fire in the kitchen, with logs of hickory,” Bertolini explains. “The
ribs are amazing – they are our number-one seller. We’re going through 600 pounds of ribs per week.” The style of barbecue sauce remains the same, but with an updated recipe; in addition to the traditional Missouri sauce that’s sweet and tangy with a thicker molasses quality, they also offer vinegar and spicy sauces for some variety.
As Bertolini says, “This is a place for barbecue lovers, people who love playing with different sauces, and people who love ribs.”
Wes’ Rib House
38 Dike Street 421-9090
WesRibHouse.com
The renovated interior highlights the restaurant's history
P hoto courtesy of Wes’ Rib House
Food Trends: Beyond the Cob
From mushrooms that grow on ears to flavorful corn ribs, PVD chefs make the most of the late-summer crop
By Abbie Lahmers
Tradition meets locally sourced ingredients at Aguardente, where owner Victor Pereira expresses, “we believe a culture well remembered and creatively expressed can transform.” Using cooking styles originating from Portugal, Guatemala, Mexico, and the Azores, the Fox Point eatery highlights a lesser-known ingredient that grows on corn: huitlacoche. “It is a mushroom that is
extracted from corn cobs and is appreciated and valued for its unique smoky and earthy flavor,” Pereira explains. “It pairs perfectly with our sauteed vegetables and is served with fresh homemade tortilla chips, cooked with a lot of love and dedication.”
The menu features both the Plato de Huitlacoche and Empanadas de Huitlacoche, two Mexican dishes “for very
demanding palates,” says Pereira. These entrees will be updated in the fall, highlighting farm-fresh, in-season produce. “Aguardente was born out of my longtime dream to share culture, heritage, and travels with the Providence community. What better way than to bring dishes and ingredients that define our history and traditions?” 12 Go v ernor Street, Aguardente.com
Taste the delicacy that is corn mushrooms in Fox Point
P hotos by Jesse Dufault
Photo & Film, courtesy of Aguardente
Huitlacoche served with nachos, or in empanada form
Elevated corn ribs blend sweet and savory
Bringing a dash of elegance to the messy ritual of eating corn on the cob, corn ribs are served in more manageable strips and have found their way onto many appetizer menus. At vegan restaurant PiANTA, this corn dish gets a sweet and savory twist. “Our Strawberry Habanero BBQ Corn Ribs started as a fluke!” says owner Michelle Politano. “I had strawberries about to go bad in my home fridge and used them in a spicy barbecue sauce and could not believe how well they paired.” She tried out the sauce with sweet corn ribs, and the rest is history.
German Motors and its staff (Tracey rocks) personify customer service as it used to be you want somebody to answer the phone, et you, efficiently and professionally service ar…with a smile…make it your service center. ” – Karen B , Providence, Audi Q5
The dish exemplifies the vision behind PiANTA, which Politano says is to “constantly surprise our customers with new, innovative, seasonal creations.” She enjoys taking local harvests and devising dishes inspired by warmer regions of the globe, “such as using the fresh tomatoes of our New England summer in a traditional Peruvian Ceviche,” she explains. “I get so much joy creating these new menus every quarter as the winds begin to change.” 408 Atwells Avenue, PiantaVeganRestaurant.com
Summer succotash and short ribs on North Main Street
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The late-summer menu at Mill’s Tavern is all about seasonality. “The abundance of summer and fall is amazing,” says executive chef Ed Bolus. “We are fortunate to have many wonderful local purveyors that provide us with some of our favorite ingredients: locally caught bass when the season is running, lobsters, oysters, and beautiful produce like corn, tomatoes, watermelon, and squashes.” The restaurant’s own garden is often the source of herbs used in dishes, too.
Bolus acknowledges that short ribs are a popular cold-weather entree, but the preparation at Mill’s Tavern keeps the long days and warm temps going strong, thanks to a special side: “The simplicity of our Corn Succotash allows the peak-of-summer flavors of fresh local corn, cherry tomatoes, peppers, onions, and Yukon gold potatoes to shine.” Bolus explains that the Black Angus Short Ribs are seasoned, grilled, and braised in barbecue sauce and a summer ale for 13 hours. Pair with a warm-weather libation and toast to the lingering rays of evening sun. 101 North Main Street, MillsTavernRestaurant.com
Since 2013
Providing financial assistance to the parents of children battling brain cancer
Honoring the children who suffer from cancer and fight everyday. Our hopes are to make a day in the life of a family suffering from cancer a little bit brighter
PIC OF PVD
Providence revelers enjoy the last long days of summer
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.
