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{ Providence Monthly PreseNts }
oCtober 13-22 Join us for Special Cocktail Events sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Friday
Thursday
saturday
13 14 15 el rancho Temple Xo Cafe Grande downtown 125 n. Main st. 311 Plainfield st.
16
17 18 19 Gracie’s The Avery The duck Fête & bunny 194 Washington st. 18 Luongo sq. 103 dike st.
20
120 Francis st.
21 ebisu
22 The salon The spot
38 Pontiac Ave.
57 eddy st.
312 Wickenden st.
Underground 15 elbow st.
Plus, visit these locations for special Cocktail Week menus all week long:
Bravo, The Bar at AS220, Waterman Grille, and more
sPonsored by
For updates, schedules, and more information go to
CocktailWeekProvidence.com
Contents Photography: Jonathan Beller (left), Image courtesy of RISD Museum (right)
OCTObEr 2011
28 This Month 25 Haunted Happenings You’ll scream for our Halloween events roundup
28 The Changing Character of Federal Hill It’s not just Providence’s Little Italy anymore
Every Month 6 Editor’s Note 9 Feedback
63 35 City Style A worldly perspective on the East Side 37 The Look 38 Beauty 40 Shop Talk 42 Get Fit
45 Feast Waterplace Park’s newest stylish eatery 47 In the Kitchen 48 Review 51 On the Menu 52 Behind the Bar 55 In the Drink 57 Dining Guide
63 Get Out The British are coming 65 Calendar 68 Art 71 Theatre 72 Music
74 The Last Detail Have one on us
13 Providence Pulse Get your pasties ready for class
On the Cover: Photography by Jonathan Beller
15 City 18 Malcontent 21 Scene in PVD
October 2011 | Providence Monthly
5
Editor’s Note
PROVIDENCE MONTHLY
Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell Publishing Director Jeanette St. Pierre Executive Editor Julie Tremaine Special Projects Manager John Taraborelli Art Director Alli Coate
A Neighborhood in Transition Depending on the time of day, a drive down Federal Hill can look very different. During the day, people carry bags of foods from Italian specialty markets and boxes from bakeries, the lunch crowd lingers at DePasquale Plaza and people shop (or window shop) in the boutiques and art galleries dotting Atwells Avenue. At night, things look a lot different. Restaurants are filled with hungry, chatting diners; an army of valets is ready to park shiny, expensive cars; and, as the night rolls on, the streets fill up with a younger crowd heading to the Hill’s increasing number of nightclubs and ultra
lounges. It’s clear that Federal Hill is changing – but how? This month, we take a look at the shifting mood and current situation in Providence’s most iconic neighborhood. You may be surprised to find that it’s not just our city’s Little Italy anymore.
Assistant Art Director Karli Hendrickson Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas Graphic Designer Meghan H. Follett Account Managers Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher Nicole Greenspun Nellie Lima Dan Schwartz Sharon Sylvester Elizabeth Riel Jessica Webb Illustrators Karli Hendrickson Ashley MacLure Christina Song Photographers Laurel Mulherin Jonathan Beller Tim Siekiera Mike Braca Melissa Stimpson Stacey Doyle Dawn Temple Corey Grayhorse Kate Kelley Contributing Writers
Contributor Jane Couto Writer
Linda Beaulieu Emily Dietsch Scott Duhamel Dawn Keable Molly Lederer Michael Madden Daniel McGowan
Andrea E. McHugh Stephanie Obodda Cristy Raposo Jen Senecal Alyssa Smith Vikki Warner
Interns Samantha Gaus
Sara Celano
Jane Couto was a competitive swimmer into her teens and a cross-country run-
Members of:
ner in high school. As an adult she has found triathlons to be a great way to combine her exercise background with her competitive nature. Aging has also taught her the importance of stretching, which would explain her newfound
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER. PAPER CONTAINS 20-25% POST-CONSUMER CONTENT
yoga addiction. She loves trying any new activity that keeps fitness fun. This month she launches our new health, wellness and exercise column, Get Fit. “I love fitness because it means so many things to me,” she says. “Depending on the activity, it can be a way to challenge myself, a chance to clear my mind, an opportunity to catch up with a friend or a quick energy boost.”
6
Providence Monthly | October 2011
Providence Monthly, 1070 Main Street, Suite 302 Pawtucket RI 02860 • Fax: 401-305-3392 www.providenceonline.com providencemonthly@providenceonline.com For advertising rates call: 401-305-3391 We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission. Copyright ©2011 by Providence Monthly, All rights reserved. Printed by Gannett Offset. Distributed by Special Delivery.
R, DENISE Ch Ak
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Feedback The Green Mile I just returned from a month-long business trip to discover that Bob Burke and Mayor Taveras finally made good on their threat to deface the city with their hideous, meandering green stripe that is the Independence Trail [“A Walk Through the Past,” September 2011]. While Mr. Burke’s intentions were undoubtedly honorable, I find it baffling that I can’t get my dilapidated sidewalk repaired (going on eight years), and yet the mayor himself painted the first few feet of this sad imitation of Boston’s Freedom Trail – your city government hard at work. Were the citizens of College Hill notified that their Barrington brick footpaths would be receiving what looks like a neon trail of snail slime? Luckily, they didn’t add insult to injury by slapping this bile-colored, city-sanctioned graffiti on the crumbling walkway in front of my home, but if they had you’d better believe I’d be out there with a can of turpentine and a rag. Harumph! Nick Spooner Prospect Street
A Stylish Thanks It is with great appreciation and gratitude that I thank you for being a sponsor for StyleWeek Provi-
dence. Your assistance throughout the preparation and execution of this year’s events helped to further broadcast the talent in our area to buyers, the media and the public. The support you have shown through all schedule changes due to the weather conditions has also contributed to our success. During the week of August 29September 3, StyleWeek successfully hosted 22 fashion shows at the historic Providence Performing Arts Center located at the heart of the Creative Capital. Over 2,300 guests were able to enjoy the accessory showcase, runway shows and after-event soirees throughout the city. The weeklong celebration of fashion, art, design and culture was able to excite and engage the community on a notably large scale through your support. The list of distinguished guests and media coverage through our joint efforts is also a testament to your contributions. Thank you again for being a sponsor for StyleWeek Providence for August 2011. We are currently in preparations for our line-up of shows in January 2012 and would love to have Providence Monthly continue to be our media sponsor.
BY
Rosanna Ortiz Sinel President and Founder StyleWeek Providence
Send us a letter Email us a letter to the editor to providencemonthly@providenceonline.com and it could be published in an upcoming issue.
Read us online Full issues available on www.providenceonline.com
Find us on Facebook Reach out to us at ProvidenceMonthly
19 Sanderson Road Smithfield, RI 401.949.4849 Facebook.com/flauntri
October 2011 | Providence Monthly
9
special advertising section
Autumn Inspirations Try a new cocktail and warm up to fall
1 part HIRAM WALKER® Caramel Apple Liqueur 1 part ABSOLUT® VODKA 2 parts Pomegranate Juice Squeeze of Lime
the pm List events / promotions / good deeds
A Step Back in Time, a Benefit for the Future Providence Monthly is proud to sponsor the Bootlegger’s Bash, a benefit for RISE (Rhode Islanders Sponsoring Education), a nonprofit providing scholarships and mentors to children of incarcerated parents. The stylish soiree is on Saturday, October 29 at the historic Hope Club. Guests will be transported back in time to a 1920s era speakeasy full of jazz, cocktails, entertainment and dancing. The VIP Patron Party, hosted by Mayor Angel Taveras, is from 7-9pm; tickets are $150 and include open bar. The Bash kicks off at 9pm and runs until midnight, and tickets are only $45. Visit RiseBootleggersBash.org for more information.
Build over ice in a rocks glass
ABSOLUT CARAMEL APPLE COOLER
1 part SAILOR JERRy SPICED RUM 2 parts Apple Cider 2-3 slices of orange
Give a Coat, Get a Coffee
Heat and Serve
HOT APPLE JERRY
10
Providence Monthly | October 2011
Providence Cocktail Week returns for a second installment from October 13-22. Providence Monthly, along with participating locations throughout the city, brings you ten full nights celebrating the art, appreciation and aesthetic of the cocktail. Participants include El Rancho Grande, Temple Downtown, XO Cafe, the Avery, Waterman Grille, the Duck & Bunny, Gracie’s, Ebisu, the Bar at AS220 and the Salon, and it’s sponsored by Absolut Vodka, Bottles Fine Wine, Fête and the Spot Underground. After Cocktail Week is over, start your recovery at the Hangover Brunch at Bravo on Sunday, October 23. Join us and the hosts of Hot 106’s “Rise and Grind” morning show for brunch cocktails and free hors d’oevures. Visit CocktailWeekProvidence.com or facebook.com/ProvidenceCocktailWeek for updates and details. Cheers!
The fourth annual Coats for Coffee coat drive kicks off this month, a collaboration between Providence Monthly, Courtesy Cleaners and Seven Stars Bakery. From October 11-24, bring a gently used children’s or adult’s coat to any Seven Stars location and receive a free hot coffee. The coats will go to the children and families served by the Providence Boys and Girls Clubs. Seven Stars locations: 342 Broadway and 820 Hope St., Providence; 20 Newman Ave., East Providence
3-5 Cinnamon Sticks 3-5 Cloves
Raise Your Glass
In Memoriam
Eat, Drink and Bid Your Tails Off
On Wednesday, August 31, legendary restaurateur Steve Marra was found dead in his Warwick home. As the owner of the Marra Restaurant Group, he once presided over a mini-empire of restaurants throughout the state, including Waterplace and Twist on Angell in Providence, Grille on Main in East Greenwich, Twist in Warwick and Cucina Twist in South Kingstown. Marra remained a well-respected member of the Rhode Island hospitality community and a great many people will miss him. Providence Monthly sends its condolences to his family and friends.
For the second year, Providence Monthly is happy to sponsor The Rescue, a benefit for the Providence Animal Rescue League at the Johnson and Wales Culinary Museum. On Friday, November 4, from 7-9:30pm, restaurants and caterers from around the state will offer tasty bites for guests to sample. There will also be online, live and silent auctions for great prizes, and a VIP reception starting at 6:30pm. Visit parl.org for more details and to purchase tickets.
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The Shimmy Shake Ladies, break out your best feather boas. It’s time to learn the time-honored art of burlesque. Three of the best performers in the city – Bettysioux Taylor, Lady Miss Iris and Serendipity Galore (pictured above left to right) have pooled their, eh, assets to form the Rhode Island Burlesque Academy, and it’s time you learned a thing or two about shaking what you’ve got. An eight-week course entitled From Bumps to Boas started at the end of September, but on October 16 the ladies descend on Lola’s Tequila Bar and Cantina for the monthly Saucy Sunday, where $15 will get you a titillating lesson in twirling tassels and a burlesque-inspired cocktail to help lower your inhibitions. Shimmy on over. riburlesqueacademy.com –Julie Tremaine
October 2011 | Providence Monthly
13
THERE IS A WAY TO BUILD A
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IT ALL STARTS WITH
BETTER COMMUNITY.
People want to take care of themselves and their families, and we know there are a few basic things that help make this possible. This is why we are focusing on:
EDUCATION
INCOME
INCOME
empowering people through financial literacy and job-skill training programs
HOUSING
Rawn Duncan and Bill Hatfield of Bank of America are partnering with Lisa Guillette of Rhode Island Foster Parents Association and United Way of Rhode Island to promote financial literacy to youth in our community.
SAFETY NET
MAKE A GIFT TO UNITED WAY OF RHODE ISLAND’S COMMUNITY IMPACT FUND TODAY! YOU CAN MAKE RHODE ISLAND A BETTER COMMUNITY. FOR YOU. FOR ALL OF US.
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Pulse | City
Outdoor Bar and Al Fresco Dining Area Available
PM Experiment
Up and Away Learning the ropes of aerial arts I headed to the Aerial Arts class at the aptly named Ari-
Breakfast: Everyday from 6am
elle Arts (which describes itself as an “entertainer’s university”) convinced I would leave a Cirque de Soleil performer. I couldn’t wait to master those long silky ropes – referred to as tissue. Amanda, the instructor, introduced me to the other girls – who were clearly trained gymnasts – and told me not to worry, this class was for all skill levels. After stripping off my socks (ugh, why didn’t I get a pedicure first?), I reached for a rope, but was stopped. First, we must bounce! I stepped onto a long stretch of trampoline and bounced my way down to the end. Woohoo! I could do this. Then we bounced again, only this time we did jumping jack-like poses (legs out, hands out) in the air. The more advanced girls bounced and struck graceful swan-like ballet poses mid-air; I wasn’t ready for that just yet. I’m anything but graceful. Now, I couldn’t wait to climb those silky ropes and strike a pose. But first, we had to stretch. Easy enough, right? Not so much. I stretched out muscles and tendons I didn’t know existed. When Amanda instructed us to “stretch into a split,” I thought, No way is this happening. But lo and behold, I did it (and I couldn’t wait to show my boyfriend later). However the next stretch position – in which you lie on your back with your feet and hands flat on the ground and then push your body up, back arched, until only your hands and feet are touching the ground – was another story. I couldn’t master the bridge position, so I laid there taking comfort in the fact I just did a split. With stretching done, the fabric ropes were finally next. The advanced girls quickly shimmied up the ropes without
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any hesitation. I was in awe and worried – how was I going to hoist myself up? My arms are not in any sort of shape to pull the rest of my unathletic self anywhere. Amanda came over to teach me the basics and calm my fears. Apparently, all the work is in your leg muscles – hence the importance of stretching. I held on to the silk fabric and per her instruction, I wrapped the silk around my right foot, stepped on my right foot with my left foot, and voila! I pulled myself using those legs. I couldn’t believe it: I was off the ground. I defied gravity. I practiced this move a few more times before spending the remainder of the class as a spectator, watching the others twist, turn and climb with ease. With a little more practice, maybe I could join in next time. Or maybe I should try the Walking Stilts Class next. 106 Ten Rod Road, Exeter. 640-4814, ariellearts.com -Christy Raposo
DeWolf Tavern at Thames Street Landing 259 Thames Street, Bristol www.DeWolftavern.com • 254-2005
WITH TONS OF RHODE ISLAND HUMOR . . .
Artsy Inspiration
Put It Down on Paper There is no better feeling than getting a handwritten letter or card from a loved one. It seems to be a lost sensation in a world where email, texting and social media websites are the preferred method of communication. Joshua Vizzaco, a RISD graduate born in Westerly and raised in Coventry, is the designer of a beautiful line of stationery, greeting cards and journals called Joshua Graham. The artist says that he wanted to create something that would motivate writing, exploration of thought, inspiring relationships and creativity. This line is a combination of original designs and imaginative photography printed on ecofriendly materials and made with 100% certified renewable energy. The artist himself handcrafts the collection, which is printed locally; in fact, all of his partners in this venture are local, as he sees the value of utilizing resources close to home. Each of the items has a distinct artistic feel with a nice mix of designs to suit anyone’s taste; they are stylish, sophisticated and charming. Vizzaco says, “We are looking for forgotten methods of social engagement and reintroducing them with modernity.” The line is currently for sale at Runcible Spoon in Wayland Square or online at shopjoshuagraham.com. -Samantha Gaus
WHAT
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October 2011 | Providence Monthly
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Pulse | City
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Local Threads
Get Stupid Brothers and business partners Dave and Chris Ricci are taking the nation by storm with their hilarious yet enlightening designs at That Stupid T-Shirt Company. This month, Mr. Nightmare himself, Freddy Krueger, will be sporting one of their t-shirts at the Rock and Shock Horror Convention in Worcester; Joey Fatone of ‘N Sync will also be showing off his admiration by wearing one at the same event. Born and raised in Rhode Island, the Brothers Ricci based their company in Providence. All t-shirts are printed locally, American made and, of course, quite comfortable. With slogans like, “I’d Rather Not Get Struck by Lightening,” and “Gorillas Have Consequences,” these t-shirts are funny, absurd and in many ways informative. Dave and Chris believe their shirts “capture the
essence of our absolute stupidity while explaining the facts of life.” Perhaps now you will think again before fighting a gorilla. Hands down, the gorilla will win. There are also two new Halloweeninspired designs ideal for horror enthusiasts: “Slow and Steady Eats the Brains” and “People with Masks and Chainsaws are Not Normal.” That Stupid T Shirt Company is even offering a special October promotion to anyone who reads this article. Visit their website, wearstupid.com, for the promo code and receive 30 % off your purchase. While you’re there, check out the frequently asked questions section, so you will be better prepared if and when a zombie apocalypse strikes. (Do you know which modes of transportation not well suited for a zombie attack?) –Sara Celano
Silver Screen
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16
Providence Monthly | October 2011
The Ocean State has been the backdrop or inspiration for plenty of big screen hits over the years: the native Farrelly brothers regularly set their films here, scenes from the 1997 film Amistad were filmed in Newport, and the popular Meet Joe Black with Anthony Hopkins and Brad Pitt was filmed at the Aldrich Mansion in Warwick, among others. Inkubus, a new horror flick slated to show at the RI International Horror Film festival this month, was conceived and developed in Providence. Michael Corrente, a Pawtucket native, got the story line from a screenwriting competition he started a few years ago, and now he’s producing, filming and appearing in the finished product right here where it all began. Corrente has utilized
his home state for several of his films over the years. This time around he has procured an all star cast with Robert Englund, Joey Fatone, William Forsythe and Jonathan Silverman, to name a few. This group has some real experience with the horror genre: Englund was, of course, the original Freddy Krueger and Forsythe featured in the 2007 remake of Halloween. In this film, the demon Inkubus wreaks havoc on a night crew at a police station. He calmly walks in and proudly confesses to his crimes dating back centuries, the first step in manipulating these men into his twisted murderous games. Due for release October 28, you can catch Inkubus at Showcase Providence Place just in time for a Halloween treat. –Samantha Gaus
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Providence Monthly | October 2011
There are many deep
philosophical questions that have nagged at mankind’s collective consciousness since time immemorial and will continue to do so in perpetuity. Is there a God? What is the meaning of life? How can we truly know right from wrong? In recent months, I have (along with the assistance of a friend) embarked on a truly groundbreaking probe into the inner workings of the human mind in order to answer two of these eternal questions – and not just to answer them, but to extrapolate from those answers some truly illuminating lessons about the nature of humanity. I will now pose these two questions to you, dear reader. Please answer them honestly, and do so before reading the rest of this article. In each case, you are free to like both, but you must ultimately prefer one. Question 1: Beatles or Stones? Question 2: Pie or cake? I propose that these two questions together – or rather, the answers to them – can form the basis of a bold and insightful theory about our fundamental human nature. I believe that there is a correlation between answers, and thus far my research has convincingly, if not overwhelmingly, borne that out. A majority of those surveyed in my extremely casual and wildly unscientific polling have chosen either Stones/pie or Beatles/cake. What does this mean? Why this correlation? And what does it tell us about ourselves? Slow down there, Dr. Schweitzer – I told you I’m just embarking on this probe. But the rough sketch of my theory thus far dictates that the correlation of these choices represents two broad but distinct personality types. Think of the way the bands and desserts themselves correspond: The Stones are all swagger, energy and attitude – pure, unadulterated rock ‘n roll. They take the raw ingredients – blues, country, rockabilly, boogie,
sweat, spit, blood and dirt – and combine them into something greater than the sum of its parts, but still distinctly, unmistakably of its parts. This is much like pie, which still requires some of the alchemical, transformative fuss of baking – particularly in the making of the crust – but is much more similar to straight up cooking than most baked goods. Both pie and the music of the Stones are ultimately about letting the natural flavor of the raw ingredients shine through all that is done to manipulate them. The Beatles, on the other hand, are more cerebral and transcendent. They employ many of the same ingredients, borrow from many of the same sources as the Stones, but rather than embrace and translate that raw essence, they seek to create something new and heretofore nonexistent. Their music is intended not just to be greater than the sum of its parts, but to make you forget its parts entirely and instead experience it as a wholly original entity. This is much in the same way that a baker takes things like eggs, flour, sugar, water, etc. and transforms it into something that resembles none of those things – a cake that tastes like cake, not the materials used to make it. The flavor comes not from the ingredients, but how they’re transformed. So what does all this say about the people who choose these pairings? And what of those who don’t? Back off – I’m just starting to flesh this thing out. But think about it. Discuss. Poll your friends. Email your answers to us or post them to facebook.com/providencemonthly. I will run them through my supercomputer, test them in clinical trials, preview them for my focus groups, consult the Oracle at Delphi about them and administer them in pill form to an experimental group (the control group will of course be given a placebo) to see what can be learned. Oh, and by the way: Stones. Pie.
These questions form the basis of a theory about human nature.
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East Providence
Barrington Medical Center 1525 Wampanoag Trail 401-433-5149 M-F 7 am - 5:30 pm Sat. 7 am - 11:30 am 400 Warren Avenue 401-434-0993 M-F 8 am - 4:30 pm Closed for lunch 12:00 – 12:30 pm 1275 Wampanoag Trail 401-433-0908 M-F 8:00 am-4:30 pm
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905 Victory Highway 401-765-0957 M-F 7 am - 4 pm Sat. 7:30 - 11:30 am
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Smithfield
400E Putnam Pike 401-232-0927 M-F 8 am - 4:30 pm 28 Cedar Swamp Road 401-231-4156 M, Th 8:00 am-6:00 pm T, W 8:00 am-4:30 pm Fri. 7:00 am-noon Sat. 8:00 am- noon
Tiverton
1800 Main Road 401-625-1140 M-Th 8:30 am - 5 pm Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Warwick
400 Bald Hill Road 401-734-1831 M-F 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Sat. 8 am - noon 1035 Post Road 401-467-4730 M-F 8 am - 4:30 pm 1444 Warwick Avenue 401-463-3675 M, W 7 am - 4:30 pm T, Th 7 am - 4 pm Closed for lunch: 12:30 - 1 pm Fri. 7 am - noon
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It’s a
Scream
Celebrate Halloween all month long with this itinerary of terror By Erin DeVito
Not all Halloween attractions are suitable for children, but one that is guaranteed to please young and old alike is Roger Williams Park Zoo’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. This year, the extraordinary display of hundreds of carefully carved gourds takes visitors for “A Journey Around the World,” representing spectacles such as the Seven Wonders of the World and exploring diverse nations. The first spectacular in Massachusetts in 1988 brought around 300 visitors; now tens of thousands of people each year come to see the sights. Rain or shine. October 6-31, 6-10pm. $12 adults, $10 seniors, $9 children 3-12 MondayThursday; $14, $12, $11 Friday-Sunday; $2 off adults and $1 off senior/child tickets with zoo membership. 1000 Elmwood Avenue. rwpzoo.org/jols
Ghost in the Machine Factory of Terror in Fall River takes the traditional haunted house to the next level. With over 35 rooms, including
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FALL MUST-HAVE
From ghoulish walking tours to bloodcurdling haunted houses, chilling hayrides, frightening films and family-friendly spectacles, Rhode Island has something entertaining for everyone this Halloween season. We’ve rounded up the best of the bunch to help you make the most of the area’s haunting attractions.
Although haunted hayrides and houses provide a good scare, we can walk away with the reassurance that the mysterious sounds and daunting spirits are merely for our entertainment. On the Providence Ghost Tour, we can’t really be so sure. Guided walks that include haunting true stories will take place every evening in October. If you are not a believer in the paranormal, you very well may change your mind (and you certainly won’t look at the East Side the same way again). Make sure to bring a camera, as many tourgoers have captured orbs (thought to be the imprint of a spirit) in photos. $15, $18 in person, $10 children under 12. 7pm. Begins at the Roger Williams statue at Prospect Terrance, Congdon Street. providenceghosttour.com
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underground tunnels, professional actors, special effects, and set and costume design, this enormous indoor attraction is based on a mystery factory massacre. Attractions such as “Bloodworth Dungeon,” “Gothic Nightmare” (featuring 3D and 4D graphics) and “Phobia Mayhem” are sure to ignite fear in every courageous soul to enter its quarters. Check website for dates and times. $23 at door, $20 online, $15 children ten and under. 33 Pearl Street, Fall River. factoryofterror.com
Walk like the Dead H.P. Lovecraft authored some of his most brilliantly strange tales in his native city of Providence, so if you are intrigued (and a bit spooked) by the notion that some of his bizarre “fiction” may be based on fact, you are not alone. Rory Raven, a mentalist and aficionado in all things paranormal and hair-raising, presents his Providence Ghost Walk every Saturday and Sunday in October. Having spent years uncovering the most eerie ghost stories in Providence’s long history, Raven is the go-to guy for a fascinating and frightful time. $8. Saturdays and Sundays in October, 3pm. Departs from the front of the Providence Athenaeum, at the corner of Benefit and College Streets. roryraven.com
Freak Scene A young girl has gone missing – and she was last seen on Freak Street. This horrifying home of hideous monsters is the setting of Delamorte’s Haunted Hayride at Trails to Terror. Highland Farm’s renowned Halloween attraction is in its 15th year, and with a completely new and original theme, set and sound, it’s expected to be more screamworthy than ever. If you’re not already
running from the scene, make sure to take a hike in the Forest of Fear, a 15acre walkthrough sure to send chills up your spine. And, because you’re bound to be hungry after such an eventful evening, stop by the Monsta Café for a bite. Fridays-Sundays in October and Thursday, October 27: 7-10pm; closed October 2. $12 single, $18 combo, $30 line-cutting VIP. Highland Farm, 4235 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield. 792-8188, trailstoterror.com
Haunted History Part of a bustling mill town and known as the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, Slater Mill in Pawtucket was once occupied by meticulous workers bent over dangerous, hand-driven machinery, performing arduous labor. As is true with many historic sites, there has been sufficient documentation of spiritual presence within the mill’s preserved walls. Explore the paranormal at Slater Mill, Wilkinson Mill and Sylvanus Brown House on Ghost Tours led by paranormal investigators Carl and Keith Johnson. The 90-minute walk concludes in the exact location that Syfy’s Ghost Hunters filmed an episode a few years ago. Through October 29: Fridays & Saturdays, 6:30 and 8:30pm. $20. 67 Roosevelt Avenue, Pawtucket. 725-8638, slatermill.org/ eventdescriptions/ghosttours
Killer Clowns Whether or not we care to admit it, our image of the comic performers is more like something out of Poltergeist than Cirque de Soleil. Field of Screams in West Greenwich takes this “irrational fear” to the next level in one of its three haunting attractions, Cirque du Souls. Did we mention it’s in 4D? For one ticket
Elaine to the Rescue! Top 10 Strategies for adding style to your wardrobe 1. Rearrange your closet for the season ahead 2. Layer your clothing 3. Pile on the accessories (mix color, texture and pattern) 4. Choose right size for your body type 5. Mix things up - don’t be MatchyMatchy 6. Make yourself look longer & leaner 7. Wear your clothes like a piece of art 8. Be bold with accent pieces 9. Avoid the ordinary - step out of your box 10. Color blocking - (great fall trend)
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Providence Monthly | October 2011
price, visitors to what is also known as Big John Leydon’s Christmas Tree Farm can wander through a Haunted Insane Asylum and take a ride on the Dead River Haunted Hayride. $18, $16 with costume. September 30-October 30. Thursdays and Sundays: 6:30-9pm; Fridays and Saturdays: 6:30-10pm. 179 Plain Meeting House Road, West Greenwich. hauntedhayride.net
Army of Darkness Up until 60 years ago, Fort Adams State Park in Newport was home to generations of our country’s most heroic souls. It is said that some of them still loom within the fort’s walls and tunnels. If you are brave enough to invade the dark, confined underground maze of the Tunnels of Terror, well, you may just find out. Fortress of Nightmares also holds hour-long ghost hunts led by the Rhode Island Paranormal Research Group. Investigative tools, such as ghost meters and infrared thermometers, are even available for rent or purchase for those looking to get close to the paranormal. October 21-23 and 28-30, 6-9pm. Tickets available online starting October 1. fortressofnightmares.com
Walk the Plank In Treasure Island, a black spot meant the threat of death for an unsuspecting pirate. Those buccaneers who suffered an ill fate are back for revenge at the Black Spot Pirate Ship in the Dave and Buster’s showroom, and they are looking to take their victims to Davy Jones’ Locker. Prepare to walk the plank; these pirates are not the friendly kind. Check schedule online. Providence Place Mall, 1 Providence Place. blackspothaunt.com.
Don’t Look Now It will forever be a mystery why, after watching our worst nightmares come to life on the big screen and subsequently losing sleep for the following week or so, we still rush to the theater on opening night of the newest horror flick. Maybe it’s the thrill of the unknown that sends chills up our spine and triggers that queasy feeling in the pit of our stomach. Likely,
it has something to do with the creative direction and disturbing, yet completely entertaining, plot lines that make us wonder, “Who thinks of that?” The Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival presents a weekend of some of the world’s best independent horror films, with the chance to mingle with the minds behind their creation. Parental discretion is advised for film screenings. October 27-30. Check website for full schedule of screenings and events. film-festival.org/ Horror_ri.php
Run for Your Life Let’s face it – Halloween has become more about the treats and less about the tricking. To prepare you for this year’s sugar binge, participate in the Monster Mini Dash 5K and Kids 1K, sponsored by Monster Mini Golf, in support of various local charities. Full costume (including face paint) is highly encouraged for this “fun run,” and there are great prizes for superior adult and children’s costumes. Registration and volunteer information can be found on the event’s website. October 30: Kids 1K begins at 10:30am, 5K begins at 11:15am. Race start and finish at the Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin Street. monsterminidash.com If you prefer your selection of monsters to be narrower and more specific, then sign up for the third annual Werewolf 3K, brought to you by the same wild and wooly folks behind Wooly Fair. This race around the Capitol Hill puts angry villagers in hot pursuit of beastly shape shifters. (In an inspired bit of nonsense, participants are encouraged to dress as either one of the two, or as a member of the Village People.) Each werewolf starts the race holding a “stolen” rubber chicken, which represents a 30-second time handicap. Then the villagers are off to chase them down and take back the chickens by tagging a werewolf. The top finishers, both male and female, will receive fruit baskets. Madness? Maybe, but isn’t that what Halloween is about? Register online. October 23: Race begins at 3pm on Sims Avenue. Entry fee is $15. thewooled.com
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Atwells vs.
Atwells
Restaurants and lounges vie for the soul of Federal Hill by Dan McGowan | Photography by Jonathan Beller
If you picked up a copy
of the Providence Journal on the first weekend of September, you might have thought Federal Hill was on par with the Jewelry District in terms of its nightlife scene and the problems that come with it. The front page carried a story detailing the behind-the-scenes battle taking place between the old guard traditionalists on the Hill and the folks behind the sudden surge of “ultra lounge” style nightspots that cater to a completely different crowd than the neighborhood is used to – namely, 20-somethings in search of a party. The clash between the two sides is real, and it’s not going away. Both sides are jockeying for position within the city to win over the support of Mayor Angel Taveras, who is attempting to navigate the waters of a neighborhood he barely needed to win the election last year. The mayor has stated that he would like to preserve the ambience of Federal Hill, which some have taken to mean that his administration would take steps to implement restrictions on some of the nightclubs that critics say are causing an increase in crime in the neighborhood. The efforts are already underway. Forbidden City Tea Room, part of the vanguard of nightlife spots on Atwells, had its liquor license revoked after a recent fight that some claimed was gang-related. In addition, the city has issued a moratorium on entertainment licenses in the neighborhood and even blocked a liquor license for a restaurant owner who was considering spending close to $1 million to set up shop on the Hill. The actions have caused some critics to
suggest the city is attempting to block businesses from opening up just to appease an old guard opposed to catering to the younger club crowd. Those decisions have been met with praise from outspoken members of the community like Bob D’Uva, who heads up the Federal Hill Commerce Association and publishes the Federal Hill Gazette. D’Uva believes that while the demographics of the neighborhood may be changing, it should still be viewed as a classy, upscale Italian district. He understands that very few of the people living in the neighborhood are actually Italian anymore, but thinks it’s important to maintain the image. “We provide the Italian heritage and the world class dining, that’s the image of Federal Hill,” D’Uva says. “That’s what it’s supposed to be. Atwells is an Italian street and we want it to stay that way. Our mission is to preserve the ambience.” Those critical of the old guard point to this attitude as a classic example of protecting what you know and shunning change. But D’Uva says he’s okay with not being popular with the younger crowd because he believes he’s representing the best interests of the neighborhood.
A Cultural Shift There is, however, at least some question about exactly what that ambience should be. Restaurant row may be home to some of the most well-known Italian restaurants in the country, but the neighborhood is
no longer dominated by any particular ethnic group. This cultural shift is hardly new. Henry Mu says he saw the character of the Hill changing nearly a decade ago when he opened MuMu Cusine, a Chinese restaurant, and later, Forbidden City Tea Room. At the time, Atwells had a large number of vacant storefronts; while the traditional restaurants were still doing well, the neighborhood was struggling with constant turnover among small businesses. All the while, Federal Hill was clearly no longer the close-knit Italian community of the legendary Patriarca era. It evolved into a neighborhood that was more affordable than the East Side but still nice enough to raise a family or be a young professional. With a sudden influx of Latino and Lebanese families, Mu saw an opportunity to capitalize on the new diversity. “There were a lot of retail places going inand-out,” he recalls. “I wanted to do something different and I was accepted because I was willing to spend a little money.” The key, Mu says, was having a vision for the future. He believes the same conversation should be taking place now. “A lot of people talk about preserving the neighborhood,” he says. “But they’re forgetting about all the potential it has.” It’s that potential that has another restaurant owner, Gianfranco Marrocco, questioning the motives of some of the old guard. He was one of the first businessmen to offer more nightlife in the area, creating a Latin Night at Mediterraneo that used to run every Saturday. Like Mu, Marrocco maintains that the Hill’s star was dimming when he started to offer alternatives to the traditional restaurants. “When I bought Mediterraneo, the chalk was still there from the body they found outside,” Marrocco recounts. “People seem to forget and now they’re talking about something that doesn’t exist. They’re saying old man Patriarca is spinning in his grave with what’s going on up here. That was 30 years ago. It’s over.”
The American Dream Marrocco is viewed as the prime example of how the neighborhood has seen its share of changes in recent years. The owner of seven properties on the Hill, including Mediterraneo, Amici Bar and Grille and Hotel Dolce Villa, Marrocco says the city is hurting businesses by falling for the argument that it needs to restore some sense of pride to the neighborhood. If anyone knows anything about business on Federal Hill, it’s Marrocco. Coming over from Italy
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Providence Monthly | October 2011
in 1970, he got his first job at a restaurant in the neighorhood when he was a kid and hasn’t left since. “I am the American Dream,” he declares. Never one to keep his opinions to himself, Marrocco claims he is a major reason why a resurgence of activity has taken place, maintaining that even in the worst economic climate since the Great Depression, Federal Hill continues to thrive. Marrocco says restaurant owners should acknowledge the changing demographics of the city and stop worrying so much about isolated incidents of crime or violence. He believes the situations taking place on the Hill are no different than what’s happening on Thayer Street. In his estimation, the city and groups like the Commerce Association should stop making it difficult for more businesses to come to the area. Of course, there is an argument to be made that he too is pushing business away. While his properties do well, other restaurant owners say patrons are no longer visiting the Hill because they don’t feel safe late at night. The thought process is that if one unhappy customer decides not to return, then every restaurant is affected. That is, except for a handful of Marrocco’s businesses. Because he believes he is competing with Thayer Street, he says he doesn’t feel like he’s doing anything to impact any of his competitors. In fact, he argues, some of the young people who want to go out drinking late may be coming to a restaurant on the Hill they normally never would have visited. He complains that some of the business owners are too stuck in their ways to realize how much money he is bringing to the neighborhood. “I have a vested interest in the neighborhood,” he says. “But a lot of the old timers are in denial. They don’t see that the demographics have changed. It’s not an Italian neighborhood anymore, and the old timers are a dying breed.”
en place over drinks on the Hill than in City Hall over the past three decades. However, the city’s streak of Italian-American mayors, which dates back to 1974 when Vincent “Buddy” Cianci defeated incumbent Joe Doorley, ended last year when Taveras became the first Latino Mayor of Providence. Much like Cianci did 36 years before him, Taveras ran as the outsider who could restore pride to the city. Along the campaign trail, it became obvious that a considerable number of constituents looked a lot more like him than his predecessor, David Cicilline, or any of his opponents. In order to win the race, Taveras knocked off two of the most prominent politicians in the city: the former interim mayor and City Council President John Lombardi and Steven Costantino, the former chairman of the powerful House Finance Committee. Both Lombardi and Costantino, whose family owns Venda Ravioli, represented Federal Hill. For nearly two decades, Lombardi served as the face of the neighborhood, showing up to nearly every event as if he were perpetually running for the city’s top spot. Costantino, on the other hand, was viewed as more of a straight shooter and was considered less likely to do favors. Spending most of his time on Smith Hill, it was always clear Costantino was hoping to further his influence at the state level. If Lombardi was constantly running for mayor, Costantino was running for general treasurer. When the mayor’s seat opened up last year, they each decided to throw their hats in the ring. It was
a bit of a hardheaded move on both parts, with many telling them that two Italians from the same neighborhood shouldn’t be running against each other and against Taveras. Neither side listened, making it clear that while the two might share the same heritage they weren’t exactly best friends. When both of them lost, the prominent political influence the neighborhood had in recent years disappeared. Even Lombardi’s replacement in Council Ward 13 lives not in Federal Hill, but the Armory District. Suddenly the Hill, with all of its rich tradition, was left to be represented by freshmen on the City Council and at the State House. Lombardi, who still lives on the Hill and has an office on Broadway, acknowledges the shift in power within the city, but he continues to help his former constituents. A respected figure in the neighborhood, Lombardi is believed to be considering a run for Costantino’s former state representative seat in 2012 and he says he’s not ruling out another run for mayor in 2014. For now, he says, he spends a lot of time on the phone fielding calls from people in the neighborhood about concerns over what’s happening on the Hill. “I get a lot of those calls,” Lombardi says. “But I tell them that this is the beautiful thing about Federal Hill. It’s always been such a diverse culture, ever since I was growing up here. Now we have all kinds of different ethnic groups in the neighborhood and that’s good. What we don’t want is the crime and I think we might need a little more police presence up here. But I think it’s good to have the diversity.”
Political Changes If the old timers are indeed a dying breed, then the neighborhood’s political power base may be following close behind. In addition to having the most famous restaurants in the city, Federal Hill has been a place where elected officials hammered out deals and set agendas for more than 30 years. It’s the reason why every mayor has his portrait on the front wall at Providence Prime, and popular belief maintains that more action has tak-
October 2011 | Providence Monthly
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A Cultural Hodgepodge It was that diversity that brought Steven Rivera to the Hill in the first place. Rivera moved into a three-bedroom apartment between Atwells and Broadway four years ago after going to school in Massachusetts. He says he has outlasted all of roommates, in part because he has fallen in love with how comfortable he feels. “This place has so much to offer,” he says. “My neighbor on one side is this little old lady who has lived here for about 80 years and on the other side, it’s a family that came here straight from Jamaica. We all get along so well.” Rivera says any battle between the old and new restaurant owners is news to him. “I go to all of those places,” he observes. “Everyone seems to get along just fine.” Some business owners agree. While many say they would like to see it remain the Little Italy of Providence, they still take pride in the fact that Atwells has a little bit of everything to offer nowadays, from Jamaican, Mexican and Chinese restaurants to Lebanese hookah bars to salons and art galleries. Berge Ara Zobian, who owns Gallery Z next to Scialo Brothers Bakery, says he loves seeing new faces in the neighborhood. “A lot has changed over the last 30 years,” he notes. “Federal Hill used to be old school with small business owners and fruit markets on the sidewalk, but it has received a facelift. It’s not all Italian anymore.” For Zobian, that’s a good thing. He likes seeing young people on the Hill and enjoys having them come into his gallery. In his view, a whole new generation is being exposed to different cultures, which makes them more likely to appreciate and potentially purchase his work. He believes the Hill’s potential to expose young people to different cultures is what makes it such a great place to live. Still, Zobian acknowledges that his gallery isn’t usually open after hours,
so he mostly avoids the late night crowd. He says he still doesn’t mind having that crowd come to Federal Hill and he does believe there is room for different generations and backgrounds, but he is concerned about some of what he’s hearing. “I know some inconveniences have surfaced,” he admits. “There are drunk people and loud businesses, and the traffic patterns have changed over the last five or ten years. People seem to be drinking and driving more. My concern is that there will be more accidents. The younger generation doesn’t bother me when they come in. But we don’t want more accidents.” Mark Gasbarro, who owns Gasbarro’s Wine and whose family has been on Federal Hill for four generations, doesn’t begrudge someone like Marrocco for trying to cultivate a younger scene, but stresses that the neighborhood was never meant to be a nightclub destination. There are plenty of places in the city where nightclubs are permitted and doing well – Gasbarro just doesn’t believe there is room for them on the Hill. “Some owners saw an opportunity and you can’t blame them,” he admits. “But we’re not zoned for the places bringing in these young crowds. This is supposed to be restaurant row and a place for upscale shopping, but things are changing and it’s causing a black eye for Federal Hill.” Gasbarro understands being young and wanting to party, but argues that not enough has been done to enforce the law in the neighborhood. “Those young people need somewhere to go – I understand that,” he says. “But we can’t police it ourselves. The neighborhood can’t support this. It shouldn’t be safer to walk through Times Square at midnight than it is the plaza.” While he generally likes having a diverse crowd, he is also concerned about the older clientele’s safety. Those concerns are legitimate, especially late at night. With traffic almost always a problem on weekend
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NOVEMBER 16, 2011
BOYS NIGHT OUT TOUR featuring his son nights, adding alcohol to the mix makes driving or even walking a dangerous proposition. Late last year, Providence City Councilman Terry Hassett was seriously injured after being hit by a car when he was heading into a bar at the far end of Atwells Avenue. Gasbarro sees the need for an increased police presence.
Perception Is Reality The idea that personal safety on the Hill is in jeopardy is often exaggerated. A fight may break out here or there and speeding has led to several accidents in recent years, but the neighborhood is hardly on the fast track to becoming the worst in the city. It’s that sort of overhyped image that is a cause for concern for Chris Tarro, who co-owns Siena. Tarro’s restaurant has been open just over six years and he notes a shift taking place. He doesn’t necessarily consider change a bad thing, but does suggest that it could impact the neighborhood’s image. “Perception is reality,” Tarro stresses. “When see you a story or hear someone talking bad about the Hill, you start to believe it’s true. The place has changed a lot over the past few years. I definitely have customers that used to come to our restaurant on Atwells and say they don’t want the hassle anymore. They come to our East Greenwich location and they’re telling me, ‘I just don’t want to deal with the Hill.’” As more lounges and nightclubs dot the strip, Tarro says the neighborhood could be hurt. “I think we’ve seen the street change a lot,” he says. “It’s a dining street with a much greater late night presence and I think that creates problems. We need to figure out the brand equity of Federal Hill. Is this a fine dining place or is it a late night place? Show me any place that the two have been done.” He maintains that he doesn’t want to interfere with anyone’s business and respects every
owner, but believes the city needs to step in and figure out what it wants the Hill to be. Marrocco counters that plenty of cities are doing exactly what he wants the Hill to do. He believes it’s important to change with the times and points to a number of locations that are doing just that, but insists that restaurant owners who want to stand by their tradition will suffer in the long run. “They’re totally wrong,” Marrocco says. “Go to South Beach or Las Vegas or New York. They have five-star restaurants until 11pm and then they move all the tables and chairs and become ultra lounges. That’s what’s going on today. Maybe if some of these people actually left Rhode Island and traveled a little, they would see what’s happening in other cities. They’re living in the 1800s here.”
Abe and grandson Krishna
Veterans Memorial Auditorium One Avenue of the Arts Providence, Rhode Island
Tickets: www.thevetsri.com or call 401-421-ARTS or at PPAC Box Office (with no service fee)
Why do this?
The Future That Marrocco would compare tiny Federal Hill to a major party city like Miami or Las Vegas is no doubt a cause for concern to many on the Hill. The traditionalists have little interest in offering that sort of scene to patrons and the city seems content to keep the neighborhood as is. Columbus Day weekend rapidly approaches and thousands of people, far more than the average weekend, will descend on the Hill for the parade and festivities. During the day the streets will close and folks will celebrate everything they’ve always loved about the neighborhood. At night, the ultra lounges will be open and Atwells will transform into what it becomes every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. It will be the perfect showcase for both of the neighborhood’s personalities. Even D’Uva, one of Marracco’s top critics, sees at least some room for middle ground. “I think everyone can work together,” he offers. “We’re moving in the right direction.”
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October 2011 | Providence Monthly
31
BIRTHDAY BASH!
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ts presen s k r o FirstW n ditatio e m g in A stunn anguage and ,l on life y by the e r memo performanc g reignin f our time. artist o
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Providence Monthly | October 2011
Full festival schedule: first-works.org
City Style at home / Shop talk / the look
About the Homeowner Barrett Bready is an mD by training who works as president and Ceo of NaBsys, a providence-based biotechnology firm developing a new way of looking at DNa. his 1888 Queen anne Victorian on College hill boasts an impressive collection of worldly antiques.
1
3 4 2
6 5 7
Worldly Goods photography: mike Braca
1. These Buddha busts are purely artistic, rather than religious. The one on the left is a 15th century bronze Thai Buddha. The middle is an 18th century bronze Thai Buddha, and the one on the right is a 13th century sandstone Khmer Buddha head from present-day Cambodia. 2. That red leather seat is a 19th century jockey scale from England that I picked up in New Orleans. It was used to weigh the jockeys before races, but now it’s just a chair. 3. The female figure is 11th century sandstone figure of a goddess from central India. 4. The large gold Buddha is an 18th century dry lacquer Burmese Buddha. I came to like this form when I traveled to southeast Asia, but these are bought from auction houses in the United States or Europe. 5. This is a 19th century Scottish library chair, and in front of it is a 19th century Anglo-Indian table. 6. Charlie is my seven-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He’s from Charlestown. 7. The three books are: a book about the history of the Old Stone Bank (which I’m restoring), a book on sculpture in northern Thailand, and Einstein’s 1912 manuscript on special relativity.
October 2011 | Providence Monthly
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Providence Monthly | October 2011
City Style | the look
by Caitlin Quinn
Marc Streisand owner, marc allen Fine Clothiers Tell me about your store. Marc Allen is my store that I’ve had for close to seven years. We design and manufacture our own clothing. The three adjectives that I try to create for my clients are powerful, crisp and clean. We work with clients to dress them based on their lifestyle, whether it’s from the country club to the boardroom, professional or personal. The other aspect of what we do is we curate looks from the industry’s top brands. We take the best and interpret it for our clientele, making it our own look. Do you need a watch fob to enter? Here’s the great thing: there’s something for everyone who walks in. Ninety percent of my store is sportswear. I don’t stock a suit on the rack at all. That’s a big misperception, actually. It’s not a suit store; it’s a store for the guy who wants the best of the best.
You can never be
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Define your personal style. I think my style is classic with an edge, understated elegance. What I mean by that is I still like the clean, simple, basic elements that every man should have – for example, charcoal gray trousers and a cashmere navy blazer – but you have to look within yourself to create looks that make you feel good. The caveat, of course, is that what you think looks good doesn’t always project itself the best to the world. Think of the award shows; the clean, classic tuxedo or suit always looks the best.
La La Luxe
Salon
Photography: Stacey Doyle
Tell me about this look. This is a clean, polished, ready-for-work look. To me, a man always looks great in a suit. When it fits correctly it’s the most comfortable thing to wear. I designed and made this suit myself. The fabric has a hint of cashmere and a little mohair, which gives it the sheen that’s current in clothing. The shirt is Sea Island Cotton 140’s with a mill finish. Orange has become one of the cornerstones of Marc Allen. It’s a timeless color that’s become more trendy over the years, but burnt orange has always meant exuberance and joy. The shoes are a handmade pair by Michael Toschi. The cufflinks are near and dear to my heart. I’m a big Spiderman fan; if you come to store will see Spiderman stuff all over. I have even been known to adorn Spiderman paraphernalia. What are some easy ways to upgrade the everyday man’s style? Get a great haircut and a great pair of shoes; when you have the polar opposites covered everything else will fall into place. And get your clothing fitted. Anyone can buy a suit. What is your favorite non-custom item of clothing? I like my Spiderman t-shirt! If you see me on a Sunday taking my kids to soccer games, I have a t-shirt and jeans on like everyone else.
383-3797 139 Elmgrove Ave, Providence Online BOOking AT
www.LaLaLuxeSalon.com October 2011 | Providence Monthly
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38
Providence Monthly | October 2011
As much as it might seem to be about other, more important things (love, career, family… whatever), at its core, life is really just one long search for the perfect pair of jeans. Think about it. How much of your time do you spend in fitting rooms, thinking that the pair you’re currently trying on would be just right if they were a little longer, a little darker, a little less flared, a little more stretchy? The list goes on and on. And the search is completely worth it if you happen to land on the ever-elusive ideal pair. Nothing is so versatile or so sexy as a pair of jeans that fits like a glove. I have a few pairs that I like, but none that are perfect. So when Jamal Motlagh invited me to get a custom pair made through his business, Fitted Fashion, I jumped at the chance. Fitted Fashion is a custom tailoring business that came out of the Betaspring business incubator. Because I was participating in the beta test phase of the business, I met Jamal and his partner Jessica Desautels at Betaspring’s Davol Square offices, where the two explained to me the concept of their digital tailor. Instead of a lengthy (and, well, a little too touchy for my taste) measuring process by a person, I was going to get something like a full body scan that would inform the cut of the jeans. So, stripped of almost everything, I headed inside what looked like a very dark, very fancy phone booth dotted with tiny scanners inside. Then the magic started. There were colorful, flashing lights that corresponded to the classical music playing in the
booth; it was a little bit like Synergy from that cartoon Jem. I’m not going to lie – I was hoping to come out with pink hair and the ability to make ‘80s pop hits that would destroy my evil rival band with the power of song. The whole process only lasted about 30 seconds, but it was a fun 30 seconds, and when they repeated the process to get a second set of measurements, I didn’t complain. After, I picked out the details of my jeans: the wash (dark), the style (skinny), the length (long, to get just the right amount of scrunching at the ankle), the fit (medium, which is on the skin but not too tight). The information was sent off to the real tailors who make the clothes, and in not much time at all I got a pair of aCustom jeans (Fitted Fashion’s own brand) with a tag inside that said “Custom Made for Julie Tremaine.” The dark navy color was polished enough to be dressed up for a night out; the denim had the perfect amount of stretch; the length had the ideal scrunch to work with flats or to show off a great pair of heels. The whole look was almost completely what I wanted: while the fit through the legs was exactly right, the waist was a bit too big and we’re working on some alterations. That’s the whole point of the beta test – working out the bugs to be able to create something really excellent. It’s just one more step on the quest to find the perfect pair of jeans. Fitted Fashion is now taking clients in Providence and New York. To get fitted, visit fittedfashiondesigns.com
Illustration: Karli Hendrikson
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October 2011 | Providence Monthly
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City Style | Shop talk
by erin DeVito
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Providence Monthly | October 2011
the fashionista behind LOLA Fashion Boutique on North Main Street, has just opened up shop just a few minutes down Benefit – but don’t expect to see identical designs. “Paloma is a little younger, a little more playful and caters more toward local students,” she notes. With chic dresses, classy separates, trendy jewelry and playful pops of color throughout the store, Paloma is a true extension of LOLA, but maintains its own unique flair.
and still love. I think of women of different ages and what would flatter different body types. I am all about the functionality of the clothing.
What made you decide to open a second boutique so close to your first? My mom owned clothing boutiques in the area, so I am familiar with it and I have always loved this part of town. Although the two shops are within a mile of each other, they have a different feel. Wickenden is artsy, eclectic and has fabulous visibility; Paloma is reflective of that.
What is in style this season? Leather and suede jackets, pants, skirts and shorts (not that leather is ever going out of style). Black is always in, but lots of color is also great for fall. Boots are always popular.
What do you look for when choosing pieces to sell in the boutique? I pick things that are unique, fun and somewhat classic. I like pieces that can go from season to season and that you can pick out of the closet in five years
How can we transition into the colder weather fashionably? Add a cardigan over a top, or a long sleeved silk or cotton shirt underneath one. I like denim jackets, boots and tights. Scarves are fabulous. Layers are great, especially since our weather changes so much here.
Do you plan on featuring the same designers in the new store or switching it up a bit? I am loyal to certain brands, but I like to incorporate new stuff and give everyone a chance. There is so much local talent right here, and a lot of people don’t even realize it. I look for creativity. 218 Wickenden Street. 383-8812, palomaboutique.tumblr.com
Photography: Laurel Mulherin
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October 2011 | Providence Monthly
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Open 7 Days a Week
City Style | Get Fit
by Jane Couto
Booty Camp Group fitness gets militant Come in and do your laundry with our new state of the art equipment. Enjoy our 4 plasma televisions and FREE wireless internet while you wait!!
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Freeway Laundry It had been a few months since I’d gone to a group fitness class that really made me work. I’m talking a heartpounding, muscle-shaking, feelingthe-burn (and questioning-my-sanity) kind of workout. It wasn’t that I had gotten lazy. I have run marathons and done half Ironman-distance triathlons. I get a rush out pushing myself out of my comfort zone. But a foot injury I sustained in March had put all highimpact exercise on hold, and I missed those intense, sweaty workouts that kept me on an exercise high for the rest of the day. So with my foot on the mend – and the strong desire to start a fresh fitness routine for fall – I decided to try the Navy SEAL class at Core: Center of Real Energy, an intermediate-toadvanced total-body workout that begins at 6am sharp and is listed in the
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42
Providence Monthly | October 2011
Fit News September may have been National Yoga Month, but the celebration continues throughout October. A number of local studios, including Breathing Time Yoga on the Providence/Pawtucket line, are offering one free week of yoga to new students. To participate in this offer, log on to YogaMonth.org, choose your
schedule as founder Denise ChakoianOlney’s “signature workout.” Gulp. When I got to the studio in Wayland Square, I noticed that the group exercise room is an intimate space. This, Denise says, is by design; when she opened the studio five years ago her goal was to make it a personalized experience for everyone, a place where instructors give clients personal service and guidance, even in group fitness classes. I found this to be true at the Navy SEAL class. There were nine of us taking it, and Denise seemed to know most everyone by name. After a warm-up, she led us through intervals of squats, lunges, push-ups, jumps, overhead presses and core training using hand weights, Bosu balls and jump ropes. Throughout the class Denise gave each of us
one-on-one attention, ensuring our form was correct and that we were getting the most out of the exercises. In order to keep our heart rates up and make the workout as brutal – ahem, effective – as possible, she gave us very little rest in between. I was glad I had brought enough water, but I still dripped so much sweat that I made a mental note to bring a towel next time – maybe two. I won’t lie: there were times during the class that I wanted to give up. But when we finished, I felt that instant, indescribable high that only comes at the end of an intensely satisfying workout. The Navy SEAL class worked me, and as I walked out of the studio soaked in sweat, my glutes on fire and my legs like Jell-o, I couldn’t wait to do it again. 469 Angell Street. 273-CORE, corefitprov.com
desired studio and print out your One Free Week of Yoga card, which is redeemable until October 30. Great news for deal-seeking cyclists: VeloSwap, one of the largest consumer cycling shows in the country, will make its East Coast debut at Roger Williams Park in Providence on Saturday and Sunday, October 8 and 9, from 9am-4pm. Buy, sell and swap new and used bicycles,
equipment and accessories. Held in conjunction with the Providence Cyclocross Festival, the event features clinics hosted by cycling celebrities and industry experts, family events and product sampling. More information is available at veloswap.competitor.com. Check out more fitness news on Jane’s website, rhodyfitness.com
Photography: Dawn Temple
Denise Chakoian-olney leads a Navy Seal class at Core
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48
REVIEW Jacky’s Waterplace and Sushi Bar
October 2011 | Providence Monthly
45
46
Providence Monthly | October 2011
Feast | In the Kitchen
by Stephanie obodda
WWW.HARUKISUSHI.COM
Family Traditions Pauly Penta talks gravy and frittatas
Photography: Mike Braca
How did you decide to open your namesake deli? I worked in delis my whole life, so when I had the opportunity, I was very comfortable with the idea of opening one. I already knew everything about operating a deli, inside and out. The hours of a deli are better than a restaurant, because you get to go home at night and spend time with your family. I do have early mornings, though. I’m up every morning at four and I’m usually here by five. My goal was to open a deli with fresh food and quality service. I’ve been open in this location for 13 years. We have a lot of regular customers. You could probably blindfold me and I’d be able to tell you the customer’s name – and their order. What are some of your favorite food memories from childhood? Back in the ‘70s, when I was younger, we didn’t go out to eat too much; it was mostly home cooked meals. I grew up in North Providence with lots of family nearby: my grandmother next door, aunt and uncle up the street and lots of cousins on the block. Like in a lot of families, Sunday was the big food day in my family. We’d go to grandma’s house after church every Sunday morning, and we’d begin with breakfast together. My grandfather was in charge of breakfast; he would get up really early, like 4 or 5 in the morning, to cook. (Looks like I’m taking after him.) He would make these frittatas with chicken gizzards in them – he would make two different kinds, one with hot peppers and one without. As kids, we weren’t much into the hot peppers, but today, that’s definitely the one I’d eat. We’d stay at grandma’s house all day. My aunts and grandmother would start cooking supper, and us kids would go outside and play wiffleball, football, basketball, and go to the corner store for Squirrel Nut Zippers and penny candy. Do you still keep up the Sunday tradition? Unfortunately, a lot of it has died out. First of all, everything is open on Sunday now:
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the markets, the malls – people don’t stay at home on Sundays anymore. Second, I’m working on Sunday; even though the deli isn’t open, we have catering orders to work on every Sunday. I could even imagine opening the deli on Sundays because it seems that’s when most people do their shopping these days. Tell us about some of the food you offer at the deli. A lot of the recipes we prepare are from my childhood, like the gravy and the meatballs. I’ve worked with the recipes for many years and made improvements. Our lasagna is special because it’s really thick, but only has a couple of layers of pasta. It’s one thick layer of meat and one thick layer of cheese. Some of our top sellers are Italian grinders, chicken parm sandwiches, grilled chicken and rabe, and chicken escarole soup. I see you do catering too… We’ve done catering since we opened. All the delis I worked in did catering, so I knew what to expect. It’s a balancing act: we are preparing food for the deli and serving customers while we have food going to our catering vehicles in the back – it’s a lot to coordinate. Right this very moment, there are five of us in the
kitchen prepping for the parties while two employees out front prep for tomorrow and help customers. The largest party we’ve served was about 500 people. Where you do like to eat when you’re not working? My favorite place to eat is my wife, Dawn’s, kitchen. Since I work with food all day, I usually don’t cook when I’m at home, except around the holidays. She makes a mean chicken with roasted and sweet potatoes, shallots and carrots, flavored with rosemary and garlic. She’s nearby during the day, too: she owns the hair salon next door to the deli, and she’s been in business for over 20 years.
Pauly Penta’s Gourmet Italian Deli 1290 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence 722-3222 paulypentadeli.com
vis-á-vis hair design 377 Broadway Providence, RI 401.421.0123 visavishairdesign.com
StudentS 10% off with college Id Appointments helpful but not always necessary
October 2011 | Providence Monthly
47
Feast | review
by Linda beaulieu
Crown Jewel The Jacky’s Galaxie empire expands with a gorgeous new location
Hawaii roll
48
Providence Monthly | October 2011
the sleek lounge area where the bar has an aquamarine aura, on past gardens and the glowing sushi bar that changes colors, into the main dining area, resplendent in shades of pistachio and lilac. The astounding design is the work of Li Qi, who was at Judd Brown Designs at the time but has since moved on to start his own design firm. Li Qi says he wanted to give the audience a different take on traditional Asian design and aimed at a new interpretation of Eastern and Western design, which he calls “New Asia.” He accomplished this with his selection of natural materials: textured stone, white river rock, polished granite and metal, glass and acrylic countertops. The best seats in the house are at tables next to the massive glass windows that offer an unparalleled view of Waterplace Park. One can only imagine how magical this must be on a WaterFire night. Outdoor seating is also available during nice weather. We were seated at one of those primo tables, next to a private, glass-enclosed dining room. Above us were the most unusual lights – they reminded me of massive fortune cookies. It took everything in me to focus on the menu,
Fried Pepper Steak
an impressive array of classic and contemporary Asian cuisine. I sipped on a tropical cocktail that I hadn’t tasted in years: a classic Mai Tai ($8), an icy blend of dark and light rums with triple sec and fruit juice. We began with the Hot and Sour Soup ($5), a traditional Asian concoction of bamboo shoots, various exotic mushrooms and incredibly thin slices of tofu in a flavorful broth. Seasonings make the broth simultaneously spicy (thanks to the peppers) and sour (from the vinegar), but in a most agreeable way. The Clams with Black Bean Sauce ($13) came in large bowl almost overflowing with plump and chewy littleneck clams still in their shells, stir-fried until they popped open, boasting the spicy flavors of green peppers, garlic, onions, jalapeno peppers and fermented black beans. The smoky and aromatic sauce is a delight to the senses, both in aroma and in taste. The Assorted Vegetable Tempura ($8) was flawless, a generous serving of sliced sweet potato, broccoli and green pepper in a delicate tempura batter, lightly fried and served with small teardrop-shaped bowls of soy sauce. I can never pass up sushi, so I ordered the classic Spider Crab Roll ($12). I often try new sushi rolls, but this is my all-time favorite and it is spot-on at Jacky’s Waterplace, with its key ingredients of soft shell crab tempura, avocado and just the right amount of wasabi. For the main course, the Five Spice Roasted Duck Breast ($20) surpassed my expectations. The bone-
less duck was cooked to my specifications (well done), shingled across the plate and napped with a cognac citron sauce. The Chinese taro root that accompanied the duck failed to excite me – perhaps that is an acquired taste. Brian was almost overwhelmed with the Stir Fried Beef Fillets ($20) but managed to consume all the tender meat on his plate, along with the stir-fried baby bok choy and sesame walnuts. We both had steamed brown rice on the side; I loved its nutty flavor and chewy texture, while Brian was wishing he had asked for fried rice. Being a huge fan of lemongrass, I was excited to see Lemongrass Cheesecake on the dessert menu. Our waiter warned me that it did not have that strong a lemongrass flavor, and he was right. That is one dish that deserves to be improved – more lemongrass, please. That was the only small tarnish on this gem of a restaurant. Linda Beaulieu is the author of The Providence and Rhode Island Cookbook, available at stores throughout the state.
Jacky’s Waterplace and Sushi Bar 200 Exchange Street 383-5000 jackyswaterplace.com
Photography: Kate Kelley
If Jacky Ko has groupies, I am definitely one of them; I’ve been following this successful restaurateur around Rhode Island for years as he opened Jacky’s Galaxie in North Providence, Cumberland and Bristol. He has finally landed in Providence, and he has outdone himself. All of his restaurants are beautiful, with clean modern lines and pops of vibrant color, but the brand new Jacky’s Waterplace and Sushi Bar is drop-dead gorgeous. It just might be the most visually stunning restaurant in the state – and the food is equally exciting. The approach to this multi-million dollar glass-walled dining destination is simply grand. A left off of Exchange Street will deliver you to an ultramodern courtyard centered with a massive contemporary sculpture. Drive around the sculpture to reach the entrance to Jacky’s Waterplace, where free valet parking is offered. Once inside, prepare to be pleasantly confronted by an intensely red entrance with an amazing saltwater fish tank and the first of many wild, nest-like chandeliers. The staff will want to whisk you away to your table, but I recommend strolling slowly through this huge restaurant, from
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3rd Level Food Court, Providence Place Mall • 401-270-0902 269 Thayer Street, Providence • 401-276-0003 October 2011 | Providence Monthly
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Feast | on The menu
Welcome to the
by John Taraborelli
Rue De L’Espoir
Make a Way Out of No Way a new exhibit documents black food traditions in rhode Island
Photo: Rhode Island Historical Society
The Johnson and Wales Culinary Arts Museum (315 Harborside Blvd.) is one of our city’s underappreciated treasures – in fact, it is one of, if not the, premier institutions of its kind in the country. Its collections document the history of not just food sciences and traditions, but advertising, menus, packaging, commercial and home kitchens – in short, all aspects of gastronomy and the surrounding culture. Another unappreciated piece of culture in this state is the oftenoverlooked black culinary tradition. However, a new exhibit at the museum, Creative Survival: African American Foodways in Rhode Island, aims to correct this oversight. A collaboration between museum Curator and Director Richard Gutman, Project Director Ray Rickman and Guest Curator Robb Dimmick, the exhibit will, in Dimmick’s words, “showcase the never-before-told story of the genius and enterprise of black cooks, chefs, caterers and farmers, dating back as early as 1726.” Here in the liberal North, we tend to underestimate the history of slavery, regarding it as the province of the deep South, but Creative Survival will shed new light on the prevalence of slavery in Rhode Island, and the ways that food was an integral part of the struggle to survive. “The complexities of food and Africans in America go far beyond the necessity to eat,” explains Dimmick. “Food in early Rhode Island is a powerful symbol of the racial symbiosis between blacks and whites that is rarely if ever discussed or acknowledged, but exists as the very foundation of racial discord and cooperation in America.” Creative Survival also illuminates the incredible ingenuity and industriousness of black foodways throughout Rhode Island’s history, and the remarkable dishes they produced. Dimmick points to the way that slaves were able to ply their culinary prowess both to prepare food fit for a president, and to turn the scraps left over into palatable meals for their own families. It also goes beyond the slavery days, into the 18th and 19th centuries, when free blacks who managed to carve out a liv-
ing pushing food carts were confounded by laws and licenses that made it difficult for them to do business. Artifacts unearthed for this exhibit include a Frederick Douglass souvenir spoon, previously thought not to exist, made by black inventors William Purdy and Leonard Peters of Providence; a 17th century cheese press from South County, evidence of the area’s cheese industry and the slave labor that drove
they say, change is good,” notes fourth generation owner Mark Gasbarro, “and we did just that.” The store, long a destination for wine lovers, now boasts a 750 square foot wine room containing over 3500 bottles of special selections. It has also increased its collection of single malt whiskeys, and added a craft beer section with approximately 100 labels. The store is now more customer-friendly too, with a walk-in beer cooler for browsing, and a brand new tasting area for events. The website is also being overhauled, offering customers a new and easy way to browse the 1800 wines in Gasbarro’s inventory. gasbarros.com
NUEVA COMIDA The influx of new food Downtown continues with the opening of Viva Mexico (129 Washington St.), a new restaurant from the folks behind Mexico Garibaldi (948 Atwells Ave.). Though Providence already enjoys several authentic Mexican restaurants, they’ve always dwelled on the outskirts. This will bring dishes like barbacoa de chivo (seaThomas Moke, pictured here, was an soned, shredded goat), cochini1880s fruit vendor on College Hill ta pibil (shredded pork flavored with annatto and orange) and it; and a copy of The Jonnycake Papers nopales (tender cactus) to the Down(1880) by Shepherd Tom of Narragantown and theater crowds. It also has sett, which recounts the culinary wiza full bar, offering margaritas, sangria ardry – especially when it came to the and more. Visit vivamexicocantinagrill. iconic johnnycake – of the Hazard famcom to see the full menu. ily’s cook, Phillis. “African American food provides a LOCAL BAKERY GETS marvelous classroom in which to exNATIONAL ACCLAIM amine the confluences of the humaniCongratulations are in order to a local ties. Race, culture, religion, politics, institution, LaSalle Bakery (993 Smith biography, social sciences and the arts St. and 685 Admiral St.), which was all intermingle on a plate piled high just named Retail Bakery of the Year with history and identity. Black cookby Modern Baking Magazine. The faming is black life. It is struggle, survival, ily run bakery, open since 1930, bested celebration and pride in a spoonful,” 24,000 bakeries across the country, and notes Dimmick, adding, “Black food is is the first Rhode Island business to win uniquely American.” Visit culinary.org the honor. Look for them on the cover for museum hours and information. of the magazine’s October issue, and join them for Celebration Week (OcWINE GETS BETTER WITH AGE tober 24-28), when they will roll back One of the oldest businesses on Fedpricing to 1975 (the first year for current eral Hill, and probably the whole city, owners Cheryl and Michael Manni) and Gasbarro’s Wines (361 Atwells Ave.) do daily raffles. See lasallebakeryofthejust underwent a major renovation. “As year.com for more information.
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October 2011 | Providence Monthly
51
Feast | behind the bar
every day.
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52
Providence Monthly | October 2011
Flights of Fancy Christopher watson of Fleming’s has just the wine for you How did you end up with a career in wine? I moved to Southern California in 2001, with the majority of my background being an executive chef at that point. While on the West Coast, I took on the role as executive chef and wine buyer. I’ve always been interested in food and wine pairings; that’s my passion in this business. There are so many boutique wineries in Southern California; it’s a fun wine area where you get to meet a lot of people. I attended every tasting I could get my hands on; purveyors knew about me. I was out there as a buyer for 10 years. My wife and I moved back to Rhode Island and I walked directly into the wine manager position at Fleming’s in October 2007. [He has since been promoted to operating partner.] Your new wine system is pretty hightech. Tell us about it. Fleming’s installed the Vinfinity wine preservation system six months ago; this several thousand-dollar system basically pays for itself in the first year. We have one on our red cooler and one on our white cooler. Most wine vacuum hand pump preservers remove 15-18 pounds of air from a wine bottle; the Vinfinity system removes 23-25 pounds, leaving the wine vapor itself in the bottle rather than oxygen, gas or anything of that nature. How has Vinfinity improved your wine selection? The shelf life of an opened bottle of wine has drastically improved with this system. We still mark the back of the bottle with the date it was opened and bartenders still perform the smell test before serving. However, we haven’t had nearly the waste we had before. Also, we are able to open certain bottles and serve them by the glass now. We can offer Joseph Phelps Insignia and Silver Oak, Alexander Valley by the glass. To open a Silver Oak for $25 a glass would have been scary before, but now we can do it. This system is a bonus for everybody. Which wine is your favorite? I would say I’m a Rhone drinker. I brought two of my favorite wines with me from Southern California. Craig Jaffurs is a good friend of mine. We started pour-
ing his wines here; try the Jaffurs Syrah. The other is a South African wine: Spice Route Chakalaka. We actually brought that wine into the state because after enjoying it at Fleming’s, our guests were trying to find it to purchase on their own. Are there any local wines are on your list? We carry the ice wines produced by both Newport and Sakonnet Vineyards. Their ice wines are outstanding and an incredible value. Rhode Island produces an exceptional product. What’s your advice for aspiring wine enthusiasts? Keep trying wine. It’s a fun thing. Wine should be fun, something you enjoy. There are so many different wineries – try something new instead of the same bottle you usually go to. Try to find what you like; we all have different palates, different tastes. Our wine flight program is a fantastic opportunity to do just that. You can make your own individual wine tasting every time you come. How does your wine flight program differ from others? Each flight is a trio of two-ounce servings from The Fleming’s 100,
our award-winning collection of 100 wines by the glass. We can build it for you, or you can build it yourself. There are different price points, different flavor profiles. What is a wine flight you would recommend for someone looking to figure out exactly what his or her flavor profile is? I’d create fun wines for the first flight: Conundrum is a great coming out of summer, going into fall wine; it’s a great bottle to start someone off when they don’t know what they are looking for yet. Cambria, Pinot Noir – on the fuller bodied side of pinot noir, it’s a great transition wine. Finish off with Hall, made by an organic sustainable producer from Napa Valley; it’s a really great grape.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar One West Exchange Street 533-9000 flemingsteakhouse.com
Photography: Mike Braca
We celebrate
by Cristy raposo
We are one of the Nation’s Oldest and Largest Sources for Artwork & Custom Framing A Providence Original Since the 1800’s Custom Framing Experts 30,000 sq. ft of:
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October 2011 | Providence Monthly
53
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Providence Monthly | October 2011
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Feast | In the drink
by Emily dietsch
Catcher and the Rye
Illustration: Ashley MacLure
a gateway liquor for fall “It’s only real when it’s dark,” as one of the great American noir films, Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte, declares. Yet Americans, by and large, prefer their drinks to be sweet and light, and thus unreal to a point. As a barely reformed tomboy and a Brit who’s chosen America, I’ve grown accustomed to the fact that my preference for undisguised liquors – including and especially liquors of brown persuasion – sets me apart from certain demographics. Ladies, for instance, tend to prefer drinks either clear or colorful, and almost always sweet. Certain American males have come around to Scotch, bourbon and rye, but mostly as chest-thumping novelties. These lads seldom appreciate its unadorned subtleties, poured with nothing but rocks to break it. But what can one do? “Baby steps,” as the great Bill Murray advised in What About Bob?: bridge inhibitions in stages, slowly but surely. For brown liquors, I’ve discussed incremental introductions with a number of female friends who can’t fathom enjoying anything not crystalline or candy-colored. Yet rye, as my dear friend J. once pointed out, is the perfect gateway for drinkers accustomed to sweet and seductive cocktails. Its spices, sweetness and intensity hover at levels that are familiar but challenging. “I know you,” it seems to coo, “but wait… there’s more.” Ingenious. An a-ha breakthrough, really, and all the more welcome at this time of year, which begs for renewed commitment to make nice with brown liquors. Oktoberfest lagers aside, nothing says “autumn” like whiskey. Yet, we’re not quite ready for diametric inversion from summer’s gin or rum drinks. Thus, another baby step: a cocktail with a rye base that straddles summery effervescence and autumnal gravity. Locally, patrons looking to cling more tightly to summer in their seasonal shifts can belly up to the bar at AS220 for bartender Noah Anacleto’s
the Redemption of the Lawn Gnome: Redemption Rye, of course, plus muddled basil, bitters and ginger beer. Fresh herbs and ginger beer indisputably harken to summer, while the rye’s dark spiciness can’t help but carry things forward on the calendar. Bolder souls can mix their own cocktail, a Honey Rye, which leavens rye with honeyed sweetness and crisp ginger
ale. Whereas AS220’s Lawn Gnome still calls to mind, well, lawns and all of the verdant season that accompanies them, the Honey Rye pushes more obviously into a cooler, cozier season. Counterintuitively, the cocktail originated in sun-dappled Israel, where the Germanic honey liqueur known as bärenjäger or bärenfang is commonplace. A fast lesson in translation: “jäger” means “trapper” and “fang” means “bait,” and the liqueurs’ shared “bären” means “bear.” Bärenjäger is commercially available in the states, but is hardly well-known here. What a pity: as a liqueur, it’s made with honey but distilled to an alcoholic spirit, and thus has a warmth that’s not bogged down with syrupy sweetness. It’s so simple and rustic, in fact, that one might do well to forget the bottled stuff in favor of a homemade version. (Allegedly, for German and Prussian families, bärenjäger is what nana’s tomato sauce is to Italian families: something best and most commonly made at home, each household according its own, fiercely proud recipe.) Hibernation season beckons, after all. Stay in, tinker, and, for heaven’s sake, drink well.
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Honey liqueur is key to this drink. Substitute it and you may have a fine cocktail still, but nothing remotely the same. Any decent liquor store will carry at least one kind, such as the capital-B Bärenjäger, which is the most common brand in the states. 5 tablespoons rye whiskey 3 tablespoons honey liqueur (such as Bärenjäger) 1/4 teaspoon orange bitters Ginger ale
2 orange twists Ice Fill two Old Fashioned glasses with ice. (To the non-brown-liquor drinkers, those glasses are the short, stout ones.) Divide rye, honey liqueur and bitters equally between glasses, unless you’re feeling stingy, in which case you should divide however you please. Stir briefly, and top with ginger ale to preference. Garnish with orange twists and serve.
Call 401-762-1333 thehighrocks.com
October 2011 | Providence Monthly
55
Celebrate Our 2nd Anniversary thru October
3 Course Dinner $24.95 142 Atwells Avenue, Providence • 432-7422 • BradfordNewsRI.com
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Providence Monthly | October 2011
Feast | dining Guide
special advertising section
BYBLOS 235 Meeting St.; 453-9727. Providence’s original hookah lounge offers more than just a relaxing smoke and chic atmosphere. You can also enjoy classic Lebanese dishes and light cuisine with your cocktail. LD $ CAFé PARAGON 234 Thayer St.; 3316200. This hip eatery serves sandwiches, pasta, and entrees at prices lower than the chic décor would have you believe. The adjoining Viva lounge is perfect for after-dinner drinks and private parties. BrLD $-$$ CASERTA’S PIZZERIA 121 Spruce St.; 621-9190. This Rhode Island tradition serves big pizzas with generous toppings and thick, rich tomato sauce. The Wimpy Skippy, a spinach pie with cheese and pepperoni, is not to be missed. LD $-$$
Waterman Grille 4 richmond Square; 521-9229. an exquisite waterfront dining experience, waterman Grille offers a plethora of delectable dishes including grille and seafood plates with a focus on seasonal flavors and local offerings. brd $-$$$
Providence 10 PRIME STEAK & SUSHI 55 Pine St.; 453-2333. Located downtown, Ten offers a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere complimented by aged prime steaks, a full sushi menu and creative cocktails. LD $$-$$$ ANDREAS 268 Thayer St.; 331-7879. For a taste of Greece, head to Andreas. Their menu includes souvlaki, moussaka and a variety of kabobs, along with specialties like Lemon Oregano Lamb Chops and Spanakopita, an appetizer of spinach and feta in flaky phyllo dough. BrLD $-$$ ASIAN BISTRO 123 Dorrance St.; 3833551. Chinese, Japanese and Thai, hibachi and sushi – they’re all under one roof at Asian Bistro. For the freshest flavors in a convenient downtown location, this is the place. LD $-$$$ ASIAN PALACE 1184 North Main St.; 228-7805. All the flavors of Asia are here: from Chinese classics to new Thai favorites to fresh, impeccably prepared sushi. The gorgeous banquet room is available for private functions. LD $-$$$ ASPIRE RESTAURANT 311 Westminster St.; 521-3333. Aspire offers an exquisite
Key
fine dining experience with a number of delicious small and large plates, numerous fine wines and full bar – with an emphasis on local ingredients. bbrLd $-$$$ BAKER STREET RUE 75 Baker St.; 4905025. Chef Twillia Glover expands the Rue De L’Espoir empire with this comfortable neighborhood café serving “upscale diner food” with an emphasis on local ingredients. BBrL $ BOMBAY CLUB 145 Dean St.; 273-6363. Taste authentic North Indian cuisine in the cozy atmosphere of Bombay Club. The extensive menu includes Indian specialties such as lamb, seafood, vegetables and more. Weekends offer a lunch buffet. LD $-$$ BRAVO BRASSERIE 123 Empire St.; 490-5112. Enjoy lunch and dinner at this American bistro with the French flair. Located downtown across from Trinity Rep, it’s the perfect place for a pretheater dinner or cocktail after the show. LD $$-$$$ BRICKWAY 234 Wickenden St.; 7512477. Breakfast is the specialty at Brickway, a cozy neighborhood eatery known for its extensive menu of comfort foods made with a creative edge. Brunch offered on Sundays. BL $
Br brunch B breakfast L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
CAV 14 Imperial Pl.; 751-9164. The New York Times’ choice as one of Providence’s five best restaurants, CAV’s contemporary award-winning cuisine is available for lunch and dinner daily. They also feature Saturday/Sunday brunch. BrLD $$-$$$
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DON JOSE TEQUILAS 351 Atwells Ave.; 454-8951. Don Jose’s digs a little deeper than your average Mexican restaurant, with all the basics you love alongside more artfully composed entrees and a wonderful selection of house-made tequilas. LD $$ FLEMING’S 1 West Exchange St.; 5339000. Fleming’s is an ongoing celebration of exceptional steak and wine. Located downtown, the elegant atmosphere perfectly accentuates the quality of their prime steak and fine dinning. D $$-$$$ GOURMET HOUSE 787 Hope St.; 8314722. Beautiful murals and decor set the mood for delicious Cambodian and Southeast Asian cuisine, spicy curries and noodle dishes. The tamarind duck is a must. LD $-$$
Spend Your Day in Splendor
HARRY’S BURGER & BAR 121 North Main St.; 228-7437. Harry’s features only freshly ground beef, Nathan’s hot dogs, a long list of craft beers and new twists on cocktails. A perfect quick bite or night out. LD $-$$ HARUKI EAST 172 Wayland Ave.; 2230332. For authentic Japanese dining, try Haruki’s large variety of sushi, sashimi, bento boxes, soba noodles and delicious
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www.splendormassage.com October 2011 | Providence Monthly
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photo by Bill Gallery
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Providence Monthly | October 2011
Freemasonry helps make good men better by giving them an opportunity to develop their characters and strengthen their communities through participation in the world’s oldest and most philanthropic fraternal organization. Visit www.rimasons.org and locate a lodge in your area or call 401-435-4650 for more information
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Feast | dining Guide specialty entrees. Enjoy the chic atmosphere and the freshest sushi around. LD $-$$$ HEMENWAY’S 121 South Main St.; 3518570. A true Providence classic, Hemenway’s has been serving top-notch seafood for 20 years. Their oyster bar features everything from the famed Prince Edward Island variety to the local favorite, Poppasquash Point. LD $$$$$ KARTABAR 284 Thayer St.; 331-8111. This European-style restaurant and lounge offers a full menu of unique dishes such as Champagne Sea Bass and Gorgonzola-stuffed Filet Mignon. They also offer a gourmet wine list and martini menu. LD $-$$ LUXE BURGER BAR 5 Memorial Blvd.; 621-5893. Luxe brings the classic burger to a new level. Their build your own burger list, which includes Kobe and Gold Labeled beef, never ends, with countless combinations. LD $-$$ McFADDEN’S RESTAURANT AND SALOON 52 Pine St.; 861-1782. Looking for a great sports bar that also offers top-notch dining? Look no further. For game night, a quality lunch or dinner, or a great after-work cocktail, stop by McFadden’s. LD $-$$ MILLS TAVERN 101 North Main St., 2723331. The only restaurant in RI to receive The Mobile Four Star Award for five consecutive years, Mills Tavern provides traditional American cuisine in a warm, friendly setting. LD $$-$$$ NEW RIVERS 7 Steeple St.; 751-0350. Long considered one of Providence’s finest restaurants, the James Beard Award-nominated New Rivers serves creative New American cuisine with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients in an intimate setting. D $$-$$$ NOT JUST SNACKS 833 Hope St.; 8311150. Indeed, it’s not just snacks, but rather some of the tastiest, most authentic Indian food around served in a comfortable, homey setting right in the heart of Hope Street. LD $-$$ RED STRIPE 465 Angell St.; 437-6950. It’s classic comfort food with French influences. From their Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup to ten styles of Moules & Frites, Red Stripe’s menu is reasonably priced and made with passion. LD $-$$$
Key
RICK’S ROADHOUSE 370 Richmond St.; 272-7675. With hand-cut, fire kissed steaks, gut busting burgers and fall off the bone ribs, Rick’s brings the best slow-cooked cuisine to the Ocean State. LD $-$$ RUE BIS 95 South St.; 490-9966. This intimate eatery provides breakfast and lunch in a cozy, neighborhood bistro atmosphere – all with the gourmet pedigree of Hope Street dining staple Rue De L’Espoir behind it. BBRL $
Sip and Savor…
As part of Cocktail Week.
Saturday, October 15th 125 North Main Street, Providence, RI
401.273.9090 {xocafe.com} Text CHOWFUN to 22828 to join our email list
RUE DE L’ESPOIR 99 Hope St.; 7518890. In business for over 30 years, the Rue has only gotten better. Beautifully prepared with the freshest ingredients, the innovative, constantly changing menu keeps diners on their toes. Superb brunch. BBrLD $$-$$$ RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE 10 Memorial Blvd. (at the GTECH Center); 272-2271. Come celebrate their fifth year overlooking Waterplace Park by treating yourself to the best USDA Prime steak in Providence. Change your life one bite at a time. D $$$ SIENA 238 Atwells Ave.; 521-3311. Federal Hill’s Siena features authentic Tuscan cuisine in a warm and lively atmosphere. The extensive menu includes wood-grilled veal, steak and seafood entrees along with signature pasta and sauté dishes. D $$-$$$ TAMMANY HALL 409 Atwells Ave.; 8313180. This Irish pub and parlor is the place to be for food, drink and a relaxing smoke. Enjoy their friendly service and great pub fare while lighting up your favorite cigar. LD $ TASTE OF INDIA 230 Wickenden St.; 421-4355. Providence’s first Indian restaurant delivers on its promise of serving real (and really delicious) Indian cuisine, with seafood delicacies and Tandoori specialties, made with authentic Indian spices. LD $-$$ TRATTORIA ZOOMA 245 Atwells Ave.; 383-2002. Located on historic Federal Hill, Zooma offers award winning Neapolitan cuisine in a beautiful, upscale setting, specializing in house made pasta, local fish, meats, vegetables and authentic wood fired pizza.LD $$-$$$ UNITED BBQ 146 Ives Street; 751-9000. Barbecue is an art form here. Feed the inner man with a classic rack of ribs (sold in half or whole racks) or make it
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September 30th Three Haunted Attractions for the price of one. Rhode islands premiere Halloween extravaganza. 179 plain Meeting House Rd. West greenwich, Ri • 401-884-7369
Br brunch B breakfast L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
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October 2011 | Providence Monthly
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Feast | dining Guide light with a “Tofurkey” kielbasa sandwich from the menu’s Weird Stuff section. They deliver. LD $-$$ WALTER’S RISTORANTE D’ITALIA 286 Atwells Ave.; 273-2652. Experience the authentic flavors of Chef Walter Potenza, a name long synonymous with Italian food in Rhode Island. This is a must-stop for foodies, and caters to gluten-free diners. D $$-$$$ XO CAFé 125 North Main St.; 273-9090. XO Café celebrates fine food, wine and funky art. Featuring a seductive atmosphere, outmatched by playfully composed dishes inspired by natural/local ingredients. BrD $$-$$$
East Bay
Tickets $40 V.I.P. Access: $60 Please contact Christine Foisy for ticket information at 401-463-3324 ext 231 or christine@thehouseofhopecdc.org Runway show and shopping spectacular to benefit Rhode Island’s homeless women
www.hohboutique.org Celebrate Providence Cocktail Week with a
“Certified Sake Professional” October 13 - October 22 • Expanded Sake Cocktail menu • Sake tasting classes and new Sake tasting menu
DECK FORTY TWO 28 Water St., East Providence; 270-4245. Enjoy fresh seafood and Italian favorites at family friendly prices, along with the best waterfront view of the city. It’s a convenient trip from downtown, just off the East Bay bike path. LD $-$$$ HORTON’S SEAFOOD 809 Broadway, East Providence; 434-3116. Enjoy the finest of fresh seafood at this familyowned-and-operated restaurant. Horton’s is famous for their fried clams and fish and chips, and offers takeout. LD $-$$ ICHIGO ICHIE 5 Catamore Blvd., East Providence; 435-5511. The name roughly translates as “one encounter in a lifetime,” but you’ll want to visit again and again for the enchanting Japanese décor, and of course, the sushi and hibachi menus. LD $$
Yakitori • Shabu Shabu • Noodles
38 Pontiac Ave. Providence 401-270-7500 • ebisuri.com
JACKYS GALAXIE 338 Metacom Ave., Bristol; 253-8818. Jacky’s offers an eclectic taste of Asia, including Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Cambodian and Vietnamese. Enjoy traditional recipes combined with modern technique and flair for a unique dining experience. LD $-$$$ LE CENTRAL 483 Hope St.; 396-9965. Enjoy a variety of classic French staples from Coq au Vin and Croque Monsieur, to North African tajines in an intimate setting. They also offer a gourmet wine list. BRLD $-$$$ VINEYARD EAST 315 Waterman Ave., East Providence; 432-7000. Wine-in-
Key 60
Providence Monthly | October 2011
fluenced dinning meets casual down home atmosphere, and an eclectic menu of regional fare like local seafood favorites and Italian and Portuguese classics. LD $$
South County ELEVEN FORTY NINE RESTAURANT 1149 Division St, (Warwick/East Greenwich line); 884-1149. 965 Fall River Ave., Seekonk; 508-336-1149. Metropolitan chic comes to the suburbs at this super stylish restaurant with a raw bar, outstanding menu, and some of the best cocktails around. LD $$-$$$ SIENA CUCINA 5600 Post Rd., East Greenwich; 885-8850. Siena features authentic Tuscan cuisine in a warm and lively atmosphere, plus over 20 wines by the glass and an Italian “tapas” menu. D $$-$$$
North LA CUCINA 266 Putnam Pike, Smithfield; 349-4130. Experience the authentic flavors of Italy at this charming restaurant specializing in pastas, succulent seafood, steaks or chicken entrees. Leave room for dessert. BLD $-$$$ THE LOCALS 11 Waterman Ave., North Providence; 231-2231. Have a taste of locally grown food from an extensive menu at reasonable prices. The Locals offers live music and a great sense of being a part of the neighborhood. BLD $-$$ RASOI 727 East Ave., Pawtucket; 7285500. Rasoi, Hindi for “kitchen,” is the fruition of a dream by Chef Sanjiv Dhar to balance healthy food, personalized service and Indian culture. Featuring a full bar and famous weekend buffet. LD $-$$
West Bay CHAPEL GRILLE 3000 Chapel View Blvd., Cranston; 944-9900. Nestled in the hills of Cranston’s Chapel View complex, this restaurant offers great food and views. Enjoy a Mediterranean inflected menu while admiring the Providence skyline in the distance. LD $$-$$$
Br brunch B breakfast L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
Join us View complete list of events at www.ric.edu/pfa
Compañia Flamenco José Porcel a Providence classic
THE GLASS WILL ALWAYS BE HALF FULL HALF-PRICE WINE SUNDAYS
Starting this month, savor the end of every weekend with half-price bottles of wine paired with your fresh favorites. Between this and half-price raw bar Mondays, you’ll just want to spend the night here. Offer not available on holidays. Valid with the purchase of an entrée.
HALF-PRICE RAW BAR Join us on Mondays as we celebrate the fruits of the sea with our half-price raw bar offerings. Offer not available on holidays. Valid with purchase of beverage in the bar or with purchase of entrée in the dining room.
121 South Main Street . Providence, RI 401-351-8570 . hemenwaysrestaurant.com
Tuesday, November 1 7 : 3 0 P. M . | THE AUDITORIUM IN ROBERTS HALL
A Newport Restaurant Group property
T I C K E T S W W W. R I C . E D U / P F A O R ( 4 0 1 ) 4 5 6 - 8 1 4 4 www.facebook.com/PerformingArtsSeries.RIC
October 2011 | Providence Monthly
61
A TAsTe of BrisTol And Beyond
Join Family Service of Rhode Island
a feast for the food & wine lover’s senses
in honoring
Geoffrey Canada President, Harlem Children’s Zone
Tuesday, October 11, 2011 Rhode Island Convention Center
sunday October 23rd 4-7 pm
Linden Place Mansion, Bristol
NOON – Award Presentation & Keynote Adddress
To purchase tickets visit www.familyserviceri.org or call 401-519-2286.
One of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world, featured in the award-winning documentary Waiting for Superman
Like Us
Live Music • High-end Raffle
Follow Us
Tons of restaurants and wineries participating TickeTs: $50 in advance; $60 at the door. space is limited. reserve yours by calling 401-253-0390 for up-to-date info on participating restaurants, breweries, and vineyards, visit lindenplace.org
SUPPORTED BY: Carter Family Charitable Trust Chris and Heather Crosby Delta Dental of Rhode Island Gilbane Building Company National Grid
Proceeds benefit the restoration and Preservation of Linden PLace
Providence Journal Charitable Foundation Webster Bank
Join us
FamServ-26064 GCanada_ProvMonAd7375x5875_f.indd 1
9/9/11 4:30 PM
sponsored by
View complete list of events at www.ric.edu/pfa T I C K E T S W W W. R I C . E D U / P FA O R ( 4 0 1 ) 45 6 - 8 1 4 4 www.facebook.com/PerformingArtsSeries.RIC
Wednesday, November 9 7 : 3 0 P. M . | T H E A U D I TO R I U M I N RO B E RT S H A L L
National Acrobats of the People’s Republic of China 62
Providence Monthly | October 2011
Get Out
EvEnts / art / music / thEatrE
British Invasion Through January 8:
“Made in the USA” and “Made in China” are two axioms that you’re probably way too comfortable with. After all, they’ve been respectively drilled in your head as A) the only way to maintain the economic strength of our country, and B) the most surefire way to kill it. But Made in the UK? Now that’s something you probably haven’t given a whole lot of thought to outside of, well, Prince Harry. Be glad that Richard Brown Baker did. The Providence
native not only accumulated the artwork of young Brits on the verge of success, like David Hockney, Bridget Riley, Howard Hodgkin and Patrick Caulfield, but also donated his collection to the RISD Museum and established a fund for acquiring new work. The result is a diverse celebration of over 100 objects that can only improve international relations. Hours and admission vary; check website. 224 Benefit Street. 454-6500, risdmuseum.org
October 2011 | Providence Monthly
63
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Providence Monthly | October 2011
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Get Out | calendar
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by Dawn Keable
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This Month Through October 31 Instead of napping through your next flight, take the cue of Franco-Dominican photographer Anne Casale, who produced New Perspectives: Dominican Republic, a traveling display of landscapes and attractions. Monday-Thursday: 9am-9pm, Friday-Saturday: 9am-5pm. Free. University of Rhode Island Gallery, 80 Washington Street. 277-5206, uri.edu Through October 31 Hang out on campus long after the fact with Salvador Dali’s Aliyah: The Rebirth of Israel, a set of 25 color lithographs of mixed media paintings from 1968, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Israel. Monday-Friday: 9am-11pm, Saturday: 10am-8pm, Sunday: noon-6pm. Free. Brown RISD Hillel, 80 Brown Street. 8632805, brownrisdhillel.org October 1 Try not to miss summer too much when the Spot Underground’s Block Party takes the fun back outdoors for a day, featuring Fungus Amungus, Roots of Creation, Spogga Hash and more. 15 Elbow Street. 383-7133, thespotprovidence.com October 2 Depending on your point of reference, drawings on the sidewalk with chalk usually fall into exactly two categories: a hop-scotch grid or an outline of a body. Fortunately, the artists creating at the Providence Street Painting Festival come with a broader experience. Noon6pm. Free. Bank of America Skating Center, Kennedy Plaza. providencerotary.org October 3 Oh, no, the weekend’s not over when Providence Honk Fest, aka PRONK, is in full effect. The festival of street bands starts at India Point Park with concerts from 3:30-5pm. At 5pm, the party marches down Wickenden to South Water Street for a Block Party from 6-10:30pm. providencehonkfest. wordpress.com
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Art on the Edge Through November 13: Oh, Providence, sometimes it’s easy to feel second best going up against this serious clique of East coast cities. it’s almost like watching your older, more cosmopolitan sister woo all the boys while you’re still patiently waiting for your braces to come off. Well, the artists of the FirstWorks Festival love you, headgear and all. so much so that they’re busting out five premieres. the first is a multimedia show, Delusion, by Laurie anderson, one of america’s most original and inventive performers, combining violin, electronic puppetry, music and stunning visuals. then there are three rhode island premieres: Brooklyn rider, a genre-defying string quartet on October 1, Balla Kouyate and World vision presenting West african rhythms on the 28th, and momix, celebrating mother nature with Botanica on the 29th. Go ahead and smile, this time with confidence. Various times and locations. first-works.org
October 4-9 Big hair is back, along with the power rock anthems of the ‘80s in Rock Of Ages. You haven’t had this sort of head bangin’ good time since the days of cruising to Scarborough in a used ‘78 Cutlass with your fabulous permed hair blowing in the wind, whatever your sex. $39-$66. Providence Performing Arts
Center, 220 Weybosset Street. 4212997, ppacri.org October 5 The problem with practicing your form in, say boulder climbing, is that it’s hard to predict when that little adjustment will result in a free fall. School yourself at the Reel Rock Film Tour 2011, as the
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October 2011 | Providence Monthly
65
A long life may mean needing care and assistance for a long time
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66
Providence Monthly | October 2011
Get Out | calendar adventures are captured from all angles. 7pm. $9.25, $7.50 seniors, children, students. The Cable Car Cinema, 204 South Main Street. 272-3970, cablecarcinema.com October 5 Truth is, since Oprah retired, and the Obamas are in DC, you’ve got no burning desire to travel to Chi-town. Stay in your small world, and let the bold movements of the jazz-based contemporary troupe River North Dance Chicago come to you instead. 7:30pm. $35. Rhode Island College, Roberts Hall Auditorium, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue. 456-8144, ric.edu October 7-9 Trust us, stocking up on Swarovski crystal or German metal beads from a traveling jewelry boutique like The Whole Bead Show is a lot more interesting and satisfying than buying from that traveling vacuum salesman. Friday-Saturday: 10am-6pm, Sunday: noon-5pm. $7. Rhode Island Convention Center, One Sabin Street. 800-292-2577,wholebead.com October 13 Let your children be enlightened by Len Cabral’s Stories of a Cape Verdean Raconteur, a part of Inspired Providence, a public lecture series presented by the Roger Williams National Memorial and community partners in celebration of our city’s 375th anniversary. An enthusiastic storytelling performer since the ‘70s, Cabral will surely present stiff competition to your nightly bedtime anecdotes. 6pm. Free. Providence Children’s Museum, 100 South Street. childrenmuseum.org October 14-November 13 Dear, Hollywood: Please take notes from Clybourne Park, winner of the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, adding a whole lot of value to the storyline of Raisin in the Sun, as a prequel and sequel, instead of opting for the empty Dubai plot a la Sex and the City 2. $26$66. Trinity Repertory Company, Dowling Theatre, 201 Washington Street. 351-4242, trinityrep.com. October 19 The bad news? If you’re looking to see original members from the alternative rock band Smashing Pumpkins, there’s exactly one. The good news? It’s founder and frontman Billy Corgan – like you’d recognize anyone else anyway. $45, $50 day of. $55 reserved mezzanine. 7pm. Lupo’s Heartbreak Hotel, 79 Washington Street. 331-5876, lupos.com
by Dawn Keable
October 20-23 Granted, you could go with the old reliable spookfest standard of your Carrie DVD, but isn’t a scary movie supposed to, well, scare you? The Rhode Island International Horror Film Festival takes things back to basics with independent fright films that you don’t know by heart. Check website for venues and schedule. 861-4445, film-festival.org/Horror_ ri.php October 27 Ponder how far our diverse city has come since the 19th century at How Providence Became a City: The Impact of Hardscrabble and Snowtown Race Riots of 1824 and 1831, an address given by Ray Rickman as part of Roger Williams National Memorial’s Inspired Providence lecture series. 6pm. Free. Old State House, 150 Benefit Street. nps.gov/rowi October 28 It’s the age old question: What would happen to this pumpkin or hand-carved wooden skull during an Iron Pour? The Steel Yard teams up with the Iron Guild to squelch your curiosity at their annual Halloween themed molten metal cast. Raindate: October 29. Doors at 6pm, 7pm pour. $7. The Steel Yard, 27 Sims Avenue. 273-7101, thesteelyard.org October 28-November 6 Take Jersey Shore, set it in the Aran Islands and replace The Situation with The Cripple of Inishmann, or by his more politically correct title, Billy, and you’ve got this dark comedy. Friday-Saturday: 8pm, Sunday: 2pm. $13, $9 seniors/staff, $5 students. Angell Blackfriars Theatre, Providence College, 549 River Avenue. 865-2218, providence.edu October 29 Sure, you could go with old standbys, like vampire, Batman or naughty nurse, for Halloween, but it’s time to try something different. How about taking it back in time and being a rum runner, flapper or classic G-man? The Bootlegger’s Bash, a benefit for Rhode Islanders Sponsoring Education, gives you the perfect opportunity with a 1920s speakeasy-style party at the suitably swanky Hope Club. Patron Party, 7-9pm: $150; Bash, 9pmmidnight: $45. 6 Benevolent Street. risebootleggersbash.org Got a cool upcoming event? Send the details, with plenty of advance warning, to dawn@providenceonline.com.
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1195 North Main Street, Providence 401.331.8555 October 2011 | Providence Monthly
67
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Providence Monthly | October 2011
Sleeper Cell Painter Way O’malley works away from the crowd There’s an unknowable quality in Way Wilkie O’Malley’s work – something celestial, something huge – that makes his paintings easy to get lost in. The sense of depth in his abstract works tempts the viewer to try to look through them, to tunnel straight through to the mysterious presence at their core. Using a bright color palette, O’Malley tangles organic shapes in clusters, layer after layer, signaling energy flow and vitality. Or he uses face-like forms, obscuring them enough that they only hint at a surreal humanity. O’Malley is just finishing a monthlong gallery show, entitled Sleeper, at Machines with Magnets in Pawtucket, which closes September 30. From there, he moves his work over to White Electric Coffee, where he’ll add a few new paintings. That exhibit will be on view from October 15 through November 19. The paintings in both shows include Púca, whose outlined shapes suggest flowing lava; Licking the Knife, whose loops, lumps and whorls seem to transmit an intrinsic energy;
and Haida, O’Malley’s largest new piece, with which he’s restraining his tendency to fill the canvas completely with a framework of colors and patterns, allowing for some larger uninterrupted expanses of color than in his past work. Even as he relaxes his method just slightly, O’Malley says not much in his paintings is incidental. The basic composition is sketched directly on the canvas on the first day, and he traces and re-traces that outline in multiple opaque layers of paint, warping and augmenting the original idea in a deliberate fashion. The end result can encompass five paintings’ worth of work and paint on one canvas, yet he strives not to reveal rough brush strokes, but rather flat and even gradations. This painstaking approach pays off, producing dynamic paintings with an indefinable but commanding presence. O’Malley’s personal exposure to the world of contemporary art and academia (his father was director of the Bannister Gallery at Rhode Island College) as well as the art of skateboarding, comic books and graffiti, is recog-
nizable in his work, which is edgy but cerebral. Straddling multiple schools of thought can confuse and complicate a career, but O’Malley exhibits a self-assuredness in his work that increases as he gets older. Not entirely thrilled with talking himself up, O’Malley has staked out a quiet spot away from the crowd in which to work, and has refined his skills there. Now he’s showing (and selling) more of his work, taking a measured approach to self-promotion. With these two shows, he’s letting more of the world make contact with his dazzling paintings. Sleeper: Presenting the Paintings of Way O’Malley is on view by appointment at Machines with Magnets in Pawtucket through September 30, with a closing party on Thursday, September 29 from 7 to 9pm. Visit machineswithmagnets.com for more information. From October 15 through November 19, O’Malley’s paintings will be shown at White Electric Coffee, 711 Westminster Street. For details, visit www.wayomalley.com or email thisismy.system@gmail.com.
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Get Out | theatre
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ashley arnold and colin Whitney
Funny Business community Players wows the company way Poet Robert Frost once observed, “The brain is a wonderful organ. It starts working the moment you get up in the morning and does not stop until you get into the office.” But the workplace and all its powers of mental paralysis prove no match for J. Pierrepont Finch, hero of How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying. Thanks to a guidebook of the same title, he passes unwitting drones, hacks, bosses and backstabbers on his wacky way up the corporate ladder. The classic 1961 musical comedy is back on Broadway, but you can catch it in Pawtucket this month as the opener for the Community Players’ 91st season. A highlight of the show is the clever score, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser (who composed Guys & Dolls a decade or so before). You’ll grin as Finch, played by the young Colin Whitney, learns everything from “how to commute in a three button suit” to why “a secretary is not a toy.” You’ll laugh as he discovers the secret to maintaining a company face (“It smiles at executives, then goes back in place”). And you’ll cheer when he sings one of the best hymns to self-love ever sung in a bathroom, complete with inspirational lines like, “I hear the sound of good solid judgment whenever you talk/ Yet there’s the bold, brave spring of the tiger that quickens your walk.” The 1960s setting provides ample material for tongue-in-cheek production design. Director Greg Geer notes that the Community Players found inspira-
tion in vintage Bowl-O-Ramas, retro patterns and the Rat Pack. Anticipate stylish, brightly colored suits with slicked back hair for the gents and beehives and cat-eye glasses for the dames. If you love the look of AMC’s Mad Men but wonder why Don Draper doesn’t break into song and dance, this is the show for you. As far as modern likenesses go, though, Geer suggests that How to Succeed is more akin to the satirical nature of NBC’s The Office and the film Office Space. “It really skewers the ‘60s era, but in a loving way,” he explains. Ron Procopio directs an eight-piece orchestra, while Lennie Machado choreographs the innovative, high-energy dances. Bill Whitehead, Jr. plays J.B. Biggley, the boss, and Sarah Pothier steps into the kitten heels of Rosemary, a secretary with a mind towards becoming Finch’s housewife. This typist goes against type, especially for her time. Geer points out, “I don’t know too many musicals where the woman is the pursuer and the guy is just completely oblivious. So that’s been kind of fun to play with.” “I think the group that’s been assembled to put on this show is what will set it apart from other productions,” reveals Kevin Broccoli, a local actor, director and prolific playwright. He returns to musical theater for the first time in three years as How to Succeed’s villain, Bud Frump. The boss’ nephew, Frump schemes to get ahead but keeps finding Finch there first. Broccoli adds, “Our two leads, Colin and Sarah, are so likable I find it hard be-
ing mean to them when we’re onstage. It’s a show that’s being put together with a lot of love, and I think you can really see that. We’re totally embracing the retro-ness of it, and having a lot of fun doing so.” Part of the fun is the relatable subject matter. Notes director Geer, “It’s the play’s 50th anniversary now and it still holds up. I don’t know what that says about American corporate life!” For example, any coffee-drinker who has struggled to make it through a long workday can understand Bud Frump’s horror at finding the machine broken – and his subsequent wail, “If I can’t take my coffee break, something within me dies.” But no matter how close the show hits to home, expect it to be hilarious. Geer promises with a laugh, “It will be like a rocket taking off. We’re just gonna come at you firing jokes and dances and songs.” So, take a memo: bring the whole office.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying October 7 – 23 The Community Players Jenks Auditorium, Division Street, Pawtucket 726-6860 thecommunityplayers.org
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Providence Monthly | October 2011
Civil War re-enactors are a special breed of people. Their eerie knowledge of muskets and need to speak as though they lost brethren in the battle of Gettysburg attracts a surprising amount of participants and bystanders. One can argue that this form of anacaronistic make-believe doesn’t just limit itself to war battle and patriot games, however. It’s also quite prevalent in the music scene, where we see lovely misfits finding that they’re best suited to emulate a cooler time period with a distinct musical genre. And like the bastard stepchild of the Civil War re-enactor, many rockabilly enthusiasts/musicians are all about the emulation and preservation of a time when up-tempo hillbilly boogie and a pompadour were totally in. While Providence-based band the Throttles can certainly play as hard and fast as the next rockabilly band that adheres to its subculture guidelines, guitarist/vocalist Greg Burgess believes the band is more attuned to a roots rock sound. “I’m not Mr. Rockabilly, but I always liked it for the great guitar players in the scene,” he notes, adding, “That fast rockin’ guitar, you know?” He shies away from the rockabilly persona, but Greg and Jack Hanlon,
two members of the trio, did dabble quite successfully in rockabilly before forming the Throttles. “We’ve all known each other for quite a while,” Greg explains. “Matt MacLaren (drums) and Jack (bass/vocals) grew up in the same town. I took over for the guitar player in the Amazing Royal Crowns where I played with Jack, who was the bassist for A.R.C.” After the Amazing Royal Crowns split in early 2000, each of the musicians played assorted gigs until deciding to come together to make their own formation of equal parts retro, gypsy and rockabilly with the Throttles. From playing a handful vintage and antique car shows to tiny Mexican restaurants and dive bars, Greg says sometimes he’s unsure where the Throttles really fit in. “Sometimes we go to these vintage car clubs and play for these greaser-type communities and they’ll be puzzled because we’re not so rockabilly,” he admits. “And there is a big roots boom going on thanks to bands like Brown Bird and Deer Tick. We definitely have that Americana in our sound, but I don’t know if we totally fit.” Identity crisis or not, the Throttles’ self-titled EP doesn’t indicate that they’re bothered by the lack
of a perfect genre fit. Like all good, punch-in-the-gut rock, the band’s jolting sound commands attention. Their first track, “Cut It Loose and Go,” has a Tex-mex/gypsy-like flair that’s catapulted into high gear with wild bass thwacking, intricate guitar riffs and rolling drums. On top of the thundering music are the wonderfully tongue-in-cheek lyrics, which also keep it bawdy and light with lines like, “My girlfriend gained about 300 pounds/ I had to cut it loose/ and let it go/ Now she’s bigger than a merry-go-round/ I had to cut it loose/ and let it go.” Not planning on getting dark or serious, but in favor of possibly ceding some of the songwriting duties to a full-time frontman, Greg says the trio is content with its current fun direction. “Our goal is to eventually have a singer, but we’re all really gelling right now and adding a singer would totally disrupt the band,” he cautions. For some rockabilly and roots-infused fun, the Throttles can provide a great night of rock’n roll. Just don’t expect them to pull black-toothedcombs out of their Levis, and you won’t be disappointed. Find the Throttles on Facebook or at reverbnation.com/thethrottles.
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The Last Detail
Photography: Mike Braca
Bottoms Up Providence already has Restaurant Weeks and StyleWeek, celebrating the vibrant and creative local talent behind both. Get ready to add a third week to your calendar: Cocktail Week. From October 13-22 (okay, it’s actually 10 days), your friends here at Providence Monthly, along with participating restaurants, bars and sponsors (not the AA kind) will be presenting a celebration of the art, appreciation and aesthetic of the cocktail. This isn’t about binge drinking, getting wasted or electric blue “martinis” with Pop Rocks rims, and for the purposes of our discussion, vodka and Red Bull is decidedly not 74
Providence Monthly | October 2011
a cocktail. Instead, Cocktail Week is about bellying up to the bar and savoring a thoughtfully mixed tipple made with fresh, often local, ingredients. It’s about getting acquainted with your bartender, who’s actually back there for a profession, not a job. It’s about expanding your boundaries beyond vodka sodas or Jack and Cokes and trying something new. We’ve got special events and cocktail menus lined up throughout the city, so go online to cocktailweekprovidence.com or facebook.com/providencecocktailweek to stay updated on schedules and events, as well as some articles and recipes to inspire you. Cheers.
The first Cocktail Week in April included this retro cocktail party at Cook and Brown Public House
Visit our other restaurants {chowfunfoodgroup.com}
Stay Classy. Join us in celebration of
Cocktail Week
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