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Contents
Photography: Jonathan Beller (left), Melissa Stimpson (right)
NOvEMBEr 2011
27 This Month 27 Turn the Page Independent bookstores in a post-Borders world
31 Your New Favorite Bands Five bands making big noise on the local scene
Every Month 6 Editor’s Note 8 Feedback
41 41 City Style Downtown living goes rock and roll 43 The Look 44 Get Fit 47 Shop Talk 48 Beauty
51 Feast Snack as the Spaniards do 53 In the Kitchen 54 On the Menu 57 Review 58 Behind the Bar 61 In the Drink 63 Dining Guide
67 Get Out 99 Bottles of Beer (maybe more) 68 Calendar 71 Theatre 72 Music 74 Art
76 The Last Detail Farm fresh food heads indoors for the winter
17 Providence Pulse Classic films from the lost and found 19 City 23 Malcontent 24 Scene in PVD
On the Cover: Collaboration of Jim Draper, Peter Cardoso, and the PM Art Department. Model: Carrie [Cee] Furtado.
November 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
The Sound of Providence In the last couple
of years, locally-grown, big name acts Deer Tick and the Low Anthem have put the city’s music scene back in the national spotlight. Late last month, Deer Tick played two nights at The Met for the release of their new album Divine Providence. The first night, the band came straight from a taping of Late Night with David Letterman in New York, the broadcast of which they played that night at the show. So if you’re one of those people who has been complaining that there hasn’t been exciting music in Providence since the city’s iconic noise music movement and excitement over Lightning Bolt fizzled – well, you just haven’t been listening hard
enough. In this issue, we highlight five local, up-andcoming bands that should be on your iPod right now, and have big names in the city’s music scene weigh in on why you should be listening. Read about them, and then go see a show.
Art Director Alli Coate Assistant Art Director Karli Hendrickson Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas Graphic Designer Meghan H. Follett Account Managers Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher Nicole Greenspun Elizabeth Riel Dan Schwartz Sharon Sylvester Kimberly Tingle Jessica Webb Illustrators Jim Draper Peter Cardoso Ashley MacLure Photographers Amy Amerantes Laurel Mulherin Jonathan Beller Tim Siekiera Mike Braca Melissa Stimpson Stacey Doyle Dawn Temple Kate Kelley
About the Cover Artists Jim Draper
Peter Cardoso
Jim Draper has Occupied Providence for 50 years. An impresario by nature and a graphic designer by trade, he has been involved in the arts and music for over 35 years. A litany of his companies include: The Razor’s Edge, one of the first punk rock T-shirt companies in the US, printing shirts for The New York Dolls, The Cramps, David Lynch’s Eraserhead, and U2’s first album Boy; The Electric Eye, which produced surf and skate wear and represented Shepard Fairey until his move to the West Coast; Renegade Gallery, which showcased the work of the American Poster Renaissance as well as renowned artists such as Robert Crumb; his underground club, the Rogue Lounge, was voted the number one chill-out space in Providence by Spin magazine. Providence’s son he remains.
Peter Cardoso is a full time graphic designer and screen printer, working in the music and sportswear industry for over a decade. His design work has been seen around the world, including in art galleries, museums, Hard Rock Cafes, telephone poles, music venues and various publications such as Print and Communications Arts. Most recently, his designs have been featured in the following publications, The Art of Modern Rock: The Poster Explosion, GigPosters Vol. 2 and Band ID. Upcoming projects include work for the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and the PBS show Austin City Limits. He will be curating a group show Dollar and a Dream at Pawtucket’s Machines with Magnets opening November 12.
6
Providence Monthly | November 2011
Contributing Writers Linda Beaulieu Michael Clark Erin DeVito Emily Dietsch Dawn Keable Molly Lederer Andrea E. McHugh Autumne Montague
Stephanie Obodda Cristy Raposo Adrian Shirk Jen Senecal Alyssa Smith Erin Swanson Vikki Warner
Interns Sara Celano Lauren Criscione Samantha Gaus Carissa Johnson Members of:
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER. PAPER CONTAINS 20-25% POST-CONSUMER CONTENT Providence Monthly, 1070 Main Street, Suite 302 Pawtucket RI 02860 • Fax: 401-305-3392 www.providenceonline.com providencemonthly@providenceonline.com 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.
City Gardens Flower Shop Distinctive Cut Flowers & Plants for all Occasions
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Feedback
Cheers! 25th year 1986-2011 284 Wickenden Street, Providence • 351-1775
Tuesday special: Manicure and Pedicure for $28!
A Stupid Letter I wanted to thank you very much for getting us a spot in the magazine (“Get Stupid,” October 16). My brother and I are working very hard to establish our brand, especially in our home city and state and you have been a big part of helping us do that. I wish you the best with the magazine and thanks again for everything!
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will you go for rehab services after surgery? Well, you could stay home. But what if you need health services? Our nurses, physical and occupational therapists provide professional and personal care, while you recouperate in less stressful, more familiar surroundings. Call 401.751.9660 or visit us at CathleenNaughtonAssoc.com
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Providence Monthly | November 2011
Dave Ricci That Stupid T-Shirt Company
A Day of Remembrance November 20 marks the 13th year that the Transgender Day of Remembrance will be held in Providence, to honor those whose lives have been lost to anti-transgender hate crime. Having long been humbled by the courage and equanimity with which my transgender friends and colleagues lead their lives, I attended last year’s candlelight vigil. We walked together through the dark streets to Beneficent Church, which was lit with small candles. There, as each name was read – of another person lost forever – one of the candles was extinguished, until we were in total darkness. I found myself moved beyond words, and silently pledged to take whatever action I could to help stem this tragic tide. For a group that just wants to live in peace, transpeople are so often the targets of hatred, fear and violence, just for being who they are. I hope the remarkable fact of Chaz Bono’s ap-
pearance on Dancing with the Stars will help to change public perceptions and destroy myths as people come to see him as just another contestant, just another person. Until that day comes, a group will gather every year in November to mourn the loss of these courageous, innocent people, and to remember that they lived. To learn more, visit the Transgender Day of Remembrance Event page on Facebook or visit youthprideri.org and search for TDoR. Kim Stowell Managing Director LGBT newsmagazine Options
Sealing the Deal Thank you for the article about our Navy SEALs class at Core Fitness in the Get Fit column (October 2011). It was a good article, but the photo was of our MVE class, not the Navy SEALs. You can check out our full schedule of fitness classes at corefitprov.com. Denise Chakoian-Olney Core – Center of Real Energy
CORRECTION In our October issue, we printed the address of Arielle Arts as being in Exeter (PM Experiment). While the business is based there, the Aerial Arts class in the article takes place at 3 New England Way, Lincoln. ariellearts.com
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special advertising section
PM List
events / ProMotions / good deeds
Shop and Play
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Providence Monthly is teaming up with InDowncity to support shopping and dining locally this holiday season. Holiday Bingo returns after much success last year. Starting on Black Friday, shop at any of the participating stores downtown and pick up your Bingo card. Get your card stamped with each purchase; complete a row of five and you are entered to win one of the exciting prizes. The top prize is $1,000 worth of gift certificates. With no minimum purchase, shoppers can complete as many cards
as they wish, increasing their odds of winning. indowncity.com
Fashionable Affair
open every day
795 hope street • providence • 831.3434
You don’t need to make the trip to New York to experience a fashionable night on the town. On November 18, Providence Monthly and StyleWeek Providence present StyleNight Out. With this unique series of promotional happenings, StyleNight Out combines the delights of shopping with the enjoyment of arts, entertainment and
culture, transforming the city into a destination event. Stores and restaurants will offer discounts, gifts with purchase, prix fixe menus, runway designer installations and in-store cocktail events with entertainment, product sample making and more. So support your town with a little retail therapy. styleweekprovidence.com
To the Rescue It’s time to “eat, drink and bid your tails off” at the Providence Animal Rescue League’s signature fundraising event, The Rescue, on Friday, November 4 at the Johnson and Wales Culinary Arts Museum. The Rescue boasts an evening of swanky spirits, fabulous food and spectacular auctions. Guests will
have the opportunity to sample delicious hors d’oeuvres from a variety of Rhode Island’s top restaurants and catering companies; each will be offering a tasty bite that represents their signature culinary point of view. So come help out the animals while enjoying a night on the town. parl.org
Thinking Pink Providence Monthly and the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation gathered at the Warwick Mall on September 17 for Celebrate Pink, a family-friendly event to raise awareness about breast cancer. There were activities, blood pressure screenings, a fashion show and more. In all, $2900 was raised for the foundation. Special thanks goes out to Safari Modeling and RIFash-
10
Providence Monthly | November 2011
ion.com for the fashion show, and sponsors Lifespan and Massage Envy.
O
NEY -OL N IA
cross-training
W O
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DENISE C hA k
Core delivers all the benefits of
TRX TRAINING
MVE-PILATES ChAIR/TRX CIRCuIT
BODY BARRE
NOVEMBER WORkShOPS
FOAM ROLLING WORkShOP
PILATES: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE
MON 11/7 & SAT 11/12
MON 11/21 & SAT 12/10
WITh MELANIE
WITh SuELLEN
Sports Specific Training • Personal Training • CORE Body-Barre • MVE • Zumba State of the Art Spin Studio • Vinyasa Yoga • Strength Training • Navy SEAL Pilates Run Group • WillPower & Grace • Indo-Row • CORE S.W.E.A.T. • Barefoot Training
No Membership Fee Group Fitness Classes $12 469 Angell St. Wayland Square 273.CORE • corefitprov.com
! e r o l a G s ft Gi
GIFT GUIDE A HOLIDAY
Flaunt Boutique Jojo Loves You, a Boston based jewelry company, creates “bling” earrings available in a rainbow of colors. Providing the perfect pop for any outfit, blings will easily become your new obsession.
19 Sanderson Rd., Smithfield • 949-4849 • facebook.com/flauntri Mon - Wed: 10pm -6pm, Thu: 10am - 8:00 pm, Fri: 10am - 6:00 pm, Sat: 10am - 5pm
Savon Shoes
For 25 years Savon has provided exceptional customer service and prices on your favorite brands. Now let Savon be your destination for UGG boots, featuring the latest styles, colors, and designs in UGG footwear. When UGG’s appear on their Christmas list, visit Savon for the best selection in town! 1720 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence • 353-1762 125 Broad Street, Pawtucket • 312-0163 Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-5pm • savonshoe.com
Adare’s Boutique
A one of a kind boutique, Adare’s offers upscale merchandise both in the store and away from home. Specializing in distinctive fashion jewelry and accessories, you can peruse the store or if you get the urge to browse from the comfort of your own home, they also have an online boutique available 24 hours a day. 4000 Old Post Rd., Charlestown • 213-6385 • adaresboutique.com
Sara’s Glam Squad Salon
Winner of The Knot’s 2011 Best of Weddings, Sara’s Glam Squad and Salon has a new Providence location. Salon services offering HD airbrush makeup applications, master cuts, color and foils. Sara’s is offering a 20 percent discount on any service with this ad ending 11/30. 64 Orange St., 2nd Floor, Providence • (855) GLAM-ASAP • sarasglamsquad.com
Caster’s Bikes
At Caster’s they have your ride, from trikes to tri bikes. Trek, Scott, Gary Fisher, Specialized, Mirraco, Haro, and Redline. Bob Strollers, car racks and lots of clothing and accessories. Come celebrate their first anniversary at the Providence location on November 30 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. 212 4th St., Providence (behind Festival Ballet ) • 274-5300 3480 Post Rd., Warwick • 739-0393 • www.BikeRI.com Sun 12pm-5pm, Mon 9am-6pm, Tues-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm
special advertising section
Rhode Island Lottery
Give the gift of $1,000,000 with Rhode Island Lottery’s Million Dollar Raffle. That’s a gift anyone will love, and you can pick one up from your favorite Rhode Island Lottery retailer. There have been 3 RI millionaires so far! Who’s next? 1425 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston • 463-6500 • www.rilot.com
Amy’s Apples
Deliciously decadent edibles from Amy’s Apples are a wonderful addition to your holiday table! Beautifully designed hand made treats that can be coordinated to add that extra luxe to an elegant table setting or dessert display. Any new customers who mention this ad receive a 10% discount on orders. 128 Pleasant View Ave., Smithfield • 233-2000 • amysapples.com Mon - Fri: 9:30am-5pm
Studio B
10% off Holiday Gift Sets for the month of November! Black Friday Weekend Specials, 15% off ALL retail. First 20 people to spend $100 on retail products between 11/25 - 11/27 will receive a “Deluxe Gift Bag” & $50 gift card to spend on hair services after January 1 with select stylists. 48 Hillside Road, Garden City Center, Cranston • 437-8688 • studiob-salon.com facebook.com/studiobsalonri
KC Shoes at the Pier
Featuring RI’s hottest trendy designer collections from Alex and Ani, JoJo Loves U, Seasonal Whispers NYC, Jack Rogers, Onex, Skemo, Oka-b footwear to Big Buddha handbags, Also over the knee riding boots and booties. Come shop with us for all your holiday party bling – for giving or receiving. $10.00 off with this ad. 20 Pier Marketplace, Narragansett • 788-0895 • kcshoesatthepier.com • Thurs – Mon 10am – 6pm, Tues – private appts, Wed – closed
Mother Nature’s Florist
Visiting friends or family this Thanksgiving? Show thanks by arriving with a colorful centerpiece made by our creative designers. We offer festive cornucopias, bountiful stuffed pumpkins, and other unique designs that evoke the season’s sentiments with elegance and style. Mention this ad and get 10% off your purchase. 570 Putnam Pike, Greenville • 949-1142 • mothernaturesflorist.com Monday - Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Berk’s Shoes
offers a large selection of Frye classic and contemporary boots. Keep your feet warm and dry with UGGs and Hunter rain boots. In comfort footwear they carry Dansko, Birkenstock, Sperry Top-Siders and many many more. Berk’s – a Rhode Island tradition since 1900. 272 Thayer St., Providence • 831-0174 • Monday-Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 11am-7pm
special advertising section
Wharf Clothing & Wares
Wharf Clothing & Wares quickly established a local Downcity following rivaling its e-commerce business. Wharf offers a blend of sophisticated, high-quality apparel and accessories to fit any guy’s taste and budget. Be sure to check out Wharf’s private label, led by their incredible shirting, made right here in New England. . 212 Westminster Street, Providence • 272-1231 • shopwharf.com
Frog and Toad Voted Most Unique Gift Shop and Best Home Decor Store by the Providence Phoenix and Best Gift Shop Statewide by Rhode Island Monthly, Frog & Toad’s eye for the odd and the incredible makes your gift buying a lock and you a hero. 795 Hope St., Providence • 831-3434 • Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm
Gasbarro’s Wines Wine gets better with age and so, too, do your
local wine experts. Gasbarro’s Wines has been a Federal Hill tradition since 1898, and now it’s better than ever with a completely renovated wine room boasting over 3500 bottles. Gasbarro’s is truly the connoisseur’s choice for holiday shopping.
361 Atwells Avenue, Providence • 421-4170 • gasbarros.com
Kicks Shoes
A high fashion women’s shoe store featuring designer styles from casual footwear, dress shoes, to high heels and more! Wrap your boots to suit your mood with their Huggrz Bootwraps! Find your loved one the perfect shoes or fashion boots with a handbag to match! Discover the fashion at Kicks. 1455 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence • 353-7400 shoesbykicks.com • Mon - Fri:10am - 8pm
Tangles Hair Salon
Pamper your loved ones from head to toe with Tangles gift certificates! Choose from a wide variety of hair and feather extensions from bold to natural, as well as advanced hair coloring techniques and keratin treatments! Tangles features Shellac nail polishing and a relaxing PediSpa! 10% discount for new clients.. 1868 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence • 353-6600
The Curatorium
offers a carefully selected range of gifts for all occasion, including miniature plastic pigs, jewelry, jig-saw puzzles, teapots, and even fake penguins. Part design store, part Natural History Museum, part small-town gift shop, The Curatorium will have the perfect gift for anyone on your list. 197 Wickenden St., Providence • 453-4080 • thecuratorium.com Daily 10am - 6pm, Th 10am to 8pm, Sun 11am - 5pm. special advertising section
Listed as one of the Best Burgers in Providence by Yelp.com
“ The Angus Burger is superb! ” “ The burgers are top notch.” “ Their burgers are awesome! ”
Fall Menu Highlights Grilled Black Angus Short Rib braised with ruby port, finished with truffled celery root puree and roasted forest mushroom ragout Risotto with Braised Veal Shank, porcini mushrooms and blueberries Pan Seared Muscovy Duck Breast with Kennebec “tots” poutine and braised kale
Check out our new website millstavernrestaurant.com
Open for Sunday Brunch from 10am to 3pm
We’re proud to have won this distinction seven years in a row.
redstriperestaurants.com 465 Angell St. in Wayland Square | Providence, RI 02906 | 401.437.6950
101 N. Main Street, Providence, RI 401.272.3331 • millstavernrestaurant.com
Providence Pulse CITY / MALCONTENT / SCENE IN PVD
Films Buffs Rejoice!
Photography: Jonathan Beller
If your idea of
heaven is watching classic movies on the reel, thank Dave Dvorchak; he is making your dreams come true. Dvorchak, who works for the Providence Community Library, recently made a remarkable discovery after a nine-month search: a “veritable treasure trove” of 60 long forgotten movies on 16mm film stock in the basement of the Charlestown Cross Mills Public Library, which has generously donated them to the PCL. Dvorchak began his quest after finding a catalog of missing movies, including many classics, once owned and lent out by the defunct Rhode Island Library Film Collab-
orative. He had a vision: restore the films and put on a free film series to give people a “repertory theatre” experience. He has done just that. Currently scheduled up to April 2012, the screenings, held at the Knight Memorial Library at 275 Elmwood Avenue, kicked off October 27 with Night of the Living Dead. On November 17, enjoy The Third Man, the 1949 Orson Welles thriller, followed by the holiday mainstay It’s a Wonderful Life, on December 15. Don’t miss this chance to satisfy your inner film buff. For more information, visit www.provcomlib.org or call Dvorchak at 467-2700 x2. -Michael Clark
November 2011 | Providence Monthly
17
THERE IS A WAY TO BUILD A
YOU
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
HOUSING
advocating for affordable housing and supportive housing for long-term homeless people
HOUSING
Nellie Gorbea of HousingWorks RI and Barbara Silvis of FM Global, in partnership with United Way of Rhode Island, advocate for the creation of more affordable housing in our community, which will help more people find a safe, affordable place to live for the long term.
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.
www.LIVEUNITEDri.org
GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.
LIVE UNITED
®
Pulse |
Autumn Inspirations
City
Try a new cocktail and warm up to fall
HOLIDAY SHOPPING
Shop Outside the Box Absolut Berri Acai While the holiday season evokes feelings of joy and sentimentality in some folks, it can incite angst and dread in even the coolest of cats. Anyone who has attempted to find the perfect gift for a loved one can attest to the ulcer-inducing stress that this simple task can invoke. Between battling the crowds, enduring long lines and suffering sweaty pits, holiday shopping can be a real nightmare. Fortunately, there’s an alternative
to getting hot and bothered under the fluorescent lights. Step away from the department store madness and head downtown to the firstever Providence Holiday Market at Grant’s Block, on the corner of Union and Westminster. Each Saturday from November 26 to December 17, local farmers and artisans fill the outdoor block with unique goodies, crafts and decorations. Finally, you can give gifts with confidence this year; your
father will no longer want to poke out his eyeballs after receiving yet another generic necktie. Hallelujah! Programming includes visits from Santa and caroling by the Wheeler School’s award-winning 18 Wheelers, so bring the kiddos. Visit providenceholidaymarket.com for a schedule of activities and list of vendors, as both rotate weekly. Market hours are 11am-4pm. Dogs are welcome. –Erin Swanson
Soda Water Cranberry juice Add fresh blueberries as a garnish
ABSOLUT BERRY BREEZE LOCAL READ
Photography: Jonathan Beller
You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Book Providence resident Jim Beller has been an avid collector of Jaws memorabilia for the past 36 years. So avid, in fact, that he has amassed the largest private collection of its kind in the world. Who better, then, to collaborate on JAWS: Memories of Martha’s Vineyard? Beller first set out to compile photographs from Martha’s Vineyard locals into a coffee table book, but in meeting writer Matt Taylor, a Martha’s Vineyard native, that idea grew into a comprehensive day-by-day account of the legendary production. A big, glossy photo-only book on Jaws is always impressive. JAWS: Memories from Martha’s Vineyard is not a big, glossy photo-only book, yet it goes way beyond impressive. Yes, it’s big at 296 pages and, indeed, it does contain glossy photos, but this tome also includes stories, articles and interviews, all from the local perspective. Beginning with a foreword from director Steven Spielberg, this book offers an extraordinary look into the making of the landmark 1975 film. In order to do so, the authors made it a point to veer from the standard filmmaker accounts, and instead take their cue from the residents of Martha’s Vineyard, those intimately involved in the film’s production and those who observed its
2 OZ SAilOr Jerry SpiCed ruM Cola ½ oz. Maraschino Cherry juice
effect on daily island life. What really sets this volume apart from other entries in the field is all in the arrangement: previously unheard narratives culled from locals and never before seen photographs, all presented in chronological order for the very first time. Included are insights from the Hol-
lywood professionals who worked on the film, such as production designer Joe Alves and location casting director Shari Rhodes, but JAWS: Memories of Martha’s Vineyard is the commentary of the local people who made the movie believable. mvremembersjaws.com. –Autumne Montague
SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL
November 2011 | Providence Monthly
19
Welcome to the
Rue De L’Espoir
Family of Restaurants
Baker Street Rue
Pulse |
City
GOOD DEED
Eleven Ways to Help
Your Neighborhood Bistro
95 South Street Providence, RI 02903 t. 401-490-9966 / f. 410-490-9955 open mon-fri. 7:30-3:30
Rue De L’Espoir American Bistro Cooking
open daily breakfast, lunch, dinner 99 Hope Street Providence, RI 02906 info/reservations 751-8890 www.therue.com
One third of our planet is well fed, the other two thirds are split between the underfed and the starving. This startling statistic is the inspiration behind Edesia Global Nutrition Solutions, a company based out of Providence that supplies ready-to-use therapeutic and supplementary foods to the hungry. This year the company is running the 11.11.11 Project. The idea is that each person donates $11 and then tells 11 of their friends to do-
Buy one treatment get one free
20
Providence Monthly | November 2011
malnutrition, Using peanuts and vitamins as some of the main ingredients, the products are revolutionary in that they don’t need added water or refrigeration. Salem notes, “Kids come back from complete skin and bones to plumpy, happy, smiling, brighteyed children again.” So next time you notice the clock at 11:11, don’t just wish for change, make a change. edesiaglobal.org –Samantha Gaus
PM EXPERIMENT
Fresh Brewed
Exploring the world of DIY beer
My foray into home brewing began
november Guest special!
nate as well; the end result is millions of starving children fed. Navyn Salem, a Barrington resident, is the founder of Edesia. Her father and grandparents are from Tanzania, a region with millions of children suffering from malnutrition, and she says that is what made her feel connected to this cause. Edesia produces four unique products used for the treatment and prevention of
with morning jogs. Shortly after relocating to Smith Hill, I adopted its empty side streets as my personal gym. I’d pass by slouching walk-ups, empty lots, derelict law firms and finally, a squat, unmarked storefront on a residential stretch of Calverly Street. The windows were dim, revealing plastic tubing, wire shelves and mysterious milk-shaped bottles of golden syrups. Talking to a neighbor one day, I discovered that this was Basement BrewHaus, the most comprehensive home brew resource in Providence proper. So, inspired by a twofold interest in good beer and the local economy, some friends and I decided to patronize our neighborhood brewmasters. Inside, the shop had the spacious, friendly feel of a cool uncle’s garage. The proprietor toured us through the aisles, briefing us on necessary equipment and BrewHaus back-story. It opened in 2008 in place of the legendary Basement Brew-Ha, expanding to include a consignment section, regular workshops and a startup co-op. The shelves are neatly stocked with specialty grains, bulk herbs, malt extracts and a huge variety of organic yeasts for all your fermented fantasies. Our brewmaster furnished us with two five-gallon vats (a bucket for fermenting and
a basin for bottling), a packet of bottle caps, a rubber-gripped clamp and a house-made English brown ale kit. At home, we fished through our recycling bins for empty bottles, and then sanitized our gear in a bath of hydrogen peroxide (safe to ingest!). The initial kit-
and-caboodle cost us roughly $100, but the proprietor promised we’d be cashing out at twenty cents a bottle if we kept up the good work. Two weeks later we gathered in my morbid little cellar, crouched on a swatch of pink carpet, triumphantly bottling our first batch in an assembly line. We yield-
ed about 60 beers, not without a few casualties. Just a few days later, after letting the sweetener carbonate the hops, we cracked the first drink. The ale was as crisp and nutty as we could’ve hoped for, with a light, coppery head, and we shared it over a backyard dinner of Pt. Judith flounder and a pile of roasted red potatoes. For its size, Providence has a tremendous amount of home brew enthusiasm. In addition to BrewHaus, there’s another shop on the West Side (Silver Lake Beer and Wine Making Supply), and one in Woonsocket (Blackstone Valley Brewing Supplies), as well as three more across the state. While the actual number of Rhode Island commercial beer makers is not overwhelming, the state’s brew culture is strong, extending far beyond the realms of trendiness and into something more like tradition. As promised, the price for ingredients decreased with every new batch: an Irish stout, an American IPA and a Belgian sour ale, the last two costing us roughly $18. We visited other shops, but always returned to the young men at BrewHaus who were endlessly eager to experiment, piecing together recipes, excitedly filling sandwich bags with feathery green hops. 116 Calverly Street. 272-9449, basementbrewhaus.com –Adrian Shirk
Illustration: Ashley MacLure
75 Baker Street Providence, RI 02905 t. 401-490-5025 / f. 410-490-5026 open mon-fri. 7:30-4:30 sunday brunch 8-2:30
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Page 1
Pulse |
The Malcontent
by John Taraborelli
The Providence Paradox The desire for the new vs. the comfort of the familiar In the past couple
of months, two ambitious new businesses have opened, enlivening the local dining and music scenes respectively. The Dorrance, the new restaurant in the space that was formerly the Federal Reserve, is serving locally foraged food and creative, high-end cocktails, and attempting to be the kind of hot spot that draws attention from the national food press. (Read more on pg. 54.) Meanwhile, Fête is two gorgeously designed music clubs in one – a smaller lounge and a grand ballroom – that aspires to be not just one of the premier venues in the state, but in all of New England. In the course of this year, Providence hosted its second and third StyleWeeks, its first two Cocktail Weeks, its first ever Food and Wine Festival, the 15th anniversary of the Rhode Island International Film Festival, its biggest Wooly Fair yet, and saw the expansion of the Providence Art Fest to summer and fall editions. The city also celebrated its 375th anniversary in a big way, with hundreds of events from May to October, culminating in a huge birthday bash at the Providence Performing Arts Center on November 22. (Read more on pg. 68) In short, Providence is a place where things are happening, where there is excitement, culture and life. So why do those of us who live in and around the city so often complain that there is nothing new, that we’re bored, that there’s nothing to stir our enthusiasm? It is the Great Providence Paradox: we always whine that there’s nothing new or interesting happening, but when something new or interesting does happen, it’s a struggle to get people to check it out. How many great bars and restaurants scratch and claw to get people through the door? How many fasci-
nating events are sparsely attended? How many potential cultural traditions try in vain to take root? How many innovative ideas are ignored? How many compelling talents long to find an audience? Maybe the problem is that we’re creatures of habit. We, like all humans, like the familiar, seek comfort in what we already know – but we do so in an unusually small, selfcontained system that creates a near-constant feedback loop. Think about how much you go out, and then think – really think – about how many places you actually go. It’s probably a small handful. So many of us cycle back to the same places to eat and drink the same things with the same people. Maybe it’s a lack of ambition. Our closed ecosystem finds us seldom looking outward. As a result, our preconceptions remain unchallenged, our horizons are not expanded, our comfort zones remain impregnable strongholds. Thus, we think what we already do well is just fine, thank you. Maybe it’s just complacency or inertia. An object at rest tends to stay at rest. A person who does the same thing every weekend is likely to keep doing it. I’m as guilty of it as any. I try to switch up my routine, and I’m always game to try a new bar or restaurant, but there are so many events, theatres, walking tours, museums, lecture series and more that just never make it on to my “things to do” list. There are too many exciting things happening in this city, too many good people doing compelling work, and if we don’t support them, if we don’t pay attention, if we don’t just show up, then we let them die on the vine. And then there truly won’t be anything interesting to do on the weekend.
November 2011 | Providence Monthly
23
Make the Trip to
Mister Sister Erotica
Pulse |
Gracie’s
Scene in PVD
Providence Monthly celebrated the second Providence Cocktail Week, a celebration of the art, appreciation and aesthetic of the cocktail. Bars and restaurants all over the city hosted cocktail parties and offered special menus, offering patrons the chance to try something new.
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Providence Monthly | November 2011
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salonpanache.com November 2011 | Providence Monthly
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A New Books on the Square
Chapter
Independent bookstores in a post-Borders Providence By Benjamin Goulet • Photography by Jonathan Beller In mid-September, Providence Place Mall lost a flagship retailer when Borders Books and Music closed its doors for good, liquidating its assets and shutting down 400+ stores. In the wreckage, 11,000 employees nationwide were left jobless and many communities lost the only bricks-andmortar bookstore available to them. Analysts cited Borders’ inability to create a business model that reflected the needs of the 21st century media consumer. Unlike their main rivals, Barnes and Noble and Amazon, Borders lacked a branded e-reader and never figured out a way to sell digital music online. Their clunky website and misguided expansion of physical music in the age of the digital cloud, paired with the bad economy, made Borders’ death inevitable. Lost within the wonky analysis and Monday morning hindsight of the socalled experts, the human story of Borders’ demise was tossed off with pithy quotes. But among the thousands of comments on blogs and news sites, a sarcastic plea emerged: Now that Borders is closed, may I have my independent bookstore back? You know, the one Borders helped put out of business
in the first place? Providence book lovers have been far luckier. From Wayland Square and Thayer Street into the heart of Downcity, independent bookstores have held on – even expanded – in the face of unprecedented odds, navigating through a storm of declining readership, electronic readers and tablets, global mega-store competitors, and a paralyzed economy. Luckier still, these stores each have their own unique look and feel, with a depth of collections unmatched by any chain store. Adding a high level of community involvement the public desperately craves, these stores complement the passionate local movement that continues to grow. As the largest independent seller of used books, Cellar Stories has become a downtown institution over the past 26 years. Owner Michael Chandley, an expert in rare books and collectable ephemera, credits having a dedicated, loyal staff as a major factor for their success. “We have been fortunate to have some long-term employees who know the stock well and [they] get to know the customers, as well,” he says. With over 70,000 volumes avail-
able, one enters Cellar Stories needing a couple of minutes to gain bearings and map out a mental game plan. With only the soft mumble of public radio above, the echo of footsteps, and the sweet smell of pine bookshelves, the passage of time at Cellar Stories feels suspended. The collection is balanced throughout the genres, with no snobbery or pretense. You would be just as likely to find a trashy rock and roll memoir as you would a Noam Chomsky volume on linguistics. Chandley is optimistic that Cellar Stories might see an increase in sales in post-Borders Providence, but he adds the familiar sentiment of regrets found online. “The demise of Borders is not a good thing for the book business,” he says, noting the amount of independent new book sellers “who went out of business because of competition from Borders.” In the middle of Wayland Square, Myopic Books offers the laid-back, cozy vibe of a classic used bookstore. Clocking in at 25,000 volumes, Myopic lists its specialties on its website, hitting all of the college town staples, such as art, architecture, photography, local history, philosophy and first edi-
tions. The bookstore is also known for its wide range of books on cooking and gardening. Its collection of criticism and critical theory is a fascinating trip, spanning decades, even centuries of thought and analysis of both individuals and literary movements. Founded in 1996, Myopic Books has crafted its stock through smart book buying, with an eye for unique finds. This writer remembers two items he deeply regrets passing up in the late 1990s (albeit as a graduate student low on funds): a first edition hardcover copy of John Berryman’s The Dream Songs and Nick Drake’s Fruit Tree box set, all five albums on vinyl. Unique finds like this are not unusual at Myopic and rare gems abound. It’s a nice reminder of how fun the “thrill of the hunt” used to be, before the Internet made almost everything available with just a few clicks. Downtown’s Symposium Books and Wayland Square’s Books on the Square sell primarily brand-new books. Although the two stores are stylistically different in terms of what they stock, both share a deep commitment to customer service and fostering local community.
November 2011 | Providence Monthly
27
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It is this focus on the customer that has enabled Symposium Books to expand in one of the worst economic climates in Rhode Island history. The flagship Westminister Street store, founded by Scott McCullough and Anne Marie Keohane in May of 2004, has the feel of an academic post-punk artist community, with William S. Burroughs classics, oversized art books and a staggeringly cool collection of graphic novels sitting alongside poetry, critical theory, popular music and politics. The shop is stocked with such interesting stuff, and is priced so affordably, that it’s almost impossible to leave empty handed. Symposium later expanded, opening a smaller shop on Thayer Street that captures a similar vibe in terms of its offerings. McCullough credits Symposium’s success to customer service. “We simply focus on our customers,” he says. “We find, carry and display books in all subjects that they are interested in. We are also very aware of our prices. We provide an independent bookstore where you can browse, socially interact and still get prices that are as good, or better, than you can get from Amazon. As almost every book reader that we encounter tells us, browsing and buying in a bookstore is always better than browsing and buying online.” Symposium has embraced the Web, too, creating “stores” on AbeBooks. com, Half.com and more. By selling their stock both locally and globally, McCullough and his team is working to, in his words, “create something to supplement the in-store experience.” Since opening its doors in 1992, Books on the Square has become a Wayland Square institution. The bookseller’s commitment to its customers and its community has helped make it one of the most beloved companies in Providence. In
Myopic Books
addition to the 20,000 titles available, the bookstore found a niche in creating fun, book-related events, including book signings, author readings and a wide variety of offerings for children, such as story times. Books on the Square manager Jennifer Doucette feels the store’s community ties are crucial. “We are a highly visible community gathering space,” she says. “Customers are always welcome to come in and browse without feeling under obligation, and all of our events are open to the public and always free. What better way to get to know your neighborhood bookstore than to pop in for a book club or children’s story time?” After years of building its reputation as a good corporate citizen, Books on the Square employees have seen a rise in sales in the wake of Borders closing. “We have already seen more new customers and received myriad praise for our customer service and smiles,” says Doucette. “It’s nice to feel that we are being ‘discovered’ by former Borders customers.” In addition to being an essential bricks-and-mortar operation, the
store has used 21st century social networking to get the word out for events and other news. Even their website has a community feel to it; their in-house newsletter, up-todate (and very well-written) staff picks list, whole sections devoted to kids, author visits and events all leave visitors with a cautious optimism regarding the future of independent bookstores. Indeed, the future for bookstores is murky. As electronic readers and tablets gain more and more converts, the inevitable rise in piracy might toss publishers into the same copyright swamp in which record companies have spent over a decade slowly drowning, resulting in hemorrhaging resources and a souring of public good will. The fate of the independent record store, a concept already being immortalized in nostalgic books and film documentaries, might have been a cautionary tale for independent bookstores – and in many ways, for local consumers who didn’t realize what they had until it vanished. Hopefully, the customer focus and community outreach will keep these bookstores around for many years to come.
Cellar Stories 111 Mathewson Street 521-2665 • cellarstories.com Breakfast: Everyday from 6am - 12pm
Myopic Books 5 South Angell Street 521-5533 • myopicbooks.com
Lunch: Everyday 11:30-4:30 Dinner: Monday-Saturday 4:30-10:30 and Sunday 4:30-9:30
All of our bars are open late each night.
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Providence Monthly | November 2011
Symposium Books 240 Westminster Street 273-7900 224 Thayer Street 421-0393 symposiumbooks.com
Author Sarah Thomson reads from her book, Mercy, at Books on the Square
Books on the Square 471 Angell Street 331-9097 • booksq.com Check out Books on the Square’s website for their weekly event schedule
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November 2011 | Providence Monthly
29
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Providence Monthly | November 2011
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w w w. j a c k y s g a l a x i e . c o m
by eric smith
photos by tim siekiera
illustrations by alli coate
five bands that are poised to be
providenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
next big
thing ÂŻ and local experts
on why you should
be listening
this image by jim draper, peter cardoso and providence monthly
the
quiet
success
the brother kite
is providence’s perennial next
big thing “Equal parts subtle and bombastic, the Brother
Coming off of two stellar shows this year – the release party for their long-awaited album Isolation, and a criminally hidden indoor midday gig at AS220’s Foo Fest – the members of the Brother Kite have further solidified their reputation as torch carriers for the legendary lost Providence power pop sound that flourished throughout the early ‘90s. To all the old timers cradling their cassettes of Velvet Crush’s Teenage Symphonies To God and longing for the days of small factory and Honeybunch, y’all really need to find a sitter and see the Brother Kite. The above-mentioned release party at Westminster Street’s much beloved and now gone 201 saw the band unleash the full radiant spectrum that is Isolation, a record positively drowning in gorgeously layered, infinitely tracked guitar and vocal harmonies, and colossal drums flecked with the subtle 32
Providence Monthly | November 2011
throb of pulsating electronic patterns. The not-so-secret ingredient seems to be the looming presence, both literally and figuratively, of singer and primary songwriter Patrick Boutwell, a writer who manages to fearlessly expose cryptic emotion while simultaneously burying it in gauzy layers of genuine abstruseness. The Brother Kite has always been a frustrating enigma – how can a band so immensely talented, with a proven record of delivering powerful and dynamic full length records beginning with 2004’s thebrotherkite, through to 2006’s Waiting For The Time to Be Right, along with a panoply of singles, split singles and EPs, still manage to sometimes (but certainly not always) play to empty rooms and get consistently left off of year-end lists from local publications? The answer may lie in the band’s seeming reticence towards tacky and
indulgent self promotion on social media and a more natural and humble desire to merely release outstanding records and make quiet, barely talked about trips to indie rock Meccas like Austin’s gigantic South By Southwest music festival, which they’ll visit again next spring. The quiet success continues, as the band has recently released a new single, the insidiously catchy and almost embarrassingly great live favorite “Aching Heart/Clear Conscience,” as well as an EP, Eye To Eye, whose title track is one of their finest and most rollicking live endeavors to date. thebrotherkite.com
The Brother Kite is playing November 19 at Local 121.
Kite is simply one of the finest bands Providence has produced in the last ten years.”
eric smith
musician/music writer
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the life of the
she rides
party ¯ f u n ¯ makes metal
At the far end of subtle lies She Rides, a band comprising five of your younger brothers whose Adderall-fueled redefinition of Party Metal, a sadly overlooked genre, has found the band weaving a delicate course between self-referential, hyperbolic promotion and sheer hedonism. If the opening salvo of the band’s mission statement doesn’t make its intent known through sheer liberal use of grammar – “What says rock and roll that hasn’t already been said before.” (Question mark implied, I guess) – then what, I implore you, does? She Rides is simply an awesome club band: full throttle, straight up boozing rock n’ roll whose disregard for taste or pretension is a refreshing slap on the ass for a widely complacent music scene whose tastes in heavy music seem to too often swerve towards overly brainy nerd metal or tired hardcore. Part of the secret to their success is George Radford’s razor-sharp songwriting – short, intense bursts of jagged riffs that plunge themselves directly into the bloodstream without any indulgent meandering or long winded intros, outros or midtros, and large-scale thunderous progressions from the “Hot For Teacher” graduate degree program of hard rock pyrotechnics. At their core these are pop songs really - albeit pop songs with titles like the charming “Party in the Piss Kitchen” or the absolutely perfect “Woah Dude!” It’s the rest of the group, however, that really brings it all to life, especially during live performances, perhaps the
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environment to which their music is best suited. Singer Dan Brown makes absolutely no attempt to control the sheer insanity of his live presence. With little regard for technique or timing, Brown throws himself headfirst into the concrete columns of every tune, never in one place for more than a second, gregarious sometimes to the point of intolerability. He’s gushingly thankful for each and every second he gets to front this unstoppable live force and completely unwavering in his desire to put on The Show – not simply a show, or just another She Rides show, but the best show you’ve ever seen or he’ll buy you your next ‘Gansett. (And don’t worry, they have plenty; the company has been sponsoring the band for over a year now.) She Rides spent most of last year releasing and touring in support of their EP, Buy The Ticket, Take The Ride on the Rusty Knuckles label, and they have no plans to rest. They should have the next record out by early 2012 just in time for yet another US tour and another stop at South By Southwest, their fourth invite. rageforever.com
She Rides is playing November 9 at the PVD Social Club.
November 2011 | Providence Monthly
33
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Providence Monthly | November 2011
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the
love movement boo city’s got eclectic
s o u l ¯ ¯ Still a relatively young
band, having formed just under two years ago, Boo City’s inspired and eccentric genre hopping has been impressing people all over the city, most notably at a swanky New Year’s Eve gig, and at a recent show at the beautiful ballroom at the new Fête in Olneyville, and what seems like every other stage, floor and warehouse space in Rhode Island as well. With vocal duties split between the lovely Tai Awolaju and guitarist Andrew Moon Bain, the band sprinkles a remarkable amount of
stuff across their songs: country blues in the vein of Taj Mahal’s forays into the genre, candy-sweet rhythm and blues (as on their own “Don’t Deny Me”), and dalliances in liquid smooth rocksteady and reggae, evident on the intensely atmospheric “Sugar Skull Lover,” a gorgeous song that would sound right at home on Sade’s Lover’s Rock. One of the highlights of Boo City is Ms. Awolaju, whose perfectly placed voice keeps the dizzying array of musical styles from spinning off the rails. Her impeccably
tasteful live performances, along with her near perfect reading of their own “You’re No Good,” find her simply killing it in classic soul singer territory. The band has an album ready to drop, and apparently another already written. With a more focused and refined approach to their own songwriting, Boo City could easily position themselves as a more worldly and eclectic Providence answer to New York soul revivalists Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. boocitymusic.com
“When I first heard Boo City two or three years ago, I felt they had a lot of work to do to articulate this vision that Andrew Moon Bain had. But after a while they just locked into this sound, crossing genres, not being afraid to mix genres that don’t necessarily seem like they belong together. In one song you can hear a combination of indie rock, country and western, and reggae – and there’s nothing kitschy or gimmicky about it. It’s something I feel says that this band is really on its way.”
don king
vice president and co-owner of fÊte November 2011 | Providence Monthly
35
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36
Providence Monthly | November 2011
the
genuine
article the silks
keep it down
and dirty Anyone who has caught
a Silks set, either with the full band or just main Silk Tyler-James Kelly on his own, has had to think, Damn, this guy knows a lot of songs. As a solo act, Kelly displays a remarkable depth of knowledge when it comes to old and arcane forms of bluegrass, folk and country blues, and his deft and seemingly effortless finger picking style should be the envy of blues players of any age. Indeed, there’s something anachronistic about him; one gets the definite sense that TJ maybe got lost in a corn maze in 1972 and only re-
cently meandered out. His single-minded resistance to the temptation to blend his classic guitar style with more modern and popular forms shows his true strength as an artist, as well as his tireless commitment to his craft, and to see him sweetly render old timey music with such love and reverence is a very nice and rare thing to see from any musician these days. The full Silks are an entirely different monster altogether: dirty barroom blues delivered with full throated abandon, whip smart cracks of guitar leads reminiscent of
a young and relevant Clapton, and a slew of guest musicians and vocalists each impeccably talented in their own right. Their New Year’s Eve gig following Boo City had the Silks delivering an epic late night party set, sculpting the band’s own originals into what could have been outtakes from Exile on Main Street and getting people to dance to something other than a disco beat. reverbnation.com/thesilks The Silks are playing November 11 at Local 121.
“I enjoy the Silks so much. Unfortunately, I don’t know if this translates at all to their chances of breaking out as a band. They’re the real McCoy; I love the authenticity. It isn’t that they offer some new sound to Providence, it’s that they remind me of some of the great music that played here in the ‘70s. And much of that is born of the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. There is a lot of nostalgia in it for me. I am thrilled by the sense of history in so many of the local bands – I think Providence bands are off the charts in this regard.”
rich lupo
owner of lupo’s heartbreak hotel and co-owner of the met November 2011 | Providence Monthly
37
the
comic relief vulgarrity
can’t be categoriZed¯
they’re too busy having fun VulGarrity’s theatrical, A.D.D. synth metal, absolute disdain for categorization and tireless work ethic has garnered the band a considerable amount of attention, not just locally, but beyond Rhode Island’s borders as well. In addition to winning this year’s WBRU Rock Hunt, they’ve earned such distinct honors as gigging with the Danzig-less Misfits and landing a track on MTV’s Teen Cribs. The music of brother-sister duo Tracy and Shawn Garrity is a surprisingly listenable and often guiltlessly enjoyable mélange of skronky dance-synth, processed ‘80s rock vocals and some serious metal riffage, all whipped together into a sort of musical V8 that can provide you with your lifetime’s serving of everything the ‘80s and ‘90s had to offer: new wave, goth, punk, metal, garish neon and Halloween horror imagery. With enough distance between now and that actual era, it’s probably inevitable that young musicians like the Garritys see no problem with wanting to sound like Prince and Megadeth, while offering no apologies for trying. And really, why should they? Beyond the music, there is a more theatrical aspect of all things VulGarrity, namely VulGarrity: The Series. Painstakingly self-produced, this comically absurd web series features the band getting themselves into all sorts of hilarious hi jinks, like adopting a pair of cocaine-addicted cats or accidentally buying a demonically possessed amp. Awkward dialog and hammy acting aside, it’s quite obvious that these two would be the last people in the universe to take themselves too seriously. And that’s precisely what makes VulGarrity a really fun and maybe even great band, as they slowly master the fine art of throwing everything against the wall just to see what sticks. vulgarrity.fourfour.com VulGarrity is playing at WBRU’s Sweet Potato Ball on November 18 at the Met.
“I was really excited when our panel of industry, media and artist types gave them such high marks, enough to win this year’s Rock Hunt. VulGarrity is one of those acts that’s just too much freaking fun to miss them because you don’t ‘get’ them. I get some fatigue watching bands try to out-hip each other; Tracy and Shawn are great people hoping to do something crazy and fabulous and exciting for a crowd, not stick their noses in the air and demand to be treated as artists. It’s no secret that there is no other Alice Cooper-inspired dance rock brother-sister duo in town right now. There is also something refreshing about their musical risks, from the aggressive use of looping to the gender switching within the vocals on some of their covers.”
wendell gee
program director of wbru 38
Providence Monthly | November 2011
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An enchanted evening of food and wine to benefit The Providence Animal Rescue League & local children’s charities. At The Rhode Island Convention Center One Sabin St., Providence Friday, January 27, 2012 | 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. $ 125 per person
Early Bird Discount
99 per person through December 1st!
$
Gala Food and Wine Tasting New England restaurants and over 100 Wines
Don't miss out on this truly spectacular event! www.BaccanaliaRI.com
*Black Tie Optional
November 2011 | Providence Monthly
39
Join us
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
Sunday, December 11 2 : 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
A Leahy Family Christmas
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Providence Monthly | November 2011
City Style
AT HOME / SHOP TALK / THE LOOK / BEAUTY / GET FIT About the Homeowner Seth Shapiro is a property manager and real estate developer who can be seen on any given night photographing concerts at Lupo’s. His downtown apartment, the Tangerine Tower (so named because the streetlights create an orange glow at night), overlooks Washington Street.
1
3
2
Photography: Melissa Stimpson
Orange Appeal
4
1. This unbelievably heavy art came from a hotel in Boston that was being renovated. It’s bamboo and gold paint. I bought it from a private dealer. 2. This building – the National Building, which wraps around the historic Strand Theatre (what’s now Lupo’s and the Roxy) – was constructed from 1917-1919. We bought it in 2000 and built the condos in 2005. All the units sold in 18 hours. 3. This is a Sponge album, signed by the band. I bought this at the WBRU charity auction at NYLO last year. I’ve been a big fan of Sponge for-
ever. Shortly after I bought it, the band played Jerky’s and the singer signed my album. 4. When we developed these condos, one of the things that I liked about them was the industrial look. I wanted to keep that – hence the concrete floors. But being above a rock club, I wanted some kind of wow factor. My mom actually suggested the stripper pole. I bought it and I’ve never looked back. It’s kind of background: we’ll be having cocktails and talking about music, and there will just be someone dancing on the pole. -Julie Tremaine
November 2011 | Providence Monthly
41
Photos: Right: Ustad Tari Khan. Left: Qawal Najmuddin Saifuddin & Brothers, Photos by Shalalea Jamil, courtesy of Arts Midwest
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Providence Monthly | November 2011
City Style |
The Look
by Caitlin Quinn
Lizzy Colley Connoisseur of Cute/ Vintage enthusiast
Tell me a little about yourself. I’m from Corpus Christi, Texas, and I moved to Rhode Island in 2005 for college. I went to Johnson and Wales for fashion merchandising and retail marketing. Currently, I’m a manager at Second Time Around on Thayer. I really love antiquing. I love kitsch things, cute things, strange things – it’s all about the hunt for me. You can find the tackiest, most amazing things. I like to collect large velvet paintings (I think it’s funny how terrible they are), 1970s dolls (the creepy, big-eyed ones), anything with poodles or vintage dog stuff. But the collecting gene comes from my dad, who used to have an art gallery in the ‘70s in Texas. His dad was an architect and they both collected art, so in our house in Texas some walls didn’t have any wall space, just paintings. What’s your favorite vintage find? For clothing and fashion, I collect of lot of vintage Gucci purses. I also have a collection of vintage map scarves from the 1950s and ‘60s from all over the world: Japan, China, different islands in the Caribbean, Rome, Paris and London. I love vintage Disney sweaters too. I sound like a hoarder. I have this quilted leather handbag; it looks like a Chanel bag but instead of the Chanel emblem it has a gold Minnie Mouse head. I have a 1950s prom dress; it’s baby pink and baby blue with a giant bow and full toile. What are your tips for vintage shopping? My biggest piece of advice is don’t look at the label. If you like it, buy it. And don’t buy something just because it’s designer; that doesn’t mean it’s a good find. A find is something you freak out over, which for me, is usually something that’s pink, has a bow or is novel. Describe your personal style. I would say that I’m a connoisseur of cuteness. I even have a blog, connoisseurofcute.com. I have so many things that I love – I want to wear all of them. Sometimes I over accessorize, but I like to wear things that make me smile. For me, antiques and vintage inspire fashion. Oftentimes people can be inspired by an idea or object and create an entire collection based off of that. And that’s what I love about both; they can interconnect for people.
Photography: Stacey Doyle
Tell me about this look. My friend Cody makes these necklaces by wiring vintage brooches, clip-on earrings and pins together, then backs them with felt from vintage hats. I wear them every day. I could wear a ripped, destroyed Tshirt and jeans and put that necklace on and it would make the outfit. I love that dress. I love the polka dot print; it’s almost Dalmatian print. This look could go either way. I wouldn’t wear the shoes to work – that would be painful. I would wear this out to lunch or dinner. Do you have a style crush? There’s this Japanese pop star that’s so ridiculously cute, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. I love her style. She’s also a fashion blogger and has the cutest, girliest style ever. She’s from Harajuku District and I love that type of Lolita style.
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November 2011 | Providence Monthly
43
the
GIFTof STYLE
City Style |
Get Fit
by Jane Couto
Wellness for Less
Yoga deals to kickstart your motivation
The holidays are a celebration of light, life, and love. Indulge yourself and loved ones in the best of the season, with sparkling accessories, luxurious styles and elegant gifts that give a glamorous glow to every occasion.
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44
Providence Monthly | November 2011
Eyes of the World
I’m not proud to
admit this, but I was once of the “yoga is not a real workout” camp. In my defense, until this year I had never really gotten into fitness activities that focused heavily on the mind-body connection. I grew up swimming competitively, started running in high school and became a triathlete in my late 20s. I was more interested in becoming faster and building endurance; there was simply no room in my routine for a downward facing dog – or so I thought. I began to see yoga in a different light about five months ago, when I needed to find a fitness activity that wouldn’t aggravate my injured foot. Yoga was just about the only thing I could do without pain, and I admit, discovering that it really was a full-body workout surprised me. As a bonus, after a few weeks I noticed I was more flexible, had better balance and my posture had improved. Score! However, upon further inspection, I also noticed that it was becoming a bit of an expensive habit.
I’m not complaining about the cost; as students, we pay for the expertise and wisdom that yoga teachers bring to the practice, as we should. At the same time many studio owners understand that for some, attending yoga class is a luxury, so they add regular “community” classes to their schedules. In the Providence area there are a number of studios that offer free or donation-based classes to encourage everyone to experience and practice yoga.
Eyes of the World Yoga A studio teacher leads a yoga flow session on Wednesdays at 3:30pm. The
Shri Studio Though not on its weekly schedule, the studio regularly hosts community classes. In addition, Shri Studio offers financial aid and work-study positions upon request and upon completion of an application. Contact the studio for specifics. 21 Broad Street, Pawtucket. 441-8600, shri-studio.com
FIT DEALS
footwear (including snowshoes) and winter packs – and how to use it. No experience necessary. Registration required; class size is limited to 45. 22 Chapel View Blvd., Cranston. 2755250, rei.com/cranston Let’s face it, finding the motivation to go for a run on a dark, chilly November evening can be tough. Knowing you have a group to run with can make it a little easier. Join Providence Bicycle, the Wild Colonial Running
Club and Rhode Runner each Wednesday night as they co-host a training run around the East Side of Providence. There is typically a good cross section of runners, so you’ll always have someone to run with regardless of your speed. The run starts at 6pm from Rhode Runner at 271 South Main Street and concludes at the Wild Colonial (essentially same place as the start). Contact matt@providencebicycle.com for more information.
Think hiking is just a warm-weather activity? The Winter Hikes Leaders from the Appalachian Mountain Club want you to think again. They are teaming up with REI in Cranston on November 8 from 6:30-8pm for a Winter Hiking Gear Basics course. At this free clinic, experienced hikers will teach you about the gear you’ll need for winter hiking – proper clothing,
Breathing Time Yoga The studio offers a yoga class each Friday at 4pm for everyone from beginners to experienced students. There is a suggested $5 donation, but no one is turned away due to inability to pay. 541 Pawtucket Avenue, 2nd floor, Pawtucket. 421-9876, breathingtimeyoga.com
class is open to all, though it is not necessarily an instructional class for beginners. There is no set fee; the studio asks students to donate whatever they can. One Park Row, Providence. 295-5002, innerhappiness.com Studio Exhale The studio offers various community classes with rotating teachers. Designed to teach the basics of yoga, students are asked to provide a $5 donation, which goes to support various causes in the community. Contact the studio for specifics. 1263 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston. 383-0839, studioexhale.com
Photography: Dawn Temple
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GALLERY
A CHANGE OF SEASONS
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Taking inspiration from the change in season and the local ingredients which it brings, Chef Kevin DiLibero creates his inaugural fall menu with hearty fare that hugs your soul.
$19.95 3-course prix-fixe menu, served sun - wed sunday brunch overlooking the seekonk river 1/2 price appetizers, served mon - fri, 4-6pm in the bar AT THE GATEHOUSE ON PROVIDENCE’S EAST SIDE 4 Richmond Square | 401-521-9229 | watermangrille.com
join us for your next event
AT WAT E R M A N
November 2011 | Providence Monthly
45
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46
Providence Monthly | November 2011
City Style |
Shop Talk
by Erin DeVito
Mother’s Little Helper Making things easy for the modern family
Upscale Authentic Mexican Cuisine on Federal Hill Mon-Thurs
3 Course Dinner Special
only
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Spice your life with the Best Mexican Cuisine in Providence
Gift Certificates Available All major credit cards accepted
Margaritas & Sangria Excellent Selection of Tequilas
351 Atwells Ave. Providence 454-8951 • www.donjosetequilas.com
If you have sIlver, don’t mIss out! Jeff Herman, Founder of the Society of American Silversmiths and internationally-known silver restoration and conservation specialist, will be here Saturday, November 12th 11am - 4pm We invite you to bring in your silver for Jeff to evaluate, give guidance with care and storage, and answer any silver-related questions. While you’re here, browse the largest collection of antique silver in Rhode Island.
Photography: Amy Amerantes
With so many products and brands, shopping for a new addition to the family can be overwhelming. Mod Mama, a baby and kids shop in Wayland Square, makes it easy to find stylish, sustainable and fun baby and child essentials carefully assembled by a team of local moms. The boutique-style shop also carries a selection of chic jewelry and gifts for moms-to-be, and has a user-friendly website, where many of its findings can be purchased. Specializing in organic and safe products, Mod Mama opened in 2006 and was “adopted” by new owners Julie Navarro and Kim Losey last November. Here, Julie gives her tips on fashionable families. You’re a mom-run shop. Does this give you an edge over other baby shops? Absolutely. With five kids between us, we know what moms need, and more importantly, what they don’t need. We carefully select best-in-class products, like apparel from Tea, accessories from Skip Hop and toys from Melissa and Doug. Investing in a great stroller is so important — if you buy the right one, you will have it for years and be able to use it as your family grows. We love Stokke and Uppababy — both are incredibly versatile, durable and easy to use. Our philosophy is simple: create stylish solutions for modern families. What’s the latest for mamas? With all of the focus on the new little ones, mamas deserve special treatment, too. One of our favorite indulgences are Momma’s Jewels, beautiful and modern
sterling silver ring bracelets and necklaces that are great for babies who are teething and are timeless styles for mom. We also carry amazing diaper bags from Danzo — they use the same leather on their bags as a very well known luxury brand with the initials L.V. What nursery or children’s room decor themes are popular right now? We find that our customers are loving owls and elephants right now. Two of our best-selling lines are the owl collection from Skip Hop and the magnetic elephant onesies from Magnificent Baby, a genius new line for babies that uses magnets instead of snaps and zippers. What kind of events do you host? We have story time every Friday morning at 10:30am and are looking to start a mom’s group. We work with Adoption Rhode Island, Hasbro Children’s Hospital and the Providence Children’s Museum to host other events throughout the year. Currently, we are hosting images from Adoption Rhode Island’s Heart Gallery to promote awareness of all of the wonderful kids that need a home, and will donate a portion of our sales on our anniversary weekend (Nov 4-6) to Adoption Rhode Island. We will also hold a coat drive during the month of November. Adoption is an important issue to Mod Mama: not only did we “adopt” the store, but I also adopted my son in 2010. 16 South Angell Street. 273-7800, modmama.com.
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47
GaIN ExpErIENcE MakE coNNEctIoNs HavE FuN! Now accepting resumes for:
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City Style |
Beauty
by Julie Tremaine
Do-It-Herself Skin
An East Side aesthetician gives a whole new meaning to natural beauty
Send reSume TO
providencemonthly@providenceonline.com
Live in the Square! Studios,One, Two & Three Bedroom Apartments All Utilities & Parking Included
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500 Angell Street, Providence • 751-7700 www.waylandmanor.com
Are you pregnant? Feeling anxious, stressed, or down? If you answered yes, you might be eligible for a Free 10-Week Walking Program as part of a research study. If you are up to 24 weeks pregnant and age 18 or older, we invite you to call for more information. A research program of Butler Hospital Sponsored by the Brown University / Women & Infants Hospital National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health
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book your holiday party by november 15, 2011 and receive 10% of your total in a gift certificate Private and Semi Private Rooms Available Accomodations for groups of 20-250 Call or Email Sales & Events Manager Missie Rose at MRose@McFaddensProvidence.com 52 Pine Street, Providence • 401.861.1782 • McFaddensProvidence.com
48
Providence Monthly | November 2011
While natural and organic skincare used to be difficult to find, it’s pretty easy to come by these days. Just take a stroll down the skincare aisle at your local drugstore and you’ll find affordable, decent options. That’s why, when you hear that an aesthetician specializes in natural skincare, it’s easy to dismiss her as one of the many who dabble in slightly better but still not great products. So when Anna Golub, owner of the East Side’s Renaissance Clinique, told me about her own skincare line, I was curious, but not exactly running out the door to check it out. Turns out, I should have been. Most skincare experts whom you encounter at a spa have solid credentials. They go to beauty school, earn degrees and keep up with trends in skin and beauty. Most skincare experts can give you a pretty great facial, too. While Anna has these credentials, her expertise also comes from a lifetime of creating ingenious solutions to skincare dilemmas. She grew up in Communist Russia, where luxury products weren’t exactly available. So, she got creative with what she had: kitchen tools, and fresh, quality produce. It turns out that all those images you’ve seen of women at the spa with cucumbers on their eyes have them there for a reason: they do wonders to cool and depuff the bags under your eyes. Potatoes make an unparalleled skin masque. The enzymes in fruit are the best natural exfoliants. When she immigrated to America, Anna brought all of that knowledge with her, coupled with a European sensibility that the best skin comes from a healthy body. That means that a facial at Renais-
sance Clinique isn’t the kind of experience you’re used to. The first time I met with Anna was for a pre-facial consultation. She looked at my skin; she touched it; she asked me about my diet, skincare regimen and lifestyle. She also told me about her extensive training and teaching engagements throughout Europe – the next day, Anna got on a plane to Paris to speak at a conference, and came back with a state of the art skincare machine not yet available in America. When I went back for my actual facial, I was surprised to see that Anna had spent part of the day preparing my skincare products for me. While the motions of the facial were familiar – there was a deep cleanse, steam treatments and a series of masques – the difference was that she had used fresh produce to create several of the steps. At one point, a pineapple masque was working as a gentle chemical exfoliant; at another, my skin was being invigorated by a pumpkin and spice concoction. To complement the products she made that day, Anna used ones from her own skincare line, Vitana, which she formulates in Providence and has manufactured in New York. After we were done, I knew something was different. I didn’t feel the layer of oil on my face and hair that usually accompanies a facial. But when I looked in the mirror, I was shocked. My skin was flushed pink, and felt warm and invigorated, like I had just finished a really great workout. More than anything, it felt healthy. And what I realized is that that’s exactly how you should feel after leaving a spa. To have your own custom facial, visit holisticspa.us.
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November 2011 | Providence Monthly
49
Fresh Red Flower
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Does your dog have its game on? Every day is game day at Ruffin’ Wranglers Dog Excursions... Have your dog join our team!
The Wranglers will come to your home in one of our doggie-outfitted Honda Elements, pick your dog up and whisk them away for game day!
Interested in having your dog join the Ruffin’ Wranglers Team? Contact Coach Auntie Blythe to arrange a game plan!
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Contact Blythe Penna Blythe@RuffinWranglers.com 401-419-4318
Your dog will play, swim, hike & run off lead at the Ruffin’ Wranglers Ranch located just 15 minutes from the Eastside, Barrington and Rumford. They arrive back home two hours later tired, happy & relaxed!
50
Providence Monthly | November 2011
Get your dog off the sidelines and in shape!
Ruffin’ Wranglers Dog Excursions Visit our website at www.ruffinwranglers.com
Feast
IN THE KITCHEN / oN THE mENu / bEHINd THE bar / rEvIEw / IN THE drINK
Photography: Kate Kelley
57 REVIEW Flan y Ajo
November 2011 | Providence Monthly
51
Since 1919
NUTS, BOLTS & BEYOND
Providence Art club little Pictures 2011 Original Art $250 or less, Cash & Carry Paintings, prints, glass, mixed media and more Opening Reception: Sunday, November 20, 12-4pm Exhibition Dates: November 20-December 23 Extended Gallery Hours: Monday-Wednesday, Friday 12-5pm, Thursday 12-6pm, Weekends 12-4pm
173 WICKENDEN PROVIDENCE 401 421-5157 M-F 7:30-6PM SAT 8-5PM www.adlersri.com
11 Thomas St., Providence, R.I. 02903 • 401.331.1114 • www.providenceartclub.org
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Providence Monthly | November 2011
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Feast |
In the Kitchen
by Stephanie Obodda
Earthly Delights
Where All The Top Designers Hang Out
Chef Instructor branden Lewis explores plant-based cuisine Tell us about your background. Growing up in Florida, I always had an interest in food and cooking. After a few entry-level positions, I found myself as a sauté cook at a fine dining restaurant in Ohio while attending a high school for culinary arts. A rep talked to us about careers in the field and first exposed me to the idea of a university with accredited degrees – at the time I had only heard of training schools and community colleges. This was the first time I really became motivated to achieve something truly transformative. I took out loans, was the first in my family to attend college, and set out onto the most incredible and rewarding adventure of my life at Johnson and Wales. I immediately realized that I didn’t know everything (an epiphany for a 19-yearold sauté cook) and was in awe at all the amazing chefs who taught at the school. It was like Harry Potter entering Hogwarts; it was magical and I was mesmerized.
Photography: Mike Braca
What next? My time at JWU took me to Michelinstarred restaurants in England and Switzerland, and brought me all the way to my Masters program, in which I taught while earning my M.B.A. That prepared me for my next position as the Chef Instructor for (the adult education nonprofit) the Genesis Center, training students and helping them start their own careers. Five years later, I returned to JWU to rekindle that search for knowledge. Now I’m in a position to write advanced curriculum for seniors while contemplating the doctorate in gastronomy I always wanted. You recently designed Johnson and Wales’ first plant-based cuisine course… This project began back in early spring when I became part of a team of faculty chefs. We designed the course in response to student and industry demand. Over 800 working hours later, we think we have one of the most cutting edge, thoroughly researched culinary courses on plant-based cuisine. How do you define “plant based cuisine”? It’s a style of cooking and eating that’s
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7300 Post Road North Kingstown • 295.7179 Chef Lewis (center) with some of his students
essentially the right way to eat: whole grains, lots of plants, animal proteins at a minimum, in a supporting role or not at all. The course is part of a new concentration we’re offering to Bachelor degree students called Wellness and Sustainability. Through this framework, the majority of our food is sourced from local farms using Farm Fresh RI’s Market Mobile. What does the course cover? We start with broad topics ranging from plant-based ethnic cuisines, to all forms of vegetarianism and meatminimalistic diets, to specific applications of plant-based cookery. Then we dive into topics such as local, seasonal and sustainable sourcing, numerous food-related issues, diet and health, and planning plant-based menus, recipes and restaurants. The daily menus echo the course curriculum with ethnic plant-based cuisine, vegetarian and meat-minimalistic cooking. What kind of dishes do students prepare? One highlight is a Cannelini Bean Boudin with Roasted Hen of the Woods Mushrooms, Romanesco, Purple Noodle Beans and Farming Turtles’ Amaranth Sprouts – a vegetarian play on the classic French sausage. We also did an Edamame and
Summer Fluke Crudo with Kenyon’s Cornmeal Grits, Matcha Tea Powder, Schartner Greens and Shiso Oil (meatminimalistic). Grits with our crudo, as unlikely as it seems, was a match made in heaven. What are some cooking techniques used in the class? We use everything, including many modern techniques, but we try to focus on food at an artisan level. Students make fresh cheeses, milk analogs and powders from scratch. We tinker with hydrocolloids (aka gums) also, but truth be told, we make it a priority not to over-manipulate our farm fresh foods. Case in point, we were going to roast some Cooks Valley plums and top them with torched sabayon one day, but once we tasted them we were like, “They’re too perfect to cook!” Do you have any favorite places to eat in the area? When I’m out to relax, I love to visit my friends at Ebisu or El Rancho Grande. Ebisu’s menu is fun and tasty and Maria’s food at El Rancho is delicious, authentic and honest. One of my favorite items on her menu is vegetarian: roast cauliflower and zucchini prepared like chiles rellenos (chili pepper stuffed with cheese). Now that’s a scrumptious plant-based dish!
Tues-Sat 10-5
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Visit us at the location of your choice... Haruki Cranston 1210 Oaklawn Ave Cranston 401.463.8338
Haruki ExprEss 112 Waterman St Providence 401.421.0754
Haruki East 172 Wayland Ave Providence 401.223.0332
November 2011 | Providence Monthly
53
Feast |
on the menu
by John Taraborelli
Bigger is Better
an ambitious downtown space is reborn
1860 Broad Street • Cranston www.thecupcakerie.net • 467-2601 Kristin@thecupcakerie.net
We Buy, Sell & Trade New + Used Commercial Restaurant Equipment Custom Metal Fabrication Exhaust Hood Design & Installation From ranges to smallwares, we have it all!
221 Admiral Street Providence, RI • 421-7030 (open to the public)
63 Water Street, Warren RI 401-247-7100 • www.thegreeneryri.com
Speciality Food productS
Gluten Free • Organic • Diabetic Lactose Free • Kosher • Vegan Sampling Event by: Against The Grain Saturday, November 12, 2011 9:30am - 4:00pm. Come enjoy Baguettes, Rolls and Pizza. Ever had Apple Pizza? Come try it out!! Recipe available at event.
We have all your traditional Thanksgiving needs in stock 80 Main Road, Tiverton • (401) 816-5844 www.healthyhavenRI.com
54
Providence Monthly | November 2011
was built in 1901, well before the FDIC was established to protect customers from bank failures. As such, it was built in the grand old style, its construction intended to say, “We’re going to be here for a while.” Similarly, The Dorrance (60 Dorrance St.), the new restaurant that occupies the Union Trust Bank, was designed to make a statement. Simply put, it’s huge and gorgeous, breathing new life into the banquet hall and event space formerly known as the Federal Reserve. The new team behind it has equally large ambitions. Owned and operated by the Lester family – mother Jean and daughter-in-law Regina, with some help from Regina’s husband Michael, who works for a liquor company – The Dorrance boasts some of the best available talent on the local restauThe dining room at The Dorrance rant scene. Chef Ben Sukle is formerly of La Laiterie, and recently lard greens and Pan Roasted Porgy with returned from a stage (unpaid appole beans. The food is elegant and prenticeship) at Copenhagen’s Noma, straightforward, intended to let the carenamed the best in the world by Restaufully sourced ingredients, rather than rant magazine two years running. Bethe chef, be the star of the show. The hind the bar is Jesse Hedberg of Cook Roasted Chicken Leg, for example, was and Brown Public House and Newsucculent and slightly pink, unlike the port’s Fluke Wine Bar. Though he predry, Purdue-style white meat to which fers the humble title “barman,” Hedberg most of us are accustomed; it tasted like has established a reputation as one of chicken, not sauce or seasoning. the city’s foremost cocktail craftsmen. The cocktails, meanwhile, are decidThough The Dorrance will remain edly not simple, with Hedberg applyavailable for weddings and other events, ing classic bartending techniques and it will also be a full service restaurant forward-thinking creativity in equal open for lunch Monday through Friday measure – with a dash of technology. and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. The Vesperlini, for instance, is a play One of the Lester family’s goals is to reinon the classic cocktail of James Bond tegrate this formerly inaccessible space fame, the Vesper. Traditionally a mixture into the restaurant scene. “We want to of gin, vodka and Lillet, The Dorrance’s be part of the resurgence of Downtown version uses artisanal gin and vodka, and help to build up our favorite city in then adds Cocchi Americano (an Italian the world,” says Michael Lester. aperitif) and Dandelion and Burdock The menu, which will change often, Bitters, then charges it up with a bit of is a reflection of Sukle’s almost obsesfizz courtesy of the Perlini System, a sive focus on sourcing local, seasonal CO2 system that enables the bartender ingredients. The opening menu included to carbonate drinks to order. appetizers like Charred Baby Octopus It’s an ambitious operation, and the and Roasted Cauliflower, and entrees team has its eyes fixed firmly on comlike Soft-Poached Duck Egg with colpeting with the kind of big city restau-
rants that cause the national food press to spill ink generously. And like the Union Trust Bank, The Dorrance employs its grand atmosphere to convey its aspirations. “We want to build it slow,” notes Michael Lester, “and do it right for the long haul.” PRE-HOLIDAY EVENTS Also at The Dorrance this month is the Savory Grape’s fifth annual Charity Fall Wine Festival. On Saturday, November 5, the East Greenwich wine shop will offer more than 50 wines from around the world, including some rare vintages. There will be hors d’oeuvres, live music and live and silent auctions. Tickets are $75, and all proceeds benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Visit thesavorygrape.com for more information. On Wednesday, November 2 from 6-10pm, the Roger Williams Botanical Center is transformed into Federal Hill for a night. Taste of the Hill is billed as “Federal Hill’s premier food, wine and art event.” It’s a fundraiser to benefit the Federal Hill House Association. This year’s participants include Hill favorites like Angelo’s, Siena, Venda Ravioli and the Blue Grotto, but also more eclectic restaurants like Julian’s, El Rancho Grande and Rasoi, and vendors like Narragansett Creamery. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door and can be purchased at tasteofthehill.org. STOCKING UP FOR WINTER Farm Fresh RI continues its mission to bring fresh, local food to all Rhode Islanders with its new Farm to Food Pantry program, which launched in August. The idea is simple: produce left over from the end of farmer’s markets is loaded onto the Market Mobile and delivered to charitable food pantries around the state. Currently seven food pantries in Providence, Bristol, Central Falls, Peace Dale and Newport, serving over 1500 families, are part of the program.
Photography: Amy Amerantes
The Union Trust Bank
food. drink. music. The gorgeous Stage Door Restaurant and Lounge, in the Park Theatre building, provides the perfect setting dinner before an event at the Park Theatre.
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November 2011 | Providence Monthly
55
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Providence Monthly | November 2011
BRASSERIE
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Feast |
review
by Linda Beaulieu
Little Bites, Big Buzz
Tapas comes to downcity
Photography: Kate Kelley
Flan y Ajo reminds me of the venerable Al Forno when it first opened in its original location at 7 Steeple Street. It was 1980, and Al Forno was probably the most exciting thing that happened that year in Providence. In that tiny space, now expanded and occupied by New Rivers, food the likes of which we had never tasted before came out of the kitchen run by a young couple, Johanne Killeen and George Germon. Everybody was talking about Al Forno and its new take on Italian cuisine. Thirty-one years later, we have an even smaller restaurant creating quite a buzz. This time it’s all about tapas, the tantalizing appetizers or snacks in Spanish cuisine. Making the tapas is a modern-day young couple, Siobhan Maria Etxeberria and Diego Luis Perez. Translated, Flan y Ajo means flan (a sweet custard dessert) and garlic, and together the name represents the sweet and savory tapas served there. Siobhan and Diego experienced a great deal of true tapas in their travels through Spain. Diego learned how to make all the food on the menu from his father, who was born there. Like Al Forno back in the day, Flan y Ajo has a growing number of fans who are passionate about this new restaurant. So much so that some are critical of this diamond in the rough, asking how dare they take up precious floor space with an old pinball machine? (A quarter will get you two plays.) Space is at a premium. There are no tables in this true tapas restaurant. In nice weather, there are a couple of wrought iron tables out front
on the sidewalk, but we can forget about that until spring. Inside there is a tall, almost too tall, counter where you can sip on Spanish coffee and watch the food being prepared. Seating is limited to a few stools and six gold cushioned window seats along the plate-glass storefront. Spanish tiles decorate one wall. Slightly bizarre Spanish artwork hangs on the other walls. Around the perimeter of the small room is another counter, really more of a ledge, with just enough room for small plates of food and beverages. As for those beverages, world travelers will appreciate the Mexican cola and Italian sodas on the menu. This is a BYOB establishment, with a wine shop right next door if you leave your bottle at home. If you’re there with friends, and drinks are more important than food, you might just want to graze on the Olivas ($3 to $5). That includes tiny green Manzanilla olives with a mild, smoky flavor, and marinated olives hand stuffed with anchovies. We stopped in on a Thursday night with two dear friends who had been to Flan y Ajo and gave it a rave review. The most expensive tapas on the menu are priced at $8, so we asked Siobhan to bring us everything on the menu, two or three plates at a time. Some dishes were so extraordinary, such as the Tortilla Española and the Gambas al Ajillo, we ordered second servings. All these “snacks” added up to a delicious dinner, and quite affordable since we brought two bottles of exquisite white wine to go with the food. My first bite was of the Piquillos Rel-
The dining room has an open floor plan with counters for dining and a pinball machine
Gambas al ajillo
lenos ($4). The petite Spanish peppers were stuffed with tuna, onions, capers and the clean, sharp herbal taste of lemon verbena. Next came the Pa amb Tomaquet ($2.50), slices of rustic bread covered with a tomato-garlic spread. The refreshing Gazpacho ($3.50) is the classic Andalucian soup, made with finely chopped tomatoes and vegetables, served cold in a large shot glass. The aforementioned Tortilla Española ($3) would also be great at breakfast. An egg is fried with onions and potatoes in olive oil and served over more of that rustic bread. The Gambas al Ajillo ($6.50) is a generous serving of medium-size shrimp sizzling in garlic. Winning the “to die for” accolade were the Croquettas ($5), Spanish croquettes made with jamon (Spanish ham) the night we were there. On another night they might be made with chicken. These deep-fried bundles of savory ingredients are encased in breadcrumbs for a slight crunch with every bite. In a nice contrast to this, the Patatas Bravas ($4) were roasted potatoes in a spicy sauce. The Boquerones ($3) were slivers of Mediterrnean anchovies served on house-made olive oil crackers. Most people either love or hate anchovies, which are brown in color when served in a Caesar salad or on pizza. But after fresh anchovies are marinated in a bath of salt water and then vinegar, the tiny fish fillets turn white. Because of that marinade, the Boquerones do not go well with wine. Beer would be a much better pairing. Another dish that we politely fought over was the Embutidos ($6.50), cured meats including thinly sliced Spanish ham and spicy sausages. My favorite dish was the Queso, or cheese platter, again a rather generous offering of Spanish cheeses, including an eight-month-old slightly piquant Manchego, rosemary Manchego (coated in chopped rosemary), an intensely fla-
vored Valdeon blue cheese, and P’tit Basque with its earthy, nutty flavor. These cheeses and others can also be ordered individually ($3 to $5). The authentic menu changes slightly from day to day. On a subsequent visit, I was tempted by the Higos con Jamon ($4.50), or fresh figs stuffed with Spanish ham, and the raisin-fennel bread topped with truly delicious membrillo (quince jam made in house) and Manchego cheese ($1.50). But Siobhan assured me that about eight dishes, the staples of a tapas restaurant, are always available. Dishes such as the Albondigas (Spanish meatballs) are on the daily menu, although some days they are made with beef and other times with lamb. For postre (that’s dessert), of course there are flans ($3). The lavender flan is fragrant; the saffron and nutmeg flan is beyond moist. They all go well with the Spanish coffees ($1.50 to $2.50): café solo or espresso; café cortado or espresso with a splash of milk; café con leche made with equal amounts of espresso and steamed milk; and café bombon, or espresso with condensed milk. Flan y Ajo is also open for lunch, serving bocadillos, or Spanish sandwiches. My only complaint was the lack of tables, but that might be down the line for this buzz-worthy eatery. Siobhan smiled when she said, “I think that’s coming… Yes, that might be coming.” Linda Beaulieu is the author of The Providence and Rhode Island Cookbook, available at stores throughout the state.
Flan y ajo 225 Westminster Street 573-7253 flanyajo.com
November 2011 | Providence Monthly
57
La La Luxe Feast |
Salon
behind the bar
by Christy Raposo
Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em Have a cigar and a Scotch with Tammany Hall’s Carmella Cantone
Online BOOking AT
www.LaLaLuxeSalon.com
How’s your scotch selection? Very good. We carry all the Johnnys: Johnny Walker Black, Blue, Red and Gold. Blue is the most expensive scotch we offer at $30 a glass. We also serve Dewar’s, McCallen 12 and 18 and Dalwhinne. Those are the most popular ones. Is there any one scotch that you would recommend to pair with a cigar? Johnny Walker Black. It’s one of the smoother scotches that will accommodate the taste of the cigar at a reasonable price point. A lot of the cigar smokers tend to lean toward it. Can you bring your own cigars here? Yes. If you have your own cigar box, you can rent a spot in the humidor.
Two for Tuesdays 2 glasses of wine with 2 entrees for $30* *taxes and tip not included
Now Serving Sunday Brunch Open 7 days a week for Dinner Open for Lunch Wed-Sun
made by Guido Rus www.de-rus.nl
315 Waterman Avenue East Providence • 432-7000 www.vineyardri.com Formerly Joseph’s/Cattails 58
Providence Monthly | November 2011
Do you smoke? No. We have an excellent ventilation system here so it’s not smoky. I smell like a cigar when I leave, but it’s worth every second of being here. How did you end up behind Tammany’s bar? Prior to bartending, I’ve waitressed my whole life. My uncle is a regular at Tammany and suggested I get some bar experience here. I started here almost four years ago. Our customers have inspired me to continue to work here; I have a great relationship with them. It’s a very friendly, comfortable atmosphere for both the bartenders and customers. The walls here are covered in framed
photographs. Who’s in the photos? Those are photos of our regulars. Once a year we add new photos. It’s our way of showing our customers that we appreciate them. We try to hang them on the wall where they usually sit. What is your signature drink? A Dragonberry Cosmo – it’s a cosmo, but I replaced the citrus vodka with Bacardi Dragonberry rum. It’s delicious. The bar’s signature drinks would be the Sangria and espresso martinis. They are popular and fun to make. I noticed a golden lab at the bar when I walked in. Are dogs allowed to drink here? If it’s not in the way of other customers, our regulars occasionally bring their pets. Local customers will walk in for one drink with their four-legged wingman. We have limited seating outside where customers can sit with their pets; we’re fine with people coming with their dogs.
Is the smoking aspect a turn-off to some people? If you haven’t visited here yet, you definitely should. We have great relationships with our customers. We personally welcome everyone that hasn’t been here before. Don’t get turned off by the term “smoking bar.” It’s not as smoky as you think. Once you get yourself in here and get to experience the service we provide, you’ll definitely come back. Tammany caters to its customers. For example, if there is a wine that isn’t on our list, we’ll order it for you.
Tammany Hall 409 Atwells Avenue 831-3180 facebook.com/TammanyRI
Photography: Mike Braca
383-3797 139 Elmgrove Ave, Providence
Tell me about Tammany Hall. Tammany Hall is a smoking bar; we sell food, alcohol and cigars. It’s a nice, relaxing Irish pub that is completely different from all the other places on Federal Hill. There is a small humidor room here on-site where we store our cigars. There is a great football crowd here on Sundays and Monday nights. During the day, a lot of businessmen come in. Nighttime and weekends – it’s a mixed crowd. Females will come enjoy cigars too. Surprisingly, a lot of people who come in here don’t smoke.
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November 2011 | Providence Monthly
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Providence Monthly | November 2011
Wednesday Saturday
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Feast |
In the drink
By Emily Dietsch
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our best homegrown liquor has a resurgence story, and bourbon is our high-proof comeback kid. Once endangered by poor quality and low demand, the liquor is back from the brink and run rampant. The Food Network’s sweethearts peddle bourbon-y desserts with a wink. Bartenders mix bourbon cocktails with a circus of bells and whistles. Bourbon is poured into coffee, transformed into barbecue sauce, and doused with ginger ale for an ironically low-rent tipple. At the heart of this bourbon-fest, however, lies a sad paradox: too often bourbon is a headliner in name only, and subdued to bitplayer in practice. Pity that. Good bourbons, even great bourbons, are widely available after years in decline, and some deserve as much reverence as their transatlantic, upmarket brethren. (That’s Scotch and Irish whiskey, all of the same family.) This is especially so as weather turns crisp, since America’s first and best contribution to the liquor cabinet pairs naturally with the season. To set this right, I oh-so-altruistically committed to investigating bourbon three ways: solo, and in hot and cold mixed drinks that highlight rather than mask its presence. As a uniting theme, I chose to play with ginger – evocative of fall, and a classic match for bourbon – without resorting to Canada Dry. Thus, the queue: Project A would be a tasting, aided by gingersnaps. Project B, a refashioned hot toddy. And last, Project C, a bourbon-based fall cocktail from one of Providence’s top bar mavericks. Let’s begin at the beginning, with bourbon and gingersnaps. I’d gotten the idea from a fellow barfly, who mentioned a dessert-esque mode for the liquor that caught my fancy: sipped neat or splashed with water, plus gingersnaps dipped and nibbled on the side. Effectively, he claimed, the coupling is a pleasantly boozy version of coffee taken with biscotti, in which each component becomes better in tandem but not radically different. Better still, the combination is a perfect vehicle for a bourbon tour. With that in mind, I cajoled M., a bourbon-loving friend, to lend his formi-
dable collection for a tasting. (Happily, those without such well-stocked friends can find flights at La Laiterie or LJ’s BBQ, a savvy way to play the field before committing to a full bottle or three.) On a particularly, deliciously chilled night, M. and I opened
up the liquor cabinet and a packet of ginger thins, and set out a scientist’s ration of test samples. All the bottles were impressive, drinkable as standalone liquors, and wildly distinct in character. In sum, we had liquid proof of the strides that bourbon producers have made since the dregs of Prohibition sullied the liquor’s name. A caution for those who wish to repeat the experiment, however: scrawling notes is recommended when one’s study comes with a side of inebriation.
With Project A complete, Project B put the winning bourbon, Basil Hayden’s, to work in a gingersuffused riff on the hot toddy. For the uninitiated – and, please, initiate yourselves – a toddy begins with a good dose of whiskey, typically one from the British isles, that’s steamed up with a cup or two of hot water, and finished with lemon and honey. Given the original’s near-perfection, I aimed for different rather than better, and rated top marks for an all-American rendition that uses only fresh ginger, apple cider and bourbon. A dead-simple formula: steep chopped ginger in screaming hot cider for half an hour, strain and reheat with a liberal glug of bourbon. Nothing could make me abandon my classic toddy, sure, but this new bourbon cousin feels incomparably, irresistibly, plaidand-red-cheeks wholesome. Mentioning my coup to David Mangiantine, the guru who oversees La Laiterie’s gem of a bar program, I garnered my third and final bourbon-andginger project. Rather than a hot drink, Mr. Mangiantine proposed a cocktail on the rocks that captures the same vividly pastoral, fall-ish goodness of a cider toddy. Named “The Augustus” after Augustus Bulleit, who distilled the first-ever batch of Bulleit bourbon, the drink is somewhat intricate and rather ingenious: bourbon, ginger liqueur, spiced rum and a smidge of honey, served over ice and frothed with soda water to leaven the spicy-sweetness of it all. “This has fall written all over it,” he promised. And so it does.
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Monthly
october 2011 #179
in Matunuck
with RWU’s new president
Living Well on the East Bay & South Coast
October 2011
Portrait of an Artist
Wheeler School builds on the artistic tradition of its founder
examining the issues affecting the city’s most famous neighborhood
Life on the Farm
Well
A closer look at
Federal Hill
dressed +
twirling tassels at the rI burlesque Academy
A look at what local fashionistas are wearing this season
Pre-Sorted Standard US POSTAGE PAID Providence, RI Permit No. 34
Illustration: Ashley MacLure
America loves a comeback
Paige Weisenfeld at the Ocean House in Watch Hill
Our Annual Fall Arts Preview pg 17
Local growers on modern-day farming
+
one-on-one with the new director of the Courthouse Center for the Arts
An Original Horror Story for Halloween pg 23
oCtoBEr 2011 #26
Jan and Michelle Eckhart at Sweet Berry Farm in Middletown
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Monday: Restaurant Roulette
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Providence Monthly | November 2011
Feast |
dining Guide
special advertising section
Happy Thanksgiving From the STAFF of the...
ity 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 $ 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 $
XO Café 125 North main St., Providence; 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 $$-$$$
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 $$-$$$ ABYSSINIA 333 Wickenden St.; 4541412. Enjoy the unique experience of Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine, using your fingers (and Ethiopia’s famed flatbread) to sample richly spiced meat, fish and vegetable dishes. (Forks are available, but less fun.) LD $-$$ ANDREAS 268 Thayer St.; 331-7879. For a taste of Greece, head to Andreas. Their menu includes souvlaki, moussaka and a variety of kabobs, along with specialties like Lemon Oregano Lamb Chops and Spanakopita, an appetizer of spinach and feta in flaky phyllo dough. BrLD $-$$
sushi. The gorgeous banquet room is available for private functions. LD $-$$$ ASPIRE RESTAURANT 311 Westminster St.; 521-3333. Aspire offers an exquisite fine dining experience with a number of delicious small and large plates, numerous fine wines and full bar – with an emphasis on local ingredients. BBrLD $-$$$ 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 $-$$
ASIAN BISTRO 123 Dorrance St.; 3833551. Chinese, Japanese and Thai, hibachi and sushi – they’re all under one roof at Asian Bistro. For the freshest flavors in a convenient downtown location, this is the place. LD $-$$$
THE BRADFORD 142 Atwells Ave.; 4327422. The Bradford is little neighborhood gem in the heart of Federal Hill. It’s casual, comfortable and up for just about anything. The menu offers classic Italian dishes alongside burgers and sandwiches. D $$
ASIAN PALACE 1184 North Main St.; 228-7805. All the flavors of Asia are here: from Chinese classics to new Thai favorites to fresh, impeccably prepared
BRAVO BRASSERIE 123 Empire St.; 490-5112. Enjoy lunch and dinner at this American bistro with the French flair. Located downtown across from Trin-
Key
CAFé PARAGON 234 Thayer St.; 3316200. This hip eatery serves sandwiches, pasta, and entrees at prices lower than the chic décor would have you believe. The adjoining Viva lounge is perfect for after-dinner drinks and private parties. BrLD $-$$ 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 $-$$ CAV 14 Imperial Pl.; 751-9164. The New York Times’ choice as one of Providence’s five best restaurants, CAV’s contemporary award-winning cuisine is available for lunch and dinner daily. They also feature Saturday/Sunday brunch. BRLD $$-$$$ DON JOSE TEQUILAS 351 Atwells Ave.; 454-8951. Don Jose’s digs a little deeper than your average Mexican restaurant, with all the basics you love alongside more artfully composed entrees and a wonderful selection of house-made tequilas. LD $$
Authentic Indian Cuisine Right on Federal Hill! 145 Dean St. (Off Atwells Ave) Providence 273-6363
bombayclubri.com Convenient free parking in back
City Girl Cupcake is a Providence sweet treat destination with over 50 flavors of cupcakes, homemade ice cream and cake pops.
99 Weybosset Street, Providence 580-1271 • citygirlcupcake.com
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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 $-$$ HARRY’S BURGER & BAR 121 North Main St.; 228-7437. Harry’s features only freshly ground beef, Nathan’s hot dogs, a long list of craft beers and new twists on cocktails. A perfect quick bite or night out. LD $-$$ HARUKI EAST 172 Wayland Ave.; 223-
Br brunch B breakfast L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
November 2011 | Providence Monthly
63
ing If you’re not e’Sa,t CASERTA you’re not eating pizza!
1. OFF
$ 00
A DELICIOUS 12-PIECE PIZZA
The ORIGINAL
CASERTA PIZZERIA
A Rhode Island Tradition for over 50 years
There’s Only One Caserta 121 Spruce St., Providence (On the Hill) Parking Available
Take out 272-3618 or 621-3618 or 621-9190
trinity repertory
Feast |
dining Guide
0332. For authentic Japanese dining, try Haruki’s large variety of sushi, sashimi, bento boxes, soba noodles and delicious specialty entrees. Enjoy the chic atmosphere and the freshest sushi around. LD $-$$$ HEMENWAY’S 121 South Main St.; 3518570. A true Providence classic, Hemenway’s has been serving top-notch seafood for 20 years. Their oyster bar features everything from the famed Prince Edward Island variety to the local favorite, Poppasquash Point. LD $$-$$$
Hope Street. LD $-$$ OPA 244 Atwells Ave.; 351-8282. Visit Lebanon for dinner. Select from a menu of authentic dishes or let the chef prepare a platter of 12 “mezza” items ranging from salads to seafood to grilled meats. D $$-$$$ PARKSIDE 76 South Main St.; 331-0003. Chef/owner Steven Davenport offers innovative and classic foods with eclectic flare. The menu also includes creative pasta dishes and, of course, the signature rotisserie meats for which Parkside is famous. LD $-$$
company
JACKY’S WATERPLACE 200 Exchange St.; 383-5000. Experience sushi, Chinese and Japanese food, noodles and much more in a stunning atmosphere, right in the heart of Waterplace Park. Sip an exotic drink while taking in the spectacular view. LD $-$$$
PRESENTED by
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 $-$$
RICK’S ROADHOUSE 370 Richmond St.; 272-7675. With hand-cut, fire kissed steaks, gut busting burgers and fall off the bone ribs, Rick’s brings the best slow-cooked cuisine to the Ocean State. LD $-$$
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 $-$$
RUE BIS 95 South St.; 490-9966. This intimate eatery provides breakfast and lunch in a cozy, neighborhood bistro atmosphere – all with the gourmet pedigree of Hope Street dining staple Rue De L’Espoir behind it. BBrL $
MCFADDEN’S RESTAURANT AND SALOON 52 Pine St.; 861-1782. Looking for a great sports bar that also offers topnotch dining? Look no further. For game night, a quality lunch or dinner, or a great after-work cocktail, stop by McFadden’s. LD $-$$
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 $$-$$$
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 $$-$$$
SIENA 238 Atwells Ave.; 521-3311. Federal Hill’s Siena features authentic Tuscan cuisine in a warm and lively atmosphere. The extensive menu includes woodgrilled veal, steak and seafood entrees along with signature pasta and sauté dishes. D $$-$$$
SUPPORTING SPONSOR
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333 Wickenden Street, Providence • 454-1412 www.abyssinia-restaurant.com Free delivery in Providence Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm • Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
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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 $-$$$
NEW RIVERS 7 Steeple St.; 751-0350. Long considered one of Providence’s finest restaurants, the James Beard Awardnominated New Rivers serves creative New American cuisine with an emphasis on local, seasonal ingredients in an intimate setting. D $$-$$$
TAMMANY HALL 409 Atwells Ave.; 8313180. This Irish pub and parlor is the place to be for food, drink and a relaxing smoke. Enjoy their friendly service and great pub fare while lighting up your favorite cigar. LD $
NOT JUST SNACKS 833 Hope St.; 8311150. Indeed, it’s not just snacks, but rather some of the tastiest, most authentic Indian food around served in a comfortable, homey setting right in the heart of
TASTE OF INDIA 230 Wickenden St.; 421-4355. Providence’s first Indian restaurant delivers on its promise of serving real (and really delicious) Indian cuisine, with seafood delicacies and Tandoori
Key
Br brunch B breakfast L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
specialties, made with authentic Indian spices. LD $-$$
setting. They also offer a gourmet wine list. BrLD $-$$$
TRATTORIA ZOOMA 245 Atwells Ave.; 383-2002. Located on historic Federal Hill, Zooma offers award winning Neapolitan cuisine in a beautiful, upscale setting, specializing in house made pasta, local fish, meats, vegetables and authentic wood fired pizza.LD $$-$$$
VINEYARD EAST 315 Waterman Ave., East Providence; 432-7000. Wine-influenced dinning meets casual down home atmosphere, and an eclectic menu of regional fare like local seafood favorites and Italian and Portuguese classics. LD $$
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 light with a “Tofurkey” kielbasa sandwich from the menu’s Weird Stuff section. They deliver. LD $-$$ WALTER’S RISTORANTE D’ITALIA 286 Atwells Ave.; 273-2652. Experience the authentic flavors of Chef Walter Potenza, a name long synonymous with Italian food in Rhode Island. This is a must-stop for foodies, and caters to gluten-free diners. D $$-$$$
East bay BILLY’S 286 Maple Ave., Barrington; 289-2888. Billy’s creates a warm, inviting family atmosphere and ensures the finest quality ingredients in everything from fresh salads to juicy burgers to pizzas and Italian entrees. Full bar available. D $-$$ 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 $-$$$ HORTON’S SEAFOOD 809 Broadway, East Providence; 434-3116. Enjoy the finest of fresh seafood at this family-ownedand-operated restaurant. Horton’s is famous for their fried clams and fish and chips, and offers takeout. LD $-$$ 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 $$ LE CENTRAL 483 Hope St.; 396-9965. Enjoy a variety of classic French staples from Coq au Vin and Croque Monsieur, to North African tajines in an intimate
Key
South County
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ELEVEN FORTY NINE RESTAURANT 1149 Division St, (Warwick/East Greenwich line); 884-1149. 965 Fall River Ave., Seekonk; 508-336-1149. Metropolitan chic comes to the suburbs at this super stylish restaurant with a raw bar, outstanding menu, and some of the best cocktails around. LD $$-$$$
This Christmas ...Experience a trip on the Blackstone Valley
POLAR EXPRESS
A story reading of The Polar Express during a 90 minute train trip. Meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and The Conductor! Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and a Christmas sing-a-long. Visit our festive Christmas shop and receive a special gift from Santa! All trips leave from the historic train Depot in Woonsocket
November and December 2011
SIENA CUCINA 5600 Post Rd., East Greenwich; 885-8850. Siena features authentic Tuscan cuisine in a warm and lively atmosphere, plus over 20 wines by the glass and an Italian “tapas” menu. D $$-$$$
North LA CUCINA 266 Putnam Pike, Smithfield; 349-4130. Experience the authentic flavors of Italy at this charming restaurant specializing in pastas, succulent seafood, steaks or chicken entrees. Leave room for dessert. BLD $-$$$ 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 $$-$$$
Tickets start at $35
www.tourblackstone.com or call 401-724-2200
From Farm to Table
All our food is made from local, farm fresh ingredients. Open Mic Thursday Live music Fri and Sat Full Bar Available
“Hope to see you soon!”
–Andrea Chef/Owner
The
Locals
11 Waterman Avenue North Providence • 401-231-2231
Hours: Tue-Wed 10am to 3pm, Thurs - Sat 10am to 3pm then 5pm to 11pm
Holiday Craft Fair To benefit the East Providence Scout House
November 12th 9-4pm Featuring
Christmas Ornaments • Hand Painted Bags Clothing • Candles • Jellies Quilting • Painted Wood Stained Glass Jewelry • Chocolates Bake Table, and much more!
All Professional Crafters Held at
East Providence High School Br brunch B breakfast L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
2000 Pawtucket Avenue
November 2011 | Providence Monthly
65
T h e H o l i d ay s i n
Festival of Lights December 3rd Lighting at 6pm
Celebrate our 15 year anniversary with us! $15 entrees and $15 bottles of wine Available Sunday-Thursday
We are participating in
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November 18-19 | 9 AM- 5:30 PM
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Get Out
EVENTS / ART / MUSIC / THEATRE
All Hopped Up November 5: Admit it, oh you of the handled, frosty glass stein. There have been instances where crossing over to the long stemmed balloon glass side has crossed your mind. Your motivation? Sheer jealousy over the opportunities available to wine drinkers. Team Vino’s got it easy. Plentiful tastings at vineyards and liquor stores. Embarrassing attention with hovering sommeliers as they swirl, sniff and taste. And you?
Go ahead and ask for a sample; you’ll probably get laughed out of the bar. That’s why it’s important to take your homework seriously at the Great International Beer Festival. It’s the rare chance to sample the work of more than 250 brewers, and figure out if pale ale ever makes the cut in your stout world. 1-4:30pm and 6:30-10pm. $40. Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin Street. 274-3234, beerfestamerica.com. –Dawn Keable
November 2011 | Providence Monthly
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Get Out |
Calendar
by Dawn Keable
This Month November 1 Your choice: Watch the Dancing With The Stars cast struggle through their latest routine, or opt for the cringefree choice of Compania Flamenco Jose Porcel performing Gypsy Fire, straight from Seville. 7:30pm. $35, $30 ages 62+, $20 staff, $15 ages 12 and under, $5 student. Auditorium at Roberts Hall, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue. 4568144, ric.edu/pfa. November 3 Really, not everyone lives here because that’s just what you do. Marta Martinez uses narratives from the Rhode Island Latino Oral History Project to explore Latin Roots: The History of Latin Americans in Rhode Island. Any guilt from your lack of adventure, well, that’s on you. 6pm. Free. Olneyville Community Library, One Olneyville Square. 521-7266, nps.gov/rowi. November 3 While the late Richard Brown Baker, who donated his modern British art collection to the RISD Museum, didn’t have a crystal ball for art collecting, this chat, Brilliant British Art in the US, should help you better hone your instincts. 6:30-8pm. Free with museum admission: $10, $7 ages 62+, $3 ages 5-18, $3 students, free RISD Brown community. Metcalf Audiorium, Chace Center, 20 North Main Street. 454-6500, risdmuseum.org. November 4-13 Of course you’ve always enjoyed the audio version of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn on your ride home, but when Mark Twain Talks at this live show, you’ll get more of the wit and wisdom of the humorist, as well as a visual. $25. Rhode Island Center for Performing Arts, 848 Park Avenue, Cranston. 467-7275, parktheatreri.com. November 10-30 Oil paint? Yup, slightly flammable. So, what would be the most natural way for painter Ron Ehrlich to fuse
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Providence Monthly | November 2011
together layers of paint and sand to create his abstracts? Using a blowtorch, of course. You just wish you thought of it first. Tuesday-Friday: 12-8pm. Free. Bannister Gallery, Rhode Island College, 600 Mount Pleasant Avenue. 456-9765, ric.edu/ bannister. November 10 Hungry at 2am? Your solution originated in Providence 1872: The Birth of the Diner Business that Became an American Institution. Director of the Culinary Arts Museum, author and greasy spoon expert Richard Gutman wraps up Providence’s 375th birthday lecture series with the story. 6pm. Free. Johnson and Wales Culinary Museum, 315 Harborside Boulevard. 521-7266, nps.gov/rowi. November 11 Sure, a good part of the appeal of the Hanneke Cassel Trio is to experience the talent of a fiddler, accompanied by a guitarist and cellist, who retains the soul of Scottish tradition while being on the cutting edge of acoustic music. But just being inside this crib is pretty cool too. 6:30pm. $18, $20 at door. Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum, 199 Hope Street. 453-0688, preserveri.org. November 12 If the only thing you’ve thought about the World War I, World War II and Korean War monuments in Memorial Park, is how their bases make a great place to have lunch, you might want to delve into The Secret Life of War Memorials, a walking tour with Patti Cassidy, for perspective. 10-11:30am. $10. John Brown House Museum, 52 Power Street. 273-7507, rihs.org. November 12 Apparently Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue felt bad that the rain kept you away from their gig closing out the Newport Jazz Festival. Don’t be such a baby this time around. You don’t want to miss the action of these insanely talented
Deer Tick
Party Like It’s 1636 People like to make a big deal out of milestone birthdays – 21, 30, 50, 60. While all momentous occasions in their own right, they’ve got nothing on the big 375. Yep, that fine ol’ gal Providence is celebrating quite a birthday this year and she’s inviting everyone. Hey Providence, It’s Your Birthday! at the Providence Performing Arts Center is going to have all the elements of a proper soiree: music, courtesy of Area 401, hometown heroes Deer Tick and more; food, from the array of food trucks parked outside; and, of course, cake – plenty of cake. There will be birthday cake for all in attendance, plus local bakeries competing to see who can do the city proud with the most creative offering. There will even be fireworks, and all the living mayors will be joining the festivities. That Chuck E. Cheese ball pool extravaganza you threw when you turned eight can’t hold a birthday candle to that. Tickets are $3.75, $13.75 and $37.50. 220 Weybosset Street. providence375.com
Get Out |
Calendar
musicians swappin’ instruments again. 8pm. $25. The Met, Hope Artist Village, 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. 729-1005, themetri.com. November 14-December 7 No grandfather to teach you the family craft? No worries. The Weld to Work Program can take over the training, provided you’re a Rhode Island resident between 18-24, motivated to learn, physically able, meet income guidelines and fill out an application. Weekdays: 9:30am4:30pm, no classes November 2325. Free. The Steel Yard, 27 Sims Avenue. 273-7101, thesteelyard.org. November 16 Enjoy the holiday harmonies of Straight No Chaser, a ten-member, all-male vocal group smartly formed while its members were all students at Indiana University, and, in theory at least, past that period of voice changing that can really mess with your adult career. 7:30pm. $27.50, $37.50, $47.50. Dunkin Donuts Center, One Lasalle Square. 331-6700, dunkindonutscenter.com. November 18 If you’ve been thinking that Providence needs a house band, kidnapping MarchFourth might be the solution. Granted Portland, Oregon will be sad, but the marching band, with its funky electric bass, do-it-yourself costumes, grand pageantry and performers like stilt walkers, seems like something we’d dream up. 8pm. $10, $12 door. Fete, 103 Dike Street. 3831112, fetemusic.com. November 18-20 Well I Never Saw That Coming might be the name of the Manton Avenue Project’s surprise ending plays, but also describes the joy of seeing a pint-sized production to which you’ve got no familial obligation. Friday: 7pm, Saturday: 3pm and 7pm, Sunday: 3pm. Free, donation suggested. Met School, Media and Arts Center, 325 Public Street. 331-7007, mantonavenueproject.org.
November 21 Dear misunderstood doodler, filling up desk blotters, calendars and any scrap of paper with your simple sketches, artist Mary Jane Bohlen may have a better place to redirect for your raw talent with Zentangle, a method of creating beautiful images from, yes, repetitive patterns. Welcome home. 6:30-8:30pm. Free. Rochambeau Library, 708 Hope Street. 272-3780, provcomlib.org. November 25 Be glad the Patriots have such a great stadium, because Providence now has a whole lot of raw space, thanks to the plowing of the old Route 195. With Curating the City Part I: The Future is a City, historian Nathaniel Walker and Director of the Providence Preservation Society, James Hall, talk what’s next. 5-7pm. Free. The Providence Athenaeum, 251 Benefit Street, 421-6970, providenceathenaeum.org. November 26 Living legend. Singer. Songwriter. Producer. Record executive. Creator of 37 Top 40 Hits. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer. Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Smokey Robinson is coming to you, without any stipulation, other than having “I Second That Emotion” in your head for weeks. 7pm. $40, $50, $75, $100. Twin River, 100 Twin River Road, Lincoln. 475-8346, twinriver.com. November 30 Home game or away? In this tiny state of ours, it’ll surely be a bit of both, as the URI Rams arrive on the home court of the Brown Bears for a friendly game of hoops that surely won’t be marred by the fact that URI took last year’s meeting with a score of 92 to 67. It’s a new day, right? 7:30pm. $12, $3 youth. Pizzitola Sports Center, 235 Hope Street. 863-2773, brownbears.com. Got a cool upcoming event? Send the details, with plenty of advance warning, to dawn@providenceonline.com.
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Come visit us for our 25th Annual Open House December 4th! We ship UPS anywhere in the US Garden City (942-2720) & Wakefield (783-4433) www.sweenorschocolates.com November 2011 | Providence Monthly
69
East Side Primary Care welcomes Dr. Peter Kim to the Practice
Celebrate Our New Location Our new space is fantastic and we want you all to celebrate with us!
November 3rd 4-7:30pm
Complimentary Wine and Hors d’oeuvres
Mariposa designer, Michael Updike will be on hand to sign your purchases that evening!
Dr. Peter Kim Board Certified in Family Medicine
Convenient location • Immediate appointments Accepting New Patients • Adolescents - Adults
East sidE Primary CarE
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Providence Monthly | November 2011
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Get Out |
Theatre
by Molly Lederer
Invest in you . . .
Counseling & Life Coaching A rehearsal of BETH
Back to School
Steven M. Kane, Ph.D.
A new take on Macbeth
Photography: Amy Amerantes
“Something wicked this way comes,” warn the witches of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Wickedness screeches into town this month in the form of BETH, a world premiere inspired by the Bard’s Scottish play and presented by the Daydream Theatre Company. Michael Roderick, a Providence-born playwright and Broadway producer, penned BETH as a modern-day slant on the classic tale of ambition, murder and revenge. Instead of a bloody battle to become king of Scotland, the prize here is the position of principal at a private school. An innovative idea, but it begs the question: can the desire to rule a school ever be so cruel? “Schools have hierarchies and each principal has their own ‘kingdom.’ Sometimes things get very messy,” explains Roderick of the academic setting, sparked by his own experience as a former English and drama teacher. “In my first year I broke up numerous fights, watched teachers get into shouting matches with one another, and learned a lot about the human condition. I have always been intrigued by Macbeth and loved discussing it in my senior honors English class. There is so much there in regards to what makes someone do something so horrible and how crazy we become when we want something badly enough. It’s one of the darkest Shakespearean plays and that’s what I love about it.” In addition to the dramatic change of scenery and a number of new plot twists, Roderick’s script calls for gen-
der changes in key characters. “In my earliest plays I would write very strong female characters because I hated the idea of having a female character simply as a love interest or a foil for a male character,” he notes. He first considered directing the original Macbeth with a female lead, but thought that a deeper storyline could spring from the concept of the character as female. As he puts it, “Now we’re not only dealing with being a man in one’s actions, but exploring what it means for a woman to be in a position of power and play a man’s role.” Lenny Schwartz, artistic director of Daydream Theatre Company and a playwright himself, helms the production. Friends since their undergrad days at RIC, he and Roderick have collaborated on multiple shows over the years. BETH marks Schwartz’s first time directing a play of Roderick’s, and Roderick’s first time seeing a play of his own produced in Providence. Schwartz describes the show as “sort of the punk rock version of Macbeth” with the tone of “a dark, cynical thriller.” The script’s sudden scene shifts present a staging challenge for him, but he trusts that all will appear seamless to engrossed audiences. He hopes, “People who love Shakespeare will love it – and people who absolutely hate Shakespeare will love it as well.” Roderick adds, “I don’t pull punches in this one. It’s not for the faint of heart. There will be blood. The tone of the show is also very dark, but the
For anyone who yearns for a better life and has the guts to go for it.
thing I love about Lenny’s direction is that he will always find the humor in any piece.” As for the timeliness of the play, he points out, “We all are in tough times financially and getting even a slight pay raise has become a matter of life and death. We are violent right now. Look at what’s happening on Wall Street.” It’s not the first time, nor will it be the last, that the Scottish play inspires a modern re-telling in a decidedly unScottish setting. At first glance, BETH takes a Law & Order: SVU approach to the story; at second, it’s much, much gorier. From the murder of a principal and two neighborhood kids in a parking lot, “blood will have blood” and more victims fall prey. In this version of the torrid tale, the three witches are tramps, the Burnham Forest is both a park and a paper company, and a sinister janitor knows more than meets the eye. But, as Lady Macbeth demands in the original, “Screw your courage to the sticking-place.” Suspend your disbelief, and come see how it all plays out.
Providence, RI 401-454-5700 kanesmk@verizon.net Inquiries invited
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Never too late for breakfast
BETH November 3 – 19 Daydream Theatre Company Bell Street Chapel 5 Bell Street 644-2293 daydreamtheatre.org
234 Wickenden Street 751.2477
brickwayonwickenden.com
November 2011 | Providence Monthly
71
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Music
by Alyssa Smith
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Gregor Mittersinker spinning at Tazza
Disco Will Survive
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Providence Monthly | November 2011
Normally, asking my interviewee why so many people think his preferred musical genre sucks is not kosher behavior. But, when a whole mantra has been created solely on the hate of innocent dance tunes, it seems to be a given that I’d ask Gregor Mittersinker, founder of new disco label, Sputniq Records, for his opinion on the matter. Burning up on the U.S. and European scene in the ‘70s, disco took its hold in the charts and provided the perfect musical accompaniment to blow, hot pants and other decadent, tacky delights of the time. While most European listeners couldn’t get enough of the stuff, Americans’ rigid Puritan roots came out when rock music took over. They just couldn’t handle the dance-induced fever that had befallen them, and many opted to take part in the anti-disco sentiment rather than continuing to blissfully boogie anymore. Despite our resistance stateside, Europeans continued to foster the growth and evolution of disco. Subsets of the genre, such as Euro disco, Italo disco and Space disco took off and thrived. While we might have thought disco died completely, many DJs, producers and enthusiasts like
Gregor never saw it as being snuffed out in the U.S. Originally from Vienna, Gregor spun soul and disco for 25 years. In ’96, he moved to Providence, continuing to DJ classic ‘70s and ‘80s tracks in the local clubs. While Gregor notes that he was witness to the change in attitude towards the genre labeled “disco,” he also saw how it continued to be a persistent theme in dance music. “(Disco) never died internationally, rock just took over in the U.S. A lot of modern dance music is rooted in disco and when it went back into the underground it just changed its name.” As Americans tried to refit the music we couldn’t help but love dancing to, Gregor continued to work with the genre until present day, bringing him to the creation of his most current endeavor, Sputniq Records, a digital music label focusing on international and local disco/Italo disco/Nu disco DJs. Launching internationally in November, Sputniq’s goal is to shine a light on the international and local DJs who create and spin all different forms of disco. “The label is focused mainly on international artists, but being from Rhode Island, it is also trying to connect with local artists to do some local work,” Gregor says. “A lot of dis-
co roots go back to New England, and in Rhode Island disco was always very big. We thought it was good stomping ground for a new label to start.” Currently, Sputniq Records has a few select tracks out which tap into the original and varied sounds of disco and early house music. While tunes like “Dance With Me” by Sputniq artist Cavallo includes a singer with a voice reminiscent of Donna Summer, the sound is a Canadian/ European mash-up, allowing it to oscillate between decades and influences. It has a vintage overtone, but still sounds fresh and appropriate for a swanky club. Gregor says that kind of fluctuation is what makes Sputniq Sputniq. “Whenever we play Italo and Nu disco, we’re capturing disco rooted in old sounds,” Gregor explains. “Our entire focus is that we don’t want to try to sound old; we want to sound like a current electronica label without becoming another dance label.” Gregor says his space-influenced label will bring something fresh to the Providence music scene, but it remains to be seen whether legions of disgruntled rock fans will gather at McCoy Stadium and burn a pile of iPods full of Nu disco. sputniq.com
Photography: Mike Braca
A local digital label keeps the music alive
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by John Taraborelli
4 6:1 teacher student ratio 4 Extraordinary faculty & curriculum 4 $2.5 million in annual need-based financial aid
open house
saturday, november 19, 9 a.m. - noon 216 Hope Street, Providence, RI 02906 ‒2246 phone: 401.421.8100 web: www.wheelerschool.org Nursery - Gr. 12 | Coeducational | College-preparatory | Independent Founded 1889 Tony Estrella as Hamlet
Bringing It All Back Home November 3-December 11: Shakespeare is timeless. Each play has been staged thousands of times over hundreds of years, but we continue to find something new and compelling each time. This month, the Gamm Theatre takes that to the next level, by not only revisiting one of the The Bard’s most beloved plays, but also revisiting their own production of it. Hamlet reunites director Fred Sullivan, Jr., Artistic Director Tony Estrella in the title role, and the Gamm’s elder statesman Sam Babbitt, stately and forceful as ever as Polonius. The same trio that made the company’s 1997 production one of its most critically acclaimed is back for another go-round, while the rest of us get to sit back and see what they come up with this time. It will be the most intriguing reunion since Larry David got the Seinfeld gang back together. 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket. 723-4266, gammtheatre.org
November 2011 | Providence Monthly
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Art
by Vikki Warner
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Providence Monthly | November 2011
Not so long ago, the phrase “local artist” conjured up images of sailboat paintings or black-and-white photos of scenic vistas. But the word “local” has seen some major image improvement over the past five or so years. Now, “buying local” and “eating local” combine to make a virtuous and stylish way of life, and local art is brand new again, too. Candita Clayton likes to think of the local art she exhibits at her gallery, Candita Clayton Studio, as “the treasure in our own backyard.” To be sure, the art scene in Rhode Island gets a giant boost from the top-tier art and academic institutions in its capital city. As more of these artists stick around, a healthy collaborative energy has sprung up in and around Providence, and Clayton is harnessing it with her studio in Pawtucket’s Hope Artiste Village. Clayton, an eco-organizer, writer and entrepreneur whose work on better living has been featured in Rhode Island and national media, originally planned to use the space solely as the home base for her business. Soon
after settling in, she began to host green living events. She agreed to collaborate with independent curator Maya Allison on “just one art show” and quickly learned how much she enjoyed the process. The gallery saw its first show in May 2010, and has since hosted new work every six weeks or so. With its long-and-skinny layout, double tier of large windows and high ceilings, the space is a natural fit for a gallery, and with help from several collaborators, Clayton herself seamlessly adapted to her new role. For Clayton, all roads lead back to sustainability and healthy living – and she believes art coexists with these goals. Art improves living and public spaces, and encourages reflection, improving life’s balance. Much of the artwork Clayton chooses to exhibit in her studio has a direct link to nature – flowers, trees and other natural forms made from found materials and wood, as well as traditional media. Clayton is currently preparing the gallery for an exhibit to accompany the NetWorks 2011 video premiere. The premiere, at RISD’s Chace Center
on November 6, will feature 13 new short, documentary-style videos introducing the work of Rhode Island artists including Andrew Moon Bain, Philip Jameson, Shawn Kenney and Scott Lapham. A concurrent exhibition of all 13 artists’ work – including large format photography, oil painting, metal and stone sculpture, and more – will be shown at Candita Clayton Studio from November 11 to December 11. Clayton is happy to be part of this event, especially because the videos are produced by Dr. Joseph A. Chazan, with whom she collaborated to get her own gallery up and running. The NetWorks 2011 premiere will be held from 1:30-3:30pm in the Metcalf Auditorium at the Rhode Island School of Design, 20 North Main Street. Candita Clayton Studio, 999 Main Street (Hope Artiste Village), Unit 105, Pawtucket, will host an opening for its complementary exhibit on November 11 from 6 to 9pm; that exhibit will run through December 11. For more information about Candita Clayton Studio, visit canditaclayonstudio.com.
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November 2011 | Providence Monthly
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The Last Detail
The Bounty of the Season The farmers are still hard at work and the chickens are laying their eggs, and thankfully there is still a way to get local, fresh foods in the cooler months. The Wintertime Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market is back at the Hope Artiste Village starting November 5, open Wednesdays (4-7pm) and Saturdays (10am-1pm). It offers fresh, in-season produce, dairy, meat and more, along with seasonal favor76
Providence Monthly | November 2011
ites like wreaths and trees during the holidays. This could be the perfect way to shop for gifts, support our local farms and leave with the ideal ingredients for a home cooked winter meal. Check out the Farm Fresh website each month for new items and specials and come enjoy the best ingredients the state has to offer. 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. farmfresh.org. -Samantha Gaus
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