SO Rhode Island February 2023

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Publishers

Barry Fain

Richard Fleischer

John Howell

General Manager & Creative Director Nick DelGiudice

Advertising Design Director

Layheang Meas

Senior Designer Taylor Gilbert

Account Managers

Shelley Cavoli

Louann DiMuccio-Darwich

Ann Gallagher

Kristine Mangan Olf

Lisa Watson

Senior Editorial Designer Abigail Brown

Interested in advertising? Email Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com

Contributing Photographers

Savannah Barkley

Danny Clinch

Je DiMeo Robert W. Easton

Contributing Writers

Karen Kalunian

Ann Martini

Interns

Hannah Goldman

Suzanne Gagnon Kim Kalunian Linda LaParle velimir - adobe stock

Megan Monte Maggie Pearson

Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com

PROVIDENCE MEDIA INC. 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889 401-305-3391 • Mail@ProvidenceOnline.com ProvidenceOnline.com

Throughout her life, art has been a constant for watercolorist and oil painter Karen Drysdale Harris. Channeling the challenges she’s overcome and her Jamaican roots, Harris’ most recent body of work – currently on view at the BankRI North Kingstown Gallery – uses banana leaves to tell her story. Harris immigrated from Jamaica to Rhode Island when she was nine, a number of years after her mother had moved to the US to find work. “That experience of coming to the US was definitely shocking and di erent – it was jarring for me,” Harris recounts, explaining the di culty of living with a mother she hardly knew at the time and being bullied in school for her di erences. “I didn’t want to talk, so I did a lot of drawing in my classes,” she recalls.

Photo by Robert W. Easton, courtesy of Karen Drysdale Harris

Harris threw herself into weekend art classes and found mentors at local high schools who encouraged her to apply to the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD).

There, she landed in the late illustrator and painter Tom Sgouros’ class, where his hands-on instruction left a lasting impact on her work. “What I loved about his class

was that when something was not perfect, Tom could always see the edge of something that was good about your drawing, and he always encouraged you to push it a little further,” says Harris.

After she graduated, Harris began a rollercoaster of a career. “Knowing that I had to figure out how to survive with an art degree, I took on the personality of trying everything and jumping right in,” she explains. Harris worked as a teacher, colorist, graphic designer, and art director, among other occupations. She and husband David also founded Harart Designs – a jewelry business influenced by Native American petroglyphs – before finding her current job at RISD, where she is now an internship manager and career advisor.

All along, Harris continued creating art on the side, noting, “I’m one of those artists who needs to keep painting for sanity.” She has shown her work in several spaces over recent years, and in her current exhibit, Watercolors and Banana Leaves by Karen Drysdale Harris , the leaves are both her canvas and her subject, serving as an ode to her love for nature, her late mother, and her Jamaican childhood, where she spent years in her grandparents’ banana fields.

The series began when her husband gifted her a banana tree for their 25th anniversary. Harris was captivated by the way the leaves played with the light, changing into sculptural shapes, and soon began to experiment with printing and painting. Rather than aiming for a realistic portrayal, she explains, “I’m more painting the texture, or the shadows, or the feelings it evokes inside of me.” While she wants viewers to enjoy the visuals she creates, her compositions are also a way for her to express her origin story and the feelings of displacement that she and many others have experienced as immigrants.

Harris is a board member of The Steel Yard in Providence, and encourages others to support non-profit organizations that bring under-represented populations into the industrial arts. Learn more about her work at KarenHarrisArt.com and visit the BankRI North Kingstown Gallery through March 1 to view her exhibit.

“Green Seas” watercolor by Karen Drysdale Harris

Return of the Cowsills

Over 50 years ago, one of the greatest bands to ever come out of Rhode Island was getting ready to call it quits. Known for chart-topping singles including “The Rain, the Park & Other Things,” “Indian Lake,” and #1 hit “Hair,” The Cowsills’ buoyant family band sound was out of vogue by the early 1970s as noisier rock chords began to

seep into the music mainstream.

Founded in Newport in 1965, The Cowsills enjoyed several years of stardom, and with mom Barbara singing harmony, they served as the inspiration for the popular television series The Partridge Family . By the late ‘60s, they were at the top of the AM radio charts and toured relentlessly,

making dozens of TV appearances.

They’ve certainly endured well-documented ups and downs since, but The Cowsills are back, having undergone a career resurgence in recent years, and even putting out a highly praised new album in 2022. The band tours every summer as part of the Happy Together show, alongside

Band with Newport origins to play Park Theatre show alongside Steve Smith and the Nakeds

The Scoop | so & so • By Ken Abrams

(L-R) Paul, Susan, and Bob Cowsill

Photo by Danny Clinch

cherished ‘60s artists like The Turtles, Little Anthony, and The Classics IV.

The current line-up includes three of four surviving siblings: Bob, Paul, and Susan (brother John Cowsill plays drums with the Beach Boys). They’re playing the recently renovated Park Theatre in Cranston on

February 11, with another RI favorite sharing the bill. “This is the big bonus of the trip for us,” says founding member Bob Cowsill. “We get to have Steve Smith and the Nakeds as our back-up band for the show. It’s going to be a fun time.”

“We’re doing it for the Rhode Island Music

Hall of Fame,” adds Cowsill, who, along with his family, were inducted to the Hall in 2013. “We’re trying to help them; it’s a cool thing, I remember that ceremony, we all came to town, we were honored.”

There’s a nostalgic feel in their sound with fans young and old flocking to Cowsills

Ken Abrams

The Cowsills are coming to the Park Theatre in Cranston this month

Photo by Danny Clinch

shows. “We just did six weeks in Branson, Missouri, a Christmas show at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, Monday through Saturday, every night at 7:30. The Happy Together Tour hit 57 cities last summer. We are seeing an uptick, putting music out that people are responding to, old and new,” says Cowsill enthusiastically.

The legendary family-band harmonies are part of their success. “When you stay long enough, you sound good again,” explains Cowsill. “With the harmonizing, we’ve had decades of famous solo artists, one after another… harmony is almost new again, especially live.” And these shows aren’t just

for boomers who grew up with the band. “At our meet and greets, younger fans will come up to us and say ‘I heard your song on Dumb and Dumber ,’ or ‘I found you on the Internet.’ That’s fun, that immediate legacy, that history to look up.”

Cowsill remembers his Newport youth fondly. “We got to play at Dorian’s, a local club on Thames Street. In those days, we’re talking rough and tumble Newport Navy town crowds. We didn’t even have a bridge yet. We played every weekend at this club; we had a good rock band in 11th and 12th grade.”

Cowsill is excited about the band’s new album, Rhythm of the World . “We’ve been on

the Happy Together tour every summer and Susan had been nagging us to go into the studio. She’s our Neil Young, our solo artist. So we started writing songs; the three of us had never written together. Making the album was a great experience – the floodgates opened. We hadn’t done that in so long, just us, no one telling us what to do, no one from the record company. And it sounds like us – it’s healthy, it’s fresh, we’re thrilled with the vocal arrangements.”

For tickets to see The Cowsills and Steve Smith and the Nakeds at Park Theatre on February 11, visit TheParkRI.com.

Photos courtesy of The Cowsills

75 years in the making...

In 1948 we made our frst teapot in a tny basement studio in the shadow of RISD. In celebraton of our 75th anniversary, we’re re issuing the Providence Teapot in a special limited editon. Order online to ship anywhere or come visit.

peter pots pottery

494 Glen Rock Rd., W. Kingston, RI 401- 783- 2350 peterpots.com open daily, Sat. 10- 5, Sun.12-5

Rhody Pets of the Month

Looking to welcome a new furry friend into your home?

Adopt, don’t shop! Shelters around South County and the state have dogs and cats ready to find their forever homes. Here are three pets ready to meet you, or reach out to the shelters to learn about even more adoptees.

If you have been thinking of adopting or if you know of an animal in need, please contact Karen directly at animaltalk1920@gmail.com.

SCOOBY

From fetch to swimming, Scooby loves to play! This ball of energy is a twoyear-old German Shepherd mix with a beautiful golden coat, irresistible smile, and expressive ears. His ideal home would have a fenced-in yard so he can run and play, and he’s great with kids.

If you’ve been looking for a new best friend who will help keep you active and bring a little joy to your household, Scooby might be the boy for you.

Exeter Animal Shelter 294-2754

Animalshelter@exeterri.gov

PUMA

This black-velvet beauty is Puma. She’s a sleek four-year-old Domestic Shorthair cat with sparkling golden green eyes and a tiny spot of white on her chest that looks like a star (because that’s what she is!). Puma is looking for an adults-only home where she can bask in a sunny window all day, occasionally waking to play with toys and be showered with treats – her favorite pastimes. Puma is ready to share her relaxed lifestyle with the right human companion.

Warwick Animal Shelter

Call to schedule a visit 468-4377

Karen Kalunian

Scooby

Photo courtesy of Exeter Animal Shelter

Puma

Photo by Kim Kalunian

Sherlock is more than just good looks –he’s also intelligent and has a contagious zeal for life. This dashing Terrier mix is only a year and a half old, with dark chocolate eyes that’ll melt your heart. Sherlock is an active boy who enjoys puzzles, toys, and testing his agility. His perfect day is going for a walk where he can explore new terrain before taking a long nap when he gets home. He’s not a fan of cats or young children but he might like a doggie friend.

Photo courtesy of Animal Rescue RI

Rhody Reads

Six picks sure to inspire, motivate, and delight

February tends to be a snowy month, so why not stock up with a fresh stack of books along with milk, eggs, and bread? These picks are sure to inspire and motivate you to be your best self – or simply enjoy an engrossing read. Get cozy with these six titles with local ties and be sure to shop at your favorite bookstore all year long.

Starting over from scratch is never easy, but building on memories can help. Why. Me. is Eric Toth’s tale of Archer, a young man who looks toward the future while putting together the pieces of his past. Follow him through the city of Providence and the coast of Rhode Island on his journey of loss, luck, and love to learn what he discovers about others, and most importantly himself.

In Luke Dani Blue’s first collection, Pretend It’s My Body, the writer explores lives that defy definition but thrive in our everyday world, using a mix of fantasy, science fiction, and, of course, reality. Pretend is a powerful debut that leaves you with the sense and hope that there will be much more from this uniquely insightful Rhode Island author.

Winter is the perfect time to plan your next adventure and the latest from South County’s Robert Curley will guide you through 100 Things to Do in the Caribbean Before You Die From Barbados to the Virgin Islands, traditional outings to hidden secrets known only to natives, Curley invites readers to experience the tropical islands in a whole new way.

For an adventure that’s a little more grounded, check out 199 Cemeteries to See Before You Die by Loren Rhoads, a noted expert on the topic. The unique travel guide contains more than 300 stunning photographs along with the histories of cemeteries around the world and their residents – including four locations right here in Rhode Island.

Need a little slice-of-life humor to get 2023 o to a jaunty start? Check out The Meat and Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Com by Lisa Smith Molinari of Jamestown. The award-winning columnist shares her life’s trials and tribulations as she struggles to maneuver the everyday twists and turns of suburban living as a navy wife.

In Come On In: There’s a Party in This Book! Barrington’s own Jamie Michalak teams up with Instagram sensation Sabine Timm (@virgin_honey) to take Lemon on a journey to find where the fun is, only to discover…whoops, no spoilers here! The whimsical illustrations and read-aloud rhymes make this picture book a blast for every early reader.

The Scoop | rhody reads • By Hugh Minor 100 THINGS TO DO IN SACRAMENTO BEFORE YOU DIE

THE CARIBBEAN

BOB CURLEY

Charter

Inkfish

Island

Island

Lovecraft

Paper

Rarities

Ri

Savoy

Stillwater

Symposium

Twenty

Wakefield

French Kiss Boutique

Women’s Apparel & Accessories

What it is:

A clothing boutique with European flair

Where to find it:

Find French Kiss Boutique inside a large brick building on Division Street in East Greenwich – accessed by turning on Duane Street. Signs posted in the windows confirm you’ve found it.

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

Love the latest looks from Europe but not quite ready to hop a jet for Milan, Paris, or Madrid? French Kiss Boutique co-owners Kristin Coletti and Susan Sprague have you covered and then some. The pair founded their business in 2020 and describe it as a “trunk show” boutique where goods are sourced on shopping trips and hauled back to the delights of customers. “We carry quality and affordable European women’s clothing from France, Italy, and Spain,” says Coletti. “We have one-of-a-kind pieces selectively handpicked and made by creative designers.” Rhody Gem nominator Lee Ann DiSalvia McWeeney describes it as “a wonderful small specialty shop” with “individualized service.”

French Kiss Boutique

5 Division Street, East Greenwich 641-5625/578-9088

FrenchKissBoutiqueRI.com

The

By Elyse Major To

THE MUST LIST

10 essential events happening this month

For a statewide listing of events visit us online! HeyRhody.com

February 3:

Through April 1:

Whodunit? An Improvised Murder Mystery kicks o this month, letting guests play along every Saturday night, with a di erent murder mystery each week, all following a French Revolution theme. Wakefield, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com

February 9:

Grab your squad for a Galentine’s gathering trying your hand at calligraphy. Savoy Bookshop hosts Sip & Script, a workshop teaching pretty lettering for beginners, with ink pots, tools, and paper included. Westerly, BankSquareBooks.com

February 10:

Pot, prune, and design your own tiny tree and learn how to care for it with Bonsai Bar popping up at Tilted Barn Brewery. Sip craft beers while developing your green thumb. Exeter, BonsaiBar.com

February 10:

At Ocean Mist, you don’t need a partner to live it up at the Valentines Disco Party – just your best ‘70s club glamor attire. Expect an evening of dancing, flashy fun, and drinks at this 21+ event. Matunuck, OceanMist.net

February 11:

Laugh your winter boots o when the Winery Tour Comedy Show returns to Tapped Apple winery with stand-up comics traveling from New York, Los Angeles, and beyond. Westerly, TappedApple.com

February 16:

Head to the Ryan Center to cheer on the URI Women’s Basketball team led by coach Tammi Reiss as they face rival UMASS in their quest to return to the NCAA tournament. Kingston, GoRhody.com

February 17:

Canadian rockers Crash Test Dummies, who covered an XTC song on the Rhode Island-based Dumb and Dumber soundtrack, celebrate their 35th year on the road with a stop at the Greenwich Odeum. East Greenwich, GreenwichOdeum.com

February 17:

True to the spirit of Hank Williams, Boston-based Ward Hayden and the Outliers bring a hard rockin’ updated country sound to the Knickerbocker Music Center. (They’ve already made a full album of Williams’ songs.) Westerly, KnickMusic.com

February 18:

While “the boss” himself is scheduled to play Boston and Mohegan Sun in March, you can be “Dancing in the Dark” with the Bruce Springsteen tribute, Saints in the City, at the Courthouse Center for the Arts. Kingston, CourthouseArts.org

Please note that events may require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test and mask-wearing regardless of vaccination status. Be sure to check each venue for updates.

Photo courtesy of SKLT

Bundle up and join South Kingstown Land Trust for a Guided Hike at the DuVal Trail System , spotting birds, critters, and plants along the Jones Camp Trail to Bull Head Pond and back. South Kingstown, SKLT.org

South Kingstown Land Trust hosts a winter hike

Make Plans Now

Now more than ever booking ahead is essential. If any of these ideas tickle your fancy, we encourage readers to check with each location to find out how they accept reservations, pricing/schedule updates, and any COVID restrictions so you don’t get left out in the cold.

Fourteen Fourteen 14 for the th

By nn Martini

Sweet Marie Tea Co age

Photo by Je DiMeo

Waves and Wine

Even on the stormiest winter day, the rugged ocean shore on which the Coast Guard House restaurant sits evokes an Emily Bronte-like romance. Besides dinner in the glasswalled dining room, the restaurant o ers special ways to celebrate February 14 for couples or gal pals including a Candlelight Night in their illuminated dining room. Alternatively, outdoor igloos o er sublime views for up to six people from cozy outdoor domes outfitted in apres-ski style (think fuzzy blankets, flickering candles, and plush pillows).

DON’T MISS

Sign up for a session or more of the Coast Guard House Wine Boot Camp Sunday series. Enjoy Soave/ Session 3 on February 12, or Bordeaux - The Left Bank on February 26, both 3-5pm.

Pairings for Pairs

There are few accolades that Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn haven’t garnered, and with good reason – they o er unparalleled service, accommodations, and dining in worldclass settings. The Ocean House’s COAST restaurant was recently named one of the best waterfront restaurants in the world by CNN Travel. Both properties o er specials all winter long for overnight stays if you feel compelled to make the evening stretch into the morning.

DON’T MISS

On the weekend of February 10-12, COAST will offer a special Valentine’s Day menu with wine pairings for an additional fee per person, set to the music of harpist Faith Letner. Nearby at the more casual sister property the Weekapaug Inn, a special Valentine’s Day menu and wine pairing will be featured on February 14.

Stay at the Ocean House

Dinner at Coast Guard House

Photo (top) courtesy of Ocean House, (bottom two) courtesy of Coast Guard House

Romance at a Glance Movies and Mozzarella

With VIP heated recliners and popcorn topped with real butter, All South County Luxury Cinemas wants to lure you o the couch! Nothing says Galentine’s Day like a viewing of 80 for Brady . The film, produced by and starring former New England Patriot Tom Brady follows four octogenarian girlfriends who take a road trip to Houston to watch the quarterback play in the Super Bowl. Round out the evening at nearby Pasquale's Pizzeria , where you’ll find some of the state’s most authentic and GOAT Neapolitan pizzas, pastas, and desserts, made with the freshest ingredients imported from Italy.

DON’T MISS

Visit AllSouthCountyCinemas.com for a full list of showtimes, discounts, throwback movies, and upcoming luxury concessions.

ALL SOUTH COUNTY CINEMAS

30 Village Square Drive, South Kingstown • 401-642-8062 AllSouthCountyCinemas.com

ADMIRAL DEWEY INN AND POINT BREAK COTTAGES

915 Matunuck Beach Road, South Kingstown 401-787-5913 • PointBreakCottages.com

BEECH RESTAURANT

13 Narragansett Avenue, Jamestown 401-560-4051 • BeechJT.com

COAST GUARD HOUSE

40 Ocean Road, Narragansett 401-789-0700 • TheCoastGuardHouse.com

CONTEMPORARY THEATER COMPANY

327 Main Street, Wakefield • 401-218-0282 ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com

DAN’S CARRIAGE HOUSE INN

10655 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown 401-294-0466 • CarriageHouseDining.com

ELLA’S FOOD AND DRINK

2 Tower Street, Westerly, 401-315-0606 • EllasFineFoodAndDrink.com

GREENWICH ODEUM

59 Main Street, East Greenwich 401-885-4000 • GreenwichOdeum.com

ISLAND ROSE SPA

7417 Post Road, North Kingstown, 401-642-5260 • IslandRoseSpa.com

JUNK AND JAVA

49 Beach Street, Westerly 401-315-0111 • JunkNJava.net

LA MASSERIA

223 Main Street, East Greenwich 401-398-0693 • LaMasseriaRI.com

MAINSTREET COFFEE

137 Main Street, East Greenwich 401-885-8787 • Mainstreet-Co ee.com

OCEAN HOUSE

1 Blu Avenue, Watch Hill, 855-678-0364 • OceanHouseRI.com

Pasquale Pizzeria – that amore!

Photos courtesy of Pasquale's Pizzeria

A directory of places included in this article:

THE OCEAN MIST

895 Matunuck Beach Road, South Kingstown, 401-782-3740; OceanMist.net

PASQUALE’S PIZZERIA

59 South County Commons Way, Wakefield • PasqualesPizzeriaRI.com

THE PRESERVE

87 Kingstown Road, Richmond 855-593-8473 PreserveSportingClub.com

PURE ECO SPA

18 Franklin Street, Westerly, 401-326-9459; PureEcoSpa.com

RARITIES

396 Main Street, Wakefield 401-379-9970; RaritiesOnline.com

SEAMIST MEDSPA

36 South County Commons Way, South Kingstown, 401-782-2400; SeaMistMedspa.com

SWEENOR’S CHOCOLATES

21 Charles Street, Wakefield 401-783-9340; SweenorsChocolates.com

SWEET MARIE’S TEA COTTAGE

25 West Main Street, Wickford SweetMariesTea.com

WASHINGTON TRUST

COMMUNITY SKATING CENTER

61 Main Street, Westerly OceanCommunityYMCA.com

WEEKAPAUG INN

25 Spray Rock Road, Westerly, 401-637-7600 • WeekapaugInn.com

WICKFORD ON THE WATER

85 Brown St., North Kingstown, 401-294-7900 WickfordOnTheWater.com

ZOE AND COMPANY

69 High St., Westerly, 401-596-8050 • ZoeAndCompany.com

Rustic Romance

Restaurants that really feel romantic can be hard to come by these days, what with streamlined and cool interiors being all the rage with designers. But for a truly romantic experience, reserve a table at La Masseria in East Greenwich. The inside of this Main Street mainstay feels like a luxurious Italian villa, with brick archways, exposed stone walls, and cozy tables tucked into corners. The menu, too, warms and comforts with modern takes on classic dishes – think linguine with fresh clam sauce, veal scallopini, and rack of lamb. Pro-tip: order the Pistachio Salad!

DON’T MISS

Special dishes are being planned just for Valentine’s Day.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

The term “Sunday Funday” was practically coined at the Ocean Mist, the famed beach bar and eatery located on the water in the village of Matunuck. Classic rock, punk, and jazz bands take to the small stage on any given Sunday from 4-7 pm, and patrons relax with burritos and Bloody Marys well into the afternoon. Make a night of it with a room at the nearby Admiral Dewey Inn, a classic seaside bed and breakfast and collection of cottages.

DON’T MISS

No date required to burn, baby burn on the dance floor at the Ocean Mist Valentine’s Disco Party on the 10th where funky ‘70s drip is encouraged. Return on the 14th at 9pm for Tuesday Madness, a weekly reggae dance party. Both events are 21+.

Full Day Date

Demonstrate your musical chops to your love at a performance of Wakefield Idol, a karaoke competition where 64 locals compete for $1,000 in prizes at the Contemporary Theater Company on Thursdays throughout March 30. First, though, stop for a token of your a ection at Sweenor’s Chocolates, a fourth-generation, oft-lauded mecca. If your Valentine is moved more by words than chocolate, peruse books of poetry, perhaps, or fill a blank journal with sweet nothings from Rarities Books & Bindery, a unique store and bindery featuring local artists and authors.

Don skip dessert at La Masseria

Cozy stay at the Admiral Dewey Inn

Photo (top) courtesy of La Masseria, (bottom two) courtesy of Admiral Dewey Inn

Romance is in the Air!

85 Brown Street

Wickford • 401.294.7900

wickfordonthewater.com

Monday-Thursday: 11am-9pm | Friday: 11am-10pm Saturday: 8am-10pm, Breakfas:t 8am-11am Sunday: 8am-9pm, Breakfast: 8am-11am

150 Conanicus Avenue

Jamestown • 401.560.4115

jbsonthewater.com

Monday - Thursday:11am-9pm | Friday:11am-10pm

Saturday:10am-10pm, Brunch: 10am- 2pm Sunday:10am-9pm, Brunch: 10am-2pm

Hunt and Gather

The Preserve Sporting Club is quietly becoming a premiere destination for luxury sportsmen in the Northeast. On 3,500 acres in Richmond, members, and sometimes the general public, can partake in everything from golf to shooting sports, fishing to horseback riding. The Preserve o ers other sporting, all-inclusive packages with overnight stays in one of their hilltop lodges.

DON’T MISS

On February 18, The Preserve hosts a full-day, British-style mini pheasant hunt. For a fee per person, everything is provided for you – breakfast in the clubhouse, a sporting clay warm-up, shotguns (or you can bring your own), the release of 750 birds, retriever dogs, and assistants, with dinner and a Scotch and cigar pairing following. For the couple or friend group that loves to hunt, it’s sure to be a memorable way to celebrate.

Primed and Ready

Show yourself some love this year by indulging in you-time at the spa. SeaMist MedSpa o ers treatments of all kinds to help you look and feel your very best, from IV vitamin boosts to collagen injections and wholebody wellness treatments. At Pure Eco Spa, you can indulge in celebrity-endorsed microcurrent therapy to put your best face forward, or keep it simple with a facial, massage, or mani-pedi. If you’ve got plans for the 14th and want to feel extra special, book a massage at Island Rose Spa and follow up with a brow waxing and makeup application.

Pure Eco Spa

Photo (top) courtesy of Island Rose Spa, (bottom) by Savannah Barkley

See The

Vagina Monologues

Fun on Ice

Fun for the whole family is the best way to celebrate a holiday built around love, and Washington Trust Community Skating Center in Westerly fits the bill without breaking the bank. For just a few dollars, kids and adults can skate the day away at the 12,000-square-foot outdoor rink. You can bring your own skates or rent a pair there for $6, and there’s plenty of bench space for lace-ups and break times. There aren’t any concessions at the rink, but nearby Junk and Java has tasty co ee, espresso, hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and gelato for apres-skate treats.

Girls' Night Out

Gather your gal pals and head to the Greenwich Odeum on February 11 for a performance of The Vagina Monologues, the award-winning play that hilariously celebrates women’s sexuality and strength. There will be two performances – at 2 and 7pm – at this circa-1926 historic theater. Before or after, tuck into nearby Main Street Co ee, a delightful and cozy bakery cafe/bar that features sweet and savory treats as well as the largest menu of espresso martinis in the state made with your choice of vodka, tequila, or whiskey.

Tea and Shopping

Photo (top left) courtesy of Washington Trust Community Skating Center, (top right) courtesy of Greenwich Odeum, (bottom) by Je DiMeo

Yes, Chef

BEECH Restaurant is a love letter to Jamestown, penned by a group of residents who have adored this spot for more than two decades, back when it was known as Trattoria Simpatico. Jamestown native Kevin Gaudreau, who made a name for himself as owner and chef of KG Kitchen Bar in Providence is now co-owner and chef of this beautiful eatery, named for the old tree that provides its expansive patio with shade in the warm-weather months. It’s been reimagined with a clean coastal vibe and a menu that is creative and classic at once. Settle in with an artisan cocktail while you decide between lemon shrimp with housemade pasta or the seared duck breast with sage demi-glace.

Sweet Nothings

Whatever your girlfriend’s style – pretty, casual, sexy, comfy – Zoe and Company lingerie store will have something to suit her taste. While the store o ers practical bra-fitting services for women, they also have a wide array of lingerie, bras, and undies from top brands such as Cosabella, Hanro, and Wolford. She can open her gift after perusing the menu at Ella’s Food and Drink, which happens to be a favorite spot for super songstress Taylor Swift when she’s staying at her house nearby. Here you’ll fall in love with a menu that will satiate anyone’s palate, punctuated with selections such as duck confit, curry mussels, and shrimp and grits.

Water and Fire

Enjoy a late-afternoon burger or slurp some oysters at Wickford on the Water, a snazzy waterfront spot for indoor and outdoor dining (heaters on the deck in winter) featuring shellfish, pasta, and cocktails and on the weekends, breakfast. Afterwards, mosey to nearby Carriage Inn and head straight for their whiskey bar, which is as cozy and romantic as you can get without being home. Here’s a roaring fireplace, exposed slate walls, and a colonial tavern atmosphere fit for a cold winter’s night. Settle in for a great wine and cocktail menu and, of course, lots of whiskey choices.

Photos (left and top) courtesy of BEECH, (bottom right) courtesy of The Carriage Inn

Life & Style

home | profile | shop

Rhapsody in Blue

The

There’s something about New England that’s hard to shake. Suzanne Gagnon, MD, FACP and Steve Zimniski, PhD – from Fall River, Massachusetts and Biddeford, Maine, respectively – met at Boston University School of Medicine, married, and raised their family in Pennsylvania. However, as retirement approached, they knew they wanted to return to their rocky shoreline origins and set their sights on Jamestown.

by Suzanne Gagnon

Photography

interiors of a Jamestown home are harmonious with its coastal location

Azure accents connect with expansive window views

“We looked at VRBO to rent for the summer and found an awesome place at the north end of the island,” Gagnon begins. That Jamestown stay triggered a search for something more permanent. After a year, the pair found themselves taken with a listing for a Cape Cod-style home built in 1951, expanded over the decades into its current four-bedroom state with three full baths, cathedral ceilings, hardwood floors, a master bedroom with jacuzzi tub, and views of the Newport Bridge from almost every room. Gagnon recalls the property having three offers after only being on the market for a few days.

Photography by Suzanne Gagnon

Neutral decor keeps the focus on the coveted location

The playful mix of patterns and colors lends a casual vibe throughout

“We also wanted a wood-burning fireplace and a first-floor master, but when we saw this house, they went out the window. We get sunrise on the front deck with morning coffee, spectacular views of the bay, and the best neighbors you can imagine. It’s Mayberry, five minutes from Newport,” says Gagnon. “I remember we were back in PA at a college football game when we got a call from the realtor saying ‘you got the house!’”

Photography by Suzanne Gagnon

The couple’s home near Philadelphia had been decorated in a Tuscan style throughout, with rusts, golds, and brown hues, which Gagnon says she loved but just didn’t fit the new house that came complete with a private deeded beach and easy access to a mooring. “Moving back to the coast of New England required a complete style rethink,” says Gagnon. “Fortunately the prior owners had great taste and left some of their furniture behind, giving us time to adapt the house to our own personalities. They left paintings on the walls of Beavertail

Life

Style

an

and Narragansett Avenue by local artists.”

When she was ready to put her own imprint on the home, Gagnon found inspiration from her location and also an interior design book titled Coastal Blues: Mrs. Howard’s Guide to Decorating with the Colors of the Sea and Sky by Phoebe Wall Howard. Today she describes her new-found aesthetic as coastal or Hamptons chic, “or a newer term like coastal grandmillennial!” Looking around, she says, “It goes perfectly with the ocean view. I love the colors and the freshness and the casualness and the comfort. It says ‘be happy here.’”

GET RHODY STYLE

Jamestown homeowner Suzanne Gagnon on making the most of living in the Ocean State.

EXPLORE JAMESTOWN

“We’ve had a Main Street revival here with new restaurants including BEECH, JB’s on the Water, One Ferry Wharf, Our Table, and Tallulah’s Taqueria. Before sailing, we get delicious sandwiches from Slice of Heaven. There’s Curiosity & Co. with weekly events. We have mahjong on Mondays at the Jamestown Philomenian Library and trivia night on Tuesdays at Narragansett Cafe. If you want action, there is everything on the other side of both bridges, but sometimes the best thing is staying home.”

WICKED GOOD

“I got my accent back after being away for more than 30 years! Definitely tell-tale.”

TOWN LOVE

“The residents of Jamestown care about the community, so there is a lot of civic involvement in everything. It’s a peaceful place.”

Want your home featured in So Rhode Island?

Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to learn more

Photography by Suzanne Gagnon

RIGHT: Pale blue walls step in for rooms without water views

Soup for You

How two Rhode Islanders came to co-author a cookbook about something

Seinfeld: The Official Cookbook is the perfect companion for creating meals enjoyed on the couch while you binge the sitcom. Co-written by our former editor Julie Tremaine and the East Bay’s own Brendan Kirby, one of the hosts of WPRI’s The Rhode Show and a superfan of the comedy, which ran over nine seasons on NBC. The hardcover includes 60 recipes drawing from foods referenced in episodes – from Mrs. Choate’s Marble Rye to Elaine’s Mulligatawny Soup. We chatted with the pair about their collaboration, cooking, and, well, nothing.

So Rhode Island: Seinfeld has been o the air for more than 24 years. What’s the deal with this cookbook?

Julie Tremaine: I had already written three books with my publisher Simon & Schuster, including one based on The O ce TV show, when they approached me with the idea for a cookbook based on Seinfeld.

Brendan Kirby: A cookbook for a show about nothing.

SO: Sounds like a great idea. So how did the two of you connect on this project?

JT: We’ve known each other for years from the Providence scene through Brendan’s work on The Rhode Show and my time at Providence Media. And everyone is aware of his encyclopedic knowledge of Seinfeld

BK: She needed help from someone with a pathetic knowledge of a 24-year-old sitcom.

Photo (L) courtesy of Brendan Kirby

JT: That, and I wanted his help incorporating comedy, and it’s a very specific kind of comedy.

BK: Seinfeld is still one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. It still remains a part of the culture.

SO: But you don’t necessarily think of food when you think of Seinfeld

JT: Not at first. But there are so many

food references in the show. So many food scenarios. My challenge was to figure out how to turn them into recipes.

BK: And my job was to make it funny. Seriously, though, if you look back, there are so many conversations happening around food, whether it was in the diner or Jerry’s kitchen, from soup to nuts.

SO: Who is the book for? Who is your audience?

BK: The book is fun for hardcore fans and people who may not be as familiar with the show. The series has a real-world presence. It’s culturally significant and relatable. I watch it now – as an adult, I guess – and I understand it di erently from when it first aired.

SO: I remember watching it on Thursday night and talking about it at work the next day. You assumed everyone in the o ce had seen it. Now, people are binge watching it, especially since COVID.

Hugh Minor

Photo (R) © 2022 Castle Rock Entertainment. SEINFELD and all related characters and elements

© & TM Castle Rock Entertainment. WB SHIELD: © & TM WBEI. (s22)

JT: Right. I think people watched all of Friends , then maybe all of The Office and were looking for something else to binge. They found Seinfeld either for the first time or all over again.

BK: The book is kind of like that for me, too. It seems like we wrote it so long ago and now it’s published and I’m seeing things I forgot about and I still think they’re really funny.

SO: Now that the book is out there, how do you feel about it? What has the response been like?

BK: Nervous. I love the show. I want passionate fans to love it.

JT: He was afraid that he would have to cook, really.

BK: I have an abject fear of cooking.

SO: Cooking is scary. I get that.

JT: The response has been great. We’ve been interviewed all over the country. People get the mass appeal of it.

BK: People really like it. What’s not to like? It’s a ride for your tastebuds.

Ask for Seinfeld: The Official Cookbook at your favorite local bookseller.

Photo (R) © 2022 Castle Rock Entertainment. SEINFELD and all related characters and elements

© & TM Castle Rock Entertainment. WB SHIELD: © & TM WBEI. (s22)

Each year design nerds await the announcement of Pantone’s Color of the Year. Founded in 1963 and headquartered in Michigan, Pantone developed a universally used color standard – think time but for hues. If you’re a graphic designer creating a brand’s logo, you will likely assign it a Pantone Matching System (PMS) shade to be followed through by printers in all deliverables or products. For example, Coca-Cola Red is PMS 484, John Deere Green is PMS 364 C. In a stroke of marketing genius, each year Pantone names a color of the

year, unveiling it with a bit of fanfare to those following along. For 2023, that color is Viva Magenta 18-1750. Says Pantone color institute executive director Leatrice Eiseman, “Rooted in the primordial, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta reconnects us to original matter. Invoking the forces of nature, PANTONE 18-1750 Viva Magenta galvanizes our spirit, helping us to build our inner strength.” We’ve sourced some goods from around the state to help you invoke the forces of nature, or simply enjoy adding some pinky-red-violet to your life.

Food & Drink

experience | in the kitchen | food news

SWEET NOTHINGS

Hand-made, heart-shaped macarons for your Valentine

Nothing says “I love you” quite like a tasty treat – and a box of gem-like confections from Mariela’s Sweets is as pretty as a bouquet of flowers, too. “I have been fascinated with macarons since I tried them for the first time during a trip to Paris in 2013,” shares Jessica Schumann, the owner and baker behind the boutique brand. She launched Mariela’s Sweets – named after her five-year-old daughter – out of Hope & Main in Warren in 2021 to hone the art of hand-crafting dainty and beautiful desserts.

Photo courtesy of Mariela’s Sweets

Ever since, Schumann’s colorful macarons have appeared tucked in petite, see-through parcels at local markets and assembled in stunning nine-tier towers at weddings. “Every detail counts,” Schumann explains. “The packaging, the selection of flavors and colors – everything is created to enhance the experience of eating a delicious macaron.” All of their more than 30 flavors are gluten free, and they’re working on devising a handful of vegan flavors, too. Having outgrown the Warren incubator space, Schumann is in the process of moving the business into a

By Abbie Lahmers

Photos courtesy of Mariela’s Sweets

A macaron tower crafted with love by Mariela’s Sweets

commercial kitchen space at the Lorraine Mills in Pawtucket.

Naturally, Mariela’s Sweets is going all out for the season of love. “Valentine’s Day is one of our favorite holidays. We will offer special gift boxes that include heart-shaped macarons filled with different chocolate ganache varieties, and Belgian chocolate-covered strawberries,” says Schumann. “The Valentine’s macaron boxes will be the perfect gift to express your love.”

Order Mariela’s Sweets’ Valentine’s Day Gift Boxes online for for pick up or delivery. MarielasSweets.com

Experts say that moving is one of the top five most stressful lifetime experiences. Whether you’ve been living in your current home for one year or thirty-plus, or assisting in a loved one’s downsize, the prospect of packing up and moving to a new home can be daunting.

For more than ten years, Simplified Lives has offered the key to managing the stress of decluttering and moving … outsource it to New England’s premiere moving concierge service.

Call 401.480.1532 or 508.332.8601 for a free consultation.

There’s a Latte to Love

The Village at South County Commons is home to a unique spot that doubles as daytime coffee shop and lively evening cocktail lounge, sporting a slogan of “co ee ‘til cocktails.” Audrey’s Co ee House & Lounge brings a dash of celebrity status to South Kingstown – owners Jared Haibon and wife Ashley Iaconetti are former cast members of popular television shows The Bachelorette and The Bachelor. They met on the franchise spin-o show Bachelor in Paradise. Named after Iaconetti’s mom Audrey, and

with origins rooted in love, the co ee shop is a dreamy spot for Valentine’s month, whether or not you have a honey to spend it with – “everyone is treated like family here,” says Haibon. Stepping inside Audrey’s, Bachelor fans will undoubtedly notice a few nods to the series, such as the large wooden plaque over the main fireplace that reads “Monday nights we drink wine and watch The Bachelor. Tuesday mornings we drink co ee and recap.” The space is also adorned with a mural painted by

South Kingstown

local artist Abbie Cates featuring pink and red roses, and even their wifi network sign o ers a fun nod to the show, reading: “will you accept this wifi?” Even if you’ve never watched an episode, any patron can enjoy the many comfy couches and chairs to sink into while sipping a specialty latte or an evening cocktail.

CUISINE: Cozy co ee, snacks, and cocktails PRICES: $7-$16 ATMOSPHERE: Day-to-night cafe

Iced Peppermint Mocha Latte

Photos by Maggie Pearson

My sister and I visited Audrey’s on a Wednesday morning at around 10am, and the place was already buzzing. We were lucky enough to snag a blue velvet couch by the corner fireplace. Haibon greeted us with two of their popular seasonal lattes made with Generous Co ee Co. espresso. The Hot Log Cabin Latte is flavored with maple and cinnamon and topped with a maple foam – this drink is breakfast in a cup. Equally delicious is the Iced Peppermint Mocha Latte, which was as tasty as it was pretty, featuring a swirl

of chocolate sauce and topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint.

A couple of savory snacks paired wonderfully with the ca einated pick-me-ups. My favorite was Haibon’s recommendation: the Wake Up Call breakfast sandwich. This classic choice of egg, red bell pepper, spinach, and tomato gets an elevated take with arugula and chipotle aioli on a toasted asiago Providence Bagel. Anything avocado is also a great option – whether a standard Avocado Toast (with tomato, arugula, and seedy everything bagel seasoning) or a turkey and bacon sandwich, both served on a base of locally baked South County Bread Co. sourdough.

On Thursday through Saturday evenings, Audrey’s transforms from a mellow breakfast

spot to a bustling cocktail lounge. Haibon’s Friday trivia draws enthusiastic crowds, and Saturday is karaoke night. When The Bachelor is airing, Haibon and Iaconetti keep the co ee house open late Mondays for watch parties. Even if there’s no event the night you visit, it’s worth lingering for the cocktail menu, appropriately dubbed “After the Final Rose.” Fun seasonal o erings have included a Buddy the Elf Eggnog Martini or a Pumpkin Spice White Russian. It’s also no surprise that a co ee joint would serve a fantastic Espresso Martini – the cocktail they’re known for.

Bachelor fan or not, Audrey’s Co ee House & Lounge is an easy destination to crush on. Come for the lure of celebrity, stay for the lattes, cocktails, and cozy vibes.

Must-Try Items

Log Cabin Latte

Cinnamon maple latte with maple cold foam

The Wake Up Call

Breakfast sandwich of egg, red bell pepper, spinach, tomato, arugula, swiss cheese, and chipotle aioli

Espresso Martini

Vodka, co ee liquor, freshly brewed espresso, simple syrup

Audrey’s Coffee House & Lounge

60 South County Commons Way, South Kingston 661-9787 • AudreysRI.com

Maggie Pearson

The Wake Up Call breakfast sandwich

Photos by Maggie Pearson

Stacks of Goodness

A URI grad’s quest to create the perfect Southern-style fried chicken

A small breakfast joint recently opened near the University of Rhode Island with a big goal: to achieve “the best fried chicken in all of New England.” Specializing in waffles, French toast, and, of course, fried chicken sandwiches, Stack House – formerly a takeout-only spot – gained a cult following when they first opened in Providence, but owner Edmund Addai always had his eye on South County.

“The decision to open a new location in Kingston is one of those full-circle

moments. I had originally thought of the Stack House concept in 2017 when another restaurant was up for sale in the same plaza where we are now open,” says Addai. Though the timing wasn’t right then – fast forward to last year, after he had proven success with the chicken and breakfast concept – and his dream spot was back on the market. “Everything happens for a reason,” he continues. “It’s not often you get the chance to open a restaurant right next to the school you went to!”

A URI grad, Addai grew up cooking but didn’t always see himself becoming a professional chef – though there were certainly early indicators of his passion for breakfast.

“It’s funny looking back on some of my early work that involved making pancakes and scrambled eggs,” he reflects. Ultimately, it was a love of creativity that fueled his path.

“As I continued to develop my skills, I would actively attempt to recreate recipes or even reinvent some of my favorite dishes or entrees I might try at di erent restaurants.”

Food

Drink | in the kitchen • By Abbie Lahmers

Photo courtesy of Stack House

A Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich from Stack House

Stack House stemmed from Addai’s quest to create authentic Southern homestyle food here in Rhode Island, which he explains was scarce at the time. “I found that a lot of chicken tasted the same and lacked a ‘real’ quality. Our region is mostly known for seafood, so I tended to stay away from chicken when eating out to avoid disappointment.”

Addai spent many long nights perfecting Stack House’s signature fried chicken recipe before opening. Though he can’t reveal all of his secrets, what sets their chicken apart is attention to detail. Hand-coating each piece in their

signature breading helps maximize crispiness on the outside and juiciness on the inside, while house-blends of herbs and spices achieve beloved flavors of the South. “All of our chicken is fresh and never frozen,” says Addai.

When it comes to breakfast, there are no rules. “We give our customers the freedom to customize their orders, whether it’s Chicken and Wa e with a cornbread wa e and side of sweet potato fries or a S’mores Waffle on chocolate – we want to create an exciting experience filled with many possibilities.”

Along with devising top-quality recipes for

Southern comfort food, Addai is also acting as a mentor for the young workers – mostly URI students – he employs. “Born and raised in Rhode Island and being a first-generation African-American, I didn’t know anyone that ran a restaurant or too many people that were successfully operating a business,” he shares. “I feel like I can be a real example for other people and younger adults from similar backgrounds who share similar experiences. In my role as their boss, I try to maintain an example of professionalism, display a quality work ethic, and positive guidance.”

Food & Drink | in the kitchen • By Abbie Lahmers

Photos courtesy of Stack House

Stack House owner Edmund Addai

Whether you’re craving country fried chicken, crispy wings, or dessert-leaning waffles to satiate your sweet tooth, Stack House is becoming an essential breakfast spot in South County. Though best in New England is the goal, Rhode Island eaters can count themselves lucky the legacy of Addai’s chicken launched here.

Stack House 99 Fortin Road, Unit 108, Kingston StackHouseUS.com

Instagram: @stackhouse.us

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With hearty entrees like chicken sandwiches on the menu, recently opened Ritual Cafe invites patrons to start the morning off right with good food, great coffee, and friendly, speedy service. Owner Brett Read came up with the idea one morning after he caught himself stopping at two different spots for one meal. “Some places had good food and bad coffee and some had great coffee but inedible food,” says Read. Confronted with this dilemma, he decided to open his own cafe.

Ritual pours New Harvest co ee and

crafts breakfast sandwiches, like their signature one with bacon, egg, cheese, and a chicken cutlet on poppy kaiser. Other highlights on the menu include Blueberry and Brie Grilled Cheese, Grilled PB&J, and the reuben’s cousin, Paul: “Think a traditional reuben but served on an everything bagel with an egg.” Ritual uses local ingredients and carries products from KNEAD Doughnuts, Providence Bagel, BUNS Bakery, Del’s Lemonade, Granny Squibb’s Iced Tea, and Yacht Club Soda. Warwick, RitualCafeRI.com – Ken Abrams

Come spring, Westminster Street will welcome a new addition to downtown’s elevated dining scene: Gift Horse. Following a New Year’s Eve a la carte dinner previewing some of the tantalizing seafood eats the restaurant has in store, Oberlin chef and owner Benjamin Sukle gears up for his new raw bar concept. Gift Horse will focus on shellfish and fresh catches from local waters – a product of the relationships Sukle has built over the years with farmers and fishermen. Armed with accolades ranging from James Beard Award nominations to making Bon Appetit’s Hot Ten Best New Restaurants List, Sukle’s latest endeavor is sure to impress – but not without having a little fun, o ering playful and eccentric takes on seafood.

Far from taking the back burner, Oberlin will see an exciting move this summer – from 186 Union Street to 266 Westminster Street – where expanded o erings will include lunch and brunch service, new wood-burning oven, larger footprint, and more. Longtime Oberlin general manager Bethany Caliaro will join as a partner, too, ushering in an exciting season for both restaurants. Providence, GiftHorsePVD.com – Abbie Lahmers

Like many in the food industry, Ashley LaPlante, co-owner of Rind Cheese Shop, made a life pivot during the pandemic. Along with partner Timothy Fichera, she decided to follow her dream of opening a cheese shop. “When the pandemic hit, we had time to reflect on what we have an unwavering passion for that could be a sustainable way of life,” explains LaPlante. “We both love finding and sharing delicious things, and cheese was, without question, at the top of that list.”

Rind Cheese Shop specializes in a curated selection of local, domestic, and international artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and other gourmet foods. “We buy from places that make exceptional products and raise happy, healthy animals. We make charcuterie and cheese platters of all sizes and o er tons of house-made and purchased accouterments.” LaPlante is excited about expanding the business. “In the new year, we’ll be getting cheese and charcuterie classes set up, making more of our own products, catering, and online ordering.” Barrington, RindCheeseShop.Com – Ken Abrams

An eclectic raw bar set to open in downtown PVD late spring

New Warwick cafe is a daily ritual

Barrington welcomes a gourmet cheese shop

Photo courtesy of Ritual Cafe

South County Scenes

ABOUT

LINDA

@ lll_images

Based in Westerly, I was born and raised in Newport. Photography has been a favorite hobby of mine since high school. I love to be outdoors, and over the past few years, I have developed an interest in photographing the natural beauty of our area.

Who doesn’t love a snowy day in Richmond?