SO Rhode Island September 2023

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In This Issue

So Rhode Island September 2023

Fall Dining 31

Nine regional restaurants perfect for embracing the change of seasons

The Scoop

9 A techie museum’s move to Warwick means expanded programming

12 RHODY GEM: Monogrammed clothing and more at Westerly kid’s shop

14 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s

16 THE PUBLIC’S RADIO: Town of Westerly will request ownership of Watch Hill Lighthouse property

18 RHODY PETS: Three adoptable pets of the month

23 FEATURE: A taxonomic treasure hunt that took place on Narragansett Tribal land

Life & Style

49 HOME: A teenager’s bedroom gets a grownup makeover

56 PROFILE: Mermaidcore may be trending, but it’s nothing new in the Ocean State

60 INFLUENCER: NK’s own olympiad empowers through swimming

Food & Drink

63 Food hall dining in Ashaway offers something for everyone under one roof

64 EXPERIENCE: Wakefield’s new talk-of-the-town taco spot

68 ENTERTAINING: Fuss-free hosting for busy September schedules

70 RHODY EATS: RESTAURANT GUIDE

72 FOOD NEWS: Tarot and co ee in Narragansett, sourdough pizza in Newport & PVD soup shop

South County Scenes

73 A stunning image from a local lens

Photo courtesy of Bridge

Photo by Abbie Lahmers

Photo by Kayla Aucoin

The Scoop

COMPUTER AGE

From large-system servers to video game design, a Warwick museum illuminates tech history with new programming and collections

With technology constantly evolving and older models often phased out to collect dust and make way for new, it’s easy to forget about the once-shiny and exciting machines developed in our recent history. For the Rhode Island Computer Museum (RICM), even though the luster may have faded, the thrill is still there. With collections, courses, workshops, and engaging events, RICM traipses back in time to show the lingering value of techie artifacts.

What began in 1999 as an assemblage of large systems like servers, old desktop computers and laptops, video game systems, and more has grown into an educational outreach nonprofit that engages with the community through more than just its physical inventory. “We expanded to offer programs to libraries, schools, after-school programs, and community organizations, and we offer workshops at our facility,” explains Jen Piehler, RICM education coordinator and STEAM educator. When the Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art (RIMOSA) in Providence closed last year, RICM adopted a range of RIMOSA workshops to their roster.

Photo courtesy of Rhode Island Computer Museum

RACE DAY

Teams turn their STEM knowledge into practical application building electric race cars for RICM’s Greenpower F24 Racing Challenge. Participants work from a kit or from scratch to create a car that adheres to Greenpower Education Trust’s technical and sporting regulations, and come race day compete for the gold. A fall race takes place October 23. Learn more at Sites.Google.com/ricomputermuseum.org/greenpower-f24/

RICM’s educational opportunities are wide-ranging, allowing participants to dive deep into unique interests, including animation, video game design, sound technology, computer-aided design, computer programming, robotics and engineering, and more. The museum also o ers courses through the Rhode Island Department of Education’s All Course Network, which is o ered to all students in grades K-12 (with registration online at EnrollRI.org/acn). Fall o erings include STEAM in Space, BioDesign, and 3-D Printing, Coding, and Design.

In addition to courses, RICM hosts opento-the-public events, including the upcoming Fabrication Fest at Providence Innovation District Park on September 23. The outdoor gathering of exhibitors debuted last year when RICM member Brian Jepson, known for coordinating local Mini Maker Faires, had the idea to work with DESIGN WEEK RI to celebrate the intersection between design and fabrication. Experts and enthusiasts in both traditional and digital methods showcased their work to over 500 attendees.

To accommodate its growth, RICM recently moved from North Kingstown to Bald Hill Road in Warwick, and with the help of a RI Rebounds grant has designed an engaging space to host its ever-growing agenda of activities in a more accessible way.

“The new location allows us more room to have students and visitors learn and explore, making the experience more interactive and enjoyable,” Piehler says. “Some of our various displays include virtual reality, AR, AI, robotics, gaming, science, engineering, design,

Photo courtesy of Rhode Island Computer Museum

and computers with historic value.”

The new space also comes with better visibility and reachability, thanks to its more central location. “Before, we were tucked away in an o ce park and not too many people knew we were there. Now you can look for our sign if you are traveling on Route 2 in Warwick,” says Piehler. Whether perusing the “computer crypt” of old machines or expanding your tech knowledge, RICM is a great first stop on any retro journey. RIComputerMuseum.org

Wildflower Kids Children’s Apparel & Gifts

We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. Email or tag us on social media using #RhodyGem to suggest yours, and we might just feature it!

What it is:

A one-stop shop for kids’ clothing and gifts.

Where to find it:

Wildflower Kids is located in the heart of downtown Westerly. Park at one of the free lots on Canal or High streets and stroll past other small businesses until you find a brick-red building. Fun window displays confirm you’ve found it!

What makes it a Rhody Gem?

“My goal was to open a shop where every person who walked in could find a gift or outfit at the price point they are looking to spend, so we carry a range,” says owner, former art teacher, and mom of two, Tara Barkovitz. “I value soft fabric, quality design, and unique styles that you can’t find anywhere else.” In addition to carrying brands like Angel Dear, Me & Henry, Colored Organics, and Olive & Scout, Barkovitz has items from smaller indie brands and individual makers and artists. Embroidery services are available for personalizing fabric goods with monograms, and did we mention free gift wrapping? “I love what I do and what I have built with this shop. It is such a pleasure chatting with grandparents, parents, expecting parents, and relatives about their little ones. When you’re shopping for a baby or child you love, there are only smiles!”

Wildflower Kids

40 High Street, Westerly

Instagram: WildflowerKidsRI

Photo courtesy of Wildflower Kids

THE MUST LIST

10 essential events happening this month

September 15:

Now in their 17th year, RI-based Neil Young tribute band Forever Young plays the legendary songwriter’s hits and deep cuts. Nicole Gauthier opens with a set of songs by Joni Mitchell. East Greenwich, GreenwichOdeum.com

September 1-3:

The Rhythm and Roots Festival returns to Ninigret Park over Labor Day weekend, showcasing a range of musical styles on three stages, plus on-site camping, food and craft vendors, family activities and more. Charlestown, RhythmAndRoots.com

September 8:

RI Music Hall of Fame

inductee and guitar great Duke Robillard brings his band to the Knickerbocker Music Center for a show featuring selections from his 2022 release They Call it Rhythm & Blues Westerly, KnickMusic.com

September 8-30:

The dark comedy Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play is a post-apocalyptic story of survivors who gather around the campfire to recall an episode of The Simpsons, and remember the world as it was. Wakefield, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com

September 15-17:

It’s the season’s last hurrah at Gansett Fest, a weekend-long party kicking o with the Endless Summer Music Fest Friday and Saturday, Calamari Festival Saturday, and fun for all ages on Sunday. NarragansettCOC.com

September 16:

The third annual Mac & Cheese Festival returns to LineSider Brewing Company, where you can pair plates of mac (cooked up by local vendors) with some of the best craft beer in the state. East Greenwich, LineSiderBrewing.com

September 22:

Folk singer-songwriter and RI native Cheryl Wheeler plays at the Courthouse Center for the Arts on the day before one of her biggest hits, “When Fall Comes to New England,” becomes reality. West Kingston, CourthouseArts.org

September 23:

Hop on the wave-riding subculture for the Celebration of Surf Festival, making a splash at the Misquamicut Drive-In with a demo and ra e from Rhode Island Surf Co., live music, and more. Misquamicut, CelebrationOfSurf.org

September 23:

Usher in the start of autumn at Smith’s Castle for the annual Harvest Festival, a family-friendly event featuring colonial games, a petting zoo and pony rides, live music, and, of course, the Great Pumpkin Roll. North Kingstown, SmithsCastle.org

September 24:

IntentionFest highlights wellness and peace at Saugatucket Park with over 60 practitioners o ering therapeutic massage, reiki, yoga instruction, drum circles, plant medicine, mental health, meditation, and healthy eats. Wakefield, IntentionFest.info

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 Forever Young

Local band Forever Young makes a stop at the Greenwich Odeum

Mohammad Khan, MD Hospital Medicine

Where every doctor, nurse, and caregiver provides the greatest of care.

It may be helping a grandmother recover from heart failure. Providing direct access to Smilow Cancer Hospital’s personalized therapies. Or offering expert medical specialties to residents across southern Rhode Island. Whatever the situation, and whoever the patient, all of our acclaimed doctors, nurses, and caregivers are committed to the same thing: doing their jobs with the greatest of care.

Town of Westerly Will Request Ownership of Watch Hill Lighthouse Property

The move comes three weeks after US Sen. Jack Reed announced the property was slated to be transferred to a private non-profit in Watch Hill

The Westerly Town Council is formally requesting that the US government transfer ownership of a roughly four-acre shoreline property in Watch Hall to the town instead of the Watch Hill Lighthouse Keepers Association.

The decision to seek ownership of the Watch Hill Lighthouse property came in a 5-1 vote during a special meeting convened Monday night to consider a resolution that would also support giving the lighthouse building and other structures on the property to the Lighthouse Keepers and exempting them from town property taxes.

A copy of the resolution will now be sent to U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, US Rep. Seth Magaziner, whose district includes Westerly, state lawmakers representing the area, the National Parks Service, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, and the state Coastal Resources Management Council.

Councilor William Aiello, who authored the resolution, called it “a great opportunity for everyone involved.”

Councilor Joy Cordio said she supported the move as a way to ensure public access to the property in the years to come and that passage of the resolution shouldn’t be interpreted as a reflection on the Lighthouse Keepers.

“This is about the land, and it’s not about the Watch Hill Lighthouse Keepers Association,” Cordio said. “I’m hopeful that we’re going to have a great partnership that will benefit the public.”

Councilors Dylan LaPietra, Mary Scialabba, and Phil Overton joined Aiello and Cordio in passing the resolution.

Council President Edward Morrone voted against it, saying he was opposed to the process of considering the decision at a special meeting where public comment isn’t allowed instead of at a regular meeting where the council could have heard from the Lighthouse Keepers.

“I cannot support a one-sided document,” Morrone said.

Councilors scheduled the special meeting last week because the transfer agreement between the federal government and Lighthouse Keepers is expected to be finalized soon.

Monday night’s decision reverses course from Westerly’s position under the previous town

council, when the town formally supported the Lighthouse Keepers’ application to the federal government for ownership of the property.

Reed announced the impending transfer of the lighthouse property July 9, as part of a group of three approved lighthouse transfers in Rhode Island. Shoreline access advocates quickly responded by asking the current town council to intervene, because they feared transfer of the land to private hands could result in the loss of shoreline access to a peninsula that’s popular with fishermen and sightseers.

Reed’s o ce did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday night.

Before Monday’s meeting, the Watch Hill Lighthouse Keepers Association President Ann Snowden Johnson and Vice President Buck Barber expressed disappointment with the current town council’s direction on the matter, saying the town was right when it initially passed on the property when it

had an opportunity to seek ownership.

During a tour of the grounds, which the Watch Hill Lighthouse Keepers Association has been managing under an agreement with the federal government since 1986, Barber pointed out cracked areas in the seawall that goes around the peninsula and said repairs to reinforce the barrier are expected to cost millions of dollars over the coming years.

He and Johnson said their group was prepared to take on the responsibility of making necessary repairs and pointed out a more than 200 foot section of seawall that was rebuilt after Superstorm Sandy with state grant funding from the Rhode Island Historic Preservation & Heritage Commission and private financial support. They estimated the cost of that work at upwards of $750,000.

“We’re rebuilding what’s falling apart,” Barber said.

Johnson said, “I can’t stress enough how

The Watch Hill Lighthouse Property

Photo by Alex Nunes

much this is pure devotion and love.”

Johnson said public access would be maintained at the property under the ownership of the non-profit, as required by the federal law that guides the transfer of government lighthouses.

The National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act says organizations that assume ownership of lighthouse properties need to make the areas accessible to the general public “at reasonable times and under reasonable conditions.” Shoreline access advocates argue that language is vague and leaves too much open to chance in Watch Hill, where the town and state are now being sued over an access point to another shoreline area in a separate case.

The Lighthouse Keepers shared the “use plan” section of their federal application when asked for documentation on plans for public access in the future. The plan included current policies, like the hours the property is currently open to the public, but not specific commitments for public access to the land that surrounds the lighthouse going forward.

Local fishermen are particularly concerned by the prospect of the transfer to the Lighthouse Keepers because, they say, a gate to the property blocks them from fishing at night. The land is reachable by foot and only accessible by vehicle to people who are elderly or have disabilities.

Current policies posted near the entrance to the property grounds say the area is “only for sightseeing and casual strolling.”

When asked if that means fishing isn’t allowed on the property, Johnson said people can fish on the public trust land adjacent to the lighthouse property.

Johnson would not say whether she was willing to partner with the town going forward, if Westerly wants to own the land. She said she was operating under the conditions that the Watch Hill Lighthouse Keepers Association was selected to take ownership of the property and is working toward finalizing its agreement.

This article was originally posted on July 31, 2023. Alex Nunes can be reached at anunes@thepublicsradio.org

Rhody Pets of the Month

Looking to welcome a new furry friend into your home? Adopt, don’t shop! Shelters around South County and across 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.

THOMAS

They call it puppy love! When you see Thomas’ adorable face, you’ll be enamored. The six-month-old mixed-breed puppy has a gorgeous red coat and chocolate brown eyes. He’s a little shy but loves other playful dogs and kids. Thomas is looking for a patient adopter and maybe a furry sibling to show him the ropes.

Rhode Home Rescue

RhodeHomeRescue.org

RhodeHomeRescue@gmail.com

JASMINE

This two-year-old Lab mix with hazel eyes will steal your heart with her good looks and pearly white smile. Jasmine likes belly rubs, yummy treats, and snuggling. She does well around other dogs and is an overall great girl – now all she needs is a great family to bring her home!

Animal Rescue Rhode Island 506B Curtis Corner Road, Peace Dale 401-783-7606 • AnimalRescueRI.org

Scoop | rhody pets • By Karen Kalunian

Thomas

Photo by Hillary Gillinder

Photo courtesy of ARRI

Jasmine

SNOWBALL

Believed to be a Flame Point Siamese, Snowball is an eight-year-old blue-eyed beauty. He is a gentle soul who enjoys a quiet home and, as a diabetic kitty, someone who can give him insulin twice a day. If you have another mellow cat, he would be happy to have a friend. Snowball is ready to roll into your life!

Ten Lives Cat Rescue

TenLivesCatRescue.org

Hello@tenlivescatrescue.org

Photo courtesy of Ten Lives Cat Rescue

All Species Great and Small

A 24-hour survey of local flora and fauna brought naturalists and citizen scientists to Narragansett Tribal land

“And so, the answer is 1,038!” boomed David Gregg, to the applause and cheers of lingering biologists and naturalists, who came up for air from their microscopes to fold chairs and pack up the Science Central tent after 24 hours of BioBlitzing. No, he hasn’t summed up the meaning of the universe in one neat figure (and in fact, weeks following this year’s BioBlitz, that number is still growing), but rather, it’s a count of

species identified on 1,200 acres of Narragansett Tribal land in Charlestown.

But let’s rewind. For those who have never embarked on a BioBlitz, which feels both like summer camp for adults and hands-on science in the field, the goal is to take the temperature of a specific parcel’s biodiversity, inviting volunteers to fan out and leave no rock unturned (often literally) in search of as many species dwelling there

as possible. From abundant ants to elusive bears, blanketing moss to towering trees, taxonomic groups led by experts and specialists identify and record their findings in this “full-contact biology” sport.

Though the tentative tally isn’t record-breaking, this year’s BioBlitz, held in early June, was special for a few reasons. Ecologically, the area included Atlantic white cedar swamplands iconic to southern Rhode

RI Natural History Survey executive director David Gregg blows the horn signaling the end of the 24-hour BioBlitz

Photo by Abbie Lahmers

Island, as well as two ponds mostly free of the groundwater pollution that many water bodies surrounded by residential development experience. “The most amazing part about it was the warmth and generosity of the Narragansett Tribe for trusting us to bring this three-ring circus to their sacred land,” says Gregg, executive director of the Rhode Island Natural History Survey (RINHS).

Through a partnership with the Narragansett Tribe’s Department of Community Planning and Natural Resources and director of natural resources Dinalyn Spears, RINHS brought BioBlitz to a parcel of auke ut Nahiganseck (meaning “we dwell here”), which is normally closed to the public.

Opening remarks from Narragansett Tribal Councilman Cassius Spears, Jr. reminded participants that the tribe’s land once stretched far beyond reservation limits, underscoring the importance of the place they steward today.

Arriving Friday afternoon, mine and likely everyone’s first species sighting was the white and pink Mountain Laurel blooms dappling either side of the road, though a novice enthusiast and first-time BioBlitzer, I wouldn’t learn the plant’s name until tagging along with the ant team, made up of Providence College professor James Waters and students.

Turning over logs and rocks, Waters

pointed out colonies of ants while students, armed with aspirators to suck up the tinier specimens into vials, collected insects to identify under microscopes later. By the end of the blitz, the team had found two species never observed there before, including a first for Rhode Island in the pheidole genus of big-headed ants, which shows us an example of a southern species moving north.

Another important figure from this year’s BioBlitz was 367: the record-breaking number of registrants – over 200 of which were newcomers. In an event that brings together both passionate field biologists and a host of amateur citizen scientists, striking a balance

The pollinator team leading an educational bee and wasp walk

Photo by Abbie Lahmers

Accepting New Primary Care Patients & Walk Ins

Please call to be seen for same day appointment

Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm t (401) 789-1086 | f (401) 789-5344

Narragansett Medical Building @ the Narragansett Rotary 360 Kingstown Road Suite 104 Narragansett, RI 02882

Monica L. Gross, MD, MPH Maria A. Como, APRN, CNP

between facilitating meaningful discoveries and enabling the public to engage in ecological awareness is a tenuous line to walk.

RINHS program director Kira Stillwell, whose self-declared taxonomic specialty is people, shares that the event didn’t always require registration. “We made a really intentional decision, I think it was probably in ‘08, that it’s not a public event. You have to be pre-registered; you have to identify as part of a team,” she explains. “And so we’ve got the taxonomic experts and we’ve got the new folks who I call able-bodied bucket carriers.”

This also means everyone is busy. Breaking only to pitch my tent, reapply bug spray, and hear about other BioBlitzers’ highlights

of the day over sketching a leaf around the art and writing table, I embraced the organized chaos of being bounced from group to group, ready to grab an insect net or specimen vial, and asking questions along the way.

I learned that nomada bees are kleptoparasites that lay their eggs in host nests, listened for frogs on a nighttime amphibian walk along the water, saw a Common Yellowthroat through binoculars, and memorized the Ovenbird’s song, activities made more resonate in the context of tribal member and PE teacher Thawn Harris’ traditional storytelling over dinner, a spread that included authentic succotash prepared by tribal member Pearl Brown. In the morning, a medicinal plant walk

Mountain Laurels in full bloom around the parcel of Narragansett Tribal land

Photos by Abbie Lahmers

Mushrooms identified by the fungi team

with Spears enlightened listeners about the uses of sassafras, wintergreen, and more, and a sketching workshop with Frances Topping and Thea Ernest challenged participants to look at natural subjects in new ways.

Between exploratory hikes, workshops, and IDing specimens even late into the night beneath the glow of Science Central (as a handful of scientists showed o their musical talents around the campfire), a flurry of naturalist activity ascended on reservation land, and in a 24-hour span that blew by, the

caravan was packed up and on its way.

Gregg and Stillwell’s work continues long after the horn signals the close of BioBlitz. RINHS will share findings with Spears and her department, turning data into land management plans and conservation outreach. The selection process for next year’s BioBlitz is already underway, and the pair is busy year round operating a figurative switchboard, plugging scientists and the public into a larger network of projects.

“The survey’s general role in the environmental world in Rhode Island is that of

connecting people, providing contact and acting kind of like the hub of the wagon wheel for all of the other groups,” explains Stillwell. Echoes Gregg, “Everybody has a little piece of the puzzle, but you need somebody to bring everybody together.”

At latest tally, Gregg reports 1,248 species, but more than a number, the experience is an invitation for all ages to engage with the natural world around us. This hobbyist naturalist certainly looks forward to next year’s BioBlitz. RINHS.org

Narragansett Tribal Member Thawn Harris shares traditional stories over the campfire

Photo by Abbie Lahmers

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Savoring THE SEASON

REGIONAL RESTAURANTS WHERE AUTUMN AMBIENCE AND LOCAL HARVESTS COMBINE INTO UNFORGETTABLE DINING EXPERIENCES

BY ANN MARTINI

As Winnie the Pooh once said, “It’s the first day of autumn! A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings, and, best of all, leaping into leaves!” Like Pooh, we feel the exhilaration that comes with autumn, too. Maybe it’s evocative of our backto-school days, when each September brought an opportunity to reinvent ourselves through the simple purchase of new shoes and school supplies. While we Rhode Islanders are always sorry to see summer go, our palates change too, and lobster rolls and clam cakes give way to hearty soups and comfort food classics made with the best ingredients Rhode Island has to o er. We’ve rounded up a bunch of our favorite places and picked a dish or two that we can’t wait to cozy up with.

Photo courtesy of Duck Press

BEECH

Beech is a beauty of a restaurant in just about every way, made more special by the return of beloved chef – and now co-owner – Kevin Gaudreau, who started his career here when it was the venerable Trattoria Simpatico. Anchored by a 150-year-old Copper Beech tree and sporting an airy coastal vibe, the menu is heavy on classics with modern execution. Warm up with the French onion soup, and decide between the roasted chicken with grilled lemons, whipped potatoes, haricot verts (French green beans), and a lemon-caper butter sauce, or the braised beef short rib with creamy cheddar polenta, Swiss chard, glazed cranberries, and demi glacé. 13 Narragansett Avenue, Jamestown; BeechJT.com

ABOVE: Bridge’s pork chop with rosemary gravy

LEFT: House-made pasta at Beech

BRIDGE

Few restaurant atmospheres are as conducive to fall dining as Bridge. The inside is dark and cozy with a pub ambiance, while the expansive outdoor patio, which sits atop the Pawcatuck River, o ers nice views and leaf-peeping advantages. Since September is the beginning of prime oyster season, we suggest starting with those (when they run it, their buck-ashuck promotion is the best deal in town). Their house meatloaf hits the spot on a cool fall day – braised Denver-cut steak with bacon, peas, carrots, mashed potatoes, and gravy. 37 Main Street, Westerly; BridgeRI.com

Photo (L) courtesy of Beech, (R) courtesy of Bridge

This summer at the Pequot Museum we will be offering a variety of culture-filled fun and educational programs, workshops and events for families and friends of all ages. Join us each Wednesday–Saturday in July and August for some of the best experiences that Mashantucket has to offer at the largest Native American museum in the world!

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peter pots pottery

daily

DUCK PRESS

This colorful, cheeky bistro in the heart of Wakefield has a small menu featuring big flavors, but some of the most compelling dishes on owners Mark and Alicia Bryson’s menu elevate the humblest of ingredients, like an appetizer of thick, house-made potato chips covered in blue cheese fondue, chili crisps, and bacon. Given the restaurant’s name, it’s not surprising that the Brysons celebrate duck in its many forms here, but when fall brings cooling water temps, bass becomes more plentiful in the northeast. Start with striped bass tartare with white soy, serrano, avocado, lime, and crispy tortilla, followed by a simply beautiful pan-seared local striped bass with potato and veg. 333 Main Street, Wakefield; DuckPressRI.com

Honey Glazed Duck

494 Glen Rock Rd., W. Kingston 401-783-2350 peterpots.com

10-5, Sun.12-5

Pint Pot

Breast served with crispy noodles at Duck Press

Photo courtesy of Duck Press

CELESTIAL CAFÉ

Few restaurants celebrate local farms and purveyors the way Celestial has for more than 20 years. On the menu, you’ll see where each ingredient is sourced, and their monthly local farm dinners are seasonally themed and a great bargain. Fall favorites include their crispy Brussels sprouts with sweet red onions, Laurel Hill microgreens and chipotle aioli, and Rhody Jambalaya – Cedar Valley Farm chicken and Pat’s Pastured sausage in a Creole velouté over jasmine rice. 567 South County Trail, Exeter; CelestialCafeRI.com

THE RATHSKELLER

Starting your meal with a plate piled high with French fries might seem like a strange thing to do – unless you’re at the Rathskeller, where this is what practically everyone does. The fries – delish twice-cooked – come plain, with short rib gravy, tru ed, or loaded. After you’ve indulged, get into the Oktoberfest mindset with their Jagerschnitzel, a huge crispy fried pork cutlet smothered with mushroom gravy atop mashed potatoes and braised cabbage and apples. After eating, wander to their “Down Back” area, a huge outdoor space featuring games, firepits, and occasional live music. It all makes for perfect fall evenings. 489 Old Coach Road, Charlestown; TheCharlestownRathskeller.com

Chef Branden Read creates savory soups at Celestial Café

Photos courtesy of Celestial Café

Offerings at Ella’s created by chef Jeanie Roland, who starred in season two of Iron Chef Gauntlet

ELLA’S FINE FOOD AND DRINK

Multiple James Beard Award-nominated chef Jeanie Roland’s eatery has won lots of loyal fans in the several years since it opened, most notably everyone’s favorite part-time Rhode Islander, Taylor Swift. While Roland says that her menu is inspired by French and Asian flavors and techniques, there’s something here for everyone, from the simple to the sublime. Fall calls for some of the richer flavors on Ella’s seasonally evolving menu, and few in the Ocean State do duck as well. Recent iterations include a foie gras club sandwich on house brioche, seared duck breast with mushrooms and udon noodles and hoisin, and a magnificent duck a deux facons – crispy confit alongside garlic-marinated breast meat with duck fatroasted fingerling potatoes. We’re flying high on all of them!

2 Tower Street, Westerly; EllasFineFoodAndDrink.com

Photos courtesy of Ella’s Fine Food and Drink

Breakfast Now Available: Fri-Sun: 8am-11:30am

CulFactsaryfor Fa

• Oyster season officially opens on September 15 and runs through May 15.

• September 25 is National Lobster Day!

• Nearly every vegetable, from arugula to zucchini, is available locally.

Craft Beer, Wine & Spirits, and of course, food done right!

MONDAYS: WING NIGHT

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• Celebrate the Autumnal Equinox, when there are equal hours of daylight and darkness, September 23 by seeing what fall specials are on the menu at your fave restaurants.

ABOVE : Oysters at Bridge

LEFT: Lobster bisque served with style at Ella’s

Photo courtesy of Bridge

PRO-TIP: Be sure to check Mariner Grill on Tuesdays for their long list of specials

EVIE’S

Evie’s is the latest to join the family of restaurants run by the dynamic duo of Justin Dalton-Ameen and Josh Culpo, who also own Black Oak in Coventry, Back 40 in North Kingstown, and Union and Main in East Greenwich. Like its sister properties, the menu here features elevated comfort food classics. Get cozy outside by the fire pits with their gouda meatloaf and garlic mashed potatoes, washing it down with a seasonal house-made cocktail. 224 Post Road, Westerly; EviesRI.com

MARINER GRILLE

Die-hards get to the Mariner by 11:30am each day to ensure a spot at the bar at this popular lunch and dinner spot. They’re drawn for things like the Steak Healey, an open-faced ribeye sandwich with gorgonzola, demi-glace, and onion rings, and the giant chicken parm sandwich, where the pounded-thin cutlet extends inches past the bun. A bowl of their prime rib chili or the gorgeous 16-ounce bone-in veal chop with peppercorn brandy glaze will be perfect after a late-summer walk on the beach. 140 Point Judith Road, Narragansett; MarinerGrille.com

Photo (top) by Robert Isenberg, (bottom) courtesy of Mariner Grille

Choose Your Cruise!

THE

REVIVAL

Revival’s Marsala Braised Port Osso Bucco with Vermont Cheddar Grits

CRAFT KITCHEN &

BAR

If you’re loving the recent “girl dinner” trend – where you graze on charcuterie, bread, and cheese for dinner – then you’ve likely indulged in one of the Revival’s killer dip-and-bread baskets or their cheese, Mediterranean, or burrata slates. This restaurant, with a sister location in Warren, does composed dishes oh so well, too. North Atlantic Faroe Islands salmon is in season through October, and Revival brightens up its sweet fattiness with a Greek salad-style treatment including cucumbers, olives, feta, and a red wine vinaigrette. Opa! 219 Main Street, East Greenwich; TheRevivalCraftKitchenAndBar.com

If we missed your favorite, please let us know at Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com

Photography by Kendall Pavan St. Laurent

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Simply Transformed

A teen’s princess-pink bedroom gets a coastal chic makeover

Childhood bedrooms hold many memories, but as kids grow and change, some of the trappings like posters, bold hues, and themed bedding can suddenly become oh-so-uncool to their inhabitants. This was the case for a Barrington teenager’s pink powder puff of a room. While some teens tackle these transformations themselves with cans of paint, this family handed the task over to a pro. Enter West Bay-based designer Lindy Lowney, who explains, “My client was interested in a blue-green, neutral color palette for a fresh, modern update – blending neutral tones with coastal hues and lots of texture.” The homeowner adds, “the assignment was tricky because the final result needed to resonate with the teenager and her parents!”

Photos by Mark Makes Media, courtesy of Lindy Lowney Design

Even before the pandemic, teenagers have notoriously spent much time in their rooms, so Lowney was sure to create visual space and ample storage, along with a comfortable study area and accents with personality and panache. Following the “place for everything and everything in its place” adage, Lowney installed upper and lower cabinets – much like in a kitchen – featuring an e cient pull-out printer drawer, and a platform bed with deep drawers for linens and sweaters. Not typically found in a bedroom, a console table adds style and surface space, and has two-toned woven baskets that tuck beneath for odds and ends. To keep things from getting too

The countertop was custom matched to coordinate with the modern freestanding desk

Photos by Mark Makes Media, courtesy of Lindy Lowney Design

serious, a faux fur chair cover adds flu and levity, while playful wallpaper and hex-shaped hardware lend visual interest to the design.

Out went the pastels and in came a subdued elegant color palette drawn from the thick Persian-style rug. “Bed linens were kept simple for a clean, modern look with pops of whimsical patterns and texture,” says Lowney. Other mindful elements include custom black-out linen drapery to conceal the morning light. A stunning capiz shell honeycomb pendant light fixture and backdrop of watery grays with dashes of indigo imbue a coastal sense of place. Modern, appealing, and inviting all at once, this bedroom is sure to be embraced for years to come.

Layered lighting allows for light control – from the capiz honeycomb pendant to the task lighting on the desk

Photos by Mark Makes Media, courtesy of Lindy Lowney Design

Textures and patterns keep seemingly simple bed linens interesting

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Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.

FAMILY FAVES

The homeowners cite Barrington Books, Blue Kangaroo Cafe, and Sweet Lorraine’s Candy Shoppe as family go-tos around town.

LOCAL TALENT

“Rhode Island has a wonderful community of creatives and there are endless opportunities to support our many talented small businesses. Our state is small but mighty in what it has to offer,” says Lowney, who enlisted Kreatelier in Providence to create the custom drapery and pillows.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER

Lowney is a Rhode Island-based Allied ASID interior designer and owner of Lindy Lowney Design. Since establishing her own design business, she has styled and designed residential homes for over 15 years, providing a modern coastal aesthetic for her clientele. Learn more at Bio.Site/LindyLowneyDesign

Photos by Mark Makes Media, courtesy of Lindy Lowney Design

The Life Aquatic

With Disney’s The Little Mermaid packing movie theaters over summer, there is a resurgence in popularity for all things mer; there’s even the trending hashtag “mermaidcore,” which celebrates an aesthetic of shimmery sequins and paillettes, dreamy shades of aqua and coral, and mermaid-like silhouettes in fashion. Far from new, these fantastic creatures with the upper body and head of a human and tail of a fish have been swimming about in folklore and mythology for centuries, long before Hans Christian Anderson penned the fairy tale in 1836. With 400 miles of shoreline, it seems quite natural that the Ocean State would have its share of mermaids – and businesses devoted to these enchanting sea dwellers.

“I am a Rhode Island native and grew up making memories on all of the beaches across Rhode Island,” begins Alyssa Wick, founder of The Rhode Island Mermaid, a venture providing professional mermaid entertainment for parties and public events.

This year Wick, who is Freedive/PADI certified (Professional Association of Diving Instructors), will debut the region’s first and only transportable viewing tank, which holds 2,400 gallons of water and has a seven-by-six-foot acrylic window – “so that people can enjoy watching a mermaid in her natural underwater habitat,” she explains.

Wick’s original plan was to become a rescue swimmer but that dream was sunk during her senior year of high school when she was

diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and didn’t qualify to join the US Coast Guard. Fast forward to today, and after years of building a career in the corporate world and juggling life as a single parent, Wick felt disconnected to the buoyant side of herself and returned to the water as a means of rediscovering playfulness with her daughter. “An important part of who I am and felt I had lost was brought back to life through this as a hobby, before it ever turned into a business,” says Wick. “The challenge of consistently growing this skill set and the associated accomplishments and experiences under the water, and the joy of being part of such magical moments for kids… that makes this side of my professional life so special to me.”

More than a trend, Mermaidcore is about embracing life by the sea

Photo by Lani Leigh Photography, courtesy of The Rhode Island Mermaid

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FINDING YOURSELF MER-MYSTIFIED?

HERE ARE WAYS TO DIP YOUR FIN INTO THE WATER.

GOODS & MERMAIDING SWIM LESSONS

Behind a blue door on Bristol’s State Street discover a treasure trove in this gallery, shop, studio and Center for Oceans Watch, an international non-profit dedicated to conservation and sustainability. Owner Bonnie Blue is a sculptor, artist, author, and certified swim instructor so along with selling artwork and books, you can enroll in Mermaid/Merboy lessons in a swimming pool with a photo shoot. HealingDolphins.com

VISITS & PARTIES

If you’re looking to make a splash at your next event in water or on land, Alyssa Wick’s mermaids and sirens are available to make the scene, o ering performances that include sing-a-longs, charades, bubble wishes, and more. TheRhodeIslandMermaid.com

MEETUPS

Feeling mer-curious? Take part in an Ocean State Merfolk Meetup led by Erin Walsh, where like-minded merfolk are encouraged to join the pod and swim (often at the Smithfield YMCA). Please note this is an adults-only cosplay group. OceanStateMerfolk.com

MAKEOVERS & ART MAKING

Ever dream of swapping your legs for a shimmering tale? Jessie Jewels can work her magic and turn humans of all ages into mermaids, sirens, or selkies. And to prove it all happened, there’s a photoshoot on the beach. JessieJewelsArt.com

HANDMADE ACCESSORIES

From her Bristol studio, Melonie Massa handcrafts stunning sailor’s valentines, wine stoppers, jewelry, and more all fashioned from “an ocean of treasures” for her Mermaid’s Baubles brand. Pieces are available at Harbor View Artisans, Wickford; Hotpoint Emporium, Bristol; and similar art co-ops.

KNITTING SHOP

A short walk from Wickford harbor, The Mermaid’s Purl is the perfect place for spinning a yarn. Owned by Lizzie Shriner, who says, “I’ve always considered myself part

mermaid,” the shop is a destination for knitters, stocked with skeins bearing names like Siren Song, along with Mermaid Mitt Kits, and more. Merch bearing their lovely mermaid logo includes a custom stitch marker by local maker Katrinkles, a pin, apparel, tote bag, and more. TheMermaidsPurl.com

BEACH FOOD

Tucked behind Alfie’s Surf Shop on Westerly’s Atlantic Avenue is Little Mermaid’s. The name implies that it could be owned by Ariel herself but whoever is manning the grill keeps beachgoers happy and full with solid breakfast and lunch diner classics that you can sink a dinglehopper into. Did we mention ice cream? Instagram: @LittleMermaidsRI

NOVELTIES

Cast a glow with a Mermaid Tail Glitter Lamp, be styling with a Flip Sequin Mermaid Tale Drawstring Backpack, or keep cozy with a Mermaid Tale Wearable Blanket. All this can be yours from Rhode Island Novelty, a seller of toys and gifts since 1986. RINovelty.com

JEWELRY

Nearly all Rhody-based jewelry sellers have pieces that harken the sea, like the Sea Life Station Necklace by RS Pure, a subsidiary of Ross-Simons, sure to add allure with its small charms on 14kt yellow gold (RSPure.com), and the Iconic Mermaid necklace at Pink Pineapple at 380 Thames Street in Newport (PinkPineappleShop.com).

SWEETS

Along with other sweet treats, Chocolate Delicacy in Warwick makes beautiful molded Mermaid Pops for sale in both milk and dark chocolate, and Sweenor’s Chocolates (Wakefield, Wickford) sells seashells and starfish. ChocolateDelicacy.com; SweenorsChocolates.com

LIBATIONS

Toast King Triton on Block Island with a glass of Tipsy Mermaid Red Sangria at Poor People’s Pub. A colorful mix of organic red wine, açai berry, and orange juice with a splash of soda is perfect for landlubbers.

“Mermaids embody the spirit you feel when you are underwater watching the rays of sunshine through the surface,” says Jessie Jewels of Warwick, a Save the Bay beach captain, full-time mermaid, underwater model, and artist. Additionally, Jewels represents the state in pageants, and since 2021 has held the title of Miss Mermaid Rhode Island. “My platform is working with Save the Bay to help make our bay clean and accessible for all,” says Jewels, who founded her own charity last year, Save the Bay – Save the Mermaids, where a portion of proceeds from her mermaid-themed art and events go directly to the nonprofit dedicated to cleaning up and improving Narragansett Bay.

Photo by Brett Stanley, courtesy of Jessie Jewels

Meet Elizabeth Beisel

Rhody’s own Olympic medalist just keeps swimming – and is on a mission to empower kids do the same

After competing in three Olympic games and earning two medals for swimming, you’ve traveled the nation conducting swim clinics, raised many thousands of dollars for cancer by swimming from South Kingstown to Block Island (the first woman to do so, no wetsuit allowed), and now you have co-founded Emerge Youth Camps, a program that emphasizes overall wellness through a combination of safety training, physical activities, digital disconnection, and rewilding in natural environments. Can you trace the roots of your ongoing advocacy to any moment in particular?

Swimming changed my life and gave me opportunities that I could only dream of, including a platform to promote water safety and accessibility to everyone, regardless of race, economic background, or location. Losing my dad to cancer woke me up to the reality of how hard it is to fund cancer research, so being able to advocate for that has been one of the most cathartic ways for me to cope with the loss of my dad. Emerge Camps is a blend of those skills and experiences, and I hope to teach critical life lessons and tools to our youth and encourage them to take those lessons with them as they walk through life.

In a statement about Emerge Camps, it mentions creating “an opportunity for youth to disconnect digitally.” Social media has become so complicated, especially for young people. What are your thoughts on usage?

I’ve worked with kids throughout the country over the last few years, and I’ve seen how detrimental social media can be to their well-being. It can create an environment for cyberbullying to thrive, it often promotes unrealistic beauty standards, thus creating body image issues, it can interfere with a child’s ability to

Photo by Derek Delahunt, courtesy of Elizabeth Beisel

learn time management by consuming all of their free time, and use before bed has led to inadequate rest and sleeping disorders. It often portrays a filtered and exaggerated version of reality, causing a distorted perception, and excessive use has been linked to increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Do you still live in Rhode Island, and if so, what are some of your favorite places?

I live in Newport with my fiancè Jack. Our favorite spots in Newport are Corner Cafè for brunch, The Nitro Bar and Simple Merchant for coffee, and Perro Salado for the best Mexican food on the island. Shayna’s Place and Alma in Wickford are personal favorites on the mainland to eat and grab a coffee. Favorite spots to visit are Brenton Point, Beavertail, and of course Narragansett Town Beach, where I lifeguarded in the summers.

Where are your favorite places – indoors or out – to swim in Rhode Island?

My favorite pools to swim in Rhode Island are Brown University and Roger Williams University. Best places to swim in open water are Narragansett Town Beach, Second Beach in Newport, and Mackerel Cove in Jamestown.

BEISEL FAST FACTS

3 x Team USA Olympian

2 x Olympic Medalist Block Cancer Founder

First Woman To Swim To Block Island Team USA Team Captain USA Swimming Foundation Ambassador World Champion

Food & Drink

FOOD HALL FUN

Tasty eats and spacious patio at a new culinary concept in Ashaway

Gone are the days of couples or families coming to a stalemate over picking a restaurant – at recently opened food hall Rhode House, no one needs to settle on one style of cuisine. Though co-founder Steven Sansone concedes that most restaurants have options for di erent eaters, he explains of the new concept in Ashaway, “With the space and equipment we have available, we took it to the next level. Instead of your chicken teriyaki, spaghetti, burger, and burrito all coming from one team, we’ve been working on bringing culinary teams together to focus on their style of food and do what they do best.”

When you enter the food hall, you can’t miss Potter Hill Sweets, where chef and ice cream expert Jon Gladson handcrafts vanilla custard and mint-chocolate chip scoops, just to name a few favorites, incorporating seasonal ingredients for a rotating selection. At the Pit Stop BBQ counter, pitmaster Ted Sherman can be found at the smoker tending to beef brisket, pork, ribs, and more. “Then there’s the small-but-dedicated team with Belly Busters, who set out to bring everything back to the basic, delicious burger,” shares Sansone. Find classic Smash Burgers along with creative takes on the American staple, plus jumbo wings with a range of sauces.

For craft cocktails and beer, find a seat at the bar, or bring your meal outside. “Our dog-friendly patio space is loaded with picnic tables and activities,” says Sansone. “You’ll see guests playing cornhole, ring toss, giant Jenga, eating ice cream in a rocking chair, or taking a shot at the Whiskey Barrel Bell.” With the addition of more culinary teams and food trucks joining the Rhode House ranks, guests can expect surprises each time they visit. RhodeHouseCollection.com

| By Abbie Lahmers

Photo courtesy of Rhode House

Tacos on the Mainland

Formerly on Block Island, a foodie family now dishes authentic Mexican eats in Wakefield

Southern Rhode Island is perhaps best known for its seafood scene, but a recently opened Wakefield eatery adds to the authentic Mexican dining choices south of Providence. Maiz, a family-owned and -operated restaurant, opened in mid-May by the Mendozas, which includes husband and wife Julio and Iliana with daughter Julianne. Though now dishing their favorite recipes on the mainland, you may recognize the family from the former Calaveras on Block Island.

In their new digs, you can find Iliana and Julianne greeting and serving guests at the front

counter and Julio working his magic in the kitchen, where everything is made from scratch, from the salsas and guacamole to the corn tortillas and fried chips. The meats are slow-cooked in house, and the beans are soaked, cooked, and masterfully seasoned each day. A rotating selection of agua frescas (water infused with fresh fruit) and a cooler of Mexican sodas are at the ready to complement any meal.

Though there are a few seats inside, the spacious outdoor dining area is ideal for savoring the warm days of fall. Visiting with friends on a late-summer day, we started with

a classic choice: chips with guacamole and salsa. The nachos were warm, crispy and seasoned with just the right amount of salt. If I had to pick a favorite between the guacamole and the salsa, I would be at a loss. The former is prepared to order and you can tell – the balance of flavors hit just right with the creamy avocado, chopped tomato and onion, cilantro, and the acidic bite of the lime juice. The salsa

CUISINE: Mexican

ATMOSPHERE: Fast-casual, lively outdoor seating

Photo courtesy of Maiz

Maiz serves up authentic Mexican fare in Wakefield

verde was flavorful without being too spicy. The tangy taste of tomatillos and just a hint of heat from the jalapeños was addictive.

Next came a sampling of their many tacos. Each was delicious, but the best of the best had to be the Birria Taco; the slow cooked beef was a burst of rich flavor. Garnished simply with onions and cilantro, it didn’t need anything else. The Shrimp Taco was excellent, too, with the addition of grilled pineapple o ering satisfying sweetness.

Julianne brought us out the special Tostada de Tinga, which was made using her grandmother’s recipe. The chicken was tender and cooked with the ideal proportion of tomato and chipotle sauce. Julianne suggested we try it with the salsa verde, and the combination did not disappoint.

Not to be skipped is the burrito section of the menu. The carnitas version was excellent, but the unexpected favorite was the Veggie Bomb. Along with the usual mix of veggies, rice, beans, jalapeños, and guacamole, the oh-so-refreshing pineapple made a comeback. The tropical fruit mingling with savory ingredients hits in just the right way. The Veggie Bomb was so

Photos courtesy of Maiz

Shrimp Tacos

A handful of taco flavors from Maiz

Must-Try Items

Guacamole ($9)

Made to order with avocado, tomato, onion, cilantro, and optional jalapeños, served with chips

Birria Taco ($7.50)

Slow-cooked shredded beef, onion, cilantro, and cheese

Veggie Bomb Burrito ($14.75)

Veggie mix, rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, pineapple, and jalapeños

delectable, my friend went back the next day to get another one.

As the fall season creeps up on us, a hangout with friends on Maiz’s patio is a must to keep the summer vibes going with warm tacos and ice-cold sodas. You will not be disappointed.

Labor Day for Days

Let prepared foods and fresh-picked everything take the work out of hosting

Despite the hottest temps of the year, the calendar reminds us that before long, beaches officially close and families with kids will resume their regimented routines, so let’s make the most of the still-long days by making plans right now! If the thought of hosting a get-together gives you the willies, it doesn’t need to – spending a sunny afternoon picking up prepared foods, bunches of blooms, bottles of wine, and a few other items is all part of the fun.

FINER THINGS

While hosting doesn’t need to be fancy, it can be nice to have some heirloom-quality pieces. If you’re looking to build a tabletop collection or pick out something special, Homeport on Newport’s Spring Street has you covered. The lifestyle shop has shelves of fine bone china, linen napkins, flatware, glassware, salt-and-pepper sets, and more, plus advice and expertise!

FLORAL SUPPORT

From flowers to fruit, adorn your table with gifts from the earth. Bouquets of vibrant wildflowers from Painted Fields Flower Farm are handpicked each morning and available for purchase in the flower shed at Tilted Barn Brewery. By using loose bunches, you have the freedom to cut and display your centerpiece however your heart desires. Visit Tilted Barn Farmers Markets on Wednesdays from 4-7pm through September 27.

MADE TO ORDER

The Corner House on Post Road in Warwick can be your one-stop food shop. This upscale deli also has a market stocked with regional brands, and onsite bakery Cakes by Isabel Noel. Spice up your spread with jarred provisions, cured meats, and rich cheeses, plus reheatable faves like homemade stuffies and bacon wrapped scallops. A custom charcuterie board with mini spoon from art market regular Into the Woods makes a handsome base.

By Kayla Aucoin and Elyse Major

Photography by Kayla Aucoin, courtesy of AUCOIN

RHODY RESOURCES

A handy list of brands, shops, and makers featured in this article:

AUCOIN

Featured: Stylist

North Kingstown | @aucoindesigns

BACKYARD BEACH DECOR

Featured: Narragansett

Anchor wine stopper

North Kingstown @backyardbeachdecor

THE CORNER HOUSE

Featured: The Backyard Food Company, Cakes by Isabel Noel, and their own prepared foods.

Warwick | @cornerhouseri

GREENVALE VINEYARDS

Featured: Wines

Middletown @greenvalevineyards

HOMEPORT

Featured: Tabletop and bar, linen napkins

Newport | @homeportri

INTO THE WOODS

Featured: Live-Edge Bowl Board

Johnston | @followusintothewoods

Mention Hey Rhody and receive 10 percent off any of their products. Offer expires October 15, 2023.

PAINTED FIELDS FLOWER FARM

Featured: Florals

Exeter @paintedfields_flowerfarm

WINE STOP

Along the Sakonnet River in Middletown is Greenvale Vineyards, a sixth-generation farm that produces small quantities of estate-grown wines available for tastings and purchase. For grazing on small seasonal bites, try the 2022 Pinot Gris Ramato. When it’s time to serve the main course, switch to a medium-bodied Bordeaux-style red. While not in use, top bottles with decorative stoppers from Backyard Beach Decor (which also make lovely hostess gifts).

Season 2 coming October 6

Discover the flavors of Rhode Island! From fresh seafood shacks to farm-to-table eateries, little Rhody o ers a diverse culinary landscape that caters to all tastes. Indulge in delicious seafood, global cuisines, and locally-inspired dishes, and experience the culinary richness of the Ocean State with a dining experience that will leave you craving for more.

Dave’s Fresh Marketplace

Ten Locations throughout Rhode Island

401-558-0190 |

davesmarketplace.com/WeeklySpecials

Made fresh daily in our kitchens - 60+ Take Out Options!

All Favorites Cafe

1678 Broad St, Cranston | 401-941-3550

allfavoritescafe.com |

A Breakfast/Lunch restaurant serving a mash up of Southern and French inspired flavors. Everything from French Toast to Cubanos.

Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille

8 locations across RI!

Chelos.com |

A Rhode Island staple since 1955! Fresh, homemade deliciousness in every bite.

El Paisa Restaurant Patio and Bar

598 Dexter Street, Central Falls

401-726-8864 | ElPaisa.com |

Since 1978, El Paisa Restaurant and Bar has served home-cooked, classic Colombian recipes and cocktails with great joy.

BLU On The Water

20 Water St. East Greenwich | 401-885-3700

bluonthewater.com |

Fresh seafood daily and live outdoor entertainment make BLU RI’s premier waterfront destination.

Chelo’s Waterfront

1 Masthead Dr. Warwick | 401-884-3000

Cheloswaterfrontri.com |

Fresh food, family friendly, and unparalleled views of Greenwich Bay.

MainStreet Coffee

137 Main Street, East Greenwich

401-885-8787 |

MainStreet-Co ee.com

Casual co ee house meets hip martini bar. Best Espresso Martinis in Rhode Island.

CAV Restaurant

14 Imperial Place, Providence | 401 751-9164

CavRestaurant.com |

Bistro style Brunch and Lunch. Fine Dining Dinner.

The Coast Guard House Restaurant

40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett | 401-789-0700

thecoastguardhouse.com |

Waterfront dining - local raw bar, lobster, pasta, steak & seafood. Award-winning wine list. Dining rooms, bars, patio & deck.

Mambo Sushi

380 Atwells Ave, Providence

401-642-8439 |

mambosushiprovidence.com

Peruvian Flair to Asian Cuisine

Industry veteran Brittany Fox recently opened Queen of Cups, named after “a tarot card that continually showed up for me when I was aspiring to create this warm and welcoming community space. The card signifies kindness and compassion, to yourself and others, which I think is the perfect message for my vision,” explains Fox. Located across the street from Narragansett Town Beach, the shop serves locally roasted co ee from Empire Tea and Co ee in Newport. “Our cold brew, iced co ee, hot co ee, and espresso beverages are all amazing, but we also have a great selection of teas and refreshing drinks if

co ee isn’t your thing,” she adds.

The most popular products on the menu are the homemade pop tarts in fun flavors. Breakfast sandwiches, including the garden egg sandwich, made with egg, arugula, tomato, avocado, cheddar, and housemade sriracha aioli is a customer favorite.

“We have a couple of house-made simple syrups – lavender and brown sugar cinnamon; those are both a hit. We are also making a lot of maple lattes and mochas, and our guests love workshopping new flavor combinations with the baristas.”

Narragansett, QueenOfCupsRI.com

New spot for soup in PVD

“There aren’t really any places that specialize in soup,” says Emily Medizza, the part-owner of Little Shop of Soups in Providence’s Financial District. “My dad came up with the name – we’re big fans of musicals.” The menu is built around traditional favorites. “Our Chicken ‘Not’ Pie soup is very creamy. We add chicken bits, carrots, peas, mushrooms, potatoes, celery, and onions. We also have a New England-style clam chowder with quahogs straight from Narragansett Bay.”

Medizza looks forward to students returning and the cool months that follow. “I definitely expect an increase in sales around soup season, starting in October,” she says. The tiny shop also o ers sandwiches including BBQ pulled pork topped with coleslaw and an Italian Caprese. At age 20, Medizza knows she is young to be operating a restaurant. “I’m learning a lot about adult things, as I call them, like electric bills, setting up internet, answering email, and communicating with people. It’s been challenging, but it’s put me on a path of growth, which I’m very grateful for. It’s a rare experience for someone my age.” Providence, LittleShopOfSoups.com

At Mother Pizzeria, chef/owner Kevin O’Donnell begins with an ingredient shared by all great pizzas: the dough. “The sourdough pizza, made with local, stone-ground flour, is definitely the star of the show,” says O’Donnell, who named the restaurant for the sourdough starter. Less than a 10-minute walk away, O’Donnell also owns Giusto, an award-winning restaurant and longtime Newport favorite. “At our core are exceptional ingredients and low-intervention farming/sourcing practices.”

The menu leads o with starters including Nduja Croquettes, Octopus Salad, and Narragansett Creamery Burrata. Beyond the appetizers, it’s all pizza and house-made gelato at the Long Wharf Mall establishment. Popular picks include the Rhode Island Party Pie, a spicy delight with tomato, estratto di pomodoro, Sicilian oregano, and chili flake. “The Margherita pizza seems to reign supreme but seeing what guests order when they build their own is also pretty fun,” O’Donnell adds. “We built a place that we would want to eat and drink at. It’s most rewarding when other people enjoy what you’ve created.” Newport, MotherPizzeria.com

Tarot-themed Gansett cafe fills mugs and more

Sourdough steals the show at Newport pizza shop

Photo courtesy of Queen of Cups

South County Scenes

The path to Napatree Point is beautiful at any time of the year.

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.