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

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 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

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.

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