Just a few decades ago, the list of breweries to visit in any given area were small—perhaps a handful around larger metro areas and a few more tucked away in rural spots. Thanks to the craft brewery revolution, though, no one need look too hard to find a bounty of venues to visit. Retail sales […]
Food & Drink
La Vecina officially opens as a stand-alone restaurant
La Vecina, which began as an authentic Mexican pop-up restaurant from Bar ‘Cino’s Executive Chef Mariana Gonzalez-Trasvina, has officially opened as a stand-alone restaurant adjacent to Bar ‘Cino in Newport’s Washington Square. “The La Vecina pop-up and ghost kitchen was a really fun experiment for our staff and our guests, and it was so well-received that […]
‘Hi-Neighbor! The Story of the Narragansett Brewing Company’ premieres on May 25
In what Rhode Island PBS is calling a ‘lager than life’ film event, the newest Rhode Island PBS Original to come from the production studios at 50 Park Lane in Providence recounts the history of one of Rhode Island’s most famous icons. Hi-Neighbor! The Story of the Narragansett Brewing Company debuts at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, […]
Sixth Annual Rhode Island Quahog Week set for May 15-21
PROVIDENCE – Governor Dan McKee and Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos announced today that Quahog Week – the annual event spotlighting Rhode Island’s favorite bivalve as well as the most economically important resource harvested from Narragansett Bay – will run May 15-21. Now in its sixth year, Quahog Week exists to promote the cultural and economic importance of the local quahog and raise awareness and demand for local seafood and the RI Seafood brand.
“We love our seafood in Rhode Island,” said Governor McKee. “It supports our economy, traditions, and families and is at the heart of why we’ve become such a popular ‘foodie’ destination. Quahogs are undeniably the stars of Quahog Week, which we celebrate to thank our hardworking local diggers and salute the seafood dealers, restaurants, markets, and other partners who help increase consumer demand, sales, and market opportunities for quahogs during the off-peak season. Quahog Week is a way to savor our favorite local clam and position seafood-related businesses for success.”
“This week-long celebration shines a light on Rhode Island’s favorite clam, the hard-working diggers who harvest them, and the many restaurants, markets, and food-based businesses that sell and serve quahogs and are committed to growing our local food system,” said Lieutenant Governor Matos. “I encourage Rhode Islanders to take part in the festivities by purchasing quahogs to cook at home or enjoying a meal made with delicious, freshly harvested clams at a participating restaurant.”
The Department of Environmental Management (DEM), in partnership with the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative and RI Shellfishermen’s Association, conceived of Quahog Week to grow the local food economy. Quahogging is a year-round activity in Rhode Island, so the product is available throughout the year. Demand tends to peak during the summer months, when stuffies and clam cakes serve as main attractions for shore-goers and tourists. Targeting the offseason for Quahog Week helps to increase consumer awareness, demand, sales, and market opportunities for quahogs during a time of year when the fresh product is readily available, but often overlooked. The Rhode Island food system supports more than 60,000 jobs and is a key driver in attracting tourism to the Ocean State. As quahogs are plentiful in Narraganset Bay year-round, they are perfect ingredients in myriad seasonal recipes including stuffies, hearty chowders, soups, various pasta dishes, and more.
“Quahog Week is one of DEM’s favorite annual events,” said DEM Acting Director Terry Gray. “It’s fun but also symbolizes much of what DEM is all about, such as water quality improvements in Narragansett Bay, which led to the opening of nearly 2,000 acres of new shellfishing waters in the lower Providence River last year, shortening the ‘food miles’ it takes to put nutritious meals on our tables, and increasing food security.”
The highlight of Quahog Week involves the many clam-tastic opportunities to access and savor fresh Rhode Island quahogs. Participating restaurants will feature quahog-inspired specials on their menus, and participating markets will offer deals for those who enjoy cooking their own clam dishes at home. Quahog Week partners include Dave’s Marketplace, Discover Newport, Eat Drink RI, Go Providence, Commerce RI, and the University of Rhode Island. This initiative adds to a growing series of initiatives undertaken by DEM, the RI Seafood Marketing Collaborative, and partners throughout the industry to promote and market fresh Rhode Island seafood and support our critical local food sector.
Quahogs are the most economically important fishery resource harvested from Narragansett Bay. More than 14 million quahogs were landed in 2021. Among all RI’s inshore and offshore marine fisheries, quahogs are the state’s fifth-most valuable, following squid, scallops, lobster, and summer flounder (based on 2021 ex-vessel values).
Consumers may visit www.seafoodri.com for a full list of participating restaurants and markets and the specials they are offering. DEM encourages restaurants and markets interested in participating to sign up on our website.
Participants in Quahog Week – consumers and retailers alike – are encouraged to share their experiences via social media posts: @RISeafoodRocks on Facebook, #QuahogWeek on Twitter, and @RI.Seafood on Instagram. The social sharing posts helps generate interest, which generates business for dealers and restaurants.
For more information on DEM programs and services, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@RhodeIslandDEM).
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Climate change is the driving force behind these growing wine regions
Wine is first and foremost an agricultural product. As such, it is susceptible to the whims of Mother Nature and the lashings of climate change. Global warming of 2 degrees Celsius, or 35.6 degrees Fahrenheit, could result in a loss of more than half the world’s current wine grape-growing land. An increase of 4 degrees […]
The Lobster Bar celebrates its 10th anniversary with an updated look!
This summer, one of the most iconic waterfront restaurants in Newport is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary with a brand new look! The Lobster Bar originally opened in 2012 and shared the space with Aquidneck Lobster Company’s wholesale fish market. The fish market moved out in 2015 which is when the Kilroy family decided to revise […]
Highest rated IPAs in Rhode Island
The craft beer revolution has taken a major bite out of macrobrew’s traditional dominance of the national palette, and India pale ale is perhaps the most popular category to find traction in its wake. A wide range of flavor profiles and varieties—not to mention a generally higher alcohol content—make what constitutes an IPA a much […]
House OKs Rep. Carson’s bill to put specific allergy warnings on restaurant menus, enhance enforcement
STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives today approved legislation sponsored by Representative Lauren Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport) requiring more specific allergy warnings on the menus of all food-service establishments. The legislation (2022-H 7399), which would take effect Jan. 1, would require all food service establishments to include on their menus a warning, in bold […]
Anchor & Hope launches investment campaign to support expansion, addition of tasting room in Rumford
Anchor & Hope, a craft winery located in Rumford, this week announced that it has partnered with Mainvest for its first fundraising campaign. The campaign will allow members of the community to be a part of the growth of Anchor & Hope by investing as little as $100 with a 1.5x return towards a target […]
The Chanler at Cliff Walk and Cara Restaurant named Five-Star Hotel & Restaurant in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2022 Star Awards
Forbes Travel Guide (“FTG”), the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas, today announced its 2022 Star Awards. The Chanler at Cliff Walk and Cara Restaurant both earned a new Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star awards and are showcased with other honorees on ForbesTravelGuide.com. Sitting on Newport’s most prized real estate, the Cliff Walk, The Chanler is a hyper-intimate […]
Brewery of the Month: We visit Pivotal Brewing Co. in Bristol
One of the newest kids on the (craft brewery) block in RI is definitely one of the coolest. I recently visited Pivotal Brewing Co. in Bristol and found it to be a welcome addition to the region’s craft brewery scene. The location might be a bit out of the way for some, but the building […]
Where to find the best coffee in Newport County
Why buy coffee from the big chain stores when you can get better coffee at so many locally-owned cafes? Although Newport lost one of its most iconic, local-owned coffee spots at the end of 2021 when the Coffee Grinder shutdown, there are still plenty of cafes with big character in Newport and the surrounding areas. […]
Breweries with the most highly ranked beers in Rhode Island
In a world where just a small number of massive companies dominate the beer market, sipping on a brew created close to home can be all the more satisfying. The last decade has seen an explosion of breweries that operate on a smaller scale and offer a wider, and sometimes more experimental, selection of beer. […]
50 most popular chain restaurants in America
With the advent of Big Data, it’s now easier than ever to quantify what people like around the globe. When it comes to food, Americans have particularly specific opinions. American dining brands have a long and storied history, and whether it’s fast food, fast-casual, high-end, or super cheap, U.S. restaurants offer something for almost everyone. […]
Rhode Island Red Food Tours return to Providence and Newport for the 2022 Season
Rhode Island Red Food Tours is excited to announce the return of their wildly popular (and delicious!) food tours this April. The Newport Neighborhood Food Tour makes its 2022 season debut on Friday, April 22nd and the Downcity Providence Food Tour on Saturday, April 23rd. “We’re over the moon to embark on our seventh season!” says Paula Silva, Founder & Chief […]
Providence Pizza Week serves up great pies and more April 17-30
Good news pizza lovers – your time has come! “Providence Pizza Weeks,” a new restaurant industry initiative, arrives this week running from April 17-30. During “Pizza Weeks,” you’ll find specials at restaurants all over the Providence area. Dozens of restaurants are participating from small pizzerias to larger establishments. There’s a pizza for everyone on this […]
Tiny Kitchen Magic: Root Vegetable Hash
Well, hello there! Sorry, I’m a little late this month, good old changing of the weather cruddies got me. Anyway, as I had discussed last month, I’m doing a two-part recipe this month and next. This month will be the side dish. Next month will be the main protein. This is a fantastic dish to […]
PVD Food Trucks Opens 2022 Season
In the wake of a tumultuous off-season, PVD Food Trucks opened their 2022 season Thursday, April 14 with a highly successful “Food Trucks Roll into Richmond” event. It took place on the small, triangular lot that is home to Richmond Town Hall, and featured 13 trucks offering everything from RI favorites to BBQ, to “south […]
Grocery items with the greatest price change in March
The cost of groceries increased nearly 10% year-over-year and 1% since February, driven largely by a rise in prices of meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, according to Consumer Price Index data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics released Tuesday, April 12. The report was released amid the highest documented inflation in more than four decades. Economists […]
Grey Sail Brewing releases ‘Canal Street Ale’
Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island (Grey Sail) has unveiled a new beer in their core lineup today, Canal Street Ale. The Kolsch-inspired ale (3.9% ABV, 110 calories) is a lighter offering made with high-quality German ingredients lending to “a clean, crisp, and absolutely crushable beer,” according to Grey Sail. “It is an ideal option […]
Here’s which Rhode Island breweries will be open on Easter
Interested in visiting one of Rhode Island’s craft breweries on Easter Sunday? Here’s a list of which Rhode Island breweries will be open and closed on Sunday, April 17, courtesy of the Rhode Island Brewers Guild. Rhode Island Breweries Open on Easter FoolProof Brewing – Normal hours, 12 noon – 6 Linesider – Normal hours, […]
Flat Waves Food Shack moving to the corner of East Main Road and Aquidneck Avenue
Flat Waves Food Shack announced on Friday that they are moving to the corner of East Main Road and Aquidneck Avenue. “Coming soon to the corner of East Main and Aquidneck Ave…THE FOOD SHACK! We are excited to finally announce that WE ARE MOVING!In the upcoming months we will be heading up the street to […]
Photo Gallery: Narragansett Brewery celebrates first anniversary at new India Point location
Narragansett Brewery celebrated its first birthday at its new India Point location in Providence Saturday, April 9. The brewery has built a large following since opening last Spring, and friends packed the space to celebrate with brewers and staff. Music and high-energy fun was provided by the Providence Drum Troupe and Hollow Turle, along with […]
Frosty Freez will open for the season on April 15
Frosty Freez announced on Friday that they will open for the 2022 season on April 15 at 11:30 am. The popular ice cream shop announced back on March 25 that it had to postpone its April 1 opening due to supply chain issues.
Groundswell’s expanded market opens April 15th
Located in historic Tiverton Four Corners, Groundswell is a multi-building culinary + grocery + home + garden destination that opened on November 1, 2020. You might have missed the opening in the midst of the pandemic, but Groundswell needs to be on your must-visit list this spring. An expanded Table + Provisions shop is scheduled […]