Scales & Shells announced on Tuesday, March 19 that they are welcoming a new chef. “We are excited to announce Richard Allaire as the new chef of Scales & Shells restaurant! Richard Allaire is a Rhode Island Native who has many years of experience working with locally sourced seafood and produce,” Scales & Shells shared […]
Food & Drink
Posted inNews
Cabana restaurant is being sold
Cabana and its accompanying real estate at 140 Broadway in Newport (formerly Salvation Cafe) has hit the market for $2.9 million. The property includes a “Zoned GB and with a full class C liquor license, this turnkey restaurant is ready for your concept and upgrades,” according to the property listing. It also includes “two apartments […]
Posted inArts & Culture
What’s in season? How to use fresh ingredients from a mid-march Tiverton Farmer’s Market to make a meal
The term “farmer’s market” seems synonymous with summer: bountiful fresh fruit, leafy greens, and tomatoes begging to be made into gazpacho. That vision of a farmer’s market is limited to just summer-y produce, when in fact there are plenty of fruits and vegetables available and in season throughout the year! The Tiverton Farmer’s Market is […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Forum Lodge to host annual Gaelic and Garlic Dinner on March 25
The annual Gaelic and Garlic Dinner will be held at Vasco da Gama Hall on March 25. Sponsored by Forum Lodge, the event celebrates Irish and Italian Heritage in memory of Ralph J. Gizzi. The $30 per person dinner will feature corned beef and potatoes, pasta and sausage, and Irish and Italian desserts. A cash […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News
What’s Pi Day all about? Math, science, pies and more
By CURT ANDERSON Associated Press Math enthusiasts around the world, from college kids to rocket scientists, celebrate Pi Day on Thursday, which is March 14 or 3/14 — the first three digits of an infinite number with many practical uses. Around the world many people will mark the day with a slice of pie — […]
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Grey Sail Launches ‘Sea Maiden’, a new low-calorie light beer
Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island has announced the launch of its newest beer, Sea Maiden, a crisp and refreshing low-calorie light beer. With only 110 calories, Sea Maiden is a guilt-free indulgence that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality. Sea Maiden is a harmony of malt sweetness, a gentle touch of hops and a refreshing finish. […]
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Winning dish from culinary competition to be featured at Iron Works in Warwick
The Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF) has announced that a dish created by students at Exeter Job Corps Academy will be featured at Iron Works in Warwick. The Black Angus Ribeye with Yukon mashed Purée, roasted carrots and green beans, and a roasted garlic and veal Demi-glace will be available to the public beginning […]
Posted inFood & Drink
‘Six Picks’ Newport area breweries celebrate RI Craft Beer Week
Rhode Island Craft Beer Week rolls into the weekend with dozens of special events and new releases. Stop by local taprooms this weekend to see what’s in store. Ragged Island Brewing Ragged Island Brewing, located at 54 Bristol Ferry Rd. in Portsmouth, has established itself as the leading Aquidneck Island brewery. Just in time for […]
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Flo’s Clam Shack in Middletown reopens for the season on March 14
Flo’s Clam Shack announced on Facebook this week that its Middletown location will reopen for the season at 11 am on Thursday, March 14, 2024. To kick off the season, they will be open weekly, Thursday through Sunday, from 11 am to 9 pm. Flo’s Clam Shack at Island Park in Portsmouth typically reopens for […]
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Triple scoop success: Clementine’s Homemade Ice Cream opening in Portsmouth, their third location
Spring is just around the corner, and as warmer weather approaches, local ice cream joints are awakening from their winter slumber. Warren and Jess Sternberg, the owners of Clementine’s Homemade Ice Cream, have spent the winter months working hard to grow their small business. This spring, Aquidneck Islanders will be treated to a shop expansion […]
Posted inEnvironment & Health
Rhode Island to provide fresh, locally-grown food to seniors through upgraded food assistance program
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced on Thursday that upgraded fresh and healthy food options are on the way to Rhode Island seniors. DEM’s Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment has upgraded its Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) to provide an estimated 10,000 eligible seniors with fresh, RI Grown fruit and […]
Posted inFood & Drink
The Craft Brew Races Newport will return in July as the Newport Beer Run
The Newport Beer Run—formerly the Craft Brew Races—is a timed 5K road race on July 20, 2024, followed by an unforgettable craft beer festival inside the walls of Fort Adams. A portion of the proceeds from the Newport Beer Run will be donated to the Rhode Island Brewers Guild to support craft beer and brewing […]
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7th Annual Newport Burger Bender sets new record
The biggest burger contest in the region has done it again! The 7th Annual Newport Burger Bender, which took place February 16 – 25, 2024, broke last year’s record by more than 1,000 additional burgers sold than in 2023. This year’s contest sold over 7,300 burgers across Newport and Bristol Counties, with over 2,000 votes. In 2023, the contest […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News
Lobster catch dips to lowest level since 2009 as fishers grapple with climate change, whale rules
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — America’s lobster fishing business dipped in catch while grappling with challenges including a changing ocean environment and new rules designed to protect rare whales. The lobster industry, based mostly in Maine, has had an unprecedented decade in terms of the volume and value of the lobsters brought to the docks. But […]
Posted inFood & Drink
RI Craft Beer Week returns March 1 – 10
Returning for its third year, the statewide RI Craft Beer Week will take place March 1-10. A collection of events featuring special beer releases, food pairings, live music, games and entertainment awaits craft beer enthusiasts at brewery taprooms and select venues across Rhode Island. Brewery-goers that make a point of stamping their RI Brewery Passport […]
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Rhode Island lawmaker proposes phasing out meal and beverage tax
A new bill introduced by a Glocester/Smithfield representative would gradually drop the state’s meal and beverage tax, eventually phasing it out. Rep. Brian Rea (D) said the effort is aimed at helping families and small businesses struggling under the weight of surging inflation. He said the 1% tax on restaurant food sales adds to the […]
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Rhode Island PBS Annual Fundraiser, Uncorked, Returns April 12
The Rhode Island PBS Annual Fundraiser, Uncorked, is back this year! The event, which celebrates the best of Rhode Island food, will take place on April 12, 2024 at the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence. The event will feature a culinary performance by America’s Test Kitchen winner Bridget Lancaster and Bryan Roof from Cook’s Country. […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Narragansett Brewery schedules events for RI Craft Brewery Week
With Rhode Island Craft Brewery Week beginning on March 1, Narragansett Brewery is gearing up for ten days of special events. The highlight of the week is the much–anticipated Lager CON on Saturday, March 2, a day-long celebration dedicated to Narragansett’s iconic Lager and featuring activities like Lager Cask Tapping, Lager Flights, Stone Path Malt […]
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Farm Fresh Rhode Island to partner with DoorDash to offer resources for local culinary students
PROVIDENCE – Farm Fresh Rhode Island, which works to build a local food system that values the environment, health, and quality of life of farmers and consumers in New England, has announced a new partnership with DoorDash that provides support for the nonprofit’s culinary job training program. As part of its Community Credits program, DoorDash […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Oyster Madness returns to Bristol Oyster Bar
The Bristol Oyster Bar is gearing up for the return of its signature event, Oyster Madness, a monthlong bracket-style competition that pairs local oyster farms against each other in a race to win the title of the best oyster in Rhode Island. The competition, which was originally launched in 2017, is slated to run from […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Super Smash Burger
It’s time to celebrate the most quintessential American food, the hamburger, with the 7th Annual Newport Burger Bender. Forget the classic patty-lettuce-tomato-ketchup combo, because for ten consecutive days, 52 restaurants local to Newport and Bristol Counties are duking it out over ingredients, flavor profiles, and creativity in order to be crowned with the coveted title: […]
Posted inFood & Drink
7th Annual Newport Burger Bender is back and introducing the new Burger Bender Hall of Fame
The Classic Coast will once again play host to the biggest burger contest in the region with the return of the 7th Annual Newport Burger Bender, taking place February 16 – 25, 2024. The ten day battle of the burgers showcases the wildest, most creative burgers from over 50 restaurants throughout Newport and Bristol Counties. Featuring […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Plant City X closing its Middletown location, moving to Barrington
Plant City X announced today that it would soon close its location at 619 West Main Road in Middletown. “On behalf of the entire Plant City X team, thank you Aquidneck Island for the support, love, and community over the past 3 years,” Plant City X shared on its Facebook page.” You have taught us […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Newport Burger Bender: Your journey to the best burger begins on Feb. 16
Calling all burger lovers! The Newport Burger Bender contest is back; this year, it is bigger than ever. With 53 local restaurants competing to crown the best burger, there is more than just beef to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Get your taste buds going and start planning your Burger Bender journey […]
Posted inCity & Government
A bill encouraging post-pandemic outdoor dining in Rhode Island is served up to governor
By STEVE LeBLANC Associated Press A bill that would set standards for cities and towns to regulate outdoor dining has landed on Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee’s desk. The bill approved by the General Assembly on Thursday would let communities limit the capacity of outdoor dining but would not allow municipalities to ban outdoor dining […]