By KATIE WORKMAN Associated Press In the summer heat, we find ourselves drawn to that glorious section of the drinks menu that promises relief in the form of a cold, creamy, brain-freezing indulgence. But ordering a frozen drink looks different in different parts of the U.S., and in different restaurants and ice cream shops. So, what is […]
Food & Drink
Posted inArts & Culture
Celebrity chef to headline 20th Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
Chef Marcus Samuelsson will headline the 20th annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival, scheduled for Sept. 18-21 at Rosecliff and Marble House. Tickets for all festival events go on sale to the public today at 9 a.m. at www.newportmansions.org/events/newport-mansions-wine-food-festival-2025. The festival will feature 23 tasting seminars, the Vintner Dinner, Sunday Jazz Brunch, “Conversation with Marcus […]
Posted inCity & Government
No surveillance footage recovered after May fire that destroyed Matunuck Oyster Bar
by Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current July 30, 2025 The Rhode Island Office of the State Fire Marshal ruled out arson two days after a serious fire swept through Matunuck Oyster Bar, forcing the popular oceanside dining destination to close. But determining what caused the May 20 fire remains a mystery, complicated by the fact […]
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Castle Hill’s Lawn Terrace named to top 100 hotel restaurants list
The Lawn Terrace at Castle Hill earned recognition Tuesday as one of America’s top 100 hotel restaurants, according to a joint study by OpenTable and KAYAK. The Newport establishment was the sole Rhode Island representative on the inaugural list, which highlights hotel dining experiences that influence travel decisions nationwide. The ranking comes as hotel restaurants […]
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Over 1,300 runners celebrate craft beer and fitness at ninth annual Newport Beer Run
More than 1,300 runners laced up their shoes Saturday for the ninth annual Newport Beer Run at Fort Adams State Park, combining a scenic 5K race with craft beer sampling in one of Newport’s most popular summer events. Christopher Collett of Providence dominated the men’s field, crossing the finish line in 14:51 to earn the […]
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The scoop on Rhode Island’s ice cream preferences, according to Instacart
When the summer heat peaks, Americans turn to a beloved classic to stay cool: ice cream. As a toast to National Ice Cream Day on July 20, Instacart has got the scoop on how people in Rhode Island and across the country satisfy their sweet tooth during the hottest months of the year. Instacart America’s […]
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Sakonnet Vineyard celebrates Little Compton’s 350th Anniversary with Summer Concert Series and Folk Festival
Little Compton’s historic Sakonnet Vineyard is rolling out the red carpet this summer to celebrate the town’s 350th anniversary with a series of musical events that blend community spirit with the vineyard’s scenic charm. The celebration kicks off with the LC350 Summer Sunset Music Concert Series, featuring two free outdoor concerts. On July 23, bluegrass […]
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Providence gears up for ‘Downtown Celebrates Summer’ weekend festival
Providence is set to come alive this weekend with the debut of “Downtown Celebrates Summer,” a two-day festival packed with entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences throughout the capital city. The festivities kick off Saturday, July 19, marking the final day of Providence Restaurant Weeks, where more than 70 local restaurants will offer special menus and […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink, News, Nonprofit
Vermont brewery’s new IPA to benefit Rhode Island Community Food Bank
A popular Vermont brewery is bringing its charitable beer program to Rhode Island for the first time, with proceeds from a new IPA benefiting the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Lawson’s Finest Liquids, the Waitsfield-based makers of the well-known Sip of Sunshine beer, released Cosmic Shift IPA (6.2% ABV) on Monday as part of their […]
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Preservation Society shows off the elegance of The Carriage House at opening party
When I got an invitation to the opening party for the renovated Carriage House at The Elms, I was expecting a tasteful affair. That’s what the Preservation Society usually does. However, what I encountered far surpassed my expectations and certainly bodes well for the future of dining experiences at the revamped Elms restaurant. “This was […]
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Newport Mansions opens new dining experience at The Elms Carriage House
Visitors to Newport’s historic mansions now have a new place to dine with a view, as The Preservation Society of Newport County has opened The Carriage House at The Elms to the public. The newly renovated dining space, located at the back of The Elms property, offers guests an elevated culinary experience surrounded by the […]
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Sakonnet Vineyard celebrates golden anniversary with summer music series
Sakonnet Vineyard will kick off its 50th Anniversary Summer Music Series on Saturday, July 5th, featuring local and regional musical artists performing Saturdays through September 27th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The concerts will take place at the vineyard located at 162 West Main Road in Little Compton, with performances free and open to […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News, Things To Do
Providence Restaurant Weeks returns with 60+ participating eateries
Providence Restaurant Weeks is set to return July 6-19, offering diners two weeks of special menus and dining deals at more than 60 restaurants throughout Providence and surrounding Rhode Island communities. The annual event, presented by Navigant Credit Union, will feature breakfast, lunch, and dinner specials including multi-course prix fixe menus and seasonal offerings across […]
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Heritage Restaurant Group completes acquisition of James Beard Award-winning Olneyville N.Y. System
Heritage Restaurant Group has completed its acquisition of the beloved Olneyville N.Y. System Restaurants, bringing the James Beard Award-winning Rhode Island institution under the umbrella of one of its growing restaurant companies. The deal, finalized Friday, includes both the Providence and Cranston locations of the iconic restaurant famous for serving “R.I.’s Best Hot Wieners” and […]
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What’s new in Newport this Summer: HBO’s “The Gilded Age” returns, French cuisine flourishes, sporting history is made, and more
By Discover Newport Newport is turning up the heat this summer with a bold blend of historic grandeur, culinary creativity, and must-see events. From exclusive tours inside the mansions featured in HBO’s The Gilded Age to the return of a groundbreaking women’s tennis tournament, Newport promises a season unlike any other. Whether you’re drawn to […]
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A New Chapter for a Providence Landmark: The Patio on Broadway team to acquire Trinity Brewhouse
Trinity Brewhouse, Rhode Island’s original brewpub, will change hands this summer as the team behind The Patio on Broadway, along with their family partners, prepares to acquire the iconic downtown establishment. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for Trinity Brewhouse founder and owner Josh Miller, who is celebrating five decades in Providence’s hospitality industry. Miller […]
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Trinity Church’s Annual Strawberry Festival returns on June 21
Trinity Chruch’s Strawberry Fest is back! The event is scheduled to take place outdoors at Trinity Church (1 Queen Anne Square) on Saturday (June 21) from 11 am to 5 pm. There will be homemade strawberry shortcakes, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and strawberries by the carton for sale. “Fresh Strawberry shortcakes, fresh squeezed lemonade, cartons of fresh […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News
The James Beard Awards are next week. Here are the finalists from Rhode Island
The culinary world’s equivalent of the Oscars will be announcing winners next week — 25 categories of restaurants, chefs, and others will be feted at the ceremony for the James Beard Awards on June 16 in Chicago. The James Beard Foundation established the awards in 1990 and has bestowed them annually since 1991, except in […]
Posted inFood & Drink, Things To Do
Yagi Noodles to host intimate ‘Izakaya and Nihonshu’ sake dinner with expert guide
Sake lovers are in for a treat as Yagi Noodles prepares to host a special “Izakaya and Nihonshu” dinner on June 3. This intimate gathering, limited to 26 guests, will feature six premium sake selections paired with izakaya-style dishes. Dila Lee from Kome Collective will be on hand to share insights into each sake’s background, […]
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Newport Restaurant Group to open ‘J.T. Commons’ in former Foodlove Market space
Newport Restaurant Group (NRG) today (May 29) announced that they will open J.T. Commons in the former Foodlove Market space (1037 Aquidneck Ave.) in Middletown. “Anchored by an exciting and extensive pizza program and a menu that celebrates everyday favorites, J.T. Commons will offer year-round dining featuring a large bar and casual dining room with […]
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‘Little Clam’ will open on June 5 at Wayfinder Newport
Little Clam, a new coastal restaurant celebrating Rhode Island’s culinary heritage, opens June 5 at the Wayfinder Newport hotel. Nestled in the newly renovated hotel, Little Clam aims to showcase New England’s seaside traditions through an immersive dining experience focused on local seafood, seasonal produce, and artisanal products. Executive Chef Antonio Wormley and Consulting Chef […]
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Fire damages Matunuck Oyster Bar
SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) — One of Rhode Island’s most famous restaurants has been damaged after a fire broke out early Tuesday morning. Union Fire District Steve Pinch says firefighters arrived at 3:45 a.m. to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown. The cause of the fire was […]
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Newport Vineyards celebrates 30 years of growth and innovation
Newport Vineyards is marking its 30th anniversary with a lineup of events that highlight its journey from a small vineyard to a top-tier destination. The Middletown winery, started by brothers John and Paul Nunes in 1995, now spans over 100 acres of sustainably farmed land. It’s grown to offer estate-grown wines, farm-to-table dining, a craft […]
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‘Little Clam’ to open at Wayfinder Newport
Little Clam, a “New England coastal restaurant”, is opening at Wayfinder Newport this summer. According to its website, Little Clam will bring “a fresh take on New England coastal dining, celebrating local farmers, fishermen, and timeless seaside flavors”. You’ll find the restaurant inside the Wayfinder Newport hotel at 151 Admiral Kalbfus Road. Chef Antonio Wormley […]
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Upscale dining returns to Newport Harbor Island Resort
Newport Harbor Island Resort’s upscale restaurant, 1639, is gearing up to welcome diners back for the season on May 16. The resort’s spokesperson says Executive Chef Ryan Connors has crafted a new menu that caters to all tastes, featuring everything from raw bar favorites and homemade pastas to locally sourced seafood and meats. 1639 Deck […]