The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced that the emergency closure of Upper Narragansett Bay shellfish ‘Area A’ and ‘Area B’ will end at sunrise on Friday, December 20. The emergency closure was put in place after last week’s heavy rain. Water samples collected this week demonstrated that bacteria levels in both areas have […]
Food & Drink
Posted inBusiness
Small winter catch set for New England’s long-closed shrimp industry, a climate casualty
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — New England shrimp, long lost from the marketplace as waters have warmed, will come back to seafood counters in small amounts next year due to a research fishing program. Also called Maine shrimp or northern shrimp, the small pink crustaceans were long beloved by seafood fans in winter. But for a […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Newport: A guide to dining, parties, and more
From elegant dinners to lively parties and comedic performances, Newport bars, restaurants, and venues offer diverse options for New Year’s Eve celebrations this year. Whether you’re seeking a night of indulgence, laughter, or dancing, Newport has something to offer everyone as they bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025. For those who prefer a sophisticated […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Providence launching inaugural Food & Wine Festival in 2025
Providence is gearing up for a culinary extravaganza with the launch of its first-ever Providence Culinary Collective. This food and wine festival, set for March 27-30, 2025, aims to showcase the city’s impressive food scene through a variety of tastings, demonstrations, and special dinners. The festival has something for everyone. There will be guest chef […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Some in seafood industry see Trump as fishermen’s friend, but tariffs could make for pricier fish
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump is likely to bring big changes for one of the oldest sectors of the U.S. economy — seafood — and some in the industry believe the returning president will be more responsive to its needs. Economic analysts paint a more complicated picture, as they […]
Posted inFood & Drink
RI craft brewery holiday ales are out – Narragansett’s Bing Crosby Winter Warmer leads the way
Cold temps got you down? Well, it’s the time of the year to enjoy a rich, delicious winter holiday ale at a local craft brewery. Several breweries around the state are serving up some tasty brews, mostly limited annual runs, so get there soon! Holiday ales tend to be on the sweet side, and many […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Holiday Gift Idea: Dine local with Newport County Dinner Club
The Newport County Dinner Club is marking its 36th year with a holiday offer that’s a win-win for local restaurants and food lovers alike. For just $25, members get two-for-one dining at more than 50 top-notch restaurants across Newport County. The club’s motto, “Dine local, Shop local,” encourages residents to support businesses in their community. […]
Posted inBusiness
In celebration of its 44th Anniversary, Brick Alley Pub will offer 50% off all nachos on December 11
Mark your calendars; this year’s installment of Brick Alley Pub will feature some special treats in celebration of its 44th Anniversary on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. To celebrate their 44th Anniversary, they are rolling back their nacho platter prices to 50% off (dine-in only with beverage purchase). They’ll also be offering buy-one-get-one on all Brick […]
Posted inBusiness
Monarca Authentic Mexican Cuisine to open on Broadway
A new Mexican restaurant is set to spice up Newport’s dining scene, taking over the space occupied by Hummingbird. Monarca Authentic Mexican Cuisine has filed a victualing license application with the City of Newport, signaling its intent to open at 104 Broadway. The application, submitted by owner Maria Carranza on Nov. 20, outlines plans for […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Holiday Dining Guide: Where to eat in Newport on Christmas
Newport residents and visitors looking to dine out on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day have several options to choose from this holiday season. Many local restaurants are opening their doors and offering special menus for those who prefer to leave the cooking to the professionals. Castle Hill Inn is offering a three-course Christmas Day brunch for $95 […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Hummingbird Restaurant closing after 8 years
After eight years serving the Newport community, Hummingbird restaurant is closing its doors. The owners, Dezna and Abe, announced the closure on Instagram Monday, citing their plans to move to North Carolina. Located at 104 Broadway, Hummingbird has been a local favorite for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant offered both indoor and outdoor seating, […]
Posted inNonprofit
The Boat House and Tiverton Police team up for ‘Operation: Blue Santa’ toy drive
The Boat House in Tiverton is teaming up with Tiverton Police for their annual “Operation: Blue Santa” toy drive. This marks the fourth year of their partnership. On December 10, from 5 to 7 p.m., visitors can bring a new, unwrapped toy or gift to the Boat House. In exchange, they’ll get to enjoy free […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Giusto to offer a ‘Tour through the Alps’ at upcoming wine dinner
Giusto will host a special “Tour through the Alps” wine dinner on Friday, December 6th, featuring wines from the Alpine region of Italy paired with a five-course menu. The event, a partnership with Nick Mucci of Mucci Imports and Wine Wizards, will showcase wines from Valle d’Aosta and Alto Piemonte. Executive Chef William Rietzel has […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Some of those Ocean Spray cranberries come from a bog in Massachusetts
By MICHAEL CASEY Associated Press MIDDLEBORO, Mass. (AP) — Weeks before Thanksgiving, some of the cranberries that will be on dinner plates Thursday were floating on the Rocky Meadow bog in southeastern Massachusetts. The cranberries have turned this pond pinkish crimson. Several workers, up to their waist in water, gently corral the berries toward a pump that […]
Posted inNews
Seamen’s Church Institute offers free Thanksgiving Meal
Seamen’s Church Institute will host its free Thanksgiving Day meal on Thursday, November 28, 2024, from 11 am to 12:30 pm. The meal will be served buffet style and is free and open to the public. Guests will enjoy a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings. In addition to the meal, free winter coats, […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Thanksgiving food and drink trends revealed by national poll, online ordering data
As the air turns crisp and the anticipation of holiday gatherings begins, it’s time to rediscover the foods and festivities that define the season. According to a recent Instacart survey of over 2,000 U.S. adults by The Harris Poll, a hearty 89% plan to celebrate Thanksgiving. This report explores the trends surrounding Thanksgiving using Instacart […]
Posted inBusiness
Rhode Island businesses up for grabs: A look at recent listings
A diverse array of Rhode Island businesses have hit the market in the last 30 days, offering entrepreneurs the chance to invest in the Ocean State’s economy. From well-established restaurants to unique franchises, these BizBuySell listings offer a glimpse into the range of opportunities available for those seeking to buy a business in Rhode Island. […]
Posted inBusiness, Food & Drink
Report finds that America is catching and eating a little less fish
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The volume and value of America’s commercial fishing industry both fell according to newly released federal figures, though members of the industry said the decline was to be expected following a recent spike in supply. The catch at U.S. ports in the 50 states fell 2.6% to 8.4 billion pounds in 2022, according […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Castle Hill Inn to Hotel Viking: Newport’s Thanksgiving Dining Guide
Newport-area residents and visitors have a cornucopia of Thanksgiving dining options this year, with local restaurants serving traditional turkey dinners and creative culinary twists. Several upscale establishments are offering prix-fixe menus for those looking to dine out on November 28. Castle Hill Inn presents a three-course family-style feast for $125 per person, featuring seasonal starters […]
Posted inBusiness
Newport Restaurant Group opens a Bar ‘Cino location in Westwood, MA
Newport Restaurant Group today announced the opening of Bar ‘Cino in Westwood, Massachusetts. Derived from vicino, the Italian word for “neighbor”, the new Bar ‘Cino is nestled in north Westwood on High Street and is the fourth location of the Italian–inspired dining concept which first opened in Newport in 2019, followed by Brookline, Massachusetts in 2020 and Watertown, […]
Posted inBusiness
Track 15 Food Hall to host preview fundraiser at Giusto for MLK Center
A highly-anticipated new food hall in Providence is giving the public a sneak peek of its offerings while supporting a Newport charity. Track 15 will host a preview event on December 4 at Giusto in Newport, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. The fundraiser, scheduled from […]
Posted inBusiness
Yacht Club introduces ‘Sour Grapes’ soda based on comic strip from cartoonist Tim Jones
In an unlikely collaboration, a popular comic strip from local cartoonist (and What’s Up Newp contributor) Tim Jones is now a tasty beverage from a local business. Perhaps not so unlikely, when you hear the details. If you haven’t read it here on What’s Up Newp, where Jones’ strip runs weekly, Sour Grapes centers around […]
Posted inFood & Drink
What’s in Season: Varieties of winter squash from Goodwin Brothers Farm prompts a simple meal to recognize Native American Heritage Month
Despite the unseasonably warm weather this November, the typical growing season in Rhode Island is drawing to a close. Many produce-selling farm stands hibernate for the winter, just as their Christmas tree farm counterparts prepare for the upcoming holidays. This does not mean, however, that it is impossible to buy fresh and local produce. It […]
Posted inBusiness
The French Confection will close after 33 years of business
The French Confection, a beloved local pastry shop in Middletown, will close on Nov. 27, 2024, marking the end of a 33-year journey. Owners Karen and Xavier Mauprivez recently announced their retirement and the shop’s closure on Facebook and their website. They thanked their customers, saying, “We’re no longer taking online orders. Thanks for your […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Fall ‘Six Picks’: Top pumpkin ales from local breweries
Fans of craft beer know that there’s nothing better this time of year than a sweet ale to go along with locally harvested pumpkins. Whether you like a little cinnamon sugar on the rim or your brew straight up, you’ll enjoy our roundup of local pumpkin ales available this season. Gourd Reaper Narragansett Brewery offers […]