Locavores and lovers of fresh local foods celebrate this week’s opening of the 24th summer season of Aquidneck Growers’ Markets in Middletown and Newport. Both markets were recently awarded “Best market in RI” by Yankee Magazine, chosen from almost 50 summer markets for their lovely locations and selection of unique products. The market will open […]
Food & Drink
Newport HEZ launches the ‘Fresh Zone’ at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Community Center
Residents of the North End and Broadway Neighborhoods in Newport have expressed that limited transportation is a problem when shopping for healthy food. Grocery stores containing fresh, healthy and affordable foods are out of reach for many Newport residents. Because of this, only 19% of residents in the North End eat fruits and veggies more than […]
Where to dine with mom on Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 13th, and chances are that you’re scrambling around at the last minute looking to make those plans to celebrate your beautiful and amazing Mom! Here’s a look at where to dine and what to do with Mom on her very special day; Brick Alley Pub Treat Mom to a […]
Smoke House reopens for the season on April 29th
Smoke House, Newport’s place to enjoy BBQ cookin’ and mason jar cocktails, will reopen for the 2018 season on Sunday, April 29th. The downtown restaurant, which closes from mid-October to the end of April annually, is the only seasonal restaurant in the Newport Restaurant Group portfolio which includes 22 Bowen’s (Newport), Avivo Ristorante (Cranston), Boat House (Tiverton), […]
Local, regional, and international chefs invited to participate in 2018 Great Chowder Cook-Off
The Great Chowder Cook-Off invites chefs to celebrate its 37 years of competitive homage to soup by putting their secret clam, seafood, and red chowder recipes to the test at the original and longest running chowder championship in the world. The competition will begin to thicken on Saturday, June 2, 2018 from noon – 6:00 […]
Sail into summer with champagne and oysters at 3rd Annual Newport Oyster Festival in May
Taste your way around the Ocean State with 12 different oyster varieties at the 3rd Annual Newport Oyster Festival Friday, May 18 – Sunday, May 20 at historic Bowen’s Wharf in downtown Newport, RI. This rain-or-shine event brings together our local growers with craft cocktails & brews, six bands, a shucking contest and evening fundraiser in a family & dog-friendly event that […]
Rosemary & Thyme expands, Rustica Kitchen opens on lower Thames Street
After much-awaited anticipation, Rustica Kitchen opened for the first time at 404 Thames Street on Thursday morning at 8 am. The folks behind the newest restaurant to open in Newport are Matt and Anna Tscheulin, chef and owners of Rosemary & Thyme Artisan Bakery/Cafe. Rustica Kitchen will be serving up street-driven and chef-driven food: “I want […]
Diego’s Barrio Cantina set to open in Middletown tonight
Diego’s Barrio Cantina has confirmed with What’sUpNewp that they will open to the public for the first time, this evening (Friday, April 6th) at 5:30 pm. The newest addition to the Diego’s/Wharf Pub family takes the place of Easton’s Point Pub, located at 116 Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown. Scott and Adrienne Kirmil, who own Wharf […]
7+ Easter Brunch options around Newport (Updated)
In 2018, Easter will fall just about as early as it possibly can – on April 1st, more than two weeks earlier than last year. As the day quickly approaches, it’s time to make those plans and reservations for Easter Brunch or Easter Dinner. If you’re looking for a great place to dine-out that’s doing something special […]
Ben & Jerry’s on Thames Street will participate in ‘Free Cone Day’ on April 10th
Ben & Jerry’s on Thames Street will celebrate Free Cone Day in the tastiest way possible….with free cups and cones of your favorite ice cream! On April 10th, between 12 pm – 8 pm, head to the Ben & Jerry’s at 359 Thames Street for your free cone or cup of ice cream, it’s Ben & Jerry’s […]
Sardella’s will celebrate 38th Anniversary in April by offering original menu prices from the 1980’s
In celebration of 38 years in business, Sardella’s will once again offer original menu prices from the 1980’s! Sardella’s Italian Restaurant was founded by a former mayor of Newport, Richard Sardella, in 1980. Newport’s oldest Italian Restaurant celebrated their 35th Anniversary in 2015 by offering their 1980 menu and pricing to the public for just […]
What’s happening at bars and restaurants before, during, and after the 2018 Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade (Updated)
The 62nd Annual Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will be held, rain, snow, or shine, on Saturday, March 17th, 2018, here’s what’s happening at bars and restaurants before, during and after the Parade. Bar & Restaurant Guide: 2018 Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade This list is very much a “live blog” and is being updated […]
Brick Alley Pub to host 8th Annual Post-Parade Day Clean-Up, volunteers wanted
The Annual Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is arguably one of the busiest days of the year in Newport, and there’s no secret that our city needs a pick-me-up when the crowds go home. For the 8th year in a row, Brick Alley Pub will once again host their Annual Post-Parade Day Clean-Up! The cleanup will be held on […]
RI Seafood’s 3rd Annual Quahog Week returns March 26th – April 1st
Celebrate Rhode Island’s favorite clam with special events and delicious menu selections at a restaurant near you during the 3rd Annual Quahog Week from March 26th – April 1st! Quahog Week is meant to highlight the importance of Rhode Island’s wild harvest shellfish to the state’s history, traditions, and economy. Quahogging has a rich history in […]
Flo’s Clam Shack adds 25-foot shark from Mardi Gras Multi-Club to restaurant decorations
The 25-foot (somewhat) iconic shark that sat atop Mardi Gras Multi-Club in Cranston for many years has found a new home, and it’s on Aquidneck Island. Flo’s Clam Shack announced on its Facebook Page this week that they are “Going to need a bigger shack!” and plan on bringing the shark to “Middletown first”. Flo’s […]
Newport-Kinsale Chef Exchange will celebrate Sister City bond from March 10th – 14th
Chefs from Kinsale, Ireland, will descend on Newport for four days of culinary and cultural exchange from March 10th – 14th. This March, while the City by the Sea celebrates its 41st Annual Irish Heritage Month, local restaurants will welcome guest chefs and restaurants from Kinsale, the “Gourmet Capital of Ireland,” located in County Cork. […]
Great American Beer Bars: CraftBeer.com readers choose Norey’s as best beer bar in Rhode Island
Norey’s has been recognized as the best beer bar in Rhode Island in the annual Great American Beer Bars competition conducted by CraftBeer.com —the Brewers Association website for beer lovers. Norey’s, which was founded in 2000, offers at least 20 taps and 110 bottles of some of the world’s best and rarest craft beers. “There are more than 6,000 small and […]
Newport Burger Bender: Winner, Critic’s Choice, and Most Creative revealed
Thirty local restaurants cooked up their best burgers, topped them with everything from frizzled onion straws and mac & cheese to creole remoulade sauce and jalapeno jam, placed it all between a bun (or loaded potato skins) and tossed it into the ring during the 2nd Annual Newport Burger Bender contest, held in Newport and […]
Queen Anne’s Loft to open in former Star Bar as an event and function venue
Meet Amanda Roderick, a local hospitality professional and an extended relative of the Kilroy family, known for their popular downtown restaurants including The Landing, where Roderick has worked with her family since she was a young girl. Most recently, Amanda has served as the events coordinator for The Landing and decided that it was time […]
Polar Pineapples set to return to Goat Island for Newport Winter Festival
Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina will once again transform Pineapples on the Bay to Polar Pineapples during the Newport Winter Festival! Polar Pineapples will offer the opportunity for visitors to enjoy a signature infused cocktail or specialty hot drink (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available) while enjoying views of the bay, ice sculptures, and more. “We’re excited […]
Newport Restaurant Week returns March 2nd – 11th
Spring is less than six weeks away and the season of new beginnings promises more than just showers and flowers throughout our destination. From March 2-11, 2018, more than 45 restaurants will be offering mouthwatering masterpieces on their Newport Restaurant Week prix fixe menus featuring three courses lunches and dinners for $16 and $35, respectively. Since 2006, locally-owned […]
Empire Tea & Coffee to open fifth location, headed for Downtown Newport (Updated)
There’s one locally owned coffee shop that has been building an “Empire” in and around Newport, and it looks like they’re growing in Newport again. Empire Tea & Coffee signed a lease on Tuesday to open in the Seamen’s Church Institute in the space formerly occupied by the Aloha Cafe. “We are very excited to be […]
The Chanler at Cliff Walk appoints Matthew Voskuil as new Executive Chef, Director of Food & Beverage
Newport, RI – For the first time in over eight years, The Chanler at Cliff Walk is ushering in new culinary talent at its award-winning destination restaurant The Spiced Pear, with newly appointed Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage, Matthew Voskuil at the helm. In his dual role as Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage, […]
The Newport Burger Bender is back and bigger than ever
Newport, RI – The Newport Burger Bender returns for its second edition this February 16 to 25, 2018, once again coinciding with the Newport Winter Festival. This simple burger contest, which recognizes the bevy of culinary creativity throughout our destination, challenges local restaurants to compete for the lauded “Newport Burger Bender Best Burger” title, burger bragging rights and the […]
Owners of Rosemary & Thyme opening second restaurant in Newport, Rustica to open on April 12th (Updated)
The team behind one of Newport’s busiest breakfast cafes is expanding their brand and talent to open a new restaurant this spring. The Newport breakfast and lunch scene will grow this March when Matt and Anna Tscheulin, chef and owners of Rosemary & Thyme Artisan Bakery/Cafe, open Rustica Kitchen at 404 Thames Street. {Update: After […]
