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 […]
Food & Drink
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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, […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Heritage Restaurant Group acquires Flo’s Clam Shack
Heritage Restaurant Group, also known as Audrain Hospitality, has added Flo’s Clam Shack to its growing list of establishments. Flo’s Clam Shack’s confirmed the news on its Facebook page on November 5. The post praised Heritage as “the ONLY group that wanted to preserve Flo’s for what it is and not another HOTEL site!” Heritage […]
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18th Annual Newport Restaurant Week will take place Nov. 1 – 10
Newport and Bristol Counties will once again celebrate their dynamic food scene during the 18th annual Newport Restaurant Week, taking place November 1- 10, 2024. It features ten days of culinary experiences from 65 restaurants throughout Newport and Bristol counties, including ten new restaurants. Guests will choose from various tastefully crafted prix-fixe menus for lunch ($20 […]
Posted inArts & Culture
A conversation with Jacques Pépin: Cooking, happiness, and bringing people together
The Jacques Pépin conversation event at the Newport Wine and Food Festival was understandably sold out this year. For gourmands, who wouldn’t want to listen to the television personality talk about his 75-year experience in the industry? It was an incredible treat to hear from Pépin and his daughter, Claudine Pépin, about his career and […]
Posted inMusic & Entertainment
Newport Vineyards’ 7th Harvest Festival proved the perfect way to usher in fall
Newport Vineyards couldn’t have asked for a more glorious weekend to kick off their seventh Harvest Festival. Under clear skies of blue, wine fans had the opportunity to savor all kinds of tastings from the treasured vineyard, including reds, whites, rosés, beers and ciders. They were peppered throughout the immense indoor space, accented by several […]
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Lasagna with a side of charity: Giusto’s holiday promotion returns
Giusto is bringing back its popular “Buy One, Give One” holiday promotion in partnership with the MLK Center. When you buy a full lasagna, Giusto donates one to the center, helping them fight hunger and build community. The promotion kicks off November 18, with the first pickup day on November 25. You can order lasagnas […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Greenvale Vineyards’ 25th Annual Harvest Festival set for Nov. 2
Wine lovers, mark your calendars. Greenvale Vineyards is gearing up for its 25th Annual Harvest Festival on Nov. 2, promising a day packed with wine, music, food, and fun. The celebration starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 5 p.m. at the historic farm on 582 Wapping Road in Portsmouth. Starting at 1 p.m., visitors […]
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Plan for stricter lobster fishing rules delayed as species shows decline in babies
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Fishing regulators are delaying a plan for stricter fishing rules amid concerns about a decline in baby lobsters in the warming waters off New England. The regulators are looking to institute a new rule that fishermen need to abide by a larger minimum size for the lobsters they trap. The change is only […]
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Health Alert: Frozen waffles recalled due to possible listeria contamination
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is urging consumers to check their freezers for certain frozen waffle products sold under a variety of brand names due to potential Listeria contamination. The recall affects frozen waffles distributed nationwide and in Canada, according to a RIDOH news release. The waffles were sold under the following brand […]
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What’s in Season: Pluck late-season apples and quinces off the trees at Rocky Brook Orchard
As October slowly draws to a close, so too does apple picking season – for most orchards. One farm reigns supreme in season longevity, Rocky Brook Orchard in Middletown, and the secret has to do with species. Greg and Katy Ostheimer, owners of Rocky Brook Orchard, bought the Middletown property about twenty-five years ago, in […]
Posted inFood & Drink, News, Things To Do
Photo Gallery: Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival returns for 33rd year
The 33rd Annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival is in full swing this weekend on Bowen’s Wharf in Newport. Visitors are flocking to the historic wharf to enjoy the “Harvest of the Sea” under beautiful sunny skies. Running Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the festival offers a mouthwatering array of fresh, local […]
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Karla and Brian Simmons are stepping away from Simmons Farm after 25 years
The current iteration of Simmons Farm is closing its doors on December 1, marking the end of a 25-year chapter for Brian and Karla Simmons. The couple shared the news on Facebook on October 19, pointing to family issues and a notice to end their tenancy as the main reasons for shutting down. “It’s with […]
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Empire Tea and Coffee to open third location in Newport
Empire Tea and Coffee, a Newport staple for two decades, plans to open a third location in Newport: a new cafe at 135 JT Connell Highway. Empire Tea & Coffee Logo CJ Barone, Managing Partner of Empire Tea & Coffee, cites increasing demand as the primary driver for expansion. “The demand for our products has […]
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Sardella’s to be inducted into Taste of Newport Hall of Fame
Sardella’s Italian Restaurant will be honored at the 41st Annual Taste of Newport on October 27th for their support of Child & Family by being inducted as the first member of the Taste of Newport Hall of Fame, commemorating their participation as a tasting station for all 41 years the event has been running. […]
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Fifth Element changing hands
The Fifth Element is changing hands once again. The restaurant announced the transition on Instagram Tuesday, expressing gratitude to its patrons and revealing plans to hand over the 111 Broadway location to a new operator. “We’re so thankful for your loyalty, support, and the great times we’ve shared over the past few years,” the post […]
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What’s in Season: Cucumber Hill Farm’s sugar pumpkins are no trick and all treat this Halloween
Aquidneck Islanders know how to have a good time in October, celebrating autumn and Halloween. The Norman Bird Sanctuary hosts their Harvest Fair, Escobar’s Farm corn maze opens for the season, and Quonset View Farm pivots from their PYO summertime strawberries to PYO jack-o’-lanterns in their extensive pumpkin patch. These fall festivities are iconic for […]
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‘Six Picks’ Fall treats – The best Apple Cider Donuts in Rhode Island
A beautiful fall weekend is the perfect time to visit farm stands around the region for apples, cider, pumpkin pie, and other delicious seasonal favorites. This week, we’ve selected a few that offer a popular treat, apple cider donuts. So get out and enjoy some area farms, bakeries, and other spots around the region this […]
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BrucePac recalls ready-to-eat meat and poultry products
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is advising consumers not to consume nearly 10 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products recalled by BrucePac. The recall is due to potential Listeria contamination. The recalled products were produced between June 19, 2024, and October 8, 2024, and were distributed nationwide to various establishments, including […]
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Rhode Island offers grants to boost local food system
Local food and seafood producers in Rhode Island can now apply for grant funding to support the growth and development of the local food system. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced that nearly $500,000 is available through the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) grant program. Applications are open from October 1 […]