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George Evans Marley

George Evans Marley

The Blogetarian: I eat what I blog and I blog what I eat.

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Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley
chefs & restaurantsnews

The Blogetarian’s Review: Dine with Skyline

by George Evans Marley February 23, 2018
written by George Evans Marley
Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley

Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley

Last month I had the pleasure of visiting Skyline at Waterplace for the VIP treatment at their first ever, Dine with Skyline by Russell Morin Catering and Events! I have to say, I was honored to be surrounded by some of Rhode Island’s culinary and press-related royalty.  However, nothing was more exciting than seeing Eat Drink RI’s own Katie Kleyla walk through the doors! It’s rare that she and I just get to enjoy an event without having to run around directing volunteers, setting up vendors or fronting a 20-piece big band. (That last one is obviously Katie.)

As we sat down we were greeted by a Russell Morin staple, the Forage Board. Served on a cutting board made from a slice of a tree, piles of berries, pickled artichoke, grilled asparagus, braised Brussels sprouts and these amazing cranberry baked goat cheese cakes that were beyond decadent. Through some bizarre miracle, this cheese was both smooth when it was spread on the perfectly toasted baguettes, yet crumbly when eaten whole! It was sweet but also savory. It was like a seasonal cranberry cheese cake? Is that a thing? I guess it’s a thing!

I was so excited for the brown butter lobster raviolis! They were packed with lobster! The next course was a hearty roasted tomato bisque served with roasted bacon jam! I don’t like soup. It’s concerning to me. However, this particular presentation made an impact on me. The full strip of bacon, parsley leaves and Parmesan crisp made this dish much more than soup! The most amazing piece of this dish is the bacon jam. It’s flavor was intense! It was bacon heaven. Like grab your halo, you’re gettin’ in to bacon-heaven. SO GOOD!

The next course was a lamb ragout in a deep fried hash brown bowl served alongside glazed and grilled yellow carrots. The dish was topped with the most beautiful beet greens. I wish the lighting did them justice! Now, I LOVE salad served as a last course. Salad is the best digestive tool. I will speak no further on that. You could tell the chef took his time arranging the greens. The endive, Gala apples and chevre were on point!

For dessert, the pot de creme was a nice treat! That you need to taste for yourself! After dinner we went upstairs to see Frank Young! He’s shakin’ his stuff at the Skyline Lounge on Friday nights! Go say “Hi” after dinner!

Their next dinner is TONIGHT! February 23, 2018 and the price includes: 5 Course Dinner, Complimentary Valet and Access to the Skyline Lounge.

Make reservations at dinewithskyline.com

Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley
Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley
Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans MarleyDine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley
Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley
Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley
Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley
Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley
Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley
Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley
Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley
Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley
Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley
Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley
Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley
Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley
Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley
February 23, 2018 0 comment
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Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
chefs & restaurantsnews

The Blogetarian’s Review: Knead Doughnuts

by George Evans Marley February 20, 2018
written by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley

Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley

This past weekend we traveled though the city on an ol’ timey Poké-walk. (Remember the summer of 2016 when everyone was happy?) We hit up Poké-Gyms at the Arcade where I picked up some vintage 90’s Ninja Turtles Birthday Decorations at Carmen & Ginger and caught Squirtle and Pikachu along the river. Seriously, I love that this game is still a thing!

That’s when I stumbled upon the storefront for Knead Doughnuts tucked inside the Financial District on Custom House Road.

I’ve had Knead’s doughnuts before at Sin, White Electric and at events, but this was my first experience at their storefront. How had I missed this!?! I walked into doughnut paradise.

I had never tried their jelly doughnut so I figured this would be a special treat! I’m usually a glazed old-fashioned kinda guy. I did try the beautifully displayed samples, and a bite from each of doughnuts the people in my Poké-party bought. Come on, gotta try ‘em all!

The Jelly was defiantly my jam. The fruit filling was out of this world! It was made with real raspberries which gave me a charming false sense of hope that it counted towards a full serving of fruit. Regardless, it was a scrumptious selection.

I was eyeing the glazed chocolate chip old-fashioned and snuck a bite or two from Julio when he wasn’t looking. The crunch of the glaze, draped over fresh cake, filled with chocolate chips, and it tastes like a COOKIE! It’s mind blowing!

The blood orange doughnut was fresh, light and citrusy. Imagine that serviced with a mimosa at brunch! I’m so glad I can order ahead next time too!

We finished our snack and headed back out to find a Totchic and join a group of others to catch a Raquazar. Seriously.

If you’re ever in the need, visit Knead Doughnuts at 32 Custom House Street in Providence. They are open daily from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

See you there!

Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
Knead Doughnuts, photos by George Evans Marley
February 20, 2018 0 comment
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The Nitro Bar, photos by George Evans Marley
chefs & restaurantsnewswine & drinks

The Blogetarian’s Review: The Nitro Bar

by George Evans Marley February 13, 2018
written by George Evans Marley
The Nitro Bar, photos by George Evans Marley

The Nitro Bar, photos by George Evans Marley

The other day I was wandering around the West Side of Providence and I stumbled upon The Nitro Bar. I had the pooch with me otherwise I would have sat inside the adorable cafe with large windows overlooking the hustle and bustle of Broadway. Even on the the coldest of winter days it’s great for people watching.

Though it was chilly outside, I am a creature of habit and ordered an iced coffee, and good thing too! This place specializes in ice cold coffee infused with nitrogen, making it like drinking a rich, creamy stout. It pours just the same way and even has a head on top! The menu of specialty drinks caught my eye and The Candy Bar was the winner. A Nitro Coffee, espresso and rich creamy chocolate. It was amazing!

Their baked goods come from Caprichos Antioqueños! I tried the ham and pineapple empanada and of course, a warm churro. Overall, I am not a fan of ham. It makes me uncomfortable. However, the combo of flakey crust and pineapple made all those traumatic memories melt away.

I’m a sucker for fried anything, but I have a soft spot for churros. My nephews and I went to Six Flags every summer and we always got a Theme Park Churro. We waited in longer lines for churros than for any roller coaster. I took one bite and it brought me back. It was soft and cake-y in the middle, and the crispy outside exploded with the flavor of sugar and cinnamon mixing together with each bite. It warmed my heart on this particularly brisk afternoon.

This charming establishment also doubles as Dash Bicycle shop so while you’re there, get a bike and try some of the awesome treats and specialty coffees! They are open every day from 7-7. Located at 228 Broadway, Providence, RI 02903

See you there!

The Nitro Bar, photos by George Evans Marley
The Nitro Bar, photos by George Evans Marley
The Nitro Bar, photos by George Evans Marley
The Nitro Bar, photos by George Evans Marley
The Nitro Bar, photos by George Evans Marley
The Nitro Bar, photos by George Evans Marley
The Nitro Bar, photos by George Evans Marley
The Nitro Bar, photos by George Evans Marley
The Nitro Bar, photos by George Evans Marley
The Nitro Bar, photos by George Evans Marley
February 13, 2018 0 comment
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Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
chefs & restaurantswine & drinks

The Blogetarian’s Review: Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm

by George Evans Marley September 7, 2017
written by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley

Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley

A few weeks ago Katie Kleyla, Director of Development at Eat Drink RI, put a out a call out to her friends to see who would be interested in volunteering at the Eat Drink RI Land & Sea Summer Farm Culinary Series at Blackbird Farm. I jumped to the occasion and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Doing my stint in the restaurant industry in both front and back of the house I had some experience, but I don’t remember ever having so much fun and the food being so good.

I arrived on Friday night eager to help in my flannel shirt and backwards Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle trucker hat. What else would you wear on the best cattle and pig farm in Rhode Island? Seriously, Blackbird Farm is not only the producer of the tastiest, local and organic beef and pork but its absolutely gorgeous. The rolling hills, the view, the sunset and the deer playing in the meadows just made the next four nights of my life absolutely unforgettable.

Chef Ashley Vanasse and her crew from Easy Entertaining were furiously prepping away when I arrived. I got the low down on the evening’s logistics and time line from Ms. Kleyla, including a quick run down of the evening’s adult beverages. Jonathan Edwards Winery provided a variety of wines including their Gewurztraminer, a white wine with hints of lychee fruit and a Dark Petite Sirah that was quite enjoyable. That’s a big deal because I traditionally do not care for ports, but this port style wine was just unique enough to please this steadfast critic. Jonathan Edwards is a pretty awesome place just across the border in Connecticut which is open to the public for tours and tastings! The evening’s beer selections were provided by Revival Brewing Company, a local favorite, located in Cranston, Rhode Island. The selection included Night Swim’ah Belgian Wheat Ale and Burnsider Pale Ale. They pulled out all the stops on the last night with a pretty pink surprise of Pinky Swear!

I jumped into action and ran down to the farm house where I got to meet some of the chickens and fill up the cooler with artisan well water. It was cool crisp and straight from the earth.

The first night’s meal consisted of crostini with garlic, mustard butter and a melt-in-your-mouth roasted bone marrow. Oh I almost died, it was so good. There was also skewered pork ribs and pickled radish and potato chips with rare beef. It was so amazing and there is a clear difference in the taste between grass-fed beef and factory-farmed beef. Serving it rare and pairing it with the pickled radish really brought out the distinct difference in the more sustainable way of farming.

The evening continued with a porchetta that was out of this world, a porterhouse steak and for dessert a lemon curd tart with fresh berries.

Night two of the Land & Sea Series featured Chefs Eli Dunn & Jordan Goldsmith of Eli’s Kitchen and Moonrose Farm respectively. Their starters consisted of shoyu glazed pork, wood-grilled oyster mushrooms with herb butter on a crostini and a Stonington shrimp po’ boy.

For their entrees they selected Bomster Scallop Crudo, Wood-Grilled Blackbird London Broil and for dessert the most amazing thing I have ever put in my mouth, Moonrose Cornflour Beignets served with Thai basil cream, strawberry jam and powdered sugar. As a volunteer I got handed a large metal bowl and I felt like I was eating from a trough and I didn’t care because they were so good.

Night three was Chef Nick Rabar of Avenue N American Kitchen. They served honey Harissa beef tartare, Smoked Pork Cheek & Pimento Cheese Pierogis, “Bacon & Sausage” with candied maple and my personal favorite of the night, Grilled Hot Dog Sliders served with mole baked beans, havana street corn, cotija, lime and a smoked paprika aioli! It was like a tiny bite of gourmet summer backyard barbecue heaven!

The evening’s entrees were Apple Cider & Beer Braised Pork Shank, Carved Blackbird Farm Steak and for dessert Warm Chocolate & Brown Sugar Cupcakes filled and topped with bacon fat buttercream & bacon butterscotch brittle. This was unlike anything I have ever tasted and I could have eaten a dozen of them in one sitting. Never, have I ever tasted a frosting so amazing.

The final night featured Chef Maria Meza and her son Joaquin of El Rancho Grande. Guests were greeted by a third choice of beverage, Revival’s Pinky Swear mixed with a spicy green lime chili beverage. The combo was spicy and refreshing!

For starters there were Quesadillas with squash blossom & queso, Taco with carnitas super crispy chicharrones – oh they are so good!

Entrees included Spare Ribs and Pork Loin & Sirloin a la parilla served with scallions, cactus. Dessert was a handmade mamey sorbet. I had a chance to help make this. Everyone took turns spinning the mamey over the ice until it has a frozen yogurt consistency. It was an amazing finish to an amazing four days.

If you have an opportunity to take part as a guest at one of the Eat Drink RI dinners – DO IT! You will not be disappointed. If you’d like to learn more about Blackbird Farm visit one their Farm Stand farmers markets and visit them online at facebook.com/blackbirdfarm/

See you there!

Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley
September 7, 2017 0 comment
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