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Gemma Crystal Vodka
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News Bites: The Industrious Spirit Company Releases Gemma / Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance Launches / Castle Hill Inn New Private Adirondack Experience

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

The Industrious Spirit Company Celebrates the Summer Solstice with the release of their latest creation, Gemma Crystal Vodka, a low-ABV spirit distilled through local quartz!

Gemma Crystal Vodka

Today, The Industrious Spirit Company (ISCO) announced that in honor of the Summer Solstice on June 21 they will release their newest spirit, Gemma Crystal Vodka. Gemma joins ISCO’s existing family of hand-crafted, innovative products including Structural Vodka, Ornamental Gin, Patina Barrel Aged Gin and Ostreida (the World’s first Oyster Vodka), as well as their Blue Velvet Blue Corn Bourbon (the first of many aged products to come). 

“We are so excited to have the opportunity to release Gemma” said Dan Neff, Distiller at ISCO. “All of our products are inspired by a unique sense of place and a desire to create something special, category-defining and unique.” Distiller Eric Olson added “This particular spirit really does have its own aura about it. We set out to create a lower-ABV vodka that was rooted in the geological aspects of our specific terroir, so the idea of making a superiorly smooth, easy-drinking spirit using local, New-England-mined quartz just made perfect sense.”

Gemma Crystal Vodka begins as a rich, organic handmade spirit, which is further refined by distilling it with full-moon charged, locally-sourced quartz crystals. This silicon-dioxide-rich stone is known for its ability to absorb, store, and regulate the release of energy—bringing balance to the spirit’s light, smooth character. ISCO scoured Rhode Island for the most perfect, locally-mined quartz. Using the quartz like a botanical element, ISCO developed a special distilling process to increase the purity of the alcohol in the still and finally proofed Gemma down to the Atomic Weight of Quartz, 60.0183—which also happens to be a delightfully nice proof for a lower alcohol vodka!

The new “Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance” is empowering food producers and food access providers to take care of local needs first

All concerned Rhode Islanders invited!

Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance

A new USDA-funded project that improves food security and supports the local food economy is calling for Alliance Members. The Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance, led in partnership by the Commercial Fisheries Center of RI, Eating with the Ecosystem, Farm Fresh RI,  Southside Community Land Trust, and the Rhode Island Food Policy Council, is working to build sustainable market channels between local farmers, fishers and food manufacturers and Rhode Island’s emergency food providers in order to make sure all residents of the Ocean State have access to fresh, local, culturally-relevant food. 

The goal of the Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance (RFRA) is to create a larger, more reliable wholesale market for local producers and harvesters while also increasing access to fresh, healthy, culturally-relevant food for local food insecure families.  Membership to the Alliance is open to farmers, fishers, food manufacturers, and emergency food access providers. All concerned citizens are invited to sign up to stay informed. Farmer and fisher members will be connected with opportunities to SELL their food. Food access providers will be connected with opportunities to BUY local food. All members will be invited to attend quarterly meetings to hear updates and stories from the people and organizations doing this work in the field.  

The RFRA is launching with funding through a three year grant from USDA Agricultural Marketing Service’s Local Food Promotion Program. The core (funded) partners are Farm Fresh RI, Commercial Fisheries of RI, and Southside Community Land Trust. The initial pilot through which we developed the program and partnerships was funded through an LFPP planning grant: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/lfpp. This grant was strongly supported by all members of the state’s Federal Congressional delegation. Additional funding has been provided by Rhode Island Foundation, Angell Foundation, Henry P. Kendall Foundation, and Island Foundation. The Council will measure and evaluate the project’s impacts, and use the findings to improve program operations and advocate for sustainable funding. 

To learn more about Rhody Feeding Rhody and to join the Alliance, visit www.rhodyfeedingrhody.org.

SUPPORTING PARTNER QUOTES

Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance

“Since the onset of the pandemic, Rhode Island farmers and fishers have become more invested than ever in ensuring food security for their food insecure neighbors.” According to Nessa Richman, Network Director of the RI Food Policy Council, “We’re excited to see the Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance grow this market, increasing the viability of our farm and seafood businesses while putting fresh, healthy local food on tables across the state.” Richman noted “We need all interested farmers, fishers and seafood processors, local food manufacturers, and emergency food providers to join, so the Alliance can start off strong and achieve sustainability.”

“DEM is thrilled to support the Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance (RFRA) and see how the work of its partners and members will bolster Rhode Island’s food security and supply chain resiliency,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Local farmers and fishers drive the Rhode Island food system, and the RFRA will expand their ability to provide local and fresh food to our communities. Food security is impacted by events in our backyard and around the world – building connections across the emergency food system is at the heart of DEM’s efforts to support a more locally based and resilient food system”

Eva Agudelo, Hope’s Harvest Program Director at Farm Fresh RI says, “Farm Fresh is glad to partner with organizations across the state to bring more market opportunities to local food producers and increase access to healthy food for all Rhode Islanders. Connecting and coordinating our efforts will make these new relationships stronger, more efficient, and better able to meet the needs of our communities.”

Fred Mattera, president of the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation, adds “For decades, fishermen have supported the South County Community by having Seafood Dinners and special events to support students, the elderly, and families that have lost family members at sea. When I approached fishermen with the idea of feeding families in need, there was no hesitation.” As the program has proceeded, more fishermen have stepped up with wanting to provide their seafood bounty to feed more of the RI Community.  Local Seafood – Feeding our Local Communities! This is the essence of Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance, providing and expanding the opportunity of Seafood throughout the RI Community.” 

“Our local waters produce a huge diversity and abundance of delicious, healthy, local seafood that all who live here should be able to enjoy. Seafood is such an important part of our food culture for so many of us living in Rhode Island. At Eating with the Ecosystem we are excited to be a part of a program that is helping to provide access to local seafood for those who may not have had it and connect more people with our incredible fishing communities, ecosystems, and seafood!” Kate Masury, Executive Director of Eating with the Ecosystem. 

According to Margaret DeVos, Executive Director at Southside Community Land Trust, “when people have control over the assets of the food system they make sure that others in their communities get fresh, healthy and affordable food. This happens day after day at SCLT gardens and farms and it will happen even more often through the work of the Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance.”

New Private Adirondack Experience Launches on The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn

Private gathering spaces on Castle Hill Inn’s front lawn with Adirondack furniture & cocktail service for up to 12 guests now available; New dining menu now offered at The Lawn restaurant

This summer, for the first time, Castle Hill Inn, the iconic Relais & Châteaux property on Newport’s Ocean Drive, is offering a new “Private Adirondack Experience” on The Lawn at Castle Hill. Now available for reservations, this new experience is being offered in addition to the traditional first-come, first-served Adirondack chairs available to guests and the public to enjoy. 

Designed for groups of up to 12 people, the experience offers guests the opportunity to reserve a private gathering space on Castle Hill Inn’s storied front lawn, complete with Adirondack furniture and cocktail service.  The private spaces can be booked for parties of up to 12 guests for 2.5 hours.

The Private Adirondack Experience is being offered daily during the summer months, with three seatings per day at 12pm, 3pm and 6pm. Advance reservations are required, and can be made online through the Events at Castle Hill Inn OpenTable page. Guests who book the experience have the choice to pre-order food and beverage selections from the “add-on” menu when making their reservation, which is highly recommended. Champagnes and wines by the bottle, local beers, lobster rolls, caviar service and other snacks are all offered as part of the Private Adirondack Experience. 

“The Lawn at Castle Hill Inn is synonymous with summer here in Newport, and we know that our guests and visitors to Newport love to visit us to celebrate special occasions as well as gather with friends and family to enjoy cocktails and views of the sailboats racing by,” said Lou Rossi, Director of Food & Beverage at Castle Hill Inn. “We’ve heard from guests that they would love to be able to make advance reservations for space on our lawn for these types of gatherings, and we hope this helps them plan ahead, while also providing an unforgettable special experience in our beautiful oceanfront setting.”

The cover charge is $25 per person, 7 days a week, plus sales tax and 20% gratuity. The cost of pre-selected food and beverages, along with sales tax and gratuity are additional and collected at the time of booking. Reservations for The Private Adirondack Experience are all outdoors; reservations cancelled due to inclement weather will receive a full refund.

In addition to the new Private Adirondack Experience, Castle Hill Inn has also launched an updated dining menu for The Lawn restaurant. While mainstays including Castle Hill Inn’s fan-favorite lobster roll and “Cornbread’s” clam chowder remain, new menu options include Grilled Twin Lobster Tails with Maine grains polenta and mushrooms, a Dry Aged Strip Steak served with potato gratin and creamed Swiss chard, along with a Whole Roasted Branzino with capers, olives, potatoes and a rock shrimp butter sauce. To see the new dining menu, or to make a reservation for The Lawn restaurant, please visit https://www.castlehillinn.com/dine/the-lawn/.

For more information on Castle Hill Inn, visit www.castlehillinn.com.

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Chef Benjamin Sukle Cooking at Wild Harmony Farm on Sept. 4, 2019, photo from Eat Drink RI
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News Bites: Oberlin’s Chef Sukle Opening New Spot and Announces Move / Rhody Feeding Rhody Awarded USDA Grant / Rory’s Market Launces Fresh Produce Program

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

Chef/Owner Benjamin Sukle Announces New Restaurant, Gift Horse, to Open this Spring; Additionally, Oberlin will move to new location, directly across the street this Summer

Chef Benjamin Sukle Cooking at Wild Harmony Farm on Sept. 4, 2019, photo from Eat Drink RI
Chef Benjamin Sukle Cooking at Wild Harmony Farm on Sept. 4, 2019, photo from Eat Drink RI

Chef/Owner Benjamin Sukle of Oberlin (which opened in 2016) in Providence, Rhode Island, will be opening a new restaurant this Spring 2023, Gift Horse (address: 272 Westminster Street). The tongue and cheek saying which the restaurant borrows its name should offer a preview to the eccentric, playful tone the team hopes to achieve. With a strong focus on local shellfish, seafood, and catches from New England waters via raw bar dining in a style distinctive of Chef Sukle’s approach to seasonality, as well as the cultivated relationships he has with farmers and fishermen alike. One unique distinction is the oysters featured on the menu will predominantly be harvested from different bays around the state or within very close proximity.*  The beverage program will feature an expanded wine list, and highlight low ABV cocktails as well–think creative takes on Spritzes inspired by the Mediterranean coast. *More info on oyster programming available. 

Additionally, Oberlin which is currently located at 186 Union Street in downtown Providence will move directly across the street to a new location this Summer to 266 Westminster Street. The team plans to close the restaurant for a brief time to anticipate and prepare for the new location’s opening. Benjamin and team will expand hours of operation to add lunch and brunch service. The change of location promises to continue to offer the same experience diners have come to expect in the past six years, along with many added amenities including a new wood-burning oven–which will serve as the heart of the restaurant influencing respective seafood and vegetables dishes alike–a larger wine cellar and bar program, and overall more expansive footprint with additional seating, along with options for private dining and catering. The new location–being adjacent to Grant’s Block Park–allows for an expansive outdoor patio and bar, which will be weather proofed with a retractable roof and heaters to extend seasonal dining. Longtime general manager, Bethany Caliaro, will join as a partner in the restaurants as well.

“Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance” Gets The Greenlight From USDA

Rhode Island Food Policy Council awarded $498K grant to fortify RI’s emergency food network while supporting local farms and fisheries

Movement Ground Farm in Tiverton, Rhode Island, photo courtesy of RI Food Policy Council

The Rhode Island Food Policy Council has been awarded a $498K grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) to launch the “Serving the Food Insecure Market: Connecting Rhode Island Farmers and Fishermen with Our Emergency Feeding Network” project. Implementation partners include Farm Fresh RI, Southside Community Land Trust, and the Commercial Fisheries Center of RI The Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance will work with emergency food providers to build sustainable market channels between local farmers and fishers and Rhode Island residents in need of  fresh, local, culturally-appropriate food.

This project was strongly supported by Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation. A joint letter of support was signed by U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Rep. Jim Langevin and Rep. David Cicilline.

“This federal funding will help feed the hungry and expand opportunities for local food producers and businesses.  Rhode Island has amazing food and this collaborative effort will help the Rhode Island Food Policy Council and their partners find new ways to improve marketing, transportation, and distribution of local food and strengthen supply chains for food businesses,” said Senator Reed.

“I’m pleased to have helped secure the funding to stand up the Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance, an innovative partnership that will connect fresh food from local farmers and fishermen to Rhode Islanders facing food insecurity,” said Whitehouse.  “This initiative will strengthen our food supply chain, boost the market for local agriculture and seafood businesses, and provide healthy food to our neighbors in need.”

“All Rhode Islanders deserve access to safe and nutritious food, which is why I’m so happy to deliver these crucial federal dollars to launch the ‘Rhody Feeding Rhody’ Alliance,” said Rep. Jim Langevin. “This new partnership will establish a critical connection between Rhode Island’s underserved communities and our best-in-class farmers and fishers, so that families experiencing food insecurity can enjoy the fresh produce and seafood produced right here at home.”

“Congratulations to the Rhode Island Food Policy Council and all of the tremendous local organizations who will be partnering for the Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance,” said Congressman Cicilline. “I was thrilled to advocate to USDA for this innovative project. This effort will build a more resilient food system that not only addresses food insecurity but also supports our local producers and growers. It’s a win for our farmers and fishers and helps our vulnerable neighbors.”

Eva Agudelo, Farm Fresh RI’s Hope’s Harvest Executive Director, notes “This funding strengthens the work Farm Fresh RI does to bring millions of servings of locally grown and caught products into the emergency food market. “USDA programs like LFPP help us put our trucks, coolers, and dedicated staff in service to meeting the needs of Rhode Island farmers and our neighbors who struggle with food insecurity.”

“Add up the costs of healthy food, housing, child care, utilities – everything families need to succeed.  It’s all too expensive relative to income levels. Until this problem is fixed, SCLT will work through this program with USDA and our local partners to help hundreds of families in need serve up fresh produce grown right here by 40 small scale, sustainable urban and rural farmers.” says Margaret DeVos, Executive Director, Southside Community Land Trust

“This project will help to build on unique initiatives to connect local products to the emergency food system during a time of increasing need.” says Fred Mattera, Executive Director of Commercial Fisheries Center of RI, “For the Commercial Fisheries Center, this funding allows us to greatly expand and streamline access to nutritious local seafood among communities in need while helping to support our vibrant fishing industry.”

“Local seafood is an abundant resource in Rhode Island, an important part of a healthy diet, and is also a fundamental part of our culinary traditions for so many people in our community and yet still many people don’t have access to it.” says Kate Masury, Executive Director of Eating with the Ecosystem, “This funding will help Eating with the Ecosystem and the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island support seafood businesses in providing local seafood to the emergency food system and sharing this delicious and healthy resource with people in need.”

“Access to safe and healthy food is a key determinant of health at the individual level and the community level. This grant will be critical to the Rhode Island Food Policy Council’s work to ensure this access for Rhode Islanders in every ZIP code throughout the state,” said Utpala Bandy, MD, MPH, Interim Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health. “We thank the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Local Food Promotion Program for their partnership, and we look forward to the vital collaborations with our community partners that these funds will support for years to come.”

“Both Rhode Island’s emergency feeding network and local food producers experienced massive disruptions and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rhody Feeding Rhody initiative will deepen supply chain connections between these stakeholders, helping to build the kind of resilient and regional food system we envision in our state food plan “Relish Rhody” says Juli Stelmaszyk, RI State Director of Food Strategy

RIFPC’s project builds on a successful planning grant awarded by USDA in 2020 which piloted connections between 25 RI farmers and fishers. Now, 80 RI farmers and fishers (at least 9 of whom are from historically underserved communities, 

The new, 3-year grant will enable RIFPC and partners to build information exchanges, infrastructure, and ordering systems that will benefit these local businesses and RI emergency food providers alike. Mutually-agreed upon product, price and delivery specifications will build greater confidence and offer lower risk to food producers and harvesters. 

The Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance will identify pathways to financial viability, enhancing and growing the wholesale market for 50+ locally-grown agricultural products as well as growing wholesale markets for 30+ locally-harvested, wild-caught seafood in the emergency food system. The Council will measure and evaluate project impacts, using findings to continually improve program operations and advocate for sustainable funding. As a result, the local emergency feeding system will become a larger, more reliable wholesale market for local producers and harvesters while also becoming more resilient to supply chain shocks from public health emergencies and climate-related disasters.

To learn more about the Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance, email info@rifoodcouncil.org.

Rory’s Market And Kitchen Launches Pound For Pound Fresh Produce Program November 2022 In Downtown Providence

Rory’s Customer Shopping for Organic Produce, photo courtesy of Rory’s

Rory’s Market + Kitchen and UNFI Produce & Fresh Co. have partnered to expand the Pound for Pound program originally initiated in 2019 at the company’s Cape Cod stores to include Rory’s new location in downtown Providence. 

Throughout the month of November, select produce will be on sale at all Rory’s Market + Kitchen locations. For every pound of eligible produce purchased by Rory’s customers, Rory’s will donate a pound to the community’s local food bank. 

At the company’s Dennis Port and Mashpee locations, the weight of purchased produce will be donated to the Family Pantry of Cape Cod. Purchases made at Rory’s in downtown Providence will contribute to poundage donated to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. No monetary donations are required to participate; customers simply purchase at Rory’s and know they will be supporting members of their local community in need.

“Food insecurity affects every community, and fresh produce is often an area that food banks are lacking in donation or supply,” says Rory Eames, owner and namesake of Rory’s. “We are committed to using our purchasing power to help increase access to fresh, quality produce to our local communities.”

At the conclusion of the program, Rory’s will purchase the fresh produce in highest demand by the food banks which will then be delivered to drop locations at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and the Family Pantry of Cape Cod. 

“The Food Bank is so appreciative of the generosity of Rory’s Market and its customers,” shared Lisa Roth Blackman, the Rhode Island Community Food Bank’s Chief Philanthropy Officer. “The need for food assistance in Rhode Island has increased dramatically. Our member agencies are serving 63,000 people per month – an increase of 20% from last year. This donation from Rory’s will help us meet the demand for healthy, fresh produce – an important part of our distribution.

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The Good Trade Makers Market 2021, photo by Carly Rae Brunault
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News Bites: Local Agriculture and Seafood Act Grants Now Open / The Good Trade Makers Market Returns / Branchfood Launches RI Operations / BEATNIC Offering BOGO for Beginning of World Vegan Month

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

Gov. McKee, Legislative Leaders, Dem Announce $700,000 Program Funding To Support Food And Seafood Businesses

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

Governor Dan McKee, leaders of the Rhode Island General Assembly, and the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announce that $700,000 in Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) programming funding is available to help new and existing food businesses grow and flourish. Enacted in 2012 to “support and develop more robust and self-sustaining agricultural and seafood sectors,” LASA is an important catalyst in strengthening the local food system. Since its enactment 10 years ago, LASA has provided more than $1.4 million through individual program grants up to $20,000.

“The 2022 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act grants support projects that help with the entry, growth, and sustainability of small or starting green sector businesses, with a particular focus on supporting a diversity of foods and food producers,” said Governor McKee. “LASA is a pillar of our food strategy through which Rhode Island is investing to provide consistent access to safe, healthy, affordable food.”

“The Local Agriculture and Seafood Act has always been about being firmly committed to our constituents and sending the message that we are 100 percent behind local businesses,” said Sen. V. Susan Sosnowski, the Senate sponsor of LASA. “Local food gets from farm to table in fresher condition and means fewer trucks on the road, which means less air pollution. LASA encourages more people to eat more local food. This means better health for Rhode Islanders and our environment.”

“In the 10 years since LASA’s inception, a broad and diverse array of businesses and organizations have benefitted from grants including farmers’ markets, family farms, urban agricultural initiatives, oyster growers, cider makers, and dozens of others,” said Rep. Deborah Ruggiero, LASA’s House sponsor. “I am thrilled to see the level of support going into the next round of program grant funding and look forward to seeing how recipients use it to make Rhode Island’s food system more resilient and sustainable.”

“The fiscal 2023 budget was a product of true collaboration between the House, the Senate, and the Administration, and the House is particularly proud to have helped expand the program funding of the LASA grants to an historically high level,” said House Finance Committee Chairman Marvin Abney. “From Newport to North Smithfield, seafood and agriculture are staples of Rhode Island and investing in them by investing in small producers will boost our whole food economy.”

“Small businesses are the cornerstone of the Rhode Island economy, and agriculture and seafood businesses are the backbone of our food system. This significant investment in the LASA program championed by Senator Sosnowski will enhance the great work it does to support Ocean State food producers, strengthen our local food system, and help address food insecurity in our state,” said Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ryan W. Pearson.

“DEM is always working to get more home-grown food on the table and by supporting local farmers and fishers in growing their businesses, the LASA grants help achieve this,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Growing local and eating local, fresh, sustainable food minimizes transportation costs, reduces carbon emissions, and boosts the local economy while providing the freshest product possible to the consumer.”

The 2022 programming funding priorities include:

  • Supporting the entry, growth, and sustainability of small or beginning agriculture producers and fishers.
  • Supporting agriculture producers and fishers that are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
  • Supporting the development of new marketing, promotion, sales, and/or distribution channels.
  • Supporting the development of new products, including value-added processing capacity.
  • Fostering new cooperatives, partnerships, and/or collaborations among Rhode Island agriculture producers and fishers and supporting organizations.
  • Fostering and building capacity for markets connecting local farms and fishers with Rhode Island’s food insecure communities.
  • Protecting the future availability of agricultural land for producers, including farm transition planning and implementation, and assisting with on farm food safety improvements, including the developing of Food Safety Modernization Act and hazard analysis critical control point standards.

During the 2021 grant program, DEM awarded $250,000 of programming funding in LASA grants to 12 recipients. Eligible entities include for-profit farmers, fishers, producer groups, and non-profit organizations. Applicants must be based in Rhode Island and only small and/or beginning farmers, or producer groups of small or beginning farmers, are eligible to apply for capital grants. Aquaculture operators are considered farmers in the LASA program. 

For more information on the LASA Grant program, please visit DEM’s website. Applications should be completed online via the State of Rhode Island Grant’s Management System by Nov. 30, 2022 at 11:59 PM. Grant-related questions should be directed to Ananda Fraser, Chief Program Development in DEM’s Division of Agriculture and Forest Environment at 401-222-2781 or via email to DEM.LASA@dem.ri.gov.

DEM continues to work across many fronts to benefit and strengthen Rhode Island’s green economy and to assist local farmers and fishers in growing their businesses. There are more than 1,000 farms sprinkled across the state and Rhode Island is home to a thriving young farmer network. DEM continues to make investments in critical infrastructure as well as provide farm incubation space to new farmers through its Urban Edge Farm and Snake Den Farm properties. The state’s food scene is often cited as an area of economic strength ripe for innovation and growth. Already, the local food industry supports 60,000 jobs, and the state’s green industries account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy annually.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.

The Good Trade Makers Market Returns to WaterFire Arts Center

The large-scale community shopping experience brings nearly 100 independent makers under one roof in Providence for a two-day celebration of creatives and tradespeople.

The Good Trade Makers Market 2021, photo by Carly Rae Brunault
The Good Trade Makers Market 2021, photo by Carly Rae Brunault

The Good Trade Makers Market will return to Providence, RI on November 19-20, 2022. This annual event gathers nearly 100 independent makers and small manufacturers of home decor, art, apothecary products, apparel, accessories, and more from all over the country for a weekend-long community shopping experience at WaterFire Arts Center (475 Valley Street, Providence, RI).

“What’s unique about The Good Trade is that we’re not only showcasing the amazing artisans, makers, and manufacturers who are based here in Rhode Island, but we are also welcoming businesses from 11 other states and introducing them to our little city during the weekend,” said event organizer BJ Mansuetti. “Rhode Islanders have long been committed to shopping small, and we believe that creating an inclusive space for creatives to come together before the holidays and sell their handcrafted goods provides an important boost to the local economy.”

Last year’s event brought in 5,000 shoppers from across New England and generated an estimated $300,000 in revenue for participating small businesses over the course of the weekend. “The community response to the event has been overwhelmingly positive, both from the vendor and shopper perspective. In 2021, vendors shared moving personal stories with our team about the life-changing support they received from shoppers, which was especially meaningful after an extremely difficult couple of years for small businesses,” added Mansuetti.

“With a return to live in person events in 2021, The Good Trade Market was such a great success for the art and maker community in New England, driving a much-needed revenue boost for so many small businesses around the holiday season,” said Peter A. Mello, managing director and co-CEO of WaterFire Providence. “We can’t wait to welcome them back to the WaterFire Arts Center again this year. It’s an event that we’re always excited about and look forward to hosting for many years to come.”

The Good Trade will also be bringing back the popular “Plinko for a Cause” this year. A large, interactive fundraising game where shoppers can donate $5 to play to win prizes provided by The Good Trade and their vendors. This year, 100% of the funds donated will benefit The Steel Yard’s Workforce Training Program, a job-readiness initiative that teaches industry safety standards and a wide range of metalworking skills to prepare community members for a career in metalworking.

Advance tickets for The Good Trade are available now for $7 in advance (advance sales end at midnight on November 18th ) and $10 at the door at goodtrademakersmarket.com. Ticket price include a beverage from our sponsors, including a small beer from Proclamation Ale or Trinity Brewhouse, a small cocktail from The Industrious Spirit Company, a small hot coffee from New Harvest Coffee Roasters, an iced tea from Grany Squibb’s Iced Tea, or a small ice cream from Gather Farm.  Other sponsors include Trinity Beer Garden, Gather Glass, Yelp, and Swamp Yankee Art.

Visit @goodtrademakersmarket on Instagram for daily giveaways from now through November 18th.

The Good Trade Makers Market
November 19 & 20, 2022
Noon to 6pm
WaterFire Arts Center
475 Valley St.
Providence, RI 02908
More info and tickets: goodtrademakersmarket.com/tickets

Branchfood Launches Rhode Island Operations

Global Food Innovation Platform Celebrates Expansion into the Ocean State

More than 80 food and industry leaders today celebrated the expansion of Branchfood, a global food innovation launchpad, into Rhode Island. First established in Massachusetts in 2015, Branchfood will support stage-two food and beverage startups, foodtech, and agtech companies in the state through a comprehensive set of services including curated events, connections to investors, shared workspaces, and advisory support.

“At Branchfood, we bring food founders and leaders together with corporate partners, investors, and experts to create a platform for collaboration and provide strategic advice to help the sector grow and thrive,” said Branchfood Founder and CEO Lauren Abda. “We are thrilled to expand this work into Rhode Island, where we hope to bolster the state’s already rich food ecosystem to help solve the food industry’s most pressing challenges while also positioning Rhode Island to become an internationally-recognized food innovation leader.”

Earlier this year, Branchfood received funding from a Rhode Island Commerce Network Match Grant to assist Rhode Island’s food-related businesses to grow, scale, and lead the future of the food industry.

“Rhode Island is committed to building a strong local food economy and we see enormous potential for homegrown food entrepreneurs and established innovative food companies to find success in our state,” said Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Liz Tanner. “Partners such as Branchfood are critical in helping us achieve this vision by supporting and connecting high-growth potential companies to strategic resources as they land and expand in Rhode Island.”

As part of this effort, Branchfood is partnering with the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) Providence, which will provide workspace, event venues, and marketing, as well as connections to a robust network of industry professionals and entrepreneurs.

“Innovation is our era’s answer to solving the world’s problems, and CIC supports innovation with every partnership we forge and every business we support,” said Tim Rowe, founder and CEO of CIC. “We’re proud and excited to work with Branchfood to not only grow and strengthen the economy, but also to increase opportunities for entrepreneurs and ultimately tackle complex challenges like food security and food waste.”

Branchfood has successfully supported more than 800 food founders across the region and globally and works with both start-ups and established global food corporations in the consumer products, agricultural, and tech spaces, as well as leading academic institutions and governments. To date, Branchfood’s sister company, Branch Venture Group, has invested more than $3.3M in 15 early-stage food startups.

The celebration kicked off with a panel discussion with some of the state’s most renowned food pioneers, including Lisa Raiola, president and founder of Hope and Main; Todd Blount, president of Blount Fine Foods; and Nicolas Warren, Branch Venture Group Angel Investor. Following the panel, attendees sampled food and drinks and engaged with entrepreneurs at a startup showcase that highlighted 10 local companies, such as Westerly’s Granny Squibb, Barrington’s Big Picture Foods, and Providence’s goTeff.

“We are thrilled to have Branchfood join the food ecosystem in Rhode Island,” said Lisa Raiola, founder and president of food incubator Hope & Main. “Branchfood’s services will advance and accelerate the work that we’ve been doing since 2014 to cultivate a thriving and resilient local food economy. The hundreds of food founders that incubate their start-ups at Hope & Main will find vital support to help them scale to the next level in Rhode Island and the region as Branchfood brings their marketing and manufacturing expertise along with food-focused sources of capital.”

Branchfood’s work in the Ocean State continues on October 6, with a session called the “Ins and Outs” of Scaling a Food Business in Rhode Island, followed by programs including Branchfood’s signature event, Community Table, and financing and investment opportunities for startups and investors in Rhode Island. Additionally, Branchfood and the Cambridge Innovation Center will begin welcoming entrepreneurs and food teams to the 225 Dyer Street location to work and collaborate later this fall. Learn more about Branchfood at branchfood.com and branchventuregroup.com.

World Vegan Month is More Fun with a Friend . . . That’s why BEATNIC is offering a buy one, get one, offer to kick off World Vegan Month!

Did you know that you don’t need to be vegan to enjoy vegan food? Well, of course you did 🙂 but did you know that 90% of plant-based food consumers are not vegan or vegetarian? 

Come and join the trend this November with Beatnic’s BOGO offering – you and a friend can enjoy a BUY 1 GET 1 FREE meal from November 1st to November 8th at all Beatnic locations in NYC, Providence, and Boston

Formerly By Chloe, Beatnic provides high quality, fast casual, vegan food, with a little something for everyone including their Guac Burger, Chicky Dippers, and seasonal menu items like their Loaded Shroom Chili or Truffle Melt.

The best part? You won’t have to feel guilty going back for seconds. Even swapping just one meal a week can positively impact the environment and your health (see below). 

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

  • Diets of meat eaters create 7x the greenhouse gas emissions and use 10x the amount of water compared to the diets of vegans
  • A plant-based diet requires only one third of the land needed to support a meat and dairy diet. 
  • The vast amount of grain feed required for meat production is a significant contributor to deforestation, habitat loss and species extinction

HEALTH BENEFITS 

  • More input of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, etc, provide more fiber and antioxidants to the body
  • Eating a low fat, high fiber vegan diet could lead to greater weight loss
  • Eating vegan can lower one’s risk of diabetes and certain cancers

ETHICAL CONSCIOUSNESS

  • Animals required for a meat diet are kept in overcrowded unethical conditions and are eventually slaughtered

Instructions:

  • Sign up using the link: https://signup.thanx.com/bychloe/worldveganmonth
  • Download the app and sign in
  • See the reward “free entree for a friend when you buy one!” 
  • Visit any Beatnic store, and redeem the reward at the register
  • To redeem, you must order one entree (salad, burger, sandwich) with both parties physically present to then redeem another entree for free

Terms and conditions:

  • Must redeem in store. Beatnic team member to swipe reward in app at the register to redeem.
  • Both parties must be physically present at the register.
  • Must purchase one entree to get the second of lower cost free.
  • Limit one per customer.
  • Must be an active Beatnic account holder or download the Beatnic app using the following link (https://signup.thanx.com/bychloe/worldveganmonth) to join our loyalty program to redeem.
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Lions Clubs and Hope's Harvestå
chefs & restaurantsfarmsnewswine & drinks

News Bites: Lions Clubs of RI Auction to Benefit Hope’s Harvest / Little City Thrifty Market Returns / Clementine Bar Opening in Providence / Neon Marketplace’s Fall Menu

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

‘LIL RHODY-BIG YUM! — Lions Clubs of Rhode Island host an Online Auction for Hope’s Harvest

Introducing ‘LIL RHODY—BIG YUM, a Food-Centric online auction to raise funds toward the purchase of a refrigerated delivery van for Hope’s Harvest (a program of Farm Fresh Rhode Island).

Lil RHODY—BIG YUM runs through September 24. 

Auction items can be found at: www.biddingowl.com/LionsofRhodeIsland

A bit more about Hope’s Harvest:

Hope’s Harvest is the only state-wide gleaning organization linking farmers who have surplus food, an army of volunteer pickers and hunger relief agencies for distribution. See more at www.FarmFreshRI.org. They need a refrigerated van to transport fresh produce. Hope’s Harvest connects fresh, local food with local hungry people, tackles on-farm food waste, and works to strengthen our local food system.

The Lions Clubs are proud to partner with Hope’s Harvest and assist them in fundraising to buy a refrigerated van to deliver the best quality produce possible.

HHRI by the numbers (since 2018):

  • 48 Local Farms
  • 48 Pantries & meal providers
  • 350 Volunteers
  • 400 TONS of fresh produce recovered and
  • Redirected to agencies serving 35,000 people monthly

Little City Thrifty Vintage Market Returns to WaterFire Arts Center

October 1st & 2nd, 2022
Noon to 6pm with 11am Early Buying Hour
WaterFire Arts Center
475 Valley St.
Providence, RI

Little City Thrifty Vintage Market is returning to Providence’s WaterFire Arts Center for another curated weekend of indoor vintage and antiques shopping on October 1st and 2nd, 2022! Recently named “Rhode Island’s Best Flea Market” by national publication Domino Magazine, Little City Thrifty is excited to kick off fall with a second festival, after a successful and sold-out inaugural event in March 2022.

Little City Thrifty’s October event will bring together vintage lovers and dealers from far and wide, and will feature over 85 well-curated booths of vintage and pre-loved clothing, books, barware, records, art, ephemera, furniture, home decor, and much more. The lineup includes local favorites, as well as well-known vendors from ten other states. 

Tickets include a complimentary small beverage of your choice, provided by participating beverage sponsor, including a small cocktail from Bully Boy Distillers, a small beer from either Rejects Beer Co. or Trinity Brewhouse, a small hot coffee from New Harvest Coffee Roasters, or a glass bottle of Coca-Cola from Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast!

General Admission tickets are $8 in advance and may be available for $10 at the door, if the event does not sell out. “Early Buying Hour” tickets are also available but are very limited. For $15, these tickets allow for entry a full hour before the event starts, and they’re perfect for those who want some extra elbow-room while shopping and to get a first look at the vendors’ collections and rare items.

For a full list of vendors and to purchase advance tickets, visit www.littlecitythrifty.com.

Clementine, a New Cocktail and Tapas Bar, to Open in Downtown Providence in October 2022

Downtown developer Cornish Associates is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of Clementine at 200 Washington Street in Providence. The cocktail bar is the creation of Congressman and former Mayor of Providence David N. Cicilline. The grand opening will take place in mid-October 2022. 

Clementine–named after Cicilline’s great-grandmother–brings a fresh, modern, and innovative take on classic cocktails to downtown Providence. The cocktail menu offers an artful presentation of a dozen seasonally inspired rotating signature drinks, including non-alcoholic options. The food menu includes a range of small plates, including the ham croquette with aioli, the chickpea fries with harissa mayonnaise, and the crab rangoon with sweet chili sauce. The bar program will feature a rotation of guest bartenders and pop-up chefs. There will be opportunities for guests to enjoy cocktail classes and to use the space for private events, as well. 

Alongside his experience in Congress and at City Hall, Cicilline is a Providence native, author of a new book House on Fire, a graduate of Brown University and Georgetown University Law Center, and previously served as a defense attorney in Rhode Island. Prior to his political career, he enjoyed various roles within the hospitality industry in Rhode Island and worked in restaurants throughout college and law school. Cicilline is joined by Cristian Cantaragiu, who serves as general manager of Clementine. Cantaragiu has extensive experience in bartending that spans the globe, from the Royal Garden Hotel in London, to the Sweet & Chilly global drink agency, to lead bartender at the MTV Movie Awards in 2017. He most recently worked at 41 North in Newport, RI, and has studied bartending and mixology under international icons such as Simone Caporale and Simone Calabrese. Together, Cicilline and Cantaragiu look forward to sharing something new with Providence.

“I’ve always loved the downtown neighborhood in the heart of the city and this location in particular,” says Cicilline. “While I served as Mayor of Providence, much of my time was spent right down the street at City Hall. Now, at Clementine, I want to create a space where people feel welcome, whether they’re connecting and socializing with friends, taking a break after a busy work day, or enjoying a cocktail before heading across the street to watch a show at Trinity Rep.”

Clementine’s interior will benefit from the work of the award-winning, internationally acclaimed interior designer Michael Booth. Booth is founder of BAMO–which has offices in both Providence and San Francisco–and has earned architecture and BFA degrees from RISD. Booth’s clients include Four Seasons, Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental, and many others. He is a member of the Hospitality Design’s Platinum Circle and his work has been featured in Architectural Digest, New York Times Sunday Magazine, House and Garden, and many other national publications.  

Clementine can be found at 200 Washington Street on the ground floor of the Harkness Building (most recently occupied by Birch restaurant), directly across from Trinity Repertory Theater. The hours of operation are 4-11 p.m. from Monday through Thursday, and 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Friday through Saturday; Clementine is closed on Sundays. For updates and more information follow on Instagram at @clementinecocktailbar, or contact Cristian Cantaragiu at (401) 633-5402.

Fall is in the Air at Neon Marketplace

More than just lattes and muffins, Neon’s menu features seasonal pizza, salad, milkshakes and more

Neon Marketplace, the newest, most innovative, and elevated brand in the convenience store industry, with locations in Warwick, Rhode Island and Seekonk, Massachusetts and express locations in Middletown and Portsmouth, Rhode Island, is pleased to announce its line-up of fall flavors, available through November 25.  

Guests can enjoy a taste of the season with the Fall Harvest Pizza:  hand stretched pizza dough topped with an aromatic sage herb cream sauce, whole milk mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, grilled chicken, sweet caramelized onions, and house roasted butternut squash. This pizza is cooked in Neon’s brick oven and finished with dressed arugula and a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds. 

The New England Autumn Cranberry Chicken Salad, made fresh in-house, features grilled chicken, house roasted butternut squash, dried cranberries, roasted pumpkin seeds, and onion over a bed of spinach and arugula with apple cider vinaigrette. 

For a seasonal pick-me-up, guests can enjoy a customizable and crafted to order hot or iced Pumpkin Spice Latte, featuring Neon’s smooth and rich espresso sweetened with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin. 

Neon’s sweet treats include an Apple Pie Milkshake: ice cream blended with sweet cinnamon apple pie filling topped with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, graham cracker crumble and a dash of cinnamon; a Pumpkin Pie Milkshake:ice cream blended with pumpkin pie filling, topped with whipped cream, graham cracker crumble, and a dash of cinnamon; Maple Pecan Plait Danishes, baked fresh daily, filled with pecan pie custard and topped with chopped roasted pecans and a sweet maple glaze;  Pumpkin Swirl Pound Cake: classic pound cake swirled with craveable pumpkin spice cake and finished with rich vanilla icing.   

Neon Marketplace also offers a full array of breakfast options, including pastries, freshly made-to-order egg sandwiches, artisan coffee and lattes; hand-made grinders and sandwiches; a variety of salads; snacks; all-natural lemonade and fresh-brewed iced tea, fountain, and cooler drinks. 

Neon Marketplace caters to today’s modern traveler by delivering a uniquely refreshing and stylish experience designed to create loyal customers. Neon locations are targeted to areas where the convenience store customer is currently underserved and in areas where growing populations and/or business growth has resulted in increased vehicle traffic and consumer demand.Follow Neon Marketplace on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to learn more about the growing brand.

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