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Mill's Tavern 32 oz. Imported Score 3 Australian Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye
chefs & restaurantscookingfarmsnews

News Bites: Mill’s Tavern Wagyu Program / Farm Fresh RI Thanksgiving Box Donations / RI Hospitality Association and RI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Partnership

by David Dadekian September 22, 2025
written by David Dadekian

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


Mill’s Tavern Showcases Australian and Japanese Wagyu in the most Distinctive Program in Providence

Guests can enjoy a variety of cuts or a flight of the luxurious beef for an experience not found anywhere else in New England

Mill's Tavern Wagyu Flight
Mill’s Tavern Wagyu Flight

Mill’s Tavern, located at 101 North Main Street in Providence, is proud to offer the most distinctive Wagyu program in Providence. From rare Japanese A5 to premium Australian Grade 6–7 Wagyu and prime grade steak, each cut comes from carefully selected vendors who share Mill’s passion for quality.  For more information, visit www.millstavernrestaurant.com/wagyu/.  To make a reservation, please call (401)-272-3331 or email  info@millstavernrestaurant.com.

Wagyu is world renowned as the pinnacle of exceptional beef. Extensive marbling from fine intramuscular fat melts at a lower temperature than regular beef, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness and a buttery taste. Japanese Wagyu offers a sweeter, richer flavor profile, primarily due to higher marbling and a longer feeding period (600+ days) while Australian Wagyu features a robust, buttery taste, though typically less sweet and slightly firmer due to its shorter feeding time (350–450 days). Wagyu’s unique characteristics stem from specialized breeding, meticulous care of the cattle, and strict quality control measures, making it a highly sought-after delicacy. 

Mill’s Wagyu menu includes a 5 oz. Imported Score 7 Australian Wagyu Manhattan Filet; an 8oz Imported Score 7 Australian Wagyu True Petite Strip; and a 32 oz. Imported Score 3 Australian Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye, each served with Mills’ Steak Sauce and the option to add Roasted Bone Marrow, Wagyu Herb Butter, or Peppercorn au Poivre.

Guests looking to experience the full spectrum of Wagyu indulgence can enjoy the Wagyu Flight: Wagyu Tartare on roasted bone marrow, a 3 oz. Japanese score 5 Kobe, and a 5 oz. Australian score 7 Wagyu with chef’s accoutrements. This is an offering unique to Mills and not found anywhere else in New England.

“We are proud to offer this exciting Wagyu program to our guests, built on a commitment to education, transparency, and exceptional flavor,” said Lesley Hall, General Manager, Mill’s Tavern. “Just one bite of this luxurious beef cooked over our wood grill will provide an incredibly memorable dining experience.”

Mill's Tavern Wagyu Tartare on Roasted Bone Marrow
Mill’s Tavern Wagyu Tartare on Roasted Bone Marrow
Mill's Tavern 32 oz. Imported Score 3 Australian Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye
Mill’s Tavern 32 oz. Imported Score 3 Australian Wagyu Tomahawk Ribeye


A Holiday Meal, A Stronger Community: Farm Fresh RI Calls for Thanksgiving Box Donations Amid Rising Food Insecurity

Farm Fresh Rhode Island Thanksgiving Boxes
Farm Fresh Rhode Island Thanksgiving Boxes

For many Rhode Islanders, a nourishing Thanksgiving dinner is not guaranteed this year. With federal cuts to SNAP benefits, rising food prices, and growing demand at local food pantries, thousands of families face the possibility of going without a holiday meal.

Farm Fresh Rhode Island is working to change that–one meal at a time. The nonprofit has launched its annual Thanksgiving Harvest Box sale, inviting the community not only to purchase boxes for their own celebrations, but also to donate boxes directly to local families in need.

Each Harvest Box is filled with locally grown vegetables, fresh herbs, and handcrafted seasonings from Rhode Island farmers and producers. Short of a turkey, the boxes include everything from Brussels sprouts and butternut squash to a jar of traditional cranberry sauce and a spice rub, as well as a recipe guide.

“This holiday season, families across Rhode Island will be forced to make hard choices: between groceries, rent, and heating bills,” said Kellie Beretta, Assistant Director of Development at Farm Fresh RI. “A donated Harvest Box doesn’t just put food on the table. It gives families the dignity of a joyful holiday meal with their loved ones, and the comfort of knowing that their community cares.”

The Thanksgiving Harvest Box program is unique in its dual impact: every box donated not only feeds a household in need, but also supports the local farms and food businesses whose products fill the boxes. “It’s neighbors helping neighbors,” Beretta added. “When you donate a box or purchase one for your own meal, you’re supporting our entire local food community.”

Farm Fresh RI has set a goal of donating 350 Harvest Boxes this year—feeding around 3,000 Rhode Islanders this Thanksgiving. All donated boxes will be distributed directly to food banks and hunger relief agencies in Rhode Island. The organization is also partnering with local businesses and community groups to sponsor bulk donations and help meet this year’s growing need. 

This year’s Thanksgiving Harvest Boxes will include:

  • Brussels Sprouts (1 lb) from Ward’s Berry Farm
  • Butternut Squash (1) from Ferolbink Farms
  • Carrots (2lbs) from Four Town Farm
  • Cranberry Sauce (12 oz) from Harvest Kitchen
  • Delicata Squash (1) from Schartner Farms
  • Fresh Herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley) from Allen Farms Organic Farm
  • Garlic (2 bulbs) from a local farm
  • Leek (1) from Zephyr Farm
  • Parsnips (2 lbs) from Four Town Farm
  • Shallots (1/2 lb) from Zephyr Farm
  • Mushrooms (8 oz) from RI Mushroom Co.
  • Turkey Rub (0.4 oz pouch) from Sanctuary Herbs
  • White Potatoes (5 lbs) from Schartner Farms
  • Sweet Potatoes (5 lbs) from Schartner Farms
  • Onions (5 lbs) from Schartner Farms

Boxes are $75 each, for purchase or to donate, and the order form closes on Sunday, November 16th, 2025. To order a box or donate one to a family in need, visit www.farmfreshri.org/thanksgiving

Farm Fresh Rhode Island Thanksgiving Produce

RI Hospitality Association Launches “Juntos Prosperamos” Partnership with RI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

New Initiative to Strengthen Latino Representation, Membership, and Advocacy in Rhode Island’s Hospitality Industry

Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Oscar Mejias (left) and RI Hospitality Association President/CEO Farouk Rajab (right) shake hands after signing the “Juntos Prosperamos” partnership agreement.
Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Oscar Mejias (left) and RI Hospitality Association President/CEO Farouk Rajab (right) shake hands after signing the “Juntos Prosperamos” partnership agreement.

The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) is proud to announce a new partnership with the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to launch the Chairman’s Initiative: Juntos Prosperamos (Together We Thrive), a collaborative effort designed to elevate Latino voices in the state’s restaurant, lodging, and tourism sectors.

The partnership was formalized during a signing event yesterday morning at the RI Hispanic Chamber’s headquarters in Providence, where RIHA President/CEO Farouk Rajab and Hispanic Chamber CEO Oscar Mejias signed the agreement. As part of the initiative, RIHA’s Chairman of the Board will sponsor complimentary RIHA memberships to  qualifying Hispanic Chamber members working in hospitality through December 31, 2027.

“The RI Hospitality Association is proud to partner with the Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. The Latino community is an essential pillar of our industry—contributing talent, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit that enriches hospitality across our state,” said Farouk Rajab, President/CEO, RI Hospitality Association. “We deeply value the Chamber’s commitment to advancing opportunity, representation, and success for Latino-owned businesses, and we believe that together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive hospitality industry that reflects and celebrates the diverse communities we serve.”

Beyond membership, the partnership will create new opportunities for engagement through bilingual food safety training, tailored workforce programs, and joint advocacy efforts designed to strengthen the voice of Latino restaurateurs and hospitality professionals statewide. By working side by side with the Hispanic Chamber, RIHA will expand its ability to deliver resources that support business growth while also cultivating the next generation of industry leaders.

“This partnership is about creating opportunity and strengthening representation,” said Oscar Mejias, President & CEO, Rhode Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “The heart of RIHCC is to continuously work on making alliances that benefit the local Latino entrepreneurs and workers. We believe that working hand in hand with RIHA we can provide the community with the tools, training, and advocacy they need to succeed and make an even greater impact on Rhode Island’s hospitality industry.”

Maria Jacobo, RIHA’s Director of Latino Affairs & Insurance Services, noted the personal and professional importance of the partnership: “To work side by side with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is not just symbolic, it’s a meaningful step toward lasting collaboration. This is about more than an agreement on paper; it’s about empowering Latino leaders and creating a platform where their expertise, traditions, and contributions to hospitality are fully recognized.”With the launch of Juntos Prosperamos, RIHA underscores its role as the statewide voice of the hospitality industry and reaffirms its dedication to serving Rhode Island’s diverse and dynamic hospitality community.

September 22, 2025 0 comments
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cooking

Charleston Wine + Food Festival Lambs + Clams Contest: Rappahannock River Oysters and Olde Salt Clams

by David Dadekian November 8, 2012
written by David Dadekian

Olde Salt clam and Rappahannock River oyster

Olde Salt clam and Rappahannock River oyster

Cooking contest number two in the Charleston Wine + Food Festival Lambs + Clams Contest (see the first contest post for details) was presented to me in a big cooler filled with ice packs—and Rappahannock River Oysters and Olde Salt Clams. Two dozen of each to be precise. I knew what I was making before the box even arrived. After quickly shucking two oysters and two clams raw for a “taste test” I got to work on making the two best dishes I know using oysters and clams from two of my homes, one spiritual and one physical.

New Orleans is the spiritual home and I LOVE baked oysters. Sure they grill them nice up north, but nothing like mixing up a dressing and going to town. My physical home is Rhode Island and while there are a lot of great R.I. uses for clams, nothing beats a good bowl of chowder loaded up with chopped clams. I like to think I’ve perfected the perfect chowder recipe over the years, though I know them’s fighting words so I’ll leave it to you to try.

The two recipes are below followed by a whole bunch more photos. I had too much fun “posing” and photographing these beautiful shells. Please visit the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival Facebook page, click on the “Vote” tab and vote for me. Thank you.

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:6]

[amd-zlrecipe-recipe:7]

Clams after steaming open

Clams after steaming open

Chopping locally produced chorizo from Daniele, Inc.

Chopping locally produced chorizo from Daniele, Inc.

Oysters prepped for a layer of dressing

Oysters prepped for a layer of dressing

Oysters under a layer of dressing, ready for the oven

Oysters under a layer of dressing, ready for the oven

Olde Salt clam shell

Olde Salt clam shell

Rappahannock River oyster shell

Rappahannock River oyster shell

Olde Salt clam

Olde Salt clam

Rappahannock River oyster

Rappahannock River oyster

Also check out the other seven sites in the contest:

  • Lynda Balslev’s Taste Food Blog
  • Peter Barrett’s A Cook Blog
  • Olga Berman’s Mango Tomato
  • Gwen Pratesi’s Bunkycooks
  • Heather Scholten’s Farmgirl Gourmet
  • Cecilia Stoute’s One Vanilla Bean
  • Vivek Surti’s Vivek’s Epicurean Adventures
November 8, 2012 0 comments
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Roast Leg of Lamb
cooking

Charleston Wine + Food Festival Lambs + Clams Contest: Leg of Lamb

by David Dadekian November 29, 2020
written by David Dadekian
Border Springs Farm leg of lamb, roasted
Border Springs Farm leg of lamb, roasted

I was one of eight sites selected to participate in BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Lambs + Clams Original Recipe Contest featuring lamb from Borders Springs Farm and Rappahannock River Oysters of Virginia. Over these next four months we’ll receive meat and/or shellfish from the two farms to prepare, photograph and present here as finished dishes. From the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food site:

The contest challenges eight of the country’s best food and recipe bloggers to create four original recipes using products from Craig [Rogers of Borders Springs Farm] and/or Travis [Croxton of Rappahannock River Oysters]. The winner or each challenge – determined by voting by a panel of judges and also by public votes on the Festival’s Facebook page – will receive a piece of Le Creuset cookware to add to their kitchen, and the overall winner will receive a trip to the 2013 Festival and will have one of his or her recipes prepared at Pinot Envy Uncorked presented by Charleston GI + The Local Palate at Charleston Harbor Resort & Marina on Saturday, March 2, 2013.

First up in the contest is preparing a leg of lamb. About a week and a half ago I received a beautiful 6+ lb. leg of lamb at home. Actually my wife received it and I received the completely nonplussed phone message, “There’s a box with a large piece of lamb in it on the porch, which refrigerator do you want it in?” I love that the arrival of meats at our doorstep doesn’t give my wife pause any more. Since I didn’t know how old the lamb was or how long ago it had been slaughtered before it arrived at my house, I decided to give it a little wet age, as long as I could before I had to prepare it for the contest deadline of today. And since I was going to seal it up for 10 days why not toss in a bunch of fresh herbs to get up-close-and-personal with that great lamb gam.

Ten days later, out of the vacuum bag and onto my cutting board for a little boning out. Then I rolled it up tight with an herb/garlic/spice paste inside, tied it and laid some slices of cured pork belly over the top (I made unsmoked bacon with my pancetta recipe, so you can call it bacon or flat pancetta). The larding was because I felt the lamb was very lean and could use a little more fat for the roasting process. I also wanted the bacon for the butternut squash I was preparing.

After a roast, rest and slice, the leg of lamb became three meals for my family: the initial roast with squash and couscous, as lamb sandwiches the next day (with some of the jus that congealed ever so slightly as a spread—wow) and then the remnant pieces went into a lamb ragout for pasta. Thank you to the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival and Border Springs Farm for the meat.

The recipe for the roast (along with processes for the butternut squash and couscous) are at the end of the photos. Please visit the BB&T Charleston Wine + Food Festival Facebook page, click on the “Vote” tab and vote for me. Thanks.

Leg of lamb, wet aging with herbs
Leg of lamb, wet aging with herbs
Leg of lamb, bone removed
Leg of lamb, bone removed
Leg of lamb, boned, trussed, rolled & tied, larded with homemade cured pork belly (bacon/pancetta)
Leg of lamb, boned, trussed, rolled & tied, larded with homemade cured pork belly (bacon/pancetta)
Leg of lamb, roasted and sliced
Leg of lamb, roasted and sliced

Roast Leg of Lamb

Roast Leg of Lamb

Print
Serves: 8
Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

  • 1 boneless leg of lamb, 6-8 lbs., butterflied open
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 Tbs fresh oregano
  • 1 Tbs fresh thyme
  • 1/2 Tbs fresh rosemary
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp pimenton (smoked paprika, hot or not, your choice)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 strips of bacon

Instructions

  1. Set your oven to 425 F
  2. Place the garlic, herbs and spices in a food processor. Process while drizzling in the olive oil to create a paste. Use a spatula to spread the paste all over the interior (non-fat side) of the butterflied leg of lamb. Roll the leg tightly and tie.
  3. Place the leg on an elevated rack in a roasting pan. Layer the bacon strips across the top. Do not wrap them tightly around the leg as you will be removing them before the roast is through.
  4. Place the roast in the oven and cook for approximately 15-20 minutes until the bacon is crisped.
  5. Remove the bacon strips to a plate and place a probe thermometer into the roast. Set probe for desired doneness of lamb (125-130 is medium-rare).
  6. Reserve bacon and crumble for folding into the butternut squash.
  7. Cook for another 20 minutes or until the top of the leg has become browned and somewhat crisp. Drop the temperature to 300 F.
  8. When the probe thermometer indicates the roast is complete, remove to a cutting board and let rest for 20 minutes.
  9. Slice and serve with the jus on the cutting board.

For the squash, prepare your favorite butternut squash puree and then fold in the crumbles bacon. Yes, it doesn’t matter the puree recipe—everything is better with bacon is a truism.

For the couscous, thinly slice 4-5 shallots, saute shallots with a teaspoon of ground cumin (or more if you like, I dig cumin), add stock and dry couscous and cook to package directions, salt and pepper to taste.

Also check out the other seven sites in the contest:

  • Lynda Balslev’s Taste Food Blog
  • Peter Barrett’s A Cook Blog
  • Olga Berman’s Mango Tomato
  • Gwen Pratesi’s Bunkycooks
  • Heather Scholten’s Farmgirl Gourmet
  • Cecilia Stoute’s One Vanilla Bean
  • Vivek Surti’s Vivek’s Epicurean Adventures
November 29, 2020 0 comments
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chefs & restaurantsnews

A Visit to Trafford for Newport Restaurant Week, November 4 – 13, 2011

by David Dadekian November 1, 2011
written by David Dadekian

Trafford's Mussels Frites

Trafford's Mussels Frites

Newport Restaurant Week, November 4 - 13, 2011Newport Restaurant Week (NRW) begins anew this Friday, November 4, at over 55 restaurants in Newport & Bristol Counties. Diners at participating restaurants get to enjoy three-course lunches for $16, and three-course dinners for $30, from the 4th through November 13. In talking with the NBCCVB about this year’s Restaurant Week we decided to do something a little more interesting than just writing about the events and listing restaurants. Here we have a sneak preview of some items on the NRW menu at Trafford, a restaurant at 285 Water Street in Warren that’s not only a NRW first-timer, but also almost brand new, having opened a little over four months ago.

To read the rest of this post please continue at the NBCCVB’s From Stem to Stern blog.

November 1, 2011 0 comments
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