Tag:

Castle Hill

chefs & restaurants farms news

News Bites: Local Thanksgiving Boxes for Hunger Relief / Castle Hill Inn Supper Club Series / Blackstone Valley International Food Trail

by David Dadekian November 5, 2023

written by David Dadekian

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

All-Local Thanksgiving Produce Boxes for Donation to Hunger Relief Agencies through Farm Fresh RI

Nonprofit local food hub Farm Fresh Rhode Island is working with the local community to donate Thanksgiving Boxes full of locally grown produce to Rhode Island hunger relief agencies this season. These boxes will help make the holiday special for Rhode Island families in need, and is in line with Farm Fresh RI’s operating principle that everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food. Short of a turkey, the Thanksgiving Boxes feature everything a family of 8 needs for a Thanksgiving meal including fresh herbs, a wide variety of locally grown vegetables, and even a pumpkin pie!

As Farm Fresh’s Director of Giving, Nikki Ayres, explained, “Food has the power to transform. A hot meal—prepared with love—on a holiday surrounded by family is a gift that is hard to quantify. Support from the community to donate these boxes will not only mean the world to the families who receive them, but also to the small local farms we are purchasing the produce from.”

Farm Fresh RI has been offering their popular Local Thanksgiving Boxes for sale since 2020, selling out every year. This is the first year the organization has added an option for customers to donate a box when they place their order—which will double the amount of local food they purchase from small farms this year. Farm Fresh is also working directly with local businesses that want to sponsor higher quantities of boxes. Their goal is to donate a total of 250 boxes to hunger relief agencies, which will feed around 2,000 people this holiday season.

This year’s Thanksgiving Box will include:
– Pumpkin pie from Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery in Smithfield, RI
– Brussels Sprouts from Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon, MA
– Carrots and Parsnips from Four Town Farm in Seekonk, MA
– Celery from Kitchen Garden Farm in Sunderland, MA
– Local Cranberry Sauce made by Harvest Kitchen in Pawtucket, RI
– Delicata Squash, Onions, Sweet Potatoes, and White Potatoes from Schartner Farms in Exeter, RI
– Butternut Squash from a local farm (TBA)
– Fresh Herbs from Allen Farms in Westport, MA
– Leeks and Shallots from Zephyr Farm in Cranston, RI
– Whole Baby Bella Mushrooms from RI Mushroom Co. in West Kingston, RI

Boxes are $85 each, for purchase or to donate, and the order form closes on Friday, November 10, 2023. Anyone interested in donating boxes or purchasing them for their own holiday feast can learn more at farmfreshri.org/thanksgiving.

“Travel Around the World” with the Supper Club Series at Castle Hill Inn

Castle Hill Inn, the iconic Relais & Chateaux property in Newport, RI, is giving guests’ tastebuds the chance to “travel around the world” this fall and winter with the return of the Inn’s seasonal Supper Club Series. Castle Hill Inn’s renowned culinary team, led by Executive Chef Andy Taur, will be highlighting different regions around the globe each week with curated menus being served Tuesday & Wednesday evenings now through December.

The Supper Club’s special three-course menus will each highlight the cuisine of different geographies – including Japan, the United Kingdom, Korea, the Southeastern U.S., Paris and Tuscany and more – along with select beverage pairings.

On October 24^th and 25^th dabble in the cuisines of Morocco and Tunisia with options such as Braised Lamb with apricots and cous cous; or enjoy flavors from the UK on November 14^th with specialty Sunday Roast of prime rib, whipped potatoes, rosemary glazed carrots and Yorkshire pudding.

Castle Hill Inn’s Supper Club Series kicks off this month and will continue through Wednesday, December 20^th. The three-course prix fixe menus are $60 per person and reservations are required to attend; those can be made online via OpenTable at the following link: Events at Castle Hill Inn

The full schedule and menus follow below:

Morocco – October 24th & 25th
Japan – November 7th & 8th
The United Kingdom – November 14th
Korea – November 28th & 29th
Southeastern U.S. – December 5th & 6th
Paris – December 12th & 13th
Tuscany – December 19th & 20th

Launch of Blackstone Valley International Food Trail

Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (BVTC) invites visitors and residents alike on this exciting culinary journey. The Blackstone Valley International Food Trail and its kick-off weekend on September 23 and 24 is an extension of the new campaign of Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley to highlight the diverse cultural food scene found there and the stories behind them. Come taste and experience food & drink from over 40 countries across the region’s 10 cities and towns.

Discover affordable dishes that will expand a diner’s palate in the most flavorful way. Some places will feature exclusive specials over the kick-off weekend, while others are simply inviting patrons to come and try their authentic offerings from their culture. Either way guests will definitely be in for a treat.

“For decades we’ve been promoting Blackstone Valley as a destination for its important industrial history, and we now see this as a natural shift to focus on the people that came to live and work in the area and the menus they brought with them” states BVTC President, Bob Billington. He continued, “foodways are a great opportunity to introduce a culture, and our region has an incredible amount of diversity with its dining options to come taste and learn more about, so much that it’s worth traveling for.”

Blackstone Valley International Food Trail Guides and Passports will be available at many of the participating establishments, and local tourism information centers and kiosks. Digital versions will also be available on the website. Keep the guide and passport with you to visit RI’s Blackstone Valley’s many food festivals, unique dining experiences, and cultural explorations throughout the year.

November 5, 2023 0 comment

chefs & restaurants news

March of Dimes Rhode Island Names Chef Jonathan Cambra Their 2012 Signature Chef

by guest March 22, 2012

written by guest

from left to right: March of Dimes Rhode Island State Director Betsy Akin, Newport Harbor Corporation COO and 2003 Signature Chef Casey Riley, Chef Jonathan Cambra and Gracie's owner and Signature Chef Event co-chair Ellen Gracyalny

Not everyone likes surprises, but when leaders from March of Dimes Rhode Island recently showed up on the doorsteps of the Boat House in Tiverton to surprise the restaurant’s Executive Chef Jonathan Cambra with an important announcement, cheers and elation ensued. That’s because Chef Cambra was named Signature Chef of the 11th Annual March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction. The event, a dream evening for “foodies” that will take place on September 20 at Belle Mer in Newport, combines the talents of the region’s leading chefs who prepare their signature dishes to raise funds for R.I.’s tiniest citizens: its babies.

“I’m honored to be named Signature Chef of this year’s Signature Chefs Auction for the March of Dimes Rhode Island,” said Chef Cambra. “As a father, I can empathize with parents who are grappling with any kind of health challenge facing their children. I’m happy to do anything I can to help families who are struggling with the health of their young babies.”

Prior to joining the Boat House in August 2011, Chef Cambra spent five years as Executive Chef at sister property, Castle Hill Inn where his vision of sustainable agriculture, locally-purchased ingredients, and organic first was prevalent in all of the Inn’s menus. A Bristol native, he trained at the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont, and has long been a fan of perusing local farms and docks for just-picked, just-caught flavors. While at Castle Hill, Chef Cambra was invited to cook at the prestigious James Beard House in New York twice, and was instrumental in the property receiving many national awards and accolades

Boat House Executive Chef Jonathan Cambra comes out of the kitchen to be surprised by the March of Dimes Signature Chefs group

“Jon is a remarkably gifted and resourceful culinary professional,” said Casey Riley, Chief Operating Officer at the Newport Harbor Corporation, which owns and operates Newport Restaurant Group, Castle Hill Inn and the Newport Yachting Center Marina and Events. “Just as important, he is a wonderful work partner and—at home—a devoted husband and father. I am privileged to have him as a friend and colleague.”

Betsy Akin, State Director of March of Dimes Rhode Island and host of the 2012 Signature Chefs Auction, echoed Casey’s comments, adding, “We at March of Dimes salute all our fabulous chefs who give so freely of their time and talents to support our lifesaving mission. In Chef Cambra, our event co-chair Ellen Gracyalny—owner of Providence’s Gracie’s Restaurant—and the Nominating Committee have selected not only an accomplished chef but also someone who has been a tireless supporter of our work. We are delighted to have Chef Cambra as our 2012 Signature Chef.”

The event, now in its 11th year will be held at Belle Mer in Newport on September 20, 2012 from 6 to 10 p.m. and will feature 26 of R.I.’s finest and most talented chefs.

March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish language Web site at nacersano.org.

March 22, 2012 0 comment

chefs & restaurants news

News Bites: Centro Adds Late Night and Sunday Brunch, Fleming’s Month of Discovery, Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

by David Dadekian September 7, 2011

written by David Dadekian

Centro Restaurant and Lounge Eat Drink RI recently received an email newsletter and two press releases that cover a whole range of information that would be of interest to diners and wine lovers in Providence and Newport. We’re going to reprint this information below.

Centro Adds Late Night and Sunday Brunch

Two New Centro Features!
Great Menu for Late Night Munchies and a Classic Sunday Brunch
Every night from 11pm until close, you can enjoy a wonderful late night menu at the bar and in the lounge at Centro! You can enjoy a Salumi platter with Tuscan olives, Calamari, Grilled Chicken Panini, Lobster Club, Centro’s Famous Burger, or one of our tasty grilled pizzas. We have a Margherita, Quattro Formaggio, and a Specialita della Casa which has Prosciutto di Parma, Arugula, Mozzarella, Provolone, Parmesan, Romano cheese, Panada and White Truffle Oil. Any one of these incredible bites will pair up nicely with a specialty cocktail, beer or glass of wine!
Sunday Brunch at Centro – On September 11th Centro Restaurant and Lounge will begin offering an amazing Sunday Brunch! Omelette station, pasta station and dessert buffet created by Centro’s fabulous culinary team. Don’t forget about the incredible Bloody Mary’s, Mimosa’s and Bellini’s from the Centro bar! Only $26.95 per person, and for children under 10, $14.95. Tax and gratuity are additional.

Fleming’s Month of Discovery

The annual unveiling of the new Fleming’s 100™, the award-winning list of 100 wines by the glass at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, has become a much anticipated event for food and wine lovers. This year’s “Month of Discovery” and its introduction of the new 2011/2012 list will appeal to both the wine novice and the connoisseur who are in search of the ultimate wine experience. The month-long celebration in September includes:
The New Fleming’s 100 “Opening Nights” – Opening Nights, a series of wine tastings held Friday evenings in September (2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th), will provide guests with a rare opportunity to sniff, swirl, and sip their way through Fleming’s wine by the glass list. Each Opening Night will feature 20 wines from the Fleming’s 100™. The first four tastings will be wine selections available at all of the 64 Fleming’s nationwide. The final tasting will feature selections by each Fleming’s local Wine Manager and Operating Partner (please click here for wine selections to be served on each Opening Night). Each of these five Opening Night events provides 20 different wines to try for just $25, and includes a preview tasting of selections from Fleming’s new Small Plates menu. Space for this popular event is limited and reservations must be made by calling your local Fleming’s location.
Small Plates Introduced on September 21 – Debuting on the menu are seven all-new selections that are meant to be savored and enjoyed anytime — with a quick glass of wine at the bar, multiple plates shared casually among friends, or at the start of a multi-course dining experience. Conceived as an avenue for enjoying the gracious service, hospitality and ambiance of Fleming’s, but with an emphasis on lighter, healthier and unique menu items, Fleming’s new Small Plates are more substantial than appetizers, but smaller than full steakhouse entrées. They include: Sliced Filet Mignon, Jumbo Shrimp Scampi Skewers, New Zealand Petite Lamb Chops, Ahi Tuna Skewers, New Bedford Scallops, Filet Mignon Skewers and Fleming’s Lobster Tempura.
Silver Oak Wine Dinner September 13 – Fleming’s annual national wine dinner is designed to celebrate a single wine producer that has achieved iconic status among its peers. This year, it’s two! Five superb wines from the “twin sister” wineries of Silver Oak and Twomey Cellars will be showcased. These vintages are exceptionally food friendly and pair wonderfully with the richly-flavored ingredients of our five-course dinner menu. The highlight of our evening will be a remarkable side-by-side vertical tasting of the 2006 and 2007 vintages of the Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Please visit http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/ri/providence for additional information.
Fleming’s “Icon Wine” series” now featuring Silver Oak– The Icon Wine series continues in September with Silver Oak 2007 Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon which is available for $100 per bottle (normal list price of $150 – $175) until September 30—or until inventory runs out. The 2007 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignonis described by Silver Oak winemaker Daniel Baron as “a profound, fruit-driven wine from a great California vintage. It has a dark ruby color with a purple edge and an inviting nose of ripe black plum, blackberry, baking spices and soy sauce. On the palate, the wine is rich and full, reminiscent of the flavors of a berry cobbler.”Win a Masterpiece of “Wine Art” – As part of the Month of Discovery, Fleming’s is giving away a signed, limited-edition giclée on canvas by the celebrated fine arts painter Thomas Arvid, who specializes in portraying the wine experience. Arvid’s masterpieces are showcased on the walls of every Fleming’s restaurant. To enter to win, please visit FlemingsSteakhouse.com/Arvid.

Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

Celebrity Chef Lidia Bastianich Headlines Sunday’s Grand Tasting at Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival
Remarkable three-day wine and food extravaganza includes special appearance by noted chef, television personality and restaurateur
The 6th annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival is shaping up to be one of the most exclusive wine and food festivals on the East Coast, featuring a special guest appearance by chef, television personality and restaurateur Lidia Bastianich on Sunday, September 25. Following her unique Jazz Brunch at the Hotel Viking, Bastianich will appear for a book signing at Sunday’s Grand Tasting at Marble House.
“I am very proud to have been asked to be a guest at this great event,” said Chef Bastianich. “In Italy, we know the meaning of heritage and preserving history. Newport is such a beautiful place, so to have good food and wine is a great way to expose to the world the beauty of this wonderful destination’s architecture, history and local food, and expose the area to wines from all over the world.”
The Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival has quickly become one of the most anticipated food and wine events in the country. In addition to Lidia Bastianich, there will be appearances and seminars led by industry experts including Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor of FOOD & WINE, Mark Oldman, of the PBS television series The Winemakers and author of Oldman’s Brave New World of Wine, and noted wine connoisseur Alain Junguenet of Wines of France, Inc.
The weekend’s festivities will begin on Friday, September 23, with the Wine & Rosecliff Gala, where guests will enjoy special vintages uncorked exclusively for the evening, with delicious food pairings. Then, on Saturday and Sunday, September 24-25, an all-inclusive Grand Tasting at Marble House will entertain with more than 100 wineries and restaurants from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A single admission price includes samplings of wines from around the world, small plate tastings of exciting dishes from regional restaurants and caterers, cooking demonstrations by our guest chefs, a souvenir glass, tote bag, and free parking and shuttle transportation to/from Marble House.
Among the world-class wines, the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival also features a great line-up of chefs offering free cooking demonstrations in the Celebrity Chef Cooking Pavilion during the Grand Tasting. Saturday’s schedule includes Kyle Ketchum from Windward Restaurant at the Hyatt, Newport; Eric Haugen from Ocean House, Watch Hill, RI; Karsten Hart from Castle Hill Inn & Resort, Newport; and Roseann Tully from Roseann Tully’s Intermezzo. The action continues on Sunday with Kevin Gaudreau from The Pier Restaurant, Newport; Dan Enos from The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Boston; Neil Manacle from Fluke Wine, Bar & Kitchen, Newport; and Dave Johnson from Local 121, Providence.
In addition, the Grand Tasting will feature the Infiniti Inspiration Lounge where guests will experience the latest Infiniti models, taste sparkling wine courtesy of Banfi Vintners, and enjoy foods from the area’s top restaurants paired with the finest vintages. On Saturday, guests will sample the latest creations by Chef Neil Manacle of Fluke Wine, Bar & Kitchen, with wines provided by Robert Oatley Vineyards, and on Sunday, guests will enjoy taste sensations from Chef Jake Rojas of Tallulah on Thames with wines provided by World Wide Wine Importing. Guests will also be able to wind down their day at the Festival with a fine assortment of coffees courtesy of Barista Prima.
Meanwhile, special wine seminars will satisfy the palates of both the tasting novice and the more seasoned oenophile with discussions on the finer points of wine tasting, pairing and buying. The Hotel Viking will play host to this series of hour-long seminars, to be held Friday and Saturday, September 23 & 24, 2011.
Featured seminars include:
Perusing the Peninsula presented by the Italian Trade Commission and La Cucina Italia – Complete your Italian lifestyle experience by sampling a stellar selection of Italian wines hailing from snow-capped and sun-kissed regions of Italy.
Drink Bravely with Mark Oldman – Oldman will lead a tutorial on quality wine selection for the cost-conscious, focusing on wines of moderate price and maximum appeal.
“Dix Vins”: Navigating French Wine with Alain & John Junguenet – The Junguenets, the renowned father and son wine expert duo, will guide guests on a tasting journey of 10 unique and little-known French wines.
How It Works- The Art of Bordeaux Blending with Justin Baldwin of JUSTIN Vineyards – Justin’s eponymous vineyard in Paso Robles, California famously produced the critically-acclaimed ISOSCELES wine. Seminar guests will taste the 2008 ISOSCELES, and learn how to blend Bordeaux varietals to create a world-class wine. Attendees will even create their own blend from barrel samplings of JUSTIN’s 2010 harvest.
Everything You Need to Know About Wine with Ray Isle – Ray will lead you on an introductory exploration of the world of wine, tasting and comparing 8 wines, learning how to taste like a wine pro, tips about food & wine pairing, and how to differentiate grape varieties.
Tickets to the 6th annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival are on sale now, and may be purchased at www.NewportMansionsWineandFood.org or by calling 401.847.1000.
All proceeds from the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival benefit The Preservation Society of Newport County, a non-profit organization accredited by the American Association of Museums and dedicated to preserving and interpreting the area’s historic architecture, landscapes and decorative arts. Its’ 11 historic properties—seven of them National Historic Landmarks—span more than 250 years of American architectural and social development
The Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival is sponsored by FOOD & WINE, as well as the Italian Trade Commission, National Trust Insurance Services LLC, Infiniti, Dave’s Marketplace, Roseanne Tully’s Intermezzo, Clarke Luxury Showrooms, Alaska Seafood, Stella Artois, Alex and Ani, Dasani, Travelocity, Barista Prima, DelGrosso Foods, Audio Concepts, Yankee Publishing, Inc., Hyatt Regency Newport, and Hotel Viking Newport.

September 7, 2011 0 comment

chefs & restaurants farms

Farm Fresh RI Local Food Fest 2010 at Castle Hill Inn and Resort in Newport

by David Dadekian August 5, 2010

written by David Dadekian

Schartner Farms's blueberries and blackberries

The fourth annual Farm Fresh Rhode Island Local Food Fest was held this past Tuesday evening and by all accounts it was a huge success in showcasing the amazing bounty of local food, culinary talent and delicious products that Rhode Island has to offer. Even the weather happily participated and it was a gorgeous night at Castle Hill Inn & Resort in Newport. There were over 20 farms, 10 food producers and 12 chefs offering food and wine under the tent and across the lawn at Castle Hill. Several hundred people attended the event, but because of the layout and aforementioned pleasant weather, the evening never seemed too crowded.

The clear crowd-favorite of the evening was Tallulah on Thames‘s Chef Jake Rojas serving Blackbird Farm Mini Beef Burgers with red wine onion jam, arugula, and Great Hill Blue cheese aioli on brioche. There was a constant long line of people at Tallulah’s table until they ran out of burgers (Rojas told me he prepared about 480 of them). Anyone who knows me knows I’m partial to Blackbird Farm’s beef and Rojas did them and himself proud.

I have to give high praise to Chef Champe Speidel’s Warm Soup of Four Town Farm Sweet Corn. When I walked over to Persimmon’s table I wasn’t enthused to see a warm soup on a 80+ degree day in Newport, but it quickly became my favorite dish. Yes, it was warm, but it was so light, almost airy. When I asked how it was done, Speidel told me to get a Vita-Prep, as if I didn’t covet one already. The wood smoked chanterelle mushrooms and zucchini just added so much flavor without overpowering the corn’s sweetness.

Special mention goes to Blackstone Caterers’ Fried Green Tomato with Braised Pork Rillette. Having learned to eat—and make—fried green tomatoes in the South, I’m always a little leery to see them in RI, but these were delicious. My only wish was that Chef Derek Jolie could have made them to order as I bet crisp, right out of the frying oil, they would have been even better.

Other food highlights for me were Chef Matt Jennings of Farmstead‘s Lamb Sausage with Red Planet Potatoes & Arugula and Chef Derek Wagner of Nick’s on Broadway‘s Bomster Scallops with a Cucumber-Tomato Salad. Dessert was covered by several people, but you had to get in line early for Chef Bruce Tillinghast of New Rivers‘ Blueberry Ice Cream with Barden Family Orchard’s White & Yellow Peaches. Chef Tillinghast hand cranks his ice cream! Unfortunately for me, The Cupcakerie was cleaned out before I had a cupcake, but Chef Jonathan Cambra of Castle Hill Inn & Resort had a “surprise” item of mini blueberry cream pies.

To find out more about Farm Fresh Rhode Island and their mission to grow the local food system please take a look here. Visit your local farmers markets this summer and buy some amazingly fresh and delicious food or, if this heat is too much for you, head to a local restaurant that gets product from Farm Fresh’s Market Mobile and see what the great chefs of RI are doing with it.