Eat Drink RI
The best local food and beverage information in Rhode Island
  • Interviews
    • The Show
    • Subscribe as a Podcast
    • RI Small Business LIVE Forum on Facebook
  • Upcoming Events
  • Food & Beverage Jobs
    • Post A Job
    • Job Dashboard
  • Latest News
  • COVID Support
    • Restaurants with Online Ordering and Take Out
    • Shop Local Food & Drink Businesses Online
    • The Rhode to Recovery: RI Food and Drink, Part 1 of 4
    • The Rhode to Recovery: RI Food and Drink, Part 2 of 4
    • The Rhode to Recovery: RI Food and Drink, Part 3 of 4
    • The Rhode to Recovery: RI Food and Drink, Part 4 of 4
    • Resource Links for Small Businesses During COVID-19 Crisis
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
    • Shopping
    • About
    • Contact
Tag:

dairy

loading...

A family tradition: Melissa Breene Jordan and her husband, Matt Jordan run the 50-cow milking operation at Breene Hollow Farm. / DEM photo
farmsnewswine & drinks

News Bites: Farm Fresh RI Receives Grant / RI Outstanding Dairy Farm 2018 / Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co. Wins Beer Award

by David Dadekian May 9, 2019
written by David Dadekian

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



$4.6M Grant to Farm Fresh RI a Big Win for New England’s Food System

Courtesy Farm Fresh Rhode Island
Courtesy Farm Fresh Rhode Island

This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced a $4,628,765 grant awarded to local nonprofit Farm Fresh RI to expand its work increasing access to fresh, locally grown foods across New England. For Rhode Islanders who receive federal food assistance in the form of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, this means more dollars to spend on fresh food. The grant is being used to increase Farm Fresh RI’s existing Bonus Bucks nutrition incentives program to offer an impressive 100% match for SNAP users at select Rhode Island farmers markets, CSAs, and farm stands — doubling the purchasing power of low-income Rhode Islanders to buy more nutritious foods and re-investing those federal dollars into the Rhode Island economy by directly supporting local growers and food businesses. As impactful as this one-to-one match is for the Ocean State, the grant has wide-reaching benefits across the New England region. Marking a new chapter in Farm Fresh RI’s work out of state, the grant now empowers Farm Fresh RI to support the nutrition incentives programs offered by Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont as well, through the creation of the New England Nutrition Incentive Collaborative (NENIC).

“We are very pleased that we were able to receive this funding, and support two key constituencies: local growers and our neighbors in need of nutrition assistance.” said Sheri Griffin, Co-Executive Director of Farm Fresh RI. “This connection is at the core of our mission. We are also very excited to support our colleagues across New England who are partners on this ambitious project.”

The grant awarded to Farm Fresh RI, administered by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Food Insecurity Nutrition Incentive (FINI) program and authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, is the largest of 24 grants totaling $21M awarded nationwide by the USDA this week.

“Fresh, nutritious, and locally grown fruits and vegetables should be accessible to everybody, and I’m glad to see the USDA provide Farm Fresh RI the funding for this project,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed. In May, Senator Reed wrote a letter to the USDA in support of Farm Fresh RI’s grant application. “The incentives NENIC will provide to encourage the purchase of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables at farmers markets lead to healthier lifestyles for SNAP recipients while at the same time boosting our state’s agricultural economy. This is truly a win-win for Rhode Island. I congratulate Farm Fresh RI for receiving this funding, and I will continue my work to ensure that all Rhode Islanders have greater access to nutritious and affordable foods.”

Farmers markets play an important role in increasing the availability and accessibility of local foods. They offer more places for local farmers and producers to sell their products, and invite the local community to gather over a variety of fresh foods in their own neighborhoods. In summertime, over 40 farmers markets across Rhode Island not only provide eaters with a reliable source for nutritious, locally sourced options but help build community, protect greenspace, and grow the potential for job creation in Rhode Island by directing food dollars to marketplaces that support local farms and food businesses. Nutrition incentives, like Farm Fresh RI’s Bonus Bucks and the similar programs offered by other NENIC states, enable a greater percentage of the community to take part — putting fresh, local foods within reach by making the healthy choice an easier choice for people with limited food budgets.

“In some low-income neighborhoods, Farm Fresh Rhode Island markets are the only place where reasonably priced fruits and vegetables are sold,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.  “This significant federal grant will help more families use SNAP benefits at local farmers markets to put fresh, healthy food on the table.”

For many people across New England, nutrition incentives make the critical difference in being able to shop for fresh food at farmers markets. In 2017, 29 weekly farmers markets in Rhode Island accepted SNAP, impacting sales for 78 farms and 65 locally owned food producers. At these markets, Rhode Islanders spent over $105,000 in SNAP dollars, which went to local food businesses, and Farm Fresh RI distributed over $70,000 in Bonus Bucks nutrition incentives to families enrolled in SNAP and WIC programs in Rhode Island. With this new FINI grant, NENIC hopes to reach over 20,000 consumers at over 250 outlets across New England.

“As a SNAP participant and farmers market staff, I experience the benefits from both sides of the table,” explained Tara, a customer and employee at the Coastal Growers Market at Casey Farm in Saunderstown, RI. “Bonus Bucks enables me to purchase about 90% of my groceries from local growers and food artisans at the only place I want to shop: farmers markets. Educating the public about this incentives program and seeing the range of emotions it elicits—from surprise to excitement to deep gratitude—affirms my continuing dedication to increasing food access for all.”

To locate the many farmers markets in RI that accept SNAP and provide Bonus Bucks, community members can use the search tool provided by Farm Fresh RI at www.farmfreshri.org/ebt.


Breene Hollow Farm in West Greenwich Named 2018 Outstanding Rhode Island Dairy Farm

A family tradition: Melissa Breene Jordan and her husband, Matt Jordan run the 50-cow milking operation at Breene Hollow Farm. / DEM photo
A family tradition: Melissa Breene Jordan and her husband, Matt Jordan run the 50-cow milking operation at Breene Hollow Farm. / DEM photo

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced that Breene Hollow Farm in West Greenwich has been named Rhode Island’s 2018 Outstanding Dairy Farm by the Rhode Island Green Pastures Committee of which DEM is a member.

“Rhode Island has a rich agricultural heritage and it’s important to recognize farmers who through business acumen, innovation, and long hard hours are contributing so much to our food supply, the economy, and their families and communities,” said Governor Gina M. Raimondo.

“Breene Hollow Farm is one of our state’s finest dairy farms and is most deserving of this special recognition,” said DEM Chief of Agriculture Ken Ayars. “Rhode Island has become a destination for agriculture and food tourism and food-related business incubation. Dairy farming, however, has experienced a decline in recent years in Rhode Island – as elsewhere nationally.  This award program shines an important light on the value of dairy farming to our state. Kudos to Breene Hollow Farm and the Green Pastures Committee for their commitment to the viability of this important local industry.”

DEM continues to work across many fronts to strengthen Rhode Island’s green economy and to promote local agriculture. The state’s green industries account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy each year. And local agriculture continues to be an area ripe for growth – with the number of farms in Rhode Island on the rise and a growing young farmer network. Breene Hollow Farm, a member of the Agri-Mark Cooperative and Rhody Fresh Milk, was selected for this year’s award because of the Breene family’s long-term commitment to dairy farming and community ties.

Kevin Breene established Breene Hollow Farm with 20 cows at his parents’ home in 1977 upon his graduation from the University of Connecticut. In 1980, he bought 150 acres of land at the farm’s present location in West Greenwich, and built a new free-stall barn and milking parlor. Over the years, several abutting properties were purchased, bringing the farm’s total acreage to 360 acres. The farm currently milks 50 cows and has 90 head in total consisting of registered Holsteins, Jerseys, and Ayrshires. Crops include 20 acres of corn and 45 acres of hay land and pasture. Corn silage is also purchased from a neighboring farm and the cows are fed a total mixed ration twice a day. The remainder of the farm is managed forestland with continual harvesting of firewood and saw logs. Manure is hauled daily to fields and spread in the spring and fall, and a manure storage facility designed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service is in use.

Breene Hollow Farm is operated by Kevin Breene, who does the crop work and cares for the young-stock; and his daughter, Melissa, and her husband, Matt, who run the milking operation. Melissa attended the University of Connecticut and Matt has a bachelor’s degree in forestry from Paul Smith College. Like Melissa, Matt also comes from a farming background and grew up working on his grandfather’s dairy farm.

The entire Breene family is actively involved in the community. Kevin has served as West Greenwich Town Administrator for the past 16 years and previously was a RI state senator for 12 years. He also is involved in 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Exeter Grange, and previously served as state chairman of the USDA’s Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service.  Melissa is the dairy chair and vice president of the local 4-H Fair and chair of the Young Farmers & Ranchers group for the RI Farm Bureau. She is a former 4-H member, past state vice president of FFA, and past president of Agri-Mark Young Co-operators. 

The Outstanding Dairy Farm of the Year award is sponsored by the New England Green Pastures Committee, made up of government and industry members. Membership in the committee is coordinated by the Rhode Island Agricultural Council and the DEM Division of Agriculture. Winning dairy farmers from each New England state will be honored on September 14 at the Big E Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts.


Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co. Wins World’s Best Wood Aged Beer at World Beer Awards

The Rhode Island Brewstillery’s Barrel Aged Uprising Stout Ale Prevailed Over 12 Other Country Winners

Sons of Liberty’s Barrel Aged Uprising Stout Ale
Sons of Liberty’s Barrel Aged Uprising Stout Ale

Sons of Liberty’s Barrel Aged Uprising Stout Ale won the title of World’s Best Wood Aged Beer at the prestigious World Beer Awards in London. First recognized as USA’s Best Wood Aged Beer in Round 1, the beer then beat out all other country winners for the style in Round 2 for the World’s Best title. Sons of Liberty also received a Gold Medal for Golden Sour and a Silver Medal for 3 Not So Wise Men – both in the Sour Ale category.

“Just earning a Gold is awesome, but to be named the best in the world for something…that’s truly an honor,” Wil Santiago, Head Brewer, said of the results. “We’re especially proud of this beer because it’s unique to who we are and what we do.”

Sons of Liberty’s flagship whiskey, Uprising, is distilled from a house-brewed stout beer. The winning beer was that same stout aged in barrels that once aged the Uprising whiskey. A barrel aged beer taking on flavors from the whiskey that it was originally distilled into is not something one comes across often.

“Since 2011 we’ve been brewing beers and distilling them into whiskies,” explained Head Distiller Chris Guillette. “Over the last 18 months, we’ve focused on crafting multiple generations of products from one mash bill, similar to a chef’s nose-to-tail style of cooking, use everything you have.”

The team at Sons of Liberty has released 12 different iterations of their Uprising stout mash including six different barrel aged beers. “One of the benefits of being a distillery is the number of barrels we have at our disposal,” said Sons of Liberty owner Mike Reppucci. “We have a lot of fun and interesting beers sitting in barrels that we’re really looking forward to sharing with everyone.”

On September 20th, Sons of Liberty’s Barrel Aged Uprising Stout Ale has the chance to be named World’s Best Flavored Beer as it competes in Round 3 against six other World’s Best style winners within the Flavored category. Sons of Liberty has earned over 100 awards for their spirits and company since 2012, but are now gaining more traction with their beer offerings.

Full results from the 2018 World Beer Awards (Round 1 & 2) can be found here: http://www.worldbeerawards.com/shares/Style-Winner-results.pdf

May 9, 2019 0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrRedditStumbleuponWhatsappEmail
Newport Vineyards in Fall, photo by Marianne Lee Photography
farmsnewswine & drinks

News Bites: RI Food Policy Council New Member Applications / Newport Vineyards Brings Home Gold / October Farm to School Month / 2017 Outstanding Dairy Farm Escobar Farm

by David Dadekian October 23, 2017
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 Rhode Island Food Policy Council (RIFPC) seeks applications for new Council members

Rhode Island Food Policy CouncilWhere we have been:
We have accomplished a lot in the past five years. Those early years were about helping build a network around food as a system, and in the last year we have been thrilled to be involved with the development of the first ever Rhode Island Food Strategy.

Where we are headed:
With the launch of the RI Food Strategy, the overarching task in the next year is to help drive execution and implementation of the Strategy, while also taking the opportunity for an internal evaluation.

The evolution of RIFPC:
The coming year will mark transition for the Council, and we seek innovative and energetic individuals to join and help chart the course. We will look to shift staffing, structures, and communications, as well as internal processes and organizational culture. We want to ensure that we are creating opportunities for all to come to the table and shape the next phase, with increased transparency both during and after the nominations process.

We acknowledge that the makeup of the Council has not matched the diversity of all Rhode Islanders, and we seek to improve on this thoughtfully and intentionally. We recognize the value of diversity in backgrounds and experience, and the importance of raising up voices that have historically been marginalized, as we all work together to a stronger and more resilient Rhode Island food system.

Deadline for applications: November 1, 2017, apply online here.


Newport Vineyards Brings Home Gold from the 13th Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition

Newport Vineyards in Fall, photo by Marianne Lee Photography

Newport Vineyards in Fall, photo by Marianne Lee Photography

Newport Vineyards, an award winning winery located in beautiful Middletown, RI, won Gold and Silver from the 13th Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition. Newport Vineyards 2016 Dry Rosé brought home Gold as the Best of Category for Vinifera Rose Wines and Silver was awarded for the 2016 Gewürztraminer in the Best of Category for Gewürztraminer. The Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association is one of the oldest wine organizations located on the East Coast. Both wines have been top sellers during 2017 and have sold out before the end of the season. Despite Winemaker George Chelf doubling the production of the Dry Rosé from last year, the wine was sold out before summer’s end.

Founded by brothers John & Paul Nunes in 1995, Newport Vineyards is the largest grower of grapes in New England. The winery produces nearly 30,000 cases of estate-grown wine each year through sustainable farming methods on 75 acres of historically preserved farmland. Following a multi-million dollar renovation completed in 2015, the winery has become a culinary and wine destination offering multiple experiences including daily tours and tastings, 100% from scratch culinary programs at Brix Restaurant and The Vineyard Café, The Marketplace, seasonal live music, private events and year-round public activities.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon sipping wine and local beer with friends amid the vines, a leisurely lunch, enjoying a gourmet dinner, or hosting a private event, Newport Vineyards truly has it all. Located just 45 minutes from downtown Providence, experience the harvest at its finest on Aquidneck Island.


Governor Raimondo Declares October as Farm to School Month in RI

Farm Fresh RI Farm to School Gardening with Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence

Farm Fresh RI Farm to School Gardening with Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence

Governor Gina Raimondo has signed an official proclamation declaring October as Farm to School Month in Rhode Island. This is in alignment with National Farm to School Month, designated by Congress in 2010, as an annual celebration of food education, school gardens, and lunch trays filled with nutritious,local ingredients. “I am so pleased to celebrate Rhode Island Farm to School Month. Connecting kids to healthful, local food while also supporting our local agriculture and food economy is a win-win for the State,” said the State Director of Food Policy, Sue Anderbois. “This work is just part of the fabric of who Rhode Island is. A big thank you to Farm Fresh Rhode Island, our schools, and so many other partners who work so hard to make these initiatives successful.”

To celebrate Farm to School Month, schools across the state are hosting events to bring awareness to Farm to School work in Rhode Island and highlight the connection between local farmers, eaters, and food literacy. Providence Public School District is gearing up for the Great Apple Crunch Day, a day-long celebration of Rhode Island grown apples. Anderbois will be in Providence on Thursday, October 12, at an Apple Crunch event at Lima Elementary School to read the governor’s proclamation and congratulate the district for its continued commitment to supporting local farmers.

Schools and districts can participate in Apple Crunch Day by purchasing and serving Rhode Island grown apples in their meal programs and by “crunching” into apples together as a way to bring awareness to fresh, local produce. Pell Elementary School in Newport is also hosting school-wide Apple Crunch festivities on October 27. For the past several years, the Newport Public School District has celebrated its commitment to Farm to School by hosting an Apple Crunch to bring awareness to the importance of fresh, healthy, and local food in school meals.

“Our Farm to School program provides great opportunities for local farmers to have access to institutional markets and expand their operations to help meet the needs of the community,” said Thea Upham, Community Access Program Director at Farm Fresh Rhode Island. “When school kids are the recipients of fresh, local foods, they are more likely to eat meals at school and actually enjoy them.”

Members of the National Farm to School Network, the RI Farm to School program is part of a much larger landscape of nutrition education, food access, and market-building programs operated by Farm Fresh RI. RI Farm to School enriches the connection communities have to fresh, local food and empowers youth to think critically about the food they eat, to learn about nearby farms and how food is produced, and to taste for themselves that nutritious, fresh foods can be super delicious.


Escobar Farm in Portsmouth Named 2017 Outstanding Dairy Farm

Rhode Island Department of Environmental ManagementThe Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced Escobar Farm in Portsmouth has been named Rhode Island’s 2017 Outstanding Dairy Farm by the Rhode Island Green Pastures Committee of which DEM is a member.

“As one of Rhode Island’s finest dairy farms, Escobar Farm is most deserving of this recognition,” said Ken Ayars, DEM Chief of Agriculture. “Our state has a rich agricultural heritage, and increasingly, local food and agriculture are hotbeds for innovation and growth – spurred on by a growing demand by consumers to know their farmers and benefit from quality, local products. Dairy farming, however, has experienced a decline in recent years in Rhode Island – as elsewhere nationally. This awards program shines an important light on the value of dairy farming to our state. Kudos to Escobar Farm and the Green Pastures Committee for their commitment to the viability of this important local industry.”

DEM continues to work across many fronts to strengthen Rhode Island’s green economy and to promote local agriculture. The state’s green industries account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy each year. And local agriculture continues to be an area ripe for growth – with the number of farms in Rhode Island on the rise and a growing young farmer network. Escobar Farm, owned by Louie and Jane Escobar, was selected for this year’s award given the owners’ involvement in dairy farming advocacy and growth, community ties, and commitment to farming best practices. Escobar Farm was started by Louie Escobar’s father in 1937. Louie helped with farm chores as a youngster and continued working the farm until he took over in 1972.

Escobar Farm is a member of the Rhode Island Dairy Farms Cooperative and the Agri-Mark Cooperative. Milk from its 95 cows is used in Rhody Fresh Milk and Cabot dairy products. Along with the dairy farm, the Escobars also operate an artificial insemination company that serves dairy farms in the East Bay area of Rhode Island as well as Southeastern Massachusetts. The Escobars were featured, along with several other dairy farms from New England, in the documentary film The Forgotten Farms. The film explores the roll and challenges of the commercial dairy farm in the day of farmers’ markets and artisan cheese.
The Escobars are known as farmers who often open their farm to visits from local schools and people from the local communities that surround their farm. In addition to the dairy farm, the Escobars operate a corn maze that helps supplement the dairy income and introduces about 15,000 visitors a year to the farm.

The Outstanding Dairy Farm of the Year award is sponsored by the New England Green Pastures Committee, made up of government and industry members. Membership in Rhode Island’s Green Pastures Committee is coordinated by the Rhode Island Agricultural Council and the DEM Division of Agriculture. Winning dairy farmers from each New England state will be honored on September 15 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

October 23, 2017 0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrRedditStumbleuponWhatsappEmail
Rhode Island Round-Up
chefs & restaurantscookingfarmsnews

News Bites: RI DEM Announces 2015 Outstanding Dairy Farm of the Year, Tickets Available for Rhode Island Round-Up Farm Dinners, 2015 Rhode Island BBQ Championships July 17-19

by David Dadekian January 1, 2019
written by David Dadekian

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

Department Of Environmental Management Announces That Cottrell Homestead In West Kingston Has Been Named Rhode Island’s 2015 Outstanding Dairy Farm Of The Year

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

The Department of Environmental Management announces that Cottrell Homestead in West Kingston has been named Rhode Island’s 2015 Outstanding Dairy Farm of the Year by the Rhode Island Green Pastures Committee. Winning dairy farmers from each New England state will be honored at an awards banquet on September 18th at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA.

The Rhode Island Green Pastures Committee chose the Cottrell Homestead because of its outstanding relationship with the community, its active involvement with the future viability of dairy farming in Rhode Island, and its continuing efforts to implement best management practices. During the past year many improvements were made at the farm; a new calf barn replaced the original barn that was built more than 70 years ago, the barn roof was shingled, and the milk room was completed. In 2004, improvements to the farm’s manure management system and water quality were made with funding from the US Department of Agriculture and DEM.

“The historic Cottrell Homestead in West Kingston is one of Rhode Island’s finest dairy farms and we are pleased that it has been selected for this special award,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “The success enjoyed by the Cottrell family and other dairy farmers who produce local milk products is helping to protect and preserve hundreds of acres of farmland that will support continued agricultural endeavors for this and future generations to enjoy.”

The Cottrells were among the first farmers in Rhode Island to protect their farmland in perpetuity through the sale of development rights to the state in 1986. Five generations of the Cottrell family have farmed the Cottrell Homestead. The farm was started in 1900, when Oliver Cottrell’s grandfather bought and farmed the property. The property was subsequently farmed by Oliver’s father. The farm is currently operated by Oliver Cottrell and his sons, Matt and Glen, along with his daughter, Julie, and his grandchildren.

Cottrell Homestead maintains a milking herd of over 70 Ayrshires and Holsteins. Corn and hay silage is raised on the farm to feed the herd during the winter months. The Cottrells maintain a roadside stand for the sale of sweet corn and other vegetables.

The Cottrells are dedicated to helping maintain the future of dairy farming in Rhode Island beyond their own farm boundaries. As active members of the Rhode Island Dairy Farms Cooperative, they work with other dairy farms in the state to market their own milk under the “Rhody Fresh” label. Rhody Fresh milk is important to the viability of dairy farming in Rhode Island and has received grant funds from DEM and the Rhode Island Foundation. Milk sales remain strong and well beyond the original expectations of the dairy farmers.

“The RI Dairy Farms Cooperative believed that Rhode Island was thirsty for locally produced, fresh milk, and were they ever right! Their belief and hard work over the past decade has really paid off,” noted DEM Director Coit. “Today, Rhody Fresh is thriving and its many products can be found throughout the state in large grocery stores and small neighborhood markets, as well as restaurants, colleges and universities.”

For over 40 years the Cottrells have allowed 4-H members to manage animals for their 4-H projects so that future generations of children can learn where milk comes from and take responsibility for the care of animals. At the present time there are four 4-H members involved in management tasks on the farm. Many of those 4-H members who have been involved in farming at Cottrell Homestead in the past have advanced their careers in agriculture after graduating from college.

Farming is an integral part of the state’s economy and provides a valuable contribution to Rhode Island’s open space and quality of life. Beyond fresh and local produce, nursery stock, sod and Rhode Island’s own Rhody Fresh milk, in RI agriculture contributes $239 million annually to tourism, open space, landscaping businesses, and a variety of food-related industries. According to the 2014 update to URI’s Green Industry Economic Impact Study, the 3,327 green industry businesses in Rhode Island sustain 15,826 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion annually to our state’s economy.

The Outstanding Dairy Farm of the Year award is sponsored by the New England Green Pastures Committee, made up of agricultural interests such as state and federal agricultural offices and farm organizations. Membership in Rhode Island’s Green Pastures Committee is coordinated by the Rhode Island Agricultural Council and DEM’s Division of Agriculture. Other members include the Rhode Island delegation of the Rhode Island Dairy Farms Cooperative, the RI Farm Bureau, the RI Farm Service Agency and the Agri-Mark Cooperative. Recent winners of the long-standing award include Wrights Dairy Farm of North Smithfield (2014), Bailey Farm in East Greenwich (2013) and Escobar Farm in Portsmouth (2012).


Rhode Island Round-Up: Farm Dinner with Austin’s Eden East

Eden East, photo by D. Gentile

Eden East, photo by D. Gentile

Celebrated Austin, Texas farm-to-table restaurant Eden East, led by Owner and Executive Chef Sonya Coté—a Rhode Island native—is traveling to the east coast for this exclusive dinner series hosted by Horseshoe Farm, a private estate surrounded by miles of fences along the coastal countryside in Westerly, RI.

PURCHASE TICKETS

The acclaimed Austin eatery brings its exquisite dining experience easterly, merging its bold Texas flavors and ingredients with local products from New England farmers and purveyors, including Blackbird Farm, Walrus and Carpenter Oysters, Jonathan Edwards Winery, Revival Brewing Company and more.

Rhode Island Round-Up Menu

The Rhode Island 3-Way
Walrus and Carpenter Oyster Raw | grapefruit & cucumber mignonette
Oysters “Bootlegged” | cornmeal, dry cured sausage aioli, garlic chives
Grilled Oysters on the Half Shell | holy trinity, filé, chocolate roux
paired with a cocktail from Texas-based Deep Eddy Vodka

Lobster Tacos | summer slaw, Texas corn tortillas, avocado creme fraiche
paired with Jonathan Edwards Winery Lodi Zinfandel

Chipotle Clam & Mussel Chowder | seafood fumet, glen’s smoked chili flake, red potato, carrot, ancho tomato, zucchini clam cakes
paired with Revival Brewing Company beer

Grilled Red Shrimp & Grits | red eye gravy, pork belly, melted leeks
paired with Jonathan Edwards Winery Estate Connecticut Chardonnay

Texas BBQ Smoked Briskets | escabeche, whole grilled green onions, house made BBQ sauce
Corn in the Husk | jalapeno & cilantro compound butter, queso cotija
paired with Revival Brewing Company beer

Texas Toast French Toast | Sweet Corn & Chili Gelato, lime zest
paired with Jonathan Edwards Winery Estate Connecticut Gewürztraminer

menu subject to change

Produced by Eat Drink RI and sponsored by The Haversham Restaurant, the Eden East “Rhode Island Round-Up” will recreate the unequaled dining experience that the restaurant provides guests each weekend on the grounds of Austin’s Springdale Farm. Eden East will donate a percentage of sales from the dinners to Colors for a Cause RI, a non-profit organization that supports families with children suffering from cancer.

PURCHASE TICKETS

Read the full release for more details about Eden East and Chef Sonya Coté.

Each evening begins with a reception at 6 p.m. followed by a seated dinner paired with wine & beer. Tickets are $150.00 per guest, all-inclusive, and are non-refundable, but are transferable. The event is tented and will be held rain or shine.

Rhode Island Round-Up


4th Annual Rhode Island BBQ Championships to be held at the South County Hot Air Balloon Festival, July 17-19

BBQ CompetitorsWinners of the 4th Annual Rhode Island BBQ Championship will be decided on Sunday, July 19, providing a tasty finale to the 37th Annual South County Hot Air Balloon Festival sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wakefield at the URI Athletic Fields in Kingston, RI from July 17 through 19.

The competition is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society and has been proclaimed by the Rhode Island Governor as the official state BBQ championship. Now in its fourth year, the competition has annually attracted upwards of 50 teams from throughout the United States, as well as some from Canada and as far away as the United Kingdom. Many KCBS certified judges also travel to South County each year to enjoy this event. At the awards ceremony scheduled for Sunday at 3:00 p.m., $4,100 in cash prizes, as well as trophies, will be presented to the top ten winners in each of four designated KCBS categories for chicken, pulled pork, ribs, and brisket. Participation in the Rhode Island competition counts as an “auto-qualifier” for “The Jack”, a national championship held at Jack Daniels Hollow in Lynchburg, Tenn., each October.

Three BBQ vendors, one each from Florida, Vermont and Rhode Island, will provide visitors the chance to enjoy the varied tastes of BBQ selections in the large food tent during all three days of the Festival.

From Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19, the 37th Annual South County Hot Air Balloon Festival is an iconic event in southern Rhode Island every summer. Colorful hot air and shaped balloons, musical performances, fireworks, carnival rides, food vendors, classic cars, free train rides & fishing pond for the kids, arts & craft vendors, the Flying Wallendas, and much more make this a popular family-oriented event every summer. Balloons are scheduled to inflate on Friday & Saturday evenings at dusk and Saturday & Sunday mornings at dawn, weather permitting. Tethered rides will be available. Hours are Friday, 4-9 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children 14 & under, and $25 for families. Parking is free and RV camping is available onsite. Proceeds from the Balloon Festival support the Rotary Club’s scholarship and charitable programs in the local communities. The schedule of events and other Festival details are available at www.southcountyballoonfest.com.

Registration forms for the BBQ competition teams and judges are available at the Festival website, www.southcountyballoonfest.com, or by contacting Rotarian and event organizer Bud Faria at [email protected], or by calling 401-789-3902.

January 1, 2019 0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrRedditStumbleuponWhatsappEmail
news

Taste Trekkers Food & Travel Expo Interview with JWU Culinary Arts Museum’s Richard J. S. Gutman — SPONSORED CONTENT

by David Dadekian September 18, 2014
written by David Dadekian

Johnson & Wales University Culinary Arts Museum Director Richard J.S. Gutman

Johnson & Wales University Culinary Arts Museum Director Richard J.S. Gutman

Richard J. S. Gutman is the Director and Curator of the Culinary Arts Museum at Johnson & Wales University in Providence. He is also the country’s leading authority on diners, and has authored four books on the subject.

He will speak at the 2014 Taste Trekkers Food & Travel Expo on October 4th at the Providence Biltmore. We asked him a few questions…

1. The Culinary Arts Museum has been closed for over a year while you’ve reorganized your collection. What is involved in that process?

The museum has been in existence for 25 years, and it was started with an immense donation of artifacts that filled 16 tractor-trailers, comprising the majority of the life-long collection of Chef Louis Szathmary, proprietor of The Bakery restaurant in Chicago.

The collection was continually expanded over the years without the small staff being able to inventory the holdings. Thus, Johnson & Wales University decided that the museum should close for 15 months to conduct an inventory of the thousands of boxes in storage. Four temporary inventory specialists were brought on board to work with the museum staff and student workers to produce skeleton records and properly rehouse the collection and begin to put the records online.

2. The museum is now re-opening. Tell us about some of the new exhibits we can go see.

A new exhibit titled “Sweet Success” is on display. It includes a partial installation of the former Agora Ice Cream Parlor, an 1896 New York landmark; artifacts and images from the Salois Sanitary Dairy, a 20th century family business that operated in Pawtucket; and the story of Sweenor’s Chocolates, a Rhode Island company that has been run by the Sweenor family for four generations. Other ice cream, soda fountain, and candy-related artifacts discovered during our inventory project are included in this exhibition.

Our chefs gallery has also been reinstalled with new graphics and displays, featuring jackets from some of the Distinguished Visiting Chefs that have been honored at the College of Culinary Arts and come to work with the students over the years. These include Martin Yan, Emeril Lagasse, Thomas Keller, Lorena Garcia and more.

3. Of all the items you discovered during the reorganization, which is your favorite?

I’m pretty fond of the 44 different waffle irons. It would be hard to pick my favorite, but I lean towards the Art Deco styling of the 1930s. These will be used by students during the Winter trimester in the Design and Engineering School for an industrial design project that investigates the evolution of a kitchen tool . . . from cast iron to today’s latest Cuisinart model.

4. What will you be speaking about at the 2014 Food & Travel Expo?

I will be talking about what we do at the Culinary Arts Museum, how we learn from the past to invent the future.

5. The museum is has extended its hours on Saturday, October 4th, so that Expo attendee can check it out. What can people expect there?

The museum will have extended hours on Saturday to accommodate Taste Trekkers who will presumably be occupied until 4 pm. We will stay open until 7 pm. Regular admission fees will apply. We have 25,000 square feet of gallery space, but one show in particular should be of special interest to people who travel for food. Our exhibition, “Food on the Move,” was inspired by Chef Louis Szathmary’s collection of over 600 travel menus, from steam ships, railroads, airlines and roadside restaurants. This 150-year look into the culinary world of the traveler provides a fascinating comparison with today’s offerings for the global traveler.

For more information on the Taste Trekkers Food & Travel Expo on October 3-5, 2014, please visit http://tastetrekkers.com/expo.

You can also view scenes from the 2013 Taste Trekkers Food & Travel Expo below.

September 18, 2014 0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestLinkedinTumblrRedditStumbleuponWhatsappEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts

Search:

Recent Posts:

  • News Bites: Castle Hill Inn New Prix-Fixe Menu / Rory’s Market and Kitchen Coming to Providence / Beatnic’s Vegan Lobster Roll Available in Providence / Coppa Cocktails Arrive in the USA

    July 29, 2022
  • News Bites: Chair 2 Launches Two New Flavors / New CCRI Environmental Degree Program / Granny Squibb’s Newest Flavor / Hope’s Harvest Joins Farm Fresh RI / Foolproof Brewing Company Joins Mission Beverage

    July 29, 2022
  • News Bites: Wright’s Farm Restaurant Celebrates 50 Years / Newport Restaurant Group Announces 18 Promotions and New Hires / Blackstone Valley Culinary News

    July 29, 2022
  • News Bites: CHI Kitchen Wins Gold / ISCO Expands into Massachusetts / Blackstone Valley Culinary News

    May 12, 2022

Advertisement:

Blackbird Farm

Advertisement:

Advertise with Eat Drink RI

Advertisement:

Advertisement:

Advertisement:

Advertisement:

Food Trucks:

Facebook
My Tweets

Four Time RI Monthly Best of RI Winner for the Eat Drink RI Festival

Four Time RI Monthly Best of RI Winner for the Eat Drink RI Festival

2019 Rhode Island Inno Blazer Award Winner & Two Time 50 On Fire Winner

2019 Rhode Island Inno Blazer Award Winner & Two Time 50 On Fire Winner

Rhode Island Foundation 2014 Innovation Fellow

Rhode Island Foundation 2014 Innovation Fellow

Instagram

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin
  • Tumblr
  • Youtube
  • Email

Copyright © 2010-2022 Eat Drink RI LLC. All rights reserved.


Back To Top
Eat Drink RI
  • Interviews
    • The Show
    • Subscribe as a Podcast
    • RI Small Business LIVE Forum on Facebook
  • Upcoming Events
  • Food & Beverage Jobs
    • Post A Job
    • Job Dashboard
  • Latest News
  • COVID Support
    • Restaurants with Online Ordering and Take Out
    • Shop Local Food & Drink Businesses Online
    • The Rhode to Recovery: RI Food and Drink, Part 1 of 4
    • The Rhode to Recovery: RI Food and Drink, Part 2 of 4
    • The Rhode to Recovery: RI Food and Drink, Part 3 of 4
    • The Rhode to Recovery: RI Food and Drink, Part 4 of 4
    • Resource Links for Small Businesses During COVID-19 Crisis
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe
    • Shopping
    • About
    • Contact

Terms and Conditions – Privacy Policy