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News Bites: Daniele Wins 2015 Good Food Award, Easy Entertaining Healthy Meal Delivery, Papa Razzi Weekly Specials

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian
Daniele Juniper Berry Pinot Noir Salame

Daniele Juniper Berry Pinot Noir Salame

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

Juniper Berry Pinot Noir Salame Wins 2015 National Good Food Award

For the second consecutive year Daniele, Inc. has been recognized as a winner of the prestigious national Good Food Award for its local line of charcuterie made in Rhode Island from locally raised hogs.

Daniele, Inc.’s Juniper Berry and Pinot Noir salame received a first place award in the blind taste test by 225 of the nation’s top chefs and food critics.

Daniele’s local line was developed as part of an initiative that supports local farmers and encourages the emergence of a new comprehensive food culture in Rhode Island and nearby states.

Enrico Porrino, Daniele’s resident Salumiere, developed the recipe after taste-testing several combinations of wines and herbs. “I decided juniper berries and Pinot Noir made the best marriage,” said Porrino. “This Salami embodies classic Italian flavors, reminiscent of cuisine enjoyed in the Italian Alps.”

Enrico, who is a new addition to the Daniele family, is a 3rd generation Salumiere and was partially inspired during his last trip to Italy where he dined deliciously in the village of Courmayeur, at the foot of Mont Blanc.

The result was another award-winning product from the Daniele, made from hogs raised and made in New England. The Good Food Awards recognize American food producers and the farmers who provide the ingredients for pushing their industry towards craftsmanship and sustainability while enhancing the agricultural landscape and building strong communities.
In announcing the winners, the Good Food Awards said those chosen represent some of the country’s best cutting edge culinary talent.

“These awards are a testament of our community’s ability to produce excellence,” said Davide Dukcevich, whose family started Daniele in Rhode Island over 30 years ago. “On behalf of everyone at Daniele, I want to congratulate Enrico Porrino for having won the prestigious Good Food award for best salame. His Juniper Berry and Pinot Noir salame took top honors in a fiercely competitive category. We are all very proud of Enrico.”

Small family farms, including RI’s Timberstone and Blackbird Farm raised high quality hogs for use in the new local line.

Daniele and other food producers in the New England region are continuing to focus on locally grown high quality products. This collaborative effort brings together farms, educational facilities, restaurants, chefs, and food manufactures like Daniele creating economic growth around the agriculture and food sector.

 

Easy Entertaining Healthy Edamame "Fried" Rice

Easy Entertaining Healthy Edamame “Fried” Rice

Easy Entertaining Inc. Offers Healthy Meal Delivery!

Have you started the New Year with a resolution focused on your health and fitness? Easy Entertaining Inc., a homegrown farm-to-fork catering company, has a program that’s perfect to help you achieve your goals.

Fit Feast and it’s sister program Fit Family, are make-ahead meal programs designed to make healthier meals a more convenient choice than they’re known to be. Fit Feasts are pre-portioned, calorie controlled, meals that consist of hormone free proteins, whole grain carbohydrates, and locally sourced and seasonal vegetables. This combination of ingredients brings satisfying and healthy meals to the table to make the challenge of staying on the healthy track much easier. The meals are delivered to clients’ homes weekly and are guaranteed fresh for five days in refrigeration.

Easy Entertaining has had success with this program for more than 5 years now. For under 500 calories per serving, Easy Entertaining’s Fit Feast clients enjoy appetizing and satisfying meals while keeping their healthy habits on track. What’s easier than healthy take-out?

Favorites from past Fit Feast and Fit Family menus have been dishes such as Orange Chicken Stir Fry over barley with Baffoni Farm’s chicken, Vegetable Grilled Pizzas with a light dusting of cheese and a side salad, Whole Grain Butternut Mac ’n Cheese, Naked Angus Burgers with Blackbird Farm’s beef, house ketchup, and homemade pickles, and more. Easy Entertaining’s Fit Feast program takes healthy eating to a new level with meals packed with protein, fiber, whole grains, and vegetables while keeping bold and interesting flavors in mind.

Make Sunday meal preparation a project of the past and sign up with Easy Entertaining for their Fit Feast program. There’s no better time to build new habits than the start of the New Year and this program can make it easier than ever. For full details and the most current Fit Feast and Fit Family menus and pricing visit Easy Entertaining’s website at EasyEntertainingRI.com.

For more information about Fit Feast, Fit Family, and Easy Entertaining Inc. please call Nik Delfino at (401) 437-6090 or e-mail him at [email protected].

 

Enrich the Week with Delicious Experiences at Papa Razzi

New England’s Italian Destination Introduces Specials to Help Live ‘La Dolce Vita’ All Week Long

WHO: Papa Razzi, an Italian eatery offering a sophisticated dining experience focused on fresh ingredients and unparalled service, has created weekly specials worthy of celebration.

WHAT: Papa Razzi invites diners to stray away from weekly routines and experience a slice of Italian life. Combining the best of traditional Italian recipes with fresh, local ingredients, Papa Razzi is the perfect place to enjoy the comforts of home cooking in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.

Beat the Monday blues with Mangia Mondays – where all entrees are $15.99 all day. Add an appetizer, pizza, or antipasto or salad for only $7.99, and a glass of house red or white wine for only $5.99.

Break bread while embracing a traditional Italian dish with family and friends on Wednesday nights for Spaghetti Notte. Choose from a selection of gourmet appetizers including the Insalata di Papa and Margherita Pizza. For the main course, enjoy house made pasta dishes including the traditional Spaghetti alla Bolognese or Spaghetti alla Polpetta – the Papa Razzi version of spaghetti and meatballs. Allow yourself to relax from your busy week and rejoice amongst a hearty and delicious dinner for all to enjoy for only $19.99. Add in a bottle of house red or white with Spaghetti Notte menu for only $29.99.

The weekend is when the fun really begins! Indulge in classic brunch offerings Saturday and Sunday with Brunch & Bubbly. From Steak & Eggs to Linguini al Fresco con Funhgi, there are flavors to delight any palate. With the purchase of any brunch entrée, the first Bellini or Mimosa is on them.

WHEN: Mangia Mondays
Every Monday

Brunch & Bubbly
Saturdays and Sundays until 3:00PM

Spaghetti Notte
Every Wednesday

WHERE: Papa Razzi Cranston
1 Paparazzi Way
Garden City Center
Cranston, RI 02920
401.942.2900
Mon – Thurs: 11:30AM – 10:00PM
Fri: 11:30AM – 11:00PM

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Cox Local Video: Eat Drink RI Festival

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

Showcasing the best of the ever-expanding Rhode Island culinary scene, the Eat Drink RI Festival returned to Providence for an expanded four-day all-local food festival. The Festival, now in it’s third year, was held Thursday, April 24th through Sunday, April 27th and featured a star-studded line-up of over 80 chefs, farmers, bartenders and producers including: James Beard Foundation Best Chef Northeast semifinalists Benjamin Sukle of birch and Champe Speidel of Persimmon, eight top culinary instructors from Johnson & Wales University, Gold Medal Cheese award-winning Narragansett Creamery, Blackbird Farm, two-time James Beard Foundation Rising Star nominee Chef Derek Wagner of Nick’s on Broadway, Easy Entertaining Inc., Good Food Award winner Daniele Inc., Dave’s Coffee, Walrus and Carpenter Oysters, among many others.

This year’s Festival was a great success and everyone involved is looking forward to the next in 2015. Thank you to everyone who participated in and attended the Eat Drink RI Festival!

Cox Presents Eat Drink RI with David Dadekian is a video series produced by Cox Sports Online to showcase the vibrant and friendly food community in the Rhode Island area. Check out coxsportsonline.com for more local programming.

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Up-to-the-minute Feeds of Congressman Jim Langevin’s Rhode Island Food Week

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian
from left to right: Dale Venturini, Davide Dukcevich, Rep. Jim Langevin, Allan Tear, Jesse Rye
from left to right: Dale Venturini, Davide Dukcevich, Rep. Jim Langevin, Allan Tear, Jesse Rye

Congressman Jim Langevin kicked off a tour of food-related businesses in Rhode Island on Monday with a press conference at Daniele, Inc. in Burrillville. The tour is designed to “allow Langevin to meet leaders from agriculture, hospitality, manufacturing and food sales and discuss what tools they red to be successful and to help Rhode Island’s food economy grow.”

You can follow Langevin’s trip around Rhode Island which includes visits to Rogue Island, Warwick Ice Cream, Narragansett Creamery, Johnson & Wales University, Seafreeze, Nick’s on Broadway, Dave’s Marketplace, Baffoni’s Poultry Farm, Sons of Liberty Spirits, Verde Vineyards and more on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Both the Twitter and Instagram feeds using the tag #RIFoodWeek are live and up-to-the-minute (you may need to reload) on this page and the same tag is searchable on Facebook if you have an account.

Congressman Langevin is also posting updates and thoughts from the week on his site’s blog “Langevin Hits the Rhode.” The full Food Week news release from Congressman Langevin’s office follows below the Twitter and Instagram feeds.

Instagram of #RIFoodWeek

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Langevin Launches Food Week at Daniele Expansion Site
Tour Aims to Highlight and Support Food-Related Industries

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today kicked off a tour of the food-related businesses that have garnered the Ocean State a reputation as a food destination. Inspired by Davide Dukcevich, the co-owner of Daniele, Inc., this tour will allow Langevin to meet leaders from agriculture, fisheries, hospitality, manufacturing and food sales, and discuss what tools they need to be successful and to help Rhode Island’s food economy grow.

“When I met Davide back in August, he talked about the possibility of branding Rhode Island as the ‘Silicon Valley of Food’,” Langevin said. “That concept resonated with me, and I believe that the business savvy, enthusiasm and determination of individuals like Davide can make that idea a reality. I look forward to visiting a variety of businesses and hearing their suggestions for putting Rhode Island on the culinary map.”

The tour began at Daniele’s Burrillville location currently under construction. Along with Congressman Langevin, speakers at the kickoff included Davide Dukcevich, Jesse Rye of Farm Fresh Rhode Island, Dale Venturini of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association and Allan Tear of Rally Rhode Island.

“Rhode Island is uniquely positioned to develop and grow its food economy and Daniele is excited and pleased to be part of this effort,” said Davide Dukcevich, owner of Daniele,Inc. “With our local farmers, creative design culture, culinary experts and educators and dedicated food manufacturers and workforce we can do great things – as evidenced by Daniele’s local brand winning two National Good Food Awards. I thank Congressman Langevin for his efforts and foresight in helping develop our food valley.”

“Rhode Island is regularly named one of the top culinary spots in the northeast because we are fortunate to have some of the most talented restaurateurs and chefs in the country,” said Dale J. Venturini, President and CEO of the RI Hospitality Association. “Despite the economic challenges of the past several years, the hospitality industry continues to rank as one of the top five largest job producing industries in the state and we look to continue this trend for many years to come.”

“Rhode Island has all the right ingredients to be the center of culinary innovation in the U.S.,” said Allan Tear, Founder of Rally Rhode Island. “New food and beverage startups are joining our existing packaged food businesses in bringing their products to New England, the US, and the world. These food innovators create the kind of jobs that matter for Rhode Island.”

“Rhode Island is building a well-deserved reputation as a food destination and a big reason for that are the chefs, grocers and customers that prioritize supporting local farmers,” said Jesse Rye, Co-Executive Director of Farm Fresh Rhode Island. “Consumer values are driving changes in our food supply chain. We are demanding to know more about our food. Who grew it? How was it grown? How did it get to my table? Every time you raise a fork or knife you can make a statement – chose to support a local farmer. It’s good for the overall health of our state.”

Follow the progress of Food Week on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #RIFoodWeek and check Congressman Langevin’s blog for updates from each visit.

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News Bites: Daniele, Local Agriculture and Seafood Act Grants Program, Providence Restaurant Week 2014 Extended

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

Good Food Awards Winner 2014

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

Daniele’s New Local Line Wins Two 2014 National Good Food Awards

A new line charcuterie made in Rhode Island from locally raised hogs is the winner of two prestigious national Good Food Awards.

Daniele, Inc.’s Local Del Duca® Prosciutto and Mortadella with Pistachios both received first place awards in the blind taste test by 225 of the nation’s top chefs and food critics.

Daniele’s local line was developed as part of an initiative that supports local farmers and encourages the emergence of a new comprehensive food culture in Rhode Island and nearby states.

Daniele created a local line of charcuterie using pork raised on New England farms. Students from the Rhode Island School of Design designed the New England-­‐inspired label. Chefs from Providence-­‐based Johnson and Wales University helped develop recipes.

The result was an award-­‐winning line of products raised and made in New England. The Good Food Awards recognize American food producers and the farmers who provide the ingredients for pushing their industry towards craftsmanship and sustainability while enhancing the agricultural landscape and building strong communities.

In announcing the winners, the Good Food Awards said those chosen represent some of the country’s best cutting edge culinary talent.

“These awards are a testament of our community’s ability to produce excellence,” said Davide Dukcevich, whose family started Daniele in Rhode Island over 30 years ago. “We created this local line with the hopes of supporting and growing our local farms while also taking advantage of local artists and chefs in our region.”

Small family farms, including RI’s Timberstone and Blackbird Farm raised high quality hogs for use in the new local line.

“Everyone at Blackbird Farm is thrilled for Daniele receiving two Good Food Awards” said The Bouthillette Family, which owns Blackbird Farm. “Daniele’s dedication to using our Heritage Berkshire pork to create the local line charcuterie helps the us to raise more animals -­‐ which grows our business and also helps improve agriculture throughout Rhode Island as we purchase produce and feed from other local farms. Rhode Island is on the path to farming sustainability because of companies like Daniele and their delicious products.”

Daniele and other food producers in the New England region are continuing to focus on locally grown high quality products. This collaborative effort brings together farms, educational facilities, restaurants, chefs, and food manufactures like Daniele creating economic growth around the agriculture and food sector.

“We think it’s exceptional that Daniele Foods, as a multinational food company, has turned its focus, towards local foods in Rhode Island, and connections with local agriculture,” said Kenneth Ayers, Chief of the Division of Agriculture for the State of Rhode Island. “These awards are testimony to that effort. Also this is further evidence of the vibrancy and the economic importance of food in and around Rhode Island.”

$200,000 Available in Public-Private Grant Funding to Strengthen the Local Food System in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Food Policy Council (RIFPC) Members to Serve on Grants Advisory Committee

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) will be accepting grant applications for the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) Grants Program. The Local Agriculture and Seafood Act of 2012 established a grants program within RIDEM’s Division of Agriculture for small or beginning farmers, seafood marketing and organizations/related activities supporting the growth and marketing of local food and seafood in the state.

The LASA Grants Program is made possible by a unique and unprecedented public-private partnership with $100,000 in funding from the State of Rhode Island and $100,000 in matching funds from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, the Henry P. Kendall Foundation and the Rhode Island Foundation.

The LASA Grants Program Advisory Committee, established to advise and assist the RIDEM in matters related to the LASA Grants Program, will be chaired by the Chief of the Division of Agriculture and will have two members representing the RI Food Policy Council, David Dadekian and Sheila Brush.

LASA Grants Program application materials will be released on February 15 with an April 1 deadline to apply. Please refer to the RIDEM and the RIFPC websites for further information.

More Than 30 Participants to Extend Providence Restaurant Weeks

Providence Restaurant Weeks may be in full swing until Jan. 18 but more than 30 of the participants are thinking ahead, deciding to extend the promotion through at least Saturday, Jan. 25.

“Due to the positive response, nearly half of the participating restaurants are extending until January 25. Some may be extending even further,” said Kristen Adamo, vice president of marketing and communications for the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, which runs the event. “If you are interested in visiting a particular restaurant that is extending, it’s best to check their individual website to find out how long they will be continuing the promotion.”

Restaurants who have committed to extending until at least January 25 include:

2 Pauls City Grille
Amici
Blue Grotto
Bonefish Grill
Café Nuovo
Caffe Dolce Vita
The Capital Grille
CAV
Chez Pascal
Don Jose Tequillas
Duck & Bunny
Elizabeth’s of Portofino
Fire & Ice
Flemings
Fred & Steve’s
Geppettos
Hourglass Brassiere
India
Kartabar
Legal Seafood
Libations
Matunuck Oyster Bar
McCormick & Schmick’s
Mediterraneo
Pane E Vino
Paragon
Redlefsen’s
RiRa
Sawaddee
Snookers
Vanity
Vintage
Wicked Good

Providence Restaurant Weeks officially runs now through January 18. Participating restaurants offer a three-course, prix fixe lunch for $14.95 and a three-course, prix fixe dinner for $29.95, with some restaurants offering two-for-one specials. For a list of participating restaurants and their menus, visit www.ProvidenceRestaurantWeeks.com.

Disclosure: the owner of  Eat Drink RI, David Dadekian, is both a part of Blackbird Farm and a Rhode Island Food Policy Council member.
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