June 23, 2024 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Blackbird Farm hosts an annual farmers market produced by Eat Drink RI at our Farm Stand & Ice Cream Trailer location. The 2024 farmers market will take place every Sunday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. from June 16 through September 29, (weather permitting). Follow Eat Drink RI and Blackbird Farm on Facebook for Market updates and any possible weather cancellations.
See https://www.blackbirdfarmmeat.com/farmers-market.html for more vendors and more info.
Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.
Blackbird Farm, one of the most-acclaimed beef and pork farms in New England, begins their 3rd farmers marketseason produced by Eat Drink RI. The Friday and Sunday farmers markets feature an array of local vendors and will take place on Friday evenings from 4 – 7 p.m., and again on Sundays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 660 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI.
Parking is accessed via the beautiful new Blackbird Farm ranch gate on Limerock Road off of Douglas Pike (Route 7). The Friday farmers market will take place every Friday evening from June 14 through October 18 and the Sunday farmers market will take place every Sunday from June 16 through October 20, both weather permitting. Follow Eat Drink RI and Blackbird Farm on Facebook (facebook.com/eatdrinkri/and facebook.com/blackbirdfarm/) for marketupdates and any possible weather cancellations.
New to this year’s market will be a local producers table selling products curated by Eat Drink RI. Look for cheeses from Narragansett Creamery, breads from Bread Box Baking Company, spices from Ocean State Pepper Company, salsas from The Backyard Food Company, soda from Yacht Club Bottling Works along with other products as the season progresses.
Also at the farm stand location is Blackbird Farm’s all-local ice cream spot, the Moo Moo Ice Cream Trailer. A converted horse trailer, Moo Moo offers 14 flavors of ice cream produced with locally farmed milk, along with signature sundaes and ice cream floats using Yacht Club Soda. Moo Moo Ice Cream hours are posted at blackbirdfarmri.com/moo-moo-ice-cream/
Friday farmers market vendors include Angell Farm, Blackbird Farm, Breakneck Hill Apiary, Harris Farm, Moonrose Farm, Pop On The Block, Travis Family Farm with Rachyl’s Goat Milk Soap and We Be Jammin’. Sunday farmers market vendors include Angell Farm, Beautiful Day, Blackbird Farm, Breakneck Hill Apiary, Harris Farm, Lucky Clover Farm and We Be Jammin’. A variety of products will be offered, such as: beef and pork, seasonal produce and fruit, honey, candles, floral bouquets, eggs, granola, coffee beans, soaps, herbs, plants, popcorn, sauces, jams and more. More information can be found at blackbirdfarmri.com/farmers-market.
Farmers markets are for people from all walks of life and all ages who share a common belief that farmers and local producers are a vital part of our community. This market will support the local food economy, showcase a wide variety of products and tap into a region of the state that currently doesn’t offer an extensive outdoor market. The Blackbird Farm Farmers Market will support local farmers and producers, improve access to fresh fruits, vegetables and other farm products, encourage sustainability, and educate the community on the importance of local foods.
Providence’s Only Member-Owned Grocery Store Opens in Providence
Open to all shoppers, membership not required
After several years of grassroots development and planning, the board of the Urban Greens Co-op Market is thrilled to announce the opening of Providence’s only member-owned co-op grocery store, June 27-29, 2019. Urban Greens is open to all shoppers, whether they are members or not.
The grand opening celebration will feature free food samples from local vendors, live music, goodie bags, and dozens of special sales throughout the store. Urban Greens’ mission is to be open to all and support the health and well-being of our customers by offering nutritious, affordable food that is sustainably sourced, culturally inclusive, and supportive of local food production. All are welcome to stop in and experience their locally-owned, beautiful new grocery store.
“We never would have gotten here without the support of a lot of people who believed in this project,” said board member Philip Trevvett. “The opening of Urban Greens increases our access to healthy and local foods, and we want to acknowledge that there is still a lot of work to expand that access. We are committed to continuing to grow access to healthy and local foods over time, both through programming within the store, and through community outreach, education and relationship-building outside of our brick and mortar building.”
Urban Greens is a full-service grocery store stocked with fresh organic produce, delicious prepared foods available to go, and a significant selection of bulk items–such as granola, spices, and flour–that can be purchased at low prices with minimal packaging. In addition, the co-op strives to meet the needs of the diverse communities in Providence, so shoppers will find a mix of cooking oils, produce, and grains common to West African, South East Asian, and Latino diets, among others. Shoppers will also enjoy Urban Greens Basics, a budget line of 100 staple items throughout the store.
A 356-square-foot community room will feature free and paid events, such as community cooking classes, workshops, and more.
Urban Greens currently has more than 1,300 members. Membership costs between $10 and $160 per year, making it truly accessible to all. Qualified low-income members qualify for a 5% discount on all items. To become a member, visit https://urbangreens.com/membership/.
The $2.2 million project is expected to generate 28 part-time and full-time jobs. The project received an investment from the Rhode Island Foundation, a Rebuild Rhode Island Tax Credit, a loan from RI Commerce, and a loan from The Cooperative Fund of New England. The project also received grants from the Rhode Island Foundation, LASA in conjunction with the RI Department of Environmental Management, and the Henry P. Kendall Foundation. All told, more than a third of the financing came from families and individuals, an indication of the community’s support for this new grocery store.
Italian Bar is the Latest Venture for Newport Restaurant Group
Newport Restaurant Group, a 100% employee-owned hospitality corporation based in RI, is pleased to announce the opening of its newest concept, Bar ‘Cino, at 22 Washington Square in Newport.
The 60-seat full-service restaurant features a selection of little plates, bruschetta, grilled pizza, salads, paninis and entrees, as well as a complete cocktail menu. Bar ‘Cino will be open for dinner Sunday – Thursday from 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. The restaurant will also serve lunch beginning mid-summer. For more information or to view the menu, visit www.barcinonewport.com.
Conveniently located in the heart of historic Washington Square, Bar ‘Cino offers patrons a casual and authentic Italian bar experience, focused on a playful beverage program of wines and inspired cocktails complemented by a menu of simple, flavor-filled foods inspired by Italian countryside cooking; highlighting fresh vegetables, seafood, cheeses and local ingredients.
“We’re thrilled to add Bar ‘Cino to our family of employee-owned restaurants,” said Paul O’Reilly, President & CEO, Newport Restaurant Group. With more than ten individual restaurant concepts in Rhode Island, we are always looking for a unique opportunity to create a new experience for our valued guests. We hope this casual eatery will become part of the fabric of the Newport community – a place where locals will enjoy eating several times a week.”
Chef Mariana Gonzalez, formerly of the culinary team at The Mooring and Smoke House, leads the Bar ‘Cino culinary team under the direction of Karsten Hart, Director of Restaurants. Luke Devine, former restaurant manager at The Mooring and Smoke House, will take on the management of the Italian bar’s operation.
Chef Mariana’s approachable menu features a selection of light dishes including Little Plates featuring Clams baked in Pomodoro, white wine and chili flakes, served with garlic bread; Potato Chips with parmesan and parsley; warm Marinated Olives with rosemary, garlic and orange zest; and Antipastiwith prosciutto, EVOO-poached tuna and white beans, parmesan, olives and mozzarella. Salads feature an array of options including Arugula with marinated cannellini beans, chicory, and parmesan; Tuscan Kale with a sundried tomato vinaigrette, avocado, pine nuts and parmesan; Italian Farro and Grilled Vegetables with tomato, feta, pistachios and citrus vinaigrette; Romaine and Kale with parmesan, anchovies, lemon and crushed croutons; and Simple Greens with EVOO, lemon, mint and parsley. Chicken, shrimp, salmon or tuna conserva can be added to each salad.
Bruschettas feature EVOO Tuna Conserva with Castelvetrano olives and celery leaf; Prosciutto with fig and goat cheese; and EVOO-roasted Tomato, mozzarella, saba and sea salt. Grilled Pizzas offer oven-roasted Chicken with arugula, chicory and parmesan; Margherita pomodoro with fontina, parmesan, EVOO and basil; Prosciutto with fig, arugula, fontina and sea salt; and wood-grilled Mushroom with fontina, ricotta, EVOO and fresh herbs. Panini selections include oven-roasted Chicken with arugula, chicory and Parmigiano-Reggiano; wood-grilled Mushroom, fontina, ricotta with EVOO and fresh herbs; Prosciutto with fig, arugula and fontina; and Tuna Conserva with cannellini beans, kale and romaine.
Entrees feature Roasted Salmon with broccoli rabe, EVOO-mashed potatoes and tomato sofrito; Chicken Picatta with lemon snap-pea risotto; Chicken Milanese with white beans, arugula and salsa verde; Chianti-braised Beef Short Rib with farro and roasted summer vegetables; and Italian Farro Risottowith roasted mushrooms, charred radicchio and soffritto. Pasta dishes offer Rigatoni Bolognese with parmesan and crispy gremolata; Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe with clams, pecorino and black pepper; Tagliatelle with roasted wild mushrooms, asparagus, basil pesto and bottarga; Paccheri with roasted chicken, EVOO, confit tomato, broccoli rabe and parmesan.
Bar ‘Cino also offers A Tavola: dinner for two, which include a choice of wood-grilled Tuscan Steak with garlic and herbs, served sliced with roasted vegetables and EVOO-smashed potatoes; and whole-roasted Lemon-scented Hen with roast potatoes, asparagus and parmesan cream.
Dolce feature Pistachio Ricotta-Cream Layer Cake, Molten Chocolate-Nutella Souffle, Limoncello-Mascarpone Cake, and a selection of gelato.
In addition to a playful wine list of more than 45 carefully-curated labels and a beer list that includes local and regional bottles, draughts and 25 oz ‘share beers,’ Bar ‘Cino will feature an array of hand-crafted cocktails including Shadilady featuring mezcal, Aperol, and lime with a tajin rim; Pirate’s Last Dancewith
Newport Craft Distillers’ Thomas Tew Rum, Bacardi, Gosling’s Coconut, grapefruit and honey; Arnaldo Palmer with chamomile and honey-infused grappa, house lemonade and iced tea; Ciao Bella with Tito’s vodka, Malfy Italian gin, Contratto Bianco, vermouth and fresh and toasted herbs; and Tempo Triplowith Contratto Americano, Bianco and Rosso vermouth with orange bitters, to name a few.
Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.
The winning restaurant, a Newport institution for more than half a century, wowed diners with The Crowley Burger.
They took an all-beef patty, cooked it to perfection, topped it with Gruyère cheese, layered it with creminis and tempura cornichons, generously drizzled it with truffle aioli and wedged it all between a buttery brioche bun. And the result won over the hearts and taste buds of Newporters and beyond. LaForge Casino Restaurant’s Crowley Burger, which has now become a part of the regular menu, won the coveted popular vote in the second annual Newport Burger Bender.
“We are thrilled to hear that we have won the Burger Bender Competition!” said James “JR” Rodrigues, the restaurant’s general manager, when informed of the victory. “We are extremely proud of our staff for the effort and support. The Crowley Burger was delicious and proudly honored a great Newport family. Thanks to all who came out for it.”
But the Crowley Burger isn’t the only entry in the spotlight. Providence Journal Food Editor Gail Ciampa has crowned 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grill’s Secret Burger her “Critic’s Choice.”
“Don’t assume the toppings of foie gras and butter-poached lobster are why this was my favorite of the 2018 Burger Bender. No doubt the richness of the ingredients makes this a winning combination on any plate,” said Ciampa. “It was all about the burger, the dripping-with-juice Wagyu dry-aged beef. Made from one the Japanese breeds of beef cattle known for superior marbling, the flavor was amazing, the meat tender. Starting with that beef gave Bowen’s Executive Chef Walter Slater’s burger an edge. Pickled red onion, truffle garlic aioli and house-made pickles are the perfect complementing condiments for the stellar burger on a house-made onion bun. Several restaurants amped up their burgers this year and I loved them all. But nobody did it better than 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille.”
Jamie Coelho, Associate Editor at Rhode Island Monthly and author of The Dish, the magazine’s monthly newsletter, declared The Wharf Pub’s Antipasti Patty the “Creative Champion.”
“It’s an Italian take on a bacon cheeseburger, subbing in prosciutto and mozzarella in place of bacon and cheddar. The balsamic roasted red peppers, onions and Rhode Island mushrooms gave it an epic presentation while rounding out the flavors with a bit of sweetness from the caramelized vegetables and cherry pepper aioli. The toasted ciabatta roll held up to all the toppings and gave the perfectly cooked burger a nice and sturdy foundation,” said Coelho. “And I’ll never look at French fries the same way again after munching on those truffle tater tots!”
The Newport Burger Bender is now an annual simple burger contest which recognizes the bevy of culinary creativity throughout our destination. There is no participation fee for restaurants nor has there ever been. Participating restaurants must be in Newport or Bristol County, Rhode Island, and this year’s contest was limited to the first 30 restaurants to register. Participants receive complimentary promotional materials including custom menu inserts and Burger Bender coasters. Each entry is photographed and featured on DiscoverNewport.org.
Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market
March can be a challenging month for local farmers. It signals the start of a long thaw after winter and the beginning of planning for next season’s harvest. Shopping at farmers markets is a great way to support local farms year-round. But March is a time of year when local farmers need your business and support most of all.
To celebrate these local heroes, Farm Fresh Rhode Island is hosting a month of special events at the Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market, called March Madness. Shop at the market every Saturday in March to enjoy fun events like cooking demos, take advantage of seasonal sales, and participate in a one-of-a-kind scavenger hunt for a chance to win amazing prizes! Participating in March Madness is a great way to support local agriculture, empower small businesses, and build vibrant community with local food at the center of every table.
March Madness: Free Events
Demos and Food Pairing to be held in the New Harvest Coffee Roasters Training Room, Hope Artiste Village Suite 110, during the farmers market.
The Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market is open every Saturday, 9a–1p, until April 29. Located in two spacious hallways of the Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, RI, it is easily accessed via the R-Line bus and off-street parking is available. For more information: www.farmfreshri.org/winter
Norey’s, Newport has been recognized as the best beer bar in Rhode Island in the annual Great American Beer Bars competition conducted by CraftBeer.com —the Brewers Association website for beer lovers.
With more than 4,100 small and independent craft brewers operating in the country, there are more options than ever to enjoy great beer. To help beer lovers navigate their way to the best places they can take advantage of this phenomenon, CraftBeer.com readers were recently polled to determine the best beer in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
“CraftBeer.com readers know craft beer and 9,000 of them took the time to cast their vote rewarding their favorite beer bar in each state,” said Julia Herz, publisher of CraftBeer.com. “Cheers to each of the winners and the ever-increasing diversity of our local beer movement here in the U.S.”
Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.
Here’s how you can help:
First Gentleman of Rhode Island and Chair of the Summer Food Drive Andy Moffit launched the campaign along with Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff by encouraging Rhode Islanders to join the effort and help their neighbors in need.
Get more details and a list of most-needed items»
Watch the Summer Food Drive kick-off with Andrew Schiff and Andy Moffit:
Newport Vineyards
Newport Vineyards, an award winning winery located in beautiful Middletown, RI, has a big summer planned with tours, tastings, special events, live music and much more. Founded by brothers John & Paul Nunes in 1995, the vineyard 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 public activities.
Each Wednesday evening through the summer, enjoy an extended evening wine tasting from 5-8pm! Hear live music from a variety of artists while you sip and savor around the welcoming fire pits. In addition to wine, beer and sangria, snacks from the kitchen are available. The vineyard also hosts a weekend music series from 1- 4pm on Saturday & Sunday afternoons. Savor the season, glass in hand! No tickets are needed and all are welcome. For more details, including the artist lineup, please visit www.newportvineyards.com/calendar-of-events.
Dine at Brix Restaurant following an afternoon at the winery or just because! Cozy up around the fire with a glass of wine. Enjoy expansive views of the vineyard and the entire winemaking operation through two walls of windows that drape the room. The culinary approach, artfully prepared by Executive Chef Andy Teixeira, starts with the basic belief that it is their responsibility to provide truth in their food. “We love the food from the minute in comes in the door, to the minute it goes into the guest’s mouth,” said Chef Teixeira. The seasonally inspired menu highlights local farms and offers something for everyone’s palate. Wednesdays are Flight Night – just $10 for a tasting of four wines or beers.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon sipping wine and local beer with friends amid the vines, grabbing a quick breakfast or 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 summer at its finest on Aquidneck Island.
Follow Newport Vineyards on Facebook @NewportVineyards, Twitter @NewportVines, and Instagram @NewportVines. For more details, please visit www.newportvineyards.com.
| Tasting Room | Winery Tours | Vineyard Café | Brix Restaurant |
| Mon – Sat 10am – 6pm Sunday 12 – 6pm | Sun – Fri 1pm & 3pm Saturday hourly, 11am – 4pm | Sunday 12 – 5pm (seasonally) Monday closed Tues – Thurs 11am – 4pm Friday 11am – 5pm Saturday 9am – 12pm breakfast sandwiches only 11am – 5pm full menu | Tues – Thurs 5 – 9pm Fri & Sat 4 – 10pmClosed Sundays & Mondays, but always available for private events, day or night |
Farm Fresh RI Farmers Market
Farm Fresh Rhode Island is excited to announce six of their farmers markets opening in July. Located in neighborhoods at risk for health disparities, Farm Fresh RI markets focus on increasing access to fresh, local food and nutrition education.
In July, shoppers can expect to find tomatoes, corn, peppers, blueberries, melons, grapes, greens, herbs, cheese, radishes, mushrooms, carrots, bitter melons, fresh bread and so much more! It’s easy to find a farmers market in your neighborhood and shop for fresh, local fruits and vegetables all summer and well into fall. Many markets also feature live music, prepared foods & food trucks and family-friendly activities.
According to a recent study by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), “When comparing product prices between farmers markets and retail stores, local products are competitively priced – within a 10 percent price range – at farmers markets a majority of the time, even less expensive for some foods. Local, certified organic products at farmers markets are almost always competitively priced when compared to prices at retail stores.” (May, 2016; source with graphic: http://blogs.usda.gov/2016/05/
Farm Fresh RI markets accept cash, credit, debit, SNAP, WIC Fruit & Vegetable checks, and Senior vouchers. And in partnership with Wholesome Wave (wholesomewave.org), Farm Fresh RI provides Bonus Bucks—an additional 40% bonus for customers using EBT—to increase access to fresh fruits and veggies for low-income individuals receiving federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The following markets, managed by Farm Fresh Rhode Island, open in July.
BROAD STREET — 807 Broad St, Providence
July 1 to October 28
Saturdays, 8:00am – 11:30pm
DOWNTOWN PROVIDENCE — Kennedy Plaza
July 11 to October 31
Tuesdays, 3:00 – 6:00pm
CENTRAL FALLS — Garfield St Playground
July 5 to October 25
Wednesdays, 2:00 – 5:30pm
WEST WARWICK —Thundermist Health Center, 186 Providence St
July 6 to October 26
Thursdays, 3:00 – 6:00pm
SLATER PARK — 825 Armistice Blvd, Pawtucket
July 9 to October 29
Sundays 12:00 – 3:00pm
NEUTACONKANUT PARK — 675 Plainfield St, Providence
July 3 to October 30
Mondays, 3:00 – 6:00pm
And two other Farm Fresh RI markets are already underway!
ARMORY — Parade St at Hudson St, Providence
May 25 to October 26
Thursdays 3:30 – 7:00pm or dusk
WOONSOCKET — Thundermist Health Center, 450 Clinton St
Year-round (Moves outside July 5)
Tuesdays, 3:00 – 6:00pm
