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

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

by David Dadekian September 22, 2025
written by David Dadekian

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This year’s Thanksgiving Harvest Boxes will include:

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

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

Farm Fresh Rhode Island Thanksgiving Produce

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 22, 2025 0 comments
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chefs & restaurantsfarmsnews

Coming Sunday, October 14: 2012 Chefs Collaborative RI Farm Picnic

by David Dadekian September 10, 2012
written by David Dadekian

Nick's on Broadway's wood grill at the 2011 Picnic

Nick’s on Broadway’s wood grill at the 2011 Picnic

On Sunday, October 14, from 4 – 7 p.m., Chefs Collaborative, a non-profit organization that works with chefs and the greater food community to celebrate local foods and foster a more sustainable food supply, is collaborating with some of Rhode Island’s best “farm-to-fork” chefs to promote awareness of local and sustainable ingredients available in the Ocean State.

The event Co-Chairs, Chefs Derek Wagner of Nick’s on Broadway in Providence and Jake Rojas of Tallulah on Thames in Newport are teaming up with Chefs Matthew Gennuso of Chez Pascal, Mike McHugh of Julian’s, David Reynoso of Al Forno, Darius Salko of Tini, Matthew Varga of Gracie’s and Beau Vestal of New Rivers—all in Providence, Champe Speidel of Persimmon and Eli Dunn of The Beehive Café in Bristol, and Tyler Burnley of TSK (Thames Street Kitchen) in Newport to create a locally sourced, home-style barbecue-themed menu. Wine will be provided by local vintners Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth and Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington, Connecticut. Local breweries Grey Sail Brewing Company of Westerly and Revival Brewing Co. will be offering beer selections.

An Autumn Harvest will celebrate local and sustainable food at Schartner Farms in Exeter, Rhode Island. The fundraiser is to support Chefs Collaborative and to support the Rhode Island Chefs Collaborative Local, a group of chefs that network together to represent the state in culinary competitions, dinners and fundraisers, promoting Rhode Island as a “farm-to-fork” culinary destination. It will also aid Rhode Island chefs in working together with their communities to bring more awareness of buying local and sourcing sustainable products through dinners, events and programs at each chef’s restaurant.

“This is by far my favorite event of the year. An event that truly celebrates all of the things that we as cooks, chefs, farmers, artisans and food lovers are so passionate about, hand-crafted food and drink, the farm, the fall harvest in New England and our sense of community,” said R.I. Local co-leader Derek Wagner. “This is our 3rd year and it just keeps getting better and better. This is an event put on by chefs for chefs and gives us the opportunity to break bread with our friends and fellow food lovers in the most fun, sincere and beautiful setting possible: on the farm.”

“We are very pleased and excited to be working with such a wonderful and forward thinking group of chefs. Not only is the food coming out of Rhode Island delicious, but the chefs cooking for this event really strive to cultivate a vibrant, sustainable community,” said Chefs Collaborate Executive Director Melissa Kogut.”

Chefs Collaborative is a partner with the National Food Day, a nationwide celebration of and movement toward more healthy, affordable, and sustainable food culminating in a day of action on October 24 every year. The Rhode Island Farm Picnic embodies Food Day’s message of “Eat Real” and seeks to reinforce Food Day’s aim to bring us closer to a food system with “real food” that is produced with care for the environment, animals and the women and men who grow, harvest, and serve it. For more information about National Food Day, visit www.FoodDay.org.

The Rhode Island Farm Picnic is a perfect event for families and friends. Ticket holders are encouraged to bring a blanket for the picnic and enjoy the pristine beauty of the pond-side environs of Schartner Farms. The event is $55/adults, $25/children ages 8-18, children under 8 are free. Tickets include all the food and beverage offerings and can be purchased online at http://ri-bbq.eventbrite.com/.

Photos from last year’s event.

Panorama of the Schartner Farms site. Please click the image for a larger version.

Panorama of the Schartner Farms site. Please click the image for a larger version.

Gracie's Executive Chef Matthew Varga at his barbecue pit

Gracie’s Executive Chef Matthew Varga at his barbecue pit

A full Steamship Round (leg of beef) from Blackbird Farm on the Gracie's grill

A full Steamship Round (leg of beef) from Blackbird Farm on the Gracie’s grill

The Beehive's grilled pizza

The Beehive’s grilled pizza

September 10, 2012 0 comments
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cooking

BBQ Bonanza 2011 – Barbecued Beef Short Ribs

by David Dadekian September 9, 2011
written by David Dadekian

Blackbird Farm short ribs

Blackbird Farm short ribs

This summer my friend Jacqueline Church has been showcasing BBQ posts on her site from some really great chefs and writers. The focus has been on sustainability at the grill and a few weeks ago my post on Barbecued Beef Short Ribs was featured. Please check it out and I hope, like me, you learn a new way to prepare a cut of beef that’s definitely underused at the grill.

BBQ Bonanza 2011 – Barbecued Beef Short Ribs

September 9, 2011 0 comments
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chefs & restaurantsfarms

Chef Beau Vestal’s Outstanding in the Field Dinner at Westport Rivers Vineyard and Winery

by David Dadekian August 24, 2011
written by David Dadekian

Preparing for the dinner. From left to right: Tom Zippelli, Beau Vestal, Oliver Crawford (behind), Doug Higley

Preparing for the dinner. From left to right: Tom Zippelli, Beau Vestal, Oliver Crawford (behind), Doug Higley

Last Thursday evening, on a gorgeous summer night in Westport, Massachusetts, I had the joy of photographing New Rivers‘ Executive Chef Beau Vestal and his team as they prepared a dinner outdoors in a vineyard for 160 guests. This was the second year Vestal was invited to be part of the Outstanding in the Field tour (photos from last year can be seen here). The diners in Westport were treated to truly a bounty of Rhode Island and Massachusetts food and drink.

The produce, meat, seafood and dairy came from a number of local sources, including: Eva’s Garden in Dartmouth, Plum Point Oysters in North Kingstown, ‘Round the Bend Farm in South Dartmouth, Four Town Farm in Seekonk, Steve Ramos Organic Produce in Bristol, Narragansett Creamery in Providence, Barden Family Orchard in North Scituate, Schartner Farms in Exeter, The Good Earth Gardening Center in Cranston, Big Train Farm in Cranston, Yacht Club Bottling Works in North Providence and North Star Farm in Westport.

The beer was provided by local “gypsy” brewers Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project and the wine was all locally grown as well, produced by Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery where the dinner was held. Ultimately, from this invited observer’s point of view, it was a perfectly picturesque evening as you can see from this sampling of the many photos that were made.

Grilling Plum Point Oysters and 'Round the Bend Farm pork & wild foraged pine sausage

Grilling Plum Point Oysters and 'Round the Bend Farm pork & wild foraged pine sausage

'Round the Bend Farm pork & wild foraged pine sausage

'Round the Bend Farm pork & wild foraged pine sausage

Grilled Plum Point Oyster with a lemon and summer savory butter

Grilled Plum Point Oyster with a lemon and summer savory butter

Outstanding in the Field table is set along the Westport Rivers grape vineyard

Outstanding in the Field table is set along the Westport Rivers grape vineyard

Elizabeth LaMantia grilling 'Round the Bend Farm Tamworth pork loins

Elizabeth LaMantia grilling 'Round the Bend Farm Tamworth pork loins

Seasoning the grilled squash

Seasoning the grilled squash

Slicing heirloom tomatoes

Slicing heirloom tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes

Heirloom tomatoes

Slicing heirloom tomatoes

Slicing heirloom tomatoes

The guests are seated for dinner

The guests are seated for dinner

Smoked Rhody bluefish pâté, grilled garlic country bread, fried shallots and Eva's Garden flowers

Smoked Rhody bluefish pâté, grilled garlic country bread, fried shallots and Eva's Garden flowers

Cool salad of RI grains & Eva's Garden herbs and purslane with Narragansett Creamery yogurt tzatiki

Cool salad of RI grains & Eva's Garden herbs and purslane with Narragansett Creamery yogurt tzatiki

Heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, onions & Narragansett Creamy Salty Sea Feta

Heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, onions & Narragansett Creamy Salty Sea Feta

'Round the Bend Farm Tamworth pork loin, grilled and sliced

'Round the Bend Farm Tamworth pork loin, grilled and sliced

Vestal demonstrates how the meat course comes together

Vestal demonstrates how the meat course comes together

'Round the Bend Farm Tamworth pork loin, grilled squash & torpedo onion, tomatillo & charred corn chow chow

'Round the Bend Farm Tamworth pork loin, grilled squash & torpedo onion, tomatillo & charred corn chow chow

A section of the table from the vineyard looking west

A section of the table from the vineyard looking west

Guests through the grapes

Guests through the grapes

Blueberry

Blueberry

Plating tarragon & lavender shortcakes with lemon curd & Barden Orchard peaches

Plating tarragon & lavender shortcakes with lemon curd & Barden Orchard peaches

Back row (from left to right): Elizabeth LaMantia, Beau Vestal, Tom Zippelli, Oliver Crawford. Front row (from left to right): Christian Morales, Matt Blanchette, Doug Higley, Walter Aldana

Back row (from left to right): Elizabeth LaMantia, Beau Vestal, Tom Zippelli, Oliver Crawford. Front row (from left to right): Christian Morales, Matt Blanchette, Doug Higley, Walter Aldana

Outstanding in the Field

Outstanding in the Field

Elizabeth LaMantia & Beau Vestal catching a bite to eat at the end of the night

Elizabeth LaMantia & Beau Vestal catching a bite to eat at the end of the night

August 24, 2011 0 comments
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