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Assorted Dishes at Celeste
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News Bites: Grey Sail Brewing New Releases / Mystic Cocktail Classic Winners / Three from Newport Restaurant Group

by David Dadekian November 14, 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.


Grey Sail and its sister companies deck the halls with new releases, returning favorites

Rhode Island’s hometown brewery is celebrating 14 years of building community, crafting excellence and brewing cheer.

 Grey Sail Brewing and its sister companies, South County Distillers and Groton’s Outer Light Brewing Company, are toasting to the holiday season with a festive lineup of drinks perfect for any celebration. 

This year’s collection brings back fan-favorite brews and spirits that capture the flavor of the season — along with something brand new for beer lovers to toast in celebration of Grey Sail’s 14th anniversary. Paying tribute to their reputation of coastal craftsmanship, the trio of brands is offering a holiday lineup that’s made to share and brings together a cozy batch of drinks to round out the holiday table.

Perla Italian-Style Pilsner

For Grey Sail’s pearl anniversary, we’re leaning into Westerly’s Italian roots. Perla blends floral and malt flavors at the forefront with a smooth background and a refreshing finish, to thank you for being part of the Grey Sail family for 14 years.

Can Size: 12 oz.

Available In: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York
Kegnog Milkshake IPA

Creamy, dreamy, and full of cheer, Kegnog is our festive Milkshake IPA brewed with Amarillo hops, vanilla extract and a generous amount of lactose. It’s smooth, slightly sweet, and beautifully wrapped in a subtle hop presence – like a stocking stuffer for your taste buds.

Can Size: 16 oz.

Available In: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York
 Espresso Martini

We teamed up with our friends at Dave’s Coffee to bring you this classic cocktail. Using their Spray Rock roast, we whipped up a fresh batch of cold brewed espresso, blended it with our South County Vodka and finished with a touch of sugar for subtle sweetness.

Available In: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts

Limoncello

South County Limoncello is a refreshing lemon liqueur crafted in Westerly’s North End. We start with the finest lemons and zest them by hand. Enjoy this straight from the freezer, on the rocks, or added to your favorite vodka martini.

Available In: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts
Libation Propaganda

A creation like no other, Libation Propaganda, is back on the shelf. Blending our favorite two worlds, coffee and beer, this coffee stout combines locally roasted coffee beans and our stout base for a bold yet silky character.Can Size: 16 oz.

Available In: Connecticut, Rhode Island

Mystic Cocktail Classic Crowns Its 2025 Champion Justin Brody Wins for His Bajan Daydream

After a nationwide search that drew submissions from more than 25 states, the Mystic Cocktail Classic has crowned its 2025 champion: Justin Brody of Juniper Bar in Providence, RI, who secured the top honor with his rum-based cocktail, the Bajan Daydream.

The winning cocktail – Brody’s love letter to Barbados – is a daiquiri-inspired creation that layers The Real McCoy 5 Year Rum, falernum, and a house-made corncob & thyme syrup. With tropical spice, gentle barrel tannin, and notes of sweet corn and herbs, Bajan Daydream impressed industry judges and a lively crowd during the live finale on Monday night at Mystic’s Jealous Monk. Brody’s balance, creativity, and technical precision distinguished his drink in a competition known for its technique-driven approach and national reach.

The final showdown featured the top bartenders across the remaining categories: Breannah Carr (Whisk(e)y), Justin Brody (Liqueur) and Nikki Stein (Gin).

Brody now receives the grand prize: a trip for two to Barbados, including a private educational tour of Foursquare Distillery.

“It was an honor to have been able to champion rum in the first-ever Mystic Cocktail Classic with the Bajan Daydream,” said Brody. “Rum is my favorite spirit, and most folks don’t even realize how great it can be until they’ve tried some of the fine expressions that are out there.”

Three additional education awards were presented based on technique, creativity, and category excellence:

  • Veritable Distillery Education Award: Breannah Carr, Maude & the Monkey
  • Forthave Spirits Education Award: Justin Brody, Riviera Cove Swizzle
  • Trillium Spirits Education Award: Nikki Stein, Forager’s Martini

Bartenders and mixologists from across the country submitted entries in liqueur, gin, rum, and whisk(e)y categories. Entries were evaluated on originality, balance, technique, presentation, and storytelling by a panel of industry experts. From those submissions, 12 semifinalists were selected and advanced to a video presentation round before the top four were chosen for the live finale.

Presented by Veritable Distillery, the Mystic Cocktail Classic united some of the most respected voices in spirits for a weekend of conversation, competition, and coastal hospitality. The lineup included Sother Teague, Hannah Chamberlain, David Wondrich, Shannon Mustipher, Oscar Simoza Miszlai, and Dale DeGroff.

Events throughout the weekend included Spirited Dinners and panels at local restaurants, a book fair at the Mystic Noank Library, and guest bartending activations across town.


J.T. Commons Now Open in Middletown!

Newport Restaurant Group’s new pizza-focused restaurant replaces former Foodlove Market; offers expansive bar, al fresco dining and sharable classics

J.T. Commons
J.T. Commons

Newport Restaurant Group (NRG), an award-winning collection of unique restaurants and hospitality venues located throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts, is pleased to open the doors at J.T. Commons, sure to be the Island’s new favorite spot for unmatched pizza, sharable plates, and good conversation. The restaurant is open Monday – Thursday, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.; and Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.jtcommonsrestaurant.com. 

Named after J.T. O’Connell, legendary Newport business and community leader and founder of what is known today as Newport Restaurant Group, the new eatery offers a lively, approachable and expansive bar, comfortable dining room and al fresco seating, and a private room that seats up to 30 people. The restaurant also features a dedicated take-out section to grab pizza by the slice, sandwiches, desserts, and offerings from the restaurant’s soft-serve ice cream bar featuring house-made toppings.

Anchored by an original and exciting pizza program from Executive Chef Walter Slater, a classically trained chef with a passion for the art of pizza making who taught his time-honored technique to many of the most beloved pizza chefs in the state, J.T. Commons offers two distinct pizza styles: Roman-style with a crispy, airy crust made from Caputo Flour imported from Italy and Maine Grains Whole Wheat flour (think a combination of Neapolitan and New York style), and J.T.’s signature Focaccia pizza – a fan favorite and perfect for takeout. A delicious gluten-free crust is also made in-house with the same love and care. Chef Slater and his team cure the dough for 48 hours to ensure a delicious, airy, perfect bite. 

“We’re very excited for longtime Foodlove customers and new guests to experience J.T. Commons,” said Nicole Christie, Regional General Manager, Newport Restaurant Group. “This inspiration and vision for this restaurant is all about community – creating a space that everyone will enjoy. It’s the perfect spot for a great family meal on a busy school night, a stop for a sweet treat and slice after a baseball game, or to enjoy a burger and a beer at the bar.”

The menu features shareable apps like Roasted Chicken Wings with charred onions and white BBQ sauce; fried Spicy Shrimpwith sweet chili sauce and lime; buttermilk brined Crispy Chicken Bites and Grilled Focaccia Bruschetta with ricotta, feta, roasted grapes, red wine reduction, and pistachio. 

Roman-style pizzas can be ordered with traditional toppings as well as unique combinations like Hot Chick with pulled chicken, spicy sauce, red onions, pepperoncini, blue cheese, and mozzarella; Spicy Hawaiian topped with mozzarella, grilled pineapple, poblano mascarpone, jalapeno, mint, and speck; and the Chicken Bacon Ranch with pulled chicken, mozzarella, bacon, scallions, and buttermilk ranch.

J.T.’s signature Focaccia pizzas include Just Cheese: San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan; Pepperoni: San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, Parmesan, and pepperoni; Sausage, Peppers & Onions: San Marzano tomato, hot Italian sausage, sweet-pickled-peppers, caramelized onions, mozzarella, ricotta, and chili flakes; and the RI Red: signature red sauce and grated parmesan.

Entrees include Chicken & Fries: slow-roasted ½ or whole chicken with house-cut tallow fries, garlic aioli, and a choice of  red chimichurri or white BBQ sauce;  grilled Steak Frites with red chimichurri, house-cut fries, cucumber salad, and garlic aioli; Shrimp Cavatelli with roasted tomato pesto, spinach, peas, red pepper, Grana Padano; and Mac ‘n’ Cheese: cavatelli, Vermont cheddar sauce, and buttery crumbs with the choice to add pulled chicken or garlic shrimp.

Sandwiches include the Backyard Burger: grilled double patties topped with Cooper’s sharp American cheese, onion, pickle, lettuce, and aioli on a potato bun; Crispy Hot Chicken, buttermilk-brined and topped with pickles and crunchy slaw on a potato bun; Steak and Cheese with caramelized onions, mushrooms, and Cooper’s sharp American cheese on a seeded roll; and theB.L.A.T:  bacon, lettuce, avocado, and tomato jam on house made focaccia. A selection of inspired salads and soups are also available.

For a sweet ending, guests can enjoy a selection of house-made desserts including Chocolate Marshmallow Layer Cake, Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake, and a Warm Cookie Plate, as well as crafted, Soft Serve Ice Cream cones or sundaes made with J.T. Commons’ signature recipe and an array of house-made toppings like hot fudge, chili chocolate sauce, coffee caramel, black cherry,  maple walnuts, peanut brittle, birthday cake crumble, and key lime pie crumble.

Scout Cups offer a sweet treat for adults and feature Thin Mint®: chocolate and vanilla soft serve, Fernet Branca Mentha, Meletti Cioccolato, and OREO® crumbles; Savannah Smile: vanilla soft serve, lime curd, limoncello, vanilla bitters, raspberry bark; Tagalong®: chocolate soft serve, Left Hand peanut butter whisky float, peanut brittle; and the Samoa®: vanilla soft serve, RumChata coconut, Tia Maria, coffee caramel, and toasted coconut.

The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar Introduces New Coastal Dining Experience this Fall

New England seafood boils on the patio to be held in November & December; mid-week half-price raw bar returns

The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar, located on Sayer’s Wharf in Newport, RI, is pleased to announce a new off-season offering for the fall: the Mooring Seafood Boil, celebrating New England flavors, local catch, and seasonal traditions.  Events will be held on the South Patio on Thursdays, November 6th, November 13th, December 4th, and December 18th at 6:00 p.m. Space is limited; for more information and reservations, visit www.mooringrestaurant.com.

Each seafood boil will begin with welcome snacks served family-style, followed by a crisp cucumber salad.  The hearty plated seafood boil will feature lobster, local blue crab, mussels, clams, shrimp, chorizo, and seasonal vegetables, all simmered in a Narragansett beer broth.  The experience will be complemented by guests’ choice of two featured beverages, including selections from Narragansett Brewery, Pieropan Soave Classico, and Four Graces Pinot Noir, with a full beverage menu also available.

Half-price raw bar also returns for the season on Tuesday, October 28th. Guests can enjoy an ever-changing assortment of the freshest raw bar offerings for half-price all day every Tuesday and Wednesday, including Oysters, Clams, and Lobster Claws; Crudo: scallop, cucumber aguachile, kumquat, radish, sesame crudo; Shrimp Ceviche: salsa verde, habanero, avocado, lime, tortilla; Tuna Poke with sushi rice, ponzu, cucumber, miso, and pickled Fresno.  The offer is valid on dine-in only and excludes the Grand Shellfish Platter. Discount not available on holidays.

Celeste in Narragansett Featuring the Fruits of Local Farms with New Harvest Menus

Seasonal flavors highlighted in rotating menus through November 

Assorted Dishes at Celeste
Assorted Dishes at Celeste

Celeste, located at 15 Kingstown Road in Narragansett, Rhode Island, is pleased to announce a new series of a la carte harvest menus celebrating the freshest flavors of the season from local farms. To make reservations, please call 401-792-4333 or visit www.celesteri.com. 

Now through November, guests will enjoy small and large plates crafted by Chef Andy Gould and his culinary team and featuring seasonal ingredients from Kitchen Garden Farm (Sunderland, MA), Ward’s Berry Farm (Sharon, MA),  Greenview Farm (South Kingstown, RI), Narragansett Creamery (RI), Schartner Farm (Exeter, RI), Parcel of Paradise Farm (Charlestown, RI), Barden Family Farm (North Scituate, RI), Four Town Farm (Seekonk, MA), Cato’s Corner (Colchester, CT), and the Rhode Island Mushroom Company.

“This time of year is the most heralded when it comes to seasonal ingredients and cozy, hearty meals,” said Celeste Executive Chef Andy Gould.  “This rotating series of menus allows us to not only share the flavors of the local harvest in a special way, but also shine a light on the incredible farmers who work tirelessly to provide us with this bounty.”

The menu from October 20th through November 2nd will feature small plates including shaved Delicata & Radicchio Salad with hazelnut, goat cheese, and cider-thyme vinaigrette; House Gnocchi with rabe pesto, stracciatella, and walnut gremolata; and Autumn Squash Velouté with brown butter, hazelnut, and crème fraiche. Large plates will include cider-brined Blackbird Farms Pork Tenderloin with roasted squash farro, apple-mustard jus, and fennel radicchio salad and seared Karen Elizabeth Scallops with roasted delicata & potato, butternut puree, sauteed Swiss chard, and beurre blanc.

From November 3rd through November 16th, offerings will begin with small plates of Apple & Kohlrabi Salad with shaved fennel and anchovy-yogurt vinaigrette; spice-roasted Butternut & Pear with local honey & thyme and Cato’s Corner Bloomsday soubise; and Potato & Leek Soup, and large plates of pan-roasted Duck Breast with cranberry gastrique, parsnip puree and braised kale and Crab & Roasted Apple-stuffed Winter Flounder with braised Swiss chard, polenta, blood orange beurre blanc, and toasted almond.

The final two weeks of November, the 17th through the 30th, will feature small plates of Baked Gnocchi with parsnip cream, pecorino, black pepper, and house breadcrumbs; Roasted Rhode Island Mushroom Tart with butter-roasted leeks and Cato Corner dairyere; and spice-roasted Butternut & Pear with local honey & thyme and Cato’s Corner Bloomsday soubise. Large plates will feature Roasted Rhode Island Mushroom Tagliatelle with garlic, olive oil, and Parmigiano Reggiano; and Crab & Roasted Apple-stuffed Winter Flounder with braised Swiss chard, polenta, blood orange beurre blanc, and toasted almond.

November 14, 2025 0 comments
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ISCO's Li’l Rhody Pizza Strip, photo by Rachel Hulin
chefs & restaurantscookingnewswine & drinks

News Bites: ISCO Announces First-ever Pizza Strip Spirit / Ocean State Job Lot Program to Combat Food Insecurity / Over $1M in Grants to Support Local Food System / New March Menus at Avvio + Celeste

by David Dadekian March 11, 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.


ISCO Spirits Launches First-ever Pizza Strip Spirit
Li’l Rhody Pizza Strip—Because Life’s Too Short to Keep Your Cheese On

ISCO's Li’l Rhody Pizza Strip, photo by Rachel Hulin
ISCO’s Li’l Rhody Pizza Strip, photo by Rachel Hulin

ISCO Spirits announced the upcoming release of what is believed to be the first-ever pizza strip spirit, Li’l Rhody Pizza Strip. Paying homage to a beloved Rhode Island food, this specialty spirit is joyfully crafted from 100% organic wheat, real pizza strips from local spot Pizza J and spices from The Ocean State Pepper Company. 

This new spirit continues to tell the story of ISCO’s out-of-the-box approach to product development and authenticity. Almost five years after opening their doors, the distillery continues to be more innovative than ever. Lil Rhody Pizza Strip vodka joins their mainstay spirit line up of Ostreida Oyster Vodka, Seaflow Ocean Gin, Structural Vodka, Ornamental Gin, Blue Velvet Bourbon, Standard Bourbon, Patina Barrel Aged Gin and Gemma Crystal Vodka. They are also working on a pizza vodka that includes cheese for release later this year, for those that prefer a beverage based on a more widely-known style of pizza. 

“This project has been an absolute blast to work on,” said Manya Rubinstein, CEO of ISCO. “ISCO has two main interests: sustainable sourcing and making something that speaks creatively about where we come from. Li’l Rhody Pizza Strip does both: it uses organic wheat as its base and is a loving homage to the quirkiness and vivaciousness of our home state.” 

“The spirit opens with an herbaceous bouquet of oregano and marjoram, followed by flavors of bright garlic, rich tomato, fresh bread and savory Italian herbs that coax your palate towards a comforting and lightly herbal finish—basically, perfection!” said Co-Head Distiller Dan Neff. Co-Head Distiller Eric Olson agreed, adding that “it’s delicious in a martini, Bloody Mary or simply mixed with Coca Cola and a squeeze of lemon.” Early fans of the spirit have also created the “Italian Stallion” shot, which involves licking shredded cheese off your wrist, taking a shot of Li’l Rhody Pizza Strip, then quickly eating a pickled pepperoncini pepper.


Ocean State Job Lot Launches ‘Feed for Free’ Program to Combat Food Insecurity in Rhode Island

New initiative enables customers to donate food to area pantries at no cost

Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), the region’s premier discount retail chain with 159 stores across the Northeast, is proud to announce the launch of its Feed for Free program, an innovative food donation initiative designed to provide critical resources to area food pantries while rewarding customers for their generosity. Piloting in all Rhode Island stores beginning Monday, February 17, this new program builds on OSJL’s long-standing commitment to fighting food insecurity.

How It Works:

  • Customers can purchase $10.00 or more of food from specially marked Feed for Free displays at any OSJL store in Rhode Island.
  • They will receive a Crazy Deal® Gift Card equal to the value of their purchase.
  • Customers can then choose to donate the food to OSJL for distribution to area food pantries or keep the food for themselves.

“This program provides a simple way for customers to help their neighbors while getting rewarded for their generosity,” said Marc Perlman, Principal Owner and CEO, Ocean State Job Lot. “We donate millions of meals each year, and now, with the Feed for Freeprogram, our customers can take an active role in supporting their communities while enjoying the savings OSJL is known for.”

The Feed for Free program expands on OSJL’s successful Eat for Free initiative and reflects the company’s deep commitment to philanthropy and community engagement. OSJL has a long history of addressing food insecurity through its Three-Square Meals program, ongoing food pantry partnerships, and large-scale meal donations.

The Rhode Island pilot program will serve as a model for potential expansion to OSJL locations across the Northeast later this year.


Over $1M in Grants Awarded to Support RI’s Local Food System

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is announcing over $1M in Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) grant awards to four local food businesses and organizations. These projects support the development of RI Grown products and will support expanded capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally produced food products, including specialty crops, dairy, grains for consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry. DEM’s RFSI Grant Program is funded through American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide grants that directly support middle of the supply chain activities in RI’s local food system.

“I’m glad the state is distributing these federal RFSI funds that were made available under the Biden Administration to local projects that will strengthen the resilience in Rhode Island’s food system and create new revenue streams for small and mid-sized farmers and producers,” said Senator Jack Reed.“This federal investment will benefit food producers statewide and help get more fresh, Rhode Island-grown food and products to tables, grocery stores, and restaurants across the region and beyond.”

“Families in every corner of the state should have access to affordable, healthy food,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse.  “This federal funding will support our small businesses as they connect more Rhode Islanders with fresh products from local farmers and fishermen.”  

“This funding for Rhode Island’s food infrastructure is a win for local farmers and consumers. By strengthening our state’s food supply chain, we’re not only supporting small businesses but also ensuring that more locally grown food reaches Rhode Islanders,” said Representative Seth Magaziner. “I’m glad to see these federal dollars at work, and I’ll always fight to bring more of our tax dollars home to strengthen Rhode Island’s food supply and lower food costs.”

“At a time of rising prices — from eggs to produce and other grocery staples — it’s important that we bolster Rhode Island’s food supply chains and infrastructure,” said Representative Gabe Amo. “This funding will help support farmers in our state who rely on local markets to sell their products while also delivering fair wages for laborers and fair prices for consumers. I look forward to continuing to work as a delegation to bring these federal resources home to help bring down prices and put healthy on the table for families.”

“By helping local businesses and food producers gain access to improved infrastructure, the RFSI grants make Rhode Island’s local food system more resilient and inclusive,” said Governor Dan McKee. “The supply chain is at the heart of our local food system, and providing funding assistance for food infrastructure improvements allows Rhode Island’s vibrant food economy, food security, and supply chain resiliency to grow stronger.”

“Providing grants to local food businesses and producers is essential to DEM’s mission of fostering a more resilient, locally driven food system,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “These grants are a step forward in strengthening Rhode Island’s food security and supply chain resilience, supporting local food infrastructure, and promoting growth across the food economy, while enhancing access to fresh, locally sourced products for consumers.”  

The grant awardees are as follows:

  • Farm Fresh Rhode Island (FFRI), Providence.
    • Award amount: $193,463.
    • Project description: Through this project, the FFRI Food Hub will upgrade equipment, expand processing capabilities, and modernize IT systems to build resilience in the center of the supply chain and increase new market opportunities for RI and regional farmers with wholesale and institutional customers. In this scope of work, FFRI will pilot Rhody Red Sauce, a product that will incorporate locally grown food into a sauce for K-12 cafeterias. FFRI will also improve the Market Mobile Food Hub Technology system that updates and improves our overall systems for the sales, and aggregation and distribution of local food to institutions and wholesale customers.  
  • Southside Community Land Trust (SCLT), Cranston.
    • Award amount: $519,939.
    • Project description: SCLT will develop the Cranston Food Hub, a new facility at Urban Edge Farm that will streamline and expand SCLT’s capacity to aggregate, process, store, and distribute locally sourced and culturally familiar produce grown by the small-scale farms operated by historically underserved producers based in SCLT’s land access network in the Providence Metro Area.
  • Brandon Family Farm, West Kingston. 
    • Award amount: $101,670.
    • Project description: Real Food RI LLC D.B.A. Brandon Family Farm will make several upgrades and additions to a farm building that will allow it to aggregate and distribute over 75 tons of RI Grown produce every year to grocery stores across RI through a collective purchasing agreement between at least eight different farms.
  • The Hard-Pressed Cider Company, West Greenwich.
    • Award amount: $282,844.
    • Project description: The Hard-Pressed Cider Company will use RFSI grant funds to construct a new apple cider production facility on their farm. The production facility will focus on the aggregation of local RI apples to increase the ability to store, sort, wash, and process apples into apple cider, hard apple cider, and other apple food products while improving food and worker safety.

Future RFSI equipment only awards are currently under review by USDA. DEM will continue supply chain coordination initiatives that focus on business support and market development to support the impact of these RFSI awards on RI’s food system. DEM works across many fronts to benefit and strengthen RI’s green economy and to assist local farmers and fishers in growing their businesses. DEM also continues to make investments in critical infrastructure as well as provide farm incubation space to new farmers through its Urban Edge Farm and Snake Den Farm properties.

Rhode Island is home to a thriving young farmer network, with more than 1,000 farms. According to the recently published 2022 Census of Agriculture, Rhode Island has the highest percentage of beginning farmers in the country. Both the number of farms and total land in farms in RI grew from 2017 to 2022 according to the census data, demonstrating the increased support for local agriculture and food throughout the state. Supporting local agriculture benefits all Rhode Islanders, ensures our future food security, enhances our environment, and celebrates the state’s unique food cultures and landscape.


Avvio Ristorante Celebrates Italy with ‘A Taste of Sicily’ Prix Fixe Menu

Three-course, Limited-time Prix Fixe Menu Available for the Month of March

Avvio "Taste of Sicily" Menu
Avvio “Taste of Sicily” Menu

Avvio Ristorante, located at Garden City Center, 90 Hillside Road in Cranston, will celebrate the cuisine of Sicily with a special prix fixe menu for the month of March.

The three-course menu is available daily during dinner hours only. The cost is $42.00 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity, and is not available for take-out. For more information or to make reservations, visit www.avvioristorante.com. 

The menu begins with a choice of antipasti: Crudo, with fluke, orange, pistachio, fennel, Castelvetrano olive, and extra virgin olive oil or a Stuffed Sweet Pepper with focaccia stuffing, scamorza, hot Italian sausage, and bread crumb.

Entrée choices include a whole roasted Sea Bass with citrus, herb, and chicory salad; Pollo Agrodolce: tomato-olive braised chicken thighs, white wine, cannellini beans, oregano, parsley, and cous cous; and Gnocchi alla Norma with charred eggplant, tomato, basil, garlic, and ricotta salata.

Dessert choices are Pistachio Cannoli with sweet cream and chocolate chips or Blood Orange Sorbetto with candied mint.

Celeste in Narraganset Offers a Taste of Italy with Two-Course Prix Fixe Menu 

Celeste "Taste of Italy" Menu
Celeste “Taste of Italy” Menu

Celeste, located at 15 Kingstown Road in Narragansett, Rhode Island is pleased to announce its latest monthly prix fixe menu, a two-course meal that highlights the cuisine of Italy. The specialty menus are available Sunday through Thursday and are $30.00 per person, tax and gratuity excluded. To make reservations, please call 401-792-4333 or visit www.celesteri.com. 

Each month during the off-season, Celeste has highlighted the culinary delicacies of a new coastal European region, including France and Portugal.  Celeste’s menu this month will take guests on a tour of Italy with dishes inspired by Venice, Veneto, Rome, Tuscany, and Puglia. 

First-course choices include Beet Carpaccio (Venice) with whipped goat cheese, winter citrus, shaved chicories & fennel and hazelnut; Gnocchi (Veneto) with pancetta, brussel sprouts, Pecorino Romano and browned butter; or Bruschetta (Rome) with caramelized winter squash, Stracciatella, bitter greens, crumbled walnut and balsamic. 

Entrée selections include Chicken Cacciatore (Tuscany) with roasted local mushrooms and creamy polenta and Orecchiette con Salsiccia (Puglia) with shaved onion, braised rabe and Pecorino Romano.

March 11, 2025 0 comments
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Sarto Restaurant in Providence, Rhode Island
chefs & restaurantsnewswine & drinks

News Bites: Sarto Reopens in Providence / Blackstone Valley Culinary News / Finback Brewery Whale Watching Festival

by David Dadekian April 27, 2022
written by David Dadekian

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



Sarto Restaurant Opens With A Unique Approach To Italian Food In Providence

Sarto Restaurant in Providence, Rhode Island

One of Providence’s most celebrated restaurants, Sarto, located at 86 Dorrance St., has reopened. Winner of Wine Spectator’s 2021 Restaurant Award which honors the world’s best wine lists, Sarto is celebrating its long- awaited re-opening since closing due to COVID with a brand-new menu and a fresh take on “authentic” Italian. 

“In keeping with Italy’s authentic, old-world culinary traditions, we tried to approach our menu the same way an Italian chef opening a restaurant here in the US might,” states Sarto, Culinary Director, Gary Hatfield. 

“Sarto’s menu features dishes composed of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, that honor our region – but with a modern twist. 

Patrons can order a mix of regional Italian and New England inspired favorites like Zuppa di Vongole (clam soup) with sweet/spicy Italian sausage, potatoes, clams, baby kale, a touch of cream and served with house made focaccia bruschetta. For seafood lovers there is smoked mussel Cacio e Pepe made with local Atwells Gold Cheese and Cozze Al Diablo (locally sourced spicy mussels). Ragu d Coda di bue (Ragu of oxtail) which combines the rich flavor of braised oxtail and Italian sausage and 30-day aged bone in Ribeye served with Narragansett Bay Sea Salt broccolini, marble potatoes and Saba-Beef Jus are available for those seeking more substantial entrées. 

The dinner menu isn’t the only aspect of Sarto that is legendary. The space, which features an expansive bar, once housed an apothecary, money-to-loan business and later the Philip Wolfe Haberdasher, which inspired the name Sarto or tailor in Italian. There is also an open kitchen concept where patrons can enjoy the culinary team prepare Sarto’s menu items from scratch. 

In a whimsical nod to the restaurant’s roots, the drink menu features Big and Tall or higher alcohol drinks with bold flavors, Light and Layered drinks with lower alcohol and Petite non-alcoholic options. Beer and cider aficionados can enjoy High Limb Noble Series cider and other local draft brews.

“We’re thrilled to open our doors to new and loyal patrons again,” said Karsten Hart, COO for Sarto and parent company, G Hospitality. “We’ve been working hard during the pandemic to continue sourcing local foods and various ingredients to bring our guests the most innovative, delicious tasting dishes in the area,” he said.

Sarto Restaurant is open for dinner Wednesday – Sunday from 4pm-midnight. For more information, please call 401-270-0790 or visit www.sartoprovidence.com


Blackstone Valley Culinary News – April 26, 2022

Miller’s Tavern
48 School Street, Albion, RI  02802
401-353-0007
facebook.com/MillersCrossingRi/

Miller’s Tavern is open!  Stop in and welcome them to the Blackstone Valley.  Check out their menu:   Menu – page 1    Menu – page 2

Apothica
3 Dexter Street, Cumberland  02864
401-205-2063
Apothicaherbs.com

New Name!  Blackstone Herbs and Coffee at 3 Dexter Street (corner of Broad Street) in Cumberland is now Apothica.  Same great staff, friendly service and coffees, other beverages, herb shop, breakfast, lunch and dessert options – and 100% Vegan…just a new name that more accurately reflects what they offer.  Stop in and see what everyone has been talking about!

The Wright Scoop
Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery
200 Woonsocket Hill Road, North Smithfield, RI  02896
401-767-3014
wrightsdairyfarm.com

We’re all screaming for ice cream!   The Wright Scoop opens for the season on Thursday, May 5!   May hours in North Smithfield will be Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 9 pm and Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 9 pm.  Here are a few “sneak peeks” of the flavors they will be offering:   Sneak Peek #1.    Sneak Peek #2.  

Rhode Island Spirits
59 Blackstone Avenue, Pawtucket  02860
401-856-4111
Rhodeislandspirits.com

There is always something happening at Rhode Island Spirits!  Here is the event line-up through May:  

Friday, April 29, 6-8 pm – Cheese and Cocktail Pairing.  Enjoy a flight of three cocktails and cheeses (from Edgewood Cheese Shop) that pair with them.  Tickets

Sunday, May 8, 1 to 5 pm – Mother’s Day Cocktails and Allie’s Donuts.  Bring mom for some donuts and a Boozy Coffee, Bloody Mary or a Mimosa. 

Friday, May 20, 6-7:30 pm – Distillery Trivia.  Get your team together!  Join RI Spirit’s first Trivia event to compete for a prize – a bottle of your choice or a $25 gift certificate!

Sunday, May 22, 1-6 pm – Game Day.  There will be all kinds of games available to play or you can bring your own group and own game to play while enjoying your favorite cocktail.  

Thursday, May 26, 6-8 pm – RI Spirits will host the next program in RI Historical Society’s “Drink in the History” event.  There will be a presentation by the founder of the Providence Jewelry Museum, Peter DiChristofaro, who will offer insights into Rhodium’s namesake.  There will be original pieces of jewelry on display.  Guests will be treated to a mini-flight of their craft-made liquor and a Tom Collins cocktail.  Light, local culinary fare will also be available.  Tickets

Friday, May 27, 6-8 pm – Distillery Bingo.  It’s free to join in, but come early to guarantee yourself a table!  Bingo cards and daubers will be provided and prizes will include merchandise, free cocktails, bottles of your favorite spirits and more!

blackie’s
280 George Washington Hwy., Smithfield, RI  02917
401-231-4777
Eatatblackies.com

Have you always wanted to know about eating gluten-free?  Now is your chance to learn from the best at blackie’s!  The team at blackie’s will be hosting a gluten-free gathering as Chef Angie will serve tastings from blackie’s new spring/summer menu.  It’s on Wednesday, May 4 at 6 p.m.  Limited tickets are available, so don’t wait:  Tickets to b. g-free

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8.  Take Mom out to one of our great Blackstone Valley restaurants!  Here are a few suggestions:   

Andrew’s Bistro
3755 Mendon Road, Cumberland, RI  02864
401-658-1515
Andrewsbistro.com

They’ll be serving their full menu plus specials for Mother’s Day from 12 noon to 4 pm.  Call the number above for your reservations.   

Mapleville Farm
544 Victory Highway, Mapleville, RI  02839
401-568-0544
MaplevilleFarm.com

Mapleville Farm is hosting their Mother’s Day Tea and Garden Luncheon again this year.  You’ll enjoy elegant sandwiches, soup and salads along with delicious fresh scones and pastries and homemade jams.  Of course, there will be tea and it will all be served in a setting surrounded by beautiful flowers. MENU There will be two seatings on Mother’s Day – 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.   Call them or go online to make your reservations before they sell out!   


Finback Brewery Announces Whale Watching On May 21, 2022

Inaugural festival to feature over 50 acclaimed breweries, timed “Whale Sightings” releases of rare beers, VIP-exclusive stouts, access to new merch, and more

Finback Brewery Whale Watching Festival 2022

Finback Brewery is pleased to announce the inaugural Whale Watching festival on Saturday, May 21 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Tickets are now available for purchase at the link here: https://whalewatching-2022.eventbrite.com.

Finback’s highly anticipated entry into the world of beer festivals is more than two years in the making. The event was originally slated for the spring of 2020, but it had to be postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We were certainly disappointed that we did not get a chance to host our very first Whale Watching festival two years ago, but it gave us time to really think about how to offer a unique and engaging experience for our guests when it was finally safe to gather,” says co-founder Basil Lee. “We are thrilled to have some of the best breweries in the country participate, and look forward to throwing a well-run and successful event for the beer community, who have shown us tremendous support through everything.”

Whale Watching attendees can enjoy delicious beers from a roster of over 50 acclaimed and exciting brewers from around the country, many of which have never been offered in the Ocean State before, including 3 Sons Brewing Co. in Dania Beach, Florida; Other Half Brewing in Brooklyn, New York; 450 North Brewing Company in Columbus, Indiana; Great Notion Brewing in Portland, Oregon; Horus Aged Ales in Oceanside, California; and Burial Beer Co.in Asheville, North Carolina. Many of these producers will be in person to serve their works, offering guests an opportunity to socialize with some of the industry’s most innovative and creative minds. Entertainment from DJ Chris Maestro of New York City’s popular beer and vinyl bar, Bierwax, and a selection of Rhode Island-based food vendors such as Ming’s Asian Street Food, PVDonuts, and TrapBoxPVD will also be available.

In a playful nod to the world of elusive, limited-edition beers, Finback will tap select breweries to release super small quantities of rare brews at specific times throughout the afternoon, billing them as Whale Sightings. There will be no need for a pair of binoculars to catch a glimpse of these special drops, promises Kevin Stafford, co-founder and brewmaster: “Just keep your eyes on the clock and have an empty glass ready.”

As the festival date nears, Finback plans to partner with several Rhode Island counterparts, including Narragansett and Long Live Beerworks, on collaboration beers. Finback is headquartered in New York, with locations in Glendale, Queens, and Gowanus, Brooklyn, but both Lee and Stafford are originally from the New England region—the former being a native of Rhode Island. “It is deeply important to us to host Whale Watching in our hometown, a place that is so influential in our personal stories as well as the brewery story,” Lee says. “We hope to start a rich tradition with this festival that beer fans can look forward to for years to come.”

Whale Watching will take place outdoors at 249 Roosevelt Avenue, overlooking the Blackstone River, and run from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets cost $80 for General Admission and $180 for All Access, which includes early entry at 12:30 p.m., a special stemmed taster glass, and bottles of two limited-edition, barrel-aged imperial stouts created specifically for the event:

  • Whale Watching 2022: Banana Pie: Imperial stout with banana, vanilla, pudding, and ladyfingers, and aged in bourbon barrels
  • Whale Watching 2022: Coffee: Imperial stout with coffee syrup, coconut, caramel, and sea salt, and aged in bourbon barrels

For more information, please visit https://whalewatching-2022.eventbrite.com or follow us on Instagram (@finbackbrewery), Twitter (@finbackbrewery), and Facebook (facebook.com/finbackbrewery).

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Christine Arvanigian with her daughter Ani
chefs & restaurantsThe Show

Eat Drink RI The Show with guest Christine Arvanigian of Federal Hill Pizza

by David Dadekian May 20, 2020
written by David Dadekian

Season 1, Episode 9 of Eat Drink RI The Show, an interview series with guests from our local food & beverage community. In this episode, Eat Drink RI’s David Dadekian interviews Christine Arvanigian, co-owner of Federal Hill Pizza with her husband Billy Manzo, with locations in Warren, Providence and opening soon at T. F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Please check out the entire series page or view the playlist on YouTube.

Also available as an audio-only podcast below.

https://media.blubrry.com/eatdrinkritheshow/eatdrinkri.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/edri_the_show_s01e09.mp3

Podcast: Play in new window

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | Pandora | iHeartRadio | Podcast Index | Email | TuneIn | Deezer | Youtube Music | RSS | More

May 20, 2020 0 comments
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