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StarChefs 2023 Coastal New England Rising Stars
chefs & restaurantsnewswine & drinks

News Bites: StarChefs Announces the 2023 Coastal New England Rising Stars / Hope & Main Hosts RI Pitch Room Competition

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

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

StarChefs Announces the 2023 Coastal New England Rising Stars and Rising Stars Restaurant Week

View photos of all the Rhode Island StarChefs 2023 Winners, and some of their work, in a slideshow following the story.

StarChefs, the restaurant industry magazine, announces its 2023 Coastal New England Rising Stars. To celebrate the new class, StarChefs will host a Rising Stars Restaurant Week from September 20 through October 4. The two-week campaign highlights the Rising Stars and gives guests the opportunity to experience the honorees’ signature dishes and drinks. The 2023 class includes 21 food and beverage professionals, recognized by StarChefs not only for their exceptional food and drinks, but also their ability to lead, inspire, and support their local communities.


The Rising Stars Award winners are designated by the StarChefs editorial team based on in-person tastings and interviews. In each market, the editorial team tastes and interviews with more than 100 chefs, pastry chefs, bartenders, sommeliers, restaurateurs, and artisans, ultimately selecting a group of 17 to 25 professionals who best represent the future of American hospitality. Although Rising Stars Awards are given out locally, award winners are evaluated according to a set of national standards. Creativity, ambition, presentation, philosophy, and, of course, delicious food and drink win an individual the designation of a StarChefs Rising Star. The 2023 Coastal New England Rising Stars will be the 83rd class of Rising Stars Award winners and the 2nd class from Coastal New England.


2023 StarChefs Coastal New England Rising Stars Award Winners

CHEFS
Jeremy Broucek of Bread & Friends | Portland, ME
Eric Brown of Thick Neck | Providence, RI
Valerie Goldman of The Honey Paw | Portland, ME
Luke Mersfelder of Bywater | Warren, RI
Nikhil Naiker of Nimki | Providence, RI
Manny Rojas of or, The Whale | Nantucket, MA
Basil Yu of Yagi Noodles | Newport, RI
Neil Zabriskie of REGARDS | Portland, ME

GAME CHANGER
Presented by S.Pellegrino
Celebrates a chef whose leadership is boldly advancing the restaurant industry, whether it’s through boundary-pushing cuisine, an innovative dining format, or a revolutionary business idea.
Scott LaChapelle of Pickerel | Providence, RI

RESTAURATEURS
Presented by Jade Range
Marisa Lewiecki and Jordan Rubin of Bar Futo and Mr. Tuna | Portland, ME
Taylor Oliver and Andrea Solimeo of Pizzeria Gemelle, Ventuno, and Via Mare | Nantucket, MA

COMMUNITY
Presented by Resy
Recognizes professionals who are deeply connected to the local culinary community, dedicate their time to community outreach, and are ultimately catalysts for involving members of the culinary community in important initiatives.
Robert Andreozzi of Pizza Marvin | Providence, RI
Cyle Reynolds of Crispy Gai | Portland, ME

CONCEPT
Nicholas Gillespie of Dune Brothers Seafood | Providence, RI

PASTRY CHEF
Presented by TCHO Chocolate
Georgia Macon of Twelve | Portland, ME

BARTENDERS
Presented by Beam Suntory
Arvid Brown of Room for Improvement | Portland, ME
Britt Simons of The Eddy | Providence, RI

SOMMELIERS
Bethany Caliaro of Gift Horse and Oberlin | Providence, RI
Kelsey Shaw of Bayberry Garden | Providence, RI

MENTOR
Presented by Vitamix Commercial
The 2023 class of Coastal New England Rising Stars anonymously voted on a Mentor Award winner. The award goes
to a chef who supports and inspires young restaurant professionals in their community, while nurturing talent with
generosity, skill, and vision.
Ben Sukle of Gift Horse and Oberlin | Providence, RI

STARCHEFS SUPPORTS
StarChefs is excited to partner with Singer M.Tucker and Chef Jake Rojas of Tallulah’s Taqueria to support
Amos House during Coastal New England Rising Stars Restaurant Week. Since 1976, Amos House has
been a staple of the Rhode Island nonprofit community, serving the homeless, unemployed, and those who
are living in poverty. For every Niman Ranch pork belly carnitas taco sold at Tallulah’s Taqueria during
Rising Stars Restaurant Week, StarChefs will donate $5 to Amos House.

ART OF PRESENTATION
In partnership with Steelite International, the award winners will have the opportunity to win the Rising Stars
Art of Presentation Award. This online content showcases the creativity and art of plating. The winner will
receive $5,000 toward Steelite International products of their choice. Voting will remain open to the public
through Monday, September 18th at 10 A.M. EST.

Rising Stars Supporters
Symrise, Steelite International, Vitamix Commercial, S.Pellegrino, Niman Ranch, Jade Range, TCHO
Chocolate, DemKota Ranch Beef, Singer M.Tucker, Corto Olive Co., Lumina Farms, Beam Suntory, Resy,
Vulcan, GoProvidence, Trentadue Winery, Amos House, Narragansett Brewery

  • Chef Eric Brown of Thick Neck
    Chef Eric Brown of Thick Neck
  • Thick Neck's Roasted Spaghetti Squash Salad, Burnt Pumpkin Seed Vinaigrette, Fermented Squash, Parsley Powder
    Thick Neck’s Roasted Spaghetti Squash Salad, Burnt Pumpkin Seed Vinaigrette, Fermented Squash, Parsley Powder
  • Chef Luke Mersfelder of Bywater
    Chef Luke Mersfelder of Bywater
  • Bywater's Crudo
    Bywater’s Crudo
  • Chef Nikhil Naiker of Nimki
    Chef Nikhil Naiker of Nimki
  • Nimki's Saina: Fried Spring Green-Lentil Roll, Spring Onion-Carrot Top Powder, Tamarind-Mint Chutney
    Nimki’s Saina: Fried Spring Green-Lentil Roll, Spring Onion-Carrot Top Powder, Tamarind-Mint Chutney
  • Chef Basil Yu of Yagi Noodles
    Chef Basil Yu of Yagi Noodles
  • Yagi Noodles's Tantanman: Sesame Soup, Beef Soboro, Peanuts, Red Cabbage, Edamame, Chile Crisp
    Yagi Noodles’s Tantanman: Sesame Soup, Beef Soboro, Peanuts, Red Cabbage, Edamame, Chile Crisp
  • Chef Scott LaChapelle of Pickerel
    Chef Scott LaChapelle of Pickerel
  • Pickerel's Littleneck Clam Shio Ramen, Hosaki Menma, Chashu Pork Shoulder and Belly
    Pickerel’s Littleneck Clam Shio Ramen, Hosaki Menma, Chashu Pork Shoulder and Belly
  • Chef Robert Andreozzi of Pizza Marvin
    Chef Robert Andreozzi of Pizza Marvin
  • Pizza Marvin's Chowdah Pie: Clams, Potato, Bacon, Herbs
    Pizza Marvin’s Chowdah Pie: Clams, Potato, Bacon, Herbs
  • Chef Nicholas Gillespie of Dune Brothers Seafood
    Chef Nicholas Gillespie of Dune Brothers Seafood
  • Dune Brothers Seafood's Whole Roasted Scup, Black Eyed Peas, Linguiça, Turnip, Peri Peri Mayonnaise, Molho Cru
    Dune Brothers Seafood’s Whole Roasted Scup, Black Eyed Peas, Linguiça, Turnip, Peri Peri Mayonnaise, Molho Cru
  • Bartender Britt Simons of The Eddy
    Bartender Britt Simons of The Eddy
  • The Eddy's Crushed Velvet: Orchard Fruit-Infused Gin, Dry Vermouth, Fino Sherry, Tonic Syrup, Lemon Peel
    The Eddy’s Crushed Velvet: Orchard Fruit-Infused Gin, Dry Vermouth, Fino Sherry, Tonic Syrup, Lemon Peel
  • Sommelier Bethany Caliaro of Gift Horse and Oberlin
    Sommelier Bethany Caliaro of Gift Horse and Oberlin
  • Oberlin's Pasta with Yoigokochi Sake
    Oberlin’s Pasta with Yoigokochi Sake
  • Sommelier Kelsey Shaw of Bayberry Garden
    Sommelier Kelsey Shaw of Bayberry Garden
  • Chef Ben Sukle of Gift Horse and Oberlin
    Chef Ben Sukle of Gift Horse and Oberlin

Photos courtesy of StarChefs

About StarChefs:
StarChefs has supported the restaurant industry since 1995 and serves as an essential resource for
restaurant professionals, as well as a backstage pass for food-savvy consumers. StarChefs’ original content
is driven by in-person tastings and interviews across the country, and its mission is to catalyze culinary
professionals’ success and give them the tools to overcome challenges. Through its Rising Stars Awards
and Rising Stars magazine, StarChefs has recognized up-and-coming industry professionals nationally
each year since 2003. Connect with StarChefs on Instagram and Facebook.

Hope & Main Teams up with Sam Adams Brewing the American Dream to Host RI Pitch Room Competition for Third Year in a Row

Come to the Schoolyard Market and Cheer On Your Favorite Local Food Businesses

2023 Munch Madness

During Wednesday’s Schoolyard Market, on September 13 from 5 to 8:00PM, Hope & Main will host the third annual Sam Adams Brewing the American Dream Pitch Room Competition where six local food companies will compete for $10,000 in prize winnings and the honor of being Rhode Island’s champion. 

It is all part of a six week-long Munch Madness Competition where Hope & Main members compete for the coveted prize from Sam Adams Brewing the American Dream.

Says Hope & Main Founder, Lisa Raiola, “We are proud to host the Pitch Room Competition. It is a little bit like Shark Tank meets Chopped in Rhode Island. It is such a great opportunity for exposure for our food-preneurs.  The event brings high visibility to Rhode Island’s vibrant, growing, and diverse food economy powered by small businesses.”

Sam Adams Brewing the American Dream supports local food and beverage entrepreneurs across the U.S. with access to capital, networks, and business coaching. 

The Pitch Room Competition will take place in front of a live panel of all-star judges including Jamie Coelho, the editor in chief of Rhode Island Monthly: Chef Sanjiv Dhar,  the Owner of Spice Kraft Inc, and RI Hospitality Association’s Restaurateur of the Year 2023; Jarvis Green, retired New England Patriots player, two-time Super Bowl Champion, and food-preneur; and Jennifer Glanville, Master Brewer for Sam Adams Boston Brewery.  Rhody food fans will hear six pitches from Hope & Main founders who were selected by popular vote in the first round of Munch Madness. 

2022 Munch Madness Winner Katie Potter of Newport Chowder Company, with her mother Muriel. Photo courtesy of Hope & Main.
2022 Munch Madness Winner Katie Potter of Newport Chowder Company, with her mother Muriel. Photo courtesy of Hope & Main.

The finalists competing for the coveted honor of being the inaugural RI Pitch Room Champion include:

  • Guetty Antiste, Empanada Assassin
  • Savannah Campbell, Caribe & Co
  • Ramon Hinds, Orisirisi Spice of Life
  • Amber Jackson, Black Leaf Tea Co.
  • Pin Minyvong, Pin’s Kytchen
  • Mariana Silva-Buck, Little Maven Lemonade

The Live Pitch Room Competition will take place during Hope & Main’s weekly Schoolyard Market. There will be many Hope & Main vendors offering local food and beverages, including craft cocktails and Sam Adams beer, all evening.

The two finalists from the Pitch Room Competition will go on to compete for the $10,000 cash prize at the Hope & Main Twilight Party on Saturday, September 23rd.  Party-goers will vote for their favorite business and the winner will be crowned that evening!

This year’s generous presenting sponsor for Hope & Main’s Munch Madness competition is BankNewport. 

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Newport Vineyards Executive Chef Andy Teixeira
chefs & restaurantsnews

News Bites: Local Hero Award at Newport Vineyards / Boat House Names New Executive Chef and GM / Newport Burger Bender 2020 Winners

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

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

A Hero Among Us

Executive Chef Andy Teixeira named Edible Rhody Local Hero

Newport Vineyards Executive Chef Andy Teixeira
Newport Vineyards Executive Chef Andy Teixeira

Newport Vineyards is pleased to announce that Executive Chef Andy Teixeira has been honored with Edible Rhody’s 2020 Local Hero Award. Each autumn since 2007, readers of award-winning Edible Rhody magazine have been invited to vote for their Local Heroes, as a way to honor the people who bring us our local food and drink. Readers vote for the chefs who feed us; the food artisans who create delicious local food products; the beverage artisans who craft unique beers, wines and spirits, the farmers who produce flavorful foods; the food, wine and retail stores that inspire us; and the nonprofits that effect change in our food community. Chef Andy won in their Chef/Restaurant category. 

“Local is who we are, it’s just what we do here at Newport Vineyards,” says Executive Chef Andy Teixeria. “The relationship with my farmers and all the work they put into the food is where it starts for us. We are constantly texting updates of produce, products, or just making each other smile; it’s a friendship really.”

“Operating three kitchens with a fully farm to table scratch culinary program, with such positivity and creativity is no small feat. Chef Andy is a hero amongst the Newport Vineyards family and we are thrilled that Edible Rhody readers have recognized that very deserving title as well,” John Nunes, Newport Vineyards Owner.

The Boat House Names Marissa Lo as Executive Chef and Louis Capodilupo as General Manager 

Boat House Executive Chef Marisa Lo
Boat House Executive Chef Marisa Lo

The Boat House, located at 227 Schooner Drive in North Tiverton, RI, is pleased to name Marissa Lo as executive chef. Chef Lo, a graduate of Johnson & Wales University and a Cranston resident, brings more than a decade of expertise working with local seafood to the restaurant.  

Chef Lo will lead the culinary direction of the seaside restaurant working alongside Director of Restaurants, Karsten Hart, to create inspired menus featuring coastal New England’s natural abundance of fresh seafood and local meats and produce. Prior to joining Boat House, Chef Lo spent the last nine years honing her skills as a chef and culinary leader at Legal Seafoods in Boston and at Legal C Bar in Dedham.

“We are so pleased to add Chef Lo to Newport Restaurant Group’s outstanding team of talented chefs,” said Karsten Hart, Director of Restaurants. “Since joining the Boat House team in November, she has made a noticeable impact on our kitchen culture and quality of our cuisine. I look forward to working with her to further elevate our guest experience.”

Boat House General Manager Lou Capodilupo
Boat House General Manager Lou Capodilupo

The Boat House, located at 227 Schooner Drive in North Tiverton, RI, is pleased to name Louis Capodilupo as general manager. Capodilupo, a graduate of Johnson & Wales University and a Rumford resident, brings more than 12 years of restaurant management to his new position.

“We are so pleased to promote Lou to general manager at the Boat House,” said Casey Riley, Chief Operating Officer, Newport Restaurant Group. “Since joining our team in 2018, he has proven to be a leader at one of our busiest restaurants in Newport and has risen to the challenge of elevating our guest experience in Tiverton.”

Capodilupo joined Newport Restaurant Group in 2018 as assistant general manager at The Mooring in Newport where he proved his leadership skills and deep commitment to hospitality at the busy waterfront restaurant. Prior to joining the company, Lou held management positions in many regional restaurants including Not Your Average Joe’s in Watertown, Norwell and Needham, MA; Bertucci in Wellesley, MA; and at Tavern in The Square in Burlington, MA.

Drumroll Please: Announcing the Winners of Newport Burger Bender 2020

A “traditional” burger and vegan burger take top honors while regional media pick their favorites and other top vote-getters earn savory superlatives.

Newport Burger Bender 2020
Newport Burger Bender 2020

The competition in this year’s Newport Burger Bender was stiff with a record-breaking 40 burgers representing 29 restaurants. But alas, the 10 days of tantalizing temptations have come to an end.

The Grill at Forty 1° North walks away with the award for the most votes in this year’s newly introduced non-beef burger category. “The Grill Vegan Burger” was comprised of a house-made chickpea, quinoa and roasted vegetable patty topped with marinated grilled red onion and vegan aioli, all served on a sea salt-dusted caraway roll.

Defending champion LaForge Casino Restaurant reigns supreme once again in the beef burger category for “The Wilbur,” an homage to Zuckerman’s famous pig from the children’s novel, “Charlotte’s Web.” The ½ Ib. special brisket-chuck-short rib blend burger was topped with Applewood smoked thick-cut bacon, Crown Royal Bourbon maple-braised pork belly, spicy Louisiana BBQ, apple cider-dijon spread, baby arugula, smoked gouda, aged white cheddar cheese, tomatoes and house made spicy pickles all served on a brioche roll.

Ten more burgers captured both hearts and palates alike. Local/regional media set out on a quest for the best while other top vote-getters have been recognized for their outstanding performance. 

Editor’s Picks:

Jamie Coelho, associate editor at Rhode Island Monthly and author of The Dish: “I loved all of the burgers I tried, from the buffalo chicken mac-and-cheese-croquette-topped burger at Newport Marriott’s Skiff Bar to Stoneacre’s simple burger that is a prime example of what a burger should be, but my very favorite burger of all was from Mission. I like that Mission put a twist on the traditional burger by adding some heat from jalapenos and pepper jack cheese, smokiness from roasted poblano peppers and bacon, and sweetness from dill pickles. Every bite was a combo of spicy, smoky, and sweet flavors with a mouthful of perfectly cooked, medium-rare, responsibly sourced beef patty. The sourdough bread, sliced in half, also held the whole thing together well so it didn’t become a goopy mess in my lap.”

Rachael Thatcher, food writer and digital producer at The Newport Daily News: “I have to go with the Homer Burger from Brix. While it was over the top and outrageous, that’s exactly what won me over. Every ingredient was well thought out and made in house, and the attention to detail when it came to each individual element made for the perfect end result. Not to mention it was simply fun to eat. When it comes to the Burger Bender, I feel like you have to go big or go home, and Chef Andy Texiera went big with this one.”

Wendy Logan, Newport This Week: “I’d have to say that Forty 1° North’s The Grill Vegan Burger was my favorite. It so beautifully represented the category, bursting with fresh bits of veggies but substantive via the red lentils, chickpeas and steel cut oats. It was seasoned to perfection and contrasted beautifully with the pickled salad side. Total texture-flavor bomb.”

Ryan Belmore, Publisher and Editor, What’s Up Newp & What’s Up Rhode Island and crew: “Surf Club’s California Burger wasn’t the biggest or boldest and it didn’t reinvent the wheel, however it was well-executed, nostalgic and simply put, wonderfully delicious! Among three of us from What’s Up Newp checking out burgers over the last 10 days, that was by far our favorite collectively.”

Class of 2020 Superlatives: 

  • Best on Four Wheels: Neapolitan Burger, Amano Pizza + Gelato (food truck)
  • Most Instagramable: The Homer Burger, Brix Restaurant at Newport Vineyards
  • Best Burger with a View: French Onion Burger, The Dining Room at Castle Hill Inn
  • Most Napkins Needed: Crispy Pancetta Burger, Jo’s American Bistro
  • Most Likely to Skip School: Ferris “Burger’s” Day Off, Saltwater at the Newport Harbor Hotel
  • Tallest Burger: Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Burger, Skiff Bar at the Newport Marriott
  • Cutest Couple: Salmon Sliders, Scales & Shells
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(left to right): Noah Metnick, Executive Chef, Waterman Grille; Andrew Schiff, Chief Executive Officer, Rhode Island Community Food Bank; Lisa Roth Blackman, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Rhode Island Community Food Bank; and Tobey Chase Sanborn, Senior General Manager, Hemenway’s
chefs & restaurantsnewswine & drinks

News Bites: Newport Restaurant Group Donates to RI Community Food Bank / LaForge Casino Wins Newport Burger Bender 2019 / World’s Fair Pop-Up

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

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

Newport Restaurant Group Donates $5,000 to Rhode Island Community Food Bank as Part of Holiday Gift Card Program

(left to right): Noah Metnick, Executive Chef, Waterman Grille; Andrew Schiff, Chief Executive Officer, Rhode Island Community Food Bank; Lisa Roth Blackman, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Rhode Island Community Food Bank; and Tobey Chase Sanborn, Senior General Manager, Hemenway’s
(left to right): Noah Metnick, Executive Chef, Waterman Grille; Andrew Schiff, Chief Executive Officer, Rhode Island Community Food Bank; Lisa Roth Blackman, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Rhode Island Community Food Bank; and Tobey Chase Sanborn, Senior General Manager, Hemenway’s

The Newport Restaurant Group (NRG), a collection of nine unique restaurant concepts throughout Rhode Island, recently presented the Rhode Island Community Food Bank with a $5,000 donation through its recent holiday gift-card program. Between November 14, 2018 and December 31, 2018, $1.00 from every gift card purchased was earmarked for the food bank. 

“We are so proud to support the Rhode Island Community Food Bank in its mission to feed those in need across the state,” said Casey Riley, COO, Newport Restaurant Group. “The work the organization does to build healthier and hunger-free communities is inspiring, and we are grateful to our loyal customers for helping to make this donation possible.” 

“We are extremely grateful to the Newport Restaurant Group and its customers for this generous and valuable donation,” said Rhode Island Community Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff. “We are excited to see the funds go toward feeding our less fortunate brothers and sisters throughout the state.”

LaForge Casino Restaurant’s Reign as Newport Burger Bender Champion Continues

The restaurant takes top honors for “The Winterburger,” the successful, savory sequel to their 2018 winning entry.

Newport Burger Bender 2019
Newport Burger Bender 2019

For the second year in a row, LaForge Casino Restaurant has taken top honors by winning the popular vote in the Newport Burger Bender contest. The Bellevue Avenue restaurant’s “Winterburger” was comprised of an 8 oz. ground brisket blend patty and topped with signature slow-braised short rib, baby arugula, cheddar and smoked bacon-cranberry jam on a toasted brioche bun. The burger garnered more than a quarter of the total votes cast.

In addition to the popular vote, there were two coveted superlatives up for grabs: Critic’s Choice and Creative Champion.

Jenna Pelletier, food writer at the Providence Journal, named The Mooring’s “Sweet N’ Spicy” burger her Critic’s Choice. “It was a very difficult decision, but I was ultimately won over by The Mooring’s version. The toppings, pepper jack cheese, pineapple jalapeño marmalade, Cajun bacon, and fried onion strings added flavor and texture in a creative way without overwhelming the star of the show – a perfectly cooked Brandt Farms beef patty,” said Pelletier. “It was a welcome surprise from a restaurant known for its seafood, and the Newport Harbor view, even in the frigid weather, didn’t hurt either.” 

Jamie Coelho, Associate Editor at Rhode Island Monthly and author of The Dish, the magazine’s popular newsletter, crowned the “Towering Inferno” burger at Chomp Kitchen & Drinks in Warren Creative Champion. “Not only were the toppings nostalgic and over-the-top (Andy Capp Hot Fries and deep-fried jalapeño and cheddar cream cheese bomb), but the patties themselves were unmatched,” said Coelho. “The mortadella pork patty had such a rich flavor and quality texture, and the dollop of guacamole gave me just enough reassurance that it was just a tiny bit healthy. Even the size of the burger was impressive with double patties and a steak knife sticking out of the top to help cut it down to a more manageable, burger-to-face size.” Though she could only choose one winner, Coelho noted that Mission’s mushroom patty melt with raclette cheese and sauce gribiche was extraordinary.

Newport Burger Bender is 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 located 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 was photographed and featured on DiscoverNewport.org.

World’s Fair Pop-Up in Downtown Providence

World’s Fair Gallery is pleased to present HOT HOUSE, a pop-up gallery and residency at 233 Westminster Street, Providence, Rhode Island. Welcome spring with a radiant collection of works on paper, paintings, and dimensional work by Providence based artists inspired by all things botanical.

HOT HOUSE will open on April 13th and close on June 9th with an opening reception on April 27th from 6 to 9pm. The gallery will host artist talks, print releases, workshops, and bimonthly salons with a Garden Bar by Little Bitte.

The gallery will host local artists in residency for the duration of the exhibition. Local printmaker, Lois Harada, will kick off the residency program for the month of April. Harada will complete a series of monotypes and create an evolving window installation of cut paper flora during her stay. The public is welcome to visit artists as they work during gallery hours. The complete event and residency schedule will be announced by World’s Fair on March 15.

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Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market
chefs & restaurantsnewswine & drinks

News Bites: Winner of 2018 Newport Burger Bender / March Madness at the Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market / Norey’s, Newport Named Great American Beer Bar

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

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

LaForge Casino Restaurant Sweeps the 2018 Newport Burger Bender

The winning restaurant, a Newport institution for more than half a century, wowed diners with The Crowley Burger.

Newport Burger Bender 2018

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.

March Madness at the Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market

Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers Market

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.

  • Every Saturday in March, 9a-1p – Scavenger Hunt through the Market!
  • March 3, 10a – Cooking Demo by Harvest Kitchen
  • March 10, 10:30a – Beer Tasting by Revival Brewing Company
  • March 17, 10a – Local Producers Spotlight by Hope & Main
  • March 24, 10a – Cooking and Ceramics Demo by the African Alliance of Rhode Island
  • March 31, 10a – Coffee Roasting Demos by the New Harvest Coffee Roasters

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 Named CraftBeer.com’s Great American Beer Bar in Rhode Island

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.”

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