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The Ocean State Coalition
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News Bites: RI DEM License for Direct Seafood Sales / Ocean State Coalition Letter to Diners / Delta Dental “Share a Smile” Restaurant Gift Card Campaign

by David Dadekian May 27, 2020
written by David Dadekian

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



New Temporary License Allows Commercial Fishermen To Sell Certain Types Of Seafood Directly To Consumers, Retailers

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

To help foster the continued viability of the Rhode Island commercial seafood industry during the COVID-19 public health crisis, the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has enacted a new, no-cost Direct Sale Dealer License. It authorizes commercial fishermen in Rhode Island to sell certain species of finfish, and to sell and transport for sale live lobsters and crabs, directly to consumers and licensed seafood retailers from the vessel on which they were harvested.

“There is a growing demand for local seafood during this critical time, and we’re fortunate that our commercial harvesters are able to meet the needs of residents with the abundant seafood resources available off our coast,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “Rhode Islanders can take pride in knowing that when they purchase fresh local seafood, at local retailers or right off the boat from harvesters, they are helping to keep a vital part of our economy – our commercial fishing and seafood industry – up and running.”

The new license, enacted via an emergency regulation filed on April 17, helps address the economic hardships facing the RI commercial fishing and seafood industry, as well as food insecurities facing many RI consumers, caused by the COVID-19 crisis. The new direct-sale opportunity supports the development of new, local supply chains for RI seafood. As an emergency regulation, the measure will remain in effect for up to 120 days.

DEM developed the emergency regulation in close collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH). It preserves the existing rules for molluscan shellfish and certain species of finfish that require special handling, which must continue to be sold by harvesters to licensed seafood wholesalers.

Under the new Direct Sale Dealer License, finfish species subject to direct sale include any legally harvested species, except striped bass, and except all “histamine-producing” finfish species, which are listed in the regulation.  For eligible species of finfish, the new license authorizes their dockside sale directly to consumers and licensed retail establishments, such as seafood markets and restaurants. Examples of eligible finfish species include: summer flounder, black sea bass, scup, tautog, monkfish, hake, haddock, cod, winter flounder, weakfish, dogfish, skate, and butterfish.

While dockside sales of live lobsters and crabs to consumers have been allowed for many years, and remain authorized under the existing dockside sales endorsement, the new Direct Sale Dealer License extends this opportunity to include dockside sales to retail establishments, as well as the transport and sale of live lobsters and crabs to consumers and retailers.

The new license is available, at no cost, to resident commercial fishermen in RI licensed to harvest finfish and/or crustaceans.  Upon obtaining the new license, fishermen may engage in direct sales, subject to several requirements governing harvest, handling, reporting, and sale activities. The requirements include:

  • All direct sales must strictly adhere to all applicable health and safety directives governing customer-facing food businesses, including social distancing, preventing customers from congregating at or near the point of sale, and the wearing of face coverings. Drive-up dockside sales are strongly encouraged – and required in Galilee.
  • All direct-sale activities must be conducted in a manner consistent with applicable municipal laws, as well as applicable regulations and polices governing port and marina operations.
  • Direct sales of finfish are applicable only to whole fish, fish that are headed/gutted, or live fish. Direct sales are applicable only to fish that have been caught/harvested the same day. While on board the vessel, all fish must be kept shaded, cooled, and/or on ice.
  • Lobsters and crabs must be kept shaded and cooled and must be alive at point of sale.
  • For all species subject to sale pursuant to the new Dealer License, strict reporting requirements must be met.  Harvester reports must be completed in full and be available for inspection prior to any species being sold. In addition, all sales must be reported to DEM in accordance with standard electronic dealer reporting requirements.

DEM had developed detailed guidance governing authorization and use of the new license, including best practices to keep fishermen, their crew, and their customers healthy and safe during direct-sale activities. The guidance is available here: http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/marine-fisheries/commercial-reporting.php

Applications for the new license may be submitted electronically, via this link: http://www.dem.ri.gov/directsales.

The emergency regulations are available here: https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/250-90-00-15

DEM advises everyone to follow guidance about COVID-19 from Governor Raimondo and RIDOH. More information about COVID-19 and Rhode Island’s response can be found here: https://health.ri.gov/diseases/ncov2019/


The Ocean State Coalition

To Our Guests,

On behalf of the hundreds of restaurants across the state of Rhode Island please let us begin by saying we deeply miss seeing you. Our daily lives have changed so much in the last two months since restaurants in our state were ordered closed for dining in. The restaurant business is not simply about the meal, wine or your favorite cocktail. It is more about romance, family, friendships, creating memories, and the ability to bring us all together as a community.

Restaurants support a tremendous amount of small, as well as large, businesses through our daily needs. Up to 90% of the money independent restaurants earn goes right back into our communities, through payroll, vendors, rent and many more services. We know how much our restaurants are loved in Rhode Island as we have the most restaurants per capita nationwide. We offer a diverse, vibrant and delicious culinary scene that has become world renowned.

The restaurant industry has been one of the most severely impacted by the closures related to Covid-19. We have done all that has been asked of us to help flatten the curve. Many of us are now doing all we can to get by while helping our team members and our community at the same time. Takeout, delivery, and outdoor seating with reduced capacities will not sustain us for long.

We are one of the most regulated industries for health standards and our goal has always been to exceed those standards for our guests. For this reason, we are asking you our guests to support us in our request for opening indoor dining by June 1, 2020. The very existence of what our restaurant community will look like depends on us being more creative than ever now. However, we must be allowed this opportunity to serve you to the best of our abilities within the new restrictions from the Department of Health.

All of us love what we do. The memories we have shared and created with all of you is the core of our being. We are ready to welcome you back in a safe, comfortable, enjoyable and delicious way.

Download the PDF of the letter and view the over 200 signed restaurants (this PDF will be updated as more restaurants sign on):

The Ocean State Coalition letter To Our Guests

Delta Dental of Rhode Island launches ‘Share a Smile’ campaign to spread positivity and support local restaurants

When we think about what makes us smile, a meal with family and friends at one of Rhode Island’s great local restaurants often tops the list. And while COVID-19 prevents us from doing that right now, Delta Dental of Rhode Island has launched a new way to support your favorite local restaurant and treat yourself and your family to something delicious.

The company’s new #Share a Smile campaign asks Rhode Islanders to share the names of restaurants that make them smile for a chance to win a $50 gift card to the Rhode Island restaurant of their choice. Here’s how to enter:

  • Go to the Delta Dental of Rhode Island Facebook page and look for the #Share a Smile post of the week. 
  • Comment on the post and tag your favorite Rhode Island restaurant

All commenters who tag a Rhode Island restaurant are entered into a random drawing for a $50 gift card to the restaurant they’ve tagged. Delta Dental will randomly select multiple winners each week during this campaign. In total, Delta Dental of Rhode Island’s efforts in 2020 will provide Rhode Island restaurants with more than $20,000 of support. 

“We’re so proud of the positivity we see throughout Rhode Island, and we developed this campaign to honor and encourage that positivity while supporting our local restaurants, who are critical to the state’s economy,” said Joseph R. Perroni, president and CEO of Delta Dental of Rhode Island. “For a company dedicated to supporting healthy smiles, encouraging people to share theirs and to share their love for local restaurants was a natural fit.”

“The Rhode Island business community benefits when we pull together to support each other, and we are excited to see all the creative ways that businesses are supporting each other to mitigate financial impacts of this crisis.,” Perroni said.

Learn more about the #Share a Smile campaign by visiting https://smile.deltadentalri.com. For a roundup of weekly winners, follow Delta Dental of Rhode Island on Facebook at @Delta Dental of RI.

May 27, 2020 0 comment
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Anna's Kitchen Shrubs International SIP Awards Competition
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News Bites: Anna’s Kitchen Shrubs Wins Awards / RI DEM and RI Food Policy Council Grants / Graze Burgers Patio and New Menu Items

by David Dadekian June 4, 2019
written by David Dadekian

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


Anna’s Kitchen Shrubs Win More Awards

Anna's Kitchen Shrubs International SIP Awards Competition

The results are in from the International SIP Awards Competition. There were almost 1000 entrants and Anna’s Kitchen Shrubs cleaned house. We won a total of SEVEN awards!

Each flavor won in the Taste Category

  • Strawberry Lemon Thyme – Platinum Taste
  • Apple Cider Ginger – Platinum Taste
  • Cranberry Mint – Double Gold Taste
  • Banana Turmeric – Gold Taste
  • Peach Jalapeno – Bronze Taste

Series Bottle Design – Silver

The SIP Bottle and Packaging Design Awards are conducted separately from tasting and recognizes successfully crafted designs that complement the spirit and appeal to the consumers’ aesthetic sense. Criteria for the design awards include creativity, originality, theme consistency and overall design.

Innovation Award

Last but not least Anna’s Kitchen Strawberry Lemon Thyme Shrub was awarded the Innovation Award! The Innovation Award applauds spirits with an interesting and unique taste profile or design. Consumer judges deem these spirits as innovative and groundbreaking by highlighting them with this exclusive recognition.


DEM and RI Food Policy Council Announce Nearly $100,000 In Grants To Strengthen Local Food Businesses

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

To accelerate growth of Rhode Island’s green economy, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), in partnership with the RI Food Policy Council, has awarded $95,949 in grants to 12 local agriculture and food businesses. The awards, funded under the Local Agriculture & Seafood Act (LASA) grant program, help new and existing small businesses and food initiatives take root and prosper in Rhode Island.

“We’re excited to award these grants to help farmers, fishers, and food businesses start or expand their operations in Rhode Island,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “LASA continues to be an important catalyst in growing a wide range of food and agricultural businesses across our state, and we look forward to celebrating the success of these outstanding initiatives.”

“Each 2019 LASA grant directly benefits and strengthens the local food system in Rhode Island,” said Nessa Richman, Network Director of the RI Food Policy Council. “This unique program helps us reach the ambitious but achievable goals set out in Relish Rhody, the state’s 5-year food strategy.”

Now in its sixth year, LASA has provided over $1.2 million – through grants up to $20,000 – to support the growth of Rhode Island’s local food economy. The state’s food scene is often cited as an area of economic strength ripe for innovation and growth. Already, the local food industry supports 60,000 jobs, and the state’s green industries account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy annually.

The 2019 LASA grant awards include:

BreenBain LLC, Foster, $5,250:
To purchase materials that will be used to construct a mobile produce cooler that can be towed by a pickup truck, keeping vegetables cool and extending their shelf life.

Endless Farm, Johnston, $6,676:
To build 10 energy-efficient, unheated caterpillar tunnels that will be used to produce a consistent, year-round supply of greens and herbs in a low-cost manner.

Chessawanock Island Oysters, Cranston, $16,647:
To implement an innovative oyster farming project that will reduce mortality and increase product desirability using a dual grow-out system and flip-bag technology.

Sweet and Salty Farm, Little Compton, $15,000:
To significantly increase production and sales of cheese and yogurt through the purchase and installation of an ice accumulator that can cool milk rapidly after pasteurization.

The Local Patch, Middletown, $3,087:
To build a walk-in cooler on a small, diversified market garden that will hold harvested produce in half of a 20-foot shipping container until sale.

Warren Cider Works Company, Warren, $15,640:
To increase production of unique, local hard ciders through purchase and installation of improved juice processing equipment.

Roots Farm, Tiverton, $4,725:
To increase productivity though the purchase and implementation of scale-appropriate tools for seeding, transplanting, and cultivation on a small-scale, intensively planted, non-mechanized farm that will help increase productivity, and to share this work with other RI growers through on-farm workshops.

Territorium Farms, North Smithfield, $3,379:
To increase production of local beer, wine, and beer-wine hybrids by installing additional trellises for additional hop and grape production for on-farm beverage production and raw product sales to local homebrewers, breweries, and vineyards.

Seaside Botanicals LLC, Foster, $600:
To create locally-grown herbal products through the purchase and installation of a steam distiller for making essential oils and hydrosols from Rhode Island-grown herbs.

Stony Lane Apiary, Exeter, $3,445:
To build a dedicated, free-standing honey house to process and sell honey and honeybee-related products, and to collaborate with and mentor other beekeepers.

Moonstone Mushrooms, Wakefield, $15,000:
To assist a small-scale mushroom grower to increase production of gourmet culinary and medicinal mushrooms through a move to a larger facility and purchase and installation of upgraded equipment.

Quaintly Farm, Providence, $6,500:
To increase the capacity and volume of produce grown by an urban farm through the purchase and installation of a walk-in cooler and storage shed, and to support the establishment of more farms owned and operated by African-American farmers in Rhode Island.

LASA is funded by the State. In 2019 State funds were supplemented with a $30,000 Senate Legislative Grant sponsored by Senator Susan Sosnowski.

DEM continues to work across many fronts to benefit and strengthen Rhode Island’s green economy and to assist local farmers and fishers in growing their businesses. There are more than 1,000 farms sprinkled across the state and Rhode Island is home to a thriving young farmer network. DEM 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. In addition to the above grant awards, $20,000 is directed to DEM to support the state’s local seafood campaign, RI Seafood, and the promotion of local dairy products.


Graze Burgers Opens Patio for the Season

Celebrate Summer with New Menu Items and Sunday Hours in Downtown Westerly

Graze Burgers Mushroom Swiss Burger
Graze Burgers Mushroom Swiss Burger

Graze Burgers, located at 127 Granite Street in Westerly, is welcoming the warmer weather with the opening of its outdoor patio. Guests can enjoy Graze’s famous 100% grass-fed beef burgers, hand-cut fries, frozen custard shakes, beer, wine, and more in the sunshine or under the shade of an umbrella, right in downtown Westerly.  Graze will also be open on Sundays for the season, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.  For more information, please visit www.grazeri.com. 

In addition, Graze has added three specialty burgers to its menu.  The new burgers are the Mushroom Swiss Burger topped with melted Swiss cheese and sautéed Crimini mushrooms; the Avocado Burger with fresh avocado, ripe tomato and leafy mixed greens; and the Breakfast Burger topped with crispy bacon, an over-easy fried egg, and American cheese.  All start with a quarter pound of 100% grass-fed beef and are served on a brioche bun or in a lettuce pocket. 

For a sweet ending, guests can try the new Cinna-Bomb, a toasted cinnamon cereal-infused soft serve ice cream sundae topped with toasted cinnamon cereal crunchies.

“There’s a lot going on at Graze Burgers, and we are absolutely thrilled to share our delicious, new menu items with our loyal and new customers,” said Kevin Bowdler, Co-Owner, Graze Burgers. “With the opening of our patio and our expanded summer hours, we’re looking forward to making connections with even more members of the community and sharing the benefits of eating locally-sourced, 100% grass-fed beef.”

June 4, 2019 0 comment
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Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co. Maple Finished Bourbon Whiskey
farmsnewswine & drinks

News Bites: Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Wins Award / Truck Stop to benefit the RI Community Food Bank Fundraising / Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Grants

by David Dadekian May 9, 2019
written by David Dadekian

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


Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Wins Gold at World Whiskies Awards

The Rhode Island Distillery Earned Gold For Its Limited Release Maple Finished Bourbon Whiskey

Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co. Maple Finished Bourbon Whiskey

Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits took home a Gold medal in the American Flavored Whiskey category for their limited-edition Maple Finished Bourbon Whiskey. This continues Sons of Liberty’s title as New England’s most awarded distillery and marks the 9th award received from the prestigious Whisky Magazine’s World Whiskies Awards since 2014.
Sons of Liberty’s Maple Finished Bourbon Whiskey was a limited release in the Fall of 2017, but there are plans to do another, larger release in the future. Starting with their standard Bourbon Whiskey, distilled from 100% Rhode Island grown corn and aged in new American Oak barrels, they finish the whiskey for an additional 10 months in barrels that were used to age maple syrup.

“Finishing the whiskey this way, instead of just adding maple syrup, allowed us to incorporate a subtle maple flavor that did not ruin the integrity of the whiskey, rather just enhanced its overall complexity,” said Sons of Liberty founder Mike Reppucci.

Single Barrel Cellar (Wakefield, MA) focuses on the production of small batch barrel-aged artisanal goods. One of their products, a barrel aged maple syrup, was aged in Sons of Liberty’s ex-Bourbon barrels. When complete, Sons of Liberty takes those barrels back to use in finishing their Bourbon Whiskey. Brad Coyle, Single Barrel Cellar co-founder said of the whiskey, “We were blown away with how smooth and clean the whiskey turned out. We really liked how the maple didn’t overpower the whiskey but complemented it. We were extremely honored to be part of creating an award-winning whiskey with Sons of Liberty.”

Sons of Liberty continues to distribute their standard offerings, most notably their Uprising and Battle Cry Single Malts, but their limited release products have been garnering increasing recognition. “We like to play,” said Reppucci. “It’s fun to introduce new iterations and styles of products and see how the market responds to them. It’s a great test to see if we should make a limited product more widely available.”


Truck Stop Benefit Raises $150,000 for RI Community Food Bank

More than 600 people attended the event featuring gourmet tastings from 23 local food trucks.

Eat Drink RI Festival 2018 Truck Stop, photo by David Dadekian
Eat Drink RI Festival 2018 Truck Stop, photo by David Dadekian

Last Friday ‘s Truck Stop event at the Rhode Island Food Bank raised more than $150,000 to support the Food Bank’s ongoing efforts to feed hungry Rhode Islanders.

“We are so thankful to our generous sponsors and guests who helped us raise funds to feed our neighbors in need of food assistance across the state,” said Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff. “Every year, the community comes together in an amazing way to support this event.” 

For the sixth year, the Food Bank’s event featured gourmet food trucks as part of the weekend’s Eat Drink RI Festival which showcases local chefs, restaurants and food entrepreneurs. 

More than 600 guests attended including Governor Gina Raimondo with First Gentleman Andy Moffit and Senator Jack Reed. 

Participating vendors included:  Bon Me, Citizen Wing, Ellie’s Bakery, Food 4 Good, Friskie Fries, Fugo, Gastros, Gilded Tomato, Gotta Q, Hometown Poké, Incred-A-Bowl, Like No Udder, Mijos Tacos, Ming’s Asian Street Food, Noble Knots, Open Season, Portu-Galo, Presto Strange O, Red’s, RI Community Food Bank Community Kitchen, Rhody Roots, Rocket Fine Street Food and Sarcastic Sweets. Beverages were provided by Jonathan Edwards Winery, Revival Brewing Company, and Yacht Club Soda. Live music was performed by Superchief Trio. 

Once again the event was sponsored by Stop & Shop along with IGT, Collette, Washington Trust, Webster Bank and many other generous donors.

For more information on the Food Bank, visit www.rifoodbank.org


Raimondo, DEM, Partners Announce Over $210,000 In Grants to Local Food Businesses

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM), along with its partners, today awarded over $210,000 to 21 local food businesses as part of its annual Agriculture “Ag” Day celebration at the State House.  The awards, funded under the Local Agriculture & Seafood Act (LASA) grant program, help new and existing small businesses and food initiatives prosper in Rhode Island.

“Agriculture Day shines a bright light on Rhode Island’s vibrant food scene and rich agricultural and fishing heritage,” said Governor Gina Raimondo. “Today’s Local Agriculture and Seafood Act grants will help nurture new food ventures and grow our state’s green economy.  I congratulate all grant recipients and look forward to celebrating the success of these outstanding initiatives.” 

Now in its fifth year, LASA has provided over $1.1 million – through grants up to $20,000 – to support growth of Rhode Island’s local food economy.  The state’s food scene is often cited as an area of economic strength ripe for innovation and growth. Already, the local food industry supports 60,000 jobs, and the state’s green industries account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy annually.   

“I’m thrilled to award these grants to help farmers, fishers and food businesses start or expand their operations in Rhode Island,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “Our state has a vibrant food scene and rich agricultural and fishing heritage, and I look forward to the initiatives and businesses this latest grant round will help inspire.”      

“The LASA program has inspired Rhode Island’s agriculture and seafood businesses to innovate and grow,” said Nessa Richman, Network Director for the RI Food Policy Council. “Results from the first comprehensive evaluation of the program show impacts in terms of new product, new markets, increased sales, jobs created, and more that exceed expectations. Funds like this are a key part of the infrastructure for a local food economy.” 

The 2018 LASA grant awards include: 

African Alliance of RI, Providence/Johnston, $15,140: 

To support community garden/farm efforts though purchase of equipment/supplies and a part-time farm manager

Carl Berg, Little Compton, $5,500:

To improve aquaculture production and markets for Sakonnet-grown shellfish

Ester & Joel Bishop, Tiverton, $7,000:

To purchase a mobile processing unit for poultry

Blackstone Bees, LLC, Smithfield, $10,000:

To create a new, sizeable apiary

Deep Roots Farm, Chepachet, $5,794:

To purchase two grain bins to hold chicken and pig feed, bulk feeders, and equipment to move grain around the farm

Eating with the Ecosystem, Statewide, $12,000:

To support outreach and marketing of local seafood

Garman Farm, Newport, $6,150:

To construct a wood-framed shed for equipment storage/wash-and-pack line

Herb & Forage LLC, North Kingstown, $8,086:

To construct a facility for safe washing and storage

Hope’s Harvest RI, Statewide, $9,000:

To support farmer participation in farm gleaning project

Robert F.D. Payne, Exeter, $18,200:

To provide seed money for the South County Sustainable Tool Library

Rachel Playe, Providence, $12,825:

To build a drying shed for medicinal herbs

Rhode Island Land Access Work Group, Statewide, $18,000:

To support the organization’s farm succession school and farm match program, and produce three RI farm “success stories”

Joel Russell, Hopkinton, $7,000:

For contracted labor to design and install a public water system on the farm property

Sanctuary Herbs of Providence, Providence, $6,500:

For purchase of a tea-bagging machine to help further develop market for local tea in Rhode Island while working with refugee farmers

Skinny Dip Farm, Little Compton, $9,982:

To purchase a walk-in cooler, thermometer, and hydrometer

Sweet Pea Farm, Charlestown, $6,115:

To construct a wash station and a walk-in cooler

Urban Greens Food Co-op, Providence, $19,500:

To support development of kitchen to help increase capacity for processing and use of local ingredients

Samantha Vallone & William Morin, Chepachet, $6,025:

To construct a wash-and-pack station and expand cold storage capacity

Westbay Community Action/Westbay Farm, Warwick, $12,200:

To build a root cellar to expand capacity of community farm

Nathaniel Wood & Adam Graffunder, Johnston, $6,940:

For purchase of farming equipment to increase the efficiency of the no-till, bio-intensive farming operation at Snake Den Farm

Young Farmer Network, Statewide, $11,140:

To support education programming and network development for young farmers in Rhode Island

In partnership with the Rhode Island Food Policy Council, LASA is funded by the state with generous support from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, the Henry P. Kendall Foundation, and the Rhode Island Foundation. In addition to the above grant awards, $20,000 is directed to DEM and the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative to support the state’s local seafood campaign, RI Seafood.  Local seafood is poised to spur the next wave of food-based economic growth.  Last year, more than 100 million pounds of seafood arrived at a local port, with an export value over $1 billion.

May 9, 2019 0 comment
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Newport Vineyards Puerto Rico Fundraiser
chefs & restaurantsnewswine & drinks

News Bites: Newport Vineyards for Puerto Rico / Bon Me Opens / Hope & Main App / Rhode Island Quahog Week

by David Dadekian May 8, 2019
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 Vineyards Cultivate Committee Raises over $8,000 For Puerto Rico Recovery Efforts

Newport Vineyards Puerto Rico Fundraiser. Photo by Marianne Lee Photography.
Newport Vineyards Puerto Rico Fundraiser. Photo by Marianne Lee Photography.

Newport Vineyards, an award winning winery located in beautiful Middletown, RI, raised over $8,000 for Puerto Rico recovery efforts via their Una Noche Para Puerto Rico event put on by the Cultivate Committee. Born out of the passion of Newport Vineyards employees who have immediate family and friends in Puerto Rico that have been devastated by the storms in 2017, over 200 guests were welcomed to the event held on Friday, February 23, 2018.

The over $8,000 raised is being split between the Mark E. Curry Family Foundation – Cosa Nuestra’s Hurricane Relief Fund, who’s goal is to feed warm meals to those who are still in need and get small restaurants back on their feet. The organization will use 100% of funds raised to pay local restaurants and local chefs to produce meals that will be delivered to those in need. The funds will also go to help rebuild La Estación in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, the restaurant owned by Chef Kevin Roth, who is a long time friend of Newport Vineyards Executive Chef Andy Texeira.

Guest chef’s Chef Kevin Roth of La Estación in Puerto Rico, and Chef Giovanna Huyke of La Fabrica Central in Cambridge, MA joined Newport Vineyards Executive Chef Andy Texeira’s culinary team in creating truly authentic Puerto Rican fare including; Pork Pinchos, Matahambre and a Lechon Station. Maris Corujo, Newport Vineyards Event Manager, worked with Narciso Moreno, Sales Director of Puerto Rican Tourism Company, who helped procure jaw-dropping silent auction items including a grand prize trip to Puerto Rico that encompassed airfare, hotel and attraction vouchers. Silent auction, as well as food and beverage sponsors included; Don Q Rum, Goya, Foley Fish, Newport Storm/Thomas Tew Rum, Rail Explorers, ESJ Azul Hotel, TRYP by Wyndham, Courtyard Marriott Miramar, The Water Club Hotel, JetBlue. The night was a celebration of Puerto Rican culture, and included dancing to the music of Robertico Y su Alebreke of Providence.

Founded by brothers John & Paul Nunes in 1995, Newport Vineyards is the largest grower of grapes in New England. The winery produces nearly 30,000 cases of estate-grown wine each year through sustainable farming methods on 75 acres of historically preserved farmland. Following a multi-million dollar renovation completed in 2015, the winery has become a culinary and wine destination offering multiple experiences including daily tours and tastings, 100% from scratch culinary programs at Brix Restaurant and The Vineyard Café, The Marketplace, seasonal live music, private events and year-round public activities.

The Newport Vineyards Cultivate Committee is a team of employees who strive to do good, give back and be green through volunteer, charitable and sustainable efforts.

Follow Newport Vineyards on Facebook @NewportVineyards, Twitter @NewportVines, and Instagram @NewportVines. For more details, please visit www.newportvineyards.com.


Introducing the Hope & Main App

Hope & Main app screenshot
Hope & Main app screenshot

Rhode Island’s first food business incubator is bringing its small businesses online with a virtual “Makers Market.”

Hope & Main has partnered with Providence-based food technology company Crave Food Systems to create its custom online marketplace – the Hope & Main app. The app will allow shoppers to discover new favorite makers, pre-order their desired items and select convenient pickup locations, all in support of Rhode Island’s local food economy.

The app will complement the suite of resources Hope & Main offers the food entrepreneurs who grow their businesses in the former school house on Main Street in Warren. Hope & Main provides a broad suite of technical support and industry resources to give members a distinct advantage in a competitive marketplace. Frequent community events, farmers markets and trade shows foster a robust variety of connections with both retail and wholesale consumers year-round. The app will amplify this approach, significantly boosting makers’ access to a range of customers otherwise unreachable.

“We are witnessing major disruption in the food industry, and Crave Food Systems is at the leading edge of the an important trend: shortening the supply chain in food retailing,” Lisa Raiola, founder and president of Hope & Main said. “Amazon is certainly the best example of this, but has offered no path for local producers. That is why we are so excited to partner with Crave Food Systems. This app puts the power of purchasing local directly into the hands of the consumer. No distributor or grocery store shelf necessary. We love that it will connect Hope & Main makers to the consumers who are seeking their products at farmers markets across the state.”

While offering eaters new access to a wide variety Rhode Island made goods, the Hope & Main app is also a powerful eCommerce tool to strengthen entrepreneur’s growing businesses, at no cost to them. To make business more sustainable for makers, the app charges no signup, transaction or credit card processing fees. It has the potential to directly strengthen Rhode Island’s food economy by making it more convenient for Rhode Islanders to buy local.

“Hope & Main has been the foundation for so many amazing food businesses in our state – and Crave Food System’s unique technology will help their members reach new customers and markets,” Sue AnderBois, director of food strategy for the State of Rhode Island, said. “Partnerships between food businesses like these are part of what makes Rhode Island’s food economy so vibrant and innovative.”

To get a taste of some of the best Rhode Island-made goods from the convenience of a mobile device, anyone can now download the Hope & Main app for iOS or Android.

About Hope & Main: Hope & Main is a nonprofit food business incubator on a mission to help local entrepreneurs jump-start early-stage food companies and food related businesses by providing low-cost, low-risk access to shared-use commercial kitchens and other industry-specific technical resources. Hope & Main’s goal is to help grow the local food economy by creating a community of support for food entrepreneurs and cultivating an environment where emerging culinary startups can test, create, scale and thrive.

About Crave Food Systems: Crave Food Systems Corporation (CFS), established in 2014, is a food technology company that brings eCommerce and marketing tools to farmers, fishermen, artisans and the local communities they serve. CFS believes the right technology can open the door to healthier food for all.


Bon Me Opens Food Truck in Providence

Miso-Braised Pulled Pork Rice Noodle Salad
Miso-Braised Pulled Pork Rice Noodle Salad

Bon Me, an award-winning Boston-based food-truck-and-restaurant company will start serving its Asian-inspired eats in Providence on March 14th. They will be bringing their food truck to Brown University starting Wednesday and to Kennedy Plaza on March 27th.

Bon Me’s menu features dishes with bold flavors, fresh vegetables, and housemade dressings. From their customizable menu, you can order a sandwich, rice bowl, or noodle salad with tasty proteins like spice-rubbed chicken or miso-braised pulled pork. They also have a full lineup of housemade drinks, including a special new drink that’s exclusive to their Providence food truck. To honor their new locale, they created the Dirty Chai in collaboration with Rhode Island-based New Harvest Coffee Roasters.

To celebrate their grand opening at Brown, Bon Me invites you to come out on Wednesday, March 14th from 11:30 am-2:30 pm for a free taste of their signature sandwich. They will be handing out half-portions of their take on the classic banh mi with your choice of Chinese barbecue pork or roasted paprika tofu.

For their grand opening at Kennedy Plaza on March 27th 11 am-2 pm, the socially conscious food truck will partner with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Customers will be encouraged to “pay what you want” and all proceeds will be donated to the non-profit, which works “to improve the quality of life for all Rhode Islanders by advancing solutions to the problem of hunger”.

Following the grand openings, you can find the bright yellow truck slinging sandwiches on Waterman Street by Brown University on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:30 am-2:30 pm and at Kennedy Plaza on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am-2 pm.


Rhode Island Kicks Off Third Annual Quahog Week on March 26

Quahog Week 2018
Quahog Week 2018

Governor Raimondo – along with Senator Jack Reed, Congressman Jim Langevin, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and other partners – will kick off the 3rd Annual Rhode Island Quahog Week with a special launch event at Save The Bay in Providence on Monday. Quahog Week, which runs March 26 to April 1, highlights the importance of Rhode Island’s wild shellfish harvest to the state’s history, traditions, and economy.

WHERE:
Save The Bay
100 Save The Bay Drive
Providence, Rhode Island

WHEN:
Monday, March 26, 2018
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

At the launch event, local shellfishermen will be on hand to educate guests about their profession. Guests will also enjoy a raw bar courtesy of the Rhode Island Shellfisherman’s Association, and creative preparations of the quahog, courtesy of participating local restaurants including Easy Entertaining, Eli’s Kitchen, Matunuck Oyster Bar, and Nicks On Broadway. Beverages will be provided by Rhode Island’s own Yacht Club Soda.

Rhode Island is known for its food and diverse food cultures. Our booming local food sector supports more than 60,000 jobs and continues to attract and inspire the imagination of entrepreneurs and innovators. The local fishing industry has been, and continues to be, a vital part of the equation. The commercial industry, which includes both wild harvest and aquaculture operations, generates close to $200 million in annual sales, supports nearly 7,000 jobs, and generates about $150 million in annual income. Last year, more than 22 million quahogs (off-the-boat value of $5 million) were harvested from Narragansett Bay and local coastal waters. To support continued industry growth, the state, along with its partners, developed the RI Seafood brand to uniquely identify local seafood in the marketplace and to provide a brand under which local seafood events and activities can take place.

As part of the week, participating restaurants and markets will feature quahog-inspired menu items and deals. Among the special menu items are quahog carbonara at The Mooring in Newport; quahog bruchetta at Trio in Narragansett; littlenecks, clams casino, and littlenecks with chourico at Matunuck Oyster Bar in South Kingstown; quahogs over angel hair tossed in red or white sauce at Harmony Lodge in Harmony; New England clam chowder with quahog cakes at Federal Taphouse and Kitchen in Providence; and unique versions of stuffed quahogs at 22 Bowen’s in Newport, Gulf Stream Bar & Grille in Portsmouth, Hemenway’s in Providence, Providence Oyster Bar in Providence, 15 Point Road in Portsmouth, and Plouffe’s in Pawtucket.

Quahog Week partners include Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Brown University Dining Services, Dave’s Marketplace, Discover Newport, Eat Drink RI, Eating with the Ecosystem, Go Providence, Narragansett Bay Lobsters, RI Commerce, RI Department of Environmental Management, RI Shellfisherman’s Association, Save The Bay, and the University of Rhode Island.

For more information about Quahog Week and/or a list of participating restaurants and markets, visit www.seafoodri.com or @RISeafoodRocks on Facebook. Join the conversation in social media, using #QuahogWeek.

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