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Joe Simone

Eat Drink RI Festival 2015 – April 30 through May 3

by David Dadekian March 12, 2015

Eat Drink RI Festival — April 30 through May 3
Fourth Annual All-Local Food and Drink Celebration Returns To Providence

Showcasing the best of the ever-expanding Rhode Island culinary scene, the fourth annual, all-local Eat Drink RI Festival returns Thursday, April 30^th through Sunday, May 3^rd. The Festival, sponsored by Daniele, Inc., will be held throughout Providence, a city which has received numerous accolades for it’s food, including being named among the best small cities for restaurants and dining in the world in Saveur magazine’s 2013 and 2014 Culinary Travel Awards, as well as being named the 2012 #1 Food City in the United States and the 2014 America’s Favorite City by Travel + Leisure readers.

“Over past few years, Rhode Island has seen our small farms and food and beverage manufacturers grow. Our local food and beverage entrepreneurial ventures have a big ripple effect on our economy, helping to attract and sustain jobs across our state,” said Governor Gina Raimondo. “I am proud to support the Eat Drink RI Festival, which highlights our amazing restaurants, breweries, vineyards, and thriving food industry.”

The Eat Drink RI Festival will feature a star-studded line-up of over 80 chefs, farmers, bartenders and producers including: StarChefs.com Rising Star Sustainability award winner Chef Derek Wagner of Nick’s on Broadway, Gold Medal Cheese Competition award-winning Narragansett Creamery, World Whiskies Award winner for Best Flavored Whiskey Sons of Liberty Spirits, multiple Good Food Award winner Daniele Inc., Blackbird Farm, Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard, Granny Squibb’s Iced Tea, Matunuck Oyster Bar, Revival Brewing Company and Rhody Fresh, among many others.

Festival highlights include:

Dinner by Dames photo by David Dadekian

THURSDAY, APRIL 30
Dinner by Dames to benefit AIDS Project RI – Casino at Roger Williams Park
This unique dining experience brings together five of Rhode Island’s most talented chefs for a multi-course dining event. Chefs Melissa Denmark of Gracie’s & Ellie’s Bakery, Jordan Goldsmith formerly of the Garden Grille, Maria Meza of El Rancho Grande, Kaitlyn Roberts of Easy Entertaining Inc., and Jessica Wood of Fire and Water Restaurant Group partner with local female farmers and food artisans to prepare signature dishes for dinner guests. Jen Ferreira, the East Coast Brand Ambassador for Lucas Bols, will lead a group of RI’s top female bartenders in creating cocktail pairings for each course.

Eat Drink RI Festival Truck Stop 2014 photo by Stacey Doyle Photography

FRIDAY, MAY 1
Truck Stop to Benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank – Alex and Ani City Center
The largest food truck event in Rhode Island returns in 2015! The Truck Stop showcases the excellence and variety of Rhode Island’s mobile restaurants while also benefitting an organization dedicated to ending hunger. Last Festival’s Truck Stop raised over $106,000 for the RI Food Bank. Live music will be performed by the Superchief Trio, featuring Keith Munslow and friends, who perform a repertoire of swing, New Orleans R&B, jump blues and boogie woogie. Some of this year’s participants include Acacia Café, Like No Udder, Mijos Tacos, Noble Knots, Rocket Fine Street Food and Tallulah, among many others.

“We are so excited for the Food Bank and Eat Drink RI to partner once again for this year’s Festival,” said Hugh Minor, Director of Communications for the RI Community Food Bank. “Our relationship continues to strengthen and grow as David Dadekian repeatedly seeks out new and exciting ways to work with us to address the issue of hunger in Rhode Island.”

Eat Drink RI Festival Grand Tasting 2014 photo by Stacey Doyle Photography

SATURDAY, MAY 2
Grand Tasting presented by Providence Monthly – Providence Biltmore Grand Ballroom
The Grand Tasting is a showcase of over forty local food, wine, beer and spirit exhibitors, as well as an abundance of local food artisans. During the Tasting there will be three Culinary Demonstrations featuring local chefs with farmers and producers at 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. Some of this year’s participants include American Mussel Harvesters, Bully Boy Distillers, a group of over 10 new culinary businesses via Hope & Main, Jonathan Edwards Winery, Narragansett Brewing Company, Olneyville NY System, RI Mushroom Company, Yacht Club Soda and many, many more.

Eat Drink RI Festival Grand Brunch 2014 photo by Brad Smith Photography

SUNDAY, MAY 3
Grand Brunch to benefit the RI Philharmonic Music School – Providence Biltmore Grand Ballroom
The Festival will come to a close with the Grand Brunch, prepared by some of the state’s best chefs and pastry chefs including: Chef Christopher Champagne of 84 Tavern on Canal, Martha Stewart Weddings baker Kelly Dull of north bakery, Mexican icon Maria Meza of El Rancho Grande, PBS’s The Chefs of Cucina Amore’s Joe Simone of Simone’s, baking maven Chef Jennifer Luxmoore of Sin, and more. In addition to the food, the Brunch features entertainment by jazz students from the Music School, a coffee bar by New Harvest Coffee Roasters, and a cocktail bar by Little Bitte Artisanal Cocktails.

Betty Ann Kearney, Director of Development for the RI Philharmonic said, “We were so pleased to partner with the Eat Drink RI Festival last year. The funds we received from the Festival are used to support our efforts to bring music education to every elementary school child (50,000 in all) in our region over the next 4 years. Through efforts like Eat Drink RI we were able to bring 11,000 children to the Vets Auditorium to play and sing with the RI Philharmonic Orchestra in 2014 and expect over 12,000 this year.”

For more information about the Eat Drink RI Festival or to purchase tickets, please visit eatdrinkri.com/festival, on Facebook at facebook.com/eatdrinkri.

March 12, 2015 0 comment

chefs & restaurants news wine & drinks

News Bites: Newport Restaurant Week 2015, Hemenway’s 30th Anniversary, Fatulli’s Bakery & Deli Re-Opens

by David Dadekian March 12, 2015

written by David Dadekian

Newport Restaurant Week 2015 Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.

Celebrate the Arrival of Spring During Newport Restaurant Week

More than 50 restaurants throughout Newport and Bristol counties will participate in the bi-annual event.

Say goodbye to southern New England’s snowiest five-week stretch on record by welcoming in the flavors of a new season. Newport Restaurant Week kicks off on the first day of spring, March 20, and continues through March 29, marking nine days of extraordinary three-course prix fixe lunch menus for $16 and three-course prix fixe dinner offerings for $35.

“After a long winter, Newport Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity for folks to come out of hibernation and experience the amazing culinary world we have in our own backyard,” said Joe Simone whose restaurant, Simone’s, opened in Warren this past fall. “We are thrilled to participate and excited to give new friends and old a taste of our Mediterranean style of cooking with a local twist.”

Restaurants throughout Newport and Bristol counties continue to post their finely tuned menus on DiscoverNewportRestaurantWeek.org in anticipation of the event. “It’s been a challenging few months for our restaurant industry, that’s for sure,” said Evan Smith, President and CEO of Discover Newport. “Newport Restaurant Week is the perfect cure for cabin fever and a chance to see what our local talent has been cooking up for the season ahead.”

Visit DiscoverNewportRestaurantWeek.org for additional information including food and wine related events, lodging packages and more. Our social networks will continue an up-to-the-minute conversation about the event and we encourage users to include #NPTRestaurantWeek for Newport Restaurant Week-related posts, images and Tweets to engage with other diners, restaurateurs and chefs.

Hemenway’s 30th Anniversary Bottled Moxie Manhattan

Hemenway’s Celebrates 30th Anniversary During the Month of April

Providence’s Premier Restaurant Offers Special Moxie Cocktail in Honor of Charles Hemenway

WHO: Hemenway’s Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar, part of the Newport Restaurant Group, is offering a unique and special cocktail for two in honor of their 30th anniversary.

WHAT: From April 16 through the end of the month, Hemenway’s, a Providence classic that boasts time-honored recipes and ocean-fresh seafood, is celebrating its 30th anniversary by offering a special Moxie Manhattan. This 30th Anniversary Bottled Moxie Manhattan is in honor of Charles Hemenway’s previous tenure as President of the Moxie Beverage Company. The refreshing cocktail serves two and is comprised of 3.5 oz Sons of Liberty Whiskey (South Kingstown, RI), 1 oz. Dry Vermouth, and 1.5 oz. Housemade Moxie Vermouth.

Charles Hemenway was a pioneer in entrepreneurial spirit with only a seventh-grade education. Destined for success, he became President of the Moxie Beverage Company, the New Haven Railroad, and the Varsity-Royale Record Company. This adventure-loving fellow with a passion for fishing and a knack for hospitality inspired his grandson, Edward P. Grace III, to found Hemenway’s. Charles’ spirit and enthusiasm still motivates the dedicated team to this day.

WHERE: Hemenway’s
121 South Main Street
Providence, RI 02903
401.351.8570
www.hemenwaysrestaurant.com

WHEN: 30th Anniversary Bottled Moxie Manhattan is available April 16 – April 30 on premise only. A photo and full recipe can be found here.

Fatulli’s Bakery & Deli Re-Opens as Part of Newport Vineyards Expansion

Now Open in Newly Renovated Space

Newport Vineyards is pleased to announce the addition of Fatulli’s Bakery & Deli to its family, as part of a multi-million dollar expansion to the winery. Remaining under the direction of Janet Fatulli and her team, the bakery and deli is now owned and operated by Newport Vineyards, and has reopened in their new space within the winery’s building. Nearly doubling in size, the new location boasts over 3500-square feet of indoor space, as well as 2000-square feet of outdoor seasonal seating, vaulted ceilings, views of the vineyard and a state of the art kitchen.

“We are very excited to welcome Fatulli’s to the Newport Vineyards family,” stated Newport Vineyards owner John Nunes. “Janet and her team have done a tremendous job developing their brand and creating a culinary destination for the local community and beyond. The team’s expertise will only enhance the wine and food experience of Newport Vineyards.”

Fatulli’s Bakery & Deli has become a stake in the local community, offering homemade soups, specialty salads, sandwiches, pies, pastries, cookies, as well as wedding cakes, prepared items, catering and more. Janet and her team will continue to serve the local community under the Newport Vineyards umbrella. The two businesses have been neighbors for 17 years.

In their 20th anniversary year, Newport Vineyards is completing a 30,000-square foot renovation and expansion. Phase one of the expansion has been completed and includes Fatulli’s Bakery & Deli’s new location, Brix Restaurant, a new fermentation tank room and barrel room, as well as an outdoor patio and seating. Slated for completion by the 2015 summer season, phase two of the renovation includes a new tasting room, three-season porch, second patio, marketplace and event venue.

March 12, 2015 0 comment

InactiveEat Drink RI Festival Grand Brunch — Sunday, May 3, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

by David Dadekian March 9, 2015

written by David Dadekian

There are no upcoming dates for this event.

Eat Drink RI Festival Grand Brunch 2014 Presented by The Savory Grape — a group of Rhode Island’s best chefs, bartenders and pastry chefs prepare a Festival closing brunch in the Grand Ballroom at the Providence Biltmore, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Rhode Island Philharmonic Foundations in Learning Exploration.

Participating restaurants & chefs include:

Ryan Beaudoin and Jeremy Ewing-Chow from Red Stripe, Providence & East Greenwich
Christopher Champagne from 84 Tavern on Canal, Westerly
Kelly Dull from north bakery, Providence
Andrea LaFazia from Elmwood Diner, Providence
Jennifer Luxmoore from Sin, Providence
Maria Meza from El Rancho Grande, Providence
Sara Reilly from Ellie’s Bakery, Providence
Kaitlyn Roberts from Easy Entertaining Inc., Providence
Colin Sepko from Julians, Providence
Joe Simone from Simone’s, Warren
Ben Wood from UMelt and Wildwood, Providence

Cocktails prepared by Little Bitte Artisanal Cocktails with spirits provided by Sons of Liberty Spirits Company

Coffee by New Harvest Coffee Roasters

Rhode Island Philharmonic musicians performing during the brunch will feature a jazz ensemble and include members of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Jazz Program.

Tickets are $75 and includes all food and beverage samplings offered, as well as a donation to the Rhode Island Philharmonic Foundations in Learning Exploration.

March 9, 2015 0 comment

chefs & restaurants news wine & drinks

News Bites: Simone’s, Julians and TequilaArt

by David Dadekian January 21, 2015

written by David Dadekian

Simone's

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

Simone’s Says ‘Good Day’ to Daytime Dining!

Chef Joe Simone Welcomes the New Year with Full Service; Return of Cooking Classes

Simone’s, located at 275 Child Street in Warren, RI, is thrilled to announce that it is officially open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner! For more information or to make a reservation, please call 401-247-1200 or visit www.simonesri.com.

“While this news might be a bit old for some, it feels so good to make an announcement to the world that we are finally 100% open,” said Joe Simone, Chef-Owner. “My brother John and I, along with our entire team, have been working tirelessly for more than a year to get to this point and we are so thrilled to finally start this new chapter.”

Simone’s has been slowly opening its doors since August, beginning with dinner service. Lunch was added in October, and in November, after much anticipation, breakfast and brunch returned.

“We are over the moon that this time has arrived,” continued Chef Joe. “We opened slowly so that we could refine our service and food as much as possible, and we have to thank our friends and family for allowing us to use them as guinea pigs. Now that our doors are wide open, we can’t wait to make new friends!”

Simone’s daytime menu is reminiscent of the former Sunnyside, Chef Joe’s first restaurant, and features breakfast favorites like the Mediterranean with wood-grilled bread, marinated tomatoes and two olive oil basted eggs; Jonah Crab Cakes with poached eggs and lemon Hollandaise; and the Dutch Baby: a baked pancake filled with seasonal fruit or ham & cheese. Lunch specialties include Fish Tacos with griddled local cod, slaw, avocado and house salsas; Simone’s Burger with Blackbird Farm sustainably-raised beef, caramelized onions, cheddar and bacon on housemade focaccia; and the Pizza-Salad: a wood-fired Margherita pizza topped with local greens in simple vinaigrette.

Simone’s ever-evolving dinner menu, inspired by Chef Joe’s Mediterranean travels and the bounty of New England’s farms and fishermen, currently begins with a selection of snacks that include East Beach Blonde Oysters with two sauces and fresh horseradish; Pizza Puttanesca; Forno Roasted Marrow Bones with mushroom and parsley salad; and Maplebrook Farm Burrata with Swiss Chard Bagna Cauda.JSmall plates include Steamed Pemmaquid Mussels with scallions and crème fraiche; Housemade Lobster Ravioli with lemon-basil cream; and Bucatini all’Amatriciana with guanciale, chile oil, tomato fillets, onions and Parmigiano.

Large plates feature Lemon-Fennel Roast Nantucket Bay Scallops with spinach-mushroom gratin; Jumbo Shrimp a la Plancha wrapped in pancetta with melting onions and polenta bianca; Roast Baffoni Farms half Chicken with lemon, rosemary, roast farm vegetables and potatoes; and Hand Cut Blackbird Farm Berkshire Pork Chop with a chorizo-potato cake and braised cabbage.

With the opening of the restaurant, Chef Joe is reintroducing his popular series of cooking classes, beginning January 26^th. This class will start with a grand tour of the new kitchen, a toast with some bubbles, and of course, cooking! Joe will be highlighting some new and old favorites, including Caramelized Cauliflower Dip; Roasted Butternut Squash and Red Onion Salad; Roast Chicken Thighs with Rosemary and Tomatoes; a Chorizo, Escarole and Potato Gratin; and Butterscotch Pudding. The cost is $50 per person and includes recipes, wine and tastes of the dishes. Reservations can be made by calling 401-247-1200.

Julians General Manager Liam Kimball

Liam Kimball takes charge!

Julians appoints new General Manager

It is our great pleasure to announce the promotion of Liam Kimball to the position of General Manager of Julians Restaurant, a role previously held for the last 12 years by Brian Oakley.

Since joining the Julians family early last year, Liam has consistently demonstrated his dedication to bettering the level of service and quality on both sides of the counter making us feel confident that we couldn’t have found a better candidate to take over for Brian.

A native of Albuquerque, NM, Liam got his start in the food industry as a chef at Loreley Restaurant in NY. He then moved on to general manager of Toni Patisserie and Cafe located in Chicago, IL. From there he headed east and ended up in lovely Providence, RI where he managed and help to open The Barstow. The rest is, how they say, history.

Where might this leave the former General Manager of Julians, Brian Oakley? No, he hasn’t left, but has also been promoted to Chief Operations Manager of JRB LLC where he will oversee all the limbs of the JRB family; Julians Restaurant, Julians Catering, Julians Omnibus, and soon-to-be-opened Pizza J.

Brian has been an instrumental manager and mentor in Julians, the solid foundation that we all here have come to rely on and respect. We are positive that he will continue to be the solid foundation of Julians and now the rest of the JRB family as well.

This is a very exciting time here at Julians & our parent company JRB. We are truly excited for what 2015 may bring and as always we thank you all for your ever ongoing support. Thank you.

Federal Hill Tequila Tour from TequilaArt

Every monday at 6pm for the price of $37.95 individuals that are 21+ can journey through Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood to enjoy hand-picked shots of tequila paired with quality Mexican dishes.

TequilaArt brings you on a journey through Providence’s Federal Hill neighborhood to enjoy hand-picked shots of tequila paired with quality Mexican dishes. The restaurants we visit showcase upscale Mexican cuisine in an area described as the “heartbeat of Providence” and may include some of our featured restaurants listed below. For more information about the tours, visit Zerve. Don’t miss a chance to be one of the first to experience a TequilaArt tequila tour!

Currently our 2 hour walking tour includes food samples from Constantino’s Venda Bar, Lucia’s Mexican Restaurant, and Toro’s Restaurant. In addition to learning about the tequilas they are tasting, participants will also learn about the history, culture, architecture, and local entertainment offerings that make Federal Hill so exciting and unique.

January 21, 2015 0 comment

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