Current news releases—Eat Drink RI is not the source for these items—please follow any links for more information.
Sandy’s Fine Foods Celebrating 50 Year Anniversary
Sandy’s Fine Food Emporium, a Westerly staple, is celebrating 50 years of incorporation this year. In 1952, brothers Sam & Mickey Cofone founded Sandy’s Fruit Company in Pawcatuck, CT as a small fruit and vegetable stand. 1972 proved to be a pivotal year for the business, transforming it into what it is known as today. The store was moved to its current location and became incorporated as Sandy’s Fine Food Emporium under the new ownership of Bob Hoffman. Over the years, Sandy’s thrived and transformed with the times. Keeping high quality produce was always a top priority, but they also became known for their fine grocery items, and most notably, their deli. Made in house, Sandy’s prides itself on the entrees, soups & prepared foods their talented chefs create.
After managing the store for years, husband and wife Jim & Emma Lee Goddiess took ownership in 2006. The small, local business has managed to blossom and grow throughout the past 50 years. Starting as a small fruit stand, the store has shown value to its community and loyal customer base. As consumers eating habits have fluctuated through the years, they have continued to stay relevant and always provide the best quality food to their patrons. Stop & Shop opened directly across the street in the 1980s, which could have meant the end for the small store. Despite a big box supermarket becoming a direct competitor, economic highs and lows, ever changing eating trends, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Sandy’s has consistently found the ability to highlight its uniqueness while flourishing and remaining a Westerly institution that will never be replicated. What will the next 50 years hold for this local gem and others like it? Who will be the next generation to grab the baton from the current owners and continue the traditions and values of integral small-town businesses like Sandy’s? What innovations, cultural movements, and seismic events will shift the next 50 years of the hometown American grocery store?
Follow along on social media at @sandyswesterly to stay up to date on daily specials & more!
Castle Hill Inn’s “Gilded Age Experience”
Rich in history and old-world charm, Castle Hill Inn has captured the imagination of guests for over a century. Built in 1874 as one of Newport’s summer “cottages,” Castle Hill Inn is introducing a brand new “Gilded Age Experience” package this spring, inspired by the popular HBO series (season finale airs tonight!).
Certain to have guests feeling like a member of Mrs. Astor’s Four Hundred, those who book this package will delight in a two-night stay at Castle Hill Inn, a Tasting Menu Experience for Two at the Dining Room at Castle Hill Inn, and two tickets to one of the Newport Preservation Society mansions that directly inspired the décor of the Russells’ New York City palace. Several scenes from this lavish costume drama were also filmed within them. Julian Fellowes would surely approve!
The “Gilded Age Experience” travel package at Castle Hill Inn also includes gourmet daily breakfast, guest-only afternoon tea, and a welcome amenity upon arrival. Pricing starts from $1,185 for the two-night package, which can be booked here: https://www.castlehillinn.com/specials/gilded-age-package
Its enchanting coastal setting, relaxed elegance and authentic Newport spirit make Castle Hill Inn an ideal year-round destination for guests seeking the magic and quiet luxury of a 19th-century seacoast life nestled on a 40-acre peninsula overlooking Narragansett Bay – and is perfect for a spring or summer getaway for fans of the HBO series.
Blackstone Valley Culinary News – March 23, 2022
Johnny’s Victory Diner
2731 Victory Highway, Burrillville, RI 02830
401-765-2661
johnnysvictorydiner.com
Johnny’s still has their Irish on! You can still get their homemade corned beef hash and Irish coffee. And don’t forget to contact them for your spring and summer BBQ/party needs.
Boundary Kitchen & Bar
67 Garrity Street, Pawtucket 02861
401-725-4260
boundarykitchenbar.com
Boundary Kitchen and Bar has some DE-LISH specials for Thursday, March 24, Friday, March 25 and Saturday, March 26. They’ll be open 4 pm to 10 pm. Check out the specials HERE
Rhode Island Spirits
59 Blackstone Avenue, Pawtucket 02860
401-856-4111
Rhodeislandspirits.com
The Spring Menu is available at Rhode Island Spirits! Stop in to sample some spring flavors and participate in some of their upcoming events:
Saturday, March 26 – Magic With Aces Wild, 6-8 pm
Friday, April 8 – Distillery Bingo and Cookie Chow Pop-Up 6-8 pm
Don’t forget about their Gin School – Click HERE for more information and dates.
Krakow Deli Bakery Smokehouse
855 Social Street, Woonsocket 02895
401-765-4600
https://www.facebook.com/KrakowDeliBakerySmokehouse/
Let’s help Krakow Deli help those in Ukraine and the refugees! Stop into Krakow Deli for the best authentic Polish food, including pierogi, kielbasa, sauerkraut, fresh deli sandwiches, groceries and more. They are also collecting donations for the refugees from Ukraine. Items they are collecting include personal hygiene products, women’s and children’s underwear, diapers, inexpensive flip-flops, cloth towels, over-the-counter medicine, and first-aid kits. You can bring it in at any time during regular business hours. Items will need to be packaged into cardboard boxes and labeled! Business hours are Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm and Saturday 8 am – 5 pm. The owners are also looking for donations of art and gift certificates for an auctionthey’re doing to raise funds for the refugees.
Lincoln Creamery
276 Front Street, Lincoln 02865
401-724-1050
lincolncreamery.com/
I heard a rumor that Lincoln Creamy will open for the season on April 1! Can’t wait to see what sweet treats they have this year.
Miller’s Famous Sandwiches
628 Warren Ave, East Providence, RI 02914
401-434-6678
millersfamous.com/
Summer must be coming – it’s Lobster Time at Millers! In addition to their famous (and HUGE) Lobster Roll, they’ve got Lobster BLTs and Lobster Bowls.
Smug Brewing
100 Carver Street, Pawtucket 02860
401-642-5701
Smugbrewing.com
Happening this week at Smug Brewing – A new release! Chubby Unicorn, a double India Pale Ale, is available on draft and in cans and gives off pineapple, orange and citrus aroma and flavor. Stop in to try it and enjoy the events they’ve got planned this week:
Thursday, March 24 – Trivia Night with Nanu Burmese Fusion! Ruth is pulling out all the stops with her menu this week! 5 kinds of dumplings (chicken, pork, beef, veggie and octopus), salads (Burmese Tofu salad with chickpeas and tea-leaf salad) and Shan noodles!! Settle in with some awesome food and Smug brews!
Friday, March 25 – Biggest Little Easy Catering at Smug! Put some NOLA in your chowdah! We start with a traditional New England clam chowder: creamy base, with clams, red potatoes, bacon, dill, and quahogs. Then we “jazz” it up with a little andouille, a few tomatoes, some white wine… This new twist on a Rhode Island classic may just be the best you’ve ever had!
Saturday, March 26 – Sarcastic Sweets at Smug! Nina brings flights of amazing cupcakes to Smug – stop in on a Saturday and give them a try!
Sunday, March 27 – Bonsai and Brews! Every attendee will be able to select their own tropical bonsai tree and pot and be provided with the tools to prune, pot, and design the tree under the instruction of a bonsai expert. We promise you’ll be amazed at what you can create! Join Bonsai Bar at Smug Brewing and grab some locally hand-crafted beer while you create your masterpiece! THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUT – but Smug is offering more Bonsai and Brews classes in the future. So don’t wait – click on your desired date to get tickets: Saturday, April 9 or Saturday, April 23
