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

RI Brewers Guild Announces Inaugural RI Craft Beer Week

The RI Brewers Guild has announced plans for the inaugural Rhode Island Craft Beer Week set for March 5th through the 13th, 2022.  This celebration of the RI’s beer manufacturers will feature events scheduled at your favorite Rhode Island bars, restaurants, package stores and on-premises at RI’s 35+ breweries/brewpubs as well as virtual events hosted online.

“Over the past 10 years the RI Brewers Guild has seen tremendous growth” says Jeremy Ruff, Board President, RI Brewers Guild/Owner of LineSider Brewing Co.  “There were five original members of the guild in 2013 and today we have 37 members with a few more already in planning.  RI Craft Beer Week will allow us to showcase and celebrate these excellent makers.”

Local breweries are working hard to bring fun and unique events to life for this inaugural celebration, including in-state collaboration beers and special releases.    Grey Sail Brewing in Westerly and Apponaug Brewing Company in Warwick, have committed to hosting fellow RI breweries in their taprooms that week to showcase all that RI has to offer. Restaurants like Back 40 (North Kingstown), Black Oak Kitchen & Drinks (Coventry) and Pour Judgement (Newport) are planning Tap Takeover events featuring dozens of choices from local brewers.

Narragansett Beer will be hosting an “Ultimate Rhode Island Day” event to kick things off on March 5th.  Gansett will launch a new beer that day as well as host iconic Rhode Island staples like Del’s and NY System Wieners.  The event  “will pay homage to the wonderful little state we live in” said Brooke Cure, Community Manager.

One of the more unique features of the inaugural RI Craft Beer Week is the “Rhode Map Challenge”.  Utilizing the RI Brewers Guild Passport App on your smartphone, craft beer enthusiasts can check into and post photos of their beer from as many RI Breweries as they can that week.  The RI Brewers Guild wants to be clear that this should only be attempted with the help of a designated driver.  Prizes will be awarded to the top 5 fans including two tickets to the Ocean State Beer Festival, two entries to the Craft Brew Races Newport, a RI Brewers Guild Puzzle and much more!

“One of the many benefits of living in Rhode Island is that you can travel basically anywhere in the entire state in under an hour.  With the help of a dedicated designated driver, we think it is possible for fans to visit all or at least most of our members across RI Craft Beer Week!”  said Gary Richardson, Executive Director of the RI Brewers Guild.

Commemorative RI Craft Beer Week stickers and coasters will be available at some locations during this week and all events will be listed on the RI Brewers Guild website by February 25th.

For more information about RI Craft Beer Week and to find events near you visit: https://www.ribrewersguild.org/ri-craft-beer-week/

Poutine is Back on the Menu at the Museum of Work & Culture

Month-long Poutine Indulgence Features 7 Restaurants Competing for Best Poutine

The Museum of Work & Culture is proud to announce the return of its annual Poutine Indulgence, now in its 6th year.

Throughout the month of March, Poutine Passport holders will be able to sample poutine (a traditional Québecois dish of French fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds) from seven restaurants across Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.

This year’s restaurants include new entrants the Poutine Peddlers (Taunton, MA) and Red’s Kitchen (Seekonk, MA), as well as returning favorites Friskie Fries (Providence and Johnston), Adeline’s Speakeasy Kitchen Bar (Cumberland), Ciro’s Tavern (Woonsocket), KG Kitchen Bar (Providence), and Ming’s Sando Bar (Pawtucket).

Participants will have until April 1 at midnight to vote for their favorite poutine. The winner will be announced at the Museum’s annual Salute to Spring event on Sunday, April 4. 

Poutine Passports are available for $15 each or two for $25 at shopmowc.com.

The Poutine Indulgence is made possible in part by the event’s generous sponsors: the Consulate General of Canada in Boston, the Quebec Delegation to Boston, Fournier & Fournier, the Brickle Group, and Lepine Financial Advisors, Inc.; along with David Soucy and Bourget and Associates, Inc.; as well as Esten & Richard Insurance, Wealth Management Resources, the Rotary Club of Woonsocket, and the Northern RI Chamber of Commerce.

Blackstone Valley Culinary News – January 25 to February 8, 2022

Rhode Island Historical Society
401-331-8575
rihs.org

The Historical Society’s “Drink in the History” series begins this week on Wednesday, January 26 at 7 p.m., with Narragansett Brewery and the launch of their new 1822 Porter, created for RIHS’s bicentennial.  This virtual event features a question and answer session with Narragansett’s Head Brewer, Lee Lord.  This is the first in a series, which will pair Rhode Island beverage companies with historic talks throughout the year.  Blackstone Valley companies being featured include Rhode Island Spirits and White Dog Distilling.  Find out more information and get tickets HERE

Harvest Kitchen
2 Bayley Street, Pawtucket, RI  02860
401-335-3766
farmfreshri.org/programs/harvest-kitchen/

Here’s a delicious way to deal with the cold, winter weather – Have a house-made soup and 1/2 sandwich at Harvest Kitchen for only $9.00!  Pick a sandwich from their special menu and pair it with a fresh, hot soup.  The sandwiches are:  Spicy Broccoli Grilled Cheese, Chickpea Salad with Romesco and Sweet Potato, Hummus and Pickled Onions.  You can get a full sandwich for only $1.50 more.   

And don’t forget to order your Ready-To-Go Valentine Dinner by February 4 (pick up on February 11 at Harvest Kitchen).  It’s a three-course dinner for two – choose two appetizers, two entrees and two desserts, all for $63!  Call 401-334-2766 to order or email [email protected].  Check out the menu HERE

JA Patty
560 Mineral Spring Avenue, Suite BF-136
Pawtucket  02860
401-302-3185
Japatty.com

JA Patty will be open for take-out on Saturdays from 1-5 pm during the months of January and February (closed on January 29 for an event) and can fill catering orders by request.  Make sure you try their Jerk Fries with house-made creamy jerk sauce.  They’ve perfected their recipe and say the fries are lightly seasoned and full of flavor, not spicy.   

Ming’s Sando Bar
560 Mineral Spring Avenue, Pawtucket
(Lorraine Mills Complex)

New Restaurant Alert!  Ming’s Sando Bar is having their Grand Opening on Thursday, February 3 (4-8 pm), Friday, February 4 (4-8 pm), and Saturday, February 5 (1-7 pm).  Look for them between Crooked Current Brewery and White Dog Distilling at the Lorraine Mills complex.  They’re having pre-opening contests, so look for them on Facebook (Ming’s Asian Street Food) and get in the next contest!!!

Blackstone River Café
65 Blackstone Street, Pawtucket  02860
401-265-0960

Blackstone River Café is now open for private functions only, such as baby showers, bridal showers and catered events.  Contact Bethany at the phone number above for more information and check them out on Facebook to see a beautiful place setting from a recent event.  

Smug Brewing
100 Carver Street, Pawtucket  02860
401-642-5701
Smugbrewing.com

Announcing a new brew!  Java Monster 8.5%abv Imperial Stout brewed with coffee, molasses and dark Belgian candies.  This is for all the coffee lovers!!!!  This Friday, January 28 from 5 pm to 8 pm, Biggest Little Easy will be at Smug Brewing serving their RI/New Orleans fusion cuisine with music too!   On Saturday, January 29 from 4 pm to 8 pm, GGs Pretzels will be at Smug serving their soft pretzels and chocolate-dipped creations. 

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

The Tasting Room is open again and the fireplace is burning.  How about a gin hot toddy, spiked hot chocolate or one of their two new martinis – Blackstone 59 and Pomegranate.  They also have sample flights, snacks, bottles and merchandise available.   The Tasting Room is open Friday (4-8:30 pm), Saturday (1-8:30 pm) and Sunday (1-6 pm).  

Rasoi
727 East Avenue, Pawtucket 02860
401-728-5500
rasoirestaurant.com

Have you heard about Rasoi’s Combo for 2 special on Monday and Tuesday nights for $40?  The menu is available for dine-in, pickup or delivery.  You can choose 1 appetizer to share and 2 entrees.  All meals are served with freshly baked garlic naan and basmati rice.  Check out the special Combo menu HERE. 

White Dog Distilling
560 Mineral Spring Avenue, Pawtucket  02860
401-475-3789
White-dog-distilling.square.site

Shake things up a bit with the pack at White Dog Distilling in one of their Kitchen Cocktail Classes!  They’ll teach you the skills to make great cocktails at home, using things you have in your pantry.  You’ll make two cocktails in the tasting room (which will be closed on cocktail class days) and the classes are limited to 12 people, so sign up soon!  Upcoming classes are scheduled for February 24 (only four spots left) and March 31 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.  Click HERE for more information and to register for a class.  

You can also enjoy a private tasting this Saturday, January 29 at 12 noon or at 6 pm.  

The Last Resort
325 Farnum Pike, Smithfield  02917
401-349-3500
thelastresortri.com

The Last Resort features live music from all over New England on Friday and Saturday nights at 9 pm (after Memorial Day also Sundays at 3 pm).  They’ve got a pub that’s currently open on Thursdays (5 pm to 1 am), Fridays (4 pm to 1 am), Saturdays (4 pm to 1 am) – Check out their menu HERE.  You can also book them any day of the week for a private parties, functions, corporate events, and outings.  And don’t forget the pool in the summertime!!!

Boundary Kitchen & Bar
67 Garrity Street, Pawtucket  02861
401-725-4260
boundarykitchenbar.com

Pop Up Brunch at Boundary happening this Sunday, January 30 from 11 am to 2 pm.  This will be a buffet brunch served in a Covid-safe way by new Executive Chef Stefan Afonso.  To see the menu and book your reservation, click HERE (and scroll down to see the brunch information).   

Laguna Tacqueria and Pizzeria
420 Social Street, Woonsocket  02895
401-602-1203

New Restaurant Alert!   Laguna Tacqueria and Pizzeria has opened in the former Castle Luncheonette building.  Click HERE to see their menu.  They offer tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, bowls and pizza – vegan options too!

Museum of Work and Culture
42 South Main Street, Woonsocket, RI  02895
401-769-9675
rihs.org/museums/museum-of-work-and-culture/

The Museum of Work & Culture, a division of the Rhode Island Historical Society, will offer its annual Children’s Baking Workshop with Gingersnaps Bakery on Saturday, February 12 at 1pm.- via Zoom.  This year’s event will have a Valentine’s Day theme and will feature a cookie decorating demonstration with a member of the Gingersnaps Bakery staff, an interactive French Language matching game, baking bingo, and a brief presentation on the history of Valentine’s Day.   Baking kits will be available for pickup at the Museum prior to the event and will include: a chef’s hat, apron, recipe card, game printouts, heart-shaped sugar cookies, frosting, and sprinkles so children can follow along and decorate their own cookies.

Tickets are $20 per participant. Space is limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged. Tickets are available for purchase at Shop MOWC

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

The team at Blackie’s wants you to be the Party MVP by ordering for your Super Bowl Party from their Super Bowl Menu!   Check it out:  Super Bowl Menu

The Thirsty Beaver
45 Cedar Swamp Road, Smithfield, RI  02917
401-349-4790

The Thirsty Beaver is hosting their first vendor marketplace – Cupid’s Market Saturday Social – and what a great way for all you last-minute shoppers to pick up any Valentine’s gifts for your loved ones!   It’s happening on Saturday, February 12 from 11 am to 2 pm.  You can grab a drink and do some shopping.  Check out the Vendor List. 

Crooked Current Brewery
560 Mineral Spring Avenue
Pawtucket  02860
401-473-8312
www.crookedcurrentbrewery.com

Crooked Current announces the 8th annual release of their wildly popular Chocolate Cherry Stout on Saturday, February 12th, for Valentine’s Day (the Monday following but they’re closed on Mondays). They’ll also have their Passion Fruit & Guava IPA for the Super Bowl that weekend.   Check out the rest of their menu HERE.

Gingersnaps Bakery
182 Front Street, Lincoln, RI  02865
401-475-2587
gingersnapsbakeryri.com

Take a look at Gingersnaps Valentine’s Menu!   Check it out and place your orders soon.  Orders close on February 10 at 6 pm –  Menu  

Wildflour Vegan Bakery Cafe & Juice Bar
727 East Ave, Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 475-4718
http://www.wildflourbakerycafe.com/

Here are the Valentine’s Day Pre-Order Specials at Wildflour:  

A box of 6 mixed chocolates: chocolate peanut butter, pistachio rose, almond joy, chocolate raspberry, double chocolate truffle, salted caramel

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

4″ Sweethearts Cakes: 

GF option: chocolate cake, strawberry filling, vanilla frosting, ganache drip, chocolate covered strawberry topper

Traditional option: vanilla cake, raspberry filling, vanilla frosting, freeze dried raspberries

We will also have conversation heart sugar cookies available in the store closer to the day!

Your pre-orders must be in by February 10 and can be placed on their on-line ordering site:  Wildflour Online Ordering

Under the Willow Bakery
3383 Mendon Road, Cumberland 
401-425-8116
underthewillowbakery.com

Congratulations and Happy First Anniversary to Under the Willow Bakery!  Stop in to wish them Happy Anniversary on February 5 and with a $10 order, you’ll receive a free anniversary shortbread cookie.  They have Valentine’s Specials too – assorted chocolate truffles and Valentine cookie decorating kits.  

Blackstone Herbs and Coffee Bar
3 Dexter Street, Cumberland  02864
401-205-2063
Blackstoneherbsandcoffeebar.com

Blackstone Herbs and Coffee Bar is a local vegan café and CBD shop.  Their coffee is locally roasted, tea is organic and grown in Rhode Island, matchais organic and Fair-Trade, and their CBD is locally grown and sourced.  There is even a rotating art gallery.   Stop by and have a chat with the nice people at Blackstone Herbs and Coffee Bar!   Check out their food and drink MENU and their Valentine’s Special Latte Menu

The Pomodoro
476 Rathbun Street, Woonsocket, RI  02895
401-762-5114
Savinispomodoro.com

It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without a special menu at The Pomodoro!  They are offering a three-course dinner for $24.95 that includes soup, salad, bread bar, entrees and desserts.  They’ll have drink specials too!  It’s all happening on Monday, February 14, dinner course served from 4 pm to 8 pm.  Call the number above to make a reservation.

Rhode Island Historical Society
401-331-8575
rihs.org

The Rhode Island Historical Society, the organization which includes our Museum of Work and Culture in Woonsocket, will host a virtual Romance After Dark event on Thursday, February 10 at 6 pm.  It’s a virtual evening when you can enjoy craft cocktails, cheese samplings and conversations about some of the most romantic items in the RIHS collection.  There will be a cocktail demonstration and a talk on the history of the wedding dress, as well as Rhode Islanders sharing their love stories.  You can choose from 2 packages:  The “Cheesy Love Story” package ($35-$40) features a box of five cheese samples for two from the Edgewood Cheese Shop.  The “Love on the Rocks” package ($45-$50) includes the cheese box, as well as a box by MXR Cocktails with hand-selected, fresh ingredients to craft four BYOB beverages or mocktails. Kits are available at rihs.org

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

Remember to make your Valentine’s Day reservations at Andrew’s Bistro! They’ll be offering their full dinner menu plus Valentine Week specialsMonday, February 14 through Saturday, February 19, from 4 pm to 9 pm.   

Michele’s Place at Lincoln Country Club
31 Dexter Rock Road, Lincoln  02865
401-334-3925 (restaurant)
lincolncountryclub.com

Michele’s Place at the Lincoln Country Club is open to the public – Thursday through Saturday from 4 pm to 9 pm – and they’ve got a lot happening:  

Reserve your spot soon for their Super Bowl Party on Sunday, February 13 at 4 pm. A $30 ticket includes appetizers, a raffle and prizes, and a half time buffet. Reserve your tickets now by calling or texting 401-569-2717. 

Valentine’s Dinner will be happening on Saturday, February 12 with live music by John Walmsley at 6:30 pm. Call the restaurant at the number above to reserve your table. 

They also have Thursday Dinner for 2 for $40 which includes your choice of:  a bottle of red wine, a bottle of white wine, 2 Sangrias or 2 beers; a choice of soup or salad for 2; and a choice of two entrees, including Chicken Parmesan, Pasta Primavera, Baked Scrod, Lasagna or Baked Stuffed Chicken.  Friday and Saturday Specials include Prime Rib with choice of 2 sides and Fish and Chips with fries and cole slaw.

Davenport’s Family Restaurant
1070 Mendon Road, Cumberland  02864
401-334-1017
Davenport’s Bar and Grille
1925 Pawtucket Avenue, East Providence  02914
401-438-3381
davenportsri.com

Sundays take a new spin with Davenport’s time-honored and classic dishes for the whole family. All-you-can-eat slow roasted chicken family stylemeal, a Blackstone Valley tradition, is a hit across all ages and at the great price of $14.49 per person and $6.99 for children under 12. Intrigued? We recommend starting your meal with the “Best of Best” chowder in little Rhody and then finish off with one of our cherished meals. And don’t forget children’s meals are 1.99 on Sunday!

And they have Valentine’s Day specials too – from February 11-14:    

Start with a Charcuterie Board and then choose an entrée:  Mediterranean Shrimp Scampi, Veal Saltimbocca, Baked Fisherman’s Platter, Baked Stuffed Sole, or Hand-Cut New York Strip Steak. If you order 2 entrees, you’ll receive a free Valentine special dessert – red velvet cake! And don’t forget to try their Valentine drink special – a chocolate strawberry martini. 

Other East Providence restaurants offering Valentine specials are: 

Red Bridge Tavern
22 Waterman Avenue, East Providence  02914
401-438-3899
Redbridgetavern.com
facebook.com/RedBridgeTavern/

Dinner for two is $64.99 from February 11 to 14, including your choice of soup or salad, 2 entrees and 2 desserts. Check out their menu on Facebook. They will also have their regular menu available. 

Madeira Restaurant
288 Warren Avenue, East Providence  02914
Madeirarestaurant.com
401-431-1322

The Madeira has the following Valentine’s Day Specials from February 11 to 14:  Appetizers include New Zealand Mussels or Snail Salad. Entrees include Filet Mignon Medallions and Shrimp with Madeira wine and mushroom cream sauce, 20 oz bone-in flame-grilled rib eye, 1.5 pound steamed or stuffed lobster, or stuffed scrod with seafood stuffing. Dessert is passion fruit mousse. MENU

For the month of February, Madeira is also offering the following Family Meals to Go (feeds four) that include choice of soup, salad or dessert:  Chef’s Combo for $45.95 (sirloin tips, chourico and shrimp), Frango A Chef for $39.95 (roasted chicken), and Seafood Paelha for $55.95 (shrimp, mussels, littlenecks, scrod, calamari, chourico and chicken). Check out the particulars on their Facebook page.

The 133 Club
29 Warren Avenue, East Providence  02914
401-438-1330
The133club.com

If you’d like the celebrate Valentine’s Day with some classic Americana music with Walason & Cairo and a great meal, head to The 133 Club. There will be great food and drinks and a complimentary dessert! Music from 7-10 pm. Check out their menu HERE

Some other Blackstone Valley Valentine Specials……

Boundary Kitchen & Bar
67 Garrity Street, Pawtucket  02861
401-725-4260
boundarykitchenbar.com

 Boundary Kitchen and Bar is offering Valentine’s Specials on Friday, February 11 and Saturday, February 12 for $55 per person. Specials include a shared appetizer, choice of one entrée per person, a shared chef dessert and a shared bottle of restaurant exclusive wine. Entrees include Beef Tenderloin, Seafood Stuffed Cod, and Pistachio Chicken.

If you hurry, you can take advantage of their Super Bowl Carry Out Specials – order deadline is Wednesday, February 9.  Check out the menu and details HERE

Spumoni’s
1537 Newport Avenue, Pawtucket  02861
401-726-4449
spumonisrestaurant.com/

Spumoni’s is offering Valentine’s Day Weekend Specials from Friday, February 11 to Monday, February 14. Meals are available for dine-in or to-go and include:  Surf & Turf (8 oz. sirloin with 2 jumbo baked stuff shrimp) and Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon (10 oz salmon filet stuffed with blue crab, baby shrimp and brie cheese). You can call for reservations or reserve online.