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Nikki Ayres

Yacht Club Soda's 2024 Limited Release Kamala's Berry Surprise
chefs & restaurantsfarmsnewswine & drinks

News Bites: Yacht Club Soda’s 2024 Soda Pop Poll’s Unprecedented Surprise / Newport Restaurant Group Fundraises for Farm Fresh RI’s 20th / Ocean House’s Land and Sea Experience

by David Dadekian August 22, 2024
written by David Dadekian

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


Yacht Club Soda’s Soda Pop Poll Is Ready To Go With Kamala’s Berry Surprise Entering The Race Against Donald’s Trumpian Punch

Yacht Club Soda's 2024 Limited Release Kamala's Berry Surprise
Yacht Club Soda’s 2024 Limited Release Kamala’s Berry Surprise

Yacht Club Soda, The Official Soda of Rhode Island, knows that unprecedented times call for unprecedented bottling. This week sees the release of Kamala’s Berry Surprise taking over for Joe’s Bidenomics Berry in the Soda Pop Pollagainst Donald’s Trumpian Punch.

What began as Round Two when the first two new Limited Release flavors were released in June is now Remixed, with a new label for Vice President Harris. Just as Harris is taking over the Democratic race for President Biden, the VP’s flavor is taking over in the Soda Pop Poll. Sales figures for Joe’s Bidenomics Berry will be collected until August 22nd when bottles of Kamala’s Berry Surprise will hit shelves and have its sales tracked.

You may find Joe’s Bidenomics Berry on sale after the changeover date, but sales won’t be counted toward the poll. The final poll results will reflect the combined sales with no overlap. There’s no rigging a Soda Pop Poll! That certainly makes the Biden bottle a collector’s item now, so you might not want to pass it up.

“Like the rest of America, and the world, we were surprised by President Biden’s unprecedented decision to drop out of the race,” said Yacht Club Soda owner John Sgambato. “But making soda at Yacht Club never stops and our team is fired up to release Kamala’s Berry Surprise.”

While the soda in the bottle for Kamala’s Berry Surprise is the same blueberry-raspberry soda as in Joe’s Bidenomics Berry, the team at Yacht Club had to leap into action to produce the new bottle label. As before, Frankie Galasso, nationally syndicated sports, editorial and entertainment cartoonist/artist and Rhode Island resident, drew the Limited Release label art. Kristina Cinquegrana Petrilli, graphic designer and artist, and co-founder of Faith & Grace Design Studios created the new label. You can find more about Galasso, including his limited-edition lithograph celebrating the Celtics latest world championship at www.thefrankiegalasso.com. More information about Petrilli and her design work, including shopping her co-founded line of greeting cards, can be found at kristinapetrilli.com.

Both Soda Pop Poll flavors are now available at the Yacht Club Factory Store in North Providence—see their Facebook page at facebook.com/yachtclubsoda for hours, will be sold at farmers markets and can be found in local stores and restaurants through multiple distributors. Plus, you can order online from Yacht Club Soda’s site at yachtclubsoda.com and they ship all their flavors anywhere in the United States.

As with the last two presidential Soda Pop Polls, Yacht Club will release the results of the poll this fall to see which political pop people like best. Donald’s Trumpian Punch and Kamala’s Berry Surprise will only be available through election season, or while supplies last, so don’t miss out on your chance to vote in the Soda Pop Poll!

Yacht Club Soda's 2024 Soda Pop Poll
Yacht Club Soda's 2024 Limited Release Kamala's Berry Surprise

Newport Restaurant Group Celebrates Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s 20th Birthday with a ‘Fruits from the Field’ Fundraiser

For the Month of August, $2.00 from every local tomato dish sold will go to Farm Fresh Rhode Island

At Waterman Grille, $2.00 from every Grilled Peach and Farm Fresh Tomato Salad sold in the month of August will be donated to Farm Fresh Rhode Island. Local tomato dishes will also be offered at Avvio in Cranston and Bar ‘Cino in Newport for the organization’s benefit. Photo courtesy of Newport Restaurant Group
At Waterman Grille, $2.00 from every Grilled Peach and Farm Fresh Tomato Salad sold in the month of August will be donated to Farm Fresh Rhode Island. Local tomato dishes will also be offered at Avvio in Cranston and Bar ‘Cino in Newport for the organization’s benefit. Photo courtesy of Newport Restaurant Group

Newport Restaurant Group (NRG), an award-winning collection of unique restaurants and hospitality venues located throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts, will celebrate Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s 20th birthday with a special ‘fruits from the field’ fundraiser. NRG is Farm Fresh’s top tomato purchaser, and has been every year since the organization began. 

From August 1st through August 31st, NRG restaurants Avvio, Bar ‘Cino (Newport), and Waterman Grille (Providence), will offer a special, locally-grown tomato dish using produce from Farm Fresh and Greenview Farms, and will donate $2.00 from each dish sold to Farm Fresh. 

Waterman Grille will feature a summery Grilled Peach and Farm Fresh Tomato Salad for the month. Bar ‘Cino and Avvio will offer a daily special featuring Greenview Farms tomatoes.

“We have been a proud partner of Farm Fresh since its inception, from utilizing its Market Mobile to hosting the annual Local Food Fest at Castle Hill Inn,” said Kevin DiLibero, Director of Culinary Arts, Newport Restaurant Group. “What the organization has done to not only connect farmers with restaurants, but also to increase access to fresh local food for those who need it the most, is nothing short of amazing. We look forward to another 20 years of the organization’s positive impact.”

When Farm Fresh was created, Newport Restaurant Group quickly became its largest customer. Since then, NRG has continued its support of the organization, landing in its top three largest customers every year, and regaining the title of largest seven times, including this year. “Farm Fresh Rhode Island is honored to have Newport Restaurant Group’s support in celebrating our 20th anniversary. Their commitment to sourcing local produce has not only strengthened our organization but has also provided vital support to our local farmers,” said Nikki Ayres, Director of Giving, Farm Fresh Rhode Island. “This partnership has been essential in our mission to connect farmers with the community and ensure access to fresh, local food. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and look forward to many more years of collaboration and shared success.”


Ocean House Introduces An Extraordinary Land And Sea Yacht Experience Combining A Stay In The Nautical-Inspired Morgan Suite And Cruise Aboard The Historic Aphrodite Yacht

Guests Will Have the Opportunity to Sail on the Completely Restored 1937 Vessel that Once Carried Luminaries Such as ShirleyTemple, Fred Astaire, Nelson Rockefeller and President Roosevelt

Cruises Aboard the Aphrodite Can Also be Reserved Independently for Regional Voyages Exploring the Scenic New England Coastline and Celebrated Summer Destinations

Aphrodite, photo courtesy of Ocean House
Aphrodite, photo courtesy of Ocean House

Ocean House, a Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, will introduce the first-of its kind Land and Sea Yacht experience combining an unforgettable suite stay with a scenic sunset champagne cruise for up to six guests aboard the historic Aphrodite yacht. A professional photographer is also on hand to capture images prior to departure, enhancing the transporting experience only available to guests of the Relais and Chateaux property. Guests-in-residence can also reserve the Aphrodite for leisurely sailing discoveries in and around the area.

The Land and Sea Yacht Experience

The package includes a three-night stay in the sprawling nautical-inspired Morgan Suite, reflective of Watch Hill’s maritime heritage and inspired by the classic sailing and motor yachts that take to local waters. The bi-level suite includes four guestrooms, a private outdoor terrace, and garden space with beach-level access. In the living room, the custom-milled, vertical-grain beams, doors and floors pair seamlessly with the custom-made hardware of the suite, enhancing its warm seaside surroundings. The dining area with demonstration kitchen features a classic Molteni range and encourages conversation while allowing dining companions to admire expansive ocean views. The lower level is complete with vintage nautical touches. A private beach cabana is also offered daily.

Aphrodite’s Storied History

Originally built by the Purdy Boat Company in May of 1937 for Wall Street financier, John Hay (Jock) Whitney of Long Island, Aphrodite has a storied history of its own. Best described as a “Commuter Yacht”, this elegant and sleek 74-footer would take Whitney on a daily journey down the Long Island Sound to his Wall Street office. Over the years, Aphrodite’s guest list became a “Who’s Who” for summer day cruises with such luminaries as Fred Astaire, Sir Laurence Olivier, Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Henry Ford II, FDR advisor Harry Hopkins, Shirley Temple and Nelson Rockefeller. In April 1942 she was commissioned as a Coast Guard auxiliary vessel and spent her wartime career ferrying dignitaries and transporting President Roosevelt to and from his Hyde Park home. In 1983, John Pannell, owner of the Harbor View Marine repair company, restored the yacht which had fallen into disrepair and relaunched the Aphrodite in 1984.

In 2003, Pannell sold Aphrodite to her present owner, Charles Royce, the owner and proprietor of Ocean House. A classic boat enthusiast, Royce began a complete restoration of the yacht to bring her systems up to today’s standards while using the original boat as a template to ensure its authenticity. True to Royce’s nature and aligned with how he approached Ocean House’s careful restoration in 2004, the first stage of the project was to extensively catalog all aspects of the boat for later reference. Once this historical documentation was completed, reconstruction began with the replacement of the original backbone, stem, floors and the reframing of Aphrodite’s signature torpedo stern. Once the framing work was completed, the hull was then re-planked, as originally built, with two layers of Philippine mahogany and copper rivets. A new deck, along with the crafting of Aphrodite’s distinctive cabin and interior accommodations was then finalized, and in October of 2005, Aphrodite traveled to its new home in Watch Hill, Rhode Island.

The Aphrodite Yacht Experience

Guests of Ocean House can reserve a private cruise aboard Aphrodite during their visit and select from a variety of curated tour immersions to scenic destinations and popular regional locales. Onboard, they’ll learn more about the yacht’s legendary history and surrounding areas from a knowledgeable captain while being well-cared for by an attentive crew. Whether venturing out for a scenic excursion to Fisher Island or Montauk; being dropped off on Block Island with a picnic lunch for an afternoon of exploration; or embarking on a sunset cocktail cruise to enjoy a gourmet dinner in nearby Stonington; a selection of two to three hour curated journeys at sea await.

The package and yacht sailings are offered August 1 through October 31, 2024, The package is priced at $42,000.00 plus taxes and fees, and the individual yacht sailings are priced from $5,000. For information and reservations for the package, please call 401-584-7000 and visit Ocean House Special Offers. For information and reservations for the Aphrodite Yacht Experience, please call 401-584-7000 and visit Ocean House Experiences.

August 22, 2024 0 comments
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Farm Fresh RI 2023 Thanksgiving Box
chefs & restaurantsfarmsnews

News Bites: Local Thanksgiving Boxes for Hunger Relief / Castle Hill Inn Supper Club Series / Blackstone Valley International Food Trail

by David Dadekian February 15, 2024
written by David Dadekian

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


All-Local Thanksgiving Produce Boxes for Donation to Hunger Relief Agencies through Farm Fresh RI

Farm Fresh RI 2023 Thanksgiving Box

Nonprofit local food hub Farm Fresh Rhode Island is working with the local community to donate Thanksgiving Boxes full of locally grown produce to Rhode Island hunger relief agencies this season. These boxes will help make the holiday special for Rhode Island families in need, and is in line with Farm Fresh RI’s operating principle that everyone deserves access to fresh, nutritious food. Short of a turkey, the Thanksgiving Boxes feature everything a family of 8 needs for a Thanksgiving meal including fresh herbs, a wide variety of locally grown vegetables, and even a pumpkin pie!

As Farm Fresh’s Director of Giving, Nikki Ayres, explained, “Food has the power to transform. A hot meal—prepared with love—on a holiday surrounded by family is a gift that is hard to quantify. Support from the community to donate these boxes will not only mean the world to the families who receive them, but also to the small local farms we are purchasing the produce from.”

Farm Fresh RI has been offering their popular Local Thanksgiving Boxes for sale since 2020, selling out every year. This is the first year the organization has added an option for customers to donate a box when they place their order—which will double the amount of local food they purchase from small farms this year. Farm Fresh is also working directly with local businesses that want to sponsor higher quantities of boxes. Their goal is to donate a total of 250 boxes to hunger relief agencies, which will feed around 2,000 people this holiday season. 

This year’s Thanksgiving Box will include:
– Pumpkin pie from Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery in Smithfield, RI
– Brussels Sprouts from Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon, MA
– Carrots and Parsnips from Four Town Farm in Seekonk, MA
– Celery from Kitchen Garden Farm in Sunderland, MA
– Local Cranberry Sauce made by Harvest Kitchen in Pawtucket, RI
– Delicata Squash, Onions, Sweet Potatoes, and White Potatoes from Schartner Farms in Exeter, RI
– Butternut Squash from a local farm (TBA)
– Fresh Herbs from Allen Farms in Westport, MA
– Leeks and Shallots from Zephyr Farm in Cranston, RI
– Whole Baby Bella Mushrooms from RI Mushroom Co. in West Kingston, RI

Boxes are $85 each, for purchase or to donate, and the order form closes on Friday, November 10, 2023. Anyone interested in donating boxes or purchasing them for their own holiday feast can learn more at farmfreshri.org/thanksgiving.


“Travel Around the World” with the Supper Club Series at Castle Hill Inn

Castle Hill Inn Supper Club Series

Castle Hill Inn, the iconic Relais & Chateaux property in Newport, RI, is giving guests’ tastebuds the chance to “travel around the world” this fall and winter with the return of the Inn’s seasonal Supper Club Series. Castle Hill Inn’s renowned culinary team, led by Executive Chef Andy Taur, will be highlighting different regions around the globe each week with curated menus being served Tuesday & Wednesday evenings now through December.

The Supper Club’s special three-course menus will each highlight the cuisine of different geographies – including Japan, the United Kingdom, Korea, the Southeastern U.S., Paris and Tuscany and more – along with select beverage pairings.

On October 24th and 25th dabble in the cuisines of Morocco and Tunisia with options such as Braised Lamb with apricots and cous cous; or enjoy flavors from the UK on November 14th with specialty Sunday Roast of prime rib, whipped potatoes, rosemary glazed carrots and Yorkshire pudding.

Castle Hill Inn’s Supper Club Series kicks off this month and will continue through Wednesday, December 20th. The three-course prix fixe menus are $60 per person and reservations are required to attend; those can be made online via OpenTable at the following link: Events at Castle Hill Inn

The full schedule and menus follow below:

  • Morocco – October 24th & 25th
  • Japan – November 7th & 8th
  • The United Kingdom – November 14th
  • Korea – November 28th & 29th
  • Southeastern U.S. – December 5th & 6th 
  • Paris – December 12th & 13th
  • Tuscany – December 19th & 20th

Launch of Blackstone Valley International Food Trail

Blackstone Valley International Food Trail

Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (BVTC) invites visitors and residents alike on this exciting culinary journey. The Blackstone Valley International Food Trail and its kick-off weekend on September 23 and 24 is an extension of the new campaign of Rhode Island’s Blackstone Valley to highlight the diverse cultural food scene found there and the stories behind them. Come taste and experience food & drink from over 40 countries across the region’s 10 cities and towns. 

Discover affordable dishes that will expand a diner’s palate in the most flavorful way.  Some places will feature exclusive specials over the kick-off weekend, while others are simply inviting patrons to come and try their authentic offerings from their culture. Either way guests will definitely be in for a treat.

“For decades we’ve been promoting Blackstone Valley as a destination for its important industrial history, and we now see this as a natural shift to focus on the people that came to live and work in the area and the menus they brought with them” states BVTC President, Bob Billington. He continued, “foodways are a great opportunity to introduce a culture, and our region has an incredible amount of diversity with its dining options to come taste and learn more about, so much that it’s worth traveling for.” 

Blackstone Valley International Food Trail Guides and Passports will be available at many of the participating establishments, and local tourism information centers and kiosks. Digital versions will also be available on the website.  Keep the guide and passport with you to visit RI’s Blackstone Valley’s many food festivals, unique dining experiences, and cultural explorations throughout the year. 

February 15, 2024 0 comments
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