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Oktoberfest

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News Bites: Newport Vineyards 30th Anniversary Continues / New Federal Hill Dinner Stroll / Grey Sail, South County and Outer Light Fall Beer Lineup / Sarto Chef’s Table and Late Night Lounge / Track 15 Expands

by David Dadekian September 6, 2025

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 Unveils Milestone Wines and Events to Celebrate 30th Anniversary

As the harvest season approaches, Newport Vineyards — the region’s premier vineyard and culinary destination — is proud to announce the release of its limited-edition Milestone Wines and a series of special events to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

What began in 1995 as a modest vineyard founded by brothers John and Paul Nunes has evolved into an award-winning winery, craft brewery, farm-to-table restaurant, and acclaimed event venue.

To commemorate three decades of winemaking on Aquidneck Island, Newport Vineyards is debuting two estate-grown wines: Milestone Blanc and Milestone Red.

Milestone Blanc, an unoaked white wine from select estate Dijon clone Chardonnay grapes.
Milestone Red, a bold oak aged red crafted exclusively from estate-grown Blaufränkisch grapes.

30th Anniversary Featured Events:

August 30 – “30% on the 30th” wine case discount on featured wines
September 21 – Cheers to 30 Years Cider Festival
October 17 – Harvest VIP Tour & Tasting with Owners and Winemakers
October 19 – Cheers to 30 Years Harvest Festival

Newport Vineyards invites past, present, and future guests to raise a glass in honor of 30 years of growth, celebration, and community. Visit www.newportvineyards.com for details.

Providence Tour Company Announces New Federal Hill Dinner Stroll

A Guided Culinary Journey Through Providence’s Little Italy

Providence Tour Company is delighted to introduce its newest experience: Federal Hill Dinner Stroll, a guided, multi-course dining adventure through the heart of New England’s most beloved Italian culinary destination.

Guests will enjoy a lavish four-course Italian dinner, starting with antipasto, followed by house-made pasta, a savory entrée, and finishing with a decadent cannoli. This culinary journey takes place while strolling between four of Federal Hill’s most iconic restaurants: Cassarino’s, Trattoria Appia, Pane e Vino, and Anthony’s Authentic Italian Cuisine. The leisurely evening unfolds under glowing string lights and fragrant aromas of freshly baked bread, led by a warm and knowledgeable guide who handles every detail, allowing diners to simply relax and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere.

Priced at $100 per person and available on Thursdays through the end of the year, this intimate experience spans approximately 2.5 to 3 hours and includes food, taxes, and gratuities; all you’ll need to add is your choice of drink along the way. Complimentary valet parking is available at the starting point, Cassarino’s Restaurant (177 Atwells Ave), and the walk covers roughly one mile. Perfect for food lovers and a standout addition to the Providence date night scene, the Federal Hill Dinner Stroll invites guests to savor the city’s rich culinary heritage through exceptional flavors and seamless hospitality.

A Chill New England Fall: Grey Sail, South County and Outer Light Reveal Fall Beer Lineup

This year’s lineup captures the crisp and spice of autumn in New England

Grey Sail, South County and Outer Light Fall Lineup

Grey Sail Brewing, alongside its sister companies South County Distillers and Groton’s Outer Light Brewing Company, has unveiled its 2025 fall lineup. The crisp, spice-driven beers, spirits and cocktails, available throughout New England and New York, join an already-iconic portfolio that have defined the region’s craft beverage industry for more than 30 years combined.

Grey Sail’s fall lineup includes:

Headless Oarsman Pumpkin Ale
This hauntingly delicious pumpkin ale was inspired by Sleepy Hollow’s eerie legends. Brewed with pumpkin spice puree, it offers a rich, malty taste with hints of cinnamon and clove.
Can Size: 16 oz.
Available In: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York
Autumn Winds
This malt-forward lager captures the spirit of Oktoberfest with its rich, toasty flavors, balanced sweetness and satisfying finish.
Can Size: 12 oz.
Available In: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts

This fall, South County Distillers is serving up bold flavors with smooth-sipping liquor and craft cocktails ready to pour and enjoy. This year’s releases add to South County’s portfolio of seven canned cocktails and 13 spirits to round out 2025’s shelf.

South County’s fall lineup includes:

Cranberry Vodka Lemonade
We took our South County Hard Lemonade and added natural flavors of fresh, tart cranberries. Enjoy this refreshing cocktail over ice or straight from the can.
Can Size: 12 oz.
Available In: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts
Whiskey Highball
We use South County Rye Whiskey, bitters, and ginger, cranberry, and orange flavors to make our highball. Drink over ice or straight from the can.
Can Size: 12 oz.
Available In: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts
Espresso Martini
We teamed up with our friends at Dave’s Coffee to bring you this classic cocktail. Using their Spray Rock roast, we whipped up a fresh batch of cold brewed espresso and blended it with our South County Vodka.
40 Proof
Available In: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts
Bourbon
Each batch of South County Bourbon features a unique blend of specialty malts, grains and heirloom corn. It is then aged in charred American oak barrels for various lengths of time. Enjoy neat, on the rocks, or in your favorite bourbon cocktail.
90 Proof
Available In: Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts

Outer Light Brewing Company, a staple in Groton, Connecticut known for its coastal-inspired craft beers, joined forces with Rhode Island’s award-winning Grey Sail Brewing to deliver stronger flavors and their beloved beers to even more craft beer lovers across New England.

Outer Light’s fall lineup includes:

Just Peachy Sour Ale
Just Peachy features waves of sweet peaches and a smooth vanilla finish – because life’s always a breeze, right? This Peaches n’ Cream Sour Ale is your go-to when everything’s fine. Perfect of beach days, boat daze, or pretending you’ve got it all together. Grab a can, drop an anchor, and lean into the delusion.
Can Size: 16 oz.
Available In: Connecticut, Rhode Island
Squash Goals Pumpkin Ale
Squash Goals is our seasonal pumpkin ale, brewed with real puree and a hint of spice for a smooth, cozy finish. As the days grow shorter, swap your muck boots for duck boots and grab your favorite crew – this one’s made for crisp air, close friends, and ultimate fall. #SquashGoals
Can Size: 16 oz.
Available In: Connecticut, Rhode Island
Fall Fest Märzen-Style Lager
Fall Fest steers into the season with smooth malts and a clean, toasty finish – an Oktoberfest Märzen built for crisp autumn days and gemütlichkeit gatherings. Whether you’re shore-side or shipboard, this brew is your perfect fall companion. Hoist a stein and toast to smooth sailing – Prost!
Can Size: 16 oz.
Available In: Connecticut, Rhode Island

Prost to Fall! Oktoberfest is Almost Here!

It wouldn’t be autumn without Oktoberfest. Mark your calendars, because Grey Sail and Outer Light’s celebrations will be filled with fall flavors, music and community fun.

Saturday, September 13 | 12:00 – 8:00 pm: Outer Light’s Fall Fest 2025 will include its new fall lineup – plus games, live music and fun for the whole family (yes, dogs too!). Music by Ethan Cash and Mystic River Brass Band. Admission is free!

Sunday, October 12 | 12:00 – 7:00 pm: Come try Grey Sail’s fall lineup, some hearty food, stein hoisting, and live music by the Vagabonds. Proper attire strongly encouraged!

Sarto Launches Chef’s Table Dining Experience with Exclusive Prix Fixe Menu and Wine Specials, Introduces Late Night Lounge with After-Dinner Cocktails and Downtown Sophistication

Sarto, downtown Providence’s modern Italian dining destination, is unveiling a new Chef’s Table program that brings guests closer to the heart of the kitchen. Starting August 24, guests can enjoy a two-person prix fixe menu for $79.99, paired with select bottles of wine offered at half price.

Available on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings after 6:30 PM, the Chef’s Table experience invites diners to explore seasonal dishes curated by Chef Phil and his culinary team. Each menu celebrates Sarto’s commitment to scratch-made Italian cooking, showcasing flavors that balance tradition with modern technique.

“The Chef’s Table is about creating an elevated but accessible way for guests to enjoy Sarto,” said Chef Phil. “It’s designed for people who want a full dining experience that feels special but is also approachable.”

Reservations for the Chef’s Table are recommended and can be made at https://sartoprovidence.com/, or by downloading the G VIP app from the App Store.

Sarto, downtown Providence’s modern Italian dining destination, is extending the evening with the launch of the Late Night Lounge, an after-hours cocktail experience running every Friday and Saturday from 10 pm to 1 am.

When the kitchen closes at 11, the bar becomes the focus, offering elevated cocktails, Sarto’s signature Negroni, and complimentary bar snacks. Guests are invited to settle into the restaurant’s moody ambiance for a sophisticated yet comfortable setting that captures the spirit of late-night downtown.

“The Late Night Lounge is about giving Providence a new place to wind down in style,” said Kirk Schneider, COO of G Hospitality. “It’s a chance to extend the evening with great drinks, great company, and the unique atmosphere that defines Sarto.”

The Late Night Lounge launches September 6 and continues every weekend. Reservations can be made at https://sartoprovidence.com/ or by downloading the G VIP app from the App Store.

Track 15 Expands with New Outdoor Plaza, Coffee Vendor and Seasonal Events

Artisan Sips Coffee Cart Added; RI Night Market at the Food Hall on Sept. 27^th

Daylight shot of Track 15’s outdoor plaza. (Photo courtesy of Ian Barnard)

Track 15, located at 1 Union Station in downtown Providence, is pleased to announce the opening of its outdoor plaza as well as a new beverage vendor and special events.

“Track 15 has quickly become a go-to destination for great food, drinks, and culture,” said Christopher Marsella, Owner, Track 15. “Now, with our plaza open – including a children’s play space – and a series of exciting events on the horizon, there’s even more for guests to enjoy.”

Featuring 10,000 square feet of space, the food hall’s outdoor plaza includes 80 seats, a lawn, a children’s play space, lawn games, and more. Future programming will include outdoor movie nights and live music. The plaza is open during Track 15’s regular business hours.

Artisan Sips Coffee Cart, from Artisan Bites, has been added to the vendor line-up, offering a selection of hot and iced coffee, espresso drinks, and matcha. Signature lattes include the Track 15 with chocolate, caramel, and espresso; the Chocolate Covered Strawberry; and the Caramel Honey Vanilla. Seasonal specialties include the Apple Pie Chai, Blueberry Pancake iced coffee, Pumpkin Patch matcha, and Pumpkin Mocha latte. Artisan Sips will be available during Track 15’s regular business hours.

On Saturday, September 27^th from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the Rhode Island Night Market will take over the surface parking lot before and during WaterFire. The free, family-friendly event will include unique, handmade goods for purchase from approximately 100 local artisans and makers, live music, and more, within walking distance to the magic of WaterFire. Validated parking will still be available in the adjacent parking garage underneath the Courtyard Marriott Hotel located at 5 Memorial Blvd., which offers direct access to Track 15, the Night Market, and to Waterfire.

“We are thrilled to bring RI Night Market to Track 15,” said Lupe Aguilar, Founder, Rhode Island Night Market. “It’s the perfect hub for visitors and residents to gather to support our local artisans, makers, and creatives, enjoy the incredible food and drink that Track 15 has to offer, and enjoy a beautiful night at WaterFire.”

September 6, 2025 0 comments

chefs & restaurants cooking news wine & drinks

News Bites: Campus Fine Wines, Castle Hill Inn, Dave’s Marketplace, XO Café and 2 Pauls Good Food

by David Dadekian November 6, 2012

written by David Dadekian

Campus Fine Wines, photo courtesy of Campus Fine Wines

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

Campus Fine Wines

Campus Fine Wines under new ownership for 1st time in nearly 40 years

The new owners of Campus Fine Wines will celebrate the store’s Grand Reopening throughout December, with Champagne tastings every Friday from 4PM-7PM.

Two local wine industry veterans and their spouses recently purchased the shop, which has been a Fox Point neighborhood landmark for decades. Andrea Sloan & Howard Mahady have combined industry experience of over 30 years. Howard has worked in retail since the early 90’s, first as the French wine & Scotch buyer at The Wine Specialist in DC, followed by 9 years as Sales Manager at Wakefield Liquors, then another 4 years as a rep in wine wholesale. Andrea spent about a decade in the photo industry before stumbling into wine in 2003, right around the time her son was born. She worked first as a rep for a small importer in MA before moving to Providence and taking a job at Campus Fine Wines where she was a manager; after 3 years she also moved to the wholesale side of the business. Andrea & Howard met on the road, quickly realized they had a similar aesthetic & philosophy about wine, and that they both still had a passion for retail. When Campus came up for sale, they jumped at the opportunity. Lucky for them, their spouses were willing to quit their jobs and sink their savings into the venture!

Since taking over in July, the four have quietly revitalized this old neighborhood favorite with an updated selection of wine, beer and tchotchkes to match the bright new paint job and artwork. Their energy and enthusiasm for what they’re selling is contagious, and it’s clear that part of their mission is to remind us that wine, beer, and spirits should be fun. But they’re very serious about what they’re doing, especially when it comes to wine. Part of what sets the new Campus apart is their commitment to producers who make wine with respect for the land, the grape, and those who drink. These producers understand that the best wines (not to be confused with the most expensive) are reflections of time, place and method. This simple truth, which is rightfully celebrated in food, is often overlooked in wine. With this in mind, the December tastings will focus on Grower Champagnes, aka: Farmer Fizz. These Champagnes are made by the underdogs of the Champagne region; these are the people who work the land, grow the grapes, and harvest the fruit. The yields are tiny, case production is minimal, and the resulting wines are true labors of love and expressions of place.

On the topic of place, the new owners are grateful to be in such a vibrant, dynamic city that bustles with creativity and values cultivating knowledge and new ideas. Their tagline, Cultivating Thirst, was born from the idea that those qualities are part of what defines Providence and it’s why they support local organizations such as The Athenaeum and Rhode Island NPR. Being a good neighbor is part of their mission; another few decades as a dedicated and valuable partner in the community is their vision.

In addition to the weekly Friday tastings, Campus also hosts wine & beer tastings every Saturday from 2-5PM and 4-6PM respectively. Come check out the new Campus Fine Wines– Cultivate your thirst!

Campus Fine Wines
127 Brook St.
Providence, RI 02906
401-621-9650
info@campusfinewines.com
Twitter: @campusfinewines

Castle Hill Inn

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Castle Hill Inn through November

Enjoy a Sampling of Housemade Charcuterie and Oktoberfest Beer for $10

Castle Hill Inn, located at 590 Ocean Drive in Newport, is pleased to celebrate autumn with a new bar bites offering: a tasting of housemade charcuterie paired with a seasonal beer selection. For more information, please call 401.849.3800 or visit www.castlehillinn.com.

Now through November 30th, guests can enjoy a perfect sampling of executive chef Karsten Hart’s housemade charcuterie, featuring such items as kabonosy, leberwurst, and soupy salami served with grilled bread and caraway mustard and paired with a choice of Sam Adams Oktoberfest, Spaten Oktoberfest, or Ayinger Oktober Fest-Märzen. The charcuterie selection changes often and is available daily at the Castle Hill bar for just $10.00.

Dave’s Marketplace

Holiday Side Dish Contest

Enter to Win Oct. 29 – Nov. 14, 2012

You’re always known you make the best side dishes now here’s your chance to prove it!!

How to Enter: All recipes need to be submitted electronically through Facebook message or emailed directly to customerservice@davesmarketplace.com

How to Submit Recipe: Submit that treasured recipe you were taught or created along with a description or story, 250 words or less, of what this recipe means to you, your family or friends. Please do not submit any recipe that has been previously published or copyrighted in any form by another chef or author.

How the Recipe WILL be Judged:The winner will be determined by a combination of:

The content of the recipe and quality of ingredients.
Practicality and nutritional value of the recipe.
Ease of preparation
The consideration of Dave’s in House Chefs.

Prizes: The winner will receive a $250 Gift Certificate to Dave’s Marketplace and Dave’s will make a $250 donation to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank in the winners name.

For more information visit us at www.davesmarketplace.com

XO Café

Martin Lyons Named Executive Chef at XO Café

Providence Culinary Veteran Joins Acclaimed Chow Fun Food Group

XO Café, located at 125 North Main Street in Providence, is pleased to announce that Marty Lyons, a veteran of the Providence culinary scene, has been named Executive Chef. For more information or to make a reservation, please call 401-273- 9090 or visit www.xocafe.com.

“We are thrilled to welcome Marty to our team,” said John Elkhay, Maestro, Chow Fun Food Group. “He is a rising star in the Providence culinary sky, and we are looking forward to watching him shine at XO.”

Marty has already made his mark on XO with new seasonal menu offerings on the fall menu, including such creative dishes as Pumpkin Seed-Crusted Salmon with celery root gratin, wilted greens, beet & apple slaw, and Dijon gastrique; Seared Bomster Scallops with pork belly, Brussels sprouts, crispy quinoa, and carrot-ginger puree; and Grilled Pork Tenderloin with root vegetable hash, braised red cabbage, spiced cider reduction, and pickled mustard seed.

Prior to joining XO, Marty worked in some of the top restaurants in the Capital City, most recently as Chef de Cuisine at Loie Fuller and as Sous Chef at the acclaimed Nick’s on Broadway, where he was responsible for all aspects of kitchen management, including staff management and seasonal menu development. Before Nick’s, Marty was Sous Chef at L’Epicurio, the former AAA Four Diamond restaurant in the Hotel Providence, where he supervised the kitchen and bake shop.

Marty holds an Associates degree in Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts from SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology, an Associates of Science in Food and Beverage Management, and a Bachelors of Science in Service Management from Johnson & Wales University in Providence. A native of Whitehall, NY, he currently resides in Providence.

2 Pauls Good Food

2 PAULS GOOD FOOD OPENS IN EAST PROVIDENCE

Paul Shire and Paul Roidoulis are at it again. One year after opening The ROI in Providence, they have opened 2 Pauls Good Food at 315 Waterman Avenue in East Providence. If that address rings a bell, it’s the former location of Vine Yard East, Cattails City Grille, and Joseph’s Family Restaurant.

With Paul Shire once again in the kitchen, the menu will feature American comfort food: prime burgers, macaroni and cheese, chicken pot pie, franks and beans, and Shire’s famous meat loaf. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday, every day will offer a different special: southern fried chicken, brisket pot roast, beef stroganoff, fish and chips, prime rib au jus, and shepherd’s pie.

Made-from-scratch soups, salads, and sandwiches are available at lunch with heartier fare on the dinner menu, including dishes from around the world: barbecued beef quesadilla, satay chicken skewers, Jamaican jerk chicken wings, shish kabob platters, steak alla mamma, Maryland crab cakes, and pasta dishes such as lasagna. The most expensive item on the menu is the filet mignon with mashed potatoes and vegetables at $21.95.

The drink menu features original and classic cocktails, beer on tap and by the bottle, and affordable wines starting at $5 a glass and $15 to $25 a bottle.

Shire said his latest venture is a casual neighborhood restaurant serving very good basic food. The interior has a clean modern look with banquettes for comfortable seating and large windows for natural light during the day. The color scheme is green and blue in the dining area, dark red and purple with granite in the bar. “We will offer great value, big portions, and quick lunches for those on a schedule,” Shire said.

For more information, call 228-PAUL, or visit www.2paulsgoodfood.com.

November 6, 2012 0 comments