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Papa Razzi

Wright's Farm Restaurant's 50th Anniversary

News Bites: Wright’s Farm Restaurant Celebrates 50 Years / Newport Restaurant Group Announces 18 Promotions and New Hires / Blackstone Valley Culinary News

by David Dadekian May 23, 2022

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

Wright’s Farm to Host ‘Anniversary Fling’ Customer Appreciation Event

Wright’s Farm Restaurant’s traditional Spring Fling Shopping Event will be transformed into a celebratory customer event to mark the restaurant’s 50^th anniversary

Wright’s Farm Restaurant, located at 84 Inman Road in Burrillville, is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year. As part of the celebration, the Gift Shop will host a customer appreciation event, instead of its signature Spring Fling, on Friday, June 3^rd from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Customers are encouraged to visit www.WrightsFarm.com for more information.

Shoppers will enjoy special treats, discounts, promotions, and opportunities to win raffle baskets, prizes, surprises from the Wheel of Wow Giveaways and additional fun.

“For five decades, we’ve proudly hosted families as they celebrated important milestones,” said Frank Galleshaw III, Owner. “From birthdays, graduations to anniversaries, we have enjoyed celebrating with our customers, many of whom have become like family. We deeply appreciate the community making Wright’s Farm a part of their lives throughout the years, and we look forward to celebrating them during our Anniversary Fling.”

Wright’s Farm, known as a gathering spot for generations of families to come together and enjoy a delicious homemade meal served family style, and shop for unique items in the Gift Shop, has been family-owned and operated for 50 years.

Wright’s Farm’s Gift Shop carries the latest fashion accessories and jewelry trends from Luca + Danni, Spartina 449, Vera Bradley, John Medeiros, Dune, and Cape Cod Jewelry to name a few; as well as a selection of unique gifts, toys and a delightful array of candies, gourmet truffles and Wright’s Farm fudge, made on the premises.

Newport Restaurant Group Announces 18 Promotions and New Hires for Senior-Level Positions

Newport Restaurant Group (NRG), an award-winning collection of unique restaurants and hospitality venues located throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts, is pleased to announce the hiring and promotion of 18 employee-owners. NRG is the only employee-owned hospitality company in Rhode Island and offers full-coverage benefits, food and beverage discounts, generous time off and opportunities for career advancement.

“This is the most significant round of hiring we’ve done in our history, demonstrating the strength of our company, even after two years of setbacks due to the pandemic,” said Kristin Allain, Director of Human Resources. “It’s a true testament to our unique employee-ownership model and our strong leadership that we have been able to attract and retain talent, despite the labor shortage which reaches far beyond the hospitality industry.”

Promotions:

Alia Asher of Westport, MA has been promoted to executive sous chef at the Boat House in Tiverton. Prior to her new role, she was sous chef at 22 Bowen’s in Newport, and had also worked at a local slaughterhouse in Massachusetts, and in numerous positions at restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, FL, including line cook, kitchen supervisor, and sous chef at the Riverside Hotel, sous chef at the Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grill, and chef de cuisine at the Boathouse at The Riverside. Alia is a native of Kingston, Jamaica and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude.

Paul Sousa of North Providence, RI has been promoted to general manager at Bar ‘Cino and La Vecina, responsible for the day-to-day operations of the neighboring restaurants in Newport’s Washington Square. Paul joined NRG in 2014 as a restaurant manager at Hemenway’s before taking the helm at Waterman Grille. Prior to joining NRG, he managed Cafe Paragon and Viva on Thayer Street in Providence. Paul holds a degree in Business Management from Rhode Island College.

Tobey Sanborn, an NRG veteran, has been named director of training, responsible for meeting strategic objectives related to training and development of all staff members with a focus on succession planning. Prior to joining NRG, Tobey held various roles at the Capital Grille and Back Bay Restaurant Group, and then served as general manager of Hemenway’s before it was purchased by NRG in 2009. He has since held various roles within NRG consisting of oversight of management training programs, the acquisition of the Papa Razzi locations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, Waterman Grille, and the Boat House. Tobey is a past member of the board of directors of the RI Hospitality Association and is committed to several fundraising initiatives with RI Community Food Bank, Save The Bay, and the Ronald McDonald House in Providence.

Celia Darragh of Johnston, RI has been named general manager of Trio in Narragansett, responsible for managing all operations of the restaurant. Celia joined NRG in 2017 as a dining room supervisor at The Mooring Seafood Kitchen and Bar and worked her way up to assistant general manager in February 2021 before being promoted to her new position. Prior to joining NRG, she worked as an assistant restaurant manager for the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Newport, overseeing the property’s five food and beverage outlets. Celia holds an associate degree in Baking and Pastry Arts and a bachelor’s in Restaurant Management from Southern New Hampshire University.

Gary Morrison of South Grafton, MA has been named regional manager and is responsible for directing and overseeing management activities of assigned Business Units (BU) by partnering with general managers (GM) to maximize profits through efficiencies, policy, and best practices. Prior to joining NRG in 2012, Gary was a general manager and then regional manager for Back Bay Restaurant Group.

Greg Coccio of East Greenwich, RI has been named corporate executive chef, responsible for training culinary teams on advanced cooking techniques, quality assurance, implementation and training with regards to new culinary objectives, and operational support for every restaurant. Chef Coccio has been with NRG since 2010, first as kitchen supervisor and most recently executive chef at Avvio in Cranston. Prior to joining NRG, he was an executive chef for Tavistock Restaurant Group and the executive sous chef at CBS Scene.

New Hires:

Jarrod Carter of Attleboro, MA has been named Inventory control manager. The Johnson & Wales University graduate previously worked as director of operations at High Limb Cider and as systems manager and beverage manager at G Hospitality.

Jason Messier of Pawtucket, RI has been named human resources manager, responsible for special projects within the human resources department. He attended Rhode Island College and has worked in various HR capacities for Peak Event Services, Russell Morin Catering & Events, and Blount Fine Foods.

Jay Nearhoof of Taunton, MA has been named Assistant general manager of the Mooring Restaurant. He attended the University of Rhode Island and was most recently assistant general manager at Splitsville and Howl at the Moon in Cincinnati, Ohio. Prior to that, he held a variety of positions over the course of five years at the Splitsville and Howl at the Moon locations at Patriot Place in Foxborough, Massachusetts, starting as a busser and working his way up to assistant general manager

Jeff Tenner of Narragansett, RI has been named director of concept development, responsible for idea generation and the development and business implementation of new concepts and production practices, with a focus on balancing current values with emerging trends and new opportunities. Prior to joining NRG, the 25-year hospitality industry veteran, served as the vice president of food and beverage and head of restaurant operations for Spyce, a Boston-area restaurant start-up powered by robotics & automation. He helped lead the organization to their recent acquisition by Sweetgreen.

Laura Schnaible of Marlborough, MA, has been named recruiting director. Prior to joining NRG, she was a teacher, and then human resources representative at The New England Center for Children where she served children and young adults with autism. A native of Indiana, she graduated from Valparaiso University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and holds a Master of Science in Education from Simmons University. She is also a Society of Human Resource Management certified professional.

Lisa Knowles of Middletown, RI has been named show director, overseeing sales, marketing, and operations for the Newport International Boat Show. Prior to joining NRG, Lisa worked in landscape design, responsible for logistics, graphics, drafting, and on-site operations. She holds a degree in Plant & Soil Sciences from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, is a certified crowd manager and is a past board member of the RI Marine Trades Association.

Robin Pearson of Newport has been named digital marketing manager, responsible for NRG’s digital strategy and presence, as well as its robust customer loyalty campaigns. Prior to joining NRG, Robin worked in marketing and strategy for Reebok and Samsonite. She is a graduate of George Washington University.

Steve DeLuca of Pembroke, MA has been named the general manager of Foodlove Market, responsible for the day-to-day operations of the chef-crafted marketplace and cafe, including strategic direction, financials, inventory management, and more. He holds a Master of Science in Organizational Development and a Master of Business Administration from Bridgewater State University.

Tony Ojih of North Providence, RI has been named staff accountant, responsible for maintaining, reviewing, and preparing financial records and assisting with auditing and reconciling accounts. Prior to joining NRG, he worked in various accounting positions at TD Bank, Finish Line, the Town of Lincoln (RI), and Dunkin’. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Rhode Island College.

Christine Coogan of Milford, MA has been named General Manager of Papa Razzi Wellesley, responsible for leading the store and management team, hiring and developing new staff members, and the guest experience. Prior to joining NRG, Christine worked as the assistant general manager for the Barking Crab in Boston’s Seaport district as well as Back Bay Restaurant Group.

Cindy Vigneau of Coventry, RI has been named benefits & compensation manager, responsible for the oversight of all benefit and compensation plan administration, the development of various employee benefit plans, and the maintenance and evolution of the company’s compensation plan. Cindy brings 30 years of finance and HR experience, across a variety of industries, to her new role. She holds a degree in Principles of Financial Management/Basic Accounting I/Basic Accounting II from the Community College of Rhode Island.

Cori Desmond of Bristol, RI has been named inventory & menu systems administrator, responsible for supporting the inventory & menu systems manager in creating and maintaining the inventory back-end systems for all business units within NRG. Cori holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island.Additional positions are currently available at Castle Hill Inn, 22 Bowen’s, The Mooring, Smoke House, and Foodlove Market and include a variety of front and back-of-house positions including: managers, servers, hosts, bussers, bartenders, cooks, dishwashers, banquet staff, valets, baristas and cashiers. Candidates who are interested but cannot attend the summer job fair are welcome to apply online by visiting: https://www.newportrestaurantgroup.com/careers.

Blackstone Valley Culinary News – May 19, 2022

Shish Kebob
555 Smithfield Avenue, Pawtucket
401-725-9505
Facebook

Shish Kabob, the only Persian restaurant in Rhode Island, has opened in Pawtucket. (The space was previously inhabited by a restaurant call Shish Kebob but serving Lebanese food – two different places). Be transported to another part of the world while eating authentic shish kabob and other grilled meats, Chicken and/or Beef Koobideh (grilled meat served with basmati rice and grilled tomato), Kashk Bademjoon (Persian Eggplant Dip), Falafel (a vegetarian option), platters, wraps, salads and, of course, for dessert – baklava.

German-American Cultural Society of Rhode Island
78 Carter Avenue, Pawtucket 02861
401-726-9873
gacsri.org

The May Trachtenabend will be on Friday, May 20. This month’s special menu features Brandenburg-style pork with green beans and potatoes. Pre-purchased meal tickets are not necessary this month.

Here are a couple of great weekend brunch suggestions in Pawtucket:

Craft Burgers and Beer
342 East Avenue, Pawtucket 02860
401-723-5600
craftbandb.com

Craft Burgers and Beer offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. In addition to their brunch menu, their full menu is available.

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

Boundary has just started doing Sunday brunch. Stop by between 11 am and 2 pm or make a reservation for indoor or patio dining. Here’s the Brunch Menu for May 22. And the bar will be serving your favorite brunch beverages too – mimosas, bloody Marys and more! And their specials for Thursday, Friday and Saturday look delish! Boundary Special Menu

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

Yelp did a survey and announced the best brewery in each state. Check out the article:

Best Brewery in Each State. The Best in Rhode Island is Crooked Current Brewery, founded by two native Rhode Islanders. They are open on Thursdays and Fridays from 5 to 8 pm and Saturday from 1-5 pm (closed Sunday). They are in a great location with other food and drink venues, such as White Dog Distilling, JA Patty, and Ming’s Asian Street Food. You can eat and drink your way around 560 Mineral Spring Avenue!

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

Mark your calendar and get your reservations! Spumoni’s presents The Comedy Factory and an Italian buffet! For only $45 you’ll see a fabulous show with comedians from The Comedy Factory, the buffet, and tax and tip are included. It will be Sunday, June 5, 2022 at 12:30 pm (doors open), buffet at 1:00 pm and show at 2:00 pm. Call the number above to make your reservations before they sell out! Spumoni’s and The Comedy Factory

Atrium on Main
285 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860
401-335-5500
Aomrestaurant.com

Here’s an idea for a nice afternoon in June – a great meal at Atrium on Main and then head to their Art Battle^® event. It’s a live painting tournament and you can be the judge! Watch as local artists compete in 3 rounds of just 20 minutes each, transforming blank canvases into beautiful piece of art. Then you can vote to help determine the winner of the event. All artwork will be available in a silent auction. Art Battle^®is an event that happens in cities around the world. How cool that the city of Pawtucket in a part of this!!!! It happens on Sunday, June 12. Doors open at 1 pm and the show starts at 2 pm. Tickets are $25 for general admission or a $40 ticket includes a buffet. Art Battle^® Tickets

And Atrium on Main has updated their hours (expanding their lunch hours) as follows: Tuesday – 11 am to 4 pm (take out and delivery only); Wednesday – 4 pm to 8 pm; Thursday – 12 noon to 8 pm; Friday and Saturday – 12 noon to 10 pm. Sunday and Monday – closed.

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

Have you seen this post from the White Dog Distilling Facebook page? Very interesting……

Ever wonder about the difference between moonshine and vodka? Both are usually clear, neutral tasting spirits consumed in a variety of ABV’s and come with a lot of misconceptions. Despite their similarities there are also a lot of distinctions, so let’s take a look at some:

Vodka and moonshine are both classified by the government as “neutral spirits” and therefore defined as, “Spirits distilled from any material at or above 95% ABV and, if bottled, bottled at not less than 40% ABV. Vodka is specifically distilled or treated after distillation with charcoal or other materials so as to be without distinctive character, aroma, taste or color. Moonshine on the other hand is a Neutral Grain Spirit (NGS) and is defined as being “distilled from a fermented mash of grain”; interestingly the government also stipulates that an NGS can be stored in oak containers (aka barrel aged), although often this is not the case with moonshine. As we often point out moonshine is a pretty broad term that can be used as a catchall for any spirit not easily defined, therefore NGS only makes up one section of the moonshine spectrum.

Check out their “Pack Experiences” and Menu HERE

Ye Olde English Fish & Chips
25 South Main Street, Woonsocket 02895
401-762-3637
Yeoldeenglishfishandchips.com

Happy 100^th Anniversary to Ye Olde English Fish & Chips! Celebrate with them from Wednesday, May 25 to Friday, May 27 and enjoy their specials:

Wednesday: 2 orders of Fish Cakes and Chips and 2 small sodas – $10

Thursday: 2 orders of Fish Burgers and Chips, plus 2 small sodas – $10

Friday: 2 orders of small Fish & Chips, 2 small clam chowders and 2 small sodas – all for $19.22!

May 23, 2022 0 comment

News Bites: RI DEM Grant Opportunities / Coggeshall Farm Museum Crowdfunding Campaign / Stock Culinary Goods & Garrison Confections / Newport Restaurant Group to Open Avvio

by David Dadekian January 27, 2016

written by David Dadekian

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

DEM Promotes Growth of Green Economy with Latest Grant Awards

Nearly $400,000 to be invested in small businesses to foster innovation and growth of local food and agriculture

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

As part of its efforts to expand the green economy in Rhode Island and support working families, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) announced today the availability of $380,000 in grant funding to local small businesses under the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) and Farm Viability programs. The grants are designed to increase the competitiveness of Rhode Island products in the marketplace and help local farmers and food partners grow their businesses.

“Rhode Islanders take great pride in their agricultural heritage and diverse food cultures,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “It is part of what makes our state such a special place to live, visit, and raise a family. And increasingly, local food and agriculture are hotbeds for innovation and entrepreneurship – spurred on by a growing awareness of the benefits of eating fresh, locally grown food and being connected to a local farmer, nursery, or fisherman. We’re proud to invest in the continued growth of local food and green industries and to support the many new businesses, working families, and innovative initiatives funded under these programs.”

Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) Grant Program

In partnership with the Rhode Island Food Policy Council, the LASA grant program provides up to $20,000 awards to new and small farmers, producer groups, and non-profits to support the growth and sustainability of Rhode Island’s farming, aquaculture, and seafood industries. Now in its third year, the LASA program funds both program and capital projects. For capital projects, priority is given to initiatives that (1) directly benefit new or small agriculture producers; (2) foster new collaborations or share new information among Rhode Island food-system partners; or (3) support new products or new sales channels with clearly defined markets.

“Adequate nutritious food is essential to human wellbeing and the bedrock of economic development,” said Kenneth Payne, Chair of the Rhode Island Food Policy Council. “LASA is a building block in strengthening Rhode Island’s agriculture and seafood sectors. Let’s all eat well and enjoy Rhode Island’s best.”

LASA is a public-private partnership funded through the state with generous support from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, the Henry P. Kendall Foundation, and the Rhode Island Foundation. A total of $230,000 is available for the 2016 grant round.

For grant guidelines and to apply, visit dem.ri.gov. Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on February 16. Applications may also be mailed or hand-delivered to DEM Division of Agriculture, Room 370, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 by 4 p.m.on February 16; however, applying online is strongly encouraged. Awards will be announced as part of the Rhode Island Agriculture Day held each spring. Non-profit organizations are eligible for program funds only.

Farm Viability Grant Program

The Farm Viability Grant Program, made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, supports efforts to increase specialty crop production and grow the marketplace for these crops in Rhode Island. USDA defines specialty crops as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, and nursery crops, including floriculture and turf grass.

The grants – open to individual farmers or agricultural or educational groups – fund projects up to two years in duration that support the continued vitality of local agriculture. Funded areas include, but are not limited to, research, marketing, food safety and security, plant health, “buy local” initiatives, and development of cooperatives. For a complete list of funded areas visit www.dem.ri.gov.

Fund projects will support the broad competitiveness of locally-grown specialty crops in Rhode Island. Initiatives that benefit a sole commercial product or provide a profit to a single individual or group will not be considered. Single entities are encouraged to participate as project partners. For this round, $150,000 is available in grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. To date, DEM has awarded more than $2 million in farm viability grants to support the competitiveness of locally-grown specialty crops.

For more information, visit www.rigrown.ri.gov. Applications accompanied by a W9 form should be mailed to DEM Division of Agriculture, Room 370, 235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908 and postmarked no later than March 31, 2016.

In addition to these grant programs, DEM works across many fronts to accelerate growth of the local food economy, which supports 60,000 jobs in Rhode Island. The department continues to make investments in critical infrastructure as well as provide farm incubation space to new farmers through its Urban Edge and Snake Den farm properties. The state’s food system now includes 1,243 farms, an increase of 44 percent from 2002, and nearly 70,000 acres of farmland. And Rhode Island’s green industries account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy.

The Ocean State is a national leader in direct-sales to consumers, with approximately 50 seasonal farmers markets in the state’s urban, suburban and rural areas; seven indoor winter markets; and numerous pick-your-own and farm-stand operations. In partnership with the Seafood Marketing Collaborative, DEM developed the RI Seafood brand to uniquely identify Rhode Island seafood in the marketplace and help local fishermen and distributors grow their businesses. In 2015, nearly 100 million pounds of seafood arrived at Rhode Island ports, with an ex-vessel value over $75 million. There are 20 registered users of the RI Seafood brand – which was recently featured as part of Newport Restaurant Week, the Rhode Island Oyster Festival, and the Narragansett Calamari Cook-Off. For more information, visit www.seafoodri.com.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM or on Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM) for timely updates.

Coggeshall Announces $50K Campaign to Fuel Education Program

Living history museum to launch crowdfunding campaign to meet $50K matching grant

Mortar and Pestle at Coggeshall Farm Museum

Coggeshall Farm Museum may be set in the 18th-century, but it’s launching a 21st-century campaign to raise funds for its growing education program. On Friday, January 29, the nonprofit living history museum in Bristol, RI will kick off a $50,000 crowdfunding campaign to help meet a $50,000 matching grant from philanthropist H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest.

“We’re using these funds to build something pretty amazing — a mobile living history program that puts the story back into history,” says Executive Director Cindy Elder. “Last year, 3,000 students came to Coggeshall for field trips, and we plan to host even more in 2016. Unfortunately, lots of schools find it difficult to afford field trips. Transportation costs alone make it tough. So we’re sending our educators from the farm yard to the school yard to get kids excited about history.”

Coggeshall is using the crowdfunding platform, Indiegogo.com, to generate the matching funds. The theme is “Send Coggeshall to School: $50K in 50 Days.” Donors access Coggeshall’s Indiegogo site at http://igg.me/at/coggeshall and can make gifts of any size. “Perks” for giving range from memberships to hearthcooking classes to naming rights for Coggeshall’s next newborn farm animal. Donations made on the museum’s website or by mail also count toward the match.

Coggeshall honors the lives of 18th-century tenant farm families and brings to life the daily struggles, joys and tasks experienced by working people of this time period. Elder feels it’s critical to bring this perspective into the classroom, because it helps children connect to history through stories that more closely resemble their own.

“We all remember the names of the powerful people who filled our history books,” she says. “But what about the everyday people who built this country from the ground up? The tenant farmers we represent didn’t own their land. They rented. And they had no voting rights. Through their own sweat and determination, they helped to build the American dream. That’s something today’s kids can understand.”

Coggeshall’s education program sheds light on an era when the United States was brand new, just after the American Revolution. The museum’s educators explore issues such as farming, traditional hand skills, politics, class, gender roles, the slave trade, the role of government, voting rights and other issues affecting working people of the time.

“We’re not paying lip service to history at Coggeshall,” says Elder. “We speak from experience, because we are operating a 48-acre farm using 18th-century methods every day of the year. We can share the things we’ve learned by caring for animals, raising crops, cooking over a hearth or mucking the barn when it’s 10 degrees out. History is not just dates and names. It’s the story of where we came from and how we got here. For us, history isn’t forgotten. It’s alive and well and living at Coggeshall Farm Museum.”

The “Send Coggeshall to School Campaign” will fund:

Development of a class-based living history curriculum, in collaboration with a team of K-12 educators and the Rhode Island Historical Society.
A prototype living history app for the classroom, developed in partnership with MuseumTrek.
Educational materials to assist teachers with pre- and post-visit lesson planning.
Pilot presentations at no cost to 20 schools in the next 12 months to test the program.

In the past 12 months, Coggeshall has received several grants to help it preserve this 1790s salt marsh farm and build its educational program, including:

$2,500 from Roger Williams University and $500 from BankNewport to fund field trips for Bristol students.
$32,000 from The Champlin Foundations for improvements that will enable Coggeshall to offer short-time residencies to scholars and craftspeople.
$25,000 from the Carter Family Trust and $1,000 from the Town of Bristol to hire and retain high-quality educators.
$3,260 from the 1772 Foundation and $1,000 from the State of Rhode Island for historic restoration.
$2,500 from Access for All Abilities to improve wheelchair accessibility to the site.

Coggeshall Farm Museum is located at 1 Colt Drive in Bristol, RI, off Poppasquash Road. The museum is open weekends from December 15 through April 15; Tuesday through Sunda during the week of February 15 for school vacation; and by appointment for groups or scholarly visits. For more information, visit www.coggeshallfarm.org, call 401-253-9062 or email Cindy Elder at [email protected].

Garrison Confections Returns to Hope Street

Meet chocolatier Drew Shotts and sample Rhode Island’s finest chocolates February 6th at Stock Culinary Goods

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, a new partnership between Garrison Confections and Stock Culinary Goods returns the entire line of the award winning artisan chocolate back to Hope Street in Providence where it all began.

To mark the union, Garrison Confection’s chocolatier Andrew Shotts will visit Stock on Saturday, February 6th from 11 am – 3pm to offer samples and talk about how he makes his nationally renowned chocolates. Campus Fine Wines will also attend to provide samples and suggestions of sherries, ports and bubblies that will pair perfectly with the chocolate.

Since leaving his popular Hope Street retail location eight years ago, Chef Shotts has been producing his chocolate confections from his factory in Central Falls, with most of it being shipped to major cities such as Los Angeles and New York. While limited amounts have been available locally, for the last several years the only way to get the full range was to visit the factory in the days preceding holidays.

“Before Christmas and Valentine’s Day, we would have people lining up to purchase outside of the factory, ringing the bell before we even opened,” says Chef Shotts. “But we wanted a solution that would allow more people to conveniently get their chocolate, while allowing me to focus on my work, which is experimenting with and creating the confections. That’s where Stock came in.”

For the last two years, Stock has rolled out a few select items, but with this new arrangement, the entire line of sixteen varieties of confections, including tablets, chocolate covered fruit and nuts, hot chocolate and boxed sets of bon bons is available at all times.

“This has been a dream of ours since we opened,” says Stock owner Jan Faust Dane. “Many of my customers are elated when they find that we carry it because they know that the gift of Garrison chocolate is always a hit, and now it’s all readily available, seven days a week.”

Each year for Valentine’s Day, Garrison releases its “Legendary Lovers” boxed set collection of boldly flavored and elegantly designed bon bons, with each flavor honoring a famous or infamous couple. This year marks the 15th year of the tradition and the lovers are a roll call of past years’ favorites, including George + Gracie, Scarlett + Rhett and Napoleon + Josephine. Those bon bons and other confections will be available to sample during the instore event.

Stock Culinary Goods, with its Garrison kiosk, is located at 756 Hope Street, Providence near Rochambeau.

Newport Restaurant Group to Welcome ‘Avvio Ristorante’ in former Papa Razzi Location

Newport Restaurant Group’s Award-Winning Portfolio Expands to Include Avvio, an Inspired and Classic-Italian American Eatery in Garden City

Avvio Ristorante exterior rendering

Newport Restaurant Group, a division of Newport Harbor Corporation, an employee-owned hospitality company, is pleased to announce Avvio, a new restaurant in the former Papa Razzi space in Garden City, Cranston. Avvio will join the Newport Restaurant Group collection as the ninth location in Rhode Island and will embody the essence of everyday Italian dining; a place where friends and family gather, share laughs and celebrate milestones. Papa Razzi will be closed for business beginning on Sunday, January 31st and Avvio will open as a classic Italian eatery in spring 2016.

“When Newport Harbor Corporation purchased seven Papa Razzi restaurants in 2012, it gave us the opportunity to grow our footprint into Massachusetts,” said Paul O’Reilly, CEO and President of Newport Harbor Corporation. “The Cranston location has been successful, but with the growth and expansion of Garden City, we saw an opportunity to refresh the space and enhance its offerings to align with Newport Restaurant Group’s culinary philosophy. These changes will allow us to add Avvio to the Newport Restaurant Group portfolio and to provide guests in the West Bay and statewide the experience they have come to expect from our restaurants and with a similar price point to Papa Razzi.”

Chef Greg Coccio, former Executive Chef at Papa Razzi will remain in this role at Avvio. His efforts will be complemented by Chef Kevin DiLibero, Director of Culinary Arts. Both have been cooking within Newport Restaurant Group for many years and share a passion for and heritage of Italian cooking.

As always, the Newport Restaurant Group’s focus on simple ingredients will be on display, sourced locally and directly from Italy. Prepared with distinct, yet traditional cooking techniques, Avvio’s menu will feature inspired Italian classic dishes along with Neapolitan pizzas and a wood-fired grill.

The culinary team will be augmented by Chef Casey Riley who serves as Chief Operating Officer and oversees the culinary development of each Newport Restaurant Group property. Chef Riley’s extended familial roots are in Cranston and this opening is especially personal and special as Casey’s appreciation of Italian cooking was first nurtured through the traditions passed on to him via the family table.

During the closure, Papa Razzi gift cards will be accepted at all Papa Razzi locations in Massachusetts, as well as at Newport Restaurant Group properties Waterman Grille and Hemenway’s, in nearby Providence. Visit www.paparazzitrattoria.com or www.avvioristorante.com for additional details.

January 27, 2016 0 comment

chefs & restaurants news

News Bites: Daniele Wins 2015 Good Food Award, Easy Entertaining Healthy Meal Delivery, Papa Razzi Weekly Specials

by David Dadekian January 14, 2015

written by David Dadekian

Daniele Juniper Berry Pinot Noir Salame

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

Juniper Berry Pinot Noir Salame Wins 2015 National Good Food Award

For the second consecutive year Daniele, Inc. has been recognized as a winner of the prestigious national Good Food Award for its local line of charcuterie made in Rhode Island from locally raised hogs.

Daniele, Inc.’s Juniper Berry and Pinot Noir salame received a first place award in the blind taste test by 225 of the nation’s top chefs and food critics.

Daniele’s local line was developed as part of an initiative that supports local farmers and encourages the emergence of a new comprehensive food culture in Rhode Island and nearby states.

Enrico Porrino, Daniele’s resident Salumiere, developed the recipe after taste-testing several combinations of wines and herbs. “I decided juniper berries and Pinot Noir made the best marriage,” said Porrino. “This Salami embodies classic Italian flavors, reminiscent of cuisine enjoyed in the Italian Alps.”

Enrico, who is a new addition to the Daniele family, is a 3rd generation Salumiere and was partially inspired during his last trip to Italy where he dined deliciously in the village of Courmayeur, at the foot of Mont Blanc.

The result was another award-winning product from the Daniele, made from hogs raised and made in New England. The Good Food Awards recognize American food producers and the farmers who provide the ingredients for pushing their industry towards craftsmanship and sustainability while enhancing the agricultural landscape and building strong communities.
In announcing the winners, the Good Food Awards said those chosen represent some of the country’s best cutting edge culinary talent.

“These awards are a testament of our community’s ability to produce excellence,” said Davide Dukcevich, whose family started Daniele in Rhode Island over 30 years ago. “On behalf of everyone at Daniele, I want to congratulate Enrico Porrino for having won the prestigious Good Food award for best salame. His Juniper Berry and Pinot Noir salame took top honors in a fiercely competitive category. We are all very proud of Enrico.”

Small family farms, including RI’s Timberstone and Blackbird Farm raised high quality hogs for use in the new local line.

Daniele and other food producers in the New England region are continuing to focus on locally grown high quality products. This collaborative effort brings together farms, educational facilities, restaurants, chefs, and food manufactures like Daniele creating economic growth around the agriculture and food sector.

Easy Entertaining Healthy Edamame “Fried” Rice

Easy Entertaining Inc. Offers Healthy Meal Delivery!

Have you started the New Year with a resolution focused on your health and fitness? Easy Entertaining Inc., a homegrown farm-to-fork catering company, has a program that’s perfect to help you achieve your goals.

Fit Feast and it’s sister program Fit Family, are make-ahead meal programs designed to make healthier meals a more convenient choice than they’re known to be. Fit Feasts are pre-portioned, calorie controlled, meals that consist of hormone free proteins, whole grain carbohydrates, and locally sourced and seasonal vegetables. This combination of ingredients brings satisfying and healthy meals to the table to make the challenge of staying on the healthy track much easier. The meals are delivered to clients’ homes weekly and are guaranteed fresh for five days in refrigeration.

Easy Entertaining has had success with this program for more than 5 years now. For under 500 calories per serving, Easy Entertaining’s Fit Feast clients enjoy appetizing and satisfying meals while keeping their healthy habits on track. What’s easier than healthy take-out?

Favorites from past Fit Feast and Fit Family menus have been dishes such as Orange Chicken Stir Fry over barley with Baffoni Farm’s chicken, Vegetable Grilled Pizzas with a light dusting of cheese and a side salad, Whole Grain Butternut Mac ’n Cheese, Naked Angus Burgers with Blackbird Farm’s beef, house ketchup, and homemade pickles, and more. Easy Entertaining’s Fit Feast program takes healthy eating to a new level with meals packed with protein, fiber, whole grains, and vegetables while keeping bold and interesting flavors in mind.

Make Sunday meal preparation a project of the past and sign up with Easy Entertaining for their Fit Feast program. There’s no better time to build new habits than the start of the New Year and this program can make it easier than ever. For full details and the most current Fit Feast and Fit Family menus and pricing visit Easy Entertaining’s website at EasyEntertainingRI.com.

For more information about Fit Feast, Fit Family, and Easy Entertaining Inc. please call Nik Delfino at (401) 437-6090 or e-mail him at [email protected]tertainingRI.com.

Enrich the Week with Delicious Experiences at Papa Razzi

New England’s Italian Destination Introduces Specials to Help Live ‘La Dolce Vita’ All Week Long

WHO: Papa Razzi, an Italian eatery offering a sophisticated dining experience focused on fresh ingredients and unparalled service, has created weekly specials worthy of celebration.

WHAT: Papa Razzi invites diners to stray away from weekly routines and experience a slice of Italian life. Combining the best of traditional Italian recipes with fresh, local ingredients, Papa Razzi is the perfect place to enjoy the comforts of home cooking in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.

Beat the Monday blues with Mangia Mondays – where all entrees are $15.99 all day. Add an appetizer, pizza, or antipasto or salad for only $7.99, and a glass of house red or white wine for only $5.99.

Break bread while embracing a traditional Italian dish with family and friends on Wednesday nights for Spaghetti Notte. Choose from a selection of gourmet appetizers including the Insalata di Papa and Margherita Pizza. For the main course, enjoy house made pasta dishes including the traditional Spaghetti alla Bolognese or Spaghetti alla Polpetta – the Papa Razzi version of spaghetti and meatballs. Allow yourself to relax from your busy week and rejoice amongst a hearty and delicious dinner for all to enjoy for only $19.99. Add in a bottle of house red or white with Spaghetti Notte menu for only $29.99.

The weekend is when the fun really begins! Indulge in classic brunch offerings Saturday and Sunday with Brunch & Bubbly. From Steak & Eggs to Linguini al Fresco con Funhgi, there are flavors to delight any palate. With the purchase of any brunch entrée, the first Bellini or Mimosa is on them.

WHEN: Mangia Mondays
Every Monday

Brunch & Bubbly
Saturdays and Sundays until 3:00PM

Spaghetti Notte
Every Wednesday

WHERE: Papa Razzi Cranston
1 Paparazzi Way
Garden City Center
Cranston, RI 02920
401.942.2900
Mon – Thurs: 11:30AM – 10:00PM
Fri: 11:30AM – 11:00PM

January 14, 2015 0 comment

chefs & restaurants cooking news

News Bites: Newport Lobster Shack Kitchen, The Pizza Gourmet, Papa Razzi

by David Dadekian September 1, 2014

written by David Dadekian

Grand Opening at the Newport Lobster Shack Kitchen

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

Fishermen in Newport Celebrate Grand Opening of Lobster Shack Kitchen at State Pier Nine in Newport

New Waterfront Eatery on the State Pier Offers Steamed Lobster Dinners, Fresh Lobster Rolls, Lobsterman’s Bisque and More Made from Lobsters Landed Right in Newport at Pier Nine on Long Wharf

The Department of Environmental Management, in partnership with the Fishermen in Newport, hosted a grand opening and ribbon-cutting event today at State Pier Nine in Newport for the new Newport Lobster Shack Kitchen.

The Kitchen is an outgrowth of the popular Newport Lobster Shack Cooperative at the state pier on Long Wharf, where the Fishermen in Newport have been selling their catch – lobsters, crabs and conch – directly to the public since 2010. Now, with the new kitchen facility, the public has an opportunity to purchase a variety of freshly cooked items made directly from lobsters landed at Pier Nine. Visitors to Newport can now enjoy an affordable, local seafood meal ‘picnic-style’ under the shade pavilion on Newport’s working waterfront.

According to DEM Director Janet Coit, the Newport Lobster Shack Cooperative is a powerful model for the survival of local fisheries. By selling their catch directly to the public, the fishermen can earn better value for their product, while ensuring that visitors have a stellar Rhode Island seafood experience.

“I am pleased that economic and environmental sustainability were addressed with this innovative idea to support Rhode Island’s hard working fishermen,” Governor Lincoln D. Chafee said. “I thank Director Coit and her staff for their work to support our environment and economy.”

DEM Director Coit noted that this collaborative initiative with the Fishermen in Newport is one of DEM’s efforts to add economic value to the Rhode Island fishing industry. “All of the Kitchen’s menu items including fresh steamed lobster, lobster rolls, lobster bites, lobster cakes, and hand-picked local lobster meat come straight from the lobsters plucked by fishermen in local waters and landed right here at State Pier Nine. You can’t get any fresher than that!”

Lobster typically ranks as Rhode Island’s second most valuable commercial fishery, behind squid. Lobster landings in Rhode Island (including dockside sales) in 2013 totaled 2.1 million pounds for a value of $9.7 million. Approximately 645,000 pounds were harvested by Newport fishermen for a value of $3.1 million. As Rhode Island-landed lobster are processed and move into the wholesale and retail markets, the total value of the fishery increases substantially – likely approaching $28 million – making it a crucial part of the state’s economy. Rhode Island has approximately 250 lobster fishermen, with 45 landing lobster in Newport.

“I want to congratulate the Newport Fishermen’s Cooperative and all the fishermen here at State Pier Nine for coming together to make the Newport Lobster Shack Kitchen a success. This endeavor is really their vision supported by their investment of time, hard work, funding, and resources. I hope it will be a boon to their businesses and that continues to draw even more people to the Newport waterfront to enjoy some locally caught, fresh off-the-boat-fresh lobster and seafood,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed, who has worked with Rhode Island lobstermen over the years to secure federal funding for lobster gear exchanges and an ongoing lobster data collection project led by the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation. Reed has also been a champion of the “eat local” and tide-to-table movement in Rhode Island and led efforts at the federal level to help local growers, fishermen, and farmers market and sell their products.

Today, Senator Reed, a senior member of the Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee, announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce will be providing another $190,000 in federal funding for URI, in cooperation with the Rhode Island Lobsterman’s Association and others, to design and test new types of lobster and crab gear.

House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello said, “I have focused my energy since becoming Speaker earlier this year on improving our state’s economy. The fishing industry is a very important industry, and I am proud to support efforts such as this one to promote our hard-working fishermen and women.”

President of the Senate M. Teresa Paiva Weed said, “This is a creative partnership that helps keep jobs in Rhode Island. The Newport Lobster Shack Kitchen supports an important industry, enabling fishermen to market locally harvested and locally prepared seafood direct to consumers. It wouldn’t have been possible without Director Janet Coit, and the Senate appreciates her commitment to working with the state’s fishermen to help maintain this vital industry.”

“I visit the fishing pier regularly and I am very excited to see this new facility being opened that will be so helpful to our local fishermen,” noted Representative Peter Martin of Newport. “As a former commissioner on the Atlantic States Fisheries Commission, I truly value the importance of Rhode Island’s fishing industry.”

Representative Deborah Ruggiero of Jamestown added, “The fishing industry is so important to our state’s economy and I am thrilled about the opening of the Newport Lobster Shack Kitchen. I buy lobsters year-round at the pier and it’s exciting to see the expansion from retail sales to a restaurant. I encourage everyone in our state to buy local and eat fresh!”
In addition to the Lobster Shack and Lobster Shack Kitchen, Pier Nine is the site of a farmers’ market that opened in collaboration between DEM and the Pier Nine fishermen in 2011. Located at the edge of Newport Harbor, the market is open Fridays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. through October.

The family-friendly Newport Lobster Shack Kitchen is open daily from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and is offering several grand opening specials through Labor Day.

The Pizza Gourmet Kicks Off Season at Fall Venues

Wood Grilled Pizza Stars At Sports Stadiums and Events Nationwide

From Rhode Island across the nation, The Pizza Gourmet is adding to football fans’ enjoyment this new season. The Pizza Gourmet real wood grilled pizza is being served from pregame to the final gun at pro football venues including Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The specialty pizza made only from hand-stretched dough grilled at 1800 degrees over real oak and maple wood is served to VIP guests at games as well as in the clubhouse.

Baseball fans enjoy The Pizza Gourmet as well at the home of Cleveland’s big league club, Progressive Field.
And this fall and winter, hometown fans will have the advantage at the University of Rhode Island where a Pizza Gourmet-themed concession stand will open in the Ryan Center. URI’s athletic department and fraternity/sorority foodservice is featuring the real wood-grilled pizza as well.

The Pizza Gourmet and The Catering Gourmet will unveil their brand new food truck, The G Truck, at the Peace & Providence Festival September 6th at the Roger Williams National Memorial in Providence. The G Truck will be at select events throughout New England serving The Pizza Gourmet’s original wood-grilled pizzas and a full menu of food that can only be described as casual and fun. At the Festival, the Catering Gourmet will be located in eight food tents and will be featuring BBQ, doughboys, sandwiches such as sausage and peppers, wraps, ice cream and house made potato chips and fries.

At this year’s Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival, the Pizza Gourmet will be joining the scores of celebrity chefs and winemakers who come to this world-class tasting and education weekend. The Pizza Gourmet’s wood-grilled pizza will be served at the Grand Tasting at Marble House September 20th and 21st.

Weekly Specials at Papa Razzi

Mangia Monday (Every Monday, All Day 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.)

All entrées are $15.99 all day on Mondays
Add an appetizer, pizza or antipasto or salad for only $7.99
Add a glass of our house red or white wine for only $5.99
*Purchase of entrée required to receive special pricing on appetizers & wine

Brunch & Bubbly (Every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.) (*Also on Monday Holidays at the same time)

Join us all weekend long and Monday holidays for our classic Papa Razzi brunch offerings.
With purchase of a brunch entrée, your first drink is on us, with your choice of a Bellini or Mimosa.

Spaghetti Notte (Every Wednesday, All day 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.)

Join us Wednesday for your choice of four signature pastas, soup, salad or pizza for $19.99
With a bottle of red or white wine $29.99
Seasonal promotions cannot be combined with any other offers

September 1, 2014 0 comment