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News Bites: Tavolo Opens on Federal Hill / RI DEM Farmland Access Workshop / Sardella’s Family Recipe

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

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

Tavolo Sets the Table on Federal Hill

Sherri and Leonard Mello will open elegant yet energetic new restaurant
Executive Chef Paul Shire to create contemporary Italian cuisine

Tavolo means “table.” The owners of the successful Tavolo Wine Bar & Restaurant in Smithfield will open a new restaurant on Federal Hill on December 8, 2016 with a grand opening celebration in the heart of Providence’s premier dining destination.

Sherri and Leonard Mello are bringing an elegant yet energetic atmosphere to Tavolo Wine Bar and Tuscan Grille at 289 Atwells Avenue.

The Location & The Ambiance
The Tavolo experience starts with a totally renovated look and ambience that captures both the tradition of “The Hill” and new accents. Bronze box lighting with dark wood notes and inviting banquettes adjoin a spacious bar that speaks of good times.  It is destined to be one of Federal Hill’s landmarks with its exclusive three-season outdoor piazza.

“Tavolo in Smithfield has been great for our innovative cuisine and wine program. We love our regulars and all our loyal guests,” said Sherri Mello. “We wanted to create an elegant and contemporary dining experience, where people can enjoy soft live piano music and entertainment while they dine, that invokes the feelings of Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Dean Martin.”

The Wine Collection
Before one reaches Tavolo Wine Bar and Tuscan Grille’s piazza, there is a second bar facing Tavolo’s wine collection which sommelier Leonard proudly displays.  “We will have over five hundred wines on our list with over 40 by-the-glass selections. Our guests can spend from $20 to $2000 per bottle but we will always have over 75 wines at under $40 per bottle,” he says.

“We were avid wine enthusiasts before we opened our first restaurant,” Leonard continued. “We owned a couple of wine and gourmet food shops as well. At Tavolo Providence, our goal is to continue building on a Wine Spectator Award-winning wine list both comprehensive and approachable. With our extensive by-the-glass program we will be one of the only true wine bars in the city.”

“In Smithfield we established Tavolo Wine Bar as a ‘go-to’ destination. Our food philosophy cues our cocktail menu – innovative but with a classic feel. In Providence that will include hard-to-find bourbons and Scotches in addition to the usual cocktails.”

Sherri on Federal Hill: “We chose The Hill to be part of the continued movement to reestablish Federal Hill as a restaurant-first destination. With our Tuscan-inspired cuisine and wines, our warm and polished surroundings, and the added element of live piano music on a regular basis, we have much to offer and welcome many more guests old and new to Tavolo Providence.”

Tavolo’s Signature Dishes
Tavolo’s menu will bring to Federal Hill traditional Italian cuisine with contemporary ideas and trends created by Executive Chef Paul Shire. The chef has been on the leading edge for most of his career, opening the groundbreaking DownCity Food + Cocktails and the popular Oak. Chef Shire’s creativity is all in the family. His aunt is none other than Lydia Shire, the James Beard Award winning chef from Boston.

Signature dishes at Tavolo Wine Bar and Tuscan Grille include:

  • Sauteed Shrimp Pancetta with broccolini, cherry tomato and herb beurre blanc over fresh made spaghetti;
  • Braised Pulled Beef Shank, asparagus tips, cippolini onions, peas, mushrooms and truffle butter over fresh gnocchi;
  • 16oz Grilled Ribeye, Kona Coffee Rub, Purple Fingerling Potato, Brussels Sprouts with demiglace.

The Tavolo menu was designed and created entirely from scratch in house.

Sherri and Leonard invite you to the table at Tavolo Wine Bar and Tuscan Grille, 289 Atwells Avenue on Providence’s Federal Hill, opening this December.

DEM Seeks Early Input on New Farmland Access Program

Third Public Workshop to be Held Next Month

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) will hold a third public workshop on the State’s new Farmland Access Program next month.  The voluntary, pilot program – approved by voters as part of a 2014 environmental bond measure – helps ensure Rhode Island’s farmlands remain in farming. During the workshop, DEM will highlight and gather input on a revised, preliminary outline of the program.

WHAT: Review and Comment on Updated Draft Rules & Regulations for the Rhode Island Farmland Access Program

WHEN: Wednesday, December 14, 2016 – 5:30 p.m.

WHERE: DEM Headquarters, 235 Promenade Street, Providence // Room 300

DEM continues to work across many fronts to strengthen Rhode Island’s green economy and to promote the viability of local agriculture. The state’s green industries account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy each year. And local agriculture continues to be an area ripe for growth – with the number of farms in Rhode Island on the rise and a growing young farmer network. Access to land, however, continues to be a challenge for many farmers.

The Farmland Access Program is one way DEM is addressing this challenge. It allows the Department to partner with the State’s Agricultural Land Preservation Commission and willing sellers to purchase farmland, protect it, and affordably sell it to farmers looking for land. The voluntary program supports farmers by giving landowners an option that will keep historic farmlands available for farming. As part of the 2014 Clean Water, Open Space and Healthy Communities bond measure, $3 million is available for farmland preservation under this program. The program’s formal rulemaking process, which will involve a public comment period, has not yet begun. The public workshops held to date are designed to gather early feedback on the program’s draft regulations. The latest version of the Draft Rules & Regulations is available online and will continue to be updated based on public input.

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.

Sardella’s Family Kitchen Recipe of the Month

Sardella’s Italian Restaurant in Newport, believes recipes were meant to be shared with the world. The Sardella Family has created The Family Kitchen Recipe of the Month, a series of authentic Italian recipes from kitchens of Italian families, or as known in Italian, Ricette Della Cucina de Famiglia.

Each month, a family recipe will be featured as a special for the month at Sardella’s. 10% of the proceeds will go to the King Center of Newport. The recipe with its family history will also be featured in the Sardella’s menu for an entire month, on Facebook and at sardellas.com.

Recipes are being accepted from customers, guests and friends of Sardella’s.
A $100 gift card will be awarded each month for the winning recipe of the month.
Recipes and history may be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to Patrick Fitzgerald, Sardella’s Italian Restaurant, 30 Memorial Blvd West, Newport RI 02840.

The Family Kitchen Recipe of the Month will kick off on January 1, 2017.

Deadline for recipes is December 15, 2016.
To submit a recipe email [email protected] or mail to Sardellas at 30 Memorial Blvd. West, Newport RI, 02840
For more information, email or call 401-849-6312.

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cookingnews

Governor, First Gentleman Announce RI Kids’ Healthy Recipe Challenge

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian
Rhode Island grown cranberries

Rhode Island grown cranberries

To encourage kids to choose healthy eating options, Governor Gina Raimondo and First Gentleman Andy Moffit today announced the RI Kids’ Healthy Recipe Challenge. In partnership with the RI Community Food Bank and Eat Drink RI, the contest asks for kids in grades 5- 8 to create and submit healthy and affordable food recipes.

“Andy and I always want to be sure that our kids are getting a proper balanced diet, and a lot of that comes from cooking healthy and delicious foods together,” said Raimondo. “Healthy kids and families create healthy communities and a stronger economy.”

“As a father, I care deeply about Rhode Island kids’ health,” said Moffit. “Some of my focus areas as First Gentleman are raising awareness on our food economy and tackling hunger issues. This contest is a great way for kids to promote healthy habits, while encouraging them to be engaged in their community.”

“We’re grateful that the Governor and First Gentlemen are promoting healthy eating and, more importantly, healthy cooking,” said David Dadekian, Founder and President of Eat Drink RI. “Cooking meals from scratch uses local produce and ingredients, and it’s so important to get Rhode Island’s schoolchildren excited about eating well. We’re also happy to highlight the RI Community Food Bank facility and mission through this great event.”

“I am pleased that the Governor and First Gentleman are engaging young people in developing recipes that are both healthy and affordable,” said Food Bank CEO Andrew Schiff. “As so many families in Rhode Island struggle to put food on the table. One of the greatest challenges is to prepare inexpensive, nutritious meals that are also delicious. I can’t wait to see what our future chefs create!”

The RI Kids’ Healthy Recipe Challenge invites children in grades 5-8 to submit a healthy and affordable recipe with a photo or drawing of the dish and estimated cost of preparing the dish by November 30, 2015 to:

RI Kids’ Healthy Recipe Challenge
C/O Governor’s Communications Office
82 Smith Street, Room 128
Providence, RI 02903

Participants can also scan and send the submission to [email protected].

The winning recipes will be selected in three categories – starter, entrée and dessert. The top recipes will be published in a recipe booklet to be made available for download on the Governor’s website.

Winners will be notified in December and invited, along with guests, to attend the 2015 RI Kid’s Healthy Luncheon hosted by Raimondo and Moffit at the RI Community Food Bank on Saturday, January 9, where the winning dish for each category will be served.

Students from the Food Bank’s Community Kitchen culinary job training program will prepare the meal.

All partners will use the hashtag #HealthyRI in relation to the challenge.

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chefs & restaurantsnews

News Bites: White House Kids’ “State Dinner,” Dave’s Coffee Syrup Goes National, Food & Wine’s People’s Best New Chef 2014

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian
Dave's Coffee Syrup, photo by Brad Smith Photography

Dave’s Coffee Syrup, photo by Brad Smith Photography

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

Reed Urges Kids to Submit Their Favorite Healthy Lunch Recipes for a Chance to Attend Kids’ “State Dinner” at the White House

Recipes may be submitted through April 5

U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) wants Rhode Island kids to show off their culinary skills and win a trip to the second annual White House Kids’ “State Dinner.”  Reed is urging Rhode Islanders ages 8-12 and their parents or guardians to submit their favorite lunch recipes to First Lady Michelle Obama’s third annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge nationwide recipe challenge.  The deadline for entries is next Wednesday, April 5.

First Lady Michelle Obama, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Epicurious.com are offering kids a chance to participate in a nationwide recipe challenge to promote healthy school lunches, and the winner from each state will be invited to a White House Kids’ “State Dinner” this summer.

The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge & Kids’ “State Dinner” invites kids between the ages of 8 and 12 to work with their parents or legal guardian to create an original, nutritious lunchtime recipe that is healthy, affordable, and tasty.  Entries should represent each of the food groups, either in one dish or as parts of a lunch meal, including: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and low-fat dairy foods.  Details may be found at: http://www.recipechallenge.epicurious.com/

Entrants are encouraged to reference the nutritional guidelines of the USDA’s site, ChooseMyPlate.gov, to ensure recipes meet the primary criterion of being healthier.

“This is a great opportunity for kids and their parents to work together to promote healthy living and to win a chance to attend the third annual Kids’ “State Dinner.”  The contest is a fun way for kids and their parents to share recipes for good food and healthy eating habits,” said Reed, who helped increase federal funding for school breakfast and lunch programs through the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act so more kids will have access to a stable source of nutritious food.

Last year, Samantha Mastrati, a 12-year-old from Cranston, was selected as the winner from Rhode Island for her recipe for Italian garden salsa with crunchy chicken tenders.  This marks the second time in a row a Cranston resident won the right to represent Rhode Island.  Then-twelve year old Cranston resident, Caroline Cowart, was the inaugural winner for her recipe for a broccoli and cheese egg white omelet.

The winning recipes from last year’s challenge are available free online in a downloadable cookbook named the Healthy Lunch Challenge Cookbook that also features nutritional analysis, and photos and drawings of the recipes.

Recipes may be submitted now through April 5, either online at or via mail at:

The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge & Kids’ “State Dinner”
c/o Epicurious.com
1166 Avenue of the Americas, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10036

Winners will receive free round-trip flights and hotel accommodations for the winning child and parent or legal guardian.  For more information and contest rules, visit:http://www.recipechallenge.epicurious.com/

Dave’s Cold Brew Coffee Syrup Goes National with Crate & Barrel

Dave’s Coffee is starting 2014 with nationwide distribution of its award-winning coffee syrup. Crate & Barrel, specializing in housewares, furniture, and home accessories since 1962, has selected Dave’s Original Cold Brew Coffee Syrup and Dave’s Vanilla Cold Brew Coffee Syrup to compliment its retail stores as a gourmet food item, now available in 89 locations across the United States.

“At Dave’s Coffee our focus is on quality and exceeding customer expectations. In this way, Crate and Barrel is a perfect fit for our product line,” commented Dave Lanning, Senior, CEO of Dave’s Coffee. “We could not be more pleased to roll out national availability of our coffee syrup with Crate & Barrel. This is a real success for our team, especially as we work to expand the brand.”

Crate and Barrel is a regarded retailer of fine housewares and gourmet offerings. With more than 105 stores in North America and 8,000 locations globally, the company is the cornerstone of modern home décor and interior trends.

Dave’s Cold Brew Coffee Syrup is available at Crate and Barrel stores across the country and online at www.CrateandBarrel.com. Made in Rhode Island in small batches, Dave’s Cold Brew Coffee Syrup is a gourmet ingredient that adds flavor depth and coffee notes to cocktails, baked goods, meat marinades, desserts and recipes.

To learn more about the product line and additional flavors of Dave’s Cold Brew Coffee Syrup visit www.davescoffeesyrup.com.

Food & Wine’s The People’s Best New Chef 2014 Nominations for Rhode Island Chefs Nemo Bolin and Matthew MacCartney

Food & Wine has announced the nominees for this year’s The People’s Best New Chef and in the New England region the nominees include Rhode Island Chefs Nemo Bolin of Cook & Brown Public House and Matthew MacCartney of Jamestown Fish. This is Bolin’s fourth nomination for the award and MacCartney first. You can vote for Bolin or MacCartney here. The following is information from MacCartney.

Chef Matthew MacCartney of Jamestown Fish

Chef Matthew MacCartney of Jamestown Fish

The People’s Best New Chef program is an annual contest now in its fourth year. The award, an extension of the Food & Wine Best New Chefs award, honors talented up-and-coming innovators who have run their own kitchens for fewer than five years.

The field of 100 nominees for The People’s Best New Chef® includes 10 chefs in 10 regions across America. The chef with the most votes in each region will be named a finalist; the finalist with the most votes overall will be named The People’s Best New Chef. The finalists and winner will be revealed on April 2 online at foodandwine.com.

Chef MacCartney has been with Jamestown Fish since its inception in December 2011. Jamestown Fish is a casually elegant Rhode Island restaurant serving a European inspired seafood based cuisine. The restaurant has enjoyed tremendous success and critical acclaim thus far. In 2012 and 2013, Jamestown Fish won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Rhode Island Monthly’s Best of Rhode Island in 2012, and numerous OpenTable Diners’ Choice awards.

MacCartney has worked in the dining rooms and kitchens of New York’s finest establishments, such as Restaurant Daniel, Gramercy Tavern, and Craft. He opened Craft in 2001 as the Beverage Director and was voted Best Wine Director in 2003 by the readers of Time Out NY magazine.

Early in his career, MacCartney worked in European kitchens that included Michel Guérard, a Michelin three star restaurant in France, and the world renowned Cibrèo in Florence, Italy.

MacCartney earned his B.T. in Hospitality Management/Culinary Arts from NYC College of Technology and studied at the Birmingham College of Food, Tourism & Creative Studies in Birmingham, England. He also earned a Level 4 Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust in 2002, and in 2008 was published in Wine & Spirits magazine.

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Reed Urges Kids to Submit Their Favorite Healthy Recipes for a Chance to Attend Kids’ “State Dinner” at the White House

by David Dadekian
written by David Dadekian

ChooseMyPlate.govReed Urges Kids to Submit Their Favorite Healthy Recipes for a Chance to Attend Kids’ “State Dinner” at the White House
National recipe contest to promote healthy eating

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Jack Reed wants Rhode Island kids to show off their culinary skills and win a trip to the second annual White House Kids’ “State Dinner.”

First Lady Michelle Obama, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, and Epicurious.com are offering kids a chance to participate in a nationwide recipe challenge to promote healthy school lunches, and the winner from each state will be invited to a White House Kids’ “State Dinner” this summer. Last year, Caroline Cowart, a 12-year-old from Cranston, was selected as the winner from Rhode Island. Caroline’s healthy recipe for a Broccoli and Cheese Egg White Omelet was one of 54 winners selected from more than 1,200 participants nationwide who created nutritious lunchtime meals using each of the five food groups. She and other winners from across the country met with President Barack Obama and the First Lady.

The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge & Kids’ “State Dinner” invites kids between the ages of 8 and 12 to work with their parents or legal guardian to create an original, nutritious lunchtime recipe that is healthy, affordable, and tasty. Entries should represent each of the food groups, either in one dish or as parts of a lunch meal, including: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and low-fat dairy foods. Entrants are encouraged to reference the nutritional guidelines of the USDA’s site, ChooseMyPlate.gov, to ensure recipes meet the primary criterion of being healthier.

“This is a great opportunity for kids and their parents to work together to promote healthy living and to win a chance to attend the second annual Kids’ “State Dinner.” The contest is a fun way for kids and their parents to share recipes for good food and healthy eating habits,” said Reed, who helped increase federal funding for school breakfast and lunch programs through the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act so more kids will have access to a stable source of nutritious food.

The winning recipes from last year’s challenge are available free online in a downloadable cookbook named the Healthy Lunch Challenge Cookbook that also features nutritional analysis, and photos and drawings of the recipes.

Recipes for the 2013 contest may be submitted now through May 12, either online at or via mail at:

The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge & Kids’ “State Dinner”
c/o Epicurious.com
1166 Avenue of the Americas, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10036

Winners will be notified in late June. The White House Kids’ “State Dinner” is currently scheduled to take place in July or August 2013. Winners will receive free air travel to Washington, DC and accommodations at a Westin Hotel.

For more information and contest rules, visit: Epicurious.com.

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