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The United presents An Evening with the King of Cocktails
chefs & restaurantsnewswine & drinks

News Bites: The United Screening with the King of Cocktails / Blackstone Valley Culinary News / Gregg’s Adds “Winning Dish” from ProStart®

by David Dadekian May 23, 2022
written by David Dadekian

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


 A spirited event with the King of Cocktails at The United

“For the first time at The United: Film, Literature, and Art are united in a single event featuring mixologist Dale DeGroff, filmmaker Douglas Tirola, and artist Jill DeGroff” 

The United is proud to present a unique event that will combine film, mixology and art and feature local talent. This immersive experience will take place on the evening of Sunday, June 26, 2022, at The United, 5 Canal Street in Westerly, Rl, and will include a premiere theatrical screening of the film, “HEY BARTENDER”, followed by a meet and greet with James Beard award-winning mixologist and author, Dale DeGroff and the acclaimed filmmaker, Douglas Tirola. After the presentation, there will be a book signing and cocktail event in The United Gallery. The United is a newly renovated multi use venue with cinemas, black box theater, art gallery and a shared doorway to its partner restaurant, The Cafe, which will also host a private event with Mr. DeGroff the following day for local beverage and restaurant industry staff to learn more from his lifetime of experience making cocktails.

Celebrated for being the first to revive the great classic cocktails of the 19th century with simple fresh ingredients from his helm at the Rainbow Room in the 1980s, mixologist Dale DeGroff reinvented the bartending profession, setting off a cocktail revival that continues to flourish to this day. His 2002 book, The Craft of the Cocktail (Random House), has been regarded as the most influential bartending guide for more than two decades. His latest volume, THE NEW CRAFT OF THE COCKTAIL: Everything You Need to Know to Think Like a Master Mixologist (Penguin Random House) collects his forty years of expertise and creativity with new recipes and state of the art innovations. The book will be available for purchase at the June 26th film screening and cocktail event.

HEY BARTENDER, which premiered at SXSW to rave reviews and nominations, is a documentary set against the craft cocktail movement that follows two bartenders chasing their dreams. One an apprentice working to become a principal bartender at one the most famous cocktail bars in NYC and the other an owner/bartender at a corner bar in a small town. Through their stories we experience the rebirth of the bartender and the comeback of the cocktail. Douglas Tirola is an award-winning director and producer whose films have premiered at Sundance, Berlin, Tribeca, Telluride and SXSW and include DRUNK STONED BRILLIANT DEAD (Magnolia), HEY BARTENDER (Showtime) and others. The award-winning BERNSTEIN’S WALL about Leonard Bernstein will be released this Fall.

Sunday’s events will also coincide with an ART OPENING in THE UNITED GALLERY: “Bon Vivants, Barflies and the New Cocktailians” featuring paintings and the whimsical caricatures of Saloon Artist Jill DeGroff. Jill is renowned among the cocktail cognoscenti for having captured the craft cocktail era like none other. A native Brooklynite, she now lives in Stonington, CT with her husband, author/mixologist, Dale DeGroff, whom she credits for her amazing journey.
“Jill’s work completes the evening’s trifecta and forwards our mission here at the United to unite the community through the arts. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better way to experience the joy of a colorful evening at my local watering hole than through Jill’s paintings. Nor could we have found an artist that complemented this event more splendidly,” says artist and United Staff Member Bess Gaby.

Tony Nunes added, “This collaboration with The Cafe is the first of many events where we hope to bring outstanding professionals from the culinary and beverage industries After the film screening of Hey Bartender on Sunday, guests will have the opportunity to meet award-winning filmmaker Douglas Tirola, mixologist Dale DeGroff, and artist Jill DeGroff in The United Gallery. We are so fortunate to be able to tap into the talented individuals that are attracted to what The United is able to offer to our community.”


Blackstone Valley Culinary News – April 29 – May 3, 2022

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

Looking for some special food this weekend?  Here are the specials from Boundary Kitchen and Bar.  Don’t forget to ask your server for drink specials and beer on tap. 

Munroe Dairy’s Sacred Cow Ice Cream Shop and Market
187 North Brow Street, East Providence  02914
401-537-4424
sacredcowicecreamshop.com/

Food Trucks and Sundaes at Sacred Cow!  Try your favorites from over a dozen food trucks, enjoy live music and of course, treats and ice cream.  Bring a blanket or lawn chair.  Here’s the schedule:  

Saturday, April 30 – 11:30 am to 2:00 pm

Sunday, May 29 – 4:30 to 8:00 pm

Sunday, July 10 – 4:30 to 8:00 pm

Sunday, August 7 – 4:30 to 8:00 pm

The Lodge Pub
40 Breakneck Hill Road, Lincoln  02865
401-725-8510
Thelodgepub.com

Have you seen the beautiful expanded outdoor deck at The Lodge?  It looks like a great place to enjoy a delicious meal….check out their extensive MENU

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

Can’t get enough wings??  Get more for your money at Davenport’s!  Daily after 7:30 pm and after 8:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays – in the bar and lounge – you get 50% off all chicken wings – BBQ, buffalo, crispy, boneless, garlic parmesan or with General Tso’s sauce – it’s your choice!

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

A new release at Smug!  Click here for details on the new Cold IPA

Here are some upcoming events at Smug Brewing:  

April 30 – Paint and Sip – You’ll be creating your own Nordic Bottle Lantern and your ticket includes a Smug Brew.  Paint and Sip Tickets

On Fridays, beginning May 6 – Music Bingo!

May 7 – Bonsai and Brews – work with bonsai experts to select your own bonsai tree and learn how to prune, pot and design the tree.  Bonsai and Brews Tickets

Click HERE for more details on the Smug calendar. 

Here are some Mother’s Day options in the Blackstone Valley: 

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

Spumoni’s will be open for you on Mother’s Day but make your reservations before seats fill up!  Call the number above.  Check out their MENUS.  There’s something for everyone at Spumoni’s!

Tavolo Wine Bar and Tuscan Grille
970 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, RI  02917
401-349-4979
tavolowinebar.com/Smithfield

Tavolo’s will be open from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm on Mother’s Day with their full dinner menu available as well as some Mother’s Day Specials – indoor or outdoor patio dining is available.  Call the number above to make a reservation.  

Parma Ristorante
266 Putnam Pike, Smithfield  02917
401-349-0079
Parmaristorante.com

The annual Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet is back at Parma!  The MENU looks fantastic!  The buffet includes a carving station and fondue tower and will be available from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.  They’ll be open in the evening from 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm with the regular menu plus Mother’s Day Specials.  Call the number above to make your reservations!

Lola’s Lounge and Cantina
55 Douglas Pike, Smithfield
401-349-4949
Lolasloungeri.com

Reservations are limited so don’t miss out on the fun in this beautiful place!  Contact Open Table

Antojitos Taqueria
1188 Cumberland Hill Road, Woonsocket
401-488-4051
Antojitostaqueria.com

The team at Antojitos Taqueria will be celebrating with a Special Menu!

Bandidos
88 Broad Street
Cumberland
401-724-0342
Bandidosrestaurant.com

Bandidos will be having DJMagik Juan starting at 6 pm with $5 shots and $5 Margaritas. 

Condesa Restaurant 
970 Douglas Pike, Smithfield 
401-349-3935
condesarestaurant.com

There’s a lot of Cinco de Mayo fun at Condesa!  There will be giveaways all day (while supplies last), a raffle for Condesa for a year coupon and a pinata giveaway for the kids and more!  Reservations will not be taken – seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis – so plan ahead!  

The Thirsty Beaver
45 Cedar Swamp Road, Smithfield
401-349-4790
thirstybeaverpub.com

Cinco de Mayo Karaoke is happening with host Brad Pierce at The Thirsty Beaver on Thursday from 9 pm to 1 am.  Check out their Food Menu and Drink Menu.

Badger’s Pub
530 Broadway, Pawtucket
401-642-5903
www.facebook.com/badgerspubLLC

There’s a fiesta happening at Badger’s Pub!  Great food, great drinks, karaoke, dancing, tequilas, margaritas, tacos, burritos, loaded nachos and more!  Wear your colorful clothing and join the party!   

And here are more options for treating mom on Mother’s Day in the Blackstone Valley: 

Galito Restaurant
214 Columbus Avenue, Pawtucket
401-312-2200
galitosrestaurant.com

Check out their special Mother’s Day MENU.  You can dine-in with mom or place an order for take-out.  

Ten Rocks 
1091 Main St., Pawtucket  
401-728-0800
10rockstapasbar.com

Bring Mom to 10 Rocks for their lunch buffet on Sunday, May 8 from 10 am to 3 pm.  It’s only $20 for adults and $12 for kids.  Call the above number for reservations.   

Parma Ristorante
266 Putnam Pike, Smithfield  02917
401-349-0079
Parmaristorante.com

Parma has a special Mother’s Day menu available from 4:30 to 9:00 pm – but make your reservations soon!  Mother’s Day Menu

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

Craft Burgers and Beer does a great brunch.  Why not bring Mom there on Sunday.  Check out their BRUNCH MENU?  They serve brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.  

Johnny’s Victory Diner
2731 Victory Highway, Burrillville
401-765-2661
johnnysvictorydiner.com

Johnny’s will be open on Mother’s Day starting 7 am til noon (note different hours than usual) and will have musical guest Lori Silvia from 9 am to noon on the outdoor deck.  No reservations are being taken but you why not have a mimosa while you wait!  

And don’t forget about the first night of BBQ season!  It’s happening Friday, May 6.  The diner opens at 6 am and the award-winning BBQ starts at 2 pm.  This Friday, they also have live music on the deck by “Fit to be Red” from 6 pm to 9 pm (weather permitting).  

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

Here’s a great idea for a Mother’s Day gift from White Dog Distilling – get mom a ticket to the Cocktails and Gardens Event on Thursday, May 19 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm.   Learn about herb and flower raised bed gardening with local farmers at Sanctuary Herbs of Providence.  Enjoy a cocktail and light snacks made with local herbs and get recipes to take home.  You’ll also take home one plant and a culinary herb bottle or a tea pouch with 15 tea bags.  (This is an outdoor event in the gazebos – rain or shine – dress accordingly).  Get tickets HERE. 


Gregg’s Restaurants & Taverns Adds “Winning Dish” from the 10th Annual Rhode Island ProStart® High School Culinary & Management Competition to the Menu

“Winning Dish” comes from team of four students at the Exeter Job Corps Academy

Gregg’s Restaurant & Taverns’ interpretation of “The Winning Dish” from the 10th Annual Rhode Island ProStart® High School Culinary & Management Competition.
Gregg’s Restaurant & Taverns’ interpretation of “The Winning Dish” from the 10th Annual Rhode Island ProStart® High School Culinary & Management Competition.

Gregg’s Restaurants & Taverns, with locations in Warwick, Providence, East Providence, and North Kingstown, is proud to announce that its seasonal menu is featuring an adaptation of the Exeter Job Corps Academy’s “Winning Dish” from the 10th Annual Rhode Island ProStart® High School Culinary & Management Competition: a pistachio-encrusted lamb with wild mushroom risotto topped off with sautéed vegetables. 

Chef Steve Trabucco, director of Gregg’s Restaurants & Taverns’ culinary operations, modified the students’ lamb dish to feature it on the restaurant’s seasonal menu. For $22.99, guests can enjoy “The Winning Dish”: four pieces of bone-in lamb rack with a Dijon mustard and a pistachio, panko, thyme, and rosemary crust, served with asparagus, mashed potatoes, and soup or salad. 

“Gregg’s is proud to support Rhode Island’s ProStart® division and the students at Exeter Job Corps Academy,” said Chef Steve Trabucco, Gregg’s Restaurants & Taverns. “Featuring ‘The Winning Dish’ on our menu is our way of acknowledging and rewarding the hard work of the culinary team at Exeter Job Corps Academy and brings their combined vision to life.”

Under the direction of Chef Mark Bennison, Exeter Job Corps Academy students Sabina Ulysse, Jacquline Ambler, Isabel Uzosike, and Kiant’e Warren won the culinary portion of the Rhode Island ProStart® Competition and will represent Rhode Island and compete for $250,000 in scholarships at the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s National ProStart® Invitational competition, which returns to Washington D.C. this May, following a two-year pause.

“We’re thrilled to see one of our member restaurants, which just so happens to be a staple in our industry on the local level, partner with ProStart® to support the next generation of great Rhode Island chefs,” said Dale J. Venturini, President/CEO of the RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) and the RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF). “These students will never forget the feeling of seeing their dish come to life and served to their family, friends, and neighbors. The RI Hospitality Education Foundation commends Gregg’s Restaurants & Taverns for demonstrating its commitment to supporting our industry’s up-and-coming talent.”

May 23, 2022 0 comment
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The Thirsty Beaver
chefs & restaurantsnewswine & drinks

An Open Letter to Governor Gina Raimondo from the Owners of the Thirsty Beaver

by guest August 6, 2020
written by guest
The Thirsty Beaver

As we reflect 24hrs after Governor Raimondo’s latest weekly press conference, we felt obligated to express ourselves as members of the community who earn a respectable living in the restaurant and hospitality industry in the State of Rhode Island.

At our locations, we have done all in our power to comply with State mandates. We have done so to not only keep our doors open, but also to keep staff and guests safe through unprecedented times. We have been on countless calls with State leadership including DBR and DOH thru all three reopening phases to help us properly understand the new and evolving guidelines. We have worked with trade organizations Ocean State Alliance and RI Hospitality Association to provide input during the reopening process after being closed for months.  We were happy to have a seat at the table and we were appreciative our opinions were valued during these discussions. We have given the Governor much praise thru this crisis for keeping us all as safe as possible.

Unfortunately, the path most recently taken by State leadership targeting our industry has been disgraceful.  Last week our industry endured being Covid-shamed as a category of businesses that weren’t doing enough to impose upon the general public to comply with guidelines.  Press conference quotes, tweets, and hashtags threatening shut downs were used as fear tactics that created an uneasy work environment.  This week, an 11pm ‘bar area’ curfew was hastily announced sending hysteria into our industry without any discussion, consideration, or consultation with our industry representatives.  From there, media outlets have run with misleading and overreaching headlines that continue to cause mass confusion for consumers who are made to believe that all restaurant activity ends at 11pm statewide.

Our message today is two-fold; first to express our wholehearted frustration with the recent path taken by the Governor’s office as it pertains to restaurants, and second to inform patrons that our hours of operation will continue as-is.  We have not opened our ‘bar areas’ for seating.  Our seating is restricted to indoor and outdoor dining tables which we will continue to service until 1am closing hour in the same compliant manner that we have since reopening.

We respectfully ask that the Governor and her task force teams to identify the businesses who defy regulations and isolate any penalties, fines, hashtags, and headlines to those bad actors instead of blanket statements and rash policies that negatively affect an entire industry.

Jeff Quinlan
Justin Erickson
Ed Brady 

August 6, 2020 8 comments
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news

News Bites: Senator Reed Visits Hope & Main, RI Hospitality Association Staff News, RI DEM Director Janet Coit Receives Environmental Award

by David Dadekian May 12, 2014
written by David Dadekian

Reed Visits Hope & Main Culinary Incubator, Announces $30 Million Grant Opportunity for Local Food Enterprises

Reed Visits Hope & Main Culinary Incubator, Announces $30 Million Grant Opportunity for Local Food Enterprises

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

Reed Visits Hope & Main Culinary Incubator, Announces $30 Million Grant Opportunity for Local Food Enterprises

Food venture center under construction in Warren could help cook up new businesses, jobs, and economic development throughout the region

Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed joined with local food entrepreneurs, officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Lisa Raiola, the founder of Hope & Main, for a “hard hat” tour and firsthand look at efforts to transform a 100-year-old shuttered school building on Main Street in Warren into the state’s first full-service food business incubator.  During the tour, Reed also announced the availability of $30 million in competitive grants for the newly-expanded Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program (FMLFPP).

“Rhode Island has so many talented chefs, bakers, farmers, fishermen, and more than fifty farmers markets.  This newly expanded grant program is a great opportunity to support local growers, promote Rhode Island made food and produce, and boost our economy.  I applaud USDA for making these funds available and will continue working to help Rhode Islanders compete for these federal resources,” said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee and a cosponsor of the Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act, which played a key role in making these FMLFPP grants possible.  “Rhode Island is already a great culinary destination.  I want to help the state continue building its capacity as a food hub and connect more farmers and food entrepreneurs to the resources they need to grow their businesses.”

USDA will make the competitive grants available through the Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS) Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program.  The funds are designed to help producers better market and promote healthy food access by connecting consumers with local farmers markets.  USDA’s Rural Developments Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program will also provide $48 million in loan guarantees to help expand local food projects nationally.  The Hope & Main construction project was made possible in part by a $2.99 million USDA Rural Development Community Facilities loan.

Set to open its doors later this summer, Hope & Main helps local entrepreneurs jump-start early-stage food businesses with a special focus on supporting the local food system.  During the tour, Senator Reed and Ms. Raiola joined federal officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to meet with food entrepreneurs who are among the first members of the non-profit’s incubator program and discuss the next steps in supporting Rhode Island’s local food infrastructure.

“I commend Lisa Raiola for founding Hope & Main and working so hard to get it off the ground.  This new facility will help local entrepreneurs collaborate, grow their operations, and get technical assistance to cook up exciting new business ventures and turn their ideas and recipes into commercial success,” said Senator Reed.  “Hope & Main is already providing valuable education and business support to Rhode Island food entrepreneurs, and I am excited to see what they’ll cook up next.”

Now in its final months of construction, Hope & Main’s 17,500-square foot multi-kitchen facility will provide commercial cooking and storage space for food entrepreneurs and small businesses that can’t afford the up-front costs of building their own commercial kitchens.  When completed, the renovation will feature three shared-use commercial kitchens, including a gluten-free kitchen and bakery, over 6,000-square-feet of production space, cold and dry storage, a demonstration kitchen and classroom, and a 2,000-square-foot event space.

Hope & Main is now accepting applications and already hosting workshops to help teach prospective food entrepreneurs the recipe for starting a successful food business in Rhode Island, including how to produce, market, finance, and package their products for sale.  Hope & Main is also set to partner with New Urban Farmers on a new, on-site community garden, and plans to host a farmers market.

Food vendors joining Senator Reed for today’s tour included Louby Sukkar and Matt McClelland of The Backyard Food Company and Carol and Matt D’Alessio of Matt’s Magic Brownies.

Senator Reed has been a champion of the “eat local” movement in Rhode Island and has long supported efforts to help boost Rhode Island’s food economy.  He has worked to help bring individuals and organizations from different parts of the state’s food industry together to help the food sector grow and have an even greater economic impact.  In 2004, Reed helped pass the Specialty Crops Competitiveness Act, which authorized the USDA to provide grants to state departments of agriculture for the purposes of enhancing the competitiveness of specialty crops.  Earlier this year the state received over a quarter million dollars to help promote Ocean State agricultural products.  The Local Farms, Food, and Jobs Act, which was authored by Senator Sherrod Brown and cosponsored by Reed, seeks to spur job creation by improving federal farm bill programs that support local and regional farm and food systems.  Many of the provisions included in the Farm Bill passed by Congress earlier this year stem from this legislation.

Reed has also cited improving our transportation networks – upgrading the state’s roads, T.F. Green Airport, ports, and rail facilities – as key to growing Rhode Island’s economy and helping the state become an important food hub.

Construction of Hope & Main’s new facilities is expected to be completed later this summer.

Rhode Island organizations interested in additional information about the Farmers Market and Local Food Promotion Program grants and the Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program are encouraged to contact Senator Reed’s office.  Over the last several years, farmers markets have sprouted up across the Ocean State and Rhode Island is now home to 55 farmers markets, as well as other direct-to-consumer agriculture operations.  A comprehensive farmers market directory of locations and hours may be found at: http://www.farmfresh.org/food/farmersmarkets.php


RI Hospitality Association New Hire Announcement and Staff Member National Board Appointment

Matthew Bussey

Matthew Bussey

The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) is proud to announce that Matthew Bussey of East Greenwich, RI has been appointed as the new Manager of Governmental Affairs.

“We are very pleased to welcome Matthew to the RI Hospitality Association,” said Dale J. Venturini, President and CEO of RIHA. “We believe that his work ethic and legal knowledge will be a tremendous asset to the Association and will greatly benefit our members.”

Bussey brings more than six years of legal experience and expertise to his new role. In his most recent position, Bussey served as an Associate Attorney and later Of – Counsel at Martineau Davis & Associates P.C. in East Greenwich, RI. Prior to joining Martineau Davis & Associates, Bussey served as General Counsel to a small corporation in Tiverton, RI. He is a member of the bar in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, as well as the United States Tax Court.

In Bussey’s new position at RIHA, he will be responsible for evaluating proposed legislation to determine its potential impact on the restaurant and hotel industries and communicating the Association’s position on legislation to legislative and executive branches. He will also educate and inform membership on legislative issues of importance and oversee the Association’s Governmental Affairs Council. He will also be responsible for managing the Association’s Board of Directors.

Bussey graduated in 2008 in the top third of his graduating class at Roger Williams University School of Law in Bristol, RI. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Colorado. Bussey is an IRS certified tax preparer and licensed mediator in Rhode Island.

Heather Singleton

Heather Singleton

The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) is pleased to announce that Heather Singleton, Sr. Vice President of Education at the RI Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF) has been elected to the Certification Governing Board (CGB) of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF).

“Heather is incredibly deserving of this recognition and we are so pleased that she has been elected to this prestigious national board,” said Dale Venturini, President/CEO of the RIHA and RIHEF. “Her industry experience is invaluable and I know she will be a true asset to this committee.”

Singleton brings more than 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry to her new role. She has worked at RIHA since 1999 and has served as a RIHEF guide and educator to thousands of hospitality students in Rhode Island for many of those years. “I am honored to be elected to the Certification Governing Board and I look forward to serving as a Rhode Island representative,” said Singleton.

As a member of the CGB, Singleton will be responsible for helping the NRAEF with appeals and decision-making of any escalated incidents that may arise, and ensuring that the rights of properly credentialed businesses are protected. It is a three-year term with the opportunity for re-election.

Originally a native of upstate New York, Singleton earned a BS in International Business from Johnson & Wales University and her MBA from the Alan Shawn Feinstein Graduate School at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island. She currently resides in Providence.


DEM Director Janet Coit Receives Environment Council of Rhode Island’s John H. Chafee Conservation Leadership Award

Department of Environmental Management Director Janet Coit was presented with the John H. Chafee Conservation Leadership Award from the Environment Council of Rhode Island last night at the organization’s 15th annual Chafee Conservation Celebration.

Honoring the memory of the late Senator and his dedication to protecting and preserving the natural environment, the Environment Council award honors an outstanding individual or organization each year for their dedication and efforts to improve the health of the Rhode Island environment. This year’s award was presented by ECRI President Jamie Rhodes, and John Chafee’s oldest son, Zechariah Chafee.

“The Environment Council of RI is proud to help carry the late Sen. John Chafee’s legacy of conservation into the future. Given the close ties that Director Coit has to that history and the pivotal role she has played in shaping state and national environmental policy, there is no more deserving individual that her to receive the 2014 Chafee Award,” said ECRI President Jamie Rhodes.

“Receiving this award named after one of the nation’s conservation giants, John Chafee, means the absolute world to me,” said Coit. “I am humbled and inspired, and very moved. Thank you, Environment Council of Rhode Island, for providing an event where we come together to support and inspire one another by recognizing John Chafee’s shining example.”

Early in her career, Director Coit served as counsel to the US Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works, where she worked on national environmental policy for the late Senator John Chafee who chaired the committee. In 1997, she moved to Rhode Island where she worked as counsel and environmental coordinator in the Providence office of the late senator, and subsequently for then Senator Lincoln Chafee. From 2001 to 2011, Coit worked at The Nature Conservancy, where she led the Rhode Island Chapter.

Director Coit presented the keynote address at Thursday’s Environment Council of Rhode Island event and spoke about her experiences working for Senator John Chafee.

“Those of us privileged to work for and with John Chafee think often of what we learned from him, and know we are better people because we had him as a mentor and role model,” she said. “And, when it comes to conservation and protection of our environment – he was truly heroic, and his deeds and good works continue to shape our lands, safeguard are waters and improve the quality of life in Rhode Island and far beyond.”

During her remarks to the 100 environmental and community leaders attending the awards program, Director Coit said, “The lessons I learned from John Chafee influence me every day. I often think of him specifically, and remember his courage in the face of defeats and loss, his delight in nature, and his optimism as he tackled a new challenge with vision and verve.”

Coit told the crowd that this week marked the 50th anniversary of the landmark Green Acres Act, approved by the General Assembly on May 5, 1964. She spoke of how the then Governor pressed for the enactment of this pivotal legislation that led to the establishment of Colt Park, East Matunuck Beach, Snake Den and J.L. Curran Management Areas, and many other parks and refuges across the state. Director Coit read from one of John Chafee’s speeches from 1964 where he spoke of being “in the fight to preserve some parts of our lands in their natural beauty, in their primitive ruggedness.”

Director Coit is dedicated to preserving the quality of our environment and protecting the natural systems critical to the health, safety and well-being of Rhode Islanders as she leads the Department of Environmental Management. The Department is currently supporting a $75 million Clean Water, Open Space and Healthy Communities bond recommended by Governor Lincoln Chafee and currently before the General Assembly as part of the budget. “Rhode Islanders have overwhelmingly approved these bond measures,” said Coit. “This public investment preserves our drinking water quality and supports our tourism, farm and fishing economy,” said Coit. “There is more work ahead.”

“What we do here matters desperately to Rhode Island and the world,” she said. “And, it is heartening and important to celebrate our successes and recognize the important work by people and organizations united in our desire to conserve and safeguard our natural resources, to give nature a chance, and to take on tough challenges so that our children’s children will inherit a healthy and vibrant Rhode Island.”

The Environment Council of Rhode Island (ECRI) is a coalition of over 60 Rhode Island organizations as well as individuals whose mission is to serve as an effective voice for developing and advocating policies and laws that protect and enhance the environment.

May 12, 2014 0 comment
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chefs & restaurantsnewswine & drinks

News Bites: RI Community Food Bank Canstruction 2014, The Savory Affair Food and Wine Tours, RI Hospitality Association News

by David Dadekian February 11, 2014
written by David Dadekian

Canstruction 2014

Canstruction 2014

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

Rhode Island Community Food Bank

Canstruction® Returns!
Exhibit made from canned food benefits RI Food Bank
Free exhibit runs March 8 – 21 at Providence Place Skybridge Concourse

Like a vision from a childhood dream, massive sculptures made entirely from non-perishable food will rise from the imagination of gifted architects this March at Providence Place on the Skybridge Concourse. This ambitious project, known as Canstruction®, makes an appearance every two years, thanks to the inspiration and sweat equity of dozens of professional architects, builders and volunteers. This year’s free exhibit will be open to the public Saturday, March 8 through Friday, March 21 during regular mall hours. They will be assembled on the morning of March 8 – dubbed Build Day – and the public is invited to watch it happen.

When the exhibit closes, the building materials – thousands of pounds of healthy food – will be picked up by the Rhode Island Community Food Bank to help feed the 68,000 people served every month through its network of food pantries.

The Canstruction® RI sculptures will be evaluated by a panel of independent jurors. Awards will be presented for Best Meal, Best Use of Labels, Structural Ingenuity, Jurors’ Favorite, and Honorable Mention.Viewers may vote for the local “People’s Choice” award.

The seven teams competing include:

  • Construction Leadership Council of the R.I. Chapter of Associated General Contractors, Providence
  • Dimeo Construction Co. and Vision 3 Architects, both based in Providence
  • Durkee, Brown, Viveiros & Werenfels Architects, Providence, GTECH Corporation, Providence, Herrick & White, Cumberland, and Odeh Engineers, Providence
  • Gilbane Building Co., Providence, and Jo Ann Bentley Architect, Inc., Fall River
  • LLB Architects, Pawtucket, Shawmut Design and Construction, Providence, and Fuzion Design, Pawtucket
  • Northeast Collaborative Architects, Newport and Providence, Veri-Waterman Associates, Providence, Building Engineering Resources LLC, North Easton , Mass., and Kasabian Construction Inc., Providence
  • Saccoccio & Associates, DiPrete Engineering and E. Turgeon Construction Corp., all based in Cranston

The Savory Affair

Boutique Event Planning Firm Announces Personalized Food and Wine Tours Providing Exclusive Access to the Best of Napa Valley and Tuscany

The Savory Affair, New England’s premier boutique event planning and design firm, today announced two extraordinary food and wine travel experiences for 2014. Combining the unparalleled service of The Savory Affair with the vineyard connections and wine knowledge of sister-company, The Savory Grape, each trip offers a personalized, behind-the-scenes look at the epicurean worlds of Napa Valley, California and the Tuscany region of Italy.

The Napa Valley trip is August 1 – 6, 2014, a perfect time of year to escape the heat of the East Coast and enjoy the comfortable temperatures of Northern California. In order to provide a more tailored, individualized experience, this trip will host only 10 guests and be personally guided by The Savory Affair and The Savory Grape proprietor, Jessica Granatiero.

“This will be an amazing opportunity to go behind the scenes to meet the families and vintners, while learning more about the intricate process of winemaking,” stated Granatiero. “From the accommodations to the daily itineraries, we have designed a first-class experience and will show you Napa in a way few experience.”

Accommodations will be provided by Andaz, a luxury boutique hotel in downtown Napa and walking distance to many great shopping and restaurants.

The Napa trip includes:

  • 5 night, 6-day stay in the Andaz Napa
  • Breakfast daily in the Andaz Farmer’s Table Restaurant
  • Lunch daily, except travel days
  • 2 organized group dinners-welcome dinner at Carpe Diem and closing dinner at the home of Rob & Kat MacDonald
  • Hands-on, interactive pesto-making demonstration and class with wine, at the Culinary Institute of America
  • Insider visits, tours and tastings at six different vineyards
  • Transport to and from all vineyard activities and dinner

Two months following the Napa experience, Granatiero is partnering with Chef Kaitlyn Roberts, founder & owner of Easy Entertaining Inc. for Savorying Italy tour of Tuscany that promises to be an insider’s guide to the best vineyards and dining in Italy. Guests will experience an epicurean education with cooking classes and wine tours lead by Chef Roberts and Granatiero.

The six night, six-city tour will start on October 5, 2014, with guests arriving at the Villa Daniella Grossi, a restored 17th century luxury villa located in the hills of Lucca, on the morning of October 6. The trip includes an elaborate breakfast each morning prepared by Chef Roberts, followed by a tour and tasting at top Tuscan vineyard lead by Granatiero. Each afternoon, guests will return to Villa Daniella Grossito enjoy hands-on cooking and wine pairing lessons from Chef Roberts and Granatiero. At night, guests will dine on five gourmet dinners, including three at the villa with custom wine pairings, two off-site in the city of Lucca and one in the beautiful city of Florence.

The Savory Affair has been organizing and hosting unique local, national and international travel experiences for two years with great success and rave review.

“We’ve had the pleasure of traveling with The Savory Affair on their Napa Valley trip last year,” stated Caroline Corrente. “They blend their extensive relationships within the wine industry with first-class planning expertise to provide a one-of-a-kind trip you can get on your own or with a large travel agency.”

To view a downloadable brochure for either trip, visit www.thesavoryaffair.com/vineyards/. To book your reservations please contact Ann Petronio, at Annie’s Escapes Custom Travel Planning at 401-270-4834.


RI Hospitality Association

Rhode Island Restaurant Industry Expected to Post Growth in 2014 Despite Sustained Challenges
Restaurant Industry to Create 3,100 Jobs in the Next Decade

The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) is pleased to announce that the State’s restaurant industry is expected to post 2.3% growth in 2014 to reach $1,980,821,000 in sales, according to the National Restaurant Association’s (NRA) 2014 Restaurant Industry Forecast. Rhode Island restaurants will employ 50,600 next year and create an additional 3,100 jobs in the next decade.

“These new numbers represent a very positive outlook for the restaurant industry in Rhode Island,” said Dale Venturini, President and CEO of RIHA. “Despite many obstacles over the past several years, it appears that we are finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.”

2014 will mark the fifth consecutive year of restaurant industry sales growth nationally despite a continued challenging economic landscape. Overall, industry sales are projected to exceed $683 billion in 2014, up 3.6 percent from 2013’s sales volume of $659 billion.

2014 will also mark the 15th straight year in which restaurant industry employment growth will outpace overall employment growth. The industry will continue to be the nation’s second largest private employer with 990,000 restaurants employing 13.5 million individuals or 10 percent of the total workforce. The NRA expects restaurants to add 1.3 million new positions in the next decade, pushing industry employment to 14.8 million by 2024.

“As our nation continues its road to recovery, the restaurant industry will remain a key driver of economic growth and a leading jobs creator,” said Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “Restaurants touch every community across the U.S., and 2014 will be a year of growth and innovation as the industry focuses on inspired new ways to meet consumer demand while providing valuable careers to millions of Americans.”

While the restaurant industry is expected to grow in 2014, operators will continue to face a range of challenges. The top challenges cited by restaurateurs vary slightly by industry segment, and include government regulations, food costs, labor costs, and the economy.

For more information about the NRA’s 2014 Restaurant Industry Forecast, visit Restaurant.org/Forecast.

Cumberland restaurant veteran Bahjat Shariff elected to the National Restaurant Association’s Board of Directors.

Cumberland restaurant veteran Bahjat Shariff elected to the National Restaurant Association’s Board of Directors.

Cumberland Resident and Restaurateur Appointed to National Restaurant Association Board of Directors

The RI Hospitality Association (RIHA) is proud to announce that fellow board member and Cumberland resident and restaurateur Bahjat Shariff has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the National Restaurant Association (NRA). The NRA board consists of roughly 100 voting directors from across the country, representing every facet of the restaurant industry.

Shariff brings an extensive background of restaurant knowledge and management skills to his new role. He is currently an Operating Partner and Sr. Vice President of Operations for Howley Bread Group, a Panera Bread franchise. Shariff helped form Howley Bread Group in 2000, which now owns and operates more than 20 bakery-cafes in Rhode Island, Connecticut, and southeastern Massachusetts with plans to expand to 35 bakery-cafes by 2015.

“This is an incredible accomplishment for Bahjat and I couldn’t think of a more deserving person to be elected to this board,” said Dale J. Venturini, President and CEO of RIHA. “His experience will be an invaluable asset and I am proud to have him representing Rhode Island and the industry at the national level.”

Shariff began his career in the hospitality industry in 1985 at Kentucky Fried Chicken after his family moved to Los Angeles from worn-torn Lebanon. It wasn’t long before he was promoted to Market Manager, managing 22 stores with a sales volume of more than $22 million. Shariff continued to climb the corporate ladder, later working for Au Bon Pain as an Operation Service Manager and at Bertucci’s as a Regional Manager in northern New England managing the company’s most successful franchise with a sales volume of over $25 million.

Shariff has been on the RIHA board of directors since 2011 and is also a current member of the Economic Development Committee for the City of Cranston and Past Chairman of the Board of the Cranston (RI) Chamber of Commerce. He also volunteers his time as a member of the Early Childhood Council for Children’s Friend & Services in Providence, spending his time to better the lives of underprivileged children in Rhode Island. He resides in Cumberland with his wife and four children.

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