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2015 Open House at the State House
chefs & restaurantsnews

Open House at the State House 2019 Inaugural Event

by David Dadekian January 3, 2019
written by David Dadekian

Join the Governor for a Free Food & Drink Tasting on Saturday, January 5th

Eat Drink RI is proud to present the second Open House at the State House, hosted by Governor Gina Raimondo and First Gentleman Andy Moffit, on the Saturday following the Governor’s second inauguration. The event will feature tastings from Rhode Island restaurants and food and beverage producers, as well as performances from a diverse variety of local groups. Admission is free with a suggested donation of a non-perishable food item to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

2015 Open House at the State House
2015 Open House at the State House

“We’re excited to host the Open House at the State House, and invite all Rhode Islanders to join in the celebration,” said Governor Gina Raimondo and her husband Andy Moffit. “After the Open House, all Rhode Islanders are welcome to head to The Providence Rink at Alex and Ani City Center for a free skate.”

“I was happy to be asked to produce the Open House at the State House for a second time,” said Eat Drink RI’s David Dadekian. “As every Rhode Islander knows, we have some of the best food and drink in the world here. To showcase a slice of it in the ‘People’s House,’ perhaps the most majestic location for a tasting ever, is a great experience.”

WHAT:          Open House at the State House 2019

Admission is free with a suggested donation of a non-perishable food item to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank

WHEN:          Saturday, January 5, 2019, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

WHERE:       Rhode Island State House, 82 Smith St., Providence, RI

WHO:            Open House restaurants and food & beverage producers:

  • American Mussel Harvesters, Inc.
  • The Backyard Food Company
  • Beth Bakes
  • Blount Fine Foods
  • The Burgundian: Coffee and Waffles
  • Dave’s Coffee
  • El Rancho Grande
  • Gastros
  • Gerbs Allergy Friendly Foods
  • GottaQ Smokehouse BBQ
  • Granny Squibb’s Organic Iced Tea
  • HG80
  • Los Andes
  • Narragansett Creamery
  • The Perfect Sweet
  • Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel
  • RI Mushroom Co.
  • Sacred Cow “The Holy Granola Experience”
  • Sin
  • Yacht Club Soda
  • Yoleni’s

Photos from the 2015 Open House at the State House can be found on Eat Drink RI’s Facebook album: https://www.facebook.com/328156047280490/photos/?tab=album&album_id=906604892768933

January 3, 2019 0 comment
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farmsnews

RI DEM News Release: Governor, Moffit, DEM Announce Grant Awards to Local Food Businesses During Rhode Island’s 15th Annual “Ag” Day

by David Dadekian May 11, 2016
written by David Dadekian

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

As part of her continued efforts to grow Rhode Island’s green economy, Governor Raimondo joined First Gentleman Andy Moffit, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and other partners today to mark the 15th anniversary of Agriculture “Ag” Day in Rhode Island; as part of the event, over $200,000 was awarded to 16 local farmers and food businesses as part of the Local Agriculture & Seafood Act (LASA) grant program.

“Rhode Islanders take great pride in their agricultural heritage and thriving local food scene,” said Governor Gina Raimondo.  “It is part of our identity as a state, and increasingly, local food and agriculture are hotbeds for innovation and entrepreneurship.  Small business is the backbone of our economy in Rhode Island, and I am proud of this investment in our green industries and the many new businesses and working families supported by them.  I applaud all partners involved in growing our green economy; this is a great example of how Rhode Islanders are working together to make our state stronger.”

Now in its third year, the LASA grant program provides grants up to $20,000 to help strengthen Rhode Island’s green economy and assist local farmers and fishermen in growing their businesses. Rhode Island’s food system supports 60,000 jobs, and the state’s green industries account for more than 15,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the economy; there are 1,243 farms in Rhode Island, an increase of 44 percent from 2002, and nearly 70,000 acres of farmland.

“Local Rhode Island food is among the best in the world” said First Gentleman Andy Moffit.  “By working together to foster innovation and growth, we will not only strengthen our economy but also address the public health and food security issues that plague many communities. Our focus remains on ensuring all Rhode Islanders have access to healthy, locally sourced food. Thank you to the many partners involved in helping make this vision a reality.”

“There is a tremendous energy in local food and agriculture, spurred on by an increasing awareness of the many benefits of locally grown products,” said DEM Director Coit.  “LASA continues to be an important catalyst in growing our food-based businesses in Rhode Island, and we are thrilled to join our many partners in announcing the 2016 round of grants.  We are equally thrilled to be celebrating our 15th Annual Ag Day in Rhode Island and inviting the public to learn more about local agriculture and experience the delicious foods and flavors our state has to offer.  What an exciting day and a wonderful way to showcase this vibrant industry in our state!”

This year’s LASA grant recipients include:

Southside Community Land Trust, $19,462:
Improvements to Urban Edge Farm

RI Land Trust Council, $19,757:
Improved farmland access, transfer

Sun Farm Oysters, LLC, $9,754:
Expand access to ice for BI aquaculture farms

Albert Brandon, $2,874:
Extend the season, profitability of local strawberries

Patrick McNiff/Pat’s Pastured, $15,000:
Increase poultry processing capacity

Zephyr Farm, $14,500:
Purchase, retrofit trailer to process fruits, vegetables

Nathaniel Wood, Jenna Yu, Adam Graffunder, $7,405:
Upgrade infrastructure for seed starting, crop storage

Christian Durfee, $10,000:
Defray operational costs for oyster hatchery

Erika Lamb, $19,706:
Support “SecondsFirst” food production

RWU, $19,204:
Conduct local sugar kelp research

Jon and Aden Restivo, $2,811:
Install additional beehives at Legend’s Creek Farm

Young Farmer Network, $19,938:
Expand current programming, coalition

Pickin Rock Produce/Silas Peckham-Paul, $16,091:
Purchase equipment, conduct research

Mapleville Farm, $8,300:
Expand aquaponics greenhouse, support outreach

Anna Jane Kocon, $15,349:
Expand harvest production of flower products

Sol Chariots Pedicab Cooperative, $9,847:
Expand delivery, compost pick-up service

In partnership with the Rhode Island Food Policy Council, LASA is funded by the state with generous support from the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, the Henry P. Kendall Foundation, and the Rhode Island Foundation. In addition to the above grant awards, $20,000 is directed to DEM and the Rhode Island Seafood Marketing Collaborative to support the state’s local seafood campaign, RI Seafood.  Local seafood is poised to spur the next wave of food-based economic growth; last year, nearly 100 million pounds of seafood arrived to a local port – with an ex-vessel value over $75 million.

As part of Ag Day festivities, local farmers, food businesses, and community groups are set up around the State House Rotunda from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. today and offer free food samples and information about their work.

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.

May 11, 2016 0 comment
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farmsnews

News Bites: May 28, 2015 is Rhode Island Agriculture Day at the State House , The Savory Affair Welcomes Leah DeCesare as Business Development Director

by David Dadekian May 27, 2015
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, Farmers and Aquaculturists to Celebrate Rhode Island Agriculture Day in State House Festivities on Thursday, May 28

Large Selection of Local Foods Available for Sampling

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

To recognize the importance of the state’s $2.5 billion agriculture and green industries, the Department of Environmental Management will host Rhode Island Agriculture Day at the State House on Thursday, May 28.

DEM will announce the award of 15 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) grants of up to $20,000 to assist small or beginning farmers and local seafood businesses promote and market their locally grown or harvested products grown in Rhode Island. The program is designed to increase the economic competitiveness of Rhode Island-grown agricultural products and local seafood. “This new initiative is one of many efforts taken by DEM to support local agriculture and our state’s food economy,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “Rhode Islanders are eager to grow, eat and promote local food, and this grant program supports the growth of our local food sector to meet the growing demand of consumers.”

This year’s RI Agriculture Day program will include remarks by First Gentleman Andy Moffit as well as Michel Nischan, executive director of the Wholesome Wave Foundation, who will focus on the importance of a sustainable, locally-based food economy. Nischan is speaking to the Interagency Food and Nutrition Policy Advisory Council on the morning of Agriculture Day as well as the City of Providence Healthy Communities Advisory Council the following morning. There are numerous efforts within Rhode Island and state government to focus on an enhanced local food economy including the LASA grant program, which is an innovative partnership between DEM and the RI Food Policy Council, the Rhode Island Foundation, van Beuren Charitable Foundation and the Henry P. Kendall Foundation.

In addition, Senator Susan Sosnowski and Representative Art Handy will talk about the economic value of agriculture, seafood and the local food economy in Rhode Island, and Tess Brown-Lavoie of the RI Young Farmers’ Network will talk about efforts among young farmers in RI to improve the local food economy.

Rhode Island Agriculture Day will showcase Rhode Island’s agriculture industry and all that it brings to the state. Beyond fresh and local produce, meat, nursery stock, sod and Rhode Island’s own Rhody Fresh milk, agriculture contributes to tourism, open space, landscaping businesses, and a variety of food-related industries. The event will also continue to highlight the statewide “Get Fresh. Buy Local.” campaign and farmers’ markets.

“All of our state’s natural resource-based functions – agriculture, aquaculture and fishing – result directly in jobs and opportunities to promote Rhode Island,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “Thursday’s Agriculture Day celebration is a great opportunity to focus attention on this vibrant industry and educate Rhode Islanders on the many ways that agriculture impacts the local economy and our quality of life.”

As part of the Rhode Island Agriculture Day festivities, over 40 exhibitors will host displays in the State House Rotunda from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibitors will include farms and local food purveyors, as well as government and non-profit agencies that work with farmers. Coordinated by DEM’s Division of Agriculture, the exhibits will highlight Rhode Island agriculture and the many organizations that collectively participate in its viability.

Large Variety of Locally-Grown Foods Available for Sampling

Several exhibitors will offer food samples, such as stuffed quahogs from Dave’s Marketplace; pizza strips and hermits directly from Wright’s Dairy Farm and Bakery; assorted cheeses from Narragansett Creamery; oysters from Ocean State Aquaculture Association; johnnycakes from the Kenyon’s Grist and Corn Meal Company; and Rhody Fresh milk and cheese from the RI Dairy Farms Cooperative. Also, fresh cider from Jaswell’s Farm in Smithfield; Cabot Cheese made with milk from RI dairy farms; Rich’s Sweet Heat sauce for RI-grown vegetables and meats will be available for sampling.

Rhode Island has 1,243 farms, mostly family run, which occupy 68,000 acres. The 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, eight indoor winter markets, and numerous pick-your-own and farm stand operations. According to the 2014 update to URI’s Green Industry Economic Impact Study, which was highlighted at today’s event, the 3,327 green industry businesses in Rhode Island sustain 15,826 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion annually to our state’s economy.

The Agriculture Day speaking program will begin at 2 p.m. in the Governor’s State Room, and the exhibits will be on display until 5 p.m. in the State House Rotunda.


The Savory Affair Welcomes Event Planning Expert and Author Leah DeCesare as Business Development Director

The Savory Affair Business Development Director Leah DeCesare

The Savory Affair Business Development Director Leah DeCesare

The Savory Affair, Rhode Island’s premier event planning and design company, recently welcomed Leah DeCesare as Business Development Director. With years of event planning and public relations experience at a national retailer based in New York City under her belt, East Greenwich resident DeCesare now returns to event design and management with The Savory Affair.

DeCesare has managed weddings and events for large-scale corporate meetings, celebrity appearances, fashion shows, grand opening activities, and customized special events. With a focus on serving her clients, she ran a local parenting support business and founded a nonprofit organization in 2008. With an eye for detail and a love of creative concept development, she most recently initiated and executed a major fundraising campaign and gala to build a medical center in Uganda.

“I am thrilled to be apart of the incredible team at The Savory Affair,” said DeCesare. “There is nothing more rewarding than to work with a client to make their event vision a reality.”

DeCesare is the author of Naked Parenting, manages an active parenting blog, is a contributor to The Huffington Post, and has been published in international journals. Leah received her BS from Syracuse University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a triple major in advertising, marketing, and French. Leah keeps busy with three children. To learn more about DeCesare’s fascinating career and life in her own words, click here!

“We are excited to utilize Leah’s creative direction and arsenal of skills as we continue creating unique and memorable experiences for our clients,” stated Jessica Granatiero, owner of The Savory Affair.

DeCesare’s creativity can be seen first-hand in her most recent Savory Affair blog entry, Outdoor Entertaining Beyond the BBQ. Click here to take a look!

May 27, 2015 0 comment
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Amanda Schroeder holds a Gregg's Death by Chocolate cake ordered by President Barack Obama while campaigning with now Governor-Elect Gina Raimondo in October. Photo by Evan Vucci/AP Photo.
chefs & restaurantsfarmsnews

“Make It In Rhode Island” Inaugural Events and Details Announced

by David Dadekian January 1, 2019
written by David Dadekian

Amanda Schroeder holds a Gregg's Death by Chocolate cake ordered by President Barack Obama while campaigning with now Governor-Elect Gina Raimondo in October. Photo by Evan Vucci/AP Photo.

Amanda Schroeder holds a Gregg’s Death by Chocolate cake ordered by President Barack Obama while campaigning with now Governor-Elect Gina Raimondo in October. Photo by Evan Vucci/AP Photo.

Ed. note: Eat Drink RI’s David Dadekian is on the Raimondo Inaugural Committee and is very excited to be incorporating local food & drink into the events listed in the following news release. The Open House at the State House on Saturday, January 10th from 11 a.m.  – 2 p.m. and the Family Ice Skate at the Providence Rink afterwards from 2 – 3 p.m. are free and open to the public and will feature over twenty restaurants and producers from around Rhode Island. Come enjoy!

“Make It In Rhode Island” Inaugural Events and Details Announced

Will feature a celebratory WaterFire, an Open House at the State House and a Family Ice Skate

The Raimondo Inaugural Committee today announced details of the “Make It In Rhode Island” Inaugural events. All events are free and open to the public and will showcase some of the best Rhode Island has to offer.

“We’d like to invite all Rhode Island families to join us for a special WaterFire next Tuesday, January 6th as well as welcome everyone to the Open House at the State House and the Family Ice Skate on Saturday, January 10th,” said Governor-elect Gina Raimondo and her husband Andy Moffit, who will become the state’s inaugural First Gentleman. “It’s time to turn around Rhode Island and it is critical that we come together to make it happen. This is an opportunity to celebrate what makes our state great and all we have to build upon for our comeback.”

“Make It In Rhode Island” inaugural schedule of events:

Tuesday, January 6th

Daily Mass at St. Raymond’s Church,
1240 N Main St, Providence, RI.
9am

Inauguration of Governor Gina Raimondo and the General Officers of The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
South Portico of the Rhode Island State House
12pm

WaterFire Celebration
The public is encouraged to join Governor Raimondo and the General Officers for a celebratory WaterFire. All parties are free and open to the public.
Doors open at 5:30pm, lighting ceremony begins at 6:00pm.

General Officers’ party locations:
Governor Raimondo: Waterplace Restaurant
Lt. Governor McKee: Jacky’s Waterplace and Sushi Bar
Secretary of State Gorbea: Union Station Brewery
Attorney General Kilmartin: Cafe Nuovo
Treasurer Magaziner: Bar Louie

Saturday, January 10th

Open House at the State House
Hosted by Governor Gina Raimondo and First Gentleman Andy Moffit, the event will feature tastings from Rhode Island restaurants and food and beverage producers, as well as performances from a diverse variety of local groups. Admission is free with a suggested donation of a nonperishable food item to the Rhode Island Food Bank.
82 Smith Street, Providence, RI
11:00am – 2:00pm

Open House restaurants and food & beverage producers:
84 Tavern on Canal
Bacaro
Dave’s Coffee, with Rhody Fresh Milk
Daniele, Inc.
Del’s
Easy Entertaining Inc.
El Rancho Grande
Ellie’s Bakery
Gregg’s
Granny Squibb’s Iced Teas
Hemenway’s
Hope & Main
• Fox Point Pickling Company
• The Backyard Food Company
• Ocean State Smoked Fish
• Biggest Little Popcorn Company
Los Andes
Matunuck Oyster Bar
Narragansett Creamery
New Harvest Coffee Roasters
Simone’s
Sin
Wildwood
Yacht Club Soda

Open House performers:
The Art and Culture of the Americans, Peruvian Dance Group
The Eastern Medicine Singers, Native American Drum Group
Grupo Arcoisis, Dominican Youth Folk Dance Group
JUMP! Dance Company
The Kelly School of Irish Dance
The Laotian Cultural Center of RI Dancers and Musicians
Refined Singers of the King’s Cathedral

Family Ice Skate with Governor Raimondo, First Gentleman Andy Moffit and their kids Ceci and Tommy
Please bring your kids and join the governor’s family for an open skate. Skating and ice skate rentals are free. Hot apple cider and donuts will be provided by Easy Entertaining Inc.
Providence Rink, 2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI
2:00pm-3:00pm

January 1, 2019 0 comment
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