Chef Derek Wagner of Nick’s on Broadway gets the picnic bonfire going
On Sunday, October 6, from 4 – 7 p.m., Chefs Collaborative, the leading nonprofit network of chefs that’s changing the sustainable food landscape using the power of connections, education and responsible buying decisions, is assembling some of Rhode Island’s best “farm-to-fork” chefs to promote awareness of local and sustainable ingredients available in the Ocean State. The BBQ is held at one of the most beautiful farm locations in the state—Schartner Farms private picturesque pond in Exeter.
The event Co-Chairs, Chefs Derek Wagner of Nick’s on Broadway in Providence and Jake Rojas of Tallulah on Thames in Newport are teaming up with the following Rhode Island chefs to create a locally sourced, home-style, barbecue-themed menu:
In Providence
- Matthew Gennuso of Chez Pascal
- Matt & Kate Jennings of Farmstead
- James Mark of north
- Mike McHugh of The Barstow
- David Reynoso of Al Forno
- Benjamin Sukle of birch
- Matthew Varga of Gracie’s
- Beau Vestal of New Rivers
In Newport
- Chad Hoffer and Tyler Burnley of Thames Street Kitchen
- Chad Hart of One Bellevue at the Hotel Viking
In Bristol
- Eli Dunn of The Beehive Café
- Champe Speidel of Persimmon
In Westerly
- Paul Pearson of Seasons at the Ocean House
Cocktails are to be provided by The Avery in Providence and Berkshire Mountain Distillers with M.S. Walker. Wine will be provided by local vintners Newport Vineyards in Middletown, Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington, Connecticut and via Wine Wizards: Greenvale Vineyards, Stonington Vineyards and Farnum Hill Cider. Revival Brewing Company of Providence and Grey Sail Brewing Company of Westerly will be offering beer selections.
The Rhode Island BBQ is a chance for some of Rhode Island’s most talented chefs to showcase the bounty of the season, from the farms, pastures and coastal waters of Rhode Island. Proceeds from this barbecue help to fund the important work that Chefs Collaborative is doing, both in Rhode Island and across the country, in their mission to make sustainability second nature in the professional kitchen. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds help to fund a scholarship to send Rhode Island chefs to the Chefs Collaborative Sustainable Food Summit.
“The RI Farm BBQ has become one of the premier chef-oriented events in Rhode Island and we are very happy to be a part of it,” said Chefs Collaborate Executive Director Melissa Kogut. “We’re also thrilled that the local community has come out to support this event and the bounty of Rhode Island food and drink each year.”
The event is family-oriented and is held rain or shine. While there is some limited seating, guests are encouraged to bring their own blankets or chairs to sit on. Beer, wine and cocktails are included in the ticket price, but please bring any non-alcoholic beverages that you might need for yourselves or your little ones. The event is $65/adults, $25/children ages 8-18, children under 8 are free. Tickets include all the food and beverage offerings and can be purchased online at http://www.chefscollaborative.org/events/rhode-island-bbq/.
