Tolia

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Track 15 Announces Final Vendors of Highly Anticipated Food Hall 

Middle Eastern and Modern Indian Concepts Round Out Merchant Lineup; Grand Opening Set for February 2025

Track 15, the highly anticipated food hall from the Marsella family, is pleased to announce the final two additions to its merchant lineup: Little Chaska and Tolia. They will join Dune Brothers, Dolores, There There, Giusto PVD, and Mother Pizzeria PVD to offer a variety of fare, from burgers and seafood to  Mexican, Middle Eastern, Indian, and Italian, at Track 15 when the food hall opens in February 2025.

Little Chaska, from Sanjiv and Vandana Dhar of Kabob and Curry Rasoi in Pawtucket, Rasa in East Greenwich, and Chaska in Cranston’s Garden City Center, will showcase some of the unique recipes that have made their restaurant group a favorite for diverse flavors and spices since 1990. 

Tolia, a new concept from Turkish native Alp Gumuscu, formerly the executive chef at Yagi Noodles in Newport, will bring a taste of the region of Anatolia to Track 15. Anatolia surrounds Turkey, Greece and other parts of the Middle East and its cuisine is deeply rooted in ancient ingredients, spices, and history. Chef Alp and his team will bring his story and culture to life with thoughtful food and cared-for ingredients.

“We are excited to welcome the Dhars and Alp Gumuscu to the Track 15 family,” said Christopher J. Marsella, President, Marsella Development Corporation. “They are the final pieces to this culinary puzzle we’ve been putting together, and we look forward to showcasing their exceptional talent.” 

Built in 1898, the original Union Station consisted of 14 intercity rail lines and operated until 1986, when the smaller Amtrak station was built. The name Track 15 is a nod to Union Station’s earliest days as the hub of southeastern New England’s transportation network, supporting the machinery, textile, and jewelry industries that fueled the growth and future of Providence.

Marsella Development Corporation and the Marsella family, longstanding visionaries in the City of Providence, partnered with acclaimed Convivium Hospitality Group to redevelop the historically important space and deliver a diverse, inclusive, and approachable hospitality experience that reflects the many cultural influences in Rhode Island. 

“Building this food hall has been a labor of love for all of us,” continued Marsella.  “Despite the challenges of renovating a historic building, our team is making progress every day, and we can’t wait to open our doors to a truly unique experience that is unlike anything in Rhode Island.”

The overall development of the 18,000 square foot represents a $25 million investment in the restoration of the historic building which, when completed, will include a large central bar, a new home for seven Rhode Island-based restaurateurs, indoor and outdoor seating for approximately 600 patrons, an entertainment venue, and a 10,000 square foot plaza which will provide outdoor seating and a home for special events.   Rhode Island-based Vision 3 is the architect and Boston-based CM&B is the construction management firm, bringing to the project a wealth of experience in building food halls around the U.S. 

ISCO Spirits Announces 4 Year 100% Organic Corn Bourbon- Small Batch from the Smallest State

Today, ISCO Spirits announced the upcoming release of their first ever four-year aged Bourbon, made from a 100% corn mash, a rarity in the bourbon industry. The base of their spirit starts with 100% regeneratively grown organic corn sourced from their partner farm in New York State, which is then distilled from scratch in Providence and rested for four years in charred new oak barrels. The product is 100% gluten-free. 

This new spirit continues to tell the innovative story of ISCO’s approach to product development and authenticity. Four years after opening their doors their aged Bourbon joins their mainstay spirit line up of Ostreida Oyster Vodka, Structural Vodka, Ornamental Gin, Blue Velvet Bourbon, Patina Bourbon Barrel Aged Gin, Gemma Crystal Vodka and Seaflow Gin.  

“We’ve been working on this project since the inception of ISCO, it’s a great time to reflect on how far we’ve come in such a short time. The flavors are deep and rich, it showcases our passion for authentic tasting notes made from the purest of ingredients.” said Head Distiller Dan Neff.  “With sweet notes of caramel and bourbon vanilla on the nose and a rich, full body with a lingering finish, it’s perfect for the change in seasons,” added Head Distiller Eric Olson. 

On Thursday, October 10 ISCO will host a fun filled launch party from 5PM – 10PM in conjunction with Little Engine Personal Fitness who will be debuting their brand-new sauna that night as well. Staying true to offering attendees delectable taste, Pizza Envy will be on site serving up creative pies for the party.  

Tasting notes for the bourbon: sweet notes of caramel and bourbon vanilla, balanced with warm cinnamon, walnut, toasted oat and hints of fruit and dark cocoa. Rich and full-bodied with smooth, lingering finish. 750ML per bottle, Alcohol is 50% by volume.  

The Sauna @ Little Engine, ISCO’s neighbor on their patio will launch the same night as their bourbon, because nothing goes together like saunas and a little warming bourbon! ISCO will be offering special ongoing deals for Sauna members this fall and winter and the first 50 people to sign up for a membership will also receive a 20% discount on a bottle of bourbon from ISCO. 

The Sauna @ Little Engine gives members exclusive access with online booking and payment, keyless entry, flexible memberships and limited time promotions. The sauna is accessible 7 days a week, making it a great place for patrons to unwind and hangout no-matter what their schedule is.

Little City Thrifty, Rhode Island’s Largest Vintage Market, Returns to Providence

October 5^th and 6th, 2024
Noon to 6pm (11am Early Buying Hour)
WaterFire Arts Center
475 Valley Street, Providence, RI

Little City Thrifty Vintage Market is one of the largest curated indoor vintage shopping events in New England, bringing vintage lovers from far and wide to Providence for the weekend. On October 5^th and 6th, 2024, Little City Thrifty will bring an eclectic lineup of over 90 vintage booths, with dealers from Rhode Island and nine other states (traveling in from as far as Tennessee, Florida, and Michigan). With 15,000 square ft of pre-loved home décor, vinyl records, books, barware, art, collectables, ephemera, jewelry and accessories, small furniture, size-inclusive clothing, and much more available at all price points, Little City Thrifty is a vintage dream come true at WaterFire Arts Center.

“To us, Little City Thrifty is so much more than a fun vintage party and shopping experience – it’s a celebration of a community who truly loves vintage goods of all styles, eras, and types and the history behind them,” says co-organizer of Little City Thrifty, BJ Mansuetti. “Having such a beautiful venue filled with kind and passionate vintage dealers and appreciators is heartwarming and inspiring. It’s a special feeling to have this community in the same room with us here in Providence for a whole weekend.”

Robin Dionne, co-organizer of Little City Thrifty, adds, “As a Rhode Islander who grew up thrifting with my family, I’ve always been focused on re-use and recycling, and I love to see the community come together to support small businesses who are giving vintage items a new life. In the spirit of re-use, we are again working with Bootstrap Compost to help divert event trash from the landfill. Little City Thrifty is a fully compostable event, and Bootstrap will work their composting magic and turn restaurant and bar waste into useable soil.”

The event will feature food from local favorites Knead Doughnuts, Diego’s East Side, and JA Patty, a bar hosted by Inside Voices serving Rejects beer (Middletown, RI) specialty cocktails featuring Mad River Distillers spirits (Vermont), mocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages from Topo Chico. Entry includes a drink ticket that can be redeemed for a complimentary small drink, provided by participating beverage sponsors, or a discount on full-sized beverages. 

Little City Thrifty typically sells out in advance. General Admission tickets are available now for $8 online ($10 at the door if the event does not sell out), and Early Buying Hour tickets are available for $15. Early Buying Hour tickets allow entry a full hour before the event starts, and they’re perfect for those who want some extra elbow-room while shopping and to get a first look at the vendors’ collections and rare items. Early Buying Hour tickets will not be available at the door.

For a full list of vendors and to purchase advance tickets, visit www.littlecitythrifty.com.

Newport Restaurant Group’s “Fruits from the Field” Fundraiser Yields More Than $3,000 for Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s 20^th Birthday 

Newport Restaurant Group (NRG), an award-winning collection of unique restaurants and hospitality venues located throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts, celebrated Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s 20^th birthday in August with a special ‘fruits from the field’ fundraiser.  

From August 1^st through August 31^st, NRG restaurants Avvio (Cranston), Bar ‘Cino (Newport), and Waterman Grille (Providence), offered a special, locally-grown tomato dish using produce from Farm Fresh and Greenview Farms, and donated $2.00 from each dish sold to Farm Fresh. More than 1,500 dishes were sold, yielding a $3,058.00 donation to the organization.   

“Farm Fresh has been an invaluable partner to NRG since its inception 20 years ago,” said Kevin DiLibero, Director of Culinary Arts, Newport Restaurant Group. “We are so thankful to our loyal guests who participated in this fundraiser, so that this wonderful organization can continue its efforts to not only connect farmers with restaurants, but to also increase access to fresh local food for those who need it the most.”

When Farm Fresh was created, Newport Restaurant Group quickly became its largest customer. Since then, NRG has continued its support of the organization, landing in its top three largest customers every year, and regaining the title of largest seven times, including this year.  NRG is Farm Fresh’s top tomato purchaser and has been each year since its founding in 2004. “Farm Fresh Rhode Island is deeply grateful to Newport Restaurant Group for their generous support through the ‘Fruits from the Field’ fundraiser,” said Nikki Ayers, Director of Giving, Farm Fresh Rhode Island. “This donation reflects their ongoing commitment to our mission of connecting local farmers with the community and increasing access to fresh, local food. We are thrilled to celebrate our 20^th anniversary alongside such a dedicated partner and look forward to continuing our impactful work together.”