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Walrus and Carpenter Oysters

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Fifth Annual Eat Drink RI Festival Showcases How Food Will Help Rhode Island Grow

by David Dadekian April 7, 2016

Fifth Annual Eat Drink RI Festival Showcases How Food Will Help Rhode Island Grow
2016 Festival Expands to the Rhode Island Convention Center

The Eat Drink RI Festival, April 28 – May 1, is three weeks away and many more exciting vendors have signed on to participate in the year’s most anticipated culinary event. NBC 10 WJAR has signed on as a partner providing coverage and media personalities. Tickets are now on sale for all four Festival events. Get them before they sell out at eatdrinkri.com/festival.

The Festival opens on Thursday, April 28th with Dinner by Dames Five to benefit Sojourner House, Rhode Island’s most popular multi-chef tasting dinner led by eleven extraordinary women chefs and bartenders. The always sold out Truck Stop to benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank returns on Friday, April 29th.

There are over 50 exhibitors ready to sample their locally produced food and drink at this year’s Grand Tasting on Saturday, April 30th. Returning favorites include, The Backyard Food Company, Dave’s Coffee, The Granny Squibb Company, Jonathan Edwards Winery, Narragansett Creamery, Revival Brewing, Sons of Liberty Spirits and Yacht Club Soda. New exhibitors to this year’s Festival include Barr Hill by Caledonia Spirits, Cocofuel, Garde de la Mer and Shinn Estate Vineyards, with more to come.

“My family and I always look forward to the Eat Drink RI Festival,” Andy Moffit said. “It’s a great way to highlight Rhode Island’s fantastic chefs, restaurants and locally-produced foods. As First Gentleman, I care deeply about our local food economy. I am proud to partner with Eat Drink RI on many great initiatives that showcase Rhode Island’s delicious food and highlight the importance of healthy eating.”

Frigidaire Professional from Wickford Appliance

The move to the Rhode Island Convention Center for the Grand Tasting has taken the chef and farmer culinary presentations to the next level with a demonstration kitchen provided by Wickford Appliance with Frigidaire Professional appliances.

2016 James Beard Award semifinalist Chef Derek Wagner of Nicks on Broadway with Jules Opton-Himmel of Walrus and Carpenter Oysters will be showcasing Opton-Himmel’s locally farmed oysters along with his newly developed, innovative kelp product. Willa Van Nostrand of Little Bitte Artisanal Cocktails with Lee Ann Freitas of Indie Growers will demonstrate herb infusions and how to incorporate them into cocktail making. Chef Kaitlyn Roberts of Easy Entertaining with Ann Marie Bouthillette of Blackbird Farm will take the stage to discuss locally raised meats and grinding your own burgers for the grill. Chef Melissa Denmark of Gracie’s and Chef Sara Reilly of Ellie’s Bakery will show how to prepare beautifully decorated French desserts.

The expansion of the Festival’s Grand Brunch on Sunday, May 1st to the Ballroom at the Convention Center will feature 15 restaurants including custom craft cocktails and a coffee bar. Champagne Jacquart will be poured to greet guests. Entertainment will be provided by student jazz musicians, with special performances by The Chifferobe TropiGals, New England’s premiere vintage dance company. The Grand Brunch supports the Victoria Alviti Music Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing grants for music education.

Tickets and more information can be found at eatdrinkri.com/festival.

April 7, 2016 0 comments

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Eden East of Austin Comes To Rhode Island For An Exclusive Four-Night Dinner Series on Horseshoe Farm in Westerly, RI

by David Dadekian June 26, 2015

written by David Dadekian

Eden East of Austin Comes To Rhode Island For An Exclusive
Four-Night Dinner Series on Horseshoe Farm in Westerly, RI

Eden East, photo by K. LeSueur

Celebrated Austin, Texas farm-to-table restaurant Eden East is traveling to the east coast this summer for an exclusive dinner series produced by Eat Drink RI from August 19-22. Eden East Owner and Executive Chef Sonya Coté, a Rhode Island native, is thrilled to bring her entire team to her home state for this special dining event. The four dinners will be held at Horseshoe Farm, a private estate surrounded by miles of fences along the coastal countryside in Westerly, RI.

The acclaimed Austin eatery brings its exquisite dining experience easterly, merging its bold Texas flavors and ingredients with local products from New England farmers and purveyors, including Blackbird Farm, Walrus and Carpenter Oysters, Jonathan Edwards Winery, Revival Brewing Company and more. “Eden East defies description,” wrote TRIBEZA magazine. “It’s like a high-end picnic—and there’s truly nothing like it in Austin right now.” Tickets for the Eden East “Rhode Island Round-Up” will go on sale Wednesday, July 1st at 9 a.m. at EatDrinkRI.com/RhodeIslandRoundUp.

“I grew up in Rhode Island and return every summer to cook for my dear family and close friends,” comments Coté. “Last year, we stepped things up a notch and hosted a few intimate supper clubs by the sea that everyone really seemed to enjoy. Inspired by the experience, we have decided to return this August with the entire Eden East team for what we’re anticipating to be a magical experience for all involved. Come, eat and share the summer bounty with us, Rhode Islanders!”

Produced by Eat Drink RI and sponsored by The Haversham Restaurant, the Eden East “Rhode Island Round-Up” will recreate the unequaled dining experience that the restaurant provides guests each weekend on the grounds of Austin’s Springdale Farm. Eden East will donate a percentage of sales from the dinners to Colors for a Cause RI, a non-profit organization that supports families with children suffering from cancer.

Each evening begins with a reception at 6 p.m., featuring a raw bar and cocktails by Texas-based Deep Eddy Vodka, followed by a seated dinner paired with wine & beer. All-inclusive tickets are $150 per guest, and can be purchased beginning Wednesday, July 1st at 9 a.m. via EatDrinkRI.com/RhodeIslandRoundUp.

June 26, 2015 0 comments

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Walrus and Carpenter Oysters Announces Third Annual Farm Dinner Series with Six Renowned Rhode Island Chefs

by David Dadekian June 2, 2015

written by David Dadekian

Dinner table and kitchen set up in Ninigret Pond from Nicks on Broadway 2014 event, photo by David S. Dadekian

This summer, Walrus and Carpenter Oysters is proud to present their 3rd Annual Oyster Farm Dinner Series with birch, Gracie’s, New Rivers, Nicks on Broadway, north, and Tallulah on Thames. Each dinner features a tour of the farm, an in-the-water raw-bar, a multi-course dinner prepared by a Rhode Island chef committed to sourcing local seafood, and wine selections by the experts at Bottles Fine Wine. The dinner series will be produced by Eat Drink RI.

Click the links below to purchase tickets beginning Monday, June 15th at 9 a.m.:

Each of the six dinner experiences begin at 3 p.m. with a boat ride and tour of the 6-acre offshore oyster farm, with discussion and time for questions about the local ecosystem and environmental benefits of oyster farming. Following the tour, guests will enjoy an in-the-water raw bar featuring freshly harvested oysters. After the raw bar, take a walk on stunning East Beach with a view of the open Atlantic Ocean, followed by the seated multi-course dinner paired with wine. Boats will return to the marina around 7:30 p.m.

Last year this series sold out in less than 24 hours. Tickets for the 2015 dinners will go on sale Monday, June 15th at 9 a.m. at www.walrusandcarpenteroysters.com. Below is the schedule of chefs for this year.

Sunday, August 9th | Chef Derek Wagner of Nicks on Broadway

Wagner, winner of the StarChefs.com 2014 Coastal New England Rising Star Sustainability Award, is deeply focused on seasonally inspired, locally sourced, integrity driven food. Derek has developed and fostered strong relationships with local growers, producers, farmers, fishermen and artisans, and has been featured in Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, and The New York Times, among many other publications.

Monday, August 10th | Chef Jake Rojas of Tallulah on Thames

Rojas originates from El Paso, Texas and is a graduate of the Culinary Art Institute of Dallas. In 2014, he received a StarChefs.com Rising Star Chef Award. Jake is committed to sourcing seasonal market-driven ingredients highlighting local farms and artisans, and opened Tallulah’s Taqueria in Providence last summer.

Tuesday, August 11th | Chef Benjamin Sukle of birch

Sukle takes a “from the roots up” approach to all aspects of the dining experience, expressing the best of New England through a creative, modern and environmentally engaging menu. Ben received a 2014 StarChefs.com Rising Star Chef Award, and has been twice nominated for Food & Wine’s People’s Best New Chef. He has been nominated for the James Beard Foundation’s Rising Star Chef and Best Chef New England.

Friday, August 14th | Chef James Mark of north

Mark is the cook/owner/plumber/garbageman/shoveler/gopher/cat wrangler of north and north bakery. In 2014, James received the StarChefs.com 2014 Coastal New England Rising Star Community Chef award for his philanthropic commitment to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Prior to north, James worked at Nicks on Broadway and Thee Red Fez. In 2008 he helped open Momofuku Ko in NYC and, a year later, he helped open Momofuku Milk Bar.

Sunday, August 16th | Chef Beau Vestal of New Rivers

Vestal prides himself on serving the highest quality produce, handcrafted products, and whole animals raised with care from local pastures. Since 1990 the team at New Rivers has upheld the belief that the best and most honest foods are sustainably sourced and made by hand. Beau, chef at New Rivers since 2000 and now co-owner with his wife Elizabeth, carry on this mission today with their artisan breads, an extensive pasta program, cured meats and charcuterie, and much more.

Monday, August 17th | Chef Matthew Varga of Gracie’s

Varga is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, and began working at Gracie’s in 2007. He was promoted to Executive Chef in 2010. Since then, Gracie’s has won the AAA four-diamond award four years in a row for their seasonally-inspired cuisine and impeccable service. Varga has been featured in Art Culinaire and as a guest chef for the Democratic Governors Association Taste of America gala.

Please be aware that each dinner experience involves wading in ankle to knee-deep water, and a 15-minute walk to the beach, so dress accordingly. Boats will begin to depart from Charlestown, RI at 2:30 p.m., with the final boat departing at 3 p.m. Tickets are $185.00 per guest, all-inclusive, and will go on sale Monday, June 15th at 9 a.m. at www.walrusandcarpenteroysters.com.

June 2, 2015 0 comments

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Eat Drink RI Festival 2015 – April 30 through May 3

by David Dadekian March 12, 2015

written by David Dadekian

Eat Drink RI Festival — April 30 through May 3
Fourth Annual All-Local Food and Drink Celebration Returns To Providence

Showcasing the best of the ever-expanding Rhode Island culinary scene, the fourth annual, all-local Eat Drink RI Festival returns Thursday, April 30^th through Sunday, May 3^rd. The Festival, sponsored by Daniele, Inc., will be held throughout Providence, a city which has received numerous accolades for it’s food, including being named among the best small cities for restaurants and dining in the world in Saveur magazine’s 2013 and 2014 Culinary Travel Awards, as well as being named the 2012 #1 Food City in the United States and the 2014 America’s Favorite City by Travel + Leisure readers.

“Over past few years, Rhode Island has seen our small farms and food and beverage manufacturers grow. Our local food and beverage entrepreneurial ventures have a big ripple effect on our economy, helping to attract and sustain jobs across our state,” said Governor Gina Raimondo. “I am proud to support the Eat Drink RI Festival, which highlights our amazing restaurants, breweries, vineyards, and thriving food industry.”

The Eat Drink RI Festival will feature a star-studded line-up of over 80 chefs, farmers, bartenders and producers including: StarChefs.com Rising Star Sustainability award winner Chef Derek Wagner of Nick’s on Broadway, Gold Medal Cheese Competition award-winning Narragansett Creamery, World Whiskies Award winner for Best Flavored Whiskey Sons of Liberty Spirits, multiple Good Food Award winner Daniele Inc., Blackbird Farm, Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyard, Granny Squibb’s Iced Tea, Matunuck Oyster Bar, Revival Brewing Company and Rhody Fresh, among many others.

Festival highlights include:

Dinner by Dames photo by David Dadekian

THURSDAY, APRIL 30
Dinner by Dames to benefit AIDS Project RI – Casino at Roger Williams Park
This unique dining experience brings together five of Rhode Island’s most talented chefs for a multi-course dining event. Chefs Melissa Denmark of Gracie’s & Ellie’s Bakery, Jordan Goldsmith formerly of the Garden Grille, Maria Meza of El Rancho Grande, Kaitlyn Roberts of Easy Entertaining Inc., and Jessica Wood of Fire and Water Restaurant Group partner with local female farmers and food artisans to prepare signature dishes for dinner guests. Jen Ferreira, the East Coast Brand Ambassador for Lucas Bols, will lead a group of RI’s top female bartenders in creating cocktail pairings for each course.

Eat Drink RI Festival Truck Stop 2014 photo by Stacey Doyle Photography

FRIDAY, MAY 1
Truck Stop to Benefit the Rhode Island Community Food Bank – Alex and Ani City Center
The largest food truck event in Rhode Island returns in 2015! The Truck Stop showcases the excellence and variety of Rhode Island’s mobile restaurants while also benefitting an organization dedicated to ending hunger. Last Festival’s Truck Stop raised over $106,000 for the RI Food Bank. Live music will be performed by the Superchief Trio, featuring Keith Munslow and friends, who perform a repertoire of swing, New Orleans R&B, jump blues and boogie woogie. Some of this year’s participants include Acacia Café, Like No Udder, Mijos Tacos, Noble Knots, Rocket Fine Street Food and Tallulah, among many others.

“We are so excited for the Food Bank and Eat Drink RI to partner once again for this year’s Festival,” said Hugh Minor, Director of Communications for the RI Community Food Bank. “Our relationship continues to strengthen and grow as David Dadekian repeatedly seeks out new and exciting ways to work with us to address the issue of hunger in Rhode Island.”

Eat Drink RI Festival Grand Tasting 2014 photo by Stacey Doyle Photography

SATURDAY, MAY 2
Grand Tasting presented by Providence Monthly – Providence Biltmore Grand Ballroom
The Grand Tasting is a showcase of over forty local food, wine, beer and spirit exhibitors, as well as an abundance of local food artisans. During the Tasting there will be three Culinary Demonstrations featuring local chefs with farmers and producers at 12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m. and 3 p.m. Some of this year’s participants include American Mussel Harvesters, Bully Boy Distillers, a group of over 10 new culinary businesses via Hope & Main, Jonathan Edwards Winery, Narragansett Brewing Company, Olneyville NY System, RI Mushroom Company, Yacht Club Soda and many, many more.

Eat Drink RI Festival Grand Brunch 2014 photo by Brad Smith Photography

SUNDAY, MAY 3
Grand Brunch to benefit the RI Philharmonic Music School – Providence Biltmore Grand Ballroom
The Festival will come to a close with the Grand Brunch, prepared by some of the state’s best chefs and pastry chefs including: Chef Christopher Champagne of 84 Tavern on Canal, Martha Stewart Weddings baker Kelly Dull of north bakery, Mexican icon Maria Meza of El Rancho Grande, PBS’s The Chefs of Cucina Amore’s Joe Simone of Simone’s, baking maven Chef Jennifer Luxmoore of Sin, and more. In addition to the food, the Brunch features entertainment by jazz students from the Music School, a coffee bar by New Harvest Coffee Roasters, and a cocktail bar by Little Bitte Artisanal Cocktails.

Betty Ann Kearney, Director of Development for the RI Philharmonic said, “We were so pleased to partner with the Eat Drink RI Festival last year. The funds we received from the Festival are used to support our efforts to bring music education to every elementary school child (50,000 in all) in our region over the next 4 years. Through efforts like Eat Drink RI we were able to bring 11,000 children to the Vets Auditorium to play and sing with the RI Philharmonic Orchestra in 2014 and expect over 12,000 this year.”

For more information about the Eat Drink RI Festival or to purchase tickets, please visit eatdrinkri.com/festival, on Facebook at facebook.com/eatdrinkri.

March 12, 2015 0 comments

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