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Yacht Club Soda's 2024 Limited Release Kamala's Berry Surprise
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News Bites: Yacht Club Soda’s 2024 Soda Pop Poll’s Unprecedented Surprise / Newport Restaurant Group Fundraises for Farm Fresh RI’s 20th / Ocean House’s Land and Sea Experience

by David Dadekian August 22, 2024
written by David Dadekian

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


Yacht Club Soda’s Soda Pop Poll Is Ready To Go With Kamala’s Berry Surprise Entering The Race Against Donald’s Trumpian Punch

Yacht Club Soda's 2024 Limited Release Kamala's Berry Surprise
Yacht Club Soda’s 2024 Limited Release Kamala’s Berry Surprise

Yacht Club Soda, The Official Soda of Rhode Island, knows that unprecedented times call for unprecedented bottling. This week sees the release of Kamala’s Berry Surprise taking over for Joe’s Bidenomics Berry in the Soda Pop Pollagainst Donald’s Trumpian Punch.

What began as Round Two when the first two new Limited Release flavors were released in June is now Remixed, with a new label for Vice President Harris. Just as Harris is taking over the Democratic race for President Biden, the VP’s flavor is taking over in the Soda Pop Poll. Sales figures for Joe’s Bidenomics Berry will be collected until August 22nd when bottles of Kamala’s Berry Surprise will hit shelves and have its sales tracked.

You may find Joe’s Bidenomics Berry on sale after the changeover date, but sales won’t be counted toward the poll. The final poll results will reflect the combined sales with no overlap. There’s no rigging a Soda Pop Poll! That certainly makes the Biden bottle a collector’s item now, so you might not want to pass it up.

“Like the rest of America, and the world, we were surprised by President Biden’s unprecedented decision to drop out of the race,” said Yacht Club Soda owner John Sgambato. “But making soda at Yacht Club never stops and our team is fired up to release Kamala’s Berry Surprise.”

While the soda in the bottle for Kamala’s Berry Surprise is the same blueberry-raspberry soda as in Joe’s Bidenomics Berry, the team at Yacht Club had to leap into action to produce the new bottle label. As before, Frankie Galasso, nationally syndicated sports, editorial and entertainment cartoonist/artist and Rhode Island resident, drew the Limited Release label art. Kristina Cinquegrana Petrilli, graphic designer and artist, and co-founder of Faith & Grace Design Studios created the new label. You can find more about Galasso, including his limited-edition lithograph celebrating the Celtics latest world championship at www.thefrankiegalasso.com. More information about Petrilli and her design work, including shopping her co-founded line of greeting cards, can be found at kristinapetrilli.com.

Both Soda Pop Poll flavors are now available at the Yacht Club Factory Store in North Providence—see their Facebook page at facebook.com/yachtclubsoda for hours, will be sold at farmers markets and can be found in local stores and restaurants through multiple distributors. Plus, you can order online from Yacht Club Soda’s site at yachtclubsoda.com and they ship all their flavors anywhere in the United States.

As with the last two presidential Soda Pop Polls, Yacht Club will release the results of the poll this fall to see which political pop people like best. Donald’s Trumpian Punch and Kamala’s Berry Surprise will only be available through election season, or while supplies last, so don’t miss out on your chance to vote in the Soda Pop Poll!

Yacht Club Soda's 2024 Soda Pop Poll
Yacht Club Soda's 2024 Limited Release Kamala's Berry Surprise

Newport Restaurant Group Celebrates Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s 20th Birthday with a ‘Fruits from the Field’ Fundraiser

For the Month of August, $2.00 from every local tomato dish sold will go to Farm Fresh Rhode Island

At Waterman Grille, $2.00 from every Grilled Peach and Farm Fresh Tomato Salad sold in the month of August will be donated to Farm Fresh Rhode Island. Local tomato dishes will also be offered at Avvio in Cranston and Bar ‘Cino in Newport for the organization’s benefit. Photo courtesy of Newport Restaurant Group
At Waterman Grille, $2.00 from every Grilled Peach and Farm Fresh Tomato Salad sold in the month of August will be donated to Farm Fresh Rhode Island. Local tomato dishes will also be offered at Avvio in Cranston and Bar ‘Cino in Newport for the organization’s benefit. Photo courtesy of Newport Restaurant Group

Newport Restaurant Group (NRG), an award-winning collection of unique restaurants and hospitality venues located throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts, will celebrate Farm Fresh Rhode Island’s 20th birthday with a special ‘fruits from the field’ fundraiser. NRG is Farm Fresh’s top tomato purchaser, and has been every year since the organization began. 

From August 1st through August 31st, NRG restaurants Avvio, Bar ‘Cino (Newport), and Waterman Grille (Providence), will offer a special, locally-grown tomato dish using produce from Farm Fresh and Greenview Farms, and will donate $2.00 from each dish sold to Farm Fresh. 

Waterman Grille will feature a summery Grilled Peach and Farm Fresh Tomato Salad for the month. Bar ‘Cino and Avvio will offer a daily special featuring Greenview Farms tomatoes.

“We have been a proud partner of Farm Fresh since its inception, from utilizing its Market Mobile to hosting the annual Local Food Fest at Castle Hill Inn,” said Kevin DiLibero, Director of Culinary Arts, Newport Restaurant Group. “What the organization has done to not only connect farmers with restaurants, but also to increase access to fresh local food for those who need it the most, is nothing short of amazing. We look forward to another 20 years of the organization’s positive impact.”

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. “Farm Fresh Rhode Island is honored to have Newport Restaurant Group’s support in celebrating our 20th anniversary. Their commitment to sourcing local produce has not only strengthened our organization but has also provided vital support to our local farmers,” said Nikki Ayres, Director of Giving, Farm Fresh Rhode Island. “This partnership has been essential in our mission to connect farmers with the community and ensure access to fresh, local food. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and look forward to many more years of collaboration and shared success.”


Ocean House Introduces An Extraordinary Land And Sea Yacht Experience Combining A Stay In The Nautical-Inspired Morgan Suite And Cruise Aboard The Historic Aphrodite Yacht

Guests Will Have the Opportunity to Sail on the Completely Restored 1937 Vessel that Once Carried Luminaries Such as ShirleyTemple, Fred Astaire, Nelson Rockefeller and President Roosevelt

Cruises Aboard the Aphrodite Can Also be Reserved Independently for Regional Voyages Exploring the Scenic New England Coastline and Celebrated Summer Destinations

Aphrodite, photo courtesy of Ocean House
Aphrodite, photo courtesy of Ocean House

Ocean House, a Forbes Five Star, AAA Five Diamond hotel overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, will introduce the first-of its kind Land and Sea Yacht experience combining an unforgettable suite stay with a scenic sunset champagne cruise for up to six guests aboard the historic Aphrodite yacht. A professional photographer is also on hand to capture images prior to departure, enhancing the transporting experience only available to guests of the Relais and Chateaux property. Guests-in-residence can also reserve the Aphrodite for leisurely sailing discoveries in and around the area.

The Land and Sea Yacht Experience

The package includes a three-night stay in the sprawling nautical-inspired Morgan Suite, reflective of Watch Hill’s maritime heritage and inspired by the classic sailing and motor yachts that take to local waters. The bi-level suite includes four guestrooms, a private outdoor terrace, and garden space with beach-level access. In the living room, the custom-milled, vertical-grain beams, doors and floors pair seamlessly with the custom-made hardware of the suite, enhancing its warm seaside surroundings. The dining area with demonstration kitchen features a classic Molteni range and encourages conversation while allowing dining companions to admire expansive ocean views. The lower level is complete with vintage nautical touches. A private beach cabana is also offered daily.

Aphrodite’s Storied History

Originally built by the Purdy Boat Company in May of 1937 for Wall Street financier, John Hay (Jock) Whitney of Long Island, Aphrodite has a storied history of its own. Best described as a “Commuter Yacht”, this elegant and sleek 74-footer would take Whitney on a daily journey down the Long Island Sound to his Wall Street office. Over the years, Aphrodite’s guest list became a “Who’s Who” for summer day cruises with such luminaries as Fred Astaire, Sir Laurence Olivier, Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Henry Ford II, FDR advisor Harry Hopkins, Shirley Temple and Nelson Rockefeller. In April 1942 she was commissioned as a Coast Guard auxiliary vessel and spent her wartime career ferrying dignitaries and transporting President Roosevelt to and from his Hyde Park home. In 1983, John Pannell, owner of the Harbor View Marine repair company, restored the yacht which had fallen into disrepair and relaunched the Aphrodite in 1984.

In 2003, Pannell sold Aphrodite to her present owner, Charles Royce, the owner and proprietor of Ocean House. A classic boat enthusiast, Royce began a complete restoration of the yacht to bring her systems up to today’s standards while using the original boat as a template to ensure its authenticity. True to Royce’s nature and aligned with how he approached Ocean House’s careful restoration in 2004, the first stage of the project was to extensively catalog all aspects of the boat for later reference. Once this historical documentation was completed, reconstruction began with the replacement of the original backbone, stem, floors and the reframing of Aphrodite’s signature torpedo stern. Once the framing work was completed, the hull was then re-planked, as originally built, with two layers of Philippine mahogany and copper rivets. A new deck, along with the crafting of Aphrodite’s distinctive cabin and interior accommodations was then finalized, and in October of 2005, Aphrodite traveled to its new home in Watch Hill, Rhode Island.

The Aphrodite Yacht Experience

Guests of Ocean House can reserve a private cruise aboard Aphrodite during their visit and select from a variety of curated tour immersions to scenic destinations and popular regional locales. Onboard, they’ll learn more about the yacht’s legendary history and surrounding areas from a knowledgeable captain while being well-cared for by an attentive crew. Whether venturing out for a scenic excursion to Fisher Island or Montauk; being dropped off on Block Island with a picnic lunch for an afternoon of exploration; or embarking on a sunset cocktail cruise to enjoy a gourmet dinner in nearby Stonington; a selection of two to three hour curated journeys at sea await.

The package and yacht sailings are offered August 1 through October 31, 2024, The package is priced at $42,000.00 plus taxes and fees, and the individual yacht sailings are priced from $5,000. For information and reservations for the package, please call 401-584-7000 and visit Ocean House Special Offers. For information and reservations for the Aphrodite Yacht Experience, please call 401-584-7000 and visit Ocean House Experiences.

August 22, 2024 0 comments
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Ocean House Mediterranean Night Market with Chef Mike Solomonov

by David Dadekian June 19, 2024
written by David Dadekian

June 26, 2024 @ 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Kick Off Mediterranean Night Market at Théa at Dune Cottage with special guest Chef Mike Solomonov

Join us for a fun and elegant evening on the Ocean House beach with James Beard Award-Winning Chef Mike Solomonov, an experience that captures the flavorful cuisine and vibrant atmosphere of the Mediterranean coast.

Enjoy a lavish dinner of Mediterranean-inspired starters, entrees, and desserts, from refreshing Israeli salad to shawarma, striped bass kofta, pomegranate glazed rotisserie lamb shoulder, and more. Plus an impressive dessert selection, and all alongside complimentary house wine, beer, and live music.

Books will be available for purchase. Please note that tickets to this events are non-refundable, except in the event of inclement weather, a call made by the hotel.

About Chef Mike Solomonov: Michael Solomonov is co-owner of CookNSolo Restaurants, including Philadelphia’s Zahav–the trailblazing restaurant that opened in 2008–which is the twice recipient of the rare Four Bells: Superior rating from Philadelphia Inquirer critic, Craig LaBan.

Solomonov is co-author of three cookbooks, and the recipient of the five James Beard Awards: 2011 ” Best Chef, Mid-Atlantic,” 2016 “Best International Cookbook” and “Book of the Year” for Zahav: A World of Israeli Cooking; 2017 “Outstanding Chef,” and 2019 “Outstanding Restaurant” for Zahav.

In addition to Zahav, Solomonov co-owns Philadelphia’s Federal Donuts, Dizengoff, Goldie, K’Far, and Laser Wolf. In May 2022, Solomonov brought grill house sensation Laser Wolf to Brooklyn.

$25 – $125

Ocean House

1 Bluff Ave.
Westerly, RI 02891 United States
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855-678-0364
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June 19, 2024 0 comments
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The United Table – What’s Up Gastropod? – Talk & Tasting

by David Dadekian May 9, 2024
written by David Dadekian

June 15, 2024 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Please join us at the UNITED Table for the next event in our series with Eating With the Ecosystem as they host a panel and tasting event showcasing Gastropods – or Snails of the Sea – whelks, periwinkles, and slipper limpets. These local delicacies are often overlooked or shipped elsewhere for processing and feasting. Join us to hear from those fishing for, studying and preparing these local and sustainable mollusks. Following the panel we will move into the gallery events space where attendees will get a free beer or wine along with a taste of some of the delicious gastropods from the region.

The UNITED Table series is a new culinary entertainment series presented by The United Theatre to celebrate the food we eat and the creative, hardworking people who take the care and thought in preparing and presenting that food, preserving its history, and filling our lives with the tastes, smells, and experiences that bring people together. Through conversations, tastings, book talks, food fests, and screenings from the culinary cineverse, The UNITED Table invites you to pull up a chair. Bon appétit!

Eating with the Ecosystem is a Rhode Island Non-profit focused on a place based approach to seafood in New England where we have great opportunities to support our local economy, our environment and our health through the sustainable harvest of fish. www.eatingwiththecosystem.org

$25

The United Theatre

5 Canal St.
Westerly, Rhode Island 02891 United States
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401-388-8208
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May 9, 2024 0 comments
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Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee at LASA Award Ceremony
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News Bites: 2024 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act Grantees / The East End’s New General Manager / New Brunch at XACO TACO

by David Dadekian April 10, 2024
written by David Dadekian

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


Governor McKee, DEM, RI General Assembly Announce 2024 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act Grantees, Helping Grow Agricultural, Seafood Businesses

Governor Dan McKee, members of the Rhode Island General Assembly, and the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) today announced the 2024 Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) grantees at Newport Vineyards. More than 40 local farmers, fishers, specialty food producers obtained LASA grant awards, splitting more than $650,000 in funding on projects that will support the growth, development, and marketing of local farms, seafood harvesters, and food businesses. LASA grants support small businesses and increase Rhode Island’s food security.

“LASA grants continue to be a game-changer for Rhode Island’s farmers, fishers, and aquaculturists,” said Governor Dan McKee. “I congratulate this year’s recipients and look forward to working with them to foster community resilience, promote sustainable practices and increase food security across our state.”

Authored by Senator V. Susan Sosnowski in 2012 and run by DEM, the LASA program helps new and existing small food businesses grow and flourish. Since the COVID pandemic, DEM has steered the program to prioritize building capacity for markets connecting local farms and fishers with food-insecure communities and supporting agriculture producers and fishers who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color – along with developing small food businesses. The LASA program provides grants that directly benefit and strengthen the local food system in Rhode Island by providing funding for projects that help support the growth, development, and marketing of RI Grown produce and RI Seafood. Since its enactment 12 years ago, LASA has provided more than $2 million through individual program grants up to $20,000 with no direct match required.

Last year the Governor and the General Assembly pledged their support to continue funding LASA, which is an important catalyst in strengthening the local food system, at historically high levels in fiscal year 2024. During this grant round, 43 grant awards totaling $662,000 were broadly distributed across many categories including agriculture, aquaculture, seafood or fishery based, and farmers markets that support these sectors. Eligible entities included Rhode Island-based, for-profit small or beginning farmers including aquaculture operators, fishers, producer groups, and non-profit organizations. Given the depth of the application pool, the evaluation of applications is a concerted effort by the LASA committee, which includes DEM staff and the RI Food Policy Council, with the goal of funding recommendations being as equitably and diversely as possible by taking score into consideration among other factors such as Environmental Justice. The final grantees awarded during this grant round reflect the purpose and value of the LASA program by fulfilling its purpose of seeking to broaden the scope and diversity of awardees.

“Since the food shortages and price spikes of the COVID pandemic, Rhode Islanders have been looking for food producers closer to home, so these Local Agriculture and Seafood Act grants are well timed and the awardees well positioned to meet growing consumer demand,” said Representative Terri Cortvriend (Portsmouth, Middletown). “I’m lucky to have an organic farm in my district, Garman Farm, that is receiving LASA funding. Jim and Michelle Garman believe that farming is as much about community as it is about plants. This funding will allow them to continue cultivating local food that is fresh, delicious, and safe. I am very proud to support this program.”

“Agriculture and seafood are extremely important economic sectors in all four of the communities I represent in the State Senate,” said Senator Louis P. DiPalma (Little Compton, Middletown, Newport, Tiverton). “The Local Agriculture and Seafood Act helps incubate new and growing small businesses, some of which will one day become cornerstones of our communities. Supporting the production of local food also means fewer trucks on the road, which means less air pollution and better health for Rhode Islanders and our environment.”

“Food security means that all people, always, have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food,” said Representative Teresa Tanzi (Narragansett, South Kingstown). “The Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island, which is in Wakefield in my district and obtaining a Local Agriculture and Seafood Act grant today, is addressing food security by supplying local seafood to Rhode Island public schools, especially in low-income districts. Another LASA grantee in my district, Moonstone Flower Company, is trying to solve a much different problem: deer pressure. By installing deer fencing with LASA funding, Taylor Olson soon hopes to put her company on a path toward supplying local restaurants with fresh flowers. I salute the vision and tenacity of all LASA grantees in growing their businesses and making Rhode Island a more beautiful, fair, and food-secure state.”

“As the chairwoman of the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee, I am always on the lookout for legislation and programs that benefit both the environment and agriculture,” said Senator Alana M. DiMario (North Kingstown, Narragansett, New Shoreham). “The Local Agriculture and Seafood Act program is one of a very few that does. I have seen the power of LASA grants at work in my district where farmers, food businesses, shellfishers, and aquaculturists have gotten just the boost they needed from a LASA award. I look forward to today’s awardees using their grants to gain traction and flourish in their marketplaces.”

“DEM is always working to get more RI Grown food and RI Seafood on the table by supporting local farmers and fishers in growing their businesses, and the support of Governor McKee and the General Assembly for a well-funded LASA program helps achieve this,” said DEM Director Terry Gray. “Today’s LASA awards will help build Rhode Island’s food security while bolstering the traction of a diverse range of local food businesses in the marketplace by harvesting and marketing fresh home-grown food to meet consumer demand.”

LASA 2024 grantees:

NAMECITY/TOWNGRANT AWARD
401 Oyster CompanyCharlestown$20,000
Allen Harbor Oyster Co.Saunderstown$10,600
Aquidneck Community TableNewport$20,000
Ashawaug FarmAshaway$18,572
Bee Happy HomesteadCharlestown$5,337
Block Island Shellfish FarmNew Shoreham$14,955
Breakwater Oyster CompanyBristol$20,000
Center for Mediation and Collaboration RI – Land & Sea TogetherWarwick$20,000
Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode IslandWakefield$20,000
East Coast Oysters LLCSaunderstown$7,500
Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District (ERICD)Tiverton$12,000
Foggy Notion FarmJohnston$4,202
Frontier FarmWesterly$9,008
Fue KhangCranston$20,000
Garman FarmNewport$17,903
Gather FarmJohnston$10,752
Hard-Pressed Cider Company, LLCWest Greenwich$14,165
High Tide Mushroom FarmCoventry$19,532
Hmong Rhode Island Association, Inc.Providence$20,000
Josephine’s FarmProvidence$20,000
Long Lane FarmWarren$16,077
Luckyfoot Ranch PartnershipSaunderstown$20,000
Marie’s FarmCoventry$20,000
Moonstone Flower CompanyWakefield$12,695.3
Moorefield Oyster FarmNarragansett$20,000
Mount Hope FarmBristol$19,080
Narragansett Indian TribeCharlestown$15,426.2
Night GardenPortsmouth$19,963
Open fArms RetreatCumberland$8,486
Pea Shoot Farm LLCFoster$14,900
Quononchontaug Fish CompanyWesterly$20,000
Rocky Rhode Oyster Co. LLCNarragansett$3,380
Saunderstown Garlic FarmSaunderstown$12,650
Seraphina’s FarmProvidence$20,000
Silk Tree FarmExeter$19,280
Southern Rhode Island Conservation DistrictWesterly$12,534.5
Sowams Cider WorksWarren$9,600
Stephen DuyenProvidence$20,000
SunRise Forever, Inc.Providence$20,000
Tiverton Farmers MarketTiverton$17,651
Transfarmative ProjectFoster$20,000
Westbay Community ActionWarwick$10,000
WinterHawk VineyardsWest Kingston$5,751

The 2024 grant funding priorities included:

  • Supporting the entry, growth, and/or sustainability of socially disadvantaged, beginning, small, women, and veteran agriculture and aquaculture producers and fishers.
  • Supporting climate-smart agriculture mitigation activities and climate change related adaptations throughout the local food system.
  • Supporting the development of new marketing, promotion, sales, and/or distribution channels, including connecting local farms and fishers with Rhode Island’s food insecure communities.
  • Supporting the development of new products, including value added processing capacity.
  • Fostering new cooperatives, partnerships, and/or collaborations among Rhode Island agriculture and aquaculture producers, and fishers and supporting organizations.
  • Protecting the future availability of agricultural land for producers, including farm transition planning and implementation.
  • Assisting with on farm food safety improvements including Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and Hazard Analysis Critical Control (HACCP) Compliance.

DEM continues to work across many fronts to benefit and strengthen Rhode Island’s green economy and to assist local farmers and fishers in growing their businesses. The state’s food scene is often cited as an area of economic strength ripe for innovation and growth. Already, the local food industry 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 annually. DEM continues to make investments in critical infrastructure as well as provide farm incubation space to new farmers through its Urban Edge Farm and Snake Den Farm properties. There are more than 1,000 farms sprinkled across the state and Rhode Island is home to a thriving young farmer network. According to the recently published 2022 Census of Agriculture, which is conducted once every five years by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rhode Island has the highest percentage of beginning farmers in the country. Both the number of farms and the percentage of farmland in RI grew from 2017 to 2022 according to the census data, demonstrating the increased support for local agriculture and food throughout the state. Supporting local agriculture benefits all Rhode Islanders, ensures our future food security, enhances our environment, and celebrates the state’s unique food cultures and landscape.


The East End Welcomes Hannah Weaver as New General Manager

The East End's General Manager Hannah Weaver
The East End’s General Manager Hannah Weaver

The East End, Providence’s premier Whiskey Bar & Bistro, renowned for its exceptional culinary offerings, unparalleled service, and a robust cocktail program complemented by hundreds of rare and special whiskeys behind the bar, is excited to announce the appointment of Hannah Weaver as its new General Manager. This strategic move is part of The East End’s ongoing commitment to elevating its dining experience and operational excellence.

With a rich background in the hospitality industry, Hannah Weaver brings a wealth of experience to The East End. Her journey in hospitality has led her through several renowned establishments across the United States, from Seattle to New York and Detroit, before settling in Providence in 2015. Hannah has been instrumental in building and managing outstanding restaurant and bar programs, with a particular focus on whiskey and innovative cocktails.

Beyond her expertise behind the bar, Hannah has also showcased her culinary talents as a contestant on Season 13 of MasterChef on Fox. Her leadership and dedication are driven by a profound passion for the culinary arts, innovative operational strategies, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction.

In her new role as General Manager at The East End, Hannah will be responsible for overseeing all operational aspects, from enhancing service delivery to guiding the team toward realizing the restaurant’s ambitious vision. Her appointment marks a significant step in The East End’s journey to continue leading the culinary scene in Providence.

The East End extends a heartfelt invitation to our esteemed guests and the entire Providence community to join us in welcoming Hannah Weaver. With her leading the charge, we’re on the brink of unveiling thrilling new ventures and continuing our tradition of crafting dining experiences that linger in your memories.

For more insights, media inquiries, or to chat with Hannah Weaver about what’s on the horizon for The East End, feel free to reach out at:

Hannah Weaver
General Manager, The East End
hannah@theeastendpvd.com


Spice Up the Weekend with New Brunch at XACO TACO

Authentic Mexican Street Food Eatery Debuts Weekend Brunch on May 11th just in time for Mother’s Day

XACO TACO's Brunch Bar, photo courtesy of Chow Fun Food Group
XACO TACO’s Brunch Bar, photo courtesy of Chow Fun Food Group

XACO TACO, located at 370 Richmond Street in Providence, Rhode Island, is pleased to launch a festive brunch menu, sure to spice up the weekend. Debuting on Saturday, May 11th, just in time for Mother’s Day, Executive Chef Andy Pyle’s menu is infused with traditional techniques and authentic flavors, which along with creative cocktails, puts the rise and shine in every palate. Brunch will be served Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., indoors and on Xaco’s streetside patio now open for the season. For more information, visit www.xacotacori.com.

Guests may start with a selection of fresh, fruit-forward Mimosas including freshly-squeezed orange, freshly-squeezed grapefruit, and guava juice; XACO’s Bloody Maria featuring Cazadores Blanco, bloody mix, spicy, pickled vegetables and a tajin rim; Tijuana Sunrise with El Jiamador Silver, mango and pomegranate grenadine; Coffee Margarita with Cazadores Café, cold brew coffee, Kahlua, cold foam and lime; and Smoked Horchata with Illegal Mezcal, house-made horchata and cinnamon; in addition to the restaurant’s full list of specialty cocktails, beer and wine. Zero-proof cocktails include Spicy Pineapple Mint with house-made pineapple mint agua fresca, lime, serrano simple syrup, and fresh mint; and Cold Brew Coffee with house-made cold brew over ice; and Corona N/A served with a lime wedge. 

Brunch at XACO features dishes inspired by traditional, authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist such as the Grande Mexican Breakfast with two tacos (choice of carne asada, beef barbacoa or house-made chorizo), scrambled eggs, jack cheese, crispy home fries, avocado and pico de gallo; Chilaquiles Verdes with totopos and sunny-side eggs, spicy salsa verde, refried black beans, Mexican crema, and queso fresco; and Horchata French Toast featuring Seven Stars Bakery challah bread, “Rumchata” custard, Vermont maple syrup, ancho-chili bacon, and whipped strawberry butter.

A XACO Kids Breakfast will feature scrambled eggs, crispy home fries, and house-made tortillas. Sides include crispy home fries, ancho-chili bacon, French toast, avocado, guacamole, refried beans, and pico de gallo. 

“We are excited to share our delicious brunch offerings with the downtown community,” said Harrison Elkhay, President, Chow Fun Food Group. “Guests will love the authentic, fresh, and bright flavors in our brunch dishes and cocktails, all served in a relaxed and fun environment. We’re the perfect, laid-back spot for delicious food and great drinks.”

XACO TACO is open for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and serves its all-day menu daily from 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

April 10, 2024 0 comments
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Four Time RI Monthly Best of RI Winner for the Eat Drink RI Festival

Four Time RI Monthly Best of RI Winner for the Eat Drink RI Festival

Rhody Feeding Rhody Alliance Member

Rhode Island Foundation 2014 Innovation Fellow

Rhode Island Foundation
2019 Rhode Island Inno Blazer Award Winner & Two Time 50 On Fire Winner

2019 Rhode Island Inno Blazer Award Winner & Two Time 50 On Fire Winner

Happy 20th, @bdadekian! ❤️ It’s another #NationalDaughtersDay and these two drive me a little crazy, but they are THE BEST! I don’t usually post about today, but it’s been a long time since I shared this beautiful piece of writing. Pizza Night! When you’re going to stand by a 900 °F oven you need something cold, delicious and light (not sponsored, just thirsty 😀). @drinklani tasting short clip. Please go watch the full video at YouTube channel link in bio. Brigid left for college! ❤️ Swipe for first day of kindergarten!
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