Ocean State Magazine, February 2019

OCEANSTATE FEBRUARY 2019

Get Inspired with RI

TABLESCAPES

5 Tips for staying

SAFE IN THE SNOW A Girl's Guide to

GALENTINE'S DAY

The perfect places for

A VALENTINE'S DAY NIGHT OUT

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table of

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CO NTENT S

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FEBRUARY EVENTS

Oc e a n S tate C a l e n da r

DRINK IDEAS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY Oc e a n S tate L i fe st y l e

DAMONT COMBS

Oc e a n S tate Au t h o r

DIANE GREENSTEIN Oc e a n S tate Ar t i st

THE BEAUTY OF DATING YOURSELF Oc e a n S tate of Love

BRAD SMITH PHOTOGRAPHY RI Ta bl e s c a pe s

5 WAYS TO STAY SAFE IN THE SNOW Oc e a n S tate S a fe t y Ti p

GALENTINE'S DAY

Oc e a n S tate C e l e brate

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

Oc e a n S tate Re sta u ra nt s

AUTO REVIEW

Oc e a n S tate Au to

DEALER DIRECTORY Oc e a n S tate Au to

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FEBRUARY EVENTS In the Ocean State BEER & WHISKEY TASTINGS AT SONS OF LIBERTY

Visit the Sons of Liberty tasting room for live music, wood fired pizza and craft drinks! Open 5-10pm every Friday night. Live music 6-9pm. Serving craft beers, award-winning whiskies and craft cocktails until 10pm.

Jeff's Wood Fired Pizza will be serving pizza and wings until 9/9:15pm.

Must be 21+ to attend.

Recurrence: Recurring weekly on Friday Location: Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co. Address: 1425 Kingstown Rd., South Kingstown, RI 02879 Time: 5:00 PM Price: Free Admission - Drinks $6-10

PROVIDENCE COLLEGE FRIARS MEN'S BASKETBALL VS. GEORGETOWN

The Hoyas play the Friars in Providence at 7:30 p.m.

Date: February 6, 2019 Location: Dunkin' Donuts Center Address: One LaSalle Square, Providence, RI 02903 Price: 7:30 PM

ROALD DAHL'S CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY

Roald Dahl’s treasured tale is now Broadway’s Golden Ticket!

It’s the perfect recipe for a delectable treat: songs from the original film, including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of Hairspray. Willy Wonka is opening his marvelous and mysterious chocolate factory…to a lucky few. That

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includes Charlie Bucket, whose bland life is about to sweeten with color and confection beyond his wildest dreams.

He and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a mesmerizing joyride through a world of pure imagination. Now’s your chance to experience the wonders of Wonka like never before—get ready for OompaLoompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper!

Dates: February 5, 2019 February 10, 2019 Recurring: Daily Location: Providence Performing Arts Center Address:220 Weybosset Street, Providence, RI 02903 Time: Times vary by day, visit website for full details.

Price: Prices Vary

THE NIGHT WATCH

"I thought everything would change, after the war. And now, no one even mentions it. It is as if we all got together in private and said whatever you do don't mention that, like it never happened."

In the late 1940s, calm has returned to London and people are recovering from the chaos of war. In a quiet dating agency, a bombed-out church and a prison cell, the stories of three women and a young man unfold backward to the heart of the Blitz, revealing the secret desires and regrets that bind them together. Oliviernominated playwright Hattie Naylor has created a thrilling, inventive adaptation of the best-selling novel by Sarah Waters (Tipping the Velvet, Fingersmith). "The Night Watch burns with a slow but

scorching intensity, like the blasts that constantly put its circle of four Londoners at risk. It's Sarah Waters' triumph." The Independent (UK) book review Dates: January 17, 2019 - February 10, 2019 Location: The Sandra FeinsteinGamm Theatre Address: 1245 Jefferson Blvd., Warwick, RI 02889 Phone: (401) 723-4266 Time: Tuesday - Saturday: 7:30 PM, Sundays: 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM Price: See web for details

AN ILIAD

Gardley’s play will be immediately followed by a limited-run special event that provides audiences a unique opportunity to experience both of Homer’s famous works in stunningly contemporary and relatable productions. An Iliad by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare, a tour de force one-person show, take audiences through familiar tales of gods and goddesses, and wars and battles. The production will run for one week only, and is available only to subscribers until October 1.

Dates: 2/6/2019, 2/7/2019, 2/8/2019, 2/9/2019, 2/10/2019 Location: Trinity Rep Address: 201 Washington Street, Providence, RI 02903

VALENTINES DAY ARTISANS MARKET

Join us at Whalers Brewing Company exactly one week before Valentine's Day!Give your love (or yourself) something personal and one-of-a-kind this year! We'll be curating a special artist lineup that will offer perfect gifts for every style and interest. Positive People + Creative Brews + Unique Artists.

Location: Whalers Brewing Company Date: February 7, 2019 Address: 1174 Kingstown Rd., South Kingstown, RI 02879 Time: 4:00PM-9:00PM

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lifestyle

DRINK IDEAS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY Drink Ideas for Hosting Your Best Valentine's (or Galentine's) Celebration Ever!

Article By: Colin Carlton

There are essentially two camps when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Either you’re a traditionalist or you organize a one person protest every February 14th. Either way, treating yourself to a proper day is important. And Rhode Island is rich with ways to do that.

If you are looking for an intimate

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evening at home with someone near and dear, try some local favorites. Nickle Creek Vineyard has an ideal taste and look for an intimate evening. Their Pinot Noir is a diverse red that pairs well with most meals. That being said, you could move the slider one way or the other to find that perfect fit. Their Riesling is light,

sweet, flowery, and works with lighter meal like fish or salad. For a post dinner drink, try Nickle Creek’s Foster Nights, Decadence, or my personal favorite, Twilight.

Looking to show off some of your mad mixing skills? Well, just don’t let it backfire. A perfectly mixed drink can be impressive, but if your YouTube skills aren’t up to spec, you could leave your audience wanting more. For an easy win, go for a whiskey sour. It has a refreshing silky taste with a rye whiskey base. Combine 2 oz of rye whiskey (try Whistlepig), oz of simple syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar and water, dissolved), oz of fresh lemon juice, 1 egg white (don’t worry, the alcohol will kill anything that could make you sick from a raw egg).

Without ice, shake lightly to froth the egg, add ice and shake again. I like it on the rocks, but that’s just a preference.

Add an orange slice for garnish.

Valentine’s is just a day, but it does say something about us that we’ve set aside a day to tell someone you love them.

So take a breath from this crazy world, and give someone a treat. And if you’re alone on Feb 14th don’t despair, just take it as an opportunity to give yourself a treat! Although I wouldn’t Google how the holiday started if I were you… It’s less romantic than Hallmark has made it.

Thanks for reading!

Patty J. is ch ief content creato r at , and fo under of, the award winning lifes tyl e blo g PattyJ.c om , which s h owcas es no tewo r thy food & d rin k , s tyle, an d travel (as well as d yn amic ind ividuals) with in th e Ocean State and b eyo n d . P h o to by: Sta c ey Doyle P ho to g rap hy

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author

DAMONT COMBS

Two works of poetry by a local Ocean State Author!

My poem...my riddle is a book of love through poetry eyes. It will make you think, and for those who peer deeper it will tell you stories. featuring his hit poem she was a snake describing his fall in and out with the deadly trails of love A Touch Of Orange has been described as Poetry that is written about the extremes of life, Happiness to sadness, Love to hate and all in-between all the things life has to offer. featuring his poem- Orange and artwork by providence local artist -Shaena Soares. This book will take you on a journey as he stands up to the wilds of life.

Damont Combs a poet from Southside Jamaica Queens NY and a graduate with a degree in Computer Technology Service from Johnson and Wales University. Mr. Combs otherwise known as Mr. Orange has released two books of poetry: My Poem...

My Riddle, (Prysmatic Dreams Publishing, 2015) and Damont Combs presents A Touch of Orange.

(Kingdom Enterprise LLC, 2016) Mr. Orange’ has noted the brightly colored color at numerous venues such as PVDFEST -Poetry in Public Places, featured at Café S.o.u.l, the 7th and 8th Poetry Festival in New York City and at the famous Nuyorican Poets cafe for Verses.

Mr. Combs is active in many writing organizations in his communities such as What Cheer writers club, the Association of Rhode Island Authors, and Queens Underground Poets as well. He is also active in multiple committees such as Langston Hughes Poetry, and 1st annual Providence book festival Committee. He believes in bridging the gap of pay inequality for poets compared to other careers. He is also passionate about bringing open mics back into the community so artist can have a place to flourish.

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His books are available in Providence RI at Books on the Square, Cellar Stories bookstore, Brown University Bookstore, and Johnson and Wales Bookstore, Ada bookstore, In Pawtucket at Stillwater bookstore and in New York city -at Z and Shanes pop up shop and soon at center of the arts. Mr. Combs books are also available online at combsdamont.tk or on amazon.

Mr. Combs has won the indie author legacy award for 2018 Poet of the year. His dedication to his community work, excellent book reviews, and media exposure lead him to win competing against over 800 other artist. “In Life and Business! Don't let your failures keep you down, fail better each time till you succeed.- Mr. Combs If you would like to check out more of Damont Combs' work, please visit the links below: instagram.com/mrorangelive facebook.com/mypoemmyriddle

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artist

DIANE GREENSTEIN Owner of The Bath Witch

1. Tell us about your work I have created my own handcrafted line of bath and body products. I take the time to infuse most of my products with herbs and botanicals. I do not use synthetic dyes, or fragrances in my products. I use therapeutic grade essential oils for scenting. Most of my products are made with 8 ingredients or less. Also, I work hard to keep my prices affordable.

2. Is there a story behind the name of your business?

My name, The Bath Witch, is a play on the term “Kitchen witchery”. As I mentioned, I Erika Smith moved to Rhode Island in 2008 and immediately began exploring. With the launch of I {heart} R h o d y i n 2 0 1 0, s h e continues to find the fun in her new home state, and share it with her r e a d e r s . i h e a r t r h o d y. c o m

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incorporate herbs and botanicals into most of my products. I often feel like I am using kitchen witchery in creating my products, just for the bath!

3. How did you come to be a professional artist/crafter/designer?

2 major life events brought me to creating and selling my own line of bath and body products.

First, we lost my Mom to pancreatic cancer in 2009. During her illness we investigated alternative therapies. Through this process, we were exposed to some documentaries discussing the many toxins and chemicals that can be in our food supply and personal care products. I could not un-see that information.

I started making most of the food for my own family from scratch to avoid processed foods, and toxins. I stumbled on some bath and body recipes. I decided if I could make bread from scratch I could make lotion from scratch.

Therefore, I started experimenting with recipes for my family’s personal use. Quickly, I discovered there was a real interest from my friends and family to what I was doing.

Secondly, at this time my father decided to close his commercial General Contracting firm he owned for 25 years, which I had helped him run for 12 years. Once he closed the doors, I decided to try my hand at selling my products to the public in 2012. Since then, I’ve been lucky to have had a lot of positive feedback and interest in my products.I retired 3 years ago and branched out into designing my own lines of jewelry boxes.

can be used every day leaving your skin clean, and nourished.

4. Where do you draw your inspiration?

I really strive to make quality products that mimic commercial products that most people use and are used to using every day. I think if you can easily switch out one commercial product with a natural version that you are able to use in the same fashion you already do, and that item works as well – You will be much more likely to stick with going natural. Also, I have a real interest in using ingredients straight from Mother Earth. I just believe everything we need to live healthy is already here for us. There is no need to go looking for it in a laboratory.

9. Favorite place to take out-of-towners?

I like to take out of towners to Providence water fires, Newport or to the various wineries we have.

5. What’s your favorite item to create?

My favorite items to create are facial products.

I love blending ingredients to create a product that leaves you with noticeable results to the look and feel of your skin. I enjoy researching new ingredients to create new products. Also, since I do not use any synthetic dyes, I find it rewarding to be able to achieve colors and patterns in the soaps I make only using clays, spices, or botanicals.

7. How long have you been in Rhode Island?

I have lived in RI my whole life. I love RI. 8. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island?

What I love most about RI is being near the ocean and I love the change of seasons.

10. Any advice for new/wannabe makers?

Advice I would give to someone to start creating their own bath and body products would be DO IT and do it well. Take the time to perfect your craft, do the research, take some classes if you can and definitely join the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild.

11. Please include anything else you'd like to add: I am a one woman show, creating, packaging and selling my products. I am always available to answer questions and provide top notch customer service. I stand behind every product I make.

6. What’s your best seller?

My 2 bestselling products are my Pure Magic Face cream, and my Green tea herb infused liquid face wash. The cream is a great everyday cream that soaks in quickly and can be worn right under your make up without clogging your pores. The face wash is a super gentle wash that

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of love

THE BEAUTY OF DATING YOURSELF Lately, I’ve been discovering the beauty and simplicity of spending time with myself. I’ve always been an introvert, so I fully know and understand the significance of taking some time every day to be by myself, but typically, this means watching Netflix, reading, writing, or listening to music. What I’ve been realizing recently is the joy of dating myself, meaning taking myself out, and not just on errands.

I was recently in Savannah, Georgia on an impromptu weekend solo trip.

Usually, I fall into the stigma of eating alone at a restaurant. I feel awkward saying “Party of one” to the host and then I feel self-conscious eating alone, constantly wondering if other people are judging or pitying me for being by myself. But on this trip, I gave myself permission to just enjoy

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dining with my friends or family. I even bonded with my server over his precious puppy, and I walked away from the restaurant with my heart so full.

restaurant experience alone for once. I ordered a delicious pomegranate rose sangria to start, indulged in an amazing cheese board with goat cheese and brie (seriously, best cheese board EVER), and was pleasantly surprised by my more adventurous (for me) selection of shrimp and grits (when in Savannah, am I right?).

Not only was this meal everything I could have hoped for and more, but I really just enjoyed my own company! After taking a few Snapchats of my meal (as one does), I put my phone away and took the time to soak in the atmosphere. I savored the perfectly blue sky, the cobblestoned street, the horses and carriages rolling by, and the adorable pups strolling past.

Free to ponder, I was able to reflect on everything and anything I desired. I allowed my thoughts to just wander while I had my own personal quiet time, which is a practice I realized doesn’t happen very often anymore with the ever-present beeping and ringing of all our devices.

I also chatted with friendly passersby as well as the people at surrounding dining tables, and it was completely lovely! Typically, I shy away from having full-blown conversations with strangers, but this experience reminded me how wonderful it can be! I got to know about a little slice of these peoples’ lives, which is something I wouldn’t have gotten to see, had I been

This was such a simple yet sweet and eye-opening experience for me! After that trip, I vowed to apply this principle of dating myself more to my everyday life in Florida, and it’s been bringing me so much joy. Taking time to date myself is helping me love and care for myself more. It’s making me appreciate my own company and giving me time to take inventory of my own thoughts and emotions. Think about it, we all carve out time to spend with our friends and family in order to maintain those relationships, so why not carve out special time to maintain your relationship with yourself too?

Jessica is the founder and creator of The Heart Stuff blog at TheHeartStuff.com, a passion project that aims to celebrate and nurture life’s most important relationships with friends, family, significant others, and ourselves. She believes in everyday magic, all things pink, and red velvet cake.

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R I TA B L E S C A P E S Rhode Island is a beautiful state, and the wedding's that take place here are no different. Professional photographer Brad Smith has captured some of the most stunning tablescapes to ever grace the wedding scene and we have compiled them here for you! Take a minute, grab a cup of coffee and observe these photos to admire their beauty, or maybe even gain some inspiration for your big day.

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wedding

I p h o to g raph w ed d in g s a nd have a d arn g o o d t i m e d o i ng it . I en joy g e t t i ng to k n o w t h e c o up l e s I w o rk w it h , a nd b e i ng w elc o med i nto t he i r w ed d in g s as family. Th is fa m i l i a r i t y is w h at let s me d o c u ment t he d ay u n o b t ru s ively, an d c ap t ure g e nui ne mo ment s as t h ey u n fo ld , a l l o w i ng yo u to remain fo c u s ed o n t he p res ent mo ment .

B R AD SMITHPHOTOGR A PHY // SMITHBRA D.COM // @SMITHBRA D FEBRUARY 2019 O CEANSTATE 15

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5 WAYS TO STAY SAFE IN THE SNOW It's a dangerous time of the year for weather.

Here are some helpful reminders on how to stay safe this season By: Jennifer Mendonca

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safety tip

Although the snow can be so beautiful when it first starts to fall and coat the ground, any New Englander knows that all of that snow loses its luster once it starts to build up, or even worse, freeze! Here are five helpful reminders on how to stay safe this winter season: 1. Bundle up...and then bundle up some more Some may roll their eyes and state how obvious this is, but you would be surprised how many people forget the importance of bundling up.

Whether it be becuase you're running late or you "hate layers", you'll need a better reason for not bundling up (hint, a light jacket won't cut it.)

Bundle up and layer up to prevent illnesses as small as colds and as big as hypothermia.

2. Accelerate & Decelerate slowly Never be afraid to take it slow in the snow.

Accelerating and Decelerating slowly will prevent many accidents and will most importantly keep you safe on the road!

3. Check your shoveling technique Learning proper shoveling technique is so important. It is far too easy to injure yourself (whether it be a back injury or leg injury) when shoveling. Try to fix simple things like spreading rock salt in high traffic areas before the snow piles up & pushing the heavier snow rather than lifiting it.

4. Help Your Neighbors Lend a helping hand to neighbors and your community (especially if you have a snow blower!) Shoveling snow is a very challenging task, so it never hurts to take care of each other if we can!

5. Stay Home (if you can) This one seems super obvious, but if you can help it, just stay home where it is warm and safe. Staying home is the best way to prevent any of the possible dangers listed above.

Stay safe this winter everyone!

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LET US FIGHT FOR YOU 401.477.0023 ENVIRONMENTAL, ENERGY & UTILITY, LAND USE LAW PROVIDENCE & NEWPORT | DESAUTELESQ.COM

FEBRUARY 2019 O CEANSTATE 19

GALENTINE'S DAY In a perfect world, everyone would be completely happy & content on Valentine’s Day; however, sadly, some people are not so happy about their “single” life.

I am here to tell you not to worry! Valentine’s Day can still be amazing even if you don’t have a special someone because here is a secret: YOU are a special someone & YOU better treat yourself.

Whoever said that you needed an S.O. (significant other) to have a successful Valentine’s Day anyway?

The way I look at it, this is a great day for you to treat yourself and be your own biggest cheerleader - here are 5 tips to make the most of your Valentine’s Day!

My n a me is J e n n a n d I a m t h e gir l b e h in d Dre s s e d in B le ss in gs. I a m a p a r t t im e fa sh io n , m a ke u p & life s t y le b lo g g e r ; h owever, in my d ay to d ay life I a m a fu ll t im e Gra p h ic De sig n e r ! I h ave a p a s s io n fo r n o t o n ly d e sig n b u t I a ls o love p h o to g ra p hy & v id e o g ra p hy. I a m a t we nty t h re e ye a r o ld o n a b u d g et & love to s h a re a ll of my s h o p p in g t ips & t r ic k s!

Fo llow a lo n g o n in s ta g ram @ dr es s edi n b l es s i n g s for mo re fu n a n d h e lpfu l t ips !

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1. Dress it Up Just because you aren’t in a relationship doesn’t mean you can’t hit the fanciest restaurant in town this valentines day. Grab a friend and make some reservations.

Dress to the nines and make it a feel like a grand occasion. If you love to go out and get all glamorous, one holiday should not make you feel like you can’t - because you definitely should.

2.Dress it Down I know, I seem like a hypocrite right? Well, not everyone loves to go out and get all dressed up. So, if you fall under that category than you can Dress it Down this Valentine’s Day! Put on your favorite pair of sweats and the comfiest tee you own and

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binge watch your fav show on Netflix. Maybe even make yourself a nice dinner - but ordering from your favorite take out place is also a very viable option! (Chick-Fil-A run anyone?)

3. Send Yourself Flowers Isn’t there just something about flowers that can put you in a good mood? All of the colors & beautiful scents can just really relax you. If you love flowers make sure to treat yourself to some this Valentine’s Day. Self love & care is very important and a stroll to the local market to buy some fresh florals can be very therapeutic.

4. Run Yourself a Bath Nothing says self love more than running yourself a warm bath at the end of a long day. Don’t just make this any ordinary bath though! Go to

celebrate

the store & pick up some bubble bath, scrubs & maybe even a face mask. Take the time to make a relaxing playlist for your bath or watch your favorite shows on Netflix - make sure not to forget the candles either.

5. Plan a Party!

Just because you don’t have an S.O. doesn’t mean you have to spend Valentine’s Day alone.

Get some of your best friends together and throw a party! Order your favorite foods, play games, and watch some great tv - I could not think of a better night! Just because you don’t have an S.O. doesn’t mean you have to spend Valentine’s Day alone. Get some of your best friends together and throw a party! Order your favorite foods, play games, and watch some great tv - I could not think of a better night!

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RESTAURANT DIRECTORY Your go-to guide for the best restaurant's in the Ocean State. Make this Restaurant Directory your on-hand guide for a fun night out or when planning your next date night!

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PARKSIDE ROTISSERIE & BAR

OSTERIA TOSCANA

Address: 76 South Main Street Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 331-0003

Address: 1571 Atwood Avenue Johnston, RI 02919 Phone: (401) 519-9100

TERRAZZA

ROSALINA

Address: 645 Douglas Pike Smithfield, RI 02917 Phone: (401) 233-3223

Address: 50 Aborn St Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 270-7330

BRIX RESTAURANT

BETTOLA

Address: 909 E Main Rd Middletown, RI 02842 Phone: (401) 848-5161 ext. 2

Address: 44 Rolfe Square Cranston, RI 02910 Phone: (401) 522-5222

TWOTEN OYSTER BAR & GRILL

NASTURTIUM

Address: 210 Salt Pond Road Wakefield, RI 02879 Phone: (401) 782-0100

PANE E VINO PROVIDENCE Address: 365 Atwells Avenue Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 223-2230

Address: 15 Roger Williams Ave Rumford, RI 02916 Phone: (401) 434-0980

BOUCHARD RESTAURANT AND INN Address: 505 Thames St. Newport, RI 02840 Phone: (401) 846-0123

ELIZABETH OF PORTOFINO'S Address: 897 Post Road Warwick, RI 02888 Phone: (401) 461-8920

SIENA - EAST GREENWICH Address: 5600 Post Road East Greenwich, RI 02818 Phone: (401) 885-8850

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THE DINING ROOM AT CASTLE HILL INN Address: 590 Ocean Ave Newport, RI 02840 Phone: (401) 849-3885

GRACIE'S Address: 194 Washington Street Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 272-7811

MILL’S TAVERN $ $ $ 101 N Main St Providence Seafood, Steakhouses, Salad

437-6950

THE CAPITAL GRILLE - PROVIDENCE Address: 10 Memorial Blvd.

Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 521-5600

WATERMAN GRILLE Address: 392 Waterman St. Providence, RI 02906 Phone: (401) 521-9229

FIGIDINI Address: 67 Washington Street Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 808-6886

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RED STRIPE $$ 465 Angell St Providence Bruch, Steakhouses

437-6950

HEMENWAY'S

COAST GUARD HOUSE

Address: 121 South Main Street Providence, RI 02903 Phone: (401) 351-8570

Address: 40 Ocean Road Narragansett, RI 02882 Phone: (401) 789-0700

TRIO RHODE ISLAND

CARA

Address: 15 Kingstown Road Narragansett, RI 02882 Phone: (401) 792-4333

Address: 117 Memorial Blvd Newport, RI 02840-3659 Phone: (401) 847-2244

IGGY'S BOARDWALK LOBSTER & CLAMBAR

ELLA'S FINE FOOD AND DRINK

Address: 885 Oakland Beach Avenue Warwick, RI 02889 Phone: (401) 737-2895

Address: 2 Tower St Westerly, RI 02891 Phone: (401) 315-0606

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auto

THE TOYOTA RAV4 First Look: 2019 Toyota RAV4 Story By: Duncan Brady

The newly redesigned 2019 Toyota RAV4 is a release we have been anxiously awaiting ever since we got a glimpse at the New York International Auto Show in September of last year. When it was released for the first time in 1994, the RAV4 was a spunky new player standing alone in a previously unexplored segment of compact SUVs. Its name stood for “Recreational Activity Vehicle: 4-Wheel Drive,” promising the driving characteristics and fuel economy of a compact car with the cargo space and capability of a four-wheel drive SUV. In the 24 years since its launch the RAV4 has gained countless peers and imitators, from the Honda CR-V to the BMW X1, though it remains a segment pioneer and sales leader. The RAV4 is

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a very important car for Toyota and its sales figures make obvious the reason why. Toyota sold over 427,000 examples of the fourth generation RAV4 in 2018, nearly doubling the sales figures from when it was new in 2013. For context, Toyota’s own Camry, the best-selling passenger car in the U.S. from 2002 to 2016, that car sold around 343,000 examples last year.

That’s twenty percent less than the new sales champ, the RAV4. All this to say, it’s crucial that Toyota nails it here.

Outside, this car’s front end and grille design shows clear inspiration from Toyota’s larger vehicles like the Tundra pickup and the Highlander midsize SUV. Toyota utilizes an interesting design cue with this car’s wheel wells.

The trim lining the RAV4’s fenders just above the wheel appears to grip the top half of tire which emphasizes the new car’s impressive capability.

Ground clearance for the redesigned compact ute is up more than two inches compared to last year’s car at up to 8.6 inches.

All 2019 RAV4s benefit from a new Dynamic Force 2.5-liter inline four cylinder engine that makes 27 more horsepower than the engine in the car it replaces. The new engine’s 203-horsepower peak output transforms the Toyota from one of the least powerful to one of the most powerful vehicles in its class. A new eight speed transmission gains two gears over last year’s car which pays off with improvements in acceleration and fuel economy. The new model hits 60 mph in the low eight second range and combined fuel economy is up 4 miles per gallon at 30 mpg. This conventional automatic also avoids the droning soundtrack associated with the RAV4’s CVT-equipped competitors like the CR-V and Nissan Rogue.

Toyota has also made notable improvements with the fifth generation RAV4’s cargo area. It’s over 2.50 inches longer and the distance from floor to ceiling has grown by approximately 2.20 inches. The finish plate on the rear bumper is now on the same plane as the cargo area floor for easy loading. That load floor is also reversible, with carpet on one side and a

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textured plastic surface the other, which is ideal for wet or dirty cargo.

For 2019 the RAV4 gains Toyota’s second generation of driver-assist active safety features which the company has dubbed Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. The suite carries over pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams while adding lane tracing assist and road sign assist for 2019.

The new RAV4 comes in a range of interesting trim levels including the robust Adventure, luxurious Limited, and sporty XSE hybrid, though its most compelling trim may be the entry-level RAV4 LE. With the improvements that come with this redesign, even the most affordable car in the RAV4 lineup is extremely competitive. Among fellow segment best-sellers, the Toyota is the most powerful, the most fuel efficient, it has the most ground clearance, and it’s the only car with standard adaptive cruise control. As we said before, this is a very important car for Toyota but it’s safe to say they nailed it.

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