The Bay December 2016 by Hey Rhody Media Co.

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the Bay | December 2016

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Contents Photo by (L) Warren Jagger, Photography by (R) Kendall Pavan St. Laurent

December 2016

Blithewold decks the halls for the holidays

Preppy Pig BBQ satisfies Southern cravings

This Month

29 Live Well

18 History of the Hot Wiener

30 Home Style 32 Shopping 34 Style Connoisseur 35 Whole Body

Go “all the way” back to the origins of the definitive late-night bite

37 Taste

23 It’s the Holi-Bay Season Meet Santa, shop local and find the time to enjoy a night out with our yuletide guide

Every Month 7 Editor’s Note

11 The Buzz Yoga pants earned Barrington an international spotlight 13 On the Bay 16 Bay Views

The art of the duel at RI Fencing Academy

Preppy Pig makes a case for New England barbecue 38 Review 40 News Bites 42 Taste Connoisseur 43 Rhody Bites

47 Gallery Find out what’s happening in the Bay this month

50 Taste Test Satisfy your sweet tooth with toffee-inspired treats

On THe COver: Bristol’s Blithewold Mansion is ready for the season. Photo courtesy of Blithewold Mansion

December 2016 | The BAY

The Bay, 1070 Main Street, Suite 302 Pawtucket, RI 02860 • Fax: 401-305-3392 TheBayMagazine.com Mail@ProvidenceOnline.com For advertising rates call: 401-305-3391

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Art Director Meghan H. Follett

Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas Graphic Designer Nicholas DelGiudice

Kristine Mangan: Kristine@ProvidenceOnline.com Elizabeth Riel: Liz@ProvidenceOnline.com Dan Schwartz: DanS@ProvidenceOnline.com Stephanie Oster Wilmarth: Stephanie@ProvidenceOnline.com

Kimberly Tingle Writer

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The Bay family for years. New

Contributing Photographers Judith Gardner Amy Amerentes Grace Lentini Mike Braca Tony Pacitti Cate Brown Kendall Pavan St. Laurent Michael Cevoli Force 4 Photography

Jersey born and Rhode Island raised, her last meal, she tells us, “would probably involve stuffies and a cheesesteak.”

Contributing Writers Keith Andrade: @AndradeK Erin Balsa Marrissa Ballard

Kim lives in Newport, which

Jessica Bryant

satisfies her love for “historic

Alastair Cairns

homes that tilt to one side, cobblestones and pineapples.” In addition to spending the holidays with family, some of her favorite traditions in-

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the Bay | December 2016

We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission. Copyright ©2016 by Providence Media, All rights reserved.

Editor’s Note

Kent StetSon the art of handbags

‘Tis the Season It’s the best, most festive, joy-filled time of year. It’s also the time of year when all of the preparation you have to do for the holidays threatens to totally overwhelm the 24 merry days leading up to the big event. This year, don’t let wrapping, cooking and long lines at the mall derail your merrymaking. Our annual Holiday Issue has all of the festive events happening all over the East Bay in one place, from tree lightings and holiday festivals to Christmas

concerts and ways to get up close and personal with Jolly Old Saint Nick. So read on, make a plan and get out there and enjoy. What are you waiting for? The holidays come but once a year. Make the most of them.

MADe In RHODe ISLAnD

Photo courtesy of Warren Jagger

for retailers, visit kentstetson.com

Rhode Island Energy Challenge

Blithewold in Bristol pulls out all of the stops for the holidays, with afternoon tea service, music and more

Send us a letter Email us a letter to the editor to Mail@ProvidenceOnline.com and it could be published in an upcoming issue.

Read us online Full issues of all our magazine available on TheBayMagazine.com

Take the Challenge! Help Bristol Win! Find four simple ways to reduce energy in your home.

Learn to save at www.FindYourFour.com

Find us on Facebook Reach out to us at The Bay Magazine

This National Grid program is funded by the energy efficiency charge on all customers’ gas and electric bills, in accordance with RI Law.

December 2016 | The BAY

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H E y R H O Dy H O L I Day G U I D E There’s lots to love about this time of year in Rhode Island. From festive fun in Providence to seasonal celebrations in South County, your statewide guide to the holidays can be found in the latest edition of Hey Rhody or at HeyRhody.com.

DEck tHE ‘GRam Share your holiday cheer! Follow and tag us on Instagram with #HeyRhody as you’re making your holiday rounds. Who knows, you might even win some cool stuff – like tickets to see the Newport Mansions or A Christmas Carol – while you’re at it.

FO L LOW U S Because we’re awesome on social, too

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DINE WELL Our statewide dining guide will keep you informed and well-fed

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Hey Rhody newsletter at TheBayMagazine.com

the Bay | December 2016

November 25th through New Year’s Day

Tour the Mansion Tuesday – Sunday, 11a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday & Friday, 8 p.m. Afternoon Teas

Tuesdays – Fridays 1 & 3 p.m .

Horse-Drawn Holiday Carriage Ride

November 27th, December 11th & 18th Sundays 1 – 4 p.m.

Friday Night Sparkle! 101 Ferry Road, Bristol, RI 02809 Visit www.blithewold.org for the full schedule of events.

A marshmallow-roasting-Christmascarol-singing-cocoa-sipping-strollingthrough-the-twinkling-garden-pathsfun-for-the-whole-family event! Friday Nights from 6 – 8 p.m.

Christmas

At L i n d e n P L A c e Tours of the Elegantly Decorated Mansion

Designer Tablescapes throughout the House Christmas Concerts Tenor Michael DiMucci on December 9th and 11th Celtic Christmas with Robbie O’Connell on December 16th

Museum Tours | Musuem Shop (Great Hostess Gifts) TueSDay-SaTuRDay 10-5pM • SunDay nOOn-5pM

For more information and hours of operation

www.LindenPlace.org 500 Hope Street, Bristol (401) 253-0390 • info@lindenplace.org

December 2016 | The BAY

Portsmouth Celebrating 377 Years of Community

Decorating for the holidays

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ere are a few tips for using greens for your holiday decorating. Greens used for outdoors last through the season until you are ready to plant your containers for the spring. Balsam fir branches are inexpensive and take up a lot of room. Add some greens from Oregon like silver and noble fir, blueberry juniper or holly which can be used in small quantities for variety. Winterberry branches are nice too. When using greens indoors, most things will hold their color for several weeks. We have found that laurel roping hold its color for at least a month but will dry out quite fast. Just use it where the traffic that can brush against it is limited. Needled evergreens like pine and fir need to be fresh and be in water to keep. Holly, even if it is in water will keep about a week, so keep a few branches in water in a cool but not freezing place to replenish the holly in your arrangements. Boxwood is one of the best keeping greens for the holidays. One of our specialties is holiday arrangements and wreaths made of boxwood which last many weeks. Stop by to select one of our designer’s creations for your table.

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the Bay | December 2016

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The Buzz

Photography by Tony Pacitti

People and places on the Bay

Yoga Pants on Parade Barrington found itself unexpectedly at the center of a larger national conversation when women, men and children marched peacefully in protest against a misogynist letter to the editor published in the Barrington Times. To the surprise and delight of its organizers, the Peaceful Yoga Pants Parade attracted hundreds of supporters â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and the attention of the world.

The Peaceful Yoga Pants Parade, which attracted hundreds of marchers, earned Barrington international attention in late October

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the Bay | December 2016

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Hundreds rock yoga pants with pride After the Barrington Times ran a letter to the

Hundreds of marchers gathered peacefully in Barrington to take a stand against body shaming

editor shaming women for wearing yoga pants, several hundred people marched peacefully in response on a beautiful October morning. “I’m shocked and grateful that so many people are willing to stand up for this message,” says Jamie Burke, who organized the Peaceful Yoga Pants Parade. The event attracted hundreds of marchers of all ages and collected donations for Sojourner House, a Providence-based charity that advocates for preventing domestic violence. In total, participants donated nearly $800 in cash, 100 pairs of yoga pants and literally a mini bus full of toiletries to the organization. “This is not about one angry man and it’s not about yoga pants,” she says. “It’s about women being fed up with the notion that we have to conform to other people’s visual pleasure.” The parade, which lasted about an hour, started at the Hampden Meadows School and marched through the neighborhood, passing peacefully and respectfully by the home of Alan Sorrentino, the man who wrote the letter. “Certain media outlets would like to spin this as an angry mob of women,” Jamie told the crowd before the parade began. “Look at us. You see all the smiles around you? We aren’t dangerous, we’re just fed up.”–Tony Pacitti

Photography by (top) Tony Pacitti, Photo Courtesy of (bottom) Imago Foundation for the Arts

Sign of The TimeS

Warren’s Kids Create a New Sign for Jamiel’s Park Jamiel’s Park in downtown Warren will be getting a lot more colorful, thanks to summer campers and the town’s art community. Local artist Ellen Blomgren, a Bristol native and the owner of Warren’s Mudstone Studios, worked with 150 summer campers, ages 5 through 16, throughout the eight-week program to create tiles depicting town life. The tiles, which were created in the basement of Mary V Quirk School, will soon be adhered to a substructure and placed in Jamiel’s Park. Each tile is part of a large panel, and there are four total panels. “There’s a sign to go in the park and a sign to go out, and we did both sides of each,” says Ellen. “So at each entrance, there will be one double-sided sign.” The bike path acts as the focal point for one of the panels. The tiles show kids riding bikes and skateboarding. There’s even a rollerblader with headphones on. “They’re adorable,” Ellen says. “I love them.” A lot of layers were involved in the process. Each tile has a textured background – some with flower stamps and others with water waves. Once the artwork was set, Ellen transported the pieces to her

studio, where she fired them and brought them back to the kids for glazing. A second firing was done after that. Along with Ellen and the town of Warren, the project wouldn’t have been possible without the Imago Foundation for the Arts, which came up with the idea to integrate art into a local public space, and the Rhode Island Foundation, which funded the installation with the help of its $15,000 Centennial Community Grant. “We put the installation out at the Imago Gallery so that people could see it because we weren’t exactly sure when it was getting installed,” said Ellen. “And we invited all the kids there.” The artists also saw their masterpieces come to life during the talent show at the end of summer camp, where one of the panels was brought out. “Everybody that goes to Jamiel’s Park is playing sports or enjoying the outdoors,” said Ellen. “This project has all these really fun aspects of that. I think the kids, as they grow up, will be like, ‘Hey, I made that when I was seven!’ And maybe their kids will see it, you know? It should be there for many, many years.” –Jessica Bryant

Campers spent eight weeks working with local artist Ellen Blomgren to make the new sign for Jamiel’s Park

December 2016 | The BAY

Buzz on the Bay old iS new AgAin

The Ornament Rescue League revives forgotten treasures christmas ornaments have a particular way of stirring old memories, not just of the holidays in general, but of specific moments and people. Often times we receive ornaments as gifts from loved ones, and they become a kind of yuletide totem, representative of the things and people we’ve loved, and sometimes lost. “My mom and I were yard sale buddies,” says Cheryl McCarthy. “It was our Saturday routine for years.” On those Saturdays they would take extra care to spot old Christmas decorations and tree ornaments. Cheryl’s mom passed eight years ago, but the yard sale quests continued. One day, as she was loading a box of 500 old Christmas lights into her car, she had a realization. “I sat there reflecting on my mom and all the fun we had, and somewhere along the way it dawned on me. We were giving these ornaments a new chance to shine,” she says.

The Ornament Rescue League gives discarded Christmas decorations a new life

“We’re rescuing these memories.” It wasn’t long before Cheryl started the Ornament Rescue League with the simple, but inspiring idea of turning old Christmas ornaments into shiny new ones, ready for gifting and creating new memories. But selling them wasn’t enough. Cheryl and her crafty partners donate all of the profits to the Hasbro Children’s Hospital. In its first year, the Ornament Rescue League raised $900 for the hospital. Last year it made $3,200. When people at yard sales heard what she was doing, they couldn’t bring her their boxes of old ornaments fast enough. “It’s been such a wonderful journey,” Cheryl says. “Everybody wants to contribute and this is such a simple, silly way to do it. It has a wonderful feeling around it.” It doesn’t hurt that the ornaments are completely adorable either. OrnamentRescue. Blogspot.com; Find them on Etsy –Tony Pacitti

VoiceS of The BAy

The Giving Trees When Little Compton’s Ben Wilkie lost his life to colon cancer in the summer of 1994, his sister Caroline (Wilkie) Wordell channeled her heartache into action by creating the Ben Wilkie Memorial Tree Spree which raises scholarship money in memory of her late big brother, a wellloved mechanic in town. Little could she have anticipated that the event would still be going strong 23 years later and come to symbolize the community’s unofficial kick off to the Christmas season. An average of 40 scholarships are now awarded each year to Little Compton residents pursuing higher education. Caroline, whose family’s ancestry runs deep in the town, is a graduate of Bristol Community College and for many years she managed Wilbur’s General Store. Caroline credits her brothers Carlton and Chester and families, her daughter Traci and dear friends for all of their invaluable help with the event. The 23rd Ben Wilkie Memorial Tree Spree will be held on December 4 from 1-7 pm in the Wilbur School gym in Little Compton. To learn more about the scholarship program, visit ScholarshipLittleCompton.org or email Caroline at CWilkie43@cox.net

taken on a life of its own. One year we had a blizzard but it didn’t stop people from coming. I joke that if we decided not to continue, people would still show up. People are so involved in seeing each other from year to year, and it takes time to walk around and see all the trees. That night is the town’s tree lighting and caroling, and many people will come out for that too.

i was so grief stricken I had to do something positive or I knew it would consume me. I decided to fund a scholarship in his name. The tree spree has

my goal was to fund it for $20,000 dollars thinking the interest rate would never go below 5% and I would have one $1000 scholarship every year. We

the Bay | December 2016

our first year we had 35 trees and now it’s up to 75 trees and eight center tables filled with donated items. There is no fee for attending. We sell raffle tickets from $1 to $20. People put their tickets in the bag for the tree or item they want. Everyone creates their own theme to decorate their (donated) tree. It ranges from kids’ movies or games of that year to pop culture. There are also trees in memory of people who have passed away. The money and lottery decorated trees are very popular but we have never had an unwanted tree. There are so many fabulous tree stories. One year two little girls both wanted a Barbie themed tree. The girl who got it said to the other girl, “You can pick anything you want off the tree.”

Caroline Wordell started the Ben Wilkie Memorial Tree Spree in honor of her late brother as a way to spread holiday cheer and raise money for local scholarships

now raise close to $20,000 dollars that day so we also fund a lot of other scholarships with that money. People from other places have asked me how they can start doing this event, I say, “The first thing you start with is having incredibly generous people.”

my brother loved christmas and children. One Christmas Eve he

wanted to deliver a car he had fixed up for a family who didn’t own one. That’s the kind of person he was. I have a meltdown every year before I go but once I am there it is such a happy occasion. The first year a friend decorated a tree with car parts sprayed in gold and silver and had a sign on it, “Thank you Benny for keeping us going all these years.” I still miss him a lot. –Nina Murphy

Photo courtesy of (top) Ornament Rescue League, Photography by (bottom) Cate Brown

Caroline Wordell honors her brother’s favorite time of the year

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Bristol. Sure they have a nice tradition up there, and so do we. This will be Musical Director Joan Roth’s 36th annual presentation of the Many Moods of Christmas. They have a big fancy orchestra; we do, too. They have a chorus; we have two. They play an entertaining selection of Christmas music from classics to jingles. Just like us. But their tickets will cost you more than you probably made today. Ours? Just $15. And every dime supports the performing arts in our community. Join the holiday fun at St. Mary’s Church in Bristol on December 4th. Yes, Virginia, there is a sing-along.

The Grandest Celebration of Christmas Music in East Bay Sunday, December 4th 2016: 3-5 PM St. Mary’s Church, 330 Wood St. Bristol, RI To reserve your tickets: ManyMoods.BrownPaperTickets.com Or 508-904-0329

December 2016 | The BAY

Buzz Bay Views On a brisk, late October morning, thousands laced up for the annual Pell Bridge Run. Starting in Jamestown, runners crossed the bridge to finish the four-mile course in downtown Newport. Geoff Nelson of Providence won the race with a time of 20:27. All of the proceeds from the race will go towards local non-profits. PellBridgeRun. com Photography by Mike Braca

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Hot wiener history, going “all the way” and what the future holds for our state’s littlest celebrity Written and Photographed By Grace Lentini

ot wieners are firmly

planted in Rhode Island’s culinary psyche. They’re to the Ocean State what cheesesteak is to Philly, what barbecue is to Kansas City and what street tacos are to Los Angeles. Everyone has the wienie joint (their words, not ours) they grew up with, their gold standard against which all others are judged. There’s The Original New York System on Smith Street in Providence, Olneyville NY System, Sparky’s Coney Island System in East Providence (now closed), Wein-O-Rama in Cranston, Rod’s Grille in Warren, New York Lunch in Woonsocket, Sam’s New York System in North Providence, Snoopy’s Diner in North Kingstown and plenty more scattered throughout. We wanted to know who served the very first hot wiener, so we asked wienie joint owners across the state, and the answer was always the same: hot wieners started at the Original New York System (424 Smith Street, Providence. 401-331-5349). It’s the OG of the wienie. No matter where you go, getting them “all the way” is always the same: steamed bun, wienie, mustard, meat sauce, onion, celery salt. Of course you don’t have to get them all the way, but what fun is that? That’s like getting a cheesesteak without the cheese: you just don’t do it. However, what differs joint to joint is the meat sauce,

Hot WIener records olneyville nY system The record holder ate 29.5 hot wieners in 15 minutes rod’s grille in Warren Most wieners eaten were 16 in one sitting with a large fry and coffee milk. original new York system One customer ate 12 wieners in 8 minutes

with each place remaining as true as possible to their original recipe, some over 70 years old.

IconIc IngredIents There are distinct differences between hot dogs and hot wieners: hot dogs are typically very processed, with a hodge podge of different cuts of meat. Hot wieners on the other hand are made with beef, pork, veal, spices and one preservative. There are two types of hot wieners that wienie joints use: ones in a natural casing, and ones without. According to Greg Stevens, the owner of Olneyville NY System (18 Plainfield Street, Providence. 401-621-9500, OlneyvilleNewYorkSystem.com) who is directly related to the family who first served hot wieners in RI, it’s tradition to serve hot wieners that have a natural casing. The wieners with a casing come as one long rope, meaning that each wiener must be cut by hand. Most joints get theirs from either Little Rhody Brand Frankfurts and Wieners (401-831-0815, LittleRhodyHotdogs.com), which makes skinless and rope wieners, or from All American (401-294-5455, AllAmerican-Foods.com), who carry Marcello’s skinless, pre-formed wieners. The consensus on hot wiener buns is that Homestead Baking Company of East Providence (145 North Broadway, Rumford. 401-434-0551, HomesteadBaking.com) bakes the buns that virtually everyone uses. “We make [the buns] sweeter than the typical hot dog roll,” says Homestead General Manager TJ Pascalides. “Restaurants are super particular about how they steam them up. Everyone has a different steamer and everyone leaves them in for a different amount of time, so we have to use a strong flour.”

“What’s more Rhode Island than our own 70-year-old Olneyville NY System wieners and coffee milk? There’s a layer of charm and nostalgia at the Olneyville spot, though as someone born and raised in Cranston there’s a special place in my memories for 2am on Reservoir Ave.”

–David Dadekian, founder of Eat Drink RI

Every week, Rod’s Grille in Warren serves up over 200 pounds of hot wieners

To get an idea of the demand for the buns, Homestead receives shipments of 200,000 pounds of spring wheat flour at a time via railway. Three railway cars fit alongside the bakery, where the flour is then moved to three flour silos. One silo holds 150,000 pounds of flour, the other two hold 125,000 pounds each. Just as the meat sauce recipes never change at the restaurants, the bun recipe has also remained the same: sugar, water, flour and yeast. As far as the onions sprinkled on top of the wieners, survey says that white onions are used. Everyone uses celery salt, although any information about the brand was held close to the vest. The mustard? Well, it’s not French’s. That’s about all the info the owners were willing to reveal. Same with the sauce. Everyone is tight lipped about their secret recipes,

but some said that one of the most important factors in making a perfectly spreadable meat sauce is to use 70/30 ground beef. Fat is flavor, and no one’s eating a hot wiener for its health benefits.

WHo served tHem FIrst? It was in the early 1900s that Greek immigrants came to New York, passing through Ellis Island and settling in Brooklyn (most likely in the Coney Island section). As the Greeks moved out of Brooklyn and across the country, they brought with them and served up a form of hot dog or hot wiener which they covered in a Coney Island meat sauce. We caught up with Greg to learn about his family history, and where the first hot wiener was served. As the story goes, Augustus Pappas and his son Ernie opened the Original New York System on Smith Street in Providence in 1927. In the late 1930s, Augustus Pappas fell ill, so Ernie called on his cousins Anthony and Nicholas Stavrianakos (Greg’s great grandfather and grandfather, respectively) to help run the restaurant. In 1933, Greg’s father, Peter, was born in New York where his name was shortened from Stavrianakos to Stevens. In 1946, Ernie no longer needed help running the Smith Street location. His son Gus eventually took over in the ‘60s, running the place until he retired in 2014. Once Gus retired, the business changed ownership and eventually had its doors closed for ten months. This past July, restaurateur Taner Zoprak bought the business, and plans to keep to the original recipes. Back to Anthony and Nicholas. The father and son team branched out on their own after leaving the Original New York System and bought a small restaurant located at 11 Olneyville Square (where the bar Lonely Street is currently located). The restaurant was located right next to a taxi stand, which in 1954 was built over into a restaurant (the current location of Olneyville NY System). Anthony and Nicholas bought that space in 1964, and have been there ever since. In 1957 Nicholas passed away, and in 1958, Anthony passed away at age 97, working until his last day. Greg’s father Peter took over the business in 1958. Greg was born in 1960, and

when he was old enough he worked at Olneyville NY System on weekends and during the summers. At the ripe age of 15 he knew he was going to join the family business, and in 1979 he started working full time, side by side with his dad until the early ‘90s when Peter retired. Greg and his sister Stephanie Stevens-Turini have operated the restaurant ever since.

“There is nothing like a hot wiener. Every once in awhile, I crave them. I like to get one plain and one all the way. I remember when I was a kid, my older brother once ate 12 wieners. I was very impressed.”

–Linda Beaulieu, author of The Providence and Rhode Island Cookbook

more WIenIe JoInts The Original New York System and Olneyville NY System opened their restaurants with the express goal of being hot wiener joints. Of course there’s plenty else on their menus, but folks typically go there for the wienies. Other restaurants have followed suit, while others have simply added hot wieners to their menu to get folks through the door. Rod’s Grille in Warren in one of the restaurants that has had hot wieners on their menu since the day they opened in 1955. Meghan Rodrigues is the fourth generation to work at Rod’s Grille and credits her great grandmother with creating the meat sauce they use until this day. “My dad, grandmother or I make the sauce,” she says. “No one else knows the recipe. You have to follow every single step of the recipe or the taste will change.” Unlike the sauce at either the Original New York System or Olneyville, there is a touch of spice in it, which slowly builds as you eat it. Meghan also puts less onions on it compared to other places; she doesn’t want the onions to overpower the secret sauce. The sauce

To keep up with demand, Olneyville NY System goes through roughly 500 pounds of onions every week

is so popular that their regulars will add it to other menu items, like the burgers. 6 Washington Street, Warren. 401-245-9405, Facebook.com/Rods.Grille

tHe Future oF Hot WIeners One thing that rings true at every hot wiener restaurant is the need to stay true to the ingredients. “We’ve tried other products and they just don’t taste the same,” says Meghan. Greg Stevens of Olneyville is of the same mind. “Do not change a thing. That’s the theory with Olneyville NY System,” he says. “When people come in and have their hot wiener and coffee milk I’ll ask, ‘does it taste exactly as you remember?’ If they say yes, that’s the best compliment I can get. Keeping everything the same… it’s harder than it looks.”

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the Bay | December 2016

Jingle all the way this month, with celebrations in every town By Julie Tremaine • Illustrations by Meghan H. Follett

ecember is the busiest month of the year. Between all of your shopping, cooking, wrapping and mer-

rymaking, take some time to enjoy the festive celebrations happening all over the East Bay and beyond. Santa ClauS iS Coming to town

Get up close and personal with man who’s making a list and checking it twice Long gone are the days when waiting in line at the mall was your only chance for some face time with Santa. Make sure you’re on the nice list when you go to Breakfast with Santa and Children’s Craft Shop on December 4 at Mt. Hope High School in Bristol. Have a stack of pancakes while your kids make merry with crafts, face painting, balloon animals and a magic show. 199 Chestnut Street, Bristol. ExploreBristolRI.com The Venus de Milo in Swansea is hosting its annual Breakfast with Santa on November 27 again this year. In addition to a breakfast buffet, there will be a make-your-own-ornament station, cookie decorating and photo ops with Jolly Old Saint Nick. There’s just one unanswered question: who will be back at the North Pole making all of those toys? 75 Grand Army Highway, Swansea. 508-678-3901, VenusDeMilo.com Sing along with Santa on December 8 at Blithewold Mansion in Bristol. The interactive holiday music event will be full of good cheer, and Santa himself will read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. A Children’s Holiday Story time the day before, on December 7, will feature stories set to piano music, a singalong and treats, but no face time with The Man with the Bag. 101 Ferry Road, Bristol. 401-253-2707, Blithewold.org

The Island Moving Company is performing The Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff November 25-27 and November 29-December 2

let ViSionS of SugarplumS DanCe in Your HeaD Take in a festive performance this season

Bristol Theatre Company is staging A Good Old Fashioned Christmas Spectacular on December 2-3 at Reynolds School. The holiday cabaret will feature classic holiday favorites. See if you can stop yourself from singing along. 235 High Street, Bristol. BristolTheatre.com Island Moving Company is bringing back their beloved holiday tradition, The Newport Nutcracker at Rosecliff. It doesn’t get more magical than ballet performed in an actual mansion. This year, performances are happening on two weekends: November 25-27, and November 29-December 2 .There’s also a mini-performance on December 4 at Sandywoods Center for the Arts in Tiverton. 3 Charles Street, Newport. 401-847-7740, IslandMovingCo.org The Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra is hosting A Jubilant Bach Christmas on December 4 at St. Joseph’s Church in Newport. The company will perform Christmas Oratorio by Johann Sebastian Bach, in English, that was first performed at Christmas in 1734. 5 Mann Avenue, Newport. 401-521-5670, RICCO.org The Neverland Children’s Theatre, a non-profit children’s theatre for kids in Bristol and Warren, presents Neverland Express on December 9-10. The family-friendly show is performed by kids in K-5, and will have cocoa and cookies afterwards. Kickemuit Middle School, 525 Child Street, Warren. Facebook.com/NeverlandChildrensTheatre There’s something happening every weekend in December at White’s of Westport. On December 11, take in the edwards twins’ Holiday Spectacular, a drag cabaret lounge act unlike anything you’ve ever seen, where identical twin brothers perform spot-on celebrity impressions.

the Bay | December 2016

December 16 is a Christmas whiteout party, featuring a holiday buffet and dance party. On December 18, have a Feliz Natal with a Very portuguese Christmas with The Portuguese Kids. 66 State Road, Westport. 508-675-7185, WhitesOfWestport.com

CeleBrate CHriStmaS in tHe CitY BY tHe Sea Newport goes all-out for the holiday season

They may be summer cottages, but The Breakers, Marble House and The Elms go all out for Christmas at the newport mansions. Think a 15-foot tall poinsettia tree at The Breakers and a Gilded Age streetscape in the ballroom at The Elms, complete with sleighs and a topiary horse, in addition to 28 Christmas trees that reflect the decor in the mansions, and festive events all month long. On select Friday and Saturday evenings in December, there are Holiday Evenings at The Breakers, and a Holiday Evening Duet at The Elms and Marble House on December 17. NewportMansions.org the newport polar express runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, through December 25. On board the all-first-class train, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while everyone from conductors to elves ensure a merry experience, including a reading of the story itself. Greene Lane Station, Burma Road, Middletown. DiscoverNewport.org Christmas in newport is a month-long event where festive things are happening every day. Things kick off on December 1 with a tree lighting in Washington Square, and goes all month long, from lantern-lit holiday walking tours to wreath and art sales, festive concerts, black tie galas and more. There’s even New England’s biggest gingerbread lighthouse on display. ChristmasInNewport.org

SHop loCal, reallY loCal

Find the best, most unique gifts at art and craft sales Now through December 25, DeBlois Gallery’s Holiday fine arts and Crafts Show offers one-ofa-kind holiday gifts galore from local artists and artisans, like fine art and sculpture, jewelry and handmade ornaments. 134 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown. 401-847-9977, DeBloisGallery.com All month long, Muse Handcrafted is hosting the annual awesome affordable art Sale, featuring the work of Lucky Skye, Bliss Birch, Sandra Black Culliton and Swallowfield along with local mixed media artist Lauren Enjeti of Bristol. 279 Water Street, Warren. 401-289-2150, MuseHandcrafted.com On November 30, paint your own holiday scene of downtown Bristol at a paint and pour event,

hosted by the Bristol July 4 Committee. Leave it to Bristol to give you ways to think about July 4 seven months early – and help support it. 180 Franklin Street, Bristol. 774-644-2466, ThePaintLadies.com Middletown is home to two art sales on December 10, both for good causes. The Potter League for Animals (87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown. 401846-0592, PotterLeague.org) is hosting an artisan Craft fair and Boutique Sale, benefiting the shelter, and the Knights of Columbus (7 Valley Road, Middletown. 401-935-4904, CherishTheMoments.net) are hosting a Christmas Craft fair as a fundraiser for Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Tiverton Four Corners hosts their annual winter’s arts and artisans fair on December 10, when The Meeting House will be full of local merchants offering their unique art, crafts and creations. 3850 Main Road, Tiverton. TivertonFourCorners.com

roCk arounD tHe CHriStmaS tree

Your holiday isn’t complete without a holiday festival and tree lighting The entire town celebrates for the warren Holiday festival, happening for the 28th year from November 25-26. There will be concerts and performances all over town, stores will stay open late for holiday shopping, caroling, a tree lighting at Town Hall and the arrival of Santa himself on a fire truck. Facebook.com/WarrenHolidayFestival Barrington Town Hall is getting in the holiday spirit for their festival of lights. Meet Santa as he arrives by fire truck, play a round of holidaythemed mini-golf and enjoy performances from Arts Alive, the Barrington Middle School a cappella choir and the High School Choral Ensemble before the tree lighting. 283 County Road, Barrington. 401-247-1900, Barrington.RI.gov

Bowen’s Wharf will be having its 46th annual Christmas tree lighting on December 3. Children can see Frosty the Snowman, Mrs. Claus and Santa himself as they arrive by boat. In addition, join in on a Christmas carol sing-along and watch the tree come glowing to life. 13 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport. 401-849-2243, BowensWharf.com Bristol’s grand illumination, one of the oldest tree lightings in New England, is happening again this year on December 3-4 – but the town is celebrating all month. In addition to the living windows and extended shopping hours, there are performances and events happening throughout December. On December 18, winners will be drawn for their annual Snowflake Raffle: you get a ticket for every $25 you spend, and you enter your tickets to win cash prizes. ExploreBristolRI.com

JuSt like tHe oneS we uSeD to know

Celebrate the holiday with old-fashioned traditions Just what does wassailing mean anyway, and why would you want to do it? Find out at Christmas at whitehall on December 4. The 18th century house offers a candlelight tour, as well as holiday treats and “wassail.” Admit it, you’re curious. 311 Berkeley Avenue, Middletown. 401-480-4183, WhitehallMuseumHouse.org Travel back in time to Christmas with the whitehornes on December 10. Historians at Newport’s Whitehorne House will explain holiday traditions from the early 1800s, from everything from decorations to food to Christmas trees. Participants also get a booklet of recipes from Mrs. Whitehorne’s Sugar House Book. 416 Thames Street, Newport. 401-847-2248, NewportRestoration.org At Coggeshall Farm Museum in Bristol, life is

lived the way our forebears did in 1790. Celebrate Christmas at Coggeshall farm on December 3, with good old-fashioned holiday cheer. There will be performances, honey and maple syrup made at the farm for purchase, and a Christmas tree sale that’s a fundraiser for the nonprofit museum. 1 Colt Drive, Bristol. 401-253-9062, CoggeshallFarm.org

Do SometHing DeliCiouS

Epicurean events ring in the holidays in good taste Raise a cup of cheer at Greenvale Vineyards when you warm up for the Holidays on December 10. In addition to the jazz and wine tastings they normally offer on weekends, this event will feature

Bristol’s Grand Illumination on December 3-4 has holiday festivities and chances to enter the town’s annual snowflake raffle

December 2016 | The BAY

food from local vendors, gift baskets for sale and mulled wine. 582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth. 401-847-3777, Greenvale.com Westport Rivers Winery is hosting a Holiday open House on November 26. In addition to reduced wine tasting prices, there will be food from food trucks, free hayrides all day with hot chocolate for kids, treats for sale from local vendors, Christmas music, games, kettle fires and an art gallery. 417 Hix Bridge Road, Westport. 508-6363423, WestportRivers.com Blithewold Mansion in Bristol has a lot of delicious events lined up for this month. They offer High Holiday tea weekdays throughout the month, and Children’s Holiday tea on December 5, 12 and 19, when kids can take their picture with Santa, enjoy hot chocolate and fancy cakes, and shop with Santa’s elves. On December 7, check out the great Blithewold Baking Show: Holiday edition, when Kathleen Seguin from Bristol House Bed and Breakfast will give a cooking demonstration while you enjoy holiday desserts and libations. On December 15, You’re invited! an evening of Holiday food and Drink is another cooking demonstration, this time focusing on savory and sweet foods, and a little tippling, too. At both cooking events, guests leave with recipes to make at home. 101 Ferry Road, Bristol. 401-2532707, Blithewold.org Don your tackiest holiday finery for the ultimate ugly Sweater party on December 2 at Rachel’s Lakeside. The event features a dinner buffet, an ugly sweater contest, a photo booth and a dance party. 950 State Road, Dartmouth. 508636-4044, EventsByLHC.com

Road, Westport. 774-309-0522, Home.Earthlink. net/~PineCrestFarm/ Let’s face it: December is the last time you’re going to enjoy being outside until the tulips are blooming again. Enjoy the moments at Sparkle! an outdoor family event on Friday evenings through December 23 at Blithewold Mansion in Bristol, when the whole property lights up with holiday cheer. Trees on the extensive grounds are decorated with lights, there’s a bonfire to roast marshmallows and there’s a lot of cocoa, family fun and merrymaking. On December 11 and 18, literally discover what fun it is to ride in a onehorse open sleigh at their Horse-Drawn Holiday Carriage Ride and Photo Shoot. 101 Ferry Road, Bristol. 401-253-2707, Blithewold.org In Tiverton, there’s a different kind of winter wonderland: the re-tree exhibit in Tiverton Four Corners. People craft trees out of recycled materials and install them on the grounds of the Four Corners Meeting House for a must-see art exhibit. 3850 Main Road, Tiverton. 401-624-6200,

TivertonFourCorners.com Bristol is doing something totally unique this year: a living windows festival. On December 10, shops in downtown Bristol will be putting on live displays in their windows. Is there a better way to experience the magic of Christmas? Even better: finishing up your holiday shopping at the same time. Various locations, Bristol. ExploreBristolRI.com

explore tHe great HoliDaY outDoorS Spend some time outside while you’re full of warm and fuzzies

It’s a scientifically proven fact that Christmas is 100% more jolly if you tag your own tree from a local farm. (Seriously, Google it.) At pineCrest tree farm in Westport, not only can you tag your own tree starting on the last weekend in November, there’s a sleigh ready-made for family Christmas card pictures. Kids get hot chocolate, treats and tree ornaments. 285 Pine Hill

There are festive events happening at Blithewold Mansion all month long

DiD You know To decorate 13 rooms at Blithewold Mansion, a team of 18 decorators and nearly 80 volunteers deck the halls for five weeks. There are over 22,000 lights, including 3,600 on this big tree alone. The team is lead by Evelyn Monea, Pam Degen, Sue Gimblet and Kathy Humm. “Decorating Blithewold is eye candy,” the women say. “If someone sees something that speaks to their heart and they decide to try it in their own home, then all the better!”

the Bay | December 2016

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A Weekend Retreat

City dwellers Michael and Jen Gazdacko love living in Providence, but they also love their weekend escapes in Westport. They rehabbed their home away from home with a lot of love, and a lot of help from their friends. The result: a cozy getaway that feels a little like summer at any time of the year.

Live Well Home Style

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The Gazdackos love the privacy and quiet of their Westport weekend home

Rustic Retreat Proven city dwellers,

Michael and Jen Gazdacko adore their home on the West Side of Providence. In the urban Armory district, the couple manages a working farm complete with herbs, veggies, laying chickens and an apiary. But beyond gathering ingredients from their Barking Dog Farm for well-considered meals, the couple yearned for a quick getaway, a bucolic place where they could unplug both mentally and physically. “I think we envisioned more of a beach home,” says Michael, who says the couple focused their second home hunt in Westport. One needn’t guess why. Settled in 1670, Westport is aptly named for its idyllic location: it’s the westernmost port in Massachusetts. Nearly 25% of the town is water (ponds and rivers are found

the Bay | December 2016

throughout while the southern end of Westport borders Buzzards Bay). But Michael and Jen made an unexpected discovery during their home hunt. “We looked at everything on the market and this met all of our needs… in an interesting way,” explains Michael. The rustic log cabin-inspired retreat was built in 1979 and today, measures nearly 2,300 square feet, the result of an addition completed in the 1980s which added three more bedrooms and an additional bathroom. The grounds were equally compelling – the home is surrounded by 1.4 lush acres. It was everything their threefamily Providence home wasn’t. “It’s on a really nice, quiet private lane; a u-shaped crushed shell driveway, a stone wall, all set back from the road,” he describes.

“If we weren’t going to have water, we wanted privacy, which it has,” explains Michael enthusiastically. While the renovation added substantial space, some of the design elements could best be described as “period specific.” The home, he says, was begging to be updated. The blue carpet had to go. And that was just the start. “There was a lot of linoleum,” Michael says with a laugh. Not afraid of a challenge, he enlisted some friends and the weekend warriors got to work ripping the outdated flooring up piece by piece. The old carpeting was rolled up and tossed while the new wall-to-wall hardwoods provided the varied spaces some much needed continuity and offered a polished, refreshing change. Although part of the home had been painted in more recent times,

it appeared to be selective, and the overall interior remained dark and dull. A fresh coat of paint was applied throughout, which better showcased the home’s open and airy atmosphere, none more so than in the living room where cathedral ceilings set the tone. “Jen has a really good eye for colors and things like that,” says Michael. “I think we painted every surface.” The result was a warm, welcoming and brighter palate. Other unexpected details also make an impression. Jennifer set her eyes on an existing, oversized, built-in bookcase and had the vision to modernize it by painting the back of the case to contrast the shelving. The result is a refreshing, current vibe that adds sophistication to the room. “I had to tackle it – that was a weekend on its own,” says

Photography by Michael Cevoli

A Providence couple creates a quiet oasis in Westport

Photography by Michael Cevoli

Live Well Home Style

Michael, laughing. Both the kitchen and the bathroom were updated with new cabinets and counters to make the aesthetic timelier, says Michael. “We touched just about every surface of the house last winter,” he says. The key, he reveals, was to get the flooring and painting completed first so that they could stay in the home while simultaneously working on it. “When I get into a project I just keep going,” he adds. While nearly everything was brought up to date, the home stops short of what could be considered contemporary in style. “It’s definitely not modern – nothing feels that way,” Michael says. Though there is plenty to catch the eye, the floor to ceiling fireplace takes center stage, comprising local fieldstones gathered decades ago

around and near the home. It serves as the focal point while paying homage to the home’s pastoral surroundings and doesn’t have to be lit to exude warmth. “We usually stay in, cook, hang out in front of the fire and play games,” says Jen. The dining room table, which Michael made with the help of a friend, is built from reclaimed lumber. It keeps in line with the rustic, cabin-meets-cottage style house, adding both interest and texture. “We thought that’d be a nice farm table touch,” explains Michael. Two separate decks each take in the serene woodlands, a view so captivating it’s hard to image beloved Horseneck Beach is just ten miles away. “Our dogs and cat love it out there, too,” adds Jen. “We do still keep chickens and have gardens in

Providence but [we] don’t have anything like that planned in Westport – yet.” Michael and Jen tackled the first round of landscaping this past year, removing overgrown shrubs and rhododendrons. “We dug those out and its now ready for fresh plantings,” says Michael, who plans on adding more sea grass and hydrangeas come spring. Though most consider second homes so close to the sea to be summer escapes, Michael and Jen purposely approached the rustic Westport retreat as a year-round getaway that’s just close enough to be a nearby oasis after a long day of work in the capital city and just far enough to feel completely removed from the concrete jungle. “You can have a glass of wine and you hear nothing or you

hear just the water in the distance or animals. The stars are as bright as anything. It really is beautiful,” describes Michael. “I love how relaxing it is to be in Westport,” adds Jen. “Even though it’s just 45 minutes away from Providence, it feels like a different world. I think our friends and family feel the same way – it’s an easy place to stay.” This past summer, the couple didn’t spend quite as much time there as they had hoped, but as winter is around the corner, there is ample opportunity to get away and unwind in front of the fire.

Want your home featured in The Bay magazine?

Email Julie@ProvidenceOnline.com to learn more

December 2016 | The BAY

Live Well Shop Around

by Kelly Payton

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the Bay | December 2016

Linen and Concrete juxtaposes hard and soft treasures

Tucked away down Maple Avenue in Barrington is Linen and Concrete, a hidden gem run by Keri Carlson Marino that opened last December. Stepping into the shop is a breath of fresh air. Scandinavian Nordic in design, the shop is full of creams, grays, charcoals and blacks – this isn’t your typical gift shop. After years working in graphic design and bookkeeping, Keri decided to set out and pursue her passion for interior design. What she created was a unique space with goods by artisans both local and abroad. The name of the shop was inspired by the juxtaposition of the hard

concrete and the soft linen – she has plenty of both. “I have linens from France,” Marino says, “Some of my concrete pieces come from Austria.” Concrete coasters and jewelry contrast the soft tea towels, table runners and cafe aprons – all in a natural gray color. There’s a nice selection of mixed metal jewelry as well, also in earthy tones. Some notable pieces in the shop are berry bowls crafted by Rhode Island native Michelle Phaneuf, which are essentially a strainer and bowl hybrid that fit a pint of blueberries – just rinse and eat. Now that the weather is colder, fingerless mittens known as Mittlets by

Debella Designs out of Northborough, MA have been popular. Marino’s relationship with the customers has been so rewarding. “When people come in and are so excited about [the products] it validates you,” she says. “It’s a good feeling to make other people happy.” 1. Custom painted side plant table, $75 2. Candles, $12; Rope basket, $16.50; Assorted cards, $5; Canvas pots, $10 3. One of a kind cheese boards, starting at $49; Artisan candle holders, starting at $22.75; Teak salad set, $20 4. Concrete bath accessories, $22-$62 5. French linen table runner, $65; Handmade candle, $12

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Photography by Judith Gardener

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Partners Village Store 865 Main Road, Westport, MA 508-636-2572 ~ Daily 9:30 - 5:00 www.partnersvillagestore.com December 2016 | The BAY

Live Well Connoisseur

By Kim Tingle

Season’s Gifting Imagine a shop in Warren that has quirky and fun gifts for everyone Come with me, and you’ll be, in a store of pure imagination... at Imagine Gift Store in Warren. The shop is overflowing with local artwork, handmade jewelry, fashion accessories, candles, candy and tons more. It’s basically a one-stop shop for all things gifts. I spoke with owner Michelle Fox to get her advice on shopping thoughtfully and locally, for everyone from foodies to fashionistas.

season is locally made foods. We have partnered up with local food co-operative Hope & Main and have dedicated a portion of our third floor to various vendors to give them the opportunity to sell their delicious foods.

Did you ever, forgive the pun, “imagine” having a business such as this one?

a one-stop shop. At our store you can shop for multiple people. With our wide

I always had a vivid imagination growing up and dreamt of owning my own busi-

range of merchandise you’ll be able to pick up the gift, the card and even get

ness. As far as specifically owning a retail business such as Imagine Gift Store,

it gift-wrapped. And it’s all done locally.

that is where fate jumped in. I graduated from Roger Williams University, and while I attended school I frequently shopped at Imagine. The store quickly became my favorite gift shop and about five years after I graduated I heard the business was being sold. I jumped on the opportunity and the rest is history.

It can be really difficult to choose the right gift. What do you recommend for a coworker? A coworker is one of the easiest people to shop for. Consider your workday and something you wish you could have done to make your day more eﬃcient and enjoyable. We carry a spectrum of professional-specific items, or, go the silly route like a wine glass the size of a wine bottle for the end of a stressful workday.

Find Rhode Island-inspired home goods at Imagine Gift Store

the Bay | December 2016

How can you impress the foodie on your gift list? With foodies and wine connoisseurs, pick out items that are not easy to get your hands on. For instance, our

Michelle Fox of Imagine Gift Store gives us fun and unique gift ideas for the holidays

barbecue sauce comes all the way from Missouri. Then add a few accessories like wine charms, wine bottle aprons, wine bottle holders and bottle stoppers. We all have that friend in our life that is

like a light switch that comes in all sorts of colors and sticks onto any surface. Your bookworm friend can stick the light switch on the side of the bed so that after they’ve curled up reading a good book they can simply flip the switch off

a little quirky and silly. What are some unique gift options for them?

while still laying in bed.

I have dedicated a whole display full of unique coloring items such as tote bags,

There are certain people that have a “thing.” Do you have a particular

ceramic mugs, tumblers, picture frames, adult coloring books, wristlets and dec-

“thing” that you can’t help but buy if you see it?

orative dishes [for creative types]. These items not only gift a person the item it-

My “thing” is foxes. My last name is Fox, therefore I have always had an at-

self but you are also offering them the gift of time and relaxation to sit down and enjoy a good craft.

tachment to the animal. I mean who couldn’t? They’re so cute! Whenever I see an item with a fox on it I immediately think I need to purchase in fours, for my mom, aunt, grandmother and myself.

Do you have any gifts for book lovers? Why not think outside the box for bookworms? Put together a reader’s essentials kit: a quality backpack or duffel bag that can carry the weight of all their books, throw in some unique books, bookmarks, etc. Then, check out our special LED night light switch. This looks

Imagine Gift Store 5 Miller Street Warren 401-245-4200 GiftImagine.com

Photography by Force 4 Photography

Can you highlight some locally made items you carry? Along with a large amount of Rhode Island souvenir items we also carry jewelry, photographs and paintings from local artists as well as handcrafted kitchenware and gifts. Our most exciting new feature that we will offer this holiday

For all of us last minute shoppers, what advice can you offer to better organize our holiday shopping? The best advice I have to offer is to visit

Live Well Whole Body By John Taraborelli

En Garde

Playing with swords at the Rhode Island Fencing Academy

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Photography by Amy Amerentes

Parry your way into sword skills at the RI Fencing Academy

Fencing is a strange study in contrasts: it’s simultaneously kind of badass and a bit nerdy. It’s a sport that’s mostly about hitting people and largely conducted in French. Perhaps most surprisingly, as I learned in my recent foray at the Rhode Island Fencing Academy and Club (RIFAC), fencing is swordplay in which the swing of the blade is somewhat incidental to the action. I arrived at RIFAC’s 12,000 square foot facility, tucked away in an unassuming East Providence neighborhood, and was immediately impressed by the level of activity: there were kids of all ages taking lessons, seasoned fencers sparring with peers and enough swordplay to rival the set of Game of Thrones. Coaches Alex and Jill Ripa have quietly turned RIFAC into the epicenter of competitive fencing in Southeastern New England; Alex was even named the United States Fencing Coaches Association’s 2015 Coach of the Year. Jill invited me to jump into the recent eight-week Adult Beginner course. I was coming into the middle of a cohort of first-time fencers who were already well into their training, so she told me I would first need a quick crash course on some of the basics. That meant attempting to learn six weeks of fencing in just 30 minutes.

She quickly took me through the building blocks of an attack: a series of simple poses, footwork and movements that combine into a coordinated dance intended to keep your opponent off-balance and get your blade past their defenses. Contrary to the swashbuckling stereotype of fencing in pop culture (like Cary Elwes and Mandy Patinkin’s famous face-off in The Princess Bride), the sport is really about eﬃciency and economy of movement. The blade is not actually the focus of your attack, functioning more like an extension of your hand than an implement of destruction. When you finally make a well-timed lunge to touch your opponent’s shoulder with the tip of your sword, most of the work has already been done by your feet. A return visit to cross blades with the members of the Adult Beginner class gave me a better glimpse of the fitness side of fencing. The class began with a number of footwork warm-ups – sprints, lunges, grapevines and the like – that demonstrated how success in fencing comes as much from your glutes, hamstrings and calves as it does from the sword. These were followed by dexterity and concentration exercises like following an increasingly fast series of “advance/

retreat” instructions or trying to catch a falling glove with the tip of the sword. After we were suﬃciently prepped, it was time to gear up and engage in some actual swordplay. We had the opportunity to try electric fencing, in which electrified swords and foil lamé are used to score touches according to fencing’s elaborate right-of-way protocols (which determine who gets the point when both fencers land blows simultaneously). I engaged in two bouts of first-to-five-wins with teenage opponents. I’m not ashamed to say that I was roundly defeated in both (they did have six weeks of training on me, after all). I did, however, manage to experience the thrill of hearing the buzzer sound and seeing the scoreboard light up for me a couple of times with a deftly executed parry and riposte or well-time lunge and thrust – or maybe I just got lucky.

Rhode Island Fencing Academy and Club 14 Almeida Avenue, East Providence 401-434-2404 RIFAC.com

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270 County Road Barrington, RI 401-247-9209 December 2016 | The BAY

Eat • News Bites • Connoisseur • Rhody Bites

Taste

Photography by Kendall Pavan St. Laurent

Savor the season’s best food and drink

Smoke Show In a state salivating for really good barbecue, Preppy Pig BBQ’s timing couldn’t be any better. They started as a catering company, and have recently opened two brick and mortar restaurants: one in the East Bay and one in the West Bay. They don’t ascribe to any one style of Southern barbecue, rather, they cook up whatever they like, and put their own twist on it. Pulled pork sandwich with pickled red onion and cabbage at Preppy Pig BBQ in Warren

Taste Eat

by Alastair Cairns

Pit Masters Preppy Pig BBQ goes from caterer to full fledged restaurant American barbecue will

Boss Hog Platter

the Bay | December 2016

Salt and vinegar pork rinds

whole place confronts what it is and what it is not. There’s no well-traveled longhorn taxidermy. I had to debate what I wanted on draught, as it was a much harder decision than at most barbecue joints given the craftier selection. I found Harpoon’s Sweet Spot ($5) an easy-drinking golden ale suitable for washing everything down. The menu covers many bases and in some cases goes its own way rather than

attempting a particular regional style. The platters are the best value on the menu, which suits a room built to handle some large groups. With four adults and a kid, we still had leftovers after tackling the smaller of the platters, the Lil’ Rhody ($60). The only thing missing from this smaller platter was chicken, but we were reeling at the end anyway. There’s no more visceral challenge to the gut than a huge tray featuring a full rack of ribs

surrounded by cornbread (which the five-year-old gobbled up by the pawful), four tubs of sides, two sausages and half a pound each of brisket and pork. Each eater gets a mini tray, signaling that when it comes down to the eating, the place is more casual than preppy: you’d best fold up your French cuffs and spin that paper towel. Their slogan reads “eat sweet meat” and this is reflected in their flavors. If what you are after in barbecue is varying combinations of sweet and heat, then this place is for you. We were all in agreement that the pick of the platter were the ribs. They had a nice dark bark and they fell off the bone and were the only meat that I found myself eating without adding sauce. The crust of the ribs featured a bit of spice and many sweet and caramelized notes, rather than lots of wood or tang. I love brisket and here it was good, but we ended up with a fattier piece, so if you’re picky, chat with the carver – that’s why he carves it in public. The sauces likewise were variations on a theme, from the sweet to the spicy. If you like the vinegary style of pulled pork or are into mustardbased sauces, you won’t find that in this argyle barn in Warren. For once the hot sausage link is a

Photography by Kendall Pavan St. Laurent

always belong to the South. Commercially though, it’s been everywhere recently, popularized by reality TV and fueled by a wave of domestic migration to the heart of barbecue country in the Carolinas, Georgia and Texas. Much like comfort food, barbecue has been embraced and co-opted nationwide in equal measure. Now, no matter what state you live in, there are backyards given to chasing perfect smoke rings and pit masters gone pro, doing it so you don’t have to. Nothing more underscores this expansion than Preppy Pig BBQ, whose very name winks at the contradiction-in-terms of barbecue deep in the heart of New England. I visited their location in Warren and brought along our friends and their ﬁve-year-old son. The dad is a polite Georgian who I wanted to watch enjoy every bite. I’m sure he’s never been in a barbecue restaurant with wainscoting or trail maps for Taos and Telluride before. The restaurant is housed in a blue barn that’s attached to McBlarney’s Tap, with the two restaurants maintaining distinct identities. It’s bright pink with white rail fencing – every bit the cartoon farm. The branding at work throughout the interior is likewise consistent and fun, featuring pigs and pink and green argyle. The

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Pumpkin whoopie Pies with maple cream cheese

real treat for true heat-heads, and not just an empty threat. I found myself even pausing for some comforting mac and cheese while tackling this. On the subject of sides, these were a hit, especially the quick pickled mix of carrots, jalapeños and red onion. This was a crisp counterpoint to our slow dance with the meat. Personally I love baked beans, and these had great texture and delicious dark notes from the caramelized ends they were stewing with. Our Georgian transplant grumbled about the cakeyness of New England cornbread. This variety was honey-soaked, but his son seemed to ﬁnd this a feature and not a bug. Preppy Pig’s dessert game was really strong, unlike most barbecue joints. We split their seasonal dessert oﬀering: Pumpkin whoopie Pies ($6). But the real winner was the Ice Cream Sandwich ($5). I’ve had a lot

of ice cream sandwiches this year, with some really clever and ambitious flavor combinations, yet this kid-friendly classic was up there with the best. Scooped and sandwiched to order, the huge golden brown cookies bookending it were soft and fresh, not frozen. Despite our fullness, the ice cream did not survive. Our Southern friend happily took whatever was left of the meat home, indicating to me that although little was said during dinner, he knew good barbecue when he ate it, and he wasn’t about to let it go to waste.

Preppy Pig BBQ 632 Metacom Avenue, Warren 401-289-0260 PreppyPigBBQ.com

661 MetacoM ave. the Pines, Bristol

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RIGHT HAND Caption text

LEFT HAND Caption text 15 glenWooD ave., rUMforD

charming 2 bedroom 1 bath rumford cape. generous living room w/ brick fireplace, dining room w/ shiny hardwood floors. Updated windows, siding, heat. Wonderful breezeway. garage. large fenced yard w/ patio. Priced to sell. $ 185,000

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280 County Road, Barrington • 401-247-0202 495 Hope Street, Bristol • 401-253-4050 ColdwellBankerHomes.com © 2016 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker® and the Coldwell Banker logo are registered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 79426 9/15

December 2016 | The BAY

Taste News Bites

by Grace Lentini

Taste of the Season

The Black Pear is Barrington’s newest locavore food emporium and cafe A hot coffee pairs

perfectly with a chilly morning. When that coffee is roasted right here in Little Rhody it makes it all the more special. Local food is important to Tiana Grenier, owner of the newly opened Black Pear in Barrington. That’s why she brews up Pawtucket-based New Harvest beans. “I enjoy quality, locally roasted beans,” she says. “We use organic Kilimanjaro for our espresso, and local milk from Winsor Dairy [in Johnston]. The whole experience of a great barista using great ingredients is what makes our coffee so special.” Tiana graduated from Johnson & Wales in 1997 and has been on the culinary scene ever since working in various bakeries and cafes. The time finally came for her to take the plunge and open up her own shop. Being true to her love of all things food, she’s been baking up a storm with locally sourced items. This time of year be on the lookout for gingerbread donuts, cranberry orange scones, maple pecan cookies and pumpkin muffins. For breakfast she has Baffoni Farm eggs on hand for sandwiches or to poach and lay on top of chourico hash. Then there’s the daily quiches, gourmet sandwiches and pies. She’s also experimenting with adding tastes of the harvest to her drinks. “We are currently making our own pumpkin sauce for pumpkin spiced lattes and steaming Barden Orchard cider,” Tiana says. “As the fall turns to winter look for homemade mint syrup for mint mochas and mint hot chocolates. We always make our syrups in house so the possibilities are endless!” 312 County Road, Barrington. 401-337-5895, BlackPearRI.com

THANKS A BRUNCH For the last few years 1149 in Seekonk has strictly been an event space, until now. It just recently added Sunday brunch to its repertoire. For $19.95 and $9.95, adults and children, respectively, ages 4-12 can gorge themselves silly on hot teas and coffee, assorted breads and pastries, various carving stations, six omelet choices, bacon, French toast, yogurt trifles, salads, clam chowder, penne a la vodka and roast seasonal vegetables. Challenge accepted. 965 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk. 401-884-1149, Restaurant.ElevenFortyNine.com

the Bay | December 2016

1149 in Seekonk has added Sunday brunch

SUNSET SNACKS Not sure what you want for dinner? How about a little bit of everything? That’s the idea behind the Boat House’s Seasonal Sunset promotion. Every Sunday through Thursday, now through May 24, from 4-6pm, enjoy halfpriced appetizers at the bar, which overlooks the SakonAppy hour at the Boat House pairs net River. There’s tons to perfectly with sunsets over the Sakonnet choose from, like Crab Cakes with local herb salad, pickled red onion and smoky tomato remoulade; Lobster Fritters with sweet corn and chipotle aioli; Littleneck Clams with chourico, onion, garlic, tomato and Vinho Verde broth; Fried Oysters encrusted in cornmeal with celeriac, red onion and yellow-pepper syrup. 227 Schooner Drive, Tiverton. 401-624-6300, BoatHouseTiverton.com

Photography (Top) by Kendall Pavan St. Laruent

Tiana Grenier bakes up seasonal eats at the Black Pear

Giant Gourmet Cookies Mailed to Your Door! (perfect for holiday dessert platters)

“Best Chocolate Chip Cookie in Providence!”

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Meeting Street Cafe

220 Meeting Street Providence • 273-1066 meetingstreetcafe.com

December 2016 | The BAY

Taste Connoisseur

by Grace Lentini

Playing With Food Chef Steve Johnson combines unexpected flavors at The Red Dory

Being that you’re practically right on the water, I would expect to see typical New England fare on the menu, but you’ve incorporated some unexpected dishes as well. At The Red Dory we try to oﬀer a combination of dishes that have easy appeal along with others that are a bit more unusual for local diners. Our menu is based on tasty, seasonal ingredients, and my cooking simply follows my personal interests and curiosity about food. For our guests, I hope that they are able to enjoy good cooking whether it’s in standard dishes like Fried Oysters or Linguine and Clams, or more unusual ones like Grilled Sardines with fennel vinaigrette and Octopus with Chick Peas and smoked paprika. Where do your culinary inﬂuences come from? The core of my cooking is based on the flavors of the Mediterranean, and so staples such as garlic, capers, anchovies, olives and fresh herbs are the usual ingredients in my toolbox, along with vegetables – lots of vegetables. We apply those ingredients to all of the great local seafood to produce the dishes on our menu. Aside from your culinary repertoire, where do you draw inspiration? I’m always on the lookout for the freshest, best ingredients and really enjoy the steady process of tinkering

the Bay | December 2016

in the kitchen. We buy much of our produce and seafood from area farmers and ﬁshermen, and the great quality and seasonality of these foods are what drive our menus throughout the year. What’s one dish that represents your commitment to sourcing locally? One of our most popular dishes is a Fish Stew of haddock and clams with salt cod and escarole – the broth is light yet very invigorating. The main ingredients in this dish are very familiar to New England diners, and among my favorite seafood to cook and eat. There’s a movement towards using uncommon, local seafood. What have you brought onto the menu that you want to introduce your diners to? During the winter months, we offer a main course of Skillet-roasted Skate Wing with browned butter sauce, lemon and capers. Skate is a delicious local fish that is abundant along our shores, yet you don’t see it too often on area restaurant menus. When people come to our restaurant, they always have the option of choosing something that they might not find everywhere else. Tell me about your special small plates you serve only on Sundays. On Sundays, in addition to our regular menu, we also oﬀer a series of tapas dishes. It’s the one day each week that we open at noon, and these blackboard specials expand the list of options – there are lots of tasty bites at very reasonable prices. What are you preparing this time of year? For desserts, we always have our signature Lemon-Buttermilk Pudding with huckleberry sauce. Along with that, we also have a Warm Chocolate Cake and a seasonal item, usually fruit, such as a

The core of Steve Johnson’s cooking at The Red Dory comes from flavors of the Mediterranean

French-style Caramelized Pear Tart. We make our own ice creams here at the restaurant, and boy do the fresh farm eggs make a big difference. Does your culinary influence expand to your cocktails? We have a full bar and offer several small batch bourbons, and we love finding unusual ryes, tequilas and amari. While we don’t have a house cocktail menu, we do periodic specials based on our herb garden out back. Many of our regular guests rely on us for a wellmade martini or manhattan. Beers on

tap or by the can or bottle are mostly local (Buzzards Bay Brewery, for example) or from craft producers. Our wine list isn’t huge, but tailored speciﬁcally to match our menu – a greco di tufo from southern Italy or an albariño from northern Spain are great choices to pair with our seafood.

The Red Dory 1848 Main Road, Tiverton 401-816-5001 RedDoryRestaurant.com

Photography by Force 4 Photography

Steve Johnson is the executive chef and owner of The Red Dory in Tiverton. He comes from a background of cooking at exquisite restaurants in Boston and spending time in southern France where he learned about French cuisine. The James Beard Foundation even nominated him for Best Chef in the Northeast. I caught up with him to talk about his love of food, being inspired by the seasons and the secret to making the best ice cream.

DINING GUIDE I N YO U R N E I G H B O R H O O D

The Old Grist Mill Tavern

Built in 1745 and

a restaurant since the 1930s, the rustic tavern overlooks a picturesque pond complete with a bubbling waterfall. The classic New England view perfectly complements the menu, which boasts traditional favorites like hand-cut steaks and chops, hearty pastas and seafood. The portions are very generous and include a trip to the salad bar. A large surf and turf menu allows you to indulge in the best of both worlds. Speaking of indulging, their desserts and legendary cinnamon bread are made in their in-house bakery. A pub menu, available at the lounge, oﬀers crowd-pleasers like burgers and sharing boards. The bar hosts monthly tasting events where guests can sample the newest tastes in spirits.

390 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk 508-336-8460, OGMTavern.com

EAST BAY / NEWPORT Black Bass Grille Classic seafood, historic waterfront setting. 3 Water St, South Dartmouth, 508-999-6975. LD $$ Bluewater Bar and Grill Casual restaurant with modern seafood dishes, patio seating and live music. 32 Barton Ave, Barrington, 247-0017. LD $$-$$$ DeWolf Tavern Gourmet American/ Indian fusion. 259 Thames St, Bristol, 254-2005. BLD $$-$$$ Ichigo Ichie Traditional Japanese cuisine, creative sushi and hibachi. 5 Catamore Blvd, East Providence, 435-5511. LD $-$$$ Jacky’s Galaxie Local Pan-Asian chain oﬀering sushi and classic entrees in a modern atmosphere. Locations in Providence, North Providence, Bristol and Cumberland, JackysGalaxie.com. LD $-$$$ Starbucks Coffee, tea, bakery items

and lunch options. Multiple locations. Starbucks.com BL$-$$

The Old Grist Mill Tavern in Seekonk is a throwback to historic New England dining

213-6615. LD $$

The Old Grist Mill Tavern Fine dining located over the Runnins River. 390 Fall River Ave, Seekonk, 508-3368460. LD $-$$$

Chair 5 Locally sourced and seasonally inspired menus with a main restaurant and rooftop lounge. 1208 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, 363-9820. BrLD $-$$$

The Wharf Tavern Serves fresh seafood and steak with bay views from almost every table. 215 Water St, Warren, 2892524. BrLD $-$$$

Champlin’s Seafood Dockside fresh seafood serving easy breezy cocktails. 256 Great Island Rd, Narragansett, 783-3152. LD $-$$

SOUTHERN RI

Dante’s Kitchen American food with a Southern flair. 315 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-7798. BL $-$$

Besos Kitchen & Cocktails Tapas and eclectic cuisine and cocktails. 378 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-8855. BrLD $$$ Blu On The Water Home to Rhode Island’s largest waterfront deck and three outdoor bars, with a wide menu and full raw bar. 20 Water St, East Greenwich, 885-3700. LD $-$$$ Breachway Grill Classic New England fare, plus NY-style pizza. 1 Charlestown Beach Rd, Charlestown,

Dragon Palace Chinese cuisine, sushi and bar. 577 Tiogue Ave, Coventry, 828-0100; 733 Kingstown Rd, Wakefield, 789-2300; 1210 Main St, Wyoming, 539-1102. LD $-$$ Eleven Forty Nine City sophistication in the suburbs. 1149 Division St, Warwick, 884-1149. LD $$$ Frankie’s Italian Bistro Fine dining with imported wines from around

the world. 1051 Ten Rod Rd, North Kingstown, 295-2500. D $-$$$ Fresco Italian American comfort food with international inspirations. 301 Main St, East Greenwich, 3980027; 140 Comstock Pkwy, Cranston, 228-3901. D $-$$ George’s of Galilee Fresh caught seafood in an upscale pub atmosphere. 250 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett, 783-2306. LD $-$$ Jigger’s Diner Classic ‘50s diner serving breakfast all day. 145 Main St, East Greenwich, 884-6060. BL $-$$ La Masseria Upscale Italian cuisine served in a chic setting with a rustic, countryside vibe. 223 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-0693. LD $$-$$$ Maharaja Indian Restaurant Indian cuisine and traditional curries in a warm setting. 1 Beach St, Narragansett, 363-9988. LD $-$$ Matunuck Oyster Bar Destination

Key: B breakfast Br brunch L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+

December 2016 | The BAY

DINING GUIDE

Exquisite German Carbon Steel Knives, Kitchenware & Classes dining enhanced by a raw bar sourced onsite and a water view. 629 Succotash Rd, South Kingstown, 783-4202. LD $-$$$ Ocean House/Weekapaug Inn Multiple dining room options oﬀer comfortably elegant dishes that highlight the best in seasonal, local produce. 1 Bluﬀ Ave, Watch Hill, 584-7000, 25 Spray Rock Rd, Westerly, 637-7600. BLD $-$$$

Pasquale’s Pizzeria Napoletana Authentic Neapolitan wood ﬁred pizza with exclusive ingredients imported from Naples. 60 S County Commons Way, South Kingstown, 783-2900. LD $-$$ Phil’s Main Street Grille Classic comfort food with a great rooftop patio. 323 Main St, Wakeﬁeld, 7834073. BBrLD $

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Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 437-6950; 455 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2900. BrLD $$ Sa-Tang Fine Thai and Asian fusion cuisine with gluten-free selections. 402 Main St, Wakeﬁeld, 284-4220. LD $-$$ Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich, Smithfield, 521-3311. D $$-$$$ Starbucks Coffee, tea, bakery items and lunch options. Multiple locations. Starbucks.com BL$-$$

295 Hope Street Bristol • 401-396-9909 • flintandflame.com

T’s Restaurant Plentiful breakfast and lunch. Locations in Cranston, East Greenwich, Narragansett, TsRestaurantRI.com. BL $

Happy Holidays!

Tavern by the Sea Waterfront European/American bistro. 16 W Main St, Wickford, 294-5771. LD $$

Give the Gift of Yoga

The Coast Guard House A New American menu with a seafood emphasis and extensive wine by the glass program. Visit for Sunday brunch for a local raw bar, lobster scrambled eggs and cocktails from locally produced spirits. Open daily for lunch, dinner and Sundays for brunch. 40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, 789-0700. $$$ Creative sandwiches are on the menu at Ocean State Sandwich Company

WO RT H T H E D R I V E

Ocean State Sandwich Company When owner Eric Handwerger

saw how well his first Ocean State Sandwich Company shop was being received in Johnston, and, in particular, how many firms and non-profit organizations in downtown Providence had started to order catered lunches for their luncheon meeting needs, he decided to open a second shop right in the heart of the financial district at 155 Westminster Street in Providence. “The result,” says Eric, “has been enormously gratifying,” as his first year of business downtown has seen incredible growth. “We’re food people,” says Eric. “And now with two places in Rhode Island, where we’re surrounded by an abundance of farms on one side and small food producers on the other, it’s just a perfect situation.”

The Nordic Surf and turf buffet selections perfect for family gatherings. 178 E Pasquisett Trl, Charlestown, 783-4515. LD $$$ Twin Willows Fresh seafood and water views in a family-friendly atmosphere. 865 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett, 789-8153. LD $-$$ Tong-D Fine Thai cuisine in a casual setting. 156 County Rd, Barrington, 289-2998; 50 South County Common Way, South Kingstown, 7834445. LD $-$$ TwoTen Oyster Bar and Grill Local oysters and upmarket seafood dishes with a full bar menu. 210 Salt Pond Rd, South Kingstown, 7820100. BrLD $-$$$

PROVIDENCE COUNTY Locations in Providence and Johnston. SandwichRI.com

10 Prime Steak & Sushi Gourmet steaks and sushi. 55 Pine St, Providence, 453-2333. LD $$$

For full restaurant profiles, go to TheBayMagazine.com 44

the Bay | December 2016

DINING GUIDE Capri Swedish-influenced Mediterranean cuisine. 58 De Pasquale Ave, Providence, 274-2107. LD $$-$$$

Julian’s A must-taste Providence staple celebrating 20 years. 318 Broadway, Providence, 861-1770. BBrLD $$

Catering Gourmet Premiere catering company providing food made from scratch. 333 Strawberry Field Rd, Warwick, 773-7925. $-$$$

Luxe Burger Bar Build your own creative burger. 5 Memorial Blvd, Providence, 621-5893. LD $

CAV Eclectic cuisine and art in an historic setting. 14 Imperial Pl, Providence, 751-9164. BrLD $$-$$$

McBride’s Pub Traditional Irish pub fare in Wayland Square. 161 Wayland Ave, Providence, 751-3000. LD $$

Centro Restaurant & Lounge Contemporary cuisine and cocktails. 1 W Exchange St, Providence, 228-6802. BLD $$$

McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steak Mixed grill selections and signature fish dishes sourced locally and seasonally. 11 Dorrance St, Providence, 351-4500. BLD $$-$$$

Chapel Grille Gourmet food overlooking the Providence skyline. 3000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, 9444900. BrLD $$$

Meeting Street Cafe BYOB eatery with large menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner served all day. 220 Meeting St, Providence, 273-1066. BLD $-$$

Character’s Cafe & Theatre 82 Hybrid art space with all day breakfast, coffee and theatre-inspired entrees. 82 Rolfe Sq, Cranston, 490-9475. BL $

Mill’s Tavern Historic setting for New American gourmet. 101 N Main St, Providence, 272-3331. D $$$

Cucina Rustica Rustic, Italian-style dining combining comfort food and sophistication. 555 Atwood Ave, Cranston, 944-2500. LD $-$$

Momo Dessert restaurant with crepes, home-made stir fry ice cream and bubble tea. 100 Washington St, Providence, 521-6666. BLD $

Flatbread Company Artisanal pizza, local ingredients. 161 Cushing St, Providence, 273-2737. LD $-$$

Napolitano’s Brooklyn Pizza Classic Italian fare and traditional New York-style pizzas. 100 East St, Cranston, 383-7722; 380 Atwells Ave, Providence, 273-2400. LD $-$$

Fresco Italian American comfort food with international inspirations. 301 Main St, East Greenwich, 3980027; 140 Comstock Pkwy, Cranston, 228-3901. D $-$$ Harry’s Bar & Burger Handcrafted sliders, brews and pub games. 121 N Main St. Providence, 228-7437; 301 Atwells Ave, 228-3336 LD $-$$ Haruki Japanese cuisine and a la carte selections with casual ambiance. Locations in Cranston and Providence. HarukiSushi.com LD $-$$ Iron Works Tavern A wide variety of signature American dishes in the historic Thomas Jefferson Hill Mill. 697 Jefferson Blvd, Warwick, 7395111. LD $-$$$ Jacky’s Galaxie Local Pan-Asian chain offering sushi and classic entrees in a modern atmosphere. Locations in Providence, North Providence, Bristol and Cumberland, JackysGalaxie.com. LD $-$$$

Ocean State Sandwich Company Craft sandwiches and hearty sides. 1345 Hartford Ave, Johnston. 155 Westminster St, Providence, 2826772. BL $-$$ Opa the Phoenician Authentic Lebanese food served in a fun atmosphere with hookahs. 230 Atwells Ave, Providence, 351-8282. D $-$$$ Parkside Rotisserie & Bar American bistro specializing in rotisserie meats. 76 South Main St, Providence, 331-0003. LD $-$$ Pat’s Italian Fine Italian favorites, natural steaks and handcrafted cocktails. 1200 Hartford Ave, Johnston, 273-1444. LD $-$$$ Pizza J A fun, upbeat atmosphere with thin crust pizza, pub fare and gluten-free options. 967 Westminster St, Providence, 632-0555. LD $-$$

For full restaurant profiles, go to TheBayMagazine.com

Give A Gift That Will Outshine The Rest Caron Jewelers fine jewelry is designed to make a statement. Featuring rare gemstones, custom wedding and engagement rings, luxury watches, and artisan gifts, there is something for everyone on your list. 473 Hope Street, Bristol 401-253-9460 BristolJewelryDesigner.com December 2016 | The BAY

DINING GUIDE Red Ginger Traditional Chinese restaurant and bar with a relaxed environment. 560 Killingly St, Johnston, 861-7878; 1852 Smith St, North Providence, 353-6688. LD $-$$ Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 437-6950; 455 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2900. BrLD $$ Rick’s Roadhouse House-smoked barbecue. 370 Richmond St, Providence, 272-7675. LD $-$$

Wishing our customers a very happy holiday season!

SAGRES RestauRant

Gift Certificates Available 177 Columbia Street, Fall River • 508-675-7018 • sagresrestaurant.com

Rocco’s Pub & Grub Five-star menu in an intimate, pub-like atmosphere. 55 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, 3492250. LD $-$$ Rosmarin at Hotel Providence Bar and restaurant serving Swiss-inspired small plates, craft cocktails and an eclectic wine list. 311 Westminster Street, Providence, 5213333. BLD $$$ Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich, Smithfield, 521-3311. D $$-$$$ Spirito’s Restaurant & Catering Classic Italian fare served in a stately Victorian home. 477 Broadway, Providence, 434-4435. LD $-$$$ Starbucks Coffee, tea, bakery items and lunch options. Multiple locations. Starbucks.com BL$-$$ T’s Restaurant Plentiful breakfast and lunch. Locations in Cranston, East Greenwich, Narragansett, TsRestaurantRI.com. BL $ Tavolo Wine Bar and Tuscan Grille Classic Italian cuisine with an extensive wine and beer list. 970 Douglas Pike, Smithfield, 349-4979. LD $-$$

Book Your HolidaY Function todaY

The Crossings New American favorites in a chic, urban setting. 801 Greenwich Ave, Warwick, 732-6000. BLD $-$$$ The Dorrance Fine dining with exquisite cocktails. 60 Dorrance St, Providence, 521-6000. D $$$ The Grange Vegetarian restaurant serving seasonal dishes with a juice bar, vegan bakery and cocktail bar. 166 Broadway, Providence, 831-0600. BrLD $-$$

Daily Specials Available 3 Water Street • South Dartmouth, MA (508) 999-6975 • Blackbassma.com 46

the Bay | December 2016

The

Pizza

Gourmet/

The

Catering

Follow The Bay on

Gourmet From scratch wood-grilled pizzas and Italian American favorites. 357 Hope St, Providence, 751-0355. LD $-$$$ The Rosendale Bar and grill with welcoming atomposphere and creative menu. 55 Union St, Providence, 421-3253. LD $-$$ The Salted Slate An agri-driven American restaurant with global influences. 186 Wayland Ave, Providence, 270-3737. BrLD $$-$$$ The Villa Restaurant & Banquet Facility Family Italian restaurant with live music and entertainment. 272 Cowesett Ave, West Warwick, 8210060. D $-$$ The Village Lively bar and grill with comfort fare, bar bites and beer. 373 Richmond St, Providence, 228-7222. BrLD $-$$ Tortilla Flats Fresh Mexican, Cajun and Southwestern fare, cocktails and over 70 tequilas. 355 Hope St, Providence, 751-6777. LD $-$$ Trattoria Del Mare Traditional Italian cuisine with a focus on seafood in an elegant yet relaxing atmosphere. 145 Spruce St, Providence, 273-7070. LD $$-$$$ Trinity Brewhouse Rhode Island’s original brewpub. 186 Fountain St, Providence, 453-2337. LD $-$$ Tony’s Colonial Specialty store offering the finest Imported and domestic Italian foods. 311 Atwells Ave, Providence, 621-8675. $-$$$ Twin Oaks Family restaurant serving an extensive selection of Italian and American staples. 100 Sabra St, Cranston, 781-9693. LD $-$$$ Vinya Test Kitchen Raw, plantbased, artful, small plates served by Chef Sam Bonanno. Delicious vegan cuisine, beautifully presented, and accompanied by creative mocktails (BYOB). 225A Westminster Street, Providence, 500-5189. D $-$$ Whiskey Republic Delicious dockside pub fare. 515 South Water St, Providence, 588-5158. LD $-$$ XO Cafe Creative cocktails and New American fare. 125 N Main St, Providence, 273-9090. BrD $$

@HeyRhody

Gallery Events • Arts • Theatre • Music

The best of this month’s entertainment

Reduce, Reuse, Re-Tree December 10: Tiverton Four Corners has a full day planned for guests with its Winter’s Arts and Artisan Fair, as well as the opening of its fourth annual Re-Tree exhibit. Browse the works of local makers on your quest for the perfect gift, then stick around to see how local artists use repurposed materials to create eccentric DIY Christmas trees. 3850 Main Road, Tiverton. TivertonFourCorners.com

Gallery Calendar

December

December 1-23: Catch the last month of the Gallery 4 exhibit Abstracts & Artifacts. Artists Harry Nadler, Joan Jardin and Peter Stroud come together to showcase their abstract paintings and drawings in addition to ancient and classic artifacts, plus contemporary sculpture and textures. 3848 Main Road, Tiverton. 401816-0999, Gallery4Tiverton.com December 1-31: The Newport Playhouse presents Nana’s Naughty Knickers, a comedy about a woman who becomes roommates with her not so sweet grandmother who is running an illegal boutique from her apartment selling hand-made naughty knickers to every senior citizen in the area. Various times. 102 Connell Highway, Newport. 401-848-7529, NewportPlayhouse.com December 2: Glen Manor House is bringing the madness… the Mistletoe Madness. Sample delicious treats, raise a glass at the open bar and dance the night away with GQ and the Ladies. Proceeds from the evening will go towards the continued preservation of the lovely Glen Manor House. 3 Frank Coelho Drive, Portsmouth. 401-683-4177, GlenManorHouse.com December 2-3: Six New England potters will be displaying and selling their work at the Arch Contemporary Ceramics Holiday Pottery Sale. If you’re on the quest to find the perfect coffee mug for that special

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE 48

the Bay | December 2016

someone, you might want to save the date. 18 East Road, Tiverton. 401-8160550, ArchContemporary.com December 2, 9, 16, 23: Round up the kids for Sparkle! An Outdoor Family Event at Blithewold Mansion. Sip hot cocoa and roast marshmallows around the fire while singing along to Christmas carols. 101 Ferry Road, Bristol. 401-253-2707, Blithewold.org December 3: See Frosty the Snowman, Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Bowen’s Wharf 46th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Join in on the Christmas Carol sing-a-long and other festivities. Restaurants and shops will be open all day with in-store promotions, gift wrapping and other perks. 13 Bowen’s Wharf, Newport. 401-849-3478, BowensWharf.com

December 4: Greenlion Design is hosting a Wreath Making Workshop at Weatherlow Farms. Registration includes all materials and the class will be served light seasonal fare, local beer and wine. No experience necessary but reserve your spot before the class fills up. 845 Sodom Road, Westport. 508-938-9398, GreenlionDesign.com/Workshops December 4: Sandywoods presents The Island Moving Company’s annual Mini-Nutcracker. This delightful version of the holiday classic is designed to introduce children of all ages to the magic of this family favorite. Free refreshments will be available after the

performance with the opportunity to meet all the dancers and take photographs. 43 Muse Way, Tiverton. 401816-5600, SandywoodsMusic.com December 5, 6, 12, 13: For 20 years The Edwards Twins have impressed audiences with celebrity impersonations from Barbra Streisand, Sonny and Cher, Bette Midler and so many more. Be amazed as they get you in the holiday spirit with their performance Christmas With The Stars. Various dates and times. 102 Connell Highway, Newport. 401-848-7529, NewportPlayhouse.com December 10: Pop a cork and celebrate

December 3: The town of Bristol hosts its annual Grand Illumination Christmas Festival. Enjoy an evening of activities, music and entertainment leading up to the lighting of the town’s tree. Burnside Memorial Building, Corner of Hope and Court Street, Bristol. Facebook.com/BristolChristmasFestival December 3: The Newport Elks Lodge hosts the Holiday Spectacular artisans Craft Fair featuring upscale New England Artisan. Find home and holiday décor, handmade jewelry, pottery, children’s apparel and more for anyone on your shopping list. 10am-4pm. 141 Pelham Street, Newport. EventBrite.com December 4: Impress your friends and family by learning the art of Perfect Holiday Entertaining at Spiced Pear Restaurant. You’ll find out what pairs perfectly with still, sparkling and spirits of Moët Hennessy and be the talk of the town. 1-4pm. 117 Memorial Boulevard, Newport. 401-847-2244, TheChanler.com

HOLIDaY CHEEr

Have Yourself a Portuguese Christmas December 18: And you thought the holidays with your family crazy. The Portuguese Kids are bringing their multi-generational schtick to White’s of Westport for A Very Portuguese Christmas. It’s called the group’s funniest show of the year; don’t miss out on all of the family dysfunction. 66 State Road, Westport. 508-675-7185, EventsByLHC.com

For an up-to-date statewide calendar and to submit your own listings visit TheBayMagazine.com

Photo courtesy of The Portuguese Kids

December 1-11: See the final performances of Prelude to a Kiss at 2nd Story Theatre. In this contemporary fairy tale, a wedding is turned upside down when a bride and an elderly wedding crasher swap souls, leaving the groom to reverse the curse. Various dates and times. 28 Market Street, Warren. 401-247-4200, 2ndStoryTheatre.com

Gallery continued...

My true

Holiday

Sale!

the season at Greenvale Vineyard’s 15th annual Warm Up for the Holidays. The halls of the tasting room will certainly be decked out as guests are welcome to sample estate grown wines as well as mulled wines and tasty treats. 582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth. 401-8473777, Greenvale.com December 11: Do your shopping at the YMCA Holiday Craft Bazaar and help raise money for a good cause. There will be vendors from local businesses selling a variety of fabulous goods. 271 Sharps Lot Road, Swansea. 508-678-9622, YMCASouthcoast.org December 11: The Glen Manor House welcomes everyone to join them for their annual Christmas Open House. See splendid decorations and get your fill of Christmas cheer, plus expect a visit from you know who. 3

Frank Coelho Drive, Portsmouth. 401683-4177, GlenManorHouse.com December 17: Duke Robillard brings three decades of the blues to Tiverton as the Duke Robillard Band rocks the Sandywoods Center for the Arts. See why Duke has been called one of blues’ best guitarists. 43 Muse Way. Tiverton. 401-816-5600, SandywoodsMusic.com December 30-31: White’s of Westport is sending 2016 out in style. On December 30, dig into the All You Can Eat/All You Can Laugh Italian buffet, featuring great food and some of the area’s funniest up and coming comics. On December 31, dance into 2017 as the Image Band covers everything from disco to country to today’s top 40. 66 State Road, Westport. 508-675-7185, EventsByLHC.com

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Lets Make this a Holiday to Remember

Photo courtesy of Save The Bay

SEaL tHE DEaL

Meet the State’s Official Marine Mammal December 27-31: Wrap up the harried holidays (and yourself) with a peaceful cruise along Newport Harbor on board a Save The Bay Seal Tour vessel. The 60-minute scenic trip, lead by expert guides, includes handson material and binoculars for you to zoom in on the adorable seals that move in to the Bay for the cold season. Bowen’s Wharf, Newport. 401-2037325, SaveBay.org

50% off Diamond Engagement Rings, Diamond Wedding Bands & Anniversary Bands! J&J Diamond Jewelry Where Southern New England Goes to Get Engaged!

167 Borden Street, Fall River, MA (508) 676-7169 • www.jjjewelry.com

December 2016 | The BAY

Taste Test

by Grace Lentini

A Sticky Situation Whether it’s the buttery crunch or the sugary sweetness, there’s just something about toffee that makes everyone happy. We sampled toffee treats from area bakers, and boy were they delicious.

Piece of Cake

Bite Sized Bliss

The Toffee Candy Crunch Cake from Gregg’s contained coffee flavored whipped cream and Heath bar pieces that were sandwiched between four layers of toffee cake. The whole cake was covered in the whipped cream and the sides were coated in chocolate crumbles. Needless to say, everyone wanted seconds. Locations in East Providence, Providence, Warwick and North Kingstown. GreggsUSA.com

Crunchy, sweet and coated in chocolate, Anchor Toffee’s Almond Butter Toffee was heavenly. The whole almonds nicely complemented the buttery toffee, and the chocolate they chose to coat it with was dark, ensuring a not-too-sweet experience. Check their website to find the local stores that carry it. 401-439-1517, AnchorToffee.com.

Slice of Life

Coating air-popped popcorn in toffee is the Biggest Little Popcorn Company’s MO. We sampled their Season’s English Spice popcorn, and it immediately reminded us of the seasonings found in egg nog: cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice and ginger. There was also a hint of apple, which completed our craving for the flavor of the holidays. Check their website to find the local stores that carry it. BiggestLittlePopcornCompany.com

This was our first encounter with Sticky Toffee Pudding from June Love’s English Bakery, and it will certainly not be the last. This traditional English dessert, which is actually a cake, was dense and moist, and on its own not too sweet. It’s the toffee topping that added a rich and buttery sweetness to the cake, and had us sopping up every last drop. 796 Aquidneck Avenue, Middletown. 401207-7246, Facebook.com/JuneLovesEnglishCakesAndBakedGoods

Photography by Meghan H. Follett and Katie Leclerc

Toffee Goes Pop

the Bay | December 2016

Creating Memorable Experiences. All in one place.

Our Seekonk Location is a Private Event location which specializes in Social, Corporate & Holiday functions For reservations please call 401-884-1149 Rehearsal Dinners | Intimate Receptions Bridal Luncheons | Birthday Celebrations | Business Presentations Seekonk Sunday Brunch Buffet 10am-2pm

965 Fall RiveR avenue, Seekonk â&#x20AC;˘ 401.884.1149 1149 Division Street, Warwick â&#x20AC;˘ elevenFortynineRestaurant.com

Warm up with us for the Holidays

Gift Cards Available 390 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk, MA • 508-336-6800 • ogmtavern.com

Season's Greetings

Spread the Joy with our Holiday Gift Cards 215 Water Street, Warren • 401-289-2524 • TheWharfTavernRI.com