Algorithms are great for processing data, but real estate is always personal.
Discover the difference between digital automation and the bespoke, localized expertise of Alicia Reynolds:
ALICIA
REYNOLDS: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE:
Personally Verified Tradespeople
Hand-selected, local professionals
Pre-Screened Buyers
Yelp Verifications
Algorithmic and easily gamed reviews
Online / Google Leads
Qualified individuals ready to purchase Unverified search traffic
In-Depth
Local Knowledge
Real-time boots on the ground data
Incorrect or Outdated Online Data
Outdated data pulled from random sources
Professional Photography iPhone or AI Generated Images
Stunning, high-end visual marketing made by real people
Accurate Listing Prices
Hyper-local, strategic pricing.
Flat, distorted, or artificial imagery.
Broad Market Estimates
Generalizations from sweeping data.
Recently, an AI algorithm valued my clients’ unique home at $1.4M using broad data, completely missing its specific architectural style. I knew the market reality. By applying local human expertise, we secured multiple offers and went under contract well over asking price, precisely within my original strategic estimate and saving my sellers weeks of frustration.
Your Home. Center Stage.
August is the peak of the summer market, and the perfect time to prep for what’s next. If you’re ready to position your home for a standout performance before the fall rush, or if your own house hunt has stalled out, it’s time for a strategy that brings confidence, clarity, and a little star power. Stephen Gaskin
Hey Rhody Media Co. Takes First Place Awards in Design, Photography, Writing
Hey Rhody Media Co., publisher of Rhode Island’s premier lifestyle magazines, including Providence Monthly , So Rhode Island , The Bay , and Hey Rhody , was well represented at this year’s Rhode Island Press Association Awards banquet, held in June. Submissions poured in from member media outlets such as The Boston Globe , The Providence Journal , and Rhode Island Monthly , among others. Hey Rhody Media Co., won a total of seven awards.
Senior Editorial Designer Abigail Burnham
won two awards: Design: Special Section, 1st Place, for Providence Monthly’ s “Lunch is Back” feature, as well as Design: Best Newspaper Front Page, 2nd Place, for So Rhode Island’ s “The Great Outdoors” piece.
In the Design: Best Cover category, Senior Graphic Designer Taylor Buttie won 2nd Place for the Hey Rhody Weddings issue.
GM and Creative Director Nick DelGiudice won Photography: Food Photo, 1st Place, for Hey Rhody’ s “The Joy of Lunch.” Contributor
Zach Pona won Photography: Feature Photo, 3rd Place for The Bay ’s “Mrs. Skipper.”
In the Writing: Food/Dining category, contributor Jenny Currier Shand won 1st Place for “The Return of Going Out for Lunch,” and contributor Emily Olson won 1st Place in Writing: News/Features Columnist.
“We have a small but mighty team!” says Editor-in-Chief Elyse Major. “Warmest congrats to these team members and our valued contributors for their accomplishments!”
Left to right: Emily Olson, Abigail Burnham, Elyse Major (accepting for Jenny Currier Shand), Nick DelGiudice, and Zach Pona
NEWS & CULTURE
Giving | Ocean State Media | Rhody Reads | Rhody Gem | Calendar
Photo by Elyse Major
Peonies With Purpose
A former New England Patriot tackles a new mission in Glocester
By Emily Olson
There’s something unexpected about the idea of a retired NFL player hand-cutting flowers while the rest of Rhode Island sleeps. Yet for retired Patriots offensive tackle and three-time Super Bowl champion Matt Light, it feels inevitable. For two weeks every spring, the Light family climbs out of bed before dawn to harvest peonies from the 2,000 plants that blanket a portion of Hickory Fields Farm, the 300-acre farm in the Glocester village of Chepachet they purchased in 2023.
The flowers are just one branch of a larger mission. During his rookie year in 2001, Light founded the Light Foundation, an Ohiobased nonprofit that introduces young men from urban areas to opportunities to develop leadership skills. Light’s daughter Grace, who lives on the farm with her parents, says of her father, “I think he noticed how much people supported him and his success, and he wanted to give back in the biggest way he could.”
Its flagship program, Camp Vohokase, with locations around the country, brings together 18 at-risk high school boys for 10 days each summer to learn practical outdoor skills alongside lessons in accountability, leadership, and responsibility. Four freshmen are selected each year and commit to returning through graduation, building relationships grounded in accountability that last beyond a single summer. In addition to the camps, The Light Foundation runs a reading program for first graders, a football camp, and a fishing program that helps kids and families engage with the outdoors.
Light and his wife, Susie, grew up in the Midwest, and although Matt’s football career brought him to Foxboro, it never pulled his heart from the rural community he loved. “Living in Foxboro was a big adjustment for him,” said Grace. “He always craved the farming lifestyle.” When the Glocester property became available, it was a dream come true because it provided an opportunity to support The Light Foundation while giving him the rural life his heart sought. “He’s on the tractor in the fields most days,” Grace says of her dad. “He takes down barns, hunts, and runs the foundation. He’s the busiest retired person I know, and I think the farm is a break for him.”
The peonies were a happy accident planted by the previous owner of the farm, which led the Lights to get involved in yet another foundation, Winston Flowers’ Charity in Bloom. Each month, the Boston-based florist creates a seasonal bouquet and donates a portion of the proceeds to a different nonprofit. During peony season, Winston Flowers collects the family’s flowers, creates and sells bouquets, and then donates a portion of its proceeds to The Light Foundation.
But the organization’s biggest annual fundraiser, the Matt Light Celebrity Shootout, takes place every fall at Addieville East Farm in Mapleville. There, 500 attendees from across
High school age boys attend Camp
The camp teaches at-risk youth practical outdoor skills as well as lessons in accountability, responsibility and leadership
Photos courtesy of Light Foundation
Vohokase at locations around the country
the country compete alongside Light, SEAL Team Six, and Delta Force members, as well as other celebrities, in activities such as clay shooting, axe throwing, and fly fishing. “We raise a million dollars in a day, and as a result, the kids who go to Camp Vohokase never pay a dime,” says Grace. But for her, the event is also a family reunion as her Midwest relatives descend on Rhode Island once a year.
In fact, the whole foundation is a bit of a family affair, made up of relatives and their chosen family of boys who come through the program. “My parents, aunts, and uncles cook all the meals at camp. Kids who go through the program come back as counselors,” Grace says. “There are a lot of athletes and former athletes who just stick their name on a charity. But in our case, our entire family is involved.”
And that’s why next spring the Light family will once again spend two weeks cutting peonies by the light of the sunrise. Although the flowers they’re cultivating last just a few weeks, the values they’re cultivating in future leaders will last much longer. Learn more at MattLight72.com.
Hickory Fields Farm in Chepachet
More Than 100 Languages Are Spoken in Rhode Island – A URI Professor Wants to Map That
The university’s translanguaging lab is documenting multilingual signs across the state to tell a visual story of Rhode Island’s linguistic diversity
In Partnership with Ocean State Media • OceanStateMedia.org • By Luis Hernandez
Despite being the smallest state in the country, Rhode Island has considerable cultural and linguistic diversity. Since launching in the fall, the new Translanguaging Lab at the University of Rhode Island has identified more than 100 languages spoken in the Ocean State. URI professor Steve Przymus, a core researcher at the lab, claims that Census data suggest Providence ranks 21st in linguistic diversity among roughly 20,000 US cities. Przymus spoke with Ocean State Media morning host Luis Hernandez about a project called “Putting Rhode Island on the Map,” in which researchers walk through local neighborhoods to document examples of physical signs written in languages other than English.
Interview highlights
On what ‘translanguaging’ is and how we see it every day
STEVE PRZYMUS: Translanguaging is a theory and a practice. It’s the understanding that humans “language” using all of their linguistic resources. I’m an English speaker, but I’m also a Spanish speaker; I know some Somali, I know some Turkish. So speaking with friends who speak those languages, it’s common for me to hablar en Español and end in English, and throw in a little Suba wanaxan, Sideete hay manta –Somali. It’s a better recognition of what the human brain does with languages. We don’t separate them out. They all make up our linguistic repertoire. So translanguaging is just the dynamic use of language. It’s the most intimate use of language that we have. It reflects our identities, it reflects our relationships with the people around us, and most importantly, it adds value and recognition to what multilingual students do in school. So, as faculty of the Feinstein College of Education (at URI), we advocate for the best way to teach multilingual students, allowing them to use all of their languages. Tapping into that not only facilitates their learning but it supports their identities.
Photos courtesy of Steve Przymus
A painted electrical box on Broad Street in Providence is an example of multi-language use collected by URI’s Translanguaging Lab
URI professor Steve Przymus photographs an electrical box in Providence painted to feature English and Spanish
On examples of translanguaging in Rhode Island
PRZYMUS: So we’re seeing it in written language around the state. It can be a way of identifying neighborhood-to-neighborhood and who lives there. Some of the languages we’ve been documenting, we see as Spanish, but if we look at them closer, we might say, “Well, that’s an example of Dominican Spanish,” or “That’s an example of Guatemalan Spanish.” And that’s super important because the people who live in those communities are establishing the identity of that community.
On URI’s ‘Putting Rhode Island on the Map’ project
PRZYMUS: We’re hoping to tell a visual story of the linguistic diversity of Rhode Island. We can look at census data, and we can say, “Out of 20,000 cities in the United States, Providence ranks 21st in linguistic diversity.” That’s amazing. But just reading that is different from looking at a map with geotagged pins that represent a multilingual sign. When we can show signs and visual stories, we feel them differently. So I think it’s kind of a twofold (purpose). It’s telling the linguistic diversity of the state, but it’s also used to advocate for multilingual students.
There was a policy that was passed by the Rhode Island State House this spring called the SABE Act (Support and Access to Bilingual Education) in supporting and advocating
for bilingual education. When I went to the State House to lobby for that, I printed off a map of our geotagged project, and I can show legislators “this is where languages are spoken in the state.” It’s a different feel to be able to see where it’s at.
On the growth of multilingual learners in Rhode Island
PRZYMUS: To me, I think it makes schools stronger when there are multiple languages and multiple perspectives. Why is there an increase? Probably geography. You know, being between Boston and New York, there’s a long history of diasporas in Providence, such as the Dominican diaspora starting in the 1950s. So there are cultural resources for people to land here, as well, and be supported. I just think it’s a benefit for the state to embrace the cultural and linguistic diversity.
We’re here to not only put out research about translanguaging and what it looks like on the ground, but also to be a source of professional development for school districts. It brings different things that you have to think about when you’re meeting the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse youth. But we have a lot of expertise, both in the schools and in our college, to work together to meet those needs.
This article was originally posted on July 12, 2026. Luis Hernandez can be reached at lhernandez@oceanstatemedia.org.
Rhody Reads
What’s hot for August at Symposium Books
By Scott McCullough and Anne Marie Keohane
Several recent releases are part of this month’s list, curated from downtown Providence’s independent bookstore.
The Birthing Tree by Amanda Peters is the story of Aliet Paul, a Mi’kmaq woman who returns home to confront her complicated family legacy after her grandmother’s death. Motivated to protect her Indigenous family’s land, traditions, and the memory of her matriarchal ancestors, she’s pulled into a web of long-guarded silences, dangerous loyalties, and generational wounds.
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V. E. Schwab is a compelling character-driven drama that examines the yearning for female freedom using the tropes of a vampire theme. The story of three lesbian vampires spans centuries as they navigate immortality, desire, and revenge, exploring themes of female rage, bodily autonomy, and the toxic entanglement of power and love.
ABOUT SYMPOSIUM BOOKS
For over 20 years, Symposium Books has been downtown Providence’s go-to for books, vinyl, fun merch, and conversation. Named after the ancient Greek dialog by Plato, the elegant storefront has built a solid reputation for its stellar selection of new, used, and bargain books across various genres – including independent presses, academic publishers, and art publishers. Shelves are filled with a diverse range of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, which promote differing voices and perspectives. “Symposium Books is known for fostering a welcoming environment for book lovers in a cozy space,” says Scott McCullough, who co-owns the business with wife Anne Marie Keohane. “Also, check out our highly-curated vinyl section. Plus keep an eye out for our author events, book clubs, silent book clubs, music nights, and other events.” 240 Westminster Street, Providence. SymposiumBooks.com
In Switzy , you’ll meet David, a deteriorating executive who has opted to take a final trip to Zurich, Switzerland, to undergo assisted suicide. As we follow David en route to Zurich, author Emma Cline’s narrative probes the depths of human consciousness, revealing what we’re left with when the accomplishments and compromises that have defined us, and the illusions we’ve relied on, vanish.
Chloe Benjamin’s Under Story follows biologist Laurel Salter as she hides from her past by working at a remote Antarctic research base, where she encounters a mysterious phenomenon called “the Arc”, which she believes will offer her a chance to revisit and change the past. The tale grapples with the topics of human hubris, the precarity of the natural world, and the mysterious webs of consciousness that bind us.
In The Album of Plant Families: An Illustrated Exploration of Nature’s Beauty and Bounty by botanical artist – and RISD alum – Wendy Hollender, illustrations depict members of plant families from roses to mushrooms that are sometimes surprisingly related. The oversized book includes guest essays and inspires us to look at plants in an entirely new way.
Titled for the Haitian Kreyòl word for mourning, Edwidge Danticat’s Dèy tells the story of Magnolia, a successful Haitian American real estate agent living in Miami. After experiencing the trauma of a mass shooting, her life begins to unravel. While struggling through the shooting’s aftermath, Magnolia must also come to terms not only with her own loss, but those experienced daily by her family in Haiti.
My Paris Maison
Home decor
What it is:
A French-inspired home and garden shop.
Where to find it:
Follow the path behind Wickford Gourmet Factory Outlet until you see a shingled cottage with a green window. The green “open” flag confirms you found it!
What makes it a Rhody Gem?
My Paris Maison is the latest enterprise of Toni Chandler and Will Dewey, entrepreneurs with eyes for beauty via a distinctly French lens. The former dairy barn that most recently housed the first iteration of Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage – as well as an earlier version of Chandler’s shop – has connected with the adjacent property, resulting in a large inviting space with brocante vibes. Francophiles will enjoy exploring artful displays of antique furnishings and Brimfield finds, mixed with new accents, paper goods, textiles, and provisions in every nook and corner. Potted plants, topiaries, and flowers, too. “Every piece tells a story,” says Chandler. “Merci to our wonderful customers for your support, loyalty, and love for My Paris Maison,” she said at the late-spring opening. “You are the heart of everything we do.”
My Paris Maison
25 West Main Road
North Kingstown MyParisMaison.com
Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool, unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Email Marketing@HeyRhody.com to suggest yours, and we just might feature it!
by
Photo
Elyse Major
The Must List
10 essential events this month
August 4-9: Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival returns for its 30th year to celebrate independent filmmakers from around the world. A red carpet opening night at PPAC, premiere screenings, and inspiring workshops are planned. Providence, Film-Festival.org
August 7-9: Bring a hearty appetite to the 41st Annual Charlestown Chamber of Commerce Seafood Festival , a weekend of delicious seafood plus a variety of crafts, rides, rock climbing, entertainment, and family-friendly fun. Charlestown, CharlestownSeafoodFestival.com
August 12-16: The 60th Annual Washington County Fair celebrates the state’s rural heritage with food, entertainment, and lots of family fun, including livestock shows, midway rides, and tractor and truck pulls. Richmond, WashingtonCountyFair-RI.com
For weekly Musts, subscribe to our newsletter at HeyRhody.com
August 29-September 7: Chinese Dragon Boat Races , the Cape Verdean Festival at Festival Pier, the RI Philharmonic Pops at Slater Park, an empanada contest, vendors, and more are planned for this year’s Pawtucket Arts Festival. Pawtucket, PawtucketArtsFest.com
August 15-16: The Island Rhodes Music Festival makes its debut at Centreville Stadium with two days of rock, reggae, and jam bands including national touring acts Sublime, The Original Wailers, Rebelution, and The Roots. Pawtucket, IslandRhodes.com
August 21: A high-stakes family reunion is the set-up for Big Day , an improvisational performance by seven actor/comedians at Kismet. The 90-minute show set in a living room, promises to be “one wild ride” of “hot family gossip.” Pawtucket, KismetImprov.com
August 28-30: Don your best cloak or corset when the Ocean State Renaissance Faire returns for year two. The weekend of revelry includes enchanting entertainment, food, sea shanties, peddlers, and a costume contest. Wakefield, TheContemporaryTheater.com
August 29: What has 10 scenic locations, food and drink from 10 restaurants, and 10 musical groups performing? Bike Newport’s 10 Spot Ride is a fundraiser to ensure that bicycling is a safe choice for fun and transportation. Newport, BikeNewportRI.org
August 30: Enjoy an afternoon of great music at the Rhode Island Folk Festival , a free, family-friendly event featuring dozens of performers across four stages, plus food trucks, a beer garden, and a kids’ stage with giveaways. Riverside, RhodeIslandFolkFestival.com
August 30: Bring a big appetite to the Assembly of Food Trucks on the grounds of the Assembly Theatre against the backdrop of the Nipmuc River. A family-friendly evening of good eats, beats, beers, and a great view of the falls awaits. Burrillville, FoodTrucksInRI.com
Photo courtesy of Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
RHODY PETS
Program | Adopt | Boarding
Pet Project
New program at URI offers a certificate in pet-assisted therapy
By Ken Abrams
Few things can brighten a hospital room or calm an anxious patient quite like the gentle presence of a well-trained therapy animal. For more than two decades, Providence-based DJ Professional Pet Assisted Therapy, founded by Pearl Salotto in honor of her first dog, “DJ” Joy, has helped provide comfort and connection to clients. Now, through a new partnership with the University of Rhode Island (URI), the program is expanding its reach by offering a Pet Assisted Therapy Certificate.
The DJ Professional Pet Assisted Therapy program trains pet owners and their pets
Pet therapy can offer numerous benefits for patients. Successful programs have been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, ease loneliness, and encourage physical activity. Programs can be rewarding for both caregivers and patients, especially older adults, patients with dementia, and children with autism and other developmental differences.
The program is robust. “It’s a total of three courses that train a pet and its owner as a team to provide pet therapy,” says Sierra Perez, of URI’s Office of Strategic Initiatives. “URI is excited to partner with them and assist them in a way that perhaps a non-profit animal organization wouldn’t be able to do,” she says. “It’s kind of a new model for universities to be partnering with nonprofits, and that’s something
that our office specializes in.”
The intensive curriculum trains pet owners and their animals together as therapy teams. Participants first learn the principles of animal-assisted therapy through classroom instruction and guest speakers. They then visit different locations with their pets before completing a mentored internship at an approved site. Training is held in Providence in partnership with the Elmhurst Rehabilitation Center. Graduates serve at locations such as Hasbro Children’s Hospital, Rhode Island Family Court, veterans centers, and other healthcare and community facilities.
The model emphasizes the existing relationship between an owner and their pet. Perez says that bond can make the therapeutic connection stronger than pairing handlers with unfamiliar
animals. “There are other models where you can just get a random dog and use them,” she notes. “But in this case, we find that the connection and the therapy are better when it’s your own pet. You can kind of take it to the next level.”
The curriculum also places the animal’s comfort and personality at the center of the process. “You might think, ‘This is the setting that I want to be in,’ but your pet, who’s actually providing the work, might like other settings,” Perez explains. “Sometimes the dogs like being around children, and sometimes they like being around the elderly. Not all therapy dogs are the same.”
The certificate program is available to various groups, including retirees, healthcare professionals, educators, and social workers. “We
Pets provide theraputic services to numerous local agencies
The University of Rhode Island offers a certificate program to professionals in various fields
just got approved by the Rhode Island Family Court to provide continuing education credits for social workers, which is really exciting. And it’s also good for teachers. Anyone who wants to bring their pet with them and make others around them happy, this program is a great way of doing that,” says Perez.
The partnership provides a good example of how universities and community nonprofits can work together. For participants, the program’s value is often most visible in the personal stories shared during classes. “It’s very heartwarming, every single time you get together with a group, you hear about their successes – there’s always happy tears every class,” adds Perez. Learn more at Web.URI.Edu/OSI/Pet.
Photos courtesy of DJ Pet Therapy
Rhody Pets of the Month
By Karen Kalunian
Looking to welcome a new furry friend into your home?
Adopt, don’t shop! Shelters around the state have dogs and cats ready to find their forever homes. Here are three pets ready to meet you, or reach out to the shelters to learn about even more adoptees.
If you have been thinking of adopting or if you know of an animal in need, please contact Karen Kalunian directly at animaltalk1920@gmail.com.
HUGO
BREED: Mixed (large)
AGE: 6 years
GENDER: Male
Happy Birthday to Hugo, who turns six on August 7! Big dog lovers – he is the boy for you. Hugo is as handsome as they come with his beautiful black-and-white coat and soulful dark chocolate-brown eyes, and will instantly steal your heart. He’s looking for a human who understands dogs and is savvy to their wants and needs. He’s playful, sits up for treats, and loves to snuggle. Did we mention that he is extremely smart, active, and lovable?
CRANSTON ANIMAL SHELTER
401-464-8700
SPIRIT CATS
BREED: Mixed
AGE: Various
GENDER: Males and females
Almost 100 cats were recently taken from a Rhode Island home and moved to RISPCA. Many have already been adopted, but there are still over 20 waiting to find their forever homes. They are searching for patient adult homes where they will have space to blossom. They would like to stay in pairs as well, as they enjoy the comfort and security of one another. Please be sure to say you are inquiring about the “Spirit Cats” when you call. All they need is a chance, and maybe that chance is you!
RISPCA
cathy.simonini@rispca.org, 401-383-1900
by
Hugo Spirit Cats
Photo (center)
Karen Kalunian
LAYNE
BREED: Mixed
AGE: 3
GENDER: Female
Layne is a medium-sized sweet, loyal girl with a golden coat and dark chocolate eyes that look right into your heart. She is shy, but warms up with a little patience and time. Layne is about three years old and loves other playful dogs. The rescue is looking for a female-only home with a fenced-in yard, ideally with another dog to be her companion. Layne is the type of dog you need to meet in person, and once you do, it will be easy to imagine her as part of the family.
Now Boarding
Stress-free solutions for your four-legged family members
By Abbie Lahmers
Why should humans have all the fun when traveling this summer? Whether going on vacation, seeking a sitter for the day, or even arranging a ride to Grandma’s, have peace of mind by entrusting your furry friend with these services across the state.
The Chicken Sitter
What if your animal companion isn’t a dog or cat? No problem for Melissa Lavoie, who cares for clients’ farm animals as well as all things furred and feathered, scaled or swimming. She offers overnight sitting, dog walking, and more, with a personal touch. “I provide updates, pictures, and communicate with my clients each and every visit, forming a bond that is lifelong. I provide the utmost care to each pet,” she says. Tune into her podcast for tips and stories from the field, too. Serving South County, TheChickenSitterLLC.GoDaddySites.com
The Doggie Wagon
Similar to Uber but for dogs, The Doggie Waggin’ is a pet delivery service that helps busy pet parents manage life’s demands without sacrificing their pets’ care. By blending her passion for animals with her business expertise, Leslie DiManna created the valuable service that includes dog daycare drop-offs, grooming appointments, vet visits, or even a ride to grandma’s. DiManna ensures every trip is safe, reliable, and filled with tail-wagging joy. Safe transport for emergency vet needs is available as well. Smithfield, TheDoggieWaggin.com
Dogtopia
Dogtopia staff take pride in caring for your pup as if it were their own. “We offer everything your furry family member requires with award-winning dog daycare; overnight, weekend, and holiday boarding; spa services; and training,” explains owner Jennifer Giardino. Each four-legged guest goes through a meetand-greet to ensure a good fit, and while away from home, pet parents can watch their dogs
play all day through webcams. “You can trust your dog will come home overjoyed – and most likely overtired – from all of the excitement of the day!” Warwick, Dogtopia.com/Warwick
Friends of Toto
Offering doggie daycare, boarding, and grooming services, Friends of Toto’s apt tagline is “A place like home.” Regardless of your pet’s age or energy level, the professionally trained staff ensures your pet feels comfortable in their 18,000-square-foot facility that’s clean, safe, and fun; there’s even a dedicated area for senior dogs. Social dogs can meet new friends, exercise during playtime, and be mentally stimulated at this home-away-from-home, leaving owners to go about their busy lives during the day without worry. Pawtucket, FriendsOfToto.com
Ruffin’ Wranglers
Is a seven-acre ranch with space to run, play, and splash more at your dog’s speed? Ruffin’ Wranglers goes beyond walkies and pet sitting. Doggie clients are escorted by van to the ranch in Rehoboth, MA, where safety is the experienced staff’s first concern, followed by maximum fun. “When dogs are running with us two times a week or more, they are eligible to bunk with our wranglers at their homes,” explains owner Blythe Penna. “They become a part of their family and go on excursions all day.” Serving Rhode Island, RuffinWranglers.com
Best Bets for Success
Advice from the Animal Humane Society for minimizing your pet’s stress while you’re away:
• Whether leaving with a sitter or a boarding facility, ask if you can bring things that will remind pets of home, like their bed, favorite toys, and calming treats.
• If a sitter cares for your pet in your home, ask them to maintain your pet’s typical routine as much as possible.
• Start preparing for a boarding stay or sitter well in advance, as many services book up weeks, if not months, ahead of time.
• Prepare for emergencies in advance by leaving checklists and ensuring your pet’s identification is up to date.
Photo courtesy of bnenin
/ Adobe Stock
Uncommon Grounds
Meet the new batch of roasters poring over procuring the best cup of joe possible
BY ANN MARTINI
In the early 1800’s, French novelist Honoré de Balzac dramatically wrote that coffee “sets ideas into motion like battalions of a grand army marching toward their legendary battlefield.” The literary giant was so devoted to caffeine that he reportedly consumed as many as 50 cups a day – and when he ran out of water, he ate the grounds. Read that again. “Coffee lover” might be an understatement. Since the first coffee café opened in Paris in the 1600s, coffee has evolved from a beverage that fuels us into a lifestyle, a gathering place, and a form of self-expression. Few people understand
that better than Providence-based marketing and communications professional Cristy Raposo, whose passion for local coffee inspired her to create the social media platform #CoffeeWithCristy, where she highlights cafés and coffee shops throughout the state. “Growing up, I loved the smell of the Folgers coffee my Portuguese grandmother brewed in her percolator,” Raposo says. “I knew that when coffee was brewing, company was coming. Coffee became associated with family, conversation, laughter, and connection. Coffee gives people a reason to slow down and connect.”
Morning lattes at Reprise Coffee & Vittles, Providence
Photo by
Photo (top) by Mackenzie Bremges, (bottom) by Erin McGinn
Sip by the salt pond at Java Madness, Wakefield
Specialty roasts by Stephen Miller at Coventry’s Longshore Coffee
Rhode Island’s relationship with coffee runs deep. The beverage exploded in popularity with the arrival of Italian immigrants in the late 1800’s. And since then, New Englanders consistently rank among the nation’s most enthusiastic coffee drinkers. Rhode Islanders consume roughly two cups per person each day, according to the National Coffee Association, which also reports that beyond the caffeine boost, a growing body of research suggests that regular coffee consumption may even offer health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and increased longevity.
You can’t talk about coffee in the Ocean State without mentioning the Massachusetts-born Dunkin’ Donuts. With one of the highest concentrations of Dunkin’ locations in the country, Rhode Island has embraced the brand as part of its daily routine. While Starbucks, whose star is now waning, built its reputation around lingering over handcrafted drinks, Dunkin’ has long positioned itself as the fuel of the working day – quick, familiar, and accessible. Yet both have played an important role in shaping how Rhode Islanders experience coffee, helping turn a simple daily habit into a defining part of the state’s culture.
Today, Rhode Island’s coffee scene extends far beyond the major chains. Independent cafés and specialty roasters across the state are elevating the conversation, exploring the nuances of origin, processing, roasting, and brewing. Rhode Island has about 500 independent coffee cafes, many that roast their own beans. Transforming a humble green coffee bean into a cup layered with flavor, aroma, and character is both an art and a science. Factors such as growing region, elevation, processing method, bean variety, and sourcing practices all influence the final flavor long before roasting even begins. The roaster’s role is to unlock those unique qualities, bringing out everything from bright citrus notes to rich chocolate undertones. Fortunately, Rhode Island is home to a passionate community of coffee roasters who have devoted themselves to mastering this craft, ensuring every cup reflects the very best each bean has to offer.
The bright orange Dave’s Coffee logo is familiar to most Rhode Islanders, either because they see the company’s coffee milk on grocery store shelves or visit one of their two cafes in Providence and Charlestown. “At Dave’s Coffee, our mission is to help our customers make lasting memories,” owner David Lanning explains. “We believe coffee is more than just a drink; it creates feelings and connections.” Whether it’s a quiet morning alone or a bustling table of friends, the goal is the same: “to be the bridge that helps you make fresh memories every day.” That emphasis on experience over complexity sets the tone for a brand focused on a sense of place. While they honor responsible sourcing and careful roasting, they’re more interested in how coffee lives in people’s daily rituals than in technical precision. “We don’t focus on complicated or technical details. Instead, we care about how our coffee makes people feel,” Lanning says.
For many Rhode Islanders, that feeling is intertwined with something uniquely local: coffee milk. “As a lifelong Rhode Islander, coffee milk holds a special place in my heart,” Lanning says, recalling childhood memories of the sweet, creamy drink that became the official state beverage in 1993. Its roots trace back to immigrant communities in the 1930s, when families blended sweetened coffee syrup with milk to create something both familiar and celebratory for children and adults alike. Dave’s Coffee continues that legacy, refining it with specialty-grade cold-brewed coffee and pure cane sugar. Beyond the cup, there’s gratitude for the community itself.
“It amazes me that people wait in long lines, patiently and happily, to support their local coffee shops,” the team says. “It really shows how communities come together.” With cafés in Providence and Charlestown, plus local retail partners and nationwide shipping, Dave’s Coffee has grown without losing its grounding principle: connection over competition.
“If you worry too much about competing, you can lose sight of your own identity,” Lanning says. “It’s a wonderful community to be part of.”
Dave’s Coffee just introduced Lobsta Juice – a carbonated guzzle of 100-percent Arabica cold brew coffee and lemonade. It all sounds strange until you think about the classic summer sipper of iced tea and lemonade. “It’s weird and rooted in RI,” says a brand spokesperson. Find local lore on the back of each can. Available at Dave’s Providence and Charlestown cafes and online at DavesCoffee.com
Photos courtesy of Dave’s Coffee
Dave’s has been roasting coffee since 2009; locations in Providence and Charlestown
Arnold Palmer on Steroids
RHODY RESOURCES
Places around the state to get the freshest cup and more.
• All Favorites Cafe, Cranston
• Apothica Cafe, Cumberland
• Arabella’s, Wakefield
• The Art Cafe, Little Compton
• The Beehive Cafe, Bristol
• Beans and Buns, Cranston
• Bloom Patisserie, Warwick
• Borealis Coffee, Bristol, Pawtucket, Riverside
• Bucket and the Bean, North Kingstown
• Cafe 1888, Westerly
• Cafe Richmond, Providence
• Cafe Water Street, Warren
• Cafe Zoey, Providence
• Chokondi Cafe, Cranston
• Culinary Hub of Providence, Providence
• Coastal Roasters, Tiverton
• Coffee Exchange, Providence
• The Coffee Guy, Narragansett
• Cold Brook Cafe, North Scituate
• Cora’s Coffee, Warren
• Dave’s Coffee, Charlestown, Providence
• Eastside Bagel Company, Providence
• Fuel Coffee Bar, Narragansett
• Higher Grounds Coffee, Richmond
• The Hive Bar at Jordan’s Jungle, Pawtucket
• Java Madness, Wakefield
• Jitters Cafe, Charlestown, North Kingstown
• Junk N Java, Westerly
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In the state’s ever-evolving coffee galaxy, a quiet story of craft, community, and persistence brews behind the East Bay counter at a pair of beloved cafés and a roastery shaped by husband-and-wife owners Brian and Jessie Dwiggins: the brand that is Borealis Coffee. Brian’s journey began far from New England, in Anchorage, Alaska, where early exposure to specialty coffee arrived before the wider American coffee boom. The seeds of a future business were planted early, but it wasn’t until years later – after meeting Jessie in college in Colorado and eventually relocating to Cumberland – that those ambitions began to take form.
While working as a lighting technician, Brian began home roasting small batches and bringing them to set. Word spread quickly. “People started talking about the guy who roasts his own coffee,” Jessie says. At its core, Jessie says, the mission was simple. “The goal was roasting his own beans and owning a coffee shop. He just started, kept going, and stayed alert for opportunities to grow along the way.” Today, the cafés reflect that same sense of momentum and community. From commuters grabbing morning coffee to RWU students studying for hours, knitters and mahjong groups who return weekly, and bike path visitors lingering on patios, each space carries its own rhythm. “We see people working on their ideas or taking a break for themselves,” Brian says. “Coffee gives us a moment of connection with ourselves and others.”
That sense of connection extends into music, workshops, and education – from jazz nights and improv performances to cupping sessions and brewing classes.
“Education has always been a part of our mission,” Jessie explains, “because coffee is an agricultural product, and there’s so much work that goes into its production.” Enthusiasts can even see “where the sausage is made,” with a visit to the Borealis roastery in Pawtucket. Even the smallest details at the Borealis cafes are intentional: house-made syrups, seasonal pastries, and a full evening menu of cocktails and bar snacks that many guests are surprised to discover. “We’ve seen their curiosity for great coffee grow,” says Brian. “We get some really unique single-origin coffees in, some with unusual tasting notes, and people are always up for trying them – they may not always love them, but they’ll try them.”
Photos (L) by Honey Buns Social, courtesy of Borealis Coffee, (R)
Photography by Gabriella Cos
Borealis’ Brian Dwiggins at work
The Aurora Bar at Borealis Brisol
Continued from previous page...
• LaSalle Bakery, Providence
• Lighthouse Coffee Roasters & Cafe, North Kingstown
• Longshore Coffee, Coventry
• Naga Coffeehouse, Cranston
• Nana’s Bakery, Westerly
• New Harvest Coffee Roasters, Providence
• Nook Coffee House, East Greenwich
• North Koffee, North Kingstown
• Onshore Brewing, Little Compton
• Pawtuxet Village Market, Cranston
• Phantom Farms, Cumberland
• Presto Strange O Coffee Company, Warwick
• Queen of Cups, Narragansett
• Red, White, & Brew Coffeehouse, Warwick
• Reprise Coffee & Vittles, Providence
• Revive Coffee Co., Slatersville
• The Rhody Hen Cafe, East Providence, Pawtucket, North Providence
• Slice of Heaven, Jamestown
• Small Point Cafe, Providence
• Sophie’s Brewhouse, Exeter
• Springline Coffee, Newport
• Standards, Jamestown
• Starry Night Cafe, Smithfield
• Sunset Cove, Portsmouth
• Sweet Althea’s, Wakefield
• Sweet Marie’s Tea Cottage, Wickford
• Sydney, Providence
• Tamp, Bristol
• Wild Harvest Bakery & Cafe, East Greenwich
• TLC Coffee Roasters, West Kingston
• Yumi Bar, Providence
Set along the Sakonnet River in Tiverton’s Old Stone Bridge district, as Coastal Roasters approaches its 25th anniversary, its story reads like a love letter to coffee, community, and resilience. The café opened its doors in July 2002, but the vision began years earlier, when co-founders Donald and Lisa Machado first became captivated by roasting coffee
while living in Alexandria, Virginia. “We were frequenting a coffee shop with a working roaster out in the open for customers to see,” current owner Lisa Machado recalls. That spark followed them to Tiverton, where home experiments soon followed. “We were roasting our own coffee at home in a Whirley Popcorn maker, sharing with friends and family.”
Tiverton hot-spot, Coastal Roasters
What began as a dream to leave corporate life and build something rooted in craft quickly accelerated when a lucky break aligned with preparation. A future café space located in Tiverton became available. “We were lucky enough to acquire the lease,” Lisa Machado says. The café offers more than coffee – it offers a view, a pause, and a sense of place. The waterfront patio remains a gathering point where guests sip lattes, matcha, or drip coffee as boats drift by. Sadly, Donald passed away in 2022. But his legacy endures here thanks to his family and the Coastal Roasters team. The café still roasts on its original Diedrich IR-12, a fully manual machine that reflects its philosophy: no shortcuts, just skill and attention. Today,
roasting is led by head roaster and his second wife, Adriana Machado, continuing the craft tradition that has defined the business for decades.
But the heart of Coastal Roasters has always been its people. “It’s a family vibe, from our small crew to our community and beyond,” Lisa Machado says. Many baristas have stayed for years, learning regulars’ names, drink orders, and even their dogs. “They make it their mission to make customers feel at home and welcome.” With every cup, Coastal Roasters also gives back, supporting Fair Trade farming initiatives in Guatemala through donations tied to every pour and pound sold. “Coffee and community go hand in hand for us, locally and globally,” Lisa Machado says.
Coastal Roasters supports honey producers in Guataemala via Every Bean Counts
A specialty latte topped with cold foam and cocoa powder at Coastal Roasters
Photography by Gabriella Cos
Not far from URI in West Kingston, inside the café at TLC Coffee Roasters, the aroma drifts from an on-site roaster where the roasting team brings each batch to life. According to Jill Querceto, who owns the shop with her husband Jim, TLC carefully sources beans from small estate farms around the world, prioritizing organic and sustainable growers, and partnering with Rainforest Alliance-certified producers. For them, sourcing is
for TLC at the
not a marketing phrase – it is a guiding ethic.
Once the green coffee arrives from origins across South America, Central America, Africa, Indonesia, and India, the transformation begins. At roughly 500 degrees inside a rotating drum, the beans develop through heat, airflow, and time. Moisture is released, sugars caramelize, and the unmistakable “first crack” signals the moment when raw seed becomes aromatic coffee.
TLC Coffee Roasters in West Kingston has a menu of cafe classics
Look
yellow building on Kingstown Road
Photos courtesy of TLC
Spill the Beans
10 popular drinks demystified.
• Americano: Equal parts espresso and hot water.
• Café au Lait: Equal parts coffee and steamed or scalded milk.
• Cappuccino: Equal parts espresso and steamed milk, with milk foam on top.
• Cold Brew: Coffee steeped in cold water for 12-24 hours and then filtered.
• Cortado: Two ounces of espresso and two ounces of steamed milk.
• Espresso: Concentrated coffee made by forcing water through finely ground beans.
• Iced Coffee: Regular coffee poured over ice.
• Latte: Espresso and steamed milk is topped with a layer of foam.
• Macchiato: A concentrated espresso shot marked with a small amount of steamed or foamed milk.
• Nitro Cold Brew: Cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen for creamy texture.
The goal is balance rather than dominance. The hands-on approach to roasting and high-quality sourcing makes the best coffee. At TLC, roasting happens daily – sometimes all day – to keep pace with demand. But TLC is not only a roastery; it is a gathering place. With ample seating, free WiFi, and a steady hum of regulars, the café serves roughly 700 customers daily, most of them familiar faces. The kitchen extends the same philosophy: made-to-order breakfast sandwiches,
panini, soups, salads, and an array of pastries baked fresh each day. Flavored coffees, from sea salt caramel mocha to French toast, are created using as many locally sourced natural extracts infused into freshly roasted beans. Here, customization and care are as important as consistency. “At the end of the day, we hope people leave with more than a great cup of coffee,” Querceto says. “We hope they leave feeling welcomed, cared for, and connected.”
TLC is five minutes from the URI campus
A Barista’s Tale
The basics of coffee inform each enjoyable brew at this mornings-only spot
While the chefs of a noodle bar on Providence’s Luongo Square begin their day prepping for dinner in the back, the front of house is bustling with a different service – coffee. The barstools are occupied by patrons lingering over their first morning espresso while baristas pour cappuccinos rather than cocktails. This is the kismet of Pickerel and Reprise Coffee & Vittles – two distinct establishments under one roof, and the transformation is literally day and night. The dream arrangement took shape when Nick Berry realized his passion for serving the perfect cuppa needed its own venue. The former Nitro Bar barista honed his craft at the hopping Broadway location, where he was immersed in all things coffee, from training other baristas on traditional drinks to developing buzzy specials.
“I wanted to create a place that really focuses on the basics of coffee,” elaborates Berry. All of the shop’s brews are made with single-origin coffee from Berry’s friend, Justin Enis. Well-known for his tenure at Bolt Coffee, Enis was just starting to heat things up with his business, Enjoy Coffee Roasters,
around the same time Reprise opened. “Along with a rotating batch of single origins, house-made syrups, and – from what I’m told – a cult-like following for limited merch drops, there’s so much more to be seen from us on all fronts. We take things slow and try to iron out any creases before we make a move so that we can ensure quality and satisfaction,” says Berry.
The barista-turned-entrepreneur cites their basil vanilla house-made syrup as one of his personal favorites – a simple syrup made with fresh basil, vanilla, and lemon. “It’s a flavor combination that isn’t seen with coffee and the community has really gone crazy for it,” he says. “We also introduced our Big Star cold brew to the menu, a strawberry co-fermented coffee that is absolutely mind bending. The cold brew process rounds out the acidity and leaves you with a big strawberry flavor without tasting artificial, processed, or needing any milk or sugar,” says Berry. “It really is the coffee of the summer.” 3 Luongo Square, Thursday-Monday, 7am-1pm, @reprisepvd – Abbie Lahmers & Elyse Major
Reprise
Photo (L) by ACCL Marketing, courtesy of Reprise
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CHIKONDI CAFE
CHOP - CULINARY HUB OF PROVIDENCE
COASTAL ROASTERS
COFFEE EXCHANGE
COLD BROOK CAFE
CORA’S CAFE
EASTSIDE BAGEL COMPANY
FUEL COFFEE BAR
HIGHER GROUNDS
JAVA MADNESS
JITTERS CAFE
LASALLE BAKERY
LIGHTHOUSE COFFEE ROASTERS
LONGSHORE COFFEE
NAGA COFFEEHOUSE
NANA’S BAKERY
NEW HARVEST COFFE & SPIRITS
NORTH KOFFEE
ONSHORE BREWING
PAWTUXET VILLAGE MARKET
PHANTOM FARMS
PRESTO STRANGE O COFFEE COMPANY
QUEEN OF CUPS
RED, WHITE & BREW COFFEEHOUSE
REVIVE COFFEE CO. RI SLICE OF HEAVEN
POINT CAFE
SOPHIE’S BREWHOUSE
SPRINGLINE COFFEE
STARRY NIGHT CAFE STANDARDS JAMESTOWN
SUNSET COVE
SWEET ALTHEAS
SWEET MARIE’S TEA COTTAGE
SYDNEY PROVIDENCE
TAMP ESPRESSO / CHOCOLATE
THE COFFEE GUY
THE NOOK COFFEE HOUSE
THE RHODY HEN
TLC COFFEE
Co ee
o Trail
After years of being in fine dining kitchens, Chef Berke is embracing his Texas roots with all-day breakfast and lunch comfort food. Come for the food, stay for the company. 1678 Broad St Cranston, RI AllFavoritescafe.com
ARABELLA’S COFFEE HOUSE
Cozy café featuring handcrafted espresso, homemade pastries, and scratch-made syrups. Sister café to Meldgie’s River’s Edge 406A Main St. Wakefield. @arabellas_co ee_house
A welcoming cafe in Pawtuxet Village serving house made pastries, breakfast, lunch & drinks with local co ee roasters. Thriving on connections, and treating all as family. 2166 Broad St, Cranston, RI. BeansandBunsRI.com
Bloom Patisserie is a trans and queer-owned bakery bringing a modern touch to classic European pastries. Crafted with premium ingredients only. 751 West Shore Road, Warwick RI 02889. (401) 685-3030 patisseriebloom.com
APOTHICA CAFE
Fuel your day at Apothica! Discover organic espresso, plant-based sips, and clean, crafted treats made with natural ingredients to make you feel good inside out. 3 Dexter St, Cumberland, RI. (401) 205-2063
Surrounded by whimsical gardens the Art Cafe & Gallery inspires imagination with its eclectic vibe, welcoming community, and creative spirit. Freshly Roasted Coffee. 7 South Commons Road, Little Compton, RI. @the_art_cafe_lc
CAFE
Your favorite locally roasted co ee just steps away from the East Bay Bike Path. Scratch-made breakfast, lunch, and treats served all day. 10 Franklin St, Bristol. thebeehivecafe.com
BUCKET & THE BEAN
Bucket & the Bean is a charming cafe serving house made syrups, locally roasted beans and baked goods, with weekly events! Welcome to our community! 679 Boston Neck Rd, North Kingstown. @bucketandthebean
CAFE
Nestled inside Martin House Books, Café 1888 serves specialty coffee, espresso, pastries, light fare, wine, and a cozy atmosphere in downtown Westerly. 10 Canal St. Westerly. @cafe_1888_westerly
Featuring locally roasted co ee and espresso drinks, chai, gourmet crepes and homemade baked goods on the town wharf in Historic Warren. A real Warren Gem! 279 Water Street cafewaterstreet.com
Rooted in Antigua, Guatemala. Crafted for your everyday moments. Freshly brewed with beans grown in one of the world’s most celebrated co ee regions. Summer refreshers also available. 334 Budlong Rd, Cranston. @ChikondiCafe
Since 2002, Coastal Roasters has been dedicated to hand roasting small batch co ee in Tiverton. Enjoy our fresh roasted brews, custom lattes, and real fruit smoothies on our relaxing riverfront patio. 1791 Main Rd. Tiverton.
Located in the lobby of One Richmond Sq. MondayFriday 8AM - 4PM Breakfast. Lunch. Co ee. (Not necessarily in that order) Explore our full menu, place your pickup order, or purchase egift cards. caferichmond.com
Cafe Zoey, the colorful and cozy little spot on Providence’s Upper Hope Street neighborhood. Crafted espresso drinks, Crepes and Sandwiches. Next to Frog and Toad 791 Hope Street. cafezoey.com
Situated in the heart of downtown Providence, Culinary Hub Providence is a cafe by day, serving innovative co ee drinks, globally inspired eats, and baked goods. 211 Washington Street, Providence (inside the Providence Public Library).
42 year old legendary Co ee Exchange. Fair Trade Organic co ees. Roaster on the premises. Fox Point near both Brown University and RISD. LARGE DECK. Taste the di erence. theco eeexchange.com
- CULINARY HUB OF PROV.
COLD BROOK CAFE
Co ee
o Trail
Cold Brook Cafe is a cozy co ee shop serving quick breakfast, lunch, drinks, and pastry nestled in the charming village of North Scituate, RI. A cafe that feels like home! 138 Danielson Pike.
EASTSIDE BAGEL COMPANY
Your local East Side co ee, bagel shop, and art gallery! Blending our passion for delicious food with classic, authentic flavors for breakfast or lunch. 149 Elmgrove Ave, Providence eastsidebagelcompany.com
HIGHER GROUNDS
Discover Higher Grounds Community Co eehouse, where crafted co ee, welcoming spaces, and locally inspired
flavors create the perfect stop for every co ee lover. 39 Kingstown Rd, Richmond. @highergroundsco eehouseri
JITTERS CAFE
Jitters Cafe has been serving Rhode Island’s best cup of co ee since 1997! Now with two great locations to serve you. 530 Tower Hill Rd North Kingstown RI, 2 Charlestown Beach Rd. Charlestown RI. JittersCafeRI.com
CORA’S COFFEE
Cora’s Coffee is a cozy neighborhood café serving house made syrups, seasonal drinks, and pastries. Relax and unwind on our inviting outdoor patio.
75 Market St. Warren.
FUEL COFFEE BAR
Fuel your day with expertly crafted, locally roasted co ee & espresso, homemade breakfast sandwiches, baked goods, and smoothies - all served in a welcoming, surf inspired atmosphere. 904 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett.
Discover this waterfront co eehouse for freshly brewed co ee, espresso, homemade chai, breakfast sandwiches, and baked treats, all served with waterfront views and welcoming hospitality. 134 Salt Pond Rd, Wakefield, RI. javamadness.com
THE HIVE BAR @ JORDAN’S JUNGLE
The Hive Bar inside Jordan’s Jungle serves honey-inspired beverages, blending local flavors and handcrafted drinks for a sweet, unforgettable experience. Open Daily, 10am5pm 545 Pawtucket Ave, Pawtucket, RI. thehivebarri.com
For fourteen years, Junk & Java has served Westerly with exceptional co ee, delicious food, unique gifts, eclectic style, and an unmistakably vibrant community spirit. 49 Beach St. Westerly. junknjava.net
LIGHTHOUSE COFFEE ROASTERS
Lighthouse Co ee serves inhouse roasted co ee, pastries, and lunch, focusing on building community and providing meaningful relationships. 7446 Post Road, North Kingstown, lighthouseco eeri.com @lighthouseco eeri
Genuine craft meets warm hospitality at Naga Co eehouse. From silky matcha lattes to creative seasonal drinks, Naga o ers a welcoming place to slow down and connect. 180 Gansett Ave Cranston, RI. @NagaCo eehouse
A co ee shop that opens early and stays open late. Grab an artisanal espresso, co ee, or latte with a pastry in the morning, and return for a cocktail. 10 Sims Ave Unit 101, Providence 401 438 1999 Located in Farm Fresh Building
LaSalle Bakery, Rhode Island’s favorite bakery for over 90 years just got cooler. Try our new Coconut Foam Co ee and Pistachio Foam Co ee, perfect for summer. 685 Admiral St. Providence, RI 993 Smith St. Providence, RI
Longshore Co ee is where premium small-batch roasts, cozy café vibes, culture, and global flavors come together to create the perfect cafe experience, proudly roasted in Coventry. 315 South Main Street, Coventry RI (401) 642-5790
BAKERY
Restaurant • Bar • All-Day Café, Nana’s Westerly is your neighborhood gathering place for handcrafted co ee, breakfast, lunch, cocktails and relaxed coastal charm. 82 High St. Westerly. nanasri.com
North Ko ee is an artisan co ee roastery and cafe. We are known for roasting on site. We serve delicious food with local ingredients. 7726 Post Rd. North Kingstown @northko ee northko ee.com
Co ee
o Trail
Onshore Brewing brings the café to your beach chair. Sip handcrafted coffee, matcha, lemonade, and seasonal specialties while soaking up the coastal sunshine. South Shore Beach, Little Compton. onshorebrewing.com
Phantom Farms is a familyowned farm, café, and bakery serving handcrafted co ee, baked goods, and fresh breakfast and lunch sandwiches in a beautiful orchard. 2920 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI 02864
QUEEN OF CUPS
Steps from Narragansett Beach, Queen of Cups serves locally roasted co ee, specialty lattes, teas, light fare, and sweet treats with welcoming coastal charm. 3 Pier Marketplace Narragansett.
Grab Your Co ee. Shop Local. We o er locally made products from cheeses, Italian breads, pasta sauces, homemade ravioli, etc. Start with co ee, a snack or plan a family dinner, we’ve got it all. 2180 Broad Street Cranston, RI. PawtuxetVillageMarket.com
PRESTO STRANGE O COFFEE
Tucked away in Warwick Neck, Presto Strange O is where punk rock vibes, delicious co ee, speciality drinks, and fresh pastries fuel Rhode Islanders. 334 Warwick Neck Ave, Warwick. (401) 219-4478
RED, WHITE & BREW COFFEEHOUSE
Warwick’s Red, White & Brew serves premium local co ee, providing meaningful employment for di erentlyabled individuals. Support an inclusive community today! 1800 Post Rd Ste 26 Warwick (401) 384-7210
SLICE OF HEAVEN
Warm, cozy vibes await at Revive Co ee Co RI! Enjoy 14 iced co ee flavors to pick from, handcrafted lattes, smoothies, buttery grilled mu ns, and egg sandwiches made with real eggs! 11 Main St, Slatersville. (401) 522-3157
Slice of Heaven, Jamestown’s iconic bakery cafe and restaurant, serving breakfast and lunch all day from 7 am to 3 pm Wednesday through Sunday. 32 Narragansett Ave. Jamestown. sliceofheavenri.com
Small Point Cafe, the comfortable place to be in Providence since 2011. Great Co ees, beverages, crepes, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries. Come, sit and enjoy 230 Westminster Street. smallpointcafe.com
Springline Co ee invites you to enjoy locally roasted co ee, specialty lattes, and stunning Newport Harbor views. Stop by, relax, and sip with us by the water. Bannister’s Wharf Marina, Newport.
Standards Jamestown serves premium lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, handmade co ee cocktails and espresso martinis made with fresh-ground local Rhode Island blends. standardsjamestown.com @standardsjamestown
Enjoy locally brewed Dave’s Co ee, scratch-made scones, mu ns, pastries, and hearty breakfast sandwiches in a warm neighborhood bakery known for beautiful custom cakes. 542 Kingstown Rd. Wakefield sweetaltheasbakery.com
Worth the drive, Sophie’s Brewhouse is a destination café known for handcrafted co ee, specialty drinks, fresh pastries, sandwiches, and a welcoming atmosphere. 699 South County Trail, Exeter sophiesbrewhouse.com
Specialty lattes, locally roasted co ee, house made syrups, made from scratch pastries and breakfast sandwiches. A favorite spot in the heart of Smithfield. 115 Pleasant View Ave, Smithfield.
Sunset Cove is a waterfront café serving fresh co ee, espresso, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, lunch favorites, ice cream, live music, and stunning waterfront sunsets. 706 Park Ave, Portsmouth. @sunsetcove_ri sunsetcoveri.com
In historic Wickford Village, Sweet Marie’s o ers reservationonly Afternoon Tea and private events featuring handcrafted confections and specialty ingredients from local shops and pastry chefs. 7 Main St, North Kingstown. sweetmariestea.com
o
Co ee
Experience Australian-inspired café culture at Sydney, where expertly crafted co ee, fresh ingredients, and a welcoming atmosphere come together for a vibrant co ee destination. 400 Exchange St, Providence and 300 Thayer St, Providence.
Grab a handcrafted espresso drink or selection of daily hot co ees. Serving fresh doughnuts and pastries daily. TheCo eeGuyRI.com for details. 1004 Boston Neck Rd. Narragansett.
Rhody Hen Cafe proudly serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
With 3 RI locations, Down East Co ee, 100% Colombian Supreme, Decaf, Nitro, and Cold Brew—Small State, Big Plate. Visit rhodyhencafe.com for all 3 addresses.
Scratch made breakfast, lunch, house baked pastries and our signature iced co ee with co ee ice cubes. 1675 S Country Trail, East Greenwich. 401 886 5200 wildharvestcafe.com @wildharvestcafe
Trail
TAMP defines disciplined craft — precision brewed espresso, rare global chocolates, & exceptional service — earning Bristol’s fivestar acclaim & a spot on Rhode Island’s co ee trail.
Specializing in eclectic latte combinations and perfectly dialed in espresso drinks, the Nook is a neighborhood spot that thrives on connection, community, and ca eine. 307 Main St East Greenwich @nookco eehouse.
Start your day at TLC Co ee
Roasters with locally roasted co ee, lattes, our self-serve Iced Co ee Wall, and fresh breakfast sandwiches, perfect before the beach, the train, or wherever the day takes you. 3362 Kingstown Rd, West Kingston.
Açaí bowls, smoothies, juices, crepes, wa es, and specialty co ee made with high-quality ingredients, served in a welcoming atmosphere with friendly service. Located in the heart of downtown. 75 Fountain Street, Providence Yumibar.com
HOME & STYLE
Home | Shop | Leisure | Maker
Coastal by Design
A former horse pasture becomes a sophisticated farmhouse with nods to both coasts
By Ann Martini
Some people discover their life’s calling in a classroom. For Karin Dillahey, it emerged through a series of homes scattered across the country. Here, on a quiet lane in Middletown, surrounded by historic stone walls, wild beach roses, and the distant cacophony of waves crashing against the rocks at nearby Pebble Beach, the Dillahey family home feels as though it has always belonged to the landscape. The quintessential farmhouse – with its welcoming wraparound porch, generous entertaining spaces, and understated elegance – is the culmination of years of creative exploration and a deep appreciation for coastal Rhode Island.
Photo by Meghan Sepe,
When Karin and BJ Dillahey purchased the 1.5-acre property in March 2020, it was little more than a former horse pasture. But Karin immediately saw something more. “I had the perfect Aquidneck Island canvas for my most exciting project to date,” she says. For Dillahey, the home represents more than a personal residence. It is the realization of a passion that eventually became her design firm, KJO Design Co. Her path to interior design was anything but traditional. After arriving at Johnson & Wales University in 1999 with plans to play soccer and enjoy college life, she pursued a degree in marketing and launched a successful
career in the beverage industry. Yet creativity was always simmering beneath the surface.
Years later, a series of corporate relocations for her husband’s career would unexpectedly shape her future. In Lincoln, the couple built their first custom home. A move to St. Louis inspired another build. Atlanta followed, where Karin designed a striking brick Tudor nestled among towering tulip poplar trees. Upon returning to Rhode Island in 2017, the family undertook a complete renovation of a property in Newport’s Fifth Ward neighborhood. With every project, Dillahey’s passion for design deepened. By 2019, as the family searched for more
space, she found herself fielding requests for design advice from friends and acquaintances. The timing felt right. As plans for the Middletown farmhouse began taking shape, Dillahey officially launched KJO Design Co. The home became both a family retreat and a showcase of her design philosophy.
Inspired by the property’s natural beauty, Dillahey kept the palette intentionally restrained. Soft whites, warm creams, natural wood tones, leather, jute, and seagrass create a calm backdrop that allows texture to take center stage. Deep charcoal accents and earthy honed soapstone add contrast and sophistication
A salvaged door from a NH farm infuses history to the new kitchen
without disrupting the home’s relaxed atmosphere. “I wanted it to feel unlike anything else being done locally while still being comfortable, casual, and cool,” she explains. “I wanted it to embody coastal New England without being too literal.”
Throughout the home, thoughtful details elevate the design beyond the expected. In the living room, a dramatic custom fireplace anchors the space. Dillahey collaborated closely with Wakefield-based master plasterer Jason Howard of J.H. Home Improvement to create a statement hearth framed by understated inset bookshelves. Suspended overhead is an
oversized chandelier crafted from irregular lengths of white wood and wire – a sculptural focal point that manages to feel both rustic and refined. The kitchen showcases one of Dillahey’s favorite design decisions. Handmade Moroccan Zellige tile brings organic texture and character to the backsplash. Captivated by the imperfect edges of each tile, she made the unconventional decision to leave them ungrouted. “The edges were so beautiful and organic,” she says. “I didn’t want to take away from the character of each imperfect square.”
While every KJO Design Co project has its own personality, Dillahey acknowledges that
Get Rhody Style
Ideas and resources for making the most of living in the Ocean State.
Whimsy-Maxx
“Having one-of-a-kind pieces and remembering where each one came from helps create a home that feels authentic,” says Dillahey. Unexpected acquisitions add humor and personality, including a beloved photograph of Chewbacca surfing at Mackerel Cove – an unexpected accent discovered in a Jamestown liquor store.
Treasure Hunt
Vintage items sourced from Facebook Marketplace contribute another layer of character. For Dillahey, the appeal extends beyond the objects themselves. “I find so much on Facebook marketplace while meeting great neighbors and learning their stories. Having one-of-a-kind items with a memory of thrifting each one really sets the tone for an inviting, locally inspired home,” Dillahey says.
Start Small
In addition to larger-scale projects, Dillahey offers a single-room refresh service. The package includes a 45 minute site visit and a customized follow-up plan. Learn more at KJODesignCo.com
Rhode Island’s coastline quietly influences all her work. Rather than relying on obvious nautical themes, she incorporates subtle references to place through texture, color, and carefully curated collections. That sense of authenticity is what ultimately defines the farmhouse. While the architecture feels timeless and the interiors effortlessly sophisticated, the home never takes itself too seriously. It is a place designed for gathering, storytelling, and everyday living. Much like the landscape that inspired it, the house balances beauty and comfort with ease –a reflection of both its coastal setting and the creative vision of the family who calls it home.
The cloche pendant lamp made of palm leaves brings big style to the small breakfast nook
Signature Sips
Drinkable experiences from ale to tea
By Britt Machado
Rhode Island’s celebrated dining scene is now being joined by
truly a powerhouse in its own right. Around the Ocean State, you’ll find incredible beverage experiences, ranging from trendy tea services to award-winning bars that feature curated non-alcoholic selections. This diverse array of options extends to your home as well, whether you are looking to elevate a celebration or find wellness and harmony through a healthy sip. No matter the occasion, your perfect drink and accoutrements are never far away.
Aquidneck Honey Bee Pollen
McQuades Market
Jamestown | AquidneckHoney.com
Chipmunk Cream Sugar Set
Peter Pots Pottery
West Kingstown | PeterPots.com
Cocktail Lifter Table by Giossi & Kuhn
JohnnyCakes Design
Providence | JohnnyCakesDesign.com
RIFC Pale Ale
The Guild Brewing Co.
Warren | TheGuildWarren.com
House-blended Loose-leaf Tea (Bag or Tin)
Schastea
Providence | Schastea.com
Vintner’s Select Pinot Gris
Newport Vineyards
Middletown | NewportVineyards.com
Simon Pearce Ice Bucket
The Green Door
East Greenwich | TheGreenDoorRI.com
Dive Into Luxury
Enjoy day access to resort pools, no overnight booking required
By Faye Pantazopoulos
There’s something undeniably satisfying about spending a summer day by the pool: the warm sun on your shoulders, a cold drink within reach, and the luxury of doing absolutely nothing for a few blissful hours. That experience was typically reserved only for overnight hotel guests. But with ResortPass, you can now enjoy hotel pools without booking a room. This app allows day visitors to purchase access to hotel amenities, including pools, beach, lounge chairs, hot tubs, spas and other perks – all from your smart phone. It’s a concept that has become popular among locals looking for a daycation.
As travel costs rise, ResortPass offers luxury hotel experience without an overnight stay. Whether you prefer the beachfront tranquility of Pleasant View Inn, the upscale energy of the Newport Marriott, or the island charm of Block Island Beach House, each offers its own version of a poolside paradise. When your social media feed fills with photos of tropical resorts and infinity pools, don’t be jealous. Rhode Island has plenty of pool-worthy escapes. All it takes is a day pass, a swimsuit, and a willingness to embrace adventure.
A Coastal Classic: Pleasant View Inn, Westerly
Perched along the sands of Misquamicut Beach, the Pleasant View Inn offers one of South County’s most relaxing waterfront escapes. With ResortPass, you can enjoy the pool along with the laidback atmosphere that makes this family-owned property a beloved summer destination. ResortPass guests also have access to the inn’s beach, an opportunity to enjoy both amenities without an overnight stay. Unlike larger resorts that can feel crowded, Pleasant View Inn maintains a relaxed vibe. Hungry? Visit The Kitchen or The Hatch for cocktails and snacks, turning a pool day into a seaside retreat. For those looking to capture that vacation feeling without venturing far, Pleasant View Inn delivers a classic New England beach experience with just the right amount of luxury.
PRO-TIP: Get there early to secure a lounge chair. Park across the street, check in at the front desk, put your parking pass on your dashboard, and go grab a chair. There is a bathroom to change in, outdoor showers by the pool, towel service, and floaties!
Seaside Escape: Newport Marriott
If your idea of a perfect pool day includes waterfront views, upscale amenities, and easy access to one of Rhode Island’s most vibrant destinations, the Newport Marriott is an excellent choice. Located in the heart of Newport’s historic
downtown waterfront district, the hotel offers ResortPass visitors access to the heated pool, which is enclosed and comfortable regardless of the weather and year-round. Whether you’re planning a girls’ day, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, the Newport Marriott transforms an ordinary day into something that feels remarkably close to a full-fledged vacation.
PRO-TIP: Towel service, locker room access, gym access and spa are included in your ResortPass. You can order from the restaurant and bar from the comfort of your lounge chair. Parking is not included, but the lot is right next to the hotel.
Photo (top) courtesy of Pleasant View Inn, (bottom) courtesy of Newport Marriott
Newport Marriott
Pleasant View Inn
Island Time: Block Island Beach House
For those willing to take their pool day adventure one step further, Block Island Beach House offers a getaway that feels worlds away. Located just steps from Block Island State Beach, this stylish property embodies the carefree spirit that has made Block Island a favorite summer destination for generations. The
ResortPass experience includes access to the property’s beach, and the hotel pool is at The Gables, its sister property just a two-minute walk away. Sip a refreshing drink poolside and settle into island life. Start with a morning bike ride around the island, spend the afternoon at the pool, and finish with a sunset stroll along the beach before catching the ferry home. The
result is a day that feels less like a day trip and more like a true vacation.
PRO-TIP: Towel service is included. For beach access, walk down the stairs and someone will get you a lounger, an umbrella, a towel and a menu to order your drinks and snacks for the day!
Poolside at Block Island Beach House Seaside at Block Island Beach House
Cafe Culture
By Hugh Minor
For many of us, coffee is where it all begins. Artist Lisa Marie Lyckland is no different. “I need a nice little hot latte to wake up. I make it for myself at home. But when I go out, I really enjoy a specialty coffee on ice like the caramel iced latte at Ellie’s in Providence. You can totally tell the difference because their caramel is homemade.”
Lyckland’s love of coffee culture has been a driving force behind Fleetwood Studios, which she founded in 2017 when she moved
from Brooklyn, New York to Plum Beach, a coastal neighborhood in North Kingstown. Arriving in Rhode Island, she hit the ground running, immediately seeking out the cafe scene, and was thrilled with what she found.
Specializing in watercolor, Lyckland recreates the world around her. “I started to dabble in illustrating food, which is very conducive to pen and ink and watercolor, and I just love putting my view of those places on paper.” While displaying her artwork of local scenes
at cafes, as many artists do when establishing a foothold in the community, businesses began to commission Lyckland to create distinctive note cards and prints of their food and spaces, which are wildly popular with customers and fans. “At Ellie’s, I painted their amazing croissant. Then their lavender latte. Then I made note cards for them to sell. That’s how that partnership evolved. I love telling someone’s story through my eyes and my experience.” Her work can also be found at CafBar in South Kingstown and
Coffee brews inspiration for watercolor artist
Fleetwood Studio note cards at Ellie’s
Photos courtesy of Fleetwood Studios
Bucket and the Bean in North Kingstown, and at various pop-up events.
Lyckland’s work takes a traditional approach with a modern flair which makes it accessible and popular, appreciated by art connoisseurs and foodies alike – not to mention letter writers who adore fancy stationery. “I see a lot of people will take my note cards and frame them, so that’s fun. I’ll see them in houses. I’ll see them in people’s little bathrooms.” With her passion for the art of watercolor,
Lyckland encourages others to explore and expand their craft by offering classes and kits they can complete at home. “I’m conducting these watercolor workshops where I’m pre-illustrating note cards, and people are painting them. It’s like a coaching session where folks just enjoy wine and paint unstructured. It’s very social and very casual.” To date, she’s hosted events at unique locations like Shepherd’s Run winery and resort in South Kingstown, and Buttercup Flower and Wine Bar in Wickford Village.
For aspiring artists who want even more practice, Lyckland has created travel kits that provide all of the tools they need to build their talents, either alone or with a group of friends. Each set contains four note cards, envelopes and seals, paints, brushes, and a list of tips and tricks. “People have asked me to take the experience with them, so I have these cute little watercolor kits that you can do at home.” Learn more at FleetwoodStudio.com and follow along on Instagram at FleetwoodStudio.
Lisa Marie Lyckland admires her work on display at Ellie’s
FOOD & DRINK
In the Kitchen | Experience | Return | Round Up
by Erin McGinn
Divine Providence
How two artists opened a restaurant and forever changed pizza – and a city’s reputation
By Erin McGinn
Itry my best to walk into every story without a lot of background noise on my subjects. Of course, in little Rhode Island where everyone knows everyone, it’s a difficult task, especially when profiling a location as storied as Al Forno. But somehow, I managed in my nearly 30 years here to shamefully never actually dine at the restaurant or meet its owner, Johanne Killeen. Until this assignment.
Photography
Killeen at work on an aromatic fennel salad
FOOD & DRINK
Now, that doesn’t mean I hadn’t heard of Al Forno. One time when deplaning at T.F. Green, the folks ahead of me were scrambling to pull their suitcases from the overhead, saying they had to run because they had a reservation at Al Forno, and if they didn’t get there on time, they’d miss the celebrated grilled pizza with local corn and tomato as the seasonal sensation was about to be pulled from the menu as the harvest dwindled with the season. Then there was that Christmas dinner party at my dear friend’s historic home in Newport’s Point neighborhood. Just as the snow started to fall, she pulled the five-cheese baked pasta she’d prepared from Killeen’s cookbook. Always the early bird, I got a sneaky bit of the crispy bits, which I now know are Killeen’s favorite part.
Pulling up to the very modern style brick building on South Water Street, you instantly feel Al Forno’s architectural connection to the Creative Capital. It happened to be the week when everything bloomed, and the pink dogwoods perfectly aligned between the huge black windowpanes, giving the landscape an almost Japanese-style, minimalist feel. Walking inside, the vibrant green paint, the dining room ceiling painted with yellow stripes – mimicking the dried corn cobs hanging above, the mix of stone, glass, and brick all welcome you to a true artist’s space. Killeen greets me with her long silver hair pulled perfectly back in a ponytail, her long white tunic pressed without a single crease. Looking polished and professional, she prepares a fennel salad, expertly shaving the greens. Next, she’ll be making the legendary five-cheese baked pasta. I watch in awe as she pours tomato and cream, and notice the details of the crocks made to fit perfectly inside wooden bases, each lovingly engraved with the Al Forno logo; the steam rises, and my stomach gurgles with excitement.
As I photograph these quintessential plates, a little shaky under the eyes of not only a James Beard Award-winning chef, but also a professional photographer, Killeen and I begin our conversation, starting with the one question on my list that she had originally skipped, and therefore instantly the most interesting: “Why Providence?” She answers simply, “George.” Killeen’s husband, co-owner, and collaborator, George Germon, sadly passed away in 2016. Both RISD-trained artists, they ventured separately to Italy and
The fennel salad features an inspired mix of flavors and textures
by Erin McGinn
both found themselves as freelancers looking for a side-hustle at Dewey Dufrene’s Joe’s Upstairs, and fell in love.
“When I started working with George, I realized he was all I ever wanted,” says Killeen. When Joe’s Upstairs closed in 1977, she was working as a professional photographer, and Germon was in architecture and design, “but we cooked together and cooked well, it was pure magic, we fit like gloves,” says Killeen. So they put their love of food and Italy into a project they could do together and opened Al Forno in 1980. Germon insisted they open the restaurant in Providence, though she longed for New York. “Providence gave us the grace of becoming what we did instead of hitting the ground running and perhaps burning
out,” she says, adding that she adores Providence. “We didn’t approach this profession as trained cooks, we approached it as artists,” she explains. “A dish is a painting with color and texture, it’s not just three-dimensional, but five-dimensional.”
Now you can read the thousands of press pieces about Al Forno and Killeen’s awards and cookbooks through a simple Google search, so we won’t rewrite history, but as it turns out, history is repeating itself; Killeen laughs about farm-to-table being such a trendy topic. At the restaurant’s inception, Killeen and Germon had contracted farmer Coll Walker from Little Compton to grow produce for the restaurant. “After 45 years, things seem new again,” Killeen smiles, “We’ve been making
cookies baked to order since 1980.” During difficult moments, Killeen shares that she’ll ask herself “What would George do?”, working to bring Germon’s sense of authenticity and creativity with her into everything she does. “I carry it on,” she remarks. Through all this change and things coming in and out of vogue, I ask what her guiding North Star has been. “Each other,” Killeen smiles. “We could finish each other’s dishes, maybe not sentences, but we always knew what was missing.”
Al Forno
577 South Water Street, Providence 273-9760 AlForno.com
Photography
Nordic Tale
Nestled on 90 idyllic acres, this Charlestown eatery is the stuff of legends
By Elyse Major
Ihad heard the lore. People heading to a remote location in Charlestown by the busload for all-you-can-eat lobster and steak. I knew it was called the Nordic Lodge and rebranded to The Nordic upon reopening after a pandemic pause. My only frame of reference was buffets – most of which I didn’t care for – or a vague recollection of Miller’s Smorgasboard in Lancaster, PA, so when I was invited to experience dinner by manager Jake Dolbey, my curiosity was piqued. After a few back-and-forths about dates and times, we landed on a Saturday between 4-5pm. “That will work great,” he said. I invited my husband, Jeff to be my plus-one, and on the day of our reservation, we figured we’d better eat light.
The drive to The Nordic took us on winding roads and led us to Nordic Trail, renamed from the Pasquiset Trail after the restaurant became a landmark destination. The walk from the sprawling parking area led us to a welcome sign displaying a map. As we approached the entrance, we passed lush lawns surrounded by tall trees, a man on a hammock watching the spray of a fountain in the pond, multiple outdoor seating options, and a few steps later, a long brick active firepit. We couldn’t help but wander to the side of the building after we spied farm animals munching on clovers in a wide pasture, and further ahead, a pond-side retreat with live music, a dock, rows of Adirondack chairs, and corn hole games in session.
We enter the great hall and Dolbey is there to greet us. He’s a smiley guy and we feel instantly welcomed. On the walk to our table, we pass a gift shop and a large taxidermy display that includes a grizzly bear, the first clue that this might not be the place for you if you follow a vegan lifestyle; Jeff and I do not, and continue. We’re seated by a window in the Grill Room, the location for flame-seared cuts of Certified Angus prime rib, filet mignon, tenderloin tips, and selections of chicken and seafood. Our affable server takes our drink orders and explains the drill: there are stacks of clean plates at the ready, so take a new one for each round. At the center of the table is a bowl for discarded napkins, shells, etc., that will be emptied frequently throughout our two hours. Okay, here we go.
Photos by Elyse Major
A bowl of lychees at the dessert area
Annual lobster usage at The Nordic weighs in at 150,000 pounds
Enjoy the grounds before or after feasting
Everything looks tasty, from hot to chilled to fresh and fried. Jeff begins with steamed crab legs, lobster mac and cheese, stuffed mushrooms, and lobster fritters. I must get a lobster and a container of drawn butter, and can’t help myself and take a scoop of creamy mashed potatoes. Also filling my plate were bite-sized samples: a scallop wrapped in bacon, a baked stuffed shrimp, a stuffed mushroom, a slice of filet mignon, maybe a second helping of mashed potatoes (but who’s counting); and we both got green beans for good measure. We never felt rushed or hurried, and enjoyed
watching birds land at our window’s outdoor feeder. Each time we returned to our table with a random course of say, watermelon or oysters, it was tidy and our drinks refreshed.
Full disclosure, we have paced ourselves for dessert (or I would’ve tried the New England clam chowder and/or lobster bisque, perhaps had a second lobster). Jeff made a beeline to the Häagen-Daz ice cream bar – and when they say “with all the fixin’s” – they mean it. Other treats in this Wonka-esque fever dream were gourmet chocolate-dipped fruits, Belgian chocolate mousse cups, cannolis, carrot cake,
Pro-tip: Save room for dessert
Know Before You Go
Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday –reservations required. Dress code calls for proper casual attire.
Cuisine: Tasty and abundant surf and turf buffet plus specialty desserts
Atmosphere: Casual, rustic, and spacious
lemon squares, and more. I landed on a slice of rich chocolate cake topped with fudgy swirls, fresh raspberries on a dollop of whipped cream, and a chocolate chip cookie.
As we exited, we saw Dolbey once again at the host area. “Everything was so good, and the whole thing felt like being at a restaurant at Walt Disney World,” we tell him. “We get that a lot,” he smiled. By the busload, I’m sure.
The Nordic 178 Nordic Trail, Charlestown TheNordic.com
A signature drink
Coastal Comforts
Classic dishes, crafted cocktails, and a strong sense of community anchor the return of this Portsmouth restaurant
By Andrea E. McHugh
More than a century ago, Island Park in Portsmouth was best known for its amusement park with a waterfront roller coaster, carousel, and dance hall, until the infamous Great Hurricane of 1938 destroyed it all. Today, Park Avenue remains the social center of the inlet neighborhood perched on the northernmost tip of Aquidneck Island. Peppered with restaurants and bars, a coffee cafe, clam shack, marina, and more, this coastal enclave at the foot of the Sakonnet River Bridge and less than a mile from the Mount Hope Bridge has welcomed back the Blue Anchor Grill, a once-popular spot that opened (and then closed) during the pandemic.
Back with a new staff, new chef, new menu, and refreshed point of view, the Blue Anchor Grill opened at the beginning of June. It’s part of the homegrown Island Park Hospitality Group, a conglomerate that also includes Tremblay’s Bar & Grill – an Island Park stalwart for more than 75 years – and Sunset Cove, a coffeehouse-meets-café with cocktails just around the corner on Bluebill Cove. “It’s been really, really good; a lot of compliments on the food, the staff, the atmosphere,” says General Manager Mike Cavalieri about the reopening.
The infrastructure hasn’t changed since Blue Anchor’s original opening, which is a good thing as the space offered a large bar, casual fireside seating for cocktails and light bites, and an expansive patio (dubbed the beer garden) out back in addition to the large restaurant. But it did have a décor glow-up, leaning into its sense of place with a subtle natural nod throughout.
Cavalieri said one thing he’s particularly excited about is the menu, which previously skewed Caribbean but now is new American with Portuguese influence, as evidenced by the slow-cooked blade meat sliders, chourico flatbread, a baked cod dish made with spicy red sauce, sliced tomato and onion served over rice; pork alentejana (known as Portuguese surf and turf), pork and littlenecks in garlic-infused sauce served over fried potatoes; and for dessert,
Shareable spinach and artichoke dip
Steak frites with roasted garlic aioli
Portuguese bread pudding. The restaurant also leans into its waterfront locale, serving Island Park crab dip, Sicilian-style calamari, clams casino, and local littlenecks in your choice of red or white sauce over spaghetti. Then there’s the classics: a charcuterie board, spinach and artichoke dip, chicken skewers, prosciutto and fig flatbread, steak frites, a 10-ounce burger, and hearty chicken parm that’ll likely have you asking for a to-go container when you see it.
It’s clear Blue Anchor Grill has shaped the dining experience here to be social – drinks includes Instagrammable concoctions like a sharable pina colada bowl, a Tipsy Anchor margarita flight with four potent renditions of the drink, pitchers of sangria or mimosas, and catch-this-on-camera drinks like the Island Fog: a blend of coconut and rum topped tableside with an oversized bubble that when popped, emits wafts of coconut-scented “fog.” There are also seasonal drinks, like the Strawberry Fields martini that uses strawberries from Quonset View Farm, just a few miles down-island. The restaurant also created a mocktail menu and offers non-alcoholic beers. “That’s what’s trending right now. So we definitely want to fit the mocktails in,” adds Cavalieri.
While Blue Anchor is no secret around Portsmouth, Cavalieri’s been pleasantly surprised by the extended community the restaurant is reaching. “When we first opened, my guess was we were primarily going to get a lot of Island Park people, but it’s been the opposite,” he says. “It’s been a lot of Fall River, a lot of people from Tiverton, some big groups from Bristol, and also a lot of out-of-towners. I don’t know how they heard about us up there so fast!” 506 Park Avenue, Portsmouth; 401-293-5007
Espresso martini
Savoring Rhody
Best bets for enjoying seasonal harvests and coastal views
By Patty J
August in Rhode Island means there’s an abundance of produce available, and chefs and cooks across the state are putting it to good use. Make the most of the final weeks of summer by enjoying a meal at a scratch-made kitchen, a drink infused with fruit, or sipping coffee over coastal views. It’s a wonderful way to hit pause and make time stop, or at least make it feel that way.
Ciao Ciao
Open since May by industry vets Adam Stabile and CJ Carmello, this Hope Street newbie isn’t playing around. They’re cooking up housemade pasta, crafting mouthwatering cocktails, and whipping up decadent desserts like ricotta cake. Other favorites from those in-the-know include their meatballs, sausage and broccoli rabe, and espresso martinis. Providence
Cook and Dagger
Married restaurateurs Taylor Krickl (front-ofhouse) and Chris Kattawar (chef) have moved their popular New American bistro from Greenville to Centreville. Cook and Dagger has built a solid following for their creative comfort food, highlighting seasonal ingredients and supporting local farms. There are delish harvest-informed cocktails, too. Reservations requested. North Providence
Cozi Eatery
Discover West African and Caribbean flavors with a Southern US twist at this cozy new restaurant from the owners of Auntie’s House. Billed as a brunch and lounge spot, you do not want to miss their chicken and waffles made with cinnamon butter, savory oxtail with rice and beans, and plantains, or cocktails like the mango margarita. Pawtucket
Photo (top) courtesy of Farm and Barrel Bistro, (bottom) courtesy of Hidden Gem Coffee Bar
Farm and Barrel Bistro
Hidden Gem Coffee Bar
Patty J at Seb’s
Farm and Barrel Bistro
This latest addition to Newport Vineyards and Winery is a recently launched atmospheric dining experience built around a field-to-fork menu using ingredients fresh from the vineyard’s gardens and other local purveyors. Pastoral ambiance, delicious seafood and burgers, excellent wine pairings, and a standout Sunday brunch are all on deck. Middletown
Hidden Gem Coffee Bar
My wish for coffee at Fort Adams State Park came true last summer with this seasonal stop. Tucked inside the visitor’s center, this wifeand-husband-owned biz (Rachel Clair and Luke Leys) serves organic coffee drinks, a
selection of baked goods (they sell out quickly), and smiles daily from 8am to 2pm. Newport
Honey’s Cafe
Looking for lattes that are as Insta-worthy as they are tasty? You’re sure to be sweet on Honey’s Cafe. Opened this past winter by owner Gilma Alvarez, Riverside-ians are making a beeline for breakfast-all-day (woo-hoo!) with yummy items like mini pancakes, smoothies, and fan favorites like Honey’s proclaimed “drink of summer” – the coconut water matcha. Riverside
The Jefferson
From the team who brought us the Jefferson Speakeasy comes The Jefferson. If you’ve always
wanted to enjoy a nice dinner and sip superb cocktails in sultry surroundings, this is the place for you. Menu standouts include their lobster fettuccine, short rib ravioli, and charcuterie boards. Additionally, sips like their bananas foster daiquiri are a must-try. Warwick
Seb’s Wood-Fired Pizzas
Katelyn and Ben Cantone’s bright red food trailer is hard to miss on Wood Street, and is the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights. I can’t think of anything better than their wood-fired, Neapolitan-style pizza or signature specials like clam pies. They even have homemade cookies or tiramisu for dessert. Picnic tables, bistro lights, and an overhang for rainy weather. Bristol
The Jefferson
Seb’s Wood-Fired Pizzas
HEY RHODY PETS
This month’s winning pet photo!
Oliver from Coventry
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