Hey Rhody October 2020

Hey Rhody OCTOBER 2020 |

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Stop In And Browse

Meet our knowledgable staff.

We do our best to feature unique and interesting wines at very fair prices.

We tend to feature funky and esoteric wines that are off of the beaten path. If you are tired of the same old Cabernet, Chardonnay and Merlot routine, then this is the store for you.

Planning a party or wedding? Stop by and speak to our wine staff and let us show you some interesting, affordable wines for your event.

667 Kingstown Road, Wakefield (401) 783-4555 • www.wakefieldliquors.com

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FEATURES 25 CO V E R S T O R Y

Halloween 2020 There are (still) plenty of ways around RI to enjoy the spookiest season

48 FOOD & DRINK

Modern Mexican At Lola’s Lounge & Cantina, every day is Día de los Muertos

64 A R T & C U LT U R E

The Show Must Go On

The Greenwich Odeum brings back live shows, including a special ROCKTOBER

Photo courtesy of PWCVB

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CONTENTS

16 42

News & Life

Home & Style

Food & Drink

Art & Culture

14 Top leaf-peeping sites

34 Home: Big inspo from

46 Ice cream treats get a

58 A collage artist gives

a Newport “tiny” house

spooky twist

new life to old postcards

38 Shop: Series of pop-up

48 New Mexican cantina serves

60 Calendar: This month’s

outdoor art markets

Día de los Muertos vibes

must-do’s

40 Decorate: Pro-tips for a BOO-tiful tablescape

50 Food News: Mini donuts, craft

62 Recording studio

beer & beloved sports bar reopens

coaxes authentic sounds

42 Spirited coin banks special for Halloween

52 Cozy up with a cocktail at statewide speakeasies

64 Greenwich Odeum

16 Providence Public Library shows off its makeover

18 The honor system stands for these self-serve stops 20 The Public Radio’s Scott MacKay examines the restaurant industry

22 RHODY GEM: Comic Book store that takes you back in time

8

52

54 Fall drinks feature pumpkin spice and everything nice

returns live shows safely

66 Rhody Snapshots

Hey Rhody OCTOBER 2020 |

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October 2020

Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell

General Manager & Creative Director Nick DelGiudice

Editor in Chief Elyse Major

Assistant Editor Abbie Lahmers

Managing Editor Megan Schmit

Editorial Designer Abigail Brown

Senior Designer Taylor Gilbert

Account Managers Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher

BABS + Tish 47 Bradford Street Bristol, RI

Handbags and Travel Bags www.BABSetc.com

Permanent Botanicals

Open Wednesday - Sunday 10 - 5

www.TBHDesign.com

HACK & LIVERY General Store & Emporium H

H

WE HOPE EVERYONE IS WELL & SAFE! WE ARE NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS, WITH ADJUSTMENTS & COVID COMPLIANT

Kristine Mangan Olf Sascha Martin Elizabeth Riel Interested in advertising?

Email Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com

Contributing Writers Ingrid Brown

Robert Isenberg

Nicole Desanti

Scott MacKay

Adam Hogue

Alex Morse

Contributing Photograpers Jennifer Costantino

Wolf Matthewson

Gail Greenwood

Ted Stricklin

Interns Gianni DeJesus

Tyler Harden

Looking for an internship?

Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com

Distribution Services Special Delivery

Presented by Providence Media, publishers of The Bay, Providence Monthly, and So Rhode Island

Present Coupon PRIOR To Check Out

25 % 1 SINGLE ITEM OFF

Exp. 11/16/20 Excluding Sale Items & Gift Certificates. Limit One Per Household

1070 Main Street, Suite 302, Pawtucket RI 02860 401-305-3391 • Mail@ProvidenceOnline.com HeyRhody.com Copyright ©2020 by Providence Media.

All rights reserved.

1006 MAIN STREET, HOPE VALLEY • 539-7033 • OPEN WED-SUN 10-4 • CLOSED MON & TUES

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ONLINE

CONTRIBUTORS

INGRID BROWN Love leaf-peeping ? So does Ingrid Brown, a travel influencer who took her family on “the Rhode” to share their favorite autumn spots with us. A dual citizen born and raised in Brazil, now living here, she examines the Ocean State with a fresh set of eyes.

Read all about it in her latest “ Travel in RI with Ingrid” on page 14. @ingridbrown_

ADAM HOGUE Web Exclusive: The City’s coziest speakeasy spots for grabbing a drink - sometimes even under the stars

NEWSLETTER:

In “Blue Mood” on page 60, Adam Hog ue writes about a recording studio in Providence’s Olneyville neighborhood where the owner has created a homey vibe to coax the best sounds from visiting musicians.

Adam has written for Korean magazines Art Elemento and Gwang ju News while living in Gwang ju, Korea, contributed to the online magazine Mic, and been a featured panelist on the BB C. @cold_soupy

ROBERT ISENBERG Robert Isenberg has been writing for Hey Rhody for nearly three years. In “Open Book” on page 16, he revisits a piece that originally appeared in our sister pub East Side Monthly back in March about the major transformation of the Providence Public Library. The grand reopening, like so many other things, was postponed until very recently and so we asked Robert to give us an update. When he’s not writing for Providence Media, he’s probably teaching, podcasting, or wrangling his six-year-old. RobertIsenberg.net

Subscribe to our Hey Rhody email newsletter for: • Weekly must-do’s • Online exclusives • And more!

MEGAN SCHMIT

@HeyRhody HeyRhody.com

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Hey Rhody’s Managing Editor Meg Schmit was pleasantly surprised when she noticed the Greenwich Odeum’s growing lineup of live shows. Meg spoke to the owners to get the details for her “The Show Must Go On” on page 62. When Meg isn’t busy assigning and writing stories, she can be found exploring the state with her trusty camera. @m.e.schmit, MeganSchmit.com

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DISCOVER A SCHOOL AS UNIQUE AS YOUR CHILD

Since the start of COVID-19, the Food Bank has distributed 45% more food to meet the increased demand. We couldn’t have done that without the support of so many generous Rhode Islanders.

THANK YOU!

For more information or to donate, visit RIFoodBank.org

the Wolf School

Private K-8 Special Education School | Open House October 25th | thewolfschool.org

• Free Video Orientations offered weekly • Medically-supervised, individual plans to lose 20-100+ pounds • Comprehensive Telemedicine Evaluations

New Online Weight Loss Program Now Accepting New Patients

• Personalized One-on-One and Group options available • Lighten Up – Teen Program • Curbside Pickup of Optifast Meal Replacements • Convenient & HIPAA compliant For more information, call 401-793-8790 An online orientation is available at lifespan.org/center-weight-wellness

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Hey Rhody OCTOBER 2020 |

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NEWS & LIFE

S c e n i c D r i ve s | L i b ra r y R e n o | H o n o r Sy s te m S t a n d s | F o o d I n d u s t r y | R h o d y G e m

14 Take a hike (or drive) through these scenic fall routes P h o t o s b y J e n n i f e r C o s t a n t i n o P h o t o g r a p h y, c o u r t e s y o f I n g r i d B r ow n

NEWS & LIFE

Travel RI with IngRId Take a trip aro u n d t h e st ate to a d m i re a l l t h e co l o rs of the se a so n fro m fave fal l vant a g e p oi nt s

By Ingrid Brown

W

hen you live in a state as beautiful as ours, it’s easy to take places for granted – and even as small as Little Rhody is – miss a few spots. Each month local tastemaker and world traveler Ingrid Brown will focus on a stay-local destination. Some places you might be familiar with and others you may not. Either way, you’re sure to be motivated to take a daytrip and explore!

Fall is one of my favorite seasons here in beautiful Little Rhody. People travel from all over the country and beyond to enjoy our magnificent scenery during autumn – and lucky for us, we live here. The star of the show is of course the leaves: the different shapes, the way they change to gold and red, how the light dances between them to cast fun shadows – it’s the most magical thing to witness. Here are my top spots to leaf-peep, whether it’s by car, bike, or on foot!

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PA C K A P I C N I C

5,000 TREES

Goddard Memorial State Park in East Greenwich is known for its beautiful fields and lawns, 18 miles of bridal trails, a nine-hole golf course, and more, but tree species from all over the world make this a leaf-enthusiast’s must-go. With over 300 picnic tables, it’s the perfect spot for a small family gathering – but I prefer a blanket on the grass!

Looking for leaves? The 5,000 trees of Roger Williams Park in Providence make it a stunner. Favorite spots are the Iron Bridge and the Big Lake Trails where you can find different-shaped and -colored leaves, including Sugar Maple, Silver Maple, and Sumac. Download a map online at RWPConservancy.org and have yourself a scavenger hunt!

BRIDGE PICS Lincoln Woods State Park is especially beautiful during autumn, and packing our strollers, bikes, and scooters for a day of meandering its paved paths has become a fall tradition. Be sure to find the covered bridge at the Breakneck Hill entrance for photos worth framing.

LAND & SEA What’s better than leaf peeping by the water? Warwick City Park & Buttonwoods Beach offer both. Do the three-mile loop and halfway through you’re at the water’s edge.

There’s also a playground for kids, making this an ideal spot for an all-ages outing.

Hey Rhody OCTOBER 2020 |

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NEWS & LIFE

Open Book After m o nt h s o f p a n d e m i c- re l ate d d e l ays , t h e renovated Providence Public Library reveals itself

By Robert Isenberg

Y

ou would hope, after $26 million and years of painstaking work, that your ribbon-cutting would take place in person, cheered on by excited supporters. But hey, that’s the pandemic for you. The Providence Public Library (PPL) was supposed to open its doors in April; in September, the PPL held a humbler ceremony over Zoom.

Viewers got to glimpse inside the library from the comfort of their homes, and performance artists Big Nazo made a smile-inducing cameo.

Still, the “ Think Again” capital campaign has been a major event, and although the reopening has felt slow and anticlimactic, PPL has hummed with activity since those dark days of March.

“People definitely were missing being able to come into the librar y during our complete shutdown this spring ,” says Jack Martin, PPL’s executive director. “Of course, they were able to access and utilize a host of librar y resources online, and since reopening our lobby in July, it’s been truly gratif ying seeing many of our librar y users make their way back.”

As thousands of Rhode Islanders were laid off or quarantined, they followed a national trend of borrowing books from the library, including ebooks and audiobooks. The library hosted the remote “Learning Lounge,” where members could learn ESL, study for the GED, and develop computer skills for free. At the end of August, PPL expanded its hours, providing limited onground services in the new facility. The number of patrons is tightly controlled, and Mondays are reserved for contactless pickup; but PPL staff are straining to make themselves available in every safe and possible way.

“When we had to close down in March, some pretty wonderful things actually happened,” says Martin. “At PPL, we were fortunate to be able to outfit staff with laptops and set them free to work from home on creating a multitude of virtual offerings. Our education team successfully transitioned almost all of our courses to online or remote sessions, even creating new offerings, and we have seen more people than ever before attending some of these classes, to the point where we may end up continuing some in this way going forward.”

Eventually, the renovated librar y will open, and patrons will finally understand what all the fuss has been about – and why PPL administration has been so excited

Hey Rhody OCTOBER 2020 |

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Photos courtesy of PPL

to show off its accomplishments. Since 2018, workers have busily rehabilitated 83,000 square feet from the ground up.

Cramped little offices have been ripped open; reconfig ured rooms are spacious and bright. The cavernous entrance is now a grand atrium, with smooth walls, a graceful staircase, and a second-floor circulation desk. Landings and windows will afford views of the Providence skyline that were, until recently, unimaginable.

The plans were drafted by designLAB, a Boston-based firm. Additional help came from architecture students at RWU, which incorporated the library’s design into its Master’s curriculum. When PPL fully opens, the site will become a destination – not just for borrowing books, but for socializing, entertainment, refreshment, hands-on education, and just spending idle hours downtown.

The pandemic is a life-changing event, of course, and as it continues to shape our generation, the librar y has taken on another important task. “PPL’s collections team collaborated with the Rhode Island Historical Society to create the RICovid Archive.org ,” says Martin. “[ They] began encouraging all Rhode Islanders to help by documenting their experiences during this historic moment and contributing items to this growing public archive.” ProvLib.org

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NEWS & LIFE

Fairest Flowers Farm Photo by Elyse Major

On Your Honor Self- s e r v i ce st a n d s m a ke g o o d s e n s e fo r sh op p in g ou td oors a n d su p p or tin g th e hy p er-local farm economy

By Elyse Major

I

magine shopping someplace where it’s easy to social distance, where what you see is what you get, where you are helping not only the local economy but also a family – directly, and it’s all built on trust. Take to the open road to discover modest carts, stands, and even tented tables with fresh-picked, homespun offerings using the honor system model.

This means that goods are presented with posted prices and generally there is a cash box or covered canister nearby for the original self-serve transaction. Often found along rural routes, these humble cottage industries are mostly run as side-hustles – meaning they’re not consistently stocked – so happening upon one filled and ready is a worthy prize in its own.

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FRESH PICKED

H O M E TOW N H O N E Y

In West Kingston, Pasquale’s honor system farmstand blossomed during the pandemic to offer essentials to neighbors in a safe, outdoor space and has since become a tucked-away hub for lo cals. Along the woodsy stretch of Usquepaugh Road, watch for the quaint leanto shed with large rustic letters. While the outside is lush with plant starters and farm-fresh produce, owners Frank, Mark, and Lauren Pasquale have outfitted the inside to display wares from area makers, from woodworking pieces by a high school crafter to all-natural soaps from Wakefield’s Watson Wax.

Julie Beebe, who owns Yes! Gallery in Wickford Village with husband Palmer, explains that bottles of their own Beebe’s Bees, raw local honey, had been a best seller for years. When the storefront was ordered to close due to COVID-19 in spring, Julie experimented with adding a cash box to the sidewalk display. “People are so honest in our little village, and it worked beautifully!” says Julie, who notes that the honey sold at the stand paid for their family’s groceries the entire time the shop was closed. The popular honey stand continues today even though the store reopened to the public four months ago.

Says Julie, “It’s easy for our local honey fans to get their fix on the go!”

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Beebe’s Bees photo courtesy of Yes! Gallery

Here is a list of recently spotted locations. If we missed your favorite, please email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com

Brownell Road, Little Compton Flowers, honey, popcorn, pumpkins @Brownell_Bouquets 17 Brown Street, Wickford Honey @jwgrahamyes Healey Rippin Farm, North Kingstown Flowers Hodgkiss Farm, Jamestown Flowers, produce

Brownell Bouquets photo courtesy of Gail Greenwood

P E TA L P OW E R

H O P E B LO O M S

Gail Greenwood runs Brownell Bouquets, an “occasional self-service flower stand” along Brownell Road in Little Compton, out of a charming shed built by her partner Chil Mott.

Both busy artists and acclaimed musicians, Greenwood jokes that it’s a backbreaking hobby that unfortunately pays like a hobby. “Growing is hard work but so rewarding to see the joy flowers bring.” This year they’ve added a friend’s local honey, her nephew’s giant pumpkins, and bags of secret-recipe popcorn. “My customers are so lovely – often leaving me nice notes in the jars they return. Every now and then you get someone who forgets to pay,” says Gail. “I take it as a compliment if that something is popcorn!”

Providence’s East Side is not quite where you’d expect a flower stand, but around where Hope Street meets Doyle Avenue is where you’ll find a tall row of zinnias and Annie Phillips’ mixed arrangements at the ready in upcycled beer cans in a modified cart. “ When I first started, people told me I was crazy for trusting people, but I feel like if you put trust out there it comes back to you,” says Phillips, a graduate of URI’s Master Gardener program. “I love living in Providence and love that my garden provides so much pleasure for all.”

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Hope Street, Providence Flowers Hussy Bridge, Wickford Flowers @tonichandlerfloraldesign Mooresfield Road, South Kingstown Organic sunflowers Tarkiln Road, Harrisville Eggs Trimtown Road, Scituate Flowers @FairestFlowers Usquepaugh Road, West Kingston Eggs, produce, flowers, and locally made goods @pasqualefarmsri

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NEWS & LIFE In Partnership with The Public’s Radio

With Winter Coming, New England’s Restaurants Need Federal Help Every d ay b r i n g s m o re b a d n ews a b o u t N ew England’s restaurant industry. The Public’s Radio political analyst S co tt M a c Kay s ays t h i s i n d u st r y will n eed h elp to su r vive COVID-19 a n d th e coming col d we ather.

Co m mentary by Scott MacKay for The Public’s Radio

B

irch, Nick’s on Westmister, Bar Louis and Bravo, all in Providence. The Red Stripe in East Greenwich, Eleven Forty-Nine in War wick, Griswold’s Tavern in Newport, Blackie’s in Smithfield, The Venus de Milo in Swansea. These are just a few of the restaurants that have shuttered in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many were in business for so long that they were as comfortable as an old slipper in the back of your closet. They were the places we celebrated life’s milestones: retirements, birthdays, graduations. Did any establishment witness more wedding toasts hoisted or garters tossed than the Venus ?

But the virus coupled with the eco nomic downturn that has sent joblessness soaring has been devastating for restaurants, caterers and hotels. It’s like the textile industr y in the 1950’s and 60’s, when ever y day brought news of a factor y leaving New England for the cheap -labor South.

There are many reasons for this.

In Providence, restaurants downtown rely on traffic from the Dunkin Donuts Center, the Providence Performing Arts Center, Trinity Rep Theater and the Rhode Island Convention Center, all closed. Rhode Islanders of a certain age recall a generation ago when their capital city had more dive bars than establishments anyone wanted to set foot in.

State Sen. Josh Miller, a Cranston

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Democrat, is one of the few lawmakers in the restaurant business. The owner of two Providence venues, he fears fall and winter will force more closings.

Miller and other restaurant owners have embraced new ways of running an old business.

Beefing up take-out and food deliver y and embracing outdoor seating have kept some taverns and eateries in business. Restaurateurs have also erected hockey rink-like plexiglass barriers to protect customers.

Miller has set up 10 picnic tables in the parking lot of his waterfront restaurant, the Hot Club, to draw customers during good weather. In Warren, John Loughlin of Crossroads Restaurant has a new outdoor seating area, along with plexiglass separating the bar from customers’ stools. Loughlin worries about what a winter chill will bring , but says he is lucky that he and his family have been in the same venue for 43 years, own the real estate and have a strong carr y-out following.

Rhode Island state government has been helpful around the margins. Inspectors are trying to ensure that restaurants play by the rules. Take-out liquor sales have been allowed for the first time. Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, head of the state health department, is on radio spots urging folks to dine outdoors.

Yet, the state can do only so much.

Sen. Miller says there is still too much cheating by unscrupulous owners who know they can make more money by

Hey Rhody OCTOBER 2020 |

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Diners eat dinner outdoors at Crossroads Restaurant in Warren

fudging the social distance and mask rules. And there isn’t a restaurant business model that works with fifty or sixty percent capacity.

Even when New England operators are playing by the rules, the national media has picked up on incidents in other states where crowded taverns and patrons partying as if prohibition is coming back have spread the virus. Virus g uru Dr. Anthony Fauci has pointed to bars as transmitters and says some states should shut them down.

Restaurants are also important because they provide jobs. Nearly 60,000 people work at 3,000 establishments in this industry in Rhode Island, according to data from the RI Hospitality Association.

Hey Rhody OCTOBER 2020 |

When local eateries lock their doors, empty storefronts result. And the decline in rooms and meals taxes from closings pump more red ink into state budgets already awash in deficits.

Without help, nearly 40 percent of Rhode Island’s restaurants are in jeop ardy of closing , says Dale Venturini, president of the state Hospitality Association. With the state facing a $900 million deficit, federal help is needed.

Rhode Island Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse support a $120 billion federal program to help this industr y. This bi-partisan legislation would provide a lifeline for restaurants that provide jobs and enjoyment for so many of us.

HeyRhody.com

“

...the virus coupled with the economic downturn that has sent joblessness soaring has been devastating for restaurants, caterers and hotels.

”

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NEWS & LIFE

The Time Capsule

URBAN ARTS & CULTURE PROGRAM PRESENTS

A KEY TO THE DOOR 50 Years in: A photography exhibit of work

by Angelo Marinosci, Jr.

Comic B oo k Sto re What it is: Along with comic books, The Time Cap sule specializes in a variety of retail collectibles, including toys, vinyl records, and oldschool video games, frequently restocking with both new releases and vintage finds.

Where to find it: You can’t miss the brig ht blue, yellow, and red signs with outlined comic fonts along Pontiac Avenue in Cranston, with records and novelties displayed in the window.

URI Providence Campus Gallery

W h a t m a k e s i t a R h o d y G e m?

True to its name, this comic book shop is a step back in time to the analog era of turntables and pop art with records and cassettes lining the walls, vintage comics preser ved in sleeves, and glass cases of collectible toys. Hobbyists and casual readers alike are invited to browse the nondescript cardboard boxes brimming with transportive titles featuring a range of beloved Marvel and DC superheroes alongside some new players you might not have heard of if you haven’t been keeping up with the comic book scene. “People feel welcome when they come,” says owner Rob Yeremian. “ We greet ever yone at the door but then let them browse at their own pace. We never push anything on customers – our selection sells itself !” Browsing now includes a plexiglass barrier at the register, capacity limits, and new release updates posted online.

This exhibit will give you a glimpse through Angelo’s lense as he travels and explores the depths and heights of landscapes across the globe. And as a man of great passion for people, he gives the viewer a glimpse into the heart and soul of people of many lands. From Providence, Rhode Island to Guatemala, Cuba, Italy, Europe, Asia, and Africa. As Angelo points out, “The door to the world needed to be opened, and the camera was my key to the artwork waiting for me in the outside world.”

October 5-29, 2020

Gallery Night Reception October 15 5:00pm-9:00pm.*

DOGGIE DAYCARE

Tour Hours: Thursday and Friday at 3, 3:30, 4 and 4:30 Gallery Night from 5-9 in small groups.

Note Due to COVID 19, visiting the exhibit will require wearing a mask.

Other restrictions may apply For information call 401-277-5206 or uri.artsandculture@gmail.com or visit uri.edu/ceps/prov/arts.

Where every day is

BOARDING • TRAINING GROOMING • WEBCAMS

“ I love everything about Dogtopia!

Every staff member is super friendly and happy. The building is beautiful.

It makes me happy to drop off Felix knowing he is in loving hands and is going to have a great day. ” - Customer Review

The Time Capsule 537 Pontiac Avenue, Cranston TimeCapsuleComics.com @thetimecapsuleri

Mon-Fri: 6:30am – 7:00pm (early drop-off option: 5:00am)

Sat: 7:00am – 7:00pm Sun: 8:00am – 7:00pm

Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love.

We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems!

Email Abbie@ProvidenceOnline.com to suggest yours and we just might feature it!

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Dogtopia of Warwick

30 Jefferson Blvd | 401-903-4900 | Dogtopia.com/Warwick

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2 02 0 COVID-19 may dampen the spirits of traditional festivities, but Rhode Islanders are still finding ways to deliver frights and fun this year

By Ann M. Martini Illustration by Abigail Brown

[We’re considering] a Pod-O-Ween‌ You know, a smaller group, but we still get dressed up and have fun.

- David Graziano, Cranston Photo courtesy of Discover Newport

Ahh...fall in Rhode Island: crisp, refreshing air, vividly colored leaves overhead and underfoot, pumpkins, cornstalks and mums, Halloween – or at least, some version of that last one. The coronavirus has recast how we celebrate holidays like the Fourth of July, Memorial and Labor days, and now Halloween.

Heads turned to the West Coast when in midSeptember Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti prohibited door-to-door trick-or-treating , as well as parties, haunted houses, and festivals because it was impossible to guarantee social distancing or mask-wearing. The uproar was such that a day later, the administration stepped back, saying that trick-or-treating would be allowed but was not recommended, and that the police likely would not be enforcing the rule.

And thank goodness because the optics of eightyear-olds being taken away in handcuffs for soliciting candy bars aren’t good for anyone.

Here in Rhode Island, at press time, the Department of Health had not yet developed any recommendations for the public for Halloween, according to Public Information Officer Joseph Wendelken, and many organizers are deciding for themselves. Several of the activities and celebrations we’ve come to love over the years are simply not being held. From the luxe adult Halloween party at Barnaby Castle on Providence’s West Side to the family-oriented open house at the Cranston Fire Department’s Station 2 – a tradition for more than 40 years – the pandemic is making Halloween feel more like a trick than a treat.

Still, the pressure on parents to not disappoint their kids is leading to some creative thinking.

Rebecca Bromberg of Providence told her boys there would be no trick-or-treating this year. “I told my kids I’ll hook up Halloween in different ways,” she says. “They get to dress up in costume and ring our own doorbell each day in October for a full-size candy bar. I’ll also be catapulting candy out the second floor windows at them. Trick-or-treating is not worth the risk,” Bromberg says.

David Graziano of Cranston is taking a casual approach with his two boys this year. Whether or not door-to-door trick-or-treating is a good idea, he says, is “debatable.” So instead, to be on the safer side, his family is considering what he creatively calls a “Pod-O-Ween.” Graziano explains, “You know, a smaller group, but we still get dressed up and have fun.”

SPOOKY HAPPENINGS

In Rhode Island, many of our favorite events are still taking place, but with new policies and protocols to keep both attendees and staff as safe as possible.

Here are some of the ways you can still get your fright fix this month.

Photo courtesy of PWCVB

HALLOWEEN EVE

Head to Frosty Drew for a night under spooky skies. The Observatory and Sky Theatre will open at 6:30pm and be in “full-out Halloween mode with frightful sights, spooky sounds, and candy available for all who visit.� Take peeks of the near Full Moon, Saturn, Jupiter, and more via telescopes. Costumes encouraged, masks mandatory, and a $5 donation per person 5 and up is suggested. 6:30-10pm. Charlestown.

FrostyDrew.org

DRIVE-THRU SPECTACULAR

This celebration of intricately car ved pumpkins known as the Jack-o -Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo has undoubtedly been one of the Ocean State’s favorite spooky celebrations for many years. Usually set along the leaf y Wetlands Trail inside the zoo, this year the display will be a “drive through” experience. Guests will remain in their cars and be guided through a private trail where thousands of pumpkins, car ved with ever y imaginable image, from famous people and flowers to scar y and funny jacko -lantern faces, will be on display. October 1-November 1, 6:30-10:30pm. RWPZoo.org

HORROR FILM FEST & LOVECRAFT TOUR

An offshoot of the Rhode Island International Film Festival, Flickers’ Vortex Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Film Festival will celebrate its 21st year scaring the pants off of willing festival-goers. This year, a socially distanced festival will use drive-in theaters and virtual screenings to showcase 75 films, including some world and North American premieres. While some horror films may not be for the faint of heart, there will also be a wide array of sci-fi and fantasy films. Highlights also include the return of the popular H.P. Lovecraft Walking Tour presented in collaboration with the Rhode Island Historical Society. October 17-25, various venues throughout Rhode Island or virtual. Film-Festival.org

GHOST TOUR BY BOAT

Allow Captain Peter to introduce you to some of Providence's longest-lingering residents while quietly floating along waterways. Peter will take you to the haunts of some of the most notorious spirits, from local literary giants to humble servants; en route you’ll learn about their lives and why they might be holding a grudge against some in this historic city. Providence River Boat also offers a Haunted Booozy Boat Ride on October 31 and November 1. All cruises will limit capacity to allow for proper social distancing. We can’t promise the ghosts will social distance, but maybe that’s part of the fun? October 4-28.

ProvidenceRiverBoat.com

GHOST TOUR BY FOOT

Providence provides such a perfect backdrop for ghost tours, what with its cobblestone streets, murky waters, and historic homes. This hour-and-a-half walking tour will uncover the history of the city’s not-so-dearly-departed residents and visitors. You’ll get goosebumps hearing the stories of the spirits to those who wreaked murder and mayhem in the city, and learn about the ways they continue to do so in modern day. Saturdays throughout October, or call 401-484-8687 to book a private tour.

ProvidenceGhostTour.com

HAUNTED HAYRIDE

This perennially popular family funfilled Haunted Hayride at Seven Cedars Farm in Smithfield is more spooktacular than ever, even with social distancing , mask wearing , and hand sanitizing. As you’re slowly driven through 21 acres of dark, wooded farmland, who knows what horrors lurk around the next bend?

Anyone who’s taken this hayride in the past should know that the owners change it up a bit every year, just to keep guests on their toes! Weekends October 2-November 1, 7-10pm. (9pm on Sundays). SevenCedarsFarm.us

Editor’s Note: Find even more seasonal events at HeyRhody.com and for the most up-to-date COVID-19 regulations visit Health.RI.gov/COVID

ONCE IN A BLUE MOON Eve n i f yo u ’ re s t ay i n g i n o n H a l l owe e n b e s u re to g o o u t s i d e a t n i g h t to l o o k u p at the full moon.

Known as the blue moon, this only happens when there are two full moons in a single month, of which there are this October.

Seeing a blue moon on Halloween occurs every 19 years. It’s also the end of daylight savings time so remember to “fall back” and turn the clocks back one hour on Halloween night, which is also a good time to check your smoke alarm batteries.

Photography by Wolf Matthewson

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HOME & STYLE T i n y H o m e | Wa te r F i re A r t M a r t | H a l l owe e n D e c o r | S p o o ky B a n k s

34 An interior designer in Newport gets a big kick out of her tiny home P h o t o s c o u r t e s y o f H E Y DT + M A S O N

HOME & STYLE

Just Right

A Newp o r t de si g n e r s h a re s w h at i t m e a n s to ma ke more with less sp a ce

By Elyse Major | Photography and styling by HEYDT + MASON

I

f tiny homes seem like a fad, Bernadette Heydt would beg to differ: Around here, cottages with small footprints are part of our heritage.

“Tiny homes have always been a part of Rhode Island culture, dating back to the original colonials, where an entire house consisted of about only two to three rooms,” says Heydt, an interior designer and marketing aficionado. “Not to mention, Rhode Island has the second highest population density in all of the states of the union.” In other words, it’s really not that crazy.

For Heydt and her husband, a tiny home isn’t just a quaint and theoretical trend; they actually built and live in one. Their house in Newport, with its refined

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decor and Mediterranean aesthetic, measures only 650 square feet. Like so many Newport homes, this one has a name, The Seven Project, and it exemplifies much of Heydt’s philosophy.

“The idea of living in a tiny home can be intimidating to some in the beginning,” she says, “however it is incredibly rewarding when everything you own serves a purpose in your life and is used on a daily basis. It makes cleaning up a breeze and allows for you to display only pieces that hold meaning to you.”

Heydt attributes her talent for architecture and design to her grandfather, a well-known contractor in New York City. As a child, Heydt always enjoyed

Le ft : By vaulting the ceiling and adding a skylight, the 9’x12’ space feels larger.

To p R i ght : Aim for furniture that works double- and triple-duty like light cross-stools that function as tables, seati ng , or foot rests.

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HOME & STYLE

placing the furniture in her childhood bedroom and arranging objects on shelves. When she was 19, Heydt moved to Italy and studied interior design at the Lorenzo de’ Medici School in Florence. She spent six years in the country; her husband is an Italian native.

Today, Heydt is a prolific entrepreneur, owning both Heydt Home – an interior design firm – and co-owning Heydt + Mason, a branding agency. “While balance, proportion, and scale are key components to any well-designed home,” reads her website, “we at Heydt Home recognize that the ingredient which transforms a house into a home is through the art of incorporating ‘your uniqueness’ into the space.” Heydt’s own “uniqueness” is an extremely humble domicile, incorporating only the things she needs.

“After so many years living in Europe, the need for a large fourbedroom home didn’t seem like a necessity at this current stage of my life,” she says. “Designing a tiny home revealed many problems that required thoughtful solutions in order to fit all the utilities that a modern home demands. However, I love a good design challenge. It allows me to really be creative and think outside of the box. In The Seven Project we have designed the tiny home to house all the daily

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essentials. Designing with balance, proportion and scale in mind, we were able to create a small space that feels light, airy, and open. We were mindful of designing the home’s layout to encompass everything a modern couple would need.”

For Heydt, The Seven Project isn’t just a one-off. Heydt Home has plans to create more tiny homes, including a renovated train caboose. In the era of Marie Kondo and Real Simple magazine, Heydt is confident that more homemakers will discover that less can be more.

“There is nothing we lack that a 2,500-square-foot home has,” she says. “Maybe just less rooms to vacuum.” HeydtHome.com

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For more information or to set up a tour, contact Admissions Director Sharon DeLuca at 401.789.9262, Ext 514.

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HOME & STYLE

Shop Outside

By E lyse Major

M

iss WaterFire? Yup, we all do, but you can still help support the organization and local artists at Art Mart, a series of pop-up artisan markets held on Saturdays October 3, October 10, and October 24 outside the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence. Designed for safe distancing, Art Mart is a smaller-scale market that allows for more space between artist tents and for visitors. “WaterFire is committed to transforming and building community,” says Laura Duclos, Director of Creative Services. “We truly aim to support and connect artists with the community by providing a safe venue to sell their work.” Twenty local artists will be at the event selling original, handcrafted, affordable work. Pictured is a brief sampling. If you can’t make Art Mart, the store and gallery are open weekly Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 6pm. On Saturdays, during Art Mart, the store and gallery will open early at 10am. WaterFire Arts Center, 475 Valley Street, Providence. WaterFire.org

Mugs, Cathy Loves Clay RI Donuts T-shirt, Parched Pearl and Blue Lace Agate Necklace, M Pearl RI Bamboo Board, Pastels and Parcels Cork Crossbody Bag, MACS Boutique Cork Jewelry

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HOME & STYLE

Halloween Haven A few d e co rato r ’ s t r i c k s make a ho m e p a r ty a t re at

By Alex Morse, The Creative Gene

S

kulls or friendly ghosts? Zombies or scarecrows? Witches or princesses?

When it comes to how you do Halloween, there are no wrong answers. October 31, 2020, will be different this year, so let’s pull out all the stops and create a spooktacular evening at home, perfect for a night of photo-opps and giggles with your brood.

Rhode Island has some pretty cool businesses that are embracing the haunt, including black skull chandeliers by Hey Girl Decor, hand-painted wine glasses from Lolita, and lighting displays by Alpha-Lit to cast an eerie glow. Here are tips on how to put it all together BOO-tifully!

U S E YO U R H E A D Once you pick a theme, the rest will fall into place, and for this soiree, it was all about skulls. Find faux skulls at local party and big box stores – leave some as-is and paint a few for contrast. Using varying sized skulls will add dimension to your tablescape.

B E YO N D O R A N G E & B L AC K There’s nothing better than mixing basic black and orange to create a pumpkin-perfect display, but mix in gray and metallic finishes and you’ve got yourself a party.

Bring in texture with faux black grasses, twigs, plastic decorations, different fabrics, gauze, and glassware to give everyone at your table something to look at.

TIP: A scavenger hunt in the backyard or woods for twigs and fallen leaves gets everyone involved; keep objects natural or paint and let dry.

“BOO” lit lettering: @alphalitrhodeisland;Skull chandelier: @heygirldecor Witch wine glasses: @designsbylolita_

L AY E R , L AY E R & R E P E AT Achieve a pro-decorator look by adding height, placing things asymmetrically, and with layers.

Begin by draping a tablecloth horizontally so it hits the floor. Next, add a printed tablecloth folded into thirds to mimic a table runner and place down the center. Keep going with one more layer: creepy gauze. Finally, place serveware like glass cake stands for height, a variety of clear vases, more skulls, a few glitter pumpkins, and scattered candles.

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Alex Morse owns

Candles are always a must with Halloween – whether wax or battery operated.

The Creative Gene (@thecreativegeneri), a business focused on making things pretty with balloons, flowers, and food.

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Wicked Cute Peter Pots Pottery handcrafts special “spooky” banks for H a lloween

By Megan Schmit

T

hese adorably spooky coin banks started as a fun experiment for Carl Tuoni, chief pumpkin carver for Peter Pots Pottery. The West Kingston business has been quietly producing stoneware for nearly 70 years from its workshop in the woods, but when Tuoni crafted the first miniature pumpkin and black cat banks a few years ago, they were immediately snapped up. Since then, the small but mighty staff of five has more than quadrupled the number made each year.

“Last year, the entire crop sold out within three minutes when they went live on the website,” says owner Jeffrey Greene, “and the ones reserved for the showroom caused a long line to form at the door until opening time.”

Greene remembers the rush of enthusiastic, “pumpkin-hungry” customers now fondly remembered as the Pumpkin Riot of 2019.

The making of these popular Halloween specials begins long before leaves even begin to change. The cat banks, while a Peter Pots staple, only appear in black once a year to play on the spooky season. Stephanie Coffey and Tuoni create and carve the pumpkins, Karina Bay finishes and smooths each, and Justin Boiano applies the glaze – gloss orange or matte green – before firing in the kiln. Finally, Catherine Scott names, photographs, posts, and finds a home for each pumpkin, the exact number of which remains a secret.

While these spooky banks are available for purchase starting October 1 – flickering LED candle light included for an extra eerie effect – Greene warns that they cannot be made after Halloween. “That’s when we need to turn [our] attention on the light-up Christmas trees,” says Greene, “so there won’t be a repeat of last year’s Christmas Tree Frenzy.” He adds slyly, “but that’s a story for another time!” Pick your pumpkin at PeterPots.com.

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FOOD & DRINK H a l l owe e n Tre a t s | M o d e r n M ex i c a n | F o o d N ew s | S p e a ke a s i e s | Fa l l D r i n k s

48 Lola’s Lounge & Cantina ser ves up the spirit of Mexico P h o t o b y Ta y l o r G i l b e r t

FOOD & DRINK

Trick or Treat

Chels ea’s Creamery scoops up special frozen d e sse rts for Hallowe e n

By M egan Sc h m it

A

long Metacom Avenue in Warren you’ll spot a charming pale pink building with matching picnic tables and takeout window. This surprising find is Chelsea’s Creamer y, a two -and-a-half-year-old craft ice cream shop owned and operated by Chelsea DaSilva, who started working at an ice cream parlor when she was 15 and decided to open her own. With over 30 flavors, a brick-and-mortar, plus two trailers that pop -up at farmers markets and Newport Polo, DaSilva is busy both slinging scoops – and turning them into something more.

“My personal favorite is the Bat-wiches!” says DaSilva as she begins to list fall specials, starting with the fun spin on traditional ice cream sandwiches: two brownies filled with creamy vanilla ice cream sporting chocolate graham cracker wings. Of course, there’s seasonal flavors, too, like Apple Pie, Pumpkin, and Pumpkin Oreo, inspired by the warmth and spice of autumn, while Candy Bucket and Cookie-

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stein Monster are all about Halloween. “Candy Bucket is a monster mash-up of arg uably some of the top Halloween candies,” says DaSilva, “like M&M’s, Twix, and KitKats in traditional vanilla.” Cookie-stein Monster, she explains, is a twist on their popular blue-tinted vanilla ice cream layered with crushed Chips Ahoy and Oreos, this time sporting a spooky green hue.

But even more impressive beyond their scoops and sandwiches is DaSilva’s ice cream cakes, which consist of two layers of ice cream of your choice and a crunchy chocolate center, topped with fun decorative detail like orange and black sprinkles, Oreo spiders on a frosted web, and Twix bar halves mimicking a cute Frankenstein’s bolts. While these haunted hallmarks signal the end of the season, Chelsea’s Creamer y still takes orders and even promises holiday pop -ups announced on social media. For shop hours and custom orders, visit ChelseasCreamery. com and follow them on Instagram @chelseascreamery.

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Where Every Day is Día de los Muertos

Lola’s Lo ung e b r in gs th e s pi r i ts of Mexi co to Smithfield

By Megan Schmit

I

t was a Tuesday when I took a friend to go try Lola’s Lounge, a new cantina sandwiched between Rocco’s and Thai Cafe in Smithfield. Nothing screams Tuesday quite like tacos, and we were excited to reconnect with the owners, the dynamic husband-and-wife team behind Skyline in Providence. Michael and Jodi Mota had just opened the restaurant, named after their daughter, in mid-August. “It’s inspired by the Mexican holiday Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead,” the couple explains. The theme saturates both the indoor and outdoor spaces: Inside, you’re greeted with moody red lighting , black crystal chandeliers, Latin beats from a DJ booth, and intricate, colorful wall murals. The patio, where my friend and I were seated, is equally festive with red umbrellas, bistro lights, potted palm trees, and a Mayan fountain crowned with a sugar skull.

Even the waitstaff, who flitted between socially distant tables, sported vibrant, patterned masks to match.

Before reading through the food menu, we took a peek at the drinks – a variety of fun cocktails and an imported beer list.

We settled on margaritas – nothing pairs with tacos quite like tequila – and while my friend got the Clásica (tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, agave), I ordered the Frozen Sugar Skull Margarita with its adorably kitschy mug that ultimately won over my second choice, the jalapeñospiced Mexican Mule.

As we nursed our drinks – made strong, but we’re not complaining! – we assembled our meal, which we’d decided to go all-out on: app, entree, and dessert, not including the complimentary chips, guac, and salsa (my friend’s favorite). The menu boasts Mexican classics like Elote (corn, mayo, chili powder, queso cotija) and fusions like Jodi’s rec of Tortas de

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Must-Try I tems CALAMARI LOLA Fried calamari rings, scallions, sweet chili glaze, sesame seeds PAELLA Saffron Spanish rice, shrimp, calamari, sea scallops, mussels, little necks, chicken, peas, chorizo, seafood broth

Cuisine: Modern Mexican Prices: $8-$28 Atmosphere: Festive and fun

Photos (L) by Taylor Gilbert, (R) by Megan Schmit

Cangrejo (crab cakes with avocado salsa and chipotle aioli) or La Granja Burger layered with a sunny side egg, queso, bacon, and guac.

We started with the coconut shrimp, which were extremely crisp-fried, topped with pineapple salsa, and had our tongues tingling from the mango chile glaze for dipping. Next, we both ordered two tacos since #TacoTuesday meant each was only $3. My friend tried the chicken and shrimp, while I had the more adventurous BBQ pulled pork and Mahi-Mahi varieties; I appreciated that, true to tradition, they were garnished with only raw onion and cilantro, though if we had ordered the full-priced options they’d feature more complex toppings like relish or chipotle crema. The tacos were served with light, fluffy rice mixed with veg and pinto beans dusted with cotija cheese, both of which we polished off with enthusiasm.

Drinks drained and waistbands strained, we were contemplating ending the meal there when Jodi brandished a final course we couldn’t resist: Lola’s Dessert Platter. If you’re imagining a typical dessert sampler, you’d be wrong ; this featured four full-sized portions of their tres leches cake, fried ice cream, cheesecake, and – our personal favorite – cinnamon-and-sugar coated churros we used as delicious vessels to scoop up both chocolate and strawberry sauces.

When we left, Lola’s was transforming into its nighttime persona as “The Dance Floor DJs” spun upbeat Latin beats and the changing colored lights grew more noticeable in the dark. Between the drinks, the food, and the music – it didn’t feel like just any dinner, it was a fiesta.

Lol a’ s Lou n g e & Cantina 55 Douglas Pike, Smithfield LolasLoungeRI.com

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October marks Ravenous Brewing ’s 8th anniversar y of making beer in Rhode Island. This year is extra special as it also marks roughly a year of their expanded operation in their roomy Cumberland digs. You can still find their early staples – the Coffee Milk Stout and Blackstone Pale Ale – that put them on the map, but a bigger space also means they can experiment with new and seasonal artisanal brews, too. “ This time of year we are asked if we have a pumpkin beer coming out and we always say no,” founder and brewer Dorian Rave explains. Instead, they celebrate their anniversar y month with something a little different: the Black Har vest Sweet Potato Stout. “ This beer marks the beginning of the fall season for us,” says Rave. “It’s brewed with an array of roasted barley, over 100 pounds of sweet potato, and the perfect balance of all your favorite fall spices.”

Brewed only once a year, this rich concoction goes fast so get it before it kicks! Cumberland, R avenousBrewing.com -Abbie Lahmers

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The recently opened Black Dog Donuts food truck bring s loaded mini donuts on wheels to South County. Indulg e in some homemade fried doug h or their unique spin on donut treats called Squad Cups, which feature to -g o trifles layered with cake, cream, and sweet topping s all piled into a cup. A favorite fall special is the Basic Witch Squad Cup, an autumn-spiced delicac y reminiscent of a Thanksg iving pie made with layers of mini donuts, pumpkin cheesecake mousse, g ing er snap pieces, and whipped cream. “ We love donuts, and after some research, we realized there was no one in the area selling donuts from a food truck,” says owner Michelle Colberg , who, along with her husband Charlie, decided to open up their own.

Catch Black Dog Donuts popping up at spots like Pump House Music Works, Rog er Williams Park Zoo, Twelve Guns Brewing , and other spots across the state, with their full schedule posted on social media . @blackdogdonutsquad -Gianni Dejesus

Just in time to welcome folks in from the cold for hearty eats and Halftime Margaritas at the bar while the game plays on T V – beneath their signature wall of jerseys – J Gray’s Tavern reopened in September after a lockdown hiatus. The pause gave this family tavern and sports pub a chance to reflect and renovate, with a new sign out front, the addition of a second bar, and other interior updates to safely ser ve patrons and keep the good times rollin’.

Watch for live music and special events like “Name That Tune” returning later in the fall or winter, but in the meantime, a digital jukebox, pool tables, darts, and friendly ser vers keep the vibes lively. Find pub-style fare for all tastes, from J Gray’s Classic Burger and rotating pizza specials to buffalo chicken dip and jalapeño poppers. Feeling adventurous?

Try a round of Russian Roulette Wings – a mystery combo of sriracha and extra spicy.

No need for reser vations, but feel free to call ahead for availability. Cumberland, JGraysTavern.com -Abbie Lahmers

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FOOD & DRINK

Speakeasies

Th ese s nug ba rs a c ro s s t h e st ate ke e p t h e vinta g e vib e a live

By Abbie Lahmers & Megan Schmit

W

With the temperature dropping and nights growing longer, the idea of cozying up with a cocktail seems all the more appealing, but there’s something special about sipping somewhere secret. Speakeasy bars are no new-fangled thing, but in an era where the ‘20s conjure face masks and social distance, it’s nice to escape to a time where that meant quiet corners, crystal glasses, and dim lights.

While many of these Prohibition-era inspired juice joints might be serving hand sanitizer alongside their cocktails, they all keep the snug vibe alive, whether it’s with specialty drinks or lush decor. Some are now pouring onto patios under the stars, so be sure to check – you might want to wear a scarf but it will be so worth it.

Courtland Club Photography by Nick DelGiudice

Adeline’s

Courtland Club

This self-described “speakeasy kitchen bar” hides in the far back of House of Clocks Plaza, but inside channels a previous centur y with golden-hued walls and painted ceilings tiles. The menu features classic Prohibitionera drinks like sidecars and G&Ts, plus fun specials named after local landmarks – South County Old Fashioned, anyone ? Settle in for a cozy drink or have yourself a full dinner prepared by Chef Phil Gig uere. 2352 Mendon Road, Cumberland • AdelinesSpeakeasy.com

A nondescript building with simply the number “51” on a transom window is home to one of Providence’s oldest clubs, membership not required (though soon available once again, to keep the tradition alive). Find creative cocktails inspired by Zodiac signs or paired with to -go ice cream, and definitely don’t miss their newest attraction: “Magic Hour” specials that feature a ticketed prix fixe drink and small plate tasting menu on the patio, perfect for sipping under the stars. 51 Courtland Street, Providence • @courtlandclub

The Avery

The Aver y

A few blocks off of Broadway into the West End, this art deco -style bar has had to shutter indoor ser vice for now, but they’re fortunate to have a spacious, open square to stagger socially distanced tables around a bubbling fountain. The Aver y specializes in classic cocktails, and their autumn specials are all about warmth, featuring a Black Manhattan with 100-proof r ye whiskey, savor y amaro, and a mix of bitters. 18 Luongo Square, Providence • AveryProvidence.com • @theaverypvd

The Charlestown Rathskeller This restaurant and bar, nestled in the woods, was once an actual speakeasy circa 1933. Today, patrons can dine in the restored tavern, drink at any of the indoor or outdoor bars, and even play lawn games, enjoy live music, or swap stories by bonfire. Along with a robust menu of pub food, choose from their cocktail list of Rathskeller favorites and an entire selection of Bloody Marys. 489a Old Coach Road, Charlestown • TheCharlestownRathskeller.com

Photography by Nick DelGiudice

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Far West

The Royal Bobcat

The Dean Bar

Far West

The Royal Bobcat

The discreet cocktail lounge tucked into The Dean is anything but your run-of-the-mill hotel bar, known for crafting elegant drinks with surprise twists like egg whites, amarillo chiles, and pomegranate honey. While the bar is currently closed, find food and drink from north to-go during Open Air Saturdays, when the Dean Marketplace sets up in the parking lot. “Soon enough,” they promise, “we’ll be drinking whiskey neat hiding in the shadows of The Dean Bar.” 122 Fountain Street, Providence • @thedeanbar

Recently reopened with a lush patio nestled in the Rooms & Works lot with greenery between each table, Far West isn’t quite as much of a secret as it used to be, but plenty worth stumbling upon. The inside exudes industrial charm, and their variety of cocktails combine different styles, like a classic negroni but with mezcal. Add popcorn and finger-food snacks, and enjoy an autumn evening outdoors. 55 Cromwell Street, Providence • FarWestPVD.com

Framed portraits of dapper felines lining the walls are this joint’s defining feature, and they’re now available on T-shirts to make up for not being able to see the real deal in person. The Royal Bobcat currently offers carr y-out cocktails, along with Korean-Cajun fusion eats from the in-house Hanju Kitchen, with a few outdoor seats. Seasonal specials infuse jalapeño, sage, and basil into some favorite classic cocktails. 424 Atwells Avenue, Providence • TheRoyalBobcat.com

The Eddy This classy downcity bar boasts a dimly lit, minimalist interior with a penchant for creative concoctions. Find 1920s-style snacks like deviled eggs and pickled veg to indulge while you imbibe, available for to-go orders and spacious patio dining by reservation. While the inside remains closed for the time being, order an old fashioned or negroni to enjoy outside, or try the popular bartender’s choice: You choose the spirit, and a mixologist will take care of the rest. 95 Eddy Street, Providence • EddyBar.com

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Justine’s Perhaps the most authentic speakeasy joint you can find in 21st-centur y Providence, Justine’s looks like a lingerie shop from a first glance at the mannequins in the windows.

But once you enter through curtains, the bar room drips with low-key ambiance, featuring art nouveau light fixtures and blue-and-gold crane wallpaper. A favorite cocktail is Free Man in Paris, a gin drink with a few dashes of absinthe, aperol, and citrus. Tr y it inside where limited capacity seating is enforced or outside on their secluded patio. 11 Olneyville Square, Providence • @isadoras93club

The Walnut Room Nestled on the corner of South Main and Power Streets is Providence’s newest cocktail lounge reminiscent of a Prohibitionera speakeasy : warm woods – hence the “ Walnut” – velvet curtains, gold accents, stone hearth, cozy nooks, and cr ystal glasses.

Listen to a playlist curated by local DJ Brown Bread as you pick from the carefully crafted selection of cocktails that embrace fall with essences of spiced pear, orange, and caraway. 245 South Main Street, Providence • @thewalnutroompvd

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FOOD & DRINK

Drinks to Fall For Lo c a l re st a u ra nt s a n d c a fe s p u t u n i q u e s ea s on a l s p i n s o n c l a s s i c b evv i e s

By N icole Disant i

W

hether you’re looking for a family-friendly atmosphere or pining to take your best pal out for a little nightlife, there’s no shortage of uniquely inspired fall beverages – to keep you cool on those high temp days or warm when the sun goes down.

Pumpkin P ie Ha rd S hake Vanilla ice cream with authentic pumpkin filling blended to perfection with a graham cracker crust and dosed with Pinnacle whipped vodka – that’s what you’ll get when you order the Pumpkin Pie Hard Shake at Harry’s Bar and Burger.

Be instantly transported to a zone where nothing else matters but the goodness that’s in front of you. It will leave you wondering how you ever went without.

Lincoln, Newport, Providence (Atwells location only), HarrysBarBurger.com

Rhody Coyote Ha rd Cid er There are many flavors of fall that will entice your palate, but nothing beats the delicate and refreshing taste of apple cider. Newport Vineyards’ Rhody Coyote is the perfect delight on a crisp October afternoon. Made in-house with apples from local orchards, it’s dr y and effervescent. Pro tip : If you plan to visit the vineyard, check out Taproot Brewer y and ask if their pumpkin beer is out yet.

Middletown, NewportVineyards.com

those super yummy fall-inspired ingredients. It starts with a house-blended, medium-bodied espresso, mixed with chocolate and caramel sauces, and topped with hazelnut syrup. Providence, WhiteElectricCoffee.com

W hite Pu mp k i n Co c k ta i l Nestled quietly in War wick against a woodland backdrop is Tree House Tavern Bistro, a charming spot with twinkling lights and outdoor seating. Here, big flavors and unique concoctions make for a highly curated autumn drink menu.

The White Pumpkin is a cocktail made with VanGogh vanilla vodka, Rumchata, pumpkin puree, spices, nutmeg , and half-and-half, and get your camera ready – it’s ser ved up in a vintage milk bottle.

Warwick, TheTreeHouseTavern.com

Flaming Espresso Martini with Chocolate Fire things up this fall at Layali. This chic restaurant really knows how to put a spin on things like the classic Espresso Martini. The twist ? A flaming cup of chocolate on top! Owner Philippe Maatouk, who has been in the restaurant and bar business for over 20 years, says he brought flaming drinks to Providence to spice things up and excite patrons with something truly unique. Mission accomplished.

Providence. LayaliProvidence.com

Hot or I ced C a ra mello Cof fee What’s better than strolling city streets in autumn? Enjoying a famous Caramello from White Electric Coffee!

Available iced or hot, it features all of

54

E d i tor ’s n o te : Be sure to visit each venue’s website or social media for the most up -to -date information on COVID-19 protocols and safety measures.

VisitWarwickRI.com

Safe Affordable Convenient

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ART & CULTURE I n s p i re d H o t e l A r t | C a l e n d a r | O l n eyv i l l e M u s i c S t u d i o | T h e O d e u m Re o p e n s

58 Newport’s newest hip hotel is full of sea-inspired art by Jenny Brown P r i n t b y J e n n y B r ow n

ART & CULTURE

Altered Vintage Postcard Collages Blend Old and New

Artist Jenny Brown brings new life to Newport’s old stories for Way f i n d e r H o te l i nte r i o rs

By Gianni Dejesus

L

ocal visual artist Jenny Brown, who infuses ever yday mementos into her collage work, was recently recruited by The Wayfinder Hotel to contribute to their interior design concept.

A Boston native who moved to Providence in 2008, Brown currently works out of her vintage paper-filled studio in Olneyville and has collaborated with retail brands like Alex & Ani and Anthropologie. Brown brings her lush style of found paper artifacts and saturated floral and sea creature imager y to The Wayfinder’s interiors, devised after many studio visits and collaborative sessions to test out different images and print styles. Her designs contribute to the hotel’s varied wall art, along with other pieces, like keycards and a collection of postcards.

Brown’s art embraces nonlinearity in captured images of plants, celestial sea flowers, sketchbook drawings, and physical mementos like photographs and antique papers. She seeks to offer new perspectives of found items with her mixed media art, which combines the processes of collection, curation, drawing , and collage that stem from her lifelong interest in antiquing. “Thrifted ephemera is usually the catalyst that begins the production of a piece, almost acting like a prompt for me to respond

to visually,” explains Brown, whose recent work evokes a universe of marine life, caves, blooms, and stars.

Having grown up with a grandmother who was a professional artist, Brown’s childhood was filled with art supplies and creative projects, along with life-long encouragement in her artistic pursuits. “It took years of experimenting , and most importantly understanding why I was using these materials, for me to find the right path for using collage in my works in a meaningful way,” says Brown, who channels a variety of mediums that make her art unique. “Both the rich history and abundant natural beauty of Newport inspired my works for The Wayfinder,” she explains, describing her process of thrifting old postcards for the collaboration. The work is meant to honor Newport’s history portrayed in the postcards, while also bringing a new narrative to it. The postcards, available for purchase exclusively at the hotel, are embellished with paper florals that pay tribute to that “beautiful corner of Rhode Island.” Beyond what’s on display at The Wayfinder, find original prints for purchase at Studio Lore, Providence, Wild Flow Yoga & Barre, North Kingstown, or online.

JennyBrownArt.com

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ART & CULTURE

The Must List

ide statew For a f events o listing online! s u it is v m ody.co HeyRh

5 essential events this Month

O c t o b e r 3 -3 1 : Book an Autumn in New England tour with Experience RI and venture down the scenic country roads of our home state, making stops at farm stands, a covered bridge, and other festive landmarks. ExperienceRI.com

October 17:

Through October 27:

With safety always a top priority, the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer will take a new form this year. Sign up early to stay in the loop about this annual fundraising tradition.

MakingStridesWalk.org/ProvidenceRI

Celebrate fall at Frerichs Farm with Pumpkin Palooza events ever y weekend – from a ride on a magic pumpkin coach and pumpkin painting to a DIY scarecrow workshop. Warren, FrerichsFarm.com

O c t o b e r 2 4 -2 5 :

T h r o u g h N o ve m b e r 1 :

Peruse the works of local makers at your own pace as you meander through North Kingstown, Warwick, and East Greenwich for West Bay Open Studios, a selfguided tour of artists and maker spaces. WestBayOpenStudios.com

The Farmer’s Daughter hosts Family Fall Fun daily on their grounds, offering a unique selection of heirloom gourds, hayrides, mazes, and other socially distanced outdoor fun. South Kingstown, TheFarmersDaughterRI.com

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For more than two centuries, Moses Brown has fostered personal excellence and integrity in students who aim to make a positive difference in the world.

See how a Quaker education can make a difference for you.

Overwhelmingly, my teachers have been obviously enthusiastic about sharing their expertise, incredibly thoughtful in their interactions with students, and excellent role models for others in our community.�

Open House: Oct. 17, 2020

Visit mosesbrown.org/admission for more information.

New England tour with Experience RI Photo by Ted Stricklin, courtesy of Experience RI

MOSES BROWN SCHOOL West Bay Open Studios self-guided tour

Providence, RI 02906

Nursery-Grade 12, Co-Ed Mosesbrown.org

Painting by Donato Beauchaine

A cure for Accessories

343 b Main Street 783-9400 Hey Rhody OCTOBER 2020 |

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235 Main Street East Greenwich 884-3130

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ART & CULTURE

Blue Mood

I n s i d e a Providence recording studio where a m b i e n ce is a key component

By Adam Hogue Photo courtesy of Studio Blue

A

t 62 Dike Street in Providence’s Olneyville neighborhood lies Studio Blue, a transplant from upstate New York focused on not just recording artists but providing an environment that’s the right place and right time for creation. The overarching mission of Studio Blue is to “curate and manage inspirational environments for artists and musicians to live, learn, and work together in,” says owner, engineer, musician, and artist Rick Scianablo.

Studio Blue stands out as a place devoted to bringing artists together, realizing artistic visions, and engineering ways to bring those visions to life. “The engineers, artists, and producers here are multi-talented creators who write songs and create music, art, and everything else here,” says Scianablo. “We refine our equipment and spaces together, share gear, knowledge, and skill to help each other’s machines produce the best possible results. So, when you come to us for help to make something , record or rehearse, or even live here, you are most certainly contending with an intentional energ y that exists. It has a sort of limitless flavor dynamic, and we usually have the means to make it happen.”

What is immediately striking about Studio Blue is the atmosphere of the space. Ever y square inch is covered with words, memorabilia, statues, signs, lights, and just about anything else you can imagine.

What emerges from the cacophony is whatever you need to see. This attention to physical details plays into the Studio Blue sensibilities that the right space plus the right time equals quality moments.

“There is a certain intimacy and family atmosphere here for sure,” says Scianablo. “The energ y of the space is very important to me, it inspires people in different ways. That reaction, mixed with every individual’s personality, is the character we want to capture.” Scianablo shares a story of recording one of his favorite local bands, The Viennagram, in 2010: “We started throwing things at the vocalist and poking the guitar and keyboard player with a stick while they were tracking to get them out of their heads and into the moment – it worked wonders – and we still do this regularly.”

When talking about life during corona-time, Scianablo says, “Selfexploration is a human instinct and an important building block in our struggle to sur vive as a species, but it hasn’t been a priority value in our culture for far too long. No doubt a contributing factor in the ‘slow’ speed at which our culture is evolving. We need more artists and musicians and less police and politicians. Someday everyone will agree.”

This month, look for the release of Studio Blue’s PRINCESS, a heavy progressive legacy rock n’ roll megaband with Greg Aaron, Dylan Stankowitz, Johnny Sage, and Zigmond (Zigg y) Coffey, produced and engineered by Sammy D’Ambrosio at Studio Blue. Also in the works is a music shop and rock n’ roll cafe in the Olneyville neighborhood. “That’s all I can say about that,” Scianablo mutters.

TheStudioBlue.com

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ART & CULTURE

The Show Must Go On The Greenwich Odeum is one of the state’s first venues to return live shows with tons of safety measures and a little bit of rock and roll

By Meg an Schmit

“

O

ur last show was on March 13,” remembers Amanda Ronchi, the general manager at the Greenwich Odeum. “Though there was a lot of uncertainty around what would happen next, one thing we did know was that due to the nature of our business, we would be one of the first to close and the last to reopen.”

This year was supposed to be a big one for the Odeum. They had just wrapped up major renovations like an additional 74 seats and new bar and lounge, and were anticipating

a lineup with some of their biggest shows to date : LeAnn Rimes, Keb’ Mo’, Roger McGuinn, and Louie Anderson, to name a few. So when the shows were cancelled or postponed until next year and the refund requests began to roll in, the East Greenwich theater had to find creative ways to stay afloat.

“We created new initiatives like our ‘Rent the Marquee’ campaign,” begins Ronchi, which offered patrons the chance to display personalized messages on the Odeum’s signage; they also began to sell autographed posters and schedule

private movie screenings. Most importantly, they worked on a plan to reopen their doors as soon – and as safely – as possible. Now in October, while most of the state’s performance venues remain shuttered or exclusively virtual, the Odeum is bringing live shows back.

“Coming to a show or movie at the Odeum now is certainly ver y different than it used to be,” says Ronchi. She reviews their COVID-19 safety plan, which includes temperature checks before even entering the theater, face masks, social distancing markers on the floor,

seat covers, routine sanitization, assigned seating , and even changes to the bar menu to offer only low-contact items like canned wine and cocktails. All of these changes make it possible for the stage to be set, lights dimmed, and show to go on – just in time for ROCKTOBER .

“October at the Odeum is usually a month filled with rock and roll,” Ronchi explains. “ The goal of our new campaign is to encourage our community to keep rock and roll and the Odeum alive and thriving as we get through the pandemic.”

Programming will include limited capacity live concerts, themed movie screenings, and even special backstage tours.

For the Odeum team, being able to

Hey Rhody OCTOBER 2020 |

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offer in-person entertainment again is essential. “ While we are all ver y grateful for the ‘quarantine concerts’ that kept us entertained and helped live music stay alive during the early months of lockdown, it can’t replace the experience of attending a show,” says Ronchi. “Being in the same room as your favorite artist, seeing your favorite film on the big screen, cheering and singing along with a room full of fellow music lovers, and laughing or cr ying along to a film with dozens of other people – these are indescribable feelings that just can’t be replicated in your living room.”

Find more information on Greenwich Odeum’s safety protocols and upcoming shows at GreenwichOdeum.com.

R O C KTO B E R L i n e u p October October October October October October

8 : L i v i n g s t o n Ta y l o r 10: Stop Making Sense 16: Almost Famous 17: Playing Dead 23: Purple Rain 30: Brothers All Band

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