Providence Monthly March 2015 by Hey Rhody Media Co.

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Contents

Photography: (L) James Jones, (R) Stacey Doyle

MARCH 2015

Lunch with Mayor Jorge Elorza

This Month 21 30 Dramatic Years Celebrating a big milestone with the Gamm Theatre

25 Lunch with the Mayor One PVD, two all the way at Olneyville NY

Basquaise Pork & Clams at Garde de la Mer

31 City Style Swank home decor in Pawtucket 31 At Home 33 The Look 34 Get Fit 37 Shopping

39 Feast A West Side trailer park goes retro-gourmet 40 Review 43 In the Kitchen 44 On the Menu 46 In the Drink 48 Rhody Bites

System Weiners

51 Get Out Tickling the ivories at Aurora

Every Month 6 Editorâ€™s Note

52 Calendar 55 Art 56 Music 59 Theatre

60 Savor Providence A steaming bowl of noodles to fight the cold

9 Online Exclusives

13 Providence Pulse Historic bowling abides at Hope Artiste Village 15 City 19 Scene in PVD

On the Cover:

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza at Olneyville NY System Weiners. Photography by James Jones.

March 2015 | Providence Monthly

Editor’s Note

PROVIDENCE MONTHLY

Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell

Publishing Director Jeanette St. Pierre @JeanetteSTP

Executive Editor Julie Tremaine @JulieTremaine

Digital Manager Elyena de Goguel

Associate Editor Grace Lentini @Gracie_NomNom Art Director Meghan H. Follett Assistant Art Director Veatsna Sok

Our Date with the Mayor

Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas Graphic Designer Caitlin Musso

Account Managers Louann DiMuccio-Darwich: Louann@ProvidenceOnline.com Ann Gallagher: Ann@ProvidenceOnline.com

Now that the election is over, and most of the dust of post-election animosity has settled, newly elected Mayor Jorge Elorza can get down to business. We all heard his campaign platforms. We know his stance on taxation, on the working waterfront, on the city’s next economic drivers. What we don’t know, we realized, is what’s behind the One Providence banner that Elorza has been waving for the past year. For our cover story this month, we sat down with Mayor Elorza for lunch, after just a month on the job (and after about 300 feet of snow had fallen on the city). Why? Just to get to know him, outside of his campaign rhetoric. Read

on to find out more about the man behind the title. You won’t find out whether he wears boxers or briefs, but you will find out exactly how he feels about PVD’s most iconic food... and some other, more important things, too.

Kristine Mangan: Kristine@ProvidenceOnline.com Dan Schwartz: DanS@ProvidenceOnline.com Elizabeth Riel: Liz@ProvidenceOnline.com Kimberly Tingle: Kim@ProvidenceOnline.com Stephanie Oster Wilmarth: Stephanie@ProvidenceOnline.com Contributing Photographers Amy Amerantes Terace Greene Ian Travis Barnard James Jones Mike Braca Force 4 Photography Brian DeMello Melissa Stimpson Stacey Doyle Rupert Whiteley

Contributing Writers Keith Andrade @AndradeK Erin Balsa

Cristy Raposo @foxywhite03

Michael Clark

Rebecca Remillard

David Dadekian @dadekian

Bill Rodriguez

Emily Dietsch

Johnette Rodriguez

Claire Flanagan

Jenn Salcido

Molly Lederer

Jen Senecal @JenSenecal

Stephanie Obodda @StephanieDoes

Contributor James Jones

Interns Emily Davey Courtney Danforth Eyram Fiakpui

Photographer

James Jones is a photographer who was born in

Tony Pacitti @TonyPacitti

John Taraborelli @JohnnyTabs

Jordan LaRose Ashlyn Mooney Morgan Pekera

Members Of:

Japan, and grew up between Tokyo and Medford, Massachusetts. Two years ago, he returned to the

Audited by:

country of his birth to document the devastation in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami, work

PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER. PAPER CONTAINS 20-25% POST-CONSUMER CONTENT

that has been featured in both Providence Monthly and East Side Monthly, which won a RI Press

Providence Monthly 1070 Main Street, Suite 302 Pawtucket RI 02860 • Fax: 401-305-3392 www.providenceonline.com providencemonthly@providenceonline.com @pvdmonthly For advertising rates call: 401-305-3391

Award. This month, James photographed Maypr Elorza for our cover story. “I enjoy architecture. I enjoy some fashion. But most of all I enjoy photographing people being themselves,” he says.

We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.

facebook.com/pvdmonthly

Providence Monthly | March 2015

@pvdmonthly

@PVDMonthly

historic

2nd Time around

district

Retail, Nightlife, Restaurants & More

294 Thayer Street | 455-2050 secondtimearound.net New and like-new designer consignment. From Tory Burch & Michael Kors to Chanel & Louis Vuitton, shop the best designer labels without the designer price tag!

andrea’s

Berks shoes & CLoThing

268 Thayer Street | 331-7879 andreasri.com

272 Thayer Street | 831-0174 Find us on Facebook

Providence’s original Greek restaurant, serving authentic, homestyle recipes on Thayer Street for over 35 years. Try the chicken and lamb kabobs, lemon oregano lamb chops and souvlaki!

Spring is right around the corner, so come get ready with a new pair of Birkenstocks. All brands of stylish footwear for men and women, plus clothing and accessories. On Thayer for over 40 years!

at ThayerStreetDMA ThayerStreetDistrict.com

What’s happening

Thayer Street saVe 365 Days-a-Year with our thayer Bicycle Benefits program For full details visit

BeTTer Burger Company 215-217 Thayer Street | 228-7373 bbcfoodusa.com Organic grass-fed burgers, gluten-free options, homemade sauces and fries cooked in olive oil. Breakfast served until 3pm daily. Real fruit sodas. Vegan and vegetarian options also available.

eF Bishop group 217 Angell Street | 421-3210 efbishop.com Providing insurance & real estate solutions since 1965. Your Independent Agents representing your needs with many different companies to choose from. Real estate sales and rentals throughout RI.

FaCing Thayer BeauTy spa & BouTique 297 Thayer Street | 331-4777 facingthayer.com Offering luxurious facials, waxing, nail, & eyelash services and selling 25 different beauty lines, this is one spot you shouldn’t miss! Voted Best Day Spa.

thayerstreetdistrict.com

Bring in your Bicycle helmet and get your FRee Bicycle Benefits helmet sticker today at: Pie in the Sky • Now Yoga and Fitness (2nd floor above Kartabar) • 257 Thayer Leasing Office (2nd floor above Kartabar)

save at these participating thayer street District Businesses and Restaurants year round:

FLaTBread Company

kaBoB and Curry

pie in The sky

161 Cushing Street | 273-2737 flatbreadcompany.com

261 Thayer Street | 273-8844 indianrestaurantsri.com

225 Thayer Street | 861-3954 Find us on Facebook

Rock. Wood. Fire. Clay. Ash. Crisp. Stoke. Care. Friends. Thirst. Flavor. Smoke. Organic. Passion. Sweet. Sourcing. Maple. Friendly. To Bake and Serve. Real. Providence. Wood-fired Love.

“Arguably the best Indian food in Rhode Island.” – Providence Journal, Live. Come in and see why this award-winning restaurant continues its tradition of excellence that started on Thayer 27 years ago.

Beautiful stones with sapphires and 14kt gold accents. Big chunky sterling neck and bracelet chains for men as well as women. Come see!

Kabob and Curry • SpectrumIndia • Kartabar • Now Yoga and Fitness • Froyoworld • City Sports • Pie in the Sky • Blue State Coffee • Antonio’s Pizza • Allegra Print & Imaging • Ben & Jerry’s • Flat Bread Company • Paragon Viva • Berk’s Shoes & Clothing • Byblos • East Side Pockets • Squires Salon & Day Spa

•••

pLeasanT surprise

squires saLon

speCTrum-india

297 Thayer Street | 273-1202 pleasant-surprise.com

50 Park Row West | 274-5660 squiressalon.com

252 Thayer Street | 421-1010 Find us on Facebook

XL wine glass holds 1 full bottle of wine. XL beer glass holds 5 beers. Come to Pleasant Surprise for all of your St. Patrick’s Day parade and party goods! Visit our Brick Market location in Newport also!

Squires Salon has temporarily relocated to the Moderne Salon, at Center Place, 50 Park Row West, Providence 02903. We will soon be returning to our new location at 172 E. Cushing Street across from the Nelson Fitness Center.

Attractively priced dorm furnishings, eclectic fashions, exotic gifts, ready-toeat Indian entrees and more... also henna tattoos, henna parties, tarot and astrological readings all by appointment.

w h a t ’s h a p p e n i n g o n

Providenceonline.com

Trinity

Brewhouse rewery Providence’s largest b

Serving award-winning beer and tasty pub-inspired entrees

Celebrating

20 yearS

rotating selection of fresh brews

186 Fountain Street, Providence 401.453.2337 • www.trinitybrewhouse.com

Tuesday special: Manicure and Pedicure for $28! Offering Shellac Manicure Pink & White • Acrylic Nails • Nail Overlay • Gel Nails Sculptured Nails • Manicure • Pedicure • Nail Art Air Brush Design • Extra Massage Available

W E B E XC L U S I V E

Walk-Ins Welcome • Gift Certificates Available

Hey rhody! Ready yourself to start some major home improvement projects with help from our comprehensive digital (and print!) Rhode Island Home

Professional Nail Care for Ladies & Gentleman

Guide. Get tips from local experts on everything from kitchen renovation to roof maintenance, find out what’s hot in local design trends, get all the facts about “greening” your residence and so much more.

401-861-8500 • 783 Hope Street, Providence

Monday-Friday 9am-7:30pm • Saturday 9am-6pm / Sunday 10am-5pm

Plus: Peruse our statewide digital “Winter Fun” roundup for ideas on how to keep your kids occupied all winter long.

PA R T Y W I T H U S Get out of the city and head down south for delicious dining deals during Narragansett Restaurant Week, happening February 27–March 8.

Win THiS Experience the thrill of live theatrics – this month we’re giving away tickets to the see a show at the Gamm Theatre in celebration of their 30th anniversary.

FO L LOW U S

3/31/15

Live in Wayland Square!

Because we’re awesome on social, too

facebook.com/pvdmonthly

3/31/15

@pvdmonthly

Studios, 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments, and Private Penthouse

PVDMonthly

All Utilities & Parking Included

Photography: Michael Cevoli

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

RhodyBites.com

Hey Rhody (at providenceonline.com)

Cafes & Boutiques right outside your door

24 Hour Fitness Center 24 Hour Concierge 24 Hour Emergency Service Tailor Shop on site Papillon Jaune salon on site Spa Citron on site

500 Angell Street, Providence • 751-7700 www.waylandmanor.com • info@waylandmanor.com

March 2015 | Providence Monthly

Parkside Rotisserie and Bar | 76 South Main Street | Providence, RI 02903 | (401) 331-0003

www.parksideprovidence.com

Providence Monthly | March 2015

From this day forward... C

rĂstallo Spa at the Hillside Country Club offers a variety of services and treatments designed to help you feel relaxed, pampered, and look your absolute best. Our bridal packages include hair design and make-up for your unforgettable day. We understand how exciting your wedding day is-

let us help you make it amazing!

82 Hillside Avenue, Rehoboth, MA | 508.342.5735 | cristallospa.com

Dine in style at A Providence Original

101 N. Main Street • Providence millstavernrestaurant.com 401.272.3331 Mon-Thurs. 5-1o p.m. Fri-Sat. 5-11 p.m. Sun 4-9 p.m.

465 Angell St • Wayland Sq. NOW 455 Main St. • E. Greenwich OPEN redstriperestaurants.com Mon-Thurs. 11:30 a.m.-1o p.m. Fri-Sat. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Providence Pulse

Photo: John Jacobson

CITY / MALCONTENT / SCENE IN PVD

Striking Out... in a Good Way Breaktime Bowl & Bar

Once upon a time, you had to know someone to sneak you into the hidden bowling alley atop Pawtucket’s Hope Artiste Village.

Now, it’s Breaktime Bowl & Bar, a duckpin bowling alley serving up cocktails and vintage fun. Turn the page to read all about it.

March 2015 | Providence Monthly

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home entertaining and more! Interior design, historic preservation,

spring 2015

FRee

www.HeyRhody.com

www.HeyR hod

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www.H eyR , Whet her you’re buyin g, selling renovating or redecorating, here’s how to create your dream space in Rhode Island

Living colorfully in Rumford

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The best of home design, renovation and real estate

all over Rhode Island

Debuts mid-March

Pick up your FREE copy at these fine locations: The Arcade • Books on the Square • The Butcher Shop • Cafe La France • Campus Fine Wine Coffee Exchange • Eastside Marketplace • East Side Prescription Center • Nikki's Liquors • Pastiche Sandwich Hut • Seven Stars Bakery • Sweenor’s Chocolates • T's Restaurant • Trinity Brewhouse • Venda Ravioli • White Electric • YMCA

And every Benny’s in Rhode Island

For a complete list go to

HeyRhody.com

Providence Monthly | March 2015

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Pulse |

City

From Page 13

Bowling like it’s 1929

Breaktime Bowl & Bar brings old school bowling to Pawtucket Do you have this wacky recurring dream about bowling with Depression-era bootleggers? Well good news! The Hope Artiste Village has just blown the dust off of its secret, Roaring Twenties bowling alley. Let the flapper themed bowling leagues begin! Breaktime Bowl & Bar, located on the third floor of Hope Artiste Village, sports six old-school, preautomation duckpin bowling lanes. Obvious updates aside – the bar, anachronistic HD TVs, a women’s bathroom – the room looks very much as it did back in the day when it served as an employee amenity/ union deterrent for the mill workers.

The pins are even still set by hand, though sadly the pinsetters aren’t dressed like newsies. As a living piece of quirky, local history there’s a lot to love in this space, but be warned, actually getting to bowl might take a while. When I got there on a Friday night the wait for a lane was an hour and a half. The bar and a solid menu make that an easier pill to swallow, but if you’re dead set on bowling you might want to make it your first stop of the evening. Breaktime is open Thursday and Friday 4pm-1am, and Saturday and Sunday 9am-midnight. 999 Main St, Pawtucket. breaktimebowlandbar. com –Kasia Piaseca

Smoke Out

Good Work

All The Cool Kids Aren’t Doing It

Providence doesn’t want to see your butts in its parks

Photo: (Top Right) John Jacobson, (Bottom Right) Rachel Hulin

Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em… while you can. As of March 11, smoking will officially be banned in Providence’s public parks. So no more cigarettes. No more cigars, the snob of the smoking family. No more pipes which, depending on your age, are either the grandpa of the smoking family or the irony soaked hipster grandkid of the family. As for the vaping crowd, congratulations! With no real smokers to blend in with the attention you so desperately crave while you puff on your supercool future cigarettes is yours and yours alone! Violations will come with a $50

Breaktime Bowl & Bar

penalty, the grown up equivalent to no TV, no Nintendo and no friends over the house when your mom busted you the summer leading into freshman year. Speaking of violations, many see this smoke-out as a violation on their inalienable right to kill themselves slowly while paying through the nose to do so. Others see this as a move towards a healthier society. Either way, it all boils down to how strictly this is actually going to be enforced. Only that will determine whether this is a legitimate challenge to citizens or just a symbolic gesture. –Tony Pacitti

Ten Years and Counting The Downtown Improvement District celebrates a milestone Whether you spend it sipping the seasonal cocktail at The Dorrance or rocking out to a show at Lupo’s, a great night in Downtown is a collaboration between history and culture. These two divergent sides lie in a practiced equilibrium, but from the outside it can be difficult to see the creative renaissance through the seams. Thanks to the efforts of Providence’s Downtown Improvement District however, the city has seen a much brighter and cleaner transformation. The DID was formed in 2005 by the Providence Foundation to keep the streets of downtown clean and safe, but since then they have expanded their services to include various beautification programs. These programs include the installation of gardens and flower baskets, installing seasonal fixtures such as wreaths and banners and painting and maintaining street furniture. In the time of their operation they have removed 350,000 pounds of trash from the streets as well countless amounts of snow and other debris. This year they celebrate their tenth anniversary by adding technology to their

ambassadors’ arsenal that will allow them to print directions, coupons and more for passerby. Through the industrious work of the DID, Providence’s renaissance looks as strong as it feels. –Jordan LaRose

The DID in action

March 2015 | Providence Monthly

Pulse |

City

Eat Well

First World Problems

March Madness… For Food

The Wintertime Farmers’ Market’s new playbook It’s that time of year:

March Madness! When college basketball teams fight each other to the death until only one remains, and the winner collects the prize to become allpowerful and omnipotent. Just kidding, that’s Highlander. The newest form of March Madness is the one being held by Farm Fresh Rhode Island (FFRI) at the Pawtucket Wintertime Farmers’ Market. They’re holding their first annual series of events each Saturday this month. The series of events include Chef Scott Melville and Chef Fab from Nosh Tavern hosting a cooking demo on March 7. On March 14, there will be a pie-eating contest by Humble Pie Company and Down City Designs. There will be a Hope

& Main and Bucket Brewery Pairing on March 21, and an African Alliance cooking demo on the 28 rounds out the events. Scavenger hunts are being held each Saturday and there will be a chance to win up to $250 in prizes from FFRI vendors. Hope Artiste Village, 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. farmfresh.org. –Mike Sullivan

Cooking demos at Wintertime Farmers’ Market

Picture Perfect

Get someone else to organize all your photos On TV we always see

families sitting together on a huge couch to look at either a well-organized album (complete with labeled pictures) or a bunch of pictures in a floral hat box. That, however could not be further from reality. Most of us have our pictures relegated to boxes in the attic or sequestered in the basement, gathering dust. It is always something that we make plans to go through but never actually do. You finally have the chance to be like those families on TV. Daniella Giorgio, a consultant for EverPresent

is here to help. She services Providence and has many years under her belt working to get people what they need. She has always had a passion for pictures and through her one-onone service you can finally enjoy all those boxed treasures. With her help, you can get your pictures and videos restored and organized into slideshows and albums so that memories can be preserved and shared with the whole family. After all, as cliché as it sounds, a picture really is worth a thousand words. 617-505-1132, everpresentonline.com. –Eyram Fiakpui

Malcontent

Deflated Integrity Now that the buzz

from another Patriots Super Bowl victory has started to wear off, and what was undoubtedly the NFL’s most shameful year has simply become “last season,” we can take a moment to reflect on all the fuss. The league was a three-ring circus of controversy all season, culminating with our beloved Patriots bringing home the Lombardi Trophy amidst allegations of tampering with game balls in its AFC Championship drubbing of the Indianapolis Colts. It was a fitting end to an embarrassing year for the House that Commissioner Goodell built, not only because suspicion of cheating lingered over the championship team, but because the earnestness and faux diligence with which the league handled the silly Deflate-gate stood in stark contrast to the seemingly intentional ineptitude with which it bungled far more serious controversies. With football over for the year, basketball and hockey still in full flourish, and baseball just over the horizon, there are

Providence Monthly | March 2015

lingering questions about bad behavior, cheating, violence, moral impropriety, the influence of big money and general shenanigans across all sports. Did the Patriots cheat? Had Commissioner Goodell really not seen the Ray Rice tape? Will A-Rod’s return to baseball this season be as embarrassing as his exit? Is the NCAA exploiting the unpaid players at the center of a multi-billion dollar industry? Will another NBA team owner make racist comments about his own fans this year? The one question at the center of all of it is, Who gives a damn? The real problem with all the controversies and fallen idols in sports is not the failure of professional athletics to live up to its noble ideals, but the false notion that it must have noble ideals in the first place. If you’re looking to any professional sports league or athlete as a beacon of high-minded integrity or moral rectitude, the problem isn’t with them, it’s with you. Sports is, always has been and ever shall be a dirty, nasty business with more than

its fair share of scoundrels, hucksters and low-lives – no different than any other industry in which billions of dollars are at stake. We like to think of sports as some combination of heroic battle and morality play, but what we’re really talking about is grown men playing a child’s game for huge money. That disconnect between what sports are and what we imagine them to be is the real source of our outrage, not the fact that Roger Goodell still has a job or A-Rod is a cheat. Now don’t get me wrong: I love sports. While this was the NFL’s worst year off the field, the on-field action was consistently spectacular – and that’s ultimately why we love sports: for the spectacle. A spectacle doesn’t need integrity, nor should it pretend to possess it. Professional sports are like a big, greasy bacon cheeseburger: you can enjoy it in moderation even though you know it’s bad for you. Here in New England, we seem to have made peace with the inherent

dirtiness of professional sports – at least in one particular instance when it’s most convenient for us. (Let’s see if the same laissez faire attitude applies when A-Rod steps up to the plate at Fenway on May 1.) The collective Ah, whattaya gonna do? with which New Englandahs greeted Deflate-gate is indicative not of making excuses for the home team, but an actual grasp on reality: one group of men who are paid millions of dollars to play a game may have flouted their employer’s byzantine and often nonsensical regulations to gain a slight edge over other men who get paid millions of dollars to play a game, ultimately it probably made no difference in the outcome, and most of the league does it (or some other form of bending the rules) anyway. Sports are dirty. Athletes are flawed. And money always trumps integrity. But who gives a damn? There’s a game on. –John Taraborelli

Photography: Stacey Doyle

Professional sport is a dirty business, not a morality play

Pulse |

City

Fashion With Heart

One-Of-A-Kind Design

Get your hands on a limited edition Kent Stetson clutch to benefit PeaceLove Studios PeaceLove teamed up

Studios

has

with fashion-forward handbag designer Kent Stetson to create a limited edition clutch that any woman would be proud to tote around the city. The “Hearts” Clutch retails for $150 and can easily be dressed up with a gown or dressed down with jeans and a tee. Best of all, each clutch is signed by Stetson himself. It’s like having a work of art on your arm. “One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the clutch support PeaceLove and directly provide life-changing expressive arts programs to communities impacted by mental health disorders,” says PeaceLove CEO and co-founder Matthew

Kaplan. After being recruited by Kaplan, Stetson got to work. “I made up a handful of samples using various images provided by PeaceLove Studios,” Stetson says. “Their team ultimately chose an asymmetrical-flap clutch with a multicolor painting created by a member of their community featuring peace signs framed inside hearts. The bag is made of coated canvas, features a detachable cross-body length chain and an inner pocket.” The chic Hearts Clutch is available for purchase on the PeaceLove Studio website and comes with a logo dust bag for storage. peacelovestudios. com. –Erin Balsa

Oh Nuts

PM Experiment

Letting It All Hang Out

Positive Vibes

If you’ve practiced yoga before, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of not being able to get the really deep stretch for which you’re striving. You can feel something holding you back – but have you ever stopped to consider that it might be your clothes? Wait, before you run out and invest hundreds of dollars in some fancy new Lululemon gear to up your yoga game, let me be clear: we’re not talking about better clothes, but rather no clothes. Skyclad Yoga Club is a Boston-based, men-only (sorry, ladies) group that also holds sessions in Providence. They focus on ancient yoga practices with a unique twist: their classes are all nude. That’s right, if the prospect of doing your child pose as naked as the day your were born terrifies or amuses you, maybe you need to open your mind (and pants) to some new possibilities… man. It’s part of a growing trend around the country of naked yoga studios, which range from unisex (yawn) to co-ed

My best friend was in a slump that I

A Men-Only Yoga Club strips the practice down to its barest essentials (yowza), but which is decidedly not about titillation or even awkwardness. Practitioners swear that it’s a freeing and, ultimately, comfortable experience that’s about achieving clarity and peace. Skyclad practices Nagna Yoga (Naked Yoga), the Shatkaria (Yogic cleansing), Pranayama (breath-control) and meditation every Wednesday at noon and 7pm in Olneyville. At least you won’t have to worry whether your yoga pants are see-through anymore. 120 Manton Ave. meetup.com/SkycladYoga-Club –John Taraborelli

Working out your negative energy with Reiki didn’t know how to get her out of. She was going through a bad breakup, a career crisis and dealing with her own body image issues that we can all relate to. Suddenly, I noticed an abrupt change in her. She was radiant, optimistic... hell, she was glowing. Where did this newfound positive energy come from? Reiki. For those of you unfamiliar with reiki, it’s a healing technique where the reiki master can channel energy into and out of the patient by means of touch. Seeing the radical change in my BFF, I decided to visit the Davina Holistic Center and clean out my chakras. Naglaa, born in Egypt, has been a reiki master for over three years. She greeted me with a warm smile and invited me to sit for an initial consultation. Naglaa explained that much like we have veins flowing blood through our body, we also have meridians which allows the flow of energy through our bodies. Meridians are connected to our chakras – the energy centers in our body in which energy

flows through. Reiki helps to release any blockages in those chakras which are causing discomfort, stress, etc. and keeping the energy from ebbing and flowing. After discussing reiki and pointing out where my main chakras are (Third Eye), she took me into a tranquil room where I laid down on a table. I closed my eyes and relaxed. Naglaa glided her hands over my clothed body, gently touching and hovering over my chakras. I felt warmth emanating from her hands and was deeply relaxed. When the hour session was over, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and renewed energy; I was ready to take on the world. I felt as though my body’s battery had been recharged. After my session, I realized it’s just as important to take care of your spiritual body as it is your physical one. Stop by the Open House on Friday, March 6 between 5pm and 8:30pm to learn more. 560 Mineral Spring Avenue, Suite 206, Pawtucket. davinalearning.com –Cristy Raposo

March 2015 | Providence Monthly

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Providence Monthly | March 2015

1/5/15 11:00 AM

Pulse |

Scene in PVD

The city’s movers and shakers gathered at the Ballroom at the Providence G in January to celebrate Providence Monthly’s annual 10 to Watch. The fundraiser for the Mt. Hope Learning Center featured delicious edibles by Blackstone Caterers and music by The Avenue Concept. Photography by Mike Braca.

Kristen Minsky, John Taraborelli, Kate Mills

Sam Zurier, Chris Blazajewski, Carlos Tobon

Susan Daly, Matt Coupe, Michelle DePlante

Katanya Magrey, Umberto “Bert” Crenca, Marissa O’Gara

Ed Bishop, Christine West Melissa Husband, Debra Fowler

Benjamin Britton, Shey Rivera

Dayanarah Baez, Jessica Rodriguez, Carmen Torres

Jenny Johnson, Susan Chin

Kyrie Perry, Theresa Agonia

March 2015 | Providence Monthly

Providence Monthly | March 2015

dramatic years 10 reasons why the Gamm Theatre is still going strong after three decades by John Taraborelli

This year, Pawtucket’s Gamm Theatre celebrates its 30th season, and will mark the occasion on March 30 with Gamm Gala 2015: The Gamm Turns 30. The company began as Alias State in 1984 at Olneyville’s Atlantic Mills. It was a small offshoot of Trinity Rep that developed a core of theatre artists and actors, along with a reputation for producing challenging, innovative works by emerging playwrights and incisive, topical reinterpretations of classics. It eventually moved to the Jewelry District, and was rechristened the Sandra Feinstein Gamm Theatre. Now known simply as The Gamm, it moved to its current home in Pawtucket 12 years ago, and has continued to grow. As the curtain goes up on the fourth production of season 30 (John Guare’s The House of Blue Leaves), we caught up with some of the key players who have contributed to its success and asked them to reflect on the Gamm’s place in the Rhode Island theatre scene.

It continues to challenge itself…

“You set a bar and either keep raising it each year or quit. When you lose the energy and ambition to challenge yourself, the artists and your audience, you start to wither on the vine. So, we consciously look to pick plays and projects that seem just beyond our grasp and go about the hard work of stretching and growing the muscles to reach them.” –Tony Estrella, Artistic Director, and actor since 1996

Photography (Top) by Louisa Marie Summer, bottom courtesy of Gamm Theatre

…And that status quo

“The Gamm presents plays that challenge systems of government, systems of religion and systems of ideology that affect individual and community lifestyles here in United States and abroad. We get to be a part of plays that at times enable people to reconfigure their preconceived notions about those systems and as such, play a part in social change. In so doing, we become changed when exposed to these important and vibrant works of art that bravely critique and criticize the status quo.” –Steve Kidd, Resident Actor and former Education Director

Its small size provides a special theatre experience…

“The intimate nature of the theatre and indeed the space itself are always a draw for me. You can feel the molecules in the air change when a particularly dramatic or moving event happens on stage, and the energy between audience and actor can be truly electric. The audience is close to you.” –Jeanine Kane, Resident Actor

…But it continues to grow

“The Gamm is almost filled to capacity each and every performance. However, our space is small and needs to be expanded. While we would certainly like to increase our seating capacity somewhat, it is equally, if not more, important to have suitable space that allows our Artistic Director more freedom in selecting and directing plays. Our actors also deserve more accommodating space. We feel ready to

explore opportunities to expand.” –Leon Boghossian, President of the Board of Directors

It grew out of Trinity Rep, and continues to be a great counterpart

“The Gamm could not have come into being without Trinity’s generosity and support; many of us received our training there. I am deeply grateful for that every year. For 19 years, both theatres have allowed me to schedule a double life. What they share are professionalism, vitality, intelligence, a love of collaboration and rigorous exploration of text, loyalty to artists and genuine care for and involvement with audiences. How they differ is, of course, size and budget, and perhaps that creates very different pressures on the individual theatres. But what I celebrate is the mutual respect and fondness Rhode Island’s professional theatres share.” –Fred Sullivan, Jr., Resident Director since 1996, and Resident Actor at Trinity Rep

audience is a key participant in that artistic experience; without them, it does not exist.” –Oliver Dow, Managing Director

You never know what to expect

“The Gamm elects to produce plays with often unknown outcomes. Will the topic resonate with the audience? How will they react? The steps toward opening night are loaded with trial and error. Creating the production is like solving a mystery – and not 1984

It provides an experience you just can’t get at home

“Theatre is one of the few art forms that cannot be reproduced on a computer or iPhone. Audiences must leave the comforts of home and gather for a shared, unique artistic experience. I say unique because each performance is unique unto itself and when it is over, it will never happen again exactly the same way. The The Gamm’s production of Uncle Vanya

an Agatha Christie mystery with a clever scattering of breadcrumbs that lead us to the solution. No, Gamm plays are more elusive in style and there is no blatantly obvious safe path to a satisfying production. This makes for an exciting process in which the audience is critical to determining the meaning of the landscape.” –Judith Swift, Resident Director

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It maintains a veteran core of actors and artists, but continues to nurture new talent “The fact that I am able to work with actors, directors, technicians and other designers that I have known for many years and with whom I have developed a rapport and a solid working relationship is gratifying. The other side of the coin is that there is always a new actor, technician, director or designer coming through the door, and I enjoy getting to know and work with them as well. It keeps me on my toes.” –Marilyn Salvatore, Costume Designer and one of the Gamm’s longest tenured artists, since 1987

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“The Gamm has focused its identity so that there’s no mistaking us with any other company in the area. By doing so, we’ve been able to extend our reach outside Rhode Island and garner attention regionally and beyond. In a time when conventional thinking seemed to favor broadening your organization’s mission to weather tough times, we have doubled down on what makes us individual. Everything follows from that.” –Tony Estrella, Artistic Director The House of Blue Leaves runs March 5-April 5. 172 Exchange St., Pawtucket. 723-4266, gammtheatre.org

Its educational programs give back to the community “The education department helped to establish links between what was going on stage and the academic community of Pawtucket, as well as subscribers and ticket holders. Through study guides, talkbacks and on-site visits, the education department sends the roots of our productions deeper into the soil of the community and helps make connections between the production and the world in which we live. Additionally, the education department helps to train young actors in the craft of acting and theatrical art. Our current Education Director,

Gamm Artistic Director Tony Estrella

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The theatre is marking its 30th anniversary with a big party 3/7

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It is a distinct voice among New England theatres

Providence Monthly | March 2015

What’s the point of a big anniversary if you’re not going to celebrate it in a big way? Gamm Gala 2015: The Gamm Turns 30 will do just that on March 30 at the Center by the Blackstone. Artistic Director and MC for the evening Tony Estrella will host a celebration of 30 years of fearless theatre, with a particular focus on the dozen years the Gamm has called Pawtucket home. Members of the original casts will recreate highlights from some of favorite Gamm productions of the past 12 years, and recently retired Managing Director David M. Wax will be honored. There will also be an open bar cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, and a three-course sit-down dinner by Russell Morin Fine Catering, as well as a silent auction. Tickets are $175 per person, and proceeds will support the theatre’s productions and educational programs. The event begins at 6pm at the Center by the Blackstone, 175 Main St., Pawtucket. 7234266, gammtheatre.org

Photography by Louisa Marie Summer

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March 2015 | Providence Monthly

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Providence Monthly | March 2015

One PVD, Two All The Way Getting down to business with Mayor Jorge Elorza By Elyena “Nellie” de Goguel

f Photography by James Jones

“Mm, mm, mm.”

Mayor Jorge Elorza bites into a hot, juicy wiener. Mid-winter sunlight illuminates the circular edge of a glass containing creamy, ice-cold coffee milk. A plate of thick, golden fries sits in the communal space between myself and the newest manager of Rhode Island’s capital city. It’s a chilly Friday afternoon in February, but the warmth inside Olneyville NY System on Plainfield Street is all-encompassing. As Elorza digs into one of their infamous all-the-way wieners, I begin to ask him about his first month as mayor of Providence, a month that, at least weather wise, can be summed up by a ridiculous mashup of words: snowmaggedon. “We’ve had two major storms – somewhere around 26 inches in a span of eight days,” explains Elorza between bites. “That’s a lot of snow. And we’ve had below freezing temps virtually every day since then. The snow isn’t melting. Logistically it’s a challenge.” A challenge that in its nature is difficult – but that was seemingly exacerbated by factors like faulty technology related to plow mechanisms on various trucks, and the use of contract workers who may not be familiar with Providence’s intricate (and often confusing) network of streets. Things that were set in motion before Elorza stepped in. But the mayor does not seem fazed. “People have been working so hard, the operation that we have is really quite impressive… If you stay out ahead of [these storms] then you can make the main roads passable, especially the roads leading up to hospitals and all first responders. We’ve been working on the side streets, making sure that they are treated, making sure that we widen them as much as we can.” Elorza seems to look at these snowy annoyances as a way for the city to collectively unify under a common goal. Just like his campaign slogan: “One Providence.” “All I ask of people is if you see a neighbor who is in need or anyone in trouble please give them some help. That’s the spirit that is going to help us overcome any challenge, even a major storm,” he says. “Observing the parking ban, staying off the roads so that our plows can continue to move the snow, shoveling your own sidewalks so that people can walk to school, pedestrians can get from one place to another. It’s by everyone chipping in.” Elorza remembers the snowfalls of his Rhode Island childhood – of slinging snowballs down Cranston Street with neighborhood kids on the West Side. Despite the ever-infallible Wikipedia, Jorge Elorza is not originally from Brooklyn. He was, in fact, born in the city he now he manages. “I’d spend all my time outside,” he says. “There were always so many kids around all the time. I have nothing but happy memories.” Elorza suddenly gets thoughtful, and in a somewhat sad tone says: “I don’t see kids playing in the street

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Providence Monthly | March 2015

as much as I used to. It worries me. But I think parents are probably more protective, concerned about having their kids outside. Safety is obviously a concern – and we want to make this city as safe as possible and make people feel safe.” This seamless switch in tone – from honest conversation to rehearsed political platitude – is one of many instances during our conversation where Elorza seems to cut a thought off before he allows it to manifest fully. An age-old political self-preservation technique. Don’t say anything that might be considered controversial or that could be construed wrongly by a voter. For only four weeks on the job, Elorza seems to already have a fully equipped arsenal of expertly curated PR-friendly phrases. But I digress. As we all know by this point, Elorza is a product of Providence public schooling and, as was mentioned often during his mayoral campaign, he almost didn’t graduate high school. But graduate he did, and after taking courses at CCRI he transferred to URI where he was top of his accounting class. The recently graduated youth decided to take his numerical talents to Wall Street where he worked for consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. But the world of high finance and personal profit proved to be dissatisfying, and this dissatisfaction, mixed with the tragic news that one of his childhood friends had been murdered, pushed Elorza to return home. “I knew it wasn’t the right fit for me,” he says. “I knew I wanted to do some kind of public interest work, so I left it, came back and I’ve never regretted it.” After attending Harvard Law and working at Rhode Island Legal Services, Elorza began teaching at Roger Williams Law School. He also ran the gavel as a housing court judge and forced international banking giants like Deutsche Bank and Bank of America to answer for certain Providence-based crimes. “I never thought I’d go into politics,” Elorza says. “People would ask me if I would ever run and I would swear it off and say no chance. I had tenure at the university – you work so much to get tenure, you achieve your goal and then, just the way that I am, started asking what’s next? Around this time, when I’m trying to figure out what I’m going to do for the rest of my life, people from Angel’s office start telling me that he’s thinking of running for governor, and I should think about running for mayor. I started having some preliminary conversations, and then I jumped in. I knew that in this role, you can have a positive impact on people throughout the city. It all came together at the right time.” It was a mayoral race for the history books – a competition that drew national interest (likely because of the participation of a twice-convicted former mayor) – and Elorza emerged victorious. One month down – and, if all goes according to plan – 47 more to go. “I’m so proud of the team at City Hall,” he says. “There are so many different issues coming at you, you need to know that you have great people around you that will do the job right, get it done, people who are going to advise you properly.” Two of those people, Chief Operating Officer Brett Smiley and Chief of Staff Tony Simon, have very different political backgrounds, and one might wonder how well they will be able to work together to achieve a common goal. “You need to surround yourself with people who think differently, and people who are confident enough to challenge you when need be,” Elorza explains. “Both [Smiley and Simon] fit that to a T. We work very well together as a team. It’s nice to get different perspectives on similar issues.”

“Part of my personality is to always seek out the next challenge, to always push myself. When there’s a challenge and you don’t know how its going to turn out, just rest assured that with confifIdence you’re going to fIgure out how to get through it.“

An alternative perspective is exactly what Elorza will get in his weekly meetings with newly appointed City Council leader Luis Aponte. Some issues that Elorza and Aponte are not fully in agreement on – at least for now – are Elorza’s campaign pledge to not raise taxes,

the proposed downtown trolley project and the future utilization of the Port of Providence. But, just like a seasoned politician, Elorza does not delve into detail concerning the aforementioned. “I understand the principles driving [Aponte’s] vision and he understands the principles

March 2015 | Providence Monthly

driving mine. At that level, we’re not far off working through and communicating to make sure we get the particulars right. Just like everything else you have to look throughout the city to find areas of strategic opportunities, and then [we have to figure out] how to positively exploit them as best we can. That’s an approach that I’m committed to and that the City Council president is committed to.” During his first month as mayor (besides dealing with frozen conditions that put Disney’s Queen Elsa to shame), Elorza reinstated the ethics commission and has explored alternative ways of reaching Providence residents by engaging on social media. “Twitter actually allows for some really substantive conversations – it’s a good forum for getting down to some meaty issues,” says Elorza of his Twitter town hall experience. “We have something else scheduled – I’m going to be a guest tweeter - Is that right? Twitteror? Tweetor? For EdChatRi. I’m always looking for creative ways to engage with residents.” Part of that citizen engagement comes with building trust, and one effective way is by utilizing the formerly defunct ethics commission. “It’s so important, especially with the history that Providence has had with ethics and transparency and open government. People pay a lot of taxes here in the city – there has to be a basic level of trust that your tax dollars are being used in the most efficient and effective way possible so that we’re minimizing waste. As a modern city, we need to have professional processes in place and we have to engage the citizenry as much as possible.” On a personal note, it’s evident that Jorge Elorza is a thoughtful and curious individual. He’s traveled to over 17

Providence Monthly | March 2015

“Challenges are there to be overcome. With that kind of attitude, I’ve been able to overcome all kinds of diverse challenges that have presented themselves. I have every confidence that it’ll be the same moving forward.”

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March 2015 | Providence Monthly

City Style

AT HOME / SHOP TALK / THE LOOK / BEAUTY / GET FIT About the Homeowner Michigan-born Asher Rodriquez-Dunn is the owner and designer of furniture design firm Studio Dunn, owner of the Anchor PVD creative spaces and Keeseh Woodshop community woodworking space. The RISD alum lives on the East Side near Wayand Square with his husband.

4 2

Photography: Mike Braca

Retro Meets Modern 1. We love having worldly objects in our home. These two weavings were given to us by my grandmother who collected these on her travels. They remind us to always dream and travel, and they bring that adventurousness into our home. 2. This is a little piece of childhood. My husband grew up with this New Yorker cover hanging on his wall. Over the years and the moves the poster was lost, but this past year his sister was able to track down a copy of the poster and it again has a presence in our life. It is a pretty funny poster, a view of the world from Manhattan where there is not much beyond Manhattan. 3. You would assume that I own a bunch of my own furniture pieces but in actuality I produce and sell the work to make a living, so very little has come home with me. For our wedding, my parents conspired with my employees to produce pieces for our home under a made-up client’s name so that I would not suspect.

We received three pieces that we live with and love! 4. One of my closest friends from college’s mother produces these ceramic pieces that I’ve always loved. As a gift we received two pieces that we treasure and have prominently on display in our home. We love art and these are first of the some day collection we hope to have throughout our home. 5. This Charles and Ray Eames fiberglass chair encompasses my love for midcentury modernity, material engineering and timeless aesthetics. Charles and Ray Eames worked with materials and manufacturing methods that were developed or being used in innovative ways during WWII. After the war there was an abundance of new manufacturing methods that other industries adopted, in this case the furniture industry. For me this piece is a record of its time and the ingenuity of these two designers, and still has relevance today.

March 2015 | Providence Monthly

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Providence Monthly | March 2015

City Style |

The Look

By John Taraborelli

Aaron Peterman

Managing Director, AS220 How does your career factor into your personal style? My personal style is a balance between looking good and comfort. I’ll take jeans and a t-shirt any day. I’m so thankful that I don’t work in an environment that forces a certain style upon me; men in suits are playing a drag character in a certain way, whether they know it or not. Luckily, AS220 is a perfect place to be expressive in both art and style, so my choice in clothing is about maintaining a level of professionalism, but tempered with a sort of attitude. This is me at AS220: you’re not gonna get a tie, so you get me with my pink deep V-neck. Did you always have a distinctive sense of style, or is it something you grew into and developed over time? I’ve always had a certain style, which usually centers on my hair. I had a mohawk for ages, but I’ve abandoned the ‘hawk for long hair and have kept the shaved side as a memorial. Clothing-wise, my style has definitely changed over time. I’ve realized that I can amp up the color and patterns more – it’s almost expected by friends and coworkers. Where do you like to shop? I’m obsessed with Barney’s. Half of my wardrobe is from there, and the rest could and should be bought there. I’m accepting applications for benefactors. The t-shirt and pants are from Barney’s, and the shoes are Puma. The belt to the side is an interesting touch. I collect fashion habits from my personal history. In 2006, I met a guy that was so cool: his style, the way he carried himself, he had a side-belt. He’s a great friend now, and I carry his 2006 side-belt legacy on.

Photography: Ian Travis Barnard

What’s your advice to the man who’s still afraid of wearing bold colors? Go with your gut. If you’re not feeling bold and gregarious then bold and gregarious colors are just going to be uncomfortable. Also, people look at you a lot less then you think they do, so wear what you want. No one’s watching. What’s the story behind the giant scarf? I spent years looking for a large scarf that was long enough, to no avail. So if you can’t find it, make it… well, have your mom make it. Thanks mom! It’s my favorite winter accessory for both fashion and warmth. How do you turn a plain t-shirt into a statement piece? A t-shirt alone is just a t-shirt. Pairing a t-shirt with a necklace or a scarf gives it that something extra. Also, spend a little money on your t-shirts. Good cloth makes all the difference.

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March 2015 | Providence Monthly

City Style |

Get Fit

By Jen Senecal

Pump It Up

800 reps in 60 minutes at Fore Court Fitness Every student remembers that

Body Pump at Fore Court Raquet and Fitness

Of the seven, I chose Body Pump, because of its reminiscence to a class Melissa once taught at Bally’s, (except it’s the more modern, more kick-ass version). The 60-minute workout uses all of your muscle groups, as you perform weighted exercises like squats, presses, lifts, curls and cleans, for a total of 800 reps. (Like, as in, almost 1,000). When I walked into the extremely large group fitness room, I noticed two things. The room was gigantic (in case I didn’t already just say that) and there were a ton of people, of all ages, setting up for class. The crowd was no surprise to me, knowing the instructor’s teaching style and the type of class it was – one that guides weightlifting in a non-intimidating, fun environment. Setting up a stepper (to serve as a mini bench) and a bar with various weighted plates on standby to switch out as we moved through each body part, I was once again faced with doing math when I noticed everything was marked in kilograms, and not pounds. By now, you may think I’d have this down, since kilos go with athletic training like peanut butter goes with jelly, but I am a creature of habit (and born of the bodybuilding world), so I honestly had no idea what I was throwing on that bar as we moved

quickly between sets. I just knew that if it felt heavy enough, I was rolling with it. (And my quads today tell me that it was heavy enough.) After our warmup, we stacked on our weight and started with squats. Sixteen hundred thousand of them. The idea behind this workout is that you don’t stop (except for one small break halfway through) for minutes straight, while varying the tempo of whatever exercise you’re doing. The muscle burn is palpable, even without any weight added, and is also why you use less poundage (or kilogram-age) than you would typically in smaller, breakable sets in a weight room at a gym. By the end of the full set, you want to throw that bar down on the ground like you want to throw a rock at your ex-boyfriend. But once you quickly regain use of your limbs, you can’t wait to pick it back up. We ran through all of our body parts with the same style – from chest presses and tricep work to deadlifts and cleans, presses and rows, biceps and shoulders, and even more dreaded lunge work for the legs. Melissa was fantastic at guiding form, playing great music, pushing you past the threshold and telling funny jokes

in between. This class is so perfectly suited for any seasoned fitness enthusiast who wants an incredible workout, and also for those who are maybe new to lifting weights or don’t enjoy doing it in a main gym room. I know that I loved this style of class ten years ago, when I was newer to the weightlifting world, and I loved it this past week, when I took those weights and pumped out endless reps to leave every piece of me burning and shaking. Not only did I get a fantastic workout, but I was also beyond excited to reconnect with a woman whose passion for what she does has always made her stand out. Body Pump is one of the seven heart-pumping Les Mills workouts offered at Fore Court, and I’d gladly head back to test out the rest.

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Irish-for-a-day, month with a run through Providence, at the St. Pats 5K on March 21st. Warmer skies, festive race gear and cheers with your friends. Let luck be on your sneakers. stpats5k.com

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Providence Monthly | March 2015

RUn WITH THE IRISH It’s March, which means spring is in the air and green is in our beer. Celebrate the fun-filled, everyone-is-

Photography: Amy Amerantes

one teacher who stood out. The one whose passion, excitement and commitment motivated and inspired. The one who pushed when pushing was needed, made an hour of the day the only place you wanted to be, and didn’t throw you under (or off) the bus if you were having a rough day. For me, that teacher existed inside of a gym, ten years ago. I first met Melissa Rector when she joined the Bally’s Total Fitness team in 2004. I had been a member of that gym for almost ten years by that point, and had gone through a slew of group fitness classes, personal trainers, instructors and bad fashion choices. When I caught wind that a new group class teacher was heading in to amp things up, I was the first in line to sign up. And after one workout with her, I was hooked. She was loud, lively, motivating, driven and genuinely excited about both fitness and her participants. A couple years after Melissa began there and about halfway through my first pregnancy, I went into gym hiatus and had to part ways, hoping to reunite again someday. While I followed her whereabouts throughout the years, I kept exchanging barbells for babies and it wasn’t until this month that I finally saw her smiling face again, as I walked through the doors of Fore Court Racquet and Fitness, where she is the group fitness director, and set myself up for her Les Mills Body Pump class. Fore Court Racquet and Fitness, a family-owned business of 42 years, not only provides a full range of tennis lessons, leagues and courts, but also offers other recreational racquet sports, obstacle course training, and a state-of-the-art fitness and health center, which boasts 50 group classes a week, certified personal trainers, and child care. Les Mills, a 24-year-old New Zealand based fitness brand of ten scientifically tested pre-choreographed workouts, is taught at over 70,000 clubs worldwide – Fore Court being the only gym in Rhode Island to offer seven out of the ten workouts.

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Providence Monthly | March 2015

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Swanky textiles in Pawtucket I definitely caught the decorating bug when I visited Artéé Fabrics & Home in Pawtucket. The seemingly endless rows and rows of colorful, vibrant, intricate patterns gave me an itch for a house, or even just a room, to redecorate. The floor is fully packed with fabrics and rugs in lovely and rustic designs and colors that invite you to explore the wide space. Artéé Fabrics & Home is the largest fabric store in the area and supplies home decorating fabrics and more to homeowners, decorators, designers and to the trade. “There is so much to find at Artéé, with literally hundreds of racks neatly arranged in rows you will find of fabrics in virtually every category: linens, cottons, blends, polyesters, silks, mohair, chenille’s, burlap, vinyl’s in a wide variety of uses, like upholstery, drapery and so much more,” explains owner Shekhar Mehta. “The fabrics are arranged by color so that clients can easily find fabrics that fit the color palette with which they are working. You have to stop to touch and feel and to experience what the store has to offer.” Not only can you browse great fabrics of all kinds, but you can also find other quality home decorations to match your new fabric find, like placemats, pillows, napkins and even scarves. Artéé also offers

custom upholstery and reupholstery, window (curtains and panels) and bedding services with ready made furniture pieces that you can sample and perhaps be inspired by. Directly in the front window is an incredibly cozy looking bedroom set that is just begging you to come have a look inside. “There is a large portion of the store that is dedicated to quality name brand remnants, overstocks that we sell at extreme discounts,” says Shekhar, “If you cannot find it at the store, then the people at the store can find and order that fabric for you.” Through direct sources and low operating costs, Artéé is able to bring in a wide variety of high quality products and materials at an affordable cost. Artéé’s parent company, Artéé Collections, has been around the industry for a long time supplying to the trade. The store now has 12 locations, from Georgia to Vermont, including one nearby in St. Hudson, Massachusetts. The Pawtucket location recently suffered a rough patch because of a sprinkler leak last summer that destroyed a great deal of their inventory. But, the store is back and better than ever thanks to principal owner, Arti Mehta. Her personal commitment and contribution of stock

Where you’ll always find the brightest SMILES! drawn from her own large collection helped revitalize Pawtucket’s Artéé. The Pawtucket store is particularly special as it is located across from Slater Mills, the birthplace of modern fabrics in the US, so it is truly meaningful that its Rhody location was able to get back on its feet so quickly. Online shopping is also available on their website. Be sure to check out the website or stop into one of their locations to see (and feel!) the extensive collections of fabrics for yourself.

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CERAMICS THROUGH TIME AND PLACE Opening gallery night, March 19 • 5-9 pM • Works by Margot Rubin, Providence artist • Pre-Colombian pottery from Costa Rica and Mexico • Nupe and Tuareg vessels from West and North Africa • Ocumicho figures from Mexico

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Narragansett

restaurant week

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Providence Monthly | March 2015

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Feast

Photography: Mike Braca

IN THE KITCHEN / oN THE mENu / rEvIEw / IN THE drINK

Retro-Gourmet on the West Side Ann Boschini behind the bar

Providence’s newest hot spot is… a trailer park. But not just any trailer park. Sure, there are plastic flamingos and Christmas lights strung up on the patio, and Dolly Parton plays on a loop inside one of the bathrooms, but Ogie’s Trailer Park is the city’s kitschiest destination for perfectly classic cocktails and gourmet comfort food. Read an interview with the chef in In the Kitchen.

March 2015 | Providence Monthly

Feast |

review

By Stephanie Obodda

Seafood with a French Accent

The Providence G’s new food installation of approachable fine dining ordered the same cocktails. That is a testament to the talent of the mixologists, because we usually like to work our way through a menu before repeating ourselves. I enjoyed the smoky, spicy Ginger-Lime Fumé ($12), made with El Buho Mezcal, Jose Cuervo Gold, ginger-lime jalapeno shrub and smoked sugar. My husband had the Eau de Tomate ($12), a salt and pepper rimmed tomato water martini made with Ketel One, with the optional oyster garnish. Dirty martini fans might find themselves ditching the olive for this savory delight. The bread arrived first, little glossy pretzel-like rolls with coarse salt served in a rectangular dish. An amuse bouche came from the kitchen: tiny profiteroles stuffed with herbed cheese. Obviously proof that we were meant to live in Rhode Island, Providence’s two “Restaurant Weeks” are scheduled to coincide with our birthdays. Our visit to Garde de la Mer was on my husband’s birthday, so we added a celebratory round of oysters to the restaurant week menu. Our waiter, Ben, rattled

Grilled baby octopus salad

off a delicious-sounding list of bivalves and was very knowledgeable about the varieties. We decided on Canada Cups ($3/ea), a medium-sized Prince Edward Island variety. We settled into a bottle

Basquaise pork & clams

of Louis Jadot Pouilly Fuisse ‘13 ($40) while we looked over the menu. Restaurants participating in Providence’s Restaurant Week(s) feature three-course dinners for either $29.95 or $34.95. To my surprise, Garde de la Mer had set theirs at the lower price, perhaps as an opportunity to showcase their new restaurant. Much of what we ordered is also available on the regular menu. My husband had the Lobster Bisque, a nice presentation. Blood orange, greens and rounds of brioche were arranged at the bottom of a shallow soup bowl. Our server poured the bisque around these from a small, elegant pitcher. Tarragon crème fraiche was a nice complement to the lobster, and I detected a hint of cumin. I started with the Sautéed Squid (normally $12). This dish was visually striking, a painterly brush stroke of squid ink aioli scattered with squid, thin slices of dried tomatoes, beans and fried chickpeas. The squid was tender and well seasoned. For his entrée, my husband had the Pan Seared Diver Scallops. Three seared scallops sat atop a bed of

ONE MORE BITE: Garde de la Mer offers about 20 wines by the glass and over 200 bottles. 40

Providence Monthly | March 2015

Photography: Stacey Doyle

Providence’s newest fine dining restaurant, Garde de la Mer, appeared like a surprise beam of sunlight during a grey December. Garde is the third and final dining establishment in the Providence G, joining the lower-level G Pub and the fair-weather rooftop bar. Garde de la Mer means “guardian of the sea,” hinting at the contemporary French seafood-focused menu. Passing the construction site, I’d wondered how a restaurant would fit in the comically narrow tailor’s shop on Dorrance Street. The developers cleverly built into the adjacent alley, forming an elegant two-story space that houses the marble bar. An unexpected upper level holds more dining tables as well as an airy banquet room. The restaurant’s decor complements the Francophile seafood menu: a classic tiled floor is reminiscent of a French bistro, the haunting mermaid in the painting above the bar beckons you to consider some oysters and a gold sea dragon playfully spouts water at the bathroom sink. This was our second visit, and we

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tiny black lentils, with brown butter vegetables on the side. I ordered the Roulade de Poulet (normally $25). Pounded chicken was wrapped around pine nuts and Camembert. The chicken was not at all dry, and the filling oozed out just enough to trigger a visceral hunger. Accompanying the chicken were tiny roasted Brussels sprouts, maitake mushrooms (also known as Hen of the Woods) and a pudding-like rye muffin with golden raisins. We shared our two desserts: the Meyer Lemon Semifreddo, garnished with blood orange marmalade, fresh blood orange and coin-sized rounds of almond cake, and the Flourless Chocolate Torte (normally $10) with chocolate caramel mousse, cranberry chutney, cocoa nib nougatine and a

March 1 - April 15 scoop of browned butter ice cream. Both desserts were well executed and just the right size. From my excessive description, it may be difficult to garner just how fun the dishes were. The juxtaposition of ingredients was playful and smart. With so many fantastic restaurants in Providence, it’s difficult to make a mark, but Garde de la Mer has what it takes to impress: impeccable service, a beautiful interior, a talented kitchen and beautifully plated food.

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March 2015 | Providence Monthly

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Providence Monthly | March 2015

1/2/2015 7:57:06 PM

Feast |

In the Kitchen

By Grace Lentini

Doublewide Delights

Gourmet comfort food at ogie's Trailer Park Honestly, I had never used tater tots for anything before. I think the last time I had one before opening Ogie’s may have been in high school. They’re perfectly themed for a trailer park setting however, and upon actually evaluating them as a canvas, the awesome power of the tater tot became quickly apparent to me. They have a great texture, superb flavor absorbency qualities (just try the truffle tots), and almost everyone who has them is reminded of another era in their life when they had them before. Our Tots All the Way are inspired by Olneyville NY System: they’re seasoned with adobo, then topped with our ten-hour chili, a caramelized onion-cheese béchamel sauce, diced white onion and spicy brown mustard.

Chef dan Hultquist of ogie's Trailer Park

Dan Hultquist is the man behind the trailer cooking up delicious comfort food for Ogie’s Trailer Park. He’s been in the restaurant biz since he was 15 ,bussing tables at Applebee's. Since then he’s worked his way up in various restaurants learning the trade from patient and well-trained chefs. We talked about what comfort food means to him and how tater tots ended up on the Ogie’s menu.

Photography: Mike Braca

Tell me about where your passion for cooking began. I suppose my passion for cooking started out as a passion for the restaurant industry as a whole. I love the pace of the work, the strange hours and the awesomely animated and interesting people you tend to find working in restaurants everywhere. I consider the kitchen to be the real ‘blood and guts’ of any restaurant, and in that, it’s the place I want to be. Everyone has his or her own version of comfort food. What is it to you? Comfort food should be something that alters your state of mind in such way that while you’re eating it, nothing else matters. It’s just you, and your meal. No thinking about your bills, your job or anything else that may be causing you stress. It should be cuisine that invokes powerful feelings of nostalgia, perhaps reminding you of a simpler time, a meal your mother cooked for you 30 years ago or a

flavor you experienced while traveling that you had all but forgotten. A sort of pseudo-meditative experience. How would you describe the trailer park-themed menu at Ogie’s? At face value? Simple. Nothing on the menu is especially outlandish or complex in terms of what that would normally mean. Behind the veil however, a lot of work goes into what we do here. Every detail behind every component of every dish has something special about it. We don’t buy sauces. Our Sriracha, for example, takes a minimum of ten days to complete. We bring in whole, cured pork bellies and slice them almost a whole quarter inch thick before cooking them to order for bacon. Even our sandwich tomatoes take a full day of marinating to be ready. I suppose I got sick of going out to eat and getting the same mayonnaise, the same bland tomatoes, the same bacon that was cooked in an oven six hours prior to me eating it. So yes, “Simple, yet highly polished and detailed” would be the way I describe it. Take Granny Boo’s Bacon Burger, for example. It’s a fresh ground beef patty cooked medium, then topped with thick cut slab bacon, super sharp American cheese, house-made Ogie’s sauce, lettuce, shaved red onion and marinated tomato, all on a sesame seed bun. How did tater tots end up as a vessel for so many dishes at Ogie’s?

What is your favorite item currently on the menu at Ogie’s? Hands down, the Southern Fried Rhody chicken sandwich. It’s one I dreamt up years ago and never had the chance to execute at the more “upscale” places I had been cooking at. It’s a lemon-honey brined chicken breast with a Dorito crumb crust, our own bacon, that same American cheese, marinated tomato and a pickled red onion gastrique. It’s got every element of flavor and texture I want in a sandwich and as soon as I’m done here, I’m probably going to go make one for myself. I hear you have some nontraditional dessert items. We almost always have a delicious pie or cupcakes on hand from (our sister restaurant) The Duck & Bunny for sale at Ogie’s. If you’re looking for something made here that I always eat as a dessert item, it would be the grilled PB&J with chunky peanut butter, Nutella and rum flambé bananas. If there were a must try food and beverage pairing, what would you recommend? In my opinion, either the Chicken Sandwich or the Burger with a Schlitz tallboy.

Ogie’s Trailer Park 1155 Westminster Street 383-8200 facebook.com/ogiestrailerpark

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March 2015 | Providence Monthly

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separates the coffee enthusiast from the obsessive. I’m not sure exactly where it is, but when you start roasting your own beans, you’ve sailed on by. Brian Dwiggins, owner of Borealis Coffee Roasters, Rhode Island’s newest coffee roaster, crossed that threshold long ago. I visited Borealis Coffee Roasters at Historic Lorraine Mills in Pawtucket, and after speaking with Brian, it’s clear he’s just the sort you want to go pro. While Brian has been a jack-of-alltrades professionally, his wife Jessie reports his desire to get into the coffee business “is the only thing he’s been consistent about.” Brian’s increasing obsession began as a young coffee groupie in Anchorage, Alaska, dating baristas in high school. It involved a pilgrimage to “coffee camp,” Coffee Lab in Waterbury, VT, to train on roasting, and culminated with the purchase of an old 5 kilo Probat Roaster. Along the way there has been another interest that has proven to be symbiotic: his work as a freelance lighting technician in the New England film industry. Frustrated with the quality of coffee available to him, Brian bought a small Behmor home roaster, which looks something like a toaster oven. Ultimately he went from vetting coffee

shops on caffeine runs to supplying coworkers on set with home roasted beans. Inevitably he began to look for the next big thing. Brian’s lust went where most dark and frustrated needs go: Craigslist. After showing one too many people pictures of the old, bright orange Probat roaster for sale there, a chorus of voices said, “you’ve been talking about this for years, why don’t you do it.” Buying a coffee roaster is no small investment; as Brian puts it, it’s “like buying a car.” After thinking about the lean times in film production, waiting for the phone to ring, soon his dream sounded like a sensible plan B. Wife Jessie says, “the whole project has been divine timing.” Brian found a perfect fire-safe, food-safe space in Lorraine Mills. It had it all, one former tenant left a raised platform for their glass blowing that seemed a pedestal begging for a roaster, another had painted two walls bright orange, perfectly matching the roaster he’d been ogling. Feeling it was meant to be, the roaster was delivered in the middle of June, and Brian roasted his first batch on July 13. Since then, Borealis has mostly been doing wholesale business, and Brian’s movie production connections have

Providence Monthly | March 2015

Hemenways Powers Up Hemenways is offering a new power lunch, a quick but decadent twocourse special menu with no-compromise dishes like Lobster Bisque, Jonah Crab Escabeche Salad, and short Rib Grilled Cheese. In addition, diners get freshly French-pressed coffee and a cookie to take with them back to the office. The special runs Monday through Friday from 11:30am-2pm. 121 South Main Street. 351-8570, hemenwaysrestaurant.com New Harvest Blends Bourbon and Books New Harvest Coffee and Spirits is running a free midweek monthly book club. Past books have explored topics from Iraqi Occupation to the science of booze. Sometimes other community groups are involved, for instance the February meeting welcomed RI Girls Pint Out. Snacks are available, as well as drink specials tailored to the source material, because New Harvest is studious like that. To find the next meeting and get homework, check out the Arcade Providence’s event page on Facebook. 130 Westminster Street. 272-4604, newharvestcoffee.com

Buyers, Sellers and Appraisers of Estate Jewelry 3228 Post Road Historic Apponaug Village, Warwick (800) 910-4869 or (401) 738-0511 placejewellers.com Lic.#92365

given him steady trade. Still working fulltime in lighting, Brian found an eager partner in Team Crafty, a Boston-based craft services company. He began fueling crews working long late hours, with 30-50 pounds a week of his Team Crafty Roast, a delicious Columbian. As time goes on, Borealis has been slowly expanding, and has appeared as a guest roaster in its first café, my favorite one at that, Angelina’s in Bristol. You can purchase Borealis coffee online, at very competitive prices. They’re offering a range of single origins as well as blends, and shipping is free through their coffee club, or on larger orders. You can also look for them soon at the Attleboro farmers market. 429-8774, borealiscoffee.com

Brian dwiggins of Borealis Coffee roasters

Send all food, beverage, restaurant and chef news to alastairjcairns@gmail.com

Photography: Mike Braca

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March 2015 | Providence Monthly

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Providence Monthly | March 2015

The Murphy Serves 1 The folks at Whiskey Republic prefer Jameson, since it’s intense yet smooth. They’re quick to disavow dogmatism, however, noting that generally any whiskey you like will work. (Like Raymond Chandler said, “there are no bad whiskeys... only some that aren’t as good as others.”) For the peach liqueur, reach for Schnapps – a true populist workhorse. Artisanal fussiness would be out of place. • 1.5 oz Jameson whiskey • ¼ oz Chambord liqueur • ¼ oz peach liqueur • 2 oz cranberry juice • 2 oz soda water • Cherry garnish • Ice Add whiskey, liqueurs and cranberry juice to a Collins glass (or other tall glass), and stir to blend. Fill glass with ice, top with soda, and stir again. Garnish with a cherry. Toss back like a robust Irishman.

At some point in the annals of American drinking, St. Patrick’s Day became a month-long license for binge-drinking and Irish kitsch. Can’t fight the state of things. Ultimately, pub-goers face three options over the next 30 days: We can decry the silliness, partake in it or put on blinders and drink as usual. All three are fair game at the Whiskey Republic, at which you’ll find a laissezfaire stance on holiday revelry. Essentially, the team there wants people to have a damn good time, whether that involves leprechaun t-shirts or not. The bar’s doors open early on St. Patrick’s Day, but bartender Cassandra Petronio recommends that drinkers come as marathoners rather than sprinters. As for tales of shame or glory that she’s encountered throughout the years, good luck prying out details. “No trustworthy bartender will ever pour and tell,” she hedges. To get in the spirit, she recommends the Murphy, a whiskey cocktail created for the Dropkick Murphys’ founder – who just happens to co-own the place.

The Whiskey Republic 515 South Water Street 588-5158 thewhiskeyrepublic.com

Photography: Brian DeMello

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March 2015 | Providence Monthly

RHODY BITES A Sponsored Statewide Dining Guide

view our full restaurant Profiles on RhodyBites.com

Waterman Grille Nestled in one of the most beautiful waterfront locations in the city – in the Gatehouse overlooking the Seekonk River on Providence’s East Side – Waterman Grille offers unparalleled views to pair with its unique and refined take on comfort food. Waterman Grille specializes in wood fire grilling, offering an extensive selection of small plates and entrees, carefully sourced with local, seasonal ingredients. Of course, the grand water views present the perfect backdrop for a lei-

surely brunch, and Waterman Grille offers one of the best every Saturday and Sunday. Again, Executive Chef Tim McGrath’s kitchen elevates comfort food favorites with creative, elegant touches. The downstairs Riverview Room again capitalizes on Waterman Grille’s unique location, offering a sweeping view of the river for your private event, including weddings, parties and formal functions for up to 100 people. Or dine out on the covered patio for one of the city’s best al fresco experiences.

Can’t-miss dish: The Lobster Mac & Cheese with coldwater lobster, four-cheese sauce and basil breadcrumbs

4 Richmond Square, Providence • 401-521-9229 10 Prime Steak & Sushi Gourmet steaks and sushi. 55 Pine St, Providence, 453-2333. LD $$$ 2 Pauls’ City Grille Comfort food with a family feel. 315 Waterman Ave, East Providence, 228-7285. BrLD $-$$ Andreas Authentic Greek food since 1966. 268 Thayer St, Providence, 3317879. BrLD $-$$ Aspire Seasonal Kitchen Contemporary New England fare. 311 Westminster St, Providence, 521-3333. BBrLD $$-$$$ Besos Kitchen & Cocktails Tapas and eclectic cuisine and cocktails. 378 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-8855. BrLD $$$ Black Bass Grille Classic seafood, historic waterfront setting. 3 Water St, South Dartmouth, 508-999-6975. LD $$ Breachway Grill Classic New England fare, plus NY-style pizza. 1 Charlestown Beach Rd, Charlestown,

213-6615. LD $$ CAV Eclectic cuisine and art in a historic setting. 14 Imperial Place, Providence, 751-9164. BrLD $$-$$$ Centro Restaurant & Lounge Contemporary cuisine and cocktails. 1 W Exchange St, Providence, 228-6802. BLD $$$ Chapel Grille Gourmet food overlooking the Providence skyline. 100 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, 9444900. BrLD $$$ Clean Plate Delicious comfort food in a casual setting. 345 S. Water Street, Providence, 621-8888. BBrLD $$ DeWolf Tavern Gourmet American/ Indian fusion. 259 Thames St, Bristol, 254-2005. BLD $$-$$$

waterman Grille

cuisine. 733 Kingstown Rd, Wakefield, 789-2308. LD $-$$

chic setting. 284 Thayer St, Providence, 331-8111. LD $-$$

Eleven Forty Nine City sophistication in the suburbs. 1149 Division St, Warwick, 884-1149. LD $$$

KitchenBar Contemporary comfort cuisine. 771 Hope Street, Providence. 331-4100. BrLD $$

Enn Japanese Creative sushi and Japanese food. 600 George Washington Hgwy, Lincoln, 333-0366. LD $$

Lim’s Restaurant Upscale Thai and fresh sushi. 18 South Angell St, Providence, 383-8830. LD $$

Fieldstones Relaxed family setting, something for everyone. 980 E Main Rd, Portsmouth, 293-5200. LD $$

Lobster Pot Serving traditional New England classics and seafood. 119 Hope St, Bristol, 253-9100 Br L D $$-$$$

Flatbread Company Artisanal pizza, local ingredients. 161 Cushing St, Providence, 273-2737. LD $-$$ Iggy’s Doughboys & Chowder House Classic clam shack fare, plus famous doughboys. 889 Oakland Beach Ave, Warwick, 737-9459; 1157 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 783-5608. LD $

Luxe Burger Bar Build your own creative burger. 5 Memorial Blvd, Providence, 621-5893. LD $ Mariner Grille Creative seafood, pub atmosphere. 140 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 284, 3282. LD $$

DiMare Seafood Fresh seafood restaurant and market. 2706 South County Trail, East Greenwich, 8858100. LD $$-$$$

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

McBlarney’s County Tap Modern, upscale pub with daily specials. 632 Metacom Ave, Warren 401-2890887. LD $$

Dragon Palace Fresh sushi and Asian

Kartabar Mediterranean-style cuisine,

McBride’s Pub Traditional Irish pub

Key: B breakfast Br brunch L lunch d dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+ 48

Providence Monthly | March 2015

fare in Wayland Square. 161 Wayland Ave, Providence, 751-3000. LD $$ Meeting Street Cafe Huge sandwiches and cookies. 220 Meeting St, Providence, 273-0166. BLD $ Mews Tavern Family dining, with a whiskey bar. 456 Main St, Wakefield, 783-9370. LD $-$$ Mia’s Prime Time Café Upscale café cuisine by the Pawcatuck River. 1 West Broad Street, Pawcatuck, CT, 860-599-3840. BLD $$ Mile & a Quarter Eclectic cuisine and wine bar. 334 South Water St, Providence, 331-1500. LD $-$$ Mill’s Tavern Historic setting for New American gourmet. 101 N Main St, Providence, 272-3331. D $$$ Nonni’s Italian Restaurant Traditional Italian eatery and pasta shop. 1154 Stafford Rd, Tiverton, 624-3087. LD $$ Oceanside at the Pier New England fare overlooking the Atlantic. 1 Beach St, Narragansett, 792-3999. BrLD $$ Paragon & Viva Contemporary dining and nightlife. 234 Thayer St, Providence, 331-6200. BrLD $-$$ Parkside Rotisserie & Bar American bistro specializing in rotisserie meats. 76 South Main St, Providence, 331-0003. LD $-$$ Pavilion Steakhouse & Banquets Grand, banquet-hall style dining. 15A Frontier Rd, Hopkinton, 377-9900. BrLD $$$

Phil’s Main Street Grille Classic comfort food; great rooftop patio. 323 Main St, Wakefield. 783-4073 BBrLD $ PJ’s Pub Mediterranean-influenced pub food. 135 Boone St, Narragansett. 401-789-3200. LD $-$$ Portsmouth Publick House Gourmet pub food with a variety of spirit flights. 1 King Charles Dr, Portsmouth. 682-2600. BrLD $-$$ Public Kitchen & Bar American food with changing daily inspirations. 120 Francis St, Providence, 919-5050. BrLD $-$$ Rasa Authentic and contemporary Indian. 149 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2822. LD $$ Rasoi Vegetarian-friendly Indian cuisine. 727 East Ave, Pawtucket, 7285500. LD $$ Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 437-6950. BrLD $$ Rick’s Roadhouse House-smoked barbecue. 370 Richmond St, Providence, 272-7675. LD $-$$ Rue De L’Espoir American cooking with French soul. 99 Hope St, Providence, 751-8890. BBrLD $$

Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich, Smithfield. sienari.com D $$$$$ Simone’s Gourmet brunch followed by upscale Mediterranean cuisine. 275 Child St. Warren, 247-1200. BBrLD $$-$$$ T’s Restaurant Plentiful breakfast and lunch. Locations in Cranston, East Greenwich, Narragansett, 9465900. BL $ Tara’s Tipperary Tavern Oceanside Irish-American pub fare. 907 Matunuck Beach Rd, Matunuck, 284-1901. BLD $ Tavern by the Sea Waterfront European/American bistro. 16 W Main St, Wickford, 294-5771. LD $$ The Coast Guard House Modern New England Fare with Bay views. 40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett. 401-7890700. LD $$-$$$ The Dorrance Fine dining with exquisite cocktails. 60 Dorrance St, Providence, 521-6000. D $$$ The Malted Barley Gourmet pretzels and craft brews. 42 High St, Westerly, 315-2184. $

The Twisted Vine Romantic wine bar with tapas and full meals. 3 Canal St, Westerly, 596-4600. D $$ The Village Casual dining and live entertainment. 373 Richmond Street, Providence, 228-7222. BrLD $$ Trinity Brewhouse Rhode Island’s original brewpub. 186 Fountain St, Providence, 453-2337 LD $-$$ UMelt Fun twists on grilled cheese. Providence and Kingston, 383-6732. LD $ Vetrano’s Ristorante & Pizzeria Italian cooking like grandma made. 130 Granite St, Westerly, 348-5050. LD $$ Vittoria’s NY Pizza Best pizza north of Manhattan. 224 Post Rd, Westerly, 322-1901. LD $-$$ Waterman Grille Riverfront New American dining. 4 Richmond Sq, Providence, 521-9229. BLD $$$ Wes’ Rib House Missouri-style BBQ, open late. 38 Dike St, Providence, 421-9090. LD $$ Whiskey Republic Delicious dockside pub fare. 515 South Water St, Providence, 588-5158. LD $-$$

Scampi Seafood and Italian with expansive water views. 657 Park Ave, Portsmouth, 293-5844. LD $$

The Restaurant at Weekapaug Inn Quintessential New England fare. 25 Spray Rock Rd, Westerly, 322-0301. BLD $$$

XO Cafe Creative cocktails and New American fare. 125 N Main St, Providence, 273-9090. BrD $$

Seasons Fine dining at the Ocean House. 1 Bluff Ave, Westerly, 5847000. BLD $$$

The Sea Goose Seafood with New England and Southern flair. 265 Post Rd, Westerly, 315-0788. LD $$-$$$

Zooma Trattoria Fresh Italian using house-made pasta. 245 Atwells Ave, Providence, 383-2002. LD $$

Worth The Drive:

Nonni’s Italian Restaurant & Pasta Shop

Photography: Rupert Whiteley

The menu at Nonni’s

features all the home-style Italian classics you love, along with pizzas, creative burgers and upscale pub fare. Their bar offers over 50 wines by the glass or bottle, along with 12 craft beers on draft. They’ve even got a Martini Night on Mondays,

with $5 cocktails. Their in-house gourmet pasta shop has everything you need to make a true Italian dinner in your own kitchen. They make fresh pasta daily, using only traditional ingredients like flour, eggs, water and salt – no preservatives.

Can’t-miss dish: Chicken Nonni: Chicken, sausage, artichokes and roasted red peppers in white wine sauce over cavatelli. Chicken marsala at Nonni’s

For full restaurant profiles, go to RhodyBites.com

1154 Stafford Road, Tiverton • 401-624-3087 @RhodyBites

facebook.com/RhodyBites

March 2015 | Providence Monthly

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Get Out

EVENTS / ART / MUSIC / THEATRE

Hear live music every Tuesday at Aurora

The Sweet Sounds of March 1.

March 3-31: Aurora now provides a classy experience for piano aficionados each and every Tuesday evening. Stop by and check out its Baby Grand Piano Lounge. Each week a rotating roster of local musicians will play both original and classic songs on Aurora’s in-house piano – a hundred-year-old Henry F. Miller baby grand. Whether you go crazy for classical or jump for jazz, you’re sure to leave happy; there’s something on the roster for everyone. On select Tuesdays, the tunes will continue with Vinyl Lounge, presented by Analog Underground. 7-10pm. 276 Westminster Street. auroraprovidence.com.

March 28-30: The Avenue Concept presents The Human Equation: Unarmed inFraction featuring new works by B-Mor7, a local artist, educator and hip-hop artist who’s focused on exposing hate crimes in the community. The gallery is open Monday through Saturday. Noon-5pm. 304 Lockwood Street. 490-0929, theavenueconcept.com.

March 21: The Providence Singers perform Dvorak’s Mass in D at Central Congregational Church. This masterwork of Antonín Dvorak was written for the consecration of a chapel in the Czech Republic in 1886 and features a chorus, organ and soloists. 7:30pm. 296 Angell Street. 751-5700, providencesingers.org.

March 28: Offer your little cherub a fun alternative to the traditional plastic Easter Egg Hunt. At the Camouflaged Egg Hunt children ages 3-10 hunt for brown eggs in a natural setting. $5 member; $7 non-member. 9:30am. Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield. 949-5454, asri.org.

March 21: The Columbus Theatre welcomes Perfume Genius to its stage along with opening act Jenny Hval. Perfume Genius will be performing songs from Too Bright, which garnered major attention from Pitchfork. $15 advance; $17 day of. 8pm doors; 9pm show. 270 Broadway. 621-9660, columbustheatre.com.

March 2015 | Providence Monthly

Get Out |

Calendar

By Erin Balsa

This Month March 1-11: The Chazan Gallery at Wheeler presents Group Exhibition: Kate Blacklock, Suzanne D’Avanzo, Kirstin Lamb and Wendy Seller. See two-dimensional paintings, photographs and fictitious landscapes as well as three-dimensional ceramic busts. 228 Angell Street. 421-9230. chazangallery.org. March 1-29: The 2015 NCECA Biennial, an international juried ceramics exhibition, will be on view throughout the month at Brown University’s David Winton Bell Gallery. From a slate of 1,147 entries, jurors selected just 51 works. 64 College Street. 8632932, brown.edu/campus-life/arts/ bell-gallery. March 1-29: Were you the child who dreamed of tutus and sugarplum fairies? Well, it’s never too late to become a ballerina. Every Sunday hop into your leotard for a drop-in Beginner Ballet class with Stephanie Albanese at AS220. $13. 10:30-11:30am beginner; 12-1:30pm intermediate. 95 Empire Street. 831-9327, as220.org. March 3 & 17: Take a one-hour Guided Architectural Library Tour at the historic Providence Public Library on the first and third Tuesday of every month. The building, built in 1900, features sweeping high ceilings and gorgeous woodwork. Free. 10:3011:30am. 225 Washington Street. 4558000, provlib.org. March 3-31: Indulge your curiosity by taking a look at the night sky every Tuesday evening at the Ladd’s weekly Telescope Observing Night. The telescope is available for public use year round so long as the weather is permitting. Free. 9-11pm. 210 Doyle Avenue. 863-2323, brown. edu/Departments/Physics/Ladd/. March 3-31: Stop by Blue State Coffee every Tuesday night for Got Poetry Live Open Mic Nights hosted by the Frequency Writers. Share a poem or story or just sit in the audience and en-

joy the presentations. The open mic is followed by a feature. $3. 8-10pm. 300 Thayer Street. 383-8393, frequencywriters.org. March 3-31: Love beer? Love cheap wings? Love rubbing the fact that you’re brilliant in other people’s faces? Head to Trinity Brewhouse every Tuesday night for Stump! Trivia. Winning teams go home with prizes so be sure to bring your smartest friends. 8pm. 186 Fountain Street. 453-2337, stumptrivia.com. March 4: Aurora presents Salsa con Soul, a monthly salsa dancing session for all levels. In salsa, dancers shift their weight by stepping from side-toside, causing the hips to move while the upper body remains level. This sexy, saucy dance is perfect for burning calories. 7:30pm. 276 Westminster Street. auroraprovidence.com. March 4: If you’ve ever wondered what goes on at The Steel Yard, now is your chance to find out. The Yardies offer Public Tours on the first Wednesday of every month. Stop by and take a tour of the interesting building where creative “Yardies” live, work and teach. Free. Noon. 27 Sims Avenue. 273-7101, thesteelyard.org. March 4-28: Hope Artiste Village opens its doors every Wednesday and Saturday to host the Wintertime Farmers’ Market, selling everything from local eggs to oysters to flowers to deck the dining room table with. Wednesday 4-7pm; Saturday 9am1pm. 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. farmfresh.org. March 5-26: Why drink at home alone when you can drink for free in the company of others? Each Thursday stop into Bin 312 for a free Wine Tasting. The shop is full of eclectic, exclusive and interesting wines. Find your new favorite… and be sure to share. 312 South Main Street. 11am-9pm. 7140040, bin312.com.

March 21: If you guzzled enough Guinness and ate enough corned beef this month to warrant a bigger pant size, you should probably sign up for the St. Pat’s 5K. (It’s open to runners and walkers alike.) 82 Smith Street. 11am. stpats5k.com.com.

March 6-27: Every Friday evening it’s Friday Night Live at Everett Company Stage & School. Veteran performers act along side young up-and-comers to improvise on song, dance and skits that are appropriate for all ages. Prepare to laugh, cry, snort and wet your pants. $5. 7pm. 9 Duncan Avenue. 831-9479, everettri.org. March 6-27: Get your java fix at the weekly Coffee Tasting at New Harvest Coffee Roasters’ Hope Artiste Village location. Each Friday, coffee lovers can sample and learn about delicious coffees from around the world. Free. 3-4pm. 1005 Main Street #108, Pawtucket. newharvestcoffee.com. March 6-27: Heat up a cold Friday winter night with an incredibly hot Tango Class. The weekly class is geared toward beginners and is followed by free practice time… Perhaps you’ll meet a sexy stranger to show off your new moves to! Free. 7:30-8:30pm. 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket. 2881170, providencetango.com. March 6-28: Swing by technology-savvy Bottles Fine Wine for a weekly beer or wine tasting where you might get the opportunity to Skype

with a faraway winemaker as you sip his wares here in Providence! Free. Fri beer tasting 3:30-7:30pm; Sat wine tasting 3-7pm. 141 Pitman Street. 3722030, bottlesfinewine.com. March 6-28: Drop on into ENO any and every Friday and Saturday afternoon for a free Wine Tasting. It’s the budget-friendly way to kick off your weekend. You may even discover a new favorite blend. 4:30-6:30pm Friday; 3-5pm Saturday. 225 Westminster Street. 521-2000, enofinewines.com. March 7: Start your spring cleaning this year with the Rhode Island Recovery Corporation. Drop off your hazardous waste such as oil-based paints and pesticides as well as e-waste such as printers and TVs. The best part is that all drivers involved in this collection will get a free ticket to the Roger Williams Zoo. Free. 8am-1pm. 700 Allens Avenue. 421-7740, ecodepotri.org. March 7-28: Since 1992, Improv Jones has been gathering together the area’s best improvisational comedy performers for a weekly Comedy Show at the 95 Empire Black Box. Each Saturday you’ll enjoy a fantastically funny world that’s different

ONLINE EXCLUSIVE For an up-to-date statewide calendar and to submit your own listings visit providenceonline.com 52

Providence Monthly | March 2015

Get Out |

Calendar

By Erin Balsa

IntroducIng

Library of Flowers

every week. $5. 10pm. 95 Empire Street. 831-9327, improvjones.com. March 8: On the first Sunday of each month, from now ‘til forever, head downtown to AS220 for its Empire Revue, a night of sketch comedy, improv, live music, burlesque, magic, special guests and general devilment. The show is hosted by Keith Munslow. $8. 8-11:30pm. 115 Empire Street. 831-9327, as220.org. March 10: Drink and Dabble presents Painting in Pawtuxet at O’Rourke’s Bar and Grill. Grab a group of friends and prepare to dazzle yourself with the painting skills you never knew you had. $40. 6:30-9:30pm. 23 Peck Lane, Warwick. 353-3330, drinkanddabble.com. March 19: The popular Drag Bingo features surprise guests, musical interludes, witty jokes and over $2,000 in cash and prizes. The fun goes down the third Thursday of each month. Arrive early – it fills up quickly. $20. 6pm doors; 7pm start. 1612 Elmwood Avenue, Cranston. 5213603, aidscareos.org. March 28: Families are invited to make crafts together at the Artists’

An American small batch perfumery offering a collection of beautiful perfumes, creams, soaps and bath gels wrapped in exquisite packaging.

Exchange for a free Craft Bash. Little fingers will keep busy as bodies and minds play, learn and create. Craft bashes will be held on the last Saturday of every month. 11am-2pm. 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston. 490-9475, artists-exchange.org. March 28: Help raise money for the American Lung Association with the Fight for Air Climb at the Omni Providence Hotel. These “vertical road race[s]” take place on the staircases of prominent buildings in the area. In this case, the Omni Providence Hotel. Use this as an opportunity to honor a family member, raise money for lung disease and stay healthy. Take part in the Firefighter Awards afterward at the Union Station Brewery. One West Exchange Street. 598-8000, .lung.org/pledgeevents/ri/providence-climb-fy15/

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March 29: Want to know what your future has in store for you? Stop into Wildflour Vegan Bakery on the last Sunday of each month for a free tarot card reading. Simply sign your name on the list and grab a coffee while you wait your turn. 4-6pm. 727 East Avenue, Pawtucket. 475-4718, wildflourveganbakerycafe.com.

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2/3/15 8:12 PM March 2015 | Providence Monthly 53

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Providence Monthly | March 2015

Get Out |

Art

By Mary K Connor

Artistic Billboards The next round of public art is up and running Perhaps you have noticed over the past several months a small billboard here or there (on Charles Street, Allens Avenue or Valley Street to be specific) that was not trying to sell you something? That was instead trying to engage you, to get you thinking about art and talking about art? Not just while visiting an art gallery or a museum, but even while driving or walking through the city’s streets? If so, then Artboards RI, a year-long project launched last October with the installation of three original works by three local artists on billboards in Providence’s urban neighborhoods, has been successful. Stay tuned. In late January, three additional works by three different artists were installed on three more billboards in Providence. These will remain in place into late April. Providence artist Bob Dilworth’s Backyard can be seen at 382 Broad Street (billboard sponsored by Cornish Associates). Bob says the work symbolizes many of the informal backyard gatherings at his parents’ home in Virginia – casual and fun events. “My work is about memories of lives and relationships of family and friends, something I think

many can relate to. And because the billboards are out in the open I thought this painting would best represent those memories. My hope is that, when seen, people will think of their fondest times with family and friends.” Bob earned a BFA from RISD and an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He is a professor and past Department Chair (Department of Art and Art History) at URI, and has taught at Princeton, Brown and Columbia College in Chicago. Bob is the Gallery Coordinator for the Main Art Gallery at URI. Artist Ida Schmulowitz’s View From Behind Vartan Gregorian School/Autumn can be seen on Dean Street at Westminster Street (billboard sponsored by the Providence Tourism Council). Ida chose this work for the Artboards project because, she says, “I thought it would read well as a board, graphically, and read well from a distance.” She hopes that people will keep going back to look at all of the art, again and again, over the time it is on display. Ida, who lives and works in Fox Point, is known for her large-scale paintings of urban landscapes – particularly for her series of works painted from

Ida Schmulowitz’s View from Behind Vartan Gregorian School/Autumn

Backyard by Bob Dilworth

one vantage point on the India Point pedestrian bridge, where something as small as shifting light or as big as changes in the landscape itself “are the catalysts for creating a new series.” Ida earned a BFA from RISD. Her work has been exhibited throughout Rhode Island, Sag Harbor, New York, Santa Barbara, California and in galleries in Ohio and New Hampshire, among others. Artist Cesare De Credico’s work, which remains untitled, can be seen at 845 Potters Avenue (billboard sponsored by Marc Greenfield, Esquire). The piece is the first drawing in a series Cesare intends to do, of images that appear on his television screen during storms, when weather is interfering with the satellite feed. “In the last few years, I have been thinking a lot about the culture we live in today, about how we are constantly surrounded by images – on our iPhones, on 24-hour news channels, in advertisements that are all around us. We live in a very chaotic world. As a visual person, how do I live with that chaos and sort through it? The drawing is my way of breaking it down, using my own vocabulary – of colors and marks – as a poet

would use words.” Cesare earned an MFA from RISD in 2005. He exhibited his work in a one-man show in Stuttgart, Germany that year and since then in shows throughout the Providence area. He is currently with the Freight & Volume Gallery in the Chelsea area of New York City. Cesare notes the irony of having his work on a billboard. “My work has now become part of the chaos.” At the time of the writing of this article, the three previous works remain on display, at 384 Valley Street, 221 Allens Avenue and 800 Charles Street. You can become part of the conversation on Twitter (#ArtboardsRI). Other major Artboards RI sponsors are RISD, AS220 and Lamar Signs.

Artboards RI facebook.com/artboardsri

Bob Dilworth bobdilworth.com

Ida Schmulowitz idaschmulowitz.com March 2015 | Providence Monthly

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Hamming it Up Local chefs serve up tasty musical licks at the Ham Jam

COMEDY FROM

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Music

Providence Monthly | March 2015

When it comes to food here in Providence, we’re pretty spoiled. Any capital has its top notch eateries, but here you can’t throw a rock without hitting an amazing restaurant. So when the owners and staff from Chez Pascal, Persimmon and Nick’s on Broadway all came together to form some sort of foodie Illuminati brain trust, it’s perfectly acceptable to start drooling all over yourself. What could this super group possibly be cooking up? Turns out it’s rock and roll. The band, Turn for the Wurst, grew out of the impromptu jam sessions people would have at Chez Pascal owners Matt and Kristin Gennuso’s New Year’s party. “People just play and hang out,” explains Nick’s on Broadway’s Derek Wagner. “And as the party goes on it just gets louder.” So that’s where the seed was planted, and as is often the case with these things something serendipitous happened: Chez Pascal was having its tenth anniversary and they wanted to do something special for their staff and loyal supporters. “Music is a big part of our staff parties,” Matt says, “So we said ‘why don’t we try to rent The Met and put on a concert?’” “We didn’t know if it was really going to work,” adds Chez Pascal’s Brian Gibney. That was three years ago, so obviously they did something right. In fact, that first Ham Jam was so much of a success that it blew away not only the band’s expectations, but the club’s as well. The Met figured they were renting the room out to a private function so sure, why not book a band for afterward. The way these chefs tell it, Rich Lupo was pretty bummed they couldn’t have their run of the place for the whole night, so last year when it was time for Ham Jam 2, there was touring act booked for after the party. Ham Jam was the main event, drawing a crowd of over 400 people. For them, getting to step out of their chef’s whites, up onto a stage and to get that kind of reaction is a huge rush. “You see some great bands there; it’s cool to be on that stage,” says Brian. “It’s super rewarding,” Derek adds. “After the first couple of songs the energy picks up and you know what

Ham Jam is a one-night-only concert by local gourmands

kind of show it’s going to be. It feels good. It’s pretty special.” The show is a chance to show their staff a different side of themselves. According to Derek it “kind of blew their minds” that first year. But it’s also an opportunity to embrace a shared love that many of the band’s members had to choose not to pursue at one point or another. For many of them the love of music is as powerful as their love of food, but as is so often the case, life has a habit of forcing us to pick one passion over another. “When all of us were coming up working in restaurants we played out more, but each of us had to make a choice at one point,” says Derek. “You had to choose and make your worlds separate. I think the great thing about our culture now is that lines are blurred. It gives us an opportunity to explore that other side of ourselves and not choose between food and music.” But what they’ve found is that artistically the parallels between food and music are many. Planning and practicing a set list is writing and perfecting a menu. A performance on stage in front of 400 people in Pawtucket is serving meal after delicious meal to a full house with a line out the door. They play off the crowds energy, they adjust to the unpredictability of a kitchen and the whims of a customer.

Art is art. Ham Jam is just a way for this one particular group of artists to approach it differently than they do every other night of the year. Of course it wouldn’t be a true celebration of food and music without some proper grub on hand. New Rivers and Tallulah’s Tacos will be providing the eats while Turn For The Wurst are serving up tasty jams. Like last year, the bill for Ham Jam’s third run at The Met will consist of Wade Devers and the Death Bed Confessions, Mark Taber & Son and Smith & Weeden. Turn For the Wurst closes out the evening. For them, getting to headline a bill stacked with so much talent is no small honor. “They’re the professionals,” Matt says, “ And they let us play after them.”

Ham Jam March 15 The Met 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket Featuring Wade Devers and the Death Bed Confessions, Mark Taber & Son, Smith & Weeden and Turn For the Wurst Doors at 4:30, Tickets $5 in advance or at the door www.hamjam2.brownpapertickets.com

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Providence Monthly | March 2015

Get Out |Theatre

By Jenn Salcido

Festival Ballet stages two totally different ballets this month

Two Shows for One

Festival Ballet showcases classic and contemporary ballet

Photo courtesy of Festival Ballet

There’s this thing that you hear all the time when you’re an artist of any sort: “You have to know the rules before you can break them.” At least, I’m assuming you don’t hear that kind of thing when you’re in finance or science. Maybe politicians hear it, actually. Anyway, my point is that, as frustrating as it might be when you’re a young upstart bursting with rule-breaking possibility, nobody is going to mistake you for e e cummings if you refuse to use punctuation in your writing; they’re just going to think you spent most of elementary school malingering in the nurse’s office. But what if you could zoom out and experience the traditions, the boundaries – all in direct contrast with the explosive thing that rearranges those rules into revelations and revolutions? This is, for me, the big draw behind Festival Ballet Providence’s (FBP) JuxtaPOSE, a

performance that presents both a classical and contemporary piece in the same evening. Running for two nights only on March 13 and 14 at the Vets, FBP will showcase the Rhode Island premiere of Études, originally choreographed in 1948, alongside Coma, a ballet that premiered with the company in 2007. “Études is a classic; it’s very technical, it’s an homage to ballet” explains Mihailo (Misha) Djurić, artistic director of FBP. “It’s exciting in its technicality and bravura – a little spectacle treat. And Coma is everything opposite – it’s challenging for the dancers in a different way – they need to twist and move in an entirely different way.” FBP’s production of Études is being staged by Radenko Pavlovich, choreographer and artistic director of Columbia Classical Ballet in Columbia, South Carolina, who will bring Kota Fujishima,

a principal dancer of his troupe, to fill in one of the lead roles alongside FBP’s Ruth Whitney, Vilia Putrius and Mindaugas Bauzys. A one-act ballet, Études acts as a snapshot of all of those rules and traditions – beginning with simple barre exercises and making a crescendo into that aforementioned bravura – that dancers and choreographers like Viktor Plotnikov would eventually bend and break. Viktor’s Coma was commissioned by Misha and the company, and premiered to much critical acclaim. The ballet was inspired by the 1978 Michael Crichton film of the same name, and tells a haunting story over three movements set to minimalist music from Arvo Pärt. Misha says the decision to bring Coma back to audiences was a natural one for him, and adds that even though the choreography will not have changed much, the performance would “feel” different, both for

the dancers and the audience, who have lived nearly a decade of life and experiences between the original performance and this hometown encore. “I always want to have a good mix, to give my dancers classical ballet challenges so they can continue growing and working on their skills and improving them. But I also want to give them something new and different. I want to do the same with the audience,” says Misha.

Festival Ballet Providence presents JuxtaPOSE Playing at the VETS March 13 & 14 One Avenue of the Arts 421-2787 festivalballet.com March 2015 | Providence Monthly

Savor Providence

By Grace Lentini

Slurp Up Did you mark your calendars for National Noodle Month? I bet you totally did, in which case you need a list of places to go to sample big warm bowls of chewy, savory goodness. In the spirit of good journalism and filling our hungry bellies, we’ve sampled noodles from across the city. The results are below.

Beefy Bliss “This would make me happy on a cold winter day,” was the response of one of our staff members to the Beef Noodle Soup from Pho Horn’s. The broth was both sweet and savory and had many layers to it, which made each bite interesting and satisfying. There were four types of meat including sliced steak and flank, tripe and tendon. All contributed wonderfully to the flavor and our more adventurous eaters enjoyed the tripe and tendon. The rice noodles were soft and chewy while the bean sprouts, jalapeño and thai basil were fresh and crunchy. 50 Ann Mary Street, Pawtucket. 365-6278, phohornspawtucket.com

Sweet Potato Surprise

Spicy Sesame There is an expectation of the unexpected when it comes to North, and this is exactly what we got with their Hot Flavor Sesame Noodles. The broccoli was extra crispy, the noodles were perfectly chewy and the kale was not overcooked. The sesame flavor really came through while the heat gradually built. The combination of ingredients was so interesting that every bite felt like another step along a culinary journey. In the words of one of the tasters, “I could eat a giant container of this.” And maybe you should. 3 Luongo Memorial Square. foodbynorth.com

The Jap Chae from DenDen Café Asiana was a surprising textural experience, in a good way. This traditional Korean dish was made with sweet potato noodles stir fried in sesame oil with onions, carrots, broccoli and topped with sesame seeds. Some of our reactions included: “The noodles are sweet, and the sauce is perfectly light; Sesame seeds add that great bit of crunch; The noodles have a nice bite to them, I love how firm and chewy they are; and it looks like something you’d eat in Star Trek.” 161 Benefit Street. 270-5269, DenDenCafe.com

A Coconut Concoction

Providence Monthly | March 2015

Smoked to Perfection The Tan-Tan Mazeman from Ken’s Ramen is a soupless ramen complete with very fresh, al dente noodles topped with a slightly spicy and creamy sesame puree and fresh veggies the likes of bean sprouts, micro sprouts, nori, kikurage mushrooms, scallions and cucumber. The few strips of pork belly were smoky, nice and tender and easy to eat along with the rest of the dish. The heat also gradually built with this dish but wasn’t overpowering as long as you weren’t a wimp, like this writer is. 69 Washington Street. kens-ramen.com

Photography: Meghan Follett

Noodles 102’s Noodle Soup was complete with house made al dente Udon noodles swimming in a mildly spicy coconut curry broth. The broth had a great coconut punch with a nice curry background. This dairyfree dish was topped with shredded carrots, corn, bean sprouts, lime, peeled shrimp and cilantro, all which were fresh and crisp. The whole dish was mild, warming and soothing, which is a nice change from the wretched weather we’ve been having. 102 Ives Street. 383-5004, noodles102.com

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