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ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
CO N T E N TS
Providence Monthly • November 2019
An ode to our city’s costly, late, but stunning landmark (pg. 28)
28 Water Under The Bridge The story behind Providence’s newest attraction and what it means to the city
DEPARTMENTS Pulse
13 Festival Ballet’s search for The
22 YEAR OF THE CITY: The program’s final hurrah of 2019
Nutcracker Dog continues
24 RHODY GEM: An indie book-
Art & Culture
Food & Drink
can’t miss this month
receives national accolade
45 THE MUST LIST: Events you
57 SPOTLIGHT: Aleppo Sweets
14 The city considers hiring a
seller in the heart of Wayland
50 ON STAGE: A choreographer,
58 EXPERIENCE: “Whiskey”
dedicated “nightlife czar”
Square
a novelist, and a Broadway star
business at New Harvest Coffee
show off their talents
16 Providence Community
Life & Style
60 FOOD NEWS: Chomp Kitchen
Library celebrates literature and
37 SHOP: Beyond flannel ways
52 ART: Why the walls of
Latinx culture
to brings campfire character
The Graduate Hotel are about
into your life
to get red and yellow
63 RESTAURANT GUIDE
Pic of PVD
18 Open Door Health is the first
and Drinks comes to Fox Point
LGBT-centered health clinic in
39 INFLUENCER: Meet our
54 MUSIC: Local record label
Rhode Island
stylish editor Meg Schmit
ready to celebrate milestone
66 A stunning city snapshot from
300th release
our contributing photographer
20 Special pilot program and
41 HOME: The classic-meets-
scholarship at Olneyville’s
contemporary style of Rebelle
Recycle-a-Bike
Artisan Bagel’s Milena Pagan
ON THE COVER: PVD’s new Pedestrian Bridge. Photography by Wolf Matthewson.
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Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell
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Editor in Chief Elyse Major
Editor Megan Schmit
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PROVIDENCE MEDIA INC. 1070 Main Street, Suite 302, Pawtucket RI 02860 401-305-3391 • Mail@ProvidenceOnline.com ProvidenceOnline.com
CORRECTION: In last month’s issue, we erroneously printed that general manager Katie Hawksley is the owner of The Abbey. Michelle and Jay Hoff are the owners.
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ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
PULSE
HOLIDAY HOUND
Festival Ballet Providence’s search for The Nutcracker Dog continues Last year, Festival Ballet Providence started the hunt for the newest star of their annual production of The Nutcracker. The casting call was unusual, looking for candidates with an “elegant prance” and “regal coat of fur.” FBP was looking for a pup to play the coveted role of The Nutcracker Dog after longtime furry cast member Archie retired in 2018. This November, FBP will be hosting another audition in what they have declared will be an annual tradition. Archibald or “Archie” the Yorkshire Terrier spent 19 seasons and hundreds of performances trotting across the stage during FBP’s most famous holiday show. “Archie’s sweet demeanor endeared him to audiences, cast members, and the entire FBP family,” share Press Representative Ruth Davis and Marketing Director Dylan Giles, “and the new
‘Archie’ will need to bring his or her own singular character and style to the role.” Unfortunately, this past summer, at the age of 92 in dog years, Archie passed away. In his memory, the role of The Nutcracker Dog will officially bear his name. The casting call is simple: It’s open to dogs of all breeds, size, and age. They must be leashed and ready to go. And without guidance, auditioning dogs must “traverse the grand studio” and meet their owners on the other side. The pup with the right stuff will appear in this year’s production, which runs December 21-23, and one thing’s for certain – they’ll certainly have big pawprints to fill. The Second Annual Audition for The Nutcracker Dog on November 24 at 825 Hope Street. FestivalBalletProvidence.org -Megan Schmit
Photo by Dylan Giles, courtesy of Festival Ballet Providence ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
13
PULSE • City
The Night Watch Providence considers hiring a dedicated “nightlife czar”
The story reads like a dark thriller: Just past midnight, people cluster around the entrance to a dance club. Suddenly, gunshots ring out. A bullet hurtles through a wall. On the dance floor, a man is hit. Police flood the scene. Confusion ensues; the wounded man is rushed to a hospital, where he receives emergency care. Meanwhile, two suspects speed away in a car, police in hot pursuit... This particular scene unfolded at Flow, a Providence nightclub, on August 19, gaining much attention in local TV media. But
14
ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
such altercations have flared up frequently in recent months. In the late hours, substances make their rounds. Passions run high. Fights can break out – or worse. Yet some leaders in City Council may have a solution: a “nightlife mayor,” who would help improve public safety and foster healthy, satisfying late-night experiences. The PVD After Dark campaign was first proposed by City Council’s Katherine Kerwin and Travis Escobar. The pair have earned national attention in the past year,
mostly for their millennial youth. But they adopted the idea of a nightlife mayor from other cities – such as New York, Orlando, and even Amsterdam – where the role has already proven successful. “I think the public safety aspect is very important,” says Councilwoman Kerwin. “But it’s largely about policy.” The idea is to create an Office of Nightlife and Culture, which would serve as liaison between industry professionals, public safety officials, and city government. High-
Photo courtesy of Kat Kerwin
speed chases aside, the nightlife mayor would cultivate local arts and entertainment and revisit antiquated statutes. If successful, the new office would help make nightlife fun, safe, and profitable for local talent. “In Providence, we have responsible business owners who have been successful at mitigating issues, and they do so voluntarily, with little fiscal impact,” said Councilman David Salvatore, a vocal supporter of the idea. He mentioned Anthony Santurri, owner of the nightclub Colosseum, who created a handbook for employees about “de-escalating fights.” “I believe that’s why he doesn’t encounter issues of violence inside or outside of his venue. I think he has lots to share.” Council members have cited a recent “uptick in violence” this year. Most of these reports are anecdotal, but they’re significant: Shots rang out PVDFest, startling crowds and casting a pall over the festival. A spate of assaults have made headlines in the past few months, including a fatal stabbing at Nara Hookah Lounge in Federal Hill and a fatal shooting on Broad Street; these latter events took place only days apart. “After many acts of violence outside of our clubs and bars, it’s clear we need to start thinking creatively about how to improve our nightlife for all residents,” said Kerwin in a widely circulated statement. “If we create safe places to enjoy our city after dark, we will allow our musicians, artists, and creatives to flourish in these spaces.” While violence is an urgent reason to consider a nightlife mayor, Kerwin sees an opportunity to foster Providence nightlife on a grand scale, particularly where live music is concerned. She gives credit to the Board of Licenses for diligent work, but she wants to revise old-fashioned policies, such as neighborhood bans on live music – Kat which are often ignored anyway –
and a sluggish licensing process. The more stages available, the more gigs for local musicians, and the more cultural opportunities for young folks on the town. “The nightlife economy is a massive part of the total economy,” says Kerwin. “If anything, we should be making it easy for Providence artists to make a living. And there are a lot of people who want to see more live music.” The possibility of a nightlife mayor is still a novel idea, and the job is difficult to explain, so Councilman Salvatore decided to test its appeal. He posted polls on social media, asking constituents what they thought of the concept. While this kind of survey hardly passes for scientific, Salvatore found that “54 percent of Facebook respondents and 63 percent of respondents on Twitter agreed that the city should explore creating a similar best practice.” Cheers to that. -Robert Isenberg
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PULSE • City
More Than A Book Fair Providence Community Library celebrates literature and Latinx culture with special event
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ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
Most of us aren’t aware that many Latin American countries host huge book festivals every year. In 2018, the Buenos Aires International Book Fair attracted 1.2 million visitors. Chile, Ecuador, Uruguay, Brazil, Cuba, Colombia, Panama, Guatemala, and Mexico all host similar events. Building on this rich history of literacy, the Providence Community Library, with the support of several community partners, is hosting the Feria del Libro y las Artes event on Saturday, November 9 in the Center at Moore Hall at Providence College. Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza and RI Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea are honorary
co-chairs of this bilingual event, and over 20 local and international authors will be present, but the festival offers much more than that. Besides books and authors, there will also be food trucks, visual art displays, children’s activities, an all-ages dance workshop, film presentations by the Providence Latin American Film Festival (PLAFF), and an acting workshop by ECAS Theater. Local children’s author Anika Denise will read from her book Planting Stories, followed by a puppet-making workshop and puppet show. PC professor Nuria Alonso Garcia, along with several
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of her students, will engage in intergenerational storytelling. Josefina Baez, a Dominican storyteller, performer, author, and educator will give a keynote address in the afternoon. The day before Feria, thanks to partner organization Raising Readers in RI, Cuban author Carlos Hernandez will visit with students in Providence schools, and the day of, he will host a writing workshop for teens. Hernandez writes novels for middle-schoolers and believes that diverse characters bring readers closer together: “Readers are drawn to expanding their understanding of the human condition,” he says, “but they also crave the way that reading evokes connection, fellow feeling, and even love, across space and time, via our imaginations.” And this is the goal of Feria del Libro y las Artes: To bring together our community for a day that celebrates literacy, the arts, and our cultural diversity. For more information, visit ProvComLib.org. - Lauri Lee
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ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
17
ROCK YOUR RIDE
PULSE • City
Health Care For All Open Door Health is the first LGBT-centered health clinic in Rhode Island
Dr. Philip Chan (center) and Dr. Amy Nunn (far right) with other members of the Rhode Island Public Health Institute
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ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
In the 1980s, Americans became acutely aware of LGBT health care in America. The HIV/ AIDS epidemic opened eyes to the thousands who needed urgent medical treatment. Since then, research and cultural training has advanced the treatment of the LGBT people, and these services that can be found at Open Door Health, Rhode Island’s first LGBT-centered health clinic. “Rhode Island is one of 13 states in the union that doesn’t have an LGBT health clinic that focuses on serving the LGBT population as a core function of its mission,” says Executive Director Dr. Amy Nunn. The medical director of the clinic, Dr. Philip Chan, echoes her remarks, saying that many times LGBT Rhode Islanders would go to Boston to receive care. Now, they can get the care they need in their home state. The health center, according to Dr. Chan, has been almost two years in the making. The clinic will be run by its larger
parent organization, the Rhode Island Public Health Institute. Here, patients will have access to things like primary care, HIV/AIDS (and other sexually transmitted infections) testing, sexual health services, and mental health services. Dr. Nunn also mentions that the clinic will provide PrEP in 2020, a one-pill once-a-day, pre-exposure prophylaxis drug that helps prevent HIV contraction. The center is open to everyone – LGBT and non-LGBT people alike – from all backgrounds, age groups, and socioeconomic statuses. The clinic is special because while they do accept insurance, no one will be denied services because of their inability to pay. “We think that services are important and we really want to offer a safe harbor for all people. We will bill whenever possible, but that will not be a prerequisite for receiving services,” says Dr. Nunn. At this time, she says the clinic
Photo courtesy of Open Door Health
23 PROVIDENCE PLACE, PVD
TWIN OAKS CLASSICS is still working out the policies for those who are unable to pay. Open Door Health is an important asset to the state not only because of the services it provides, but for the way that the staff will care for patients. Members of the LGBT community can face discrimination or be misgendered by a healthcare provider, but, says Dr. Chan, “All staff at Open Door Health will have experience working with the LGBT community, including using proper terms to identify people.” Dr. Nunn adds that along this vein, they will try to hire LGBT staff. Continues Dr. Chan, “We are very excited about Open Door Health and plan to work with the community to ensure that we are serving people appropriately and treating patients in a manner that they feel comfortable.” Open Door Health will open late 2019 or January of 2020. 7 Central Street, ODHPVD.org/en, RIPHI.org. -Lauren Vella
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PULSE • City
Tune Up Pilot program at Olneyville’s Recycle-a-Bike trains cyclists in maintenance – and safe riding
Celebrate 25 years
of Trinity Brewhouse with us at our new downtown beer garden 2 Kennedy Plaza Biltmore Park, Providence RI
www.trinitybrewhouse.com know that this place is a resource to them, I
nance. You learn how to fix – and even soup up
hope that it makes their lives easier.”
– your gears, brakes, and derailleur. You receive
Recycle-a-Bike started up about 20 years
a $200 voucher toward your next bike pur-
ago as a loose federation of mechanics who
chase. You get a technical handbook, a helmet,
wanted to resuscitate used bikes. Ten years lat-
a formidable U-lock, and safety lights. You also
er, Recycle-a-Bike became an official nonprof-
gain access to a separate course, Your Right
it organization. The headquarters serve as a
to the Road, where you learn about signaling,
store, workshop, and training ground. Gregory
right of way, and how to safely navigate traffic.
expects 500 bikes to pass through the facility
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ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
before the end of the year.
That’s the idea behind Wrench It Forward,
“The organization is very at-home here in
a brand-new scholarship created by Recy-
Olneyville,” says Gregory. Set in the middle of
cle-a-Bike. Over the course of a year, the Ol-
a largely Spanish-speaking neighborhood, Re-
neyville-based nonprofit will train 48 individ-
cycle-a-Bike just hired a bilingual instructor to
uals in the art of bike mechanics, thanks to a
help clients repair their own rides. To help sus-
grant by the Lorber Family Foundation. The
tain their grassroots effort, Recycle-a-Bike also
safety course is hosted by Recycle-a-Bike’s
accepts donations year-round – including mon-
partner, the Woonasquatucket River Water-
ey through their website and used bikes, gear,
shed Council, which maintains the nearby
and spare parts at the store.
Greenway bike trail.
“The vast majority of people who come in
But the most important part of Wrench It
here to fix their bikes are using them for basic
Forward is its intended students: low-income
transportation,” says Chelsea DeSantis, head
individuals, recent immigrants to the US, and
mechanic and instructor at Recycle-a-Bike.
folks transitioning from incarceration. For resi-
“They’re commuting to work and trying to
dents who can’t afford cars and struggle with
get around the neighborhood. We don’t know
public transit, a bicycle can be a game-changer.
what everyone who earns a bike here is go-
“I can’t promise anything,” says Gregory
ing to do with it, but with the scholarship,
Guertin, director of Recycle-a-Bike. “But by
we’re just taking any financial barrier away.”
having a bicycle, to have the education, to
RecycleABike.org -Robert Isenberg
Photos courtesy of Recycle-a-Bike
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21
PULSE • Year of the City (branded partnership)
Our Special City While the year might be winding down, this Providence program is still going strong
Exhibitions Performances Storytelling Lectures Walks Conferences
events in
by Rhode Islanders with Canadian artists Gwen MacGregor and Sandra Rechico. Make your own map and add it to the collection! Through November 14, Mon-Fri from 10am4pm | Carriage House Gallery, John Nicholas Brown Center for Public Humanities & Cultural Heritage, 50 Williams Street
Neighborhood Family Comics Fest: Featuring Big Nazo Saturday, November 2 from 1-5pm Mount Pleasant Library at 315 Academy Avenue
Raid the Icebox Now Check out the Providence-centric installations by Sebastian Ruth and Pablo Bronstein in this ongoing contemporary art series. Through November 2020, Tues-Sun from 10am-5pm, third Thursdays open until 9pm RISD Museum, 20 North Main Street
Providence neighborhoods
Feria del Libro y des Artes Bilingual festival of books and arts featuring Josefina Baez and Carlos Hernandez Saturday, November 9 from 10am- 6pm The Center at Moore Hall, Providence College, 1 Cunningham Square
Visit YearOfTheCity.com for a full calendar of events
Artspeaks Artist lecture at the Wurks Gallery in Olneyville Tuesday, November 12 from 8-10pm 72 Tingley Street
@YOTCProvidence2019 22
As 2019 inches closer to the end, Year of the City: The Providence Project is beginning to wrap up. For the last ten months, the city-wide collaborative project has catalyzed more than 40 exhibitions, conferences, walking tours, performances, and readings across the city, from Washington Park to Wanskuck. Together, these programs remind us how special our city is – how rich in heritage, how wonderfully diverse, and how creative. November is no different, and below you’ll find special programs both appearing and premiering this month.
ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
Map It Out – Providence An exhibition of 100+ hand-drawn maps made
Reseeding the City: Ethnobotany in the Urban Art exhibition at the Rhode Island State House Through November 26, Mon-Fri from 8:30am4:30pm | 82 Smith Street
Year of the City is an unprecedented yearlong exploration of the history, life and culture of Providence’s 25 neighborhoods through exhibitions, performances, walks, lectures, and conferences produced by more than 50 different curators. Together, these projects reveal new stories and new ways of thinking about the city we love. Find out more at YearOfTheCity.org.
Host Your Holiday Gathering Here!
186 Wayland Avenue, Providence • 270-3737
Gift Cards Available at SaltedSlate.com
ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
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Put this on your Fall bucket list!
PULSE • Rhody Gem
A WARM APPLE PIE WAFFLE
Paper Nautilus Books Indie Bookseller
We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-inthe-wall spot that locals love. Email or tag us on social media using #RhodyGem to suggest yours, and we might just feature it!
Tues-Thurs: 11am-10pm Fri & Sat: 9am-11pm • Sun: 9am-2pm
45 Weybosset Street | 808-6569
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ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
What it is: A bookstore specializing in used, rare, and scholarly volumes, as well as fine art and other surprises. Where to find it: Right in the heart of Wayland Square, Paper Nautilus is kitty-cornered to L’Artisan Cafe. There’s plenty of street parking nearby, and the store has two dedicated spaces for customers. What makes it a Rhody Gem? Kristin Sollenberger opened Paper Nautilus in 1996, not far from its current location. Trained as a painter, Kristin has arranged her store with an artist’s flare: Books are stacked on antique structures, curios pop up everywhere, and the walls are decked with Kristin’s own artwork. The store houses more than 25,000 volumes, including an impressive collection of art books, mystery magazines, and foreign-language literature. You could spend a whole day browsing the bookcases, only to discover that there’s a whole separate trove in the basement.
Pap er N aut ilus Books 521-5533 • PaperNautilusBooks.com Instagram: @PaperNautilusBooks
gorham silver designing brilliance 1850 –1970
through dec
1, 2019
Gorham Manufacturing Company, Fruit Stand (detail), 1872. The Gorham Collection. Gift of Textron Inc.
f ies ed
or body &
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224 Benefit Street Providence, RI 02903 RISDMUSEUM.ORG
evo lve
Photography by Robert Isenberg
To submit your Rhody Gem, please email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com
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OUR NEW SPA ROOMS ARE OPEN, COME AND SEE WHAT WE HAVE IN STORE FOR YOU! couples treatments | friends facials | body treatments + SO MUCH MORE!
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ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
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Decorating Southern New England One Beautiful Rug at a Time
FALL SALE STORE WIDE 15-50% OFF
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Water Under THE BRIDGE The story behind Providence’s newest attraction and what it means to the city
BY ROBERT ISENBERG PHOTOGRAPHY BY WOLF MATTHEWSON
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ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
S
omething happens when you stand in the middle of the Pedestrian Bridge. The first time you walk those smooth planks, the first time you lean against the rail, after that first glimpse of the river below – you get a feeling. Just north, skyscrapers rise over Downcity. South, you see the gray girders of the Point Street Bridge. On either side of the river, ribbons of greensward outline the banks. You see old factories, new high rises, historic steeples, sculptures, signs, and trees. Flocks of seagulls spiral over the water and nestle in its ripples. What is that feeling? You really know where you are. You’re grounded. You’re standing in the center of the capital, and this bridge is the first step in any direction you wish to go. Find a bench and lounge all day. Play a game of chess on an inlaid board. Watch the pedestrian hubbub mosey past. Take a selfie; everybody else is. Here, you can stop and stare. Take a breath. Stop moving. Providence has never had much in the way of vistas – so we built one. “The Providence Pedestrian Bridge is an amazing new landmark for the city of Providence,” wrote Nicholas Millard on the tourism website GoProvidence. “You'll find restaurants on the east side of the river… On the west side of the bridge, you'll find the Jewelry District with plenty of historic landmarks to visit.” The blog post is peppered with scenic Instagram photos, helpful maps, and a video of crowds crossing the bridge in mellifluous slow-motion. Like it or not, the Pedestrian Bridge is here, a permanent fixture in our ever-evolving city. You could call it our Eiffel Tower, our Sky Park, our High Line, an expensive, overzealous sculpture that you can also walk all over. After decades of design, labor, and skyrocketing budgets, it’s hard to believe that such a thing was ever completed. But the ribbon-cutting took place on August 9, and now, it belongs to everyone.
Mind the Gap The original idea was pretty simple: build a footbridge across the river. In a way, the proposal was designed to recycle old infrastructure. Until the 1990s, the Route 195 bridge used to span the same site. When the bridge was torn down, two granite supports remained. RIDOT proposed building a spartan pedestrian bridge on top, to the tune of $3 million. Years went by. The concept grew bigger and more complicated. The price of materials ballooned. Rising sea levels meant adjusting the height of the bridge. A design contest was held. With each new roadblock, the projected timetables were pushed back. The very phrase “pedestrian bridge” became a bitter joke. Stretches of waterfront were - Nicholas covered in tarp and chain-link fence, a mysterious eyesore to passersby. By 2019, that simple footbridge had morphed into a $21.9 million leviathan, with two levels, tiered seating, and the width of an oil tanker. As the Boston Globe tactfully put it: “In a state full of crumbling bridges, $22 million Providence River span stands out.”
Critics will forever debate whether that money was well used, and the phrase “decaying infrastructure” will echo for years. Within weeks of the bridge’s opening, local media reported patchy trash collection, confusion about whether cyclists could pedal over it, and even problems with the industrial-strength chess boards, which appeared to change color in different light. The most fundamental complaint was its location: Once the novelty faded, who was actually going to walk the bridge? On one side, there’s South Water Street, with its handful of restaurants; on the other side, a sprawling greenspace that bleeds into Dyer Street. Were these two corridors so busy, so well trafficked, so throbbing with industry, that they needed a $22 million catwalk to connect Millard them? Glancing over the entire state – and all its potholes, rust, and cracked concrete – was the Pedestrian Bridge worth 20 years of hand-wringing? Generations from now, when all cars are autonomous and science has cured the common cold, people will still be arguing about whether the Pedestrian Bridge was worth it.
...an amazing new landmark for the city of Providence.
ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
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On a sunny day, you can find all walks of life enjoying the bridge: professionals, students, families, nurses, musicians, joggers, cyclists.
From Shore to Shore But all that is over. The bridge is here, an irreversible monument. And if there’s one thing most visitors can agree on, it’s this: inFORM Studio designed a beautiful structure. If you like walkable thoroughfares to begin with, the new bridge is a handsome addition to the cityscape. “We had recently completed a celebrated pedestrian bridge in Detroit, and it seemed like a great opportunity,” says Michael Guthrie, a principal at inFORM, which is also headquartered in Detroit. Many may roll their eyes at out-of-town architects taking on such a hyper-local project, but for inFORM, the opportunity was a happy surprise. In 2010, Providence held its design competition for the bridge, which had already undergone several speculative drafts. A consulting engineer alerted inFORM staff, and Michael’s interest was piqued. “After reading the brief, we were quite enthusiastic about the competition and felt this was poised to make a significant impact in an area of Providence with huge potential,” says Michael. “The idea of stitching together College Hill, Fox Point, and the Jewelry District with not only a connector but a true sense of place became our objective right away. We loved the idea of making an impact in the city and adding a place of inspiration.” Unlike a plain steel trestle, the inFORM design curves like a boomerang. As you step onto the bridge, the planks seems to flow like a river of wood. A lower platform, nicknamed the “busker terrace,” extends southward; it’s about the size and shape of a restaurant patio. The rails are made of steel, wire, and wood, reminiscent of a cruise ship. In fact, the whole bridge has a nautical look to it – by design. “We were quite interested in referencing the history of shipbuilding and jewelry making near the old harbor of the Jewelry District without overtly using it as a metaphor,” Michael explains. “Many reference the WWII era of shipbuilding, but there was an incredible history of craft, and we were enamored by the idea of demonstrating innovative methods in the craft of woodworking, particularly digital fabrication.” Even calling the new structure a “pedestrian bridge” only hints at its full use. The bridge is already a major bikeway between the East End and the rebranded “Knowledge District,” a boon for students, young professionals, and anyone who doesn’t like to park a car. The bridge’s girth and seating options make it ideal for public gatherings, as well. This multi-use approach has won inFORM some attention, as other designers imagine similar projects. Meanwhile, new development has risen all around the bridge, from the River House luxury apartment complex to the upscale Plant City food hall. The project has paved a (literal) path for Brown University; the bridge connects the main campus on College Hill to new facilities like the Warren Alpert Medical School. On foot, it’s still a trek from Thayer Street to Richmond Street – especially in winter – but plenty of students will walk that scenic, one-mile route. “Ideas like the busker terrace were intended for a multiplicity of uses,” says Michael, “including performances, sunbathing, fishing, weddings, lunch, general relaxation, and any number of things we had not imagined. That is the beauty of a design that hopefully inspires: It does not end with the designer’s imagination.”
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ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
That is the beauty of a design that hopefully inspires: It does not end with the designer’s imagination. - Michael Guthrie, a principal at inFORM
Experience. Integrity. Results.
Story Arc The bridge is still new, and there isn’t much “hard data” to assess. Time must pass before we can determine the success of the bridge. As the years elapse, the bridge will weather its share of vandalism and misuse. The crowds will ebb and flow. But we’re still in the honeymoon phase, and residents are loving their bridge. On a sunny afternoon, the span is a flurry of activity. Cyclists push their bikes. Joggers trot past in spandex. Children play tag; teens roam in smirking packs. Wheelchairs roll by, as does the occasional Segway. In few places does Providence look more diverse – in age, lifestyle, or ethnicity. The sun melts, and “magic hour” descends. The sky looks enormous, thanks to a 360-degree view, and it turns salmon-pink. Camera shutters start to click. Couples pose for pictures. Professional headshots are taken. Tourists hand phones to strangers, asking for a portrait
– with the Superman Building looming over their shoulders – as evidence that they were here. Long after sunset, people still come. On certain nights, musicians perform concerts, and crowds gather beneath the glow of the street lamps. Strolling South Water Street, you can hear big band melodies a half-mile away. Again, there’s that feeling, which hard data and city budgets can’t really quantify. A feeling that the city is mobile, feisty, and alive. “It was heartwarming to see a vast, inclusive demographic at the bridge opening,” recalls Michael, who lingered after the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Children playing on the terrace, professionals eating lunch, reading a book, working on a laptop, walking a dog, riding bikes and stopping for Instagram moments, a photoshoot, and even a marriage proposal. All this was in a span of a few hours of observation. That resonates with you.”
CALL Gerri Schiffman (401) 474-3733
A Trusted Advocate for Buyers & Sellers for 26 Years
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residentialproperties.com gerri@residentialproperties.com ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
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EXPERIENCE
CAV
EVERY DAY IS EXTRAORDINARY In addition to serving lunch (Monday-Friday) and dinner nightly, CAV offers unique daily offerings:
Monday BISTRO MENU Tuesday HALF-PRICED BOTTLES OF WINES, BISTRO MENU Wednesday $8 DOLLAR MARTINIS BISTRO MENU LIVE JAZZ MUSIC Saturday and Sunday BRUNCH
THE TRADITION CONTINUES A Providence destination for nearly 30 years, CAV Restaurant is an experience like no other. Tucked in the historic Jewelry District, the restaurant features creative cuisine from several cultures in a worldly setting. Family-owned since 1989, the award-winning and innovative tradition continues...
14 Imperial Place, Providence. 751-9164. CavRestaurant.com
Providence River Animal Hospital
Compassionate Care. Modern Medicine. Providence River Animal Hospital is a state of the art, full-service animal hospital. Our goal is to provide your pet with optimal care in a compassionate and caring manner. Our highest priority is the comfort and well being of your animal.
Our Services
Dr. Jane Linden, DVM
• • • • • • •
General Wellness & Medicine Blood & Laboratory Services Radiology Dentistry Surgery Anesthesia Pharmacy
401-274-7724 (PRAH) | 131 Point Street, Providence, RI | ProvidenceRiverAnimalHospital.com |
Sea Food
Sea Friends
PRAHvet
Sea View
Seasonal Specials Prime Time
SUNDAY & MONDAY
Candlelight Nights
SECOND TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
Wellington Wednesday Throwback Thursday Buck-A-Shuck
40 Ocean Road, Narragansett | 401.789.0700 | thecoastguardhouse.com 36
ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
LIFE & STYLE Shop • Home • Influencer SHOP
by Elyse Major • photography by Brandon Harmon
Mad About Plaid
Beyond flannel ways to bring the iconic checks into your life If a season could have a signature pattern, plaid (proper name: tartan) would be autumn’s. While we may think of hipsters and big brands sporting patterns of interlocking stripes – lumberjack style and Burberry, anyone? – plaid actually originated in Scotland as a way to identify one’s region or clan. Today, whether it’s a preppy kilt, punk flannel tied around the waist, or underneath a vest for an outdoorsy look, plaid is loaded with character. Infuse your surroundings with some campfire-meets-classic clever accessories and home goods available from shops around the state.
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1. Tartan Textiles Wickford Gourmet Factory Outlet 2. Dessert Plates The Captain’s Table, Wickford 3. 1970s Thermos Carmen & Ginger, Providence 4. Bear Button & Flannel Greeting Card Frog & Toad, Providence
LIFE & STYLE • Influencer
by Jackie Ignall
Meg Schmit Editor at Providence Monthly
Photography by Wolf Matthewson
My personal style is hard to define as it changes as often as my mood or the season. But for the most part, it’s classic with an edge. I sport a lot of pieces with clean lines, but am drawn to fun accessories and bold colors to mix things up. No matter what, I like for my outfit to transition seamlessly from work to dinner date. Sweater season is my favorite. I’m happiest in a pair of skinny jeans or leggings, booties, and an oversized knit pullover. I’m pretty low maintenance and usually don’t wear much jewelry, but dark-wash jeans are a must! They’re comfortable and sophisticated and can be dressed up or down with the right top or shoe. On a night out, I level up my look with a chunky heel (not too high because I’m a total klutz), add some waves to my hair, and swipe on a bold shade of lipstick. The base of my wardrobe comes from places such as Target, Old Navy, and H&M, but I love mixing in accessories from Frog & Toad and J. Marcel. Being an editor at Providence Monthly is my dream job. I fell in love with Rhode Island after one summer and couldn’t wait to come back. It truly is a small state with big personality and I love that I learn more about it through interviewing people for stories or connecting with our great team of writers. Rhode Island, and specifically Providence, is one of my favorite places. It’s quirky, it’s proud, and it’s changing every day, which is super exciting! Some of my favorite spots are Malted Barley for the pretzels and relaxed vibe, Muse Paint Bar for a crafty girls night, and a walk along South Water Street to admire the city skyline from the pedestrian bridge. I love fall everywhere, but it’s so special here as the leaves start to change and the temperatures drop. It’s the season of cozy!
ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
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THE RHODE ISLAND SHRINERS
Relax & Get Pampered!
PREVIEW PARTY Nov. 29, 2019 – 6:30 pm Rhodes-on-the-Pawtuxet 60 Rhodes Place - Cranston, RI
TICKETS & INFO: 401.467.7100 Ticket Deadline: 11/20/2019
We will be honoring our local first responders, acknowledging their service and sacrifice to our community with a brief ceremony and blessing. Enjoy a performance by the Fife & Drum Corps, and the Presentation of the Colors, by the uniformed Police and Fire Color Guard Units. $25.00 per person INCLUDES delicious hors d’oeuvres, 2 beverage tickets, and the opportunity to be the FIRST to preview beautiful tree, wreath, and raffle displays, as we commemorate the official opening of the 6th Annual FEZ-tival of Trees! Casual Dress. 21+ event, please
Offering Personalized Cuts, Colors & Blowouts, Complimentary Hand & Scalp Massages, Coffee & Tea Daily Tues. thru Thurs. 10-8pm Fri. 9:30-4pm | Sat. 9-4pm Hours are subject to change
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ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
Twice Told Tales 2145 BROAD STREET, CRANSTON 785-9599 • TWICETOLDTALESRI.COM
events@keaneswoodfired.com 401-480-1282 • KeanesWoodFired.com
LIFE & STYLE • Home
by Elyse Major
MIX MASTER The contemporary-meets-classic style of artisan bagel cafe owner Milena Pagan
Photography by Grace Lentini
The corner
of Doyle Avenue and Camp Street had long been nondescript with a series of businesses opening and closing in a commercial space shuttered with those metal roll-up doors. That is, until Milena Pagan chose the spot for her business Rebelle Artisan Bagels and brightened it all up with blue-onblue awnings, buttercup yellow trim, and outdoor bistro sets. Milena notes that everything from the building to the
Modern elements like Vortex side chairs set a streamlined, casual vibe branding was inspired by a Marimekko print, the Finnish-based company known for their large flower designs in bold combinations. “I am a fan of bright colors, textures, more-is-more, mixing patterns, and putting things together because I like them without worrying Want your home featured in Providence Monthly? Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to learn more
LIFE & STYLE • Home
about matchy-matchy. My rule is: If you like it, put it up. It’ll make sense together.” Milena’s M.O. applies to her home interior as well. She and husband Darcy have lived in a Blackstone neighborhood Colonial since 2014 “after HGTV brainwashed us into being homeowners,” she explains with a chuckle. Milena and Darcy were instantly drawn to the East Side for its “pretty houses and well-tended gardens.” Says Milena, “Our house was in great shape and a good value. It wasn’t 100 percent my style, but I lived in a
ton of rentals and knew we could jazz it up.” And jazz it up, they did. Like her café, the interior of the couple’s home welcomes in plenty of natural light along with graphic elements and striking fixtures. “We use a lot of blue and gray in our home, which gives the perfect neutral backdrop for whatever wild stuff we want to add. In small spaces like our half bath, we went wild with color (coral pink walls!) and texture for visual interest.” Milena likes to be practical about what she buys and keeps in the home. “Everything has
to have a purpose and/or not get in the way. We don’t have our bed covered in decorative pillows and we don’t keep things that people aren’t allowed to touch,” she says. “We enjoy a mix of high/low and objects from our travels – like a collection of framed photos from earlier in our relationship that bring me joy. We also do a fair amount of DIY with pops of bright and bold colors. It’s a perfect reflection of who we are and how we live: a bit messy, not too serious, full of life and color, and good taste, too!”
GET RHODY STYLE Milena Pagan on living on the East Side, shopping small, and infusing spaces with personality. NATURAL INSTINCTS “Living in Rhode Island and experiencing winter definitely makes me crave greenery all year round! We have a growing collection of houseplants all around our home.”
LOCAL ACCENTS “I’ve learned that Rhode Islanders are HUGE on supporting local producers and artisans. Shop at your local small businesses, seek out artists and craftspeople to outfit your home, and support your local economy.” WELCOME HOME “I love living on the East Side! It reminds me of the town I grew up in: you can’t leave the house without running into friends.”
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ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
Photography by Grace Lentini
GOTTA HAVE HOPE “I love shopping around Hope Street. Stock Culinary Goods has excellent service, a good selection of products and fair prices. Frog & Toad is the perfect stop when I need a fun gift for someone I hardly know!”
Dr. Valerie Tokarz
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1485 South County Trail East Greenwich • Suite 105 401-886-5277 • TokarzDerm.com
ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
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Upscale Mexican Cuisine on Historic Federal Hill
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351 Atwells Avenue, Providence 454-8951 • DonJoseTequilas.com
Famous for Italian Cuisine
LOBSTER | VEAL | STEAKS CHOPS | CHOICE LIQUORS & WINES
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521 Atwells Avenue, Providence
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FINE ART SELECTIONS
RECEPTION THURS. NOV. 21 5-9PM.
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I absolutely loved everything I tried here –Saurav S.
Only gift shop located on Historic Federal Hill — A TAX FREE ZONE —
A Fine Art Gallery — Est. Jan. 2001 — Visit our online store at
120 Atwells Avenue / 751-5544 www.TheOldCanteen.com 44
ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
www.galleryzprov.com 259 ATWELLS AVENUE, PROVIDENCE • 401-454-8844
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223 Atwells Avenue Providence • 383-4774
A R T & C U LT U R E Calendar • On Stage • Art • Music
Creative financial plans designed with, and around, you. Edward Pontarelli Jr., CRPC® Financial Advisor Managing Director Beacon Point Wealth Advisors A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. 401.824.2532 1 Citizens Plaza, Ste 610 Providence, RI 02903 ed.pontarelli@ampf.com ameripriseadvisors.com/team/ beacon-point-wealth-advisors
November 1-3: Rhode Island Comic Con
Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. © 2018 Ameriprise Financial, Inc.
THE MUST LIST 5 essential events this November
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November 1: The Narragansett Towers transforms for Wakefield’s Contemporary Theater Company’s Masquerade Gala. It’s a glitzy evening of food, fun, dancing, and games, including specialty cocktails, blackjack tables, and notable local DJs. Narragansett, ContemporaryTheaterCompany.com
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November 1-3: Rhode Island Comic Con is back and geekier than ever. The much-anticipated, weekend-long convention invites comic, movie, and sci-fi fans from all multiverses to assemble in the city. Meet and greet both characters and creators like celebrity guests Chevy Chase, William Shatner, and Evanna Lynch. Rhode Island Convention Center, RIComicCon.com
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November 1-10: Fall flavors abound during Newport Restaurant Week, a seven-day celebration of the culinary genius of the City by the Sea, featuring more than 50 restaurants with affordable prix fixe lunches and dinners. Various locations, DiscoverNewport.org
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November 2: Don’t miss the last WaterFire of the season! The Providence waterways are set ablaze in a salute to veterans. Find art fairs, food vendors, plus special performances and events. Waterplace Park, WaterFire.org
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November 22-23: Shop, stroll, and discover local merchants during downtown Bristol’s annual Holiday Preview Weekend. It’s the kick-off to a holly jolly season featuring plenty of dining and, of course, shopping, plus a special Snowflake Raffle and surprises. Bristol, ChristmasBristolRI.com
OPEN TIL 1AM THURS - SATURDAY WITH DJ OR LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
50 Exchange Terrace, Downtown Providence 270-1888 • KotoProvidence.com ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
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So Many Reasons to Visit
ART & CULTURE • Calendar
THE ARCADE PVD
DINING • COFFEE & COCKTAILS BOOKS & ODDITIES • JEWELRY & ANTIQUES VINTAGE CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES SALON SERVICES • SPECIAL EVENTS
65 Weybosset Street / 130 Westminster Street 454-4568 • Downcity Providence www. ArcadeProvidence.com
COME EXPERIENCE
“joyful learning”
Trinity Repertory
MUSIC
Call now to schedule a tour!
401-456-8127
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ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
COLUMBUS THEATRE November 2: Lady Lamb. November 3: Jenny Lewis – On The Line Tour 2019. November 6: Puddles Pity Party. November 16: Mandolin Orange with Sunny War. November 22: Joe Bob Briggs: How Rednecks Saved Hollywood. November 23: An Evening with Robyn Hitchcock. 270 Broadway, Providence. ColumbusTheatre.com
FETE MUSIC HALL November 1: Devil’s Feedback Halloween Party with Fathom Farewell, In The Red, Lusus, Firsbourne, Silver City Gents. November 8: Catullus with Electro Politics. November 9: The Bruisers with Broken Heroes, HAMMER and the NAILS and Hardsell. November 13: Stonefield. November 20: Cannibal Corpse with Thy Art Is Murder & Perdition Temple. November 21:
Photography by Mike Braca
PRESCHOOL - 5TH GRADE
The Motet with West End Blend. November 23: Static X with Devildriver, Dope, Wednesday 13, Raven Black, Frnemy, Absence of Despair, The Mighty Fall. November 29-30: Zach Deputy with After Phish’n. 103 Dike Street, Providence. FeteMusic.com THE MET November 1: Anthony Gomes with Heidi Nirk Band. November 2: John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band. November 14:
Sunday, November 3, 2019 10:00am - 4:00pm More information available at: www.teprov.org/creativehands 99 Taft Avenue, Providence
Keller Williams. November 21: Letters to Cleo. November 22: Yonder Mountain String Band with The Drunken Hearts. 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket. TheMetRI.com THE STRAND November 1: Chief Keef. November 2: Atreyu – 20 Year Anniversary Tour with Whitechapel, He Is Legend, Tempting Fate, and Santa Cruz. November 6: Ani DiFranco with Gracie and Rachel. November 9: Tito Paris, Grace Evora & Zeca Nha Reinalda. November 20: The Noise Presents Falling In Reverse with Crown The Empire and Tom MacDonald. November 23: Dark Star Orchestra – Fall Tour 2019. November 29: Max Creek – Late Show. November 30: Pink Talking Fish – Late Show. 79 Washington Street, Providence. TheStrandRI.com
THEATER PROVIDENCE PERFORMING ARTS CTR October 29-November 10: Aladdin. November 19: Il Divo – A Holiday Song Celebration. November 20: Bob Dylan and His Band. November 24: The Acrobats of Cirque-tacular. November 30: 2019 Holiday Pops Tour. 220 Weybosset Street, Providence. PPACRI.org TRINITY REPERTORY COMPANY November 7-December 29: A Christmas Carol. 201 Washington Street, Providence. TrinityRep.com
ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
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Let The Winter Come
ART & CULTURE • Calendar
THE VETS November 1: Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Diaries with Adam Ben-David on Piano. November 6: Todrick: Haus Party Tour. November 9: John Crist: Immature Thoughts Tour. November 10: Demetri Martin: Wandering Mind Tour. November 19: Arrival from Sweden: The Music of ABBA. November 20: A Drag Queen Christmas. 1 Avenue of the Arts, Providence. TheVetsRI.com
COMEDY COMEDY CONNECTION November 7: Vir Das. November 8-9: Drew Michael. November 14: Bill Bellamy. November 15-16: Artie Lange. November 22-23: Tacarra Williams. 39 Warren Avenue, East Providence. RIComedyConnection.com
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ART RISD MUSEUM Through December 1: Gorham Silver: Designing Brilliance. Through November 2020: Raid The Icebox Now. Through April 19, 2020: The Art and Design of
Spider Silk. 20 North Main Street, Providence. RISDMuseum.org
SPORTS BROWN UNIVERSITY FOOTBALL November 9: vs. Yale University. November 23: vs. Dartmouth College. Brown Stadium, Providence. BrownBears.com PROVIDENCE BRUINS November 10: Hasbro Kids Day vs. Hartford Wolf Pack. November 11: vs. Bridgeport Sound Tigers. November 15: Koozie Night vs. Hartford Wolf Pack. November 22: T-shirt Night vs. Bridgeport Sound Tigers. November 24: vs. Hershey Bears. 1 La Salle Square, Providence. ProvidenceBruins.com PROVIDENCE COLLEGE MEN’S BASKETBALL November 5: vs. Sacred Heart. November 9: vs. NJIT. November 16: vs. Saint Peter’s. November 19: vs. Merrimack. November 23: vs. Penn. 1 La Salle Square, Providence, Friars.com
Roger Williams Park Zoo Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Spark Creativity! MORE Through November 3: Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence, RWPZoo.org. November 1-3: Providence Salsa & Bachata Festival. Various locations, PVDSalsaBachataFestival.com. November 3: Creative Hands Art Sale. 99 Taft Avenue, Providence, TEProv.org. November 8: Old Dominion “Make It Sweet” Tour. 1 La Salle Square, Providence, DunkinDonutsCenter.com. November 8-10: Art Providence Show. 1 Sabin Street, Providence, ArtProvidenceShow.com.
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November 9-10: Providence Fall Home Show. 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RIConvention.com.
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November 12: An Evening with Sophia Loren. 1 Sabin Street, Providence, RIConvention.com. November 14: Vision String Quartet. 43 Dave Gavitt Way, Providence, RICMC.org. November 16: Behind-the-Scenes Tour at Lippitt House. 199 Hope Street, Providence, PreserveRI.org. November 17: Ensemble Caprice. 1 Benevolent Street, Providence, MuseumConcerts.org. November 23: Holiday Celebration Craft Fair. 59 Brightridge Avenue, East Providence, CherishTheMoments.net.
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November 29-30: Phish Fall 2019. 1 La Salle Square, Providence, DunkinDonutsCenter.com. November 30: WaterFire Art & Craft Festival. 475 Valley Street, Providence, ArtsCenter.WaterFire.org. November 30: Celebrate Downcity. Dorrance & Union Streets, Providence, InDowncity.com.
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Treat Your Guests To Sushi!
ART & CULTURE • On Stage
by Robert Isenberg
The Show Goes On After years of honing their craft, a choreographer, a novelist, and a Broadway star show off their talents
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CARMEN Carmen, by Georges Bizet, is one of those perfect operas: There’s a voluptuous gypsy, a fiery suitor, and even a bullfighter. Playful banter leads to a love triangle, and obsession leads to death. Even if you know nothing about Carmen, you have certainly heard its most famous aria, “Habanera,” one of the most recognizable pieces of music in the Western canon. The finale is devastating, and all the more shocking in the “Me Too” era. But the music elevates this tragedy into something transcendent. Who would have guessed that Carmen could be adapted into ballet? When Viktor Plotnikov was given this task in 2003, there was no telling how the project would turn out. Opera rests on music, ballet on movement, and translating the fouract, 144-year-old classic into dance was no simple task. What’s more, Carmen was Plotnikov’s first full-length choreography, a grand commission by the Festival Ballet
Providence. So how did it turn out? Very well. Nearly two decades later, Plotnikov’s work remains as powerful as ever, and dance enthusiasts will relish this two-weekend revival in the FBP black box. Revisit the story of Carmen and Don José, their contentious relationship, and their fateful encounter outside the Seville amphitheatre. November 1-10, 825 Hope Street, FestivalBalletProvidence.org READING WITH ROBIN PRESENTS: MITCH ALBOM One of the smartest podcasts in Rhode Island is Reading with Robin, hosted by local novelist and educator Robin Kall. These interviews started as a radio talk show, way back in 2002, then metamorphosed into streaming episodes with recurring live events. Robin tackles an astonishing range of authors, making their work and backstories accessible to dedicated listeners. This month’s guest is superstar author
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Mitch Albom, who will talk largely about his forthcoming book, Finding Chika. If you love literature but haven’t yet listened to Reading with Robin, this event at Temple Beth El is a great occasion to start. November 21, 70 Orchard Avenue, Facebook: Reading with Robin MANDY PATINKIN IN CONCERT: DIARIES Many people know him as the Spanish sword fighter in The Princess Bride. Others know him as the weathered spy Saul in Homecoming. But to his fans, Mandy Patinkin is best known as a Broadway legend, creating roles with Stephen Sondheim and producing album after album of favorite ballads. To celebrate his latest recordings, DIARIES, Patinkin makes a concert appearance at The Vets, presenting a staggering range of old standards and modern classics, sung in his distinctive falsetto. November 1, 1 Avenue of the Arts, TheVetsRI.com
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ART & CULTURE • Art
by Robert Isenberg
The Art of Hospitality How the Graduate Hotel asked Providence’s premiere pop artist to decorate its walls
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Earlier this year, Atabey Sánchez-Haiman learned about an open call for artwork. Such crowdsourcing is common practice among galleries and museums, but this call was different: The host was The Graduate Hotel, known for the past hundred years as the Biltmore. The hotel needed someone creative to decorate its quarters. “Once I took a look at The Graduate Hotel’s website and saw photos of their rooms,” says Atabey, “I was excited to apply, because I thought my work would complement their decor, since I make art
that adds a pop of color to rooms.” She already liked the hotel’s bright aesthetic, which matched her own “whimsicality.” Out of 70 submissions, it was Atabey who was asked to contribute to The Graduate’s walls. This is a major commission, but Atabey is up to the task: She already owns Giraffes & Robots, a Pawtucket-based gallery that showcases her own work. Atabey specializes in cheerful popart paintings with electric color schemes. Her subjects are campy and fun – dinosaurs, donuts, and superheroes, as well
Photo courtesy of Atabey Sánchez-Haiman
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as (yes) giraffes and robots. The Graduate was initially drawn to her portrait of the Superman building, but several other landscapes have caught their eye. Beyond decor, Atabey may help create a line of postcards and other accoutrements as well. Atabey was born in Puerto Rico and has led a fascinating life, working as a zookeeper and anthropologist, store owner, and school teacher, until she spent time in Barcelona and discovered her aptitude for art. “Pop art is defined as ‘art based on modern popular culture and the mass media,’” muses Atabey. “That is a pretty wide-reaching description, and to me that says anything goes, and I like that freedom.” She cites Warhol, Lichtenstein, and Jeff Koons as influences. The same could be said for The Graduate itself, which has both retained the Biltmore’s architecture and added a funhouse of postmodern decor: colorful surfaces, loud paintings, and a wall of skeleton keys have added pep to the 18-story brick building, which first opened in 1922. One thing that has remained intact, to the delight of traditionalists, is the massive, red “Biltmore” letters that crown the roof. This historic signage inspired another of Atabey’s paintings. At press time, no precise works had been selected. The decision is a big one; The Graduate boasts nearly 300 rooms. But Atabey has a particular affinity for her original submission. “I like the Superman building because it has such a cool nickname, because it has a great, iconic, retro shape to it, because it is a prominent part of the skyline,” she says. “And because, although it is empty, Providence still loves it. It represents the quirky, artsy, awesome weirdness of this city.”
December 20, 2019 www.ProvidenceBallet.com
Eva Marie Pacheco, Artistic Director
ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
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In the world of downloadable and instantly shareable music, smaller localized record labels have found themselves taking on the all-important grass-roots task of collecting, curating, and helping to elevate the artists they take under their imprint. Here in the greater Providence area, local label 75orLess has been slowly evolving into a trusted collector, distributor, and supporter of regional bands. Since starting out as a music and popular culture website in 2001, 75orLess has been focused on bringing independent artists to a larger audience.
“The label began in 2006,” says Mark MacDougall of 75orLess. “We have our 300th release coming out this year and our goal has always been to document or archive as much of the local music community as we can. In the end, we are only touching a very small amount of the music being created in the Providence area.” Along with other local labels, such as Atomic Action in Middletown or Tor Johnson Records out of Providence, 75orLess operates as a service to local artists in many different capacities, all stemming from the base need to share their music.
Photography by Savannah Barkley for Providence Monthly
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“Every band that contacts 75orLess needs something different,” Mark says. “Some need help getting CDs made, some need help with digital distribution, some need help finding a studio to record in, some need help booking gigs. Some need to borrow gear for a bit. So my role changes with each release. 75orLess concentrates on bands who have recordings to share. That’s really where it all starts. Sometimes I see a band live and want to work with them. Other times, a band has finished their album and contacts me about collaborating with them on releasing it.” 75orLess also works to put on curated, monthly shows at the club Askew in Providence, which brings together artists from across this label-spectrum that wouldn’t necessarily play together. While some bands might find themselves playing with a similar cast of characters, 75orLess actively works to bring artists they see as fitting together. With their upcoming 300th release on the horizon, 75orLess has had a hand in the foundation of many artists in the Providence music scene and brought albums into the light the best they could. Even when music can simply be put online to be heard by anyone in any place, it still means something when people are working with the sole purpose of bringing art to a place where it is championed and treated as a meaningful work. “Every release by Mark Cutler is a best seller compared to most other label releases,” says Mark, “Some [other] recent releases that I think are especially good are Plug’s Block Out the Sun, New Bedford’s Sick Pills Nothing’s Funny Anymore, and The Same Thing Project’s Walks of Life Collaborations.” Bands that would like to work with 75orLess can email links of their music to 75orLess@gmail.com. “I can’t promise anything,” Mark says, “but there are plenty of bands on the label who submitted their music this way and we have worked something out.”
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FOOD & DRINK In the Kitchen • Food News • Experience • Restaurant Guide
SWEET SUCCESS Aleppo Sweets featured in Bon Appetit’s Best New Restaurants October 6 marked three years that Youssef Akhtarini, his wife Reem, and their six children have lived in Providence, resettling to the United States from Aleppo, Syria. For any family to move across the globe – fleeing a war-torn homeland, adapting to a foreign culture that has historically misunderstood and feared their own – this would be a momentous occasion. But the Akhtarinis have even more reasons to celebrate the passing of this milestone: their restaurant, Aleppo Sweets, has received national recognition by Bon Appetit magazine as one of the nominees for Best New Restaurant of 2019. Although the restaurant best known for its baklava – flaky phyllo dough, stuffed with walnuts or pistachios, sweetened with orange blossom water and sugar – Aleppo Sweets has become a destination for anyone seeking Middle Eastern comfort foods: falafel wraps, pistachio-stuffed dates (drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cardamom), and Lamb Kabobs, grilled on a skewer and served with fresh Syrian bread. Days after Bon Appetit’s announcement, Youssef, Reem, and Sandy Martin met at Aleppo Sweets. Sandy is a friend and business partner, though her relationship with the Akhtarinis goes far beyond both titles.
She has stood with the Akhtarini family since their arrival at Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island, where she began volunteering in 2016. Sandy and her husband, Victor Pereira, have constantly supported the Akhtarinis’ dream of rebuilding Youssef’s business. This café-bakery has been a labor of love for all of them. “Being recognized by such as prestigious food magazine is a great honor,” Sandy says. “We’ve already seen an increase in our baklava sales online.” Through their website, baklava can be shipped anywhere in the USA. Youssef and Reem smile when asked how they feel about the nomination. “We are so happy,” Youssef says. “After the [Bon Appetit announcement] I want to continue the same work, for the same quality, the same food, the same everything. When any customer comes in, we want them to leave happy.” It seems that regardless of awards or fame, the family’s dedication to service is still their top priority. Sandy sums it up best: “It’s hard for all of us to believe how a sweet little restaurant with a beautiful story of friendship and new beginnings could be in the national news.” 107 Ives Street, AleppoSweets.com. -Jenny Currier
Photo by Jenny Currier ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
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FOOD & DRINK • Experience
by Robert Isenberg
Whiskey Business Most people know Downcity’s New Harvest as a coffeehouse – but it’s also well stocked with the hard stuff Harvest already benefits from moody lighting and a bohemian atmosphere; come 5pm, sophisticated coffeephiles transform into s ophisticated tipplers, and I wanted in. As many New Englanders know, coffee and whiskey were made for each other, especially in the drizzly months. There are several coffee-based cocktails, and the standout is the Stay At Home Dad, partly for its smirk-inducing name, but mostly for its blissful mix of bourbon, espresso, and cinnamon. This creation leads to a serious dilemma: Do you really want to consume such heart-racing stuff so late in the day? If you’re like me, just the scent of espresso
will make you run laps. Then the bartender informed me, to my surprise and delight, that all the espresso-based cocktails at New Harvest can be made decaffeinated. Problem solved. The full whiskey menu reads like the index to a very long book, with columns of ryes, wheats, and single malts. Toward the end, you’ll also find a dizzying array of gins, rums, and agaves. Unless you have unlimited funds and the metabolism of a hummingbird, you will barely scratch the surface of this menu by 10pm. The solution, of course, is to try a flight, which you can order in curated trios or customize yourself. I’m locally loyal, and I shared the Sons of Liberty flight with a good friend. We sipped and traded notes, working our way through the Battle Cry, the Uprising, and the Uprising Petro Ximenez Cask. The last is sweetened with sherry, and it’s now on my Christmas list. New Harvest’s downtown location has a
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Photography by Nick DelGiudice
During the day, New Harvest Coffee is a buzzing little cafe, and most patrons come here for coffee and cappuccino. Nestled into The Arcade, New Harvest attracts a diverse cast of downcity characters – students, office workers, telecommuters, most of them illuminated by the glow of their laptops and phones. I have been one of those people, sitting at a bistro table and tapping out an article, savoring every drop of my Honey Latte. For artfully roasted beans, you can’t do better. But then the sun sets, and the evening crowd seeps in. This was the New Harvest I had long wanted to see. Behind the bar, a whole wall of liquor bottles beckons the thirsty guest. New
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cheeky motto: “Coffee by day, whiskey by night.” Notice it says “whiskey,” not “bar.” Rightly, the coffeehouse doesn’t just revert into a saloon after business hours; it remains a coffeehouse, where you can also sample some spirits. There are only a few such places in Providence, and an idea this good deserves to spread. Until then, I suggest you spend some time after work at The Arcade.
New Harvest Coffee & Spirits The Arcade, 130 Westminster Street 272-4604 • NewHarvestCoffee.com
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ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
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CAV
FOOD & DRINK • Food News
Urban Expansion Warren burger joint Chomp Kitchen and Drinks takes a bite out of Providence LUNCH & DINNER DAILY BRUNCH SAT. & SUN.
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The restaurant business is a tricky one, but if you can get it right, why not capitalize? Warren mainstay Chomp Kitchen and Drinks has found its niche and become a favorite to locals and visitors alike. The small East Bay eatery has provided customers with original burger concoctions and a curated craft beer selection since 2013. Now, the mouth-watering, Instagram-worthy, gluttonous dishes are going to make their debut in Providence – an endeavor that, according to owner Sam Glynn, has long been in the making. “I’ve been looking to grow Chomp to Providence for a few years now,” says Sam. The owner looked at a slew of different locations in various areas of the city before he found the right one. Then, he finally landed on a location on Ives Street, taking over the old (and dilapidated) Eagle Super Market storefront. After some progress on the renovations Sam says, “It very much feels like Chomp in there already.” The space itself is going to be a little bit bigger than the one in Warren, and the staff
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intends to make the most of it. The Providence Chomp boasts a plan to host events local breweries, pop-ups with some of their local food purveyors, and “other fun stuff.” (Let’s hope trivia and live music is coming down the pike!) As for the menu, the restaurant will stay true to its original forte: burgers, beer, and lip-smacking appetizers. Sam says that we should expect Chomp staples like the House Burger, Bacon Burger, Mac and Cheese Burger, Chomp Hot Chicken Sandwich, wings, and fried pickles. However, the joint will pay homage to its new home with the Eagle Super Burger (similar to the Stack Burger) – a behemoth of different beef, pork, and chicken patties topped with rich cheeses, jams, and pickled vegetables. In the past, Sam mentioned that he takes pride in introducing his customers to different flavor profiles and beers. The small restaurant has earned the trust of its Warren customers, and the staff hopes to do the same in Providence. 117 Ives Street, ChompRI.com. -Lauren Vella
Photo courtesy of Chomp Kitchen and Drinks
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Tomasso Auto At first glance, Larry Dressler’s farm looks like a diabolical science experiment – long, cylindrical blue-green tanks filled with water that tower over the staff. But this is not the work of a mad scientist. The tanks actually contain a weigh protein algae called spirulina that his company SoulFresh Proteins uses to create nutritious snacks. Larry says that he “fell in love” with spirulina, and you can understand why. Spirulina is a superfood. The earthy, powdery substance has “more iron than spinach, more antioxidants than blueberries, more calcium than milk, more beta carotene than carrots, and more protein than steak.” Larry explains that the algae is grown in high pH water and later harvested by extraction and dehydration. Once the product is dehydrated, it is then made into a powder and sold for use. SoulFresh Proteins’s snacks are fruit, nut, and spirulina clusters that have been dehydrated together to form what Larry’s company calls “CrunchLina”. The farm also sells the algae in the form of different flavored powders like pumpkin spice and cinnamon, and the products are ubiquitous. “We have runners, bikers, hikers, campers – and these people will eat it [spirulina] right out of the bag or they’ll put it as a topping on cereal and salads and oatmeal, put it into baked goods and even on ice cream.” Find SoulFresh Protein’s spirulina products at local grocers all over Rhode Island. Cranston, SoulFreshProteins.com. -Lauren Vella
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ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
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RESTAURANT GUIDE Key: B breakfast Br brunch L lunch D dinner $ under 10 $$ 10–20 $$$ 20+
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PROVIDENCE AREA 10 Prime Steak & Sushi Fashionable prime steakhouse with award-winning sushi. 55 Pine St, Providence, 453-2333. LD $$$ Caserta Pizzeria Casual kid-friendly pizza spot offering traditional Italian crispcut pizza and calzones. 121 Spruce St, Providence, 621-3818. LD $-$$ CAV Eclectic cuisine and art in a historic setting. 14 Imperial Place, Providence, 751-9164. BrLD $$-$$$ Chapel Grille Gourmet food overlooking the Providence skyline. 3000 Chapel View Blvd, Cranston, 944-4900. BrLD $$$
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1271 North Main Street, Providence • 437-8421 358 Broad Street, Providence • 273-7050 62
ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2019
Character’s Cafe & Theatre Hybrid art space with all-day breakfast, coffee, and theater-inspired entrees. 82 Rolfe Sq, Cranston, 490-9475. BL $ Chez Pascal & The Wurst Kitchen Housemade hotdogs and sausages can be devoured at the Wurst Kitchen, and next level French bistro fare at Chez Pascal. 960 Hope St, Providence, (401) 421-4422 LD $-$$$ Don Jose Tequilas Restaurant Homestyle
Mexican fare plus beer, wine, and cocktails in a colorful setting. 351 Atwells Ave, Providence, 454-8951. LD $-$$ Harry’s Bar & Burger Called the “Best Burger in America” by CNN. Over 50 craft beers. 121 North Main St, Providence, 228-7437; 301 Atwells Ave, 228-3336. LD $-$$ Haruki Japanese cuisine and a la carte selections with casual ambience. Locations in Cranston and Providence, HarukiSushi.com. LD $-$$ Joe Marzelli’s Old Canteen Italian Restaurant High-end Italian restaurant serving up specialty dishes and drinks. 120 Atwells Ave, Providence. 751-5544. LD $$$ Julian’s A must-taste Providence staple celebrating more than 20 years. 318 Broadway, Providence, 861-1770. BBrLD $$ KG Kitchen City neighborhood bistro turning up New American favorite. 771 Hope St, Providence, 331-4100. LD $$-$$$ Lotus Garden Noodle & Sushi House Authentic Cambodian cuisine in the heart of the Hill. 223 Atwells Ave, Providence, 383-4774. LD $-$$$ Luxe Burger Bar Build Your Own Burger:
You dream it, we build it! 5 Memorial Blvd, Providence, 621-5893. LD $ Parkside Rotisserie & Bar American bistro specializing in rotisserie meats. 76 South Main St, Providence, 331-0003. LD $-$$ Pizza J Fun, upbeat atmosphere with thincrust pizza, pub fare, and gluten-free options. 967 Westminster St, Providence, 632-0555. LD $-$$ Rebelle Artisan Bagels Artisan bagels that are uniquely hand-rolled, boiled, and baked. 10 Doyle Ave, Providence, 349-1263. BrL $ Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 437-6950; 455 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2900. BrLD $$ The River Social Mediterannean small plates overlooking Waterplace Park for a uniquely social experience. 200 Exchange St, Providence, 256-5686. D $-$$
Join us at Admissions Open House: Nov 5, 6-8pm Placement Test: Dec 7 & 14 For more information, contact Admissions Director Sharon DeLuca at (401) 789-9262, ext 514, sdeluca@theproutschool.org or go to www.theproutschool.org.
The Prout School Wakefield
|
Rhode Island
A Catholic, Diocesan, Coeducational, College-preparatory High School. www.theproutschool.org
Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich, and Smithfield, 521-3311. D $$-$$$ The Salted Slate An agri-driven American restaurant with global influences. 186 Wayland Ave, Providence, 270-3737. BrLD $$-$$$ Trinity Brewhouse Providence restaurant and brewery reinventing classic American pub fare. 186 Fountain St, Providence, 453-2337. LD $$ T’s Restaurant RI favorite with all day breakfast-brunch. Cranston, East Greenwich, Narragansett; TsRestaurantRI.com. BrLD $$ Twin Oaks Family restaurant serving an extensive selection of Italian and American staples. 100 Sabra St, Cranston, 781-9693. LD $-$$$ Waffle Waffles morning, day, night, late night, and every time in between. 45 Weybosset St, Providence, 808-6569. $-$$ BrLD
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
EAST BAY + NEWPORT Blount Market & Kitchen Traditional New England seafood summer favorites offered year-round for dine-in and takeout. 406 Water St, Warren, 245-1800. LD $$
East Bay Oyster Bar Local seafood meets innovative preparation in a rustic setting. 308 County Rd, Barrington, 247-0303. LD $$ Pannoni’s BYOB with a fun and patriotic theme. 553 Hope St, Bristol, 396-5168. LD $$
Bluewater Bar and Grill Casual restaurant with modern seafood dishes, patio seating, and live music. 32 Barton Ave, Barrington, 247-0017. LD $$-$$$
The Revival Craft Kitchen & Bar Focusing on American fare and craft beer. 50 Miller St, Warren (second location in East Greenwich), 245-4500. D $$-$$$
Cafe Water Street Dockside cafe with gourmet crepes and coffee. 279 Water St, Warren, 2457071. BLD $-$$
Tav Vino Waterfront dining with an Italian and seafood focus. 267 Water St, Warren, 2450231. D $$
Crossroads Pub Restaurant Family-friendly restaurant serving American and Italian classics. 33 Market St, Warren, 245-9305. LD $$
The Wharf Remodeled and reimagined, this dockside restaurant offers seafood, pasta, and coastal charm for days. 215 Water St, Warren, 289-2524. LD $$-$$$$
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SOUTH COUNTY Celestial Cafe Locally sourced and globally inspired cuisine with a curated craft beer list. 567 South County Trail, Exeter, 295-5559. BruLD $$-$$$ Chair 5 Hotel haunt with a beach-inspired menu and a dreamy rooftop lounge. 1208 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, 363-9820. LD $$-$$$ Coast Guard House A new American menu with a seafood emphasis and extensive wine list, open seven days a week. 40 Ocean Rd, Narragansett, 789-0700. BrLD $$$ Colvitto’s Pizza & Bakery Pizza Calzones and baked goods made fresh daily. 91 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 783-8086. BrLD $ The Cove Traditional bar and grill serving
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
burgers, sandwiches, and classic New England seafood favorites. 3963 Old Post Rd, Charlestown, 364-9222. LD $$ Eleven Forty Nine City sophistication in the suburbs. 1149 Division St, Warwick, 884-1149. LD $$$ Fuel Coffee Bar Breakfast and lunch, including vegan and gluten-free options. 904 Boston Neck Rd., Narragansett, 7923835. BrL $-$$ George’s of Galilee Fresh-caught seafood in an upscale pub atmosphere. 250 Sand Hill Cove Rd, Narragansett, 783-2306. LD $-$$ Mariner Grille Seafood, steaks, and pasta in a fun setting, with live entertainment. 40 Point Judith Rd, Narragansett, 284-3282. LD $$
Pasquale’s Pizzeria Napoletana Authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizza with exclusive ingredients imported from Naples. 60 S County Commons Way, South Kingstown, 783-2900. LD $-$$ Red Stripe Casual French-American bistro. 465 Angell St, Providence, 437-6950; 455 Main St, East Greenwich, 398-2900. BrLD $$ The Revival Craft Kitchen & Bar Focusing on American fare and craft beer. 219 Main St, East Greenwich (second location in Warren), 3363747. D $$-$$$ Siena Impeccable Italian cuisine. Locations in Providence, East Greenwich, and Smithfield, 521-3311. D $$-$$$ Sonoma Bistro and Wine Bar New American cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. 7366 Post Rd,
North Kingstown, 295-0800. LD $$-$$$ Sophie’s Brewhouse Espresso drinks and sandwiches with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. 699 S County Trail, Exeter, 2954273. BL $$ T’s Restaurant RI favorite with all day breakfast-brunch. Cranston, East Greenwich, Narragansett; TsRestaurantRI.com BrLD $$ Tavern by the Sea Waterfront European/ American bistro. 16 West Main St, Wickford, 294-5771. LD $$ Thirsty Gull New England sourced gastropub. 9 East Ave, Westerly, 596-1936. D $$ Twin Willows Fresh seafood and water views in a family-friendly atmosphere. 865 Boston Neck Rd, Narragansett, 789-8153. LD $-$$
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Ph oto cour tesy of Kayla
Pic of PVD
Roger Williams park is beautiful all year round, but during foliage season it really is a must-see. It’s always a top on my list for foliage photography!
ABOUT KAYLA @k___elizabeth Awkward millennial sarcastically MacGyvering my way through marriage, motherhood & life with my camera in hand.
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