Issuu

PROVIDENCE

MEET OUR AGENTS Combining local market expertise with a world renowned brand.

Kimberly Marion 401.692.1644

Sarah Huard 401.255.2578

EAST SIDE

CONDO

Robert Rutley 401.601.0446

1 West Exchange Street, #1807 Benjamin Scungio

EAST SIDE

$1,560,000 401.413.5753

PROVIDENCE SOLD

CO N DO

SO LD

5 Rhode Island Avenue The Blackstone Team

$775,000 232-234 Williams Street 401.214.1524 The Blackstone Team

$912,050 1000 Providence Place 401.214.1524 the903@mottandchace.com

Multiple Units Available

EAST SIDE

460 Rochambeau Avenue Heidi Farmer

Nothing Compares mottandchace.com

$7,900,000 401.481.1977 Each office is independently owned and operated.

Possibility awaits.

Is it time to list your home and see the world differently? I can make it happen. Let’s Talk. Jim DeRentis | (401) 553-6383

RANKED

#1 AGENT IN RHODE ISLAND

$772,887 Average Price | $77,288,743 Sales Volume To Date

www.ThePVDRealEstateGuy.com

The ONLY Nationally Ranked individual agent with OVER 3 DECADES of Real Estate & Finance experience representing the East Side of Providence.

MOSES BROWN SCHOOL We make space for joy. We make space for silence. We make space for growth. We make space for you.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ALL AGES

mosesbrown.org/makespace

IN THIS ISSUE

Providence Monthly November 2021

300+ REASONS TO LOVE PROVIDENCE

Celebrating our tricentenary issue by reflecting on the people, places, and things that make this little city our favorite place on earth

Photo by Nicholas Millard, courtesy Providence/Warwick CVB

12 Follow Route 44 West to this family-friendly hiking spot 14 OP-ED: An East Sider’s take on October’s Senate Race 16 Organizations weigh in on what an affordable housing plan would look like 20 NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Hyper local news and contact listings 24 RHODY GEM: Wickenden Street’s friendly antique destination

Photo by Paige Therien, courtesy of ASRI

59 Instagrammer reveals the hidden beauty of the city 62 MUSIC: Review of the latest track from local hip hop musician 64 CALENDAR: This month’s must-do’s 66 INFLUENCER: Local actor makes good with a host of bad guy roles

LIFE & STYLE 29 HOME: A stately home in Elmwood, reimagined for family life 36 WELLNESS: A Pawtucket energy healer begins with the spirit 38 SHOP: This Thayer Street shop is always filled with the unexpected

On The Cover: 300 Things We Love About PVD, illustration by Abigail Brown 4

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

Photo courtesy of Harry’s Bar & Burger

11 The fruitful work of the state’s first farm-based food recovery program

ART & CULTURE

Photo courtesy of Justin Foster

Photography by Ezra Pollard, courtesy of Mike Seely

NEWS & CITY LIFE

FOOD & DRINK 71 Burger joint gives holiday flavors a diner twist 72 EXPERIENCE: Jewelry District sushi kitchen pairs artistry with tradition 74 IN THE KITCHEN: Chef Eli Dunn’s latest project, plus Thanksgiving tips 78 FOOD NEWS: Sweet and savory pop-up, Latin flavors in Fox Point & an empanada food truck 80 PIC OF PVD

GET A 25% BONUS on gi ft c a rd p u rc ha s e s

E XC LU S I VE B LACK F R IDAY EV EN T N OV 24 T H - NOV 29 T H

chowfunfo o dg ro u p . co m

I’m Here To Help!

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR LOVE? Call Debra

401-289-0900 Complimentary consultation She personally interviews and screens her clients Both men and women are guaranteed to meet potential partners Hand crafted matches, no computer program or software

MONTHLY

Publishers Barry Fain Richard Fleischer John Howell

General Manager & Creative Director Nick DelGiudice

Editor in Chief Elyse Major

Managing Editor Abbie Lahmers

Editor Karen Greco Digital Media Manager Sascha Martin Advertising Design Director Layheang Meas

Senior Editorial Designer Abigail Brown

Senior Designer Taylor Gilbert Shelley Cavoli Louann DiMuccio-Darwich Ann Gallagher Kristine Mangan Olf

Call Joe Roch

Elizabeth Riel Interested in advertising? Email Marketing@ProvidenceOnline.com

401-440-7483

Contributing Photographers

Happily assisting buyers and sellers in Providence and throughout Rhode Island

Debra L’Heureux, Rhode Island’s top Matchmaker for Get Ready To Date has been in the business of helping people find love for over 18 years! JOIN MY MATCHMAKING DATABASE AT GETREADYTODATE.COM

Julia Barber

Kayla Mandeville

Savannah Barkley

Wolf Matthewson

Jenny Currier

Amy Mendillo

Nick DelGiudice

Small Frye Photography

Brian DeMello

Ezra Pollard

Stacey Doyle

Tim Sikeira

Peter Green

Carlos Sosa

James Jones

Paige Therien

Maurisa Mackey

Katy Westcott

Jeff Major Contributing Writers Jenny Currier

Adam Hogue

Katarina Dulude

Hugh Minor

Wendy Gorton

Steve Triedman

Interested in writing? Email Abbie@ProvidenceOnline.com Looking for an internship? Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com Distribution Services Special Delivery Subscribe Today! ProvidenceOnline.com/MailToYou PROVIDENCE MEDIA INC. 1944 Warwick Avenue, Warwick, RI 02889 401-305-3391 • Mail@ProvidenceOnline.com ProvidenceOnline.com Copyright ©2021 by Providence Media. All rights reserved.

JoeRoch.com

jroch@residentialproperties.com 6

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

Proud member of the Rhode Island Press Association

WEBSITE

Choose A Boutique Real Estate Agency With Big Results W NE

T LIS

ALEEN WEISS $535,000

17-19 SIXTH STREET, PROVIDENCE

Web Extra: Whether newcomers

T EN AG R’S NG YE DI U B EN

T EN AG G ’S ER DIN Y N BU

ALEEN WEISS $1,050,000

161 CHESTNUT STREET, UNIT 2 • TOWNHOUSE

ALEEN WEISS $895,000

T EN AG R’S NG YE DI U B EN

SAM GLICKSMAN $399,000

to the scene or longtime staples, South County restaurants continue to navigate an ever-changing landscape

NEWSLETTER

67 WILLIAMS STREET, EAST SIDE G IN ND PE

37 4TH STREET, PROVIDENCE

SAM GLICKSMAN $239,9000

45 SYCAMORE STREET #F, PROVIDENCE LD SO

ALEEN WEISS $780,000

LD SO

75 ALBERT AVENUE, CRANSTON

KAREN MILLER $400,000

ALEEN WEISS $345,000

LD SO

Photo by Kayla Mandeville

Subscribe to our Hey Rhody email for: • Weekly must-do’s • Online exclusives AND MORE!

169-171 MULBERRY STREET, PAWTUCKET

16 ELMCROFT AVENUE, PROVIDENCE

ALEEN WEISS

Platinum award Circle of Sales Excellence for the second year in a row Rhode Island Monthly Professional Excellence Real Estate Award Winner

785 HOPE STREET PROVIDENCE • 401-272-6161 • SPITZWEISS.COM ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

RISD MUSEUM Shahzia Sikander Extraordinary Realities

'TIS THE SEASON TO EAT LOCAL

Nov. 12, 2021 – Jan. 30, 2022 Sundays are free, presented by

Secure a free shopping appointment time online! www.makefoodyourbusiness.org

19+ Local Food Vendors Hand Made Products Fantastic Gifts! Support Local Community Makers

RISDMUSEUM.ORG

Experience The Art Of

GL ASS BLOWING

691 Main Street, Warren, RI 02916

NOW BOOKING!

HOST YOURCOMPANY’S COMPANY’SHOLIDAY HOLIDAY GATHERING HOST YOUR GATHERING AT THE THE NEW NEWNARRAGANSETT NARRAGANSETTBREWERY! BREWERY!

LESSONS UP TO FOUR PEOPLE ONE-HOUR CLASS STUDIO & GALLERY

GatherGlass.com

glass

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

521 Atwells Avenue, Providence 8

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

• Casual Atmosphere • Accommodations for up to 80 people Tuesday thru Thursday • Accommodations for up to 200 ON Monday’S • No room rental fee Visit our website to book: narragansettbeer.com/providence-brewery

M U S T B E 2 1 O R O L D E R T O E N J O Y. P L E A S E D R I N K R E S P O N S I B LY.

Gansett.com

/Narragansettbeer

@Gansettbeer

/Gansettbeer

@Greene_Sweeney

don’t worry, be happy. Thinking of buying or selling? We’d like to show you the joy that can come with working with the #1 Real Estate Team in Providence. Kira Greene 401.339.5621 | Michael J. Sweeney 401.864.8286 greenesweeney@residentialproperties.com

*Ranking based in whole or in part on data supplied by the State-Wide Multiple Listing Service. The MLS does not guarantee and is not in any way responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the MLS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Based on information from Statewide Multiple Listing Service, Inc. for 2021 as of September 2021.

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

WHAT IS YOUR HOUSE WORTH IN 2021?

CALL ME

KEVIN FOX 401.688.5556

KFox@residentialproperties.com

RHODE ISLAND’S REAL ESTATE COMPANY

Total Sales Volume (2020)

Total Listings Sold (2020)

Overall Market Share (2020)

Knock, Knock. WHO’S THERE?

“Simplified Lives, the company that saves marriages!”

If you are moving or downsizing we specialize in complicated moves for extraordinary clients.

Call for a free consultation about our moving concierge services. Valerie Achorn, MPA , Founder & President 401-480-1532 or 508-332-8601 • info@SimplifiedLives.com • www.simplifiedlives.com 10

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

SIMPLIFIEDLIVES

NEWS & CITY LIFE E x p l o r e | O P - E D | H o u s i n g | N e i g h b o r h o o d N ew s | R h o d y G e m

Hope’s Harvest founder Eva Agudelo with SODCO farmer John Eidson

From Farms to Tables Hope’s Harvest RI and their partners work together to reduce food waste while distributing fresh produce to those affected by food insecurity The ancient term “gleaning” is as relevant as ever. The word refers to collecting unharvested produce from farmers’ fields and distributing it to people in need. There are over 250 gleaning projects in the US and Hope’s Harvest RI is the state’s first. Gleaning is a win-win for both farmers and neighbors in need of food assistance. The process involves picking produce that was either missed by farm workers or which may not be suitable for selling in the market and distributing it for free instead of letting it go to waste. Eva Agudelo, Hope’s Harvest founder and executive director explains, “We harvest fresh produce at about 37 farms of all shapes and sizes in Rhode Island and over the border in Massachusetts. We then distribute this food through our partners like the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and Farm Fresh RI. We’re all working together, using the resources that we have to make the most impact.” And their work has made a huge difference since they first began in 2018 with nearly 400,000 pounds of food recovered and distributed to hunger relief organizations throughout the area. With a corps of volunteers, Hope’s Harvest RI collects surplus food from participating farms throughout the state. The nonprofit organization then transports the fresh vegetables to

food pantries where visitors can take them home to make a healthy meal. Sandy Holloway, a regular volunteer with the program shares the impact this work has had on her personally: “I’m a native Rhode Islander and my eyes have been opened to all the beautiful big farms and small farms all over this state that, if I didn’t volunteer for Hope’s Harvest RI, I wouldn’t even know they existed. The farmers are very welcoming and glad that we’re coming to do this work and at the end of the day, we’re helping – it’s a whole cycle – helping other people and I love it.” In addition to picking up crops that would go to waste, Hope’s Harvest RI contracts with RI farm businesses to grow produce for the emergency food system and purchase surplus product, thereby strengthening the local farm economy while increasing food security for the state’s most vulnerable residents. “Being able to pay farmers for product is really important,“ says Agudelo, “and making sure that they are aware that funding is available to help them. That is our commitment to supporting farmers as they help us do this important work of feeding Rhode Islanders.” To learn more visit HopesHarvest.org | By Hugh Minor

Photos courtesy of the RI Community Food Bank ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

NEWS & CITY LIFE

Expl o r e | By Wendy Gorton

Let the Kids Lead Fall foliage hike at Powder Mill Ledges

Boardwalk hiking trail

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

says. “In the summer and fall, there are so many beautiful wildflowers to see. I think families should remember to take their time and not rush along. My favorite season is autumn when the leaves change color, the air smells different, and the animals are all making a last mad dash at fattening up.” Be sure to have kids take an easy-toread map from the ASRI headquarters and lead the way to see if they can spot the changes in the season. Take you time in that first meadow, as Calgano recommends, and consider bringing a simple pair of

THINGS TO PACK Binoculars: A simple pair of kidsized binoculars can be purchased for less than $10 and help with detailed views at 4x magnification. Journal and Pencil: Bring along a notebook and pen or pencil to take notes on observations.

Photos by Paige Therien, courtesy of ASRI

Just 15 minutes west of the State House, Route 44 becomes Putnam Pike and leads to the Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge: 100 acres of deep woodlands, a small pond, meadows, pine forest, rock outcroppings, and a habitat of animals and birds. You will also find the Audubon Society of Rhode Island headquarters, which serves as a hub for nature hikes, programs, lectures, and events. “My favorite place on the refuge is the big meadow where all the butterflies, dogbane beetles, dragonflies, and wolf spiders hang out,” refuge manager Kim Calgano

Meadows of Joe Pye Weed

LET’S EXPLORE! Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge & Audubon Headquarters Office 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield Instagram @RiAudubon Facebook @AudubonRi

binoculars along. Encourage “hush mode” and challenge young explorers to sit and watch for five minutes straight and then write or draw everything they witnessed in a simple nature journal. Follow the Blue Trail (let them lead and watch their independence and confidence grow!) through the forest to another meadow, and back into the forest, crossing a long boardwalk and by a pond, another wonderful spot to slow down and flex that nature observation muscle again. You can also fashion a simple scavenger hunt: how many different kinds of birds and pine cones do they find? Parents need not fuss about actual species, although a quick free download in your phone’s app store will pull up the California Academy of the Sci-

ences “Seek by iNaturalist” – even some of the youngest hikers can point and shoot the phone at a flower or tree leaf and the app will recognize and predict the species name. It will likely identify tree swallows, which are just about to leave for winter migration south, eastern white pines and its long, skinny pine cones that are perfect for collecting, and the last blooms of pink Joe Pye weed in the meadows before that first frost. Learn about more local adventures in Wendy Gorton’s new book 50 Hikes with Kids: New England. In addition to being an author, Gorton is a global education consultant who has traveled to more than 50 countries to design programs, build communities, and train other educators to do the same.

Length: 1.2-mile loop Elevation Gain: 76 feet Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat Get There: Turn south from Putnam Pike / Route 44 onto Sanderson Road. The parking lot is the second driveway on your left. Restrooms at visitor center Fee: None, but consider becoming a member to support the refuge Treat Yourself: Scoops, just a mile east on Route 44, serves seasonal ice cream, frozen yogurt, and Allie’s famous donuts (cash only).

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

NEWS & CITY LIFE

O p-Ed | By Barry Fain and Steve Triedman

OP-ED: Tight Race for District 3 Democratic Primary Zurier wins primary race for State Senate, LaFortune enters race for Mayor After a wild and intense five-week campaign sprint to the finish, Sam Zurier hung in to win a tightly contested five-candidate race to replace Gayle Goldin as the State Senator representing District 3 on the East Side of Providence. The five candidates, three of whom were first-timers, attracted statewide attention as money flowed into the race at a staggering pace, eventually exceeding $200,000! By comparison, the last primary contest in 2014 drew only $55,000. While all of the candidates considered themselves progressives in terms of policies, there were significant differences in terms of experience and name recognition. Zurier will face a relatively unknown Republican, Alex Cannon, to represent the district on November 2. A very strong primary turnout saw over 4,000 votes cast. Preliminary results had Zurier (32 percent), Geena Pham (24 percent), Bret Jacob (22 percent), Hilary Levey Friedman (15 percent), and Ray Rickman (7 percent). Zurier won four of the 10 polling places, the early vote, and the mail-in votes. Although significantly outspent by both Friedman and Pham, as a former City Councilor, Zurier ran as a pragmatic conservative with the experience and understanding of the major issues that the city is facing, which proved to be the difference over more limited issue-specific candidates. Early analysis suggests that voters supported the progressive agenda, but wanted a Senator who would be sensitive to that agenda but also had experience and a strong understanding of the specific issues facing Providence. The Boston Globe’s Dan McGowan observed how Pham somehow managed to tie virtually every issue under discussion into the need to do something about global warming. Zurier was endorsed by State Rep. Edith Ajello and City Councilwoman Helen Anthony; Pham was backed by Matt Brown’s Rhode Island Political Cooperative, Climate Action Rhode Island, Black Lives Matter RI PAC, and Reclaim RI; Jacob, who works for Elorza, was the hand-picked candidate of the Senate 3 Democratic committee representing old line East Side Democratic insiders – he ran on the progressive agenda and his presence in the LGBTQ+ community. He was also endorsed by outgoing Senator Gayle Goldin’s husband and former Rep. Aaron Regunberg; Friedman had support from the Providence Firefighters Union, the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, and RI NOW; and Rickman from the

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

Photo courtesy of Sam Zurier

Rhode Island Black Political Action Committee. Wasting no time, immediately after the outcome of the race became clear, Georgia Hollister Isman, director of Working Families Party New England Region, issued a statement, which reads more like a threat. It congratulated Zurier and then pointed out that their two candidates had tremendous support (48 percent) and that “We have friends and allies who supported both progressive candidates, and we look forward to coming together to hold Sam accountable to passing the type of bold progressive change that keeps us moving toward a Rhode Island that works for the many, not the few.” Zurier’s victory marks the beginning of our political season 2021-22, which promises to be one of the busiest non-presidential seasons we’ve had in quite some time. Since Mayor Elorza is term-limited, his seat is wide open. Already four candidates have officially announced their candidacy. Two are from the West Side: Gonzalo Cuervo, the former chief of staff for Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea, and Michael Solomon, former City Council President who ran a tight race against Mayor Elorza seven years ago and is back to try again; from the East Side comes Brett Smiley, both Gina Raimondo’s and Jorge Elorza’s former top aide, and Nirva LaFortune, the City Councilperson representing Ward 3 (the Summit/Mt. Hope area). It’s likely several more people are considering a run, including City Council President John Igliozzi. The cost of the Mayoral race is considerably less expensive than statewide races, well under $500,000 if you’re keeping score. Each of the current four candidates have between $130,000 to $350,000 in their political war chests already and we’re still a year out. Term limited, Elorza had been considering a run for Governor until polls convinced him otherwise but is sitting on well over a million dollars in his personal campaign account that he could sprinkle around if he wanted. If all the candidates stick it out, we are likely facing a minority vote victory for the winner… reminiscent of the Cianci victories of old. Given the huge amount of federal money that he or she will control, there are plenty of reasons for all of us to pay attention. We may have lost the PawSox. And the Patriots are sucking air right now. But when it comes to hard, tight-fisted, sharp-elbowed political fights, Providence rarely lets us down.

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

NEWS & CITY LIFE

H o usi ng | By Katarina Dulude

A Plan for Affordable Housing There’s no denying the housing crisis is widely known and felt in Providence and across the state. According to Housing Works RI’s 2020 Fact Book, over 146,000 Rhode Island households are burdened by the cost of rent or mortgage payments, spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing. In 36 out of 39 municipalities, a family earning $50,000 cannot afford to rent a modest two-bedroom apartment without becoming cost-burdened. What is, perhaps, less known is that thorough proposals to solve the crisis do exist. At the end of June this year, and in advance of the CDC-issued eviction moratorium being lifted in August, Rhode Island organizations BLM RI PAC, Sunrise Providence, Sunrise RI Youth, RI Political Co-op, Rebuild Woonsocket, and Renew Rhode Island came together to address the lack of affordable housing in Rhode Island and to co-author a proposal that addresses the scale of the crisis. Their plan would create 10,000 new green and affordable housing units over the course of eight years. The proposal cites the creation of new jobs – under Project Labor Agreements ensuring all workers receive fair pay, high-quality benefits, and safe working conditions – and a decrease in rental and mortgage costs across the state among the benefits of building these units. A disproportionate burden on households of color shows that the crisis is an issue of systemic racism as well. “The housing affordability crisis has particularly severe consequences for Black and brown state residents,” says Spencer Reed, a key organizer for Renew Rhode Island. “Approximately 44 percent of white renters in our state are cost-burdened by housing, while nearly 52 percent of Black renters in RI are cost-burdened.” The proposal also accounts for the growing urgency of the climate emergency and addresses the need for new housing to be sustainable: energy-efficient, equipped with rooftop solar panels, and, when possible, located near public transit routes. The plan calls for the investment of $700 million from the $1.7 billion provided by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), as well as federal grants and general revenue to ultimately fund the $2.5 billion plan over eight years.

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

“This summer, Rhode Island [received] $1.7 billion from the federal government. Our government has no plan for how to spend it. That’s why we felt the need to step up and demand our government invest $700 million of that money in affordable housing,” Reed explains. By comparison, in 2019, Massachusetts and Connecticut each spent approximately five times as much on affordable housing construction than Rhode Island on a per capita basis. The state has begun to allocate the money received from the American Rescue Plan, though as of September, Governor Dan McKee indicated the state would spend only $100 million of those funds split between housing, childcare, and assisting small businesses. The rest of the funds will be spent on other areas of importance like infrastructure, climate change, health, equity, and education, though these areas all tend to intersect with housing, particularly given the green housing proposed in the coalitions’ plan. When asked for Governor McKee’s response to the proposal from these Rhode Island coalitions, the governor’s office did not address the groups’ plan directly. Instead, they emphasized

what the governor is currently doing and intends to do to address the crisis. This includes providing RentReliefRI funds to those in need, positioning RentReliefRI staff outside courthouses to aid those facing eviction, creating a permanent funding stream for affordable housing in his FY 2022 budget, and creating a Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Housing to oversee initiatives and develop a housing plan. The governor’s office added that “The Governor is also interested in using American Rescue Plan funds to address the crisis, including investments in preserving and creating affordable housing and permanent supportive housing, but stressed the importance of reaching a long-term solution collaboratively alongside agencies, partners, and providers.” However, no details were provided about specific plans for a long-term solution to the ongoing crisis. “It is well within the power of our leaders to make housing affordable for every Rhode Islander. With a wave of money coming in from the federal government, now is the time for us to demand it,” Reed shares.

Photo courtesy of FreePik

RI organizations propose steps to address the housing crisis in light of eviction moratorium being lifted

The Rhode Island Shriners proudly presents the 7th Annual

FEZ-TIVAL OF TREES

FINE WINE, CRAFT BEERS SPIRITS & CIGARS

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND November 27th, 11am-5pm November 28th, 11am-4pm Enter Raffles to win BEAUTIFUL Trees & Wreaths

Join us for FREE Wine Tasting Every Friday from 5pm-7pm

MANY local vendors, crafters & local artisans, delicious food FREE Children’s Activities, including a visit from Santa! — AVAILABLE AT —

RHODES-ON-THE PAWTUXET 60 RHODES PLACE, CRANSTON

$2.00 suggest donation (Adults) Children (up to 12) Free

Free Parking & Handicap Accessible

Discover Anchored Soul

Located in Historic Pawtuxet Village

2200 Broad Street, Cranston 461-7001 • CorkAndBrewRI.com

Twice Told Tales 2145 Broad Street, Cranston 785-9599 • TwiceToldTalesRI.com

Buy or Sell Your Home “The REALPRO Way!”

AT HISTORIC PAWTUXET VILLAGE SHOPPES

Residential and Commercial sales Serving RI & Mass HANDMADE ART • WORKSHOPS REIKI • TAROT & MORE!

ANCHOREDSOULRI.COM

2190 BROAD STREET #11 CRANSTON • 316-6401

Gallery Hrs: M-F 10am - 5pm | Sat 10am - 1pm 2202 Broad St , Cranston, RI 02905 ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021 17

P aw t u x e t V i l l a g e

SHOP LOCAL in our Holiday MarketPlace

WHEN YOU WANT EAST SIDE EXPERTISE ON YOUR SIDE D SOL

D SOL

RE CE NT SA LE S D SOL

D SOL

EXPERIENCE. INTEGRITY. RESULTS.

Trusted Advocate for Buyers & Sellers for over 27 Years

GERRI SCHIFFMAN (401) 474-3733

gerrischiffman.com |

@schiffmansells | gerri@residentialproperties.com

2021 HOLIDAY SHOW & SALE

PAWTUCKET ARMORY ARTS CENTER 172 EXCHANGE STREET • PAWTUCKET, RI

OPENING RECEPTION THURSDAY • DECEMBER 2 • 5PM-9PM SHOW DATES

December 3- 5 • December 10- 12 FRIDAYS 12PM-8PM • SATURDAYS 10AM-6PM • SUNDAYS 10AM-6PM

FREE PARKING

UNIQUE HOLIDAY SHOPPING

NO SALES TAX FREE ADMISSION

For the latest in Covid precautions…

www.foundryshow.com FACEBOOK: foundryshow INSTAGRAM: foundryartists 18

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

Join us for our 39th annual show & sale featuring unique gifts, fine art, functional crafts & original designs from over 65 artisans.

Pictured: Mamuka Kikalishvili as The Nutcracker. Kirsten Evans as Sugar Plum Fairy. Photos by Ian Travis Barnard. Nutcracker mask by Big Nazo Labs.

FESTIVAL BALLE T PROVIDENCE

DECEMBER 17 - 24

AT THE VETS

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

THEVETSRI.COM

NEW

PRODUCTION!

PRESENTS

Choreography: Yury Yanowsky

SPONSORS

NEWS & CITY LIFE

N e i ghbo r ho o d N ews | Curated by Abbie Lahmers

Neighborhood News A space made available to Providence’s neighborhood associations free of charge.

HOT TOPICS An overview of what’s happening around the city right now

Vartan Gregorian courtyard, once home to old oak, receives upgrades Longtime Fox Point residents may know about the grand, glorious oak that stood on the south side of Wickenden Street in the late decades of the previous century, at the site of the current Vartan Gregorian Elementary School. Local legend says that the central courtyard of the school was designed in order to showcase, and save, that tree. The oak has since come down due to disease, according to the school’s lead custodian, Freddy Bucci. But the courtyard, also beloved, is now being restored and upgraded for use as an outdoor classroom. With the onset of COVID, the teachers at Vartan Gregorian began bringing their students outdoors. They haven’t stopped. “It gets used constantly, all day long, two classes at a time,” commented school principal Matthew Russo about the popularity of the courtyard for such activities as science lessons, quiet reading time, read-alouds, and daily lunch. The space has become so well used, weather permitting, that teachers, students, and staff would like to see the changes continue over the long term. Thanks to contributions from the school PTO, the late Vartan Gregorian (through a fund set up through Brown University), and the generosity of South Kingstown vendor Stone Guys Masonry, that idea is becoming reality. Last year, the school purchased sunshades and stools to make the space usable. This year, Stone Guys, used local stone remnants to rebuild two stone walls in the courtyard and construct a semi-circular, wheelchair-accessible walkway. “Now all the students will be able to use the space,” Russo commented. “That’s the most important part of the project.” The courtyard has become a respite for students and teachers alike. “It’s a unique space,” Russo added. “It’s a worry-free environment. Kids can take off their masks. The teachers love it.” While the grand oak came down years ago, its special home lives on.

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

Photo by Amy Mendillo

Specializing in Historic Property on the West Side, Broadway Armory District and Historic Elmwood for the past 20 years.

Upgrades to the courtyard at Vartan Gregorian Elementary will make the outdoor space useable for all students and staff

Providence Symposium highlights housing access and preservation

West End welcomes Big Nazo Labs

The Providence Preservation Society is putting on another virtual edition of its annual exploration of big ideas, the Providence Symposium, to be held November 8-18. This year’s theme is “Housing, Where Preservation Meets the Personal & Political.” Housing and historic preservation go hand in hand. Some of the preservation movement’s earliest efforts were protecting the homes of prominent figures, and today’s preservation nonprofits are still largely associated with historic home markers and house tours. But as the United States faces a housing crisis, preservationists are also being called upon to help inform broader housing solutions. Providence’s housing stock is some of the oldest in the country, with almost 70 percent of available housing built before 1960. This means any plans for the equitable and sustainable future of the city must make good use of its past. This year’s symposium explores housing in all its complexity. Housing (and access to it) is both intersectional and deeply intimate – there’s nothing more personal than where we live and build our lives. And yet it’s also fundamentally political. Together, PPS and the community will explore both dimensions and consider the ways preservation can be used to address the housing crisis in Providence and beyond. Tickets and schedule information available at PPSRI.org.

Don’t be surprised if you see an alien or robot wandering around Federal Hill or the West End next year as Westminster Street will be home to a Transformation Station from Big Nazo Labs. The West Broadway neighborhood will soon be welcoming artist Erminio Pinque and his iconic creature factory Big Nazo Labs, which is building a new headquarters, reviewed by WBNA’s Community Development Committee in 2019, between Dexter and Parade. Big Nazo Labs shared the following project update in late September: “Construction is ongoing during the project’s Phase ll. The roof will be put on in the next few weeks and the installment of a second floor and mezzanine, stairs, and a new first floor slab will begin after that. Creative approaches in construction have been employed to respond to the challenge of being in such close proximity to neighbors on three sides of the building. Despite the limits of activity on any given day, the project is making steady progress. Everyone involved is excited to add to the vibrant developments in the neighborhood!” Visit WBNA’s website to see pictures of the construction in progress and view more details about the project. WBNA.org

Call Jane Driver 401.641.3723 Happy to assist you with all of your real estate needs

jdriver@residentialproperties.com

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

NEWS & CITY LIFE

N e i ghbo r ho o d N ews

Blackstone Parks Conservancy Jane Peterson P.O. Box 603141 Providence, RI 02906 401-270-3014 BlackstoneParks@gmail.com BlackstoneParksConservancy.org College Hill Neighborhood Association Meeting Date: November 1 Rick Champagne P.O. Box 2442 Providence, RI 02906 CHNA@chnaprovidence.org CHNAProvidence.org Downtown Neighborhood Association DNAPVD@gmail.com DNAPVD.com Facebook: Providence Downtown Neighborhood Association, DNA Elmwood Neighborhood Association Karen Hlynsky ENA-PVD.org Facebook: Elmwood Neighborhood Association PVD

The West End will soon welcome Big Nazo Labs’ new headquarters

Mount Hope Community Center 401-521-8830 MHNAInc@gmail.com Facebook: Mount Hope Neighborhood Association, Inc. Olneyville Neighborhood Association Eduardo Sandoval 122 Manton Avenue, Box 8 Providence, RI 02909 ONAProvidence@gmail.com Facebook: Olneyville Library

South Providence Neighborhood Association c/o Dwayne Keys P.O. Box 5653, Providence, RI 02903 401-369-1334 SouthProvNeighbors@gmail.com Facebook: South Providence Neighborhood Association

Providence Coalition of Neighborhood Associations Info@provcna.org, ProvCNA.org

Summit Neighborhood Association Meeting Date: November 15 P.O. Box 41092 Providence, RI 02940 401-400-0986 SNAProv@gmail.com SummitNeighbors.org

Providence Preservation Society Meeting Date: November 8 24 Meeting Street info@ppsri.org PPSRI.org

Washington Park Neighborhood Association 237 Washington Avenue Providence, RI 02905 BettyLinda@aol.com Facebook: Washington Park Association

Jewelry District Association Sharon Steele Sharon@sharonsteele.com JewelryDistrict.org Facebook: Jewelry District Association Providence, RI

Reservoir Triangle Neighborhood Association David Talan 25 Santiago Street. Providence, RI 02907 401-941-3662 DaveTalan@aol.com

Wayland Square Neighborhood Association Katherine Touafek Facebook: Wayland Square Neighborhood Association WaylandSquareNeighbors@gmail.com

Mile of History Association Wendy Marcus c/o Providence Preservation Society 24 Meeting Street, Providence, RI 02903 MileOfHistory@gmail.com MileOfHistory.org

Smith Hill Partners’ Initiative Wole Akinbi 400 Smith Street Providence, RI 02908 Suite #1 AAkinbi@half-full.com Facebook: Smith Hill Partners’ Initiative

Fox Point Neighborhood Association Meeting Date: November 8 Amy Mendillo P.O. Box 2315 Providence, RI 02906 FoxPointNeighborhood@gmail.com FPNA.net

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

West Broadway Neighborhood Association 1560 Westminster Street Providence, RI 02909 401-831-9344 WBNA@wbna.org WBNA.org

Photo by Carlos Sosa, courtesy of Big Nazo

Providence Neighborhood Associations

NEWS & CITY LIFE

By Abbie Lahmers

Nostalgia Antiques Vintage shop We’re on the hunt for Rhody Gems! Every neighborhood has that secret, hidden, cool and unusual, or hole-in-the-wall spot that locals love. Email or tag us on social media using #RhodyGem to suggest yours, and we might just feature it! What it is: Three floors house 220 dealers selling their vintage wares, from the owner James Fennessy’s collection of statues and busts to a wide variety of costume jewelry, decor, glassware, collectibles, and much more.

What makes it a Rhody Gem? Not your typical antique shop, Nostalgia is as much known for the friendly dealers manning the store as it is its eclectic collection. Expect to be welcomed at the door when you arrive, and if you’re bringing a four-legged friend, Fennessy has plenty of dog treats stocked up. “You’ll find Martha helping customers when she’s not decorating one of her fabulous windows,” Fennessy explains, “and Sherry, when she’s not greeting people, is probably reading someone’s cards or astrological chart!” A regular stop for both locals and tourists, Nostalgia is the place to go if you’re looking to experience its namesake feeling – as you stroll through the different generations of retro music playing on each floor – or to find the perfect mid-century modern bowl, vintage postcards, or standout accessory to tie an outfit together. Plus, there’s complimentary candy on the way out!

Nostalgia Antiques

236 Wickenden Street • 400-5810 NostalgiaProvidence.com

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

Photo courtesy of Nostalgia Antiques

Where to find it: On the bustling Wickenden Street, just across the Point Street Bridge, it’s hard to miss the blue trim outlining the artfully arranged window display and the “Antiques” flag waving in a breeze.

To submit your Rhody Gem, please email Abbie@ProvidenceOnline.com

These elegant 1-4 bedroom, 1-2 bath lofts have it all:

US Rubber Lofts is everything you want, rolled into a chic, animal-friendly apartment community you’ll love coming home to! Residents also enjoy access to an assortment of tastefully appointed on-site amenities including a fitness center, theatre room, indoor putting green, basketball court, pet washing station, game room, rooftop deck, and outdoor patio. Convenient on-site storage and garage parking are also available!

401.204.1603 | 12 Eagle Street, Providence, RI | usrubberlofts.com

NEW SHOWROOM NOW OPEN!

Stay Local

Shop Urban Greens For All Your Holiday Needs

14,000 SQFT SHOWROOM!

C O M M U N I T Y- O W N E D E V E R Y O N E W E L C O M E 93 CRANSTON STREET, PROVIDENCE • URBANGREENS.COM MON-SAT 8-9 • SUN 8-8 • HIGH RISK SHOPPERS 7PM-8PM

QUALITY FURNITURE & ANTIQUES… You Won’t Find Anywhere Else! POST-MODERN • VINTAGE • ORIENTAL RUGS MID-CENTURY AND OTHER HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

881 Westminster Street, Providence • 861-6872 rjlgallery.com • rjlgallery@gmail.com Wed-Fri: 11am-6pm • Sat & Sun: 11am-5pm

WOOD, FIRE, TIME, & QUALITY INGREDIENTS TO CREATE OUR AUTHENTIC, TRADITIONAL

SOUTHERN STYLE BBQ WITH ATTITUDE

Dine In, Take Out, Holiday Catering Competitions, Festivals, and more... • GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE •

2000 MENDON ROAD, STE 10. • CUMBERLAND • 401-475-4227 • GOTTAQ.NET 26

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

ELECT ALEX CANNON STATE SENATOR Robotics Software Engineer at major Providence Company Economics degree from UNLV Community Volunteer for Meals-On-Wheels & Health-Related Organizations FRESH LOCAL FISH & SHELLFISH PREPARED FOODS FINE WINE • CRAFT BEERS

Endorsed Republican Oppose “defunding” police Ban all ATV’s from city streets

Call today For Pre-Paid Pre-Order Curbside Pick Up!

School Choice for all our children

HOME DELIVERY AVAILABLE

Oppose All Tax Increases

More Tax Credits For Privately-Funded Scholarships – Property Tax & TCI Gas Tax

Limited Government Freedom, Prosperity& Opportunity For All

Through Whatsgood https://sourcewhatsgood.com/ 1365 Fall River Avenue, Seekonk 508-336-6800 • TonysFreshSeafood.com

Cannon4Senate.com Alex@Cannon4Senate.com

101 Hillside Avenue Providence 401-276-2823

PA I D F O R B Y F R I E N D S T O E L E C T A L E X W. C A N N O N , A L E X C A N N O N

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

LIFE & STYLE H o m e | We l l n e s s | S h o p

Fresh Approach A stately Elmwood home is mindfully updated for 21st century family life When Mike Seely and Hannah Dalton-Ameen first thought about moving to Providence from Boston to be closer to Seely’s work as executive chef at Bayberry Garden, they focused their search on the East Side where Dalton-Ameen grew up. However, after viewing a handful of homes that suited neither their style nor their needs, they expanded their sights and discovered Southern Elmwood: a history-rich district of stately Victorians with ties to the former Gorham Manufacturing Company. Photography by Ezra Pollard, courtesy of Mike Seely ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

LIFE & STYLE

H o me | by Elyse Major

Photography by Ezra Pollard courtesy of Mike Seely

Mixing metallics and textures fills the kitchen with character

“Our house was the first one we looked at and without knowing much about the area, we had an overwhelmingly good feeling about the home during our walkthrough,” Dalton-Ameen relays. Three working fireplaces, large leaded glass windows, and crown mouldings were among features of the 3,341-square-foot home that appealed instantly to the couple. “The kitchen was the only sore spot, but with some imagination we saw the exciting possibilities for a remodel.” In just over two years – and somehow with a baby – the pair embarked on a series of structural and cosmetic changes to the 1904 Colonial Revival, starting with the kitchen; small and isolated from the

rest of the main floor, Dalton-Ameen knew this layout wouldn’t work for daily life and enlisted the services of interior designer Kelly Taylor, who prescribed removing a back stairwell and two walls to open up access from the kitchen to the living room. Additional renovations followed, including turning a kitchenette into an office with a wet bar, and transforming a third-floor bathroom into a spa-like retreat with a skylight and original exposed beams. The chimney and fireplaces were repaired, hardwoods were refinished, and all interior paint colors changed from a “ROYGBIV” colorway to soft “neutral-adjacent hues.” “We were aiming for classic and simple,

with touches of whimsy and an eye toward practicality. Above all, we wanted the house to feel inviting for the many gatherings we envisioned hosting here, and cozy for all the overnight guests we planned to have,” says Dalton-Ameen. “We tried to furnish each room to highlight the understated elegance and grace of the bones of the house – the furnishings and decor are largely simple and classic – and don’t detract from the house itself.” Adds Seely, “The house gets so much natural light and we wanted to highlight that by keeping the walls light and bright.” The last piece of the renovation was removing 30 feet of driveway to expand the yard, building a raised patio, and redoing

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

H o me | by Elyse Major

the deck off the back of the house. “This created a little oasis in the city that gained us some privacy and comfort, and afforded a space for Mike’s four – yes four! – grills,” Dalton-Ameen says with a smile. “We’re so glad we broadened our horizons, even if it is just 10 minutes across town. Aside from loving the house, we have a wonderful community of neighbors, and there are plenty of little friends for our son.”

GET RHODY STYLE Homeowners Mike Seely and Hannah Dalton-Ameen share some reasons why they are happy they moved to Providence. CITY LOVE “We love the vibe of Providence. It’s youthful, artistic, vibrant, multicultural, and approachable. It has all of the big-city amenities but is not so big you get lost in it. It’s close to the ocean and not far from the quiet woods. And we love the history, as told through its homes and buildings,” says Dalton-Ameen. EAT, DRINK & BUY LOCAL “Stock for kitchenware and gifts, The Shop for a delicious latte, Jordan’s Jungle, Bolt Coffee for fresh roasted beans for coffee at home, the new Farmer’s Market location on Sims, and Long Live Beerworks which is just a short walk down Elmwood Avenue. And of course, Bayberry Garden!” top the couple’s list. EXPLORE ELMWOOD Enjoy peeping architecture? In the 1880s and 1890s the Elmwood neighborhood became the home of numerous jewelry and gold and silver product manufacturers; Adelaide Avenue alone contained the residences of six manufacturing jewelers. Find examples of grand Second Empire, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival houses.

Want your home featured in Providence Monthly? Email Elyse@ProvidenceOnline.com to learn more

Photography by Ezra Pollard, courtesy of Mike Seely

LIFE & STYLE

Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Southern New England The Mathew J. Arruda Group covers any coastal dream you wish to make a reality. Let us show you all that the South Coast and Coastal Rhode Island has to offer.

2021

TaiMarie Gonsalves REALTOR® 774.328.4933

Stephanie Isenberg REALTOR® 774.400.5957

Gary Jacques REALTOR® 774.400.5748

Jeanne Powers REALTOR® 508.961.9914

Mathew J. Arruda, Broker Associate 508.965.8683 | marruda@robertpaul.com mathewjarruda.robertpaul.com

155 Front Street, Marion 508.965.8683 robertpaul.com

Named by REAL TRENDS as one of America’s Best Real Estate Professionals placing him in the top 1.5% of all agents in the country

A member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates, LLC

autumn leaves

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

HAWAIIAN INSPIRED BOWLS MADE TO ORDER BOOKS

185 CAMP ST. PROVIDENCE RI, 02906

New & Used Bestsellers Local interest Special orders

Web orders Phone orders Curbside pickup

Ask about our book publishing packages! www.stillwaterbooksri.com info@stillwaterpress.com 175 Main St., Pawtucket (free parking) (401) 475-1979 Mon – Sat

9am to 7pm

(401) 868-1247 | hometownpoke.com

We Service & Repair ALL Foreign and Domestic Models

Open House

Saturday, October 30th, 9am A progressive independent school on a scenic twelve-acre campus Nursery through eighth grade East Providence 34

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

Volkswagen • Toyota • Kia • Nissan • Chrysler • Infinity Ford • Lexus • Honda • BMW • Chevy • Isuzu • Mercedes Mini • Porsche • Mazda • Saab • General Motors Volvo • Hyundai • Audi • Saturn • Subaru • Mitsubishi (ALL foreign and domestic models) ASE Certified RI Inspection & Repair Station #27B

729 EAST AVENUE, PROVIDENCE 723-1111 • MON-FRI 8AM-5PM Top of the East Side, just past Lippitt Park

“We worked with Rachael for almost a year as we searched for a home that met our list of “musts”. She has a great network and connections for any questions or project that came up which was incredibly helpful. When it came time for making an offer, Rachael was instrumental in helping us reach a favorable agreement and even after our closing has made herself available. We can’t recommend Rachael enough and her expertise, patience, and grace have been invaluable to our family.” Bob and Liz, Providence

rachsellshouses 401.484-7015 rdotson@residentialproperties.com

photo: www.stephanieewens.com

Women Run. Women Owned. Results Driven.

LAND

WATER

ONLINE Estate Planning (Wills & Trusts) Probate & Trust Administration Corporate Law & Business Planning Elder Law | Real Estate

401.421.4111 JewishAllianceRI.org PO WER ED BY T HE J EWISH A LLIA NC E

401 Elmgrove Avenue | Providence, RI 02906

4 Richmond Square, Suite 150 Providence | 401.272.6300

www.mswri.com

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

LIFE & STYLE

W e l l ne ss | By Abbie Lahmers

Healing House When I first spoke with Veronica Cintron over the phone, I clumsily entered the wrong number, and then, once I dialed correctly, the call dropped. We played phone tag like this for a minute, laughed over the mishap once we connected, and then Cintron calmly pointed out that Mercury would be in retrograde soon and to bear with the miscommunications and faults in technology until we’re out of the shadow period. The practitioner behind White Lotus Spiritual Healing, Cintron exudes wisdom and warmth, and though I had never experienced any form of energy therapy before, I immediately felt I was in good hands. Certified Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) Master Instructor and Reiki Master-Teacher are among her many credentials, earned over the years as she’s built her practice, but when asked how it all started, she’s quick to answer, “I like to think that it kind of found me.” “I’ve always been drawn to it,” she continues. “I, to some degree, had already practiced some healing but more in the traditional Curanderia style. I come from Puerto Rico, so it’s more herbs.” Now, Cintron’s practice is truly holistic, spanning dharma coaching and tarot readings, which she refers to as “intuitive sessions – they’re kind of tarot meets life coaching,” to rootwork or Hoodoo rituals and herbalism. But reiki and especially IET are what she’s known for. I visited the Pawtucket studio on a rainy Tuesday to experience IET firsthand. Before arriving, I asked if there was anything I should do to prepare. “Just open mind and open heart. That’s it. The resistance has to be left at the door,” she answered, “and just know that it’s gonna be what it’s supposed to be.” So I left any skepticism (and the distraction of work emails) at home, wholly looking forward to the session. The small room on the third floor of the Durant Building across the street from Rasoi and Wildflour is cozy, welcoming. Cintron assures me it’s a safe space; there are no rules or expectations for how to react to the treatment,

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

whether you wish to be silent or share what comes up. I took off my shoes and lay back on the table, as instructed, and began with deep breathing, the soft tapping of raindrops gradually drowned out by white noise and calming music, joined by the smell of incense from smudging. IET involves light touching, so Cintron explained exactly where she would be working before she began. And then, everything sort of melted away. Different people will experience different sensations, and no two sessions are the same. I noticed a distinct, effervescent tingling from head to toe, a feeling of kinet-

ic energy being released that surprisingly stayed with me for the rest of the day. The motto of IET is “removing the issues from your tissues,” and for me, that meant some tension lifted during the following days. While reiki has gained popularity recently, IET is a little less well known. Cintron explains that on the surface, it appears very similar to reiki, but the modality is completely different. Reiki is a Japanese practice that focuses on universal life force energy: “The idea is that we harness that energy and then bring it to our seven chakra centers located in our bodies, from crown to root.” IET, on the other hand, is the process of

Photos courtesy of White Lotus Spiritual Healing

A holistic wellness center in Pawtucket starts with the spirit

Estate Liquidation or Downsizing Can Be Stressful… And There Are No Second Chances.

RAE DAVIS

Owner and East Side Resident Auctioneers, mom & pop shops, pawn brokers, internet consignors, and private buyers all offer very limited solutions with high risk factors. At the R.I. Antiques Mall, we have 35 years of experience helping folks to navigate all aspects of the liquidation process while optimizing the sales potential of every item.

moving past feelings of stagnation that build in our lives over time. “The belief system is that we’re born these amazing beautiful perfect souls clear with our life’s mission, and as we progress, things happen, traumas start to accumulate,” Cintron says. “This is really about removing heavy energy and removing traumas from the energetic field.” After the session, Cintron invited me to debrief on the couch over a drink of water – hydrating and sleep, she reminded me a couple of times, are essential aftercare for the next 48 hours. She answered my questions, listened to my takeaways, and then shared what she noticed – areas where

there were blockages or a flow of healthy energy. At no point did the conversation feel prescriptive or pushing toward a single interpretation – rather, it was enlightening. For those, like me, who have never tried energy healing, Cintron explains that IET is the best place to start. “What happens over time is that you really start moving through your life a little bit better, seeing that these things that were holding you back seem so so small.”

Don’t Know Us Yet? Ask Your Neighbors! BUY – CONSIGN – APPRAISE AUCTION – RESTORE LIQUIDATE www.RIAntiquesMall.com 401-475-3400 345 Fountain St. Pawtucket, Rhode Island The Rhode Island Antiques Mall is a 100% Woman-Owned Business.

W h i te Lo t u s S p i r i t u a l H e a l i n g 100 Lafayette Street, Suite 303, Pawtucket WhiteLotusSpiritualHealing.com

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

LIFE & STYLE

Sho p | by Elyse Ma j or

5 4

Shop Happy For shopping that is anything but an errand, there is Pleasant Surprise. For over a dozen years on Thayer Street and nearly 40 at Newport’s Brick Market Place, this eclectic store has been providing unsuspecting patrons with everything they never knew they needed. Packed from top to bottom with neatly arranged displays, find quirky gifts, toys, chuckle-inducing greeting cards,

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

home accessories, T-shirts, and much more. Owner Mark Goldrick describes the shop’s design sensibility as “a combination of the contemporary with the nostalgic,” and adds, “We are making a concerted effort to have each store have its own identity; however some [lines] are repeated but mixed with different products. Right now we are selling lots of planters, candles, and socks!”

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Drink Bomb 4-Pack Elephant Warmie Ramen Sticky Notes Soap for Karens Sloth Wine Markers

PLEAS ANT SURPRISE 297 Thayer Street 121 Swinburne Row, Newport ShopPleasantSurprise.com

D SP E

ALTIE CI

Thinking of selling your luxury home?

C R AF TE

T S E B THE N A L E U Z E N VE DISH

Let me be your guide. One Call Away To Sold!

Pabellon Arepa

COME VISIT US OR ORDER ONLINE

ANT R U A T S RE

George Kahari, REALTOR© 774.606.6213 gkahari@c21ne.com

582 Smithfield Avenue, Pawtucket 401-335-3711 • www.LaArepa.com Tues-Sat 12pm-8pm • Sun 12pm-7pm

& BAR

Laarepari

Comfort & Style

A SHORT FICTION COMPETITION FOR RHODE ISLAND STUDENTS

SUBMIT! Submit in December. Guidelines and submission HILL OL ONE AND GOAT information online at NERSHIP BY SCHO CREATED IN PART www.school-one.org or Write Rhode Island Facebook Page

STUDENTS GRADES 7-12

Stories must be written by students in grades 7-12. Stories should be 2500 words or less and incorporate Rhode Island as a theme in some way.

For more information contact Diana C. at School One, 401-331-2497 or dianac@school-one.org, visit www.school-one.org or www.goathillwriters.com

r e t a e w S her ! Weat CUT LOOSE LIV TRIBAL HABITAT SPRING STEP

AWARDS cash prizes & publication

La Arepa

AND SO MUCH MORE! CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP BY

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 199 Wayland Avenue, Providence • 421-0250 89 Brown Street, Wickford • 294-6266 ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

Is it time to look ahead to what you’ll leave behind? One of life’s great achievements is the ability to leave a lasting legacy. We can help.

rifoundation.org/legacy or call (401) 274-4564

300+ THINGS WE LOVE ABOUT Celebrating our tricentenary issue by reflecting on the people, places, and things that make this little city our favorite place on earth BY ABBIE LAHMERS & ELYSE MAJOR

The year was 1997. Maybe you saw Titanic or Men In Black. The world mourned as we learned that Princess Diana died in a car crash and the Notorious B.I.G. was murdered in a drive-by shooting. Ellen DeGeneres came out on the cover of Time, Teletubbies made its debut, and the final season of Seinfeld started. Closer to home, Providence looked much different – it would be two years before Providence Place opened on what was once a dirt parking lot, the Graduate was still the Biltmore, and the publishers of East Side Monthly decided it was time for Providence to have its own namesake magazine. Through the years, there have been many changes – from staff to paper stock – but one thing remains constant: an unyielding adoration for what would be named The Creative Capital. Through our 24 years, we’ve worked tirelessly to spotlight the unique people, places, and things that make our little city the special place it is. As this, our 300th issue, goes to press, we thank our readers, contributors, publishers, and all the small businesses that advertise with us for being part of our story. This list begins at 300! Let’s keep it going for the next 300. If we missed your favorite, please let us know. Email us at Mail@ProvidenceOnline.com (Subject: PM300) or tag photos on Instagram using #PVD300.

Photo courtesy of @filmmakerdave

DINING

Olneyville N.Y. System

There’s an array of wonderful restaurants, from high-end for a special night out to eateries with delicious food tucked away in small markets for a quick snack. It’s easy to find a place to fit your budget. And with so many places serving food from other countries, you can ‘travel’ while staying in Providence. Karen Hlynsky, Elmwood Neighborhood Association

Incred-A-Bowl

Pizza Marvin Photo by Maurisa Mackey

Walnut Room Photography by Nick DelGiudice

Courtland Club Photography by Nick DelGiudice

From James Beard award-winning chefs and 18-seat restaurants to plucky pop-up businesses and NY System hot wieners – and nestled between the bigger but not better New York City and Boston scenes – Providence has forged a foodie identity all its own. Both born-and-bred Rhode Islanders and chefs from all over the world bring their distinct cooking to all varieties of eateries, while our very own green hub, Farm Fresh RI, helps feed our farm-to-table obsession. The list of PVD food love is long enough to fill a book, but we’ll try to distill it into a delectable multi-course sampler, here.

JAMES BEARD AWARDS

The past 20 years saw a host of PVD chefs nominated for and winning awards from the James Beard Foundation, a prestigious honor in the culinary industry, not to mention Al Forno’s nominations for Outstanding Restaurant 1998-2000. Derek Wagner Best Chef Semifinalist, Nicks on Broadway James Mark Best Chef Semifinalist, big king & North

PIZZA JOINTS

In every neighborhood of the city you can guarantee there’s a place to grab a slice of ‘roni or a whole pie, whether Neapolitan (Figidini) or Sicilian (Caserta Pizzeria), brick-oven (Federal Hill Pizza) or coal-fired (Providence Coal Fired Pizza), topped with salad (Pizza Marvin) or tortellinis (Antonio’s). There’s even gluten-free (Pizza J) and vegan (Nice Slice) options. Pizza is a language every Providence dweller speaks.

FOOD TRUCKIN’

Champe Speidel Best Chef Semifinalist, Persimmon

Before food trucks were even a thing, we had Haven Brothers in 1893, a horse-drawn cart bringing lunch to folks working in the city, and later the iconic “Aluminum Room” trailer diner in Kennedy Plaza. Today, a fleet of Haven Brothers trucks posts up at events designed with the mobile scene in mind. A visit to Roger Williams Park for Food Truck Fridays or weekends at breweries and other pop-up destinations will satisfy your cravings for all styles of cuisine.

Olneyville New York System America’s Classics Winner

BURGERS: Atomic Burger

Matt Jennings Best Chef Nominee, Farmstead Inc. (now closed)

SOUL FOOD: Black Beans PVD

Benjamin Sukle Best Chef Nominee, Oberlin & Birch Johanne Killeen Outstanding Chef Semifinalist, Al Forno

Cook & Brown Public House Outstanding Bar Program Semifinalist (now closed) Kate Jennings Best Chef Nominee, La Laiterie (now closed) The Dorrance Best New Restaurant Semifinalist

Home of the first vegan food hall, Plant City, and an annual RI Veg Fest (returning February 12-13, 2022), it’s safe to say PVD likes celebrating the plant-based lifestyle. Finding a vegfriendly cafe or dinner spot isn’t hard to do in our little city, with several only serving vegan and vegetarian eats! Afro Indigenous Vegan Beatnic Blush Bakeshop Born from Pain Baked Goods The Grange (temporarily closed) Like No Udder Liv Prepared Veggie Fun

SPEAKEASIES

The Industrious Spirit Co. became our first distillery since Prohibition in 2020, but the roaring 1920s have been felt in small doses at cozy neighborhood bars – dare we say “speakeasies” – for some time now. Here’s a few spots to visit if you like your drinks up and an atmosphere with a little bit of mystique. The Avery

FUSION: HG80

Courtland Club

HEALTH BOWLS: Incred-A-Bowl

The Eddy

JAMAICAN PATTIES: JA Patty FILIPINO STREET FOOD: Lumpia Bros BIRRIA TACOS: Masa Taqueria CEVICHE: YEYÉ

The Dean Bar

Justine’s Needle & Thread The Royal Bobcat The Walnut Room

DINING

W. Bruce Tillinghast Best Chef Semifinalist, New Rivers

SANDWICHES: Dips Dips

VEGAN EATS

DINING

GLOBAL FLAVORS

Tori Tomo

Our very own Little Italy in Federal Hill is home to the best Italian food you’ll find in the city, from Massimo to Pane e Vino and everything in between – not to mention the sounds of live music mingling with the smell of garlic coming from Pasquale Square, the pinecone or La Pigna Archway serving as a welcoming symbol, and Al Fresco on the Hill summer weekends. Atwells Avenue is home to a slew of multicultural restaurants, too, and across the city you’ll find even more global flavors. These are just a handful worth visiting along your culinary journey. CARIBBEAN: Garden of Eve CHINESE: Y Noodle & Bar EUROPEAN: Chez Pascal GREEK: Kleos INDIAN: Kabob and Curry IRISH: McBride’s Pub JAPANESE: Tori Tomo KOREAN: Mokban Korean Bistro

Chez Pascal

MEDITERRANEAN: Marcelino’s Boutique Bar MEXICAN: Casa Azul SPANISH: Palo Tapas Bar THAI: Thailand WEST AFRICAN: Bintimani

FARM TO TABLE

Along with the small farms you see cropping up in once-vacant properties – from What Cheer Flower Farm in Olneyville to Southside Community Land Trust’s City Farm to Quaintly Farm feeding North Providence neighbors – our vibrant urban agriculture scene gets everyone involved with community gardens where individuals can tend to their own plots. SCLT notes over 60 gardens they manage or support, including gardens that are part of the African Alliance of RI and Sankofa Gardens across the West End. If you don’t have a green thumb yourself, farmers markets connect us with fresh, often city-grown goods.

Y Noodle & Bar

I especially love Westminster Street in downtown, for its dreamy string lights, shopping and dining. But my new favorite place is the Michael Van Leesten bridge for tying together two ends of downtown. The bridge is now a place for picnics, coffee dates, dinner, scootering, and more! Laura Afonso, Buns and Bites

Armory Park, Thursdays Broad Street, Saturdays Hope Street, Saturdays Neutaconkanut Park, Mondays Sankofa World Market, Wednesdays Sims Market (year-round), Saturdays

Armory Park Farmer’s Market Photo by Wolf Matthewson

Art is everywhere in Providence. There is a palpable entrepreneurial spirit within each city block and it makes perfect sense we call ourselves The Creative Capital. That moniker was actually the result of a $100,000 rebranding effort spearheaded by then-mayor Congressman David N. Cicilline in 2009. Former mayor Vincent “Buddy” Cianci called Providence “The Renaissance City” but when he went to federal prison on a racketeering conspiracy charge, that closely connected moniker lost some of its luster. No matter what you might dub the city, it has a long history of creative visionaries making their mark locally and globally.

PERFORMING ARTS VENUES

STUDIO SPACES

LIVE MUSIC

Academy Players of Rhode Island

The Dirt Palace

Alchemy

AS220

Nicholson File

Askew

Columbus Theatre

Rathbone Studios

AS220 Main Stage

Festival Ballet Providence

The Wurks

Colosseum

FirstWorks

Columbus Theatre

Providence Performing Arts Center

FILM FESTIVALS

Dusk

Rhode Island Philharmonic

Flickers’ Vortex Sci-Fi

Fete Music Hall

Trinity Repertory Company

Providence Children’s Film Festival

ISCO

WaterFire Arts Center

Providence LGBTQ Film Festival

Nick-A-Nees

The Wilbury Theatre

The Parlour

Veterans Memorial Auditorium (The VETS)

MURALS Bidur

PVD 101

Fete Music Hall

Biofuture Derailed Love is a Many Gendered Things Mi Gente Siempre Responde

The Scurvy Dog The Strand Ballroom The Swank Union Station Brewery

Misty Blue

NIGHT/DANCE CLUBS

Ode to Artist in Spraypaint

Alley Cat

Ruins

Dark Lady

Salt Water

Ego Providence

Still Here

Fête Lounge

Selfie Wall

Mirabar

Stories of Mt. Hope: East Side Mural Project

Providence Eagle

The Revolution Starts in the Earth

The Stable

The Queer Art Collective

VOTE

Garden of Journey, “Salt Water” Photo by Small Frye Photography

Festival Ballet

THE CREATIVE CAPITAL

AS220 began in 1985 as a one-room Artists’ Space (AS) above PPAC at 220 Weybosset Street. It quickly outgrew that space and moved nearby to Richmond Street (upstairs from Club Baby Head), where the organization began to fashion the services that would become its hallmark: performance and exhibition opportunities for artists of every genre, affordable artists’ studios, and youth outreach.

Revival Brewing Co.

THE CREATIVE CAPITAL

YOUTH ARTS

The first step to earning the title of “Creative Capital” is championing new perspectives and diversity – and at a young age. While there’s always more work to do to represent all voices, these organizations begin by fostering safe spaces for Providence youth to be themselves and practice art.

FOR ARTISTS AS220 Community Print Shop Blick Art Materials Gather Glass Blowing Studio Handicraft Club Haus of Glitter

Little Free Craft Library

Community MusicWorks

Muse Paintbar

DownCity Design

Providence Art Club*

Everett Company Stage & School

Providence Public Library offers collections full of useful materials for artists and designers: books and media that you can check out with your library card, and reference books and historical collections that you can use on site. 150 Empire Street

The Manton Avenue Project New Urban Arts Providence Children’s Film Festival Providence ¡CityArts! for Youth Youth Pride RI

GALLERIES Bannister Gallery at Rhode Island College Bert Gallery The Center For Reconciliation

Whether penning written works or broadcasting spoken word, What Cheer Writers Club is a community of creatives hosting events, coworking spaces, and business services for PVD authors, podcasters, and more. Also, check out Goat Hill for workshops.

Jerry’s Artarama

AS220 Youth

RIOT RI

FOR WRITERS

INSTRUMENTS Avery Piano B Sharp Music Empire Guitars The Music Store

Since 2015, the RISD Museum has offered the Rhode Island Artist Membership program, free admission to the museum for one year for one adult who identifies as an artist or designer and resides in Rhode Island. RISD Store The Steel Yard Wolf E. Myrow, Inc.

Chazan Gallery at Wheeler David Winton Bell Gallery Gallery Z Providence College Galleries Public Studio Hop URI Feinstein Providence Campus Gallery The Gallery at City Hall Sol Koffler Graduate Student Gallery World’s Fair Gallery

Public

New Urban Arts

For a small city, let’s face it, we’ve got a lot of bravado, and it all starts with the big guy at the top. We’re talking about The Independent Man, the bronze statue covered in gold leaf that embodies the plucky spirit and drive that led Roger Williams to settle in Little Rhody in his search for freedom of worship. If this gilded dude can withstand storms and lightning bolts atop the State House Dome, we feel pretty emboldened to do the same. Through our 299 issues, we’ve seen it all and are sharing some standouts.

Providence Anthenaeum

WALKING TOURS The Avenue Concept Public Art Wayfinding Tour Benefit Street: A Mile of History Bookworm Tour Downtown Historic Walking Tour Downtown with Kids Early Black History Walking Tour East Side Historic Walking Tour H.P. Lovecraft Walking Tour & Film Screening Jewelry District Historic Walking Tour Providence Ghost Tour Providence Independence Trail Roger Williams Park: Art & Architecture Unseen Providence During the Revolutionary War West Side Historic Walking Tour

HISTORIC PLACES & RESOURCES The Arcade Benefit Street Stages of Freedom Black History Museum John Brown House Museum

Historic Marker Houses Museum of Natural History and Planetarium The Providence Athenaeum Providence Children’s Museum

Little Free Craft Library Photo by Katy Westcott

Providence Preservation Society The Rhode Island Historical Society Rhode Island Museum of Science and Art Roger Williams Park Conservancy The Stephen Hopkins House Swan Point Cemetery

Providence Ghost Tour Providence Children’s Museum

Photo by Wolf Matthewson

PEOPLE & PLACES

Governor Henry Lippitt House Museum

PEOPLE & PLACES

THE DIRTY DOZEN

Gordon Fox

A who’s who of Providence’s not-so-long-ago shady past

Photo by Stacey Doyle

BY BARRY FAIN & STEVE TRIEDMAN When podcasts burst onto the national scene, one of the first mega successes was Crimetown, which covered the mob and its intertwined history with Providence. Here are some of the lesser known (or perhaps forgotten) scandals and scoundrels that make our capital city the quirky place we all love. 1. Stanley Henshaw: The prominent insurance executive who lived on Benefit Street and recruited Brown students for courtesan work. 2. Heidi Matson: In her tell-all book, this Ivy League stripper recounts her time at the Foxy Lady, where she worked as a stripper to help support herself since it paid more than the Ratty and offered a better benefit package. 3. Edward “Buckles” Melise: This mobster and long-time City worker in the public works department who spent some time in a “gated community” also had a good side: Cianci used him to help end the famous sanitation strike with cops riding shotgun on the garbage trucks. 4. Blaise Marfeo: At Adesso, the upscale restaurant on Thayer, the food was always better on the days when owner/chef and according to Wikipedia, Patriarca bookmaker, Marfeo, was out on work release. 5. Joe Mollicone: He was everyone’s best friend, handing out loans like they were Halloween candy, until he skipped town and his Providence Heritage and Loan collapsed overnight and blew up the banking system. Months later, he was located in Utah with his girlfriend, and admitted to embezzling over $15 million. He served a brief period in jail and began a court demand to repay his debt to the state at $30/ month and expects to be finished in 4,597 years. 6. Gordon Fox: From Camp Street to running the state, this wonderful rags-to-riches-and-power story ended when he got sent to the “hen house” for bribery, wire fraud, and filing a false tax return.

7. Kevin Jackson: The former longtime city councilor started a wonderful youth track program until his constituents told him his running days were over and voted him out in a recall election. He was later sentenced to work-release – for embezzling, filing false documents with the state Board of Elections, and misuse of campaign funds – and two counts of unlawful appropriation. 8. Arlene Violet: A religious sister in the Sisters of Mercy, upon becoming the first female Attorney General elected in the United States, she was told there were 12 local eateries she couldn’t go into because of their Mafia connections. Coincidentally, we’re told 12 of the best restaurants in the state refused to take reservations from “Attila the Nun”. 9. A uniquely Providence love story: Luigi “Baby Shacks” Manocchio (nicknamed for his taste in women) and “the Doctor Broad” – the wellrespected cardiologist Barbara Roberts, who has since written a book about it. 10. Dr. E. Gordon Gee: After just two years at Brown University, President Gee agreed to head a search committee to help Vanderbilt University find its new chancellor before ending up taking the job himself. He’s the only president of Brown who doesn’t have his portrait hanging at the school. Wife Constance Gee wrote a book about it: Higher Education: Marijauna in the Mansion. 11. Juliett 484: The Soviet Submarine that starred in the movie K-19: The Widowmaker became a tourist attraction in Providence Harbor. Never very popular, it could barely stay afloat and then sank during a freak storm. Getting it up was a problem, and when it was finally raised, it subsequently caught fire and was scrapped at the adjacent scrapyard. 12. Buddy Cianci: Need we say more?

Buddy Cianci

The Wedding Cake House Photo by Julia Barber

COOL SIGHTS

CELEB SIGHTINGS

500 Trees at RWP

What’s more fun than spotting famous faces around the city? Providence’s colleges and universities have long drawn talented students and their visiting parents. Pro-tip: Cafes along Thayer Street are where you’re most likely to run into the latest crop of celebs, including James Broderick, son of Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick. Here’s a who’s who of who has traipsed our streets through the years.

Prospect Park

Julie Bowen, Brown

The Wedding Cake House

David Byrne, RISD

Axelrod Music Neon Sign Barnaby Castle The Box Office (Shipping Container Building) Cranston Street Armory The Crayola House Gotham Greens Gun Totem

Jessica Capshaw, Brown Amy Carter, Brown Dale Chihuly, RISD Viola Davis, RIC Shepard Fairey, RISD Peter Farrelly, PC Tyler Florence, JWU James Franco, RISD Janeane Garofalo, PC Hill Harper, Brown Dhani Harrison, Brown David Hedison, Brown Marin Hinkle, Brown Emeril Lagasse, JWU

The Box Office

Laura Linney, Brown

Photo by James Jones

John F. Kennedy Jr, Brown

Seth McFarlane, RISD Nicole Miller, RISD Martin Mull, RISD John O’Hurley, PC Leelee Sobieski, Brown Gus VanSant, RISD Emma Watson, Brown Tina Weymouth, RISD Andrew Yang, Brown

SJP at figidini

PEOPLE & PLACES

John Krasinski, Brown

PEOPLE & PLACES

COLLEGES

STATUES

SHOPPING DISTRICTS

Brown University

A Memorial to Young Womanhood

Broadway

Johnson & Wales University Providence Campus

Abraham Lincoln

Fox Point

Benjamin Franklin

Hope Street

Bowen R. Church

Thayer Street

The Boy and Girl Fountain

Wayland Square

Providence College Rhode Island College Rhode Island School of Design

Civil War General Ambrose E. Burnside

For detailed listings visit ProvidenceOnline: Shop Small

George M. Cohan Statue The Hiker The Independent Man Indomitable Juan Pablo Duarte Korean War Memorial Marcus Aurelius and Caesar Augustus Orpheus Ascending Roger Williams The Scout Monument The Soldiers and Sailors Monument The Spirit of Youth

Independent Man

The Sultan

Photo by Peter Green

Textured Gear Union Soldier WWII Memorial WWII Monument World War I Memorial

Photo by Savannah Barkley

RISD Photo by Savannah Barkley

Wayland Square Photo by Savannah Barkley

RHODY GEMS

Ever visit a small business and think to yourself: How did I not know about this place? I must share about it! That’s the essence of what it means to be a Rhody Gem. It’s a physical place with a door, it’s in Providence, and it’s special. The Rhody Gem column launched in December 2018 and ever since we’ve mined so many cool and unusual, hole-in-the-wall places that make our city so special. Benefit Street Antiques

Hungry Ghost Press

POP Emporium of Popular Culture

Bin 312 Wine Cellars

Jephry Floral Studio

Providence Pilates Center

The Blue Cottage

Jerry’s Artarama

Reliable Gold

Bolt Coffee

Jordan’s Jungle

The Red Fez

Books on the Square

Lazy Dog Antiques

Rhody Craft

Cellar Stories Bookstore

LOLA

Simple Pleasures

Coffee Exchange

Lovecraft Arts & Sciences

Studio 539 Flowers

DWRI Letterpress

Mack and Hound

Studio Hop

Farmacy Herbs

The Map Center

Tea in Sahara

Found RI

NAVA

Three Wheel Studio

Gather Glass

Nikki’s Liquors

The Thrifty Goose Gift Shop

Good Game Grill

Paper Connection International

WaterFire Arts Center

Groden Greenhouse

Paper Nautilus Books

Wayland Bakery

The Handicraft Club

Peaceable Kingdom

West Side Sewing Studio

Homegrown

Pie in the Sky Gift Boutique

White Buffalo

John Taraborelli, former editor

PEOPLE & PLACES

I love the food, the culture, the art, the weirdness and the fact that we punch above our weight in so many of those categories. But perhaps most of all I love the connectedness: the close-knit community, the one degree of separation, and the chance encounters that result from it. You could take an out-of-towner to their very first WaterFire and by the end of the night they could be sitting at a table at Wild Colonial with you and Barnaby Evans as he tells them about the burning of the Gaspee. (True story.)

THINGS WE MISS

THINGS WE MISS “Spats, David’s Pot Belly, Tazza Cafe, Rue De L’Espoir, the Blue Grotto, The Left Bank, the original Whole Foods, Extrasensory, Kaplan’s Bakery, The Outlet Company, Peerless, The Shepard Company, and the Thayer Street Bookstore.” George T. Marshall, executive director/CEO, Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival “I miss First Night (a NYE citywide celebration).” David Bertolini, co-owner, Providence Coal Fire Pizza “All the music venues we lost in the early 2000s: Lupo’s, the Green Room, the Safari, the Living Room, Jake’s. Warehouse shows and parties in Olneyville. (Those might still be happening and I’m just too old to hear about them.) Great dives like the Decatur, Lili’s, and Talk of the Town. Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day and Premier League soccer with full English breakfast at the E&O. Recent additions: The Dorrance and Loie Fuller’s” John Taraborelli, former editor “WBRU on the radio. So many nights driving around town listening to all the Alt Rock.” Brandy McKinnon, College Hill Neighborhood Association

Lupo’s Ticket Courtesy of Rich Lupo

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT PROVIDENCE MONTHLY “My favorite thing about Providence Monthly is that it still exists. Seriously, these have been some tough years for print, followed by a really tough year for all of civilization, and y’all are still putting ink on paper every month.” John Taraborelli, former editor “Providence Monthly has such an eclectic focus and reaches into all realms of the Providence experience. It has not lost sight of its core mission, remaining not just a fun read, but one that every month becomes a portal for discovery.” George T. Marshall, executive director/CEO, Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival “You folks have it all! You have a way of boosting attention and creating a buzz for events, new business, and restaurants. You can tell that Providence Monthly cares about local culture and small businesses. I love Arts & Culture, Food & Drink, and the Rhody Gems! It’s important in a city like Providence to have culture, diversity, and the arts highlighted in a positive and thought provoking way and that specially keeps me coming back to Providence Monthly!” Justin Foster, @the_hidden_worlds_of_pvd “Restaurant recommendations, coverage of seasonal events and festivals, and stories about PVD and Rhode Island residents doing awesome things.” David Bertolini, co-owner Providence Coal Fire Pizza “Providence Monthly is a reliable source of new shops, restaurants, and events that I need to attend.” Brent Runyon, executive director, Providence Preservation Society “I think the layout is beautiful! It’s one of my favorite magazines to browse through for inspiration.” Jenny Currier, contributing food writer “The articles and amazing pictures of our thriving F&B scene!” Manya Rubinstein, co-owner, ISCO This list begins at 300! Let’s keep it going for the next 300. If we missed your favorite, please let us know. Email us at Mail@ProvidenceOnline.com (Subject: PM300) or tag photos on Instagram using #PVD300.

Loie Fuller’s Photo by Brian DeMello

e&o mural

Groden Greenhouse Holiday Poinsettias Are Always on Point! Scan Here to Get $1 off each Poinsettia with digital coupon 5 Branch Avenue

(401) 421-9780

Providence, RI

Holiday Pies Al lB On ak Pr ing em Do ise ne s!

Order Early

For Thanksgiving!

WAYLAND BAKERY Fresh Minced Meat, Pumpkin, Apple Blueberry, Cherry and Cream Pies

Assorted Breads Including:

Banana • Pumpkin Cranberry-Orange 138 Wayland Avenue, Providence • 421-2900

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

let them

run! ruffinwranglers.com

Assisted Living | Memory Care

TH I S I S

L IVING, E NRICHE D East Side has been reimagined. Come see our newly renovated community with Riverview apartments!

• Located on the East Bay Bike Path, with Riverview Apartments • State-of-the-Art Fitness Center with a Heated Pool • Restaurant-Style, Any Time Dining • Daily Activities and Cultural Programs • Concierge Services, Including Scheduled Transportation 7-Days a Week Scan here to learn more

Call 401-275-0682 today to schedule a tour! WingateHealthcare.com • One Butler Avenue, Providence, RI 02906 ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

BUSINESS FOCUS ALSO OFFERING THE IDEAL PROTEIN WEIGHT LOSS METHOD “After a week of treatment, all the pain was gone... I recommend Dr. Tom to everyone I know.” – J.T.

Northeast Chiropractic DR. THOMAS MORISON Chiropractic Physician

401-861-1300 • 187 Waterman Street www.wickedgoodposture.com

NEW ASSISTED LIVING RESIDENCE Awarded Top Senior Living Community by RI Monthly

The Preserve at Briarcliffe Assisted & Independent Living Residence CALL FOR PERSONAL TOUR 54 Old Pocasset Road | Johnston, RI BriarcliffeRI.com | 401.944.2450

FIND A WORRYFREE PRE-OWNED EUROPEAN CAR?

IASIMONE PLUMBING

Sure! Choose color, features, mileage & your budget up front. Your dream car is hand-selected, vetted & warrantied. Plus expert service, free pick-up & delivery.

INSTALLATIONS REPAIRS • REPLACEMENTS

Call for a Free Consultation

HEATING & DRAIN CLEANING, INC.

We are always providing a Free Estimate

WINNER OF THE SUPER SERVICE AWARD FROM ANGIE’S LIST FOUR YEARS IN A ROW! We Can Do Anything With Water Except Walk On It Servicing all of RI & nearby Mass. for over 35 years

Monday - Friday 7:00am to 6:00pm

27 Allen Avenue, North Providence (401) 300-9761 • iasimonephdc.com

TOP APPLIANCES AT LOW PRICES

STAINLESS REFRIGERATORS RANGES • HOODS WASHERS & DRYERS BUILT-IN REFRIGERATION COOKTOPS WALL OVENS DISHWASHERS

NEW SHOWROOM WITH OVER 400 SCRATCH & DENT APPLIANCES!

299 Walcott Street, Pawtucket 723.0500 • www.KitchenGuys.com 56

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

Focusing on Whole Body Health

T.F. Morra Tree Care, Inc. Ornamental and Shade Tree Specialists • fine hand pruning • tree preservation • hazard tree removal • tree evaluation & diagnosis • plant health care • booking into 2022 331-8527 • tfmorra.com

At Northeast Chiropractic, Dr. Tom Morison specializes in Chiropractic BioPhysics, the most researched chiropractic technique. He uses his extensive knowledge of the spine and nervous system to alleviate – and often eliminate – back and neck pain and migraines. Dr. Tom can also make longer term postural corrections, impacting everything from digestion to energy level and resulting in significantly boosted overall wellness, and can even potentially improve asthma, colic, ear infections, tingling, hypertension, allergies, and more. Northeast Chiropractic also offers the cutting-edge ScoliBrace, a highly effective and customizable scoliosis bracing method using the best corrective principles. Used in conjunction with 3D imaging software, BraceScan, the brace is customized to fit the patient’s unique measurements and needs. In conjunction with regular corrective chiropractic care, ScoliBrace has been shown to significantly improve spinal deformities. Any doctor can say he’s committed to his patients, but for Dr. Tom, it goes far beyond that. He does extensive additional training well beyond what’s required because he wants to provide the best possible care and put his patients on a path to healthier, better lives.

Northeast Chiropractic 187 Waterman Street, Providence 861-1300 • WickedGoodPosture.com

SERVICE DIRECTORY HOME & BUSINESS SERVICES AUDIO/VIDEO HELP Home theater, TV or stereo? Jon Bell, Simply Sight & Sound, 401-749-8283. Reasonable rates. 30+ yrs exp. BEYOND THE PALE Quality interior painting, color consulting, lead certified, green products. Lic. #15914. Call Mike 401-573-4498. EAST SIDE HANDYMAN Carpentry, painting and repairs. Small jobs welcome. References, insured. 401-524-6421. Reg. #3052. MALIN PAINTING Most ceiling & wall repairs, wallpaper removal, oil-based & latex finishes, staining, varnishing. Fully insured, Many local references. Safe, secure, fast service. 226-8332. Reg. #19226.

R.W. Desrosiers Inc.

David Onken Painting

The Finest in New England Craftmanship

Boreal Remodeling

Complete Plumbing & Heating Service

Interior/Exterior Lead Certified

General Home Repair,

Providence

Carpentry Renovations

including Kitchens,Baths,

Gutter Cleaning Chimney Pointing Roof Leak Repairs

Decks & Additions

723-0560 LiCenSed • Bonded • inSured ri Contr 937 MP #1578 MPF 1355

Reg. #1903 Insured 40 Years Experience

248-5248

Retirement Medicare 101 Finding the Right Medicare Option for You

Jeffrey G. Brier CLU, ChFC, CASL

Brier & Brier Insurance & Employee Benefits 469 Angell Street • Suite 2 • Providence • 02906 120 Lavan St. • Warwick • 02888 • 401-751-2990 cell 401-837-4475 • fax 401-633-6658 www.brier-brier.com • jbrier@brier-brier.com

Reg. # 22013

Michael Packard • (401) 441-7303

Prompt, Reliable Quality Work

Levine Painting Co., Inc. Interior, Exterior, Residential/Commercial Wallpaper Hanging, Power Washing, Staining 25 Years Experience (401) 885-1580 • (401) 323-6100 cell R.I. Lic 7140 Liab/ Work Comp Insured

SUPERB HOUSEPAINTING High end workmanship. Small jobs a specialty. Call Ron, 751-3242, or 523-2343. Reg. #18128.

WE SPECIALIZE IN PAINTING & CARPENTRY WANTED

USED MUSIC WANTED! Round Again Records needs your used CDs and records. Cash paid. Call 351-6292.

Experts in Water Problems

From Roofs, Gutters & Basements Over 20 years of experience on historical homes Certified Lead Renovated LRM #0514 RI Reg #7302 • Fully Insured

GET IT DONE! CALL AL MEDINA TODAY

(401) 438-8771 • (401) 323-8252 • medinagroup@hotmail.com

House Cleaning If you need a house cleaner who is organized, with good prices and excellent references, call

954-709-6713

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

CL NOW EA NI HIR NG IN PR G OS !

COVID-19 DISINFECTION DEFENSE CDC APPROVED CLEANERS

“

I finally found a responsible team of house cleaners who are thorough and excellent at what they do! Maid Pro under Brian’s leadership is the best! Michelle L. Providence

GO WITH A PRO I’m Brian O’Toole, owner of MaidPro for the past 14 years. Cleaning is more affordable than you think. Call or email me for your cleaning needs.. You deserve the best. Leave the dirty work to MaidPro.

401.723.4400 | maidpro.com botoole@maidpro.com

$75 OFF $25 OFF YOUR 2ND, 4TH, AND 6TH CLEANINGS Use Code:

SAVE75PM

Offer good for any recurring service. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 11/30/21

ART & CULTURE The Music Scene | Calendar | Influencer

“I had to wade in the mud for this one but it looked like some beautiful piece of modern architecture, as if someone had hidden the Guggenheim in the woods.”

Gaining Perspective A creative soul satisfies wanderlust within city limits Justin Foster of Providence describes himself as a wanderer. He enjoys trekking off the beaten path and urban exploration. When the pandemic hit, his firm quickly went completely remote and he suddenly found himself with free time due to no commute, and quiet streets to himself. “I decided that since the city was pretty much empty, it would provide me with the perfect opportunity to get out and take photos of all the places I never had access to before,” says Foster, who started @the_hidden_worlds_of_pvd on Instagram as a creative outlet. “I was able to show my perspective of the city I love without relying on family or friends to get ‘likes’ and hopefully inspire people to get out and explore our incredible city.” Photo courtesy of Justin Foster ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

A r t i st P r o fi l e | By Elyse Major

“I took this because I enjoy showing people the beauty that can be found in the mundane things we see every day. Once you start seeing beauty in those things, life becomes a lot more inspiring!”

Growing up in Warwick, Foster muses that Providence was “that magical city with the giant buildings we visited on special occasions.” In high school, upon discovering Thayer Street, he and his friends would take the bus almost every weekend to explore and revel. After attending college in Connecticut, he married and moved to Manhattan for a few years, but always had a sweet spot for his first city, and returned with his husband.

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

“Truthfully I miss Thayer Street from the ‘90s! When I was hanging as a teen, the music was blaring, there was the smell of popcorn and spices, and just the right amount of mischief – anything was possible!” says Foster, who laments the loss of unique shops like OOP and ESTAS. “When the Cable Car on South Main closed, a piece of my heart seemed to break,” he says. “I sound like my dad, whose memories of Thayer from the

“I feel that people so often forget to look up. It’s so important to change our perspective now and again, especially when we have a city so full of contrasting architecture.”

‘60s and ‘70s rival anything I could have. Times change, I know, but culture, art, and inspired local businesses are the key to survival – everything else is just a Starbucks.” Today, Foster sets his sights on finding magic in the everyday with subjects as seemingly random as the patina on a metal bike rack, a bright yellow hydrant on a gray afternoon, or a mystery pit (with a door at its base) in the middle of a parking lot.

Photos courtesy of Justin Foster

ART & CULTURE

IT'S YOUR JOURNEY, WE'RE HERE TO HELP "Our team is guided by our core values, Responsiveness, Respect, Results. The most rewarding part of this job is to be able to make that phone call to a client, telling them their offer was accepted, or they have received an amazing offer on their home. Thats the moment Rachel Jones

where our values, education, and service has all come together to benefit our clients." – Rachel

Rhiannon Dumas

“I love the walkableness of Providence and the way all of the buildings seem like a strange bunch of knick knacks at a flea market. Some are old, some are new, and each has its history and stories, but all of them seem to go together in their own unique way,” he says. “And I love the way the setting sun can paint the East Side in a light that still manages to take my breath away.” View more photos at @the_hidden_worlds_of_pvd

“I truly enjoy helping clients find their new home; a place where they will make so many beautiful memories. Buying and selling a home is not a small task and my job is to make sure clients are comfortable, knowledgeable, and understand each step of the process.” – Rhiannon

RESPONSIVENESS • RESPECT • RESULTS

140 Wickenden Street, Providence | 401-663-6162 RJones@residentialproperties.com | thejonesgroupne.com

@the_jonesgroup ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

ART & CULTURE

T he M usi c Sce ne | By Adam Hogue

Mellow Sounds Lazy sunny Saturday mornings, oak-paneled Elks Lodges, maybe a soda, maybe a skateboard, (maybe Space Jam?), definitely any time in the ‘90s – backdropped by unforced music; you catch a turn of phrase, smirk, and repeat it later in the day. This is the world I’m in when I hear the music of Juan Deuce, and despite the different styles he brings to his albums, EPs, and singles, I can’t help but find myself hearing the songs in this world. For 15 years, Providence rapper Deuce (né Rich Abbruzzese) has been a fixture on the hip hop scene. He’s known for lyrics that have internal rhyme and complex schemes, and lines that fall rapidly without being rushed. This holds true for Deuce’s latest track, “Doug Christie’’. The song about the retired NBA shooting guard has that lazy summer vibe, easing in and staying at the same level of mellow, while Deuce takes a methodical or perhaps meditative trip through his own psyche. This track is full of movie references, Joe Pesci, universal musings, easy bravado, and lessons of rhyme – and that clean, reverbed Strat bent-note riff that mantras on and on and on. “The throwback mentality lets me keep it simple and fun,” begins Deuce. “I’m always dropping film references because I watch so many of them. It’s fun to take a moment from a film and slide into a verse so the viewer can visualize the line.” Deuce writes lyrics with equal intent on moving people to a certain place and at the same time, offering a window of what’s going on inside his own head. While taken out mid-flow, a line like “Hit the jukebox like Fonzi / with a full beard / Cause I’m coming out Jumanji / eating congee / how I got here’s beyond me / the whole cosmos is a quandary” gives the listener the kind of world he inhabits in his songs. Between references to Japan and pop culture, he guides his lyrics back inward, from the universal space his songs begin in. “For ‘Doug Christie’ there is really no end – it’s bars on top of bars,” says Deuce. “I

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

have a new song that I’ll be dropping soon called ‘Burn Slow’ which has a different structure and execution. You’ll notice a big difference between the two songs.” “Doug Christie” remains one piece of a larger album that Deuce is planning to release this winter with all his music available on Spotify, Bandcamp, and all streaming platforms, along with live shows to come.

All of this coincides with the 10-year anniversary of his GUTS single with Falside and The Mechanics, so be on the lookout. “I take it one track at a time. Build up then strip down,” says Deuce. “I haven’t decided the title yet.” From Juan Deuce, we should expect nothing less.

Photography by Tim Sikeira

Rhymes, riffs, pop culture, and more on latest track by Juan Deuce

Sushi

HAS ARRIVED IN THE JEWELRY DISTRICT!

NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH!

377 Richmond Street, Providence 383-2307 • somopvd.com

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU.

Client Reviews tell the story. Check them out for yourself!

11 Eames Street - East Side of Providence

150 Rochambeau Ave - East Side of Providence

See what my clients are saying! Scan the QR code below.

DAVID HASSLINGER 401.465.8625

365 Elmgrove Ave - East Side of Providence ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

ART & CULTURE

Ca l e nda r | By Karen Greco

The Must List 10 essential events this month

Revenge of the Nerds cast panel at a previous RI Comic Con

November 20-21: Local and regional makers and manufacturers of home decor, apothecary products, clothing, and more are featured in the inaugural Good Trade Makers Market at WaterFire Arts Center. GoodTradeMakersMarket.com

November 24 and 26: Alt-rock favorites Deer Tick round off their national tour by returning home for the holiday with two shows at the Columbus Theatre, performing new and old hits. ColumbusTheatre.com

November 25: Before tucking into the big feast, lace up your sneakers for the Rhode Island Family Turkey Trot 5K and run the historic Pawtucket course. An after party will take place at Murphy’s Law. FamilyTurkeyTrot.com

November 26:

Through November 13:

November 6:

November 27:

Local playwright Charlie Thurston updates the classic Icarus tale in Lifted, a theatrical fantasia set in a dystopian future, which the Wilbury Theatre Group performs at the WaterFire Arts Center. TheWilburyGroup.org

Get a jump on your holiday shopping at the final outdoor Steel Yard Art Market of the season, featuring work by local artists and artisans at the bustling Valley neighborhood makerspace. TheSteelYard.org

Spend Small Business Saturday supporting local artists and makers at WaterFire’s Indoor Holiday ArtMart, a chance to connect with Providence creatives and discover new wares. WaterFire.org

November 5-7:

November 6:

November 28:

The pop culture bonanza RI Comic Con returns to the RI Convention Center! Meet and mingle with cast members from Netflix hit Cobra Kai, the cult classic film The Warriors, and more. RIComicCon.com

Presenting a full lighting beginning at sunset, the 9th Annual WaterFire Salute to Veterans will honor those who have served our country with a special ceremony. WaterFire.org

Far from your typical male a capella group, Straight No Chaser is known for their high-energy shows, and they’re stopping at The VETS this month for their Back in the High Life tour. TheVetsRI.com

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

Photo by Jeff Major

ide statew For a f events o listing online! s visit u m ody.co h R y He

Folk-rock icon Bob Dylan stops at Providence Performing Arts Center during his Rough and Rowdy Ways tour, featuring music from his acclaimed first original album in over eight years. PPACRI.org

fabric • yarn patterns • classes

117th

Providence Art Club

ASK ABOUT OUR KID’S CLASSES!

Mobile Bar & Catering Service 3 Draught Lines Custom Craft Cocktails

WEDDINGS • BIRTHDAYS • PARTIES • SPONSORED EVENTS 571-722-2153 • RICruisinCocktails.com Sarah@RICruisinCocktails.com

10 Anoka Avenue, Barrington (401) 337-5578 • KnitOneQuiltToo.com Tuesday–Saturday: 11am–3pm ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

ART & CULTURE

I nfl ue nc e r | By Sascha Martin

Meet Jose Guns Alves This Rhode Island College and Theatre by the Sea alum makes good playing baddies on film and TV

How did you get bitten by the acting bug? I acted in middle school productions and really enjoyed creating characters, dressing in costumes, and playing make-believe, but it wasn’t until I went on a real audition for a summer stock theater production of The King and I at Theatre By The Sea in Matunuck. I was fortunate to be afforded the role of Prince Chulalongkorn and had the opportunity to act opposite off-Broadway and Broadway-caliber actors. It was through all those rehearsals and shows that I developed a real passion for acting and a sense of community for theater productions. After RIC, you worked in finance. How did you return to acting? As a young teen, I chose to delve deeper into the world of sports for fear I might get teased for being a theater kid. Acting wasn’t cool back then. After college, I worked in the corporate world and one day a friend approached me about a short film that she was putting together. I was very curious about acting after being away for so long, but once on set I immediately fell in love with the process and after that I began taking classes – I couldn’t get enough. It just felt like I found something that had long been missing. The rest is history.

What is your advice for anyone trying to make it in the entertainment industry? Like anything in life, if you are interested in something, go after it. There are no instructions, directions, or shortcuts to becoming an actor. Get involved, take classes, look for coaches, sign up for workshops, and read books. People ask me all the time to get them in a movie or on a TV show, but there is no shortcut. You have to take the chance and put in the work. As your skill develops, new opportunities will open up to you. Soon you might find yourself acting on a show in New York or LA.

Also look for Alves in Free Guy starring Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, and Taika Waititi. Learn more at JoseGunsAlves.com. 66

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

Where can you be found when you’re back in Rhody? In Providence, I love the New York System in Olneyville, India on Hope Street, The District on South Street, Pane E Vino, and also on Atwells, The Specialty Company for chiseling my physique after binging all this food over the years. Over in Westerly, Two Little Fish.

Photo courtesy of Jose Guns Alves

You have a long list of credits from independent films to blockbusters – what are some favorite projects? Last year I shot a BET Christmas movie called Soul Santa directed by Terri J. Vaughn, and I got to play the main baddie. It was exhilarating to play a major supporting role and be in the film from beginning to end. An equally great experience was playing a recurring character on the Starz TV series, Power Book III: Raising Kanan. I loved playing Jeronimo Guillén because he had a heavy accent and was the hammer for a Colombian drug lord. After working with the production’s dialect coach, I think I nailed his brand of swagger, gestures, and speech pattern. I just loved the challenge that afforded me.

From the CITY to the SUBURBS, I have you covered. Discover what an experienced realtor with proven results can do for you!

JAC O B R O C H E F O RT 401.688.3000 PVDProperty.com

jrochefort@residentialproperties.com

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

HERE TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR DREAM HOME!

JAZZMINE NAPOLITANO BROKER/OWNER

Servicing RI & Mass Specializing in Relocation

401.225.7070 jaz9890@msn.com

Chez Pascal

& The Wurst Kitchen ADAPTING IN THE MOST DELICIOUS OF WAYS!

� OUTDOOR DINING � � INDOOR DINING WITH ELBOWROOM � � ONLINE ORDERING � � LITTLE MARKETPLACE � for our House Made Delights

� YOUTUBE VIDEO SERIES � Cooking Demos & More! Search Chez Pascal on YOUTUBE

780 HOPE STREET, PROVIDENCE

960 HOPE STREET, PROVIDENCE 421-4422 • CHEZPRON.COM

CITY KITTY Veterinary Care for Cats

ME-WOW

Dr. Cathy Lund, Dr. Sarah Mercurio and Dr. Rebecca Palmer Customized Cat Care • Surgical & Dental Cat Care • Kitten, Adult & Senior Cat Care Ha, ha, Stanley! The doctor will see you right MEOW!

Walter, It’s time for my annual physical exam!

Taking care of cats since 1999

400 Hope Street, Providence • 401-831-MEOW (6369) • city-kitty.com Find us on Social Media @citykittypvd 68

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

PLACE FOR SUSHI

G e t c u s t o m s e r v i ce a n d l o w p r i ce s ! Add a great home theater and music system, all at low online prices

HARUKI EAST

172 Wayland Avenue, Providence • 223-0332 SIDEWALK SEATING AVAILABLE!

HARUKISUSHI.COM

Ca l l Jo n B e l l fo r a f r e e in- h om e c o nsu lt at io n

fr e e

S im pl ys as .c om

4 01 .7 49. 82 8 3

+ y ea rs

fr e e

DELIVERY VIA

A Better Way to Repay Student Loans

Refinance, simplify and save with RISLA to make student loan payments more manageable.

Visit us at risla.com/refi to learn more and apply.

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

R E TAI L AN D O F F I C E S PAC E AVAI LAB L E N OW

1 5 9 W EYB OSS E T ST . CUSTOMIZABLE SPACE FOR LEASE starting at $20/SF PROPERTY OVERVIEW • • •

25,855 SQFT BUILDING 4 STORIES EXECUTIVE RETAIL & OFFICE SPACE

PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS • • •

975 SF PRIVATE ROOF DECK ADJACENT, GATED PARKING LOT FLOOR TO CEILING WINDOWS

CLOSE PROXIMITY • • • •

PPAC JOHNSON & WALES UNIVERSITY RISD FINANCIAL DISTRICT

P R O V I D E N C E , INFO@BLUEDOGCAP.COM | 401-421-9200

R I

FOOD & DRINK Experience | In The Kitchen | Food News

Thanksgiving on a Bun Harry’s Bar & Burger gives holiday flavors a diner twist with sliders and shakes Juicy sliders and haystack onion strings served up in paper-lined baskets with a pint of something frothy may not inspire visions of down-home Thanksgiving dinners, but the team at Harry’s Bar & Burger managed to distill the flavors of the holiday into a diner-style creation. Subbing turkey cuts with crispy chicken, the Thanksgiving Slider layers warm gravy over stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mayo between two toasted Martin’s potato buns. Though a seasonal special for fall, it was so popular last year, Harry’s two Providence locations kept it going into January. With the main course and sides squeezed into a single sandwich, that only leaves dessert...in the form of a bevvie. Harry’s Pumpkin Pie Shake is back for the season with a blend of vanilla ice cream and real pumpkin pie filling, topped with whipped cream. Caramel drizzle gets a pie crust treatment with a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers around the rim. This is a kid-friendly go-to, or ask for it boozy to indulge in an adult dessert with whipped cream vodka. Wash the feast down with a rotating selection of pumpkin ales on tap, and your Thanksgiving-at-the-bar experience is complete. Grab a stool at the O.G. Harry’s on Main or Harry’s on the Hill along Atwells Avenue, or bring the merriment home with delivery or takeout sliders and shakes. HarrysBarBurger.com. | By Abbie Lahmers Photo courtesy of Harry’s Bar & Burger

FOOD & DRINK

Expe r i e nc e | By Jenny Currier

A Feast for Your Eyes Somo Kitchen and Sushi pairs artistry with tradition “I believe food is love, and love is beautiful,” says chef owner Nino Elgheryany, who opened Somo Kitchen and Sushi with his partner on July 1. “I don’t like ordinary things – I’m not really an ordinary person.” Born in Egypt and having lived abroad in Japan, Elgheryany speaks five languages fluently – Arabic, Japanese, English, Italian, and French – making “no ordinary person” an understatement. “I’m doing everything on a different level, elevating Japanese American cuisine,” he says, which explains why we found burrata on the appetizer list at a sushi restaurant. My friend Melissa and I began our evening on the patio of Somo sipping Frisky Ginger cocktails. I most enjoyed that each of the three ingredients – Suntory Japanese Whiskey, honey, and ginger beer – had a distinct moment on the palate: first the ginger, then the sweetness of honey, then

the warmth-in-the-belly of the whiskey. A few sips in is when we spotted the Burrata – an Italian cow milk cheese made from mozzarella and cream – served with charred peaches and grilled sourdough. An ingredient more typical of Italian or American restaurants, I asked Elgheryany about it. “We twist it to [make it] Japanese. The peach is marinated first in simple syrup and mirin before it’s grilled, otherwise it will burn. This way it gets completely caramelized.” And he was right: these peaches tasted like the end of summer, with a multidimensional sweetness that complemented the rich, creamy burrata and sourdough. We also tried the Edamame and Chicken Karaage appetizers. “I’ve never ordered edamame in a restaurant,” Melissa said. “It’s usually seasoned with salt, sitting in a pod. What’s the big deal? But this. This is amazing.”

The bright green edamame, piled high, was already shelled, served over hot honey chili, and sprinkled with sesame seeds. “I’m of the opinion,” Melissa added, “that sesame belongs on everything.” Dressed with a few strands of red chili pepper thread, this appetizer was sweet with a bit of spice. The Chicken Karaage is made with dark meat and marinated for six hours in soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, and a bit of sake before breading and serving. These were lightly coated, unlike most chicken tenders, keeping the chicken juicy and full of flavor. The spicy aioli drizzled over the pieces was not too spicy, and very addicting. “Mouthwatering,” was all we could say before wiping the plate clean. But these dishes were not to be outdone by the star of the evening: the Okinawa Night sushi plate and the signature Richmond St. roll. More than just top-quality

Photos by Jenny Currier

Okinawa Night sushi plate with Richmond St. roll

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

Burrata with charred peaches on sourdough

Must-Try Items Burrata ($14) Charred peaches, sesame, grilled sourdough

Chicken Karaage ($12) Spicy aioli, furikake

Richmond St. Signature Roll ($18) Tuna, salmon, yellowtail, cucumber, romaine, dragon fruit rice

taste, these were jaw-droppingly beautiful, the rice demanding attention in shades of fuchsia and purple, with pink dollops of honey aioli to garnish the plate. “I love creation,” Elgheryany says. “I want to make the food look magnificent.” His dedication to beauty, however, will not come at the cost of quality. Having spent so many years in Japan learning to prepare fish and cooking rice “the traditional way,” he experimented with several different fruit and flower blossom powders before settling on those that would color

the rice without changing the texture or taste. Look for “dragon fruit rice” or “butterfly pea flower” on the menu if you want to eat with your eyes before your mouth. It’s clear that the food at Somo is a labor of love. Says Elgheryany: “My bachelor’s degree might be in genetics, but my passion is Japanese cuisine.”

S o mo Ki tch en an d Su s h i 373 Richmond Street • 383-2307 SomoPVD.com • @somopvd

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

FOOD & DRINK

I n T he Ki t c he n | By Karen Greco

The Evolution of Eli

Two-time Chopped champ Eli Dunn shocked Rhode Island’s tight-knit food community when he announced he was closing his eponymous Warren restaurant. But after six years – two of them post-Food Network fame – at the helm of running a successful eatery, the acclaimed chef spent more time cooking up spreadsheets than meals. “The evolution began before the pandemic,” he explains while using a rare day off to whip up some cider donuts and apple butter in his home kitchen. “Being a father of two small kids, running a successful business by myself, I was getting burnt out. I lost touch with what I loved about cooking.” Before the pandemic hit, he decided to hire a head chef and hand over the operational control of his restaurant so he could free up his time for other things. Then COVID happened, and the restaurant shut down. “It was stressful,” he notes. “But those few months were a revelation. I hadn’t spent much time with my family over the past six years.” “When people ask if closing the restaurant was a casualty of COVID, I say yes, but not the way you think.” He says it gave him permission to “color outside the lines.” When Eli’s Kitchen reopened in early summer 2020, he brought in Sam Duling as head chef and pivoted to a takeout model. That’s when a panicked request came in for a catered event because the original caterers bailed. In the past, these invitations were a hard no. “But now I had some free time.” The first event was a small, funky wedding with 15 people. That one weekend gig turned into another, and before he knew it, he was fully booked for the summer. It reignited his love of cooking and opened his eyes to the possibilities of micro-catering. Dunn sold Eli’s Kitchen to chef Duling, who re-christened the restaurant as Hunky Dory in the spring, to focus solely on his new venture. It’s apparent from Dunn’s career that he likes the micro-model. Eli’s Kitchen sat 30. He caps the private events at 50. “I intentionally keep things small. You lose 74

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

something when you get big. It’s hard to keep the intimacy.” Dunn collaborates with the client and creates a completely customized menu. “We start with a discovery call on Zoom, where I find out the usual things about dietary restrictions and allergies but then we get really granular. Did you go on an amazing trip when you were young and what was the food like? What are your formative food experiences? I want to evoke that nostalgia.” Nostalgia could mean food eaten during an excursion to Thailand or something

closer to home, like IKEA and their Swedish meatballs. Whatever it is, Dunn wants to replicate the happy memories tied to the food enjoyed in that moment. Food becomes an immersive experience that triggers the emotions as well as the senses. Plus, it lets Dunn flex his creative muscles. “It’s more satisfying for me, because I get to cook something different every time.” Dunn notes that when he cooks, he’s not chasing James Beard Awards. He simply wants to feed people and see them smile. “This has 100 percent fueled my passion again.”

Photo courtesy of Eli Dunn

With the closure of his acclaimed Eli’s Kitchen, the Chopped champ rekindles his passion with micro-catering

ELISE PENN PANSEY The Pet Friendly Realtor

DEDICATION

•

“The biggest mistake people make is cutting into it too quickly,” he explains. “You lose lots of juice this way. Letting it sit seals in moisture.” His suggests a wait time of 30-45 minutes. The bird “doesn’t need to be piping hot,” he notes.

•

Once it’s rested and ready to carve, the pan will catch any juices that spill out. “Save those,” he advises. “You can use it for stock, or when you reheat bits of turkey for sandwiches the next day.” Similarly, Dunn uses turkey bones to make stock. “Never throw anything out.” And your grandpa’s electric carver? You can keep that in the drawer. Dunn’s preferred tool is a simple thin filet or boning knife.

HUGE CARD SELECTION!

The Camera Werks

craft cocktail bar

Relax We Have Your Yard Covered

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE PACKAGES TAILORED TO YOUR NEEDS

401.935.2312 CITYESTATEGARDENER.COM

766 Hope Street, Providence • thecamerawerks.com 401.273.5367 • Tues-Sat 10-5:30, Closed Sun-Mon

BMW

AUDI

MERCEDES BENZ

VOLKSWAGEN

MINI COOPER

“GENEROUS” “This shop is the best and I will not go anywhere else. Something was wrong with my thermostat and it was immediately found and fixed. When the same issue happened again, I brought in my car. Turns out the part was faulty, and because there was a warrantee on the part my service was free. They could have charged me, but this shop did the honest thing.” – Mercedes R., Providence, BMW 3 Series

“Capable of providing service without any personal contact.” – Gerry and Denis Moreau

ERMAN

Sales &

MOTORS

INC

Service

879 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904, 401-272-4266 Email us at: germanmotorshelp@gmail.com

PORSCHE BMW AUDI MERCEDES BENZ VOLKSWAGEN

•

Butterman & Kryston, Inc. • 749 East Avenue, Pawtucket • @ Blackstone Blvd

MERCEDES VOLKSWAGEN MINI

When you take it out of the oven, place it on a cooling rack (like you would use for cookies) over a sheet pan. Tent it with foil and then wait.

401.455.1625 www.elisepennpansey.com 401.521.9490 x22

PORSCHE BMW AUDI

•

Dedicated… to serving YOU! Call me today!

MINI COOPER BMW AUDI MERCEDES BENZ VOLKSWAGEN

TALKING TURKEY WITH CHEF ELI Growing up, Dunn’s clan assembled at his grandmother’s beach house in Groton Long Point, her table groaning under the weight of food for the 30 or 40 people who gathered. The smorgasbord of styles, tastes, and abilities makes the holiday fun, not to mention less stressful. “Thanksgiving was a communal harvest celebration. Everyone took part. Somewhere we’ve forgotten about the community aspect.” Dunn’s family is old school when it comes to the holiday. “I come from a Yankee family and we’ve always had a traditional feast. We even did flaming pudding,” he notes. While the chef in him loves the idea of eclectic fare, it’s the traditional food he looks forward to most. Nothing could be more traditional than a roast turkey, and Dunn shares a few simple tricks involving the centerpiece of the meal:

...is a word that is both used and abused these days. But I want you to know that I really am dedicated to my customers and to my profession. If a real estate transaction is in your future, let’s talk. Then you can decide for yourself if you really believe that I am...

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

“

My passion is helping you find your dream home in Rhode Island

“

SCAN HERE FOR MY LISTINGS

PUBLIC Ice SKATING DAILY 10:00AM - 10:00PM, WEATHER PERMITTING icE BUMPER CARS: Mon-fri 4PM-8PM Sat & Sun 10AM-2PM, RESERVATIONS ENCOURAGED FOR GROUP, FULL ICE, OR BIRTHDAY RESERVATIONS VISIT OUR WEBSITE

ELIJAH RILEY, REALTOR Real Estate Agent | Century 21 North East Listing Agent | Buyer’s Agent/Residential 401.942.0110 | 401.239.7652 | elijahriley@icloud.com

800 OAKLAWN AVENUE STE. A2, CRANSTON

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

2 KENNEDY PLAZA pROVIDENCE, ri | 401.680.7390 |tHEpROVIDENCERINK.COM

Fifty-seven years, three generations, and who knows how many meatballs. ▲

▲

▲▲

▲▲▲

▲ ▲▲▲▲▲

▲▲

▲

▲▲▲

▲▲▲▲▲▲

▲▲

▲

▲▲

▲▲▲

▲▲▲▲▲▲

▲

▲▲

▲▲▲

▲▲▲▲▲▲

▲▲

▲

Open for

•

prepaid takeout and delivery. Order online at

thesandwichhut.com 1253 North Main Street, Providence RI • 401-272-2590 • www.thesandwichhut.com • Mon-Sat 10am-6pm

SINCE 1948

•

Fine Custom Upholstery & Slip Covers Custom Window Treatments Headboards • Bedspreads & Shams Upholstered Antique Restoration Blinds & Shades • Area Rugs & Wall To Wall 2179 Mineral Spring Avenue, No. Providence 401-231-1660 • www.bobfrances.com

Let Us Help With Your Corporate Gifts For The Holidays!

WE CARRY A WIDE VARIETY OF BOXED ASSORTMENTS WITH VARIOUS PRICE POINTS TO FIT YOUR NEEDS. ALL GIFT WRAPPED. WE CAN DO CUSTOM MOLDS WITH YOUR LOGO, BRANDED BOXES, ETC.

NEED TO SHIP? Send us your list and let us take care of the shipping for you.

Assorted Chocolates • Buttercrunch • Fundraising Bars Wide Assortment of Chocolate Novelties • Sugar-Free Chocolates Gourmet Truffles • Turtles • Fudge • Corporate Gifts Gift Baskets & Hostess Trays • Wedding Favors

WAKEFIELD: 783.4433 | GARDEN CITY: 942.2720 | WWW.SWEENORSCHOCOLATES.COM ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

Fo o d N e w s

Shareable snacks popping up around PVD

Fox Point restaurant celebrates Portuguese and Latin flavors and histories

Matilda RI trucks big flavors around the Ocean State

Tournesol Kitchen is back on the scene with seasonal flavors and a roster of pop-ups. Karissa Bednarz and Zack Joachim’s spin on elevated snacks includes Roasted Fig Toast, Grilled Halloumi on focaccia, and other seasonal fare taking advantage of local farm harvests. Like so many, the passion project blos-

Aguardente, the newly opened Portuguese and Latin-fusion restaurant in Fox Point, is the culmination of three immigrant owners’ visions. Chef-owner Natalia Paiva-Neves curates flavor-packed tapas with recipes drawn from her Azorean heritage that span across Portugal, Guatemala, Spain, and Peru. The aromatic spir-

Founded by Johnson & Wales alum (and first generation Rhode Islander) Tony Lugo, Matilda RI is a family-owned food truck that pays homage to their abuelita (grandmother), dishing out drool-worthy pastelitos and empanadas to hungry fans across the state.

somed in the midst of lockdown. “We were both laid off and wanted to rekindle our love for food, and get to do it together,” explains Bednarz. “We focus on using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to create small plates that feel indulgent and upscale.” “We think of our menu as extremely shareable – it can bring the whole table together and everyone leaves feeling satisfied,” says Bednarz, describing the blend of sweet and savory bites that combine both of their culinary backgrounds in an outlet to get creative. In the gnocchi alone, their signature dish, filling and garnishes can change from week to week. The duo will be making appearances at ISCO November 3 and 10, and at LLB, Harvest Kitchen, and Tiny Bar throughout the season. @tournesolpvd –Abbie Lahmers

its – mezcals and tequilas, ports and namesake aguardentes (“fire water”) – are compliments of Portuguese businessman-owner Victor Pereira and can be sampled in flights or craft cocktails. Guatemalan artist-owner Magda León created the print-style murals that cover the walls, a perfect complement to the restaurant’s aesthetics of pierced brass lanterns, twinkling string lights, and bright green plants. The sounds of conversation that fill the restaurant constitute the final touch of the owners’ vision. “We did this because we want to engage the world in conversation. It’s important to remain authentic to the story, our story,” says Pereira. “The voyage of leaving home and learning how to navigate is part of all of our stories, and we want to communicate that in a positive, healthy way.” 12 Governor Street –Jenny Currier

Lugo developed a vegan dough that is a perfect balance of crispy and flakey. The insides are stuffed with items like Los Tres Golpes (a spin on the traditional Dominican breakfast dish) and crowd-favorite Jamón y Queso made with slow-roasted pernil (pork shoulder). The Royalé, a sweet pastelito made with Nutella, fresh strawberries, and bananas, will satisfy any sweet tooth. What’s Abuelita’s secret? Her special sazón (seasoning) and “love,” according to Claudia Esp, Lugo’s big sister and Matilda’s brand manager: “We want every customer to feel that joy and love with every bite of one of our hearty pastelitos and empanadas.” Look for Matilda RI’s truck at The Guild in Pawtucket and other locations around the state. MatildaRI.com –Karen Greco

ProvidenceOnline.com • November 2021

Photos courtesy of Tournesol Kitchen

FOOD & DRINK

Providence

102 Waterman Street Providence, RI 02906

401.421.5160

K E WE

•

RT O P

Local news for Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts

TA U R

NEW

www.AllegraProvidence.com Print@AllegraProvidence.com

NOV 5-14, 2021

all deals on the table! • prix-fixe offerings • BOGO deals • gift card promotions • indoor + outdoor dining • curbside + delivery • getaway packages FEATURING RESTAURANTS FROM NEWPORT & BRISTOL COUNTIES

NewportRestaurantWeek.org