On a frigid Tuesday night last week, my husband and I joined our friend Mike to check out a new restaurant: CRU PROV, on West Fountain Street.. Immediately upon entering, the atmosphere was warm and convivial, and smelled wonderful. It’s a large room with many seating options: a long bar with many unique alcoholic offerings […]
When I learned the theme was punk and that Mr. Black would be the spotlight liqueur, I immediately began thinking about how to create a cocktail that felt truly subversive. My first instinct was to make an espresso martini, but instead of following that obvious inclination, I opted for something unexpected – a refreshing coffee […]
Providence, Rhode Island is about to welcome an exciting new culinary destination with the opening of Track 15 on March 18, 2025. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Chris Marsella, of Marsella Development Corporation and Marsella Properties LLC, aims to revitalize the downtown area with a vibrant food hall that celebrates the local community. With over […]
In celebration of Women’s History Month, I am spotlighting a culinary trailblazer who’s adding her own special flavor to Rhode Island’s food scene. On Hope Street in Providence, something extraordinary is happening. Chef Milena Pagán, the vibrant force behind Little Sister restaurant, is cooking up more than just delicious food — she’s serving heritage, independence, […]
Okee dokee folks… I have been noticing a trend with folks who go out to shows; their “pop-up timers” have been going off at 9:30. At first I thought it was just older folks who retreated back to their couches at that time, but then I realized it was people of all ages. What is […]
Since March is Women’s History Month, it seemed appropriate to highlight some stellar female artists making their mark on the local music scene. Bee and The Boys Fronted by vocalist Belinda Landry, Bee and The Boys is a four-piece group who have been making their way around southern RI for the past year, playing crowd-favorite […]
Elon Musk has asked us to forward the following email to all Motif readers: Please tell us what you have read in the past week. If you have not read enough of Motif’s content, you will no longer be allowed to read Motif. To quote my boss, “You’re Fired.” We declined to email y’all. We […]
One of the first articles I wrote for Motif, years ago, was a review of Heather Rigney’s debut novel, Waking the Merrow. I was immediately locked into the humorous story of Evie McFadden and Nomia, her mermaid nemesis. The Pawtuxet Village setting gave a sense of familiarity that enhanced my enjoyment. Rigney followed that up […]
The city of Providence has released a new Life at Night Report that examines the after-hours economy in PVD (see our article from last issue at motifri.com/brettsbillion-dollar-bulletin-the-life-at-night-report). The report was developed over recent years through the Department of Arts, Culture, Tourism (ACT). Joe Wilson Jr, former Trinity Rep actor and director, and current director of […]
In her book of ant poetry, Sawako Nakayasu, an artist and professor at Brown University, describes keeping ants close to her heart, from both metaphorical and literal perspectives. Ants have been close to my heart for years, and as we move through women’s history month, we wanted to highlight the work and legacies of some […]