Motif

Author: Emily Olson

  • Joining Rhode Island’s Mathematical Trailblazers

    Joining Rhode Island’s Mathematical Trailblazers

    Sponsored Post

    Brown excels at many fields, but some of its most exciting work is in mathematics. As the Institute for Computational and Experimental Research in Mathematics reported, mathematicians and other researchers situated at the Providence institution have been part of astonishing research advances, and are continually looking for new bright minds to help contribute further. As the host of one of just six such institutes, there’s a lot of competition – but that’s demand that local learners could certainly meet.

    Taking advantage of initiatives

    On a broad note, there are schemes now being implemented around the state that will support learning. In a response to perceived poor performance in schools, the Providence Journal reported in April that Governor McKee would institute a 365 day learning plan to ensure that schools have the tools they need to catch up with neighboring states – and then stay there. This includes in person and digital syllabus, meaning students will be able to use online study guides and video resources to help support learning both in the short term and in higher educational settings.

    Looking at frameworks

    At the center of the mathematical education ecosystem is the American Mathematical Society. In tandem with educational facilities across the city and state, they’ve produced a wider list of institutions that give an AMS-accredited education. That will put students in the best stead to be equipped with the skills they need to move on to the next level and contribute to high-level mathematical and scientific research.

    Taking college direction

    At a higher level again are the series of offerings being promoted by Providence College. In an archived catalog concerning their mathematics course, the college highlights the relevant syllabus and modules that contribute to the wider understanding. This provides a good guideline not just for Providence College, but mathematics at Brown and other nearby institutions. This is a great pointer for picking the best of the many high quality institutions in the area, and will give the best bridge between current education and making a meaningful impact as a mathematical or scientific researcher.

    Providence learners are spoiled for choice in mathematics, and inspiration is free flowing from Brown as to the possible results of any career devoted to math. There has been a slowdown in education, with related dips in outcomes. However, with state and institution involvement, the opportunities are there for interested students.

    Sponsored Post

  • The Dangerous Pests You’ll Find Lurking In Rhode Island

    The Dangerous Pests You’ll Find Lurking In Rhode Island

    Sponsored Post

    An effective way to deal with pests is with an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, according to the University of New Hampshire. This involves identifying and controlling the pests without using chemicals.

    Regular inspections play a key role in this process, allowing early detection and precise identification so that any response can be carefully tailored to the specific issue at hand. This method not only minimizes disruption to daily life but also supports long-term control by addressing the underlying conditions that allow infestations to develop.

    As these principles are put into practice, the value of professional insight becomes increasingly clear, particularly when dealing with persistent or complex pest concerns. Summit Pest Control aligns with this philosophy by focusing on thoughtful, strategic solutions that prioritize safety and sustainability while still delivering reliable results. By combining practical prevention techniques with informed treatment methods when necessary, such an approach helps maintain a healthier indoor environment without overdependence on harsh chemicals.

    This measured balance ensures that pest management remains both effective and considerate of the spaces people live and work in, reinforcing the idea that lasting control is best achieved through consistency, awareness, and careful planning.

    There are currently 1,163 species of insects roaming around Rhode Island, as well as bigger pests, such as rats and mice. So, which native pests do Rhode Island residents need to be aware of and how do you deal with them?

    Large American cockroaches

    There are four types of cockroaches commonly found in Rhode Island, including the German Cockroach, Oriental Cockroach, and Brown-Banded Cockroach. But it’s the American Cockroach that typically causes the most trouble in the state. American Cockroaches are very large (around 1.5 inches). Thankfully, they can’t fly, but they can run very fast. These cockroaches love water and can be found near ponds and bodies of water. They can even get into your home through your plumbing system. Consider moving your pond to the end of the garden, to deter American Cockroaches away from your property. You should also avoid leaving out water for pets, such as dogs. Remember to protect your home too by sealing up any cracks and holes. 

    Poisonous spiders

    The Black Widow Spider and the Black-Footed Yellow Sac Spider are the only two poisonous spiders living in Rhode Island. Black Widow Spiders have a nasty bite on them. If you get bitten by one you’ll feel instant pain and you may get muscle cramps. These spiders love warm and moist places and are often found in piles of wood and logs. Be cautious if you have a log fire in your home as there could be spiders lurking on them. You can also keep spiders away from your property by keeping your kitchen clean and putting food away. Other things you should do include keeping clutter to a minimum, inspecting plants before bringing them into your home, and sealing up cracks in the foundations of your property. Black-Footed Yellow Sac Spiders don’t often bite. But if they do, you’ll experience swelling and itching. You’re most likely to be bitten by one of these spiders if you brush up against trees and shrubs at night as this is where they tend to hang out.

    Stink Bugs

    Stink Bugs aren’t dangerous in the traditional sense, but they can do serious damage in the form of producing a rancid smell. They usually come out in winter in Rhode Island and have a horrible habit of releasing a bad odor when they die. Outside, Stink Bugs can be found on trees with pine cones. Should Stink Bugs make their way inside your home, they’re likely to gather in warm areas which get hit by the sun, such as window frames. To banish Stink Bugs for good, you can spray them with a mix of hot water, dish soap, and white vinegar. 

    Rhode Island is home to some annoying pests that can cause havoc in your home. These are three of the most problematic pests in the state, so make sure you know how to identify them and get rid of them.

    Sponsored Post

  • Fall on the Streets: Walking around PVD artfully

    Fall on the Streets: Walking around PVD artfully

    Stationary Creature Envelope Windows by Erminio Pinque, @MinioMindWarp. Credit: The Avenue Concept

    Despite the blazing heat of this summer, a number of artists – local, national, and international – have been changing the cityscape throughout Providence through the installation of several new public art pieces. As we enter the fall, with its cooler, comfortable temperatures and golden light, it is the perfect time to grab a cup of coffee, stroll or drive through the city, and explore some new artistic offerings. Here are some starting points.

    Over in the Jewelry District, located between Clifford and Friendship Streets at the Garrahy Judicial Complex, is Del Pasado al Futuro – From the Past to the Future. This mural, completed in June, features a vibrant sunset over a multi-toned mountain range with a majestic moose crossing the terrain as the center focal point. The array of colors is striking: over 800 hues were hand-blended by the installation team to achieve the visual potency. 

    The natural scene may feel remote because this is not what Providence looks like –and that’s the point. The artists behind the piece, Keir Johnston and Linda Fernandez of Amber Art and Design, a Philadelphia-based artist collective, wanted to evoke the history of the land before colonization. This mural recognizes the historical use of this region by the Narragansett people for moose hunting. Using the moose also as a symbol for fortitude and environmental sustainability, the piece connects both the past and the future. Funded by the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts through the state’s Public Art Law, the mural is set to be in place for five years – but don’t wait until 2027 to see it!

    Around the corner at 140 Friendship Street is one of The Avenue Concept’s newest installations, ARYZ x Emblem 125. The Avenue Concept is the local non-profit dedicated to fostering, curating and installing public art of all sorts in Providence. Internationally-renowned street artist Aryz was in Providence this July working on the two-part mural. Drawing on Rhode Island’s industrial history, the larger piece is a portrait of a woman with a sledgehammer resting on her shoulder, while the smaller mural features laborers pulling on a rope, tug-of-war-style, with the opponents just out of the frame. 

    The addition of Aryz’s work to the Providence public art array is a remarkable accomplishment for the city. Born in California, but raised in Barcelona, Spain, Aryz is one of the leading street artists working in the field (or on the streets) today, having completed several large-scale murals across Europe and other major cities like Tokyo, Casablanca and Kyiv. Aryz’s two murals join those in Providence by other artists working on national and international stages like BETZ, Gaia, and Garden of Journey, all of which strengthens the city’s placement on the global street art scene. 

    In addition to ARYZ X Emblem 125, The Avenue Concept has funded several other new 2D and 3D pieces in the city throughout 2022. To get an easy two-for-one viewing while on your jaunt, head over to 35 Weybosset Street to the Providence National Bank Facade. This curious Providence feature – just the free-standing exterior wall of a former building – showcases artwork by two local artists in the former windows of the structure. On the street side is Fu’una’s 401: After Winter Must Come Spring. Inspired by gardening lessons from her father as a child in Gloucester, RI, she depicts large-scale flowers interwoven with flames and smoke, illustrating the generative power of nature and the cyclic rhythm of life. Walking around to the parking lot side of the Facade, one will find STS by @MinioMindWarp, art moniker for Erminio Pinque, comics page editor for Motif. The alien creatures in STS, colorful and robust, echo the visuals of the Big Nazo characters who often pop up through Providence (and on our comics page!) and beyond. 

    Heading over to South Providence, painted at the intersection of Daboll and Public Streets, is a new ground mural by local artist Rene Gómez. This installation was funded by the City of Providence through a grant from the Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative, a national program aimed at projects that use art to improve street safety, increase community engagement and activate public spaces. The application was open to all US cities in March 2021, and Providence was one of 26 selected to receive funding. 

    Multi-disciplinary pop artist Rene Gómez was selected after PVD put out an open call for submissions. Composed of brightly colored, angular shapes, this piece is eye-catching whether you’re on foot or in a car. Gómez, who was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the US at age four, was inspired by the vivid hues often found in the Caribbean. The mural, painted onto the asphalt of a narrow intersection, can creatively function as a stage: Rhode Island Latino Arts hosted a pop-up bachata lesson in August, one of what will be many engaging public events. 

    Interested in public art, but looking for a guide? Local arts organization Gallery Night is offering two free, family-friendly walking tours on Sunday, September 11, at 11am and 1pm. If you can’t make either of those, they also regularly offer free tours on the third Thursday night of the month. Check out gallerynight.org details. 

    Jennifer Wilson is a Rhode Island based artist in multiple media and participates in Gallery Night Providence as a tour guide and tour planner.

  • Relent

    When the asking is over

    And solitude is decided

    By you, others or the universe

    What remains is pure

    Fire

    Pursed lips on sweet wine

    Thoughts all your own

    “Come see me” say you to the darkness

    “Come and get me if you dare”

    For I know you

    Better than you know yourself

    Better than anyone knows

    And you do not scare me anymore

    Your solitude does not scare me

    Your self doubt does not scare me

    Your promises that I am not extraordinary but just mundane and not deserving of self love does not scare me

    I have treaded these waters before

    I have shed the floaties and life preserver you made me once think I needed

    My training wheels have long been rusting somewhere in the back of my mind

    I am here … undeniably yours to challenge

    Come and get me

    I have fire

    What say you?

    ~tjw

  • Phillipe and Jorge Columnist Chip Young Passes Unexpectedly: Motif mourns the loss of an extraordinary journalist

    Phillipe and Jorge Columnist Chip Young Passes Unexpectedly: Motif mourns the loss of an extraordinary journalist

    Chip, right, with Buddy Cianci and friends

    We are stunned and saddened to report that Chip Young, environmental activist, rabble-rouser and long-time contributor to Motif and to Rhode Island journalism, has passed away suddenly. Chip and collaborator Rudy Cheeks have brought Phillipe & Jorge’s Cool, Cool World to RI readers through various publications, including the Phoenix and Motif, non-stop for the last 43 years. Chip’s commentary, often incendiary, generally wry and barbed, helped shape RI’s cultural and political landscape. At Motif, he was always a wise source of advice and support – a greatly valued contributor and a friend. A tribute and more information will be upcoming. Our hearts go out to his family and to long-time co-writer Rudy Cheeks, and to all who knew Chip, for your loss and ours. Anyone who would like to share thoughts or memories of Chip, Rudy is compiling a tribute – send them to him or through email at publisher@motifri.com

    A brief history of P&J can be found here. For the full remembrance of Chip Young, click here.

  • Open and Closed: August 2022

    OPEN

    With bartenders already nominated in this year’s Bartender Awards, Kimi’s has opened with a splash and is focusing on interesting cocktails to assuage the thirst of patrons in this trendy west-side neighborhood, close to Bayberry Beer Hall, Slow Rhode and Beer on Earth. 373 Washington St, PVD. kimis.bar

    Rise ‘N Shine Coffee Bar opened in late June (but early in the day) and is serving up your coffee and pastry favorites! 97 Holden St, PVD. risenshineri.com

    GLOU is a new bar serving a variety of cocktails, beers and wines to the east side of PVD, from Fox Point. 134 Ives St, PVD. gloubar.com

    A new Gong Cha location has opened in RI with their world-famous bubble tea! 40 Sockanosset Cross Rd Ste 120, Cranston. gongchausa.com

    From tacos to seafood, El Patron International Food is sure to have something for everyone. 

    943 Main St, West Warwick. elpatroninternationalfood.com

    Ceviches By Divino: A new peruvian tapas industrial style gastropub. Offering everything from ceviches, tapas, rolls, and pokes. 11 Point St, PVD. cevichesbydivino.com/rhode-island

    CLOSED 

    Big King was a small but cozy restaurant serving a daily redesigned menu. They have closed their doors along with their sister restaurant, North. 3 Luongo Sq, PVD. bigkingpvd.com

    North, the sister restaurant to Big King has also closed its doors. A hip eatery located in the Dean Hotel, they served Asian cuisine but were best known for their super ramen Sundays. Before moving to the Dean, they had a loyal long-term following from their miniscule location next to the Avery Bar. No word yet on what will fill their spot at the Dean. 122 Fountain St, PVD. fb.com/foodbynorth 

    Lekker BBQ, an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ experience where you did the cooking at your table, has closed its doors temporarily. They are currently searching for a new location but will remain closed until further notice. 210 Atwells Ave, PVD. lekkerbbq.com 

  • Motif’s 2022 Food Truck and Drink Award Nominees

    Motif’s 2022 Food Truck and Drink Award Nominees

    RI has no shortage of fantastic food trucks, breweries and distilleries, and we at Motif can’t wait to celebrate them at our Food Truck and Drink awards this month. With nominees spanning 45 categories, we hope you can discover a new favorite food truck or brewery to try on your next night out. While we encourage voting for your favorites and there can only be so many winners, we appreciate each and every nominee and the creativity and craft they bring to RI’s food and drink scene.

    Food Trucks

    Burgers

    Haven Brothers

    Pit Stop

    Rocket Fine Street Food

    Everything “AN”

    Atomic Burgers

    Hot Dogs & Sausages

    Big Dog Eats

    Dogs on the Go

    Plouffe’s

    The Sausage Guy

    Muzzled Hot Dogs

    Saugy’s

    Sam’s NY System

    BBQ

    GottaQ BBQ

    Smoke & Squeal

    Supa Dupa

    Little B’s BBQ

    Binge BBQ

    Cheese & Cheesesteaks

    Fancheezical

    Dinolicious

    Championship Melt

    Big Dog Eats

    Red’s Street Food

    Rhodies Food Truck

    Seafood

    TrapBoxPVD

    Newport Chowder Company

    Shuckin’ Truck

    Gansett Poke

    La Costa Lobster & Tacos

    Blount Seafood

    Julio’s Gourmet Food Truck

    Hometown Poke

    Tacos

    Tacofied

    La Costa Lobster & Tacos

    One2 Taco & More

    Poco Loco Tacos

    Macs Screaming Corn & Tacos

    RaRa’s Surf Shack Beach Wagon

    Latin & Caribbean Influences

    Matilda

    Gonzalez Food Truck

    La Carreta

    Gnarly Vines Food Truck

    Spanglish

    Burrito Bowl

    La Guaguita Del Sabor

    Bajas Enterprises

    JA PATTY RI Catering & Events

    Tacos Mi Rancho

    La Birria

    Asian Influence

    Incred-A-Bowl

    Nanu the Burmese Fusion

    Lotus Pepper

    Ming’s Asian Street Food

    Italian Influence

    Hook N Ladder Pizza Co.

    Bird’s Nest Italian Street Food

    Nonnie’s Kitchen

    A Mano Pizza + Gelato

    Moving Dough Wood Fired Pizza Co.

    Mike & Lenny’s Bar Pizza

    Vegan/Vegetarian/Cruelty-free

    Nanu the Burmese Fusion

    Vegan Suga

    Lotus Pepper

    Ming’s Asian Street Food

    Like No Udder

    Basil & Bunny

    Juice Junkie

    Potatoes

    Hot Potato

    Friskie Fries

    Cluck Truck

    ButterHead

    Red’s Street Food

    Breakfast & Brunch

    Lu Lu’s Little Pancakes

    Sunnyside on the Street

    Oatmiel Café

    The Burgundian: Coffee and Waffles

    Lemmiegetuhhh

    Presto Strange O Coffee

    Coffee

    On the Rhode Cafe

    The Burgundian: Coffee and Waffles

    Café Modesto

    The Daily Grind

    Presto Strange O Coffee Truck

    COFFEE 911

    The Salty Brew

    Rise and Grind Coffee Truck

    Dessert

    Sarcastic Sweets

    La Fruta Loca

    Lu Lu’s Little Pancakes

    Black Dog Donuts

    The Cupcakory

    Nessa’s Snack Shop

    Jo Jo’s Cupcakes

    O Boy

    Twisted Churros

    Shishkaberry’s of New England

    Frozen Dessert

    Kay’s Ice Cream

    Atomic Blonde Ice Cream

    Kona Ice

    New England Frozen Lemonade

    Chelsea’s Creamery

    Tizzy K’s Cereal Ice Cream

    Palagis Ice Cream

    Hawaiian Jim’s Shave Ice

    Mumsy’s Ice Cream

    Cosmo’s Fresh & Frozen Treats

    Milk Caffe & Catering

    Alien Ice Cream

    Food Truck with Storefront

    Smoke & Squeal BBQ

    GottaQ BBQ

    Red’s Street Kitchen

    Poco Loco Taco

    Like No Udder

    Friskie Fries

    Graphics

    RaRa’s Surf Shack Beach Wagon

    Friskie Fries

    Championship Melt

    Hot Potato

    Alien Ice Cream

    New Truck

    Coffee 911

    Hook N Ladder Pizza Co.

    Mumsy’s Ice Cream

    Vegan Suga

    Lemmiegetuhhh

    Rise and Grind Coffee Truck

    Everything “AN”

    Nonnie’s Kitchen

    Cosmo’s Fresh & Frozen Treats

    All-Weather Warrior

    Farm to Sandwich

    Red’s Street Kitchen

    JA Patty

    Rocket Fine Street Food

    Other Ethnic

    The Village Greek

    Pit Stop

    The Ish

    Pierogitory

    Bem Bom Portuguese

    Flip N Roll

    Fieldstone Kombucha

    Location/Festival

    New Bedford Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival

    Hope & Main’s Schoolyard Twilight Party

    Food Truck Friday at Mulligan’s Island

    Warwick Food Truck Nights

    Food Truck Friday at Carousel Village

    Food Trucks at Narragansett Beach

    Providence Flea

    Pop-up

    The Perfect Sweet Shoppe

    Mamma Lasagna’s

    Biggest Little Easy Catering

    Kenza’s Delights

    Dips Dips

    Butterbang Croissants

    Bites by Bre

    Sarcastic Sweets

    Portable Not-Quite-Truck

    Wally’s Wieners

    Sweet B’s Donuts

    Newport Chowder Co.

    Tricycle Ice Cream

    Poppin Minis RI

    Outdoor Treat

    Lemon

    Iggy’s Doughboys (Various)

    Sandcastles Sundaes

    Gray’s Ice Cream (Tiverton)

    Cold Fusion Gelato

    The Inside Scoop

    Three Sisters (Hope St, PVD)

    The Wright Scoop

    Blount’s

    Locally Manufactured Food

    Rhed’s Hot Sauce

    Yacht Club Soda

    Ocean State Pepper Company (spices)

    Hustlers Swing Sauce

    Beautiful Day Granola (granola)

    Sacred Cow Granola (granola)

    The Backyard Food Company (salsa)

    Venda Ravioli lobster ravioli

    Del’s Lemonade

    Granny Squibb’s (iced tea)

    New RI Food Product

    Lost Art Kraut-Chi

    PVD Pies

    Sarcastic Sweets Beernuts

    Anchor Toffee

    Bootblack Syrup

    Farmer’s Market

    Lippitt Park (PVD)

    Farm Fresh RI (PVD)

    Brooklawn Park (New Bedford)

    Burnside Park (PVD)

    Burrillville Farmer’s Market (Burrillville)

    Greene Farmers Market (Coventry)

    Armory Farmers Market (PVD)

    Goddard State Park (Warwick)

    Fishermen’s Memorial Park (Narragansett)

    Schoolyard Market at Hope & Main (Warren)

    O’Connell Field (Attleboro)

    Pawtuxet Village (Cranston)

    Drinks

    DIPA+

    Ocean Loft by Shaidzon

    Rhode Rage by Newport Craft

    Stiff Sheet by West Passage

    Captain’s Daughter by Grey Sail

    Warren G by The Guild

    Tonebender by Rejects

    You Thirsty by Revival

    The All Seeing Eye by Long Live

    Liquid Hugs DIPA by Ragged Island

    IPA

    Evolver 4.0 by The Hive

    Tiny Truck IPA by Ragged Island

    Crawl, Walk, Run by Apponaug

    Musik Express IPA by Narragansett

    Object Permanence by Buttonwoods

    Cranston Thug Life by Union Station Brewery

    Galaxy Elixer by LineSider

    What Even Is This? By Origin Beer Project

    Trendy Name by Moniker

    Tendril by Proclamation

    Mayday NEIPA by Bravo Brewing

    Tropical IPA by General’s Crossing

    Kolsch

    Ruby by Six Pack

    Canal Street Crushable Ale by Grey Sail

    Another Room Without A View by Proclamation

    Koelsh by Trinity

    Lager

    Japanese Lager by Rejects

    Meander Through by Apponaug

    Irresistible Delicious by PVD Brewing Company

    Is This Still Lawn Boy by Titled Barn

    Chair 2 Light Lager by Sons of Liberty

    Slater by The Guild

    Burnout by Taproot

    Donde Esta La Biblioteca by Ragged Island

    Small Victories by Origin Beer Project

    Mexican Dark Lager by General’s Crossing

    Pale Ale

    Rise by Whalers

    Anthem American Pale Ale by Bravo Brewing

    Observatory by The Guild

    Doug White Ale by Union Station Brewery

    Fox Point Ale by Narragansett

    Independence American Pale Ale by The Hive

    Sea and Sand by Shaidzon

    Honey Hibiscus Wit by General’s Crossing

    Flavored

    Pumpkin Spice Ale by Lops Brewing

    Blond Jovi by Linesider

    Belgian Strawberry by Trinity

    Blueberry American Wheat by Crooked Current

    Blueberry Ale by Newport Craft

    Light Ale

    Debut Single by Moniker

    Saison Des Fraise by Ravenous Brewing

    Fresh Catch by Narragansett

    House by Buttonwoods

    Golden Ale & Blondes

    Blueberry Blonde by Coddington

    G’Day Mate by Buttonwoods

    The Meg Blonde Ale by Twelve Guns

    Golden Ale by Coddington

    Pilsner/Pilsener

    Station 3 Pilsner by Lops Brewing

    Pilsner by Buttonwoods

    Pawtuxet Pilsner by Apponaug

    Bohemian Pilsner by Narragansett

    PVD Pils by Long Live

    Kōwhai by Tilted Barn

    West Fountain Street by Beer On Earth

    Buffalo Czech Pils by Shaidzon

    State of Flow by Moniker

    Grassroots Italian-Style Pilsner by The Hive

    Lenni by Six Pack

    Porter

    Espresso Peanut Butter Porter by Lops Brewing

    Blueport by Taproot

    Marzanna by Beer On Earth

    Reds & Browns

    Bienvenu by Ravenous Brewing

    Irish Red by Twelve Guns

    Neopolitan Brown Ale by Crooked Current

    Full Keel Brown Ale by West Passage

    Sour

    Lava Monster by Smug

    Pinky Swear by Revival

    Mango Vango by Foolproof

    Flower Sour by Taproot

    Monchito by Whalers

    Frozie Cup Donut by Long Live

    Sunrise Over Sea by Tilted Barn

    Pastry Sour Key Lime Pie by Twelve Guns

    Oyster Gose by Newport Craft

    Stout

    Coffee Milk Stout by Ravenous Brewing

    Marshmallow Imperial Stout by Lops Brewing

    Barrel Aged Imperial Stout by Rejects

    White Stout by Crooked Current

    Echo Lake Sunrise by Apponaug

    Wear It Out by PVD Brewing Company

    Wheat

    Summer Sol by Tilted Barn

    Summer Wheat by Coddington

    Make This Romance Last by Proclamation

    Cherry Wheat Ale by Bravo Brewing

    Screaming Viking by Trinity

    Easy Company Hefeweizen by Bravo Brewing

    Holy Mountain by Beer on Earth

    Miscellaneous Beer

    Oak Aged Cask Barleywine by Norey’s

    Stereo > Mono by Proclamation

    Big Red Goat by Foolproof

    Prosecco by Gooseneck

    Malted Barleywine by Malted Barley

    Ollie by Six Pack

    Cabin Fever by Smug

    Seltzers+

    Peach Seltzer by Ravenous Brewing

    Cannon & Anchor Hard Seltzer by Twelve Guns

    Drift by Whalers

    Cider

    Orchard Blend All In by Sowams

    Rhody Coyote by Newport Vineyards

    Blueberry Vanilla by Tapped Apple Cider

    Whiskey/Bourbon

    Honey Chamomile Flavored Whiskey by Sons of Liberty

    Puppy Bourbon by White Dog

    Cornucopia Whiskey by White Dog

    Bourbon by Working Man Distillers

    Gin/Vodka

    Rhodium Coffee Black Walnut Vodka by RI Spirits

    Ornamental Gin by ISCO

    True Born Gin by SOL

    Rhodium Forager’s Gin by RI Spirits

    Rhodium NRG Gin by RI Spirits

    Other Spirits

    Lella’s Limoncello by White Dog

    Coquito Tropical by Papi’s Coquito and Tropical Juices

    Battle Cry Single Malt by Sons of Liberty

    Agave by South County Distillers

    Favorite Beer Fest

    Beervana (Cranston, October)

    Craft Beer Races (Newport, July)

    Newport Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival (Newport, October)

    RI Brew Fest (PVD, January)

    Witches Brew Fest (Smithfield, October)

  • Open and Closed: July 2022

    OPEN

    Willie’s Place opened in May serving both Native American and Spanish foods reflecting the owner’s heritage and passion for cooking. 58 High St, South Kingstown. (401) 854-7420. williesplace.net.

    After a six-month closure, Stanley’s Famous Hamburgers has reopened to welcome patrons back to its 90-year-old location. 535 Dexter St, Central Falls. (401) 726-9689. stanleyshamburgers.com.

    Get your coffee fix at Brewology, a new coffee shop/lounge serving everything from iced mochas to espresso martinis and breakfast sandwiches. 9 Cedar Swamp Rd, Smithfield. (401) 642-7111. facebook.com/brewologyri.

    Beginning as a small pop-up restaurant, La Vecina Taqueria now stands on its own, serving authentic Mexican street food. 24 Washington Sq, Newport. (401) 324-5160. lavecinataqueria.com.

    Saladworks has opened a second location in Warwick offering all the same salad goodies as their location in PVD. 1276 Bald Hill Rd, Warwick. (401) 615-0024. Restaurants. saladworks.com/ri/warwick.

    Speaking of second locations, Kimochi Boba Cafe has opened its first RI location offering unique and fun boba tea drinks. 43 Railroad St, Woonsocket. (401) 642-8432. fb.com/kimochibobacafe.

    With a new name and location, The Food Shack has reopened on the corner of East Main Road and Aquidneck Ave with an updated menu of locally sourced ingredients and classic street food recipes. 499 East Main Rd, Middletown. (401) 847-9283. 401foodshack.com.

    CLOSED 

    Top of the Bay Restaurant has temporarily closed, but according to their website, they should be reopening soon. 898 Oakland Beach Ave, Warwick. (401) 921-3663. topofthebayrestaurant.com. 

    We are losing Rocky Point once again, in a sense. Rocky Point Clam Shack was not able to renew their lease for the 2022 season. They’re actively looking for a new location, and hoping to reopen their doors next year. 1689 Post Rd Warwick. (401-738-9830) rockypointclamshack.weebly.com

  • Open and Closed: June 2022

    Open 

    Jalapeno’s Tex-Mex Grill spices up Mineral Spring Ave with quick, sharp takeout and dine-in. 1968 Mineral Spring Ave, North Providence. (401) 773-3125

    345: Plant City has expanded beyond its three-floor, multi-restaurant compound to serve drinks in an unassuming new spot right across the parking lot from plant central. In speakeasy tradition, this new cocktail bar comes in disguise, so be patient and open-minded as you search for the entrance. 345 South Main St, PVD. @345PlantCity

    Speaking of plants, there’s a new PiANTA in town. Featuring locally-sourced plant-based vegan food in the spirit of, and just a few blocks from the recently departed Grange on Federal Hill. 243 Atwells Ave, PVD. piantaveganrestaurant.com

    And speaking of Federal Hill – there’s a lot happening in that culinary mecca… Cap’t Loui brings finger food to the Hill with a new, crawdad-centered restaurant, the first RI member of this national seafood boiling chain. 238 Atwells, PVD. captloui.com/providence-ri

    Y Shabu Shabu has opened on Federal Hill, a new source of hot pot cuisine (not the recently legalized kind, the soupy kind) that’s all you can eat. Or drink, depending on what you do with your hot pot. 243 Fountain St, PVD. yshabushabu.com

    Mr Chicken sounds like a KFC, but it’s actually a Portuguese restaurant that serves all sorts of meat and fish – and dessert – following Portuguese traditions. Don’t be scared to try it! 275 Child St, Warren. mrchickenri.com

    Next to the Superman Building, the Beatrice Hotel has opened in DownCity. A high-end venue and one of several new hotels – a bit surprising in our AirBnB age. There’s also a rooftop bar with a view of Kennedy Plaza – watch the buses turning, or get a bird’s eye view of the upcoming PVDFest. 90 Westminster, PVD. thebeatrice.com

    Sport & Leisure will be opening in June where Olives used to be, across from the new XO. A sports bar from the folks who brought you Black Sheep and Brass Monkey, it will surprisingly not be named after an animal.

    Union & Main is a burger and beer bar in East Greenwich, with a healthy dollop of EG-appropriate seafood options. And they have trivia every Monday. If you can’t guess the location, you haven’t been paying attention. 455 Main St, EG. unionandmainri.com

    Another new entry in East Greenwich – not unexpected, given how many establishments closed there in the last year – Tavern on Main is another regional chain with its first RI presence, featuring American-style grub and refreshments. Don’t let the name fool you – unlike almost everything else in EG, it’s not actually on Main St. 1000 Division St, East Greenwich. taverninthesquare.com/eastgreenwich

    Closed

    The Duke Kitchen & Spirits, a burger and drinks joint with a giant caricature of John Wayne on one wall, has shuttered its saloon doors. 1839 Smith St, North Providence. dukekitchen.com

  • Open And Closed: April 2022

    OPEN

    Route One Cinema Pub: 652 E Washington St North Attleboro, MA. Dinner and a movie — at the same time! Route One Cinema Pub closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19, but lucky for hungry filmgoers, it reopened on March 16. 

    Taste of Island: 2777 Pawtucket Ave East Providence. This food truck turned into a restaurant. Owner Antonio Soares comes from Cape Verde, and prepares an array of international cuisines such as jambalaya, lobster and crab ravioli. 

    Bodega on Smith: 373 Smith St, PVD. A new bodega in PVD owned by Kenneth Zorabedian, who describes it on its website as “a place where people can gather around excellent food, shopping, urban culture, and great coffee.”

    XO Bar: 125 North Main St PVD. In the exact place of the popular former XO Cafe, the XO Bar is set to open later this spring, with brand new renovations by Salted Slate owner Ben Lloyd.

    CLOSED

    The Troll Shop: 88 Main St East Greenwich. No, we aren’t trolling you: the hardships of the pandemic led to inventory shortages. There just weren’t enough trolls to go around. You can still get yours online at thetrollshop.com.

    The Salon: 57 Eddy St, PVD. Permanently closed after a prolonged temporary closing, despite rumors that this dance club may rise again.