The Fantastic Umbrella Factory in Charlestown describes itself as “a 19th century farmyard shopper’s paradise and international bazaar.” Understandably, we thought this sounded pretty cool. Stop by the South County complex to visit a number of local artisans, including Small Axe Productions, selling domestic and imported gifts, musical instruments and more; The Purple Shell, an […]
Glad tidings, RI! This holiday season is going to be very bright. As 2021 draws to a close, the majority of our art galleries have not just survived the pandemic – they are thriving. Restrictions brought innovation and when in-person events went temporarily dark, a virtual world came alive. Gallery Night ran virtual trolley tours […]
Okee dokee folks… ‘Tis the season…for the war on Christmas! Every year I have to explain to people that I quit Christmas. I did this back in the mid ’80s. It’s obvious that I am all for the war on Christmas. I don’t exchange gifts, I don’t partake in any holiday festivities; in fact I […]
La Mexicana Mini Mart & Tortilleria is the only tortilla factory in Providence. Located in a building that serves as both a restaurant and convenience store, it packs a lot into a small area. The attached restaurant is a one-level stone enclosure with a four-table outdoor seating area protected by a fence. The store has […]
When Motif caught up with Jan Faust Dane, owner of Stock Culinary Goods on Hope Street in Providence, she didn’t jump to sell us on some of her top-of-the-line wares, like handmade Forge to Table Knives, Andiamo Presentation Boards crafted in Warren, or Michelle Phaneuf’s teeny bowls, which feature little Rhode Island motifs such as […]
Rhode Island Memories is a three volume coffee table book published by The Providence Journal that serves as a pictorial history of this state. With photos beginning in the late 1800s and proceeding through the end of the 20th century, this book archives the many transformations Rhode Island has gone through. Featuring photographs from award-winning […]
Open Aguardente: 12 Governor St, PVD. aguardente.com. This Portuguese-inspired little spot is a welcome addition to Fox Point’s bustling food scene. See story at motifri.com/xxx Bellini: 90 Westminster St, PVD. bellinirestaurant.com. Fine Italian dining and a members-only rooftop bar inside the Beatrice Hotel. Bonanno: 256 Atwells Ave, PVD. A new Fed Hill dig featuring small […]
Rep Scott Slater Truck tolling got all the attention this week at the statehouse, but stalwart efforts to introduce a legislative change that would likely have 1000 times the financial impact on daily lives in RI also took a small step forward, if mostly under the radar. Tax and Regulate legislation was proposed and will […]
Local author Steven Manchester is known for being a prolific, heartfelt author who also wrote and directed his first play last year, which I also covered for Motif. His latest work, The Changing Season is due out on February 16, 2016. I was fortunate enough to get an advance copy of his work, and although […]