Federal Hill's Gallery Z hits the road tomorrow in its brand new ArtMobile, Moby. The mobile gallery is an effort to bring art to public spaces and neighborhoods where it might not always be accessible. A Christening ceremony will launch the effort Thursday, February 16 at 6pm in the parking lot of Scialo Bros. bakery next door. It marks the occasion of Gallery Z's 111th exhibit in 11 years, and Moby was partially funded by the generosity of 111 Kickstarter campaign donors. Gallery Z Director Berge Zobian promises to use the ArtMobile to bring visual and performance arts, film projections and art installations to places like libraries, schools, college campuses, churches, nursing homes and more. If you miss out on the Christening, keep an eye out for Moby in your neighborhood soon. More
On the 24th of this month, Rhode Island Republicans go to the polls for primary day. In a long and often surprising election season, one thing we can count on is that the Rhode Island votes won’t matter. This is not a knock on the party, but a simple statement of fact. Romney will likely take the primary in a walk, Obama is a lock to win our deep blue state in the general, and no candidate much cares about our paltry delegate count anyway. So go ahead and vote your conscience, Republicans, because it’s pretty much all you’ve got.
This election, like all, will illustrate so much of what’s wrong with our democratic process: the pandering hysteria of campaign rhetoric, the divisiveness of wedge issues and party politics, the corrupting influence of money, the apathy of voters. The general election will bring the usual cries about the need for campaign finance reform and the abolishment of the electoral college, but let’s not overlook what the primaries teach us about the corruption, perversion, inefficiency and futility of our electoral process.
As I write this, Mitt Romney has just handily won the Illinois primary. While the overwhelming odds still point to him earning the nomination, the how and when of that are increasingly hard to answer. Challengers Rick Santorum and Newt Gingrich recognize that they can’t overtake the former governor in the delegate count, and instead are campaigning to deny him the 1144 votes needed to secure victory, forcing a brokered convention. This long, slow, often surprising battle for the soul of the Republican Party has become the story of the 2012 election thus far, but it has unfortunately eclipsed the lesson to be learned about the innate ridiculousness of this entire process.
The march to the nomination is an unnecessarily complex and convoluted obstacle course of primaries, caucuses, delegate apportionments, media markets, election laws, balloting, political climates. That chaos all but … More
Autumn’s New Crop
We always expect the end of summer/ beginning of fall to bring us a bounty from our farms and gardens, but this year the restaurant scene is also providing quite a harvest.
Ama’s, the little shoebox of a restaurant across from the Avery in Luongo Square, abruptly closed over the summer. In its place we have north (3 Luongo Sq.), which brings the considerable talents of Chef James Mark to bear. He was formerly of Nicks on Broadway, but also worked at the Michelin-starred Momofuku Ko in New York City. The opening menu looks impressive and ambitious, freely mixing regional, Latin and Asian influences into things like a Green Curry Lobster Roll or Pork and Clams with coconut milk and fermented shrimp. Check foodbynorth.tumblr.com for updates.
In other “tiny West Side restaurants with one-word names” news, Kitchen is open at 92 Carpenter Street, across from the Public Safety Complex. The recently renovated storefront will be serving breakfast from 7:30am-1pm, Tuesday through Friday, and 7:30am- 4pm on weekends.
Bayal Buffet (50 Ann Mary St., Pawtucket – in the former Shaw’s plaza), offers dishes from around Africa and the Mediterranean, but primarily focused on the cuisine of Senegal. We haven’t had the chance to try it yet, but based on previous experiences with Senegalese food, we expect a lot of rich, well-spiced curry-type dishes, heavy on fish, and bearing the distinct influence of French cookery.
Pawtuxet Village got a welcome addition in the form of the Elephant Room (2170 Broad St., Cranston), a teahouse and creperie. The focus is primarily on serving loose leaf teas from around the world, but there is also coffee, wheatgrass shots and “daily specialty waters.” Those looking for a bite to eat can choose from pastries, salads and crepes both sweet and savory.
The old Mile and a Quarter House at 375 South Main Street has been sadly empty since the beloved Barnsider’s … More
It’s the perfect drink and you can serve it as a punch. The last thing you want to be doing as a host is making drinks all night. Mix together in a lovely punch bowl...
1 liter of Grand Marnier
64 oz. of pomegranate juice
1 oz of cranberry bitters
(angostura, orange bitters or any kind of aromatic bitter will work) and 2 bottles of champagne
A block of ice
Hudson Street Deli, the longtime favorite on the West Side, has gone through multiple incarnations since being Westminster Street’s go to grocer in 1922. As of last month, the deli once again finds itself under new ownership.
Bryan Rinebolt and Chrissy Teck - local residents who share a passion for community and wholesome eats - do not plan on implementing another round of drastic changes. Instead, the new owners will keep the current sandwich menu the same while adding a variety of options such as fresh pressed juices, healthy smoothies and more vegetarian/vegan/gluten free selections. 68 Hudson Street. 228-8555
XO CafeĢ (125 North Main Street) is in the mood for love. Visit the restaurant’s website, www.xocafe.com, or Facebook page, www.facebook.com/xocaferi, and submit your most romantic story in 500 words or less. The staff will choose their favorite (best advice: go for the waterworks) and the winner receives dinner for two on Valentine’s Day. Entries are due by Monday, February 6, so start putting those finishing touches on your tale (and please lose that running-through-the-airport scene in the third act). More
If pizza isn’t your food of choice, try newly opened Succotash. Operated by executive chef Ryan Keough and Umberto Sorbo of Coco Pazzo, this venue offers a variety of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and also includes a full service bar. With culinary that is described as “southern-flare soul food,” this location offers favorites like fried chicken and waffles and cornmeal crusted catfish salad, to a variety of delicious vegetarian and vegan options. Dinner is served after 5pm with succulent entrees like the Apple Brined Calabrese Pork Chops with creole mustard, which can be paired with any of their southern-inspired sides. If you’re an early bird and want to do breakfast as big as they do in the South, try some of their fluffy banana and berries waffles and pancakes or smoked salmon omelet. Even their juices have a unique twist, like Little Havana, a mixture of banana, lime, mint, pineapple and coconut – a refreshing taste of the tropics for the summer heat. Soon to provide special discounts to students around the area, including Johnson & Wales and Brown University, you’ll be sure to see plenty of hungry mouths there. More
Uber, the uber-popular car service app, will be offering up to three free rides, at a maximum of $20 per ride, to any and everyone in Rhode Island between now and 6pm on Saturday. Yes, you read that right. Free rides. For everyone.
The company recently expanded into Rhode Island, and it's been known for making a big splash when it enters a new market. They once offered free rides to all of Brooklyn for the weekend. For those who aren't familiar, the service uses a mobile app to connect people in need of a ride with Uber drivers in their area. You can request a ride anytime from anywhere, and you don't need any cash – you pay for the ride through your Uber account. Needless to say it's become very popular very quickly with young urban dwellers and professionals.
Now the #RILOVESUBER promotion is on. Just sign up for Uber or download the app, request a ride, and the rest is on them. Of course, they expect high demand, so if you already know what you're doing this weekend you might want to start booking your rides now. And if you need somewhere to go with your free ride, your Uber receipt will get you discounts and bonuses at over a dozen Providence bars and restaurants, including The Avery, The Eddy, Hot Club, Vanity and even StyleWeek.
Find more info here, and get your free ride. More
Who: William “Billy” Wood Jr.
What: Body Piercer Extraordinaire
When: 5pm, Tuesday February 14
Where: Rockstar Body Piercing, Thayer Street, Providence
Why: Because piercing my face on Valentine’s Day just felt right this year
Billy came strolling up to me, cane in hand, smile on face. Although he is often in excruciating pain after badly shattering his foot last year, the average customer – myself included – would never know. Billy is happy, upbeat and professional. (He’s also lucky to have a young woman working the front desk who is happy to babysit his cane while he consults with old ladies like me.)
Did I want a lip ring or a nose ring? I wasn’t sure. After talking pros and cons with Billy, I settled on a small, delicate hoop to be placed in my nose. Mouth piercings can irritate the teeth and gums, and kissing is a no-no during the first few weeks after the procedure. Because of this, I thought it best to not cause further damage to my already receding gum tissue and presently defunct love life. Plus with proper care, noses heal relatively easily, or so I’ve been told. A big part of Billy’s job is helping clients make these types of decisions. And he does it with ease.
Choosing my silver-toned hoop was easy. Rockstar carries only implant grade jewelry. (Most of the so-called “surgical grade” pieces carried by less competent shops can cause major irritation.) As Billy prepared the autoclave sterilizer, I snuck a peek at his ears. The sparkling pink jewels plugging up the bulk of his inner ear cartilage sort of made me cringe. They are massive indeed.
“These are called conch piercings,” he told me, as he transferred some gentian violet from an eyedropper into a small paper cup. (This purple topical dye is what piercers use to mark the spot of needle insertion.) My novice eye would guess the plugs to be one-half-inch in diameter… at the least. … More
Looking for a little more than just a sit down dinner? Try the Providence Alternative Market. Every Saturday between 10am-2pm from now until October 26, this “alternative” farmer’s market provides food trucks such as Mijos Tacos and Rocket Fine Street Food, other food vendors, artisans, musicians, crafts and local farmers’ produce. Browse the various artisan pieces and musical performances, all while enjoying a fist full of food in each hand. So what makes this market so alternative? “We’re shooting for the full package,” says Richard Suls, “with workshops almost every week, food trucks, musicians and ample parking. It is really an evolution of the farmer’s market.” To find out which businesses and vendors are coming each week like them on Facebook. More
By now you’ve no doubt heard about the East Side dustup between Councilman Sam Zurier and residents/constituents Dee Dee and Dr. Gary Witman. (Full disclosure: Zurier is a former education columnist for us.) In case you’ve missed it, a quick review of the facts: Dee Dee sought out the assistance of her councilman, freshman Democrat Sam Zurier, to get the sidewalk in front of her home repaired. Her husband Gary, a prominent physician, was rendered quadriplegic in a freak swimming accident and is wheelchair bound, making the damaged sidewalk an impassable obstacle for him. Zurier rallied to have the repairs done, with the expectation that the Witmans would oblige with a campaign contribution. When that contribution never materialized, Zurier sent the couple a letter expressing his disappointment. Later, the whole affair winds up splashed on the front page of the Sunday Projo and a mini-controversy ensues, with Witman eventually going on Buddy Cianci’s radio show to call for the councilman’s resignation. (A bit of a disingenuous move, since, as Rhode Island Public Radio’s Scott MacKay points out in an excellent editorial, Witman herself is no stranger to the quid pro quo world of Rhode Island political fundraising.)
In short, a rookie councilman made a rookie mistake. In the process, a city service was rendered to a resident who really needed it and no palms wound up being greased to get it. The real shame here isn’t Zurier’s admittedly boneheaded letter, but that this story has managed to find such legs. The time and energy invested in sustaining this tempest in a teacup seems like a waste, particularly when considering the people involved. Zurier is one of the smartest and most thoughtful members of City Council, a Yale grad and a Rhodes Scholar in a political body that has more often been populated with wardheeling hucksters. Witman is a reliable and active supporter of the Democratic Party. The Projo reporters who broke … More
Owner Marc Allen says, “ladies can come in, have an amazing assortment of beverages, tasty food, listen to great music and shop till they drop for their loved ones... all the while knowing that they’re saving 20% on their total purchase.” For the event, the store is bringing in special items: handmade cufflinks, Loro Piana scarves, bracelets and cashmere socks that make great stocking stuffers. Complimentary valet only sweetens the deal. Who says holiday shopping isn’t fun? 200 South Main Street, December 12.
There’s a new race in town. The Inaugural Ocean Road 10K will take place on October 6 and will travel along coastal miles on Ocean Road in Narragansett. A portion of proceeds from this event will benefit the Narragansett Historical Society, a fitting and worthy non-profit organization helping to celebrate Narragansett’s 125th anniversary this year.
On the other side of town, Flames of Hope Celebration Village takes place from October 11–13, and will boast health screenings, healing arts activities, cooking demos, informative lectures, live music, torch procession and lighting and four family-friendly fun runs to choose from – put on by the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation to raise awareness and support.
In these days when so many of us read on Kindles, iPads or even on iPhones, some believe that the printed book has had its day. Wrong! Physical books are essential– particularly for children learning to read. Many of us take for granted the piles of books lying around our houses. But this is not the case in many homes in Providence. In fact, all too many children in Providence have no books except for those they get in school.
This is just one reason why being able to borrow books from Providence Community Library (PCL) is so essential – whether to enable families to read together, to help children read during the long summer break (and prevent them from falling behind grade level reading), or just to allow children to explore the worlds of The Cat and the Hat, Harry Potter and more.
To ensure that Providence kids have access to books, PCL is holding a fundraiser, Books to Bank On, at the Knight Memorial Library, 275 Elmwood Ave., on April 1 from 5:30-7:30pm. Highlighting the party will be readings from favorite children’s books by Ed Shea, director of 2nd Story Theater; Bob Colonna, the director of RI Shakespeare Company; Anne Scurria of Trinity Rep and Barry Press, director of Living Literature.
Although Providence’s children might not have the luxury we will have of hearing their childhood books brought to life by great actors, with your help they will enjoy the needed experience of curling up with a good book at home.
Living a fit life isn’t just about exercise and the gym. Educating yourself about the foods you eat is a huge part of the equation. Lucky for us, Chefs Collaborative Autumn Harvest BBQ with Rhode Island’s best Farm-to-Fork chefs is taking place again on October 6 at Schartner Farms. Top local chefs will showcase the bounty of the season from the farms, fields and coastal waters of Rhode Island in what promises to be a night of fresh foods and culinary mastery you won’t forget. Proceeds help to fund the important work that Chefs Collaborative is doing, both in Rhode Island and across the country, in their mission to make sustainability second nature in the professional kitchen.
The second show of Wednesday evening was by Boston-based designer Marcel Plante. His innovative, totally exciting “Doll Boys” collection blurred fashion rules and gender lines: male and female models were all dressed in drag, making it impossible (in a good way) to tell the difference between the men’s and women’s fashion. The show had everyone buzzing during and after. More
On Sunday, July 1, Ocean State Bikram Yoga in Pawtucket is celebrating its one-year anniversary. Join threetime National Yoga Asana Champion and 2011 International Yoga Asana Champion Joseph Encinia for a free demonstration and Q&A session from 1-3pm. Save yourself a spot by calling the studio at 743-5405 or sending an email to info@oceanstatebikramyoga.com.
There will also be a Shakti Activewear trunk show from 9:30am to 4:30pm. 560 Mineral Spring Avenue #104, Pawtucket.
The summer is the perfect time for an urban paddle with The Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council. Join them on Monday, July 16 at 6pm for a canoe/kayak trip that will give you a new perspective on the city as you head past Providence’s old mills, through Waterplace Park and into downtown Providence. The complete round trip is about four miles. Children are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult. The cost is $20 a person if you are using one of the Watershed Council’s canoes or kayaks, or $5 a person if you are bringing your own. Life jackets and advance sign-up required. 481-1376, etalley@wrwc.org. More
One of the most beloved holiday traditions returns to Providence much to the excitement of many. Visit the Dunkin’ Donuts Center for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Lost Christmas Eve. The orchestra’s acclaimed rock opera is a captivating onstage performance with lights, lazers and pyrotechnics; it tells the heart-warming tale of loss and redemption on a magical Christmas Eve in New York City. Grab the whole family; this show is not to be missed. Luxury suites are available (and make a great gift!)
December 18, call 680-4716 to reserve. $41.50-$71.50. 7:30pm.
I opened and closed the ebony curtain to the phone-booth sized private realm and turned the little black switch to the left for Adlai Stevenson in 1956: my first ballot, cast in the basement of my elementary school on Summit Avenue. Alas, my candidate lost the election to General Dwight D. Eisenhower. Twice, in fact. I liked Adlai for his grace in disappointment, his fine diction, his solitary, almost lonely demeanor.
By the time that youthful Bostonian John F. Kennedy ran in the race to the White House, I was already teaching, and also writing copy for an advertising agency in downtown Providence. I had to produce editorials praising the chic of Madam Jackie with her pillbox hats and reasonable low-heel pumps. By then, we walked not uphill to grammar school but downhill to the Armory of Mounted Commands, from whence parades of veterans on horseback used to march past our house on Armistice Day celebrations or Memorial Day events.
That wasn’t so bad. A short stroll, a brief wait, the familiar vague perfume of hay. I, even in time, adjusted to the change from just around the corner of my boyhood dwelling to the fire station on Rochambeau Avenue, the northeast border of the Summit neighborhood. At least they boasted glass cases of memorabilia about the elegant crimson glitter of the proud traditions of engines, once horse-drawn and then very fancy carriages fit for the regal presidencies of our first, earliest, heads of state. I could make my choices – often eccentric, never pre-determined by party loyalties or simple inertia, sometimes sympathy votes for the underdog. Mostly, I like to preserve the environment as best I can, to safeguard the civil rights of the trees, birds and beasts so dear to childhood, but politically a rare issue. Hence, my support for Al Gore.
But this year, 2012, I simply could not find anywhere to do my civic duty! I drove past the church on Hope at Savoy. Nobody there. I tried the Jewish Community Center. Nope. Ah, my … More
My first experience with PVD Hoot, Providence’s newest monthly open mic night, was on a particularly cold night after back-to back snowstorms. Most roads in the city looked like they couldn’t pick a plow out of a line up, but people came. That’s because since starting back in October, Hoot has established itself as an open mic not just of considerable artistic quality, but as one where the main attraction is the performer and not that night’s dinner special.
“A lot of bars and restaurants that have open mics are bars and restaurants that just happen to have an open mic,” says Hoot co founder Josh Aromin.
Sure there’s free beer and coffee courtesy of Narragansett and New Harvest, and Rocket Fine Street Food parks outside, but what’s important are the musicians, comedians and poets who show up to put it all on the line for the ten minutes they get on stage.
Adds Aromin’s partner, Sarah Mead, “The last thing you need is to be up there and have people talking and shuffling around. We want people to know we’re listening and we’re there for them.”
Performers are granted a level of attention and intimacy from the crowd that you don’t see at your run of the mill open mic night, and as a result Hoot has attracted a steady rotation of brave souls and curious onlookers. Aromin and Mead pride themselves on the caliber of both their performers and their audience. At one of their first shows, local musician Rich Ferri told the room not to expect the same quality of music from every open mic they go to.“It was the best compliment we could get,” says Aromin.
Here's a look at February's PVD Hoot:
PVD Hoot from Providence Monthly on Vimeo. More