Diner’s Update – Rhode Island Monthly

EVENTS, SPECIALS AND MENU UPDATES

5/8

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Children’s Wishes’ annual cooking competition, Blake’s Kitchen Cook-off is taking place on May 8 from 6-9 p.m. at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston. The event is held in memory of Wish Kid, Blake. The competition will feature sixteen chefs, ages 8-18, competing in the Junior and Executive Chef Divisions for great prizes! In addition to the competition and celebrity judges, they will have more than twenty-five food vendors with samplings from Rhode Island’s top restaurants, great raffles and an opportunity to vote for the Crowd Favorite in each division. Sommelier sponsors will also
host a complimentary wine hour immediately preceding the competition. This event is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

5/11

Check out our suggestions for Mother’s Day.

5/11

Visit the annual Mother’s Day specialty farmer’s market from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Tiverton Middle School, located at 10 Quintal Drive, Tiverton. The market is a treasure trove of artisanal foods, grab n’ go meals,  jewelry and  pottery. And for those who want to bring a piece of nature to their gifts, don’t miss the selection of herbs, plants and vegetables.

5/11

For Mother’s Day, The Chanler at Cliff Walk is hosting a four-course prix fixe menu with dishes such as spring pea soup and locally sourced North Atlantic cod, Heritage chicken or lamb, followed by a selection of confections from their Parisian-inspired confiserie. Guests can savor their Easter and Mother’s Day celebrations on the fully enclosed, heated terrace, where live jazz and panoramic views of Easton’s Bay. The cost is $125 per guest and the menu can be viewed here. 

5/11

Bellini Providence will be offering specially crafted menus for a Mother’s Day brunch, featuring a delicious homemade pastry basket, as well as add-on specials for dinner, featuring fresh local seafood and a lemon meringue tart. Guests can make their reservations on Resy.

5/12

Telling the Story of Black Women, the African American Museum of Rhode Island’s (AAMRI) inaugural Preservation Breakfast to celebrate community and amplify Black contributions in and to the Ocean State, will take place on May 12 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the Providence Marriott. It will be the first of many for this initiative that bridges the needs of youth of color with professional opportunities in the museum and arts industries. The keynote speaker is Attorney Misty Delgado, Chief of Staff for the state Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). The lifelong Rhode Islander and mother, born and raised in Providence, oversees a wide range of critical operations for DCYF and previously prosecuted sensitive cases involving the well-being of children. Tickets are $75 each.

5/16-5/17

5/24-5/25

Over Memorial Day weekend, May 24–25, at the iconic Ocean House in Watch Hill welcomes back renowned chef and James Beard Award-winner Mike Solomonov that mark the unofficial start of summer in delicious style. On Sat., May 24 from 2-3 p.m., attend an opening reception including canapés and cocktails on the terrace while mingling with Chef Solomonov, who will offer personal insights into his cooking philosophy and his newest cookbook, Zahav Home: Cooking for Friends & Family. Tickets are $55 per person with an optional book add-on of $40 (includes a copy of Zahav Home). And on Sun., May 25, join the Ocean House beachside for a vibrant family-friendly BBQ featuring Chef Solomonov’s bold Israeli-inspired dishes, from striped bass kofta to Turkish coffee ice cream. The evening includes live music, drinks and the option to purchase a signed copy of Zahav Home. Tickets are available for adults at $125, for children (four to twelve) $55 and children (three and under) for $25. Book a reservation at oceanhouseevents.com.

5/30

Giusto Chef/owner Kevin O’Donnell will cook alongside Giusto Executive Chef William Rietzel and Pastry Chef Sarah Larose as well as guest chefs Robert Andreozzi (Pizza Marvin), Basil Yu (Yagi Noodles) and Eric Brown (Frank and Laurie’s) to create a memorable dining experience. The talented team will present a five-course, beverage-paired tasting menu that blends their signature cooking styles with heavy classic French cuisine influence.  Seats are $270 and reservations are coming soon.

6/6-6/7

The Ocean House in Watch Hill is hosting an exclusive two-night culinary event on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7, featuring a two-night chef-in-residence dinner series at COAST Restaurant. In collaboration with Copenhagen’s Michelin-starred Kong Hans Kaelder, guests will be treated to an exceptional dining experiencing showcasing the artistry and innovation of one of Denmark’s most celebrated kitchens by Chef Mark Lundgaard. The chef will work with Ocean House’s own Executive Chef Terence Feury and Chef de Cuisine Adam Boyd, to showcase a menu of Nordic precision and contemporary American flair, with each chef contributing their unique style and expertise. The evening starts at 5 p.m. with a reception hosted by the Ocean House beverage team, complete with handcrafted canapés and cocktails. At 5:45 p.m., diners will be shown to the COAST dining room for a luxurious multi-course tasing menu, optionally paired with fine wines. Resort elegant attire is recommended. The evening is priced at $175 per person. Highlights of the menu include Bluefin Tuna Toro with bone marrow and spring onion custard, stuffed qual with morels and sauce vin jaune, red prawns with peas, rhubarb, and ramps, a delicate coconut sorbet & caviar intermezzo, and a surprise citrus dessert, “Citrus en surprise.” Wine pairings feature rare vintages including Champagne Mandois Blanc de Noirs 2015 and Domaine Roulot Le Citron are available at $125 per person.

10/30-11/6

Join Gracie’s Providence Hospitality and Wine Leader Justin Bothur on an unforgettable seven-night Taste of Bordeaux Wine Cruise aboard the elegant AmaDolce from October 30 – November 6, 2025. Immerse yourself in the world of fine wines, scenic vineyards, and historic towns, all while enjoying luxury accommodations, gourmet dining, unlimited wine and beer, guided shore excursions, and exclusive Grand Cru tastings. Learn more by emailing lori@innovativetravelconcepts.com. 

ONGOING EVENTS

Giusto in Newport offers a nightly shared Freestyle Tasting Menu. It’s $55 per person and suited for the whole table to participate, family style. The menu changes daily and may include dishes from the regular menu. The beverage pairing is $40 per person.

Narragansett Beer is now offering ‘Throwback Thursday” menu specials at the Providence Taproom and Brewery! On Thursdays from 4 p.m.-close, guests can enjoy a $5 Skiff Cream Ale Draft (14 oz) and six wings for $4.

Every Wednesday, the Ocean House hosts Westerly Wednesdays by offering multi-course dinner for $55 per person, plus tax and service charge, that includes a complimentary pour from the sommelier’s handpicked selection of red or white wine. Indulge in three courses, starting with options like rich tomato bisque or grilled marinated shrimp. For your entrée, savor choices such as grilled pork chop or seared salmon. Finish your meal on a sweet note with a dessert course.

Experience an afternoon tea service at Hotel Viking. Choose from a variety of loose-leaf teas to enjoy while sampling culinary delights like housemade scones, delicate finger sandwiches, petit fours and more. Teas take place Sat. and Sun. from 2–4 p.m. Reserve on the website or on resy.com. The cost is $49 per person. For more information, call 401-847-3300.

Every Wednesday all day at Newport Vineyards, guests can enjoy discounted wine and beer flights and dining specials on flight nights. Sit by the fire pits on the terrace and take part in some friendly competition playing board games. Fire pits and bar service are first come, first serve (no reservations). Indoor dining reservations are recommended. The cost is $15 per person.

Every Wednesday, Forty 1 North hosts a Fermentation Class wine tasting featuring five wines with a special theme or from a particular region accompanied by five small food pairings. Fermentation Class is held at the Oval Bar every Wednesday at 6:30-8:30 p.m. Reservations are required and this class often sells out. The cost is $45 per person. Make a reservation by calling 401-846-8012.

TRANSITIONS

Escargot at Audette. Photo courtesy of Audette.

The former Chantarelle/Bouchard Restaurant at 505 Thames Street in Newport has been reinvented as Audette. From the same owners and team as the steakhouse TSK (Thames Street Kitchen) and burger kingpin Mission, this new restaurant focuses on French cuisine. “The newest member of our little restaurant group. She’s elegant, sophisticated, older, and wiser! We will continue the legacy within these walls and embrace the French dining, white tablecloth aesthetic, while infusing a sense of approachability to the art of fine dining.” The dining room and bar are open Tuesday-Saturday from 5-9 p.m. Reservations are available on Resy.

Everyone has been trying to solve the mystery of what’s going into the former Ellie’s spot across from Providence Performing Arts Center. We finally have an answer. Here it goes: Two Per Se chef alums, who are also a couple, are opening their first restaurant together, Claudine, at 225 Weybossett Street in Providence in May. Josh Finger and Maggie McConnell met at Thomas Keller’s three-Michelin-starred Per Se in New York City, and each went on to broaden their careers in other places, then came back together again in the kitchen of the place where they met. Read more about Claudine.

Trinity Brewhouse is up for sale for $2.25 million. The brewery, owned by former state senator Josh Miller, opened in 1994 and is one of the first brewpubs in the state. Miller hopes the business will remain as Trinity Brewhouse after the sale. “The 261-seat restaurant and bar at the corner of Empire and Fountain Streets will come ready to go with all furniture, fixtures, and equipment included,” according to WPRI 12. Miller recently released a statement on social media about the potential sale: “Since 1975, I’ve had the privilege of owning and operating bars and restaurants in Providence—a journey filled with excitement, hard work, and long hours, seven days a week. Now, it’s time to slow down, but not stop. Trinity Brewhouse, including both the building and business, is officially for sale to the right buyer. This process could take weeks or even years, but one thing is certain: we’re not going anywhere. Many have asked if we’re closing — absolutely not! We will remain open seven days a week, just as always.”

The Stevens family has reached an agreement with Heritage Restaurant Group for the sale of the James Beard America’s Classics Award-winning restaurant Olneyville New York System, according to a press release received Feb. 25, 2025. “The deal encompasses both the Providence and Cranston locations. As part of the agreement, fourth-generation owners Greg Stevens and Stephanie Stevens Turini will stay on board to ensure a seamless transition with the Heritage team, and new ownership intends to retain all of Olneyville’s devoted employees and culinary offerings that Rhode Islanders have come to love,” according to the release. “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude towards our dedicated employees and loyal customers,” wrote Greg Stevens and Stephanie Turini in the release. “We approached the Heritage Restaurant Group because we are confident that they will uphold the family values and traditions that have made Olneyville N.Y. System Restaurant a beloved dining destination for almost 80 years. We are thrilled that the Schorsch family will continue our legacy for generations to come.”

Audrain Hospitality of Audrain Heritage Group also recently purchased Joe Marzilli’s Old Canteen on Federal Hill in Providence, where it plans to open a third location of Wally’s on the first floor, as well as a Copper Club speakeasy upstairs. This recent purchase joins several other recent acquisitions, including The Vanderbilt, Caleb & Broad and Flo’s Clam Shacks in Newport. Investor and entrepreneur Nicholas Schorsch is the owner of Audrain Hospitality, which already owns La Forge Casino Restaurant, Newport Craft Brewing and Distilling, the Brick Alley Pub, the Red Parrot, Wally’s Wieners, A Mano Pizza and Gelato Food Truck, Cluck House, Cluck Truck and other local businesses.

Finn’s Harborside in East Greenwich is still working on reopening. The family restaurant experienced a fire last year, and said they are still navigating rebuilding. An emailed statement explains the situation: “Since the fire, we have been working tirelessly to navigate the extensive process of reopening. From rebuilding logistics to permitting and everything in between, this journey has come with unforeseen challenges, but we remain committed to bringing Finn’s back as soon as possible. Our incredible team is the heart of Finn’s, and throughout this process, we’ve stayed in close contact with our loyal employees—keeping them updated, providing support, and doing everything in our power to ensure they have a place to return. When our doors open again, we’ll be welcoming back familiar faces as well as new team members who will help us continue the tradition of great service and hospitality that Finn’s is known for. While we can’t commit to a specific reopening date just yet, we promise to keep everyone updated as we make progress. Thank you for your patience, encouragement, and unwavering support. We’re looking forward to the day when we can once again make new memories together.”

Chapel Grille restaurant bid adieu to its iconic stone-and-stain-glassed-window home in Cranston after nearly twenty years in business. In its stead, the new owners, Carlo Carlozzi and Kyle Poland, plan to reimagine the venue as an Italian steakhouse and banquet facility called Circe Prime. This will be the third restaurant to join the Circe Group lineup, with the first two establishments located in downtown Providence and East Greenwich. Read more about the transition.

Chomp Kitchen and Drinks is opening a third location in the former Fifth Element space in Newport late this spring. Posted on Chomp’s Instagram page: “We are honored to be the new stewards of the iconic Fifth Element restaurant and join the thriving Broadway restaurant community.” Read the Rhode Island Monthly story.

OPENINGS

Fred. is now open in Providence. Photo by Sabine Green.

Fred is the new restaurant from the same owners and in the same location as the former Broadway Bistro, which was a beloved community staple for more than seventeen years. It offers local seafood with a Portuguese twist like razor clams in vinho verde with garlic and parsley and shrimp Mozambique. A burger patty is served on a Portuguese bolo with Gouda cheese and hot pepper aioli.

Public House, a new cafe from the owners of WeRoast Coffee Co., is now open in the former bank building at 210 Front St. in Lincoln. The cafe replaces the brand’s former coffee shop down the street and offers an expanded menu of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, smoothies, acai bowls and toasts along with coffee beverages. Public House is open 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Owner Teddy Sullivan says they anticipate offering evening hours with a dinner menu and cocktails later in May.

Blu Violet Roofbar got a whole new look at the Aloft Providence Downtown Hotel. New lounge seating and firepits elevate the experience at the Providence rooftop bar with a cityscape backdrop. Executive chef Cara Mourning has created a globally-influenced menu incorporating contemporary trends that she has coined “Chaotic New American.” The restaurant also launched a family-style “Girl Dinner,” featuring a Caesar salad and white truffle fries, paired with a dirty martini tower.

Maven’s Delicatessen, the popular Pawtucket Jewish deli, opened a food kiosk called Little Mavens at the brand-new Tidewater Landing Stadium, home of the Rhode Island FC soccer team.

A Guy and His Pie pizzeria opened inside the Lorraine Mills at 560 Mineral Spring Avenue in Pawtucket (park in the big lot on the left side of the building). The hours are Wednesday through Friday, 4-8 p.m., and Saturday, 3-7 p.m. Some of the Friday and Saturday hours coincide with the Crooked Current Brewery and White Dog Distillery that are both located a few doors down, so that guests can come in and grab slices or enjoy a whole pie to eat indoors or at the tables located outside all three businesses. Read more here.

Hemenway’s in Providence has reopened after renovations. The downtown Providence seafood staple has been in business for more than forty years. The new look includes a refreshed raw bar, serving new menu items against a backdrop of white quartz and new lobster tanks; enhanced views of the city throughout; and a brand-new, updated bar area with three high-top bar booths. The Raw Bar remains at the front of the restaurant, where, in addition to local oysters, littlenecks and cherrystones, shrimp cocktail, lump crab meat with creole mustard and Alaskan King Crab, guests many now enjoy a selection of crudo and tartare.

The Chanler at Cliff Walk opened a new restaurant called Remy’s Loose. The restaurant “is a testament to the hotel’s storied past and a love letter to the surrounding destination.” The waterfront location will serve French cuisine inspired by coastal Rhode Island flavors, using locally harvested seafood, carefully sourced meats and farm ingredients as well as exclusive ingredients imported from around the world. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner.

Ming’s Asian Street Food is now located in the former Edgewood Cafe as a sitdown restaurant and takeout cafe. Owners and partners Josh Burgoyne and Korn Suom opened the new spot in Cranston, where they live and grew up. “We both grew up in Cranston and spent a lot of time in and around Pawtuxet Village.We are also current Pawtuxet Village residents,” wrote the couple in an Instagram post. “We are thrilled to have a new home in the village where we will be able to bring our brand of food to our beloved neighborhood in a spot that so many already know and love. The Edgewood cafe was home to countless dinners over the course of fifteen-plus years, including a few of our own.” They are offering their usual menu as well as “a whole new level of Ming’s-inspired soul food,” including “Asian-inspired bone in fried chicken and BBQ rib dinners with sides on sides on sides!” A Guy and His Pie plans to move into the Lorraine Mills kitchen space, which will offer a sit-down dining experience, in addition to takeout pizza, hopefully by spring.

Track 15 food hall in Providence is booming. Taking over the space that once housed the original Capital Grille, Raphael’s and Bar Louie, the 18,000-square-foot development has seven tenants, including an Indian concept called Little Chaska from Sanjiv and Vandana Dhar of Kabob and Curry, Rasoi in Pawtucket, Rasa in East Greenwich, and Chaska in Cranston’s Garden City Center, as well as Tolia, which highlights a Turkish menu from chef Alp Gumuscu, who is formerly the executive chef at Yagi Noodles in Newport. Gumuscu will focus on introducing diners to the cuisine of the region of Anatolia, which surrounds Turkey, Greece and other parts of the Middle East. These two latest additions join five other concepts, including a seafood and raw bar concept from Dune Brothers; regional Mexican cuisine from chef Maria Meza and her family at Dolores; burgers and more from There, There; and two Italian concepts from Kevin O’Donnell, chef and owner of Giusto and co-owner of Mother Pizzeria in Newport. Read more.

Suya Joint recently opened at 326 Westminster St. in Providence, serving West African food. Chef and owner Cecelia Lizotte also owns a popular location in Boston.

COMING SOON

Our friends at Lucky Enough are working on a new project, a new bar and grille called High Motor in the former Doherty’s East Ave. location at 342 East Avenue in Pawtucket. They are currently under construction, but hope to be open later this spring. Follow @highmotorgrille for more updates. Read more here.

Club Frills is a new bar with a retro vibe coming soon from Pizza Marvin co-owners chef Robert Andreozzi and renowned bartender Jesse Hedberg. It will be opening in the former PVDonuts location on Ives Street sometime this year, according to Alexa Gagosz of the Boston Globe Rhode Island. Follow @clubfrillspvd for more information and updates.

Newport Restaurant Group has donated $71,142 to local nonprofits as a result of its annual, year-round gift card program. Photo courtesy of Newport Restaurant Group.