Diner’s Update

OPENINGS AND UPDATES

The Bassett House patio. Photo by Jamie Coelho.

Bassett House and The Alibi Room are opening this December at 18 Bassett Street in Providence’s Jewelry District. The Alibi Room will serve as a friendly neighborhood bar while Bassett House is focusing on its private-event space and a large seasonal outdoor patio. “Bassett House has always felt like it should be shared,” says Jim Low, co-owner of Bassett House and The Alibi Room. “We wanted to create something that feels welcoming and personal — a place that respects the character of the property but gives people new reasons to discover it, gather here and make it their own.” Chef Michael Johnson created a menu of shared plates including lamb chop lollipops, Swedish meatballs, a trio of deviled eggs with a choice of classic, street corn or carbonara preparations, and Alibi sliders in varieties like chicken cordon bleu, burger or meatball on toasted potato rolls.

Hope & Main has officially launched the West End Kitchens in Providence. The expansion allows food entrepreneurs and small food and drink businesses better access to commercial kitchens to launch, scale and compete in the marketplace. The new kitchens at 945 Westminster St. have already kicked off thirty-five food and beverage businesses since opening its doors on June 26.

David Burke Prime Steakhouse at Foxwoods has reopened after a temporary closure during which the restaurant underwent significant renovations and enhancements.

FeedRI and Ocean State Food Pantry, a ministry of Legacy Church, have partnered to open a new affordable community market at 211 Buttonwoods Ave. in Warwick. The market offers groceries and household essentials at significantly reduced or no cost for individuals and families facing food insecurity, with a shopping environment designed to preserve dignity and choice. The Warwick market is modeled in part after FeedRI’s Hope Market in Rumford and builds on the organization’s broader work across Rhode Island, including food rescue, school-based pantries and other efforts to make nutritious food more accessible.

The latest Nitro Bar is now open at 134 Ives St. in Providence, where Glou used to be.

Dave’s Hot Chicken opened its newest location at 1200 Fall River Ave. in Seekonk, Massachusetts.

La Fe Taqueria opened in the former Blue Cottage space on Hope Street in Providence. The business is partially owned by the the owner of Lotus Pepper.

Kingfish in Warren is open. Walk-ins only. They are offering $2 shucks on Mondays. The seafood-focused restaurant is open Thursday through Monday, starting at 4 p.m.

TRANSITIONS

Ten Prime Seafood from Chow Fun Food Group may have closed, but the space has transformed into a new concept called CUT 123, which focuses on steaks and burgers. Read more.

Newport Restaurant Group is developing a new restaurant concept for the former Applebee’s space at Garden City Center in Cranston. The restaurant at 24 Midway Rd. will be the group’s nineteenth location and its second at Garden City, where Avvio has operated since 2016. The concept is still in development, and NRG says the restaurant will create dozens of jobs within its 100 percent employee-owned company.

Maven’s Delicatessen launched wholesale operations in late October after expanding into the space next door to its Pawtucket location. The new baking facility will produce its breads, bagels and cookies, allowing the business to grow. Read more.

The former Quito’s Restaurant at 411 Thames St. in Bristol now has new owners and will be called Q’s Waterfront by O.M.G., a locally operated restaurant concept led by hospitality professionals Frank Martucci, Adam “Opie” Oppenheimer and Anthony Guaetta. Together, the partners plan to create a modern New England waterfront dining experience featuring a seafood-forward menu, quality ingredients and a broad selection of non-seafood offerings, complemented by a creative beverage program.

The Boat House in Tiverton is closed for renovations, and will reopen in the spring of 2027. When it reopens, guests can look forward to a refreshed dining room and bar and outdoor expansion. The revitalized space will feature a brand-new outdoor bar on the North Patio with panoramic views of Mount Hope Bay, as well as additional seating and a new awning on the South Patio.

CLOSINGS

Rise ‘n’ Shine Coffee Bar on Smith Hill in Providence will be closing on Nov. 22 after five years in business. Read the Instagram post announcing the closing.

Clementine, the cocktail bar owned by David Cicilline, has closed. A message posted on Instagram from the Clementine team stated: “After four great years, Clementine has closed its doors. We would like to take this time to thank every one of you who walked through our doors, made our home your home, your stop before dinner at one of our neighbors, or your nightcap after a show at Trinity Rep. We couldn’t have asked for better company these 4 years. Keep your eyes on 200 Washington Street over the following weeks to see what amazing things will happen next at this truly special little spot, and thank you again.”

Sin Bakery closed permanently on Halloween, but former  owner Jennifer Luxmoore announced that Babes Pie Co. is scheduled to move into the space soon. “Having such a vibrant, talented team bring life back to this storefront is going to be so amazing for the neighborhood. We know 1413 Westminster St. is in wonderful hands!” she said in an Instagram post.

EVENTS, SPECIALS AND MENU UPDATES

11/6-11/15

The flavors of nine coastal communities, all rolled up into 10 savory days. Newport Restaurant Week takes place annually each fall, the perfect setting for this well-seasoned event. Choose from an array of prix-fixe menus for lunch ($20 or $30) and dinner ($30, $45, or $60).

11/13-11/14

This fall, Ocean House will welcome chefs from Twin Farms and Manoir Hovey for an exclusive two-night Relais & Châteaux culinary collaboration at COAST. Taking place November 13 and 14, the dinners will bring together the culinary identities of coastal Rhode Island, rural Vermont and Québec’s Eastern Townships through a collaborative six-course tasting menu. Highlights will include bluefin tuna tartlet, fried chicken with caviar, foie gras torchon, chitarra with local shellfish, Ocean House tautog, and Vermont Wagyu striploin. The dinner is priced at $245 per person, with an optional $175 wine pairing. Reservations can be made via OpenTable.

11/14

RI Hospitality is hosting a ServSafe® Food Safety Manager Certification class this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza in Warwick! This is the only Saturday class being offered in the month of November and is a great opportunity for anyone looking to get certified or renew their credentials without missing time during the weekday work schedule. Registration in advance is required. Visit rihospitality.org for prices or contact Traci Dufresne at traci@rihospitality.org and 401-223-1120.

11/14

Sakonnet Vineyard is hosting its pop-up holiday market with Juicy Market this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. The event will feature fourteen local vendors and live music by Alex Cohen from 1 to 4 p.m., as well as seasonal wine tastings and fresh, seasonal dishes from their vineyard kitchen.

11/16-11/29

This weekend marks the last chance to experience the third installment of Celeste’s Fall Harvest series before it transitions into the fourth and final seasonal menu, running November 16 through November 29. The third Fall Harvest menu features roasted Rhode Island mushrooms; chioggia beets & citrus salad; wild mushroom & barley soup; sweet potato gnocchi with confit chicken leg; and sweet potato & lobster stuffed flounder. The final Fall Harvest Menu consists of baked gnocchi; roasted Rhode Island mushroom tart; potato & leek soup; roasted Rhode Island mushroom tagliatelle; and sweet potato & lobster stuffed flounder.

11/17

Enjoy a delicious meal while supporting the future of the Middletown Public Library! The Friends of the Middletown Public Library invite the community to participate in a special Dine Out fundraiser at J.T. Commons Pizza & Eats on Tues., Nov. 17 from 4-10 p.m. Located at 1037 Aquidneck Ave. in Middletown, J.T. Commons is partnering with the Friends of the Middletown Public Library to help raise funds for the library’s new facility. During the event, 10 percent of each sale will be donated to the Middletown Public Library, helping support the effort to equip and enhance the new library for the community.

11/18

Tarci & Alp of Tolia and Pizza Wine are taking over Mother Pizzeria in Newport for its Pizza Oven Guest Chef Takeover Series. They will be there on Nov. 18 from 5-9 p.m. The team will feature one snack and one pizza, alongside Mother’s regular menu.

11/18

Picture this: a table at Gracie’s, a glass of wine from Long Island’s North Fork in your hand, and the person who made it standing right there to tell you the story of it. Thomas Spotteck of Lenz Winery is joining Gracie’s in Providence on Nov. 18 from 5:30-8 p.m. for its next Winemaker’s Dinner, and chef Matthew Varga is crafting a five-course tasting menu to pair with each of his wines. You’ll taste, you’ll ask questions, and you’ll hear the story behind every pour while the next course is on its way. Reserve your spot.

11/20

On Friday, November 20, Rhode Island filmmaker Kirk Benttinen will premiere The Pizza Principal, a feature-length documentary, along with three short films, in the first public showcase of his new project, RI Docs. This premiere transforms the traditional film screening into a community event. Tickets are now available for a vibrant local festival featuring local food and drink specials, sidewalk performances, a post-screening Q&A with the filmmakers and movie participants, special appearances, a secret door prize for attendees, a VIP afterparty and, of course, pizza. The night begins from 5-7 p.m.  when participating neighborhood restaurants and bars will offer specials for ticket holders. From 7-8 p.m., Uptown Theater doors will open with roving performers, Rhode Island pizza trivia, pizza strip hors d’oeuvres and more. From 8-9:45 p.m., there will be a welcome from Providence Department of Art, Culture and Tourism Director Joe Wilson, Jr. followed by the world premiere of three RI Docs shorts and The Pizza Principal, followed by a Q&A with director Kirk Benttinen and an afterparty.

11/20-12/31

Miracle on Chalkstone is back at Gilligan’s Pub in Providence starting on Nov. 20, and featuring over the top kitschy, festive décor and a themed cocktail menu with fan favorites such as the Christmapolitan and Snowball Old-Fashioned. New this year are Sugarplum Stampede, Sleigh-Saurus, and Merry Mouse-Tail.

11/21

Sabor Latino returns Nov. 21 to Casa Azul Taqueria in Providence on Nov. 21 from 2:30-4:30 p.m. $25 tickets include food samplings, one non-alcoholic drink and live music by Giancarlo Buscaglia. Cash bar. Guests will have four chances to play Lotería, a traditional Mexican game of pictures, poetry and luck that is often compared to bingo, but instead of listening for letters and numbers, players watch for colorful images such as La Sirena (the Mermaid), El Melón (the Melon), La Botella (the Bottle), and La Luna (the Moon).

11/21-11/22

Ampersand Creative Co. is bringing The Good Trade Makers Market back to WaterFire Arts Center in Providence for its sixth consecutive year on November 21 and 22 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Attendees can kick-off the holiday shopping season with nearly 100 independent makers offering home decor, art, gourmet food items, apothecary products, apparel, accessories, jewelry, and much more. This year’s lineup includes small businesses from Rhode Island and ten other states. Advance tickets are available now for $8 online and $10 at the door. Admission includes a drink ticket redeemable for a small beverage from participating beverage sponsors or a discount on a full-sized beverage. Visit goodtrademakersmarket.com for tickets, additional event information and the full vendor lineup.

11/22

Get ready to celebrate the season of gratitude at the annual Cranberry-Craze Thanksgiving Specialty Farmers Market on Sun., Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tiverton Middle School for a day filled with local charm and delicious offerings. Discover more than fifty amazing vendors showcasing everything from mouthwatering cranberry-infused treats to fresh vegetables and cranberries, local seafood and meats, baked goods, coffee & teas and specialty chocolates. Don’t miss out on unique finds — think cozy alpaca wear, stunning artwork, functional pottery, tree to table goods, body care and pet-friendly gifts. Look for special items like LaRose Chocolates’ delicious cranberry infused bon bons and mini loafs, Jaffal Chocolate’s “Massachusetts Special” bar, featuring 72% Filipino dark chocolate blended with sweet dried cranberries grown right here in Massachusetts, Crazy Uncle Red’s cranberry hot pepper jelly and Pet Wants all natural pumpkin & cranberry mini-biscuit dog treats. Enjoy the sounds of the Anderson-Gram Duo as you shop and sample, all while supporting our local & regional farms and artisans. And remember, entry is free.

11/23 through Christmas

Beginning on Mon., Nov. 23, Harry’s Bar & Burger will transform both of its Providence locations into festive Christmas wonderlands, complete with holiday decorations, seasonal food and cocktails, giveaways and surprise visits from “Santa Harry.” There will also be a new Golden Ticket Giveaway with a chance to win a year’s worth of burgers and fries. Other highlights include the 12 Days of Christmas (December 7–18) for daily specials and events, including 50-cent wings, holiday trivia, half-price milkshakes, beer specials, giveaways and an ugly sweater contest.

11/26

Local Options for Thanksgiving Dinner and Desserts in Rhode Island

11/26

This Thanksgiving, FeedRI will host its third annual Friendsgiving celebration on Thurs., Nov. 26 in partnership with Providence-based catering company Easy Entertaining. FeedRI will transform Farm Fresh RI into a festive gathering space, offering thousands of Rhode Islanders who experience food insecurity a traditional Thanksgiving meal and the chance to celebrate the holiday together. Friendsgiving has become a meaningful annual tradition that ensures individuals and families experiencing food insecurity or hardship can enjoy Thanksgiving. Chefs Ashley Vansasse and Andre Lopez of Easy Entertaining will lead a team of volunteers to prepare the feast. Local businesses and community partners make the celebration possible, including Quality Food Company of West Warwick, Easy Entertaining of Providence, Wright’s Creamery, Johnson & Wales University, Resmini Law, and numerous local restaurants, retailers and corporate supporters. Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery will also donate freshly baked pies for guests to enjoy during the Thanksgiving feast.

11/26

The Chanler at Cliff Walk is serving an elegant four-course Thanksgiving feast blending cherished traditions with the season’s best flavors – with menu highlights including the Green Circle Heritage Turkey and coastal takes on the holiday’s classics. Set against breathtaking ocean views, the meal will conclude with a Parisian-inspired dessert confiserie with sweets prepared by the property’s pastry team. Reservations are required and the cost is $150 per person, and $60 for ages twelve and younger.

12/2

The team from Giusto is taking over Mother Pizzeria in Newport for its Pizza Oven Guest Chef Takeover Series. They will be there on Dec. 2 from 5-9 p.m. The team will feature one snack and one pizza, alongside Mother’s regular menu.

Sip and Shop at Sakonnet Vineyard.

12/5

Sakonnet Vineyard will host its third annual Shop, Sip and Visit festive welcome to the holiday season on Sat., Dec. 5 from noon to 4 p.m. Guests may sip, shop and celebrate the holiday season with a glass of wine while crossing gifts off their list by shopping with Juicy Market. Photos with Santa are complimentary. Guests should bring their own camera, as a professional photographer is not provided. Santa will visit from 2 to 3 p.m. Guests are also encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Tiverton Police Department’s ‘Operation: Blue Santa’ program.

12/6

Munroe Dairy will welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Sacred Cow Market and Cafe on Sun., Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for a free, family-friendly holiday celebration. Kids of all ages are invited to chat with Santa, pose for complimentary photos, and step into the Sacred Cow’s professional kitchen to decorate their own Christmas cookies. Guests should plan to take their own photos, as no professional photographer is provided. Guests can enjoy Munroe Dairy’s famous eggnog while shopping for their favorite Munroe Dairy holiday items at the Market, including coffee milk, holiday pies, cakes, cookies, and seasonal treats.

12/15

Rosie and Rich DiMare of “The Real Housewives of Rhode Island” will host a festive holiday event, “A Very DiMare Holiday,” at Rochambeau in Boston. Guests are invited to enjoy a magical evening filled with live music, charcuterie, bubbles and holiday treats with the reality stars. Rich will perform holiday tunes with his three-piece band, and Rosie will serve as the evening’s special MC. Tickets are $75 (plus tax) and will include a welcome glass of bubbles, a charcuterie station and a holiday cookie station. To purchase tickets and read more about the event, please visit Rochambeau’s Eventbrite page.

12/31

This New Year’s Eve, Blu Violet at Aloft Providence  is inviting Providence to leave the ordinary behind and step into a world of glitter, disco, cocktails and celebration. Inspired by the legendary Studio 54 era, the evening will feature themed cocktails, curated culinary offerings, vibrant entertainment, dancing, and an electric countdown to midnight. With tickets starting at just $54 per person and exclusive overnight packages available, this is shaping up to be one of the hottest New Year’s Eve celebrations in Providence. Additional details, entertainment announcements, and VIP experiences will be revealed soon.

12/30

Track 15 in downtown Providence is hosting a three-part Sip & Learn Wine Tasting Series beginning in November. Explore the traditions, terroir and profiles that define some of the world’s most iconic wines on Thursday, November 12 (Napa Valley), Thursday, December 3 (France), and Wednesday, December 16 (Piedmont, Italy).  Each event begins at 6 p.m. The cost is $50 per person; space is limited. For tickets, visit track15ri.com/events.

1/30

Tickets are now on sale for the fourteenth annual Rhode Island Brew Fest, returning Sat., Jan. 30 to the WaterFire Arts Center. The winter tasting event will feature more than fifty breweries and more than 200 styles of beer, bringing together local and regional favorites alongside national producers. Guests can explore new styles, connect with brewery representatives and discover the creativity and craftsmanship behind each pour. Guests can choose between two sessions: 1–4 p.m. or 5:30–8:30 p.m. General admission advance tickets are $60 and include beer samples and a commemorative pint glass, with food available for purchase. $20 designated driver tickets are also available. All attendees must be twenty-one or older. The door price is $70 for general admission, and $25 for designated drivers.

ONGOING EVENTS

Celeste in Narragansett has launched a new fall harvest menus, running through November 29. Executive Chef Andy Gould created four distinct two-week menus that highlight the best seasonal ingredients from local favorites like Cato’s Corner Farm, Narragansett Creamery, and the Narragansett Bay Lobster Company. The menu includes a lineup of autumn dishes, including sweet corn and fennel velouté, braised lamb pappardelle, sweet potato gnocchi with confit chicken, and sweet potato and lobster-stuffed flounder.

Oct. 1-31, Track 15 is running Lights On Plates Full, a monthlong dine-for-a-cause program featuring special dishes from all seven of its vendors. For every participating plate purchased through Oct. 31, $1 will be donated to one of seven Rhode Island nonprofits supporting local youth. The participating dishes range from Little Chaska’s Pumpkin Curry and Dune Brothers’ Crispy Spicy Hot Fish Sandwich to There, There’s Rodeo Burger, with each vendor supporting a different local organization.

Game day package at J.T. Commons.

J.T. Commons in Middletown is offering a Game Day Package for your next watch party. The package serves six to eight and includes a choice of two of J.T.’s signature focaccia pizzas, including the Just Cheese, Pepperoni, Sausage, Peppers & Onions or the RI Red with signature red sauce and grated parmesan; as well as two pounds of buffalo, barbecue or plain wings; and choice of spinach and artichoke dip, served hot with house-made corn tortilla chips, or French onion dip, served cold with house-made potato chips. Orders must be placed thirty-six hours in advance. Any order cancellations less than twenty-four hours before pickup time will be subject to a 25 percent charge. The cost is $95; tax and gratuity are additional.

At Beech in Jamestown, every Sunday is “Bolognese Sunday” where they bring back this beloved guest favorite dish exclusively on Sundays for $36. The dish is a traditional recipe from Bologna, Italy, made with a five-hour simmered sauce and housemade tagliatelle pasta.

Ten Steak & Sushi located at 55 Pine St. in Providence is offering a new Social Hour Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 6 p.m., which includes a full menu of elevated bar bites, $10 cocktails and half-priced wine. Small bites include Chips & Dip ($9) with the option to add caviar ($14); tenderloin yakitori with garlic mango sauce ($12); deluxe truffle fries ($10); jumbo shrimp cocktail with Old Bay and bloody mary cocktail sauce ($12 for four shrimp); tuna crispy rice: tuna, avocado, crispy rice, spicy mayo and sriracha ($10); California roll: lump crab, cucumber and tobiko ($10); spicy ahi tuna maki with cucumber, spicy mayo and togarashi ($10); and Rhode Island calamari with banana peppers and jalapeño tartar sauce ($14). $10cocktails include the Ten Prime Martini with 10 Prime Organic Vodka and blue cheese stuffed olives; Ten’s signature mojito with Bacardi Superior, muddled lime and mint; red or white sangria; and the Moscow mule with 10 Prime Organic Vodka, ginger beer and lime. A selection of wines are available for half-price during Social Hour, including Torresella Rosé Prosecco ($6), Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc ($6), Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio ($7), Carpineto Dogojolo Sangiovese ($6), the 2021 Cambria Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir ($8), and the 2021 Ely Callaway Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon ($8).

FOOD TOURS

Get a feel for the Providence and Newport dining scenes with Rhode Island Red Food Tours. For Rhode Island Monthly magazine’s Best of Rhode Island Award-winning Downcity Providence Food Tour, delicious adventure awaits where food, art, and architecture collide in Providence’s vibrant Downcity Arts District. Sample from diverse Rhode Island favorites and award-winning culinary restaurants, and between bites get an insider’s view of this lively and creative small city. Expert guides will help you discover the treasure of epicurean favorites, hidden art, historic architectural gems, sharing local stories and the many happenings to be found in Rhode Island’s Creative Capital. Tours take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, mid-April through November. Tickets are $79 Per Person (no alcohol) or $99 Per Person (with alcohol), or $105 (no alcohol with Rhode Island Food Crawls book) or $125 (with alcohol and Rhode Island Food Crawls Book).

During the Rhode Island Red Food Tours’ Newport Neighborhood Tour, guests will discover diverse, eclectic out-of-the-way neighborhood eateries – with a homespun vibe, where the locals know to go as well as hotbeds of food and fun in the more traveled parts of the city. Step inside some of what may appear as a hole-in-the-wall café or an authentic, cozy 18th century tavern and you will be surprised to find a mouthwatering food scene, using both cultural & regional influences with a strong commitment to sustainable ingredients. Tours take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, mid-April through November. Tickets are $79 Per Person (no alcohol) or $99 Per Person (with alcohol), or $105 (no alcohol with Rhode Island Food Crawls book) or $125 (with alcohol and Rhode Island Food Crawls Book).

NOTABLES

Newport Restaurant Group is marking thirty years of employee ownership this year, coinciding with Employee Ownership Month in October. Of NRG’s 1900 employees, approximately 1,100 are year-round with 850 added during peak season.

The 2027 volunteer schedule is now available for the Warm-A-Heart Gingerbread Program. Join the team at Gracie’s and Ellie’s in helping Rhode Island families in need this holiday season, by assembling the Warm-A-Heart Gingerbread Kits. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday kit production will be located at  Refocus at 45 Greeley St. in Providence.