Diner’s Update

EVENTS, SPECIALS AND MENU UPDATES

11/7-11/16

Newport Restaurant Week is back, expanding into the East Bay in Warren and Bristol and down to  Jamestown and everywhere in between. More than seventy local restaurants are serving prix-fixe menus for lunch ($20 or $30) and dinner ($30, $45 or $60), all designed to help you explore the best tastes of our coastal communities. See all the menus here.

11/7-11/12

Mystic is showcasing its cocktail culture with a week’s worth of events at the Mystic Cocktail Classic, taking place November 7-12. The events will celebrate the people, stories and spirits defining the next chapter of American cocktail culture. The week includes Paired Cocktail Dinners + Panels (Fri.–Mon.) at Via Emilia, The Shipwright’s Daughter, The Port of Call, and The Jealous Monk, featuring Sother Teague, David Wondrich, Shannon Mustipher, and Jackson Cannon. The Mystic Noank Library Book Fair, including author signings, seminars, mocktails and live music (Sat., Nov. 8). A Late-Night Bar Crawl with exclusive menus, pop-ups and guest bartender takeovers, plus Industry Meet & Greets with spirits pros, writers, distillers and bartenders. Twelve semi-finalists were also just announced for the Mystic Cocktail Competition, featuring bartenders from across the country who submitted original recipes in four spirit categories. Justin Brody of Juniper Bar in Providence, earned three semifinal spots across different categories.

11/15

Bottles Fine Wines in Providence is hosting its biggest tasting of the year on Sun., Nov. 15 from 1-4 p.m. They will host over a dozen of their most trusted importers and brands to pour samples of fifty-plus wines (and it’s all free to taste)!

11/16-11/23

The Little Sisters of the Poor will hold their annual Turkey Drop from Nov. 16 to 23 at Jeanne Jugan Residence, 964 Main St. Drop off donations of frozen turkeys between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to be prepared for Thanksgiving dinner for the residents and resident meals throughout the year. For more information or to make special delivery arrangements, call 401-723-4314.

11/16

Give in to your sweet tooth at The Chocolate Expo, a day of sugary treats and engaging activities at Bally’s Twin River in Lincoln on Nov. 16 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Live demos will educate you while tastings of chocolate and baked goods will satiate you. Wear your finest knitwear and take part in the ugly sweater contest, along with other seasonal entertainment and festivities. A kids’ zone with face painting and balloon twisting will round out the event. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Tickets are $12.21–$33.19.

11/20

Sabor Latino 2025 has one more foodie event left out of three events. Rhode Island Latino Arts (RILA) is the state’s leading nonprofit dedicated to preserving and promoting Latino art, culture and history, and this is its annual autumn fundraiser. This year’s theme, A Season of Mexican Flavors & Memories, highlights the culinary excellence of Mexican-owned restaurants in Rhode Island and marks the beginning of a fall season celebrating Mexican culture. Tickets are $20 per day, or $50 for all three events, available ar rilatinoarts.org. Tickets include one drink per person and tastings of dishes. Additional food and drinks will be available for purchase. The final event is Nov. 20 at Taquería Lupita (Central Falls). Guests will experience authentic Mexican food from the Puebla region.

11/20

Courtland Club in Providence, a cocktail bar, restaurant and jazz club, is welcoming a new era of jazz, monthly on Thursdays. Following in the footsteps of the beloved Sunday jazz weekly, they are launching Expansions — a new monthly series bringing in some of the most exciting talent from beyond Rhode Island. Each Expansions night will offer two seatings at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. Guests can book a table reservation in advance or come by last-minute to secure limited bar seats (first-come, first-served). Either way, you’ll get access to the club’s full dinner and drink menu, making it a top-notch night out right in the neighborhood. On Nov. 20, Gregory Groover Jr. will perform. Read more here. 

11/21

Get ready to step into the action at the Hell’s Kitchen Dinner Experience on Fri., Nov. 21, from 6:30-9 p.m. as Little Clam at the Wayfinder in Newport hosts the ultimate culinary face-off. Chef Antonio Wormley of Little Clam challenges “Hell’s Kitchen“ Season 24’s co-star Chef Chris Faison in a live, multi-course competition where your vote decides the winner. Each round spotlights a seasonal hero ingredient, presented in two unique preparations from each chef. Cap off the evening with an intimate Chef Q&A and a toast to culinary creativity. Get tickets here.

11/22

On Saturday, November 22, Gansett Wraps will host its fifth annual turkey giveaway, providing 400 turkeys to help area families in need this holiday season. Gansett Wraps has been organizing turkey giveaways since the beginning of the pandemic as a way to say thank you for the community’s continued support. Turkeys are available on a first-come, first-served basis at all Gansett Wraps locations in North Kingstown, Narragansett, Middletown, and Westerly, RI and in Groton and Storrs, CT.

11/27

On Thursday, November 27th, The Chanler will celebrate Thanksgiving with a prix fixe menu experience at newly-opened Remy’s Loose. From 1-7pm, guests can enjoy four specially-curated courses highlighting the season’s finest flavors while taking advantage of the hotel’s stunning ocean views. The price per person is $145 + tax; Thanksgiving menu linked here and reservations can be made here.

Taste Buds Kitchen offers gingerbread decorating.

12/1-12/22

Taste Buds Kitchen in East Greenwich is hosting a gingerbread-decorating activity throughout the month of December. Participants will get to decorate their own gingerbread houses in a beautifully decorated kitchen, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for all ages. To make the experience even more enjoyable, they’ll be serving hot chocolate and providing unlimited candy for decorating. It’s a wonderful way for families to come together, channel their creativity, and enjoy some holiday cheer.

ONGOING EVENTS

Giusto’s annual Buy One, Give One Lasagna program is back for its fifth year. For guests who purchase a lasagna, Giusto will donate one to the MLK Center in Newport, and new this year, Giusto also will donate five items from their food pantry wish list as well. Lasagnas are $75 and feed 6-8 people. They can be with meat or vegetarian with mushroom bolognese. They’re also encouraging guests to donate directly to MLK Center as well. If a guest purchases a lasagna and makes a donation directly to the MLK Center, Giusto will thank that guest with a $20 gift card they can use on their next visit to Giusto (limit one per guest). Orders can be placed via phone between 1-6 p.m. by calling 401-324-7400. Lasagna pick-ups start on November 24and go through December 23.

The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection, is partnering with CY Kitchen for A Gilded Indulgence: Holiday Caviar Tasting. In partnership with caviar connoisseur Celine Yousefzadeh, founder of CY Kitchen, the experience is inspired by the mansion’s Gilded Age heritage. Guests will savor CY Kitchen’s signature CYK caviar paired with New England-style accoutrements, elegantly presented upon vintage English serveware, each piece hand-selected by Yousefzadeh to reflect the timeless elegance of The Vanderbilt. This intimate tasting marries the grandeur of the past with the sophistication of the present, including a whimsical Christmas tree adorned with bespoke caviar tins.

Burgers & Half Bottles at Parkside.

Parkside Rotisserie and Bar kicked off a new special, Burgers & Half Bottles. Every Wednesday and Thursday, starting at 5 p.m., guests can enjoy a burger paired with a half-bottle of wine (prices vary by pairing). The rotating burger lineup features American Wagyu, porcini mushroom, lobster, blue cheese & fig, and French Bistro, and the wines range from elegant French Burgundies to bold California Cabernets.

Track 15 has expanded with a new 10,000-square-foot outdoor plaza featuring seating, lawn games and a children’s play space. They’ve launched local music sessions on Friday nights with Motif magazine from 7-9:30 p.m. every Friday this fall. Mondays are trivia nights at 7 p.m.; Tuesdays feature the Karaoke Lounge starting at 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays feature Game Day with football on the big screens and a Bucket of Gansetts on special at 1 p.m. Artisan Sips Coffee Cart has also joined the food hall’s vendor lineup with a creative menu of lattes and seasonal specialties. Signature lattes include the Track 15 with chocolate, caramel and espresso; the Chocolate Covered Strawberry; and the Caramel Honey Vanilla. Seasonal specialties include the Apple Pie Chai, Blueberry Pancake iced coffee, Pumpkin Patch matcha and Pumpkin Mocha latte. Artisan Sips will be available during Track 15’s regular business hours.

Sarto introduces the new Chef’s Table, an intimate prix-fixe dinner for two, available on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings after 6:30 p.m. For $79.99, guests will savor multiple courses of seasonal Italian-inspired cuisine paired with the option to enjoy select bottles of wine at half price. Make it a weekday or Sunday tradition at a steal. Reservations are recommended at sartoprovidence.com. Sarto is also adding on a new Late Night Lounge. Every Friday and Saturday from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., guests can extend their evening with after-dinner cocktails in an atmosphere that’s as swanky as it is relaxed. Once the kitchen closes at 11 p.m., the bar takes center stage with curated cocktails, signature Negronis, and complimentary bar snacks designed to keep the night flowing.

Mill’s Tavern now has an extensive Wagyu program. From rare Japanese A5 to premium Australian Grade 6–7 Wagyu and prime grade steak, each cut comes from carefully selected vendors who share Mill’s passion for quality. For more information, visit millstavernrestaurant.com/wagyu. For reservations, call 401-272-3331 or email  info@millstavernrestaurant.com.

La Vecina in Newport is now offering brunch. Executive Chef Mariana Gonzalez-Trasvina has created a menu of authentic Mexican dishes perfect for a Sunday morning, including chilaquiles, a breakfast burrito, the La Vecina omelet, carnitas hash, steak and eggs, Tres Leches French toast, and fried chicken & churros.

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).

OPENINGS

The Blue Room jazz bar and restaurant is now open in Pawtuxet Village with live entertainment nightly.

Warwick Mall will be the new home of Rocky Point Chowder House in early December. The new restaurant is inspired by the beloved Rocky Point Park, a Rhode Island icon that brought families joy, laughter, and the taste of tradition for generations.

J.T. Commons in Middletown is now open from Newport Restaurant Group.

Newport Restaurant Group has officially opened J.T. Commons in Middletown — a new pizza-forward restaurant that replaces Foodlove Market. The space features an expansive bar, al fresco patio, and a community-centered menu from Executive Chef Walter Slater, who’s known for mentoring some of Rhode Island’s most popular pizza chefs.Guests can enjoy two signature pizza styles — Roman and Focaccia — plus sharable plates, hearty sandwiches, and a soft-serve dessert bar with house-made toppings.

Yellow Door Taqueria opened in downtown Providence. It currently has three other locations in Dorchester, the South End and Mission Hill. Located on the first floor of the Aloft Providence Downtown hotel, Yellow Door’s newest location serves modern Mexican cuisine in a high-energy atmosphere. Known for inventive street tacos and its agave spirits program, Yellow Door blends West Coast surf vibes with East Coast style. Co-owned by Dropkick Murphys’ frontman Ken Casey, husband-and-wife team Brian O’Donnell and Taniya Nayak (HGTV, Food Network), and hospitality expert Colleen Hagerty, these neighborhood spots serve adventurous cocktails and a lively twist on traditional Mexican street food.

Anna’s pizzeria is now open on the East Side of Providence inside the former Piemonte, next to Frank & Laurie’s. The business started out as Anna’s Vesuviano, a mobile pizza oven, but now it’s a bricks and mortar spot with a wood-fired oven pumping out margherita, provola and summer tomato pies. It’s open Wed.-Sun., 5-10 p.m.

TRANSITIONS

Neptune will soon launch Memere’s restaurant.

Michael Lester, formerly of the legendary The Dorrance, is back on the Providence dining scene with the opening of Memere’s inside the newly rebranded Neptune (formerly the Dean). The restaurant is located in the former north space, where Thick Neck last had a pop-up residence. The restaurant is inspired by Lester’s grandmother, and the menu delivers New England comfort food with a Quebecois twist — or, in Lester’s words, “Montreal during the week and Paris on the weekends.”

Pawtucket’s famous nationally recognized landmark, the Modern Diner, is up for sale. The breakfast spot inside of a 1940s Sterling Streamliner, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is looking for a new owner to take over for the family that ran it for decades. Nick Demou started working at the Modern Diner with his father, Arthur Demou, in 1985. The family, including Nick and his father, Nick’s sister and his brother-in-law, ran it for nearly four decades. “This is a bittersweet decision,” says Nick Demou, who grew up in Pawtucket. “The Modern Diner has been part of our family for generations and we’ve loved every moment of serving our neighbors, watching families grow, and being a source of comfort and nostalgia.” During the transition, the Modern Diner will remain fully operational and continue to be run by the family. Guests can expect the same warm service, classic dishes, and familiar faces throughout the process. The sale includes the iconic diner car structure, the business and real estate. Interested parties should contact Brian LaFauci at Won Strategy at 401-533-3991.

The Jewish deli Maven’s Delicatessen is opening a second location on Providence’s Thayer Street this fall, called Maven’s Jr. Diners can expect the same pastrami and corned beef sandwiches, bagels, salmon and lox, matzo ball soup and more, now steps away from Brown University.

Easy Entertaining is teaming up with Linden Place in Bristol as its new catering partner. The Providence-based hospitality company is known for its seasonal menus and flawless event execution for weddings, corporate meetings, community events and intimate celebrations. While Linden Place will honor existing contracts with Russell Morin Catering and Events through 2027, Easy Entertaining is now the lead catering partner.

NOTABLES

RI Hospitality has opened public voting for the 2025 ANCHORS, recognizing standout chefs, restaurants and hospitality professionals across Rhode Island. Community members can help decide this year’s winners in categories like Chef of the Year, Restaurant of the Year and Emerging Leader through November 30th at 2025 Public Voting! The ANCHORS Survey.

Executive chef Cara Mourning of Blu Violet Rooftop Bar shows off her dish she made n “Hell’s Kitchen.”

“Hell’s Kitchen” premiered its twenty-fourth season on FOX, and it features two Rhode Island-based chefs. Executive Chef Cara Mourning of Blu Violet Rooftop Bar at the Aloft Providence Downtown hotel is competing on this season. During the season premiere, chef Mourning made a bold impression by presenting the very first dish to chef Gordon Ramsay, who exclaimed, “Watermelon? Fake tuna?!” The show also features Chef Antonio Wormley of Little Clam at The Wayfinder in Newport. Wormley focuses on New England seafood. He and Mourning are two of fifty chefs chosen nationwide.