Diner’s Update

EVENTS, SPECIALS AND MENU UPDATES

9/1-10/31

The patio at India.

India Restaurant on Hope Street is launching a two-month humanitarian fundraiser to support children in Gaza. From September 1 through October 31, 2025, 100 percent of proceeds from the restaurant’s Grab & Go meals will be donated to UNICEF USA, providing food, medical care and emotional support to children affected by the ongoing crisis. Recognizing the complexity and deep pain surrounding the conflict in the region, India Restaurant is approaching this initiative with humility and a singular focus: the wellbeing of innocent children. “We believe that acts of kindness—especially those that transcend borders and divisions—are powerful expressions of our shared humanity,” said Amar Singh, owner of India Restaurant. “Our hope is not to take sides, but to extend compassion and affirm the values of mercy, dignity, and care for the vulnerable.” Grab & Go meals will be available daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. For $13.99, guests may choose from chicken tikka masala, saag paneer, or Punjabi chole as part of the Grab-and-Go menu.

9/17, 10/9, 11/20

Sabor Latino 2025 kicks off today with a special tasting event at Tuxpan Taqueria on Sept. 17 from 6-7:30 p.m. 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 at rilatinoarts.com. Tickets include one drink per person and tastings of dishes. Additional food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Across three evenings, you’ll enjoy a taste of these three different Mexican restaurants:
• Sept. 17 – Tuxpan Taquería (Central Falls): Food from the Veracruz Region
• Oct. 9 – Maíz Mexican Food (Providence): Food from the Central Region
• Nov. 20 – Taquería Lupita (Central Falls): Authentic Mexican food from the Puebla Region

9/18

Courtland Club in Providence is celebrating the Fall Equinox with a new cocktail menu from 5 p.m. to midnight. The cocktail bar, restaurant and jazz club is also welcoming a new era of jazz next Thursday, September 25. 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.

9/18-9/21

Tickets for all the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival events at Rosecliff and Marble House – including twenty-three tasting seminars, the Vintner Dinner, Sunday Jazz Brunch, “Conversation with Marcus Samuelsson” and a new feature, Soiree du Vin, are now on sale to the public. Chef Samuelsson is the culinary force behind esteemed restaurants in New York, New Jersey, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, The Bahamas, Canada, and Ethiopia. He has won eight James Beard Foundation Awards and appears on TV shows such as the Food Network’s “Chopped,” Peacock’s “Top Chef: Family Style” and Netflix’s “Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend.” Samuelsson will host the annual Vintner Dinner on September 19, creating a signature first course for the evening, followed by courses from Chefs Kevin Des Chenes, Terence Feury and Adam Young. He will also be featured September 20 at Rosecliff for “In Conversation with Chef Marcus Samuelsson,” where he will share stories from his remarkable culinary journey and his distinctive approach to flavor and culture. Three days of tasting seminars will explore wines from around the world as well as spirits and craft beer. Wine & Food Festival tickets also include access to the Tasting Tent, where wineries and distributors, other beverage vendors and local restaurants will offer samples. Tasting plates for all wine seminars are generously provided by D’Artagnan, one of the festival’s Grand Cru Sponsors along with Amelia wines; Bhakta Spirits; Basil Hayden; Benchmark Senior Living; Buglioni vineyards; Chairman’s Reserve Rum; Hardy Cognac; Kobrand Fine Wine and Spirits; Luxury Brands/Viña Concha y Toro; Minus 196 Vodka Seltzer; Quigley Fine Wines; and Terrunyo wines.

OysterFest. Photo by Jamie Coelho.

9/20

The eleventh annual Ocean State Oyster Festival takes place on Saturday, Sept. 20 from 1–8 p.m., featuring sixteen Rhode Island oyster farms, live music, craft beer and wine, and food trucks in 195 District Park, next to the pedestrian walk bridge along the Providence River. Tickets are $15 per person in advance (Save 25 percent). Oyster and drink tickets available for purchase separately. There is no rain date, this is a weather permitting event. Children/teens ages fourteen and younger are free. Live music includes David Tessier’s All-Stars (6-8 p.m.); The Z-Boys (4-6 p.m.); The Black Pearl’s (2-4 p.m.); Jake Hunsinger (solo)(1-2 p.m.)

9/21, 9/28

Starting every Sunday in September, the Weekapaug Inn will host Sunday Harvest Table. Inspired by communal farm dinners, guests will gather at farm tables for a three-course meal created from seasonal produce and proteins. A farmer will also be on hand to talk about the fall harvest incorporated into the dinner. Adults are $65 each and children ages four to twelve are $25.

9/27

The USA Today Wine & Food Experience is coming to 195 District Park in Providence on September 27. Taste foods from acclaimed local chefs, emerging talent and culinary leaders. Sip premier wine, beer and spirits from the best regional and national brands. To purchase tickets, select your quantity of either early ($70) or general ($60) admission.

9/27

Narragansett Beer is hosting Narragansett Neighbor Day on Sat., Sept. 27 from noon–5 p.m. Living up to their “Hi-Neighbor, Have A ‘Gansett” slogan and as a proud New England staple for 135 years, ’Gansett is bringing the community together for a free, family-friendly afternoon of local food, brews, music and celebration. Highlights include a kick-off run organized by the ‘Gansett Run Club at 11 a.m., a ‘Gansett beer garden serving up your faves (twenty-one-plus), tasty bites and delights from the ‘Gansett taproom and Providence Food Truck Events, local artisans and vendors on-site in collaboration with Field of Artisans, and live music featuring Rhode Island bands The Quahogs (1 p.m.) and High Planes (4 p.m.) and more. 

9/28

Mill’s Tavern in Providence is hosting a Gilded Age Afternoon Tea at the Tavern on Sun., Sept. 28 from 1 to 4 p.m. Step back in time for an elegant Gilded Age-inspired tea service featuring a thoughtfully crafted menu that captures the charm and sophistication of the era. Guests will enjoy premium teas from Harney & Sons alongside an artful selection of sweet and savory bites from Executive Chef Ed Bolus and Executive Pastry Chef Samantha Del Arroyo. Sweet treats will include assorted macarons, zucchini cake with white chocolate-cream cheese cremeux, Millionaire’s shortbread and white chocolate mousse with strawberries, vanilla pound cake and lavender-mascarpone cream. Freshly-baked scone flavors will feature apricot and white chocolate and rosemary and cheddar with maple glaze, served with lemon curd, Devonshire cream and blueberry jam. Savory sandwiches will include lobster rolls, roast beef and brie, and almond butter and peach jam. The cost is $45 per person; tax and gratuity are additional. For reservations, call 401-272-3331 or email info@millstavernrestaurant.com.

9/30

Join Charter Books in Newport on Sept. 30 from 6-7 p.m. for an evening with New York hospitality professional and James Beard Award-winning author Adam Reiner to discuss his new book The Rules of Dining Out: An Insider’s Guide to Enjoying Restaurants. If you’re a foodie or the designated restaurant reservation expert of your family/friend then join Adam as he tells you the A to Z of getting the most out of your restaurant experience. This event is free and open to the public, kindly RSVP and share with your friends. The conversation will be moderated by Boston Globe Rhode Island reporter Alexa Gagosz.

10/2

Indulge in Savor the Flavors of Rhode Island, a tasting event celebrating the Ocean State’s finest cuisine and beverages. Held at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston on Thurs., Oct. 2 from 6 to 9 p.m., this fun-filled evening includes delicious samples from over forty local restaurants, bakeries, breweries and distributors; and an auction featuring signature items – all while supporting the athletes of Special Olympics Rhode Island. Tickets are $100 per person and include admission to event from 6-9 p.m., access to over 40 vendor tables, featuring fine foods, desserts and beverages, unlimited tastings, online and silent auction, and a complimentary gift. Your ticket purchase directly contributes to Special Olympics Rhode Island’s mission of providing sports training, competition opportunities, and inclusion programs for Rhode Islanders with intellectual disabilities, at no charge to them or their families.

10/4

10/11-10/12

Sakonnet Vineyard in Little Compton will officially celebrate its fiftieth anniversary with a festive two-day harvest celebration on Saturday, October 11 and Sunday, October 12. Family-friendly and open to the public, the event will feature live music, wine tastings, food, seasonal activities, and a special Sunday harvest market showcasing local makers and educators. On Sat., Oct. 11, there will be live music from the Dave Alves Band from 1–4 p.m., all-day self-guided vineyard walking tour & scavenger hunt with stops highlighting Sakonnet’s history and sustainable practices, and old-fashioned outdoor fun for all ages. On Sun., Oct. 12, there will be a Harvest Market in collaboration with Tiverton Farmers Market featuring 60–70 local vendors, makers, and growers, as well as educational sessions and demonstrations led by regional experts in regenerative farming, beekeeping, winemaking and more.

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.

10/31

Ghosts of the American Revolution will take place at the Vanderbilt in Newport on Fri., Oct. 31 from 6-10 p.m. Hosted within the Newport mansion, this year’s Halloween celebration invites guests to step back in time for a spirited evening where colonial history meets the supernatural. Candlelit halls will come alive with ghostly patriots, rebellious specters, and haunted aristocrats, setting the stage for an unforgettable night. The soirée will feature a cocktail-style reception with an open bar and decadent passed and stationed food. Adding to the spectacle, New York-based theatrical troupe No Ring Circus will animate the evening with immersive performances ranging from magicians and mentalists to dancers, singers, and fortune tellers. Open to both hotel guests and local visitors for $300 a ticket, this 21+ event promises interactive entertainment, mischievous indulgence, and a delightfully haunting celebration inside one of Newport’s storied landmarks.

11/7-11/12

Mystic has become one of New England’s premier food destinations—now it’s time to showcase its cocktail culture. With exceptional local talent, innovative bar programs and world-class producers, the Mystic Cocktail Classic, November 7-12, 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.

CLOSINGS

After six years in business and pivoting during the pandemic, Tiny Bar in Providence will close its doors on Monday, Sept. 29. In an Instagram post, Tiny Bar stated: “When we opened in November 2019, our guiding values were community, celebration, and connection. Just a few months later, COVID changed everything — but even as we pivoted to an outdoor-only bar with masks and social distancing, we stayed true to those values. We’ve always strived to be a place where everyone felt welcome, safe, and seen. Now, six years later, it’s time to close this chapter. We are infinitely grateful to our guests, vendors, partners, and staff—you are our everything. We’ll continue operating as we always have through the end of September, and all private parties and events will happen as scheduled. We’ve also got some fun send-off events planned, so don’t be a stranger – come raise a glass and help us say goodbye!”

We’re also losing Justine’s in Providence. The speakeasy located in Olneyville, behind a lingerie window display, will close its doors on Sat. Sept. 6. The next door bar, the Knight Library, will also be closed temporarily for some necessary upgrades.

ONGOING EVENTS

Track 15 has expanded with a new 10,000-square-foot outdoor plaza featuring seating, lawn games and a children’s play space. 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 in Providence.

Sarto in Providence.

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.

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).

The Beatrice hotel is offering a “Choose Your Own Providence” summer package. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a summer picnic with prosecco and cheese. Culture seekers can opt for a private gondola ride along Providence’s picturesque waterways. Alternatively, foodies can enjoy a $75 dining credit and a copy of the new book Rhode Island Food Crawls to explore the local culinary scene. This package allows guests to curate their ideal Providence-style Italian vacation without the transatlantic flight.

Whoopie pies on the snack-sized dessert tasting menu in the Giusto lounge.

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. Giusto’s pastry chef Sarah LaRose also recently added new snack-sized desserts to the outdoor lounge menu alongside a beverage pairing. They’re offered in Giusto’s lounge as well as the bar, 2 p.m. until close Monday–Friday and 11 a.m. until close Saturday and Sunday. The current three options include tiramisu with cream puff, mascarpone and cocoa nib; a whoopie Pie with chocolate amaretti, black sesame and blueberry; and an ice cream sandwich with fennel pizzelle, pecorino gelato, honey. The lounge also offers a snack menu of dishes such as chickpea fritters, johnnycakes with Jonah crab, Kevin’s signature Scotch meatball and more.

Bar’Lino is turning Wednesdays into your new favorite night out with the launch of Trivia Wednesdays every Wednesday at 7 p.m., presented by the high-energy team at Best Trivia Ever. They are also offering $3 Peroni beers with the purchase of any entrée.

Celeste in Narragansett is now serving lunch on Fridays beginning at 11:30 a.m. throughout the summer, including outdoor patio dining. Celeste also introduced a new seasonal menu, featuring coastal-inspired dishes and refreshing summer cocktails.

Hemenway’s is celebrating its fortieth anniversary as one of the Creative Capital’s most beloved seafood restaurants. Chef Austin Hamilton is offering a series of specialty menu items – a starter and entrée – which will run for a two-week period beginning June 30. Longtime guests of Hemenway’s will likely remember some of these past beloved menu favorites.

• June 30–July 13, begin with clams casino with bacon, peppers, breadcrumbs and lemon, and an entrée of lobster Newburg featuring tender native lobster in a Cognac cream sauce, served over puff pastry and topped with fresh herbs.
• July 14–July 27, diners can start with traditional escargot served with garlic butter, lemon and French bread and enjoy a classic dish of prawns in garlic and tomatoes with lemon butter, served over a bed of rice pilaf.
• July 28–Aug. 10, enjoy smoked trout rillette with shallots, lemon, orange, tarragon, crème fraiche and sourdough and an entrée of soft-shell crab featuring soft-shell fried blue crab with rice pilaf, dill cream sauce and lemon.
• Aug. 11–24, enjoy a sweet and spicy coconut shrimp served with chili garlic sauce, orange segments and watercress and the bountiful fried fisherman’s Platter featuring fried clams, shrimp, scallops, French fries, and served with lemon caper aioli.

Perched atop the historic Vanderbilt mansion, the Roof Deck offers panoramic views of Newport Harbor, the Claiborne Pell Bridge and the vibrant downtown skyline. The Roof Deck is open daily from 4 to 8 p.m. with a curated menu that features raw bar selections, large plates like a lobster roll, octopus “alla gallega,” a New England lobster boil and flatbread pizza. Snacks and dips are also available including marinated olives, Cape Cod kettle chips, pimento cheese & crackers, hummus & pita, cheese plate and more. There’s also watermelon, paletas and chocolate chip cookies.

Guests can expect three comforting, elevated courses, a complimentary glass of house wine, and an atmosphere that brings guests back to the roots of true hospitality.

Bellini Providence has curated a WaterFire pre-fixe dinner menu, which will be available for full, partial and “starts at sunset” lightnings throughout the season. The menu features a three-course meal and a wine pairing, including Italian specialties (e.g., Pappardelle “alla Bellini”) as well as a delicious panna cotta and sorbet selection. Guests can make their reservations on Resy.

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.

OPENINGS

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.

Virginica Pizza also opened at 125 Corn Neck Rd. on Block Island, serving Neapolitan-style pizzas.

Our friends at Lucky Enough opened a new bar and grille called High Motor in the former Doherty’s East Ave. location at 342 East Avenue in Pawtucket. They are continuously adding to the food menu and it’s a great spot to stop at before or after a RIFC soccer game. Follow @highmotorgrille for more updates. Read more here.

Yellow Door Taqueria is coming soon to downtown Providence. It currently has three other locations in Dorchester, the South End and Mission Hill. Set to debut on the first floor of the Aloft Providence Downtown hotel, Yellow Door’s newest location will serve 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.

Claudine in Providence is now open with reservations available a month out. Located in the former Ellie’s space at 225 Weybossett Street, the restaurant is owned by Josh Finger and Maggie McConnell. The couple met at Thomas Keller’s three-Michelin-starred Per Se in New York City, and each went on to broaden their culinary careers in other places, including Momofuku and The French Laundry, then came back together again in the kitchen of the place where they met. Their first restaurant together, Claudine, is not just a “love letter to New England” and to each other, but “an expression of their shared passion for intentional hospitality, mastery of classic technique, and modern vision of exceptional fine dining in a lively, vibrant setting.” Claudine only serves a signature eight-course, $165 chef’s tasting menu that will evolve each night, with an optional signature $100 wine pairing. Reservations are now available for seatings through August at the Tock link here. Read more about Claudine.

Club Frills is a new bar with a retro vibe now open in Providence’s Fox Point, from Pizza Marvin co-owners chef Robert Andreozzi and renowned bartender Jesse Hedberg. It’s located in the former PVDonuts location on Ives Street. Read more here. Follow @clubfrillspvd for a first look and updates.

Sawyer’s Market is open on the West End of Providence, in the space that was formerly known as Helen’s 455, which was a makeshift bar for the movie set of Ella MacCay. The space was reimagined into a market, cafe and wine bar after filming concluded, and now you can peruse the shelves for goodies and flowers for home, or stop by for snacks or a sandwich with lemonade or wine.

Ocean House opened a new concept this summer at its beloved Terrace restaurant. Dalia involves a full Spanish tapas menu. Expect items like jamón Ibérico, pan con tomate and seasonal New England ingredients turned Iberian-chic. Curated Spanish wines and a crowd-pleasing Sangria Spritz round out the experience, perfect for sun-drenched evenings on the terrace. Dalia is open Sunday through Thursday throughout the summer season.

Ocean House’s open-air Secret Garden pop-up also returns to the resort. Chef and sushi expert Ariah Dawson presents his Japanese-inspired menu, including peekytoe crab California rolls, spicy tuna with a tempura crunch, silky moromi miso soup, and hamachi draped in roasted jalapeño. The Secret Garden is open for walk-in dining Thursday–Sunday from 2–10 p.m. (21-plus only), for hotel guests and the public.

Debbie’s is a new non-fancy sandwich shop and hot dog joint that’s now open in downtown Providence. The shop is owned by Ed Davis, who comes to us from Durk’s Bar-B-Q, and he previously served as chef de cuisine at Oberlin and birch in Providence. Debbie’s is located at 100 Washington St. in Providence, and the menu includes mortadella sandwiches, hoagies and hot dogs with fun toppings. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Read more here.

Trinity Brewhouse was sold to a new owner.

TRANSITIONS

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.

Trinity Brewhouse opened its doors in 1994, becoming one of just two brewhouses in the Ocean State. Now in 2025, Trinity Brewhouse is now operating under new ownership. It’s been sold to The Patio on Broadway ownership group, along with other family partners. This purchase marks a significant moment in Trinity Brewhouse history, as founder Josh Miller is thrilled to see the brewhouse’s legacy continue as the team behind The Patio on Broadway plans to keep the spirit of the brewhouse alive and well. As for Angel Winpenny, the owner of The Patio on Broadway, she is excited to not only preserve the legacy of this Rhode Island institution, but add to it with renovations scheduled for August. However, Winpenny and her team have made sure to schedule a full slate of events prior to the renovations in August. 

After a devastating fire temporarily closed Finn’s Harborside’s doors in March 2024, the restaurant has opened an outdoor bar called Slip 38 at Finn’s Harborside. Located on the historic East Greenwich waterfront, Slip 38 at Finn’s Harborside is a vibrant dockside destination where guests can enjoy harbor views, cocktails and a lively outdoor atmosphere. The outdoor bar is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 10 p.m. “It’s been a long time coming, and while we still have a ways to go before we’re fully back, opening Slip 38 is a big step in the right direction,” said Connor Finn, General Manager of Finn’s Harborside. “This outdoor bar gives us a chance to reconnect with the community, welcome back our loyal customers, and bring people together again in a place they love.” Please note: the kitchen remains closed at this time, but food options will be available but limited during this initial phase of reopening. Updates on a full reopening of the restaurant are forthcoming, and Finn’s Harborside looks forward to welcoming the community back in full as soon as possible.

A rendering of the exterior of J.T. Commons, which will replace the former Foodlove Market in Newport. It will be a casual, comfortable year-round dining experience anchored by an extensive pizza program and a menu of everyday favorites.

Newport Restaurant Group’s former Foodlove Market space in Middletown will soon become J.T. Commons in the fall. The space will offer a casual, comfortable year-round dining experience anchored by an extensive pizza program and a menu of everyday favorites.

Little Clam is the new restaurant inside the newly renovated Wayfinder Newport, which rebounded after a catastrophic fire in 2022. Renowned chef Jake Rojas has teamed up as a chef consultant for the restaurant with chef Antonio Wormley, a Johnson & Wales grad who spent time in the kitchens of well-known Providence restaurants, at the helm for the menu. They are focusing on local seafood and farm-fresh fare. The name of the restaurant pays homage to the Rhode Island seafood staple harvested by local shellfishermen. The address is 151 Admiral Kalbfus Rd. in Newport.

The Dean hotel is now known as Neptune. Remaining with the same ownership group, Ash, the iconic hotel that launched a decade ago will go through a rebrand and refresh. The hotel is named after the farthest planet from the sun – the Roman god of the sea – as a tribute to the Ocean State and the city of Providence. Renowned cocktail impresario and restaurateur Michael Lester, who previously ran the legendary Dorrance cocktail bar and restaurant inside the former Providence Federal Reserve, makes his return to Providence nightlife by taking over the empty restaurant and bar space. The redesign will include both rooms and hotel common spaces, involving a phased renovation that will start later this year.

Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 New England Award winners.

NOTABLES

Foglia, the award-winning plant-based restaurant nestled in the heart of historic downtown Bristol, is celebrating its third anniversary. Since opening its doors in 2022, Foglia has become a culinary destination for locals and visitors alike, offering a vibrant, seasonal, and entirely vegan and tree-nut free menu that showcases the bounty of Rhode Island and New England farms. In the past year, Foglia was honored with the Two Radish designation from the internationally recognized We’re Smart® Green Guide, celebrating its commitment to sustainability and plant-based innovation. In 2024, Chef Peter Carvelli was recognized by the James Beard Foundation – considered the Oscars of the food world – as a semi-finalist for Best Chef Northeast.

The Coast Guard House in Narragansett earned Wine Spectator’s prestigious Best of Award of Excellence for 2025, joining just nine restaurants in Rhode Island and 1,704 worldwide to hold this elite honor. The award celebrates restaurants with exceptional wine programs, recognized for their global depth and perfect pairing with cuisine.

 Carlos Ventura, CEO of Feast & Fettle was named an Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 New England Award winner by Ernst & Young. Entrepreneur Of The Year is the preeminent competitive awards program for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies.

Gracie’s, the fine dining Providence restaurant, has earned the prestigious Gold Star Wine List of The Year Award in the Short List category during the 2025 Star Wine List International Open.

 

FARMERS MARKETS, GROCERIES AND DELIVERY

Garden City Center launched its first-ever weekly farmers market, in partnership with Rhode Island Night Market. Visitors can enjoy the family- and dog-friendly market every Sunday while discovering just-picked produce, pantry staples, handmade goods and more for purchase from more than thirty vendors each week! The event series is free to attend and will be open rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday through Sept. 28.

The Farm Fresh RI Farmers Market is open year-round on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at 10 Sims Avenue in Providence. Get to know various food and farm vendors (more than sixty-five of them, to be exact) at this farmers market. Don’t forget to visit the businesses that call Farm Fresh home, like New Harvest Coffee and Spirits, Anchor Toffee, Rhed’s Hot Sauce, Providence Brewing Co., Wright’s Creamery and Tallulah’s Taqueria.

Support agricultural life and local economy at the Aquidneck Growers Market, every Saturday from 9 a.m.–noon. at Stoneacre Garden at 151 Swinburne Row in Newport, November 2 through April 26. Attendees can find an assortment of both organic and conventionally grown produce, fresh and ready for any recipe.

The Mount Hope Farm farmers market continues from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mount Hope Farm in Bristol each Saturday. Head over for your weekly groceries, courtesy of local farmers and artisans like Barden Family Orchard, Roots Farm, Brightside Seafood, Navad Bakers and Two Gals Cocktails. Need a dose of cuteness? Be sure to visit the farm animals during your visit. There are pre-ordering options as well as the ability to buy on site.

The Tiverton Farmers Market is moving inside for the season at Tiverton Middle School at 10 Quintal Dr. in Tiverton through May 18, 2025. Browse a selection of vendors offering local produce, meats, seafood, baked goods and more every Sunday from 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Support local musicians, artists, food entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations as they gather to connect with community members. Vegan and vegetarian options are available.