Foodie Journal

SAVOR EAST GREENWICH
East Greenwich will hold its own Restaurant Week for the first time ever this month, from September 14 to September 23. Sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce in partnership with SO, the culinary celebration will showcase the diverse dining options in and around East Greenwich. According to Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Stephen M. Lombardi, “The restaurant scene in East Greenwich is a big part of what makes our town special. Restaurant Week will give folks from all over the state an opportunity to experience East Greenwich and its wonderful and varied eateries.” The 10-day celebration will kick off on Thursday, September 13, with the Savor East Greenwich event at the East Greenwich Yacht Club. Seven local restaurants will offer samples of their signature dishes to 200 expected guests. Tickets are $20 each, and can be purchased here. Proceeds will benefit the Animal Rescue League of Southern Rhode Island.

THIS AND THAT
The new al fresco rooftop dining area at Phil’s Restaurant, has opened. Dinner guests now have a view of busy MainStreet and the serene Saugatucket River. 

The Lighthouse Inn in Galilee has undergone more than $1 million in building upgrades, and its new restaurant and bar is expected to open in May 2013. 

Pizzeria Mezzo has opened at 32 Tower Hill Road in South Kingstown, next door to Go Pasta. Both businesses are owned by John Russo. 

The historic Admiral Dewey Inn has a new owner, Leon Kasparian of East Greenwich. “Aesthetic renovations” are planned for the seaside hotel that was first opened in 1898. The bed-and-breakfast will be open until January 1 and will then reopenon April 1 of next year. 

Get it while you can – local sweet corn is now available at local farmer’s markets and farm stands, such as Carpenters Farm in Matunuck. Carpenters also now offers house-made beef sausage, great for grilling.

Fluke Wine, Bar & Kitchen is the only RhodeIsland restaurant to be named one of the Top Ten American Restaurants in New England by Open Table, the online reservation service. 

Some generous bartenders have agreed to donate their tips on September 3 to benefit The Matty Fund. Tara’s Tipperary Tavern is also inviting guest bartenders to take turns behind the bar, all for a great cause. 

EMERIL IN NEWPORT
Emeril Lagasse will make his firstever appearance at the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival this month, headlining the popular Grand Tasting at Marble House on Sunday, September 23. “Newport is an amazing place that I’m very fond of,” Emeril says. “What an exciting opportunity to be a part of the festival and cook in such a spectacular setting as Marble House.” 

The festival, now in its seventh year, offers three days of seminars, cooking demonstrations with famous chefs and wines from around the world, from September 21 to 23. Chef Jacques Pepin and his daughter Claudine are also scheduled to appear. Sponsored by Food & Wine magazine, the festival takes place in the historic Newport mansions: Rosecliff, The Elms and Marble House. 

Tickets to the festival, including the Grand Tasting on Saturday and Sunday, as well as all-inclusive weekend packages, are on sale now, and may be purchased here. All proceeds benefit The Preservation Society of Newport County.