PROVIDENCE, R.I. – This November, food lovers in Rhode Island can embark on a culinary journey without leaving the state, as a series of festivals and special events bring global flavors to the Ocean State. From Armenian and Italian heritage festivals to a unique documentary screening on Honduran coffee, there’s something to tantalize every taste bud.
Armenian Fest 2024: A Celebration of Culture and Cuisine
The Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church in Cranston will host its annual Armenian Fest on Saturday, Nov. 9, and Sunday, Nov. 10, from noon to 8 p.m. at Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. The event will showcase traditional Armenian cuisine, with a wide selection of homemade foods, including chicken, shish kebab, and losh kebab, alongside an array of packaged pastries.
The festival will also feature live performances by the Hamazkayi Artsakh Dance Group at 5 p.m. both days, as well as live Armenian music. Guests can enjoy a full bar and valet parking while exploring a variety of vendors. This cultural event is a unique opportunity to experience the flavors and traditions of Armenia in the heart of Rhode Island.
New Harvest Coffee Roasters: A Story of Honduran Coffee
New Harvest Coffee Roasters, a local company dedicated to supporting small coffee farms, is premiering a short documentary titled Los Portillos on Friday, Nov. 15, at its Providence café and roastery in the Farm Fresh Building. The documentary, which focuses on the story of Honduran coffee farmer Adolfo Reyes and his farm Los Portillos, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the micro-lot coffee model that New Harvest has championed since 2009.
The free premiere event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m., with screenings every half hour from 6 p.m. until the final showing at 8:30 p.m. The event will include hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and coffee-based cocktails made with beans from Reyes’ farm. Following the 7 p.m. screening, attendees can participate in a Q&A with New Harvest Coffee Roasters co-owner Rik Kleinfeldt, director of education and outreach Britta Gustafson, and filmmakers Kate Foster and John Hesselbarth of Apparition.
“We have grown alongside Los Portillos for the past 15 years, and this film celebrates the lasting relationships we’ve built with small farms like Adolfo’s,” said Kleinfeldt.
Green Line Apothecary’s “Candy Monster” Ice Cream: A Sweet Way to Give Back
For those with a sweet tooth, Green Line Apothecary in Providence has launched a new ice cream flavor inspired by a young patient at Hasbro Children’s Hospital. Candy Monster Ice Cream, which features rich chocolate ice cream, a caramel ribbon, a marshmallow swirl, and candy crunch made from organic puffed quinoa and dark chocolate, was developed with input from Hasbro clinicians.
The ice cream was inspired by London, a 9-year-old patient who, after undergoing surgery for spina bifida, envisioned a Frankenstein-like creation combining iconic candy flavors. In honor of London’s vision, Green Line Apothecary is donating one dollar from every pint sold to Hasbro Children’s Hospital. The flavor is now available at Green Line locations in Providence and Wakefield, as well as at local retailers like Dave’s Fresh Marketplace and Roch’s.
“We’re thrilled to bring London’s idea to life,” said Green Line Apothecary president Ken Procaccianti. “Candy Monster Ice Cream is scary good, and it’s for a great cause.”
The Splendor of Florence: A Taste of Tuscany in Providence
From Nov. 9 to Nov. 16, Providence will host The Splendor of Florence celebration, an event dedicated to the rich art, culture, and culinary traditions of Tuscany. This year’s festivities will feature a pop-up Tuscan restaurant, Osteria Toscana, at the Tilden-Thurber Building (292 Westminster St.), which will serve authentic Tuscan fare prepared by local chef Armando Bisceglia in collaboration with chefs Federico Minucci and Stefano Di Puccio of the Florence-based restaurant 4Leoni.
Dinner service at Osteria Toscana will run from 5 to 10 p.m. each evening, with a menu offering a mix of classic and contemporary Tuscan dishes, complemented by an exclusive selection of wines. Reservations can be made online through Open Table at splendorofflorence.com.
On Nov. 14, a special ticketed event, A Taste of Tuscany, will be held at the Hope & Main Downtown Makers Marketplace (100 Westminster St.) from 5 to 7 p.m. For $55 per person, attendees will enjoy five Tuscan wines paired with three imported Italian cheeses, an olive oil tasting, and a sweet treat to accompany the dessert wine Vin Santo. The marketplace will also offer a selection of Tuscan-inspired breakfast and lunch dishes, including bruschetta, Ribollita soup, and Peposa stew, from Nov. 12 to Nov. 16.
Culinary Adventures Await in Providence
Whether you’re craving the flavors of Armenia, Italy, or a delicious scoop of ice cream for a cause, Providence and Cranston are the places to be this month. These events not only offer a chance to explore global cuisines but also celebrate the connections that make these culinary traditions special.
For more information and ticket reservations, visit the respective event websites.
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