For most folks, jetting off to an to exotic locale for dinner is the stuff of billionaires, but luckily, Newport affords no shortage of opportunities to taste flavors from around the globe with extraordinary food, wine, and spirits events throughout the year. Two caught our eye this week: The first inspires us to don our favorite tartan for a Tour of Scotland Scotch Tasting at 22 Bowen’s featuring the savory spirit from some of the country's finest distilleries including JW Black, Singleton, Oban, Lagavulin and Talisker. Each is paired with a mouthwatering small dish (coffee-seared venison, bacon-wrapped scallop, grilled oyster on the half shell or a fine brie sound tempting?) and it all comes together tomorrow, Wednesday January 25 beginning at 6:30pm ($45pp, click here for the menu and click here for contact/reservation details).
On Friday, it’s all about local beers paired with a palate pleasing five-course dinner featuring the City-by-the-Sea’s own Newport Storm and Pier 49. Roasted pumpkin bisque, rye-crusted salmon and espresso & cocoa rubbed sirloin are just some of the highlights for this $49pp event. Click here for a menu and call Pier 49 (401) 847-9000 for reservations.
Bottoms up!
Photo: 22 Bowen's, Newport Restaurant Group
We’re delighted today to welcome guest blogger Leanne Orabona from AroundTheTableRI.blogspot.com. We discovered Leanne when she entered our Foodspotting contest during Newport Restaurant Week and since then started following her blog for its unabashed restaurant reviews and tasteful recipes from her own kitchen. Dining out throughout Rhode Island (and the world!) is her passion, and when we invited her to pen a guest blog for us, she was in a comfort food frame of mind, and headed out to Middletown’s Blue Plate Diner. Here’s what she had to say:
I’ve wanted to go to the Blue Plate Diner for a long time now. I have heard rave reviews from locals that have had amazing meals there and finally decided to go with my friend Darci after work on a Friday night.
When we parked our car in the lot outside and stood in front of the building I felt like we went back in time. I
wasn't alive when diners were all the rage in the 50s and 60s, but I am pretty sure this is exactly the way they were. We were greeted by a friendly host who sat us under a rafter that playfully said: "Thou Shalt Not Worship Golden Arches." And really we shouldn't. When you have a place like this putting so much love into locally grown food made from scratch, why would you ever go to another burger joint like that?
At first glance I noticed a well-wounded group of patrons—lots of families, old and young couples alike. First things first: drinks. Here you’ll find an array of milkshakes, artisan beers and fun cocktails. I was tempted to get the "hard coffee milk," but we both decided on a top shelf margarita. This one was heavy on tequila low on sour mix—just how I like them (top shelf indeed). For a starter we were stumped. We wanted the garbage fries, portabella fries and the Southwestern eggrolls, but seeing as there was only two of us, we thought all three would be a bit excessive. We decided on the eggrolls as a nice complement to the margaritas. When they came to the table we were so excited because there were six, which means we didn't have to battle for them. They were filled with pulled chicken, black beans, corn and cilantro, and served with a wasabi ranch dipping sauce. Amazing! The table next to us got the garbage fries, which looked equally fabulous (I will be getting those next time for sure)! Something to add if you didn't know already: this diner serves local produce, seafood and eggs to hand make all of the dishes and don't use frozen pre-made food like many other establishments do.
Choosing an entree was so much harder than appetizers! There was so much to choose from, truly something for everyone including burgers, sandwiches, and tons of gourmet-style entrees. One of their specials was a meatloaf Beef Wellington. What a great idea! As tempting as it was, I was pulled in by the chicken souvlaki. OMG am I happy I chose this! The chicken was marinated in lemon and oregano and, oh, could you taste that pop of flavor— light and tangy! It was in a pita with lettuce, tomato, onion and a yogurt-cucumber sauce. Might I add, the pita was one of the best I have had; crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The sandwich came with a Greek salad, which was a nice departure from fries. The dressing was delicious and I continuously dipped the sandwich in it because it was so good!
Darci chose the chicken pot pie three days ago when I showed her the menu and she did not waiver in her
decision. Good choice Darci. This dish was enormous, topped with a flakey and delicious puff pastry. We ate for a good 30 minutes, and then looked at Darci's bowl--it looked like she didn't eat any of it. The girl didn't put a dent in this dish!
We saved absolutely no room for dessert, but as we walked out I was bummed to see what we had missed. There was a case of homemade desserts including red velvet cake (my weakness), pies, and more. Next time I will save room. Overall this was such a great dinner experience. The service was excellent, the food was made with love and I left full. So go ahead and step back in time.
Read more of Leanne’s culinary adventures at AroundTheTableRI.blogspot.com.
I love when we stumble upon bloggers who visit Newport and soak up the best the City-by-the-Sea and its surrounding coastal communities have to offer, so when I came across this recent post on much-loved Carrots 'n' Cake written by Boston-based Tina Haupert, I had to share (her blog has been featured in People, Shape, Women’s Day and Health magazines). Carrots 'n' Cake (such a great name, right?) focuses on Tina’s love of food and fitness, so naturally, she combined the two when spend this past weekend here on Aquidneck Island. Her adventures included apple picking at Rocky Brook Orchard in Middletown, a run along Ocean Drive and Bellevue Avenue, sailing, an afternoon at Castle Hill, a night of dancing and more. Read the weekend round up by clicking here (or here for apple picking or here for the sights along Tina’s run)!
(Pictured: Tina and friends aboard schooner Aquidneck!)
The sights and sounds of Newport in the fall are always divine, but if you’re looking to enjoy some extraordinary events this weekend in Newport, there are two great festivals that you do not want to miss taking place!
Friday, Saturday Sunday: September 23-25 - The 6th Annual Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival. With events at Rosecliff and Marble House, this magnificent affair has been described as “the most sophisticated wine & food festival on the East Coast,” and in just five years has become one of the most anticipated food and wine events in the country. This three-day event features more than 100 of the world’s finest vintners and more than two dozen of New England’s finest restaurants and caterers. On Sunday, the amazing Jazz Brunch takes place (sold separately) at the Hotel Viking with special guest Lidia Bastianich, renowned chef, television personality and restaurateur.
Saturday & Sunday September 24-25 - If what you need is some quality family time, head down to the Newport Arts Festival at the Newport Yachting Center this Saturday and Sunday. The kids will be able to observe man
y different types of art, including, glass work, photography, pottery and more. The art will also be on sale in case mom and dad want to purchase! Listen to the sounds of jazz and bluegrass while you treat yourself to chowder and homemade ice cream. The kids will love the special children’s entertainment that is planned to take place. Adult admission is $8 and children under 12 are free.
Make sure you visit GoNewport.com for a complete calendar of events taking place this fall!
Lidia Bastianich in the kitchen and ready for her Newport debut!
Please be advised that the Newport Visitors Center will be closed on Sunday, August 28th due to the impending hurricane. The center is expected to reopen on Monday, August 29th and resume normal operating hours, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thank you for understanding!
In the meantime, once the hatches have been battened and patio-furniture-cum-airborne-projectiles have been tucked away, there’s nothing to do but wait…and perhaps toast the storm with a little foul weather fête. These libations may find their way on your menu:
- Newport Stormy (from Newport Storm/Thomas Tew recipes)
1.5 oz Thomas Tew Rum
4.0 oz Ginger Beer
- Pick up some Newport Storm beer
- Emeril Lagasse’s Hurricane
12 ounces light rum
12 ounces dark rum (perhaps Thomas Tew)
10 ounces grenadine, or passion fruit syrup
10 ounces fresh orange juice
10 ounces sour mix, or fresh lime juice
3 tablespoons superfine sugar, or more to taste
1 large orange, cut into 1/4-inch thick slices
Directions: Mix all the ingredients in a tall pitcher or large pot and stir to dissolve the sugar. Pour into a punch bowl and add the ice cubes and orange segments. Serve in tall glasses over ice with straws.
Maria Glade at the Newport Wine Cellar points to a Duoro, a Portuguese red that is bold, lush, fruity, with some vigor and spice, suggesting the 2008 Palestra matches Irene’s “spice and sass.” Meanwhile, Bellevue Wine and Spirits has stocked up on Hurricane Weekend Specials.
Most of all, please stay safe out there!
