Newport Food Scene: Here's your guide to making the summer of 2022 a delicious one
In the interest of self-care, let’s make a promise the Summer of ’22 will be one to remember (and for all the good reasons, too).
With our favorite season on the horizon, it’s time to contemplate everything we want to do in the next few months before the carefree days of summer go sailing on by. Let’s get out there and have some fun. Let’s go do all the things we’ve told ourselves we'd do last summer.
We’re not putting it off any longer. It’s summer bucket list time, and we need to get to work.
With gas prices where they are, many will be traveling less this summer. Luckily for us, staying close to home means Aquidneck Island and all her glory will be our playground. The island offers a multitude of activities and destinations ripe for any bucket list. From days at the beach to touring the mansions to checking out the new Sailing Museum, there’s plenty to see and do in the name of R&R.
And if you're one of those people who happen to like food and drink, the bucket list possibilities on Aquidneck Island are endless. While our favorite eateries are always here to keep us happy and fed, there are also a bevy of new places and happenings to explore. My summer bucket list includes getting out and trying all these great new spots.
Anyone’s summer bucket list should definitely include heading over the bridge to Our Table in Jamestown. The new eatery from chefs Marc Alexander and Marla Romash has an inspired menu.
Visitors to the Jamestown Farmer’s Market will recognize Marla from her famous cookies and cakes, a highlight of the market. Her desserts are front and center on the menu at Our Table so save room for a sweet ending.
Marc’s simple and classic menu is poised to make guests happy with options like Oyster Po' Boy Sliders and classic Poutine topped with pulled pork, gravy, and cheese curds among the highlights on the starter menu. Steamed Clams, Lentil and Veggie Ragu and handmade beef and brisket burgers round out the dinner offerings.
The bright and airy dining room gives the restaurant a cottage-esque vibe, perfect for a Jamestown restaurant. And, you're in exceptional hands when it comes to service. If you haven’t made the journey yet, Our Table should be tops on your summer bucket list.
You should also have Mozz Formagii e Pane on Bellevue high on that list, too. The new spot for artisan cheese and breads has been teasing us it will be opening soon and it looks like we're only a week away.
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We’ve been waiting all spring for the opportunity to grab some fresh-made mozzarella di Bufala along with other cheeses, breads and Italian specialty items. We’re excited to see what owner Luca Mignogna has planned.
If Sandcastles Sundaes and Shakes at at Brick Market Place isn’t on your summer bucket list, you need to get it on there. The newly opened spot offers “Serendipity Style Sundaes and Legendary Milkshakes.” If you are wondering what that means, get ready to start drooling.
Inspired by the famous Serendipity shop in New York City, the sundaes here include all kinds of goodness crammed into mason jars so it’s one spoonful after another of flavor like Nana's Hot Apple Pie Sundae, which has vanilla bean ice cream topped with warm salted caramel sauce and crowned with a hot slice of apple pie.
There’s a Strawberry Twinkie Sundae that combines Hostess Twinkies with a mountain of strawberry and vanilla ice cream and is topped with strawberry sauce, fresh strawberries and whipped cream. They describe their milkshakes as “Works of Art in a Cup.” There are cones, ice cream floats and malteds available as well. But the famed Frozen Hot Chocolate is reason alone to have them on them top of your list.
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If you're at Brick Market Place, you should stroll over to the shops at Long Wharf to check out Yagi Noodles once it opens at its new home there. The owners have closed on Thames Street and hope to be up and running at their new digs soon.
When they do, it will be worth the trip. In addition to the great food, just to see what they do with the extra space. We have high hopes for more ramen adventure. When they open, they deserve a spot on your list.
Add a stop at the Ragged Island Brewery to your list, too. It recently opened at its new farm space on Bristol Ferry Road in Portsmouth and already are making it a summer bucket list destination. The new space allows brewers to get a little more creative and owners Matt and Katie Gray are excited to share their work with visitors.
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In addition to hosting food trucks that offer delicious fare to complement their many brews, they also offer host live music and trivia nights to keep it fun. Put them on your list for sure!
There’s no limit to what you should have on your summer bucket list. Go check out Coffee Grinder in their new home in the historic Perry Mill building on Thames Street. Grab a charcuterie board from Bellevue Boards on Broadway and watch the sunset at First Beach. Make a reservation for afternoon tea and lunch by Stoneacre at the Chinese Tea House.
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There’s a whole summer bucket list of things for you to do out there, so get busy making yourself happy. That’s what summer is all about.
Dan Lederer is a Middletown resident with 30 years experience in the food service industry throughout New England. He continues to work locally behind the scenes within the industry and remains a devoted fan of all things restaurant and hospitality related. His column appears on newportri.com and Thursdays in The Daily News. Cheers!
This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Newport area restaurants to check off your bucket list this summer
