Newport Food Scene: Nibble on this smorgasbord of yummy tidbits from around the county
This week, I thought I’d share some quick observations as we're all adjusting to this post-Labor Day life here on the Island.
While our hearts still crave those long summer eves, it’s time we look ahead to the cooler (and apparently rainy) days of September. We still have lots to be exited about.
Next weekend, the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival comes to town. For three days, foodies and oenophiles alike will be enjoying special showcase dinners and seminars in the unique and inspiring setting of Rosecliff mansion.
With 24 tasting seminars scheduled throughout the weekend, highlighting everything from Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin to the Gran Reservas of Rioja, there’s something special for every palate.
Plus, to help spread the celebration around, area restaurants are also hosting wine dinners and tastings as part of the Festival. Giusto, Hotel Viking, 22 Bowen’s, The Vanderbilt, Beech in Jamestown, Midtown Oyster Bar, The Coast Guard House in Narragansett and Dive Bar each have something special planned as part of the weekend celebration.
It’s truly one of the most unique weekends in Newport. The bad news is many of the events already have sold out, but keep checking the Preservation Society of Newport County website to see if anything opens up.
If you do get a ticket, raise your glass and enjoy. It’s a celebration that is uniquely Newport.
Goodbye, peaches. Hello, apples.
Last week, at the Saturday Growers Market at the Embrace Home Loans parking lot in Middletown, I heard some sad words. While picking up fresh peaches from the Barden Family Orchard stall, I was told this was the last of their peach crop. My summer of sweet and juicy local peaches was over.
'We’re struggling': Onions to clams to Christmas trees, drought has farmers worried
But that’s what happens when you buy your produce from local growers — you can only get what’s in season. The message may be it is the end of summer peaches, but really it is nature telling us to move along. The good news is the apples are coming, and they, too, make a great snack.
Ask your local grower what’s good. They’ll guide you to the freshest in-season fruits and vegetables. Another reason to support your local Growers and Farmers markets!
School cafeteria workers should be lauded
Shout out to one group of food service workers who don’t get a lot of respect — the school cafeteria workers. They are back in their school kitchens preparing and dishing out meals for hungry students across the Island.
Now hiring: As a new year dawns, why are Middletown and Newport struggling to fill teaching positions?
It’s not easy cooking for hundreds of students, all with different preferences and dietary needs while staying within the nutritional regulations defined by the Department of Education. These folks aren’t there just to dole out Sloppy Joes. They are there to make sure no child goes hungry and to offer a quick smile to students looking for lunch.
It’s a thankless job, but an important one. I hope they know their work is appreciated.
Football is back. Let's eat!
This weekend also starts the the new season of NFL football. While we may be rooting for different teams, we are all cheering for the food.
Where will you watch the games? Ticket’s Bar & Grille? O'Brien's Pub? Speakeasy Bar & Grill? Where will you go for wings? Pour Judgement? The Pub at Two Mile Corner? Norey’s Brew Pub? Who’s got time for Fantasy football?
Hut, hut, hike: Catch up on all of our high school football preseason coverage as you get ready for kickoff
Let’s play fantasy menu instead! I’m drafting the chili from Busker’s, the nachos from Brick Alley Pub and my number one pick? The ribs from Becky’s. Welcome back football! We missed you.
Getting your Starbucks to go
Random question: Does anyone actually respect the reserved curbside pick-up parking spots at Shaw’s and Stop & Shop? And while we’re talking about parking lots, are we ready for a drive-thru lane at the Starbucks in Middletown? Seems that might make an already crazy lot a Grande crazy lot.
When life gets hectic, let someone do the cooking
As we settle into our post-Labor Day routine and everyone’s schedules begin to fill up, do yourself a favor and leave the cooking to someone else. You’re running around, you’re on calls, you’re taxiing the kids to games and practices, you have late meetings — it’s hectic.
Who has time to cook dinner? Your local restaurants, that’s who! Just a reminder that going out for a family dinner midweek is an easy way to free up some time for yourself and to enjoy some together time. When your day is spent rushing around, sometimes it’s just nice to kick back and have someone bring you food. They’ll even do the dishes for you.
Try something new: Here's what you can expect from the newest Thai restaurant in town
And if you can’t make it to a restaurant, you can always bring the takeout home. When COVID hit back in 2020, restauranteurs had to maneuver to offering their menu as takeout in order to survive. Now that most restaurants are back to offering regular service, they are still keeping takeout as an option.
It’s easier than ever to order takeout from almost any restaurant now. You're not limited to pizza or Chinese for take out options anymore. The sky’s the limit. So if you don’t have the time to pack everyone into the car and go to a restaurant, you always have the option to bring it home. It’s not quite the same as eating in, but it’s still delicious and you still don’t have to cook.
'Don't give up the ship'
One final thought: I don’t know why, but I find hope when I drive by the “Don’t give up the ship” message on the Nomi Park sign that still stands outside the burned-out remains of the Wayfinder Hotel.
'It’s different for every case': Why the cause of the Wayfinder fire remains unknown
I don’t think there’s anything happening in terms of construction there, but the sign still sends its message to anyone passing by. Yes, even from the ashes, there is always hope.
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 RI: Nibble on this smorgasbord of yummy food tidbits
