It takes a village to host Critic's Choice. Here's who's helping us host it.
In 2016, we had an idea to create a most delicious event. Thursday night we will hold the 5th Providence Journal Critic's Choice Food & Drink event.
We lost 2020 and 2021 to a pandemic that kept people distanced. But we are back and packed with talented restaurants and other culinary businesses ready to share their best.
There are at least a dozen Johnson & Wales University graduates among the chefs and restaurateurs who will be there. They include: Champe Speidel, owner/chef of Persimmon, chef Gina Pezza of Vanda, Chaska owner Sanjiv Dhar, chocolatier Aura Fajardo Quintero of Aura's Chocolate, chef Andrew Capella of Sarto, Evan Mathew, owner and executive chef at Res American Bistro and Res chef Julia Alfonzetti, Gio Salvador, co-owner of Tricycle Ice Cream, Feast & Fettle's founder Maggie Mulvena and general manager Nikki Oliveira; Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House and Iggy's Boardwalk owner David Gravino; and chef Jules Ramos of Chapel Grille.
With more than 73 restaurants and other food and drink businesses signed up, I'm positive there are many more.
That's why collaborating with JWU was a natural for Critic's Choice and the university joined on as a sponsor. From cooking to nutrition to management, JWU has been a force, with programs supporting the culinary aspirations of students.
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It was in 1973, they established the College of Culinary Arts. They updated the program in 2020 to the College of Food Innovation & Technology, and appointed Dean Jason Evans. The expanded mission of the college became to educate students to become big thinkers in the world of food systems — sustainable, economic, agricultural and nonprofit among them. They now train entrepreneurs and food scientists, product developers and nutritionists, as well as chefs and bakers.
This is the first time Critic's Choice will be in Warwick. Our space is larger at the Warwick Crowne Plaza to accommodate not just restaurants, but also a Hope & Main marketplace with a dozen businesses. There's also plenty of moving around space for guests. We are so pleased that Warwick Tourism, Visit Warwick, is a sponsor, welcoming The Journal event to their city.
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Critic's Choice always has a few surprises and this year we will be raffling off gift cards to all of my Critic's Choice selections in attendance. That's a first. The Journal sought a partner for this endeavor and had to look no further than The Lot. The Rhode Island Lottery is the sponsor of the Enter to Win Contest. At Critic's Choice, our guests will sign up for the raffle. Gift card winners will be chosen every 30 minutes during the event which begins at 5:30 p.m.
Most importantly, the fine work of Amos House is acknowledged at this Critic's Choice (for the fifth time) as they are The Journal's Charitable Partner. Their work as the state's largest soup kitchen and for job training has never been more needed.
Culinary instructor and chef Nick DeCamp of Amos House will be there cooking tomorrow night and ready to meet you.
I'm so happy to announce that ticket buyers to Critic's Choice donated more than $700 to Amos House. They could designate any amount and so many of you did. The Journal will also be sharing part of the proceeds with Amos House.
It takes a village not just to take care of each other but to hold a celebration like Critic's Choice. My heart is full we have such a village in Rhode Island.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Providence Critic's Choice couldn't happen without our sponsors
