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Entertainment

Downton Abbey Offers Previews in Cranston

While the show may not be everyone’s cup of tea, the rarified charms of Downton Abbey, the popular PPS series, seems to have a rabidly loyal fan base. We’re not sure exactly what will be offered, but there will be a showing of the first episode of 2014 season four before it airs nationally, on January 3 at the Park Theatre in Cranston. We understand there will also be a pre-screening party to boot. For more details on what to expect, visit their website or call their box office at 467-7275. Since the Park Theatre is basically on one level, we assume this Downton Abbey won’t have special upstairs or downstairs seatings.

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Event

Books, Beer and Miniature Boxes at the Rochambeau Library

On March 4 from 7-9pm the Rochambeau Library presents Dear Diorama, an after-hours book and art contest where local bibliophiles are invited to create and present dioramas based on their favorite literary scenes. (For those of you living under a rock at the bottom of the ocean, a diorama is a three-dimensional model that’s built to depict a historical or fictional scene. Remember those creepy crime scene dioramas that were constructed by the Miniature Killer on CSI? Well these will be sort of like those, minus the blood and the psychopath.)

Matthew Lawrence of Not About the Buildings will emcee the event; some of you may know him as the host of the annual spelling bee at AS220. A panel of judges will select their favorite dioramas and winners will go home with prizes from Craftland, Frog and Toad and Books on the Square. Once the winners have been decided, the dioramas will move to the gallery at Craftland for all the world to see. Sponsors include Foolproof Brewing and Whole Foods so expect lots of delicious local beer and food to enhance this already awesome evening. 272-3780. 

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Community

East Side Librarians

Providence Community Libraries (PCL) are not just about books. On the East Side they are also the 15 people who work at the Rochambeau and Fox Point Libraries. Ed Graves, who as regional librarian supervises the Fox Point, Rochambeau and Smith Hill Libraries, joined us this past June. Although you can usually find him in his office behind the reference desk at Rochambeau, you may also spot him at one of the other two libraries as he manages the staffing, programming and facilities of the three libraries.

Ed came to PCL from Rutland, Vermont, where he managed a library serving five communities. What attracted him to PCL was its innovative approach to urban public library service. “I like the fact that we have the opportunity to reinvent the library and focus on services that are needed for the 21st century. And I am deeply impressed that PCL owes its existence to community action.”

Besides ensuring that every child has a library card (an activity which demands constant outreach) Ed wants to make sure that our libraries continue to serve adult populations. A new fun after-hours event planned for adults is “Dear Diorama” – a literary mini-diorama contest taking place March 4 at 7pm at Rochambeau.

Geared to stir up the creative in all of us, the challenge is to create a scene, no larger than a shoebox, from a book you have read (see pcldeardiorama.blogspot.com for more details). Enlist help from your kids or friends, but make sure you come join your neighbors on March 4 to see all the boxes and enjoy the party.

The Fox Point Library boasts Sandy Oliviera, PCL’s longest serving East Side employee, whose smiling face has greeted patrons there since 1987. Sandy whose duty as clerk involves checking books in and out finds herself doing so much more. People come in to look for a book, but theyend up “checking out” Sandy – drawing on her wealth of community information to find answers to all kinds of questions. Sometimes they even pull a chair …   More

Providence Preservation Society to Host Former NYC Parks Commissioner at the Superman Building

For those of you who are familiar with the work of the Providence Preservation Society, you are no stranger to the commitment they have to bettering Providence's future with the use of the values ingrained in our city's past. This upcoming Thursday, November 14, join former New York City's Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe as he leads a conversation on "What Makes A Great City". In his new role as Senior Vice President at Trust for Public Land, Adrian will be able to share his knowledge from his past work in New York and moderate a discussion with local people who are invested in preservation. The forum will be discussing Providence's position from a global and local perspective as well as tracking the city's evolution of late. Cliff Wood, Executive Director of the Greater Kennedy Plaza Coalition, will also have a one-on-one conversation with Adrian to tap into their collective knowledge of local projects such as the remodel of Kennedy Plaza and the 195 Relocation Project. The series of talks will be continued in January as Jennifer Bradley of the Brookings Institution leads a forum entitled: "Not Always Easy: Building the New Urban Experience". Adrian's talk will be held at the Superman Building, 111 Westminister St., from 5:30-8pm. Free.   More

Taste Test

4 Champagnes We're Toasting with this Month

Valentine’s Day is creeping up like a one-date clinger, but sparkling rosé is not just for lovers; it’s very much an equal opportunity alcohol. Whether you are looking for a certain bottle to set the mood, or seeking some pink bubbles to pair with your Sunday brunch eggs benny, take a sip from a few selections that are sure to make you see the world through rose-colored glasses.

Fancy, Shmancy and Delicious

If you are seeking a more, shall we say, “sophisticated,” sparkling rose, then Conti Ducco Franciacorta Brut Rose de Noirs, from Gasbarro’s Wines, is the answer to your champagne-soaked wish. This alternative to Veuve Cliquot or Moet is an Italian sparkler, but not a prosecco, that delivers a superior drinking experience with light, floral notes, a smooth, slightly tart finish and an elegant marriage of delicate flavors. Pop a bottle for the fanciest of occasions. 361 Atwells Avenue, 421-4170. 

 

Smooth and Sassy

Craving a more traditional bottle of bubbly? Head over to Bottles for their Gruet Brut Rosé, a true rose champagne produced in France. Celebrate your triumphs (or drown your sorrows) with this super smooth, yet bright, crisp wine. One whiff tickles the nose with hints of citrus and pear, and a tart - but not overpowering - finish imparts a little sass on the senses. Perfect to pair with a special dinner or a casual brunch. 141 Pitman Street, 372-2030. 

Rich and Ripe

Notes of yeast, cheese and brioche characterize the scrumptious sparkling rose that is Domaine de Martinolles Crémant de Limoux Brut Rosé, from ENO Fine Wines in Downtown PVD. This medium bodied wine is fruit-forward and has sweetness, yet is still considered dry, and a citrusy, almost bitter finish leaves the tongue lusting for more. This wine would couple well with a rich dessert, like chocolate cake or custard. 225 Westminster Street, 521-2000.

 

Cheap and Cheerful

Yellowtail, aka the wine with the kangaroo on the label, produces a fine …   More

Rhode Trips

A Touch of France in New England

A coastal destination like Plymouth, Massachusetts, right in the grey area between the South Shore and Cape Cod, isn’t exactly where you would think of going when it’s still winter coat season. But it turns out that if you can manage to stay inside, and that your primary sources of warmth are a fireplace and a hot tub, you’ll be just fine.

I was recently invited to visit Mirbeau Inn & Spa, a new French-inspired spa hotel at The Pinehills in Plymouth. A staycation in a spa hotel is exactly what the doctor ordered to cure my late winter blues, so my boyfriend and I took off on a sunny, cold Saturday to spend 24 hours in luxurious bliss.

Lucky for me, we were able to book our trip for the day after my birthday. I knew we were in good hands when the concierge greeted me by name before I gave it to him, and then wished me a happy birthday. Even better, when we opened the door to our Executive Suite to be greeted by classical music, a roaring fire, a chilling bottle of Rose with crystal glasses, and a tray of birthday chocolates. C’est bon.

The hotel is split into two buildings: the Manor House, where we were staying, and the main building housing the spa (more on that later) and two restaurants: Henri-Marie, serving fine French cuisine, and The Bistro, which is more casual. There was a wedding in Henri-Marie that night, so we watched the bride and groom float around with their families as we dined in The Bistro. If what we tried was their casual fare, their haute cuisine must be served by unicorns to top it.

We started with a Warm Beet Salad with baby kale and white truffle vinaigrette for me, and Calamari with honey and sweet cherry peppers for my boyfriend. We were enjoying them when our waiter brought out an order of Sacchetti, which he said were a must try: pear and mascarpone tortellini, mostarda fruit, grape must and chive fondue. The combination was unexpected and delicious - even my guy, who isn’t an adventurous …   More

Pilates for Pink

If you haven’t seen the rosy-colored State House recently, then here’s a newsflash: it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in recognition of this, CORE: Center of Real Energy will be offering a series of Pilates for Pink classes. These one-week-only workouts begin on Monday, October 15 and run through Saturday, October 20. CORE is partnering with Shape magazine to raise money for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, a non-profit organization and one of the pioneers in breast cancer research. So, if the rainy autumn weather has you feeling blue, boost your spirits with a workout that will benefit your body and mind. All classes are $20, and some require pre-registration, which can be done right on their website. Won’t be able to make it to a class but still want to contribute? CORE will also be accepting check donations at their original studio on Angell Street in Wayland Square and their newly opened location on Governor Street. With 100% of the profits from these special classes going directly to breast cancer research, you can feel even better knowing that your ab-ripping Pilates workout contributed to women’s health everywhere.   More

Movies

We Were There: Grand Budapest Meets Grand Newport

Newport's Vanderbilt Hotel hosted a special VIP screening of Wes Anderson's new The Grand Budapest Hotel on its rooftop. I may have attended this event in a completely backwards fashion. I had never before been to hotel, and I had only seen brief snippets of The Life Aquatic. Apparently, I’m a terrible Newporter and I usually just tuned out of conversations involving Wes Anderson. Who were they talking about again? Wes Craven? Wesley Snipes?

I am now fairly certain that The Vanderbilt Grace has one of the best rooftop views in Newport, and come warmer weather... Oops. Don't want to give away this best-kept secret right before the tourists come stampeding in... Um, I mean, “supposedly” there is an outdoor bar up there, open air seating, a panoramic view of Newport Harbor, and something about movie screenings with truffled popcorn during the summer. No reason to venture up from Thames Street, really.

I’m also fairly certain that if your local cinema both supports and encourages drinking Prosecco through a straw, then you should in turn support them. Cheers, Jane Pickens.

Oh, and I think I need a second opinion on this one, but if Tim Burton and Quentin Tarantino had a one night stand in Paris, would Wes Anderson be their lovechild?

As the credits rolled down the screen, it became clear that the pairing of these two venues, The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Vanderbilt Grace, made perfect sense for the event. There are some striking correlations between this fictional place and the boutique hotel. For instance, one might expect a stuffy, snooty, no Maxxinistas allowed type of atmosphere with any establishment rhyming with the word Shmanderbilt. However, upon walking through the door, it’s immediately noticed that every staff member of the The Vanderbilt Grace is incredibly friendly... like your dental hygienist on lithium friendly. I could only imagine that would be the standard of hospitality expected by Gustave H., concierge, …   More

The Coolest Photos from the Coolest Party

Our Coolest Party Ever at Aqua at the Providence Marriott truly lived up to its name – and many of the reasons why are documented in the awesome images from our photo booth. Snap Berry Photo Booth was kind of enough to provide their services for the occasion, and we think the results speak for themselves. Think of Snap Berry as the next evolution of the photo booth: instead of needing to step inside a curtain or enclosure, it's an open air "booth" that can be set up anywhere in front of any background. As you can see, this means you can fit way more people in a single photo than with most booths. But maybe the coolest part is that the booth directly uploads the images to social media for tagging and sharing. We were glad to have them be a part of our event – check out their website to find out how they can be a part of your next one, too. And be sure to check out the full gallery of photos here.   More

Shopping

Hope Street's Holiday Stroll Returns

Leave it to the creative merchants along Hope Street to do something a little wild and crazy to begin the December holiday season. Their fifth annual Holiday Stroll will be held from 4-8pm on Thursday evening December 5 on what is now called “Upper Hope Street,” basically north of Rochambeau. The Stroll is a free, family-friendly event and will feature hayrides, a petting zoo, free refreshments, live music, fire jugglers, glass blowers and many more surprises. While you stroll make use of Hope Street for the Holidays, inserted into this month’s issue. The street will be closed for the event and of course the great bearded one himself will be there for photos. Can’t accuse the Hope Street merchants of thinking small! In the event of rain or snow, the event will be held a week later on December 12.

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An Hour In the Life of Designer Joe Perez

Who: Joe Perez

What: Designer

When: 9pm, Friday, September 8

Where: His loft, address withheld

Why: He’s got some serious credentials and impeccable taste

Okay, so maybe I’m a little biased: I’ve known Joe for 16 years and he’s a close friend of mine. Still, when he suggests a film/artist/album/whatever, I run to check it out. He hasn’t failed me yet. Someone else who trusts Joe’s judgment? Kanye West. In fact, Joe has been working for “Ye” for the past five years and recently designed his Cruel Summer album cover, set to drop September 18.

After graduating from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California – the RISD of the West Coast – Joe designed and maintained websites, including two popular fashion blogs he created in collaboration with his brother. One day after having moved back East, his phone rang. Kanye was on the other line.

I arrive at Joe’s loft around 9pm. In typical fashion, the lights are dimmed and mellow music casts a chill vibe on the space. He’s dressed in black and white, what I refer to as his uniform, with not a hair out of place. “Can I offer you a drink?” he asks. Joe sets his glass of scotch whisky down and pours me a generous bit of wine. We sit.

It’s been a while; we’ve both been so busy with work. From start to finish, it took Joe an estimated 700 hours to design and execute the album cover and packaging. “My art director, Guido Callarelli, and I worked directly with Kanye on the cover. I’d like to thank Guido and my creative director, Virgil Abloh,” Joe says. “Also, I have to thank my parents for their support.”

The process was a complex one — beginning first with a female from a classic work of art and slowly chipping away at her, carving each cheekbone and every curve, as if she were made of digital stone. “Now she’s the perfect woman,” Joe says with a …   More

Food Event

World Class Desserts are on Display at the Hope Club

To sweeten the end of the year, literally, the World Affairs Council of Rhode Island will be presenting a special December Desserts event as part their final dinner meeting of 2013. In addition to a full buffet, four international students, under the leadership of Karl Guggenmos, a master chef and the dean of culinary development at Johnson & Wales, will prepare, discuss and then present some of their favorite dessert recipes from around the world... in this case Morocco, Nepal, Ghana, Iran and Germany. Each dessert will be ac- companied by a short presentation on the role food plays in their respective cultures. The event will be held at the Hope Club, corner of Benevolent and Benefit Streets, on Saturday, December 7 from 1-4pm. To reserve a spot in what is likely to be a sold-out event, call 228-8657 or email them.   More

Food

Biggie & Brunch at Farmstead

Biggie, Biggie, Biggie, can’t you see, sometimes your, uh, poutine and fried eggs just hypnotize me... especially when they are whipped up by two-time James Beard nominee Matt Jennings over at La Laiterie.

If you share an affinity for delectable breakfast and lunch selections and slick 1990s rhymes by The Notorious B.I.G. (and other equally talented beatmakers) then Farmstead has literally carved out a slice of heaven just for you.

On the first Sunday of each month, the restaurant features Biggie & Brunch, a creative, locally sourced brunch menu served to the spins of a live DJ. The menu varies, but expect your mouth to water over dishes like cornmeal-fried oysters, poutine with polenta frites, Blackbird Farm pork bubble and squeak, and Kate’s buttermilk biscuits.

And don’t forget about the drinks! In the infamous words of Mr B.I.G.: “Now we sip champagne when we’re thirsty,” so sip, sip away at any one of Farmstead’s cocktail offerings. While reservations are not required, you may want to save yourself the brunchtime stress and make one anyway. Biggie & Brunch takes place from 10am till 2pm on April 6 and every first Sunday of the month. 186 Wayland Avenue. 274-7177.

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10 to Watch

All Eyes On Our 10 to Watch

Believe it or not, 2014 is already here at Providence Monthly. Our annual "10 to Watch" list hits newsstands next week, but we wanted to give you a sneak peek at who we're keeping an eye on this year.

Healthcare/Human Resources

Visael “Bobby” Rodriguez

Arts

Chrissy Wolpert

Business

Davide Dukcevich

Religion/Community

Elan Babchuck

Tech

Jessica Herron

Community Service

Katie Varney

Community Activism

Leah Williams Metts

Education/Technology

Shawn Rubin

Business/Social Media

Sierra Barter

Government/Politics

Xaykham Khamsyvoravong   More

Two Mayors Offer a Lesson in Civility at the Quonset O Club

Politics is Rhode Island’s favorite sport. Even though it’s still more than a year away, people are already gearing up for the 2014 election. The governor’s race looks like it’s shaping up to be a particularly bruising one. However, Mayors Angel Taveras and Allan Fung, two presumptive candidates for governor, have boldly chosen civility over callousness – at least for one night. The two competitors and friends have decided to face politics in a new way: together. The Mayors of Cranston and Providence invite all who can attend to An Evening with the Mayors: Civility in Politics, on Tuesday, October 22 at the Quonset O Club. The event features a buffet dinner. It’s sponsored by Rhode Island Commandery, Military Order of Foreign Wars, marking this night of innovative debate and consensus as an homage to reason and unity in Little Rhody's history.

Tickets are $40 per person in advance and available by calling 401-738-3844 or mailing check to RIMOFW at 26 Mohawk St, Coventry, 02816. See www.rimofw.org for further information.   More

Food

Spend Easter at Duck and Bunny

Cute golden chicks, adorable ducklings and big eyed baby bunnies are pretty much the poster children (well, poster animal children) for any sort of Easter celebration... so what better way to spend your egg-centric Easter Sunday than by munching on eggs at the Duck and Bunny?

The Wickenden Street snuggery is trading their regular brunch menu for a three-course prix-fixe offering from 10am-4pm. Expect to see a selection of crêpes and unique egg dishes. If weather allows, soak up some sun while sipping on a sparkling cocktail in the Duck and Bunny’s picturesque back garden.

Maybe, if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the elusive Easter Bunny. Then again, if you do see a fluffy bunny trying to give chocolate eggs to children, you may have indulged in a little too much Easter brunch booze. 312 Wickenden Street. 270-3300.

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Art

Open Studio Time at Hope Artiste Village

One of the funkiest artistic and economic successes in our area is Hope Artiste Village on Main Street in Pawtucket just over the Providence line. Their eclectic mix of artist spaces, retail stores and just interesting places to hang has turned the vast old mill complex into a vibrant arts destination. Once a year, the tenants open their space to the general public so you can see (and admire) what these talented arts people can do. The open studio days will be held on Saturday, December 7 from 9am to 4pm and on Sunday, December 8 from 10am to 4pm. The Saturday event will run in conjunction with the Wintertime Farmers market that runs from 9am to 1pm. Again it’s a great way to jump start the holiday shopping genes while checking out what talented artists we’re lucky enough to have in our little Ocean State.

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Chapel Grille Opens in Cranston

The Garden City/Chapel View area of Cranston gained another attraction this month with the opening of Chapel Grille. The restaurant will feature a cathedral-like atmosphere reflective of the building’s history, with historic stonework and an ornate steeple, and will offer a panoramic view of the Providence skyline in the distance. The menu is built around Mediterranean-style hearth cooking with locally sourced ingredients, overseen by Chef Tim Kelly, formerly of Café Nuovo. The dramatic ambience is intended to convey grand ambitions and position the restaurant as credible competition to the Providence dining scene.   More

Keeseh Woodshop Hosts a Pumpkin Carving Party

Halloween brings about nostalgia from the first of the holiday's candy displays to the long-awaited question of what character children will choose for their night-time masquerade. With visions of sugar and costumes blowing in with the autumnal wind, what better way to prepare for the holiday of fright than a Pumpkin Carving Party? Boys and ghouls of all ages will be able to stop by Keeseh Woodshop from 6-8pm on October 23 to create their scary, silly, detailed and creative designs (all of which are superlatives for prizes). All participants are asked to bring is a pumpkin, some scooping tools and their imagination to help illuminate Keeseh with Jack-O-Lanterns. Carving supplies will be provided by the shop at this free event, and while you compete, be sure to enjoy pumpkin seeds toasted up from everyone's pumpkin entries while you work. Check out their web site for more details.   More

Worth a Go for Lovers of Poe

Providence and Edgar Allan Poe enjoyed a particularly interesting relationship back in the mid-19th century. The author famously courted Providence poetess Helen Whitman, to the chagrin of her parents apparently. Legend has it much of their courtship took place in the Providence Athenaeum on Benefit Street. As an alcoholic, he undoubtedly checked out many of our local watering holes too. Which is why Poe lovers might want to catch a wonderful exhibition at the Morgan Library in New York that details the author’s indelible impact on his fellow writers. Often utilizing original correspondence never assembled in one place before, this thought provoking exhibit runs through January 24. It opened to “ravin’” reviews. (Couldn’t resist).

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