Food Trends: What’s Sizzling

Savor Jamaican flavors by truck or by tuck

No visits planned to the Caribbean this summer, no problem: JA Patty has you covered. Owners Conroy Outar and Alison Rosario assure that folks can simply follow the flavor. “Catch us at the Tuck Shop for your regular fix, or track down the JA Patty truck all over PVD,” says Rosario. And “tuck shop” is no typo, it’s essentially what’s known in Jamaica as a small shop. “Whether you’re grabbing a jerk chicken patty for the beach or a curry veggie rice bowl for your picnic in the park, everything we make is quick-serve, handheld, and made from scratch,” says Outar. When asked what’s hot, the answer is actually, what’s cold. “Our fresh-brewed hibiscus ginger mint tea is here! It’s bold, refreshing, and made with real herbs and florals. You’ve been asking for it, and we’re proud to deliver it just in time for peak summer heat,” says Rosario. 1577 Westminster Street, JAPatty.com

Fun on tap alongside delish entrees and desserts

“Snookers Sports, Billiards, Bar & Grill’s new menu has everything you’re looking for from chicken wings in a variety of mouthwatering flavors, as well as nachos, and a large assortment of tasty burgers and sandwiches,” say owners Paul and Erin Troxell. There are also classic summer entrees like grilled steak tips and the fiesta taco salad, plus desserts that you won’t find at your average neighborhood bar. In addition to their ever-changing beer list with 23 draft lines pouring ice-cold beer, there are also cocktails, like Snookers’ fave, the strawberry-lime mojito, or their signature CoronaRita. Summer means shorter wait-times to shoot pool, play ping pong, shuffleboard, and darts, and many days their large garage door is open, allowing all the action from inside to spill out onto the patio. Of course, you can always head back inside where the AC is cranking and the cold drinks are pouring. 53 Ashburton Street, SnookersRI.com

Flavorful eats, beats, and drinks in the Valley

“For July, we’re spotlighting our take on Rhode Island summer staples — items such as house-made stuffies, calamari, seafood chowder, and fresh local fish specials,” says Troop PVD co-owner Chris Simonelli. “Our kitchen doesn’t just play the hits — we crush them. Everything’s made from scratch, dialed-in with bold flavors and serious attention to detail. These are dishes that locals know and love, but it’s the Troop twist that takes it to the next level.” Summer also means refreshing cocktails. “We’re bringing the heat with our frozen drinks and vibrant creations — think riffs on classic painkillers and spicy margaritas, plus some wild-card seasonal specials using fresh herbs and local fruit,” he says with gusto. Beyond food and drink, “enjoy sunshine on the patio and vibes on the dance floor,” says Simonelli of programming that includes curated DJ sets, live bands, games, and more. “It’s a vibe you won’t find anywhere else in Providence.” 60 Valley Street, TroopPVD.com