If (like me) you were a big fan of the food at Bed & Bistro, then you’ll be thrilled to know that there’s a new-ish and surf-inspired eatery and inn in that same space now. The Surf Shack and Kitchen on Narragansett Avenue in Gansett (RI) is an eye catching, whimsical space that has been completely refurbished. (See our photos above.) I mean, you really have to see it in person to truly appreciate. Now, a friend who owns a local biz in NK had been raving about it to me back in September (the Margs, the creative entrées including seafood and vegetarian, the Pistachio Crème Brûlée, etc ..read more

This Image By Albright Photo Yesterday we motored over to opening day at Wicked Tulips in Exeter and had a blast! It was a little cloudy but those are the days that lead to the best (non-glare-y) photos. And who wants to be sweating out in the hot sun while trying to pick tulips? For starters, be sure to get your tickets in advance online. A friend of mine thought she could buy tix there and ended up disappointed. (The $15 price includes 10 tulips. If you want MORE, the charge is $1 per flower.) In addition, you’ll want to wear some sturdy footwear. You know, ankle booties or wellies. Possibl ..read more

This Photo Is Courtesy Of Del’s Depot IG. The Del’s on Child Street in Warren, Rhode Island has re-opened for the season and I can’t wait to go back this year. As of last Spring, the new owners had given it a marvelous glow-up that you have to simply have to see in person. I mean, I can’t be the only one who ever drove by prior to this renovation and meditated on how great that little shop could be. Now known as Del’s Depot, this completely refurbished storefront is a beaut! It’s all new from top to bottom, and I almost gasped at the attention to detail when I first saw it. One example, the t ..read more

Yesterday at 100 Hope Street A return visit to Dolores on Hope Street in Providence yesterday for an early dinner… Now, Dolores’ Maria Meza was just nominated for James Beard Foundation Best Chef: Northeast 2024 last week, so you might have to try a little harder to get a reservation, but the food definitely lives up to any hype buzzing aroud Lil Rhody at this moment. (In true Rhode Island fashion, her daughter-in-law is one of my go-to makeup artists. And we were chatting about this nomination the day it was announced.) My friend K. and I timed our visit perfectly on Monday because we walked ..read more

Return visit to Iannuccillin Cranston the other day and we (my friend Alexia from U Had Me At Kitchen) actually got to break bread with the legendary owner/proprietor Nick Iannuccilli himself, which was an absolute honor and thrill. If you were living here in Rhode Island in the 90’s, you may remember his Florentine Grille in North Providence. Ohhhh, the fond memories of those amongst us who were lucky enough to have dined there! (I hear from the foodies in my orbit that it was ahead of its time in a number of ways, including having a pizza oven imported directly from Italy. That was unheard ..read more

The New Kaffeology In Cranston Is Almost Ready To Open If you’ve been anxiously awaiting the opening of Kaffeology in Garden City Center (in Cranston), then I have news… They have rolled out their outdoor seating and window graphics — and the interior looks pretty swell. The perfect backdrop for your next Reel or (PHOTO) Carousel. (You’re gonna see me there for sure, lol.) I’m call it now: THIS is going to be the place to brunch with your significant other or friend group once they officially open for biz which is going to happen real soon. It combines style with a scrumptious selection of dr ..read more

We’ve been exploring Cumberland over the last few years, and in addition to faves like The Flower Shack & The Modern Farmhouse, Diamond Hill Vineyards, and The Ice Cream Machine, I have another spot to add to your itinerary this Spring and Summer. Eggs Up is a family-owned, diner-style eatery for breakfast and lunch that you won’t wanna hit snooze on. Their much-loved homefries are made from a family recipe that’s been passed down for decades. (The potatoes are chopped, boiled, seasoned, and then finally, grilled to perfection.) There are so many comfort foods that regulars rave about incl ..read more

The Crow’s NEST Recently I decided, completely at the last minute, that I wanted to pick-up clam cakes, chowder, and lobster rolls for dinner for the fam. That’s how the hubs and I ended up motoring over to the Apponaug section of Warwick to Crow’s Nest…and stumbling on CHANGING TIDES, the cutest gift shop around that also happens to feature an amazing selection of Apponaug merch (sweatshirts, tees, totes, baseball style hats, maps, and more). This Image And The Ones Below Are By Patty J And PattyJ.com Let me just tell you that the food (clam cakes, red and white chowder, fish n’ chips, cole ..read more

All Photos Are Courtesy Of Pandemonium Site & IG Pandemonium Rainforest Project Spring has arrived, cabin fever gives way to wanderlust and just like that, day trip season is  here.  When planning your daycation, I highly recommend Pandemonium.  Last weekend, despite persistent drizzle, we enjoyed an excursion to the Pandemonium Rain Forest Project in Deep River, Connecticut. First, we explored the two story thrift shop that has something for everyone: clothes, tools, dishes, tchotchkes, kitchenware, seasonal decor,  jewelry, Christmas items, toys, games, chandeli ..read more

About Last Nite At Gracie’s… Date night with the hubs at Gracie’s in Providence — and they truly are the best! We started out at the cozy bar area (look around and you’ll spot their signature stars on the tables and throughout) where Ash, the bartender, took incredible care of us. I had their Bouvier cocktail (thinking it must be a nod to Jackie O.) and it was one of the tastiest drinks I’ve ever had in my life. Tom ordered from the spirit free drink options, opting for the Bright and Fizzy, made with French sparkling cider, rosemary apple shrub and soda. He had 2 in fact, so you know they we ..read more