Grist For The Mill
Dear Reader,
My list of favorite Rhody summertime rituals is long—and it’s not a stretch to guess that most of them center around adventures in food, ideally paired with a walk, ride or swim so I can earn my reward. The goal is to achieve them all before Labor Day rolls around, as it does, sadly but inevitably, every year. First on my list is stopping for ice cream. Nothing says summer like a scoop or cone at a local creamery on a hot, hazy day with the promise of a sweet, creamy cold treat and accompanying brain freeze.
Since flavors vary from one ice cream window to another, there are the inevitable subheadings under this category. The newest additions to my favorites came up in a dead heat between Black Raspberry Oreo and Compost Cream from The Wright Scoop—two flavors that just happen to be featured on our summer cover. (Yes, some sampling was involved!)
Before you venture out to research your own favorite flavor, be sure to read our story about The Wright Scoop and its recent expansion into the Farm Fresh RI food hub in Providence. There you’ll be able to watch the ice cream being made while you order your cone or sundae through the window or at the counter—all of it made with milk from the cows at Wright’s Dairy Farm in North Smithfield. That’s a truly local scoop.
Another top summer favorite at my house is Rhode Island sweet corn, which—like ripe summer tomatoes—is at its absolute best when enjoyed during its lamentably short season. The corn recipe featured in our Cooking Fresh Weeknight column will be a revelation with the surprising addition of fresh ginger in a creamy pasta dish that cooks up in a snap.
Summer’s other edible treasures include local peaches and raspberries, which make a joint appearance at local farm stands in August. Don’t miss them together in the galette recipe. It includes an easy food-processor dough you can prepare a day ahead, so as the days fly by you can still make time to enjoy summer’s best bounty.
It’s no secret Rhode Islanders love good food, and there is plenty of it to be had at a host of restaurants that have opened in Westerly within the past year. They reflect the exciting revitalization happening in the town. Read the story before you head out to explore the menus and outdoor/open-air dining scenes at these new and lively eateries.
It’s also no secret that Rhode Islanders love their craft beer—more especially their local craft beer. Summer wouldn’t be complete without a flight of frosty hop-driven suds, enjoyed outside at a local brewery. Find out who’s behind the beer at Long Live Beerworks in Providence’s West End before you head there to discover a new favorite hazy IPA or refreshing pilsner for your list.
I hope you have a delicious summer of sampling all that makes Rhode Island such a great state for food and beverage exploration. As you make your way around Li’l Rhody, please be sure to make a point of visiting and supporting our advertiser partners—they’re the reason we can offer such generous servings of the stories, photos and recipes you love each and every season.
