With this issue—our 75th!—we’re raising a glass to the four seasons, to Rhode Island’s incredible local bounty and to you, our community of food lovers who’ve been with us through it all.
Fittingly, our cover features four festive cocktails, beautifully shot by the inimitable Chip Riegel who also photographed our very first cover and many others. As Chip heads into a well-earned retirement from photography in pursuit of other creative endeavors, we’re beyond grateful for the many stunning images and covers he has contributed over the years—capturing the spirit, color and flavor of our little state in a way that has left a lasting mark, helping to define the magazine’s visual voice from the very beginning.
In this issue, we spend some time in the West Bay, where a budding wine trail is beginning to take shape. We visit Shepherd’s Run and WinterHawk Vineyards, both producing estate-grown wines right here in Rhode Island, as well as Gooseneck Vineyards, which has recently planted vines and partners with producers around the world to craft wines under its own label. Together, they offer a diverse snapshot of the state’s evolving—and growing—wine scene.
We also step inside Claudine, a new restaurant in downtown Providence that’s already turning heads with its elegant, seasonal tasting menu. The married chef-owners pour their shared vision, care and craft into every dish. It’s a story of partnership, both in the kitchen and in life, and an example of how a shared passion can become a meal full of beauty and intention.
And, in a powerful story of resilience and flavor, we meet the founders of a Burmese restaurant opened by two refugees from Myanmar who arrived in Rhode Island with little more than determination and hope. Through perseverance, community and a love of their culinary heritage, they’ve built something special, offering dishes that are both a taste of home and a gift to their new one.
We’re also excited to invite you to join us on November 12 for our fall cooking class with Gil’s Appliances. This season we’re co-hosting a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to make genuine pierogi alongside the owners of Krakow Deli in Woonsocket, who bring authentic Polish recipes straight from their family kitchen. It’s a wonderful chance to roll up your sleeves and savor the flavors of their food heritage—plus, you’ll get to take home your delicious creations!
As always, we’re deeply grateful to our hardworking contributors—writers, photographers, illustrators, designers and our small team behind the scenes—whose talent and dedication bring each story to life in print and online. We’re also deeply thankful to our advertising partners, whose support not only sustains the magazine but also strengthens the local food community we’re so proud to celebrate. Their belief in our mission makes each issue possible. By supporting our advertisers, you’re not only backing great local businesses—you’re also helping us continue sharing the stories that matter in Rhode Island’s food community. And, if you believe in that mission and want to be part of it, we’re always happy to welcome new partners to the table.
We hope you’ll cozy up with this issue, savor the stories and discover new flavors across Li’l Rhody. Here’s to fall—and to the four seasons that make living in New England so delicious.
Dig in!
Genie McPherson Trevor
