The annual Eat Drink RI Festival’s Grand Tasting took place at the Rhode Island Convention Center on April 27. The tasting featured beer, wine and spirits from more than 50 local producers, suppliers and national brands, with cuisine prepared by a roster of Rhode Island chefs onstage. The Grand Tasting featured a second food and drink presentation area that allowed spectators an up-close look while the chefs worked. Featured chefs included Nicks on Broadway’s Derek Wagner, Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel’s Rebecca Lentrichia, Blackbird Farm’s Ann Marie Bouthillette, Andy Teixeira of Newport Vineyards, Jimmy James Caruso of Great Northern BBQ Co. and Basta and Bettola’s Antonio Franco.
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- Stefano DeAngelis, Sales Manager – MA/VT, Foolproof Brewing Company highlighting the new Mango Vango, a Mango sour.
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- David Dadekian, President, Eat Drink RI and Brenda Dadekian.
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- Kendra Carlisle, Marketing & Sales Coordinator, Newport Vineyards and Caroline Rezendes, Food & Beverage Manager, Newport Vineyards/Taproot Brewing Co.
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- Robert Yatsko, Events/Tasting Room, Newport Craft Brewing & Distilling Co.
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- Brand Ambassadors Dajzia Fratiello and Kristin Colucci, Whalers Brewing Company with Whalers East Coast IPA and Rise American Pale Ale.
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- Featured cocktail featuring Pomp & Whimsy Gin Liqueur.
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- Brand Ambassadors Jodie McMahon and Adrienne Husband, Narragansett Beer highlighting the new Del’s Watermelon Shandy.
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- A signature cocktail made with Broken Shed Vodka and hibiscus.
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- Brand Ambassadors Amy Reynolds and Justin Garrison, Broken Shed Vodka.
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- Katherine Copeland, Boston Harbor Distillery.
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- Sherry Brice, President, Seaport Shines, a line of lower alcohol content moonshine whiskey, available in Cucumber Lemon Mint, Maple Bacon, Simply Seaport and Vanilla Blood Orange.
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- Alex Roskowski, Brewer, Revival Brewing Co. highlighting new releases HAMR, a pale ale and What Cheer?, a pilsner.
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- Sarah Closterman, Events, Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co. highlighting Loyal Half & Half, Loyal Lemonade and Loyal Mixed Berry Lemonade.
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- Derek Wagner, Proprietor & Head Chef, nicks on broadway, Providence.
Photos by Laura Widness.
