Taste of Rhode Island Hosts Winter Showcase

Taste of Rhode Island, a celebration of Rhode Island’s great food, local spirits and live entertainment, returned to the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick with its Winter Showcase on Oct. 9. The event, produced by Pat Paolino Cruz, Pat Cruz Events, and Lupe Aguilar, Rhody Foody, showcased more than 50 of the state’s best restaurants, bakeries and caterers alongside local and regional wineries, distilleries and breweries. Guests were treated to live music by Dr. Slick, cooking demonstrations, a red carpet, photo booth opportunities and a chance to vote for their favorite tastes along with celebrity guest judges. VIP ticket holders received early admission, swag bags with treats and access to a separate lounge area. Taste of Rhode Island corporate sponsors included Toast n’ Tap, Polar Seltzer, Dunkin’ and more. The event supports Rhode Island-based nonprofit MAE Organization for the Homeless.

: Taste of Rhode Island, a celebration of Rhode Island’s great food, local spirits and live entertainment, returned to the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick with its Winter Showcase on Oct. 9.

: Taste of Rhode Island Co-hosts Lupe Aguilar, Founder, Rhody Foody and Pat Cruz, Pat Cruz Events.

: Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co. Brand Ambassador Deanna Marinucci showcasing Sons of Liberty Ready to Drink Cocktails in Salted Caramel Chai Martini and Chocolate Espresso Martini.

: Brand Ambassador River Ellis highlighting Lani White Sangria.

: Island Coquito’s Luis Olmo, CFO; Victor Regino, CEO; and Christopher Barbosa, Brand Ambassador.

: John Wiedenheft V and John Wiedenheft III, Co-owners, Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery.

: Bully Boy Distillers’ Andrew Greenleaf, RI Market Manager and Benni Billington, Brand Ambassador showcasing Bully Boy American Straight Whiskey.

: Limited-edition bottles of Bully Boy Matunuck Gin and Tiny Bar Gin.

: Colleen and Riley Eyges, Co-owners, Velo Vodka.

: A pour of Velo Vodka.

: A Velvet Velo Fizz cocktail by Glitz & Garnish: a blend of Velo Vodka, ube syrup, lemon juice and agave nectar topped with club soda.

: Victoria Nounpa, Mixologist and Bri Duffy, Founder, Glitz & Garnish.

: Ricky Fernandes, Co-founder and CEO, Say Yes to the Cocktail.

: John and Lindsay Sgambato, Co-founders, Goat Island Beverage Co. highlighting Goat Island Beverage Co. Craft Cocktails in Agave Margarita.

: Douglas Maloney, Brand Ambassador, Litchfield Distillery and Christopher Hernandez, CEO, The Luxe Lemon.

: Emma Essex, Assistant Brand Manager, Kamoti White Tea Shots.

: Sydney Johnson, Manager, The Surf Shack and Eric Hecht, Bar Lead, Boon Street Market.

: The Toast n’ Tap team.

: The Event Factory Kitchen & Stage’s Hugo Adames, Owner and Trish Vinacco, Event Coordinator.

: Team from Neza Mexican Restaurant.

: Tamarind margaritas from Neza Mexican Restaurant.

: All of Thirsty Beaver Hometown Pub & Grub: Taylor Brady; Maverick Brady; Ed Brady, Founder; Fallon Davis, Marketing Manager; Matthew Nicoll, Executive Chef; and Bob Soukas, Bartender.