Taste of Rhode Island, a celebration of Rhode Island’s great food, local spirits and live entertainment, returned to the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick on May 3. 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; visuals by Ten31 Productions’ living tree statues; cooking demonstrations by Celebrity Chef Frank Terranova; red carpet and photo booth opportunities provided by event sponsor BLK MKT Studios; and a chance to vote for their favorite tastes along with celebrity guest judges Kristen Adamo, Barbara Morse, Mario Hilario, David Dadekian, Lindsay Ladeluca and Terranova. VIP ticket holders received early admission, swag bags with treats and access to the separate VIP lounge area. Taste of Rhode Island corporate sponsors included Restaurent, Dunkin’, and Johnson Brothers and business sponsorships provided by RI Home Improvement and Jexsy Balloons. The event supports Rhode Island-based nonprofit MAE Organization for the Homeless.
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Taste of Rhode Island Hosts and Co-founders Lupe Aguilar, Rhody Foody and Pat Paolino Cruz, Pat Cruz Events.
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All of Johnson Brothers of Rhode Island: Kevin Brodeur, Director of Trade Development; Owen Tally, Sales Associate; Willy Por, Sales Associate; and Chris Meleo, Sales Associate showcasing High Noon Tequila Seltzer.
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Makayla Habershaw, Tasting Room Manager/Marketing Director, The Industrious Spirit Company.
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Emanuela Petrucci, Brand Ambassador; Kevin Brodeur, Director of Trade Development, Johnson Brothers of Rhode Island; and Meme Lindsay, Brand Ambassador.
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Savannah Mediano, Guest Services Associate and Kenzie Covey, Marketing Coordinator, Newport Vineyards.
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Michael Weishaus, Promotions Team Member and Mandy Holt, Promotions Lead, Narragansett Beer.
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Brent Paquin, Northeast Brand Ambassador, Hotel California Tequila.
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Brand Ambassador Heather DeCristo showcasing Chair 2 Light Wheat Beer.
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Sharon Ruizzo, Brand Ambassador, Sons of Liberty Beer & Spirits Co.
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All of Rhode Island Spirits: Kimberly Paine, Taste Ambassador; Cathy Plourde, Co-owner and Distiller; and Margaux Morisseau, Taste Ambassador showcasing Rhodium Spirits.
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Andrew Greenleaf, Marketing Manager, Bully Boy Distillers.
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Rhonda Kallman, CEO/Founder and Jeff Venuti, Marketing Manager, Boston Harbor Distillery.
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Harold McGovern, General Manager, Johnson Brothers of Rhode Island; Doug Mahoney, Brand Ambassador, Litchfield Distillery; and Kevin Brodeur, Director of Trade Development, Johnson Brothers of Rhode Island.
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Jamison Hahn, New England Field Sales Representative, Fishers Island Lemonade.
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Paul Kubiski, Owner, Bootblack Brand.
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Brian Lamy, Sales Manager and Kyle Michaud, Owner/Chief Keg Washer, Twelve Guns Brewing.
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Chef Frank Terranova, A Class of Cooking.
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Monk fish and beans prepared by Chef Frank Terranova.
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Mike Fleury, Head Chef, Westerly and Andrea Leonardo, Culinary Director, Dig In.
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Truffle rabbit porchetta with pickled carrots, mustard seeds and rabbit demi-glace by Chef Edward Bolus, Mill’s Tavern.
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Cocktail tastes from Bodega on Smith.
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Tastes of La Marca Prosecco Rosé.
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Chicken and Pork Sriracha Meatballs from The Thirsty Beaver Hometown Pub & Grub.
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Indonesian Peanut Tofu Satay from SoCo Vedge.
Photos by Laura Widness.