Taste of Rhode Island, a celebration of the state’s great food, local spirits and live entertainment, returned to the Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick with its Summer Series on June 11. 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, cocktail demonstrations by Say Yes to the Cocktail mobile bartending, cooking demonstrations, 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 VIP lounge area. Taste of Rhode Island corporate sponsors included Diamond Shield Hybrid Cookware and Toast n’ Tap. The event supported the MAE Organization for the Homeless and helped raise funds for Matunuck Oyster Bar employees through the Rhode Island Hospitality Association.
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- Matt Simmons, Commercial Bar Program Consultant/Writer; Pat Paolino, Pat Cruz Events and Co-host, Taste of Rhode Island; Guest; Guest; Mario Hilario, Sunrise Anchor at WJAR NBC 10; and Lupe Aguilar, Rhody Foody and Co-host, Taste of Rhode Island.
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- Maria Jacobo, Director of Latino Affairs/Insurance Services and Ryan Moot, Manager of Business Development, Rhode Island Hospitality Association.
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- Doug Maloney, Brand Ambassador, Litchfield Distillery.
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- Andrew Greenleaf, RI Market Manager, Bully Boy Distillers.
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- Drew Eichinger, Sales Manager, Sakonnet Vineyard.
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- Mike Samos, Marketing and Communications Director, Greenvale Vineyards.
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- Brand Ambassador John Melo showcasing Shanky’s Whip Black Irish Whiskey Liqueur.
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- Will Patch, CEO/Founder, Cape Cod’r Craft Cocktails.
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- Stephen Etchells, Co-founder, Say Yes to the Cocktail; Mario Hilario, Sunrise Anchor at WJAR NBC 10; Ricky Fernandes, Co-founder and CEO, Say Yes to the Cocktail; Reilly OHearn, Brand Ambassador, Velo Vodka; and Lupe Aguilar, Rhody Foody and Co-host, Taste of Rhode Island.
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- Courtney Cramer, Owner, The Happy Hour, a mobile bar service.
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- Rebecca Spustek, Owner, The Langworthy Inn & Winery.
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- Chris Barbosa, Lead Mixologist and Victor Regino, CEO, Island Coquito.
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- Victoria Nounpa, Lead Bartender and Bri Duffy, Owner, Glitz & Garnish, a luxury mobile cocktail bar.
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- The Venetian Bloom cocktail from Glitz & Garnish: vodka, Italian aperitif, elderflower liqueur, grapefruit juice, lemon juice and Prosecco.
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- Nichole Bonollo, Owner, Sippin’ Pretty showcasing Hotel California Silver Tequila, which was featured in Sippin’ Pretty’s Dragon Fruit Paloma.
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- Sippin’ Pretty’s Dragon Fruit Paloma: Hotel California Silver Tequila, fresh lime juice, dragon fruit syrup and dragon fruit puree topped with grapefruit soda and garnished with dried lime.
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- John Wiedenheft III, Winemaker and Cidermaker, Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery.
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- Stephen Etchells, Co-founder, Say Yes to the Cocktail; Matt Simmons, Commercial Bar Program Consultant/Writer; and Ricky Fernandes, Co-founder and CEO, Say Yes to the Cocktail.
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- DrinkThat Espresso Martini Sales Managers: Andrew Pimental, and Erin Kennedy.
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- The award-winning recipe by Bricco Ristorante & Enoteca in Boston’s North End featuring DrinkThat Espresso Martini.
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- The Toast n’ Tap team with Ryan Nardolillo, Owner/Operator.
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- Both of Lyvely Drinks: Molly Malendyke, Investor and Brand Ambassador and Chris Mohr, Founder toasting with the Lyvely Classic Espresso Martini Canned Cocktail.
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- All of Casa Azul Taqueria: Andrea Trejo, Team Associate and Bartender; Javier Soto, Chef and Co-owner; Alejandra Soto, Co-owner; and Laura Arevalo, Event and Catering Manager.
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- All of Mill’s Tavern: Edward Bolus, Chef; Mia Cruz, Chef de Pastry; and Vanessa Nowicki, Pastry Assistant.
Photos by Laura Widness.
