Changes isn't just a Bowie song
Hello dear readers. I'm Gail Ciampa, Providence Journal food and dining editor.
The only thing we can really depend on is change. Isn't that true? That's why I shouldn't have been surprised when I began compiling the story of restaurants that have closed in the past year. But I was. I thought there would be a dozen or so but I found almost double that. And I'm sure I missed some.
A handful of closings or sales are due to retirements. How can you argue with people wanting to retire. You can't. But you can miss their restaurants.
There is also the sad reality of business troubles that began during the COVID pandemic. Staffing shortages and other challenges have been too much for some owners and they needed a change. They will be missed but the vibrancy of the local restaurant scene means many of these restaurant spaces are already opened with new owners and concepts.
Locations also change for food and drink businesses
Rhodium at Rhode Island Sprits made a social media post this week that said, "The word is officially out—we're moving in with our friends at The Guild!"
After three and a half years at 59 Blackstone Ave., (where does the time go?) Cathy Plourde and Kara Larson will move their tasting room to 40 Bayley St.—located behind The Guild.
There new home requires dome work to be done so stay tuned for details on their opening date.
In the meantime, you have three more wekends to visit at 59 Blackstone Ave. Check out their events and hours on Instagram.
Here are three fun food things to do this weekend
This weekend
Temple Beth-El Sisterhood is planning the in-person event they envisioned when they created their cookbook “Recipes and Memories that Nourished us Through the Pandemic.” It's Sunday, Dec. 4 from noon to 2 p.m. at Temple Beth-El, 70 Orchard Ave., Providence, in the Meeting Hall.
Their "chefs" will bake and cook their recipes from the book. Guests attending the event are invited to "taste" the cookbook. It is free for Sisterhood members and $18 for non-members.
Peace Dale Congregational Church will hold its 59th Annual Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 261 Columbia St., Wakefield. Wreaths, sprays and table decorations crafted from fresh, local greens will be sold. The White Elephant Room. Grandpa’s Attic will feature more valuable items. There will be a Cookie Stroll with homemade treats. The Snack Bar will be serving homemade soups and desserts as well as beverages. Visit peacedalechurch.org for more details.
Castle Hill Inn, 590 Ocean Drive, Newport, (401) 849-3800, castlehillinn.com, partners with the James L. Maher Center to bring a Pop-Up Christmas Tree Farm and Wreath Sale to the Inn’s Chalet Lawn. It's Saturday, Dec. 3 and Sunday, Dec. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and guests are invited to pick out their Christmas trees and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa or cider, a photo-op “Letter to Santa” workshop and listen to carolers throughout the day. All proceeds from the tree and wreath sale will benefit the Maher Center, which has been serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on Aquidneck Island and in Rhode Island’s East Bay communities since 1953.
That's it for now dear readers. See you next week when we will talk Christmas cookies.