slides: Best Events For Food Lovers In Rhode Island

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Ann & Michael Martini, GoLocalProv Food Editors

Okay, so we know that summer is all about vacation, right? Even if we live in Warwick, we feel like Narragansett is getting out of Dodge. But as the days grow shorter and the nights colder, we tend to stay close to home. One redeeming quality of this time of year? The sweet abundance of local food events -- an opportunity to try something new and tasty while rubbing elbows with the local food community. We scanned the local food scene and came up with a delicious list of upcoming events that should please all types of palates.

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Apple Dinner

Persimmon Apple Dinner with Author Amy Traverso

Fall means apples, so what could be better than one of the state's best chefs, Champe Speidel, and Apple Lovers Cookbook author Amy Traverso, preparing an apple themed dinner? Nothing, we say. Throw in the fact that everyone will get a signed copy of Traverso's cook book.

Tuesday, October 30th. $90 per person, 31 State St. Bristol, www.persimmonbristol.com

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Wine Festival

The Savory Grape Charity Wine Festival

Next, we combine drinking with giving back. See...we're helpful. The Savory Grape is a sublime wine shop and they host one of the finest wine events of the year. Their charity wine festival to benefit Rhode Island Community Action will feature more than 50 wines from around the world, live and silent auctions and passed hors d'oeuvres.

Saturday, November 3rd, $75, 1000 Division Rd. East Greenwich, www.thesavorygrape.com

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Craft Beer Tasting

New Brews from the Old Country: An Italian Craft Beer Tasting at Farmstead

Italian beer makers have made recent strides to become a major force on the beer scene. Their craft will be on display at this very cool tasting. Add in some of the delectable house made Porchetta made by Meat-Master General Matt Jennings and you have a perfect fusion of old world/new world.

Sunday, November 4th. $65, 186 Wayland Ave. Providence, 274-7177, www.farmsteadinc.com

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Fondue Class

Meals Meant to be Shared: International Fondues, Swiss, French, Italian

Nothing says cool fall afternoon quite like fondue and wine. Nancy Rush will show you the finer points of all things bubbling cheese while Maria Chiancola of the Newport Wine Cellar will come up with some complementary wines to pair with the cheese and the afternoon of fondue education.

Monday, November 5th. $55, 796 Aquidneck Ave. Middletown, 293-0740, www.facebook.com/NewportCooks

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Taste of Newport

29th Annual Child and Family Taste of Newport

Another event for a good cause is the Child and Family Taste of Newport. Almost 30 years strong, this event brings together the best of Newport--and surrounding areas--for a terrific food event for a great cause. More than 29 local food businesses will be represented handing out everything from crab cakes to grilled pork belly.

Sunday, November 11th, $125 and up,1 Goat Island, 848-4123, www.tasteofnewportri.org

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Wine Dinner

Gracie's Wine Dinner with Grapes and Grains of Barrington

One of the state's longstanding top-spots to eat teams up with the first-ever wine and liquor shop in Barrington for a wine dinner featuring wines from Argentina and Chile. Paired with each wine will be the award-winning food of chef Matt Varga. This event also features a V.I.P. room experience where you will be seated with just 10 people in the wine cellar.

Thursday, November 15th, $75, 194 Washington St. Providence, 272-7811, www.graciesprovidence.com

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Providence Wine Academy

Providence Wine Academy's Old World Vs New World

Our own wine critic, Steffen Rasch, has opened a terrific resource for novice to expert wine drinkers with the Providence Wine Academy. What better way to get ready for an upcoming wine dinner than a refresher course in old world--i.e. European--vs new world--i.e. American, South American--wines. Steffen will fill you with knowledge and wine!

Thursday, November 15th, 150 Union St. Providence, 7th floor Peerless Bldg, www.providencewineacademy.com

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Sausage + Beer Class

Cooking Class at Al Forno: Sausage and Beer

Do you ever fantasize about getting in the kitchen at Al Forno and meet chef David Reynoso? Well, this is your chance and it also involves sausage and beer. The class is limited to 15 participants, so you will be up close and personal. It's a fun and educational experience in one of America's best restaurants.

Saturday, December 15th, $65, 577 South Main St. Providence, 273-9760, www.alforno.com