Full of Flavor

By: Mary Carpenter
Posted In: News

Funky, fresh, and sophisticated tastes tantalized the palettes of tourists and locals alike at the 19th annual “Taste of Rhode Island” festival, Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30 in downtown Newport. This yearly event is host to over 50 Rhode Island eateries, exhibiting the best their menus have to offer.

Although most of the dishes were very specific in ethnicity and flavor, they left room for wide ranging opinions. As I entered the tent and I took a breath first to capture the atmosphere. It was magically cool and relaxed with the russet Newport sunset serving as the backdrop. Soon my nostrils were filled with an aroma of clam cakes and chicken kebobs mixed with barbeque ribs and a side of clam chowder. I shortly realized I was in a hungry stomach’s paradise.

After I got a good look at all the booths and what they specialized in, I followed my nose and my instinct to the Smoke House Barbeque tent to indulge in the flavorful ribs. From there I made a mission out of finding the best clam cakes in the house which turned up at the Johnny Angel’s Clam Shack exhibit. After digesting a bit and dancing it off to the live music, I headed to The Mooring spread. It was there that I found the most satisfyingly sophisticated bowl of clam chowder that I have ever had in New England.

Full to the gills and taking it all in,it was even more appetizing to see the guests thoroughly enjoying every minute of the event. The opportunity to eat a delightful three, five, or 10-course meal at an appealing low price, was the hook that snagged many of the interested visitors. “I never think to branch out and try new places when I’m going out to eat.” Marley Williams, a senior at Salve Regina University said, “This event really helps to promote your business and entice new customers to your restaurant, I’m definitely going to have to make reservations at The Mooring just for the stuffed clams.’

The “Taste of Rhode Island” was truly one of the best times I have had in Newport. I was especially impressed by the fact that the local restaurants got to showcase their food and benefit from the exposure, while privileging the many mouths that got to try their entrees. Rhode Island proved to be one of a kind and left a taste that I will be savoring until next year.