Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - December 24, 2021

HOT

Christmas

It may not be the easiest of times with COVID looming and an unsteady economy with near-record inflation.

In the short term, we face some uncertainty.

But, Rhode Islanders are feisty. We burned the Gaspee, we helped modernize the globe, and we continue to be the place where others want to live.

Enjoy the holiday, and take solace in family and friends in person or via Skype. Savor the moment.

HOT

RI Chocolatier Wows

Warwick native Douglas Tella didn’t set out to be a pastry chef and chocolatier. 

He went to the Berklee College of Music for drums; he then studied orchestral percussion at Rhode Island College. 

But now, it’s his masterful, artfully-crafted molded bonbons that have Tella anticipating officially launching his own candy line, expected to debut in 2022. 

“The goal is to eventually get my own little storefront and focus on these artisan chocolates,” said Tella of the sweet delicacies that can be eaten in “one or two bites.”

And the cocoa concoctions? According to his Instagram account, flavors include such innovative creations as lemon lavender and honey mandarin, apple cider caramel and walnut praline, and more. 

But before you even take a bite, it’s the vibrant casings that catch your eye. 

“It’s all chocolate — the bright coloring is cocoa butter that’s tempered fat-soluble food coloring,” said Tella.

And to make the chocolates? It’s a complex, multi-step process, according to Tella. 

READ MORE HERE

HOT

Bob Burke -- The City's Conscience

Providence restaurateur Bob Burke has consistently advocated for downtown businesses -- and this week, he wrote about the potentially damaging decisions by the 195 Commission:

As the year draws to a close the prize for worst government action of the year (perhaps the decade) goes to the I-195 Commission for their decision to help destroy the Providence restaurant community.

Their latest debacle is the proposal for a 4,000 square feet, $2.8 million building named the Innovation District Park Food & Beverage Pavilion. 

It will take tax money, generated in part by restaurants, to open new restaurants to compete with them.

No industry has been more devastated by COVID than our beloved restaurants.  No industry has contributed more to Rhode Island’s global reputation for hospitality. No restaurant should ever have to compete against the state-subsidized competition.

Instead of helping those entrepreneurs who put it all on the line fighting for survival, the I-195 Commission is working hard to make it even more difficult for Providence’s restaurants.

READ THE REST HERE

HOT

PC Friars in Top 25

The Providence College Men’s Basketball team has notched its first appearance in the top 25 polls in over five years this week. 

Following a mammoth win at No. 20/22 Connecticut on Saturday, the Friars are #22 in this week’s AP Poll and #23 in the Coaches Poll. 

It marks the first time the Friars have been ranked since they were No. 24 in the Coaches Poll on February 22, 2016.  

It also marks the first time the team has been ranked in both polls since February 15, 2016 when the Friars were 23rd in the Associated Press Poll and 20th in the Coaches Poll.

HOT

Magaziner's National Nod

Democrats Serve — a national hybrid political action committee (PAC) that supports Democrats running for office with public service backgrounds — announced it is endorsing Seth Magaziner in his bid for governor.

Brett Broesder, the PAC’s executive director, noted that Seth Magaziner — who is a former public school teacher — is "an excellent example of a Democrat running for office with frontline public service experience who can excel as a candidate and a policymaker."

Broesder has close ties to Rhode Island. He helped run Peter Kilmartin’s campaign for Attorney General in 2010 and then worked on his staff.

“From preparing kids for tomorrow’s jobs to spearheading a school construction plan to fix over 180 school buildings, Seth’s proven his commitment to improving the lives of kids and their families through public service,” said Broesder. “As the Ocean State’s next governor, we have no doubt Seth will create good-paying jobs, improve public education, and generate a clean energy future. Seth is prepared to lead Rhode Island during this critical time, and we’re proud to stand with him in this fight.”

Magaziner, who currently serves as Rhode Island’s General Treasurer, said, “I started my career as a public school teacher and that experience shapes everything I do, including my focus on rebuilding our crumbling schools so students are prepared to thrive and succeed in a modern workforce. I am honored to earn the support of Democrats Serve in my campaign for Governor as they share my commitment to building a stronger economic future that works for every Rhode Islander.” 

HOT

RI DEM Enforcement

RI DEM has charged five individuals with criminal and civil hunting violations --  including taking waterfowl from a vessel under power. 

RI DEM reports that they seized the guns used, and donated the birds that had been shot. 

The agency released the following statement regarding the arrests. 

"Last weekend DEM’s Division of Law Enforcement received a complaint of poachers shooting ducks while their boat was still under power in lower Narragansett Bay. 

Saturday morning an officer patrolling Jamestown observed a boat matching the description and the hunters onboard shoot several ducks while under power. This officer quickly called for assistance, he and the responding officers set up surveillance. 

Officers watched the group motor up to several more flocks of ducks and geese and shoot while the boat was still under power.  When the poachers reached the boat ramp they were met by waiting officers. 

All 5 subjects on board were charged with several criminal and civil hunting violations including taking waterfowl from a vessel under power.  Their guns and birds were seized.  The birds were donated to the Center for Southeast Asians in Providence."

NOT

RI's COVID Management

Rhode Island’s numbers for COVID in comparison to the rest of the country are harrowing.

According to Covid Act Now, Rhode Island has the highest number of new cases in America per capita. 

The infections are hitting our lives and disrupting businesses -- Providence theater company Trinity Rep was forced to cancel performances of A Christmas Carol due to fear of infection among the actors. That was just the beginning of the interruptions now hitting schools, workplaces, and healthcare.

The New York Times' data shows that hospitalizations in Rhode Island have increased 64% in the past 14 days — the third-highest rate in the country.

However, the chart produced by the New York Times this weekend shows that Rhode Island’s spike is as bad as any spike since COVID was first detected in the United States in 2020.

Rhode Island's infection level is racing to that of December of 2020 when the state had the highest level of infection in the world.

Moreover, this spike is before the Omicron variant has begun to spread in the state. According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, the state has only detected one case. But the Omicron variant is now doubling cases in much of Europe. It is expected to spread across the U.S. at a record pace. 

Michael Osterholm, the Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research at the University of Minnesota, highlighted data from New York as proof that “outbreaks are starting to occur.” 

“I think we’re really just about to experience a viral blizzard,” he told CNN’s Erin Burnett this week. 

NOT

Loss of Chez Pascal

Providence’s Chez Pascal -- one of the city’s top restaurants -- has announced it is closing.

The French restaurant located on Hope Street has been a high-profile upscale dining destination for two decades.

Chez Pascal has won national acclaim and is one of the restaurants that has helped land Providence on numerous "top" lists. 

Matt and Kristin Gennuso made the announcement on Tuesday of the closure. 

The loss of Chez Pascal has sent some of the city's foodies spiraling, according to dozens of social media posts.

READ THE GENNUSOS' LETTER TO CUSTOMERS