Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - February 28, 2025
Analysis
Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - February 28, 2025
We have expanded the list, and we are going to a GoLocal team approach while encouraging readers to suggest nominees for who is "HOT" and who is "NOT."
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Over the past 14-plus years, more than 7,000 have been tagged as HOT or NOT.
Email GoLocal by midday on Thursday about anyone you think should be tapped as "HOT" or "NOT." Email us HERE.
Side of the Rhode: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not? - February 28, 2025
HOT
Smart Medicine
Dr. Phil Chan is now a weekly feature on GoLocal LIVE.
The primary care physician will be providing a weekly update on the most important and pressing health issues.
He's already talked about the benefits and the complexities of GLP-1s and how to protect yourself from winter viruses; for this Saturday's feature, Dr. Chan discusses the human risk of the bird flu.
He does not take pharma money, and he is affiliated with Brown Health.
HOT
The Food Future is Bright
The Rhode Island Hospitality Education Foundation (RIHEF) hosted the 13th Annual Rhode Island High School Culinary Arts, Foodservice & Hotel Management Competition on Tuesday.
GoLocalProv was there to capture six local teams competing for a total of $700,000 in scholarship money and the chance to represent Rhode Island in the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland.
HOT
Bert's Legacy
Michael Rose's feature:
Art dealer Catherine Little Bert, owner of Bert Gallery in Providence, has been shaping scholarship and appreciation around historic Rhode Island artists for four decades and has also helped to form the local art scene in other ways too. A respected art expert, Bert is one of the most impactful art professionals in the region.
A graduate of Providence College, Bert earned her MA at the University of Connecticut and has studied at Christ Church at Oxford University. She also completed her Certificate of Appraisal Studies at New York University. Founded in 1984 on the ground floor of the Biltmore, her gallery has exhibited work in an unassuming storefront across from Hot Club on Bridge Street since 1992. She has sold works by artists of the Providence School, like those who were involved in the founding of RISD in 1877, and has represented some contemporary makers as well.
HOT
A Little Delayed, But Very Hot
The long-anticipated Track 15 — the food hall has pushed back its opening a few weeks.
The brainchild of developer Chris Marsella, the food hall is coming soon and is a much-needed new addition to Providence.
"Construction finishes next Friday. Training for three weeks with our staff. Delay of a few weeks from the [February] 27 date all utility-related," said Marsella. "But we’re good to go! March 18."
The food hall's costs have also increased from $22 million to now $25 million.
According to developers, the overall18,000 square foot project will include a large central bar, a new home for seven Rhode Island-based restaurateurs, indoor and outdoor seating for over 300 patrons, an entertainment venue, and a 10,000 square-foot plaza which will provide outdoor seating and a home for special events.
Scheduled to open in the food hall are Dolores; Dune Brothers; Guisto PVD; Little Chaska, Mother Pizzeria; There, There; and Tolia.
The project is big and bold.
HOT
Discover Newport Announces Victoria Cimino as New President and CEO
Cimino comes to Newport and follows a true pro.
For 19 years, Evan Smith led the organization.
READ GoLocal's Editorial of Smith's Tenure
The Discover Newport Board of Directors announced Victoria Cimino as the new president and CEO of the organization on Tuesday, following a national search. Cimino, an award-winning destination leader and brand expert, brings over 20 years of hospitality and destination marketing experience to this role. Current Principal of Cimino Consulting, she previously served as president and CEO of Visit Williamsburg, the official destination marketing organization for Williamsburg, Yorktown, and Jamestown, Virginia.
NOT
Not a Good Trend
On Wednesday, GoLocal reported that Riccotti’s in Johnston, which was located at 1465 Atwood Avenue, let its customers know it is “closed for business.”
Then, on Thursday, more closures to report.
Christian D'Agastino has announced that he is closing two Rhode Island restaurants.
Now, a Narragansett restaurant - and a South Kingstown one - both under the ownership of D'Agastino have said on social media they are shuttering their current locations.
The Coastal Cabin on Boston Neck Road, which had been open for four years, said, “Recent obstacles have made it increasingly difficult for many restaurants to operate, especially in the winter.”
The Tavern on Main, located on Main Street in South Kingstown for 7 years, shared a similar message on Instagram.
NOT
Ethics, Schmethics
Newport Mayor Charlie Holder seems to be ethically challenged.
PHOTO: City of Newport
NOT
Crime Was Bad, Lack of Outrage By Mayor Is Even More Disturbing
GoLocal broke the story, captured in a video, of a violent crime — a shooter can be seen jumping out of a car early Sunday morning and unloading multiple shots at a home in Providence.
At least ten shots can be seen to be fired at a house on Duke Street on Smith Hill.
After the shooting, the car sped away.
The Mayor's reaction was...nothing.
He did have a big fundraiser this week though.
