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- From Chef Events to Spring Sips šØāš³
From Chef Events to Spring Sips šØāš³
Find culinary happenings worth leaving the house for, fresh style inspo from an expert, a Rhody gem in Newport, + more!
Itās National Letās Laugh Day and while we could absolutely unleash a few questionable dad jokes, a pun about clam cakes, or something wildly Rhode Islandāspecific that only half the state would understand, weāll spare you. Instead, weāre bringing the good stuff. Todayās newsletter is packed with ways to put a smile on your face, from canāt-miss events and fresh style tips to places around Rhode Island where you can shop your way into spring. In other words, consider this your friendly nudge to get out, try something new, and enjoy whatās happening around the Ocean State right now
Providence Culinary Collective Brings Flavor and Heart to the Table
What happens when some of Providenceās best chefs, restaurants, and food lovers gather for one delicious weekend? From March 26-29, the Providence Culinary Collective pairs unforgettable tastings and chef-driven events with initiatives supporting hunger relief, youth job training, and the next generation of hospitality talent across Rhode Island. Read more online.
Menās Spring Style Starts Here
Looking to upgrade your warm-weather wardrobe? East Greenwich luxury clothier Roaring Fashions just released its Spring and Summer 2026 menās style guide, where owner Cheryl Petteruti shares the timeless staples, fresh trends, and fit-first philosophy helping Rhode Island men step into the season looking sharp. Read more online.
Presented by Simply Exquisite Catering
Jamila Lewis Greene Elevates RI Dining with Simply Exquisite Catering
Great food satisfies a craving, but Simply Exquisite Catering sets out to create an experience that lingers long after the last bite. Led by chef, nurse, and entrepreneur Jamila Lewis Greene, the Warwick-based company pairs culinary artistry with purpose, offering elevated yet approachable dining grounded in community and care.
Lewis Greeneās journey into food began with intention. Her background in healthcare shaped a philosophy rooted in precision and nourishment, guiding how each meal is prepared and presented. What started as crafting healthy meals for one childcare center has evolved into a multi-service operation providing Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) compliant meals to schools and residential programs alongside full-service catering and curated dining experiences.
Simply Exquisite Catering operates with a clear mission: Feeding the Future. Lewis Greene believes food should do more than fill a plate. It should tell a story. The companyās menus reflect Afro, Caribbean, and Asian influences, weaving global flavors with cultural roots into thoughtfully curated offerings. āWe are not just serving plates. We are serving people,ā she says, a mindset that drives the intentional design behind every menu.
Clients often highlight the reliability that comes with working alongside the Simply Exquisite team. From seamless timing to personalized menu creation, Greene and her staff manage the details so hosts can focus on connection. Their ability to customize experiences allows events to feel both elevated and deeply personal.
Now, Simply Exquisite Catering continues its signature Supper Club series with Rooted and Radiant, a Womenās History Month experience taking place March 21. This chef-curated multi-course evening will honor the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women through vibrant, globally inspired cuisine, live music, and storytelling in an intimate setting. Guests are invited to gather, reflect, and celebrate culture through flavor. To learn more about Rooted and Radiant or upcoming catering opportunities, visit secateringri.com.
Rhody Recs is your weekly roundup of whatās happening across the state, a built-in excuse to rally the crew early instead of scrambling for plans at the last minute. Because letās be real, lifeās too short to leave the fun for last minute.
Date | Event |
|---|---|
Friday 3/20 | Providence St. Patrickās Day Celebration at City Hall Celebrate the luck of the Irish from 12-1:30pm at Providence City Hall on Dorrance Street, where traditional music, lively dance performances, and festive Irish flavors bring the spirit of St. Patrickās Day to downtown Providence. Learn more online āø» Pure Dance Experience an evening of striking movement when Ballet Rhode Island presents Pure Dance at the Woodman Family Community & Performance Center in Providence from 7-10pm, featuring works by George Balanchine, Christopher Wheeldon, and Yury Yanowsky that highlight the beauty and precision of the human body in motion. Learn more online āø» Haus of Codec Third Friday Market The Haus of Codec Third Friday Market pops up at Farm Fresh Rhode Island in Providence from 5-9pm, bringing together local art vendors, community resources, and a round of Vendor Bingo for prizes at this free, all-ages marketplace. Learn more online āø» Billy Ocean Live Get ready to sing along when Billy Ocean takes the stage at Ballyās Event Center in Lincoln, with doors opening at 7pm and the show starting at 8pm, for a night packed with timeless hits from the legendary soul and pop icon behind classics like āCaribbean Queenā and āGet Outta My Dreams, Get Into My Car. Learn more online āø» Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy Step into a world of mystery at the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy at the Newport Art Museum in Newport, where guests spend 90 minutes sipping themed cocktails while actors bring the legendary authorās haunting tales to life in an immersive storytelling experience. Learn more online āø» Family Friendly Interactive Improv Comedy Show Laugh along and maybe even join the action at the Family Friendly Interactive Improv Comedy Show at the Warwick Center for the Arts in Warwick from 8- 9pm, where quick-witted performers turn audience suggestions into spontaneous scenes during this lively, all-ages comedy night. Learn more online |
Saturday 3/21 | Make Your Own Sensory I-Spy Jar Kids ages 3ā9 can get creative from 10ā11am at FUNdamentals in Riverside, where this hands-on class invites little makers to design their own sensory I-Spy jar while building focus, fine motor skills, and calm through playful discovery. Learn more online āø» Spring Grand Wine Tasting Sip into the season from 1-4pm at Wines & More in Cranston, where this free Spring Grand Wine Tasting invites guests 21+ to sample a fresh lineup of wines perfect for warm-weather gatherings and spring celebrations. Learn more online āø» Pysanky - Slavic Decorated Easter Eggs with Hanka Robertson Learn the traditional art of Pysanky at the Bristol Art Museum from 1ā3pm, where artist Hanka Robertson guides participants through the wax-resist technique used to create beautifully decorated Slavic Easter eggs in this hands-on workshop. Learn more online āø» Live Painting Demonstration with Newport Artist Jeanne Tangney Watch creativity unfold from 3ā5pm at the Portsmouth Arts Guild in Portsmouth when Newport artist Jeanne Tangney presents a live painting demonstration, offering a rare chance to see her award-winning pastel techniques and artistic process come to life. Learn more online āø» The 3rd Annual GFree Fest The 3rd Annual GFree Fest takes over the WaterFire Arts Center in Providence for a weekend celebration of all things gluten free, where guests can browse specialty vendors, enjoy restaurant pop-ups, and sip gluten-free cocktails and beer while exploring the festival from Saturday through Sunday. Learn more online āø» Crafting Event at Imagine Gift Store Tap into your crafty side at the Crafting Event at Imagine Gift Store in Warren from 12-4pm, where guests can turn simple wooden shapes into colorful keepsakes using paints, dried flowers, seashells, and a table full of embellishments. Learn more online āø» Saint Patrick's Cake Decorating Class Get into the festive spirit at the Saint Patrickās Cake Decorating Class at Ben & Jerryās on Thayer Street in Providence from 10-11am, where guests will learn simple piping techniques while decorating two mini cakes with playful clover and rainbow designs. Learn more online āø» Craft Cocktail Class Shake things up at the Craft Cocktail Class at OāBrien & Brough in Bristol from 1-3pm, where guests will mix, sip, and learn bartending techniques alongside lead bartender Jared Dauphinais during this hands-on mixology session. Learn more online |
Sunday 3/22 | Langās Country Fest Dust off those boots and head to Langās Bowlarama in Cranston from 1-4pm for Langās Country Fest, where country hits, line dancing, bowling, raffles, and concert ticket giveaways come together for an afternoon of fun benefiting Operation Stand Down RI. Learn more online āø» Feast of St. Josephās Brunch Celebrate an Italian tradition from 11am-2pm at The Back 9 at Harbor Lights in Warwick, where a festive four-course brunch featuring zeppole, omelets, and other Italian-inspired favorites pairs perfectly with bottomless mimosas and harbor views. Learn more online āø» Providence Freeplay Family Day Bring the whole crew to Freeplay Bar & Arcade in Providence from 11am-5pm for Providence Freeplay Family Day, where arcade classics like pinball, skee ball, air hockey, and more are set to free play for an afternoon of all-ages fun. Learn more online āø» The Winter Farmers Marketplace Shop local from 11am-4pm at Warwick Mall in Warwick, where the Winter Farmers Marketplace fills the former Forever 21 space with local farms, bakers, specialty food vendors, and artisans offering plenty of cozy-season finds. Learn more online āø» NEWPORT STRING Quartet presents Community Concert at Ochre Court Enjoy an afternoon of chamber music from 3-4:30pm in Newport, where the Newport String Quartet performs alongside guest musicians in a free community concert featuring works by Henry Purcell and Frank Bridge. Learn more online āø» Munroe Dairy Hosts Peter Rabbit Hop over to The Sacred Cow Scoop Shop and Market in East Providence for Munroe Dairy Hosts Peter Rabbit from 11am-2pm, where families can snap photos with Peter Rabbit, decorate festive cookies, and enjoy Easter crafts along with sweet seasonal treats. Learn more online āø» Paint & Sip at Ravenous Brewing Company with Paul Santos Art Unwind with a brush in one hand and a drink in the other at Paint & Sip at Ravenous Brewing Company in Cumberland from 12:30-3:30pm, where local artist Paul Santos leads a relaxed, step-by-step session to create a tranquil landscape painting. Learn more online āø» Joe Parillo & The New Ensemble Settle in for a lively night of jazz at Joe Parillo & The New Ensemble at Pump House Music Works in Wakefield, where doors open at 6pm and the music begins at 7pm with an all-star lineup of musicians and a full bar to keep the good vibes flowing. Learn more online āø» Breakfast with the Rainforest Residents Start the morning on a tropical note at Breakfast with the Rainforest Residents at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence from 8-10am, where guests enjoy a hot breakfast followed by a behind-the-scenes look at the zooās rainforest habitat, including a training demo and a visit inside the free-flight aviary. Learn more online āø» Spring Break Drag Brunch Bring your appetite and your sparkle to the Spring Break Drag Brunch at Stoneacre Brasserie in Newport starting at 10:30am, where dazzling performances from Kennedy Plaza, Ladda Nuru, Mackenzie, and Lucy Diamonds pair perfectly with brunch cocktails and seaside vibes. Learn more online |
Our Rhody Rec list is refreshed with every newsletter, so be sure to check back for the latest events!
Meet Marchās Most Adorable Roommates-in-Waiting
Thinking about adding a little extra love (and maybe a few paw prints) to your life? Meet Harriet, Luna, and Mufasa, three sweet Rhode Island rescue pets who are ready to trade shelter life for a cozy forever home. Get to know their personalities and see why your next best friend might just be waiting at a local shelter. Read more online.
This Week on Hey Rhody Weekly: 6 Rhode Island Photographers You Need to Know
This weekās episode of Hey Rhody Weekly shines a light on the Rhode Island photographers capturing the Ocean State in all its quirky, creative glory. From lively Providence streets to quiet portrait studios, these artists are turning everyday moments into stories worth remembering. Around here, the photography community keeps growing ā fueled by Rhode Island creatives who see beauty in the places the rest of us might walk right past.
ā What happens when some of Rhode Islandās most talented female chefs come together for one unforgettable night? Earlier this month at Waterman Grille, Newport Restaurant Group hosted its annual four-course wine dinner, celebrating women in hospitality with elegant dishes, thoughtful pairings from women-owned vineyards, and a meaningful fundraiser supporting Sojourner House. Read more online about this inspiring evening that blends culinary talent, community impact, and a celebration of Womenās History Month.
ā Looking for a night that celebrates the women shaping Rhode Islandās future? Our Cheers to Leading Ladies party invites guests to gather at the Courthouse Center for the Arts in South Kingstown on March 26 from 6-9pm for an evening of inspiring speakers, meaningful connections, and lively entertainment. Hosted by Hey Rhody Media Co., the event brings together the stateās business community to honor local changemakers while enjoying complimentary eats, music, and a shared spirit of empowerment.
āWho says ballet canāt be bold? Ballet RI brings Machinal: A Dance of Defiance, a striking new ballet inspired by Sophie Treadwellās powerful 1928 play, to the stage this May. Audiences can experience this fierce, modern retelling at the Ballet RI Black Box Theatre from May 7-10 and at the University of Rhode Island J Studio from May 14-17, where movement becomes a story of rebellion, resilience, and voice.
Tucked down a narrow alley off Bannisterās Wharf, Mandarine is a woman-owned boutique where breezy St. Barths style meets Newport charm. Step inside for colorful dresses, statement jewelry, and chic accessories that make every rack feel like a mini vacation. Read more online.