Foodie News 6.22
- Two Hungry Bitches
- Jun 23, 2024
- 4 min read
We went a while without some hard hitting Foodie News, but we're back, baby!
I kept Foodie News on hiatus because unfortunately, it's been mostly closures since my last video, and while that is news that needs to be shared, it's sad news that I would prefer to avoid while pretending everything is fine and nothing is changing.
Anyway, onto the news!
Let's just start off by ripping off the bandaid, shall we?
Wayland Square has taken a few unfortunate hits in the last few months. The East Side neighborhood lost a personally-beloved long-time staple, Minerva's Pizza, one of the oldest businesses in the area.
I don't usually pick favorites, but Minerva's had my favorite buffalo chicken calzone in the state. Maybe it's the nostalgia of going to school in the area and ordering them for lunch all the time, but all I know is that they'll be desperately missed.
The same can be said about Salted Slate that has closed after 10 years of operation. Owners of both East Side eateries say that a combination of rising costs and issues relating to the Washington Bridge (among other things) contributed to the decision to close.
Hunky Dory is another popular spot unfortunately lost to inflation and the Washington Bridge horror. But I believe their well loved pimento cheese can still be purchased at select local stores!
Another heartbreaker of a closure, Hanju Kitchen will cease service out of Royal Bobcat at the end of this month. An extremely depressing moment for snacky-bar attendees who are obsessed with asian fusion food everywhere (me).
Broadway Bistro is also closing its doors. There's still some time left to grab a bite though - they're set to close on July 27th. I'm holding out hope that I'll finally get to try the Ribs and Grits I've heard so much about.
We've indefinitely (begging it's not permanent) lost both Finn's Harborside and TwoTen Oyster Bar to fires. Here's to a speedy recovery for both locations, and good vibes for their staff. Hopefully we'll get them back in time for them to soak up some summer fun(ds).
Upside Bar, La Arepa, Shish Kabob, Noodles 102, and surprisingly Hooters all have also closed unfortunately suddenly. Upside and Noodles have referenced potential for new/revamped ventures in a new location and their current space, respectively. Shish Kabob is now under new ownership.
All losses that I'm deeply mourning. Losing a good spot always hurts, but this many in such a short time frame definitely warranted the news hiatus.
Best wishes on all of their future endeavors!
We've lost a lot but we've also gained some cool newcomers and new spaces for old friends!
Vegan dynamic duo, Like No Udder and Providence Vegan Deli are now open on Hope Street. This is wonderful news after the unfortunate quick-move that the dairy-free ice cream parlor had to do a few months back. Nice to see them both settling in.
White Owl has also opened on Hope Street with some lovely fusion bites. Stopped in for a little nibble the other day and I can confirm: the Dan Dan Noodles are amazing.
Flour Shop Bagels moved into their new home in Pawcatuck, just over the Connecticut line. (I'm claiming them for us)
MakMak just opened, serving brunch, lunch, and dinner on Oaklawn in Cranston with a very tasty looking menu. And we love a spot that's open on Mondays!
Gilligan's has opened The Galley. An offshoot of the pub, serving Guatemalan and Irish fusion street food. An intriguing and delicious sounding combo.
The owners of PJ's Pub and Gentleman's Cigar Lounge in Cranston opened The Social House, slinging affordable cocktails and tasty small bites in Warwick.
Boon Street Market, the first food hall in Narragansett, has officially opened hosting 6 different food concepts. Diners can grab anything from oysters to pizza at Ocho Loco, Smoked N' Smashed, Cousin Vinny's Pizza, Rhody Ramen, Big Belly Deli, and Get Shucked Raw Bar as well as two bars for wine and cocktails.
Connecticut based smoothie chain The Fresh Monkee opened Rhode Island locations one and two in Smithfield and Wakefield.
Both Blackstone and Sport & Leisure have opened second locations in East Greenwich, on the Main Street strip. I believe both are still in soft-opening stages.
Brunch is looking mighty fine over at Frank and Laurie's, the plates at Celeste look stunning, the plant-mom in me is itching to get to Pothos on Ives, and Buttonwoods seems to be settling into Sims Avenue very nicely.
Arguably my favorite part of Foodie News because I'm nosy and love doing research.
Mia Cane Juicery from Worcester is opening a second location on Thayer Street in Providence.
Latin-American inspired Loma Bar will open in Providence, serving craft cocktails.
Hometown Poke is currently building out location number two in East Greenwich (prepare to be sick of me!) and also now offers bubble tea!
National chain, Gopchang Story KBBQ, will be opening in Airport Plaza in Warwick.
We'll be adding African and Mexican food to the growing list of cuisines on Westminster when Suya Joint and Cielito open. Hopefully soon, because I'm dying to try them both. Which you can technically already do at Suya Joint in Boston and Tuxpan in Central Falls!
The owners of Dune Brothers announced a second location, restaurant/fishmarket hybrid. I believe this is a new location, not the previously announced North Main Street spot.
Ellie's is joining the Westminster Street family. They're moving a few blocks over into the old Kleo's space and I'm excited to see what they'll do with it.
Sister restaurant to Condesa, Agave Social, will open in Narragansett soon.
And Shake Shack is opening it's third Rhode Island location on Bald Hill Road in the same plaza as CFA. This is mostly a traffic warning. Godspeed to all those that commute through that area after work.
A big moment for all the foodies in East Greenwich. Truly being spoiled.
That's all for this month's Foodie Round-up. What are we most excited for?
Let me know in the comments if I missed anyone, and if you own a business that's opening or making big changes, shoot me an email!
Signing off for now! Stay hungry,
