As the end of 2017 draws near, many people will begin to reflect on their year – the good, the great, the unbelievable. Here at Providence Coal Fired Pizza, we are looking back at the RI food scene, reviewing 2017.
So we’ve put together a look at the year’s top food events, trends, and crazes; in summary, the RI Food Scene: A Year in Review.
Business, Government & Food Unite
In early January 2017, Rhode Island had its first Food System summit. At the summit, RI food system stakeholders came together to develop “The RI Food Strategy,” a five year plan to address three key aspects of RI’s food system. The plan targets food production, nutrition and health, access to food, and economic development of RI’s food business eco-system. One of the first initiatives the Food Strategy tackled was The Task Force, launched in Spring 2017, designed to reduce food insecurity and missed meals in RI.
Providence Coal Fired Pizza got involved and helped food, business, and administration come together by partnering with the North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce to host an event called, Business After Hours. The Chamber’s Business After Hours event series is a monthly networking event that gives members of the community the opportunity to develop professional relationships with other working professionals, while learning more about a local business each week.
Food Festivals Reign Supreme
The year of 2017 continued to featured and promote food festivals as some of RI’s tops events. This year’s festivals celebrated many unique aspects of Rhode Island and highlighted the hip food culture that is developing. Set up at various locations all over the state, some of the most interesting festivals included:
May 20-21, 2017 – The Newport Waterfront Oyster Festival, Newport.
Two days of taste testing delicious, locally grown oysters, while supporting the aquaculture and local environment here in RI.Check out PCFP’s Baby Bella Pizza with Oyster and Crimini mushrooms, truffle oil, ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, on their menu.
August 5, 2017 – Providence Food Truck & Craft Beer Festival, Providence.
An afternoon sampling some of RI’s best brews and most portable restaurants. The festival fare included fresh and local seafood, tender ribs, brick oven pizza, cupcakes and sweets, etc.
August 15, 2017 – Farm Fresh Rhode Island Local Food Fest, Newport.
An evening benefit to support Rhode Island farmers, fishermen and food artisans, local growers and producers. Guests saw live cooking performances, while enjoying locally sourced RI food and drink.
September 9-10, 2017 – Rhode Island Seafood Festival, Providence.
Pairing live music with local seafood and other fine fare including beer, wine and spirits, all Ocean State produced.
October 1, 2017 – Rhode Island’s Chefs Harvest BBQ, Exeter.
In order to celebrate the Autumn Harvest, chefs, farmers, fishermen, brewers, vintners, musicians and artisans all gathered to raise money and celebrate the RI Food Community.
November 5-December 17, 2017 – The Arcade Farmers and Artisans Market, Providence.
Open Sundays from 11am-3pm, the Arcade houses a plethora of goodies, like maple syrup, honey, produce, local eggs and meats, vintage clothing, records, books, art, soap and bath products, herbs, cocktail syrups, cotton candy, baked goods, flowers and plants, holiday items, jewelry, candles and more.
Paleo Peaks
A top food trend of 2017, the Paleo diet took firm root, promoting health and wellness through eating food that our bodies have genetically adapted to eat. The paleo diet promotes real, wholesome, unprocessed foods. This diet primarily includes things like lean meat and fresh vegetables, or anything with ingredients that might have been available during the Paleolithic era. Between 1 million and 3 million Americans have adopted this trend and its popularity continues to grow.
Providence Coal Fired Pizza is ranked among Yelp’s Best Paleo Friendly Restaurants in Providence.
Coupled with Cocktails
Food and drink always go hand in hand, but 2017 introduces some great new drink options. Local RI companies, Purple Cat Vineyard & Winery and Sons of Liberty Spirits Company, both developed proprietary lines of beer. Purple Cat, originally a winery, and Sons of Liberty, a whiskey distillery, chose 2017 as the year to expand their offerings.
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We hope this RI Food Scene: A Year in Review has illuminated RI’s amazing food options. While 2017 is now over, you can still experience the RI Food Scene, starting at Providence Coal Fired Pizza. Check out one of their three locations – Providence, Westerly and North Kingstown.
To find out more and contact PCFP, click here.