Tomato Soup

The Red Bridge Tavern

Although my foot isn't healing as fast as I'd like it to, I've still had some opportunities for dining out.

Check out my article about The Red Bridge Tavern for Motif Magazine here!

The Official Drawing!

My official one year blog anniversary was October 9th- and it completely slipped my mind to dedicate an entire post to it, maybe with a picture of a nice slice of cake or something. But here is a picture of a bottle of champagne (a recycled picture from my sister's wedding in Paris actually!):

Anyway,I got some great responses to my post about the contest I am holding to celebrate it!

I asked my readers to simply leave a comment on the post and tell me what their favorite restaurant in Rhode Island is for a chance to win a ticket to the 11th Annual Food for Thought hosted by The Genesis Center, and a cookbook put together by the staff and students of the Center.

And the lucky and fantastic winner is...

Jane!

Jane's favorite restaurant depends on the day, and I have to agree that is how I usually feel! Plus, with so many great restaurants in the area, it is so hard to choose!

Congratulations, Jane! If you could send me an email to tomatosoupblog@yahoo.com, with your first and last name, the ticket and the cookbook will be waiting for you on October 25th at the Food for Thought Event!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to post, and I am so glad you've been enjoying the blog!

One Year Anniversary

October 9th will mark the One Year Anniversary of Tomato Soup. I truly cannot believe that a year has passed. I have learned so much more about food and cooking and have had an incredible time "researching" the Rhode Island dining scene (along with several other states/countries). I've had so many wonderful meals- and for a lot of those experiences I have my readers to thank! Without all of your comments and emails, I wouldn't know about even half of the places I've explored and loved.

Because you've been so welcoming to my blog, and happy to share your restaurant reviews and experiences with me, for my one year anniversary, I'm going to give something back.

On October 9th, I'm going to do a drawing to win one ticket to the Genesis Center's 11th Annual Food For Thought , plus an international cookbook that the chefs and staff from the Genesis center put together.

Here is an excerpt of a recent article I wrote about Food For Thought and the Genesis Center for Motif Magazine (you can read the article in full here):

Food for Thought began in 1996 as “a celebration of the Genesis Center’s culinary art job training program.” Tickets for the event are $50 and event proceeds support The Genesis Center and their mission. “The Genesis Center has expanded literacy, fostered self-sufficiency and supported community involvement for thousands of individuals and families for 25 years. Annually, the Center serves more than 500 immigrants, refugees, low-income adults and children.” If you want to do more to assist The Genesis Center with their goals,  Food for Thought is also selling a cookbook filled with international recipes from the Center’s culinary students and staff.  The cookbook boasts 25 recipes from 25 different cultures and features photos of the dishes, the cooking process, and the chefs themselves. It’ll make it easier to try your hand at Cambodian, Guatemalan, Haitain, and Narragansett Indian dishes.  To find out more about the 28 restaurants participating (and map out which ones you just have to try!), the dishes they plan to serve at the event, and to purchase tickets and a cookbook, visit www.FoodForThoughtRI.org.

It promises to be a pretty fantastic event, especially because it is being held in the newly remodeled Botanical Center at Roger Williams Park!

All you have to do to enter the drawing is leave a comment, and name your favorite restaurant in Rhode Island (if you're not from Rhode Island, feel free to leave your favorite restaurant elsewhere along with the city and state!). On October 9th, I will put all the names in a hat and pick out one winner for the ticket and the cookbook- both of which can be picked up at the event on Thursday, October 25th. Good luck, and I look forward to reading the comments!!!

Beer Tasting

Like beer? Then check out my article for Motif Magazine (here or in print all around Rhode Island) all about some great beers that deserve a little more attention...

And an Irish pub that deserves a little more attention too- the East Ave Café in Pawtucket!

Basically British

If you love a good, warm cup of tea and sensuous baked goods, head to Basically British.

Check out my detailed article about the British tea room for Motif Magazine online, or free in print all around Rhode Island!

Blaze on Thayer

Yes, I do love Blaze on Hope Street, and I also have some things to say about the new Blaze on Thayer:

Check out my article for Motif Magazine by clicking here! You can also find it in print in various shops and restaurants around all of Rhode Island!