The 2016 Eat Drink RI Festival showcased local culinary talent, as well as local wineries, breweries and spirit companies. The festival began on Thursday, April 28 with a “Dinner by Dames,” where top female chefs and bartenders provided a multi-course dining experience for guests. On Friday, the festival hosted the Truck Stop, which benefited the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Mobile food trucks parked at the Alex and Ani City Center in Kennedy Plaza and local musicians provided musical entertainment. The Grand Tasting was held on Saturday, April 30, during which guests sampled locally produced wine, beer and spirits, as well as tastes and treats from local restaurants and farms, at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Now in its fifth year, the Eat Drink RI Festival concluded with a brunch on Sunday, May 1.
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- Alex Roskowski, Brewer, Revival Brewing Company with Michaela Brinkley, Marketing Coordinator, Revival Brewery Company.
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- Thomas Rivera of Gray Sail Brewing with Andy Leukhardt of Foolproof Brewing Company representing the Rhode Island Brewer’s Guild.
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- Michael Peter Buckley, Sales, Wine Bros.; Patrick Caserta, Winemaker, Shinn Estate; Allison Caserta, Shinn Estate.
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- Raina Bedard, Brand Ambassador, Downeast Cider House.
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- Jaimee Valadez and Kyle Castillo of Bucket Brewery.
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- Sean Humphries, Owner, Crave Mead and Nick Sampson, Shipping and Receiving, Sage Cellars.
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- Debbie Noonan, Sales and Marketing Promotions, Johnathan Edwards Winery.
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- Jessyloo Rodrigues of Caledonia Spirits with Barr Hill Spirits, speaking with guests.
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- Jessica Walsh, Tasting Room Operations and Social Media Coordinator, Carolyn Sakonnet Vineyards; Rachel Brooks, Senior Events Coordinator, Carolyn Sakonnet Vineyards.
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- Jamie Buscher, Promotions Team Manager, Narragansett Brewing Company.
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- Jacqueline Vaughn, Owner, Mumma’s Real Lemonade.
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- Ian Single of Sons of Liberty with Mike Reppucci, Founder and President, of Sons of Liberty Spirits Company.
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- Jules Opton-Himmel of Walrus and Carpenter Oysters with Bill Russell, Winemaker and Owner, Westport Rivers Winery and Chef Derek Wagner of Nick’s on Broadway, during a food and wine seminar.
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- Alli Quero, Partner, Los Andes Restaurant with Las Perdices Sauvignon Blanc.
