Tis the season to enjoy the fruits of John Wiedenheft’s hobby. In 2003, the Westerly native started making wine using five-gallon carboys in his basement. The idea took off, and Wiedenheft took pleasure in sharing his craft with friends. But when it became apparent that it was too costly a habit having grapes shipped cross-country, his son Jay suggested harvesting local apples. In 2017, they created Tapped Apple Cidery & Winery and brought a tasting room to Westerly. The space has grown and now offers almost a dozen varieties of apple wines and hard ciders, charcuterie boards made to order, and gourmet chocolate truffles. True to their local roots, the Wiedenheft’s revel in celebrating area artisans, and through November 14 will be displaying works by New London-based painter Susan Mackay in their tasting room. 37 High Street, Westerly, TappedApple.com.
After a summer of light and bright flavors, New Englanders turn eyes toward autumn and its hearty, savory flavors. James English’s new Sea & Smoke Catering, homed in Wakefield, showcases coastal-inspired wood-fired cuisine with an emphasis on flavor and technique –slow smoking, grilling, and searing over open fires. “We will be offering Thanksgiving smoked turkeys,” says English. “They are organic, free range, and from Vermont. We brine and then smoke to perfection,” he says. A life-long Rhode Islander, English has worked in kitchens since he was 15 and made it formal at Johnson & Wales University. He cut his teeth at restaurants in France, and then locally at The Boathouse, Red Fin Crudo + Kitchen, Preppy Pig BBQ, and most recently at KG Kitchen on the East Side of Providence. “We will also be offering some traditional Thanksgiving side dishes,” English says. Availability is limited and is first-come, first-served. 203 Main Street, Wakefield, SeaAndSmokeCatering.com
What goes best with biscotti and rolls? This was a question Justin Fontaine asked himself for a long while before he and his girlfriend Dehlia Beaudry decided to open Arabella’s Coffee House in Wakefield this year. “I always wanted to name a restaurant after my daughter Arabella,” he says. He and Beaudry decided to focus on making pastries from scratch – coffee cakes, cinnamon rolls, scones, even vegan pop tarts and mini pies. “We hope to make a space for URI students to have a comfortable and welcoming space to study, or just hang out and chat, and for people in our community to meet up with friends,” Fontaine says. “We want to work with local artists to be able to feature their art in our place, and to create more loyal regulars.” Oh, and what goes best with biscotti and rolls? That’s easy. “Espresso!” Fontaine says. 406 Main Street, Wakefield,
Instagram: Arabellas_Coffee_House.
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