Food Trends: What’s Sizzling

Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em in Gansett

Originally built as a railroad station in the 1890s, Boon Street Market pulls out all the stops to make their food hall a destination for fun. Owners Lindsay and Christina Holmes just added a smoker for Smoked & Smashed, one of the four onsite restaurant concepts, and chicken, pork, sausage, and “massive dino beef ribs” are all smoked in-house. Also new on the menu is steak frites. “It’s fried in beef tallow and is unbelievable,” says Lindsay of the dish served with fries and chimichurri. For drinks, along with their popular mudslides, the duo is proud of their nitrogen-infused coffee drink called The G.O.A.T. “And, we now have live music seven days a week from 2-5pm with half-off apps and buck-a-shuck weekdays during that same time. That combined with cornhole boards, fire pits, and a dog-friendly outdoor patio make us the place to be this summer!” says Christina. Narragansett, BoonStreetMarket.com

Where every meal feels like you’re on summer break

You’re sure to feel like you’re on vacay – even if you live five minutes away – with a visit to The Surf Shack. The boutique hotel has a restaurant and bar, with a menu of tantalizing small and main plates, soups and salads, sweets, and cocktails that sound like desserts in a glass. Owned by the same team of Lindsay and Christina Holmes of Boon Street Market, they dish that July menu favorites include huli huli chicken, and pineapple pot de crème, brûléed tableside for the perfect finish. Sunday brunch kicks off June 29, and their Tahitian custard-stuffed French toast is a must-try. “We’re known for our vibrant cocktails and dock-to-dish creations. Our ube colada is a top favorite, and we highly recommend trying the Pimm’s Cup at our brand-new rooftop bar.” She adds, “The Surf Shack is a place where colorful seaside ambiance meets island-inspired bites.” Narragansett, TheSurfShackRI.com

Elevated Mexican classics in elegant surroundings – plus parking – in EG

“This is our first summer!” says Shannon Brito, who owns SOMBRA Lounge with her husband John, both highly regarded Rhody restaurateurs. “Our outdoor patio is open and welcomes adventure-seekers to enjoy our Mexican-inspired cuisine and cocktails.” Whether outdoors or inside the stylish restaurant, Brito encourages ordering their twists on the classics, starting with tacos. “Guest favorites are rum n’ cola glazed pulled pork, fried avocado, and chicken tinga.” Other specialities are burritos on grilled flour tortillas. And for drinks, you had us at basil strawberry lemonade; however, the Jumping Goat is a must for anyone who enjoys a bit of spectacle. “This is an oh-so-summery fun cocktail as it comes with a popsicle garnish!” says Brito of the mix of Yave coconut tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, raspberry simple syrup, and coconut puree. For the parking wary, there is a free lot behind the restaurant with back-door access, and complimentary valet service in the evenings. East Greenwich, SOMBRALounge.com