FEBRUARY 2022
Contents
Departments
10 CONTRIBUTORS
12 FROM THE PUBLISHER
14 CHATTER
16 CityState
58
The Leading Man
For actor , educator and activist Joe Wilson Jr ., all the world ’ s a stage — one he ’ s trying to mend and mold through the power of art . By Casey Nilsson
17 CURRENT Romance novelist Audrey McClelland ; Teresa Guaba of Neighbors 4 Revitalization ; Aura ’ s Chocolate Bar .
20 STYLE Sweet Valentine ’ s Day gifts by Black-owned businesses .
23 OUTTAKES Rhody Awards for Historic Preservation ; Halloween party at Barnaby Castle .
27 REPORTER With resources scarce and land scarcer , the local agricultural community is locked in a battle over indoor farming .
31 TO-DO LIST February ’ s best activities .
JOE WILSON JR .: DANA SMITH ; BAKERY : ANGEL TUCKER ; SWEET TOOTH : COURTESY OF ELLEN SCHMEDINGHOFF ; DINING OUT : ANGEL TUCKER .
40 54
Get Baked !
Where to get the best sweet and savory baked goods , breads , pizza strips , desserts and more . Edited by Jamie Coelho
Sweet Tooth
The pleasure that comes from baking for others speaks a universal language . By Ellen Schmedinghoff
67 Your Ultimate Winter ( into Spring ) Guide
Baby it ’ s cold outside , but we ’ ll show you dozens of ways to cozy up , have fun and stay sane when the temperature drops . Edited by Kaitlyn Murray and Diane Sterrett
96
83 RHODE TRIPS Get your coffee fix at these local roasters and cafes .
91 AT HOME A homeowner tackles a daunting renovation and discovers a new career in the process .
96 DINING OUT With its 1940s downtown glamour , Bellini is the trendy new place to see and be seen , with a vibe and menu to match .
120 SNAPSHOT Snowy owl at Sachuest Point .
ON THE COVER : Valentine ' s cake from Miss Vegan . Photograph by Angel Tucker . Follow us on the Web at RIMonthly . com .
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l FEBRUARY 2022 9