THE

{ more to eat } Most restaurant offerings are also available for takeout , see websites for details .

Ida ’ s Restaurant

With homemade pasta as a starting point , the mac

and cheese here is to die for . But if that doesn ’ t catch

your fancy , you can also try one of its many other

dishes like the veal marsala , pan-seared sea scallops

or chicken and biscuits . 21 Valley Rd ., Middletown ,

849-3377 , idasrestaurant . com .

Newport Creamery

MAKE YOUR MO`E

Let ' s Buy & Sell Together

401- 289- 2ñ00E

TRACY LEROUX

BROKER & OWNER info @ thelinkagency . com

Yes , the iconic dairy-based restaurants can be found all over the state , but Newport Creamery ’ s official headquarters are actually situated one town over from its namesake . The flagship location originally began as a “ milk bar ,” but today it serves everything from fluffy buttermilk pancakes to creamy Awful Awfuls . 208 West Main Rd ., Middletown , 846-2767 , newportcreamery . com .

A SHORT DRIVE AWAY White Horse Tavern Step back in time as you feast on locally sourced cuisine inside America ’ s oldest tavern . Dating to 1673 , the White Horse Tavern offers homestyle New England food while embracing its historic roots . Enjoy a plate of fresh seafood from the raw bar or indulge in hearty selections of meats , vegetables , soups and more . 26 Marlborough St ., Newport , 849-3600 , whitehorsenewport . com .

Salvation Cafe Serving a host of multicultural dishes and exotic cocktails , Salvation Cafe is an eccentric and lively bohemian restaurant on Broadway . While you may come for the vibrant ambience , you ’ ll stay for the tantalizing cuisine . The innovative menu offers locally sourced seasonal specialties that balance the familiar taste of home with international flavors . 140 Broadway , Newport , 847-2620 , salvationcafe . com .

Chomp Kitchen and Drinks Some might call it overkill but Chomp is just too good to serve food for shock value alone . One seemingly benign burger is topped with bacon and American cheese . No big deal . But then it ’ s also loaded with a slab of fried chicken , pepper jack cheese , another beef patty , hot giardiniera , bbq honey and topped with a lettuce , tomato and pickles . Holy cow ! 440 Child St ., Warren , 289-2324 , chompri . com .

{ where to shop }

Island Books

Centrally located in Wyatt Square , this locally owned , independent bookstore has the perfect choice for your next spring read . Check out the staff picks on the website for some book inspiration before you go . While Island Books offers a wide variety of books , the shop also holds signings and monthly book discussions . 575 East Main Rd ., Middletown , 849- 2665 , islandbooksri . indielite . org .

A SHORT DRIVE AWAY Aardvark Antiques Specializing in collections of striking architectural antiques and bronze furnishings , Aardvark Antiques is a one-of-a-kind shop of vintage relics from around the world . Offering grandiose items like stained glass windows , wrought iron gates , lighting fixtures , architectural elements , furniture and stone sculptures , this is certainly not your typical antique store . Additionally , the company offers its own division of welding and restoration services . 9 JT Connell Hwy ., Newport , 849-7233 , aardvarkantiques . com .

Kate and Company This small , quaint boutique on lower Hope Street carries an array of home decor , jewelry , clothing for adults and children and bath and body products . Kate and Company ’ s location , right next to Angelina ’ s coffee shop , means you can shop until you drop then grab a coffee or tea for an extra energy boost . 301 Hope St ., Bristol , 253-3117 , kate-and-company . com .

The Cheese Wheel Village Market This relatively new addition opened its doors in late 2018 and serves the community a comprehensive selection of artisan cheeses , gourmet charcuterie , jams and spreads , local honey , fresh eggs and much

PHOTOGRAPH : ANNABELLE HENDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY , COURTESY OF NEWPORT VINEYARDS / TAPROOT BREWING CO .

98 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l JANUARY 2021