Rhode Island native Julee Leonardo returned home during the COVID-19 crisis and saw a small but sweet way she could make people a little happier during this summer of quarantine: Open an ice cream shop. The endeavor was always a dream of hers, and she explains the value in simple terms: “When you’re happy, you want ice cream; when you’re sad, you want ice cream, and that’s something I really wanted to bring to the public, especially during these crazy times.” With the help of family and friends, Leonardo opened up Jules Ice Cream in June and started slinging scoops.
A whopping 36 flavors include traditional ice cream, low-fat frozen yogurt, sherbet, and sorbet. Mix and match with different kinds of cones, including house-made waffle and chocolate-dipped. A true purveyor of soda fountain-era classics, find your fair share of milkshakes, floats, sundaes, and banana splits, too. With plans to stay open throughout fall and winter, watch for specialty scoops popping up on the menu soon. - Abbie Lahmers
Nomi Park is an extension of Newport’s newest boutique hotel, The Wayfinder, so you won’t be surprised to find that it’s equally chic and cozy inside with dreamy leopard-print benches and retro wall art. Under the same ownership as local staples Mission, Winner Winner, and TSK, the vision was to create a greatest-hits menu for Nomi Park, featuring twists on old favorites and trying out new dishes. Anna Burnley, one of a trio of owners, says, “We wanted to provide a laid-back, all-day eatery which would feel comfortable to not only a family of four visiting, but also as a first date spot, or solid Sunday brunch spot with friends!”
Coastal cuisine reigns supreme with their calamari and lobster rolls stealing the spotlight, but expect a little extra even in these staple dishes. For example, the lobster roll includes a topping of trout roe, and harissa adds heat to the calamari. Let the mimosas flow over brunch, or feel at home in the chill nightlife atmosphere while sampling some elevated eats. - Abbie Lahmers
Chef Michael St. Angelo is no stranger to the restaurant business and always dreamed of sharing passed-down family recipes in his beloved neighborhood of Maple Avenue, known for its Italian cuisine and community. When he opened up his own Italian restaurant in the area in May, it seemed only fitting to call it Spaghetti Lane. Quickly rising to become a staple in Barrington’s close-knit dining scene, it’s the authentic touches like St. Angelo’s secret tomato sauce recipe passed down from his grandfather and house-made balsamic vinaigrette that make this spaghetti joint worth checking out.
Find a slate of classic family recipes in this charming nook, including house-made meatballs, chicken and eggplant parmigiana served with generous portions of pasta, and fresh-baked bread from Vienna Bakery. An in-house pastry chef and sommelier carefully crafts new wine lists and dessert menus each week, featuring offerings like specialty gelatos and ricotta cakes, which you can watch for on their Facebook page. Takeout and catering are the restaurant’s primary services right now, but some shaded patio tables are also available by reservation. - Andrew Binder
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here