Chamber serves a Taste of North Central RI

"Your trolley is waiting,” offered Deborah Ramos, president of the North Central Chamber of Commerce.

On Tuesday, July 24, that trolley will take Chamber members and friends to five locations to sample food and drink from some of the area’s best restaurants. A Taste of North Central Rhode Island will run from 5:30 to 9 p.m., and for just $20, guests can sit back and relax – and bring their appetites.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets for seniors are priced at $15 and are even lower at $8 for children. A very limited number of tickets will be available at the trolley, and cost $25.

“People who take the trolley ride will only pay one price,” Ramos said. “They will not have to spend any money at the Taste of North Central Rhode Island destinations unless they want to purchase something other than [what] is included in the samplings.”

This first-ever Taste of North Central Rhode Island has been organized to promote goodwill from the Chamber while supporting small businesses within the Chamber’s footprint.

“While this is a first-time venture for us, I believe it’s the first of its kind anywhere,” Ramos said. “Other chambers and organizations have had walking tours and strolls, but no one seems to think this has been done with a trolley.”

There will actually be three trolleys participating in the Taste of North Central Rhode Island. Trolleys will be waiting at three different locations – Johnston Senior Center, North Bay Retirement Living in Smithfield and Pocasset Ray Retirement Living in Johnston – where people can also purchase their advance tickets. Each of the trolleys will depart at 5:30 p.m. and will take different routes to the designated eateries.

“Each of the trolleys will go to all six locations but they will not be at the same restaurant together,” Ramos explained.

The six restaurants that are participating in the Taste of North Central Rhode Island are Bentley’s Tavern (934-6400), 92 Hartford Pike in North Scituate; Decadent Design Bakery (499-5767), 570 Putnam Pike (Route 44) Greenville; RI Billiard & Bistro Bar (232-1330), 2022 Smith Street, North Providence; UNO Chicago Grill (233-4570), 371 Putnam Pike (Route 44/Smithfield Commons), Smithfield; and Wasabi Japanese Sushi Bar (751-0444), 1369 Hartford Avenue, Johnston.

“This is a great opportunity for the Chamber to bring patrons to these restaurants,” said Ramos. “It will also give people a chance to sample their foods and perhaps even go back at a later date.”

The NCCC president, who is also busy putting the final touches on the Chamber’s annual Golf Tournament that will be played Monday, July 16 at posh Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln, added that guests will see a lot of value for their money spent.

“People will only pay one admission but will have an opportunity to taste three or four specialty items, a house cocktail or draught beer or glass of wine on the tour. It’s a great way to plan a girls’ night out or even a couple’s night,” she said.

The event will also include background information on each of the six restaurants that have signed on for the first-ever Taste of North Central Rhode Island.

“We’ll be telling people about each of the restaurants we’re going to on the different trolley,” Ramos said. “Anyone who takes the tour will learn about what each restaurant specializes in. It should be lots of fun.”

Participants should plan on being at their respective trolley location at least 15 minutes early.

For more information or to purchase advance tickets, call the NCCC headquarters (349-4674) located at 255 Greenville Avenue in Johnston.

Ramos also reminded NCCC members about last Friday’s Frenzy offer that is good through tomorrow, July 13, allowing Chamber members to purchase an advance ticket for the Taste of North Central Rhode Island and get another ticket for half-price.