After a two-year pandemic hiatus, the 2022 Taste of Rhode Island, a celebration of local food, drink and entertainment, to be held Thursday, October 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Crowne Plaza, Warwick.

The event brings together a dazzling selection of culinary delights from top area restaurants, food producers and wine, beer and spirit companies coupled with live entertainment, culinary demonstrations from notable local chefs and Taste of Rhode Island Foodie Awards.

Highlights include more than 50 local food and drink businesses including; Chapel Grille, Safari Room at Ocean Cliff, Arooga's, Whalers, Mill's Tavern, Dunkin Donuts, Bodega on Smith, Legal Seafoods, 13 Stars Hot Sauce, Bully Boy DIstillers, Cakes by Eboni, Howies, Fisher's Lemonade, The Local, Iggy's Boardwalk, Industrious Sprit Co, So Co Vedge, Shaidzon Beer Company, Pop on the Block, Solitro's Bakery, BJ's Market, The Donut Shack, Wormtown Brewery, Back40, LineSider Brewing, Twelve Guns Brewing, Layali, Andrea's and, Dig In Dining venues that include Huck's Filling Station, Thirsty Beaver, Park Place Cafe and Newport Lemonade. (Additions added daily. List subject to change). In addition, Big Luxe Violin sets the stage as guests arrive. Big Luxe is recognized across five continents as an innovative, sensational talent. On the main stage back by popular demand, Dr. Slick - a favorite Lil Rhody cover band will get everyone moving with hits from the late 90's to today and everything in between.

Chef  Frank Terranova, will provide a live cooking demonstration, along with well-known bartender, Ryan Draine of Dig In Dining, who will showcase some of his award winning beverage creations.

 Local celebrities and ticket holders will vote for their favorite tastings of the evening. 2022 Taste of Rhode Island Foodie Awards will be presented on the Main Stage.

 “Food. After the Ocean, it’s what Rhode Island is known for! The diverse cultures that call Rhode Island home feature mouth-watering culinary delights for everyone, and we are so excited to bring good food, drink and people together. After a two-year break due to COVID, we're thrilled to once again provide an opportunity to introduce new food and drink options and reacquainted guests with those establishments who have stood the test of time. We want to salute and spotlight our event partners and unite them with eager food and drink lovers from near and far," Event Producers Pat Paolino Cruz (Pat Cruz Events) and Lupe Aguilar (Rhody Foody) said in a statement.

The event is sponsored by Williams & Stuart Real Estate, BJ's Market and Dunkin Brands.

There is no cost for food and beverage businesses that are providing 'tasting samples' to guests and each participant is promoted to over 100,000 social media followers.  After the event closes to the public at 9 p.m. staff and volunteers who are working the event are able to experience the unique tastes presented by their fellow food artisans, dance and mingle. To be considered as an exhibitor, businesses may register