PVD Elite Behave Like Bacchus @ Grapes & Grains!

Providence Elites went a little off the beaten path and gathered for Yelp's Grape Expectations Elite Event last Thursday at Grapes and Grains – a Barrington bottle shop – where they enjoyed a little sipping, tasting, and and wine education. With The Cheese Plate, The Olive Tap, Federal Hill Pizza and Provender supplying their delectable goodies for us to nosh, Grapes and Grains hosted one delicious evening, indeed!

Grapes and Grains "is terrific. They have really interesting varietals – especially on the beer side." And while it's off William H's "typical beaten path, I'll definitely be making return visits!" Jennifer E "absolutely loves the layout of Grapes and Grains, with it's cozy feel and spectacular wine, beer and liquor selection." Sara H appreciated "the knowledgable and engaging staff, sharing their enthusiasm for the wines we were tasting."

"This event represented everything" Jaclyn P loves "about being Yelp Elite. Food, drinks, mingling, and the best part – getting to talk with local businesses about the very products they are passionate for. The station showcasing a spread from The Cheese Plate in Warren was wonderful – perfect pairings by the general manager who was very informed about his products." Serving up "piping-hot pizza" was Federal Hill Pizza. Their fresh, famous dough topped with "dehydrated goat cheese, mushrooms, prosciutto and a tangy sauce" was a perfect match for the "crispy, yet still chewy, crust." Sara H plans on "becoming a regular" at this Warren joint.

Victor K can see himself "going through a whole bottle" of The Olive Tap's creative oils. His "favorite has to be the jalapeno, which had a strong flavor without the spice, which was surprising" and very nice. "To end the night," Jennifer E "scooted in to the fancy reserve room where the lemon marscapone cake" from Provender was paired with a light, sweet muscato. "This cake is aaaammmazing – delicate, somewhat tart and went very well with the wine, especially when my friend gave me the idea to dip the cake in to the wine. Maybe a bit weird and unrefined, but it sure was delicious!" We won't judge you, Jen!

"This event gets an A+ for giving" Vilay S "a crash course on taste. It was a unique event that gave us an insiders' look on food, flavors, and pairings. The knowledgeable hosts gave us the lowdown on things like olive varieties, chemical structure of pizza dough, wine acidity… I'll have to revisit my trapper keeper to remember it all. Let's hope we'll all be on the Yelp Honor Roll." High scores all around, for sure!

A big thank you to Grapes and Grains for hosting, to all the wonderful vendors for supplything the delicious food, and to Jen Brister of Brister Photo for being there and capturing the magic – view the full set of photos here, and don't forget to check out the reviews of this event! 

Until next time…

Hilary H, Yelp Providence Community Manager