In the quiet afternoon lull before the dinner rush at Soneacre we sat with Chris Bender, owner/operator of Newport restaurants Stoneacre Garden and Stoneacre Brasserie. ACT began partnering with Chris Bender and his team in 2017 when we were warmly welcomed to the newly-open Stoneacre Brasserie in Washington Square to host our Aquidneck Food Challenge Kick Off Party.
Stoneacre Garden in Newport's Brick Market Place now serves as the location of our winter Aquidneck Grower's Market. Every Saturday from 9am-12pm Stoneacre's covered seating converts into a lively space filled with a variety of local vendors. Here in its sunlit dining rooms, plants and unique objects fill the space with character and imbue a sense of warmth. We are so grateful for the graciousness of our partnership with Stoneacre, and their leadership towards the goal of a healthy and sustainable food system.
ACT: Where did your interest in food begin?
CB: From as young as I can remember, food was always the connection to family and all things happy. Whether it was cooking with my parents or going to a family member's house for a bigger meal, it was always something I've related to friends, family, and togetherness.
Read the entire interview with Bender here!
We Met Our Goal!
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our 401 Gives Campaign! It was amazing to see our community rally behind local non-profits during this statewide giving event! Follow along in our email newsletters and on social media as we share our expanded Root Riders Program this summer.
The Best Foodie Party in Town
If you were lucky enough to attend our first Summer Bounty party in 2019 you will remember what a great event it was: samples of delicious foods and beverages from more than 25 local food producers, live music, a beautiful summer evening in a lovely location, and best of all, the company of friends who share a commitment to changing the food landscape.
After longing for those kinds of connections in the past two years, we can finally gather again, this year partnering with our friends, supporters and winter market hosts, Stoneacre Garden.
Purchase tickets or take advantage of the many opportunities to support the event by becoming a sponsor, taking an ad in the event program, or donating an item for one of the fabulous raffle prizes.