AROUND RHODE ISLAND/and

WINE & BEER

Sakonnet Vineyards (162 West Main Rd, Little Compton  401-998-8486) is holding a holiday open house Saturday, and Sunday, December 11/12 from noon to 3:00 p.m. Go to www.sakonnetwine.com for more info.

From noon to 5:00 on Saturday, December 18, Newport Storm Brewery (293 JT Connell Rd, Newport  401-849-5232) will have a "Hoppy" Holiday party with beer on tap, hot toddies, tours, and a cook-off of foods made with Newport Storm Beer or Thomas Tew Rum. The brewery tours (described as "hands on") will be on the hour and led by the head distiller and the brewmaster. Admission for adults: $10  Diversions will be provided for the tots (no cost). www.newportstorm.com/index.asp

FEDERAL HILL
Tony's Colonial Food (311 Atwells Avenue, Providence  401-621-8675) is holding a tasting for Tuscan salami and sharp provolone tomorrow, Saturday, December 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. On Saturday December 18 you can move on to sweet samples: homemade torrone and Christmas panettone.  www.tonyscolonial.com

RESTAURANT NEWS/EVENTS
Mill's Tavern (101 North Main St, Providence  401-272-3331) will be open for lunch, weekdays from noon to 2:30 p.m. from Tuesday, December 14 through Christmas Eve. My shopper friend and I plan to take our break there.
www.millstavernrestaurant.com

Cook & Brown Public House (959 Hope St, Providence  401-273-7275) is having a cocktail workshop on Sunday, December 19 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. $40 for the workshop alone, $70 if you stay for Sunday supper. This could be fun. www.cookandbrown.com

It's December - time to eat a lot of these: