An Unforgettable Evening of Wine, Women, and Giving Back

If there’s one thing I never turn down, it’s a great meal. And when some of Rhode Island’s most talented female chefs are behind it? Even better. Add expertly paired wines, lively conversation, and a cause that truly matters, and you have the recipe for an unforgettable night.

That’s exactly what happened at Waterman Grille during Newport Restaurant Group’s (NRG) International Women’s Day Wine Dinner, where the powerhouse women of NRG – many of whom have been featured in past issues of our magazines – took over the kitchen for a four-course feast that was as inspiring as it was delicious. Each dish highlighted the artistry of NRG’s female chefs, paired with wines expertly selected by 22 Bowen’s wine director, Stephanie Steed (read more about her in our archives).

The evening opened with chef Jennifer Backman of Castle Hill Inn (read about her in our archives), who set the tone with a Celebration of Vegetables, a dish that proved simplicity, when executed with skill, can be extraordinary. Poached and pickled beets, rutabaga, and red cabbage marmalade formed a vibrant, elegant composition. A crisp Cambria Chardonnay from Santa Maria Valley provided the perfect complement, offering a bright, refined start.

Next, chef Mariana Gonzalez-Trasvina of Bar ‘Cino and La Vecina Taqueria (read about her in our archives) transported diners to the Italian coastline with Seafood Squid Ink Tortellini. Bold and briny, the dish featured tomato butter sauce, fennel, mussels, octopus, and a fiery hint of Calabrian chile. A Travaglini Gattinara from Piedmont, with its structured minerality, paired beautifully with the rich flavors.

By the third course, comfort took center stage. Chef Marissa Lo of Boat House Waterfront Dining (featured in a past cover story) presented a show-stopping Blackbird Farms Beef Short Rib, slow-braised to perfection and served with crispy potato rosti, pearl onion, pickled carrot, and a luxurious port demi-glace. Each bite melted effortlessly, enhanced by a Bezel Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles. With its deep fruit and firm tannins, the wine balanced the dish’s richness, creating a flawless pairing.

Just when it seemed impossible to take another bite, chef Camille Murphy of Castle Hill Inn delivered a dessert worth making room for: Meyer Lemon Bavarian. Light yet indulgent, the dreamy blend of yogurt cake, huckleberry, and pistachio hit the perfect balance of tart, sweet, creamy, and crunchy. Paired with a hand-selected wine by Steed, it was the refreshing finale this feast deserved.

While the food and wine dazzled, the evening carried a deeper purpose. A portion of the proceeds supported Sojourner House, a Rhode Island nonprofit providing critical resources for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse. The event served as a powerful reminder that food builds community, sparks change, and creates impact.

For those looking to support this important cause, Sojourner House will host its 10th Annual Sojo Mojoe Breakfast on May 30 at the Providence Marriott Downtown. As the heart of the organization’s Annual Spring Fundraising Campaign, the event raises essential funds for survivor support services, including housing assistance, groceries, transportation, and counseling. It’s a morning of connection and action, bringing together business leaders, politicians, and nonprofit champions to celebrate the work being done and the lives being rebuilt. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit SojournerRI.org.