RIR Networking Events This post was adapted from the RI Recommends newsletter, where we share Rhode Island food, events, and local moments first. Subscribe to the newsletter โ A few things RI Recommends has been up to lately: a martini competition in Providence, a return to Finnโs for a winter networking night, and three food stops that stood out for very different reasons. In this post: Wicked Best Martini โข Back to Finnโs โข Cowesett Coffee โข Giusto โข Thermia Wicked Best Martini Contest 2026 RI Recommends founder Carl DeLuca will be serving as a guest judge at the Wicked Best Martini Contest 2026, hosted at The Reserve in Providence. The event brings together bartenders and cocktail professionals to focus on one of the most deceptively simple drinks there is. February 7, 2026 Early Access: 12:00 PM Event: 1:00 PM โ 3:30 PM Martini competitions reward restraint as much as creativity. Balance, temperature, dilution, and technique matter here more than spectacle, making this a fun afternoon for anyone who appreciates well-made cocktails and a social, mid-winter outing. Tickets & details โ Back to Finnโs โ RI Recommends Networking Night After an extended closure, Finnโs Harborside is back, and RI Recommends is returning with it. This winter networking night is designed to feel easy and welcoming rather than formal or transactional. February 18, 2026 5:30 PM Expect a mix of business owners, creatives, and community-minded locals, along with complimentary small bites and a cash bar. The goal is simple: give people a reason to get out on a winter night and make genuine connections. Get tickets here โ Cowesett Coffee Cowesett Coffee is one of those places youโre unlikely to find unless someone tells you about it. Tucked inside a local tavern, itโs quietly serving quality coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and seasonal specialty drinks that feel thoughtful rather than gimmicky. Their Valentineโs Day drinks lean into dessert-like flavors without losing balance, making this a solid stop whether youโre heading to work or meeting someone for a casual coffee. Watch on Instagram โ Giusto โ Newport RI Recommends recently stopped by Giusto in Newport for lunch, and it delivered exactly what you want this time of year: warm hospitality, well-prepared Italian dishes, and a setting that briefly makes you forget itโs winter in Rhode Island. If youโre craving a taste of summer while the weather says otherwise, Giusto is a dependable choice for an unhurried lunch in Newport. See the visit on Instagram โ Thermia Rotisserie โ Providence Thermia Rotisserie recently opened on Valley Street in Providence, and RI Recommends visited on opening day. New restaurants often reveal their direction early, and Thermiaโs menu and approach made it a spot worth watching. Opening-week visits donโt tell the whole story, but they do offer insight into a restaurantโs focus and potential, and Thermia made a solid first impression. Thanks for supporting local and showing up for Rhode Island. See you out there, Carl RI Recommends RI Recommendsโ 4th Annual Winter Holiday Party! โโ๏ธ Hosted by RI Recommends ยท The Elliotte on Park ยท Cranston, RI Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025 Time: 6:30 PM โ 8:30 PM Location: The Elliotte on Park, 848 Park Ave, 2nd Floor, Cranston, RI 02910 Early Bird: $30 per person (first 10 tickets) General Admission: $35 per person Includes: Buffet dinner (cash bar available) This oneโs just for funโand everyoneโs welcome. Join RI Recommends for a cozy, twinkly winter night out at The Elliotte on Park with great food, drinks, and plenty of photo-worthy moments under the glowing PARK sign. Buy Tickets on Ticket Tailor Limited early-bird tickets available ยท Opens in a new tab RI Recommends Past Events Tuesday June 3, 2025, 5:30 - 8 pm โจ Sunset Soirรฉe Networking at Circe EG with RI Recommends! Join RI Recommends on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, for a relaxed and elegant evening of networking at Circe in East Greenwich โ a beautiful spot located on the East Greenwich Golf Course. Whether you're a small business owner, creative professional, entrepreneur, or someone who enjoys connecting with inspiring people, this is your chance to do it in style. If the weather is right, weโll be out on the deck enjoying golden hour views, great conversation, and a sophisticated setting. ๐ค Complimentary small bites provided by Circe. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening. โฐ Time: Tuesday, June 3, 20255:30 PM โ 8:00 PM ๐ Ticket Info: $12 Early Bird โ Available until May 20 or until the first 20 tickets are sold $16 General Admission โ As long as tickets are available, after Early Bird sells out Space is limited and previous events have sold out quickly โ we recommend grabbing your ticket early! ๐ Location: Circe Restaurant & Bar โ East Greenwich 1646 Division Road East Greenwich, Rhode Island 02818 Tuesday April 19, 2025, 5:30 - 8 pm โจ Get Your Social On at The Social House with RI Recommends! ๐ Where: The Social, Warwick, RI ๐ When: April 29, 2025 โฐ Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm Join RI Recommends on Tuesday, April 29 at 5:30 PM for an evening of cocktails, conversation, and community at The Social House โ one of Rhode Islandโs most stylish and intimate lounges. ๐ธ Sip on playful, artfully crafted cocktails ๐ถ Mingle in a chic setting with opulent touches and great music ๐ค Connect with creatives, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and fellow Rhode Islanders who genuinely want to meet you Whether you're looking to network, collaborate, or just unwind with good company, this event offers a relaxed vibe with a touch of glam. โจ Tickets: $12 per person until midnight on April 25, $16 afterward if available. Includes complimentary small bites. Cash bar available. ๐ค Space is limited โ early ticket purchase is strongly recommended. ๐ The Social House โ 3295 Post Rd, Warwick, RI 02886 Sponsored by RI Recommends! Free apps and a cash bar!ย Tuesday December 17, 2024, 6:30 - 9 pm RI Recommends Holiday Party โ Fresco EG๐๐ Celebrate the Season with RI Recommends! ๐๐๐๏ธ Save the Date: December 17, 2024, at 6:30 PM๐ Location: Fresco, 301 Main Street,ย East Greenwich, RIJoin us for a holiday soiree unlike any other! RI Recommends is hosting a festive gathering that promises to be the highlight of your holiday season. ๐๐ซDon your holiday best and step into Fresco in EG, where the warmth of good company meets the joy of the season. Indulge in a delightful small bite/buffet and a cash bar. ๐ข๐ทCome solo or bring your crew.ย Why plan a separate holiday event when your company can revel alongside the premier networkers of Rhode Island? Combine your companyโs celebration with ours and letโs make merry memories together. Itโs not just about business; itโs about celebrating our shared successes with a touch of holiday magic! โจAnd while weโre all about the fun, feel free to bring along some business cards โ networking opportunities come with the territory at RI Recommends! ๐ผLetโs jingle all the way to Fresco โ get your tickets now!See you there in your holiday best! ๐ฅ๐๏ธ Tickets: $25 in advance of the day of the event ย Sponsored by RI Recommends! Free apps and a cash bar!Tickets are $25 in advance of the event Fresco, 301 Main Street,ย East Greenwich, RI Tuesday October 8, 2024, 5:30 - 8 pm ย RI Recommends Networking Event โ Waysider Grille:ย Date: October 8, 2024 Time: 5:30 PM โ 8:00 PM Venue: Waysider Grille,ย 5702 Post Rd, East Greenwich, RI 02818 Why You Shouldnโt Miss It: Elite Networking: Unlock an exclusive evening, limited to 40 special guests, offering a rare, intimate setting for valuable interactions. Curated Connections: Engage with a select mix of entrepreneurs, innovators, and business professionals. Elevate Your Evening: Transform a regular night into a vibrant journey of professional enrichment amidst a backdrop of potential and engaging conversations. Secure Your Spot: In Advance: $10 for those eager to expand their network. Day of Event: $15, if available. ย Sponsored by RI Recommends! Free apps and a cash bar!Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of event. 5702 Post Road, East Greenwich, RI Tuesday September 10, 2024, 5:30 - 7:30 pm ๐ **Party on the Deck โ RI Recommends Networking Event at Lake Taco!** ๐๐ **Date:** September 10, 2024๐ **Time:** 5:30 PM โ 7:30 PM๐ **Venue:** Lake Taco, 446 RI-3, Coventry, RI 02816๐ **Why You Shouldnโt Miss It:** ๐Join us for a fantastic evening on the deck! Weโve all missed these outdoor deck parties, and itโs time to soak it all in together.๐ **Elite Networking:**Unlock an exclusive evening with only 50 special guests, offering a unique, intimate setting for meaningful interactions.๐ผ **Curated Connections:**Engage with a select mix of entrepreneurs, innovators, and business professionals. This is your chance to meet like-minded individuals and forge valuable connections.๐ **Elevate Your Evening:**Transform an ordinary night into an extraordinary experience. Enjoy professional enrichment in a lively atmosphere, surrounded by potential and stimulating conversations.๐ซ **Secure Your Spot:**๐ณ **In Advance:** $10๐ช **Day of Event:** $15, if available.Donโt miss out on this opportunity to expand your network in a fun and relaxed environment. See you there! ๐ ย Sponsored by RI Recommends! Free apps and a cash bar!Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of event. Purchase Tickets Here Lake Taco, 446 RI-3, Coventry, RI 02816 Tuesday August 6, 2024, 5:30 - 7:30 pm ย Sunset Soiree at Bittersweet Farm Estateย Date: August 6, 2024(A RI Recommends Networking Event) TIME: 5:30 PM โ 7:30 PMLOCATION: BITTERSWEET FARM ESTATE, 923 DIVISION RD, EAST GREENWICH, RI***(PRIVATE RESIDENCE, VISITS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)TICKETS: $10 PER PERSON (INCLUDES SMALL BITES)ย , $15 PER PERSON AT THE DOOR Tickets Here:ย https://www.tickettailor.com/events/rirecommends/1327430 RI RECOMMENDS INVITES YOU TO AN ENCHANTING EVENING AT THE BEAUTIFUL BITTERSWEET FARM ESTATE!ย Nestled in the heart of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, this 22-acre estate offers a magical and peaceful atmosphere with charming stone walls, idyllic wildflower gardens, and friendly animals grazing in the meadows.ย As you make your way down the driveway, youโll be welcomed by the stunning original farm buildings. From the main manor house and quaint cottage to the elegant potting shed, saloon-style barn, creative studio, stables, and the large rustic-luxe event barn, Bittersweet Farm Estate is a perfect blend of historic architecture and natural beauty.ย This event is an exclusive opportunity to experience the rich heritage and pastoral setting of Bittersweet Farm Estate, a private residence only open by appointment. Bittersweet Farm Estate is renowned for hosting a variety of special events, including weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. Whether youโre looking for a relaxing evening out or interested in seeing a potential venue for future events, this is an event you wonโt want to miss!ย Tickets are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today!ย WE CANโT WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE!ย ย ย Sponsored by RI Recommends! Free apps and a cash bar!Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of event. Purchase Tickets Here BITTERSWEET FARM ESTATE, 923 DIVISION RD, EAST GREENWICH, RI Tuesday July 9, 2024, 5:30 - 7:30 pm ๐ Party on the Deck โ RI Recommends Networking Event at Lake Taco! ๐๐ **Date:** July 9, 2024๐ **Time:** 5:30 PM โ 7:30 PM๐ **Venue:** Lake Taco, 446 RI-3, Coventry, RI 02816๐ **Why You Shouldnโt Miss It:** ๐Join us for a fantastic evening on the deck! Weโve all missed these outdoor deck parties, and itโs time to soak it all in together.๐ **Elite Networking:**Unlock an exclusive evening with only 50 special guests, offering a unique, intimate setting for meaningful interactions.๐ผ **Curated Connections:**Engage with a select mix of entrepreneurs, innovators, and business professionals. This is your chance to meet like-minded individuals and forge valuable connections.๐ **Elevate Your Evening:**Transform an ordinary night into an extraordinary experience. Enjoy professional enrichment in a lively atmosphere, surrounded by potential and stimulating conversations.๐ซ **Secure Your Spot:**๐ณ **In Advance:** $10 for proactive networkers.๐ช **Day of Event:** $15, if available.Donโt miss out on this opportunity to expand your network in a fun and relaxed environment. See you there!ย ย Sponsored by RI Recommends! Free apps and a cash bar!Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of event. Purchase Tickets Here ย Lake Taco, 446 RI-3, Coventry, RI 02816 Tuesday June 4, 2024, 5:30 - 8 pm ย RI Recommends Networking Event โ Waysider Grille:ย Date: June 4, 2024 Time: 5:30 PM โ 8:00 PM Venue: Waysider Grille,ย 5702 Post Rd, East Greenwich, RI 02818 Why You Shouldnโt Miss It: Elite Networking: Unlock an exclusive evening, limited to 40 special guests, offering a rare, intimate setting for valuable interactions. Curated Connections: Engage with a select mix of entrepreneurs, innovators, and business professionals. Elevate Your Evening: Transform a regular night into a vibrant journey of professional enrichment amidst a backdrop of potential and engaging conversations. Secure Your Spot: In Advance: $10 for those eager to expand their network. Day of Event: $15, if available. ย Sponsored by RI Recommends! Free apps and a cash bar!Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of event. Purchase Tickets Here 5702 Post Road, East Greenwich, RI Tuesday May 7, 2024, 5:30 - 8 pm ๐ May Daysย โย RI Recommends Networking Event โ Waysider Grille:ย โจ ๐ Date: May 7, 2024๐ Time: 5:30 PM โ 8:00 PM๐ Venue: Waysider Grille,ย 5702 Post Rd, East Greenwich, RI 02818๐ Why You Shouldnโt Miss It:๐ Elite Networking: Unlock an exclusive evening, limited to 40 special guests, offering a rare, intimate setting for valuable interactions.๐ผ Curated Connections: Engage with a select mix of entrepreneurs, innovators, and business professionals.๐ Elevate Your Evening: Transform a regular night into a vibrant journey of professional enrichment amidst a backdrop of potential and engaging conversations.๐ซ Secure Your Spot:๐ณ In Advance: $10 for those eager to expand their network.๐ช Day of Event: $15, if available. ย Sponsored by RI Recommends! Free apps and a cash bar!Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of event. Purchase Tickets Here 5702 Post Road, East Greenwich, RI Tuesday April 2, 2024, 5:30 - 8 pm ๐ Spring Forward!ย โย RI Recommends Networking Event โ Waysider Grille:ย โจ๐ Date: April 2, 2024๐ Time: 5:30 PM โ 8:00 PM๐ Venue: Waysider Grille,ย 5702 Post Rd, East Greenwich, RI 02818๐ Why You Shouldnโt Miss It:๐ Elite Networking: Unlock an exclusive evening, limited to 50 special guests, offering a rare, intimate setting for valuable interactions.๐ผ Curated Connections: Engage with a select mix of entrepreneurs, innovators, and business professionals.๐ Elevate Your Evening: Transform a regular night into a vibrant journey of professional enrichment amidst a backdrop of potential and engaging conversations.๐ซ Secure Your Spot:๐ณ Advance Bliss: $10 for pioneers eager to expand their network.๐ช Door Decisions: $15, if available, highlighting the eventโs desirability ย Sponsored by RI Recommends! Free apps and a cash bar!Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of event. Purchase Tickets Here 5702 Post Road, East Greenwich, RI Tuesday March 5, 2024, 5:30 - 8 pm **PLEASE NOTE: Due to the fire at Finnโs Harborside this event has been moved to the Waysider Grille. ***ย ย The Gift of Blarneyย : A Premier RI Recommends Networking Soirรฉeย ย Date: March 5, 2024ย Time: 5:30 PM โ 8:00 PMย Venue: Waysider Grille 5702 Post Road, East Greenwich, RIย Put your charm and your gift of gab to good use at our next networking event!ย Why You Shouldnโt Miss It:ย Elite Networking: Unlock an exclusive evening, limited to 50 special guests, offering a rare, intimate setting for valuable interactions.ย Curated Connections: Engage with a select mix of entrepreneurs, innovators, and business professionals.ย Enchanting Venue: Experience the unique ambiance of Finnโs Harborside, where cozy meets picturesque on the waterfront, setting the perfect scene for evening networking.ย Elevate Your Evening: Transform a regular night into a vibrant journey of professional enrichment amidst a backdrop of potential and engaging conversations.ย Join Us for an evening where business blends with pleasure, every handshake could lead to new opportunities, and the legendary eloquence of Blarney enriches every conversation. Raise a glass to new connections and memorable moments at Finnโs Harborside. Your future connections are waitingโdonโt miss out. ย Sponsored by RI Recommends! Free apps and a cash bar!Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of event. Purchase Tickets Here 5702 Post Road, East Greenwich, RI Tuesday February 6, 2024, 5:30 - 8 pm ๐ทโโ๏ธโ๏ธ Join Us at โBack to Work: Reduxโ ๐ทโโ๏ธโ๏ธ ๐ Date: February 6, 2024๐ Time: 5:30 PM โ 8:00 PM๐ Location: Finnโs Harborside, 38 Water Street, East Greenwich, RI What better way to brighten the winter than with an exclusive event? Join us at โBack to Work: Redux,โ a specially curated evening at Finnโs Harborside for a chance to unwind, network, and enjoy! This event is intended to bring together professionals from various industries for an evening of relaxed networking, engaging conversations, and new opportunities. With the picturesque backdrop of Finnโs Harborside, itโs the perfect setting to make new connections and reignite old ones. Why Attend? Exclusive Access: Limited to just 50 guests, ensuring a cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for making those new connections and strengthening the old ones.ย Ticket Information: Advance Purchase: $10At the Door:ย ย ย $15ย (Subject to availability) ย Sponsored by RI Recommends! Free apps and a cash bar!Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of event. Purchase Tickets Here 38 Water Street, East Greenwich, RI 02886 Tuesday January 9, 2024, 5:30 - 8 pm ๐ Fun & Done: Back to Work! ๐๐ ๐ Itโs a new year and what better way to kick it off than with an evening of networking and fun? Say goodbye to the holiday season and hello to new opportunities at Finnโs Harborside! ๐ Date: Tuesday, January 9, 2024 ๐ Time: 5:30 PM โ 8:00 PM ๐ Location: Finnโs Harborside, 38 Water Street, East Greenwich, RI Join us for an evening filled with engaging conversations, fresh connections, and a rejuvenating start to the work year. Whether youโre a local entrepreneur, a business professional, or just looking to expand your network in Rhode Island, this event is for you! See you there! ๐๐ค๐ ย ย โจ ย Sponsored by RI Recommends! Free apps and a cash bar!Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of event. Purchase Tickets Here 38 Water Street, East Greenwich, RI 02886 December 13, 2023, 6:30 - 9:30 PM ๐๐ซ Don your holiday best and come to Finnโs Harborside, where the warmth of good company meets the joy of the season. Sway to the rhythm of live music by One2One.๐ขWhether you come solo, bring a plus one, or decide to make this your businessโs official holiday bash, youโre in for a great time!ย ย ย โจ ย Sponsored by RI Recommends! Free apps and a cash bar!Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 day of event. Purchase Tickets Here 38 Water Street, East Greenwich, RI 02886 RI Recommends Past Events November 14, 2023 @ 5:30 pm ๐ Join Us at โFalling Forwardโ โ An Autumnal Networking Event ๐ย Itโs going to get darker earlier so we might as well have a party.ย ๐ Limited to just 50 attendees, this intimate gathering promises lively conversations, new connections, and endless opportunities! Sponsored by RI Recommends! Free apps and a cash bar!Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Purchase Tickets Here 38 Water Street, East Greenwich, RI 02886 October 10, 2023 @ 5:30 pm ๐ Join Us at โAutumn Mix & Mingleโ โ The Ultimate Fall Networking Soiree! ๐๐ฅ Get ready for a night of autumnal delight at the coziest spot in East Greenwich! ๐๐ Limited to just 50 attendees, this intimate gathering promises lively conversations, new connections, and endless opportunities! Sponsored by RI Recommends! Free apps and a cash bar!Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Purchase Tickets Here 38 Water Street, East Greenwich, RI 02886 September 12, 2023 @ 5:30 pm RI Recommends: Party on the Deck NetworkingParty on the Deck, at Finnโs Harborside on TUESDAY September 12, 2023.Bring your business cards and your wittiest repartee.We have several member hosts at each event wearing โHostโ name tags so they are easily identifiable and are there to make it easier for you to meet other guests.ย ย Sponsored by RI Recommends! Free apps and a cash bar!Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Purchase Tickets Here 38 Water Street, East Greenwich, RI 02886 September 6, 2023 @ 5:30 pm RI Recommends: A Gracious SoulJoin us on September 6, 2023 at 5:30 pm at โA Gracious Soul,โ in Garden City.ย Please bring your Christmas Shopping list and your business cards for casual networking and serious shopping!ย ย This is a free event, but please register so we know youโre coming!ย ย Join the Guest List Here 47 Hillside Rd, Cranston, RI 02920 Share this: Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Share on X (Opens in new window) X