This time of year, one might think that it is more difficult for the chefs who use the “farm-to-table” philosophy to practice their craft. Not so, says one local chef who is at the forefront of the local sourcing movement that makes dining out around here such a pleasure. more

Every year just about this time, I have the pleasant task of letting you know about new and relaunched restaurants around the state. Just in time for the high season, chef-owners and restaurateurs roll the dice and open their doors. In reviewing the columns I have written on this topic over the past five years, I uncovered an interesting trend. The number of restaurants opening their doors each year since the recession began is something of an economic indicator. more

(Editor’s Note: This is the fifth in an occasional series of stories that will feature the companies and industries creating jobs in the region.) more

Last year was a big one for Newport’s big houses. Attendance at the Preservation Society of Newport County’s mansions increased 11 percent over 2011 to 883,000, the largest one-year jump ever. more

The Rhode Island Boat Show is expanding to five venues for its third year, its organizers announced Wednesday, in a move to increase its showcasing of the Ocean State as a recreational boating destination that also houses a varied group of boating businesses, facilities and products. more

Through the ownership of several popular nightspots and restaurants, State Sen. Joshua Miller has been influential in the Providence dining and nightlife scene for years. But since jumping into politics seven years ago, the Cranston Democrat is now as likely to take a stand on hospital consolidation or payday lending as he is nightclub closing hours or farm-to-table cuisine. After leading a commission on health care affordability and wrestling with the sale of Landmark Medical Center in the Corporations Committee, Miller this year was named chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee. more

Usually employees who are invited to pack their bags would be a bad thing. But at Collette Vacations, it’s an opportunity to learn more about the trips the company sells. more

Restaurateurs and chefs are fond of saying that this time of year is “quiet” in the food business. If that ever was the case, it certainly is not this year. No sooner had we hung up our new calendars (or waited that nanosecond for our electronic devices to update their calendar settings) than we are already off and running with a full slate of food festivals and wine-tasting events that should make the winter fly by. more

WaterFire Providence is asking its supporters for help in an “unusual” way. The nonprofit organization was recently named one of 14 semifinalists in the ArtsFwd 2013 Business Unusual National Challenge, and it’s looking for online votes to help it come out on top. more

The long fight over legalizing same-sex marriage in the Ocean State has a host of social, moral, political and even religious consequences that inevitably enflames the debate. more