There has been a tradition in Rhode Island for many years that is always reliable for a good time, with first-class food and a showcase for the food and dining scene.
The tradition centers around a food sampling event, generally a fundraiser, and is usually called “A Taste Of.” There has been Taste of The Nation, Taste of the Flower Show, Taste of Rhode Island, and many others.
The restaurant community brings hundreds of samples of a chef’s signature dish. Wineries, breweries and distilleries are eager to show off their latest libations. The public pays admission and strolls around the venue eating and drinking. And many good works are funded and supported year after year.
Now the idea of gathering and sharing has been renewed to commemorate a new occasion. The organizers of the first Taste of Juneteenth New England invited Rhode Islanders to take time during the new state holiday to explore the foodways of the local Black culinary community. Juneteenth National Independence Day became a federal holiday after President Joe Biden signed it into law in 2021, but it didn’t become an official Rhode Island state holiday until 2024. It is celebrated annually on June 19 to commemorate the ending of slavery in the U.S.
[caption id="attachment_470098" align="aligncenter" width="914"]
FLAVORFUL TRADITION: Guetty Antiste, chef and owner of Empanada Assassin, was one of more than two dozen local vendors featured at the inaugural Taste of Juneteenth New England.
COURTESY GUETTY ANTISTE/ARTISTIC IMAGES[/caption]
The inaugural Taste of Juneteenth took place on June 19 from noon to 4 p.m. at Farm Fresh Rhode Island on Sims Avenue in Providence.
The event was a collaboration among Hope & Main, Juneteenth RI, the MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island and AFReats, and was supported by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island.
The event brought together local chefs, makers and artisans to create an immersive experience to celebrate the vibrant and flavorful traditions of the African Diaspora.
“We established this event on the Juneteenth holiday to provide economic opportunity for Black-owned businesses on a day when Rhode Islanders will be looking for ways to honor and support Black creators,” said Juan Wilson, founder and executive director of the MUSE Foundation.
Taste of Juneteenth New England featured more than two dozen local vendors, including dishes from several iconic food businesses such as gluten-free, Haitian-style empanadas from the Empanada Assassin; Jamaican patties and rice bowls from JaPatty; classic southern and soul food from Kin Southern Table & Bar; hibiscus fruit spreads and sparkling drinks from Kassumay; and authentic pit-smoked barbecue and scratch-made sides from Bugg’d Out BBQ.
In addition, there were spoken-word performances, engaging food demonstrations, live music and a panel discussion led by AFReats, a production company that created and curated a forum to bring the voices, foodways and wisdom of Black chefs and culinary creators to a wider audience to build understanding across cultural divides.
From the beginning of this event, AFReats has been in the important role of curating a program of intentional culinary conversations and storytelling on the main stage at Taste of Juneteenth. A centerpiece of the event was the cultural significance of various preparations of black-eyed peas, exploring their historical roots and culinary importance within the African Diaspora.
“Black-eyed peas are central to African American tradition and, beyond their culinary significance, represent resilience and community, reflecting the enduring spirit of our culture,” said Guetty Antiste, chef and owner of Empanada Assassin.
It is hoped that this first Taste of Juneteenth will inspire the local community to further embrace the holiday and find a deeper connection to this celebration in Rhode Island.
“Dining Out With Bruce Newbury,” syndicated weekly on radio, is heard in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont and Indiana. Contact Bruce at bruce@brucenewbury.com.