(Updated at 2:30 p.m. to clarify connection to Montauk boats in 6th paragraph.) There has been a lot of talk recently about rings – of the championship variety. It brought to mind the type of rings we are partial to here in the Ocean State – the rings of calamari. They of course enjoy special
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RHODY BITES: Fried calamari rings are the official state appetizer of Rhode Island. / COURTESY THE TOWN DOCK[/caption]
The state is taking an active role in managing this large and lucrative resource. Ferri is quick to acknowledge the state’s “RI Seafood” branding promotion, which he said has “really put Rhode Island on the map.” He praises Gov. Gina M. Raimondo and Sen. Jack F. Reed, D-R.I., who support, promote and secure funding for infrastructure upgrades at the port. He says the efforts make Point Judith even more attractive to squid boats. Ferri also noted two new boats from Montauk, N.Y., that recently began supplying The Town Dock.
Ferri knows his product from ocean to table. He ticked off restaurant after restaurant that features Town Dock calamari and how each chef puts his own touches on it, from capers at Mews Tavern in South Kingstown to a calamari menu at Arturo Joe’s in Narragansett featuring such calamari varieties as sauté with mushrooms, scallions, roasted red peppers, butter, wine, garlic and soy; Buffalo-style, tossed in the kicked-up chicken-wing sauce; or with pesto and baby shrimp. He praised the restaurant for its creativity and “caring about the product.”
Rhode Island has long tentacles, as many of us know. Our state is well-represented on menus far and wide. For example, at a restaurant in suburban Chicago, the Fish Bar, the appetizer section leads off with no less than “Federal Hill Rhode Island-style” calamari.
The Town Dock is a 2018 PBN Manufacturing Awards winner for lean management. It is among 14 winning individuals and companies selected from dozens of applications and stands alone in the food category in this year’s winners. If success is measured by rings, then calamari is a real success story both in and out of Rhode Island. n
Bruce Newbury’s Dining Out radio talk show is heard Saturdays at 11 a.m. on 1540 AM WADK and through the TuneIn mobile app. Email Bruce at Bruce@brucenewbury.com.