Sunday, July 12, 2009 at the Providence Skating Center

They came, they cooked, they conquered. QuickWhatsUp.com is proud to announce the winning restaurants in the first multicultural culinary competition in Rhode Island:


"Events like yesterday's Rhode Island World of Flavors at the Bank of America Skating Pavilion are great not just for the food, but for all you learn.


This was the first World of Flavors, run by Seth Resler and Jordan Monstrelis, and it attracted more than 25 restaurants who competed according to cuisine. Because the prizes were substantial, with all sorts of promotional awards, the restaurants pulled out all the stops. The stations were nicely designed by each eatery, the food beautifully presented, and the flavors amazing.


For the tasting part: there was lots of salmon, pulled pork and guacamole. One could satisfy with shrimp pizza, sushi and duck confit tacos.


I can't argue with the any of the winners in each of four categories. But really, there could have been any number of worthy choices. In the Americana category, Blaze Eastside won for their kicked up shrimp scampi, a beautiful presentation on toasted bread. The station was dramatic with colorful peppers filling up glass columns. They beat out sesame encrusted scallops from Hemenway's, pulled pork from both United BBQ and Texas Roadhouse, Capital Grille's tenderloin with wasabi and slaw, DeWolf Tavern's cumin rubbed shrimp and apple dessert from Cortland Place. In the South of the Border category, Don Jose Tequila won with a pibil, a roasted pork and a second choice of spinach tamale. They also served chips and guacamole. In the Mediterranean category, Le Creperie won with their delicate dessert crepes. They served two, a chocolate and strawberry and a lemon and sugar. In the Asian category, Kabob and Curry won with a lovely tiki masala." -Gail Ciampa, Food Editor, The Providence Journal


"We Rhode Islanders seem obsessed with restaurants and recipes. And with good reason. The food around here is fabulous! Our little state is so diverse when it comes to food, whether it’s johnnycakes from colonial times or cutting-edge sushi. We seem to have it all, a truly phenomenal culinary scene: authentic Italian, sophisticated French, and ethnic diversity in and around Providence; French-Canadian fare in the northern part of the state; and the bounty of the sea along our rocky shoreline, from Newport to Narragansett. We are a culinary mecca, rivaling Boston to the north and New York to the south. From our fine dining establishments to our boisterous sports bars, we offer New American Cuisine at its best. And that is what is showcased today at the Rhode Island World of Flavors Competition. Enjoy!” -Linda Beaulieu, Food Writer for Providence Monthly and SO Rhode Island and author of The Providence and Rhode Island Cookbook


The World of Flavors Competition celebrated the state's diversity by showcasing a broad cross-section of Rhode Island restaurants as they competed a $15,000 prize package. Restaurants from around the state sampled their food for voters who selected the winner in each category: Americana, South of the Border, European & Mediterranean, and Asian & Indian. The event, hosted by Shawn Tempesta of the Rhode Show on Fox Providence and featuring music by Spogga, kicked off Providence Restaurant Weeks (July 12-25). The World of Flavors Competition featured food from nearly 30 of the best restaurants in the state, including cuisine from Bolivia, Ireland, India, Italy, China, Japan, Cape Verde, Jamaica, Mexico, the Middle East, the United States and more.


The event also featured local beverages, including wines from the vineyards of the Coastal Wine Trail, Narragansett Beer, Newport Storm beer and Granny Squibb Iced Tea. Local artists were also on display, including performances by musician Spogga and poet Christopher Johnson. The Providence Skating was tented for this luxurious affair.