I don’t have a lot to write as we come to the end of another year. It’s been an odd one. It’s hard to cheerily post to social media about eating and drinking when even glancing at the news makes me sad. But I keep thinking about all the wonderful, dedicated people who are running small, local businesses who need my, and more importantly, your support to keep the lights on and make it through December (to paraphrase Merle, and Phoebe).
Then I put a ridiculous suit on and made lots of photos and videos.
So today’s newsletter is all about asking the same from you. As the father of two teenage daughters I know you have to visit some big box stores. There’s no one local selling HomePod Minis (that every autocorrect I’ve ever used knows to auto-capitalize the “P” is a sad commentary), but please shop local whenever you’re able. Most of all, please eat and drink local.
The “problem” with this newsletter and the platform that I’ve built for around 15 years now is I get the sense that if you’re reading this, or following me on whatever platform, you’re probably eating and drinking local already. And I love you for it. If that’s the case, I have a different ask. Try to coax someone you know who doesn’t eat and drink local to do so.
It’s a big ask. It almost seems like a political topic sometimes. But it’s truly good for everyone, especially that person you’re trying to coax. It’ll be more delicious, possibly more healthy, definitely more supportive of your local economy.
As always, I’ve got all the best local restaurants serving or doing take out on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day shared on the Eat Drink RI Events Calendar. Make sure you check that out (bookmark it! does anyone still do that?) and if you’re looking for a place to dine and drink you’ll find the best local choices!
Thank you for reading, the newsletter isn’t over yet! Below are some hopefully fun photos of me looking festive, along with some asks and some video links. Remember three years ago when I produced a virtual festival? If you don’t, it’s below, so keep reading.
But first, I KNOW HIM!
As you may know, I serve as a board member of ecoRI News, a nonprofit newsroom providing critical environmental news coverage in Rhode Island. Our reporters cover legislative hearings at the Statehouse, hold polluters to account, investigate complex environmental issues, report on local climate solutions, and deliver news readers can't get anywhere else.
Individuals like you provide the largest amount of funding for our environmental reporting. Will you join me in supporting this vital organization? I hope you'll consider making a tax-deductible year end gift online at our donation page.
Above are just some of the board members that were able to meet in person last week. It’s a really wonderful group and I’m very proud to be a part of it. Even if you can’t give, I hope you’re a regular reader of ecori.org.
You may also donate by sending a check to:
ecoRI News
10 Davol Sq., Suite 100
Providence, RI 02903
Thank you.
Before you read about another excellent organization I support (and get to the part with the video link that has cocktails and oysters and soup and more!), here’s my wonderful wife Brenda putting up with my haute couture.
As you also may know, I’m a board member of Eating with the Ecosystem, in fact I was recently named President of the Board. I was going to write a whole bunch about how much I love seafood and how Christmas Eve for many locals involves 7 fishes, but Kate, our Executive Director, sent an email with so many seafood puns in it that I must share it in its entirety. Don’t miss the part where a donation gets you reserve tickets to our next Community Dinner, which always sells out!
Warm wishes and festive fishes~ SEAson's greetings from Eating with the Ecosystem
'Tis the season to shell-ebrate the joy of sustainable seafood and the fishing communities that make it all possible! As we savor the delights of the season, we're reminded of the incredible impact your support has had on Eating with the Ecosystem's mission to promote a place-based approach to sustaining New England's wild seafood!
This year, your fin-tastic contributions have helped us make waves in promoting diverse local seafood consumption and nurturing resilient seafood communities. Your generosity has been the starfish guiding our efforts, ensuring that our oceans remain bountiful and our fishing communities thrive like never before.
As we deck the hulls and indulge in festive feasts, we invite you to join us in making a splash! Your end-of-year donation can help us continue to scale up our initiatives, supporting not just sustainable seafood but also the hardworking fishermen and women who bring these delectable treasures to our tables and the talented chefs who inspire and feed us!
Whether it's a gift inspired by the magic of the season or a commitment to ensuring a sea-sonally sustainable future, your support truly makes a 'haul' lot of difference!
Dive into the holiday spirit by making a tax-deductible donation to Eating with the Ecosystem this holiday season.
You can make a donation by clicking here or by mailing a check to:
Eating with the Ecosystem
PO Box 295
Wakefield, RI, 02880
As an added incentive to give, we are giving the first 10 donors who donate $150 or more, two tickets to our Annual Community Seafood Dinner on February 3rd! We haven't released tickets yet and so your donation allows you early bird access to secure your seat at our most popular event of the year!
Thank you for being a 'scallop'-tacular part of our mission. Wishing you a holiday season overflowing with joy, laughter, and a boatload of delicious local seafood!
Warm wishes and festive fishes,
All of us at Eating with the Ecosystem
Wasn’t that wonderful? Ok, how about a quick palate cleanser as you read on?
I told you I KNOW HIM (and his helpers)!
You’re reached the almost end of this newsletter and as promised, here’s the virtual Festival I created in 2020 with so many of my favorite people. I really hope you watch it all the way through and have some fun with all of us. Eat, drink, cook, shuck, do it all local!
As I like to say, thank you for reading this far down. As always, there’s news and updates on eatdrinkri.com in addition to stories, links, reels, posts, liquor scores, etc. on my media:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@eatdrinkri
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatdrinkri/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eatdrinkri
Delectable: https://delectable.com/@daviddadekian
Web Site: https://www.eatdrinkri.com
I hope you enjoyed this holiday filled newsletter. I appreciate the support and all the new subscribers that come along with each new newsletter. Happy Holidays! Please be kind to each other and to yourselves. Thank you again and be well.