Hangry Kitchen Is A Charming Little Restaurant That's Captured The Hearts Of Locals In Providence, Rhode Island
By Natasha Kayes|Published March 06, 2024
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
It has been said that food brings people together, and it does. But the truth is that nothing brings people together quite like people who love bringing people together. When you find a place that not only serves up fantastic flavor but creates a fun, warm, and welcoming environment, assembles a staff that is passionate about hospitality, and forges bonds with the community, people will naturally gather – and will keep coming back for more. Such is the story of Hangry Kitchen in Providence, RI, a new little establishment that is weaving itself into the community and quickly becoming a beloved spot to relax with friends and enjoy a stellar meal.
Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our 2024 Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Maine to Southern California.
Hangry Kitchen is, in the words of Chef-Owner Stacy Deetz, is a “love letter to New England.” The tiny eatery was born out of love for this region and a desire to share that passion through food.
Ironically, for a long time, Stacy did not want to own her business. After being specializing in Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, she went on to spend some two decades cooking in restaurants and was invited to be a contestant on the TV show “Top Chef,” making it impressively to the halfway point. Following the show, Stacy became an author, publishing a cookbook called “The New New England Cookbook.”
Eventually, Stacy and her husband moved away from New England for a time but it only made them realize how much they missed their home. They moved back and poured their hearts into Hangry Kitchen, with a mission “to become part of the rich community tapestry.”
Serving the community is a big part of this small business. The restaurant composts all of its waste and donates it to local farmers, takes in local students and provides on-the-job training, and partners with many local vendors.
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As a business owner, Stacy loves taking care of her staff and building a team that truly cares about people and hospitality. Combine that with a determination to create a fun and relaxed environment for customers, and it is no wonder that Hangry Kitchen is getting such an enthusiastic response from the community.
Stacy attributes the success of the business to their hospitality and unique dishes. As implied by the title of Stacy’s cookbook, Hangry Kitchen hand-crafts unique dishes and drinks that offer familiar and distinctive New England flavors that have been reinvented or presented in a new and different way.
The menu, which is seasonal local ingredients, features a mouthwatering list of “Smalls” and “Bigs,” which already tells you a lot about the homey informality of this place.
Smalls include delightful offerings like bacon and squash-filled dumplings with miso butterscotch and burnt orange drizzle, lobster and fennel gnocchi, braised pork belly, loaded baked potato beignets, and chicken pot pie Johnny cakes - just to name a few.
On the list of Bigs, you will find dishes like Hunter’s Pie with wild boar, RI Jambalaya, and Chef’s Patty Melt. Vegans and vegetarians will love options like the whole roasted cauliflower with beet hummus, savory granola, and pomegranate.
And when we say, “save room for dessert,” we mean it. It is hard to resist sweet treats like the Pina Colada Swiss roll, Chocolate and Peanut Butter Mousse, and Blood Orange and White Chocolate Tart.
It is all topped off with a menu of innovative craft cocktails, wines, local craft beers, ciders, and even a non-alcoholic brew, so there is literally something for everyone.
We think this cafe has a bright future in this New England community. Many thanks to Stacy Deetz, Chef-Owner of Hangry Kitchen, for sharing its inspiring story. Find out more and support this new Providence eatery by visiting the Hangry Kitchen website or Hangry Kitchen Facebook page.
Naturally, Hangry Kitchen is just one of the many small businesses accomplishing great things in this state. Do you know of another business that you’d like to see profiled on Only In Rhode Island, please nominate them for the opportunity to be featured. Be sure to follow Only In Rhode Island on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with the state’s events, local businesses, restaurants, and hidden gems.
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