Subscribe | Follow | Advertise

Good morning, Providence. This is PVD Current, the newsletter as satisfying biting into a juicy piece of watermelon 🍉 .

What to expect in today’s Current:

• Rhode Island’s 2025 Goals 🏛️

• Providence’s transit improvements 🚌 

• A farewell to Kin 🍗 

Let’s get to it.

— Oscar Punchak

Coastal Cafe Chronicles

^{This is a “re-run” from an older newsletter because many more people have subscribed since then!}

Where I Tried: Madrid European Bakery (199 Wayland Ave, Providence, RI 02906)

What I ordered: Small iced mocha with almond milk + chocolate croissant

What it cost: $11.45

I’ll start by saying out of all the chocolate croissants I have tried so far for these highlights, Madrid definitely has the best one. As you can tell from the melted chocolate chips in the picture, it comes warm and has just the right amount of chocolate that it isn’t too sweet you need to save half for later. The mocha was a bit milkier than I normally like at first, but it was pretty good once I mixed it all together. Parking on Wayland is annoying so I’d recommend going early in the morning or parking a bit away and walking over. There’s a lot of indoor and outdoor seating and a wide variety of other pastries.

Reply to this email with how many guesses it took you!

Currents & Waves

Bridging Providence’s Neighborhoods 🌉 

Providence received $2M in federal funding to study transit improvements aimed at reconnecting neighborhoods divided by past highway projects like I-95 and RI-10. The project, led by RIDOT, will explore safer pedestrian and cyclist routes, enhance public transit access, and promote new development on unused ramp infrastructure. Key bridges on Atwells Avenue, Dean Street, Washington Street, and Westminster Street will be reimagined to improve connectivity and safety. Funded through the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program, this initiative seeks to reduce transportation burdens for residents, especially in underserved areas, and foster economic growth.

Rhode Island’s 2025 Focus 🏛️

Governor McKee will deliver his State of the State address on Jan. 14, outlining goals for safer communities, workforce development, and economic growth. Expect updates on public services, new initiatives, and efforts to keep Hasbro in Rhode Island. The address will shape key policies for the year ahead. You can watch it live on Capitol TV or stream it online through their website.

Kin Restaurant Bids Farewell 🍗

Kin Southern Table + Bar in downtown Providence is closing its doors. The Washington Street restaurant, known for celebrating Southern cooking and community, announced the bittersweet decision on social media. Owner Julia Broome launched Kin in March 2021, inspired by family recipes and a dream born during the pandemic. While the restaurant is closing, Julia hints at future pop-ups and events to keep Kin’s spirit alive. Stay tuned for updates on how Kin plans to continue serving the community in new ways.

Weekend Events

• 🎶 Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay | 8:30PM, Jan 10 (Learn more)

  • Location: Bishop McVinney Auditorium

  • Description: Experience Coldplay’s greatest hits performed live by a string quartet under the warm glow of candlelight!

• 💃 Drag Race Viewing Party | 7PM, Jan 10 (Learn more)

  • Location: Stable PVD

  • Description: Watch the latest Drag Race episode with host Ladda Pulp and enjoy an evening of fabulous fun!

• 🎭 Improv Comedy Night | 8PM, Jan 10 (Learn more)

  • Location: Kismet Improv

  • Description: Laugh out loud at an evening of unscripted comedy performed by talented local improvisers!

• 🎨 Blue Moon Painting Night | 7PM, Jan 10 (Learn more)

  • Location: Paint and Vino

  • Description: Unleash your creativity and paint a stunning blue moon while sipping your favorite drink!

• 🎭 The Bit Players: Improv Comedy | 8PM, Jan 10-11 (Learn more)

  • Location: Firehouse Theater, Newport

  • Description: Enjoy Rhode Island’s award-winning improv comedy troupe for a night of non-stop laughs and audience participation!

• 🎤 Ari Shaffir at RI Comedy Connection | 7PM, Jan 10-11 (Learn more)

  • Location: RI Comedy Connection

  • Description: Catch Ari Shaffir live for an unforgettable night of comedy at Rhode Island's favorite comedy venue!

• 🎤 Comedy Hideaway Speakeasy | 8PM, Jan 10-11 (Learn more)

  • Location: The George on Washington Street

  • Description: Enjoy a night of secret laughs at this hidden speakeasy featuring top-notch comedians and cocktails!

• 🏈 Tailgate Saturdays | 12PM, Jan 11 (Learn more)

  • Location: GPub Providence

  • Description: Kick back and enjoy game day with great food, drinks, and big screens at GPub’s ultimate tailgate experience!

• 🎻 To Rhode Island, with Love | 7PM, Jan 11 (Learn more)

  • Location: Colony House, Newport

  • Description: Celebrate Rhode Island’s rich musical heritage with a performance of 18th-century colonial dance music in a historic venue.

If you got this far please check us out on Instagram and give us a follow @PVDCurrent

Seaside Skies

FRIDAY

41°🌡 26° | ☀️ | 💧 2% | 💨 NW 14 mph

SATURDAY

34°🌡 24° | ❄️ | 💧 50% | 💨 NNW 8 mph

SUNDAY

39°🌡 22° | ☀️ | 💧 3% | 💨 NW 9 mph

(The forecast as of the night before this newsletter was published.)

Sound Waves

FRIDAY

Ladder 133 | Local Music | 6:30pm

SATURDAY

Moonshine Alley | Alex Cohen | 5 PM

Moonshine Alley | Shady Armadillo | 9:30 PM

_{Know a spot but have never seen it here? Reply to this email and we’ll add it in to our music search each day!}

Maritime Matches

FRIDAY

🏒 Providence Bruins Tomorrow Fund Day | Amica Mutual Pavilion | 7 PM | Tickets

SATURDAY

🏀 Providence College vs Seton Hall | Amica Mutual Pavilion | 5 PM | Tickets

That’s all for today…

Thank you for reading all the way through! Feel free to email us with any questions or suggestions. You’ll hear from us again on Monday.

Thanks,

Oscar Punchak | Publisher, PVD Current