Following in the footsteps of his previous production Harvesting Rhode Island, Alex Caserta of Caserta Productions, in association with Rhode Island PBS, presents Specialty Foods of Rhode Island, a four-part documentary series premiering on WSBE Rhode Island PBS this October.
First premiering on WSBE Rhode Island PBS in 2015, Harvesting Rhode Island reached thousands of people in the Rhode Island community. Filming interviews with more than 100 individuals across four seasons, the series delivered intimate stories about the farming and fishing industries in the state of Rhode Island and raised public awareness about local farming and the farm-to-table cycle.
Now, in Caserta’s new series Specialty Foods of Rhode Island, Rhode Island consumers are similarly brought an educational and in-depth perspective about the food they buy and the “Buy Local” movement.
Rhode Island has become a leader in the food movement, umbrellaing a diverse farm culture and thriving seafood markets. But many Rhode Island consumers are unaware of the variety of food production in their state.
Through on-site interviews with the local entrepreneurs of the food industry, Specialty Foods of Rhode Island sheds light on how the local food industry produces food using both artisan and innovative techniques. Viewers are also given insight into the complex but easily taken-for-granted process behind the products they consume and learn about the benefits of buying local food and the nutritional value of fresh products.
The documentary series visits these local companies: Daniele, Inc., Seven Stars Bakery, Narragansett Creamery, and Gotham Greens.
Charcuterie Artisans (featuring Daniele, Inc. and Creminelli) and Seven Stars Bakery premiere on October 14 at 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., followed by Narragansett Creamery and Gotham Greens on October 21 at 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Charcuterie Artisans (Daniele, Inc. and Creminelli) - October 14 at 9:00 p.m.
Charcuterie Artisans features fine meats from Daniele, Inc. and Creminelli. The companies produce Prosciutto, Sopressata, Salame, and Pancetta. In the first episode of Specialty Foods of Rhode Island, learn about the history of Daniele, Inc. and how the Dukcevich family came from Croatia as refugees, moved to Trieste, Italy, and finally to Pascoag, Rhode Island, in 1977 to begin making Italian specialty meats.
Also, learn about the Creminelli company. The Creminelli family, originally from Biella, Italy, has been producing artisan meat and cheese for multiple generations. Founded in 2007 by Cristiano Creminelli, Chris Bowler, and Jared Lynch, the company's products have been produced in Salt Lake City, as the dry climate in Utah is similar to Northern Italy.
Seven Stars Bakery - October 14 at 9:30 p.m.
Opened in 2001, Seven Stars Bakery produces artisan breads and pastries. In this episode, hear about the bakery’s beginnings, see the process of baking breads and laminated pastries, and visit the newest retail location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
Narragansett Creamery - October 21 at 9:00 p.m.
Located in Providence, Rhode Island, Narragansett Creamery produces a large assortment of organic cheeses. In the series' third episode, witness the production of their cheese, learn how the company came to Rhode Island, and visit with owner Mark Federico, who shares the story of how his grandparents owned the first super-market called “The People’s Market” in New Haven, Connecticut, in the 1940s.
Gotham Greens - October 21 at 9:30 p.m.
Gotham Greens, new to Rhode Island, is a worldwide pioneer in the field of urban agriculture and reimagining the urban landscape. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, see how their 110,000 square facility uses a new way to produce local food and revitalize communities, and get an up-close look at the process of hydroponic growing.
WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits high-definition (HD) programming over the air on digital 36.1; Cox 08 / 1008HD, Verizon FiOS 08 / 508HD, and Full Channel 08; Comcast 819HD and Verizon FiOS 18 / 518HD; DirecTV 36, Dish Network 36. Live stream the full schedule within the broadcast viewing area at watch.ripbs.org/livestream.