Providence Chef to Showcase Rhode Island Cuisine in Ireland

By: Tim Studebaker

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – It’s a taste of Federal Hill and the Ocean State on display an ocean away.

Siena Restaurant Group Chef & Co-Owner Anthony Tarro says, “In southern Ireland, there’s not a lot of Italian food.”

Executive Chefs Anthony Tarro of the Siena Restaurant Group and Matt Varga of Gracie’s will join other chefs from Massachusetts and Maine in County Cork, Ireland for the largest culinary festival in that country.

Tarro says, “We as chefs would love to have new people come into the area to experience what we do here.”

That’s why representatives from the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau will be there alongside the chefs, promoting Norwegian’s direct flights from several Irish cities to TF Green airport.  The goal of the trip is to tempt European tourists’ taste buds so they’ll come to Providence for more.

Tarro says, “One of the things we’re very proud about is the food scene that’s been created in Providence.”

Tarro tells us the local ingredients where he’ll be, the southwest coast of Ireland, will help him showcase his style of cooking to the people there.

Tarro says, “[The area] really has a complement of seafood and local supplies that we could find readily around here.”

Each New England chef will spend an evening as guest chef at a restaurant in County Cork, plus they’ll appear at other events during the festival.  Along with showcasing the Providence food scene, Tarro also hopes to take something back with him.

Tarro says, “Make myself a better chef.  To be exposed to the dynamics that exist over in Europe.  That’s always exciting for me.”

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2018