Tag: Newport

And the Winner Is… A Recap of the Mac & Cheese Smackdown!

Posted on March 4, 2025 by - OCEANCLIFF HOTEL, SAFARI ROOM

We had an absolute blast participating in the seventh annual Mac & Cheese Smackdown during the Newport Winter Festival! The event was held at the Newport Marriott, and the atmosphere was electric as foodies flooded in, ready to sample and vote for the best mac-n-cheese. The competition was real, with a total of twelve incredible local restaurants competing for the top spot, and we were thrilled to be part of it all.

The day was filled with endless flavors—it was no small task to choose the best among so many creative and delicious takes on mac-n-cheese. Our dish—a rich four-cheese mac (gouda, gruyere, parmesan, and extra sharp cheddar)—was topped off with brown butter parmesan toasted breadcrumbs, which we proudly presented to the crowd. 

The competition began with Wharf Southern Kitchen and their Guinness cheese sauce mac, followed by Safari Room showcasing our signature four-cheese blend. From there, the tasting journey continued with everything from brisket-loaded macs to lobster Florentine creations. Despite the amazing variety of dishes, the response to our mac-n-cheese was fantastic, with many voters praising its creamy texture and savory breadcrumbs.  We loved hearing feedback and seeing how each unique take sparked different opinions. Some even suggested that the competition needed categories like “Best Classic” and “Most Creative,” and we couldn’t agree more—it was such a fun, dynamic event!

At 3:30pm, the winners were announced. We were absolutely thrilled to take home third place—and even more excited to be recognized for having the best décor of the event! The entire experience was a fantastic reminder of the amazing talent and creativity within our community. The winners from Rising Tide Barbeque—an impressive first-year contender—deservedly took the first-place spot, and Skiff Bar came in second, with everyone celebrating the spirit of the competition.

It was a day filled with delicious mac, camaraderie, and friendly competition. Thank you to everyone who voted for our dish and made this such a memorable experience for all of us at Safari Room! We’ll definitely be back next year, ready to cook up more cheesy goodness and bring even more fun to the festival!

OceanCliff Hotel Spotlight: A Mediterranean Dream Wedding to Remember!

Posted on February 28, 2025 by - OCEANCLIFF HOTEL, PRESS

Big news, friends! Our beloved OceanCliff Hotel has been featured in Style Me Pretty, and we couldn’t be more excited! If you haven’t seen it yet, stop what you’re doing (okay, maybe finish reading this first) and check out the full article here.

This wedding was an absolute chef’s kiss of elegance, romance, and straight-up Mediterranean magic. Imagine soft ocean breezes, sun-kissed stone terraces, and an aesthetic that screams “Santorini meets Newport.” The couple, inspired by their love for all things coastal and European, transformed our waterfront venue into a dreamy escape worthy of a destination wedding—without the hassle of a passport!

From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted with crisp whites and ocean blues, lush greenery, and candle-lit ambiance that made the whole evening feel like a scene from a romantic movie. And let’s talk about the food—because, let’s be honest, no Mediterranean-inspired wedding is complete without a feast. We’re talking fresh seafood, artisanal cheeses, and olive-oil-drizzled everything. Bellissimo!

The ceremony took place on our picturesque lawn, overlooking Narragansett Bay, where the couple exchanged vows with the Atlantic as their witness. (Cue the collective aww from all of us.) The reception? A lively celebration with dancing under the stars, breathtaking views, and a whole lot of love.

It’s always an honor to be part of such special moments, and we’re thrilled that Style Me Pretty recognized the magic of this day. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels like an effortless European getaway without leaving the U.S., OceanCliff is calling your name.

Check out the full feature and get inspired—your dream wedding could be next!

A Memorable Evening at OceanCliff: Celebrating “The Wedding People”

Posted on August 21, 2024 by - OCEANCLIFF HOTEL

OceanCliff Hotel in Newport, RI, was the enchanting backdrop for an unforgettable evening as we hosted the book launch and cocktail party for “The Wedding People” on August 7th. This bestselling book, which draws inspiration from the timeless elegance and charm of our very own venue, brought together guests for a night of celebration, conversation, and literary delight.

The event took place on the Upper Deck at OceanCliff, offering breathtaking views of Narragansett Bay. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the conversation between the author, Alison Espach and fellow author, Beatriz Williams. Attendees were captivated as she shared insights into the inspiration behind the novel, revealing how the grandeur and history of OceanCliff served as the perfect muse for her story.

As the evening came to a close, guests left with signed copies of the book, a deeper connection to the story, and memories of a beautiful night spent at OceanCliff. We were thrilled to have hosted such a wonderful event and look forward to many more evenings where literature, history, and hospitality come together to create something truly special.

OceanCliff has long been a place where stories unfold, and on this magical August evening, “The Wedding People” became a part of our own story. Here’s to many more chapters to come!