Don’t let the small storefront fool you — this place is loaded with goodies. Hawes Fine Foods opened last month in what had been a barber shop right next to Persimmon. You can’t miss the mural on the side of the building and the previously black exterior is now bright white.
We really didn’t have a specialty food store like this with all these products in one place . . . and so close to my house. But in addition to the unusual imported and domestic products, owner Kevin Hawes is featuring local lines like the worthy cheeses of Narragansett Creamery.
Inside, the shelves are artfully arranged with olive oil, spices, pasta, spices, bottles of vanilla, mustards, jams, grains, cheeses, etc. (If, like me, you are a sucker for beautiful packaging, hold on to your wallet.) Don’t miss the refrigerated section with its colorful eggs (nothing is ordinary here) and cured meats. In the center you will find fresh, heirloom vegetables and all the tinned fish your heart could desire: mussels, mackerel, octopus, and several varieties of sardines.
This is one-stop shopping. Everything for a wonderful meal is here. Keep up with new arrivals on Facebook.
Hawes Fine Foods, 107 Hope Street, (directions)
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I am new to this tinned fish, which are kind of a culinary thing right now. They are great with crackers for an easy addition to your antipasto platter.
Strawberries are in.
Artisanal waffle cones. Don’t know how they taste but they sure are purty.