The Rhode Island Wave

07/29/2026

Alexia DiGiglio-Mancini on Food Network's 100 Cooks, Her Cookbook & Life as a Rhode Island Food Star
If you've been following Rhode Island's food scene, you've likely come across Alexia DiGiglio-Mancini—and now the rest of America has too. In this exclusive Rhode Island Wave spotlight interview, Deana sits down with Alexia to talk about her journey from local food writer to Food Network star, and everything in between.
Alexia was chosen (not just selected) from tens of thousands of home cooks across the country to compete on Food Network's brand-new show, 100 Cooks—a competition featuring 100 of the best home cooks in America. In this interview, she opens up about the two-year journey to get there, the grueling 12–15 hour filming days, and the emotional moment she cooked her late father's favorite dish—Chicken Alexia—during a Cook's Choice challenge.
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IN THIS INTERVIEW, WE COVER:
• How Alexia was discovered by Food Network casting agents on Instagram
• Behind-the-scenes stories from filming 100 Cooks in California
• Her YouTube channel, You Had Me at Kitchen, and how it all started
• Her debut cookbook, Bring Back Sunday Dinner, packed with rustic Italian-American family recipes
• Her live cooking events at Foxwoods Resort Casino
• Her background in music—yes, she was a teen rapper in Rhode Island!
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ABOUT ALEXIA DIGILIO-MANCINI
Alexia is a Rhode Island-based food personality, recipe writer, and home cook with roots in Italian-American cuisine. She has been sharing her family recipes with Rhode Island audiences for nearly a decade through the Echo and the Rhode Island Wave. Her YouTube channel, You Had Me at Kitchen, features a wide range of recipes and cooking videos rooted in simple, fresh, and flavorful ingredients. Alexia has also appeared on Food Network's The Kitchen and Hell's Kitchen, and now stars in 100 Cooks—available to stream on Food Network On Demand.
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WATCH 100 COOKS
Stream all episodes on Food Network On Demand now.
GET THE COOKBOOK
Pick up a copy of Bring Back Sunday Dinner — https://www.uhadmeatkitchen.com/
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Subscribe to the Rhode Island Wave YouTube channel for more local spotlight interviews, community news, and Rhode Island stories worth telling.
📰 Rhode Island Wave: https://therhodeislandwave.com/
Follow Alexia DiGiglio-Mancini on all platforms

07/28/2026

Getting ready...

07/24/2026

Lance Mantia on Running for North Providence School Committee | Rhode Island Wave Spotlight
In this Rhode Island Wave Spotlight interview, host Deana sits down with Lance Mantia—event promoter, community advocate, and candidate for the North Providence School Committee At-Large seat. If you're a North Providence resident looking to learn more about the candidates on your September 9th ballot, this is a must-watch.
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ABOUT THIS INTERVIEW
Lance Mantia, widely recognized for his Rewind Party brand, is channeling his passion for community into local politics. After 30 years of service with the North Providence School Department, Lance decided to run for the At-Large school committee seat—a town-wide position that gives him direct access to every taxpayer, teacher, parent, and resident in North Providence.
In this conversation, Lance opens up about why he chose to run At-Large rather than in his local district, his plans to advocate for school funding reform at the statehouse, and his commitment to keeping open lines of communication with the community. He also shares personal updates, including his upcoming community event in August and the 7th anniversary Rewind Party, set for October 24th at Medici Downtown featuring legendary DJ Frankie Cutlass.
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KEY TOPICS COVERED
• Why Lance Mantia is running for North Providence School Committee At-Large
• The importance of the September 9th primary (whoever wins the primary wins the seat!)
• School funding formula reform and unfunded state mandates
• Lance's 30-year history with the North Providence School Department
• His upcoming free community event in August
• The 7th Anniversary Rewind Party on October 24th
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IMPORTANT VOTING INFORMATION
The primary election is September 9th. North Providence residents must be registered to vote before the August deadline. Rhode Island is an ID state—don't forget to bring your ID to the polls!
Have questions for Lance? Reach out to him directly through Facebook or Instagram—his phone number is listed right on his campaign ads.
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ABOUT RHODE ISLAND WAVE
Rhode Island Wave is your go-to source for local news, community spotlights, and in-depth interviews with the people shaping Rhode Island. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest stories from across the Ocean State.

07/24/2026

07/21/2026

Viola Davis and Husband Donate $1.2 Million to Central Falls Initiative

07/20/2026

What's Hot & What's Not in Rhode Island | Joanne Giannini Spotlight Interview
Rhode Island Wave's Spotlight series is back, and this month's episode is packed with everything you need to know about what's happening across the Ocean State. Host Deana sits down with returning favorite Joanne Giannini for a candid, wide-ranging conversation covering the biggest Rhode Island news stories, local controversies, and the trends shaping life in the state this summer.
WHAT'S IN
Joanne kicks things off on a high note — "Caught in Providence," the beloved show hosted by the late Chief Justice Frank Caprio, has received its fifth Emmy nomination for Outstanding Legal Courtroom program. The Budlong Aquatic Center in Cranston has also finally reopened its doors, giving residents a long-awaited summer destination. And animal lovers will be happy to hear that Governor McKee has signed a bill allowing veterinarians to offer telemedicine services, making pet care more accessible and affordable across the state. Plus, the Housewives of Rhode Island has been renewed for a second season.
WHAT'S OUT
The conversation takes a serious turn as Joanne and Deana address the Canadian wildfire smoke blanketing New England and the health risks it poses — especially for those with asthma, heart conditions, or respiratory illnesses. They also dig into Rhode Island's new "Taylor Swift Tax," a supplemental property tax affecting vacation homes valued over $1 million, and why Joanne believes it unfairly targets everyday homeowners rather than the ultra-wealthy. The fatal stabbing on the Michael Van Leeson Pedestrian Bridge in Providence draws a passionate response, with both women calling for greater police presence at public spaces. The episode also touches on the upcoming Providence mayoral race, the Rhode Island gubernatorial election, concerns about AI and data privacy, rising tech costs, and the importance of showing up to vote in the September primary.
Watch the full episode for Joanne and Deana's unfiltered take on all of it.

WATCH THE SHOW on Rhode Island Interconnect A — now airing Saturdays at 7 PM.
Want to be a guest on the show? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we'd love to hear from you.

07/19/2026

Catwalk to Campground: A Fashion Show Fundraiser for the Autism Project
In this Spotlight Interview, Deana of the Rhode Island Wave sits down with Theresa Pierpaoli to discuss Catwalk to Campground—a runway fashion show fundraiser raising money for the Autism Project Summer Camp Scholarship Foundation. If you're passionate about fashion, community, and supporting families affected by autism, this is an event you won't want to miss.
Catwalk to Campground is a one-of-a-kind fashion event taking place on August 18th at the Autism Project in Johnston, Rhode Island. Doors open at 7 PM, and with only 40 seats available, tickets are strictly limited.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This intimate runway show brings together talented Rhode Island designers, models, a live musician, and even a storyteller. Attendees can browse a designer marketplace after the show, participate in raffle drawings, and enjoy a truly memorable night out—all while supporting a cause that makes a real difference.
ABOUT THE CAUSE
All ticket proceeds go directly to the Autism Project's Camp Wanna Go Again Scholarship Foundation, helping children and adults of all ages on the autism spectrum attend a camp built specifically for them. For many families, this camp represents a rare opportunity for connection, friendship, and unforgettable summer memories.
HOW TO GET TICKETS
Seats are limited, so don't wait! Visit Catwalk to Campground on Instagram or Facebook to find the ticket link and secure your spot before they sell out.
Follow Catwalk to Campground for updates:
Instagram:
Facebook: Catwalk to Campground

07/18/2026

This handsome young boy is ready to start his life in a loving home! Kudo is currently in a foster home with other dogs and might enjoy having another dog in his new home too! He was a little shy at first but also enjoyed yummy treats and gentle pets once he felt comfortable. Kudo has a beautiful brindle coat and those long supermodel legs, he'd probably also enjoy a fenced in yard where he could run and play freely! If you'd like more information about Kudo, please contact A Different Breed Rescue via email: [email protected]