Tony Verdi | Rhode Island Realtor

Try this delicious recipe for Potsticker Soup from HOMECookingwithTonyVerdi.
homecookingwithtonyverdi.com/recipes-1/f/homecooki…

4 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 0

Tony Verdi | Rhode Island Realtor

🎤 From Mr. Microphone to Media Man: My Lifelong Passion for Storytelling

They say you know your calling early in life—and for me, it all started with a Mr. Microphone at age eleven. My parents probably thought it was a cute toy. Little did they know they’d unleashed a relentless interviewer who would chase down every family member for on-the-record opinions about what we were having for dinner or whether Dad should grow a mustache. My poor brothers couldn’t escape my “exclusive interviews.”

That love of asking questions and telling stories soon led me to the evening news. I’d watch every broadcast I could find, studying the anchors, learning how stories came together, and dreaming of seeing my name on the screen. Before long, I was writing my own newscasts—scripts about local happenings (mostly made up), sports scores from the backyard, or why the neighbor’s dog kept barking—and delivering them to my parents at the kitchen table like they were my very own news audience.

By 14, I’d leveled up: renting a VHS camcorder, I followed my dad around the golf course making a documentary of his 18 holes. There’s nothing quite like narrating your father’s slice into the woods for posterity! At 17, my dream took a big step forward. Through a high school internship at WPRI-TV in Rhode Island, I made my first live TV appearance, helped gather news, and even ran the teleprompter for evening newscasts with Walter Cryan and Janice Glynn. The thrill of being in a real newsroom, seeing breaking stories unfold, and feeling the buzz of deadlines only made me more determined.

That determination led me to Boston University’s College of Communication, where I majored in broadcast journalism. It was the time of my life: learning the art of interviewing, editing, writing, and anchoring. Whether I was roaming Boston covering city events or behind the desk at our school’s news station, I knew I’d found my passion. Writing and storytelling became my chosen craft—something I’ve woven into every chapter of my career since.

When I owned and operated Thorpe Gifts in East Greenwich, I used my storytelling skills to market the store, rebrand it, and turn it into a local favorite. Now, as a real estate broker, I’m telling a story of each home and translating market trends into narratives my clients can understand. It’s not just about square footage or sale prices—it’s about what makes each home special and why it deserves the perfect buyer.

Today, while I still dream of returning to the anchor desk, I’m grateful to share my knowledge and passion with clients across my media platforms: social media, YouTube, LinkedIn, and my website HomeCookingWithTonyVerdi.com. I love creating content that informs, entertains, and connects—whether it’s a market update video or a post about the best spots for coffee milk in Rhode Island.

From Mr. Microphone to today, one thing has never changed: I believe storytelling brings people together. It helps us make sense of the world, share our experiences, and celebrate what makes life interesting.

📢 Question for you: What’s the passion you discovered early on that still drives you today? I’d love to hear your story—drop it in the comments! 👇
#Storytelling #TonyVerdi #RealEstate #Passion #RIRealEstate #Marketing #Communication

7 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 1

Tony Verdi | Rhode Island Realtor

Tucked into the heart of East Greenwich’s charming Main Street, Sombra Eatery & Lounge is more than just a modern Mexican lounge—it’s a beautifully designed experience that delights the senses from the moment you walk in.

The interior design is a showstopper. With its sleek, contemporary decor, Sombra masterfully balances upscale elegance and laid-back comfort. Two fully stocked bars anchor the space. Unique lighting installations, especially the striking gold sculpted hands holding light bulbs, add a bold artistic flair without feeling overdone. Floor-to-ceiling windows open wide to invite Main Street’s energy inside, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor vibe perfect for people-watching or sipping cocktails on a breezy evening.

Speaking of cocktails, the Mango Margarita with a salted rim is not to be missed. It’s tropical, refreshing, and perfectly balanced—not overly sweet, with a subtle tart finish that pairs well with nearly anything on the menu. For brunch lovers, the Mimosa Flight is a playful and flavorful twist, featuring fresh juices and bubbles that make every sip an adventure.

The food? Consistently excellent. Start with the basic guacamole and chips, which is anything but basic. It’s the best I’ve had in the state—ultra-creamy, fresh, and served with crispy chips that manage to hold their crunch to the last scoop. The chicken tacos, topped with pickled onions and creamy avocado, are a standout. Each bite is a burst of flavor and texture: tender chicken, tangy brightness, and smooth avocado richness.

Service is warm and attentive without being intrusive, and the staff genuinely seems to enjoy being part of the Sombra experience—which adds to the welcoming, easygoing atmosphere. Pricing ranges from moderate to high, depending on your drink and dish choices, but the quality of ingredients, inventive presentation, and relaxing ambiance make it well worth it.

Whether you’re meeting friends for a weekend brunch, planning a date night, or just looking for a vibrant place to unwind with a margarita in hand, Sombra is a 5-star gem in the East Greenwich dining scene.

My Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Price: $$$/4

Learn more or make a reservation: sombralounge.com

7 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 1