Hamilton House Cafe

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Chef Phyliss Arffa, it seems, has been active in the kitchen, beginning at a young age. She and her sister often prepared family meals together. Her entrepreneurial food preparation spirit also began at a young age when she baked and sold bread for her parents, friends and families on Friday night.

She became a Chef by way of a fine arts background, applying her creative instinct in the culinary arena. After an extensive stint of experimenting in restaurants across the country, she settled in Rhode Island in 1989. She's enjoyed a culinary career spanning over three decades. During this time she has become an invested member of the professional RI culinary community, opening her first restaurant, Haven Hill Cafe, in 1999.

In full complement to her restaurant offerings, she has become very well known for catering and special events. Chef Phyliss possesses the experiential agility to accommodate a wide array of cuisines, with the capability to serve functions from intimate family gatherings to elaborate celebrations. Ever striving for excellence, she is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure complete satisfaction of her guests. Her catering services are available throughout the New England Area. 

Chef Phyliss also recognizes the strength in building community through the sharing of food, and has volunteered, donating time and services to a number of community organizations. Ever forward-thinking, she is ardent about passing on her culinary legacy to the next generations. In a self-initiated effort she partnered with a Providence public school to create a training program for students interested in the hospitality industry. She has also donated time and funds to Hope High School’s scholarship program, “Dollars for Scholars.”

Additionally, for over a decade, and with the help of many volunteers, Chef Phyliss has provided Thanksgiving and holiday meals to housebound elderly, and struggling families. In 2022 she established the “Helping Hands Community Food Fund.” The fund continues a long standing self-initiated tradition of providing table-ready meals for those in need. She plans to expand this program into an ongoing robust meal distribution model by collaborating with other non-profit organizations, teaching growing, preparing, and making accessible, nutrient sufficient foods as its objective. 

Being a service minded food artist, understanding the importance of community, and creating wonderful memories through the sharing of delicious food is the passion that continues to fuel Chef Phyliss’ endeavors.