The Go To

I recently celebrated a birthday with a fine meal at Al Forno in Providence. 

While we have been in Rhode Island for a number of years and have eaten out a considerable number of times, I think we were still looking for our “go to” establishment. No more, we have found the place.

When we were living in Athens Ohio we considered Lindy’s in German Village our go to place.

There are considerable differences between Lindy’s and Al Forno:

Lindy’s is the lone restaurant, nestled in a brick steet, historic neighborhood with hardly any nightlife nearby and has an expansive menu.

Al Forno is located on the Providence River near all the hub bub of Brown University and the heart of downtown with a more than ample number of restaurants nearby in this very culinary city and maintains a more limited menu.

 

So while the restaurants are different, I think what draws us to both is a happy middle. Both restaurants are vibrant and seemingly always at capacity yet a diner never feels crowded or cramped. Both possess a wait staff that offers an informality to the still table-clothed setting. Both are in the upper price range but it doesn’t feel exorbitant. Both have valet service but it is a matter of function over superficiality. The booze flows but with a sense of decorum. You wait a little for your food but in a good way like the way the headliner is a little fashionably late – just enough to make it taste better.

Now what cannot be in the middle in order to call a restaurant the “go to” is the food. Be it the Tournedos of Beef at Lindy’s or the Dirty Steak at Al Forno, you’ll be on top.

So if you find yourself near either capitol city, make it a point to hit these restaurants. You shant be disappointed.

Oh, and always try eating at the bar. Feels a little like you’ve been suspended but still at the party.