(TV Diner) - We really thought we were in France when we stopped in recently at Pot au Feu in Providence, Rhode Island. This was one of Julia Child’s favorite restaurants, so we knew we were in for an authentic French dining experience.

Dark… moody… romantic… all these words can be used to describe this subterranean bistro with its stone walls, brick floor, and tiny white lights that illuminate rows and rows of wine bottles.

Our virtual visit to Paris began with the Country Pate (pronounced PAT-TAY). Thin slices of a creamy spread made from veal, pork and duck liver were studded with pistachios and topped with a pleasing Cumberland sauce. This was simply superb on the warm French bread that kept landing on our table throughout dinner.

Every dinner comes with a much-appreciated salad of mixed greens, served with cruets of the house-made mustard and raspberry vinaigrettes. A very nice touch!

We love duck, and here the well-roasted half duckling was topped with a caramelized orange and raspberry sauce. On the side were the special house potatoes --- not very French, but definitely fabulous. The sweet and russet potatoes were fried until soft and tender, and they were served with a sour cream dill sauce that we couldn’t get enough of.

We also love a good flat iron steak, and they do it right here. It went just fine with a great big baked potato. Again, not very French but acceptable.

The slice of dense chocolate torte was small, but more than satisfying with an intensely rich taste. The warm apple fruit tart was more generous in size, flaky and not too sweet.

Okay… Pot au Feu scored very high on both atmosphere and food, and the service was just about perfect. For whisking us away to France for a very special dinner, we just have to award the Platinum Plate.

You might want to save up for your trip here. Appetizers start at $6 for soup and run all the way up to $20 for the foie gras. Entrees run from $14 to $25. Desserts are $8 to $9.

Pot au Feu is located at 44 Custom House Street in the financial district of Providence. This bistro is open for lunch Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and dinner Monday through Saturday starting at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 401-273-8953.

www.federalreserveri.net

Pot Au Feu

44 Custom House St

Providence, RI

United States

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