(TV Diner) - Our viewers said that the parking lot at the European Cafe & Restaurant in Smithfield, Rhode Island, has been packed with cars ever since the restaurant opened last summer. So we just had to find out what the fuss is all about. Sure enough, the place was hoppin' on the night we stopped in. The European is really a modest little restaurant, with a heated outdoor patio that helps accommodate the constant crowd. The interior glows with its golden stucco walls, amber lighting and rustic beamed ceiling. If you like, you can eat at the handsome granite bar with its beautiful wrought iron barstools. When it comes to the food, one word comes to mind --- outstanding!
You simply have to try the Fried Zucchini as an appetizer. Wait until you see the mound of delicately fried threads of zucchini that you're served! Sprinkled with Romano cheese, it is totally addictive. Salad lovers will appreciate the impeccably fresh Greek Salad with its ripe tomatoes, kalamata olives and feta cheese. One of the best we've ever had! If you like Fish and Chips, then this is the place for you! You get a HUGE piece of white fish in a golden brown crust served with crispy fries and a very interesting cole slaw. Big appetites will enjoy the Chicken Parmigiano. Two (yes, I said two) thick boneless chicken breasts are served over a bed of shell macaroni in a zesty tomato sauce, and it's all topped with plenty of good Italian cheese. Somehow you just have to save room for dessert, especially the Galaktobouriko, a traditional Greek dessert of lemony semolina custard baked in a flaky phyllo crust drizzled with honey syrup. The intense Chocolate Mousse Cake ain't bad either! Everything but the wait staff is fresh, fresh, fresh. You won't spend many Euros at the European. Appetizers run from $6 to $13 (and are big enough for two to share); entrees from $8 to $20; and desserts from $5 to $7. Wonderful food in pleasant surroundings definitely merits the Gold Plate. The European Cafe & Restaurant is located at 645 Douglas Pike (Route 7) in Smithfield, Rhode Island (not far from Bryant University).
It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. For more information, call 401-349-4200 or visit www.europeancaferi.com
