(TV Diner) - Two Forty Two calls itself an elegant New York/California styled restaurant. Its Mediterranean influences make it a standout on Federal Hill. Providence, Rhode Island, might be a small city but its overflowing with restaurants. This time we checked out Two Forty Two, located in the middle of Federal Hill, the Little Italy section of the city. Like Providence, it's small, with French doors that open up onto the busy sidewalk, offering some diners the chance to dine al fresco. Inside there's a bar that beckons and plush booths that would be perfect for a romantic dinner.
Our taste buds came to life with two appetizers. Marinated beets were stacked with pistachio-encrusted goat cheese, then drizzled with balsamic reduction and basil-infused oil. Wow! Even better than that was the Hudson Valley foie gras, cooked to perfection, and served with a dark cherry and honey tangerine compote. All that was on a generous bed of tender duck confit and brioche Stellar first course! Next was the Certified Angus Filet Mignon. That steak was made even tastier with a brandy peppercorn sauce and a side of Yukon Gold potato hash. Just wonderful! Then the roasted duck was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside, with truffle whipped potatoes on the side along with brandied Asian pears. Really, we thought we had died and gone to gourmet heaven! The desserts were almost as impressive. The Chocolate Lava Cake was an ooey-gooey delight, and the somewhat dry Blueberry Cobbler came topped with a big scoop of premium vanilla ice cream. The wait staff took great care of us from start to finish. For an almost perfect that exceeded our expectations, we give the Gold Plate to Two Forty Two. Appetizers run from $8 to $11. Entrees range from $11 for pizza all the way up to $32 for a grilled veal chop. Desserts are $8 each. Two Forty Two is located at 242 Atwells Avenue in Providence. It is open for dinner only, every night of the week.
For more information, visit 242Restaurant.com.
