Buon Appetito

You Don't Need to Go to Italy to Get a Great Meal -
Try the Italo American Grill

by Donna Marie King

Hidden in North Providence is a great food find that I wanted to share with the readers of the Federal Hill Gazette. Italo American Grill is a wonderful restaurant conveniently located on Douglas Avenue. Formally Rodzio Steakhouse, the Italo American Grill is a real great place for food and drink. Nice atmosphere in Old World decor. the Grill has all "the stuff" to make it one of the best choices for dining out around. The food was amazing with all the traditional Italian ingredients and then some, not to mention really outstanding service. Server Jeff made us feel right at home and helped us along with our selections.

Chef Nick Iannuccilli does it again with this homerun of a restaurant. Nick started out in 1992, his dream of opening a true Italian restaurant was realized when he opened the famous Florentine Grille. The Florentine Grille reached its great success by combining Chef Nick's intense attention to authentic Italian cuisine with his desire for the relationship-based hospitality with his guests. Early inhis career, Nick had the privilege to personally prepare meals for numerous celebrities and dignitaries around the globe, including, Frank Sinatra, and the President of Italy, Luigi Scalfaro. Since the first Florentine Grille opened it's doors, Nick has opened several other popular restaurants throughout Rhode Island. Currently, Chef Nick's full attention is serving authentic Italian food at the Italo American Grill where nobody ever leaves hungry... I can attest to it.

I am not impressed easily, but it wasn't that hard after I got the Traditional Antipasto Board appetizer. I couldn't believe how big it was made with an assortment of meats, cheeses and antipasti. It was not your run-of-the-mill antipasto that you mostly get at restaurants. Oh, no ... it was a mountain of all my favorites on one platter. I felt like a king... how ironic. If anything, you owe it to yourself to try one of these platters and you will not be disappointed, It seems that Chef Nick is the kind of genius who just knows the kind of food that makes people happy while kicking it up a notch. The chef who prepared our dinners was Chef David Ashworth who has trained closely under the Iannuccilli family for the past 15 years. Did I also mention how delicious the martini was? I think it's fit to salute both of them.

My friend and I had a difficult time trying to decide what to have for dinner because of the menu. It was packed full of all kinds of entrées that made it impossible to pick any one selection - I just wanted to try everything. I guess that's the problem with me these days ... I have a 'see' food diet.
Andrea ordered the Veal Chops which was an 18 ounce single bone, center-cut veal chop grilled to her liking (well-done) marinated with a garlic, herb and rosemary olio. She enjoyed it very much. I also tried it and enjoyed it too. Sticking with my theme - I picked the Pescatore Baked Scrod. The entrée was a baked scrod topped with a frutti di Mare tomato saute' (Nick served this dish to Frank Sinatra back in the 90's). I figured what was good for Sinatra, was good for me and I was right. My instinct was right on the money. Speaking of which, the Italo American Grill gives you large portions without breaking your wallet. It's just the place to go where you feel that you definitely gourmet food at the right price. The best value in town!

Besides having a warm and elegant dining area, the Italo American Grill had a very entertaining upscale lounge. The lounge had a more relaxing atmosphere but was not short of offering a full menu. It seems that could be the best of both worlds. After inquiring about the restaurant, I found out that there are three rooms for private parties as well as patio seating in the Summer. The Italo Loft (upstairs) can accommodate a great function while the Social can also be reserved for a private party. Whatever your needs, Nick can make your event a success. Just give him a call at (401) 334-FOOD (3663). Italo American Grill located at 1195 Douglas Avenue in North Providence, Rhode Island should be your next place to go. Exquisite food, spectacular surroundings and fun staff make it my choice for the 2011 holiday hot spot.