Mike's Kitchen at Tabor-Franchi Post

I’m honored to introduce a guest writer, Kim from Arctic (now of Charlestown). Kim, who occasionally writes for the private web site, Bob Hart’s Friday Night Dance Party, has volunteered to review the venerable Mike’s Kitchen at Tabor-Franchi Post. A note to Debby: the photo of you didn’t come out. We’ll have to get one on the next visit. ~ jw

I have to admit that I rarely spend time in Cranston. 
I am now a resident of Charlestown, but given the opportunity, I am quick to respond to a culinary adventure no matter where that might be — south of State Line Scrap and North of Sandy’s in Westerly, of course.

An acquaintance, whom is a contributor to Cranston Style, asked me to tag along on an excursion into the institution that is The Tabor-Franchi Post (VFW) off Atwood Ave in Cranston.

This was maybe my 5th opportunity to sample the extraordinary food that “Mike’s Kitchen” has to offer [Mike Lepizzera, owner and head chef is pictured at left]. I normally take my visit with a Cranston resident because I can’t navigate my way around that exotic asphalt suburb. I don’t know a Sakonnasett Crossroad from a Governor Francis Farm.

As usual the food did not disappoint me. I was tempted to try something different but I opted for my favorite; veal and peas. I guess there’s a lot of people that are adamant about not eating veals because of the way farmers treat the fish; I am not one of them. I suppose I could have had the fried smelts but they are pretty much what cormorants eat or what we sell at the bait shop, so that kind of leaves them out. I understand smelts have a lot of fans but I’m not one of them.

I was real happy with what I had and if I get a chance to return I just might get adventurous and order the stuffed squid. Sure, squid consumption should probably be limited to fluke, but the calamari and other cool squid dishes served at the post can tempt even a bait store employee.

I would really highly recommend you try this place – get directions from some one who knows what Reservoir Ave is.

Comment

1. And it comes full circle… Mike is my 4th cousin. Or something like that.

   My mom says I’m related to him. His mom and my grandmother were cousins.

   I think.

   The food really is kick-ass.

   — Elisa DelBonis · Aug 21, 06:05 PM · #

2. I’m not good at relationship math – but that’s too funny. Hopefully you acquired that kick-ass food prep gene…

   — Josh · Aug 21, 07:17 PM · #

3. A lot of people that read my review have been telling me that veals are not a fish. Who knew!

   — Kim from Arctic · Aug 22, 11:30 AM · #

4. 7 year here and I have never tried this little gem. After this read, I think it’s time to try it! Thanks.

   — Suzanne Arena · Aug 28, 08:39 PM · #

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