The Tavern from Tower Square in Plainville, MA, transforms straightforward food into memorable, tasty offerings at reasonable prices

by Eric H.

If you're tired of patroning populist restaurants that serve dried out chicken, seafood drowning in breading and butter, and early bird specials that resemble TV dinners, then you might want to try the Tavern from Tower Square in Plainville, MA, as a solution to the common where-can-we-find-a-good-meal question.

The Tavern from Tower Square, close to Attleboro, Mass., and the Rhode Island border, transforms straightforward food into tasty, memorable offerings at refreshingly moderate prices in the $10-$20 range. This all results in a dining experience that goes far beyond the restaurants we frequently leave in disappoinment (and inexplicably return to). Additionally, the atmosphere lends an added dimension to the overall experience with four dining rooms separated by half walls and lace curtains, all overlooking serene Turnpike Lake (couldn't, however, there be a better name given than Turnpike Lake?). The Tavern also has a separate bar with wide screen television, and substantial banquet facilities for those planning a larger special occasion. The Tavern also offers a Sunday brunch from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fresh, warm rolls start things off on the right track as does a small, but crisp salad with tasty croutons and a delicious French Onion soup (and while on the subject of the allium family, delicious onion rings). Other selections that we can hardly wait to try are include crab cakes, potato encrusted shrimp and artichoke scampi, sauteed in olive oil with fresh garlic, white wine and finished in scampi sauce, served over grilled sourdough garlic toast topped with grated romano cheese.

The Tavern offers diverse offerings including ample early bird specials that surpass the anemic portions well known in other restaurants, burgers, sandwiches, fajitas, pastas, white, red and sparkling wines, well prepared childrens' menu offerings, and myriad steak, seafood and chicken dishes. Dinners come with a fresh vegetable selection, with the top choice being the unusual but terrific butternut squash

The baked haddock and scallop oscar bursts with gourmet-quality flavor, courtesy of fresh haddock filet and sea scallops baked in white wine, lemon butter and topped with asparagus, lobster meat, Swiss cheese and seasoned crumbs laced with a delicious Bernaise sauce. Another highlight is Chicken Englaise, a boneless chicken breast charbroiled with a phenomenal dijon mustard rub and carved, served over angel hair pasta with a sauce of fresh garlic, lemon, marsala wine and butter.

A wonderful, homemade warm gingerbread with vanilla ice cream leads the pack for dessert as part of a delicious looking dessert tray featuring apple strudel pie, chocolate mousse, grapenut custard and specials like toffee pie, apple crisp, and chocolate cake.

The Tavern from Tower Square, 119 Washington St., Route 1, Plainville, MA. Tel. (508) 699-7600

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