BASTA,

Basta feels like a Federal Hill transplant. The menu also sticks close to the heart of this state's Italian-American cuisine: veal and chicken marsala; gnocchi Bolognese; tortellini vodka; lamb-osso bucco; and pork chops dolce vita (a sweet and spicy sauce). Veal dishes dominate the meat offerings, with a nod to another of Rhode Island's ethnic groups in the veal T-bone irlandese (glazed with Irish whiskey). There seemed to be many regulars at the tables near us, and they were diving into the fried calamari, the clams casino and the mushroom trifolati -- wild mushrooms with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan crostini. We couldn't resist

the artichoke crisps ($8.25), thin sliced

artichoke bottoms fried to potato chip mode, with an artichoke mousse for dipping. The butter and lemon sauce on the plate was an added spark for this delightful appetizer . . .

Full review.