Chef-owner Matt Jennings says his Townsman restaurant (120 Kingston St. at Essex Street) is slated to open by March 1. Jennings closed Providence’s much-loved Farmstead to open the eagerly awaited Greenway spot. The centerpiece is a ten-seat crudo counter with swivel stools—“my tip of the hat to New England diner culture,” Jennings explains — serving charcuturie, ceviche, and tartare. Jennings calls the rest of his menu “brasserie,” divvied into hors d’oeuvres, appetizers, and entrees. Prepare for a charred baby octopus, broccoli rabe with whipped honey, crispy garlic, and Fresno chilies; sweetbreads topped with shredded cabbage, parsnip puree, and trout roe; and fisherman’s stew. Sean Frederick, who earned fans at Citizen Public House & Oyster Bar, will mastermind the cocktail program.
Kara Baskin can be reached at kcbaskin@gmail.com.