Newport: Asterisk and Obelisk (May 2001)

My spouse and I ate dinner at Asterisk and Obelisk in late May 2001. This is one of Newport's most progressive restaurants, and it serves modern fare in a converted auto garage. Asterisk Restaurant and Bar is an upscale bistro located in the lower Thames Street area of Newport. Formerly an automobile service garage, the building has been transformed into a warm, ultra-hip, Manhattan style dining room and martini bar. The existing garage doors are open all summer long providing fresh air and sunshine High-minded diners fill Asterisk's high-ceilinged dining room to enjoy French-influenced, Mediterranean fare. Rich risotto dishes vary nightly from mixtures of Asiago cheese to topped with crispy salmon. Lobster fricasee is a rich standout--chunks of fresh lobster served in a sea of spring veggies (peas, spinach, baby carrots) and coated with brandy-tinged, lobster bisque-based sauce.