Amici isn’t your stereotypical
spaghetti and meatballs type Italian eatery. Supporting local merchants by
using their fresh meats, fish and produce, Amici is able to create new and
exciting recipes while staying true to its Northern Italian, Tuscan roots.
The dining room has an elegant vibe
with dark browns, and burnt orange-coloured walls. It is uniquely set up in two tiers with
tables and booths and seating for 80. I was sat in the lower tier along the
windows at table 27. Classical Italian music played in the room, helping me
feel relaxed and ready for an intimate dining experience.
I was promptly greeted by my
server, and offered a glass of wine to start my night. My preference for wine
is on the fruitier side, so he recommended the Alamos Chardonnay from Argentina
for $8.25 per glass. He was bang on with his description as having “a fruity
aroma, with hints of tropical fruit, pear and a buttery finish.”
The daily appetizer and entree
specials were translated tableside from Italian to English. I had the Gamberi
Sulla Risotto con Speck Tirolese; Tiger-Prawn Shrimp
wrapped in smoked Tyrolean bacon
served on Parmesan risotto with a paprika and brandy cream sauce. I must say the
results were pleasing. The Tiger-Prawn Shrimp had the perfect crunchy texture,
while the bacon was seamlessly cooked. The buttery palate from the Chardonnay
paired with the risotto, was an immaculate combination.
For dinner I chose one of the house
specialties, the Carre d’Agnello Arrosto. Lamb lovers, listen up! If you don’t
try this, you’re missing out on a flavor experience of a lifetime. This mouth-watering
Provimi Rack of Lamb will run you $36.00 for the four bone and $48.00 for the
six. The lamb chops are Dijon mustard crusted, cooked to your preference (I
like the rarer side of rare), served with a red wine herb sauce and sautéed
root vegetables. To go with it I was recommended a glass of the Australian
Hickinbotham Shiraz-Cabernet that goes for $10.25. The combination had my
tongue receptors moving, as the spice from the Shiraz, and the rich fruitiness
of the Cabernet balanced well with the herb sauce, and the natural flavour of
the Lamb.
Be sure not to fill yourself up
with the succulent selections before you get to dessert. My first St. Honoré experience had me hooked. A puff pastry
shell filled with
chocolate sponge cake, chocolate pastry cream, with strawberries and
whipped cream tasted exactly how it sounds. One word. Delicious.
Reservations and formal attire is
recommended if you’re planning a night out at Amici. Guests have worn jeans,
but you should snaz it up a bit with a blouse or a blazer, or your waiter may
show you up with his designer suit. Don’t let this intimidate you- yes it is a
fancy place to dine, but you won’t have to study up on your mise en place table etiquette. Rest assured, if you use the wrong fork, the
servers would happily replace it for you, I know by experience.
Fine dining isn’t something I do often, and at Amici I was
pleasantly surprised. I felt I was in
a classy environment without any stuffy pretentiousness.
Table 27, I’ll be back!
