Amici Restaurant is located in Cherry Hill (a couple of blocks away from their former location, now their banquet room). They have always had good food at a reasonable price. The only downside was, despite their popularity, it was a small setting that had long lines to get in (sometimes even with reservations). The new space is large enough to accommodate more diners, while also offering a more elegant ambience. The building is a beautiful farmhouse that was constructed in 1859. In addition to restoration and renovation, the space now includes a year round private patio space. Fortunately, it is also a BYOB restaurant.
The Food
Appetizers
I chose a Quinoa Salad, which was large and full of arugula, quinoa, tomatoes, goat cheese, red onion, and hearts of palm. The salad was topped with a great lemon dressing. It was delicious and filling. I enjoyed our Hawk Haven Vineyards Pinot Grigio with this. (More about the wines later).
My wife and I shared an order of fried calamari with the traditional marinara dipping sauce. Once again this was a generous serving and deliciously prepared. They were tender, not rubbery or dried out, as you may often encounter elsewhere. I had a glass of our Turdo Vineyards Turis Nero d’Avola to compliment the calamari, while my wife enjoyed the Hawk Haven Pinot Grigio.
The Entrees
I selected the Orecchiette Barese-“little ears” (named for their shape) pasta, tossed with sweet Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach (left below).
My wife chose the Pappardelle Bolognese in their homemade meat sauce (right below). We both loved the Nero d’Avola with our entrees.
The Wine
- Turdo Vineyards Turis 2019 Nero d’Avola-the signature red produced by Sal Turdo. There were raspberry and cherry notes with hints of vanilla and smooth tannins. The grape’s origin is Sicily. If you have not tried this wine, you really need to do so. But you need to do so either in advance or as soon as the vintage is released for sale. It is a very limited production and Turdo Vineyards is one of the few American wineries that grow or produce this varietal.
- Hawk Haven Vineyards 2020 Pinot Grigio-Super versatile Pinot with lively acidity and notes of grapefruit and lemon; fermented in stainless steel. So, if you have seen this bottle before in a number of my posts, it’s for good reasons: we like it and it is very versatile.
Amici was a good restaurant that is now and excellent restaurant with a venue that is as special as their food. We will definitely be back soon.
Cheers!
Coming Attractions
- My Interview with Larry Coia, A Key Grape Grower in Vineland
- Three 3’s Brewery in Hammonton
- Blue Rascal Distillery in Hammonton
- Return Trip to Unionville
- Tonewood Brewery in Oaklyn
New Jersey Uncorked: A Snob-Free Taste of NJ Wine
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