Last week I wrote about two of my favorite BYOBs in Cape May. I could have easily added half a dozen more of my faves in Cape May. But today, I want to share a few favorites, even closer to home-two in Collingswood and one in Cherry Hill. Before I get into them, have you ever noticed that almost no restaurants are open on Mondays? I know folks need a day off and Mondays may seem like a good day for that. Certainly, the weekends are going to attract more diners. But don’t people get hungry on Mondays? What about birthdays and anniversaries? Never on Mondays? Luckily, if you live in South Jersey, there is an excellent Italian BYOB in Cherry Hill, called Amici.
Amici Restaurant
Amici’s is located in Cherry Hill, a couple of blocks away from their old site (now used for banquets). This restaurant has become a “go-to” for birthdays and just a night out for good Italian food. Better yet, it is reasonably priced, a BYOB, and open on Mondays. With a beautifully semi-enclosed garden patio and potent ceiling heaters, you can eat outdoors on even the colder days. Thick plastic enclosures can be be pulled down to keep out rain or wind. The food is wonderful. The Italian offerings range from the usual pasta entrees to seafood delicacies (like their Branzino and other specials); and much more. The portions are generous and the desserts are truly decadent.
Like Billy Joel, I always bring a “bottle red, bottle of white”, when we dine here. My suggestions for the evening:
Wine Suggestions
One of Turdo Vineyards super red-perhaps a bottle of their wonderful Turis 2019 Barbera is a rich deep red with ripe fruit and lots of structure, yet very smooth. It will stand up to a spicy red sauce and a great bolognese sauce. For a white, you might consider a bottle of Sharrott Winery Pinot Grigio. With it’s delicious citrusy notes and lively acidity it will nicely complement a chicken dish or perhaps their Branzino.
Check out their menu and website here: amicinj.com
Bistro di Marino
The original is located in Collingswood, though they also have a restaurant in Sewell and one in Marlton. The one in Sewell is very nice (and even closer to me), but I still like the outdoor setting better in Collingswood, with its miniature waterfall in the back of the property on this beautifully landscaped “backyard.” Their specialty is gnocchi, but my favorite here is the Fresh Pappardelle Bolognese with white truffle oil and shaved ricotta cheese.
Wine Suggestions
I might go with one of my last bottles of Turdo Vineyards 2019 Turis Sangiovese to complement this dish. Their Sangiovese is a little more full-bodied than some, rich, ripe, delicious, and smooth as silk. It is the best Sangiovese in the state (in my opinion) and as good as (or better than) many of the best Chianti Classico Reserve wines from Italy. Perhaps, enjoy a glass of Chardonnay, like William Heritage Winery Gravel Road Chardonnay to go along with your Crab and Corn Chowder or if you choose their Lobster Fettuccine. It is a great Chardonnay with a lemony taste on the palate, a rich mouthfeel, and a very smooth finish. It is my favorite Chardonnay from William Heritage since their Pumpkin Hill Chardonnay. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu (or either of these wines).
You can read more about this fantastic Italian restaurant, all three locations, and their delectable menu here: bistrodimarino.com
Bistro is one of at least a dozen good Italian BYOBs in the town of Collingswood. However, they are not limited to Italian restaurants in Collingswood. There’s a great Indian restaurant (Indya), a couple of good Mexican restaurants, and a new French restaurant (June), that I can’t wait to try out. I may add another post or two in the near future about the great BYOBs in South Jersey.
Cheers!
Coming Attractions
- Stratosphere Brewing Company
- Striped Lion Distillery
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