Amalfi Test Run

Dear Faithful:

Avril and I took a detour to Ghent after a short afternoon's shopping at the NEX and decided to try out the much anticipated Amalfi Ristorante on Colley Avenue in Ghent (between 20th & 21st). What a wonderful series of surprises! The first surprise what that it was even open, as it was about 3:00 PM. In most cases we found restaurants to be closed from 2 to 4:30. Anyway, I digress. The second surprise is that we were the only ones in there, besides the proprietor, chief, waiter and the bookkeeper. The third surprise was that not only is it a restaurant, but they also sell food stuffs, pottery and various assorted "goodies" from Italy.

The fourth and best surprise was the food. We started with the Caprese Classica: fresh made mozzarella, sliced tomato, fresh basil and extra virgin olive oil. It was so fresh, so perfectly balanced and just the right antipasti for any meal. There was ample fresh baked Italian bread with plenty of Mother Earth's own green-gold nectar and red wine vinegar for dipping. I could continue to regale you with succulent prose about the perfect Talapia, the premium Penne, the Prosecco that radiated Italian sunshine, but I know you would not be able to sit still and read this Blog, rather you would be well on you way to Amalfi to revel in your own Italian feast and fantasy.

We met and chatted with Angelo, the owner, and one of the two Italian chiefs, Rosario. They are looking forward to the club's visit on the 16th. I didn't find the prices too high. Yes, if you order the "full meal" veal, shrimp or lamb you are looking at $23-$29. Most pasta dishes are $13-$19 and a true Italian pizza can be had for $10. I cannot tell you how much more value for money we will get at Amalfi. There is just no comparison. I must say in the twelve years we've lived in Hampton Roads we have never com across an Italian restaurant this good, and we eat out a lot. No brag, just fact. This, my friends, it true Italian cooking, not the over loaded, over spiced, over done American aberration of Italian cooking...no offense intended if that is your thing.

In addition they have a (adult beverage) bar and an espresso bar. The waiter we had was quite pleasant, friendly, helpful and attentive. In other words, the service was excellent. This place will be a regular stop for us when we visit the South Side. So until next time, Ciao e buon appetito.

P.S. I have a menu and I’ll see what I can do to get it posted on the Blog.