The humble, hole-in-the-wall Italian eatery founded by Salesian priests of Don Bosco in the nineties has come a long way.
Best known for wood fire-baked pizzas and excellent Italian pasta, Amici recently added new items on the menu to keep things fresh and interesting for their patrons.
“Most of these dishes are based on dishes I’ve come across working in Italy, working in different restaurants, and trying stuff at home,” said Amici’s executive chef Paolo Moran.
The soft-spoken chef added that in spite of the additions to the menu, he will stay true to the Amici brand.
“We want to focus on the pizza and pasta because that’s our core competence, but also we want to focus on sharing. Amici is meant to be shared with friends or family. That’s why I got into cooking… because I like to cook for friends and family,” said chef Paolo.
So grab a buddy and try out these new dishes at an Amici restaurant near you.
The Italian Burger (PHP368)
“Maybe it’s not authentic Italian. But for me it is because an Italian taught me how to do it,” said chef Paolo. It’s the first time for Amici to include a burger on their menu. What makes it special? The beef patty is mixed with Italian sausage, giving it a unique oomph. It is served in a mouthwatering butter toasted brioche, with onion rings, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
Bacon and cheese gnocchi (PHP368)
It wasn’t part of the plan to make gnocchi from scratch, but since it was hard to find a reliable gnocchi supplier in the Philippines, Chef Paolo decided to make his own gnocchi instead. His version is served with a cheesy sauce made from asiago and parmesan cheese and topped with bacon and basil. It’s the favorite of Chef Paolo’s niece and might be a hit with other kids, too.
Seafood Diablo (PHP378)
Love seafood? Love spicy? The seafood diablo is for you. It’s a mix of clams and scallops in tomato and cream sauce. You can also have the level of spiciness adjusted according to what your taste buds can handle.
Spicy Italian Sausage pizza(PHP486)
This is possibly the most interesting item on the new menu. It is the perfect balance of sweet (from the honey), salty (from the asiago cheese), and spicy (from the Italian sausages). It is only recommended for those with “high tolerance for heat,” but you can request for a milder version if you wish.
Pasta Nero (PHP398)
This dish is complex in terms of appearance and flavor. The black sauce is made of squid ink and Pomodoro. It is served with calamari and aioli on top. Also a treat for seafood lovers.
Missouri Square Bldg., Connecticut St, Greenhills Po, San Juan; Facebook, +63 2 7244804. Daily, 7am to 10pm
