Amali's - 60th & Park
I used to believe that I had found all the good restaurants in New York City, which is a lot like a guy saying he has seen all the pretty girls in the world. The supply is simply infinite. Now, I have been to a lot of unbelievable restaurants in NYC, and every now and then when one branches off into a not well known neighborhood restaurant, the food and/or service may be a bit of a disappointment.Or, it may be Amali.Located on 60th Street just off of Park Avenue, the term "Mediterranean" can be a bit of a question mark. I usually won't tour Park Avenue fine dining just for hummus, if you know what I mean. But Amali's menu is eclectic, robust, dynamic, and fresh. And the food is simply outstanding.We arrived for our 8:15 reservation at about 7:30 and had no trouble getting two seats at the bar. My wife enjoyed a full-bodied cab and they graciously made me two delicious shots of espresso. When I checked in for our reservation the owner was handling maitre'd services and apologized that they needed two extra minutes, which in New York is like being thirty minutes early. They gave us our choice of two tables in their atrium room, and treated us like regulars vs. first time patrons. I have been to some restaurants in the city 50+ times where I am still treated like a first time patron.I started with a Portugese Octopus appetizer, and at this point I was in love with Amali.
Absolutely perfect in both preparation and seasoning, this octopus lover was blown away.I ordered the lamb shoulder off the menu for my entree, and the owner came to apologize that they were out, and suggested a grilled lamb meal with deep fried risotto as a replacement. He was doing the Lord's work.
My wife ordered a scrumptious plate of angel hair pasta with basil, bread crumbs, and cured San Marzano tomatoes. I had her accompany her pasta with the roasted chicken under brick mushrooms, tarragon, and Au jus, knowing she would be completely satisfied with the pasta. The chicken was thus mine.
While the lamb was among the best seasoned lamb I had ever had, it was the chicken that left me wanting to lick the plate. A spoon for the Au jus would be perfectly appropriate, and the blend of mushrooms, tarragon, juices, and garlic were positively scrumptious.To close off this elegant dining experience we partook of ricotta donuts with chocolate crema. Words don't do it justice.
The environment was festive, the mood enjoyable, and the volume quite manageable for a neighborhood restaurant between Park and Lex. I will be back, and you should be too.