PK Goes to Paris: Amici, You Little Rascal

Amici
A little side street in St. Germain, Paris.
Yes, France.

The Event: Foodie friend and I were famished from sightseeing. We had passed this charming little Italian joint a million times in our foot travel, and decided to duck in after a day at the Louvre.

RESTAURANT REPORT CARD - Visit 1

Ambiance - B-
Service - B
Food (Taste) - C
Food (Presentation) - D
Wine/Drinks - C
Value - B
Vibe/Energy/Scene - B

Overall Experience - B-

Friend and I had already had the uber fine dining extravaganza in Paris. Twice. We had been running around the city, dancing beneath the Eiffel Tower and twirling around Montaigne, pretending to be rich. We just needed a warm fuzzy lunch, and Amici had previously beckoned.

It was chilly outside, and we were instantly struck by the warmth and cozy surroundings. We grabbed the only spare booth and looked at the French/Italian offerings. Since we had already pledged allegiance to the awesome prix fix menus ala Paris, why ruin a good thing? This time, we stuck to two courses, but still - this would be fun.

Service was kind and charming and efficient, and I fell in love with the energy of the place. just. Like. Paris.


Drinks:

A few glasses of the house Cab - nothing to write home about, but a perfect match to a warm Italian lunch.

Appetizers:




Mine
Tuscany Crostini
-- Liver pate on toast
You know when you're in a foreign country and you order something that they actually don't have anymore and you freak out because you have to pick something different and you don't speak the language so you point to something vaguely familiar and then you wind up getting something you'd rather, um, never eat again?
Right. Yes, this was kinda like that.



Foodie Friend
Orichette with Broccoli and Cheese
A super simple yet delightful little pasta dish. I had carb envy.


Entrees:



Mine
Pumpkin Risotto
Now I'm happy. Like, stick me with a fork done, happy. I happen to worship zucca (Italian for pumpkin), and although this was a tad bland, it reallllly hit the spot. Oodles of white cheese and the happy squash, with al dente risotto. Bliss, I tell ya.



Foodie Friend
Italian Steak
They actually brought him a side of pasta to go with this lonely little meat slab, but although presentation was lacking, the beef was a great, flavorful cut. We both just thought the whole thing was crazy charming.

Damage for 3 glasses of wine, 2 appetizers, and 2 entrees: about 35 Euros, before tip.

Parking: It's Paris. For God's sake, WALK.
Attire: Super casual
Pros: Cozy, inexpensive, fast
Cons: Lacking punch/flavor

Final word - despite the mediocre food, it's a precious memory.

You want more, trust me.
Or perhaps you'd like some poetry?