It’s been quite a while since we last stepped into Amici in Don Bosco in Makati City. Oh, we’ve always considered this restaurant that boasts of affordable, home-cooked Italian-style cuisine as a comforting constant in a constantly changing foodscape. But ever since its takeover by a new management team two years ago, we had our apprehensions. And there’s also the expansion to include a branch in SM Megamall. Did the move to professionalize the operations alter the relaxed eating experience? Or worse, change the great-tasting food we’ve always come to love?
To find out, we dropped by on a Sunday afternoon for a late lunch – something that was not possible when Amici was still run by the Salesians of Don Bosco. Obviously, this is one of the benefits of the new management as Sunday is a very nice time to avoid the big weekday office crowds and take your sweet time to savor each and every bite. The verdict: still as lip-smacking good as ever.
Lagal[og] said: I had to order my favorite, the Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Pepperoncino and it was as good as I remembered it. The garlic and olive oil with anchovies sauce is just so good, so full of flavor, I wanted another order of bread to wipe every delicious drop off the plate.
Ironwulf said: Aside from the Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Pepperoncino being a favorite since I love its garlic with a kick of spice taste, their house specialty, Roast Chicken, is a must-order. Each serving is half of a somewhat large-sized chicken with rosemary bits clinging to the chicken skin. The olive oil and rosemary spices sauce has seeped deep into the chicken meat, enhancing its flavor. The vegetable that came with it were also crisp and cooked just fine.
Lagal[og] said: It was a pleasant surprise to see an expanded menu. We had a hard time choosing the antipasti but we finally settled for the Cozze Al Forno (Baked Mussels with Pesto and Cream Sauce). I love anything with good pesto sauce on it and this one is a winner in my book. The mussels are cooked just right while the dollop of pesto and cream sauce didn’t overpower the flavor of the shellfish.
Ironwulf said: It’s my first time to try their Cozze Al Forno and thought that it tasted really creamy and delicious. I’m sure I could eat more than a plateful.
Lagal[og] said: Oh, I’d like to think you can eat another plateful. I would eat another one myself — it’s that good. Anyway, one of the highlights of a visit to Amici should be the gelato. And the Cioccolato was and still is, simply a knock-out. There’s something about the exquisite richness and smoothness of the dark chocolate that keep me coming back for more especially since I’m a big fan of dark chocolate.
Ironwulf said: The gelato is an all time fave there but I couldn’t help but notice the new pastries they have. The Pistaccioccolato (Choco Pistachio Cake) had layers of chocolate alternating with pistachio, dripping choco icing and bits of pistachios which really caught my eye. But it didn’t end there as the choco was really rich, similar to their Cioccolato gelato but with a touch of mint and nutty flavor.
The Mango Tango is a nice contrast though as it has a really fruity flavor that’s not overly sweet. Every bite reveals layers of texture — lush cream and crunchy graham crumbs that tango with the soft mango bits at the top.
Amici – Don Bosco
Located at the corner of Arnaiz Avenue and Pasong Tamo, Makati City • Tel. No. 887-2458 • with a branch at SM Megamall, Level 3, Mega Atrium
This is the second Italian restaurant that you featured here, which makes me think maybe there is something about Italian cooking to warrant me to pay $20 +/- for a plate of pasta outside. All this time I have been cooking pasta at home and it’s really good, but may be I should go and eat Italian.
Did I miss the type/region of Italian cooking this is? I’ve been meaning to sample Sicilian cooking, they say there’s a world of difference between Sicilian and the other Italian regional cooking.
This post made me miss Amici even more. I used to be a regular when it was still being ran by the Salesians of Don Bosco. But just like most of the people I know, apprehensions were felt when the new management came. Seeing this post made me want to check out Amici under new management. I’m really hoping that I won’t get disappointed when I go visit again.
Good to know that the gelato is still heavenly. 🙂
Treated my family to that restaurant some months ago. The prices are ok. Only one was exhorbitant for what it was. The minestorne was horrible. Like dishwater with tomato juice and raw veggies. But the gelato was excellent! Love it. Would not go back for the soup, though. Try out their lasagna al forno!
would anyone know where i could complain for bad amici service? i went to the amici in sm north edsa and the service was TERRIBLE. there were only around 3 customers in the restaurant and i’ve been seated for 20 minutes after ordering my food at the cashier when my companion decided to follow-up our food (because we were sooo hungry). apparently, our food has not been cooked! they’ve basically just be staring at us and our table number not wondering why they weren’t cooking anything and why we weren’t eating anything. i’ve complained to their cashier, cristy camaya, and to their head cashier, princess gabot, and the only thing they could offer was a sad sorry. princess gabot also gave me a wrong number for AMICI’s head office. i love their food, but my goodness, AMICI HAS TERRIBLE SERVICE!!!