Restaurant Week Review: Amanda’s

Continuing with my adventure of eating at expensive restaurants during Hudson Restaurant Week… I was also able to finally try Amanda’s.  Their sister restaurant across the street, Elysian Cafe, is a little more budget-friendly, and the food is amazing.  So with a higher price tag, and a little bit of French flare, I couldn’t wait to try Amanda’s Restaurant and Wine Bar.

As a wine bar, they have an extensive wine list.  Fortunately, they narrowed it down for me with a special Restaurant Week discount on a Cabernet that I wish I could remember the name of. It was delicious.

First Course

Grilled Shrimp appetizer with chunky mango salsa
Fried Calamari on Kale Salad with Grappa Currants, Marcona Almonds, Parmesan and Lemon-Oregano Aioli 

I could have eaten both of these as a meal.  The grilled shrimp had perfect fiery flavor, without even a hint of burning. The salsa was fresh and fruity, a perfect summer starter.  The salad was amazing – the elegance made me forget it was fried. I can’t wait to go back and try this again… this was food that leaves you thinking.

Second Course

Roasted New York Strip with Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes, “Jersey” Succotash and Natural Jus 
Green Pasta with Oven-Dried Tomatoes, Broccoli Florets, Basil and Black Pepper Mascarpone 

I was torn between these two meals, so I was relieved when Tom ordered the steak.  Both were outstanding … I might even use the word perfect.  The steak was cooked perfectly, and the sides made it a true high-quality American meal. The thick pasta with summer vegetables was a healthy meal, and perfectly portioned.  The broccoli was steamed and fresh, and then topped with a dollop of creamy mascarpone. The entire meal tasted like a healthy vegetarian dish, not weighted down by oils and other overpowering flavors. Yum!

Dessert

Warm Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream 
Summer Pound Cake with Vanilla Bean and Peach Compote

Once again, warm chocolate cake NEVER disapoints. Not at a fine restaurant like this anyway … when you eat this stuff, it’s worth every calorie.  And I was pleasantly surprised by Tom’s choice – I haven’t had pound cake in ages.  But this was real deal pound cake – homemade by a serious baker.  It was warm, soft, moist, and changed my view on pound cake.  I hope these are permanently on the menu.

A sweet way to end a pretty perfect meal.  I may not even wait until the next Restaurant Week to splurge on this place…