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Sunday, July 19, 2015

Review #63 - Ristorante aMano

Ristorante aMano
Variety: Italian
Address: 1477 Lower Water Street
Date Visited: Thursday, June 18, 2015
Orders: Pizza Quatro Carni, Pizza Pollo

Taste: 9 + 9 = 18/20
Portion Size: 9 + 9 = 18/20
Presentation: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Value: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Service: 8 + 8 = 16/20
Bonus: 1
Minus: -
Final Grade: 85% (Excellent)

(Scoring: 100% to 140% = Exceptional, 85% to 99% = Excellent, 67% to 84% = Good, 60% to 66% = Satisfactory, 50% to 59% = Marginal, 0% to 49% = Poor, -40% to -1% = Abysmal)

Notes: This place always seems busy, but we were surprised that we were able to walk in and get a table on a Thursday evening...until we figured out there was a big food truck party elsewhere in town that evening. Whatever, it worked for us! We were offered a table indoors or outdoors and T decided she wanted to take advantage of the harbour view in their courtyard. After five minutes, we figured out what there were few other people out there at that time - the sun was on the other side of the building and it got really cold, really quick! The restaurant had a supply of pashminas in a nearby basket for this reason (bonus point!), but we very quickly joined the others who moved inside into the warmth. Unfortunately, most of the tables were already spoken for, but we were seated at the bar on comfortable stools and a beautiful chandelier just inches away. This new space gave us an interesting vantage point (and new appreciation) for skilled bartenders who don't have a lot of space to work with!

The decor of the restaurant was elegant but comfortable. The volume of the music was just right, and as more people entered, it got pretty loud but never really to the point of having to shout. Essentially, it just sounded like we were at a party where everyone - the patrons and staff alike - smiled and laughed the entire time. After taking it in for a couple of minutes, T said "I love everything about this place."

J ordered the Quatro Carni (four meat, pictured left) pizza - salami, pancetta, prosciutto and italian sausage, exactly what the doctor had in mind when he suggested that J watch his cholesterol! It was a little salty but the it was a delicious combination and the crust of both pizzas was obviously freshly made and damn tasty. T has a bit of a prosciutto hang-up so she didn't much care for it, but was delighted with her Pollo (chicken, pictured right) pizza, which was generously dressed with goat cheese, grape tomatoes and cilantro. It was a bit busy for J, but perfect for T. So, we both left happy, and with plenty of pizza left over for the next day's lunch.

Final Verdict: Excellent pizza, excellent atmosphere, but make sure the patio isn't too cold before you sit down!


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