Amore Mia

Was trying to find somewhere for dinner Friday night that was NOT participating in Restaurant Week---and saw Amore Mia. I thought Amore Mia was worth a try. So happy we did!

Kettering's Best Kept Secret: Located on the south side of Dorothy Lane between Wilmington Pike and Shroyer, it's a charming little wood frame building tucked behind Sherwood Florist. It has a pleasant little wood deck that's probably very nice when it's not horribly hot and humid---we chose to dine indoors! But if you sit properly positioned on the deck, you'll look toward some wonderful old Spruce and hardwoods and feel absolutely bucolic! Inside there are about 10 tables, a full service bar, and a charming waiter named Alejandro. We were greeted immediately and when DH fretted about the sun slanting in thru the window on him, Alejandro whisked us to a shadier spot. Ambiance is cozy, very clean and pleasant.

We started off with the bruchetta---who can resist it when tomatoes are at their peak? It was delicious---just the right balance of sweet tomatoes, olive oil, salt and basil, generously mounded on crisp rounds of toasted bread. Very prettily presented on a large white plate sprinkled with fresh parsley. I do wish we had gotten small plates, though, to eat it from. Alejandro offered us their drink special, something potent with juices and three liquors, but we decided to go with the wine. DH, as usual, chose the Cab and I apologize for not remembering it's name---he was happy with it----I chose a Monterende Reserve Pinot Noir that was absolutely LOVELY! (In fact, I sent DH to Arrow Wine this afternoon to procure a bottle but they did not have.) There were a number of specials----a shrimp and chicken caccitore, tilapia, ravioli, and both chicken and veal Marsala. Alejandro raved about the Marsala, which is a favorite dish of mine so of course I went to the veal (and Brian liked it!) and DH chose the chicken Marsala. We also ordered house salads.

The salads arrived promptly---very simple---just a bowl of fresh, earthy greens, and the housemade Italian dressing was quite good, but either ask your server to add it sparingly or serve it on the side, because there was way too much on the salad and left in the bowl at the end. The restaurant was quiet, so as we enjoyed our salads, we could hear first the pounding of meat, and then the sizzle! Our meals were being made to order! Very shortly, Alejandro appeared with our twin Marsala dishes. I thought the portion of veal was perfect---and the mashed potatoes were delicious! The veal was of excellent quality, perfectly cooked, and the sauce itself----rich with wine and capers and mushroom----was some of the best I'd ever had. DH was very happy with his meal and I sampled it---it was very good---the chicken breast was very moist and tasty---but nowhere near as delicious as my veal (imho). It is regrettable about the sad little broccoli side. It was "wet" and practically tasteless. How much better some quick fried green beans or zucchini and squash would have been! But a minor quibble, if you were enjoying the entree. There was linguine under the meats, which I did not try---I could tell by eye it was too al dente for me. Sorry---I am a hillbilly---I want those noodles cooked! But DH said of course I thought they were underdone because he thought they were perfect---not cooked to mush the way I make them. (See when he next gets spaghetti and meatballs for dinner!) We were so full, but how could I resist the beautiful slice of tiramisu Alejandro brought to tempt us? We took that to go. Oh, my gosh, it was as tasty as it was pretty to look at!

All in all, it was a lovely meal, the service was attentive without being annoying, the food was very, very good and we will certainly be back. I just dread the day when this little treasure is discovered by the rest of the Dayton Foodies!

On three different visits had the seafood saute, (resembled cioppino), the chicken marsala, eggplant insolvito and a tilapia dish. All were VERY good. Also did carryout pizza one evening that was also very good. Each time we have been in we have had great service and interaction with the chef. The best was drinking a dogfish 90 while waiting for the pizza.