Last night I had dinner in South Boston with my college roommate at an Italian place called Amrhein's. Normally I avoid Southie due to the extreme hassle that is finding a visitor parking space, but Amrhein's has developed two solutions to this pesky problem - a large, free parking lot and a shuttle service that picks you up and drops you off after your meal! I know, seems too good to be true. It isn't.
Inside the restaurant has a large bar area as well as multiple rows of tables and cozy booths. The restaurant has a warm feeling with its dark wood, black leather banquettes, and a beautiful, ornate bar.
We sat at a high top table in the bar area and the bartender came swiftly to offer us menus and the wine list. We decided to share a bottle of Malbec, which was a fantastically reasonable price. We decided to each start with a salad and then order a small plate for dinner. Unfortunately, all four plates arrived at the same time, as did the bread basket!
Despite the poorly timed arrival, the food was outstanding. I ordered the Caesar salad which was served with cherry tomatoes, large, well seasoned croutons, and the perfect ratio of lettuce to cheese to dressing. I also ordered the vegetable risotto which was creamy, decadent and bursting with fresh, brightly colored veggies. Not only did I clear the plate, I seriously contemplated licking it clean.
My dining companion ordered the raspberry goat cheese salad which came served with fresh raspberries, walnuts, and pistachio encrusted goat cheese over a bed of field greens. For dinner she ordered the bruschetta which was served in an unusual presentation - a bowl full of olive oil soaked red and yellow tomatoes, with a large piece of grilled focaccia bread laid across the bowl, topped with scoops of goat cheese. Are you drooling?
Although we were too full for dessert, I did get a peak at the menu. I would love to go back to try the warm chocolate divine cake (served a la mode, of course).
Amrhein's gets an A+.
