AMICI AMORE 1
29-35 Newtown Ave. (corner of 30th Street and one block from 30th Avenue) Astoria, NY 11103

Phone: 267-2771, Fax: 267-2886

e-mail: amiciamore1@aol.com

CUISINE: Northern Italian

TRANSPORTATION: Short stroll from N train 30th Avenue stop. Valet parking Thursday through Sunday dinner hours.

HOURS: Closed Monday. Open 6 days from 12 noon until 10:30 p.m. (11:30 p.m. Fri. & Sat.).

CREDIT CARDS: Yes

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE: Yes

CATERING: Available for all occasions. Free consultations.

RESERVATIONS: A must for dinner and especially for weekends.

The latest addition to dining in Astoria is the Amici Amore 1. Its reputation for fine Italian cuisine and attentive service has had customers lining up since it opened only six months ago.

Operated by the young Redzic brothers from Montenegro, already famous for their nearby Balkan Delicatessen, Amici Amore 1 (hopefully there will soon be more) is the creation of Dino who continues as the Maitre D at the James Beard Foundation and moonlights at the restaurant. Never fear, you are in equally attentive hands of brother Johnny.

On being seated, we were offered our choice of waters. Then we enjoyed a small bowl of olive oil for dipping the crusty bread on the table. Then we started our lunch with a colorful carrot soup Ð the soup of the day. We also tried the house specialty, ravioli stuffed with ricotta and sun dried tomatoes and covered with a creamy sauce with more tomatoes. The Insalata Tropica was a refreshing, eye-pleasing mix of cubed green/red/yellow peppers, cucumbers, scallions, fresh mozzarella and avocado ($6).

NOTE: The handsome Swiss-made dishes are enormous as are the portions.

From the day's Specials, we selected fresh halibut with a dressing of lemon, butter and white wine sauce touched lightly with Spanish paprika. The fish was accompanied by sauteed spinach and mashed potatoes ($17.95). Johnny suggested we also try a regular menu item, Vitello alla Boscaiola con Porcini ($13.95). It was an excellent choice- three pieces of tender veal covered with rich sauce and Porcini mushrooms accompanied by a medley of brightly colored strips of zucchini and cauliflorets along with a delightful layered potato creation of Mrs. Redzic. Other appealing luncheon choices include sandwiches entrees from grilled vegetables ($6.95) to veal parmigiana ($9).

Our accompanying wine was a glass of Spumante Cafe de Paris, Brut ($7). The restaurant has an excellent selections of wines from Italy, France and California . . . a tribute to Dino's expertise.

Don't miss dessert which includes made-on-the-premises ricotta cheese cake and an elegant Tiramisu.

You can enjoy dining in this cozy spot with its colorful fireplace. While there, don't forget to read the mounted and signed menus created by world-famed chefs and served at the James Beard House.