Bei Amici
The rustic Italian cooking of owner/chef Felix Rutz has recently expanded to include a Swiss focus, reflected in the udderly distracting cow art on the walls. While I was glad to see that the Calamari with Pistachios, Cavolo Nero and Fregola with Lemon Dressing ($18) has remained, I was also quite taken with my Snapper Carpaccio ($22) served on a warm bed of white polenta with a mud crab dressing. The warmth made the dish stand up to the cool, rainy weather. Sadly on the night I dined, Felix was having a well earned rest from cooking the great value Monday Night Special that gives diners three courses for thirty three dollars. I missed his deft hand in seasoning. Poached Green Asparagus ($18) was nicely teamed with a bio-dynamic egg, pecorino and sesame seeds. The Duck Ragu Gnocchi ($26) was light on the poultry component, but flavoursome anyway with lovely Sicilian olives. My favourite taste was a sweet Swiss addition to the dessert menu– Torte de Panne ($13) – a flat cake flavoured with fig jam and topped with pine-nuts which ended the meal beautifully. The decor has been improved since my last visit by an amazing woven ball light that casts pretty shadows; staff remain friendly and familiar.
Bei Amici
2b Mona Road, Darling Point
Ph: (02) 9328 0305 www.beiamicirestaurant.com.au
Italian/Swiss $$$$