{"id":8442,"date":"2023-07-30T06:00:34","date_gmt":"2023-07-30T11:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eatdrinkmadison.com\/blog\/?p=8442"},"modified":"2023-07-29T15:34:52","modified_gmt":"2023-07-29T20:34:52","slug":"amara","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eatdrinkmadison.com\/blog\/?p=8442","title":{"rendered":"Amara"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Amara\"Usually, when we have a new, trendy place to eat and drink in Madison, the local media and food bloggers over-review it. However, that has not been the case with Amara<\/a>, which is surprising given its excellent food, cocktails and vibe.<\/p>\n

Here’s the run-down: First on my list was the porchetta ($34), which was delicious. The pork belly was crispy and tender, and the spicy sauce on top was a nice enhancement. Plus, the accompanying gigante beans and chickories were surprisingly tasty.<\/p>\n

I also liked the broiled striped bass ($35), as it was very fresh. Unfortunately, the saffron shellfish sauce was so beany that it became overwhelming to eat it.<\/p>\n

The hanger steak ($35) had a good flavor, but it was tough to cut and chewy. (Note that it’s served rare.) I did enjoy the soft fingerling potatoes in the tasty leek fondue.<\/p>\n

\"Amara\"The paccheri ($28 large, $16 small) ragu was fine. The beef cheek was tender and savory but along with the tomato agrodolce, was a bit sparse. I could have done without the breadcrumbs, which brought an unwelcome crunch.<\/p>\n

Among the appetizers, try the quattro formaggi lamb meatballs ($17), which are incredibly tender and bathing in a wonderful spiced tomato sauce, as well as the lasagna fritto ($13), which I appreciated for its crunchy exterior and avoidance of too much ricotta.<\/p>\n

For dessert, I ordered the gelati (your choice of gelato or sorbet for $9) and found it a refreshing way to end a remarkable meal.<\/p>\n

Given that Amara pushes its daily aperitivo happy hour, I’m surprised there wasn’t more seating in the bar area. At least there’s a large cocktail selection. For example:<\/p>\n