Not too long ago I noticed something about Amici Pizza and Bistro in Northeast Minneapolis. They added something to their menu since the first time I visited back when they opened: “Amici Pizza and Bistro proudly supports and uses local products including: Fischer Farms Pork, Midwest Salad, Living Water Gardens, Larry Schultz – Chicken and Eggs, and Izzy’s Ice Cream.”
I’ll admit that when Amici opened, I had hoped for a friendly, hopping, neighborhood joint with a commitment to sustainability. Instead, we got a relaxed neighborhood restaurant serving good mussels. On a more recent visit, I was pleased with the improvements they’ve made to their service and their menu, including some of the ingredients they’re sourcing.
The tender, thinly sliced beets on their warm beet salad were served with greens and a smooth, nutty puree made with cannellini beans and goat cheese. That cannellini bean puree was immediately added to my craveable list, along with the mussels, which were still good. The heaping pile of mussels, nestled in broth flavored with sweet red peppers and tomato, served with crusty bread on the side, should be enough for two people, yet my husband and I always have to thumb wrestle for the last one. The seasonal pulled pork pizza was made a regular on the menu. It featured Fischer Farms pulled pork, smoked mozzarella, arugula, and pickled onions (Northeasters can have that Fischer Farms pulled pork pizza delivered, along with most other items on their menu). They finally offered beer and wine as well, including Summit and Summit Seasonal (ask).
While I agree with Dara that there’s no reason for foodies in Orono to start making treks to Amici yet, neighborhood folks who haven’t visited Amici yet, or haven’t visited Amici in a good, long while might consider a visit to what, in my opinion, is an improved Amici.
[where: Sustainable Food, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, Minnesota]
