Small plates go a long way at Whitefield Italian
AMORE in Whitefield has a new menu that invites you to “enjoy as much or as little as you like” – yes, north Manchester says ciao to cicchetti. Perfect for a sunny afternoon, these small plates are, especially with a glass of chilled Sauvignon del Veneto to hand. We take a spot near the window, overlooking the restaurant’s recently developed outdoor space, and peruse the selection, which starts at pane (bread) and contorni (sides) and works upwards through picolli piatti (small plates) to pasta and pizzette.
From the list of spuntini, or snacks, the carpaccio brightens our day instantly with its torched, thinly sliced bright red beef fillet, simply served with rocket and Parmesan, and melt-in-the-mouth delicateness. To contrast this meat feast, we have the vegetarian roast beetroot salad – almost too pretty to eat, but well worth doing so. Two different types of beets and their purées are introduced to toasted hazelnuts, whipped goats cheese, baby chard and apple slivers for a plateful of fresh flavours.
Into seafood, and you can’t go far wrong picking a classic clam linguine with white wine, red chilli and garlic. Meanwhile, the bruschetta topped with juicy king prawns is deliciously dribbly, the rosemary-infused ciabatta soaked through by garlic and chilli butter. We have a feeling we won’t be airkissing anyone later.
The pizzetta, or hand-stretched stonebaked mini pizza, chef Jacques explains, is made from a three-year old soughdough starter, and it’s worth it. Unhindered by a tomato base, the Toscana Bianca version is topped with mozzarella, chilli and garlic, vibrant tenderstem broccoli and an aniseedy Tuscan-style sausage. Meanwhile the steak sandwich – chargrilled rump with caramelised red onion – is served on homemade focaccia, with peppercorn sauce just asking for the fat golden chips to be dipped into.
Amoré Cucina & Bar, 14 Radcliffe New Rd, Whitefield, Manchester, M45 7GY
hello@amorewhitefield.co.uk
0161 796 3255
