Written by Juanita Fox
Foodie Fay Strickler has traveled the world, tasting exotic cuisines. She recently started to use her training as a foods judge to review local restaurants and offer insight on the best entrees and offerings at local fine and casual dining establishments. In this story she shares a recent experience she had at Amorette, a new upscale, French restaurant in downtown Lancaster.
From the minute we stepped into Amorette, located in the Press Building on North Prince Street in Lancaster, we anticipated a fine dining experience. We were not disappointed. The ambiance was upscale, welcoming, and our reservations were noted. Our only regret—we did not allow enough time to visit the bar/lounge area where you can sample small plates before going in the dining room for dinner.
When you make reservations, you can select from several options. You can treat yourself to a four or seven course tasting menu. Or, for an extra special occasion, you can reserve the Chef’s Table, which treats 8 guests to a 12-course blind tasting menu. For lunch, you can choose a la carte or a 3-course lunch.
Our table allowed us to enjoy the sophisticated indoor atmosphere as well as observe the climate-controlled wine room holding 500 bottles from around the world.
Our most challenging moment: narrowing our options of the four course menu with many choices to savor eclectic cuisine.
You can’t go wrong if you enjoy fine dining, so I started with the oyster crudo: west and east coast oysters topped with caviar or a fusion topping plated on a variety of small stones and innovatively garnished. My second choice was a succulent blue Maryland crab cake with dark grilled top. Next was the beef short rib entrée with edible flowers, greens with a red wine reduction. Antelope, rabbit, rare truffles and lobster were also options.
My companion chose tuna tartare, served on a clear glass plate with greens and a spotted crisp cracker, and the duck breast entree. The portion sizes were perfect.
We deliberated over the dessert selection and finally chose The Pavlova and The Hazelnut. Both were truly delicious artistic creations. The chef surprised us with petit fours to finish our unique dining experience.
All of the servers were professional and personable. Tiffany answered all of our questions and suggested we meet the general manager, Mike McCoy. We were delighted when he invited us to take a personal tour to see the Chef’s Table overlooking the kitchen and meet Michelin-trained Executive Chef Daniel LeBoon. We even watched the pastry chef and culinary team put the final touches on several plates.
We no longer need to drive to Philadelphia or New York City to experience fine dining and enjoy fabulous French cuisine. Amorette in the Press Building on Prince Street in Lancaster now offers a world-class experience locally.
$$$$ ($25 – $198)
Website: https://amorette.com/
Phone: 717.947.7710
Address: 401 N Prince Street, Lancaster
