L'Amante Rocks

[eggertq]

If you've never tried the basil ice cream with the balsamic reduction, you haven't lived.  Check out the other comments about this amazing Burlington restaurant on http://www.7nvt.com/7n/listing.htm?establishment_id=312.

[Jason Zuliani]

Don't forget to try out the squash blossom fritters. And their wine list is studded with incredible Nebbiolo. The '01 Brovia ‘Rio Sordo’ is insanely good. Have a bottle with the roasted duck. You'll fall out of your seat!

[Suzanne Podhaizer]

Had dinner at L'Amante tonight.

Bypassed the squash-blossom fritters in favor of a shrimp and chorizo app. It was served sizzling in a pool of olive with garlic and parsley. Simple and good.

Next, tried the spaghettini puttanesca with tuna, which was good and not too caper-laden. I was surprised by the inclusion of yellow raisins and pine nuts. I'd actually wanted the potato gnocchi with braised pork and cherries (I had it years ago and think about it regularly) but they were out of it.

Finally, I had the roasted duck, which came with a mix of artichokes, potatoes and baby onions. The portion was generous: a drumstick, thigh and breast, and it was very good.

For dessert I had the basil ice cream with balsamic vinegar and strawberries.

I find the execution at L'Amante to be really good, but I sometimes do wish they'd change the menu more drastically. A bunch of items on the menu are the same as they were years ago.