October in Ibiza and the sun has finally burned through the cloud that kept it hidden all morning and is blazing high in the sky as we head to Amante on a lunch invitation. We had the pleasure of attending our friends Mickey and Deborah’s wedding in Amante earlier in the summer and can’t wait to get back to the stunning restaurant overlooking Sol d’en Serra. It has to be the best view from a restaurant table anywhere o the island, which is saying something, given that there are some breathtaking contenders. No matter what kind of day you’ve had prior to eating in Amante, the minute you step inside the restaurant and get a glimpse of the view, the stress and strain of what has gone before immediately starts to disappear.
The restaurant is busy when we arrive, most of the tables on the lower level are occupied and there are several sun worshippers enjoying the luxury of the Amante day beds. The scene is dramatic, the wave choppy against the shore, the sheer magnitude of the rock face either side of the venue gives the feel that it has been chiselled into the rock face. The brilliant blue sky provides the perfect backdrop as we have a look through the menu. We like to make sure we all order different things when we review a restaurant, try and give you the best look at the options as possible, normally there is a bit of bickering going on as to who wants what but the variety on the Amante menu makes the decision easy. We opt for grilled wild asparagus, chopped tomato, carmelized balsamic and thinly shaved parmesan, smoked king prawn salad with advocado, soy sauce and lime vinaigrette, thinly sliced veal with tuna and capers vinagrette and Arbequina oil and fish croquettes.
Amante combines modern and rustic perfectly, the main area that you first walk into is like a well-designed lounge, leading to a cool terrace where the emphasis is once again on design. Wooden stairs tae you down to the lower level where the wooden cocktail bar and tables set on the ground give it a real earthy feel. It offers two different settings within the one restaurant, with the stunning view and great menu the main things in common. Our starters arrive, I opted for the smoked king prawn salad with advocado, soy sauce and lime vinaigrette, the presentation is amazing, the prawns are skewered and arranged in two prongs to a point above the salad, it’s almost a shame to start eating it. The flavours compliment each other perfectly, the soy sauce really giving the prawns a tangy kick. All of the starters look spectacular and judging by the demolition job done on them, taste as good.
The atmosphere in Amante is the perfect remedy after a busy week of closing parties, the music is chilled and not intrusive and we are looked after by friendly staff that is on hand to look after our every need. It’s the perfect start to the last big weekend of the season. Ordering the main course is another effortless task, this is one of the few meals where there has been little debate over meal choices – galicean beef fillet with layered potatoes served with parmesan and black truffle, duck confit with carmelized apples and cinnamon, char-grilled chicken marinated with herbs and served with Ibizencan tomatoes and roasted leeks and wild sea bass with mashed potatoes and sautéed baby vegetables in a beurre blanc sauce. As the main courses are distributed it’s clear that these are no ordinary chefs working in the Amante kitchen, these are culinary artists, once again the presentation could be snapped, framed and mounted in a cool gallery in the cobbled backstreets of Paris!
Amante is the perfect destination, no matter what time of day it is, with the luxury loungers looking out over the stunning cove, it is a popular spot to relax and get your tan on, within the privacy of one of the most beautiful cove’s on the island. We love our lunchtime experience; I could easily subscribe to the Spanish custom of enjoying long lunches. At night, when the sun has gone down, with the stars and the occasional full moon providing the lighting around the cove, it makes for a completely different dining experience. In the interest of prolonging our current dining experience, we order deserts – home made chocolate brownie, cheesecake, toffee mousse and fresh fruit with raspberry reduction.
Amante is the idyllic destination no matter what you have in mind, the food and the service is first class and the only problem you’ll have is saying goodbye. The restaurant is hosting an end of season celebration on Sunday October 14, although it will remain open until October 21, do yourself a favour and make the effort before it goes into hibernation.
Reservations:
t: (+34) 971 196 176
e: reservations@amanteibiza.com
www.amanteibiza.com
