amalfi white, melbourne, derbyshire.

with an italian brasseire restaurant, prosecco and cocktail bar, an opulent ballroom and even a cookery school, the newly opened amalfi white in melbourne has something to allure your tastebuds for all occasions. over the festive period, i happened to visit twice and found this out for sure. my dad, who often spends christmas abroad, booked a weekend lunch sitting to enjoy a family meal before he went off to sunny madeira. coincidentally, myself and school friends arranged an evening catch up over cocktails just days after. 

so firstly, lunch! i went with my dad, step mum, boyfriend, little sister lily, other little sister and her fiance. the lunch menu is very condensed and seasonal - what you would expect from a newly opened restaurant finding its feet. i chose two specials for this lunch; chicken pate to start and pistachio crusted salmon for main. 

now this chicken pate was something else and they should seriously consider this as a full time resident on the menu. it was so smooth and melt in the mouth. the only complaint was i ran out of bread to carry on devouring the lot. probably for the best as next to arrive was the stunningly presented pistachio crusted salmon on a bed of gnocchi. the delicate salmon fell apart and i enjoyed the italian touch of the homemade gnocchi with a crispy finish. 

everything on offer sounded beautiful, though i have to say you might be restricted if you had dietary requirements or disliked lots of food groups. that said, they have an extensive stone baked pizza menu and the friendly staff would be happy to help out. my dad had already visited and tried the steak, which was no longer on the menu. this was a little disappointing and seemed a crazy thing to take off the listings. however, he seemed to enjoy his salmon as much as i did :) 

my 9 year old sister lily chose organic grilled chicken and mash from the very gourmet children's menu. then, when i wasn't looking, she took some pretty amazing pictures which i found on my camera later on. pretty good angles, hey?

to finish, i had the macadamia chocolate tart whilst my boyfriend had the italian and british cheeseboard. i have a weakness for chocolate tarts and this one didn't disappoint. with applewood chedder and somerset brie, the cheeseboard was lovingly presented with well paired biscuits and crackers. after that tart though, i have to admit i didn't have room to try it!

next up, the evening experience...

after a wintery walk at the nearby staunton harold, we went home to swap wellies and scarves for pretty dresses and a glass of fizz. 

i begun with a beef carpaccio with capers, watercress and parmesan; a fresh and fierce combination. i have to say i haven't tried carpaccio before, but i was sure i liked it was as i love steak as rare as it comes and enjoy japanese sashimi. i really enjoyed this dish and was a great start to the meal.

my friend grace enjoyed king prawn and crayfish pancakes, whilst lauren had a game terrine with grilled bread.

for my main, i went for italian black truffle and wild mushroom risotto with spinach and parmesan (£13). this was everything a risotto should be in my opinion and i can't shout about it enough. probably my favourite dish of all, the risotto was creamy whilst still retaining a slight al dente of the arborio rice. the flavours, smell and seasoning were inviting with a different texture in every bite. loved it.

to finish, we shared a passionfruit and ginger pannacotta. in a positive way, the best way to describe it would almost be like a creamy and fruit tropical solero. it would be the perfect for a sunny day. on this occasion, it was devoured by four girls on a december evening who fancied something sweet to round up a lovely meal. 

i really enjoyed both really different meals at amalfi white and hope the new restaurant does well. maybe i'll have to go back and try out a cookery or cocktail course for a full house!

have you been yet? if you have a favourite east midlands restaurant or bar i'd love to hear.

amalfi white.
50 derby road, melbourne, derbyshire, de73 8fe.

note: i paid for my own meal (apart from my dad treating us to lunch of course) and all honest opinions are my own.