Feast on bottomless pasta this winter at Amici

Winter means comfort food, and Amici Wine Bar Deli, known for serving up classic Italian fare in Civic, is stepping up to the challenge once a week by filling bellies with hearty, bottomless pasta. Yes, carbs galore with endless refills for $25 per person.

The concept behind bottomless pasta is simple. Every Tuesday from 5 pm, diners pull up a seat and enjoy a featured dish served family-style, with refills throughout the evening. So far in July, Amici has dished up Spaghetti Bolognese and Gnocchi alla Funghi, with Beef Lasagne and Rigatoni with Beurre Noisette and Sage still to come.

“We serve it until you are full,” said co-owner Robyn Jones. “It’s always one of our busiest nights.”

According to Robyn, Cacio e Pepe and Beef Lasagne have become two of the most popular dishes to feature on bottomless pasta nights. Vegetarian options are rotated, and gluten-free choices are incorporated every few months.

Since my last visit, the venue has moved from 59 Northbourne Avenue to occupy 27 Northbourne Avenue in the Melbourne Building, right on the corner of London Circuit. Like many city businesses, Amici’s location has not had the easiest run over the past 18 months, feeling the full impact of the light rail construction works that continue to reshape this part of Civic.

“The past year and a half have been challenging. But we’ve had lots of loyal guests supporting us throughout the work,” Robyn explained.

“They’ve just moved some of the barricades back, and it has made such a difference already.”

The venue has modified its trading hours in response, now opening from 4 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday and from 11 am on Thursday through Sunday. Once construction eases, Robyn says they hope to resume lunch service throughout the week.

Walking through the doors, the first thing that catches my eye is the large deli counter stocked with meats and Italian provisions. The bar gleams with Campari and everything required to make a spritz. Old liquor advertisements line the walls, and above the bar sit charming wicker-wrapped Chianti bottles.

We arrive early without a booking and manage to score the last available seats in the window overlooking London Circuit.

There is something highly satisfying about sitting down to a hot bowl of pasta at any time of year, but especially during Canberra’s colder months. The doors are shut against the chill; the room feels warm, and with deli goods on display and glasses clinking around, you know you are in for a good feed.

Knowing we are there specifically for bottomless pasta, we decide against ordering any entrees or salads. The only addition to our meal is a bottle of Chianti. I will admit I am slightly disappointed it does not come in one of the wicker-wrapped bottles sitting above the bar.

On the night of our visit, Gnocchi alla Funghi is the featured dish. It is not something I would normally pick if handed a full menu, as I usually gravitate towards seafood or meat-based options. But this bowl won me over very quickly.

When it arrives at the table, the serving size immediately prompts an audible gasp. The bowl is enormous. For two people, it feels incredibly generous and could probably comfortably feed four.

The gnocchi is soft and pillowy, carrying the sauce beautifully. Marinated bush mushrooms add a lovely slippery texture while parmesan, garlic and breadcrumbs bring plenty of flavour and richness to the dish. Humble ingredients done well, every mouthful was savoury, comforting and moreish.

We mangia mangia’d to the very best of our ability and polished off the lot. But going back for a refill never even crossed our minds. We left feeling very nourished and pleasantly full, ready to face the cold Canberra evening outside.

Amici Wine Bar Deli is located on 27 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra. The bottomless pasta nights are on every Tuesday from 5 pm. Visit Instagram to see the weekly selection.

Original Article published by Sophia Brady on Region Canberra.

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