Michael Anthony's - Cucina Italiana

Luke and I had a really, really nice dinner on Saturday at Michael Anthony’s.  This is another favorite on the island for us but this time I went in with a more critical eye as opposed to just a great big “I love this place!”

The décor is nice about as metropolitan was you are going to get here on Hilton Head.  Check out the website www.michael-anthonys.com.  It’s comprehensive, informative and the pictures, I think, give a true depiction of pretty much the entire dining experience.  There’s a Chef’s Table up stairs and I am dying to have an excuse for booking that one-day! 

The place was jam-packed and we went early.  Our table was for 6:45.  The dining room and bar was hopping, not with “early bird specials.”  The main dining room, the quieter room in the back, the bar area and upstairs all full. 

We had our favorite high top in the bar area.  We were lucky to get that.  It was a busy place to eat, especially Saturday night.  Pretty much the main drag for customers and staff to get everywhere, so my advice for anyone who wanted an intimate quiet dinner…don’t sit there.  We didn’t mind, but I can see where it could annoy others.

 The service was outstanding!  Our waiter, Byron, was on top of it and as busy as it was the timing was excellent from start to finish.  Our check was delivered after a nice two hour dinner and there was still no rushed feeling, foot tapping or sighing to get us out even with the bar area now heaving. 

Here’s what we had:

Me:

Insalata con Gorgonzola, Pera e Pignoli

Baby greens with sweet Gorgonzola, pears and honey roasted pine nuts

sorry no pic, it was too dark...but it looked great!

A little boring on my part, just since I ALWAYS order it, but I like it.  The pears are poached so they are still firm and not mushy at all.

Luke:

Risotto con Asparagi, Funghi Selvatica e Tartufo Nero

Creamy Arborio rice with fresh asparagus, wild mushrooms and black truffle

 

A little boring on his part too.  He ALWAYS orders this, but again, he likes it.  He did say it was very hot (temperature wise).  I noticed that there was a pile of asparagus on the edge of the plate though…ahem.

Me:

Costoletta di Vitello ai Funghi con Salsa di Tartufi

Grilled veal chop with fresh herbs and sautéed wild mushrooms

in a black truffle, red wine sauce

This pic is directly from their website

This was good, not too much of a black truffle taste though.  I love veal chops, this was huge and filling with the mashed potatoes as well.  Perfectly cooked I might add.  But what I should have ordered was the branzino(Mediterranean sea bass) Why?  I love it and this is the only place on the island I know that even attempts to get it in. 

Luke:

Petto di Pollo alla Milanese

Chicken breast pounded thin, lightly breaded and pan fried,

served with arugula and shaved Parmigiana

The picture doesn't really do this dish justice...sorry

Here’s a direct quote… “Mum, was delicious and huge…I’m stuffed” Okay, I NEVER hear my nineteen year old son say that he’s stuffed.   He loved it, a little freshly squeezed lemon juice…perfect!  But again, I did note not too much of the arugula left the plate…hmmm. 

Me:

Dolce Mista della Casa

A sampling of Michael’s signature desserts.

Tiramisu, Panna Cotta and Profiterole

Okay, I had my Miss Piggy Hat on!  Here’s how this trio of delights went.  The Panna Cotta was hands down the best I have ever tasted! I loved the caramelized peel on top…  Gone in a flash.  The Tiramisu, was light and fluffy and delicious…a perfect amount and taste.  The profiterole, gone in one bite…

Luke:

Sformata di Cioccolata con Gelato Vanilla

Hot soft centered chocolate soufflé cake

served with vanilla gelato

Another dessert hit.  Didn’t see anything left on that plate…guess since there were no green veggies.

Our dinner bill came to $159.09 + tip.  That included a couple of rather expensive glasses of wine.   Not cheap, but you get what you pay for and this was well worth it!  The food is consistently good, the service consistently nice, the place is consistently busy…all in all…I really don’t think you can go wrong here…that’s if you can get in!  Advanced reservations an absolute must!

Michael Anthony’s

37 Orleans Road

Hilton Head SC 29928

843-785-6272