NICK'S ITALIAN KITCHEN

Tortelloni

NICK'S ITALIAN KITCHEN is the newest fine dining spot in downtown Orlando's Thornton Park neighborhood. The location is risky. In the last three years, I've witnessed at least two other restaurants move in and out in a matter of months. The restaurant is underneath the Sanctuary condominium complex on Eola Drive. And there are quite a few other condos nearby, so it makes you wonder what went wrong with the other restaurants. Maybe it was the  bad food! You don't have to worry about that at Nick's..at least ...not from what I've tasted.

The Mister is an Italian food fanatic! He is also extremely picky. We stopped by Nick's one night after Bible Study. It's a weekly ritual. Thursday Bible Study and then dinner. It's like a pre-date night, to our official Friday date night :)

What impressed me about Nick's was the manager. Remember this place is owned by the same people who own the Funky Monkey, the Prickly Pear and Bananas (see last review). The manager at Nick's greeted us when we walked in. Now, it was a slow night. But he couldn't been sitting in back, chilling with a glass of wine (they have quit the selection). Instead, he was greeting guests, and trying to protect an image that I hope the place can maintain. It's like the boyfriend who starts out opening your car door, months later, you're standing there waiting, looking like a fool...I digress.

The atmosphere of NICK's is so romantic. Low lighting and quiet. All they need is a nice jazz band (hint..hint).  There was a table full of suits at a table across the room, but there was another couple near us, so don't feel like this is only a place for couples.

Polla al matone

There are more wine selections than food, but there are enough options...What's interesting is that you won't find your typical Italian dishes at Nick's. In fact, the Mister diverted from the menu and ordered Chicken Alfredo.  It came with linguine noodles, instead of fettuccine, which is what he expected. I blame him. You should never order something that's not on the menu. It's risky, no matter how simple. That's why it's called a menu..LOL! The Mister said he didn't hate the dish, just won't venture off the menu, again..LOL! We went back a week later. He ordered the Pollo al matone, and loved every piece of the boneless chicken, smothered in wine grape sauce, surrounded by roasted shallots!

Tortelloni

I stuck to the menu both times we visited! And it's a good thing I did! The tortelloni was divine! So much so, I had it both times!  It melts in your mouth!! This dish is filled with butternut squash, biscotti, with a sage truffled butter sauce. Now listen, I've never had squash, and thought twice about trying it for the first time before I ordered it. But this tortelloni was so sweet and succulent, I forgot I was eating squash!

You know I'm a stickler for good service. During our second visit to Nick's, the manager actually  remembered us! The waiter thanked us for stopping by, again.  Most restaurant servers/owners/managers don't realize that little things like that will make a customer feel at home, and almost certainly guarantee a return visit...and a large tip. The icing on the cake: we declined dessert because we were stuffed! The chef sent us out samples, anyway! And we cleaned the tiny glasses of tiramisu and crema caramella. You should definitely leave room for these delights.

Tiramisu & Crema Caramella

The Mister is so funny! He didn't want them to know we enjoyed the meal and dessert too much, so he left a little bit of his wine on the table. "You can't let them know you enjoyed EVERYTHING!" LOL!

Downside to this spot..it's a bit pricey. But hey, it is "fine dining.."

Dinner for 2: $50
Parking: Forced to valet, unless you can find street parking, which can be slim pickings downtown.
Dress: Don't feel like you have to dress up. Some were in jeans, including us!