Once again the Greyladygourmet is backAmelia's is located 1.3 miles from Main Street providing the advantage of a quiet setting and a beautiful older style house with several dining rooms. The chef, Kenneth Biggs, has been in charge since its opening three years ago and his command of the kitchen produces superb American-French cuisine. The service is "old school" with impeccable white linens and wait staff who attend to every need. The food is wonderful with sauces for which the French are well known. The interior spaciousness allows couples or groups of four the opportunity to relax and visit in an almost private setting, unusual for island restaurants. If crowds and a party atmosphere are what you are looking for, this is not the place. For an elegant meal, however, with prices modified from last year, drive out; you will not be disappointed.

Ambiance:
On an early August weekend, we made our second visit to Amelia's. We were greeted by the host in coat and tie, standing behind the reservation desk in the attractive central hallway. On this extremely humid night, the air conditioning was most welcome. There are several dining rooms with attractive tables in the corners, providing unusual privacy. A few small formal pictures adorn the white walls of the rooms but the impression, we thought, was somewhat stark, softened slightly by small orientals on the floor. The large black fireplace was unadorned; an arrangment of greens or dried or fresh flowers would have added color. The shuttered bottom half of all the windows, were closed, presumably for privacy. The dress, despite the more formal setting, is casual as in most places on the island.

Food:
As on our visit last year, the evening "specials" have their own printed menu in addition to the standard menu offered throughout the summer. Chilled Bartlett tomato soup with jonah crab, avocado and white truffle and escargot with wild mushrooms, phyllo crisps and Italian puree were both as irresistible as they sounded. The evening's special entree, striped bass with wild mushroom reduction, oyster mushrooms and golden polento was selected. The thick delicious piece of bass was cooked to perfection, attractively presented with the flair we remembered. The herb crusted halibut with lobster creme, crab and mushroom ravioli and ginger coated carrots was also excellent. These choices were beautifully presented and wonderful to taste. Dessert included the frozen lemon souffle and cappuccino creme carmel vanilla tarte tuile with chocolate sauce. The food is as good as we remembered from our last visit and diners will appreciate prices in this fine restaurant lower than last year, making it a very appealing value.

Other Observations:
The service is excellent, correct to each detail, but not intrusive or stiff. The attractive young apprentice came to crumb the table, and then returned with knives and forks for each of us, prompting our query "Will we really need a knife for the dessert?" We were rewarded by a delightful smile as she promptly removed the incorrect silver.

Our Rating
Ambiance	Food	Service	Price $$$$
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Ameilia's Web Site		Directions
Tel: (508) 228-2121		21 Federal St. , MA 02554