In the Kitchen, Chef Alessandro Tormolino, Sensi Restaurant, Amalfi (Sa)

Chef Alessandro Tormolino

I can still remember my first visit to Sensi Restaurant located in Amalfi - the beautiful Amalfi Coast. It was November 2nd 2017. I had no trouble finding the town- since I’d been several times before, but I must admit that I did have quite a bit of trouble finding the restaurant.  Google Maps was not much help though it did lead me close. At one point, I got so frustrated that I sent a quick message to the chef with a picture of where I was standing.  At the foot of Il Duomo, a beautiful church that is a not to miss location. As I was waiting for a response, I looked up and there was a small sign Sensi Restaurant and an arrow leading me down a small alley, up a quick flight of stairs and around the corner met Chef Alessandro Tormolino for the first time.

A lot has happened since that visit, in fact I returned last December to see what was up.  This time the staff seated me away from the terrace and views of the port, led me down a flight of stairs and into the kitchen - to a long wooden table that Sensi calls the chefs table.

An aperitif with the chef, a glass of sparkling wine, a few appetizers and it was time.  Time for my favorite part of the meal.  The fantastic firsts!

I headed towards the pass to check out going on the first was risotto. 

 Risotto with baby squid, tomato water, lemon and anchovy paste caviar black garlic. 

Back to the kitchen back to the pass. 

 Spaghetti with mantis shrimp, roasted artichoke and bottarga.

 Then the last was a linguine pasta with codfish cannelloni beans and a sprinkling of coffee powder.

One of the advantages of visiting a chef a year later is an opportunity to see growth. That was quite evident here.  If you read my posts from last year you learn that this restaurant is young – about to go into its third season.  Sensi restaurant quite a challenge for a young chef to present a gourmet menu in a town often hit with day tourists who may not have luxury of time to sit down and enjoy long leisurely lunch like I had that afternoon.

A side note, the day after I visited Tormolino, he hopped on a plane to Paris but not for a vacation. He had been chosen the acclaimed restaurant guide La Liste as one of four chefs worldwide for the Young Award.  Quite an achievement!  A few weeks ago, taking advantage of the restaurant, which is closed for the winter season, flew to Japan where he represented the Amalfi Coast and Campania at various dinners and events.

In a couple of weeks, Sensi will open its doors again.  What does this new season

has in store for Tormolino and his guest? Surely a new menu and some surprises. We’ll have to wait and see!