Adelina
Adelina is a beautiful restaurant in downtown Detroit, but what makes an evening particularly memorable is when the food and hospitality live up to the surroundings. We love a chef’s tasting menu with an exceptional wine pairing, and we can confidently say that Adelina delivered an absolutely beautiful progression of dishes without a single miss in both wine and pairings. Chef Adam Curry treated our family to a tasting experience that celebrated the flavors of fall, incorporated some of our favorite ingredients, and built toward a remarkable finish. It was the kind of meal that you leave happy and continue to talk about the entire car ride home.
We opened with a beautiful Carpaccio di Branzino, a delicate crudo whose presentation was
as impressive as its simplicity. The lemon zest and olive oil allowed the freshness of the branzino to do what it was fully intended to do.
Scallops followed, accompanied by a porcini mushroom reduction that balanced the natural saltiness of the scallops perfectly.
Perhaps the standout of the evening was the Risottino all’Amaretto, a beautiful seasonal preparation featuring pumpkin purée and an amaretto reduction. The richness of the risotto was balanced by the subtle sweetness of the pumpkin and the almond notes of the amaretto. It was a thoughtful combination of fall flavors, and one of our favorite dishes of the evening.
The Scottadito d’Agnello con Amarone was equally delicious and elegantly presented. The beautifully prepared lamb chops were served alongside potatoes, with the Amarone bringing richness and depth to the preparation. Admittedly, it took considerable restraint not to pick up the lamb chops with our hands.
Then came dessert, and Carmine just about lost his mind when he discovered that two of his favorite flavors, pistachio and Disaronno, were coming together in the Panna Cotta al Pistacchio e Disaronno. The panna cotta had that beautiful, delicate texture that defines a truly exceptional preparation, with the richness of pistachio balanced by the unmistakable almond of the Disaronno.
It was easily one of the most memorable panna cottas we have enjoyed, and a fitting conclusion to an outstanding tasting menu. We also thoroughly enjoyed the gelato, another reminder that even the simplest Italian desserts can be extraordinary when given the proper attention.
This was a beautiful evening of food, wine, and hospitality, and one that our family will remember. We are looking forward to our return.
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