By David Jones

This was our second trip to Amani’s in Downingtown this year. The last time was with a party of 4 and this time there was just Lin and I.

The chef, Jonathan Amann, was recently named Best of Chester County by virtue of winning the “culinary cook off” at the Chester County Restaurant Festival for the third consecutive year. You can immediately see why. The food here is absolutely terrific! Amani’s was also voted best BYOB in Chester County by the readers of the Daily Local News.

We started with a shared cheese plate ($18). On the menu, the plate was marked as “Market Price” and our waiter, Rich, never told us the price. We had to wait till the bill came to find out.

I never like or appreciate it when prices are not clearly communicated at the time of ordering. If it is not marked on the menu, then the waiter should clearly tell you the price you are expected to pay.

We had a very nice cheddar, a blue from Elverson and a very strong blue from France. The cheeses change on a regular basis so knowing what we had won’t necessarily help if you decide to go. The toasted bread was just right and 8 pieces which was not too much or too little. There were 3 spreads that came with the cheese. One was a Quince mixture, one an Apricot base, and the final one was a blueberry. There were also a few sweetened nuts.

The size and combination, along with the way the cheese plate was presented and laid out were all very nice.

Lin was eating a little light and went with the Slow Roasted Berkshire Pork Belly starter as her main course ($14). The dish was served with an unusual apple fennel slaw, soy maple glaze and red chili dijon that was very interesting and added just the right flavor to set off the pork. This was a beautiful little plate, although the mustard was very spicy for my taste.

I went with the Short Rib Cannelloni ($26). It was stated on the menu to be accompanied by a Marsala sauce, but while Marsala is usually a very dominate taste in a dish, this one was more subtle. This was absolutely the best Cannelloni dish I have ever had. It was so light that each bite just melted in my mouth. I am generally a fast eater, but this dish slowed me down considerably. I wanted it to last and last.

You cannot go to Amani’s without noticing the one big detraction. The noise here is as bad as it gets. I looked around though, and not too many other diners seemed to be bothered. Everyone seemed to be really enjoying their experience and I can certainly relate to that, because this is some of the best food on offer in Chester County and although there are a handful of chefs in the county that can compete for Best Chef, I certainly can’t argue with the choice of Amann.

If you want to go to Amani’s be warned that it is small and seats are at a premium, so call ahead. This is some of the best food I’ve had this year and although Amann won the competition for best chef that must come down to the chefs who have actually entered the competition. I can think of at least five chefs in Chester County doing food that is at least as good.

Although Amani’s was voted best BYOB I wouldn’t concur with that designation. The noise level here is so disruptive it’s often impossible to hear the waiters or your table companions.

The Birchrunville Store Café is a much quieter and more comfortable setting and the food is certainly every bit as good. The only distraction for the Birchrunville Store Café is how far out you have to travel to get there.

But, all of that being said, I highly recommend Amani’s for one thing, THE FOOD!

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A native of Parkesburg and a 1968 graduate of Octorara Area High School, David Jones earned a Masters Degree in Medical Ethics from from Villanova University. Mr. Jones served as CEO of Mayview State Hospital and Wernersville State Hospital and led Governor Rendell’s initive to close state hospitals in Allentown, Harrisburg, and Mayview.  Jones and his wife Lynn make their home in Parkesburg and dine out around the Delaware Valley frequently.