Amerigo

Amerigo Restaurant Review:

It’s not authentic Italian cuisine, but the menu offerings at Amerigo are designed to please American palates. You’ll find predictable lasagnas, spaghetti, chicken Parmesan and, of course, pizza. But more adventurous diners might enjoy the smoked chicken ravioli with flash-fried Roman artichokes. Some dishes, such as smoked Gouda and jalapeño mac ‘n’ cheese, stray completely from the Italian theme yet remain popular. There’s a kids’ menu of finger foods, and a gluten-free menu is available by request. The wine list is short but somewhat impressive for a chain restaurant, and the craft beer lineup features a nice selection of brews. For dessert, try the regionally made gelato from Sweet Magnolia Ice Cream Company in Clarksdale, Miss. The interior has the look of an Italian villa --- high ceilings, archways inset into the walls, black-and-white checkered tile floors --- yet it retains a fair amount of casual ambience.