Amore Mio
					HungryZ.com
	When you first start dating someone you’re likely to take them to a fancy restaurant to impress them. A well known place that everyone tells you is great and you have to make reservations weeks in advance. But when you start to truly care fore someone, that’s when you look for that small, hidden, and romantic restaurant that you and your special someone can really enjoy. Located in a strip mall in Hoffman Estates, Amore Mio is that secret little place that is way more impressive that its diminutive size would suggest. The menu is a collection of classic Italian favorites and some creative dishes as well. The first dish sampled was the tender chicken parmesan. Lightly battered so as not to overpower and topped with a lovely basil marinara. For a slight twist on an old favorite, the “Tortellini Belissima Mia” features al dente tortellini, sweet sun dried tomato, and mushrooms swimming in a heavenly garlic tomato cream sauce. They say that first and last impressions are the most memorable. With that in mind, dessert had me smiling all the way home. The amazing homemade tiramisu is drenched in espresso and layered with creamy mascarpone cheese, yum! As yummy as the tiramisu is, “Torta Di Pera” is even better! Puff pastry is layered with almond cream and then topped with sliced pears and some awesome burnt caramel ice cream. To come here and not try this would be a crime! Entrées are about $16 and dinner for two should run about $50-60 depending on your need for libations. And while just a small sampling of the menu was had, it’s easy to see that Amore Mio offers wonderful food, cozy atmosphere, and decent prices in a most unexpected location. Rating *** out of ****. Location 1457 Palatine Rd. Hoffman Estates, IL 60192 847-358-5506 www.amoremioIL.com