Luxury Unusual

Blu Lounge @ Agli Amici 1887 (UD)

by Lavinia Colonna Preti
Blu Lounge @ Agli Amici 1887 (UD) — Friuli Venezia Giulia Secrets

In Udine, the new lounge of the restaurant Agli Amici 1887, 2 Michelin stars, a refined blue room where the amuse-bouche is served amidst 1950s music and drinks prepared on elegant geometric design structures.

Agli Amici turns blue and thus manages, once again, with a concept that has no equal, to innovate its over 136 years of history at the helm of a place that, which started as a tobacconist in 1887, today continues to collect awards international awards and important recognitions, above all the constant affection of its customers.

Two solid Michelin stars since 2013, the first Relais & Châteaux in Friuli Venezia Giulia, in 2023, in what used to be the bistro space, opened a very elegant blue lounge, designed by the Visual Display studio of Udine with Ruff chairs by Moroso, which reinterprets the 60s lines with great originality.

Blu Lounge @ Agli Amici 1887 (UD) — Friuli Venezia Giulia Secrets
Blu Lounge @ Agli Amici 1887 (UD) — Friuli Venezia Giulia Secrets

The new lounge completes our food and wine experience projecting it towards the future, while remaining faithful to the deep love for our territory.

(Scarello family)

In fact, once you have crossed the entrance to the restaurant, you are immediately catapulted into a warm and enveloping atmosphere in which a large light installation is the protagonist, a colored moon that contrasts with the original geometric furnishings, which turn out to be mobile trolleys on which the experts bartenders prepare drinks and cocktails directly at the table.

In the background, a spectacular counter where chefs and brigade take turns, with an entertaining show-cooking show, in the preparation of the amuse-bouche.

Blu Lounge @ Agli Amici 1887 (UD) — Friuli Venezia Giulia Secrets

Deus ex machina of Agli Amici is Emanuele Scarello, a chef who loves both the sea and his land (legendary in the world of haute cuisine is what he can do with seaweed and shellfish) who gives life to creative recipes that start from what is good in Friuli Venezia Giulia and in nearby Istria, such as the freshly caught sea bass, scampi and sea urchins, the algae of the Grado lagoon and the Gulf of Trieste, the meat of the Friulian red spotted cows and porks, the vegetables, in particular the Godia potatoes, and the wild herbs gathered in stable meadows.

The fantastic hostess is Michela Scarello who has been managing the hospitality, service and wine cellar of Agli Amici for over 20 years. An excellent sommelier, she takes care of rediscovering forgotten vines by enhancing small producers without ever losing sight of the excellent labels.

Blu Lounge @ Agli Amici 1887 (UD) — Friuli Venezia Giulia Secrets
Blu Lounge @ Agli Amici 1887 (UD) — Friuli Venezia Giulia Secrets

It is they, Emanuele and Michela, soul at heart of the restaurant, who welcome all their guests, supported by an extraordinary brigade and dining room staff, experts in pampering customers in every detail.

Once through the curtain at the restaurant entrance, they will make you sit in a comfortable armchair where, together with the aperitif, the amuse-bouche of Agli Amici is served, in which the local Prosciutto Crudo of San Daniele freshly cut with a blu vintage Swedlinghaus slicing machine can never be missing.

Blu Lounge @ Agli Amici 1887 (UD) — Friuli Venezia Giulia Secrets

Complete the experience, before being accompanied to the restaurant’s main rooms where we will continue with the appetizers, a playlist composed of refined Italian music from the 50s and an installation on the ceiling of sound-absorbing panels in recycled plastic that creates a magical muffled atmosphere even in sound.

The Secret

The story of Agli Amici begins in 1887 with the great-great-grandfather Umberto Scarello who, as a King’s guard, had the license to manage the business of selling colonial goods and tobacco as a “payout”. In the 1960s, it was the first place in the area where you could watch major events on television and get together. From there, the slow turn towards a more attentive, sensitive and healthy cuisine, today a gastronomic destination.

Useful Info

Agli Amici
Via Liguria 252
33100 Udine
Tel. + 39 0432 565411

Tasting menu: from 140 euro, 70 euro wine pairing

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