Fine Dining in Newark? Well, sort of.

While the offerings have been improving in recent years (thanks to Home Grown and Caffe Gelato), Newark has always been pretty much a wasteland for fine dining. Now, from the well-heeled hills over the line in Landenberg, Pa., comes word of hope. For about two months now, Amici's has been bringing some decidedly ambitious food to these long-suffering Newarkites, and while I haven't tried it yet, the menu compels a visit in the near future. Check out their Web site at www.amicislandenberg.com.

I have to admit, I'm most tempted to indulge in the $100-per-plate "Surf & Turf Extraordinaire," consisting of a grilled 8 oz Kobe beef filet with crab imperial, paired with a 6 oz Australian lobster tail with a white truffle/lemon zest compound butter. The martini bar with 70 different martinis also sounds like it's worth a sip or two.

Here are a few more temptations from the menu:

~ Lobster Ravioli
Home-made Lobster Ravioli with Baby Roma Tomato Confit, Sweet Basil-Almond Pesto and Parmesan Curl.

~ Broiled Prawns
Served on Rosemary Skewers with Vegetable Caponata and Black Pepper-Dried Cherry Compound Butter.

~ Tuscan Panzanella Salad
Served with Seared Yellow Fin Tuna, Garlic Roasted Plum Tomatoes, Grilled Italian Ciabatta Bread, Cucumber, Sweet Red Onion, Fresh Herbs and Balsamic Vinaigrette.

~ Herb Crusted Lamb Chops
Served with Roasted Fennel & Orange Salad, Fingerling Potatoes and Peppercorn-Mint Gastrique.

~ Roasted Pork Tender Loin
Prosciutto Wrapped, Stuffed with Sun-dried Tomato Pesto & Portobello Mushrooms, with Saffron-Walnut Risotto & Herb Olive Oil.

~ Grilled King Salmon
Served with Creamy Parmesan Polenta, Asparagus & Baby Carrot Sauté and Rosemary- Sweet Pepper Compound Butter.