Although I had never visited Randy Loren’s previous establishment, Dolce Vita, I was curious about the new venue he was creating at the long-vacant Ground Round in Schenectady. It seemed like forever that the sign in front promised the opening of Amelia’s Italian Eatery. Mother’s Day was opening day, appropriate because Amelia was Randy’s mom.

American and Italian flags flew festively from the fence separating the restaurant property from the Crosstown highway in Schenectady. Portraits of Amelia and her family hung formally in oval frames in the entryway.  As we walked into the large, long dining room, I stopped in awe to gaze at the sparkling chandelier that dominated the center of the room. Two smaller chandeliers flanked the massive one.