Terrazza Sky Bar At Amici: A Big Hit in Quispamsis
Dino Cipolla has been waiting a long time to launch his brand new second-story sunshine patio. It was a dream he had with his brother Frank since they first got into the business. But don’t call it a patio. It is the “Terrazza Sky Bar” at Amici. And what a great spot it is.
The choice of name is an even mix of Dino’s ancestral Italian roots—and a tribute to the breathtaking skyline view the second-story patio offers the residents and visitors of the Kennebecasis Valley. Its Italian name is La Terrazza di Sopra Tutti:
“The Patio Above Them All.”
Sitting at a booth, table or at the terrazza bar, one can see detail downriver on the iconic Minister’s Face. The terrazza seats 36–two booths, six tables of six, and a bar. The Sky Bar also has the best beer deal in town: a bucket of 5 for $19. Now the full menu is incorporated upstairs, including the famous Tenderloin Tips, chicken nachos and pork schnitzel.
The atmosphere is perfect in the evening summer sunshine, gathering for “Sundowners” as is done in South Africa, where folks gather, drink in hand, to watch the sun go below the horizon for the day. This is the perfect place to transplant a fine tradition, as this is truly the best sunset bar in southwestern New Brunswick.
Dino has been in the business for a long time. “For decades I’ve talked to people from all walks of life. You get to learn the community.”
Dino and his brother Frank started the first licensed patio in NB, 34 years ago. Dino and Frank always had the same dream, to build the best patio bar in the region.
“Frank and I had been trying to do this for 20 years. We had the first licensed bowling alley, and the first licensed bar. Frank’s Ice Cream was another operation we started. We bought and sold Harborview Lounge. Then we decided to buy the old Barnwood. Frank and I brought some great music in over the years: Dutch Mason, Matt Minglewood, Richie Oakley, and Sam Moon. We still keep that tradition going with live music, having recently reached out to Mike Biggar, Dave Myles and Brad White, among others.”
Three years ago we decided to do a full makeover: “AMICI!” it means “friends”: a place for friends to gather and have a good relaxing time. We have a long centre table where folks just seem to mix organically. A lot of people stop by these days: they are surprised at how nice it is when they come in and look around downstairs.
They are expecting the old Barnwood— instead they find a stylish clean bar that seats 75, with six comfortable booths, three large tables, and a few smaller ones for couples. I sometimes accidentally overhear these reviews because I’m quite often quietly holding down the fort (laughs).”
Tristan Wills, Dino’s assistant manager had high praise for her boss.
“I worked in over 30 bars and Dino is the nicest boss I’ve ever had. He will do everything for his staff.”
Server Jasmine Snow is enthusiastic about the Terrazza Sky Bar.
“I love the whole aspect of it. It’s different than any other place in Quispamsis— when the sun shines it’s the best place to be. Having drinks on the terrazza is like an event. They all look great and they are all hit. Bellinis, Margaritas, Pina Coladas: they all look great and get a great reaction. We have a wonderful, friendly staff and we all get along. Everybody seems to leave happy and I love the food myself. My favorite is the chicken nachos. The fire pit heaters are also much appreciated and will keep us warm into the fall.”
Dino sees the Terrazza Sky Bar as the culmination of his career in the service industry.
“Having completed the Terrazza Sky Bar makes me very happy; I think my brother Frank would be pleased. I love my brother and I miss him. You see the older brother is the boss in an Italian family. That’s why I washed the dishes,” he says with a laugh. “So completing the Terrazza is really the cherry on the cake. And now that dream is a reality. It was always something we wanted to do as a team. I wish he could be here to see it.
“Family comes first for me. I like to keep a roof over my family’s head. I’d take credit but my kind heart comes from my wife. I am wealthy with family and love. God was good to me: he gave me five children and five grandchildren – and hopefully more on the way. Fingers crossed. I love my work and I love meeting people. Amici means friends: I feel fortunate to be seeing old friends and making new ones at Amici every day.”
This story is sponsored by Amici Pub & Eatery.