For the ninth straight year, October is Dining Month on OnMilwaukee, presented by the restaurants of Potawatomi Hotel & Casino. All month, we're stuffed with restaurant reviews, dining guides, delectable features, chef profiles and unique articles on everything food, as well as voting for your "Best of Dining 2015."

Amilinda
315 E. Wisconsin Ave.
(414) 369-3683
amilinda.com

A trip to Amilinda promises not only a friendly dining experience, but one filled with delightfully palate-stretching dishes that capture the spirit of Spain and Portugal with simply prepared dishes made with market-fresh ingredients. An ever-changing seasonal menu capitalizes on both European imports and fresh locally sourced meats and vegetables, serving up a flavorful mix of familiar rustic dishes (served in generous portions) and adventurous bites served up in a pleasantly rustic fashion.

Type of food: Dishes inspired by the flavors of Spain and Portugal.
Prices: Appetizers $8-12; entrees $20-24.
Vegetarian friendly? Yes. Vegetarian specials are prepared daily.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m.

Parking: Metered street parking is available on both Wisconsin and Milwaukee Streets, along with two public parking structures within easy walking distance. For a 10-spot you can take advantage of valet parking from the Marriott Hotel just two doors down.

Vibe/dress: Casual to upscale, Amilinda is a spot amiable to a casual night out or a more formal date night. The restaurant is cozy, featuring a pleasant bustle on busy evenings. Meanwhile, the decor is bright and colorful, featuring warm wood and blue and yellow mural patterns inspired by Antoni Gaudi and his famous tilework.

Hits: Each of the appetizers we ordered shone in its own way – from the seared octopus and fingerling potato salad ($12), which was rich and warmly seasoned with smoked paprika oil and served atop crisp bread. Endive added a slightly bitter element, while tarragon vinegar pulled in both herbal and refreshingly sour notes that balanced the richness of the dish.

A generous serving of sobrasada (spreadable raw cured Catalan sausage) was served atop toasted bread with Cana de Cabra goat cheese, fried carrots and hard boiled egg ($10) – creating an imaginative dish that was easily shared among the four guests at our table.

It’s difficult to go wrong with featured appetizers, like a generous serving of cream of cauliflower soup ($9), which showcased the sweetness of finely pureed autumn cauliflower balanced with the nutty brininess of Manchego cheese.

The same could be said of the the featured skirt steak ($24) – a cut known for its meaty flavor – which was perfectly cooked (medium-rare), and sported a balanced coffee and black pepper rub that set off the sweetness of smashed Yukon gold potatoes. A pat of morel butter brought an earthy richness to the dish.

As enjoyable as all of our dishes were, the piri piri chicken ($20) was the hit of the night, featuring a generous portion of roasted, marinated chicken which was flavorful and tender, sporting a warming and slightly spicy flavor. The chicken was served atop deliciously sweet butternut squash and chevre puree with a side of Brussels sprouts. Meanwhile, the deep rich sauce just begged to be soaked up with a slice of crusty bread.

The red grouper with chanterelle mushrooms, roasted corn and smoked tomato broth ($23) was also delicious, and featured tender, flaky fish that was well seasoned along with both sweet and smoky elements that truly complemented its delicate flavor.

Meanwhile, unctuous braised pork belly hit a sweet spot (both literally and figuratively) served with sauteed fennel and Jonathan apples with an apple cider gastrique ($24). Savory Spanish botiffara sausage pulled in a salty element, balancing things out nicely.

As far as desserts, the flourless chocolate cake was delicious, with plenty of deep, rich chocolate flavor. But, the caramel flan stood out with its creamy richness that didn't even need the whipped cream topping to make it shine.

Misses: The misses at Amilinda were few and far between. Brussels sprouts served with the chicken were ever-so-slightly over-salted (a subjective call); but, we could hardly complain, since our entrees were otherwise delicious.

Insider tip: The restaurant picks up after about 7:30 p.m., so if you’re thinking of dropping by without a reservation, make it an early night for the best chance of grabbing a seat.