Jennifer Amici French is a native New Yorker and owner of Amici’s Italian Bistro in North Charleston. A wife, mom of three, chef, cookbook author, cooking instructor, and gardener, Jennifer brings endless flavor to our Southern community.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have three children. My daughter Annie is a hair stylist. My son Thomas is a chef and also builds guns. My youngest daughter Abby is my restaurant manager. My husband is from Michigan. He can build anything with his hands and fixes everything I need at work. My extended family lives in New York.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have always loved being in the food and beverage business. I spent many hours in the kitchen with my nana learning how to cook. I’ve perfected her marinara & meatball recipe! I enjoy cooking for others because I feel it makes them happy and brings people together. Having customers enjoy the dishes I make with my own hands is very satisfying. I’m also a people person and love meeting our customers.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
To be honest, I have one day off on Sundays, and I enjoy it at home cooking for my husband.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I moved to SC a little more than 10 years ago and opened Amici’s 6 years ago.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
The most interesting person I met here was an Italian gentleman from Italy whom I briefly worked with and who encouraged me to buy the restaurant.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have been to many places, including Italy, but I think the Grand Canyon and rolling plains of Wyoming and Montana are spectacular.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is Moonstruck. And my favorite tv shows to watch are anything related to Giada, The Food Network and Fixer Upper.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Being that I opened the restaurant when I was older, I never gave up on the dream. Every step I took in life led me to here. I always had the confidence and knew I could be a restaurant owner.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Cooking with a professional celebrity chef would be my dream come true. Also to publish a second cookbook.
Q: What is your go to band when you cant decide what to listen to?
I enjoy low key music. I love the music from Hollow Coves snd Lauren Daigle.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I enjoyed Jestine’s kitchen in Charleston because it was the first experience I had with grits and collards. I’m a northern girl lol. I could feel the history and nostalgia when I walked in.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Joanna Gaines. I feel I can relate to her. I’m a mom, gardener, and love cooking. I’m determined like she is, and I think we have a lot in common. The place I would bring her to would be my own kitchen. It’s my dream kitchen my husband made and I would love to cook lunch with her.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My favorite thing about the community is the people. When Covid hit and we had to close down, it was the community that kept us alive and showed us so much love and support. And they still do today. We are nothing without the community support.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I see myself still cooking behind the stoves at Amici’s. Still greeting customers at the door. Still giving cooking lessons. But I see myself balancing my life with my family more.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I own a mini pig as my pet.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The most beautiful place I’ve ever been is Italy.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month is October because I love the changing of the season, fall leaves, and crisp air. My favorite holiday is Christmas. And best single day on the calendar is my wedding anniversary.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
My husband Josh.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My children. I want them to know that their mom worked for everything she had in life. That I was the kindest person to everyone. And my inspiration came from my relationship with God to whom I pray everyday.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Coffee and gardenias
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Peace. Laughter. Good food.
