amore' - a pizzeria

and i'm just one of those "fools" that offered a non-biased opinion and will spend an extra 20.00 on gas to have a good meal and get what i pay for.

tyler, did i gang up on you in any way? i offered that i was there and had a great meal, and expressed why i liked it. sorry if i offended you.


jr

My family loves Amore'!! That picture makes me hungry right now!

and i'm just one of those "fools" that offered a non-biased opinion and will spend an extra 20.00 on gas to have a good meal and get what i pay for.

Please don't be a "fool" like others who would destroy our beautiful planet. A pizza or a few dollars is nothing to get upset about brother. When your opinion is different than most other people's either you're wrong or you're brave, but never both.

My fiance' and I love Amore' and bike over there at least once a week. Save the planet, ride a bike!

That salad still looks good to me!

And I personally found the prices quite reasonable. Note: This coming from a true cheapstake (word? spelling?)!:clap_1:

Re: Amore

BTW, they do have wine and other beer selections. I just think the PBR thing is funn. Don't diss it if you have not tried it. The PBR has more flavor than most "American Rice Beers."

All I can say is a Newcastle is lovely with the bianca pizza.

I've always thought this was a good site, and read it pretty often for some downtime entertainment. Never really felt compelled to join and post until this morning when I read the thread on Amore.

As I'm sure most of you guys know, we have lost a lot of really cool people in the past year. Most of which left because they were tired of the plastic nature the area was beginning to take on. I've resisted the temptation to attribute that to the people who actually live here or visit frequently enough to make a difference, but I have to say this one thread really exposes how cliquish(sp ?) and superficial some folks can be.

All I saw was an opinion that ended up being met with an all out attack on some guy. This place used to be so cool with some of the most different people I'd ever met. The beach was a great setting for some awesome times.

Now, some of you post 50 different comments on how divine a freakin' bowl of lettuce is. It amazes me what some people will do to feel like they fit in. Get a life guys and let's bring back the old Grayton way of living!!

I've always thought this was a good site, and read it pretty often for some downtime entertainment. Never really felt compelled to join and post until this morning when I read the thread on Amore.

As I'm sure most of you guys know, we have lost a lot of really cool people in the past year. Most of which left because they were tired of the plastic nature the area was beginning to take on. I've resisted the temptation to attribute that to the people who actually live here or visit frequently enough to make a difference, but I have to say this one thread really exposes how cliquish(sp ?) and superficial some folks can be.

All I saw was an opinion that ended up being met with an all out attack on some guy. This place used to be so cool with some of the most different people I'd ever met. The beach was a great setting for some awesome times.

Now, some of you post 50 different comments on how divine a freakin' bowl of lettuce is. It amazes me what some people will do to feel like they fit in. Get a life guys and let's bring back the old Grayton way of living!!

Never underestimate the power of lettuce.

I've always thought this was a good site, and read it pretty often for some downtime entertainment. Never really felt compelled to join and post until this morning when I read the thread on Amore.

As I'm sure most of you guys know, we have lost a lot of really cool people in the past year. Most of which left because they were tired of the plastic nature the area was beginning to take on. I've resisted the temptation to attribute that to the people who actually live here or visit frequently enough to make a difference, but I have to say this one thread really exposes how cliquish(sp ?) and superficial some folks can be.

All I saw was an opinion that ended up being met with an all out attack on some guy. This place used to be so cool with some of the most different people I'd ever met. The beach was a great setting for some awesome times.

Now, some of you post 50 different comments on how divine a freakin' bowl of lettuce is. It amazes me what some people will do to feel like they fit in. Get a life guys and let's bring back the old Grayton way of living!!

The owners of Amore are an example of the cool people to whom you are referring that are trying to make this place special and unique. If you want to keep the cool people around, you best make sure you support their businesses, which tend to employee even more cool people. I know two cool people who moved away in the last two weeks. If you want the plastic, keep supporting the chains and franchises and the world will be the same everywhere you go. Let's go to McDonalds in SoWal. They have the best french fries. Give me a break. You try to afford rents in Gulf Place by selling $5 dollar pizzas and you will go broke very quickly. You see, you don't sell things for a cheaper price than cost and expect to make up the difference on quantity. Personally speaking, people like TylerT would do just fine buying their pizza online from Papa Johns or Pizza Hut. That is just fine by me. There is a place for that, but, and thankfully, I don't remember either being in the 30A area of SoWal. I support local business when I can. I enjoy the sense of community it brings and the relationships of the many wonderful people who own the shops and the staff who keep it running. That is worth the price difference in most places. When I walk in the door of a place where the staff know me, I feel like I am home again. Never have I felt that on the rare occurance of walking into Wal-mart. I don't want SoWal to have one biga_ss store, named Walmart where you can shop to get everything you ever needed or wanted, including banking services, home buying, toothpaste, toilet paper, and fresh baked frozen pizza.

Just my loud and obnoxious $.02

I've always thought this was a good site, and read it pretty often for some downtime entertainment. Never really felt compelled to join and post until this morning when I read the thread on Amore.

As I'm sure most of you guys know, we have lost a lot of really cool people in the past year. Most of which left because they were tired of the plastic nature the area was beginning to take on. I've resisted the temptation to attribute that to the people who actually live here or visit frequently enough to make a difference, but I have to say this one thread really exposes how cliquish(sp ?) and superficial some folks can be.

All I saw was an opinion that ended up being met with an all out attack on some guy. This place used to be so cool with some of the most different people I'd ever met. The beach was a great setting for some awesome times.

Now, some of you post 50 different comments on how divine a freakin' bowl of lettuce is. It amazes me what some people will do to feel like they fit in. Get a life guys and let's bring back the old Grayton way of living!!

Quit lurking and start posting. The old Grayton way is to relax, man. If the comments bother you, go to the beach and have some awesome times like you used to. Or if you're so PO'd you can't enjoy yourself, rant on!

All I was trying to say is you can't relax in SoWal if you worried about the price of a pizza.

JOOC - why so angry at Disney?

The owners of Amore are an example of the cool people to whom you are referring that are trying to make this place special and unique. If you want to keep the cool people around, you best make sure you support their businesses, which tend to employee even more cool people.

SJ, you know I asked for lots of recommendations for places and things to eat in SoWal in December. Even though I've been vactioning there for 20 years or so, this trip was different in that it was adults-only and a time for indulging ourselves. I wrote out a list and tucked it in my purse, carrying it everywhere with me. Based on recommendations, Pizza Amore was one of the places we had a meal. I am not here to add anything to the mix about Amore specifically other than I met the server there I was told to seek out, and she treated us like family. She then personally called and made a reservation for us at Borago that evening, where we again were treated like family. We literally came home from that trip with new friends. All these things happened thanks to personal connections forged with people closely connected to the area and/or the establishments. We also had a great meal at Cafe 331. Do I have a point here...? Only that I'll support local restaurants first and foremost, whatever that entails. I've been treated and fed too well to eat elsewhere when I have the option of doing so. If that choice brings with it a set of circumstances--higher prices, funky atmosphere, long waits, or maybe none of the above!--I'll take it!

SJ, you know I asked for lots of recommendations for places and things to eat in SoWal in December. Even though I've been vactioning there for 20 years or so, this trip was different in that it was adults-only and a time for indulging ourselves. I wrote out a list and tucked it in my purse, carrying it everywhere with me. Based on recommendations, Pizza Amore was one of the places we had a meal. I am not here to add anything to the mix about Amore specifically other than I met the server there I was told to seek out, and she treated us like family. She then personally called and made a reservation for us at Borago that evening, where we again were treated like family. We literally came home from that trip with new friends. All these things happened thanks to personal connections forged with people closely connected to the area and/or the establishments. We also had a great meal at Cafe 331. Do I have a point here...? Only that I'll support local restaurants first and foremost, whatever that entails. I've been treated and fed too well to eat elsewhere when I have the option of doing so. If that choice brings with it a set of circumstances--higher prices, funky atmosphere, long waits, or maybe none of the above!--I'll take it!

Peapod, it all comes down to what you value more--the change in your pocket, or the change in your heart. Like you, I'll take the latter over the former any day. And I'll take that salad, please. :clap_1:

Pea to the Pod, glad to read that you enjoyed my recommendations. There is a great group of locals around here, some newcomers like myself and some who grew up around here. They are very real and some of the best people I know or know of. Where else in this world can a one year old have a birthday party at a bar as funn as the Red Bar on a Sunday and have more than 30 people of all ages show up just to wish her a happy birthday? She, her parents, and all of the people there are just wonderful people to share company. There was not a soul at the Red Bar this past Sunday with whom I would not sit down and enjoy a moment. In my opinion, these people and people like them are the heart and soul of this very unique community. They are the same people as the hard working people that work at Amore and other businesses down here. I treasure them greatly, and when they are gone, a big piece of me will be gone too.

Pea to the Pod, glad to read that you enjoyed my recommendations.

You and the other SoWallers did right by me in the very important food department!
It was even worth being made fun of by a certain joyful girl--she couldn't believe I was carrying around a list!

the old days at Grayton are no more. big ax houses & tons of tourists. local folks like myself benefit economically from the growth and change. It's all still wonderful and we all enjoy the beauty of the beach, and we all enjoy such great local people and traditions that we've always had and always will have.

some changes are terrific in my opinion: now we have mexican & thai food not more than 10 minutes away! :clap_1: yeah! we have two publix stores! :clap_1: yeah! and we have amore pizza with great salads - can't wait to go check it out! :clap_1: yeah! we even have our very own hospital! :clap_1: woo-hoo!.

these are the kind of places the locals can really appreciate! visitors too!

Good god, what have I stumbled upon? I just intended to thank SJ for the recommendation. I thought from a distance Amore was probably rather plastic with the modern decor that I tend to associate with new, uber-funded and soulless enterprises. When I heard they had PBR, I had to check it out. I had the most wonderful dinner and must recommend the carpaccio. It was incredible...as was the pizza, salad...and PBR. I can't wait for a warm spring night on that great patio!

That said, I do hate how all the funkiness is being priced out. I just got back from looking at a house. It was being shown by the girl who is renting. It is a great buy for 30-A, but still astronomically overpriced for the vinyl-clad three bedroom cookie cutter house that it is. I realized as we were walking through that this girl is an amazing artist working in glass and some painting. I loved her work and was amazed that she is probably going to be leaving the area when the house is sold from under her. This person who 10 years ago would have found a following at one of the bohemian artist colonies and eclectic shops and who would give this place some character is packing up and heading to Nashville. It made me not even want the house. It's a shame that there is no way for fresh blood to come in, even if we do keep paying what we must to shop with local people -- which I am more than happy to do.

Good god, what have I stumbled upon? I just intended to thank SJ for the recommendation. I thought from a distance Amore was probably rather plastic with the modern decor that I tend to associate with new, uber-funded and soulless enterprises. When I heard they had PBR, I had to check it out. I had the most wonderful dinner and must recommend the carpaccio. It was incredible...as was the pizza, salad...and PBR. I can't wait for a warm spring night on that great patio!

That said, I do hate how all the funkiness is being priced out. I just got back from looking at a house. It was being shown by the girl who is renting. It is a great buy for 30-A, but still astronomically overpriced for the vinyl-clad three bedroom cookie cutter house that it is. I realized as we were walking through that this girl is an amazing artist working in glass and some painting. I loved her work and was amazed that she is probably going to be leaving the area when the house is sold from under her. This person who 10 years ago would have found a following at one of the bohemian artist colonies and eclectic shops and who would give this place some character is packing up and heading to Nashville. It made me not even want the house. It's a shame that there is no way for fresh blood to come in, even if we do keep paying what we must to shop with local people -- which I am more than happy to do.

rapunzel, can't remember "seeing" you before, but I just wanted to give you a :clap_1: ! I like the way you think!

went over tonight for dinner. tried the panini for the first time. man, was it good. saw sunshine and her family over there also. hope the carpaccio was up to snuff, garner. anyway, another thumbs up for amore.


jr

you were right on about the carpaccio - that plus the caprese salad were perfect for me. The boys enjoyed their pizzas too - one had pepperoni, another had 4 cheese, and the tall one had the salmon & goat cheese. All were yummy, and a peek into the fridge this morning showed evidence of midnight snacking!

We had dinner there last night and I have to give Amore's "Two Thummbs Up"!!! Excellent pizza and personnel, I do agree.

We actually thought the prices were very good - dh and I split a Ceaser, shared a bianca and each had a beer, sorry thought, not a PBR - for $20. I can't wait to go back and get the pesto pizza. Plenty of food for the two of us and I DO like to eat!!!

And the owner, I'm sorry that I did not catch his name, did he say Amore or was I dreaming? but he came out and introduced himself to us and hoped we enjoyed out dinner. We both raved about the pizza, told him we were locals and would definitely be back!!!

And I can't wait to eat out on the deck myself - it was a bit too breezy last night. I was telling whiteyfunn about our great experience and told her, yep, there was a SoWall sticker right by the door!!!

I'm happy to support our locals. I love living here and know I am truly blessed to be able to live here. There are a great bunch of people that live here that have become my extended family.

Seagrover, you were not dreaming. The owner's name is Amory (AM-or-e with the stress on the first syllable). Pretty clever to call the restaurant Amore, eh? Same name, different stressed syllable. I cannot wait for the temp to warm up a bit and I will see you on the deck. I may have to go to Amore tonight for my super-bowl pizza. I'll have to see how filling lunch is at the Red Bar first. ;-)

By the way, I understand that Amore just added Jenny to the lunch staff. She is another funn person that will take great care of you. ;-)

We had dinner there last night and I have to give Amore's "Two Thummbs Up"!!! Excellent pizza and personnel, I do agree.

We actually thought the prices were very good - dh and I split a Ceaser, shared a bianca and each had a beer, sorry thought, not a PBR - for $20. I can't wait to go back and get the pesto pizza. Plenty of food for the two of us and I DO like to eat!!!

And the owner, I'm sorry that I did not catch his name, did he say Amore or was I dreaming? but he came out and introduced himself to us and hoped we enjoyed out dinner. We both raved about the pizza, told him we were locals and would definitely be back!!!

And I can't wait to eat out on the deck myself - it was a bit too breezy last night. I was telling whiteyfunn about our great experience and told her, yep, there was a SoWall sticker right by the door!!!

I'm happy to support our locals. I love living here and know I am truly blessed to be able to live here. There are a great bunch of people that live here that have become my extended family.

We are going to be down again next weekend. We are going! I am going to save up (calories) for a couple of days before I go. I want one of everything , I'm going to try and narrow it down to a couple of things for the first trip! I can't wait! :clap_1:

gottbm - I just tried to pm you but pmed me instead!!!:funn: I'll try that one again!!!

Remember, call and come by for a glass of wine and we will do some porch sitting - if it is warm enough. If not, we can dring it inside!!!

See on the patio, SJ!

TylerT:

I also find that most everything in SOWAL is expensive. Is it "overpriced"? Well, perhaps not always. The rents that new (cool, independent, etc.) establishmnets must pay will dictate high prices for survival. And survival is not guaranteed in such a seasonal market.

Yes, Pandora's and other long-time retailers have some good deals from time to time. It's probably because the owners purchased their building some years ago, thereby controlling their rent expense. Smart move in hindsight.

Basic rents along 30-A seem to start at around $30 per foot. I know of some Seaside merchants that pay well over $100 per foot. In addition, a restaurant must typically purchase their equipment (or the landlord purchases it and adds it to the base rent). It's really expensive and risky to operate any kind of retail business here.

I don't disagree that things are expensive, I just don't harbor any feelings that most merchants are "over-charging" me. It's just the economics of this crazy place called SOWAL, where normal people (financially speaking can't live unless they got in some time ago. And yes, it makes me cook at home more often than I'd like.

Carry on...

Carry on...


John...you sound just like Tim on Rroject Runway! I think what you have said is very accurate and would add that paying the staff good wages probably figures in to that equation as well.