Dean Martin might have crooned about the moon hitting your eye “like a big pizza pie” but that’s not quite amoré. For Fort Wayne diners, Amoré is a more elevated experience than a slice of pepperoni.
The latest venture from Chuck and Lisa Surack is poised to bring a fine-dining experience to downtown.
Amoré – Italian, Steak & Seafood opened its doors this week in The Pearl, 239 W. Pearl St. The menu features elevated dining options showcasing regional ingredients, including signature dishes such as triangle penne with angry red sauce, a bone-in rib-eye from Wood Farms and a traditional cacio e pepe pasta. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner.
Executive Chef Kyle Mares brings extensive culinary experience to the restaurant, having studied at Johnson & Wales University and worked under renowned Chef Michael Chiarello at Bottega in Napa Valley.
Inspired by the Suracks’ travels in Italy, Amoré will focus on quality food and service. The establishment can accommodate up to 164, including 14 bar-top seats and 32 additional seats along Pearl Street.
The Suracks will be actively involved in the restaurant’s operations, overseeing everything such as equipment, menu selections and staff uniforms. Their goal is to bring an authentic Italian dining experience to the Midwest.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. See the menu and make reservations at AmoreFW.com.
New sports bar
A new sports bar has opened at Union Street Market within the Electric Works complex, 1690 Broadway.
Crane Bar, which is in the West Hall, features large video screens, a diverse beverage selection and a casual atmosphere for watching sports and socializing.
The establishment serves local and domestic beers, along with mixed drinks.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Donuts downtown
Tiny Little Donuts is set to open its second location downtown, marking a significant milestone for the local bakery.
The new store will be inside Sweet’s On Main, 123 W. Main St., adjacent to Coney Island.
While an opening date and full details have not been announced, the bakery has teased the upcoming launch through social media and had a pop-up experience during last week’s Night of Lights event.
This second location follows the success of their original location, which opened in the spring at 10300 Maysville Road.
Operating from a vintage Airstream trailer, the menu features an array of classic flavors including plain, cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar, glazed, lemon-glazed and dark chocolate-glazed doughnuts.
Christmas brunch
Charlie’s Place will host Christmas-themed brunches this month, featuring live music by local performer Alicia Pyle.
The restaurant, 4201 N. Wells St., will serve special holiday-themed food and cocktails from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22.
The brunches will showcase a seasonal menu and live entertainment, providing a festive dining option for local residents during the holiday season.
Reservations are recommended; call 483-2929.
Holiday menu
Eddie Merlot’s, the upscale steakhouse at Jefferson Pointe, is celebrating the holiday season with an exclusive menu.
The special holiday menu showcases decadent dishes including Wagyu Meatballs with Gruyère cheese, a classic Surf & Turf with filet mignon and lobster tail and unique selections like a pan-seared Elk Chop and slow-roasted Veal Osso Buco.
To complement the menu, the restaurant is offering sommelier-selected wine pairings from Caymus Vineyards, including a Suisun “The Walking Fool” Red Blend and a 50th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon.
Diners are encouraged to make reservations to experience the limited-time holiday offerings.
The Dish features restaurant news and food events and appears Wednesdays. Fax news items to 461-8893, email kdupps@jg.net or call 461-8304 at least two weeks before event or desired publication.