NWI Profile - Amore & 109 Lounge

Last Updated on Thursday, 01 July 2010 23:54 Thursday, 01 July 2010 23:11

NWI PROFILE

AMORE RISTORANTE & 109 LOUNGE
By: Mona Dickinson

Amore Ristorante and 109 Lounge in Crown Point offers two unique dining experiences, along with a bi-level stage featuring the region’s best entertainment.

Located on the east side of the downtown square, Amore offers traditional Italian fare in a family-friendly, casual setting; while upstairs, the 109 Lounge offers an extensive sushi and martini menu.

The historic building formerly housed Chicago’s longtime popular Crown Point establishment. Chicago’s was located on the lower level of the two-story building, while offices occupied the upper level.

Amore is owned by a group of individuals who were looking for an older building in the Crown Point Square.

“We wanted an older building and were looking at the downtown Crown Point area,” said Barb Sexton, who co-owns Amore along with her husband, Matt Sexton, Kent Blankenship, Joe Repay and Larry Kolodziej.

Sexton also had a hand in all the interior design of both Amore and 109 Lounge. Completely remodeled, you’ll find the atmosphere of a quaint Italian restaurant, while upstairs features a trendy, club décor.

The Sextons also own Paparazzi, one of the newer dining editions in downtown Valparaiso. The group took some of the concepts and menu items that worked at Paparazzi and brought them to the new Crown Point eatery.

From its appetizers to the extensive menu selections, Amore is sure to please. Its name came from the Dean Martin song, one of Sexton’s favorites. Head Chef Carl Lindskog has created a variety of menu selections and daily specials that are sure to please every palate.

Lindskog, a Gary native, comes to Amore by way of Paparrazi and Café 444 in Miller Beach. Lindskog also spent several years with Wolfgang Puck's Spago, in Chicago

Among the appetizers, you’ll find the traditional Spinach Artichoke Dip, Calamari and Stuffed Mushroom Caps, along with some unique creations such as Stuffed Meatballs, a Basil Brie Puff, Prosciutto Wrapped Shrimp and Banana Peppers, stuffed with Italian sausage and baked in a spicy tomato sauce.

The house soup is Lobster Bisque, and the list of salad offerings provides diners with plenty of choices – from the classic Caesar Salad and Mozzarella Caprese to salads topped with calamari, grilled Atlantic Salmon or marinated filet.

A variety of specialty paninni and sandwiches, along with bruschetta, flatbreads and pizza are perfect for lunch or dinner.

If you come for the pasta, you will have to decide from a list of 17 specialty dishes, along with any Chef Selections for the evening. You can choose from traditional pasta dishes or try Amore’s signature Butternut Squash Ravioli, Lobster Linguini, or Chicken Breast Florentine or choose to spice things up a bit with the Shrimp and Scallop Diablo.

Amore offers the finest cut steaks and chops, all of which can be served with a choice of sauces.

“Our Kansas City strip in one of the best steaks I’ve ever had,” said Matt Robinson, who fills in wherever needed at the restaurant or bar and also keeps the websites and social networks current. “It is always cooked to perfection, no matter how you like it.”

Two cuts of prime rib (12 oz. and 16 oz.) are served every night of the week, along with homemade horseradish.

Seafood selections offer everything from fresh Lake Perch to Cold Water Lobster Tail and King Crag Legs and feature some specialty dishes like Chilean Sea Bass Picatta and Grilled Diver Scallops.

Upstairs in the 109 Lounge, you’ll find the most extensive sushi menu in the region. A limited sushi menu is featured at lunch, with the complete menu available after 4 p.m.

“The sushi has been wildly popular,” according to bar manager Jimmy Maness. “Our selection and variety is the most extensive in this area.”

Pub tables flank the bar, and a lounge area with chic couches, tables and furnishings offer a view of the bi-level stage area, where the neon “Chicago’s” sign hangs as a tribute to the former restaurant which was housed in the building.

Both levels feature full bar service, with the stage area that plays to both the upper level and the downstairs bar. Of note, the downstairs bar came from the Chicago’s World’s Fair and the ceilings are the building’s original tin ceilings.

“We offer some the area’s finest craft beers, showcasing some of the best beers out there,” said Maness.

Patrons of both levels are entertained with piano music on the baby grand piano during the week. Some the region’s best bands appear on the weekends.

Sexton, Robinson and Maness all agree that Amore and 109 Lounge offer the most unique dining and club experience in the area.

“There’s something completely different every time you come in,” Robinson said. “We change things up so each time you stop by, it’s something new.”

The owners are currently working with city officials to create an outdoor dining area on the front walk similar to what other restaurants around the square have.

On Sundays, representatives from the industry often gather to exchange ideas and see what’s up and coming and trending in Northwest Indiana.

Private parties can be planned and the staff will work with you for all your food and beverage needs. The restaurant was closed recently for a wedding ceremony and private reception.

The restaurant even hosts its own special events, like Oscar Night, earlier this year. Guests, decked out for the evening, walked the red carpet outside the restaurant, then enjoy the Oscars broadcast inside.

”We really had fun with that,” Sexton said, noting that other special events and activities are planned for holidays, along with the local festivals such as Taste of Crown Point and Dog Days of Summer.

“No one else has what we have to offer,” Maness added. “Two completely different venues under one roof, different but complimenting each other. And I think we have just scratched the surface.”

Maness said the trendy atmosphere of going into the city is offered right here in downtown Crown Point. “Great food and customer service all with a hometown appeal,” he said.

Daily drink specials are featured along with half price appetizers Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m., and All You Can Eat Snow Crab on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Amore and the 109 Lounge are located at 109 Joliet Street on the square in downtown Crown Point. The restaurant is open at 11 a.m. Monday through Saturday and at noon on Sundays. 109 Lounge opens daily at 4 p.m.

For more information, visit the website at www.amore109.com or check them out on Facebook and Twitter.