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Ate: October 16, 2005 Published: October 23, 2005 $$ After an unsatisfying trip to a glitzy, high-concept tourist restaurant last week, the two of us decided to go a little off the beaten path this time around. We had seen their commercials on local television, so we decided that we would try out Allora Daniella. This small Italian restaurant is in Murrells Inlet, but it is not down on the Marsh Walk with all of the expensive seafood restaurants. It is located instead in the Food Lion shopping center right on Highway 17. As we walked into the place, we were stuck by its size. Allora Daniella is a storefront operation whose entire dining room consists of only ten or so tables. The d￩cor is not fancy, but it is clean and inviting. Just as importantly, the atmosphere was very inviting. Our waitress was a kind, matronly woman who greeted us warmly and made us feel very welcome. Before we had even decided on our order, our waitress brought us two complimentary pieces of bruschetta. It almost made us wonder if somehow, they realized that we were writing a review and wanted to butter us up. Later on, they did the same thing for other patrons, so we decided that it was their standard procedure. The bruschetta's topping was packed with juicy tomatoes, herbs and spices. As a beginning, it was more than enough to whet our appetites. At this point, our eyes got a little bit bigger than our stomachs and we decided to order some garlic bread with cheese as an appetizer before our pizza. It arrived quickly, and they certainly didn't skimp on the "with cheese" part. I was expecting a little shredded mozzarella baked on top of a couple of slices of bread. But instead, we got thick slices of mozzarella melted over six generous pieces of garlic bread. The bread was delicious - every bit as good as the bruchetta - but here is where my wife and I have to give one of our two small nit-picks to Allora Daniella's food. We would like to have had either a bowl of marinara sauce or a dish of olive oil and herbs in which to dip our bread. However, that lack of sauce did not stop us from making short work of our appetizer. Moments later, our pizza arrived. As soon as we saw it, we knew that after eating the garlic bread, we were going to be taking some of that pizza home with us. This restaurant serves up two types of pizza, the Neapolitan (thin and round) and the Sicilian (thick and square). We opted for a fourteen-inch Neapolitan topped with pepperoni, red onions and roasted red peppers. Just like our appetizer, they went all-out with our pizza as well. There was easily two or three times the sauce as you'll find on your typical pizza chain pizza. With this much sauce and toppings, this was one of those pizzas you have to eat with a knife and fork at least halfway up the slice. This is where my wife and I have our other small nit-pick. We would have liked it if the crust in the center of the pizza was just a hair thicker, so as not to be so flimsy. But please do not think of this nit-pick as severe criticism, because it was delicious. The sauce was zesty and full of flavor, and the red onion and roasted red pepper toppings were very enjoyable diversions from the normal toppings found in the pizza chains. We are also happy to report that their pizza was just as good the next day for breakfast (for myself) and lunch (for my wife). In fact, a few minutes in a toaster oven helped crisp the crust a little more. Our biggest regret was that we didn't really have an opportunity to get a good sample of the different dishes that are offered by Allora Daniella. In addition their round and square pizzas, you can also order individual gourmet specialty pizzas, pasta dishes, calzones, strombolis and both hot and cold sandwiches. The next time we eat there, we will probably try some of these other dishes. Now that we have one of their menus, however, there is probably a good chance that instead of eating there, we will call in our order and get it to go. They do a brisk deliver and take-out business. During our visit, we saw three different people come in and pick up their take-out orders. Those of you who live or are visiting the south end of the Grand Strand should put Allora Daniella on their list of places to eat. This is a place that is miles away from the tourist hype, waiting lists and mediocre service; yet still right on the main highway and easy to find. |
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