It was back in June of 2013, when I first noticed a new Italian restaurant gearing up to cater to the hungry tourist trade on the Santa Monica Pier.  Sadly, it appears that Ristorante Al Mare has closed up shop…  Making haste to replace it will be Seaside On The Pier, at least according to the plywood covering the remodel.  Looks like they’re installing a grill, sandwich shop, and a rooftop lounge.