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NoHun's Profile

What is Pittsburgh's Signature Dish?

RichieT is right on the money! He offered every one of my suggestions. People tend to forget about Benkowits' and Wiener World (though if you're in the mood for a good dog, I think the "O" is your better bet).

If you like pierogies - go with yayadave's suggestion of Perogis Plus!

Carlisle PA

I agree with corbs and Boognish. Piatto is a great choice.

Years ago, my sister attended Dickinson College. Without fail, once we discovered this restaurant, each time we’d make the visit to Carlisle, we'd eat at Piatto. (Just thinking about the seafood stew “Ciuppin” makes my mouth water!!!) The Victorian neighborhood is also beautiful to walk through.

I’ve included the restaurant’s website. Your family will love the food!

http://www.piatto.com/

Visiting for Steeler game Oct 25-27th

Since you’ll be in the Strip District, another fun stop is Klavon’s Ice Cream Parlor.
It’s an authentic soda fountain / drug store from the 1920’s.

Klavon’s is complete with the original marble soda fountain, coca-cola bottle cap fountain stools, mahogany woodwork and many of the original brass fixtures.

I believe they sell Reinhold’s ice cream. My last visit was with my parents. (My father happens to be a pharmacist and loved the place.) I’m including the history and menu link.

http://www.klavonsicecream.com/history.html

http://www.klavonsicecream.com/menu.html

Visiting for Steeler game Oct 25-27th

Hi Rick,

The Shadyside and Squirrel Hill locations serve the crepe-type pancakes.
The University of Pittsburgh location didn’t serve this particular type. (My visit was close to 3 years ago so maybe they’ve changed the menu.) As I wrote in my earlier post, I’m uncertain about the Strip District location.

When I’m in the Strip and crave pancakes, I go to De Luca’s. I do agree with you in re to the lyonnaise potatoes. They are very good.
I tend to like them more on extra crispy side – sometimes my request is granted and sometimes not – but that’s personal preference .

Visiting for Steeler game Oct 25-27th

Well bgpapa54,

It’s pretty obvious we Pittsburghers have strong opinions when it comes to our breakfast foods. I will again say, Pamela’s has good pancakes. The crepe type pancakes aren’t offered at ALL of the Pamela’s locations. (Maybe the Strip is one of them.) Pancakes are the only thing (on Pamela's breakfast menu) worth eating.

De Luca’s offers a huge variety of pancakes (my favorite happens to be the pumpkin) and you can mix and match – so if you can’t decide between blueberry, chocolate chip or good old buttermilk, you won’t be forced to choose. The French toast (made from Cinnamon Raisin Bread (and piled with fresh blueberries as an option) is also really great. De Luca’s is also known for their “Mixed Grill” which is sausage or ham sizzled with a huge heap of peppers, onions, tomatoes, mushrooms, and zucchini, crowned with a couple of eggs (the eggs are optional) and sided by hunky home fried potatoes and a couple of slabs of toast. You can try the cinnamon raisin (highly recommended by this chowhound) but there are several other choices.

I really hope you’ll take a leap of faith and make a stop at De Luca’s. It's a true Pittsburgh landmark (complete with "yinzers" and "Stiller" talking wait-staff). You’ll be sorry ONLY if you don’t go!!!

Visiting for Steeler game Oct 25-27th

Pamela’s is a good breakfast pick but I highly recommend De Luca’s Restaurant (also in the Strip District). They have amazing pancakes (oh the heaviness!) and very good waffles and French Toast. (If omelets are more to your liking, you can’t go wrong with any choice.) The restaurant serves Fortune’s Coffee (located directly next door to them...convenient - I rarely make the trip without bringing back some beans!!!). If you’re looking for atmosphere, this isn’t the place. If you want excellent breakfast fare -GO!!!

http://pittsburgh.about.com/od/strip_restaurants/p/delucas.htm

Fogo De Chao Price Increase (Baltimore location)

We finally made it to Fogo De Choe’s for lunch last Friday. We were told (by past postings as well as the Fogo website) the lunch price was $22.50. The price has increased to $29.50. There is a small sign (to the right - near the bathrooms) showing the cost of both lunch and dinner - which of course, we didn’t notice when we walked in.
We have no idea when the cost increase occured - just wanted other chowhounds to be aware that lunch is $7.00 more now. No increase (as of this posting) in the dinner amount.

I know, I know...another Vegas buffet question!

Other than price, is there any difference (like food selection) between eating lunch or dinner at the Bay Side Buffet (Mandalay Bay)? I’ve read reviews stating seafood (specifically crab legs) are served only during the dinner hours. Recently I’ve read conflicting statements. Any input?

p.s. We’re also going to Spice Island ( Planet Hollywood)!

Best Buffet In Las Vegas.

Other than price, is there any difference (such as food selection)
between eating lunch or dinner at the Bay Side Buffet (Mandalay Bay)? I’ve read reviews stating seafood (specifically crab legs) are served only during the dinner hours. Recently I’ve read conflicting statements. Any input?

p.s. We’re also going to Spice Island.

Fremont Street Restaurants?

We’ll be traveling to Vegas (1st time!!!) in a couple of weeks.
Old Las Vegas is on our “must do” list. Any restaurant recommendations?
We always tend to lean towards local fare vs. tourist traps.

Food Networks new game plan (from the ny times)

HA! sasha1 wins the smile of the day award!!!!

Buying Wild Mushrooms in Pittsburgh

Moved from Pittsburgh close to 2 years ago so my Strip District shopping isn’t as frequent as it used to be. I appreciate the update and correction, Greyhoundgrrl.

First Timer @ Mandina's

Hungry Celeste gets my vote for the best (and most true) feedback.
Capital One!!! Had the good fortune of eating at Mandina’s pre-K.
(see earlier post) and will do so again when we return to the Big Easy.

Buying Wild Mushrooms in Pittsburgh

The various venders in the Strip District will have plenty of produce – including wild mushrooms. Try Wholey’s (on 17th and Penn). They’re the closest thing to a full service grocery store in the Strip. I’m uncertain if Stan’s Market (19th and Penn) or Bill’s Produce (18th and Smallman) will have what you want but it's worth a try. There’s also the Lotus Food Market (17th and Penn). All mentioned are in close proximity. I feel confident you’ll find what you’re looking for at a fraction of the price you’ll pay at Whole Foods.

Best place to buy saffron at a reasonable price?

Trader Joe's has small jars for under $5.00.

The new Penzey's store (in Rockville) has three kinds of saffron. I have no idea how much they'd cost.

BBQ on Rte 140

We stopped yesterday afternoon. Had a very tasty pulled pork sandwich. The meat was moist – not too much sauce piled on either (which is the way we like it). All sandwiches are served on bread or bun – we had the bun. Try their baked beans as a side (instead of fries which are usually included (along w/ drink) in the combo meal. They use 2 kinds of beans and a sauce that’s deee-licious! Pit Beef, ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers and rotisserie chicken were also menu items. As of now, it’s all take out which is a little confusing to me since there appears to be a 2nd floor. Maybe they’re waiting to get the “beginner bugs" worked out before opening that level to the public??? As of Sunday, the “take out” menus were gone which is kind-of a shame. I guess we’ll need to stop again soon. It’s the wood that makes it good!!!!!

First Timer @ Mandina's

We enjoyed the turtle soup, as well. The stand out dish for me is their Veal Parmesan. The veal is the real deal. The sauce is excellent and it wasn’t deep fried. Save a little room for dessert if the banana bread pudding is on the menu. Mandina's DOES NOT have small portions.

Venice, Florence & Rome - Help!!!

Deenso,

This is exactly the kind of info. we hoped for in our posting. Thanks so much for your recommendations.

Venice, Florence & Rome - Help!!!

We’ll be traveling to Venice, Florence and Rome on
Sept. 18th – 24th.

Any assistance in local restaurant choices
(any meal – including small café’s) are appreciated.

Gourmet goodies to remember NO once home...

Wishful thinking Kevin! We called Kpauls so often that when we gave the hostess our name she said, “Ah…the coconut cake people!” The cake is worth the calls, the cost and the calories. If you find a way, post it – quickly!!!!!!!

Gourmet goodies to remember NO once home...

My 2 personal favorites:
- Café Du Monde coffee (Chicory OR French Roast)
- LA Gold Hot Sauce (This hot sauce is spicy w/ heat & cannot be found too far away from LA.)

Wish there were a way to mail order K-Paul’s coconut cake, breakfast from Camellia Grill, veal parmesan from Mandino’s….you get the picture!

TNFNS - Okay, this Jag situation was a total hoax, right?

The Marines basically called JAG out (see gyp7318’s post). It’s a shame other “truthful” contestants were eliminated. It seems JAG has issues he needs to address. Good luck with all that.

TNFNS - Okay, this Jag situation was a total hoax, right?

I literally laughed out loud after reading your VERY TRUE post(s) Coney and ggdinero!
My only additional comment: Anyone who says “freakin” should automatically be eliminated. Good luck Amy.

Kpauls' coconut cake

I second the advice of dcata25 and KOK. We specifically requested the coconut cake when we made our dinner reservation. We did exactly as dcata25 (called 2 weeks prior to our reservation date). When we walked in and gave our name, the hostess said, “Oh, it’s the coconut cake people!” I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. It’s one of THE BEST desserts we’ve ever eaten. In other words, save room for dessert.

Best Place for Devonshire Sandwich Pittsburgh

Glad the post helped brieflunchcounter. Looking forward to reading your
post-trip opinion.

Best Place for Devonshire Sandwich Pittsburgh

The Devenshire is true Pittsburgh original.
Several years ago, the local Pittsburgh Post Gazette published
this recipe. As you’ll read, it’s not meant for those watching calories,
cholesterol or salt intake. In other words, it’s delicious!

http://www.post-gazette.com/food/20020704devonp9.asp

Where to buy saffron in DC or VA

Trader Joes.
As others have written, it's quite inexpensive and tastes great.
As with all T.J. products, if you aren't satisfied, they'll refund your money -
no questions asked.

Best Place for Devonshire Sandwich Pittsburgh

When I was quite young, my grandmother often took me to The Plaza restaurant
in the Forrest Hills Plaza for amazing turkey Devonshire’s. A fellow chowhound reported the establishment closed last summer. : (

My 2nd recommendation would be the
Union Grill
413 S Craig St
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3708
412-681-8620

My final recommendation would be to try
Dunning’s Grill
1100 S Braddock Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15218-1238
412-243-3900

Request for recommendations for dinner near Pittsburgh

One of my all-time favorite restaurants is The Wooden Nickel
(located in Monroeville). They have great Italian and American fare.
Below is all the information. I’m sure they have a website, too.
You won’t be disappointed!

The Wooden Nickel
4006 Berger Ln
Monroeville, PA 15146
Phone: (412) 372-9750

Good Pizza in Pittsburgh

I agree with Greg P. Vincent's on rt 30 in Forest Hills is a pie you must try. VIncent's has other locations - but the best, by far, is its original location on Rt 30. Be prepared - the pies aren't cheap (totally worth the splurge) and you've GOT to come hungry!