BCF's Profile
Chinese new year
I'm looking to celebrate the Chinese new year with an authentic meal out. Anyone know of a restaurant doing something special for it?
lunch spots between Erie and Pitt on I 79?
Try burghers off the zelienople exit. Great food sourced locally. Milkshakes are good too. And it's usually pretty quick. It's BYOB, which is usually a plus in my book but could prove otherwise since you're traveling.
what restaurant in PGH, cost not factor
If you are inclined to go the steak house direction, a la Capital Grille, I would consider Morton's instead. I know it's a chain as well, but it consistently serves good food and offers amazing service, and it is definitely pricey enough to be considered a splurge.
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Capital Grille
1338 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
PGH Free Range Whole Chicken: Sources? Don't like some "supermarket" birds anymore :(
Duke - I think chicken is a case of getting what you pay for. Having said that, I was a student as well, and I remember how little I had to spend on groceries at the time. But natural chicken undeniably better than its commercial, genetically modified counterpart, both in theory and in taste. If you can afford to do so, continue buying the good stiuff - your body, your local farmer, and the earth with thank you.
Ditto on thoughts from Kretschmann's CoOp. Great birds.
The Liberty Farms chicken sold at the Farmarket at the Firehouse in the Strip (which opens for the season next Saturday) are also great. Pricey. Check out my posting about it: http://thedish-pgh.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html.
I've heard good things about Eichner's Market (Wexford) having fresh chickens, but I haven't been there yet.
Cranberry restaurant for a bridal shower
I second The Springfield Grille. The banquet room has its own bar and is very private, and the food is great.
I would also consider Jimmy Wan's (http://www.jimmywans.com/.) It serves wonderful Asian cuisine, and has a great private room. They offer many dishes that would appeal to people who want Americanized Asian cuisine, as well as some authentic dishes that would appeal to adventurous palates as well.
2 days / nights in Pittsburgh
What fun! Are you looking to stay in downtown to dine? If so, I would suggest Eleven (in the Strip District, minutes from downtown) or Seviche(on Penn Ave, Downtown.) Eleven is part of a larger restaurant group, with some chain-ish restaurants in their repoitoire. But, Eleven itself is interesting and consistently offers solid, creative food. The menu somewhat focuses on seasonal food as well, which is always a plus. Seviche is a tapas bar offering both cooked and raw food. Don't let the cheesy website or restaurant scare you - the food is good. If you are looking for a good hangover brunch, try Lidia's. It is part of a chain, but you'd never know it from the food. Brunch is especially wonderful - antipasto and dessert offerings, and an addition item from a limited menu, along with a bloody mary or a mimosa all come with the brunch pricing. If you are around on a Saturday, and you want to brave the crowds, head to the strip for some great streetfood or an awesome diner-style breakfast at Pamela's or DeLuca's. http://thedish-pgh.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html
If you are heading outside of the city, you're opening another can of worms. Pittsburgh has some amazing restaurants offering local food with daily changing menus, but the trip outside the city can be daunting if no one if your group is familiar with the city and with the lack of public transportation.
Whatever you do, enjoy! And let us know how it goes.
Paczki in Pittsburgh?
Ended up getting some paczki from Priory Pastries - custard filled. Very tasty. Thanks for the recommendation!
Fried Fish - Pittsburgh (ish)
And so it begins...Lenten fish fries. I have tried my fair share of church and civic organization fish fries and have been relatively happy with the results. I am not opposed to a good piece of fried fish in a restaurant either - my favorite right now being The Backdoor Tavern in New Brighton. But, I am always looking for a hidden gem. I am in the North Hills but willing to travel to the other side of the big city if need be. Suggestions?
Paczki in Pittsburgh?
Thanks for the info. I think I am going to try both. Will report back.
Nim Chow in Pittsburgh
Forgive my ignorance...is nim chow a fresh spring roll? If so, The Thai Place (several locations including Shadyside and Wexford) offers a fresh (raw) spring roll with tofu or chicken. The Green Mango (two locations - one of which is Regent Square) offers fresh summer rolls with a variety of filling. The roast duck is very good. Are either of those what you are looking for?
Paczki in Pittsburgh?
As Lent is fast approaching, my thoughts turn to pre-Lenten indulgences. One of my favorite treats is a puczki. I love to get them at the Oakmont Bakery, but it is a far trip for me as I live in the north hills. Does anyone know of anywhere else to get one?
Pgh Restaurant Closings/Changes
Is Mama Lena's (formerly McKees Rocks) open/operating elsewhere? I LOVED their white pizza and can't find an adequate replacement.
Jergel's, formerly on Babcock Blvd, is open in Ellwood City.
Pgh Restaurant Closings/Changes
I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I posted a blog entry that made reference to Lucy and her bahn mi, ( http://thedish-pgh.blogspot.com/2009_04_01_archive.html) and an anymous poster responded that Lucy told her she would be moving to NYC with her daughter. I haven't seen her since that response (in September). But, JC65 saw her in Oct. so maybe she'll return with the warmner weather. I feel like this is a real life versoin of "Where's Waldo" with more serious consequences.
Ideas for Pittsburgh rehearsal dinner for large group (45-50 people)?
I have been to two rehersals at Lidia'a and enjoyed both very much. The room is upstairs and offers a nice view of the restaurant while keeping your party private. Lidia's is located in the strip and is a very manageable distance from the downtown hotels.
Also, The Firehouse Lounge is a fun location for events. It is also located in the strip district. There are several rooms available for private parties, but since you are getting married in the summer, you may want to consider the outdoor deck for your rehearsal. I was at a rehearsal dinner there last summer that was so much fun - drinks and appetizers on the deck to start, and a movie shown outdoors after. It was a really memorable party.
Good luck, and enjoy the planning as best you can. The wedding will be here before you know it!
Black Garlic in Pittsburgh?
The Giant Eagle in Wexford carries black garlic as well. How was it?
Coney Island Hot dogs in new castle?!?!? [Pgh]
Unfortunately, DeRosa Bakery is closed! Reading all of your posts makes me miss it even more...
Wings! Where are the best in Pittsburgh?
Zooky's in New Brighton (sorry...not exacty in the city) has wonderful wings. They use fresh, whole wings to start. There are a number of sauces available, several of which are dry. But, even the wet sauces aren't used too liberally. The menu gives an ordering option for "extra crispy" and notes that the minimum wait for those wings is 25 minutes. The buffalo are my favorite.
The Franklin Inn in Ohio Twp (again, not quite in the city), in spite of their sub par Mexican food, has grilled wings that are great. I don't know how they get the wings to be so crispy, but they are. And, they are tender in the middle. Hardly and sauce, but spicy. Again, expect a 20-25 minute wait, but so worth it.
Sushi in Pittsburgh
After reading the discussion about Umi, I had to see what all of the fuss, good or bad, was about. Went this past weekend and really enjoyed the food. The sauces weren't strong al all - they were delicate and complimentary to the fish, which was very distinguishable in its own right. Either they have changed since you last went or we have very different ideas about what is stong and what is not.
It was a very "trendy" atmosphere, but I won't hold that against them. The food was great. We milled over our dinners for a while and no one bothered us. Also, the sake selection was extensive, and included a couple of descent bottles at a reasonable price.
To reply to the original thread, I'm not sure how much chilling out can occur there - I think you porbably need a reservation and it would get pricey to hang out for a while and get lots of courses. But, if you can plan ahead and save some money in the food budget, it's worth a try.
Dim Sum in Pittsburgh?
Jimmy Wan's Tai Pei in Cranberry has a dim sum menu. It has a couple different types of dumplings, some steamed buns, and a sesame ball that is out of this world. It is a little pricey ($5 - $8 per selection) but the serving size is generous. There is no cart, and no menu card - you just order off the regular menu. But, it is very good. I have heard that the dim sum at the other Jimmy Wan location (Fox Chapel) is not as good as at the Cranberry lcoation, but I haven't been there so I can't speak to that.
Pepperoni Balls in Erie, PA?
I went to college near Erie, but I grew up in Ellwood City, PA (about an hour south of Erie.) I have to say, the best of the Erie pepperoni balls are Pio's. But, the pepperoni rolls and puffs in Ellwood (we don't call them balls here...that terms is reserved for fried bite size bits like cheese balls, not dough-encrusted) are even better. Try the puffs at Johnny's pizza shop (available with or without hot pepper rings) or the rolls at Pizza Joe's. If you happen to be in town around the 4th of July or the late July/early August church bazaar, be sure to try a pepperoni puff from the Holy Redeemer parish. They are the cream of the crop - deep fried, slightly sweet dough balls filled with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. So very good!
Breakfast places in Pittsburgh
Duffy did a great job of laying out the land for you. I would echo the same, offering the following:
DeLuca's and Pamela's are diner-style restaurants. You will probably have to wait at either before you are seated, but both are worth the wait. I am with the President and David - best pancakes ever at Pamela's. DeLuca's serves a delicious vegtable omlette and great sausage.
La Prima is a wonderful coffee shop. There is a counter to order and pay, a high table or two to stand and drink, and some outdoor tables. If you are there on a Saturday moring, you will likely find the place packed (and rightfully so...) and at least a table or two of people speaking Italian. The bakery next door/attached (Colagnelo's)is amazing as well. If you are in the mood for a frittata panini or a mele (or a coconut chocolate cookie, or a Sfogliatelle...you get the point) instead of some pancakes or an omlette, you may want to consider La Prima and Colangelo's. Enjoy!
can anyone comment on Legume,Dinette or Toast in pittsburgh?
Kevin,
You may have made your mind up already, but in case you haven't, I'd like to weigh in. I haven't been to Dinette or Toast, but my friend and most-trusted restaurant reviewer has great things to say about both. He is partial to pizza, so Dinette receives his highest recommendations.
I have been to Legume, and have been consistently happy. The atmosphere is wonderful - you can tell that everyone working there is excited about the food they are serving. It can be a bit loud, though. So, if you and your wife are looking to whisper sweet nothings over dinner, maybe skip Legume. Otherwise, I have no reservations recommending it highly. Fresh, local ingredients, made simply and with a lot of thought and love. Check out the kitchen notes from the website for some insight into the food to come as well as the passion behind it. The area (Regent Square) is fun. For more on that, check out http://thedish-pgh.blogspot.com/2009/02/go-here-now.html. Hope you enjoy dinner and the concert!
Pittsburgh area (west): Best dining bets for the dollar?
You may want to spend an evening in Sewickley, PA. Lots of great restaurants there - Greek food at Little Athens (you don't say..), upscale bar food and great beer selection at The Sharp Edge and The Sewickley Hotel, and I hear lots of good things about of a new crepe bistro, though I haven't been. If you make it to the Sewickley Hotel, save room for dessert. They are homemade phenomenal...the bread budding is my favorite!
I would also consider Wings, Suds, and Spuds (8806 University Blvd.) in Coraopolis. It is a dingy bar with great chicken wings and fresh cut fries.
Lastle, you may want to consider Harold's Inn (2134 Broadhead Road) in Aliquippa. This restaurant is a little further than Wings, Suds and Spuds. The menu is all over the place. I can't say anything for the Italian cuisine, as I haven't tried it. However, the fried chicken and taters with "mountain seasoning" are great. Can be greasy, depending on who is cooking that day, but are usually crisp and moist.
Hope you enjoy your stay!
Pittsburgh - BBQ Catering
Thanks for the suggestions! Happy to have somewhere to start.
BYOB in Pittsburgh
Davio (Beechview) is a great Italian BYO.
Ditto on Vivo.
The aforementioned Legume and Green Mango are both in Regent Square and are both excellent choices. I could eat my way though that town. If you want to bring some beer with you to either place, stop by Dee's (also in Regent Square) and make your own six pack of beer. Give yourself time to consider - there are plenty of choices!
Taj Mahal in the North Hills is also BYO.
Pittsburgh - BBQ Catering
I am looking for a caterer to do on-site grilling at my place in the North Hills. 125 people or so. Any recommendations?
