I have been really busy at work and havent been able to talk about my experience at the Best Restaurant's Party on Moday night. Here it is...I know its long but worth the read.
First off, for all of you that really wanted to go to that A. not worth the money so good for you for saving $130 or $250 if you wanted to be VIP, B. you did not miss much. It was so crowded and unorganized. You would think that being the 23rd, there would've been more order and structure and C. You wouldn't really get a taste of the food because the food had to be made in bulk and ready to be plated. Plus, even though it said on the website that it was from 6-8:30....by 7:50pm there were mutliple restaurants that ran out of food. Including CURE, the winner of the 'Best in Show' Award.
Here's the thing.....you can't have a party based on Pittsburgh's Best Restaurant's when you have Eat N Park there and then a station from Heinz field (hot dogs and sandwiches). Nothing against Eat N Park or Heinz field, because anyone that knows me knows that I love Eat N Park, but that just doesnt belong. Especially, when WILD ROSEMARY, my pick for best overall restaurant in the city, wasnt there or even in the Top 25. Moreover, pics from past parties showed attendees dressed up...I observed girls in formal wear to club wear and when I say club I mean Club Erotica to then a guy dressed in jeans shorts and a white t-shirt. If I would've known that it was fairly casual, I would have worn something more comfortable and not stuffed myself into skinny jeans that where just a little too skinny. Based on this experience, I will not be attending this party again because you dont even get a good feel of the food anyway. I tasted a lot of good food but I will just stick with going to the restaurant and eating something fresh and not hurried along. So that brings me to the food itself.
Of all the restaurants there, a few stuck out:
- Monterey Bay (Mt. Washington) - most amazing caramel-filled chocolate cake pops coated in chocolate and oreo cookies. One is all you need and it was heavenly.
- The Taj Mahal (downtown) - Chicken Masala and Rice with Naan. Spices were just right, Naan was soft and comforting.
- Dinette (S. Highland Ave) - Tomato & Saffron Soup - Very elegant, gourmet tomato soup. Although, Im not really into the flavor of Saffron..it was warming and elevated the soup.
- Andrew's Steakhouse (River's Casino) - Steak Tartare and Strawberry Cheesecake with Basil dressing. The Tartare was different, texturally but the flavor was on point. The cheesecake was deliciously creamy but a lil too much basil dressing.
- Stagioni (Southside) - Salted Cod, Farro and Marinated Mushrooms. The cod was excellent. Very tender, cooked perfectly and it just melted in your mouth. The Farro and Mushrooms were good but a little too vinegary.
- Legends (Northside) - Gnocchi in a red sauce. The sauce might be my favorite red sauce around. Usually red sauces are too sweet for me, but this was just right. The Gnocchi; however, not homemade. But, still worth the visit and worth the try.
There were a few that didnt wow my palate.
- Burgatory (Waterworks) - Burger was dry and very salty.
- Porch (Oakland) - BBQ Brisket and Cornbread Croutons. Not too good.
- Ibiza (Southside) - Ahi Tuna....Texture was like gooey boogers.
- Tamari (Lawrenceville) - I couldnt even tell you what was offered...I know that I spit it out. It was gross!
- Park Bruges (Highland Park) - Belgium Beer Pork. Average.
Hope this helps to start you off in your culinary journey. Stay tuned for more reviews from the City's best restaurants.
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