Thursday, July 26, 2012

Steakhouse Must-Try!

So if you're in the mood for a good steak and don't know which steakhouse to try; here is a great special from Morton's that will give you an amazing experience without breaking the bank!

Now through August 31st, 2012 - 3 course menu for just $45 per person.

*Everything below that is bold, I recommend because I have had them at the restaurant.

First Course: (choice of one)

Caesar Salad - With Classic Dressing
Morton's Salad - Morton's Blue Cheese Dressing, Chopped Egg, Anchovies
Chopped Spinach Salad - Warm Bacon Dressing

Main Course: (choice of one) with a choice of one side (Caramelized Onions)

6 oz. Filet Mignon
Jumbo Shrimp Alexander - With Beurre Blanc Sauce
Chicken Bianco - With Lemon Butter, Tomatoes, Capers and Artichokes

Dessert: (choice of one)

Individual SoufflÄ—
Individual Chocolate Mousse
Scoop of Raspberry Sorbet

I love love love Morton's. It is absolutely my #1 favorite Steakhouse in Pittsburgh. The great, fixed-price menu specials are one of the many many reasons why. I've only experienced this at one other steakhouse (Hyde Park) and it helps give you the same quality food and the same fine dining experience on more of a budget. Let's be honest, eating out is expensive in and of itself already, you could spend $30 or more at Applebee's or TGI FRiday's for a lesser quality steak or whatever you decide to have for dinner. Why not pay the few extra dollars and have one of the best steaks and culinary experiences in the city!

Hands down, best caramelized onions I have ever eaten and probably ever will eat. For the dessert, I always get the Creme Brulee so I cannot recommend anything on this particular menu, but maybe ask for a substitution with an added price; you won't be disappointed.

Please post comments and let me know what you think! Enjoy!!!!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Las Velas Mexican Restaurant

Holaaa,

     When I was in Queens, New York visiting friends, I experienced the best, most authentic steak tacos this side of the border. Very simple with a bold flavor; corn tortillas, onion, cilantro, spicy sauce and marinated steak. So I headed to Las Velas Mexican Restaurant located in Market Square. Now, I have been to El Campesino and Emiliano's and, while they claim to specialize in authentic Mexican food, they both are more of chain restaurants and I was looking for more of a straight from across the border flavor.  Boy, was I not disappointed.

     Not only was the food amazing but the service was very accomodating. For one thing, I did not get there until 9:45pm and they close at 10pm. To be polite, I wasn't going to stay but they were adamant that it was perfectly fine and that the kitchen was still open. I sat at the bar and began reading the menu. There were so many options but I knew that I wanted to try the tortilla soup and hopefully find tacos that rivaled the taco vendor from Queens.

     The tortilla soup. I am in love with the tortilla soup from Max 'N Erma's; its creamy and hearty and just the right spicy. But, Las Velas tortilla soup is the complete opposite. It is broth based and light but the tortilla strips were crispy, it has just the right spice and there was chunks of avocado. Delicioso!!!


     The tacos. I ordered the Tacos De Arrachera: A must try! Three tacos with marinated hanger steak (a special cut), onions and cilantro, and salsa (mild or hot). Served with rice or beans. Aside from no homemade spicy sauce, this is exactly what I was looking for. The flavor profile was the exact same; soft corn tortillas, juicy, flavorful steak and fresh, crisp onions and cilantro. The extra bonus with Las Velas; you not only get three of these wonderful tacos but also a heaping serving of soft, Spanish rice. It took me immediately back to the taco truck that was parked on the side of Queens Boulevard.  Also, the added lime wedge really brings out the flavor in the steak and I don't even like limes.


     
     The Quesadillas. Traditional cheese Quesadilla with chicken. Served with lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole and sour cream. This Quesadilla was huge and was stuffed to the gills. It was cheesy and meaty all at the same time. The fresh, homemade salsa and guacamole paired amazingly with each bite of the Quesadilla. With the portion size of this selection, you will not go home hungry but maybe with yummy leftovers.


     So, if you're looking for the flavors from south of the border, Las Velas is where it's at. 'Til next time, adios amigos!!!!

Saturday, July 7, 2012

The Modern Cafe

The North Side of Pittsburgh is really making a comeback.  The Modern Cafe re-opened in April 2010 and has been a local favorite to customers since. It's updated and provides a great escape from the outside stressors. From beers to a full food menu, its a great spot to just have lunch, a beer or catch any sporting game.

I just went there yesterday with my friends for lunch, now I have been there a few other times and have not been disappointed. Recently, The Modern Cafe won Runner-Up for the Best Sandwich in the North side - The Spartan.


Here are the details: Steak, Gyro meat, Provolone & Feta cheese, onions, tomato slices with our special steak seasoning & dressing topped with tzatziki sauce on a 6” hoagie. Now, my co-worker that got this sandwich, does not like the tzatziki sauce so he opted for balsamic vinegar. Still, very good. The balsamic was very flavorful and not too oily to make the bread soggy. However, my only complaint would be that the bread was toasted a little too long. I don't really like hard bread. Losing only to a grilled cheese sandwich from The Bistro to go, it is definitely a worthy contender in the sandwich world beating out sandwiches such as the Roethlisberger from Peppi's.

I decided to get the Turkey Extreme with egg; and, if you know me, I add egg to every sandwich. Here are the details for this great sandwich: Roast Turkey, Cheddar cheese, coleslaw, lettuce and tomato on Wheat (hot or cold). I opted for white bread.



Anything on the menu is tasty though. Even if your just going in for a drink, you will have a great experience. The owners are very friendly and love to talk to everyone and are very excited about their space. They truly want you to love your experience and will attempt to make that possible. The Modern Cafe should be your next stop for a great sandwich and experience.