Monday, August 13, 2012

Bistro Soul - Northside

Hey everyone,

Today, my two co-workers and I ventured down to E. Ohio Street in order to check out the award winning grilled cheese, from Bistro Soul. We had to try the sandwich that beat the Spartan from The Modern Cafe. Bistro Soul offers comfort food at its finest.

My co-worker, Vince and I decided that we were going to get their award-winning grilled cheese, with bacon as made for the contest (no side except chips or pretzels); while Renawn, decided away from the grilled cheese and went with one of the Monday specials - Country Chicken with cornbread and sauteed green beans with smoked turkey. So you are aware, everything is homemade and all the sandwiches are made to order. Amongst the other Monday specials and side dishes (http://bistroandcompany.com), there were also little side salad dishes; coleslaw, which looked creamy and peppery & tomato, cucumber and onion salad, which looked bright and fresh.

Well, Renawn recevied his food first since it would be 5-7 minute wait for the sandwiches, we headed to the outdoor patio and waited for the two grilled cheese. Everyone was waiting so patiently, I decided I was going to try the Country Chicken. One word: INSANE! The chicken was tender, the stuffing was flavorful and creamy and the gravy; the gravy was on-point. It was a nice-sized portion and the green beans were soft and a lil spicy and the smoked turkey provided extra flavor and texture. It was good and will require a trip back. Another good thing, the Country Chicken is offered M-F. Next time, I will get it with mashed potatoes! And the drawbacks - the cornbread and the price. The cornbread lacked a little flavor but was nice and soft.

Here it is: the evaluation of the grilled cheese. It was probably the best grilled cheese that both Vince and I ever had BUT it left you hungry and dipped a bit into your wallets. As stated above, a side was not included but you did get chips. Bistro Soul also does not offer re-fillable fountain drinks so whatever they had is all you could get....there was Sioux City Birch Beer (different flavors), bottled water, bottled juices and diet pepsi. NO REGULAR POP!!!! Vince - sandwich, plus $1.95 for bacon, chips and a birch beer - $12.68. Me - sandwich, plus bacon, chips and bottled water - $12.20. Renawan - Country chicken, green beans, cornbread and birch beer - $11.00.

Overall, this is definitely worth a trip back but for the daily special! They also offer cooking classes and have brunch on the weekends. I will be checking both of these features out and reporting back. Get down to the Northside, get some warm, comfort food, especially since the weather is starting to get cooler and let me know what you think!!!!

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Casey's on Rte. 8

     If you're ever in the area (Rte 8/ Glenshaw area), stop in at Casey's.  It's a nice change from the strip of fast food restaurants when you first drive onto Route 8.

     I first went there after a softball game with a few of my teammates. We all know I love to eat, so I ordered a small pizza (half cheese/half banana peppers), wings, cheese balls and I also had some french fries, chicken fingers and a grilled chicken salad from my team members.

From my team members: the salad was pretty big and unhealthy in every way. However, it was so tasty. Piled high with shredded mozzerella cheese, you can't really go wrong. Then the french fries; probably my favorite part. But then again, I LOVE french fries. Hot, crispy and warm dipped in ketchup and ranch. Mmmm. Chicken fingers were a little over done but they were your classic frozen finger, nothing to rave about but when your in the mood for chicken fingers, these will satisfy that craving.

My dishes: Cheese balls: how can you dislike anything fried? Exactly, you can't. They weren't your typical fried cheese. These little balls were made with cheddar cheese. I've never had fried cheddar cheese, but they were pretty darn close to beating out the fried mozzerella, especially dipped in ketchup!

Pizza: Gooey, melty cheese; not a lot of sauce (which I love), and doughy bread. For a four slice pizza and the price, you really can't go wrong. It curbs your craving for pizza and cheese in one bite. Finally, the wings: very messy and crispy and done just right.

     Obviously after I was done, my stomach hurt because it was so full. But it was totally worth it. For a family restaurant, they have some good food and the price is just right. You can satisfy all of your cravings and not still not break the bank. Plus, they have cheap drafts and bottled beer with a huge dining area to either just stop in for dinner or celebrate your favorite sport's team. A nice little sport's bar without the hustle and bustle of the downtown traffic and the downtown idiots (unless you're into that).

Stop in, check it out and let me know what you think!