Thursday, March 21, 2013

Brewstone Beer Company - Monroeville

Hi all,

Today I want to talk about Brewstone Beer Company located out near Monroeville. I went there for a 30th birthday party for my friend, Colleen. It was pretty awesome! The atmosphere was amazing. Really nice, large bar area and its great for watching sports games. Each individual booth in the bar section had its own television for whichever sport game you are looking. Sort of like Damon's in this regard. And also, there is a waitress for the tables so you don't have to worry about going up to and waiting for a drink at the busy bar. And the waitress, she was on point with the signature drinks. She flat out told me not get a certain drink because it was 'nasty.' She claimed that it had been returned on several other occasions and it just wasn't a drink that was popular. I respect when a waitress/waiter can be honest and actually know the menu.

For the party, they sectioned off the entire back of the bar. There was great space, even once the DJ arrived. It would also be a great place in the warmer months. There is an outdoor patio with great seating and if it is a bit chilly there are individual heaters. For her party, it was snowing so an outdoor celebration wasn't an option!

Now to the good stuff..the FOOD! Her husband ordered a variety of appetizers; pizza, wings, spinach/artichoke dip, bruschetta and a vegetable tray. His mother also provided a cake and cake pops! Up first, the pizza. It was to die for. I was so full after the first walk through of the appetizers, but the staff just kept refilling each item and I could not stop eating the pizza. It was sooo cheesy and garlicky. Even the dough had great flavor. Paired with their Ranch dressing = awesome! Definitely a must order any time you go!

Spinach/Artichoke Dip. Hot and gooey; when you used the spoon to put it on your plate, the cheese just oozed from the serving bowl to your plate.

Wings. Crisp and perfectly cooked. However, for the party, they left them plain but provided BBQ and hot sauce to spoon over yourself. I love that idea, then if people just want to eat them plain with ranch they can too. You don't really have to worry about pleasing everyone with a ton of different flavors.

Bruschetta. An appetizer favorite and was very delicious. Served with crispy crostini (toasted bread), it was the perfect light bite paired with the pizza.

Now, Monroeville is sort of far for me to travel to hang out and drink because then I would have to drive back to the city; however, I do have friends that live out that way and that is a definite must stop spot and then spend the night!

Please, check out Brewstone Beer company, not for just the great tasting beer selections, but also the great tasting appetizers, especially the pizza. Let me know what you think!!!!

Friday, March 8, 2013

Luke Wholey's - Strip District

Hi All,

So I went here for my friend, Jason's 30th birthday. In theory, it was a completely great idea; however, in reality - EPIC FAIL. I really wanted this place to be good but it just wasn't. Don't get me wrong the atmosphere is fabulous and I will definitely return for drinks, especially in the warmer months as they have garage doors that open to the outside but I don't think that I will return for the food.

First, service. The staff was incredibly slow. Knowing that a party of 10-12 has been reserved, you would think that they assigned the right number of staff members. For example, we were supposed to have our own bartender - did not happen and we had one guy, who seemed like it was his first night. I felt bad for him but all those little kinks should have been worked out. It took 30-35 minutes for one drink so, like if we were at a crowded bar, ordered multiple at a time. And, the dining room wasn't bust at all. Moreover, the waiter not only spilled a glass of red wine on the birthday boy's jacket but then tartar sauce on his fiance's jacket and scarf all while having stains of his own on his white shirt.

Second, food. My friend, Katie, ordered oysters to be brought out once everyone arrived and they did. There were two different kinds, regular and Japanese. I am not an oyster fan; however, I did attempt both flavors. The regular I couldn't get down and the Japanese were a little firmer, like a mussel, and tasted like the beach. Not bad! My friend, Katharine ordered Cajun grilled peel and eat shrimp. These had great flavor but I am biased to peel and eat shrimp because it takes work to get to the food, ha! Now the entrees....the fish and chips and the shrimp po' boy were really good along with the blackened Ahi Tuna sandwich. If I were ever to go back for lunch or dinner, these would be the dishes that I would consider getting. The lobster roll was sub-par. If you're craving that, head to Roland's. I got the shrimp and scallops over rice with a side of zucchini. The shrimp and the scallops were pretty good but the rice was drowned in soy sauce and the zucchini shavings, although sprinkled with parmesean cheese out of a canister, had no flavor at all. Overall, not good.

If you like oysters, this is a cool spot! Also, like I mentioned above, in the warmer months the atmosphere will be awesome for casual or formal drinks! Let me know what you think!