The Common Plea - Downtown Pittsburgh

Next up, The Common Plea Restaurant in Downtown Pittsburgh.

Now, I went for lunch so I was unable to get the fixed-price menu. However, I did get the Common Plea burger with carmelized onions and basil mayonnaise and french fries.

Service was good, I sat in the bar section and it was a little past lunchtime so noone was in the bar, which freed the bartender to be able to be attentive to my table as well as the bar; Food, not bad. The burger came without cheese and actually to add cheese and bacon, it would have been an extra $3. Obnoxious! But the carmelized onions were good and so was the mayo; doesnt compare to the basin mayo from Point Brugge, but it was still good. The french fries were good - nice and crisp.

Then, for dessert, the Sabayon (French) with fresh berries - Delicious!! For many of you that may not be familiar with a Sabayon, it actually, (in Italian), which from the menu, it seemed that was the path that The Common Plea was headed, is called Zabaione or Zabaglione. It is made from egg yolks, sugar, and a sweet wine usually Marsala wine. Typically, the egg yolks are not necessarily cooked, they are whisked until frothy over a double boiler with all the other ingredients until it firms up - like a hollandaise sauce; however, more recently, it starts as a custard. Either way, soooo good! If not for lunch or dinner, head down for a night out for drinks and dessert and let me know what you think!

Bluebird Kitchen

     Bluebird Kitchen located in downtown Pittsburgh at the beginning of Market Square. Decent food, and good location. They serve breakfast, lunch and desserts and its all hand-made and organic; however, it is quite expensive.

FOOD:

     Two sandwiches and a small pasta salad was nearly $20.00 but was light and refreshing. I decided that I was going to get the roast beef; OVEN DRIED TOMATO, CONFIT GARLIC, THYME ONIONS, ARUGULA, HORSERADISH AIOLI, CIABATTA. During the rush of lunch, the sandwich would have been pre-made, but since I don't like oven-dried tomatoes, mine was made fresh. The pasta salad had great flavors but the small, is exactly what it means, small. If you are going to get it as your meal, I would suggest getting the large, even for lunch. But if you are just ordering it as a side for your sandwich, then it is plenty. Overall, the food is based on tasteful, simple, French cuisine and is a lovely addition to the city of Pittsburgh.

LOCATION:

     The location is great! Right at the start of Market Square, you can and should take your food to go and sit at the many tables surrounding the entire Market Square area. There are only like 6 seats in the entire place all along the front windows - bar style seating and in the summer that isn't bad, because like I mentioned, you can find seating outside, but come winter it's going to be based on first come first serve basis or you will definitely have to take your food to go. The line gets long and if waiting is necessary for your order, it gets kind of cramped.

     Overall, the food is good and light. Location is iffy but if you don't mind a lot of people in your personal space then the space inside would be alright with you. For first-timers, go now, prior to drastic weather changes and see for yourself!!!

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 Soufflė
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!!!!