Ibiza Tapas & Wine Bar

This was my first time dining at Ibiza. However, my friend has been to Spain and vouched that it was not authentic in anyway.  It was more an Americanized version of the spanish tapas, especially the portions. As a food critic/blogger, I ordered many different items from the menu, including: Bruschetta, Crab Cakes, Four cheese lobster ravioli, Spanish meat and cheese plate, and the Patatas bravas, along with the initial bread and hummus. The bruschetta was the best thing that I ate; however, not sure that it originated in Spain and the bread and hummus was equally delicious. The crab cakes had entirely too much spanish mint in the batter, which overpowered the crab. The four cheese lobster ravioli was underdone; even under al dente. For an establishment that portrays high-class, noodles should be one of the easiest things to make. Also, the four cheese sauce was too dense and too thick; it did not complement the lobster at all. Then, there is the meat and cheese plate. There was such an abundance of balsamic marinated olives, that the balsamic ran into the meats and cheeses and that flavor was absorbed into everything. Finally, the patatas bravas. This was, by far, the worst dish on the menu. In fact, just looking at the menu online, it is no longer indicated as an item. It was pretty much chunks of potatoes with Frank's Red Hot poured on top. There was no developed flavor of the sauce. Unless, there is a coupon or special advertised, I will not be returning to dine at Ibiza.

La Casa in Shadyside has a more authentic tasting Tapas and Casbah & The Wine Loft have incredible meat and cheese plates.

Moreover, the service was awful. The waitress was training someone and he was just following behind her like Lurch from The Munsters. He did fill my water glass, but that was only once. Even with two people working the tables on the back porch/patio,   it took a little while for them to return to the table. No where near good tapas.

Let me know what you think or if there is another hidden Tapas gem!

Vanilla Pastry Studio

Hi All,

     Recently my best friend had her birthday! Although, I usually make cakes and cupcakes for friends and family for their birthdays, I decided that with all the other things that needed to be done for her party that I would defer the baking.

     I first had these cupcakes at my friend's wedding. Hands down...the best Red Velvet Cupcakes in the city. I've had Dozen and The Priory, but there is no comparison when it comes to the Red Velvet. I typically do not even consider Red Velvet when I order a cupcake but since they were at a wedding, I had to do my due diligence and try them all. Out of all the cupcakes at the wedding, the Red Velvet cupcake was the only one I ate in its entirety...well 3 of them! Ever since, there have been a few occasions when I've even craved it! So, it was a no-brainer on where to go for her birthday. Plus, she really likes the chocolate-peanut butter.

     The icing itself is just so light and creamy and is the perfect accompaniment to soft, moist cakes. There are a lot of flavors so you can't really go wrong with your flavor choice; however, like I said, I stick with the Red Velvet. It's not too sweet and the cake is fluffy and the icing...it has the perfect amount of vanilla and is so creamy and delicious; you can tell they are made fresh! If you can find one better to rival it, I will check it out and crown a winner!

     As for the atmosphere, you can sit inside, which is decorated in pink! You can see the baker's making new batches and the aroma is to die for. You can place an order by the dozen, a mini dozen or by the cupcake. There are many options and are fairly priced. My suggestion if you want to try a few flavors and not break the bank...go for the mini dozen! For $12, you can try up to 12 flavors, some flavors are excluded, but you can get an understanding of your favorite flavor. Check out Vanilla, located in East Liberty on Penn Circle and let me know what you think!

DELI on North Avenue

     So the other day I was thinking, where can I go on the North side that is also somewhere quite healthy. As I was driving along North Avenue, I saw the big DELI sign. As I read the menu, I realized that there were alot of options and all were made with fresh ingredients.

     Inside, there a few tables that were similair to a coffee shop and it was clean and very inviting. I ordered the Cobb wrap but I didnt stay, as I had to get back to work. Cobb Wrap: Roasted chicken breast, bleu cheese, bacon, egg, avocado, lettuce and tomato on a flour tortilla. However, I opted for the garlic herb tortilla. For $6.95, it was the size of a 12 in sub from Subway, but without the smell, ha! It was very good and filling but I would have liked some kind of dressing. The chicken was a little dry. They also have daily specials that aren't on the menu. You can your order as a salad, wrap or sandwich!

     So, if you are ever in the north side and need a quick healthy lunch or just a quiet atmosphere that won't put a dent in your budget; DELI is where to go. 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!!!

PRIME RIB SHOWDOWN

Hi everyone,

Recently, I had a follower ask me where she could find good prime rib. Then I knew, that was my next venture, to find the best prime rib in the city.

I did some research: 5 places - Pgh Steak Co. in South side, Getaway in Brookline, Grant Bar in Millvale, August Henry's downtown, and Damon's in Robinson....Surprisingly, Morton's was the only steakhouse in the city that offered Prime Rib on the menu. Due to my follower wanting to keep this dinner budget friendly but still have a nice romantic atmosphere, I opted between Pittsburgh Steak Company and August Henry's.

First up: Pittsburgh Steak Company. Now, I'm not really into any other cut of steak besides Filet, due to all the fat that comes with prime rib; however, after I cut all the fat away from the prime rib, it was pretty good. I got mashed potatoes, which could've been creamier and green beans, which were excellent. Good atmosphere and wine was fairly priced. It was only accompanied by Au Jus not a horseradish sauce but it was still tender and tasty.

Finally, August Henry's: The flavoring on the Prime Rib from August Henry's is insane. I got it to go and ate it cold and the flavor was still so so much better than Pgh Steak Co. Plus, nowhere near as fatty either. This is the place! Its $29 and you get a twice baked potato and a side or ceasar salad or cup of soup.

Although, Pittsburgh Steak Company has a Monday night special of all-you-can-eat prime rib. If you arent going on a Monday night, I would suggest August Henry's. It's $5 more and the taste and preparation far more out weigh the cost. But if you're not picky about your dinner out and want to get a good cut of meat for a good price, try Pittsburgh Steak Company on a Monday night! Stay tuned for the next posting.

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!

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!!!!

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!!!!

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.

Ditka's steakhouse

I have been to a lot of the popular steakhouses around the city, i.e. Morton's, Capital Grille, Ruth Chris, Hyde Park and now Ditka's. My friend, Jill, once told me that the best steak that she has ever eaten was at Ditka's so I felt compelled to make my way there. First, I started with the soup; Tortilla Soup vs. Crab Bisque. Winner: Crab Bisque. Although there were a few shells in the soup, overall, it was very flavorful and warm and creamy. The tortilla soup was not thick and there was way too much corn that the corn over powered the flavors of the cheese and the chicken. When asked which soup was better, I indicated the Crab Bisque and the reasons why (too much corn and thin broth) and the waiter brought over a second complimentary cup of the Crab Bisque. Goes to show you, when asked how you like a meal, don't be too shy to state the truth; but in a nice tasteful way and you never know how you can be rewarded...in my case, it was an extra cup of yummy crab bisque.

Next, the main course. Now, all the steakhouses in the city are ala carte when it comes to side dishes. However, Morton's and Hyde Park have special dining promotions. These include side dishes and desserts for a special fixed price. Ditka's did not offer any special dining promotions. I got the filet Oscar, which indicates Filet Mignon topped with a Bearnaise sauce and lump Crab meat.

As for my side, I got the garlic green beans and grilled onions. The steak was very tender (mine was Medium Rare, as how a steak should be cooked) and flavorful, along with the crab; however, the Bearnaise sauce had a not so appetizing taste. A hollandaise sauce would have been a much better paring in my mind. What's the difference, well not much; a Bearnaise is more meaty and used for steaks. The ingredients are similar in both sauces: butter and emulsified egg yolks but with a hollandaise sauce there is lemon juice and the Bearnaise sauce uses herbs like tarragon instead of the lemon juice. I'm not a particular fan of tarragon, which has a licorice flavor so I will always choose Hollandaise over Bearnaise.

The garlic green beans were average, they were sort of soggy but there was good flavor. As for the grilled onions, it was one slice of onion and charred with a few grill marks. It was basically raw once you cut into it and it did not pair well with the steak. I would have loved to have had the caramelized onions from Anthony's Coal Fired paired with my steak!

Finally, the dessert. By this time, I am beyond full. But it is my duty as a food blogger to find the 'best of the burgh' so I pushed on and ordered the Creme Brulee. The custard was cooked too long, it was not as warm and creamy as I am used to; the flavoring was a little bland and definitely did not compare with the Creme Brulee from Morton's or Capital Grille, which is still too close to call as to which is the 'best.' Final Grade: Not worth the money and you can definitely get a better tasting steak dinner that is more satisfying and doesn't break the bank!!!

Welcome Foodies!

Have you ever went to a restaurant and had this intense craving for a certain food but then once it was served to you, it wasn't what you were expecting. I feel like that happens more often than not. Each week, there will be a certain food or foods and by the end of that same week, I will have gone in search for the best i.e. wings in the city. Suggestions/Questions/Comments are encouraged.
There have been countless time that I have gone to a restaurant/bar craving a certain food and then when it arrives in front of me it's A. not very appetizing and B. not as good tasting as I was hoping. Or, when I'm caught between multiple options and I ask the waitress/waiter which I should choose and he/she either has never had the dish or he or she says 'its sooo good, etc' and its actually quite the opposite. I'm not a professional chef...Yet, but I am huge foodie and self-proclaimed wine connoisseur and for someone like myself that LOVES food, I decided that I was going to cut out all of that mess and find the 'Best Of the City'. I want to share my love for great food and great wine plus, where you can find the best, most authentic food in Pittsburgh! From Bloody Mary's to wings to desserts to wine to fruity fun cocktails, I will locate and experience the best food/drink around the city and help guide you to finding the best option for your personality. While on my journeys each week, I will also discuss different recipes and tips to create the exact experience you are looking. There are a lot of options out there and it could get frustrating, not to mention time-consuming and expensive to find that wonderful, amazing meal that you had in mind. There are a lot of places and a lot of choices so that's why I'm here; to help you have an amazing experience every time you decide to dine out! Also, I will share my tips and recipes in case you want to have an amazing, restaurant quality meal in...the possibilities are endless!!!!!
June 4, 2012 will be the first week I actually get started on my journey. Please provide me with any and all suggestions and I can begin my search for the....'Best Of Pittsburgh'