January 14 - January 28 is Pittsburgh Restaurant Week!!!! 50 Restaurants are participating and have amazing fixed menu specials. I will be in and out of a few myself to try as much delicious food as possible and I will report back to all of you with my findings. Each day, whether lunch or dinner, I will blog my experience, so stay tuned to hear about one of your favorite restaurants. If there is a specific restaurant that you want me to try, then please comment on here or on my Facebook and let me know!
Also, if anyone has tried a restaurant participating in Pittsburgh Restaurant Week, please share your thoughts about the restaurant and especially the food. Here is to your culinary journey, happy eating!!!!!
Website: http://pittsburghrestaurantweek.com/
Showing posts with label dinner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dinner. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Monday, January 14, 2013
Point Brugge Cafe
Point Brugge Cafe is one of my favorite places in the city to eat. It has a great atmosphere and most of all great food. I have had may of the items that are featured on the menu, including: Hop Devil Shrimp, Macaroni Gratin, Moules Frites with basil mayonnaise (all flavors), Chaud Chevre salad, Cafe Chicken sandwich and the Point Burger. There are alot of other amazing things on the menu but when I go to Point Brugge its for an appetizer and then the Mussles! I have had mussels at other restaurants but they have not compared to the mussles at Point Brugge. My friends, who have actually been to Brussels said that these mussels rival the ones they had in Belgium!
Now to discuss the food! Let's start at the beginning, shall we:
Mussels - the star of the show - there are two sizes, a pound and a half or a little smaller. There are also three different flavors: white wine, shallots, garlic and cream (My absolute favorite), curry, coconut milk, basil and cilantro, or tomato, fried brussel sprouts and parmesean. If you get the large portion, french fries with their wonderful basil mayonnaise is included. As I said the white wine sauce is my favorite but I did have them all and they are all very good. The mussels are cooked perfectly; however, there will be grit/sand in a couple of them - that is normal. Also, you get unlimited pieces of warm baguette bread to dip in the overflowing sauce of your choice!
Hop Devil Shrimp - 6 Large, succulent shrimp, cooked perfectly and beer battered in Hop Devil beer. The hop devil beer is very tangy and provides a nice flavor to the shrimp especially when dipping them into the slightly spicy, Asian dipping sauce. Perfect start to anyone's culinary experience at Point Brugge.
Macaroni Gratin - Macaroni baked in three cheeses; gruyere (one of my favorites), parmesean and cheddar. One of the best baked macaroni and cheese dishes that I have ever ate. Its not too heavy to start off your meal.
Chaud Chevre Salad - Crisp greens with asparagus and roasted red peppers with the acompaniement of soft, warm, creamy goat cheese. And the house dressing - very tasty! This is my favorite of all the salad options. But, I love goat cheese especially on a salad. There is an option to add salmon, chicken or portabella mushrooms. To me, there is nothing like warm, creamy goat cheese paired with perfectly cooked salmon.
Cafe Chicken sandwich - Grilled Chicken on a warm baguette with fresh mozzerella, roasted red peppers, romaine lettuce and basil mayonnaise. I love mayonnaise, its my favorite condiment. And their basil mayo is to die for. it lightens up the richness of the mayo and provides great flavor to this and any sandwich and french fries.
Point Burger - Fresh ground chuck topped with bacon, carmelized shallots, fontina cheese, arugula, and whole grain mustard aioli. Now, with this burger, I change mine up a bit. Really, I mean with the aioli and the basil mayonnaise. I dont like whole grain mustard so I switch the mustard out for the mayo. For those of you who may not know - shallots are in the onion family but there flavor is not as bold as the onion. And caremlized, they are perfect. Arugula, is a lettuce that usually goes on top of different sandwiches wtih a smoky, peppery flavor.
Please check out Point Brugge either for lunch, dinner or brunch and let me know what you think! I havent been there for brunch, but I heard it was amazing! Also, I would get there a little early because its not just one of my favorites, it does get crowded quickly and the wait can be quite long, especially with a large party. In the warmer months, they do provide outside seating but that is also limited. Stay and have a cocktail, beer or wine, they have quite the selection and not too pricey.
Now to discuss the food! Let's start at the beginning, shall we:
Mussels - the star of the show - there are two sizes, a pound and a half or a little smaller. There are also three different flavors: white wine, shallots, garlic and cream (My absolute favorite), curry, coconut milk, basil and cilantro, or tomato, fried brussel sprouts and parmesean. If you get the large portion, french fries with their wonderful basil mayonnaise is included. As I said the white wine sauce is my favorite but I did have them all and they are all very good. The mussels are cooked perfectly; however, there will be grit/sand in a couple of them - that is normal. Also, you get unlimited pieces of warm baguette bread to dip in the overflowing sauce of your choice!
Hop Devil Shrimp - 6 Large, succulent shrimp, cooked perfectly and beer battered in Hop Devil beer. The hop devil beer is very tangy and provides a nice flavor to the shrimp especially when dipping them into the slightly spicy, Asian dipping sauce. Perfect start to anyone's culinary experience at Point Brugge.
Macaroni Gratin - Macaroni baked in three cheeses; gruyere (one of my favorites), parmesean and cheddar. One of the best baked macaroni and cheese dishes that I have ever ate. Its not too heavy to start off your meal.
Chaud Chevre Salad - Crisp greens with asparagus and roasted red peppers with the acompaniement of soft, warm, creamy goat cheese. And the house dressing - very tasty! This is my favorite of all the salad options. But, I love goat cheese especially on a salad. There is an option to add salmon, chicken or portabella mushrooms. To me, there is nothing like warm, creamy goat cheese paired with perfectly cooked salmon.
Cafe Chicken sandwich - Grilled Chicken on a warm baguette with fresh mozzerella, roasted red peppers, romaine lettuce and basil mayonnaise. I love mayonnaise, its my favorite condiment. And their basil mayo is to die for. it lightens up the richness of the mayo and provides great flavor to this and any sandwich and french fries.
Point Burger - Fresh ground chuck topped with bacon, carmelized shallots, fontina cheese, arugula, and whole grain mustard aioli. Now, with this burger, I change mine up a bit. Really, I mean with the aioli and the basil mayonnaise. I dont like whole grain mustard so I switch the mustard out for the mayo. For those of you who may not know - shallots are in the onion family but there flavor is not as bold as the onion. And caremlized, they are perfect. Arugula, is a lettuce that usually goes on top of different sandwiches wtih a smoky, peppery flavor.
Please check out Point Brugge either for lunch, dinner or brunch and let me know what you think! I havent been there for brunch, but I heard it was amazing! Also, I would get there a little early because its not just one of my favorites, it does get crowded quickly and the wait can be quite long, especially with a large party. In the warmer months, they do provide outside seating but that is also limited. Stay and have a cocktail, beer or wine, they have quite the selection and not too pricey.
Monday, December 3, 2012
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!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Food of the Mediterranian
Mediterrano:
A great friend of mine and I decided to meet for lunch one day. See, we used to work together and then he retired but every year when the Greek Church would have their annual Greek Food Festival he would get so excited and buy multiple orders of Pastitsio. Every time I would pass Mediterrano, located off of Babcock Boulevard, I knew that we had to go there.
It was a Thursday afternoon around 3:00pm so in between lunch and dinner; there were the two of us and one other table. It was very cute and quiet and the atmosphere was awesome. Another perk, it's BYOB!! Its perfect for a great little date night spot; a bottle of wine, great food and a romantic atmosphere.
Anyway, to the food! He knew right away what he was going to order but I looked over the the menu and decided to order the same, except I got rice as my side and he ordered the Greek fries. For dinner, you get two sides. The pastitsio was luscious and buttery. When you cut it with a fork, the béchamel sauce just oozed out. It was rich and just sooo good! The rice was perfectly cooked and was a great accompaniment. Don't count out the fries though. They were amazing! Feta cheese and oregano on the warm fries was delicious. It was a hearty helping that would not let you go hungry. If you have a day of just relaxation, it is perfect for lunch but make sure you take a good bottle of wine to complete the dish! The menu is priced just right for your wallets and will leave you satisifed with possible left overs.
I love Greek Food Festivals, but for fresh, made to order authentic Mediterranean food, Check out Mediterrano! Let me know what you think.
A great friend of mine and I decided to meet for lunch one day. See, we used to work together and then he retired but every year when the Greek Church would have their annual Greek Food Festival he would get so excited and buy multiple orders of Pastitsio. Every time I would pass Mediterrano, located off of Babcock Boulevard, I knew that we had to go there.
It was a Thursday afternoon around 3:00pm so in between lunch and dinner; there were the two of us and one other table. It was very cute and quiet and the atmosphere was awesome. Another perk, it's BYOB!! Its perfect for a great little date night spot; a bottle of wine, great food and a romantic atmosphere.
Anyway, to the food! He knew right away what he was going to order but I looked over the the menu and decided to order the same, except I got rice as my side and he ordered the Greek fries. For dinner, you get two sides. The pastitsio was luscious and buttery. When you cut it with a fork, the béchamel sauce just oozed out. It was rich and just sooo good! The rice was perfectly cooked and was a great accompaniment. Don't count out the fries though. They were amazing! Feta cheese and oregano on the warm fries was delicious. It was a hearty helping that would not let you go hungry. If you have a day of just relaxation, it is perfect for lunch but make sure you take a good bottle of wine to complete the dish! The menu is priced just right for your wallets and will leave you satisifed with possible left overs.
I love Greek Food Festivals, but for fresh, made to order authentic Mediterranean food, Check out Mediterrano! Let me know what you think.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
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.
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.
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 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!!!!
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!!!!
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