TOP-ten: A Few of my Favorite Things & Giveaway

I've been silent and still for some time now - taking a hiatus from blogging until my life calms town a bit - but it's the season of giving and I believe it's about time I gave you some READING material!

This post is essentially my personal take on the perfect Pittsburgh foodie gift guide. I'm aptly naming it "Blake's Favorite Things" (brilliant, I know). Keep reading to check out the deets for our first giveaway in a while!

So here it is. A "TOP-ten" list of my very favorite things that should totally make it under your tree or in your favorite foodie's stocking this year.

#10 - Wasabi Peas from Trader Joe's (<$10)

#9 - P is for Pierogi apron from Garbella ($28)

#8 - A copy of Pittsburgh's Chef Table, written by my gal pals at EatPGH. Learn culinary secrets from your favorite local chefs! ($18)

#7 - Walnut Creek pickled red beet eggs available at McGinnis Sisters. Seriously, prepare to be addicted. (<$10)

#6 - A bottle of Wigle White Wheat Whiskey. This stuff is so incredibly smooth and light and works equally well in a mix or straight up. I order this whiskey every time I get a pecan smoke stack at Industry Public House. ($32)

#5 - A pack of City Dining Cards, because who DOESN'T love getting a discount on the food you already love? The '13-'14 edition is out now! ($20)

#4 - A gift card to Nicky's Thai Kitchen because I always, ALWAYS want a gift card to Nicky's Thai Kitchen. (choose your own value)

#3 - A gift basket of Jalepeno Olive Oil and Fig Balsamic Vinegar (my two personal favorites...) from The Olive Tap available at Pittsburgh Public Market ($38)

#2 - Tickets to the Pittsburgh Brew 'N Chew on January 11 and perhaps a ride home from P.E.A.R ($35 or $15 for designated driver ticket, P.E.A.R rides vary based on destination)

#1 - Mmm speaking of beer, a growler full of of East End's Snow Melt Winter Ale, my very favorite winter beer!








So PID - take note. This is my wish list. And for the foodie on YOUR wish list, get them any of the above and they will certainly be pleased as punch.

Do you want to win a pair of tickets to #2 - the Brew 'N Chew - for yourselves? Here are the rules!

Earn 1 entry for liking GoodTaste! Pittsburgh (they're throwing the brew bash) on Facebook
Earn another (1) entry for following @GoodTastePGH on Twitter
Earn yet another (1) entry for sharing a link to the event on either social network
(Total of three entries possible)

Comment on this blog post and tell me how many entries you've made (I'll check - so be honest!) and how to contact you.  I will draw a winner on Thursday, December 19 at 9 p.m. and announce the winner on Friday morning.

Good luck and happy holiday shopping!!

Pin It Tweet

TOP-Ten Most Romantic Restaurants, 2012

So, tomorrow is Valentine's Day, huh?  THANKS FOR LETTING ME KNOW, WORLD!

Many of you have been viewing my 2011 list as to no doubt plan for the big day and I have to apologize for not updating it this year until now! I may have been preoccupied recently, but I guess a last-minute post on some of our top-picks for this year's most romantic restaurants falls under the term "better late than never." Here are PID's and my top choices for 2012 and a quick bite as to why:

#10 Cioppino

If your sweety is a cigar aficionado, then Cioppino will be a special treat.  With an amazing "old school" cigar room, delicious wine menu and a romantic ambiance -- complete with more than occasional live musical performances -- Cioppino is a great place to balance "his" and "hers" date desires.







#9 Casbah

If you're looking for a completely romantic phsyical setting, then Casbah is your golden goose. One of my favorite beautiful indoor dining experiences in the 'burgh. They have a special Valentine's Day tasting menu but beware -- the special menus are like Sirens: beautiful but deadly (to your wallet, anyway: delicious but small portions for a very high cost).






#8 Ibiza

What better way to prove your love for one another than with tapas? Ibiza is one of my favorite tapas experiences in the city with surprisingly substantial portion sizes that are delicious to boot.  The floor-to-ceiling windows provide for a great view and the semi-enclosed back patio is extremely romantic.











#7 Girasole

This outstanding little authentic-feeling hole-in-the-wall gem is a versatile solution to your valentine's Day.  Not only is it an intimate and romantic setting for a date, but it's one of my very favorite "girls night out" locations, mere steps away from the adult-entertainment of Shadyside proper.  PID and I haven't reviewed it, but you can trust my female F.O.R.Ts and I that this place is worth checking out whether you're trying to impress a Valentine or trying to avoid the holiday and kick back with your ladies!




#6 Willow

Willow drops from #1 to #6 on my "most romantic restaurants" list this year, but I can't remove it altogether. In my mind, it's still by far the most beautiful and unique restaurant in the greater Pittsburgh -- tucked away in the woods (which are, no doubt, beautifully snowcrest at this point), you and your honey can cozy up by one of many fire places in this amazingly romantic establishment. Under new management, their menu has changed slightly (and sadly not necessarily for the better) since our first visit, but it's still delicious and outstanding!




#5 Braddocks American Brasserie

We've never reviewed it officially, and that's just a shame.  After visiting Braddock's on Light Up Night back in November, PID and I immediately fell in love (with the restaurant, duh). I vowed to give this place 4 rousing stars, but my busy schedule got the best of me and never could.  Their prix-fixe menu is to-die-for and, on the first floor of the famous Renaissance Hotel it's a great "eat and stay" date night. Let your valentine go to bed full and satisfied (no jokes, here) and wake up to the beautiful view of the Allegheny River!




#4 1796 Room

Looking for another "getaway" Valentine's celebration? Make a reservation (no seriously, DO IT NOW!) for an overnight stay at the Bedford Springs Resort and Spa only 1.5 hours east of Pittsburgh and make dinner reservations (early) for 1796.  The place is completely unique and historical with a winning wine list.  You'll win mega points for this trip and dinner.  Trust me on this one.





#3 Paris 66

It's intimate, it's BYOB, it's French. Get ready to be transported directly to a Parisian cafe the moment you step inside this place.  Perfect for the wannabe travelers, Paris 66 offers everything from savory french dishes to delicious sweet crepes.  And the best part? You can bring your very best and very favorite wine for only a small corking fee. LOVE IT! They, too, have a Valentine's tasting menu, but hurry! The dining room is small and fills up fast!





#2 Soba

Two floors of pure romance, this place screams "let's makeout later!" Everything from the intimate lighting, to the fountain wall, to the friendly and informative staff makes this place the ideal date spot. Their menu leans toward Asian cuisine, but has delicious options for any diner.  My one piece of advice? DON'T forgo dessert.










#1 Grand Concourse

Ate here once, many moons ago with mama and papa TOP and couldn't help but think: this is like, the most beautiful restaurant with the best view ever. It needed to make #1 on the list because after just one visit, I've never forgotten it and hear nothing but amazing things about the food above and beyond the crablegs I devoured and loved.  Dear PID, please take me here.






So there you have it.  The world of Pittsburgh romance in 2012.  What have I missed? What do you disagree with?  Where would you like to see us eat this year to add to the list next year? And most of all...where did YOU celebrate the day of love?  I'd love to hear from you!

Party on the REAL St. Paddy's

By now, we've hopefully all completely recovered from our weekend long St. Paddy's Burgh hangover -- or at least we're close. But it's officially time to make a very important decision on where to celebrate the REAL Saint Patrick's Day!

Pittsburgh has a surprising offering of authentic (enough) Irish Pubs and restaurants to choose from as well as a plethora of St. Pat's Specials to choose from.  Here is my TOP ten list of magically delicious Irish offerings for you!

#10 -- McFadden's Restaurant & Saloon. It's a chain, and I typically don't love to promote chains. But it's Irish. Tomorrow they'll have $2 green Millers and $5 Car Bombs (and March Madness). Do they have Irish food? Nope. But I've had what they call a Dublin Burger, and it's Dublin' the delicious!
211 North Shore Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: (412) 322-3470

#10-- Claddagh.  Yes, another chain. But I consider it worthy of making the list. To enjoy the food you have to have a palate for the startchy Irish culinary classics that they serve.  It's not the greatest Irish fare I've tasted, but it's also not the worst.  They certainly have quite the appropriate tap roster (Guinness, Smitwick's, Harp, Killians...the list goes on).  Call them for Thursday specials.
407 Cinema Drive
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15203
Phone: (412) 381-4800

#8 -- Patrick's Pub.  I list it eigth only because I have to admit I haven't been there myself.  But if their active Twitter account and fan base is any inclination, these guys know Irish. With specials like Guinness Corned Beef sandwiches, Corned Beef & Cabbage and Chicken Armagh (and of course, classics like Shepherd's Pie and Bangers & Mash), these guys will certainly serve up a meal fit for a leprechaun.  
1625 Brodhead Road
Moon Township PA 15108
Phone: 724-457-9770

#7-- Mahoney's.  Hey -- you know that place on Liberty Ave downtown with the GIANT weird looking statues? Yeah. Head next door.  While it's got a very Irish name, it's missing a few key ingredients that would make it authentic. I'm sad to report I don't recall them having any Smithwick's or Killians (though they've got Guinness and Harp on tap).  They're also missing those classic Irish dishes like Shepherd's Pie or Corned Beef, but they DO have a Bison Burger that's to die for. Give it a shot!
949 Liberty Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-471-4243

#6 -- Gorman's Pub.  I've been here once because it's just so darned convenient.  Down the road a'ways from PID and  it's good food and great beer for a great price.  It's a lot more spacious than it looks and is extremely clean.  Pub food for certain, but a friendly staff and an even friendlier tap list await you inside.
3301 Saw Mill Run Boulevard
Brentwood, PA 15227
Phone: 412-882-7550

#5 -- Finnigan's Wake. Excellent place to celebrate on St. Paddy's Burgh, before (and after) any Pirate or Steeler game, and generally speaking a fun place to hang out.  I've always noted their VERY friendly staff and sectional interior. Tomorrow they'll have drink specials and live music going on all day long!
20 East General Robinson Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Phone: 412.325.2601

#4 -- Piper's Pub. Good food, great Scotch. Though it can't claim Irish fare alone, it certainly proudly represents the culinary stylings of the entire British Isles well. With a list of Single Malt Scotch's that can rival any in the state, Irish breakfasts served all year round, and a slew of TV's that show nothing but football (oh... I'm sorry, SOCCER) all day long -- this place wins my heart time and time again. If you go tomorrow, get the Corned Beef & Cabbage.  Any other day? The Apricot Salmon and red pepper artichoke dip. YUM, I say.
1828 East Carson Street
Pittsburgh PA 15203
Phone: 412-381-3977

#3 -- Molly Brannigan's.  OK, ok...so it's ALSO a chain.  But there's one in Harrisburg, PA (near my hometown) and I spend my first legally drunk New Year's Eve there, so it's got a special place in my heart. When I first visited the Washington Rd. location in Mt. Lebanon, I felt that same love. Irish Nachos...I have no words. Just order them. Tomorrow they will have kegs and eggs and entertainment all day.
660 Washington Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15228
(412) 341-7827

#2 -- Mullaney's Harp & Fiddle. Tiny pub, big Irish flare. The tent/patio area in the back is typically open for business on St. Pat's (both the Pittsburgh celebration and official holiday) so you'll have lots of room to maneuver. Live Irish bands ALL DAY LONG on March 17 and all the Irish beer you can dream of will make your celebration feel real. Their Fish & Chips is actually battered in Guinness -- so it's one of my favorites around.  No matter if you're Italian, Polish, Indian or African, you're Irish at Mullaney's.
2329 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
412-642-6622

#1 -- Paddy's Pour House. Riley's Pour House I have never once been here (Back when it was Paddy's) and NOT had a great time. You know that feeling you get when it's St. Patrick's Day and, even if you're not lucky enough to be Irish like me, you still feel that crazy sense of camaraderie like you've known every person you pass on the street for years? That's how every day is at Paddy's. It's one of the only places in the area you can find Murphy's on tap (and every other Irish liquor and beer you can imagine).  It's also some of the best executed and most diverse Irish menus in the burgh. If you haven't been here, go.  Just once. New to Irish dining? Just try the sampler! (Check out the patio, but don't go on Sundays or Mondays... it won't be open)
215 E. Main Street
Carnegie, PA 15106
Phone: (412) 279-0770.


So Pittsburgh Paddy partiers -- you may take my advice or leave it, but no matter if you're looking to celebrate with we Irish on St. Patrick's (official) Day or you're hoping to make your next St. Paddy's Burgh a wee bit more authentic, I hope you find today's TOP ten list helpful.

I leave you with an Irish toast:

Saint Patrick was a gentleman,
Who through strategy and stealth,
Drove all the snakes from Ireland,
Here’s a toasting to his health.
But not too many toastings
Lest you lose yourself and then
Forget the good Saint Patrick
And see all those snakes again.
'Beannachtam na Feile Padraig!'
Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Slainte!