Smokin'

Wow, 2012 - WHAT A YEAR! TOP celebrated its one year anniversary, PID and I got engaged, I finally graduated to a big-girl camera, we celebrated the EXCITING launch of City Dining Cards and made a lot of wonderful new foodie friends. As we move into 2013, we have a few big announcements, but first we have to make up for lost time.  It's been a while since we've posted a review, but that doesn't mean we haven't been collecting delicious material!

In early December, a lovely F.O.R.T. (whom we'll call MM for Munhall Molly) relocated to Munhall and was in desperate need of an extra hand to help assemble some furniture and offered to take me to lunch at Smoke in return for the favor. Turns out there really IS no such thing as a free lunch, but she knows me too well. Food bribes never fail with me. And I was pumped to finally try the place out.

Round Corner Cantina, Pgh Dining Cards and GIVEAWAY!

Lately we've had the unshakable feeling that the decks have been undeniably stacked in our favor. Now, we KNOW it's the case! On Tuesday, City Dining Cards officially launched their Pittsburgh deck at a party at Round Corner Cantina in Lawrenceville. PID and I stopped in to celebrate with a few of our very favorite Pittsburgh bloggers and the brilliant minds behind the dining deck.

Verde Tasty

Ahh, springtime in Pittsburgh.  Typically beautiful, but virtually non-existant this year. We've completely skipped over spring and melted the snow with an unnatural summer heat.  It's baffling, but I can't say I'm actually complaining. Weather like this presents the perfect opportunity to take advantage of quite possibly my very favorite activity on the planet: dining al fresca!

I'd been jonesin' hard for some primo outdoor patio time when one of Pittsburgh's newest restaurants, @VerdePGH, popped on to my Twitter feed with an announcement that their patio was indeed open for business.  That settled it. The moment the clock struck 5 I packed up my things (a rare occurrence...) and swung by to pick up a very special F.O.R.T (who we'll call E1) to head deep into the heart of Garfield and fill our bellies at Verde Mexican Kitchen & Cantina.

Verde is hardly difficult to find.  The neon green walls of the building serve as just one of the many reasons for the restaurants name.

The fresh and inviting exterior gave way to a lively and colorful industrial setting inside.  But although the restaurant's open floor plan allowed for it to open up to the outdoors beautifully, we weren't headed inside.

A table was open for us on the patio and we sat right down. We were barely in our seats when we were greeted by our friendly server and a complimentary serving of chips with (of course) a verde tomatillo salsa. The salsa had just the right kick and tasted incredibly fresh and delicious and the chips were crisped and salted to perfection.

Chips & Salsa, $4 (complimentary first round)

With the weather as beautiful as it was, we found it extremely difficult to pass up the happy hour $5 margarita special. So we didn't.  E1 tried the Casa Verde or house 'rita ($5 during happy hour, $7 during regular business hours) while I couldn't ignore the passion fruit and pomegranate of the Baja Eden 'rita ($9) calling my name.  The drinks were refreshing and delicious. The alcohol was far from overwhelming so the flavor was the star of the show, which is just how I like it.

Casa Verde Margarita, $7 ($5 during 5-7 p.m. happy hour)

Baja Eden Margarita, $9

E1 and I were both smitten with our server and his abounding knowledge of Verde's ingredients and flavors. His descriptions of the day's specials and answers to our questions about how certain menu items were cooked really helped us to make an informed decision about our meals.

Their menu was still slightly seasonally geared to winter but, um... technically winter had only ended the day before, so I'm not really judging.  I mention this only because I was drawn toward the Pozola Verde (a traditional hominy-based stew, pork shoulder, tomatillo, jalapeño and pumpkin seed for $8) but our server mentioned it was a bit heartier and a warmer stew, whereas I was sitting outside in the summ...er...spring heat and wanted something fresh and light.  So I went instead with the Marlin Pescado Tacos ($15) while E1 gave the Pollo Tacos ($12) a go.

Pollo Tacos, $12

Pescado Tacos, $15

I'll let you in on a little secret: E1 and I both have a habit of talking a lot (though I'm sure reading my copy heavy food blog has NEVER given you that impression before...).  So imagine our surprise when our taco platters arrived and not a word was exchanged between us for a solid eight minutes as we devoured every last bite.

I'm starting to wonder if Pittsburgh may be becoming the Fish Taco capital of the world in a geographically surprising turn of events.  First I was blown away by California Taco Shop, and now Verde has certainly come up as a strong competitor. Using fresh, locally sourced ingredients Verde's tacos made for a meal which could rival any costly, gourmet/fine dining dish. E1's poblano crema balanced the heat beautifully while my chipotle aioli married with the crunch of the slaw in a way that made me leave no crumb behind.

Restaurant Information:

Verde Mexican Kitchen & Cantina

Address: 5491 Penn Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15206 

Phone:  412-404-8487

Reservations: You can make a reservation directly from their website, over the phone or at OpenTable.com

Hours: Dinner is served beginning at 5 p.m. every day, but Brunch is on the docket later this spring...

Cliffs Notes:

Baja Eden Margarita @ $9

Casa Verde Margarita @ $5

Pescado Tacos @ $15

Rollo Tacos @ $12

Tax:                        Food tax  @ 7% (Allegheny County only) @ $2.87

Tip:                           $9
Total for two:          $52.87

Overall Opinion:
It's exciting to see innovative new eateries like Verde popping up in underdeveloped areas of the city offering local ingredients and a fresh take on preparing familiar foods. This experience was nothing short of what we were hoping to find: great tasting food and a unique dining atmosphere. I tip my hat to  native Pittsburgher Chef LBEE for bringing her Latin-American culinary experiences back with her to the 'burgh. What once was "Mexican" is now truly a refreshing twist on global cuisine in which I will be happy to partake again and again.  I look forward to the menu evolving to feature seasonal spring ingredients, especially. For the experience, for the ambiance, for the food, for the company -- do yourself a favor and go green. Give Verde a try.

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California Taco Shop Love

Almost daily, PID and I drive by this tiny, hole in the wall, shack of a building on Rt. 51 with a sign outside that reads California Taco Shop. For months I thought this place was closed. But as I drove this past weekend, I caught a flicker of neon reds and blues out of the corner of my eye.  California Taco Shop was indeed open for business.

I had been on my way to meet PID at the gym when I saw the sign in the window and after a rigorous workout, we were both in the mood for a filling lunch to get us through the day. I immediately suggested my exciting new find and we pulled into the empty parking lot with our fingers crossed.

Inside, an adorably festive six-table dining room was waiting for us.  It was quaint, but still a pleasant surprise from the deceptively drab exterior.

An extremely friendly young man greeted us and took our order, taking the time to carefully explain to me how a torta was like the Mexican version of a Primanti's sandwich and guaranteeing that I would quickly become addicted to their fish tacos. I was also extremely excited to see that they serve...wait for it...breakfast burritos!

I decided to take him up on his offer and ordered FOUR tacos -- one fish, one beef, a carnitas and a grilled chicken. I called it a focus group.

PID ordered a chicken enchilada,  chicken burrito and a beef taco (he couldn't be trusted to not steal mine).

I am now fully convinced that angels placed this tiny little taco shop less than a mile from our house.  My carnitas was, without question, the most perfectly cooked shredded pork I've ever inhaled. It had a deep, smokey flavor that I wasn't even remotely expecting. The beef and fish tacos were equally outstanding,

Carnitas taco, $3

Chicken/Beef tacos, $3

And the promise of fish taco-addiction? No hoax. The filet was lightly breaded and fried, sealing in a deliciously buttery, flaky fish which could not have tasted any better with the freshly chopped tomatoes, cilantro, green tomato hot sauce and homemade guacamole.

Fish tacos, $3

PID's burrito was enormous and made with fresh chicken breast and fresh cut veggies. It was the perfect ratio of meat-to-veggies-to-rice-to-beans.

Chicken burrito, $6

But the real star of the show was PID's chicken enchilada. I had a tiny bite just to try it. Then had another. Then politely requested another and finally had to remind myself that I had four tacos to finish. So much flavor. Perfect balance of heat and sweet. I dreamt about that enchilada.

Chicken Enchilada, $3

Restaurant Information:

California Taco Shop

Address: 2760 Saw Mill Run Blvd (across 51 from the Dairy Queen)

Phone:  412-885-5600

Reservations: Not taken or needed.

Hours: Mon-Thurs, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

             Friday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

             Saturday, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. (closed Sunday)

Cliffs Notes:

2 beef tacos @ $3.00
1 fish taco @ $3.00
1 grilled chicken taco @ $3.00
1 carnitas taco @ $3.00
1 grilled chicken burrito @ $6.00
1 chicken enchilada @ $4.00

Tax:                        Food tax  @ 7% (Allegheny County only) @ $1.75

Tip:                           $5.00
Total for two:          $26.75

 

Overall Opinion:

I think PID and I are in a bit of trouble.  Not only have we discovered the world's most delicious taco shop north of the Texas state line, but the pleasant man at the counter let us in on a little secret...they start DELIVERY on February 1st.  DELIVERY.  When PID and I first met, he used to tell me his adorable business ideas like the self-stirring pot and how he was the one who really invented TIVO. But the one he had always been the most ambitious about was opening a Mexican restaurant that delivered. I'm so sorry that PID has been beaten to the punch, but I have to admit I'm so happy that we have a taco-craving fix whenever we want it! (My tummy and my wallet may not be as approving, however).

We ate like kings (and had a few leftovers) for only $27.  We took our food home to enjoy, but I wouldn't be opposed to dining in their bright, fun little dining room sometime. The staff was incredible and the food was to die for.  This place is a win for the dive joints of the world.  Ole!

Cinco de My-Oh-My!

Cinco de Mayo.  The very special holiday where Mexicans celebrate their most important civic holiday and Americans pretend they're Mexican for an acceptable excuse to drink tequila on a weeknight.

So in honor of this very awesome non-American holiday, I've decided to put together an abbreviated TOP-Ten (okay, we'll call it a TOP-five for accuracy) list of the Burgh's best Mexican restaurants, at least in my opinion. I admit I'd like to review more Mexican Restaurants so I open this post up to any and all spicy suggestions.

I'd like to start by saying I've chosen my TOP-five with a pang of sadness.  My very favorite Mexican Restaurant is no longer open to the public.  Poor Las Velas.  I miss you so much and wish you'd come back.  Will you please come back?

5 - El Sombrero (Cranberry Twp):  I've only been here once and it was a long time ago, but I remember it being so authentic and delicious....and SPICY! And that's what I love.  Menus written in Spanish may confuse the crap out of me, but at least I feel confident about the food I'm about to receive. Check their website for "All You Can Eat Taco Nights!" They're offering a chance to win a free dinner on Cinco de Mayo so check it out! Also... the fried ice cream.  Just do it.

4 - Emiliano's (South Side): I've only been to the South Side location, but they've also got restaurants in the North Hills and now Gibsonia.  Something for everyone! They have an excellent vegetarian menu and really great interior decor! They all open at 11 a.m. tomorrow morning so get their early for the big fiesta (and Margarita specials)!

3 - Picante Grille (Dormont): Every Tuesday is $1 Margarita Day.  Yes, you heard me. $1 Margaritas.  Known and loved for their amazing quesadillas, these guys also throw a mean party. Tomorrow you can get a $7 combo dinner platter and $2 Dos Equis.

2 - Mad Mex (All over PGH, Columbus and PSU, too!): Is it weird that my ABSOLUTELY FAVORITE thing on their menu (aside from the Big Azz Margarita) is their Mahi Mahi Salad? Their wings and giant burritos are great too but that Salad....mmmm.  Tomorrow they're serving breakfast starting at 9 a.m.and they've got specials going all day.  The Shadyside location is where I'll be (squeezed in with everyone else in the region) starting at 6 p.m. Come meet me!

1 - Los Chiludos (Canonsburg): If you haven't, please, PLEASE try it.  Make the trek.  It's worth it.  It was the one and only time in my entire life that I had ZERO leftovers when leaving a homespun Mexican restaurant. I ate it all and wanted more.  PID and his coworkers go crazy for Los Chiludos and he begged me to make it number one on this list, but didn't have to beg too hard.  I know a good burrito when I see one.  They've recently moved to Southpointe Blvd, so make sure you check out their new location!


So tip your glass and your sombrero to these TOP-five Mexican restaurants in the area.  Enjoy your tequila, but make sure you enjoy your food while you're at it!

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Wordless Wednesday: WELCOME TO MOE'S!

Now I know my main squeezes are the locally owned and operated powerhouses in our fine city.  But once in a while I just have to give a shout out to well known favorite.

Gotta love the warm "WELCOME TO MOE'S" you get from the enthusiastic, efficient assembly line every time you walk through the door :)

I had the Homewrecker Burrito with black beans and mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmboy was it good!

The FREE chips and bottomless salsa with every order ain't a bad gig either.

A HUGE thank you to Moe's for sending me $10 in Moe's Bucks to play with! It was more than enough to fill my belly for the entire day.