Two of Philly-based Quaker City Mercantile's (you've heard of Hendrick's Gin and Sailor Jerry, right?) boozey brands, Art in the Age and Spodee, will be representing in the Steel City this month.
Showing posts with label South Side. Show all posts
Showing posts with label South Side. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Spodee is EVERYWHERE!
Two of Philly-based Quaker City Mercantile's (you've heard of Hendrick's Gin and Sailor Jerry, right?) boozey brands, Art in the Age and Spodee, will be representing in the Steel City this month.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
South Side Soup Contest
It was a cold, breezy February morning when MM and I ventured down to the South Side Works so we could stand in a long line to walk 15 blocks. Why would we do this, you ask? To eat the most delicious soup in Pittsburgh, of course!Saturday, February 16, 2013
Boxty Brunch at Piper's Pub
 |
| Thanks, PipersPub.com! |
Did you wake up hungry? Too early for lunch but too late for breakfast? Fear not, fellow foodies. I have the perfect solution: Brunch at Piper's Pub!
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Turn the Page
If you've never ventured down beyond the familiar shops and bars of East Carson street, you're missing out. Less than a mile from the South Side Works lies one of Pittsburgh's most famous shacks.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Do Le Brew
PID and I have recently fallen in love with the South Side Works. After the riverwalk renovations were complete, the Works turned in to one of our favorite places to take TOP-Dawg for walks and enjoy the outdoors.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Less-Words Wednesday: Chili with the Works 2012
This past Saturday, a few F.O.R.T.S and I spent our morning running the Genesis 10K. That's 6.2 miles.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Best Of Pizza Club: Volume 2
2010's Best Rated Pizza: Blue Grotto
In November 2010 Pittsburgh Pizza Club stumbled upon some great pies. On a cold rainy night in the 'burgh, we found just what the doctor ordered at Blue Grotto in South Side.
Many of the clubbers had indulged in a late night snack at this joint, but never had we ever had a dinner time meal there.
We came in with a small, but solid crew to put back some slices.
Reason #1 this place rocked:
The fantastic staff!
There was a small staff (of 2) working the night we came in. The person making the pizza was enthusiastic with topping, sauce, and crust suggestions for the club. He was also very interested in giving us an education 0n the styles of pizza they make in the grotto.
Reasons #2, 3 & 4 this place rocked:
The 20" pies featured below
1/2 pepperoni 1/2 meatball
1/2 bianca 1/2 margherita
neopolitan
I really cannot say enough great things about this pizza. The pizza chefs really know how to perfect their craft. The cheese : sauce ratio was on point, the toppings were super fresh, and our member who recently had pizza in Italy said this pizza was the closest in taste to what she had in the homeland. The only small negative we had about the pizza was that it was not as delicious after it cooled to room temp (this wouldn't be an issue for people that ordered appropriate amounts of pizza instead of having huge eyes and stomachs both declaring "NO PIZZA LEFT BEHIND!")
Total cost per person was approx $8 each including beverages.
Overall Blue Grotto scored an amazing 8.5 overall ranking them Best in 2010.
Go there! Eat the pizza NOW! And eat it hot!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Mallorca Double Date Night
Not long ago, PID and I were asked to be Best Man and Maid of Honor in our close friends' (Mr. & Mrs. FORT) wedding! We are SO excited for them and to accept for the responsibility!
To celebrate, the four of us decided to choose a romantic setting for a double date. Mrs. FORT (who, I should mention, has impeccable taste in both men and meals) made the suggestion to head to Mallorca on Carson Street for the occasion. Mr. FORT, PID and I could not have agreed more enthusiastically!
Being a Saturday and all, I made sure to call well ahead to make reservations. The last two times I'd been to Mallorca, I remember having shown up for my reservation well on time and still having to wait in the tiny bar. So this time we shot for an exact arrival time. But whaddaya know, as we were pulling in to the complimentary valet lot at five 'til seven we received a FORText telling us that they were seated at the table and waiting for us. Splendid!
I was excited, because this was my first time sitting in what I'll call "the room to the left." I had eaten in what we'll call "crazy wallpaper room"
a few times and welcomed the change. But the busy wallpaper and slightly tighter quarters aren't what make or break this restaurant. The eclectic atmosphere certainly gives it character, but it's the food and service that I've always felt makes it stand out.
We started with the bread. The butter was of factory descent (i.e. we had to unwrap it at the table) which doesn't ever bother me, but doesn't add extra points, either. We appropriately referred to the bread as "butt bread." Not because it tasted bad, but because...well, see for yourself:
Then, we moved on to the wine and the appetizer. The table decided unanimously on a bottle of Pinot Noir and and an order of the Champignones Relleno (or Fresh Stuffed Mushrooms).
What I love about Mallorca's menu is that it's not only extensive and authentic, but it's completely in Spanish -- helps me to brush up on my conjugation! That may deter some, but the staff is extremely friendly, knowledgeable so they are always around to help answer any questions (and believe me, I had them). Anyway, the Champignones Relleno were excellent! Very juicy and the seafood and Parmesan stuffing with roasted red peppers melted in my mouth.
After the salads (Which, I'll admit I completely forgot to take a photo of but in the way of simple house salads, they hail almighty. The house dressing is a delicious mystery and the heart of palm was a unique-to-the-region accent that I wished there were more of), we moved on to the hard part. Choosing an entree...
Here's where the impeccable service comes in to play. Put aside, for one moment, the fact that the staff is so extensive that you have one person to greet you and take your order, another to make sure your water is always full, still another sommelier to ensure your wine is just right and even more to brush your table clear of crumbs (these guys have their hands full with the likes of us). And is it me, or do every single one of them have a beautiful Spanish accent? But the part that impresses me the most is how many darn specials this place always has and how no waiter has ever once read it off of a piece of paper. They KNOW what their kitchen is serving. Not just the names of the meals, but how it's going to taste, wine pairing suggestions, the works. I was so impressed! That being said... our waiter rattled off so many specials I couldn't remember a single one of them when it came time to order.
Mrs. FORT and I requested that he repeat the Pescado specials because we were 84% sure we'd heard something interesting among them. Sure enough, we did. In fact, we all ordered specials since the lot of us had been there a handful of collective times in the past and were, for the most part, familiar with the standard day-to-day menu.
Mrs. FORT chose the Stuffed Flounder (which I found appropriate since Mr. FORT has been called "Flounder" since approximately 2002).
Stuffed with lobster and crabmeat, Mrs. FORT genuinely seemed to enjoy the flavors. I gave it a shot myself and agreed that they did a great job cooking the flounder to perfection. A particularly boring presentation, the taste was far from lacking.
Mr. FORT had seen (/smelled) a sizzlin' steak go by our table earlier in the evening. It's sheer mass attracted him to try it for himself, so he ordered the 32 oz. prime rib special. He didn't say much...because he didn't stop eating it until it was completely gone, all 32 ounces, which made me think he really liked it!
PID ordered the Veal Osso Bucco which I totally called. His meat was fall-off-the-bone tender, the sauce was delicious and he enjoyed sucking the marrow out of the bone in the most inappropriate manner possible. He told me the ziti was "lame" but that wasn't what he cared about.
I chose the Chilean Sea Bass -- yes again. I think I may have been so jaded by my amazing Sea Bass experience at Bistro 19 that I'm always expecting the most delicious meal of my life. Though it wasn't the same caliber, I will say that this meal was extremely tasty. The sauce was excellent! I would absolutely recommend it.
Another great part of Mallorca is the family style rice, steamed vegetables and homemade chips that come with every meal. Big eaters? Yes, you can order more for no extra charge.
And then it was on to dessert!!
The Spaniards sure know desserts. PID and I shared the triple chocolate cake (chocolate cake, chocolate mousse and white chocolate filling) which was rich and dreamy and far too caloric for how delicious it was!
Mrs. FORT ordered the Flan which we all tried and racked our brain for a good five minutes trying to figure out the flavor that was on the tip of all of our tongues...literally. Finally it came to me (nailed it.), Pumpkin Pie! The smooth pumpkin flavor paired with the sticky caramel seriously brought a tear to my eye. Dare I say it was Flan-tastic?
Mr. FORT ordered the Tiramisu. I think PID hates that I'm "allergic" to coffee because you could see a glimmer in his eye and a quiver in his lower lip when the waiter brought it around. But dear old Mr. FORT let him have a bite and both agreed it was outstanding!
Restaurant Info:
Mallorca
Address: 2228 E. Carson Street
Phone: 412-488-1818
Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-10:30pm
Fri-Sat 11:30am-11:30pm
Sun 12pm-10pm
Reservations: Suggested
Price: $$$$
Cliffs Notes:
Beverages: 2 bottles of Montoya Pinot Noir @ $39
1 glass of diet coke @ $2
Appetizer: Champignones Relleno @ $9.95
Entrees: Chilean Sea Bass @ $39.95
Veal Osso Bucco @ $32.95
Stuffed Flounder @ $29.95
Prime Rib @ $27.95
Desserts: Tiramisu @ $6.00
Triple Chocolate Cake @ $6.00
Flan @ $6.00
Tax @ 7% (Allegheny County only): @ $16.55
Total for Four: $253.30
Overall Opinion:
Obviously, Mallorca is a restaurant that keeps me coming back for more. The unique cultural cuisine and service make it TOP-notch in my book. My only complaint is that I believe that as tasty as their menu truly is, I can't be sure it's 100% worth the high price. Once a year? Sure, absolutely. But the costs deter PID and I from frequenting.
To celebrate, the four of us decided to choose a romantic setting for a double date. Mrs. FORT (who, I should mention, has impeccable taste in both men and meals) made the suggestion to head to Mallorca on Carson Street for the occasion. Mr. FORT, PID and I could not have agreed more enthusiastically!
 |
| Thanks, mallorcarestaurant.com |
Being a Saturday and all, I made sure to call well ahead to make reservations. The last two times I'd been to Mallorca, I remember having shown up for my reservation well on time and still having to wait in the tiny bar. So this time we shot for an exact arrival time. But whaddaya know, as we were pulling in to the complimentary valet lot at five 'til seven we received a FORText telling us that they were seated at the table and waiting for us. Splendid!
I was excited, because this was my first time sitting in what I'll call "the room to the left." I had eaten in what we'll call "crazy wallpaper room"
 |
| Thanks, mallorcarestaurant.com |
We started with the bread. The butter was of factory descent (i.e. we had to unwrap it at the table) which doesn't ever bother me, but doesn't add extra points, either. We appropriately referred to the bread as "butt bread." Not because it tasted bad, but because...well, see for yourself:
Then, we moved on to the wine and the appetizer. The table decided unanimously on a bottle of Pinot Noir and and an order of the Champignones Relleno (or Fresh Stuffed Mushrooms).
What I love about Mallorca's menu is that it's not only extensive and authentic, but it's completely in Spanish -- helps me to brush up on my conjugation! That may deter some, but the staff is extremely friendly, knowledgeable so they are always around to help answer any questions (and believe me, I had them). Anyway, the Champignones Relleno were excellent! Very juicy and the seafood and Parmesan stuffing with roasted red peppers melted in my mouth.
After the salads (Which, I'll admit I completely forgot to take a photo of but in the way of simple house salads, they hail almighty. The house dressing is a delicious mystery and the heart of palm was a unique-to-the-region accent that I wished there were more of), we moved on to the hard part. Choosing an entree...
Here's where the impeccable service comes in to play. Put aside, for one moment, the fact that the staff is so extensive that you have one person to greet you and take your order, another to make sure your water is always full, still another sommelier to ensure your wine is just right and even more to brush your table clear of crumbs (these guys have their hands full with the likes of us). And is it me, or do every single one of them have a beautiful Spanish accent? But the part that impresses me the most is how many darn specials this place always has and how no waiter has ever once read it off of a piece of paper. They KNOW what their kitchen is serving. Not just the names of the meals, but how it's going to taste, wine pairing suggestions, the works. I was so impressed! That being said... our waiter rattled off so many specials I couldn't remember a single one of them when it came time to order.
Mrs. FORT and I requested that he repeat the Pescado specials because we were 84% sure we'd heard something interesting among them. Sure enough, we did. In fact, we all ordered specials since the lot of us had been there a handful of collective times in the past and were, for the most part, familiar with the standard day-to-day menu.
Mrs. FORT chose the Stuffed Flounder (which I found appropriate since Mr. FORT has been called "Flounder" since approximately 2002).
Mr. FORT had seen (/smelled) a sizzlin' steak go by our table earlier in the evening. It's sheer mass attracted him to try it for himself, so he ordered the 32 oz. prime rib special. He didn't say much...because he didn't stop eating it until it was completely gone, all 32 ounces, which made me think he really liked it!
PID ordered the Veal Osso Bucco which I totally called. His meat was fall-off-the-bone tender, the sauce was delicious and he enjoyed sucking the marrow out of the bone in the most inappropriate manner possible. He told me the ziti was "lame" but that wasn't what he cared about.
I chose the Chilean Sea Bass -- yes again. I think I may have been so jaded by my amazing Sea Bass experience at Bistro 19 that I'm always expecting the most delicious meal of my life. Though it wasn't the same caliber, I will say that this meal was extremely tasty. The sauce was excellent! I would absolutely recommend it.
Another great part of Mallorca is the family style rice, steamed vegetables and homemade chips that come with every meal. Big eaters? Yes, you can order more for no extra charge.
And then it was on to dessert!!
The Spaniards sure know desserts. PID and I shared the triple chocolate cake (chocolate cake, chocolate mousse and white chocolate filling) which was rich and dreamy and far too caloric for how delicious it was!
Mrs. FORT ordered the Flan which we all tried and racked our brain for a good five minutes trying to figure out the flavor that was on the tip of all of our tongues...literally. Finally it came to me (nailed it.), Pumpkin Pie! The smooth pumpkin flavor paired with the sticky caramel seriously brought a tear to my eye. Dare I say it was Flan-tastic?
Mr. FORT ordered the Tiramisu. I think PID hates that I'm "allergic" to coffee because you could see a glimmer in his eye and a quiver in his lower lip when the waiter brought it around. But dear old Mr. FORT let him have a bite and both agreed it was outstanding!
Restaurant Info:
Mallorca
Address: 2228 E. Carson Street
Phone: 412-488-1818
Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-10:30pm
Fri-Sat 11:30am-11:30pm
Sun 12pm-10pm
Reservations: Suggested
Price: $$$$
Cliffs Notes:
Beverages: 2 bottles of Montoya Pinot Noir @ $39
1 glass of diet coke @ $2
Appetizer: Champignones Relleno @ $9.95
Entrees: Chilean Sea Bass @ $39.95
Veal Osso Bucco @ $32.95
Stuffed Flounder @ $29.95
Prime Rib @ $27.95
Desserts: Tiramisu @ $6.00
Triple Chocolate Cake @ $6.00
Flan @ $6.00
Tax @ 7% (Allegheny County only): @ $16.55
Total for Four: $253.30
Overall Opinion:
Obviously, Mallorca is a restaurant that keeps me coming back for more. The unique cultural cuisine and service make it TOP-notch in my book. My only complaint is that I believe that as tasty as their menu truly is, I can't be sure it's 100% worth the high price. Once a year? Sure, absolutely. But the costs deter PID and I from frequenting.
¡Buen provecho!
 |
| (VERY close to four stars) |
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Wordless Wednesday: We found the German Pride!
A couple of German hams:
Shotskis!
PID enjoyed his Oktoberfest. Yum, yum!
This guy was FOR REAL.
Cheers!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Wordless Wednesday: MMMMmmmilkshakes.
Disclaimer: I'm going to start calling this Less-word Wednesday since I always have something to say.
This week, my mission was simple: find an oasis in Pittsburgh that can save me from this ridiculous heatwave.
Mission accomplished.
This week, my mission was simple: find an oasis in Pittsburgh that can save me from this ridiculous heatwave.
Mission accomplished.
Located between 18th and 17th Streets on Carson in the South Side this quaint little Milkshake Factory (aka Edward Marc Chocolatier and formerly known as Chocolate Celebrations) has undergone a lot of changes while hanging on tightly to its neighborhood friendly appeal.
You've probably seen it, heard of it and very likely even passed right by. But if you haven't yet rung the jingle bells by opening the door, now is the time. The moment you step inside you'll be overwhelmed -- in a good way -- with the sight and smell of chocolate (not to mention the refreshing kiss of cool air which, especially during a week like this one, was more than welcomed).
EMC offers everything from turtles to truffles (I suggest the turtles with all of my heart) neatly packaged in beautiful blue boxes.
But that's not what I came for today. It's been so hot (I'm talking sneaker-rubber-melting-to-the-sidewalk, hot) and I was in desperate need of something VERY, VERY COLD. And ice cream is in fact very, very cold.
But this is The Milkshake Factory, darnit! And at the suggestion of a very pleasant and passionate employee, I opted for a strawberry banana flavored milkshake. And let me just say, thank goodness I did.
Strawberry banana was heaven. Not too heavy, very refreshing, hit the spot.
It had such a perfect consistency that it actually chugged up through my straw without me having to exert a lavish amount of cheek muscle to do so, yet it still kept it's thickness through my muggy, heated walk back to the car.
The cool part (no pun intended)? The Milkshake factory will make a shake out of any of their unique flavors. I was most intrigued by Pistachio while my shake-maker said that "Piece of Cake" is the most popular flavor to near-liquify. But they also offer a plethora of syrups and add-ins which they can blend in to customize any shake to tickle your fancy.
My strawberry banana consisted of strawberry ice cream, fresh milk, an actual, real, ripe, fresh banana and one large strawberry at the bottom. DELICIOUS!
Believe it or not I decided to blog about The Milkshake Factory BEFORE I saw the WPXI-TV segment praising it. (Hey! That girl was my shake-maker and strawbanana suggester!). I've been a long time fan of what I still refer to lovingly as The Chocolate Shop. My very lovely college pal, Irish Kate, was a loyal employee for nearly 5 years and I spent many a hot summer afternoon cooling off at the old hi-top soda fountain tables which have since been removed.
2007:
2010:
So this "less-word Wednesday" is dedicated to Irish Kate and Donna Edwards, original owner of Chocolate Celebrations (and mother of EMC founder Marc Edwards). Love and miss ya, ladies!
Oh and by the way... this Thursday is Milkshake Happy Hour: 1/2 price milkshakes (which comes out to around $2) from 5-7 p.m. Don't forget to bring cash though, purchases under $10 require it (although I'm you won't be TOO hard-pressed to find a delicious addition to bump up your total). So what are you waiting for? It's hot and your milkshake is waiting for you...
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