The Capital of Pittsburgh

As you know, we typically try to review restaurants owned and operated out of Western PA, but when Capital Grille reached out to us to let us know that they were launching their new spring menu, we couldn't resist the urge to check it out.

Located a convenient 1.5 blocks from my "day-job" on the corner of Fifth and Wood Streets downtown, Capital Grille is an account person's dream. The ideal location for client meetings or new business dinners, Capital Grille boasts a menu fit for any hungry diner looking for a tasty, upscale experience.

The dim, rustic interior emanates a boy's club mentality while the friendly wait staff and refreshing spring menu lightened the mood and aroused the feminine foodie within.

This lunch marked a very special occasion indeed, for in our many years of togetherness, PID and I have never been blessed with the opportunity of lunching together amidst the work-week. We both recently accepted new positions with new companies, allowing us to be closer together, but our lunch at Capital Grille was the first time we were able to take advantage of this proximity! And happily, it was a positive experience all around.

Capital Grille launched a seasonal tasting menu in January and saw great success, especially during the lunch hours. As manager Rick McMaster put it, "It's ideal if you only have an hour or so of time but still want to experience fine dining."

And experience we did.

Given a choice of three starters, three entrees and three sides (all for $18), we in no way felt limited in our options.

PID went with the server-recommended Shrimp & Pequillo Peppers with a Clam Chowder starter and Truffle Fries.

His soup was average. PID devoured it in moments, but PID loves Clam Chowder.  I wouldn't necessarily call it exceptional in comparison to other clam chowders, but it certainly was tasty.

Clam Chowder

The truffle fries were, quite possibly, greater than you can expect. Doused with just the right amount of truffle oil and garnished with a dusting of Parmesan, these fries were the very definition of addictive. 

Truffle Fries

The shrimp, on the other hand, was nothing short of exceptional. A generous portion for lunch, the shrimp was served with deliciously roasted red peppers and Spanish Bomba rice, a firmer grain often served with Paella.   The flavors were excellent and I caught PID scraping the bottom of his pan on more than one occasion in an attempt to enjoy every last bite.

Shrimp and Pequillo Peppers

I decided on the Lobster Roll with an Asparagus Soup starter and French Green Beans. 

This was my first Asparagus Soup and I have to say I may have found my new favorite.  PID thought it tasted a bit too salty, but you know me and salt. I have a salt-tooth for sure. I gobbled it down in only a few spoonfuls.

Asparagus Soup

Sadly, my green beans were much too al dente, borderline undercooked. But well seasoned, I must say that.

French Green Beans, pictured with Assorted Mixed Vegetables

My Lobster Roll was out of this world.  I tend to gravitate towards Lobster Rolls when I see them on menus, but this one stood out from the crowd with a strong hint of tarragon to give it a unique kick and real, enormous chunks of lobster to greatly improve the overall taste.

LobsterRoll

Restaurant Information:

Capital Grille, Pittsburgh

Address: 301 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh PA 15222

Phone:  412-802-9120

Reservations: Recommended for larger lunch parties and strongly suggested for dinner. Make reservations on their website or on OpenTable.com

Hours:

 

Monday – Friday
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday
5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Monday – Thursday
5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday – Saturday
5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Cliffs Notes:

Clam Chowder, Truffle Fries and Shrimp & Pequillo Peppers @ $18
Asparagus Soup, Lobster Roll and French Green Beans @18

Tax:                        Food tax  @ 7% (Allegheny County only) @ $2.52

Tip:                           $10
Total for two:          $47.52

Overall Opinion:
I'm an account person and I have to say, I'll absolutely be taking my clients here at some point. The waitstaff was incredibly friendly, our food came in an extremely timely manner, and we were beyond pleased with everything aside from the green beans. I absolutely deem this place worthy of your downtown dinner options. And give their affordable, convenient spring menu a try.  It's so much more than a pre-fixe. It's thoughtful and delicious menu planning.

*Capital Grille supplied PID and I with a Spring Menu lunch free of charge in order to facilitate this post, however all opinions expressed within this review are honest and my own.



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Thirsty Thursday: ilLUMAnated

It was a dark and rainy night...

OK so it was just a Wednesday in the 'burgh.

Anyway, after a crazy day on both our parts, PID and I decided to take advantage of the rain which granted us momentary freedom from soccer, dog walks and Pirates games to use our Groupon to Luma (which has been burning a hole in my inbox for far too long)!

Luma has two locations: Aspinwall and Mt. Lebanon.  We chose Mt. Lebo due to its far superior proximity to home. 

As soon as we pulled in to the parking lot (which was on a steep incline, but hey, we're in Pittsburgh. We should be used to this by now) I could already tell I was going to like it there. We had to walk past the back patio to get to the door and I could see through the glass doors to what looked like a very mod ambiance.  I was giddy with excitement.

We arrived to a packed waiting area without an empty bar seat in the house. I immediately kicked myself after assuring PID on multiple occasions that we wouldn't need reservations on a Wednesday. Turns out, Luma has half price wine on Wednesdays!  What a pleasant surprise! They call it "Winedown Wednesday" which I find clever and appealing. Every single bottle of wine on their menu (aside from the 5 selections which are priced at over $100) was available for half off as a bottle or stem which is different than many 1/2 price wine nights I've experienced.   It was fabulous!

And so it was on to the wine... much earlier than we'd anticipated.

While there were no seats at the bar, there was no way we could turn down ordering a bottle for while we waited for our table. I relished the thought of having more affordable choices and stared at the menu for what felt like hours before finally landing on the Excelsior Cabernet, originally priced @ $22/bottle.

I must say that if you don't happen to try Luma on a Wednesday they still do have a great selection of "Twenty at $20" wines. The hostess was nice enough to hold the opened bottle under her station as we held tightly to our stems.

As we sipped, we began innocently eavesdropping as PID and I do so well when we heard a very familiar voice. I turned to my left to see Paul Steigerwald, glass of red wine in one hand and Blackberry in another, waiting patiently for what the hostess referred to as his usual table. I couldn't bring myself to ask for a picture, he looked like he just wanted to enjoy his wine, but I leaned over and had to ask:

me: "So you come here often?"  (Yes. I really said it.)
Steigy: "From time to time."
me: "Is it worth the wait?"
Steigy: "The wine sure as heck is!"

We air-cheersed (can I copywrite that?) and I left him to his texting.

Finally our table was ready and since we'd been waiting for about 30 minutes (don't make our mistake, reserve a table no matter the day of the week), we were already prepared with our order and it was on to the appetizer.

Now Brie is one of my favorite cheeses. I've made my own chutneys and had myself a delicious snack at home, but never experienced anything quite like what we were served at Luma.  This brie was baked to a light browned skin and was served with a sticky glob (and I mean that in the most positive way possible) of a pecan and brown sugar mixture which I have to assume had maple syrup in it.

I almost felt bad eating it before my meal. The pecans and brown sugar were the perfect level of sweetness and the cheese literally melted on the knife as we sliced it. It would have made for a great dessert. I was very interested in the choice of crackers as well. They were large sesame crackers.  Not something I would have paired with pecans and brown sugar...but it worked!

PID couldn't resist ordering a cup of She-Crab Bisque.  Had I been confident enough in my stomach to order yet another food item, I would have done the same.  He was in heaven.  He loves spicy which is just what this bisque was.

And while typically I like a kick of spice as much as the next gal, this crab had a bit more than a pinch (get it?) of cayenne which didn't seem to fit with the rest of the ingredients. Maybe I'm biased to my Rudy's Inlet she-crab bisque in Virginia Beach, but I wasn't feeling it as much as PID was.

It was a busy night -- Winedown Wednesday will do that to you I suppose -- so the service was slightly slow. We had to order a diet Pepsi for PID three times. When our waitress finally returned after our third order she informed us that they were out, but she was going to send someone to the pizza shop down the street to pick up some more.  This completely made up for her original forgetfulness. Really? You'll walk down the street for more?  We politely told her it wasn't necessary, but of course she brought it for him anyway. That's server dedication! Bravo. With supply & demand as well as labor costs in consideration she probably could have charged us $19 for the glass.  She didn't of course, but needless to say we didn't bother her for a refill.

After we received coveted beverage, we moved on to our entrees.

PID and I decided we're around each other so much that we've adopted one another's eating habits.  He  went for the Spicy Shrimp Pasta (served with asparagus) while I opted for the Tenderloin Alfredo. He took my seafood and I his steak. Thank goodness we don't mind spreading germs because we each ate right off of the other's plate.

PID was very satisfied with his dish but asked me to share with all of you with a very important lesson:

Always bring a Tide Pen.

When you're wearing a lovely white button down (he looked so dapper), you don't want this...

...anywhere near it.  I took a bite and this dish was spiced to perfection (as well as beautifully plated).  The heat felt more appropriate with shrimp and pasta than the crab bisque and the asparagus acted as a cooling element. I wasn't sure how I felt about the choice in using Angel Hair pasta in this dish versus a thicker variety, but PID insisted it didn't affect his enjoyment one bit.

Unfortunately I was slightly less pleased with my meal.  Upon ordering, I was intrigued by the thought of tenderloin paired with fettuccine Alfredo. I'd never seen it served this way before (am I just naive?) but I like steak and I love Alfredo. So why shouldn't we put 'em together?!  Sadly, I quickly figured that out. First, I was completely overwhelmed by the size and number of medallions served with the dish.  I'm already eating a heaping bowl of pasta.  Adding four fist sized cuts of steak (and I'm taking man fists, here) makes me full before just by looking at it.

But I'm very sad to say that wasn't the dish's only problem.  The meat was extremely bland. It lacked flavor completely.  I forced myself to drag it through the excess Alfredo sauce just to make it taste like...well...anything.  The four medallions were also cooked extremely inconsistently.  I ordered them medium well.  I believe two came that way while one came merely seared and still another was unbearably charred. I don't want to knock this dish completely, however. The Alfredo sauce was some of the best I've tasted -- ever.  It was surprisingly light while still holding an absurd amount of flavor.  The fettuccine on its own would have been a meal enough for me. I wondered to myself if the meat was poorly cooked only due to the busy evening -- but then I reminded myself that that shouldn't be an excuse.

We, once again, didn't partake in dessert, but the table to my left sure did.  It appeared to me that the family of four ordered one of everything on the menu!  Looked like a sorbet, a cappuccino, some type of mousse and a few other delights with whipped cream on top. Maybe they write a restaurant blog, too...?

Cliffs Notes:

Groupon:      1 @ $20
Drinks:         1 Diet Pepsi @ 2.25
                   1 bottle of Excelsior Cabernet @ (Guess what? you have to choose between using a Groupon and paying half price for wine. had I known this, I probably would have paid for the wine at the bar rather than having it transferred to my table. I was less than pleased, but it was delicious wine so I shrugged my shoulders and chose to use the Groupon. I WARN YOU NOW! No Groupons on a Wednesday if you're a wine freak like myself) $22
Appetizer:   Baked Brie @ $9
                  She-Crab Bisque @ $7
Entree:       Spicy Shrimp Pasta @ $16
                  Tenderloin Alfredo for $22
Tax:           7% Sales Tax (Allegheny County only) @ $5.38
Tip:            $15 (because "good grouponers" tip on the entire amount)
Groupon Discount: - $40
TOTAL FOR TWO:  $76.93

Overall opinion:

It was deja vu all over again with the ambiance.  I couldn't help but feel I'd been there before until I went back home and did some research.  A Pittsburgh phenom, Head Chef Michael Rudman also heads up the kitchen at Willow.  I must say, although it was slightly more expensive, I would have to suggest Willow over Luma.  However, I absolutely have no qualms returning to Luma -- maybe trying the Aspinwall location.  The menu was captivating and though I may have chosen the wrong entree, it wasn't because of a lack of desirable choices. I'm convinced my less than excellent experience was a one-time fluke that can be easily corrected with a return visit.  And PID enjoyed every bite. So give it a try!  If for nothing but the wine and the atmosphere alone!

 

Blog du Jour

One of the things I love about this city -- and my beautiful friends who occupy it -- is the abundance of opportunity to find hole-in-the-wall delights like the one I experienced this weekend.

One of the most appealing things about my group of friends is the fact that they're always on the hunt for new and exciting places that are far from the hustle and bustle of the typical chain establishment. "BYOB" is often the word (or acronym) of the day when it comes to choosing a destination to visit as a group.  This is due to the fact that my friends are a lot like me in that they have a deep appreciation for wine. This appreciation, while celebrated, has a tendency to significantly increase the total our already outrageous tab.  When we have the opportunity to bring our own wine, we tend to order based on ingredients and hunger level rather than price.

This weekend, one of my "friends of the round table" was celebrating her CENSORED  birthday.  At the suggestion of yet another f.o.r.t. the birthday girl chose Cafe du Jour on Pittsburgh's historic South Side.  The restaurant is elusive in it's own right. It has no website so I was forced to look up reviews beforehand.  Yelp revealed a heavy-up on 5 star experiences with a few scattered 3's and 4's which had me excited.  But there is one woman I trust above all others, and she is the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's China Millman. To my dismay, her review was less than excellent, but it did give me an idea of what to expect.

I, thinking I was going to be late, was the first to arrive.  The restaurant is not easily identifiable in and amongst the boutiques and bars of Carson Street (like I said, elusive).  I examined the space as I waited for my party (who I later found out were late only thanks to the impossible parking situation on the South Side. If you read my review of DISH you know that parking is a bear any night of the week in the South Side. I fully advise taking the bus if at all possible if you're headed there).

A sign on the door read "Reservations only, please" which I found initially shocking.  A Carson Street establishment was turning walk-ins away? This place must be elite!  I immediately realized why this was the case, however. Another Pittsburgh staple, the dining room was narrow.  But the difference with Cafe du Jour was that half of this dining room was taken up by the kitchen and did not extend very far back. This left room for only four or five tables inside.  I sat and waited at the table reserved for us in an unbearable sweltering heat when, luckily, the manager on site (maybe he was the owner?) noticed me waiting (and possibly schvitzing like a shmendrek) and asked if I wanted to move our party outside. Seeing as it was a beautifully sunny Saturday, the gorgeous patio was a welcomed adjustment.

When the rest of my f.o.r.t.s arrived, the candles were lit and the mood was set. And it was time for the wine.

We had (not surprisingly) each brought our own bottle.  This may sound a bit excessive, but we like to do things lavishly.  Sadly, one bottle lost  it's life on 11th Street as it slipped through eager, hungry fingers and shattered on the sidewalk. Its a good thing my f.o.r.t.s came prepared with more than enough to supply replacement.

My choice poison that evening was a Cab Sav purchased from my local state store.  I have to be honest about two things right now: 1.) I chose the wine based solely upon it's label. It had a funny name and a twisted tree on the front which I found oddly beautiful. 2.) I can not, for the life of me, remember what the name of that wine was.  I searched the internet but "Cabernet Sauvignons that start with F and have a tree on the label" does not yield many accurate Google or Bing responses. I will do some homework and update you later!

We each passed a glass around trying each others' wine until it was time for the appetizer.

Though the baked brie and shrimp crepes both caught my eye, we -- as a table -- opted for a double order of the Spinach &Asiago Dip which was served with cherry tomatoes and basil and a warm French baguette. The dip came straight out of the oven and was still bubbling when it was brought to the table. 

One word: ADDICTING!  We ended up spooning it directly in to our greedy little mouths as we waited for the extra baguettes we were forced to order thanks to the heaping servings.

And then it was on to the entree.

If you're considering Cafe du Jour you should note that not only is it BYOB, but it's also a cash only establishment.  Luckily there was an ATM across the street, so I withdrew $30 for the evening. Most entrees are between $17 and $25 so with bringing my own wine and splitting the appetizer (all were portioned perfectly for sharing), so I hoped to be in fine shape with $30.  However, when our waitress rattled off the daily specials, one dish piqued my interest. Not listed on the menu was a featured small plate of asparagus with a creamy lemon caper mousse wrapped in alfalfa sprouts and lightly smoked salmon. This was by no means an entree, but I'd already had my appetizer and it sounded far too delicious to pass up. So I forwent my original choice of the Pan Seared Scallops (at $21) and opted for the asparagus and what sounded like an equally delicious salad in order to remain in budget.  I worried this would turn in to a sacrificial decision, but as it turned out I was pleasantly mistaken.

One of my favorite combinations happens to be goat cheese, beets, spinach, vinaigrette and really, any kind of nut (PID not included). So when I saw their beet salad, I hoped it would satisfy me to the point that I forgot about my scallop option.  Both it and the absolutely outstanding and creative asparagus did just that.  The salad was a bit lacking in terms of ingredients.  I wanted more beets, more cheese, more nuts and more spinach.  But I'd already had enough carbs and starch in me from the earlier consumed French baguette. However, I've never been so pleased with a dish as I was with the asparagus. I considered myself very lucky to have come on the day they were testing it!  If it's not on the menu when you get there, PLEASE request this dish.  We need to make it a permanent CdJ fixture!  I've attempted to recreate it since, and while I consider myself a decent cook, I couldn't come close. The salmon was extremely fresh, the lemon caper mousse was light and fluffy and there were just enough sprouts to add texture and not take away from the taste (which was outstanding).

The birthday girl opted for the scallops which she so generously let me sample and I must say, I'd recommend them any day of the week.  Perfectly seared with the right amount of infused herbs, it melted in my mouth as a scallop truly should. And the couscous pilaf timbale that accompanied the scallops? Se magnifique!

Though I was spent, my f.o.r.t.s moved on to dessert.

We were told the desserts change daily, much like an assortment of the appetizers, which fits appropriately in to the restaurant's name and theme.  Last night's dessert du jour (yes, "dessert" in French is, boringly enough, still "dessert") was a flourless chocolate cake with a raspberry puree. I tried a mini mouthful and was in flourless heaven.

Cliffs Notes:

Drinks:                Unknown Cabernet Sauvignon, BYOB @ $2 per stem (I originally paid $16.99)
Appetizer:           2 Spinach & Asiago Dips (grande version) @  $7, divided by 8 of us = $1.75
Entree:                Salmon Asparagus special @ $9
                          Spinach & Beet Salad @ $7
Dessert:              2 Flourless Chocolate Cakes @ $4, divided by 8 of us = $1
Tax:                    7% sales tax (Allegheny County only) (I'm guessing around $1 for each of us)
Tip:                     $5 (a little over 20% of my portion) for good service
MY TOTAL:      $25.75 (I stayed within my budget!)

Overall Opinion?

Cafe du Jour is one of Pittsburgh's best kept secrets. As much as I truly respect her opinion and am well aware that she, and not I, is the expert, I have to strongly disagree with China's review.  Our service was punctual, the atmosphere (once we moved outside) was elegant and the food was by far the best I've had in quite some time. It seems from the reviews I'd seen that the Trout is not the way to go, so I suggest steering clear of it as I did. But for a group of eight giddy, wine filled friends this experience was one for the books.  I would say if you're going to make the trip, do it in the springtime so you can experience the patio and avoid the heat of the adjacent kitchen. I have already recommended this place and will continue to do so and I can't wait to take PID there to share my enjoyment.  It was Cafe Du-licious!

*a special thank you goes to f.o.r.t. Derek Reighard for taking these great pics for me with his lovely camera as well as post-gazette.com for letting me steal two shots of the restaurant which were much better than the ones I took.

Pittsburgh Restaurants