Good news, downtowners! One of my favorite imbiberies is expanding! Beginning April 17th Andys in the Fairmont will begin having outdoor seating on Fifth Avenue with drink and menu specials!
Showing posts with label downtown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label downtown. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
TOP News: Habitat's 2013 Cooking Class Schedule
Monday, November 19, 2012
Can I have Sonoma?
This year, a few F.O.R.T.s decided to join us and we couldn't have been more excited. E1 suggested we dine at her all-time favorite spot in the downtown area and - since PID and I shockingly still hadn't been - we were more than happy to oblige. So, as Jingle Bell Rock bounced acoustically through the air from building to building and roller-blading Santas graciously asked us to clear their path, we made our way to Sonoma Grille.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Meet me at Meat & Potatoes
When Mama TOP came to town last weekend, PID and I were dying to take her somewhere yummy. After my last post, I had Brussels on the brain, so we headed downtown in the middle of rush hour to check out Meat & Potatoes!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Here we go, Bluebird.
In case you couldn't hear my "SQUEE!" from where you are currently seated, I've recently acquired a new toy.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Wingharts
I work downtown. While it's a bear to drive in and a fortune to park, I consider myself blessed. Why? Because of the FOOD. I love having the opportunity to pop out for lunch and enjoy the day at Market Square. Not long ago, I finally convinced a few F.O.R.Ts to join me after work for a few juicy burgers at Wingharts.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Whiskey Cocktail Challenge: The Irish Redhead
Not long ago we received an e-mail from our friends at Braddock's American Brasserie. Let me start off this post by telling you how much I love these guys. As a food blogger, it makes my job a heck of a lot easier when places like Braddock's not only boast a mouth watering menu, but also an enthusiastic and extremely active management team who make a point to keep me informed of all the news I need to know.
But I digress...
But I digress...
Monday, April 16, 2012
Proud to be an American (Brasserie)
Months ago, PID and I celebrated Light Up Night by dining at Braddock's American Brasserie.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Sinfully Good Sushi at Sinobi 2 Go
What started out as a small express eatery in Indiana, PA grew into a larger full-scale restaurant in Tarentum and shrunk back down to a tiny "To-Go" deli-style sushi shop on the less-traveled side streets of Market Square. But the size of Sinobi To Go is no indication of the enormous flavors it puts forth.
With no intention of searching for a reviewable lunch spot, I took a walk outside yesterday afternoon to enjoy the beautiful day. Suddenly I found myself on the side streets of Market Square staring at a new storefront: Sinobi Sushi To Go. It's rare that I can resist the calling of sushi, so I stopped in to check it out.
Sinobi's Market Square spot is definite designed for takeout. One small four-top, a seatless highboy and a few stools at a small counter top are all that grace the floor. The sushi shop is manned by a very pleasant woman and one sushi chef, and each dish is made fresh to order, so expect a slight (worth it) wait during peak lunch hours.
Diners can choose from a small yet satisfying menu or order a roll of their choice. I decided to go with the Lightning roll and Bulgogi Festival dog.
I was ever so slightly underwhelmed with the hot dog. Being a huge fan of Franktuary's unique dog options I was excited to give this new Asian twist a try. The dog itself was store bought and microwaved in front of me, but doused with a Kim Chi/Korean Barbecue mixture which certainly helped the cause. While the idea of Asian Dogs is a good one, I admit I'm more looking forward to the Asian Tacos which the chef told me *might* be coming soon...
My Lightning roll, on the other hand, perfectly hit the spot I didn't know I had. Tuna and asparagus adorned with spicy crabstick and a delicious mystery sauce gave my lunch just the kick it needed on this beautiful afternoon.
Restaurant Info:
Sinobi 2 Go
Address: 435 Market Square
Phone: (412) 251-5510
Reservations: None. Very little seating.
Price: $$
Cliffs Notes:
1 Bulgogi Festival Dog @ $3.00
1 Lightning Roll @ $9.50
Tax (7% in Allegheny County): $0.87
Tip @ $2.00
Total for 1: $15.37
Overall Opinion:
I'll definitely be back (for the sushi) and would absolutely recommend a trip for native and working downtowners.
With no intention of searching for a reviewable lunch spot, I took a walk outside yesterday afternoon to enjoy the beautiful day. Suddenly I found myself on the side streets of Market Square staring at a new storefront: Sinobi Sushi To Go. It's rare that I can resist the calling of sushi, so I stopped in to check it out.
Sinobi's Market Square spot is definite designed for takeout. One small four-top, a seatless highboy and a few stools at a small counter top are all that grace the floor. The sushi shop is manned by a very pleasant woman and one sushi chef, and each dish is made fresh to order, so expect a slight (worth it) wait during peak lunch hours.
Diners can choose from a small yet satisfying menu or order a roll of their choice. I decided to go with the Lightning roll and Bulgogi Festival dog.
 |
| Bulgogi Festival $3.00 |
I was ever so slightly underwhelmed with the hot dog. Being a huge fan of Franktuary's unique dog options I was excited to give this new Asian twist a try. The dog itself was store bought and microwaved in front of me, but doused with a Kim Chi/Korean Barbecue mixture which certainly helped the cause. While the idea of Asian Dogs is a good one, I admit I'm more looking forward to the Asian Tacos which the chef told me *might* be coming soon...
 |
| Lightning Roll $9.50 |
My Lightning roll, on the other hand, perfectly hit the spot I didn't know I had. Tuna and asparagus adorned with spicy crabstick and a delicious mystery sauce gave my lunch just the kick it needed on this beautiful afternoon.
Restaurant Info:
Sinobi 2 Go
Address: 435 Market Square
Phone: (412) 251-5510
Reservations: None. Very little seating.
Price: $$
Cliffs Notes:
1 Bulgogi Festival Dog @ $3.00
1 Lightning Roll @ $9.50
Tax (7% in Allegheny County): $0.87
Tip @ $2.00
Total for 1: $15.37
Overall Opinion:
I'll definitely be back (for the sushi) and would absolutely recommend a trip for native and working downtowners.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Tonic
A few weeks ago, Mrs. P and I ventured to the Farm to Table conference. As if we didn't get enough to eat as we bounced from booth to booth, we decided to head across the street for lunch at Tonic Bar & Grill downtown.
The colorful walls were a modern contrast to the raw brick which gave the space warm, industrial feel. I'd eaten here a few years ago, but Mrs. P was a first timer.
We decided to celebrate the occasion with a few midday cocktails. I began with a twist on a classic, Tonic's version of a Hurricane. Mrs. P opted for a Sunburn. Though together our drink names would have made an off-vacation, they certainly were a welcome addition to our day.
Their menu boasted a wide array of appealing options making both of our heads spin. But we bought more time by ordering the Roasted Garlic & Red Pepper Hummus served with pita wedges and fresh cucumber.
The Hummus was unique chalked full of hearty garlic and red pepper chunks making for a delicious spread which paired excellently with the cool cucumber slices. It was a deliciously healthy start to our meal!
After begging the waitress for more time to review the menu repeatedly, we finally landed on our entrees: Mrs. P with the Samurai Burger and I with the Chicken Pad Thai.
Mrs. P raved on and on about her burger and finished it more quickly than I'd seen her finish any meal before. The wasabi mustard and crispy wonton took a classic turkey burger to a whole new level. The sweet potato fries were the perfect blend of crispy and creamy, adding a...well, sweet twist to her meal.
I was slightly underwhelmed with my Pad Thai. It was too sweet for my taste (I'm a spicy Pad Thai fan, myself) and wasn't bursting with flavor as I had hoped.
Next time I go I'll be sure to choose from one of the many other appealing options instead. Mrs. P was blown away by their burgers, so maybe that's the direction in which I'll head!
Hurricane @ $9.50
The colorful walls were a modern contrast to the raw brick which gave the space warm, industrial feel. I'd eaten here a few years ago, but Mrs. P was a first timer.
 |
| The upstairs dining room/private party room |
 |
| Sunburn: $8.50, Hurricane: $9.50 |
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| Roasted Garlic & Red Pepper Hummus $8 |
The Hummus was unique chalked full of hearty garlic and red pepper chunks making for a delicious spread which paired excellently with the cool cucumber slices. It was a deliciously healthy start to our meal!
After begging the waitress for more time to review the menu repeatedly, we finally landed on our entrees: Mrs. P with the Samurai Burger and I with the Chicken Pad Thai.
Mrs. P raved on and on about her burger and finished it more quickly than I'd seen her finish any meal before. The wasabi mustard and crispy wonton took a classic turkey burger to a whole new level. The sweet potato fries were the perfect blend of crispy and creamy, adding a...well, sweet twist to her meal.
 |
| Samurai Buger & Sweet Potato Fries $15.50 total |
I was slightly underwhelmed with my Pad Thai. It was too sweet for my taste (I'm a spicy Pad Thai fan, myself) and wasn't bursting with flavor as I had hoped.
 |
| Pad Thai with Chicken $14 |
Restaurant Information:
Address: 971 Liberty Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: (412) 456-0460
Reservations: Gets busy at lunch and I'd recommend it. An upstairs room is great for privately reserved parties.
Hours: Mon-Wed 11 a.m. - 12 a.m.
Thurs-Sat 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.
Cliffs Notes:
Sunburn @ $8.50
Diet Coke @ $2
Roasted Garlic & Red Pepper Hummus @ $8
Samurai Burger @ $13.50
w/Sweet Potato Fries @ 2.00
Pad Thai @ $9
w/Chicken @ $5
I was neither impressed nor unimpressed. I'll definitely never recommend the Pad Thai to anyone, but I wouldn't recommend that they avoid the restaurant altogether! The upstairs loft looked like an excellent venue for a small private party and their cocktail list was quite impressive, so Tonic may be the perfect place for your next happy hour or birthday party. Mrs. P couldn't get enough of her Samurai burger and would certainly encourage diners to give their burgers a try.
Monday, April 2, 2012
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sadly, my green beans were much too al dente, borderline undercooked. But well seasoned, I must say that.
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.
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.
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
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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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 |
 |
| 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 |
 |
| 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:
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:
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:
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
Total for two: $47.52
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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Wednesday, March 14, 2012
TOP News: Habitat Launches Monthly Cooking Classes
If you recall, we love Habitat.
Happily, the "internationally inspired, locally unique" eatery located in the Fairmont Pittsburgh Hotel in Pittsburgh's thriving cultural district had some recent and exciting news to share with the readers of TOP! Following the success of their first-ever cooking class, Executive Chef Andrew Morrison has announced the schedule for a new monthly cooking class series at the downtown restaurant. Classes will take place one Saturday every month from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and cover a variety of topics:
Saturday, March 31 Easter Sweets
Saturday, May 5 Cinco de Mayo: Tacos & Margaritas
Saturday, June 2 Summer Cocktails at Andys
Saturday, July 7 Secrets of BBQ & Summer Grilling
Foodies and cooks of all experience levels are invited to participate
in these fun and interactive classes. Following the class portion,
attendees will enjoy lunch at Habitat. Cost is $65 per person per class
and includes all instruction, materials, apron and lunch. Space is
limited. For reservations, contact Habitat at (412) 773-8848.
I will definitely be taking these guys up on one of these classes... and they've made me pretty hungry as well. Time to head back for lunch or dinner again soon, I'd say...
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| Local Roasted Beets & Organic Goat Cheese |
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| Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich with Avocado |
Habitat,
located at 510 Market Street downtown in the Fairmont Pittsburgh hotel, is open daily for
breakfast, lunch and dinner. For more information and reservations,
call (412) 773-8848 or visit habitatrestaurant.com.
 |
| Habitat's beautiful and unique dining room |
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Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Less-Words Wednesday: Monte Cello's Pizza
There's a little corner of heaven in downtown Pittsburgh.
Where Smithfield and Wood Streets converge sits an adorably quaint and historic-looking Monte Cello's Pizzeria. Every day, they serve up a lunchtime special of THREE slices of pizza and a large drink for only $6.50.
They have a larger menu, but what could be yummier than three cuts of their delicious, hot-and-ready pizza for under 7 bucks?
.....crickets.
Where Smithfield and Wood Streets converge sits an adorably quaint and historic-looking Monte Cello's Pizzeria. Every day, they serve up a lunchtime special of THREE slices of pizza and a large drink for only $6.50.
They have a larger menu, but what could be yummier than three cuts of their delicious, hot-and-ready pizza for under 7 bucks?
 |
| Clockwise from left: deep dish pepperoni, white chicken and broccoli, spinach, feta and tomato. |
.....crickets.
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