Showing posts with label giveaway. Show all posts
Showing posts with label giveaway. Show all posts
Thursday, April 11, 2013
GoodTaste Pittsburgh GIVEAWAY!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
And the winner is...
Congratulations...
Sunday, October 28, 2012
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.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Sunday, October 2, 2011
The Planet's Greatest Smoothies & a GIVEAWAY!
Not long ago, a few fellow steel-town foodies and I were invited to check out the newest addition to Shadyside's Walnut Street, Planet Smoothie. I was pretty pumped because I've never reviewed a smoothie bar on this blog before!
Unfortunately I learned that Planet Smoothie is actually a national franchise and not a Pittsburgh-based establishment, but I really liked the concept of it complementing X Shadyside and their personalized workouts, training programs and boot camps. John Byrnes, the owner of X Shadyside, decided it would be a great idea to open up a Planet Smoothie in the same building as his gym and, after trying some of the smoothies from their energy and weight loss smoothies, I tend to agree!
I've tried "health" smoothies before and they definitely lived up to the stereotype that health-foods don't really have as much desirable taste. But at Planet Smoothie I was blown away by how much FLAVOR was packed in to every sip of these smoothies -- even the low-cal options! We each had the opportunity to try eight mini-smoothies during our tasting which was great.
It allowed us to really test out all of the unique flavors and "blasts."A "blast" is a flavorless shot added to certain smoothies on the menu (or by request) that help enhance the healthy aspects of the smoothie without altering the taste. Blast options at Planet Smoothie include:
-Protein
-Fat Burner
-Fiber
-Workout
-Energy
-Multivitamin
-Immunity
Especially paired with a workout (for those who are X Shadyside members or want to stop by after their own workout) I think these options are really great and I couldn't even tell the difference when a blast was added to my smoothie.
So here's the breakdown of the flavors I tried:
Acai -- this one was made of organic acai, apples, strawberries and bananas. We were told that there is no sugar or corn syrup added to these smoothies and that all the flavor that hits you as you take a sip is completely natural and comes from the freshness of the fruit that Planet Smoothie uses. I thought that the strongest flavor in this one was definitely the Banana and I was expecting a bit more prominence from the Acai, but it was still a completely delicious smoothie!
Frozen Goat -- Nope. No goat cheese in this one, despite what I was expecting (that's a good thing...). This smoothie featured coffee, bananas, cocoa, vanilla, milk and yogurt and featured an energy blast. I loved the layers of flavors in it. My first sip was delicious and chocolatey, and then immediately after the chocolate I got hit in the face with the flavor of coffee, followed by a hint of banana. It definitely made for a complex experience that certainly energized me!
The Last Mango -- This was my third smoothie of the day and the third one that had banana in it (it also featured mangos, peaches and orange sherbert). These bananas were starting to become the unwanted star of the show. I was hoping I'd taste a bit more mango, but instead I mostly tasted orange and banana. This wasn't my favorite, but for folks who like the taste of oranges and hadn't already had 2 banana smoothies, I'm sure it would be great! I just think they either need to make the mango flavor more prominent or give it another name.
Leapin' Lizard -- My first smoothie with a fat burner blast and I was expecting to notice a change in flavor because of it, but definitely did not! The peaches and strawberries paired EXTREMELY well together and made the smoothie taste incredibly fresh. This was my favorite smoothie of the day so far...
Chocolate Elvis -- Exactly what you think it'll be and exactly as delicious, this smoothie featured cocoa, peanut butter, bananas (yep, again!!) yogurt and non-fat milk. This time, I tasted the bananas on a much more subtle level which was good. The peanut butter had the strongest presence which made a lot of sense. One of my very best FORTs who accompanied me to the event tasted this smoothie and immediately swooned. I have a feeling she'll be going back for more!
Planet Pro -- This was our opportunity to try a protein based smoothie that's great before or after (or both....) your workout. I wasn't excited about it because I'm not much of a workout smoothie drinker, but I was completely pleasantly surprised when I took a sip! The smoothie is blended with a full meal replacement packet which tastes....wait for it... just like a vanilla cupcake! Not a knock-off weight loss shake vanilla flavor. An actual delicious, smooth vanilla flavor. You can choose any two fruits you want to mix into this smoothie. Mine had strawberry in it and I swear to you I felt like I was eating a strawberry cupcake. And, as some of you may know, I know cupcakes.
Key Lime Sorbet -- On the way out after our tasting event, a sorbet machine caught my eye and I had to stop and ask if I could sample the Key Lime flavor that they were featuring that day. This may not have been a low-cal smoothie, but I couldn't resist. This was, by far, the best sorbet I've ever had! So even if you're not in the market for a post-workout smoothie (or a health smoothie at all), you can stop in and give their awesome sorbets a try! This proved to me that they cater to any crowd by offering delicious options across the board.
I did just want to point out a few things that I didn't try that definitely caught my attention on their menu:
1) In the fall, they feature a Pumpkin Smoothie. WHAT?! This I've got to try.
2) More than 30 of their smoothies have 300 calories or less. What a great and delicious way to squeeze a sweet treat into your diet!
3) There is a smoothie called the "Hangover Over." What a great marketing decision that I can't wait to check out next Sunday morning....let's hope it lives up to its name!
Overall this event got me pretty excited about the smoothie scene in Pittsburgh. I can't wait to go back and try more flavors!
Location Information
Planet Smoothie Pittsburgh
Address: 5608 Walnut Street just below X Shadyside.
Phone: 412-925-6650
Reservations: Only for private parties (which they offer!)
Hours:
WIN IT!
Do you want your own opportunity to show your love for all things smoothie? Here's your chance! I'm giving away a small Planet Smoothie t-shirt, a coupon for a free kids size smoothie and a FREE TWO WEEK MEMBERSHIP to X Shadyside!
Each comment you make below on THIS blog will gain you an entry. You can earn up to 6 entries! Here's how:
1) Simply comment on this blog post, letting me know which Planet Smoothie flavor you'll try first OR which blast you would add to your smoothie.
2) "Like" Planet Smoothie Pittsburgh on Facebook
3) "Like" Taste of Pittsburgh on Facebook
4) Follow Planet Smoothie on Twitter
5) Follow Taste of Pittsburgh on Twitter
6) Write a blog post about Planet Smoothie and leave the link as a comment!
Be sure to leave comment for very entry you make below and leave a way for me to contact you so I can let you know if you've won! I'll take a look to validate any claims of "liking" or following before I announce the winner.
This giveaway will close on Sunday, October 9 at 4 p.m. so get your entries in before then! I will choose the winner via random drawing at Random.org.
*Planet Smoothie supplied me with a few delicious samples free of charge in order to facilitate this post, however all opinions expressed within this review are honest and my own.
Unfortunately I learned that Planet Smoothie is actually a national franchise and not a Pittsburgh-based establishment, but I really liked the concept of it complementing X Shadyside and their personalized workouts, training programs and boot camps. John Byrnes, the owner of X Shadyside, decided it would be a great idea to open up a Planet Smoothie in the same building as his gym and, after trying some of the smoothies from their energy and weight loss smoothies, I tend to agree!
I've tried "health" smoothies before and they definitely lived up to the stereotype that health-foods don't really have as much desirable taste. But at Planet Smoothie I was blown away by how much FLAVOR was packed in to every sip of these smoothies -- even the low-cal options! We each had the opportunity to try eight mini-smoothies during our tasting which was great.
It allowed us to really test out all of the unique flavors and "blasts."A "blast" is a flavorless shot added to certain smoothies on the menu (or by request) that help enhance the healthy aspects of the smoothie without altering the taste. Blast options at Planet Smoothie include:
-Protein
-Fat Burner
-Fiber
-Workout
-Energy
-Multivitamin
-Immunity
Especially paired with a workout (for those who are X Shadyside members or want to stop by after their own workout) I think these options are really great and I couldn't even tell the difference when a blast was added to my smoothie.
So here's the breakdown of the flavors I tried:
Acai -- this one was made of organic acai, apples, strawberries and bananas. We were told that there is no sugar or corn syrup added to these smoothies and that all the flavor that hits you as you take a sip is completely natural and comes from the freshness of the fruit that Planet Smoothie uses. I thought that the strongest flavor in this one was definitely the Banana and I was expecting a bit more prominence from the Acai, but it was still a completely delicious smoothie!
Frozen Goat -- Nope. No goat cheese in this one, despite what I was expecting (that's a good thing...). This smoothie featured coffee, bananas, cocoa, vanilla, milk and yogurt and featured an energy blast. I loved the layers of flavors in it. My first sip was delicious and chocolatey, and then immediately after the chocolate I got hit in the face with the flavor of coffee, followed by a hint of banana. It definitely made for a complex experience that certainly energized me!
The Last Mango -- This was my third smoothie of the day and the third one that had banana in it (it also featured mangos, peaches and orange sherbert). These bananas were starting to become the unwanted star of the show. I was hoping I'd taste a bit more mango, but instead I mostly tasted orange and banana. This wasn't my favorite, but for folks who like the taste of oranges and hadn't already had 2 banana smoothies, I'm sure it would be great! I just think they either need to make the mango flavor more prominent or give it another name.
Leapin' Lizard -- My first smoothie with a fat burner blast and I was expecting to notice a change in flavor because of it, but definitely did not! The peaches and strawberries paired EXTREMELY well together and made the smoothie taste incredibly fresh. This was my favorite smoothie of the day so far...
Chocolate Elvis -- Exactly what you think it'll be and exactly as delicious, this smoothie featured cocoa, peanut butter, bananas (yep, again!!) yogurt and non-fat milk. This time, I tasted the bananas on a much more subtle level which was good. The peanut butter had the strongest presence which made a lot of sense. One of my very best FORTs who accompanied me to the event tasted this smoothie and immediately swooned. I have a feeling she'll be going back for more!
Planet Pro -- This was our opportunity to try a protein based smoothie that's great before or after (or both....) your workout. I wasn't excited about it because I'm not much of a workout smoothie drinker, but I was completely pleasantly surprised when I took a sip! The smoothie is blended with a full meal replacement packet which tastes....wait for it... just like a vanilla cupcake! Not a knock-off weight loss shake vanilla flavor. An actual delicious, smooth vanilla flavor. You can choose any two fruits you want to mix into this smoothie. Mine had strawberry in it and I swear to you I felt like I was eating a strawberry cupcake. And, as some of you may know, I know cupcakes.
Key Lime Sorbet -- On the way out after our tasting event, a sorbet machine caught my eye and I had to stop and ask if I could sample the Key Lime flavor that they were featuring that day. This may not have been a low-cal smoothie, but I couldn't resist. This was, by far, the best sorbet I've ever had! So even if you're not in the market for a post-workout smoothie (or a health smoothie at all), you can stop in and give their awesome sorbets a try! This proved to me that they cater to any crowd by offering delicious options across the board.
I did just want to point out a few things that I didn't try that definitely caught my attention on their menu:
1) In the fall, they feature a Pumpkin Smoothie. WHAT?! This I've got to try.
2) More than 30 of their smoothies have 300 calories or less. What a great and delicious way to squeeze a sweet treat into your diet!
3) There is a smoothie called the "Hangover Over." What a great marketing decision that I can't wait to check out next Sunday morning....let's hope it lives up to its name!
Overall this event got me pretty excited about the smoothie scene in Pittsburgh. I can't wait to go back and try more flavors!
Location Information
Planet Smoothie Pittsburgh
Address: 5608 Walnut Street just below X Shadyside.
Phone: 412-925-6650
Reservations: Only for private parties (which they offer!)
Hours:
| Mon - Sat: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. | |||
| Sun: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
WIN IT!
Do you want your own opportunity to show your love for all things smoothie? Here's your chance! I'm giving away a small Planet Smoothie t-shirt, a coupon for a free kids size smoothie and a FREE TWO WEEK MEMBERSHIP to X Shadyside!
Each comment you make below on THIS blog will gain you an entry. You can earn up to 6 entries! Here's how:
1) Simply comment on this blog post, letting me know which Planet Smoothie flavor you'll try first OR which blast you would add to your smoothie.
2) "Like" Planet Smoothie Pittsburgh on Facebook
3) "Like" Taste of Pittsburgh on Facebook
4) Follow Planet Smoothie on Twitter
5) Follow Taste of Pittsburgh on Twitter
6) Write a blog post about Planet Smoothie and leave the link as a comment!
Be sure to leave comment for very entry you make below and leave a way for me to contact you so I can let you know if you've won! I'll take a look to validate any claims of "liking" or following before I announce the winner.
This giveaway will close on Sunday, October 9 at 4 p.m. so get your entries in before then! I will choose the winner via random drawing at Random.org.
*Planet Smoothie supplied me with a few delicious samples free of charge in order to facilitate this post, however all opinions expressed within this review are honest and my own.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Franktuary Giveaway Winner
Congratulations to Y2Flound! Your entry was drawn as the winner of a $10 gift card from Franktuary! Claim your prize by e-mailing us at tasteofpittsburghblog[at]gmail[dot]com and let us know where to send it!
Remember to follow Franktuary on Twitter to see where you can catch the Frank Truck in action!
Congratulations toY2Flound and to all other entrants: keep your eye on Taste of Pittsburgh for more opportunities to win (as well as more take 'em or leave 'em opinions on the 'burgh's dining scene).
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Franktuary Gift Card Giveaway!!
Good afternoon TOP fans and welcome to another edition of WE ACTUALLY GIVE THINGS AWAY ON THIS BLOG!
Today we've got a very SPECIAL treat for you. But before we get to that part here is some MUST KNOW information about the amazing and wonderful Franktuary food truck!
A few months back, I reviewed Franktuary in downtown Pittsburgh and immediately fell in love. I am so excited to share the good news that Franktuary is celebrating the resurrection of its food truck! The 1988 Chevy P-30 made its Pittsburgh debut last summer, briefly appearing on the mobile food scene. The vehicle (fully repaired and restored in the finest condition) now vends from Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community’s South Side parking lot at 2700 Jane Street. Two percent of all profits generated on Hot Metal property are shared with the church, which runs a variety of neighborhood ministries throughout the week.
The truck will operate from the Hot Metal lot every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 am to 3 pm. If you don't already follow Franktuary on Facebook and Twitter, you might want to start so you can keep tabs on realtime updates of where the truck is located as it moves around the city on Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays!
Unique menu items that differ from the downtown storefront are offered from the truck. Continuing the store’s international topping trend, a Boar’s Head all-beef or locally farmed grass-fed beef frankfurter can be topped as the Brasil - mashed potatoes, tomato corn relish, crumbled bacon, potato sticks and mayo - or the Oahu - bacon, pineapple, green onions, and teriyaki sauce. Rounding out the menu are vegetarian franks made from whole grilled carrots, grass-fed burgers, and Franktuary’s take on poutine, Canada’s national dish: french fries covered in house-made vegetarian brown gravy and local Cannonball Curds from Arsenal Cheese.
You can also book Franktuary’s truck for private events! To charter the truck for your event, write to emailus@franktuary.com.
In the mean time, now's your chance to snag a $10 gift card from the folks at Franktuary! Each comment you make below on THIS blog will gain you an entry. You can earn up to 6 entries! Here's how:
1) Simply comment on this blog post, letting me know what you'd buy with your $10 Franktuary gift card!
2) "Like" Franktuary on Facebook
3) "Like" Taste of Pittsburgh on Facebook
4) Follow Franktuary on Twitter
5) Follow Taste of Pittsburgh on Twitter
6) Write a blog post about Franktuary (and/or their Food Truck) and leave the link as a comment!
Be sure to leave comment for very entry you make below! We'll take a look to validate any claims of "liking" or following before we announce the winner.
This giveaway will close on 5/16/2011 at 8 p.m. so get your entries in before then! I will choose the winner via random drawing at Random.org.
Good luck!!
Today we've got a very SPECIAL treat for you. But before we get to that part here is some MUST KNOW information about the amazing and wonderful Franktuary food truck!
A few months back, I reviewed Franktuary in downtown Pittsburgh and immediately fell in love. I am so excited to share the good news that Franktuary is celebrating the resurrection of its food truck! The 1988 Chevy P-30 made its Pittsburgh debut last summer, briefly appearing on the mobile food scene. The vehicle (fully repaired and restored in the finest condition) now vends from Hot Metal Bridge Faith Community’s South Side parking lot at 2700 Jane Street. Two percent of all profits generated on Hot Metal property are shared with the church, which runs a variety of neighborhood ministries throughout the week.
The truck will operate from the Hot Metal lot every Tuesday and Thursday from 11 am to 3 pm. If you don't already follow Franktuary on Facebook and Twitter, you might want to start so you can keep tabs on realtime updates of where the truck is located as it moves around the city on Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays!
Unique menu items that differ from the downtown storefront are offered from the truck. Continuing the store’s international topping trend, a Boar’s Head all-beef or locally farmed grass-fed beef frankfurter can be topped as the Brasil - mashed potatoes, tomato corn relish, crumbled bacon, potato sticks and mayo - or the Oahu - bacon, pineapple, green onions, and teriyaki sauce. Rounding out the menu are vegetarian franks made from whole grilled carrots, grass-fed burgers, and Franktuary’s take on poutine, Canada’s national dish: french fries covered in house-made vegetarian brown gravy and local Cannonball Curds from Arsenal Cheese.
You can also book Franktuary’s truck for private events! To charter the truck for your event, write to emailus@franktuary.com.
In the mean time, now's your chance to snag a $10 gift card from the folks at Franktuary! Each comment you make below on THIS blog will gain you an entry. You can earn up to 6 entries! Here's how:
1) Simply comment on this blog post, letting me know what you'd buy with your $10 Franktuary gift card!
2) "Like" Franktuary on Facebook
3) "Like" Taste of Pittsburgh on Facebook
4) Follow Franktuary on Twitter
5) Follow Taste of Pittsburgh on Twitter
6) Write a blog post about Franktuary (and/or their Food Truck) and leave the link as a comment!
Be sure to leave comment for very entry you make below! We'll take a look to validate any claims of "liking" or following before we announce the winner.
This giveaway will close on 5/16/2011 at 8 p.m. so get your entries in before then! I will choose the winner via random drawing at Random.org.
Good luck!!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
TOP-ten Romantic Restaurants in Pittsburgh
With the Hallmark Holiday of Love just around the corner, I've taken it upon myself to rack my brain and tap in to memories past to present to you my official TOP-Ten list of Pittsburgh's most romantic culinary destinations. Some I've reviewed on this site, others are favorites I recall from b.t.o.p (before Taste of Pittsburgh). All are worthy of your reservation.
Keep reading after my suggestions for your chance to WIN a romantic Valentine's Day dinner date, courtesy of Taste of Pittsburgh and Walnut Grill
#10 --
If you're single and already considering clicking the big red X at the top right of your screen...DON'T! The Naked Grape in Sewickly will pop your cork. This Thursday, February 10, you can celebrate being single with a selection of special "Single" Vineyard Wines, "Single Servings" and, of course, a game of "Single Trivia," all while mixing and mingling with other singles! Any place whose wine menu exceeds the length of it's food menu is a place I would suggest.
#9 -- 
OK, ok -- so it's not a Pittsburgh proprietary, but I have to tell you I've been to quite a few different Morton's across the country and if we're talking romantic atmosphere, I CANNOT neglect to put this place on the list. The ambiance at Morton's Pittsburgh makes you expect that Frank Sinatra will be joining your party at any given moment. The scent of red wine and a good char fill the air as candlelit tables are scarcely accompanied by dim overhead lighting. With out-of-this-world Oysters Rockefeller that would make John D. himself sing praises from the beyond and a chocolate lava cake that will melt even the coldest of hearts, the food will certainly not fall short in the romance department either. Make your reservations today, because Valentine's Day is one of their busiest of the year! A V-day special will get you a three course dinner for two for only $109.99.
#8 -- 
Who could forget about Mount Washignton on a day like Valentine's Day? While I have to give props to Georgetowne Inn, and of course to Monterey Bay for being my runner's up in the romance category, I have to say that, though it's been a while since I've eaten there, Isabela on Grandview will forever be etched in my mind as the loveliest of all Mt. Washington restaurants I've had the pleasure of experiencing. Voted by Pittsburgh Magazine readers as Pittsburgh's most romantic restaurant, I can confidently suggest it knowing I've got some trusted voices confirming my opinion.
#7 -- 
For a date night OR a group of 14 excitable women on a night out on the town, SOBA on Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside certainly did a fine job of setting the mood. The multi-level restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and with a diverse menu of Asian and American cuisine, it will be sure to satisfy both you and your sweetheart.
#6 -- 
Shadyside is my home away from home, and so I must take you on the tour from Ellsworth to Walnut and suggest Walnut Grill which just happens to be one of my long time favorites, especially if you're in the mood for a delicious pasta or hand-tossed pizza. **UPDATE - Walnut Grill has closed and is in process of being replaced by a new joint (sure to please) called "Up." I'll be sure to keep you "Up"dated!
#5 -- 
While I typically would only send you here in the summertime when their back patio is open for business, if you're looking for a quiet, intimate dining experience this Valentine's Day, be sure to check out the cafe I go crazy for: Cafe du Jour. With a quaint dining room adjacent to the kitchen, you can be sure to share delicious food and audible conversation with your date. Be sure to ask them what off-menu specials they're offering. I've found their best dishes that way.
#4 -- 
One of the my favorite destinations just happens to be in my neck of the woods. Bistro 19 on Washington Rd. in Mount Lebanon was a place that took my breath away. With a plethora of options in every food group, this place will be sure to please.
#3 -- 
I find it only appropriate that Eleven would make my TOP-ten. With it's uniquely delicious seasonally changing American cuisine, never fails to impress. Congrats to the Big Burrito Restaurant group for making the TOP-ten twice!
#2 -- 
I have to tell you a short story, the number two most romantic restaurant on my list is a huge part of the reason I began and kept up with this blog in the first place. I had never heard of Willow (thank you, Groupon) and after spending an evening amongst the crackling fire, intoxicating aromas, mouthwatering flavors and extremely friendly waitstaff, I knew I had to tell the rest of the town about the secret in the woods. If you haven't yet taken a date to Willow, you're seriously missing out. If you're just starting out in a relationship, seal the deal by suggesting a Valentine's Day dinner here.
#1 -- 
So far, in my mind, Spoon in East Liberty has yet to be beat. Neither PID nor I could think of a single negative thing to say about our evening here. The Tuna Two Ways was, to me, one of the greatest culinary accomplishments I've ever tasted -- and it was only the appetizer! If you read my review, you'll begin to understand why. Give it a try, once you do you'll understand my utter fascination.
Every one of these restaurants earn my stamp of approval for your V-Day date. Bon Appetite!
Keep reading after my suggestions for your chance to WIN a romantic Valentine's Day dinner date, courtesy of Taste of Pittsburgh and Walnut Grill
If you're single and already considering clicking the big red X at the top right of your screen...DON'T! The Naked Grape in Sewickly will pop your cork. This Thursday, February 10, you can celebrate being single with a selection of special "Single" Vineyard Wines, "Single Servings" and, of course, a game of "Single Trivia," all while mixing and mingling with other singles! Any place whose wine menu exceeds the length of it's food menu is a place I would suggest.
OK, ok -- so it's not a Pittsburgh proprietary, but I have to tell you I've been to quite a few different Morton's across the country and if we're talking romantic atmosphere, I CANNOT neglect to put this place on the list. The ambiance at Morton's Pittsburgh makes you expect that Frank Sinatra will be joining your party at any given moment. The scent of red wine and a good char fill the air as candlelit tables are scarcely accompanied by dim overhead lighting. With out-of-this-world Oysters Rockefeller that would make John D. himself sing praises from the beyond and a chocolate lava cake that will melt even the coldest of hearts, the food will certainly not fall short in the romance department either. Make your reservations today, because Valentine's Day is one of their busiest of the year! A V-day special will get you a three course dinner for two for only $109.99. 
Who could forget about Mount Washignton on a day like Valentine's Day? While I have to give props to Georgetowne Inn, and of course to Monterey Bay for being my runner's up in the romance category, I have to say that, though it's been a while since I've eaten there, Isabela on Grandview will forever be etched in my mind as the loveliest of all Mt. Washington restaurants I've had the pleasure of experiencing. Voted by Pittsburgh Magazine readers as Pittsburgh's most romantic restaurant, I can confidently suggest it knowing I've got some trusted voices confirming my opinion.
For a date night OR a group of 14 excitable women on a night out on the town, SOBA on Ellsworth Avenue in Shadyside certainly did a fine job of setting the mood. The multi-level restaurant is absolutely gorgeous and with a diverse menu of Asian and American cuisine, it will be sure to satisfy both you and your sweetheart.
Shadyside is my home away from home, and so I must take you on the tour from Ellsworth to Walnut and suggest Walnut Grill which just happens to be one of my long time favorites, especially if you're in the mood for a delicious pasta or hand-tossed pizza. **UPDATE - Walnut Grill has closed and is in process of being replaced by a new joint (sure to please) called "Up." I'll be sure to keep you "Up"dated!
While I typically would only send you here in the summertime when their back patio is open for business, if you're looking for a quiet, intimate dining experience this Valentine's Day, be sure to check out the cafe I go crazy for: Cafe du Jour. With a quaint dining room adjacent to the kitchen, you can be sure to share delicious food and audible conversation with your date. Be sure to ask them what off-menu specials they're offering. I've found their best dishes that way.
One of the my favorite destinations just happens to be in my neck of the woods. Bistro 19 on Washington Rd. in Mount Lebanon was a place that took my breath away. With a plethora of options in every food group, this place will be sure to please.
I find it only appropriate that Eleven would make my TOP-ten. With it's uniquely delicious seasonally changing American cuisine, never fails to impress. Congrats to the Big Burrito Restaurant group for making the TOP-ten twice! 
I have to tell you a short story, the number two most romantic restaurant on my list is a huge part of the reason I began and kept up with this blog in the first place. I had never heard of Willow (thank you, Groupon) and after spending an evening amongst the crackling fire, intoxicating aromas, mouthwatering flavors and extremely friendly waitstaff, I knew I had to tell the rest of the town about the secret in the woods. If you haven't yet taken a date to Willow, you're seriously missing out. If you're just starting out in a relationship, seal the deal by suggesting a Valentine's Day dinner here.
So far, in my mind, Spoon in East Liberty has yet to be beat. Neither PID nor I could think of a single negative thing to say about our evening here. The Tuna Two Ways was, to me, one of the greatest culinary accomplishments I've ever tasted -- and it was only the appetizer! If you read my review, you'll begin to understand why. Give it a try, once you do you'll understand my utter fascination.Every one of these restaurants earn my stamp of approval for your V-Day date. Bon Appetite!
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