Pittsburgh Restaurant Week at Alma

A busy week proved villain extraordinaire when it came to participating as much as we would have liked in Pittsburgh Restaurant Week (nooooo!), but we did manage to make our way out to Alma in Regent Square before the week came to a close.

We met a few F.O.R.T.s for a night out on the town and were excited to try some new food and delicious cocktails. I really enjoyed the warm, intimate atmosphere at Alma. The walls and decor were very colorful and made it feel a little larger than it was by clearly separating the two dining rooms and emphasizing that pan-Latin feel.

Thanks, Almapgh.com!

 Mrs. F.O.R.T and I each opted for a different  Pittsburgh Restaurant Week prix-fixe choice while the men of the table went rogue, ordering straight off the menu.

But first we started with a few cocktails.  The men tried beers from breweries throughout Pennsylvania while the ladies caved in to the temptation of the sangria, which was refreshing and delicious.  But their cocktail menu was extensive and intriguing and I was dying to give at least one of them a try.  I had a tough time deciding, but I went out on a limb with the Jalapeno Gimlet.

Jalepeno Gimlet

For gin lovers, this baby is a dream.  Made with Hendrick's gin, cucumbers and, yes, jalapenos this little treat had multi-dimensional flavor which journeyed from bitter to heat to cool in one fell sip.

The table ordered three cups of black bean chilli while I had the fresh arugula salad.  Unfortunately Mr. and Mrs. F.O.R.T. are vegetarians and we were all uninformed that the black bean chilli actually contained beef.  But PID thoroughly enjoyed the depth of flavor in his chilli which was served with shredded cheddar and crumbled feta.  I also really liked my simple salad as the sweet vinaigrette cut the bitterness of the arugula.

Black bean chilli

Arugula salad

We each ordered an appetizer as well: the Peruvian Conchitas a la parmesana (Parmesan crusted scallops on the half-shell) and Yuca fritas, a dish inspired by Dominican cuisine.

The scallops were disappointingly small and in my mind, the Parmesan was far too overpowering.  I like to taste scallop when I eat scallops. Weird?

Peruvian Conchitas a la Parmesana 

The yuca fritas (yuca is a root vegetable more popular in Latin cultures similar to a potato) were actually very good -- perfectly crispy and very delicious with a freshness you don't really find in a run-of-the-mill potato.  The sauces -- one seemed to have a chipotle/mayo base and the other a cilantro/jalapeno pesto-like taste -- complemented the fritas wonderfully.

Yuca Fritas

For our fixed-price meals, Mrs. F.O.R.T. and I were each entitled to a starter (our chilli and salad), entree and dessert. I chose the Grilled Pork and she went with the fish special, the Baramundi.

Her fish was perfectly cooked and flaky with a beautifully crispy skin.

Baramundi

My pork was ever-so-slightly overcooked and dry, but I really enjoyed the jalapeno and cilantro pesto (yep, again, but I was OK with that). It was also served with a white sweet potato puree which, for those who enjoy mashed sweet potatoes, would have been wonderful.  Unfortunately I am not one of those people because I am a salt fanatic and I find the flavor to be too sweet to accompany savory dishes like pork and jalapeno.  But they were creamy and had a delightful texture, so others may enjoy it much more.

Grilled Pork

PID and Mr. F.O.R.T had Cuban Shrimp in a housemade lime sauce and the "Torrejitas de frijolitos," or legume patties, respectively.

PID's shrimp were cooked to perfection and the lime sauce gave them a well-deserved kick, but he longed for something more than "shrimp and rice."  He said other than the perfection of the shrimp, he felt as though he could have made this dish at home.

Cuban Shrimp 

As for Mr. F.O.R.T., he was a big fan of his vegetarian patty and adored bitterness of the collard greens.

Torrejitas de Frijolitos

Finally we were graced with dessert.  Mrs. F.O.R.T. had the renowned Tres Leches cake and I the raspberry sorbet.

Her cake was moist and dreamy with complex flavors (like a lovely taste of strawberry) that left her pretty satisfied.

Tres Leches cake

My sorbet was extremely refreshing, with a sweet burst of berry.

Berry sorbet

In a surprising turn of events, PID decided to try the Horchata Martini, a Cinnamon vanilla made with vanilla rum and cream for his dessert. He sipped daintily and seemed to really dig it!

Horchata Martini

Restaurant Information

Alma Pan-Latin Kitchen

Address: 7600 Forbes Ave, Regent Square

Phone: 412-727-6320

Reservations: They do not take them, so show up 30-45 minutes before you're hungry!

Hours: 5-10 p.m. Sunday, Tuesday through Thursday

            5-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Cliffs Notes:

As you may have noticed, I typically don't list our bill price when we dine with friends as a courtesy.  Meals were moderately priced and their online menu lists each price.

 

Overall Opinion:

This was the third time we've attempted to eat at Alma, mostly due to the fact that they don't take reservations. We came prepared this visit, making sure to put our names in about 30 minutes before we actually wanted to eat. There is a small wine kitchen around the back which is a nice place to wait for an open table.  The wait wasn't along as it had been in the past this week which was perfect.  Our server was extremely friendly and punctual. There were high points and low points of our meal, but overall we enjoyed ourselves. Should we ever go back, PID and I will be sure to try something different to give it a better shot.

Kitchen Nightmares with Gordon Ramsay -- Casting in Pittsburgh

Hello TOPpers!  Today is the very first day of Pittsburgh Restaurant Week! I'm so excited I can hardly contain my excitement!  Thirty Restaurants are participating this year by offering fixed low prices so you can break your weekly routine without breaking the bank. I definitely encourage you to head out and give one (or two, or six) a try during this awesome week celebrating local dining culture.

But while it's always great to enjoy delicious new restaurants, there's always that "elephant" in the blogosphere that we all try to avoid at all cost -- the kitchens that need work. Now I'll be the first to admit it -- if you need work, I see that as nothing but room for opportunity... so here's that opportunity!

Kitchen Nightmares with Gordon Ramsay is casting right here in Pittsburgh!

Now I think we all know that I am the first one to dig deep to find the good in every dining experience, but maybe you're a restaurant owner who knows they have a great product, but have simply had trouble executing.  Maybe you're a NEW owner who's looking to perfect your kitchen's craft.  Or maybe you're a local foodie who's had one or two too many bad experiences at your former favorite establishment.  FOX is taking both applications and nominations in the Pittsburgh area starting today.

To nominate a restaurant for FOX's Kitchen Nightmares, here's some info:

FOX's hit show "KITCHEN NIGHTMARES"

wants to hear from you!

Did a recent dining experience leave a bad taste in your mouth?

Has your favorite restaurant lost its edge?

Does a local eatery need Gordon's help?

Call or Email to Nominate a Restaurant:

(310) 313-9100
Kitchennightmares@theconlincompany.com 

For more information:
www.theconlincompany.com

To nominate your own restaurant for a kitchen makeover courtesy of Gordon Ramsey, here's some info:

FOX's hit show "KITCHEN NIGHTMARES"

wants to hear from Pittsburgh!

Is your restaurant struggling and in need of Gordon’s expertise?

How many more bad reviews can you take?

Is your staff sabotaging your restaurant?

Is your food lacking flair?

If you want CHEF GORDON RAMSAY to come into your establishment to troubleshoot your problems and try to get you back on the road to success… Contact us NOW!!!

Email or Call for more Information:

KitchenNightmares@theconlincompany.com

Download application or apply online at:
www.theconlincompany.com

Eligible restaurants must have been open at least one year, offer dinner service, not be a franchise or chain and have at least 35 seats.

So here are my two pieces of advice for the week:

1) get out and give a participating Restaurant Week restaurant a try!

2) pass the word around that Gordon Ramsay is coming to town and he wants to turn your "opportunity" into Pittsburgh newest hot-spot.

I'm so excited that after all this press about Pittsburgh being a hot, hip city the dining scene is starting seeing some positive repercussions.  First Robert Irvine and Restaurant Impossible and now Gordon Ramsay!  Will someone please do me a favor and bring Anthony Bourdain and Anne Burrell here together at the same time so I can die happy?

So which restaurant are YOU going to try this week?

And of course I have to ask... which restaurant would you nominate for Kitchen Nightmares?

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.

Blue Grotto On The Web

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!

Best Of Pizza Club: Volume 1

In honor of National Pizza Week 2012, I decided to blog about the best scoring pizza since Pittsburgh Pizza Club's inception. Enjoy!

In May of 2011 Pittsburgh Pizza Club met at Fat Tommy's Pizza in Market Square. None of us had sampled their slices, but we had sampled their smells. It was time to indulge (and invent smell-o-blog).

We had a small, but excited group ready to fill our bellies with some delicious pizza treats! We started off with a large meaty pizza topped with pepperoni and sausage. Fat Tommy's pizzas are generous on the cheese and just the right amount of topping. They are not over loaded or too sparse, so you get a good taste of pizza and meaty toppings in each bite. This pizza may look like it is glowing a little bit in grease, and it probably is (that's what makes it taste so good, right?).

For the next pie, we went with the standard white pizza. Fat Tommy serves his with cheese (mozzarella), cheese (ricotta), cheese (parmigiana), and tomatoes. The pizzas really come together with a crispy thin crust. When talking to the owners and the cook, they let us know that their best sellers and most liked pizzas are their Sicilian pies. Unfortunately for us, they take an extra 20 mins to cook, so we were advised for next time to call in advance.

To finish off the pizza, Tommy suggested that we get just a plain cheese pizza, medium size pizza stretched out into an extra large pie. Now that's a good looking pie and the proud owner :)

When we were wrapping up our meeting and scoring the restaurant and food, Tommy and the other pizza chef overheard us and were shooting for bonus points. Before we could object, a plate full of canoli appeared before us. These were BY FAR the best canoli I have tasted in Pittsburgh. Unfortunately, I think this was a one time deal. I have gone back since, but they don't usually have them available.

Overall, this was beyond what we expected for a new to us pizza shop (though they recently celebrated their 10th birthday).

Total cost was about $8/person.

The pizza, staff, and atmosphere really made this place memorable and the second best scoring pizza of 2011 at 8.4 overall.

Other awards given: Owner Bonus A++++++

Cure for the Common DInner

This weekend, Pittsburgh welcomed yet another new restaurant to it's already impressive repertoire.  While Cure unofficially served a prix-fixe menu to diners on New Year's Eve, they officially opened their doors to the public this past Friday evening so PID and I headed across town to the streets of Lawrenceville to get one of the first tastes.

The atmosphere inside Cure was warm and welcoming.  The natural wood motif was reminiscent of barbecue chips which I thought was incredibly appropriate. The open kitchen in the back of the room made sure that the sweet scent of mesquite smoke was never far away.

I'm happy to report that Cure is a BYOB joint with a fairly typical $3 corking fee -- so PID and I classed it up with a bottle of Tisdale Cabernet.  The couple next to us had the right idea with a soft-cooler filled with Sam Adams. Next time, TOP...next time.

It was pretty much a four-way tie between small plates to start off the evening and while I'm still kicking myself for not giving the Butternut Squash Soup with goat merguez, goat cheese, crispy shallots and cilantro a try, PID was dying to taste the Salumi plate -- and so we did.

Salumi, $12

I tend to gravitate more toward carefully crafted dishes that show finesse and artistry than a "meat plate," but this was PID's night so I wanted to make him happy by ordering. To my pleasant surprise each of these meats was surprisingly detectible.  Specifically the incredibly flavorful mortadella (5:00 on the meat-plate clock) which paired astoundingly well with the pickled onions and herb-infused, Mediterranean butter.  Sadly, my least favorite item was the one I was most excited for was the Pate Campagnola -- which is essentially a pâté made from pork shoulder and liver (dead center).  It was a bit too reminiscent of turkey for me.  The prosciutto, though?  Amen! And when was the last time you had a gherkin? 20-1 you say "never."

We moved on from the Salumi to our main courses, PID with the Beef Cheeks and I with the Choucroute.

Beef Cheeks, $25

Never have I been more envious of PID's cheeks.  One bite and I was completely sold on Cure. Though PID noted that some of the larger pieces were slightly tougher than the shreds, we found that the meat was as close to perfection as we'd tasted in the 'burgh in a long time.  The apple cider cut through to the core of the beef shreds making each bite juicy and bursting with sweet, smokey barbecue flavor. Even the mushrooms and Gnocci melted in your mouth and we savored every bite. I caught PID sopping up his plate with a slice of my pork shoulder when his was all gone.

Choucroute, $22

I went with the Choucroute because it was a fun word to say out loud...and also it promised three types of pork for me to sink my teeth in to: pork shoulder, pork belly and Boudin Blanc -- a white, bloodless smoked pork sausage.  This dish -- a traditional French peasant dish perfect for cold winter nights like this one -- put the "fire" in spitfire. The pork belly was crispy beyond believe which locked the flavor right into the meat and added a texture that a barbecue fanatic drools in his dreams over. The shoulder fell apart beautifully and had a rich, smokey aroma that was reciprocated in the skin.  Though I was least excited over the Boudin Blanc -- which just proves I'm part Vampire -- it still tasted delicious with the juicy bitterness of the cabbage and the bite of the mustard sauce.

For dessert we had two choices... and couldn't choose at all.  I learned something new about PID that night, and that is that he apparently enjoys plates of meat and cheese (OK, so maybe that isn't' remotely surprising at all...).  He was dying to try the cheese plate (for one -- you can order for two if you'd like) while I was aching for the apple pie. Our solution? We tried both. 

Cheese Plate, $6

Apple Pie tart, $6

PID was beyond pleased with his cheese plate which was composed of Pennsylvania cheese and rounded out the evening quite nicely.  As usual, I thought the blue cheese (native to Lancaster, PA -- near my home turf!) tasted slightly reminiscent to feet, but I've never really been a fan and that's my own, personal, non-cheese loving opinion. The prunes and honey helped cleanse my palate for my pie and the toasted almonds were a shockingly great pair to the creamy cheeses.

But as I mentioned before, it's really tough for me to "review" a plate of cheese -- no matter how much thought goes into the pairings.  I was more interested in the apple pie!  What a great end to my evening.  The pie-tart was just big enough for me to enjoy while allowing a bite or two for PID and contained a kick of the cinnamon and sugar that was cooled down by the creamy creme fraiche and glued to the buttery, flaky crust with a sticky, salty caramel sauce to die for.

Restaurant Information:

Cure 

Address: 5336 Butler St, Lawrenceville

Phone:  412-252-2595

Reservations: Taken and suggested on Friday and Saturday evenings

Hours:Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, 4:30 p.m. to "close" (approximately 10 p.m.)

Cliffs Notes:

Beverages:   Wine corking fee @ $3      
Starter:    Salumi @ $12
Entrees:   Choucroute @ $22
                  Beef Cheeks @ $25
Dessert:    Apple pie @ $6
                  Farmstead Cheese Plate @ $6

Tax:                        Food AND drink tax  @ 7% (Allegheny County only) @ $4.97

Tip:                           $16.00
Total for two:          $94.99

 

Overall Opinion:

The decor was homey, the staff was friendly, knowledgeable and eager to please, and the food -- in case you couldn't tell -- was out of this world. Who'da thunk that I'd be so in to a place that spotlights pork as the star of the show?  Not me.  But Cure has quickly climbed my list of my favorite dining experiences in the 'burgh.  You may be asking "how the heck did you still spend nearly $100 at a BYOB joint?  Well if you're looking to be more frugal, leave off a dessert and try a different starter -- we chose the most expensive one.  The website claims that they serve "urban Mediterranean," but I found it to be extremely barbecue-esque and noticed a number of French references. Mostly they tout locally sourced delicacies and I am beyond excited to head back with a few FORTS and try out a few more dishes.  Go hog wild! Give this place a try! Whether vegan or hipster, you will NOT be disappointed.