This One Is For The Ladies!: Bobby Hendrix

Maple Apple Spiced Rum Runner and White Grape Mojito

Located in the South Side on East Carson St. Bobby Hendrix is one of Pittsburgh's newest hot spots. It's less restaurant, more lounge. The large bar area takes up most of the space with high tables used for additional seating. The decor is chic and trendy. There is something about this place that says, "Ladies night out!" It's a place to go for fabulous drinks, and since you're already there, throw in some fabulous food! Everything we ordered was amazing. I wish I could post a photo of everything we ate. (but then you would know how MUCH I ate...that would just be wrong.) We ended up ordering a few favorites recommended by co owner Todd. One of those favorites being the House Cut Fries. These are not your ordinary fast food fries! Just imagine large planks of potatoes seasoned with salt, pepper, and parsley accompanied by a malt vinegar aioli dipping sauce. (yes, I licked my fingers....I'm not ashamed.) Bobby Hendrix also won 1st place for Best Burger in the Burgh 2012 & 2013. The "title" belt actually hangs on the wall. Cohort ordered the Yeungling infused sliders. You get 3 per order and they offer 3 different varieties. We ordered one of each. Very tasty! I can't wait for the next girls night out. I know just the spot! http://www.bobbyhendrixpgh.com/

Cajun Honey Fried Chicken

PROS: Nice cocktail menu. Drink specials. Solid food menu. Friendly staff.

CONS: Parking in the South Side can be a nightmare!

OTB Bicycle Cafe North Park

Old Firehouse Dip

Like most good things, a good eating streak can't last forever! On Saturday my cohort and I ate at the OTB (Over The Bar) Bicycle Cafe located in the North Park boathouse. It has a nice bar, comfy dining area, and additional seating outside. I think it's an ingenious idea to open up a new watering hole in a familiar spot. Unfortunately, everyone else thought the same thing! It was jam packed, standing room only. I'm not sure why it would be this busy when it was still early in the evening. We stood around drinking until seats opened at the bar. The couple behind us stood for an additional 30-40 minutes waiting for a table. The bartenders are friendly and know how to hustle through a busy period. The 1st round of drinks were good. The 2nd round was just so, so. (I think it depends on the bartender) We had the Old Firehouse Dip which boasts fresh jalapenos, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, and crispy bacon served with tortilla chips. I was waiting for a spicy explosion of flavor in my mouth. In the end, it simply tasted like warm cream cheese with tomatoes on top. I ordered Henry's Fish Tacos for my meal. Another miss. They were overloaded with a pineapple salsa that consumed the entire dish. On a more upbeat note, my partner in crime let me taste his burger. It was called the Wheelmill. Extremely tasty! I was jealous. Around this time, Cohort noticed that the restaurant had suddenly cleared out. It was around 8:30pm. (he said everyone was rushing home to pay the babysitter!) If you decide to try it out, be prepared that it may be overcrowded. Another tip? This is not the time to get fancy. Keep it simple...... just get a burger. http://www.otbbicyclecafe.com/

PROS: It has a nice view and friendly staff.
CONS: After all the wait, 2 out of 3 dishes were a bust.
 

Sunday Brunch: Grand View Buffet

Mimosa

I'm not a huge fan of buffets, EXCEPT during Sunday brunch. If I can find one with unlimited champagne, all the better! The Grand View Buffet, located at the top of Rivers Casino, takes it one step further. They offer your choice of unlimited champagne, mimosa or bloody mary, all for one reasonable price! The buffet has 5 different stations loaded with choices like prime rib, stuffed flounder, cheese blintz, frittatas and more. They also have separate stations for desserts and salads. I never skip the bread pudding. It's a mixture of a moist, sticky, pastry covered with a cinnamon glaze. I always add a scoop of ice cream, because I'm fancy like that! The restaurant itself overlooks the Ohio River and has outside seating during warmer weather. Remember that the key to eating at a buffet is to get there early. That way everything is fresh. Let's face it, when it comes to food, fresher is better! They also offer special discounts and promotions for patrons holding players cards. Please review the casino website for details. http://www.riverscasino.com/pittsburgh/dining/grand-view-buffet/

PROS: The choices are endless, they have something for everyone. Unlimited champagne is always a plus! The parking garage is huge and they offer valet.
CONS: It's located inside of a casino, so leave the kiddies at home!

Post New Years celebration: Notion

Scallop

East Liberty fine dining has arrived! Notion. I LOVED this place. A very intimate fine dining experience. (the restaurant only holds 26 patrons) Let me forewarn, it's BYOB. With that out of the way, let's get to the good stuff. Your choices are: 4 courses that you choose at a fixed price, or a 6-8 course tasting chosen by Chef David Racicot. My suggestion? Toss the menu aside and let Chef Dave do his thing! You will not regret it. In addition to our 6 course experience, we received what I like to call "bonus rounds" of  tastings that the kitchen just invented on the fly! My favorite was the Scallop. Cooked to perfection, it had a side of apple chutney with a curry sauce. (if I close my eyes, I can still taste it....) They also have a true Tartare, which seems to be difficult to find around these parts. At the end of the meal we were invited into the kitchen to meet Chef Dave. An attractive man, younger than I expected .....but I digress. Don't let the price or the fine dining label scare you. They have somehow managed to put together a fine dining restaurant with a casual, comfortable feel. 2 thumbs up. If I had additional thumbs, it would get those too!
http://notionrestaurant.com/index.html

Beet

PROS: Bonus rounds during tastings. Meeting the Chef, who is not hard on the eyes! Fine dining without feeling "stuffy."
CONS: BYOB, so, just pick up a bottle of your favorite wine along the way!

!!!!!!!!!!!!I REGRET TO INFORM YOU THIS RESTAURANT IS NOW CLOSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!