One Of A Kind: The Commoner

Located in the new Hotel Monaco at 458 Strawberry Way in downtown Pittsburgh, this place is amazing! The hotel itself is gorgeous and the luxurious theme sweeps throughout the restaurant, with a dark and rich color scheme. The bar and most of the tables sit up high (I love that!) with additional half  booth seating along the side wall. If you're in a rush you can pop over to the grab and go carvery window for breakfast and lunch. It was a bit crowded on the evening that we dined, so we posted up at the bar. Our bartender was a sweetie pie, plus she made a Pisco Sour like nobodies business!

Pisco Sours with Meat Board

After a few rounds of drinks we had a Meat Board for starters. Nothing fancy, just a small variety of meats with toast, mustard and pickled bits, but lovely. I then moved on to the Romaine Salad, which had large planks of romaine hearts lightly drizzled with bacon-garlic dressing, pumpernickel croutons, and frizzled ham. For my entree, I decided on Crab Shells and Cheese- jumbo lump crab meat and pasta shells with a creamy rich cheddar cheese sauce finished to perfection in a wood fire oven. Cohort went a simpler route with the PA Burger- local ground beef mixed with elysian fields lamb, PA noble cheddar, watercress, topped with smoked yellow tomato ketchup. He did share, it was very tasty!

Romaine Salad

For dessert we split the Sticky Toffee Pudding - a warm moist date cake with gooey toffee sauce, topped with a scoop of rye vanilla ice cream. I suggest that during your meal, you keep this in mind and SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT!!!! It is to die for. http://www.thecommonerpgh.com/

 

PROS: Fabulous drinks, high end with a relaxed atmosphere

CONS: Downtown parking, gets crowded in the evenings

Sunday Brunch: Dorothy 6 Blast Furnace Cafe

With new establishments popping up all over the city and the usual brunch spots getting overcrowded, my family and I decided to try a new spot for Sunday Brunch. We settled on Dorothy 6 located on East 8th Avenue in Homestead. Named after the largest blast furnace in the world, Dorothy 6's amazing interior pays homage to Pennsylvania's steel mill days. The poured concrete bar runs along an exposed brick wall, with tables throughout and a large lounge upstairs. Using old steel mill parts and steel mill workers memorabilia, the space is one of a kind.

Dorothy 6

We started with mimosas to prepare us for the menu. Being a large party, we ordered one of everything and then had an almost shameful free for all of food. Steak and Eggs, Home Fries and Pancakes are the regulars before chef Matt Davis (Chef MD....a doctor of food perhaps!) brings his personal touch to the menu. Stuffed French Toast - 3 pieces of perfectly cooked french toast with a creamy strawberry filling topped with fresh strawberries. Chocolate Zucchini French Toast - a decadent chocolate zucchini bread dipped in an egg batter, lightly grilled and topped with strawberries. My personal favorite was the Potato Pancake Benedict - A crispy potato pancake topped with poached egg and your choice of ham, bacon, sausage, or crab. (That's right, I said crab!) covered in hollandaise sauce. It tastes so good you'll want to slap Benedict himself! Mimosa, Bloody Mary, juices and coffee are listed for drinks on the brunch menu, but they have a full bar and a fabulous selection of beers, so just pick your poison! Although I had a wonderful brunch experience, I cannot wait to hit Dorothy 6 for dinner....I hear they offer a Lobster Pot Pie (seasonal). Mmmm, I'm getting excited just thinking about it! https://www.facebook.com/Dorothy6homestead?rf=370091593074764

Chocolate Zucchini French Toast

PROS: Amazing food. Not crowded for brunch, but I hear the weekends are a different story. Close to the Waterfront. Full bar with nice beer selection.

CONS: I don't really have a CON. Parking, maybe?

Valentine's Feast at Fede: Cenacolo

This year Valentine's Day fell on a weekend. Good luck getting a reservation at any restaurant, anywhere! No worries, Cohort said we could just pick up an artisan pizza to go or hit a low key watering hole. I awoke on Saturday morning to beautiful white fluffy snow falling from the sky. It was gorgeous! Then....It...Just...Didn't...Stop!! By that evening the roads were covered with snow and sleet. Salt trucks were everywhere. Cohort said couples would start canceling reservations due to the bad weather. (He's smart like that!) He decided we should venture out to a place in North Huntington called Cenacolo.

Reginetta

Cenacolo is a very interesting space. Located in an office park, it's definitely a hidden gem. It showcases the fresh made pasta of Fede Pasta's which is handmade onsite. Despite not having a reservation, we were seated immediately. (SCORE!) We started with Drusian Dru El Cru Prosecco and appetizers. Fagioli E Verdure - white beans, pancetta, broccolini and garlic. An excellent take on greens and beans. Carciofini Fritti - crispy fried artichokes, topped with freshly chopped basil, served with a roasted lemon slice. The basil is what makes this dish pop with flavor and the light taste of the prosecco was a good starting point for drinks.

For his entree Cohort ordered the Reginetta - a wavy, thick pasta with shrimp, broccolini, hot banana peppers, and bacon covered in a rich gorgonzola cream sauce. It's a hearty dish with contrasting flavors from the sharp cheese and light spice from the banana peppers. I decided on the Oxtail Ravioli - braised oxtail with sage, served in a delicious marrow reduction. (Make sure you get an order of bread, you are going to want to sop up every drop!) With our meal we splurged on a bottle of Bava Barolo di Castiglione Falleto. It's a full bodied red wine that has a spicy aroma and pairs perfectly with rich pasta dishes. 

Strawberry Limoncello

After dinner they served Strawberry Limoncello with light cookies as a special Valentine treat. We then had an Italian Coffee to help warm up before heading out into the cold. Mmmm, perfetto!

http://www.cenacolorestaurant.com/

PROS: Fresh in-house made pasta (They also have pasta making classes!) Nice wine selection, but you can also B.Y.O.B.

CONS: It's located in an office park, don't let that deter you, the inside is amazing!

Off The Hook: on the hook if you're the one paying....

Cohort and I recently traveled to Warrendale to enjoy a bite at a new upscale seafood restaurant called Off The Hook. Due to the looong wait, we decided to post up in the bar area. The layout is amazing! They have a main bar area, a separate section for the oyster bar and additional tables throughout. Despite a menu advertising fish from all over the world, we learned that their large wine selection was limited to California, so we decided to start with cocktails. They were fine, but nothing special compared to some of the other cocktail places we've visited. For an appetizer, we had the Plum Island Lettuce Cups which are lobster, crab, shrimp and water chestnuts blended and stuffed in lettuce cups, then sprinkled with crispy rice noodles and Korean Dragon sauce. It's a light appetizer with a mild flavor. I thought it was fine, Cohort thought the lettuce was the boldest flavor in the mix. For sides we chose Lobster Whipped Potatoes and Asparagus. The potatoes were tasty and I loved the asparagus. It was char grilled with mild seasoning, letting the true flavor shine through.

Lobster Whipped Potatoes and Char Grilled Asparagus

For a main course I had the Black Grouper with Choriza and Cream. It is served with chorizo sausage, sauteed fennel, onions and smoked paprika cream. Cohort ordered the Swordfish Vera Cruz finished with tomato, onion, jalapeno, olives and caper topping, drizzled with EVOO. We waited a looong time for our meals. Twice, the bartender came over and apologized for our wait, informing us that there was a chef tasting in the kitchen and that things were slow. We sat and watched as other patrons around us were being served. Hmm, maybe only some dishes were behind in the kitchen? Once served, as wonderful as these two dishes sounded, they seemed to be lacking. Apparently OTH char grill the fish separately and THEN add the sauces and toppings. I feel the dishes would be much more flavorful if they were cooked IN the sauces. Cohort and I were left feeling ho-hum about our meals. Incidentally, while we were eating, another couple just seated asked for menus and the bartender began giving them a list of all the "specials." We were never offered these items, so I can only assume this was part of the chef tasting and that it was not available when we ordered.

Cheesecake

At that moment they brought dessert out for the couple sitting on our other side. A fluffy cheesecake with apples, caramel and a crumb topping. We decided to stick around and the dessert was the highlight of a dining experience that was just so-so. With the prices that OTH charges, I should not be using the words "so-so" and 'ho-hum" to describe my meal.      http://www.offthehookfish.com/

PROS: Nice ambiance.Very good dessert.

CONS: Long waits for seating and entrees, pricey food that is fine...nothing special, just fine.

A Nice Piece Of Tail: Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar

I recently took my niece out for her birthday to Cornerstone Restaurant & Bar located in Aspinwall. It was early on a Wednesday so it wasn't crowded. It's a nice neighborhood bar with an upscale feel. The bar area is separated by a partial brick wall. We sat at a booth in the dining area which is small but nice and comfortable.They also have outside seating for warmer weather. (Not that we would be using that area anytime soon considering we are living in some type of Game of Thrones winter season!) There is a very good reason to visit this establishment on hump day-a little thing they call "Lobster Tail Wednesday." I'm impressed by any restaurant that would choose such a bold main dish for their midweek special. We started with a smoked salmon soup. A hearty soup with a lingering smokey flavor that warms you to the bone.

Smoked Salmon Soup

Then came the Maine event: a tender nice sized lobster tail served with clarified butter, roasted brussel sprouts and parmesan risotto. The risotto was rich and creamy, soft but still al dente with a bit of "stickiness." I was very pleased! My niece ordered the spaghetini; smoked mozzarella stuffed meatballs, san marzano marinara and parmesan reggiano over a bed of pasta. When she sliced through the meatball, cheese poured out over the top of the pasta. When I tasted her pasta, I almost forgot about my lobster tail. I wanted to eat the entire dish, but since it was her birthday, I resisted! 

Lobster Tail with Brussel Sprouts and Risotto

For dessert we shared a bread pudding, served warm with caramel drizzle, a scoop of ice cream on top and a bottom that had started to caramelize. That's right, caramel candy-coated bread pudding! It doesn't get any better than that! 

I would like to revisit when the weather breaks. (If that ever happens...) I would love to see their summer menu.  http://cornerstonepgh.com/index.shtml

 

PROS: Daily menu specials.($10 off bottled wine on Thursday!) Good drinks, even better food!

CONS: The dining area itself is small, but don't let that deter you.

 

Stumbled At The Finish Line: Matteo's

After a nice walk from the North Side to Lawrenceville (Cohorts idea, not mine) we stopped by Matteo's for drinks and eats. The place itself is not large but it has a warm decor and a nice bar area. We sat at the bar and ordered drinks. While we reviewed the menu, a man appeared from the kitchen and announced "Bar wings!" He sat 2 plates of  hot wings on the bar and walked away. The bartender told us they were complimentary hot wings for the bar patrons. SCORE!! It was hot wing heaven! (And FREEE!) These were some good, meat falling off the bone, flavorful with a spicy kick hot wings! (Just spicy enough to leave that oh so good tingle sensation around your lips!) The only issue I had with the wings is the fact that they weren't listed on the menu. Odd considering they were the best thing we ate that night. Can I order wings if I'm not sitting at the bar? I don't know. We didn't see them being served to anyone else.

Hot Wings

Anyway, I suggest you ask for the wings or fight for them if you must. They are worth it.  Next up, greens and beans, an amped up version of an Italian favorite that included sausage, banana peppers, caramelized onions, great northern beans and spinach. I've never had greens and beans served this way and I was pleasantly surprised! I could not wait for my entree. I had ordered the lobster ravioli listed as a feature on their blackboard, but after a few drinks, the bartender informed me they were out of the ravioli. I'm not sure why it took so long for them to inform me, but I was disappointed. I ended up with the crab campenelle, a pasta with jumbo lump crab and sun dried tomatoes in a chive cream sauce. It looked delicious...looks can be deceiving. It was flavorless and bland. I was so displeased. Cohort ordered the BLT pasta and again something was missing - mainly flavor. We both expected so much more after the fabulous appetizers. I sat eating my dull dish looking at the blackboard that still read "Lobster Ravioli" wondering what could have been. We both ended up taking our entrees home. (Cohort is NOT in the habit of taking home leftovers!) Oddly enough the next day, with a few seasonings and some oven time, both dishes came together nicely! Amazing what a bit of garlic, paprika and Italian spices can do.

Greens and Beans

I would definitely go back for drinks and appetizers. When it comes to entrees....I would tread lightly.

http://matteospgh.com/

PROS: Happy hour specials. Friendly staff. Good drinks. Awesome appetizers.
CONS: Entrees just didn't measure up. Blackboard features not always available. (It's a blackboard....just erase it!)

Pennies From Heaven!: Ten Penny

Dirty Pickle and Rumble

I recently hit one of downtown's newer spots - the brilliantly tagged Ten Penny! Named not only for its location on the corner of Tenth and Penn, but also for the type of nails found inside of the building during the demo/remodel period. The name just fits! It's a nice upscale restaurant with a large bar area located center stage. They have plenty of seating (but I heard it can get crowded on game night!) and a private dining area in the rear. The decor is chic but cozy. I loved the cocktail menu! Cohort did mention that the drink prices reflect having a mixologist and a craft cocktail list. You should simply expect to pay more. We decided to order a few different appetizers and split everything. This is a cool way to experience several different dishes that a restaurant has to offer without filling up on one entree. I really wanted to try the Steamed PEI Mussels, but they were out. We ended up with Truffled Mac 'n Cheese, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Crabcake and Chicken Curry. I found the most interesting dish to be the Chicken Curry, a spicy dish with tender pieces of chicken served over forbidden black rice. The broth is light and spicy, but the black rice makes it a hearty, flavorful dish.

Chicken Curry

During another visit, Cohort tried the Ten P Burger. A good burger topped with red onion jam, watercress, cheddar and a fried egg. Things do get a bit messy once the fried egg yoke is broken open. The Crispy Brussels Sprouts were AMAZING. I can eat them all day! They have become my new favorite vegetable! I'm unsure if the taste of brussels sprouts themselves have changed or if my palate has matured. Either way, very tasty and the Jack Daniels' glaze makes them mmm, mmm good! We were fully satisfied...no room for dessert! (unless you count those last few cocktails!) http://tenpennypgh.com/

PROS: One of a kind cocktails. Large appetizers and shareables is always a plus!

CONS: Parking downtown......need I say more?

A Gluten Free Environment: Gus's Cafe

Greek Village Salad

 I recently wandered into a taste free gluten free restaurant called Gus's Cafe. I'm no stranger to gluten free, vegetarian or even vegan food for that matter, but this was off the mark. We started with fried pickles that seemed a bit "doughy." We followed up with Pakora, a South Indian fritter. These were tasty, although I wish the sauces that accompanied the dish were a bit more amped up. Cohort ordered a Thai soup that had little spice, if any. It tasted as if it were nothing more than chicken broth. I ordered the best dish of the evening, the Greek Village Salad. It had plump tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, onions, feta and Greek olives. (With the pits, so be careful!) It had a vinegar and olive oil drizzle with fresh herbs and spices. A small win. I think if you're going to have Thai, Indian and Greek dishes on the menu (gluten free or not) they better have the taste, flavor and spice to back it up! Most of these dishes fell flat. They do have a decent beer selection, most have gluten in them.....soooooo.... Anyway, Cohort and I left feeling more than unsatisfied. I guess if you have to eat gluten free and you want to eat out, this may be for you. https://www.facebook.com/Gusscafe

PROS: A new spot with loads of gluten free options.
CONS: Gluten free shouldn't mean flavor free. Cash only. Whose idea was it to start putting chalkboard walls inside of restaurants to write the menu on?

The Start: Bar Symon

All great adventures start somewhere. Why not start at the Pittsburgh airport? Recently I learned that one of the best places to grab a bite to eat at the Pittsburgh International Airport is Bar Symon. Brought to us by Iron Chef Michael Symon, it does not disappoint! The menu is full of local foods with bold twists. Appetizers are huge and could easily be substituted as an entree. I've eaten here a few times and everything I've had is quite tasty. My all time favorite is the Lola burger. It's topped with a fried egg, pickled onions, cheddar cheese and bacon. Oh, yes....bacon! They have a full bar, a nice beer selection and a list of specialty cocktails. With choices like baked mac n' cheese, pierogis, and french fries to die for, your options are a-plenty! I highly recommend, the next time you're at the airport, stop on by.                                  

 PROS: Friendly service. Great atmosphere. Some genius put outlets underneath the bar!
CONS: It's located in the Pittsburgh airport. 
http://www.unitedconcessionsgroup.com/barsymon.html                                         

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Lola Fries