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

Out of Prohibition, Into a New Era: Speakeasy Social Lounge

Located in the lower level of downtown's Omni William Penn Hotel sits a hidden gem -  the Speakeasy Social Lounge. In the 1920's, during prohibition, this intimate room was actually used as a Speakeasy. When alcohol became legal, there was no longer the need to hide things in the basement, so for decades this lovely space was used as a storage room. Recently they decided to resurrect this Speakeasy to it's former glory. The term "Speakeasy" originated right here in Pittsburgh. Patrons would speak quietly (or easy) about such places in public, or when inside, so that the neighbors and police would not catch on.

Omni William Penn Speakeasy

The space is small and low key. (I'm sure most Speakeasy's were set up this way during prohibition.) The decor is rich, warm and luxurious and definitely takes you back. I expected the great Gatsby to come over and welcome us. I wanted to sport a bob haircut, flapper dress and take a drag on a cigarette in a long holder. It has a nice bar and small plush cranberry colored chairs in the center and luscious bench seating with low tables surrounded by round golden ottomans along the back wall. Once seated the bartender produced a distressed leather booklet which contained the menu. The menu has a selection of curated spirits that would have been served during that era with a few local twists. We had just popped in for drinks, but they do offer small plates.

Speakeasy Menu

Cohort ordered a Blind Tiger, named after the dispensaries of unlicensed alcohol in the Carolina's, a punch made of Batavia Arrack Van Oosten, Benedictine, Cherry Herring, Chai Tea, Birch Bark Sour, Ginger Beer with fresh seasonal fruit. I had a Raspberry Lemon Vodka Cobbler- citrus infused Boyd & Blair Pennsylvania potato vodka, Schladerer raspberry liqueur served over LOTS of ice. Both were yummy, but Cohort clearly won this round. (I drank his and mine!) The punch was brimming with a blast of flavor. I love a good, classy cocktail - we ordered an entire pitcher! Worth every sip!

Blind Tiger

It's one of the coolest drink spots in town. The prohibition back round makes it even better!

http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/PittsburghWilliamPenn/Dining/Speakeasy.aspx  

PROS: Very good drinks. Nice decor. Historic place.

CONS: Not much signage, so you have to know that the Speakeasy is down there-but then again, maybe that's the point!

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!)

An Oldie But Lots of Goodies: Max's Allegheny Tavern

Located in the North Side's Deutschtown area, the building that holds Max's Allegheny Tavern has been serving patrons since the 1800's. The present owners purchased the building in 1977 and Max's Allegheny Tavern was born. The bar is a large carved wooden masterpiece. The restored decor represents the grandeur from an older era. Described as "A Fine German Restaurant." I find these words to be an understatement. (A Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious German Restaurant perhaps?)

Jägerschnitzel and Schnitzel ala Holstein

We started with the Bavarian stuffed pretzels, jumbo soft pretzels stuffed with creamy cheddar cheese, deep fried and served with honey mustard sauce. Why would someone deep fry a pretzel? To make it more better, that's why!! If you just stop in for a quick beer, please, I beg of you, order the pretzels. It will make your day. (Maybe even your life!) For my meal I had Jägerschnitzel. Vienna-style veal covered with mushroom sauce served with sweet and sour cabbage and potato pancakes. I enjoy a good piece of veal and this was DEFINITELY a good piece of veal! So tender you could slice through it with a fork. The sweet and sour cabbage is a mix of sliced red cabbage and sliced apples, slowly cooked until tender. The blend of the sweetness with the sour is rather refreshing. Cohort had the Schnitzel ala Holstein. A Vienna-style veal topped with fried egg, anchovy and capers. For sides he settled on kase spätzle (dumplings in a creamy Gouda cheese sauce) and sauerkraut. The beer selection (pils, dunkels und schwarzen) pairs nicely with the German fare and is served in old style mason jars. Towards the end of our meal we spotted our bartender making a large Spanish Coffee for another patron. It was something of a masterpiece! So we decided to take the liquid dessert route. I don't regret a thing. Except for the fact that we ordered one to share and Cohort can get stingy! Prosit!  http://www.maxsalleghenytavern.com/index.html

Spanish Coffee

PROS: Delicious German food, authentic German beer all served in Pittsburgh's Deutschtown!

CONS: I honestly don't have a con. I left feeling full. Is that a con?

Yo Ho Ho And A Bottle of Rum!: Maggie's Farm White Rum

We came across an interesting yet random sign while walking through the Strip District one evening:

I had no idea what to make of it. Cohort, on the other hand, immediately started looking for an entrance to what clearly was an abandoned building. This is a set up if I ever saw one! I didn't know if we would be jumped or robbed, but judging by the look of the sign, something shady is clearly going down.(Ok, I exaggerate.) While Cohort opened the door and began to walk in, I began looking for the best route to get away. I don't have to run fast, I only have to out run Cohort! We walked in and found....a white rum distillery with a tasting bar! And go figure, it was tasting time.

Maggie's Farm White Rum

I cannot begin to tell you the sheer joy that came over me. The bar is cozy and has a view of the distilling area. They even let us go back for a sneak peak. This white rum has a light taste and a smooth finish. It can be drank straight but mixes well in cocktails. We first tried a sample neat, then shared 4 cocktails from the list. Each one is very good. Cocktail hours are Fri-Sat 4pm-10pm. Bottle sales are Wed-Thu 11am-7pm,  Fri-Sat 11am-10pm and Sun 12pm-4pm.

Farm Fizz, White Haitian, Corn n Oil, Painkiller

I say the next time you're in the market for a white rum, why not support a local distillery? I also recommend you stop in for the cocktail hour!  http://maggiesfarmrum.com/

PROS: White rum made in your backyard!

CONS: I wish they made more than just white rum, but have no fear a spiced rum is near! (according to the Facebook page)

Sake To Me: Robokyo Japanese Steak House

I love to take long drives through freshly fallen snow. It always calms me. On one of our snowy drives we ended up in Greensburg, Pa and decided to stop for a bite to eat. We stumbled across Robokyo, a Japanese steak house. Since I'm always in the mood for sushi, it seemed the obvious choice!

Moonstone Asian Pear Sake

I've been to many Japanese sushi bars and steak houses. Some restaurants focus on the hibachi section while others go all out in the sushi department. We didn't venture into the hibachi area so I can't comment on the quality of the hibachi food, but we did order the sushi platter for 2 with additional side rolls from the specialty menu. The platter was fine but the specialty rolls were even better. The bartender informed us that a few of their holiday specialty rolls were so popular they were adding them to their full menu. Everything was good, yet a lot of sushi bars are good. BUT, there is a big reason I would put Robokyo on my to do list......the sake! Oh. My. Yummy! We started with the Zipang Sparkling Sake. Think sake and champagne have a baby. (a bubbly, bouncing, beautiful baby!) It has a fresh tropical taste with a light finish. Very nice bubbles, not to strong. It pairs nicely with sushi and does not overpower. We finished with the Moonstone Asian Pear Sake. A smooth sake with a light pear flavor. It rounded out the meal nicely. According to their FaceBook page they always have unique and interesting flavors. Most of them are for a limited time. They even had a coconut sake over the summer. I would love to try that! I'm not really big on sake, but these sakes give a happy ending to any sushi meal! http://www.robokyo.com/

Specialty Roll

PROS: Unique flavored sake.
CONS: The sushi bar is a bit small because the restaurant focuses on the hibachi area. If you have a large group, things could get crowded.

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.
 

Pre New Years celebration: One Eleven

Aviation and Gatsby

I ate at an amazing place called One Eleven (111) located in Greensburg. A very chic place for an early New Years celebration! We ate in the lounge area across from the bar. Very cozy, very romantic. They have an event called Mangia Monday. In addition to their regular menu, they offer an antipasti, 5-6 main courses, and a dessert at an incredible value. We mixed and matched, ordering from the main menu, as well as the specialty menu. I had the Fettuccine with Smoked Salmon. A large portion of tender pasta in a pink alfredo sauce with chunks of flaky smoked salmon. It was topped with roasted red onions and cherry tomatoes. The menu has a fresh new take on Italian. They even have a wonderful wine list.(Not that we would know, considering we never got past the craft cocktails!) Each one was more divine than the last. Looking to impress your date on a boring Monday night without breaking the bank? This is your spot! http://www.oneelevengreensburg.com/home

Beet Salad

PROS: We were seated quickly with no reservation. Mangia Monday menu is offered at amazing price for high end food.

CONS: Mangia Monday menu changes weekly, so you never know what they have.
 

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