Blog Archives

Savory Cheesecake

Ingredients:   4 packs, 8 oz. ea. cream cheese 8 oz. mascarpone cheese 4 oz. goat cheese 5 large eggs ¼ cup heavy …

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Perfect Meatballs

Perfect Meatballs   Try this recipe for a tender, flavorful meatball.   Ingredients:   1 pound 80/20 ground meat 1-pound ground veal 1-pound …

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Pasta Carbonara

         

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Villa Reale, Pittsburgh

There are no shortages of Italian restaurants in Pittsburgh. Most of them are good and serve traditional, uncomplicated fare. Pizza, hoagies, subs, and antipasto salads are on the menus. These dishes are designed to be served to lunch customers that are in a rush, and need to get back to work quickly. Down the alley from the club is one such restaurant, Villa Reale.

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Homemade Gnocchi

Potato gnocchi date back to the sixteenth century when Spanish explorers brought potatoes from South America and introduced them to Italian kitchens.

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Bolognese Sauce

Bolognese Sauce, also known as ragù alla Bolognese, is an Italian meat sauce originating from Bologna, Italy. There are many different varieties, as well as preparations for this particular sauce. Most Bolognese sauces contain simmered meat, wine, and tomatoes. The following recipe is my version of Bolognese.

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Ristorante Arlecchino, McMurray, PA

Ristorante Arlecchino is located at 133 Camp Lane, in Mcmurray, PA. Previously a schoolhouse, the restaurant embodies comfort, and old-world charm. The main dining room is inviting and warm, with an open kitchen where you can see the talent at work.

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Bravo Franco, Pittsburgh, PA

The show started out well, but quickly became a bit overwhelming and repetitive- a sensory overload to say the least. When the lights came on, and the intermission bell chimed, we decided to skip the second act (along with many other folks) and have an early dinner. We chose Bravo Franco, located at 613 Penn Avenue, because of its close proximity to the theater.

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Narcisi Winery, Gibsonia, PA

Last weekend my sister was celebrating her birthday, and wanted to meet at Narcisi Winery in Gibsonia, PA. I had never heard of the winery, but was eager to have a meal with my family, and enjoy some Italian food and wine. A bit of a preface- Pennsylvania wines are usually less than exceptional because of the lack of sun, wet climate, and baron soil. What results, are wines that are lacking body, and depth. Most east coast wines are also unbearably sweet.

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Lenzis, Monogahela

If you haven’t been to the Mon Valley, chances are you haven’t heard of Lenzis.   Lenzi’s has been serving Italian fare since the …

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