Bravo Cucina Italiano, Pitttsburgh

I know Chuck already covered this restaurant, and I hate to be redundant. I’m just dying for a chance to embarrass my friends, and these photos from Bravo will do just that! ( Oh yeah, and I like the restaurant.)
I absolutely love when a restaurant exceeds my expectations! I’ve gone to Bravo at the Waterfront before, only to be discouraged by a long wait and a crowded bar. On this particular occasion, Ryan and I were meeting up with one of my favorite couples, Molli and Jason.

It was early evening (7ish) and the hostess kindly told us that there would be a “short wait” and “would we like to wait at the bar?” So, for once, I set my hunger-grump aside and waited at the bar. Molli enjoyed an icy mojito, I loved my Ketel One martini (dirty!), and Jason and Ryan went for draft beer (Sam Adams Lager & Peroni). We were ready for a good meal when the hostess called for us about twenty minutes later. Not too bad! (By the way, this round= $26.38 + tip to a friendly bartender named Chris.)
We took our seats and right away our server brought over some soft bread and sun-dried tomato dipping oil. We happily dipped and munched as we caught up with each other about our summers. We ordered another round of drinks while we waited for our food.
Jason started with a cup of the Lobster Bisque (Yum!), and Ryan, Molli, and I began with salads. I believe Molli, cute little herbivore that she is, enjoyed her Arugula Salad, with Roma tomatoes, Gorgonzola, basil, toasted pine nuts and balsamic vinaigrette. Ryan liked his Insalata Mista (mixed greens, bacon, tomato, Gorgonzola and balsamic vinaigrette), and I LOVED the Bravo Chopped Salad (greens, cucumber, red onion, tomato, olives, feta cheese and Italian dressing)! These well-proportioned salads were the perfect precursor to our upcoming Italian entrees! Meanwhile, our waitress made sure to keep us well-stocked on bread & dipping oil!
Sometime between Molli’s elbow getting jacked up by a renegade waiter with a giant tray of food, and the effects of my two vodka martinis kicking in, our dinners arrived: Shrimp Fra Diavolo Campanelle (me), Penne Mediterranean (Molli), Chicken Scaloppini (Ryan), and Sauteed Crab Cakes (Jason). The four of us ate and drank and laughed until we were tapped out! We loved it! In fact, due to our subsequent food comas, we ended up calling it an early night. Bravo’s clean, open atmosphere provided a wonderful backdrop for a perfect double date! I hope my next experience can be as smooth and excellent as this one.
Fun!

Oh and I almost forgot to tell you…Oprah called me later that night. She wanted her blue eyeshadow back.

Am I crazy or is Jason’s asparagus MID-AIR?!?! ”

That’s pretty freaky, Bowie.”