There’s a peculiar stretch of road in Edgewood/Swissvale- amidst this rural, quiet neighborhood sits a small, commercial lot with a few businesses- there’s a chiropractor, Laundromat, used car lot, convenience store, and Thai restaurant… Curry Away- that’s the name of the restaurant that resides here, and pay attention, or you’ll drive by without ever knowing it was there. The outside of Curry Away looks similar to the other businesses that it sits next to- inconspicuous. The inside is small….very small- six tables in all, with seating for 18-20, max. The walls are a pleasant orange-ish color, with a few framed photographs on them; that’s it for the décor- minimal to say the least.

Despite the torrential downpour on Saturday evening, we decided to try a new restaurant. My girlfriend and I went back and forth (as we usually do), and finally decided on Café Zinho in Shadyside. We had heard good things from a few friends, and were ready to give it a try.

When you walk into Buffalo Blues, you’ll notice a few flat-screen televisions, and a large bar. Past the entry way, there’s a small dining room, and behind that, another large room- probably enough seating to accommodate 100 people comfortably. The large wooden planked walls are ornamented with various beer signs and other typical bar-type memorabilia. I was mostly interested in the faint smell of hot oil cooking- that meant something was being deep-fried!

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love a thick, buttery filet mignon as much as the next carnivore. But I gotta say, hot dogs have a special place in my (cholesterol-saturated) heart.

I have been hearing about Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe for years. Like the O in Oakland and D’s SixPax & Dogz in Regent Square, Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe specializes in wieners. I find it odd that a restaurant would stake it’s whole business model on a food that is probably the easiest food in the world to cook. You could cook your dog with a Zippo, if you really had to. I suppose that speaks to what the hot dog means to us as a country: fast to cook, easy to eat, and lots and lots of choices when it comes to condiments.

The new restaurant, Brgr, can be described as a contemporary burger joint, with a heavy dose of sophistication. Brgr, located at 134 South Highland Avenue, enjoys a prime location in the east section of town that has recently experienced a rejuvenation of sorts. New businesses have been popping up in this section of the city, attracting a diverse and loyal clientele.

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.

Beehive Coffeehouse is one of Pittsburgh’s hippest institutions, or so I’ve been told. Even in high school back in ol’ West-by-God-Virginnie, my friends would come all the way up to ‘the Beehive’ to see shows and hang out. It is a mecca for creative and alternative types. Mama Grizzlies, this place ain’t your scene.

On Wednesday, Cinco de Mayo, I joined a couple of buds for dinner at Bahama Breeze in Robinson. Brianna, Jay, and I met up with Eric, a great friend from dear old Bethany College. It had been months since we had seen him, and we were all excited to catch up.

The menu at Spoon is simple and elegant. The Chef offers a nice variety of options for almost every palate, including selections for vegetarians. We really wanted to experience food at Spoon, so we chose two appetizers, and a salad. We had to try the Chicken Wings- “braised and crispy” ($7.00) crispy boneless bites, gochujang vinagrette, sesame + garlic dressing, grilled wings, orange chili glaze,sesame + apple + cabbage slaw, the Poblano “Chili Rellenos”: ($8.00) Anson Mills creamy polenta, shrimp, pepper jack cheese, avocado, cilantro crème fraîche, charred and tomato vinaigrette, and the Classic Caesar: ($6.00) romaine hearts, shaved parmesan, garlic croutons.

I’m continually perplexed as I drive by the Applebee’s in Edgewood Towne Center. The parking lot is always packed no matter what day of the week it is. Maybe it’s the location- maybe it’s the food or service; I’m just not sure why a chain restaurant has so much business every day of the week.