Blog Archives
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.
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.
During the weekends I would find myself working a lot, with seldom fun outings with friends or family. You see, I’m one of those people afflicted with an overly-strong work ethic; some call it being a “work-a-holic.” It was suggested by a family member that I take some time for myself; “Grab your newspaper, and find a nice coffee shop to sit and relax for a while,” I was told. My first weekend out, I decided to try Starbucks, on Forbes and Shady in Squirrel Hill. The parking lot was full, so I parked down the street a bit; it was, after all, a nice day for a walk. I approached the counter and asked for a Venti regular coffee. I received my brew, and found a seat near the window. As I took my first sip, I was surprised- this stuff was strong, not like the coffee I had experienced at work, or other small coffee shops around town. I finished my large drink, and was happy to have completed my first session of “mandated” relaxation.
Last August, I went to Piper’s Pub on a first date. I was a little nervous. I don’t remember what I wore. I don’t remember eating or drinking anything. I could probably take a good guess about what the floor looked like because I’m sure I was staring at it all evening. For some unfathomable reason, the silly boy I went out with stuck around, and we went there again last week for a laid-back dinner. It’s really a shame I don’t remember that first dinner at Piper’s, because I’m sure it was lovely.
