Blog Archives

Cafe Zinho, Shadyside

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.

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Buffalo Blues, Shadyside

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!

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Brighton Hot Dog Shoppe, PA

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.

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Brgr, Pittsburgh

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.

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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.

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Beehive Coffee House, Pittsburgh

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.

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Bahama Breeze, Pittsburgh, PA

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.

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Spoon, Pittsburgh

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.

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Applebee’s, Edgewood Towne Center

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.

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Dozen Cupcakes, Lawrenceville

Popular in hip metropolises like New York City, high-end cupcakes are beautiful to look at and an experience to eat. Some are so pretty that it seems a shame to even think about consuming them.

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